tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42219066473131337462024-03-13T10:11:11.349-05:00Forget About Normalannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-31451717319426837022017-01-10T21:49:00.004-06:002017-01-11T16:38:42.545-06:00Super Awkward Story About Needing Double D BatteriesI'm in a beautiful Orlando hotel tonight and realized that I need batteries for an electronic lock that will be shown in my company's expo booth tomorrow morning. I didn't know what size, so I texted an engineer who told me "3 Double Ds".<br />
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I reached for the phone to call the front desk, but then I realized how it would sound if I called from my hotel room in desperate need of nine double D batteries. I'll just say it... I was paranoid they would think I was running a vibrator farm up here. So I decided to walk down and ask in person.<br />
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I approached a lady at the front desk and started out, "I know how this is going to sound...". Then I accidentally made it really uncomfortable for both of us by over-explaining my need. Afterward, I realized that my blabbering likely made me sound more guilty than simply asking where I could find batteries. But the patient lady let me finish and directed me to a store inside the hotel where I found double and triple As, but not a single double D. I slinked out of the deserted store without saying a word to the clerk who had clearly been watching me browse the batteries.</div>
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The original front desk lady I'd talked to was on the phone, so I started over with a different guy. Once again, I awkwardly over-explained myself. He professionally told me there was a Publix nearby, so I headed to the cab line. </div>
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Publix had a fine battery selection, but no double Ds. I called the "3 Double Ds" engineer, who paused, apologized, and told me I needed double As. He must have been thinking about boobs instead of batteries! But at least I was finally on the right track. I hopped back in with my cabbie and attempted to joke about the double D batteries vs. boobs. But he wasn't a native English speaker, and I just confused him until I finally just stopped talking.</div>
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I was holding my batteries on my way up to my room. That's when a mustached guy in the elevator gave me a queer little look. I just smiled and slipped the batteries back in my purse. </div>
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And now I'm calling it a night! Whew!<br />
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annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-17605323215561763082015-06-11T17:09:00.002-05:002015-06-12T14:48:43.812-05:00The Dilemma of a Ham-Loving VegetarianA few weeks ago, my ten year old daughter, Gwen, announced to my husband that she has decided to become a vegetarian.<br>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
By the way, Dad, I'm a vegetarian now. So mostly I'm not going to eat meat. Unless we're having ham, because I <i>really</i> love ham. And I can have bologna and a hamburger every once in a while. </blockquote>
A few days later, she caught me in the kitchen.<br>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Mom, do you think it would be ok for me to eat meat on Mondays? You know, because Monday starts with M. And so does meat. So it could be Meat Monday. Would that be ok?</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
That makes perfect sense, sweetie.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Yeah. </blockquote>
And life goes on. A couple weeks passed without incident as we let this phase run it's course. Then she left for a week of Bible camp, and I missed her like crazy.<br>
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<br>
When she finally came home, one of my million questions was, "How was the food?" She looked right in my eyes and became very animated.<br>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
It was <i>really </i>good, but Mom. The worst thing happened. </blockquote>
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<i>WHAT?? </i>Apparently, Gwen told the camp that she was a vegetarian.<br>
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The nice cooks made her special meals all week long. But guess what....one day they had HAM! My little ham-loving vegetarian was stuck eating mac and cheese made especially for her. She described the horror of smelling and seeing ham all around her. Thankfully, she realized it would look bad to ask for ham since the cooks had gone out of their way to make something else for her.<br>
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She's pretty much back to being a carnivore.<br>
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So here's the kicker. She's supposed to go back to that same little camp for another week in July. It's a tiny camp, and I suspect they might remember her (she's very loud). Now she has to either fess up about not being a real vegetarian or risk missing out on another ham dinner.<br>
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This is one of those times when I will step back and let my child figure out a solution for her own problem. But it does makes me giggle. :)<br>
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Oh, and here's a link for her favorite little camp, <a href="http://www.loveeibc.com/" target="_blank">East Iowa Bible Camp</a>. She recommends it!<br>
<br>annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-82991907246733768092015-05-07T14:20:00.001-05:002015-05-21T14:44:45.754-05:002015 Summer Activities for Kids in Waterloo and Cedar Falls, IowaJust for kicks, I am compiling a list of day camps and similar activities for kids in the Waterloo and Cedar Falls area. Please let me know about anything I've missed! These are in a random order.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.waterloocenterforthearts.org/education/">Hawkeye Community College</a> </b></div>
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Day camps for ages 9 - 15</div>
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2015 themes include CSI, Math/Art/History, Multimedia, Creative Writing, Painting, Dance, Fire/EMS, and golf. The only drawback is that most camps are half-days, so working parents need to figure out transportation</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.waterloocenterforthearts.org/education/">Waterloo Center for the Arts</a></b></div>
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Classes and Camps for All Ages</div>
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I love the Art Explorer Day Camps for kids ages 9 - 13. They take the kids to art museums in nearby cities. They always do an art project in the bus and sometimes at their location. One of the best things about it is that the kids are gone from 8am - 5pm, so there is no transportation required in the middle of the day.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.thehearst.org/classes-children1.html">Hearst Center for the Arts</a></b><br />
Classes and Camps for All Ages<br />
Of course it's all art-related, but themes include drawing, painting, writing, pottery, and even Legos!</div>
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<a href="http://www.uni.edu/camps/camps"><b>UNI Summer Camps</b></a></div>
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Camps for elementary, middle school and high school students</div>
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UNI offers a variety of camps with themes such as robotics, nature, science and technology.</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Black-Hawk/Park/Hartman-Reserve-Nature-Center/Events.aspx" target="_blank">Hartman Nature Reserve</a></b></div>
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Day camps for ages 5 - 16</div>
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Click on events, and you can filter by Youth Camps. There is a really cool Hunger Games Mini Camp for ages 10 - 16!</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.wcpbhct.org/take-classes">Black Hawk Children's Theater</a></b></div>
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Classes and camps for ages 5 - 18</div>
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Camps focus on acting and musical skills. This is a really well-run organization.</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.uni.edu/theatre/swt/sturgis-youth-theatre/about">Sturgis Youth Theater</a></b></div>
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Theater classes and practice for ages 4 - 18</div>
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Students work on a production and give a performance. This one requires a lot of time, and does not allow much flexibility.</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.groutmuseumdistrict.org/calendar/#&&/wEXAQUOY2FsZW5kYXJFdmVudHMFFjF8Ni83LzIwMTUgMTozMzowMiBQTXyhx7dVcHX3u2TbBRdYmPAyqFRSfmLIAL1HMLVdpwtW6A==">Grout Museum</a></b><br />
Summer camps for ages 6 - 10 (approximately)<br />
Camp themes include astronomy, Victorian era, rockets, sports science, superhero science<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.cfhistory.org/page.aspx?n=20&p=Summer%20at%20the%20Schoolhouse">Cedar Falls Little Red Schoolhouse</a></b><br />
Spend a week attending a one room school house. Learn about pioneers who settled in the Midwest.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.blackhawkymca.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=101&Itemid=177">YMCA</a></b><br />
Day Camps for Preschool - Jr. High<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.cfhsa.cfschools.org/camps-clinics">Cedar Falls Sports Camps</a></b><br />
Ages Vary<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.aspiretrp.org/camphope.php">Camp Hope / Aspire</a></b><br />
Ages 4+<br />
Horseback riding, etc. They don't have dates published yet, but it is usually in early August.<br />
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<a href="http://www.waterloo.lib.ia.us/teens/TeenSummerCalendarOfEvents" target="_blank"><b>Waterloo Public Library for Teens</b></a><br />
I'm going to look into this one. Activities include crafts, laser tag at the library, battle of the bands, and Minecraft training<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.waterloo.lib.ia.us/youth/Youthsummermain" target="_blank">Waterloo Public Library Summer Program</a></b><br />
Activities for youth - grade 5.<br />
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annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-73885562246630417032015-04-21T12:08:00.002-05:002015-04-24T12:49:15.121-05:00A Whole Bunch of Conversation Questions<div dir="ltr" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_6391" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
Upon occasion, I find use for a list of conversation questions. These are great to sprinkle on the table at family reunions or to keep in the car for road trips. This is a wonderful way to spark an interesting conversation with your spouse. Sometimes we forget to talk to each other, especially in this age of cell phones. Hopefully these questions will trigger great conversations! Try to focus on expounding your answers rather than trying to get through the whole list.</div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_9398">1.</span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7518" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7539">What was your favorite vacation you took as a child? Your least favorite?</span></div>
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<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7516" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
2.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7540">What is the best meal you've ever had?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7516" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
3.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7541">What was the occasion when you felt you looked your best?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7516" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
4.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8076">What has been one of your greatest disappointments?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7516" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
5.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8075">What is something you’re proud of?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7516" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
6.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8074">What is something you regret?</span></div>
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<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8071" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
7.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8070">What is something you learned from a child?</span></div>
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<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7543" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
8.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7542">When is your favorite time of the day?</span></div>
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<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7545" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
9.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7544">What is your favorite season? Why?</span></div>
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<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8079" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
10.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8078">What is something you remember about your grandmother?</span></div>
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<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8073" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
11.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8072">What is something you remember about your grandfather?</span></div>
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<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8081" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
12.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8080">What was your favorite thing to do as a child?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8069" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
13.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8068">What is your favorite beverage?</span></div>
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<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7546" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
14.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8084">Where are you most ticklish?</span></div>
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<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8090" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
15.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8102">What was your first car?</span></div>
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<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8095" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
16.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8094">Have you ever been in a car accident? What happened?</span></div>
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<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8093" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
17.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8103">What is your favorite dessert?</span></div>
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</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8091" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
18.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8092">Have you ever had a kitchen disaster? Do tell!</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7549" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
19.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7548">If you could be the best in the world at something, what would you pick?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7561" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
20.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7560">Which of the following can you do: roll your tongue, touch your toes, wiggle your nose, wiggle your ears, touch your tongue to the tip of your nose?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7563" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
21.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7562">What is something silly you splurged on?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7565" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
22.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7564">Tell me about a good deed you have done.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7567" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
23.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7566">How do you like your eggs? Sausage or bacon? Orange juice or coffee?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7568" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
24.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span>What is your biggest pet peeve?</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7570" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
25.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7569">When you look at yourself in the mirror, what is the first thing you check?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7547" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8083" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
26.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8082">What would be your ideal vehicle?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8067" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
27.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8066">What’s the farthest you’ve ever run? Biked?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
28.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span>What’s your most embarrassing moment?</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7514" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
29.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span>What was the worst job you’ve ever done?</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7572" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
30.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7571">What would your dream house look like? Where would it be?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7574" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
31.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7573">How did you (or your parents) meet and get engaged?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
32.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span>Have you ever been to a psychic?</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
33.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span>What are your favorite kinds of socks?</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
34.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span>Describe your favorite pair of shoes.</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8053" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
35.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8052">What super power would you most like to have?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7576" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
36.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7575">What’s the best date you've ever been on?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7578" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
37.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7577">How do you envision your retirement?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7580" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
38.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7579">What is the ideal number of children in a family?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7592" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
39.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7591">What is your favorite gift you've received?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7594" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
40.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7593">What was your most disappointing Christmas?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7596" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
41.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7595">What’s the best thing about your mother?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7598" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
42.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7597">What’s the best thing about your father?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7600" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
43.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7599">How would you like to spend a day by yourself?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7602" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
44.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7601">What’s the best concert you've ever been to? Who would you most like to see in concert?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7604" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
45.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7603">What was your favorite meal when you were a child?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7606" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
46.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7605">What’s your favorite kind of ice cream?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7608" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
47.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7607">Where were you during September 11? How did you react?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7610" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
48.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7609">Where do you want to be laid to rest?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7612" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
49.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7611">What is the perfect age?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7635" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
50.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7634">What did you want to be when you were little?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7633" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
51.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7656">What makes you angry?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7632" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7631" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
52.<span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_8028" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7657">Do you remember a time when you couldn't stop laughing? What happened?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7614" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7619" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
53.<span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7630" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7617" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who is your hero?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7618" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7513" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
54.<span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7629" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7615" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you could live anywhere, where would it be?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7616" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7628" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
55.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7626" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is your biggest fear?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7627" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7625" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
56.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7623" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What would you change about yourself if you could?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7624" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7622" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">57.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7620" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What really makes you angry?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7659" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">58.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7658" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What motivates you to work hard?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7661" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">59.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7660" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is your favorite and least favorite thing about your career?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7663" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">60.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7662" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you ever start unzipping your pants before you get into a restroom?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7664" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">61.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7511" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is your child's proudest accomplishment?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7676" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">62.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7675" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is your favorite book?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7678" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">63.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7677" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What makes you laugh the most?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7680" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">64.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7679" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What do you most remember your parents fighting about?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7682" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">65.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7681" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What was the last movie you went to? What did you think?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7684" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">66.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7683" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What did you want to be when you were small?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7686" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">67.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7685" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What does your child want to be when he/she grows up?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7688" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">68.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7687" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7690" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">69.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7689" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7692" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">70.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7691" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7694" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">71.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7693" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What would you sing at Karaoke night?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7696" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">72.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7695" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What two radio stations do you listen to in the car the most?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7702" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">73.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7509" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Which would you rather do: wash dishes, mow the lawn, clean the bathroom, or vacuum the house?</span><br>
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">74.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7708" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you could hire someone to help you, would it be with cleaning, cooking, or yard work?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7508" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">75.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7710" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7712" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">76.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7711" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who is your favorite author?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7714" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">77.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7713" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7716" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">78.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7715" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you like or dislike surprises? Why or why not?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7718" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">79.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7717" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the evening, would you rather play a game, visit a relative, watch a movie, or read?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7720" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">80.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7719" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Would you rather vacation in Hawaii or Alaska, and why?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7722" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">81.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7721" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Would you rather win the lottery or work at the perfect job? And why?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7729" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">82.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7728" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who would you want to be stranded with on a deserted island?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7731" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">83.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7730" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">If money was no object, what would you do all day?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7738" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">84.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7737" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7740" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">85.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7739" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">How would your friends describe you?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7742" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">86.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7741" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are your hobbies?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7744" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">87.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7743" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is the best gift you have been given?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7984" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">88.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7983" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is the worst gift you have received?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7746" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">89.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7745" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aside from food, water, and shelter, what one thing could you not go a day without?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7982" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">90.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7981" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">List two pet peeves.</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7980" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">91.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7979" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where do you see yourself in five years?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7958" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">92.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7957" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">How many pairs of shoes do you own?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7748" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">93.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7747" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What would you do if you won the lottery?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7956" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7974" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">94.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7955" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What form of public transportation do you prefer? (air, boat, train, bus, car, etc.)</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7948" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7975" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">95.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7947" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's your favorite zoo animal?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7950" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">96.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7949" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you could go back in time to change one thing, what would it be?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7952" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">97.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7951" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7750" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">98.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7749" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">How many pillows do you sleep with?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7954" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">99.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7953" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's the longest you've gone without sleep (and why)?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7801" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">100.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7800" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's the tallest building you've been to the top in?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7752" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">101.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7751" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Would you rather trade intelligence for looks or looks for intelligence?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7754" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">102.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7753" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">How often do you buy clothes?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7756" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">103.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7755" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you ever had a secret admirer?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7758" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7761" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">104.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7757" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's your favorite holiday?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7760" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7768" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">105.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7759" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's the most daring thing you've ever done?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7507" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">106.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7769" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What was the last thing you recorded on TV?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7770" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">107.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7799" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What was the last book you read?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7771" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">108.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7505" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's your favorite type of ethnic food?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7772" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7798" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">109.<span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7797" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7774" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you a clean or messy person by nature?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7773" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7790" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">110.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7777" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7833" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7788" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">111.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7832" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7787" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7785" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">112.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7834" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What kitchen appliance do you use most often?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7784" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">113.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7503" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's your favorite fast food chain?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7500" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">114.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7501" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's your favorite family recipe?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7835" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">115.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7495" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you love or hate roller coasters?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7497" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">116.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7498" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are your favorite family traditions?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7836" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">117.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7930" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is your favorite childhood memory?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7933" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">118.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7932" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's your favorite movie?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7935" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">119.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7934" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">How old were you when you learned Santa wasn't real? How did you find out?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7837" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">120.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7493" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is your glass half full or half empty?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7929" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">121.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7487" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's the craziest thing you've done in the name of love?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7489" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">122.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7490" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7492" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">123.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7928" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What was your favorite subject in school?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7486" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">124.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7927" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's the most unusual thing you've ever eaten?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7486" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">125.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7926" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you or have you ever collected anything?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7486" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">126.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7838" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is there anything you wished would come back into fashion?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7486" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">127.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7861" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you an introvert or an extrovert?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7840" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">128.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7839" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7484" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">129.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7483" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you ever had a surprise party? (that was an actual surprise)</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7482" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">130.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7481" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you related or distantly related to anyone famous?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7480" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7860" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">131.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7479" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you ever had anything odd happen at a nail salon, spa or massage therapist?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7473" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7859" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">132.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7472" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Does your family have a “motto” – spoken or unspoken? If not, what would it be?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7471" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7858" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">133.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7470" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7464" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">1</span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7856" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">34.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7462" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who was your favorite teacher in school and why?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7461" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7854" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">135.<span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7853" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7459" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What three things do you think of the most each day?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7458" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7855" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">136.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7456" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you had a warning label, what would yours say?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7455" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">137.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7453" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What song would you say best sums you up?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7452" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">138.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7450" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What celebrity would you like to meet at Starbucks for a cup of coffee?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7449" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">139.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7447" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who was your first crush?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7446" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">140.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7444" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's the most interesting thing you can see out of your office or kitchen window?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7443" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">141.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7441" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a scale of 1-10 how funny would you say you are?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7440" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">142.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7424" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where do you see yourself in 10 years?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7883" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">143.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7925" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What was your first job?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7885" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">144.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7884" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you could join any past or current music group which would you want to join?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7887" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">145.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7886" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">How many languages do you speak?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7889" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">146.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7888" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is your favorite family holiday tradition?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7891" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">147.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7890" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who is the most intelligent person you know?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7893" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">148.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7892" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7895" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">149.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7894" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is one thing you will never do again?</span></div>
<div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7897" style="font-size: 16px;">
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">150.<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7896" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who knows you the best?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">151. If you were to start up a rock band, what would you call it? What type of music would you play?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">152. What was your best Halloween costume?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">153. What is your favorite color? Why?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">154. If you had a million dollars and you had to give it away, what charity would you give it to?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">155. What body part of yours do you love?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">156. If you could collect something without being accused of being a hoarder, what would you collect?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">157. Do you have any scars? How did you get them?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">158. Who was your first kiss?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">159. If you could be the opposite gender for just one day, what would you do?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">160. If you didn't live here, where would you live?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">161. What are three good things and one bad thing that have happened in the past year?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">162. Name one event, whether positive or negative, that has had the most impact on your life.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">
<span class="yiv9485232370" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">163. Do you have a hidden talent?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">164. Who was your childhood celebrity crush?</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">165. Who is the best Disney princess?</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">166. What is something about you that people would be surprised to know?</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">167. If you had a horse in the Kentucky Derby, what would you name it?</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">168. What is your favorite smell?</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">169. If you could inherit any object from one of your relatives, what would it be?</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">170. What is your "death row" meal?</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">171. Is there a random stranger that you still think about? What happened?</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">172. Have you ever had to call 911?</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">173. Have you ever had a reoccurring dream?</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">174. What is the greatest prank you have pulled or has been pulled on you?</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">175. Have you ever plotted revenge?</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">176. What has been your closest brush with the law?</span></div><div class="yiv9485232370" id="yiv9485232370yui_3_16_0_1_1429632122063_7897" style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">177. If your emotions controlled the weather, what would your climate be like?</span></div>
annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-15491839174456713362015-04-15T11:49:00.000-05:002015-04-22T09:59:25.066-05:00It's getting hot in here!I noticed something unusual in the restroom at work today. To test my hypothesis, I made sure I was alone, carefully leaned over, and ever so slightly dipped the tip of my pointer finger in the middle of the toilet bowl water. Bingo!<br />
<br />
Here is the actual email I sent to resolve the problem.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-q65DEC8qZsQxUNHA-2D3MxByOZ3LwgV8BOABi2hIBjVHDYQHMOBgkFS-rWTKR4aHhxsk5ub35HkYsXwAcqs1PFFhLYWCRUAjr9djlSrbyuonx9Q3i3mBNgcnGCgIGE_M0v2UxIVbNsPJ/s1600/Hot+Water.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-q65DEC8qZsQxUNHA-2D3MxByOZ3LwgV8BOABi2hIBjVHDYQHMOBgkFS-rWTKR4aHhxsk5ub35HkYsXwAcqs1PFFhLYWCRUAjr9djlSrbyuonx9Q3i3mBNgcnGCgIGE_M0v2UxIVbNsPJ/s1600/Hot+Water.JPG" height="260" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Hopefully this is the worst problem we have today!<br />
<br />
UPDATE! The plumber told us that something is wrong with our faucets, and we need to replace them. Hmmm...I'm not buying that. It would be quite a coincidence for three faucets, five toilets, and two urinals to all fail on the same day.annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-75574194049393530132015-04-07T12:13:00.002-05:002015-04-07T12:13:39.525-05:00Tell me something about yourself that you wouldn't want me to know.That is a real interview question that my friend was recently asked. Isn't that a terrible question? I've been brainstorming the perfect answer, and finally came up with the following.<br />
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Well, sir, I'm glad you asked. You see, I usually try to be as efficient as possible. I walk fast. I multi-task. I have my keys in my hand before I get to my car. But there is one thing I do that might push it too far. One thing that I do in the name of efficiency that I would never tell you unless you asked this very specific question. In fact, it's a habit that I've been trying to break. Sometimes (ok, usually) when I need to use restroom in the office, I... uh... prematurely prepare. What I'm trying to say is that I subconsciously start unbuttoning my pants before I get into the stall. To be totally honest, it's worse than that. On more than one occasion I have found myself with my pants unbuttoned and unzipped in the hallway leading to the ladies room. So there you have it. That's my thing that I wouldn't want you to know. But it's kind of good, right? That I'm being efficient? Right?<br />
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So now I ask you. What is something about yourself that you wouldn't want me to know? Let's be honest here.annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-46408418805848524962015-04-06T16:58:00.001-05:002015-04-06T16:58:44.034-05:00Easter Egg Scavenger HuntOne of my favorite Easter traditions is the annual Easter egg hunt on my mom's side of the family. It gets fairly competitive. We split into two teams, each with our own color of egg. It's the kind of hunt where you go from clue to clue to get to the end prize. Usually each team has the same clues, but they are in a different order. <br />
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We try to make the clues somewhat challenging, but not impossible. One year I downloaded an Easter icon font and simply typed out each clue using that font. The Easter font had pictures of bunnies, eggs, and crosses instead of letters, so it was impossible to read. Then I created a key by typing that Easter font in ABC order next to another readable font in the same order. Another year I simply scrambled the letters of each clue.<br />
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This year it was boys v. girls, and the girls KILLED it! Here are this year's clues. Please copy this idea and create your own memories!<span style="font-size: 18pt; text-indent: -31.5pt;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><br />
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1. As girls, some of us used to sing this song, "Say, say oh playmate. Come out and play with me. And bring your dollies three. Climb up my __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __."<br />
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2. When a lady is preparing to have a baby, her friends will probably throw her a __ __ __ __ __ __. Babies are incredibly expensive.<br />
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3. Did you see the __ __ __ __ __ __ __ for the new pirate movie? It's rated ARRRRRGH!<br />
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4. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ was a hilarious TV show featuring Pam Beasley, Jim Halpert, Dwight Schrute, and Michael Scott.<br />
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5. __ __ __' __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ was a touching movie starring Meg Ryan. She was worried her little book store was going out of business when a larger store opened in her neighborhood.<br />
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6. If there is someone who you don't want to hang out with, you might try to __ __ __ __ __ them. But please do it in a nice way.<br />
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7. The __ __ __ __ __ __ is a handy place inside the house that is one letter off from sounding like a pair of girl's underwear.<br />
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8. You need to __ __ __ __ __ hard in order to hit a home run. Also, home run hitters should try to be humble. No one likes a bragger.<br />
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9. Go to this corner of the acreage. (SW was circled on a compass)<br />
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10. Oh, I'm SO sorry! I meant THIS corner! (NE was circled on a compass)<br />
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11. You win! Or maybe you lose. It all depends on if you are the first team here. Either way, the prize is simply bragging rights. It's a little lame, but none of us needs more candy!<br />
P.S. Complainers volunteer to organize next year's hunt, thank you very much.<br />
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Answers:<br />
1. Apple Tree<br />
2. Shower<br />
3. Trailer<br />
4. The Office<br />
5. You've Got Mail<br />
6. Ditch<br />
7. Pantry<br />
8. Swing<br />
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Happy Easter!annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-48150174422815433402015-01-16T09:38:00.000-06:002017-03-17T13:47:55.513-05:002015 Reading GoalReading. It's something I've loved since before I ever loved a single boy. I also believe I've loved more books than I've loved boys...but I'd have to count. Anyway, the point of this post is that I'm accepting a challenge to read <a href="http://burns-familyblog.blogspot.com/2014/12/26-books-in-2015.html" target="_blank">26 Books in 2015</a>. Each book needs to meet a certain requirement. It's like book bingo! So fabulous!<br />
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This post has been updated to track my progress. I completed the challenge on June 17, 2015.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Join me in the challenge!</b></div>
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<h3>
26 Books in 2015</h3>
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<h4>
1. A book you own, but haven't read</h4>
<img alt="The Art of Hearing Heartbeats" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320437247s/11331421.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/323816009" target="_blank"><em>The Art of Hearing Heartbeats</em> by Jan Philipp Sendke</a>r, 4 Stars on 1.15.2015.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Julia travels from New York CIty to a remote village in Burma in the hopes of solving the mystery behind her successful father's mysterious disappearance. The touching love story she hears does not at all sound like the man she knew.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I found it interesting how the Burmese culture of respecting the wishes of elders and taking care of ones parents dramatically changed the course of the character's lives. There were a few things that bothered me with the story, but overall it kept me engaged.</span><br />
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<h4>
2. A book that was made into a movie</h4>
<div>
<img alt="Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344265535s/711901.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1176218386" target="_blank"><em>Lone Survivor</em> by Marcus Luttrell</a>, 5 Stars on 1.21.2015. I<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> also considered going in the opposite direction with</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15931.The_Notebook?from_search=true" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><em>The Notebook</em> by Nicholas Sparks</a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">This impressive book exemplifies the exceptional skill, bravery, and tenacity of Navy SEALS. Marcus Luttrell writes about about the Afghan battle that took the lives of several other SEALS and of his miraculous survival. The first half of the book details SEAL training. I recommend reading that, but you'll really want to get to the second half about how Marcus survived. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Marcus's personality comes through in his writing, specifically his intensity, intelligence, love for family and fellow SEALS, and sense of humor. I am thankful that he and men like him stepped up to protect our freedom.</span></div>
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<h4>
3. A book you pick solely because of the cover</h4>
<div>
<img alt="Wreckage" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1418409678s/23199736.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1238047481">Wreckage by Emily Bleeker</a>, 3 Stars on 2.26.15. Oh my gosh. This was a tough assignment because I love to read about books. I was tempted, but never did read the description. Holy schmoly it was hard not to do. </span><br />
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<h4>
4. A book your friend loves</h4>
<div>
<img alt="Some Luck (Last Hundred Years: A Family Saga, #1)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1413128987s/20587777.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1193412162" target="_blank"><i>Some Luck</i> by Jane Smiley</a>, 4 Stars on 2.2.2015. This book was recommended by my favorite book-loving co-worker. I read Smiley's <i>Thousand Acres</i> several years ago and enjoyed both books set in rural Iowa. This is the first in a trilogy, so I'm looking forward to finishing the story.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">This is the first book in a trilogy called "The Last Hundred Years" that will follow the Langdon family from 1920 - 2019. Even though it's part of a series, "Some Luck" won't leave you disappointed as a stand-alone novel. Each chapter covers one year to emphasizes the affects of time. In fact time is the real theme of the novel. Just like real life, comparing one year directly to the next doesn't seem incredibly dramatic. But the years go by quickly, and before you know it, life in 1953 at the end of the novel barely resembles where it began in 1920. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">One of the things that drew me to this book is that it is set in rural Iowa, a place very close to my heart. I related the book to the life of my grandparents who established the Iowa farm that has become my family's legacy. Although the town where the Langdons live is fictional, many of the other towns and landmarks mentioned included in the book are familiar to me. I think the book will especially appeal to Iowans for that reason. Smiley shows a refreshingly deep appreciate and respect for our state, and especially for farming families.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I love the concept of exactly 100 years of a family. It reminds me of the Colombian "One Hundred Years of Solitude," and I wonder if that novel partially inspired this idea. However, 100 years is the only thing the two books/series have in common.</span><br />
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<h4>
5. A book published this year</h4>
<div>
<img alt="The Girl on the Train" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1421709869s/22557272.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22557272-the-girl-on-the-train?from_search=true&search_exp_group=group_a&search_version=service"><i>The Girl on the Train</i> by Paula Hawkins</a>, 3 Stars on 4.26.2015. I would also like to read <a href="http://thebloggess.com/about/" target="_blank">Jenny Lawson</a>'s new book, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23484705-furiously-happy" target="_blank"><em>Furiously Happy</em></a> that is sure to make me laugh.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Rachel loses her job due to her alcoholism, but continues to take the daily train to and from London in order to make her roommate think she's still working. The train makes a stop by her favorite house, and Rachel delusionally comes to "know" the couple who lives there. One day she sees something unusual happen there, and next day the woman in the house disappears. And of course Rachel gets involved.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">The good: There Is a nice mystery involved that will keep you guessing.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">The bad: It's impossible to like any of the characters because they are extensively flawed. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">More bad: I got tired of Rachel constantly blacking out from drinking so much. It felt like an easy way out to hide pieces of the story from the reader.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">The comparison: It reminded me a lot of Gone Girl, which wasn't my favorite book for very similar reasons.</span><br />
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<h4>
6. A book by an author you've never read before</h4>
<img alt="Beautiful Ruins" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1338161553s/11447921.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1296681497?book_show_action=false" target="_blank">Beautiful Ruins</a> by Jess Walter. 4.5 Stars on 6.1.2015. Earlier this year I read <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6469165-what-alice-forgot?from_search=true" target="_blank"><em>What Alice Forgot</em> by Liane Moriarty</a> to satisfy this challenge, but then figured out that I've already read her book, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/936564966" target="_blank">The Husband Secret</a></i>. Crud! Another contender was <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=the+silent+wife" target="_blank"><em>The Silent Wife</em> by ASA Harrison</a>.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">It's not so much the story, but it's the way it's told. The chapters volley from a tiny Italian village in 1967 to present day Hollywood. An American actress becomes ill on the set of Cleopatra and is hidden away in an impossibly small Italian hotel. The hotel owner, Pasquel, sees his opportunity to impress the glamorous American and inadvertently disrupts the plans of the movie's publicity director. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">This poignant book finds the balance of avoiding predictability, yet satisfying readers. It's also subtly funny. I look forward to reading more books by this author.</span><br />
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<h4>
7. A book by an author you love</h4>
<img alt="Palisades Park" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344319665s/15787946.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/596869381"><em>Palisades Park</em> by Alan Brennert</a> 4 Stars on 4.19.2015. This is my least favorite of his three books, but I love the way he writes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">This is a historically accurate tribute to Palisades Park, a once-popular amusement park in New Jersey. The bulk of the story takes place in the 1930's - 1950's, before, during, and after WWII and The Korean War. The story of the park and of the war-influenced era is told through three generations of the fictional Stopka family, who owns a french fry stand near the giant salt water pool. Little Toni dreams of becoming a high diver, and artistic Jack wants to become a magician. One achieves that dream, and the other takes another direction.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Alan Brennert is one of my all-time favorite authors. I absolutely loved Honolulu and Moloka'i. This book was good, but I didn't connect with it as much as his other two books.</span><br />
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<h4>
8. A book at the bottom of your "to be read" pile</h4>
<img alt="Things Fall Apart (The African Trilogy, #1)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1352082529s/37781.jpg" /><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1266299312"><em>Things Fall Apart</em> by Chinua Achebe</a>, 4 Stars on 4.24.2015. </span>I added it to Goodreads "To Read" shelf in 2009.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">This short book was written in 1958 by a respected professor of African studies. He created fictional characters to exemplify the affect of white man's interference of tribal life. It's much more an issue of religion than race. The fictional characters help connect the reader to the Ibo tribe's way of life and rituals. It's sad to see the start of its destruction. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Some may say there is a lack of action and no real plot twist, but there is more than enough of a plot to hold your interest. Please keep in mind that the purpose of the book is to educate and to help people think of the tribes in a different way.</span><br />
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<h4>
9. A book with a color in the title</h4>
<div>
<img alt="Black Like Me" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1311696842s/42603.jpg" /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1306115461" target="_blank"><i>Black Like Me </i>by John Howard Griffin</a>, 4 Stars on 6.11.2015. My original plan was <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17333223-the-goldfinch?from_search=true" target="_blank"><em>The Goldfinch</em> by Donna Tartt</a>, but I was scared off by mixed ratings on Amazon.<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">In 1959, John Howard Griffin, a white writer from Texas, dyed his skin and passed as a black man in order to explore racial issues. For seven weeks, he traveled around Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. He changed nothing about his identity other than his skin pigmentation. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I was worried that this book would no longer be relevant since many changes have taken place in the last five decades. The book is relevant. Americans, especially, should work to understand what has happened here. I know things have improved, but I'm not naive enough to think the problem has been completely resolved. My hope is that it will continue to improve with every generation.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<h4>
10. A book set somewhere you've always wanted to visit</h4>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><img alt="Breakfast at Tiffany's" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386924966s/251688.jpg" /></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1289239352" target="_blank"><i>Breakfast at Tiffany's </i>by Truman Capote</a>, 3 Stars on 5.25.2015. </span>Places I would like to visit include New York City, Italy, Egypt and Chile.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">This book is sort of a female version of "The Great Gatsby," but without the sizzle. It's written from the perspective of an average guy who gets pulled into the mysterious life of his glamorous neighbor, Holly Golightly. For me, it wasn't long enough to fully develop.</span></div>
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<br />11. A book you started, but never finished</h4>
<img alt="Don Quixote" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1431898513s/24377324.jpg" /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1256726086"><i>Don Quixote </i>by Miguel de Cervantes Saavadra</a>, 5 Stars FINALLY on 4.16.2015 I also considered <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15762322-20-000-leagues-under-the-sea-and-other-classic-novels?from_search=true" target="_blank"><em>20,000 Leagues Under the Sea</em></a> and <em><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35743.The_Tin_Drum?from_search=true" target="_blank">The Tin Drum</a>. </em>It seems I have good intentions, but trouble finishing some classics. :)<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">You know that movie "Dumb and Dumber"? Of course you do! Well, Don Quixote is the original version of that. It's unbelievable that the hilarity of this clever, clever Cervantes' novel has held relevant for 500 years. If you've taken even a basic Spanish class, I'm sure you've studied at least a bit of Don Quixote, by far the most famous Spanish novel. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">This is a great translation for recreational readers and is surprisingly entertaining and easy to read. However, be prepared to set aside a major chunk of time to get through the packed 1,000 pages. One thing that surprised me is that nearly all of the famous Don Quixote scenes such as his great battle with a windmill happen in the first 50ish pages. It makes me wonder how many people take the time to get through the entire book. More people should. It is packed with action and creativity and will make you fall in love with a madman and a dolt. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Some of my favorite parts of the books are the upfront descriptions of each chapter that are written to give you a heads up about what you're about to read. Most of them specifically tell you about the subject matter, but I loved some of the completely random ones:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Chapter XXXI</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Which deals with a great many things</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Chapter LVIII</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Which recounts how so many adventures rained down on Don Quixote that there was hardly room for all of them</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Chapter LXVI</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Which recounts what will be seen by whoever reads it, or heard by whoever listens to it being read (my favorite!)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Chapter LXX</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Which follows chapter LXIX, and deals with matters necessary to the clarity of this history </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Brilliant!</span><br />
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12. A book with a lion, a witch, or a wardrobe</h4>
<img alt="All the Light We Cannot See" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1413166411s/18143977.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1156322241" target="_blank"><em>All the Light We Cannot See</em> by Anthony Doerr</a>, 5 Stars on 1.4.2015.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Lillian reluctantly joins her mother-in-law on a dream vacation to Fuji she won from a yogurt company. The plane goes down leaving the survivors on a remote island. The remaining survivors are rescued more than a year later, but have agreed to tell the world a complicated web of lies. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">The story held my interest starting with the first sentence, but some of the characters lack dimension. I chose this book solely because of the cover, which was one of the criteria on my "2015 26 Book Challenge". It was odd to start reading without having any clues about the story line. This was lighter than my usual choices, but it was the right kind of break I needed from some more serious reading I'm trying to accomplish.</span><br />
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13. A book with a female heroine</h4>
<img alt="Hope: A Memoir of Survival in Cleveland" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1431225828s/23398896.jpg" /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1269664939"><i>Hope: A Memoir of Survival in Cleavland</i> by Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus</a>, 4 Stars on 5.3.2015. Others that I may read include <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7352053-my-name-is-mary-sutter?ac=1"><i>My Name is Mary Sutter</i> by Robin Oliviera</a> and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11045709-when-she-woke?from_search=true" target="_blank"><em>When She Woke</em> by Hillary Jordan</a>.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I suggest this book if you are interested in learning how Ariel Castro could have kept three girls hidden in his home for more than ten years. I read Michelle Knight's book last year, and was surprised at how much brighter this book was than hers. I'm not saying this was a cheery book, but Michelle described a lot more violence. It's obvious that NONE of them were treated well. But there was definitely a difference in their treatment. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">One thing that struck me in both books is that they really never were given a chance to get away in all that time. It was also interesting to read Amanda's account of the rescue. The news made it seem like her neighbor had more to do with it than he really did. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">It would have been nice for readers if all three girls had collaborated on one book, but it's understandable that they didn't all three remain best friends after the rescue. It's such a tragedy for everyone involved, but it is a story worth reading about. We all need to work together to bring home missing children and to prevent this from happening again.</span><br />
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14. A book set in the summer</h4>
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<img alt="Fever 1793" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1381743126s/781110.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1260261646"><i>Fever 1793</i> by Laurie Halse Anderson</a>, 4 Stars on 4.19.2015. My 13-year-old daughter and I listened to this book road trip to Kansas City for a softball tournament. The book turned out to be a highlight of the trip since all six games were rained out.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Be glad you weren't living in Philadelphia in 1793! Things weren't going very well there. Yellow fever started spreading in August and didn't slow down until the first frost. Half of the population fled the city, and 5,000 people died in three months. The story is told through a fictional 14-year-old girl. Her friend is one of the first yellow fever deaths.She fleas her home when her mother becomes ill, and discovers a strength she never knew she had.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I listened to this audiobook on a road trip with my 13-year-old daughter. I love historical fiction and wanted to introduce her to the genre. I love how these types of books help me learn and connect to history. It was the perfect book for us to enjoy together!</span><br />
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15. A book of poems</h4>
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<img alt="Ask Me: 100 Essential Poems of William Stafford" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386983848s/17934648.jpg" /><br />
<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1264900056">Ask Me: 100 Essential Poems of William Stafford</a></i>, 3 Stars on 4.26.2015. This is something I never would have read without the challenge, and it was a nice change of pace.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I don't normally read poetry, but a friend leant me this book to fulfill the poetry component of my 2015 reading challenge. I really enjoyed it. Themes include nature (especially rivers and smoke), war (Stafford was a pacifist), memories of people, and quirky experiences. My favorite poem in this book is "The Little Ways That Encourage Good Fortune'.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Like most poetry, it helps to read slowly, and I often read poems more than once to pick up the meaning. It would make a great coffee table or night stand book. </span><br />
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16. A book you learned about because of this challenge</h4>
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<img alt="The Innocent Man: Murder an..." src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1428399356s/5345.jpg" /><br />
<i>The Innocent Man</i> by John Grisham, 4 Stars on 6.17.2015.<br />
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<table border="0" cellspacing="1" class="myActivity" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="readable reviewText" style="font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; line-height: 21px;">It is horrifying to think about an innocent person convicted of a crime. It happens in this true story told by John Grisham. Ron Williamson spent twelve years on death row and Dennis Fritz was sentenced to life in prison for a murder they had nothing to do with. Sadly, the police and prosecuting attorney wholeheartedly believed in their guilt and did whatever it took to put them away. This included intense police interrogations, which led to what the police considered confessions. Witnesses who thought they were being helpful or had ulterior motives gave false testimonies. The small Oklahoma town of Ada wanted revenge for this awful crime. The defendants knew truth was on their side, but were ultimately found guilty by juries. Thankfully, DNA analysis was eventually used to free the two men. Even then, many people still considered them guilty. This is a fascinating story. One thing I noticed is that Grisham vilified the attorney who prosecuted Ron and Dennis, but I know there are always two sides to the story. No one is 100% bad nor 100% good. I would have liked a more fair view of that attorney who I’m sure thought he was doing the right thing. It is reminder of why people should be “innocent until proven guilty” and not the other way around. Well done.<br /><br />This was actually the last book I read as part of my 2015 reading challenge. I finished it on June 14, 2015.</span></td></tr>
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17. A book that will make you smarter</h4>
<img alt="Finished It: A Team's Journey to Winning It All" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1419102472s/23850312.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1193429522" target="_blank"><i>Finished It</i> by Cassie Reilly-Boccia</a>, 5 Stars on 2.6.2015.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">This book should is a must-read for every softball coach, parent and player. AND, it's a should-read for everyone else who does not fit into that category. The book extends beyond the sport of softball and beyond the Crimson Tide. It's about teamwork.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">The comfortable cadence of each chapter begins with background on the team, and ends with Cassie gradually re-living the day when Alabama won the national championship. It's hard to put down!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">One of the main points that sticks out is the importance of each role on a team. Cassie connects many roles to the success of her team. She explains how the championship could not have been won without the fans, the video producer, trainers, coaches, and each athlete, including the Wolfpack sitting on the bench. Every person matters and can find a way to make a difference. This idea relates on and off the field. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I credit Cassie with instilling a passion for the game in my daughter, who was fortunate to have taken lessons with Cassie throughout her stay in Iowa. Cassie is an incredible person, a talented writer, and a heck of a softball player!</span><br />
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<br />18. A book with a blue cover</h4>
<img alt="Peter Pan" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1337714526s/34268.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1230308426"><i>Peter Pan</i></a> by J.M, Barrie, 3 Stars on 3.17.2015. My original plan was <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19321432-the-beginning-of-everything" target="_blank"><em>The Beginning of Everything</em> by Robin Schneider</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Everyone knows the story of Peter Pan, but I wanted to see if the original 1911 version was any different from what we know today. The essence is the same, but of course the book has more and different details. On the surface Peter Pan is a fun, whimsical story, but sadly it represents the death of a child. I enjoyed the book's creativity and can see why it has remained popular for several generations.</span><br />
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19. A book you were supposed to read in school, but didn't</h4>
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<img alt="Treasure Island" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388607993s/295.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1303350190" target="_blank"><i>Treasure Island</i> by Robert Louis Stevenson</a>, 2 Stars (for me personally) on 6.7.2015. It's a classic that I've never read. The only book I know I didn't finish was from my senior year in college, the Spanish version of <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cien-a%C3%B1os-soledad-Edici%C3%B3n-Conmemorativa/dp/8420471836/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1421244449&sr=1-2&keywords=cien+a%C3%B1os+de+soledad" target="_blank">100 Years of Solitude</a>. </em>I got tight on time, so I finished it in English. Is that cheating? </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">This is the book that put pirates on the map (marked with an "X", of course!) It clearly defined the setting for Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and later for their movies. It's an entertaining story about a young boy who becomes involved in an exciting treasure hunt on a far-off island. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">It's not the book's fault, but this just wasn't the right kind of story for me. It's a pretty one dimensional action and adventure story, which understandably appeals to the intended young male audience. A middle-aged lady like me is looking for something with a little more substance. I'm giving it a 2 star "It was ok" rating.</span></div>
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Okay, I wasn't going to tell you this, but the first book that came to mind was <em><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/924715.Romeo_and_Juliette?from_search=true&search_version=service" target="_blank">Romeo and Juliette</a></em>. I have always considered it to be a great stroke of luck to have never read it. My class was supposed to read it in 10th grade, but we happened to combine with another school that year. The other half of our new class had read it in 9th grade, so my half got out of it. I did suffer through <em>Julius Caesar</em> in 10th grade, which is pah-lenty of Shakespeare in my opinion.</div>
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20. A book "everyone" but you has read</h4>
<img alt="Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter, #1)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1361572757s/3.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1232868358" target="_blank"><em>Harry Potter</em> by J.K. Rowling</a>, 5 Stars on 3.21.2015.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I read this book as part of my 2015 26 Book Challenge to fulfill this requirement: A book "everyone" but you has read. I'm glad I finally read this classic children's book. You all know what it's about. You all know it's amazing. So I'll keep this short. The two words I would use to describe it are creative (not surprising) and readable (surprisingly so).</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">For some reason I didn't expect it to be such a children's book. I know that's odd, but I know so many adults that have read it that I forgot it was written for children. I expected it to be heavy and complex, but it is very easy to follow. It's about magic, but it's not dark. There are a lot of characters, but they are easy to keep straight. It's descriptive in just the right doses. It may seem incredibly long for a child, but it's really only an average length novel. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">If you haven't read Harry Potter, I suggest you do!</span><br />
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21. A book with a great first line</h4>
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<img alt="Maude" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1427477635s/23481669.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1288289149" target="_blank"><i>Maude</i> by Donna Foley Mabry</a>, 5 Stars on 5.24. 2015. "I was barely over fourteen years old, and it was my wedding day." Other suggestions were <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/781787.Out_of_Africa?from_search=true" target="_blank"><em>Out of Africa</em> by Karen Blizen</a> or <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=rebecca" target="_blank">"Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">This is the true story of the author's grandmother. Maude was born in 1892 and suffered a series of unfortunate tragedies throughout her life. In addition to the captivating story of this determined and hard-working woman, the book is a great illustration of the massive changes that affected the United States throughout the first 80 years of the 20th century. Maude's granddaughter inherited Maude's ability to tell great stories, and I'm so glad she shared this book.</span><br />
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22. A book with pictures</h4>
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<img alt="I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1375414895s/17851885.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1225041671" target="_blank"><i>I am Malala</i> by Malala Yousafzai</a>., 2 Stars on 3.10.2015.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Malala became a well-known spokesperson for girls' education in Pakistan and around the world at a young age. As a result, she is shot in the face by Taliban when she is 15. The book starts with a lot of history on Pakistan and Malala's home in the Swat valley. Admittedly, I found parts of the book to be slow, and it was difficult to follow all the names and cities. I know this was in part due to my own negligence and unfamiliarity with the topic. The second half was easier to get through. I have a lot if respect for Malala, but it felt like something was missing from the book that I can't quite put my finger on.</span><br />
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23. A book from the library</h4>
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<img alt="Fall of Giants (The Century Trilogy, #1)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1369453737s/7315573.jpg" /><br />
Complete 5.19.2015. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7315573-fall-of-giants?from_search=true" target="_blank"><em>Fall of Giants</em> by Ken Follett</a>, 5 Stars on 5.19.2015. I have meaning to do this for ages, but I finally figured out how to rent Kindle books from the library because of this challenge.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Wow, wow, wow! Of all the books I've read so far, this one seems like it would have been the most difficult to write. Follett incorporates a broad understanding of the world during WWI and Russian Revolution. In addition to global politics, Follett details the lifestyles of British, German, Russian, and American aristocrats and working class. The book is balanced between the thoroughly researched motivations behind the wars and the personal lives of fictional characters used to tell the story. Important historical figures are also nicely integrated. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">My personal interest leaned toward the stories of the characters, but the in-depth history of the wars was also impressive.</span><br />
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24. A book you loved...read it again!</h4>
<img alt="A Wrinkle in Time (A Wrinkle in Time Quintet, #1)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1329061522s/18131.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18131.A_Wrinkle_in_Time?from_search=true&search_version=service"><i>A Wrinkle in Time</i> by Madeleine L'Engle</a>, originally 5 Stars when I was young, but I suprised myself and dropped it to 3 on 4.28.2015. My 13-year old science fiction loving daughter and I used it to pass the time to and from softball events. I also thought about <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/83674.The_Bridges_of_Madison_County?from_search=true" target="_blank"><em>The Bridges of Madison County</em> by Robert James Waller</a>. I didn't love that book when I first read it, but I think I <em>might</em> love it now that I'm all grown up and since my sister now lives in Madison County. It really does kill me to re-read a book since there are so many good books out there!</span><br />
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25. A book that is more than ten years old</h4>
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<img alt="Messenger (The Giver, #3)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386924375s/12930.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1288301416" target="_blank"><i>Messenger</i> by Lois Lowry</a>, 3 Stars on 5.23.2015. This is the third book in The Giver series. I also read <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1288305351" target="_blank">Son</a></i>, the last book of the series. I read the books out of order, which I definitely would NOT recommend.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">The Giver has become a classic book that frequents middle and high school reading lists. However, a lot of people don't realize The Giver is the first in a series of four books. Lois Lowry took several years to publish all four books, starting with "The Giver" in 1993, "Gathering Blue" in 2000, "Messenger" in 2004, and finally "Son"in 2012. The second book takes place in a different, be similarly strange society compared to the first book. I was surprised that there was no overlap in the characters. I was also expecting this third book to also be a similar stand-alone story, but it did start to link together some familiar characters. I do recommend you read the books in order. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">In "Messenger", The perfection of The Village starts to unravel as people trade parts of their character for selfish desires. Matty discovers a special gift that will be needed to restore peace. I liked, but didn't love the book.</span></div>
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26. A book based on a true story</h4>
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<img alt="A Wrestling Life: The Inspiring Stories of Dan Gable" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1416873154s/23280858.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1269676503"><i>The Wrestling Life: Inspiring Stories</i> of Dan Gable</a>, 4 Stars on 5.1.2015. Because I love college wrestling and happen to live in Gable's hometown. Other books I'd like to read are or <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6738313-the-heart-of-a-champion"><i>The Heart of a Champion</i> by Bob Richard</a>s. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">A legend in the sport of wrestling, Dan Gable shares his best stories. It's an unusual format for a biography. Each chapter can be read independently, and it feels like the kind of anecdotes you would pick up from a person after sitting down to dinner with him a few times. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">This book would be great for any athlete. It shows the mindset and relentless work it takes to become a champion.</span></div>
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If you are interested, please look me up on Goodreads where I post ratings and reviews. You should be able to find me under "Ann Schaffer". My profile picture is in front of the Eiffel Tower.<br />
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<b>Challenge Complete!</b></div>
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annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-90770209737087054222015-01-04T12:36:00.002-06:002015-01-04T13:09:33.841-06:00We Seriously Need to Find Some New Ways to Wear an Infinity Scarf<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of my favorite ways to relax over Christmas break was to watch old movies and get my knitting needles going. I made an infinity scarf. And then I made an infinity scarf. And then I made another infinity scarf. It was a long break. </div>
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This morning I realized that there is really only one socially acceptable way to wear an infinity scarf, at least here in Iowa.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmWgNE1dg5fEL8rgGZDfpYvS9LeNdexdYsu8V6Q9v1VyeMNlPqASQKgjlsFYkLmYFHqYr7E8S3-cDykCdyqk5py1WE0Wn9gIjisYHPAh-QFGksbLevlIDBY5Gc0VZpvJdGxfWthItaOW-/s1600/Scarf8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmWgNE1dg5fEL8rgGZDfpYvS9LeNdexdYsu8V6Q9v1VyeMNlPqASQKgjlsFYkLmYFHqYr7E8S3-cDykCdyqk5py1WE0Wn9gIjisYHPAh-QFGksbLevlIDBY5Gc0VZpvJdGxfWthItaOW-/s1600/Scarf8.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boring!</td></tr>
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I would like to propose a few other ways to rock an infinity scarf. K?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMyfMUVK6d9lmm0a5pX1bvxtdw4LDbI_ZaZAIqSxDUAk1g9WVYtyeIKqC6vQB5cRMAPQ9gIvBJZGAr9XcskiRa-kSufkEuOtkkGaSlYm9M6PGXXjetwXFdwGogPtGeDGU4xiM9O8zie9n/s1600/Scarf4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMyfMUVK6d9lmm0a5pX1bvxtdw4LDbI_ZaZAIqSxDUAk1g9WVYtyeIKqC6vQB5cRMAPQ9gIvBJZGAr9XcskiRa-kSufkEuOtkkGaSlYm9M6PGXXjetwXFdwGogPtGeDGU4xiM9O8zie9n/s1600/Scarf4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kris Kross (will make you...JUMP! JUMP!)</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEjbQGuaameiCdFIxGyqLv2vcvE4wc6UgJU5NcGtnclA6lk6pyFUQVXGBTdY0S0sY_peAHB8rwrSKLFOQi_7xoiNu0t76nZ18C3ilA5D-u0NAWP31YTrlx21jYfrDyCBa9wpKqIwaEFG3sux/s1600/Scarf3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQGuaameiCdFIxGyqLv2vcvE4wc6UgJU5NcGtnclA6lk6pyFUQVXGBTdY0S0sY_peAHB8rwrSKLFOQi_7xoiNu0t76nZ18C3ilA5D-u0NAWP31YTrlx21jYfrDyCBa9wpKqIwaEFG3sux/s1600/Scarf3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mystery Girl</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq17ktD7qNQsUv1i-eBZDXY5E9ztrtyxc0Vm0wBgQP9ijLgx74s-BbE_ypAoA-H2Kas399f5kiHvUTVpzlwpFXqV4_Esh200OVxwhSLyhRjhg5NMboRT3P51Oa8fmujQO04MEhyphenhyphen3sJY1YM/s1600/Scarf7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq17ktD7qNQsUv1i-eBZDXY5E9ztrtyxc0Vm0wBgQP9ijLgx74s-BbE_ypAoA-H2Kas399f5kiHvUTVpzlwpFXqV4_Esh200OVxwhSLyhRjhg5NMboRT3P51Oa8fmujQO04MEhyphenhyphen3sJY1YM/s1600/Scarf7.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The First Day of School Backpack</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFIHzAarH4nJqo57KOKcVLIkVyr3qbksnwsdwH0EBZI33cvOlAJS8oOeTXKhj0Yltg23vOy6iFqG7DR6Ii0XncRbnvWgpZGwSbu1KlOC8AGXmqSRFSdk427KQ1kq9kT0LeGesa5ZrjTF-/s1600/Scarf5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFIHzAarH4nJqo57KOKcVLIkVyr3qbksnwsdwH0EBZI33cvOlAJS8oOeTXKhj0Yltg23vOy6iFqG7DR6Ii0XncRbnvWgpZGwSbu1KlOC8AGXmqSRFSdk427KQ1kq9kT0LeGesa5ZrjTF-/s1600/Scarf5.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Headband/Neck Warmer</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyS-gSKHCQc5rSnH-yrEOdGRBR-Up-BfzThYElO2VteEbARHs3avYGFJuCp3cPF9iJ6mXMN0WSLLNLT7xdeBECx2aNmlSkuHmEkouW5JjXLf6dSGn5gEbgGn6yOAmF3WhADP99vNhLkdET/s1600/Scarf10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyS-gSKHCQc5rSnH-yrEOdGRBR-Up-BfzThYElO2VteEbARHs3avYGFJuCp3cPF9iJ6mXMN0WSLLNLT7xdeBECx2aNmlSkuHmEkouW5JjXLf6dSGn5gEbgGn6yOAmF3WhADP99vNhLkdET/s1600/Scarf10.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Shoulder Shawl</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEI6BVuR_LCDrfXMvpX1rODB_Zt4cUbYhoDj_MmmxMvimgYlxcIUx7tpuOoc0ujpSjjrif4TkMsINZqHdH5U7IxUoFDsEhtRkMjz1XN_Nsv_0zwbqZPV7u7rDo7KzNFGqyKN6OLi7cB_QS/s1600/Scarf2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEI6BVuR_LCDrfXMvpX1rODB_Zt4cUbYhoDj_MmmxMvimgYlxcIUx7tpuOoc0ujpSjjrif4TkMsINZqHdH5U7IxUoFDsEhtRkMjz1XN_Nsv_0zwbqZPV7u7rDo7KzNFGqyKN6OLi7cB_QS/s1600/Scarf2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Labradoodle</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEjsjieXvv0GPPe8p9zx14D3aJ4MWCvicRNoGm2kC1w51pN7xfETIwMGmVqkseXPgiF9JL7lPnzWKxn1B7vmI-_4oCwVYl_FYVyg1S40fem666msWOKN0ACh5SXdrkv2TE9t3EffpoZ-8ws-/s1600/Scarf9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjieXvv0GPPe8p9zx14D3aJ4MWCvicRNoGm2kC1w51pN7xfETIwMGmVqkseXPgiF9JL7lPnzWKxn1B7vmI-_4oCwVYl_FYVyg1S40fem666msWOKN0ACh5SXdrkv2TE9t3EffpoZ-8ws-/s1600/Scarf9.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Other Labradoodle</td></tr>
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In hindsight, I should have applied a touch of makeup before snapping selfies, but I assume you were paying more attention to fabulous scarf fashions than my naked face. I double labradoodle dog dare you to wear one of these new styles the next time you go out. Fashion froward, my friends! Let's do this!</div>
annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-50429935685281258932015-01-01T14:54:00.001-06:002019-11-19T11:04:56.838-06:00Happy New Year...It's a Small World!Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a fun and safe New Year's Eve this year. We went out to eat with some friends and were home early since TJ had to work at the fire station New Year's Day. We ate at a Japanese steakhouse in Waterloo, and the chef was the best we've ever experienced.<br />
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TJ stopped at a gas station to get something to drink this morning, and his debit card pin number would not work. On closer inspection, he realized the debit card had someone else's name on it! The restaurant had given him the debit card of the strangers seated next to us at the hibachi grill! We remembered that the guy next to TJ was Jake, which was a variation of the name on the card.<br />
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I used dexknows people search to find Jake's phone number, and talked to Jake's grandmother. I don't know if he lived there or just had the same name as his grandfather. I tried to explain the situation, but I could tell she either didn't believe me or didn't understand the situation. TJ was at the fire station by this time, so he called police dispatch to see if they could help locate Jake. Firefighters work pretty closely with dispatch because they handle all 911 calls, so he hoped they would help. This is where it gets weird. The dispatch operator recognized Jake's name. Coincidentally, Jake's mother is also a dispatch operator! How lucky is that! Jake came to the fire station to switch out the cards. Luckily, neither one of us had used each other's cards. We'll keep an eye on our account just in case, but it looks like everything is going to be okay.</div>
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I also called the steakhouse to explain what happened so they might avoid that problem in the future. The owner was horrified and is taking the situation seriously. We are very fortunate that this situation turned out the way it did, but it's a good reminder to ensure you receive the correct card back at restaurants and similar places. </div>
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annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-61919311672308013302014-12-21T07:50:00.000-06:002014-12-21T07:50:53.704-06:00Retailer spreads Christmas Cheer to Teen and Her Family<div>
This will only make sense if you read these two posts first:</div>
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<a href="http://forgetaboutnormal.blogspot.com/2014/12/something-exciting-is-happening-at.html" target="_blank">Something Exciting is Happening at JCPenney Tomorrow</a></div>
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<a href="http://forgetaboutnormal.blogspot.com/2014/12/wei-just-got-jingled-at-jcpenney.html" target="_blank">We Just Got Jingled by JCPenney</a></div>
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We made the news! I won't send the entire article because of copyright considerations, but we are the lead story on today's print and electronic editions of the Marshalltown Times-Republican. How nice is that!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vmnfgPXJJv8rusvYCzD2Egf7fwo9HI_kkmNIq_IfPZhHc9GZQwCAv3Vj2Tz1gJVrsxCbb6u2r5iq3A3USoHcfzincryRuoqIwmxSar8YLSxZPJLLbsET9Z7FVDQ5pbroCUYIGsY6K2I7/s1600/T-R+Article.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vmnfgPXJJv8rusvYCzD2Egf7fwo9HI_kkmNIq_IfPZhHc9GZQwCAv3Vj2Tz1gJVrsxCbb6u2r5iq3A3USoHcfzincryRuoqIwmxSar8YLSxZPJLLbsET9Z7FVDQ5pbroCUYIGsY6K2I7/s1600/T-R+Article.JPG" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's another funny part of the story. My cousin, Denise Kemp, works at the Times-Republican. I actually called her ahead of time when my imagination was running wild and tentatively said, "You don't think they would have the paper come out, do you?" She said no way. She told me they were down to two reporters and it was a busy news time in town with big stories on a murder and a shooting. She said they might run a photo after the fact if the store sent one in. So when Jacob from the T-R was waiting for us in the store, I immediately thought, "That dang DENISE! I've been duped!"</div>
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I went to Denise's house that afternoon, and she told me that she really didn't know because she is in a different department. AND even if she had known, she couldn't have told me because she signed a confidentiality agreement that prevents her from revealing things like that. Well played. :)</div>
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annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-27404915984806964142014-12-20T21:25:00.001-06:002014-12-20T21:43:53.948-06:00We Just Got Jingled at JCPenney!What an exciting day this has been! If you haven't already, please start by reading <a href="http://forgetaboutnormal.blogspot.com/2014/12/something-exciting-is-happening-at.html" target="_blank">yesterday's post</a>.<br />
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We were very excited to get to JCPenney this morning, but got a late start because we ran into the same funeral procession THREE TIMES while doing some simple errands (a few too many than I should have attempted)! I called Ryan Peck, the store manager, and he said not to worry.<br />
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When Emma, Alli, Gwen, and I finally arrived, Mr. Peck asked us to come to the front of the store. He introduced us to a young man from The Marshalltown Times-Republican newspaper who took some photos and interviewed Emma and me about our experience. Brenda, the sales associate who helped us was also there, along with a few other employees.<br />
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Then the manager asked if it was ok to video record the next part. He started to get choked up, and told us how JCPenney has been looking for stories around the country and ways they can give back this Christmas season. As soon as they read my story, they knew they wanted to do something for us. This was the only story that had been picked in the state of Iowa. The plan was set just a few hours after I sent the email, which is VERY impressive for a company the size of JCPenney! Then Mr. Peck told us that they were giving us a $500 gift card to JCPenney! WOW!!! That's when I started tearing up. It was way more than I had expected, and was so touching! I said that I was trying to do something nice for them and didn't expect to get anything in return. He told me that is exactly why we were picked. I will post a link to the video and newspaper article after they are published.<br />
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For the first several minutes, I walked around the store with my hand over my mouth saying, "I don't know where to start!" The kids were giggling about that! We didn't spend all the money, but we sure got a good start. First, we went to the shoe department and got Alli the Converse shoes she'd asked for on Thanksgiving, but I had told her no. Emma got some jeans and a shirt that will go with her boots. Gwen wanted a necklace and a shirt. TJ got $55 worth of socks, which isn't as many socks as you would think it would be. I got a robe to replace my old one that I've had for about 15 years.<br />
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But my favorite thing I got is a sapphire ring. I'm not a jewelry person. TJ bought me jewelry the first couple years we were married, until I explained to him that I wasn't that kind of girl. But for some reason, when I was shopping at JCPenney on Thanksgiving, a ring caught my eye. It was on clearance for about $40 that night minus my coupons, and it fit my finger perfectly. I know because I tried it on three different times. In the end, I didn't want to spend that much money on something that wasn't practical. But for some reason, I kept thinking about that ring, and I regretted not buying it. So when we were invited to return to this very store, one of the first things I thought of was that ring. I assumed it would be gone. It was the only one in the store, and by this time would have been sitting in the clearance section for nearly a month. I was afraid to look, so it was the very last department we visited. It was there! And now this ring will remind me of the struggles we have gone through with Emma's little foot and of the beautiful kindness from JCPenney.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1KD2-V9T1l2Pod0Q367949XTBglnAvM6PgE7PMxYGbc_BfD8Mn9BMc3UKPPsf1vFtGs1tCamSW00GcwXdE8wnOghhqt9iavs3Q9XFTvg7DuZ4A_sLyzAR87Dky90IeMOafKSGFBVYDBpN/s1600/Ring2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1KD2-V9T1l2Pod0Q367949XTBglnAvM6PgE7PMxYGbc_BfD8Mn9BMc3UKPPsf1vFtGs1tCamSW00GcwXdE8wnOghhqt9iavs3Q9XFTvg7DuZ4A_sLyzAR87Dky90IeMOafKSGFBVYDBpN/s1600/Ring2.jpg" height="291" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-47085624177376311142014-12-19T18:21:00.000-06:002014-12-20T23:02:24.958-06:00Something Exciting is Happening at JCPenney Tomorrow!<div dir="ltr" id="yiv0622399543yui_3_16_0_1_1418913643401_9793">
This poor POOR little blog has been abandoned! But guess what! Something exciting is happening! </div>
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It all started when my sister and I took our teenage daughters Black Friday shopping in Marshalltown, Iowa. The very first store we visited was JCPenney. Fast forward to December 16, when I FINALLY sent this email to the corporate office. My hope was that the associate and store manager would be recognized for excellent customer service. </div>
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I was shopping with my 15-year-old daughter, Emma, in the
Marshalltown, Iowa store on Thanksgiving evening. Emma was born with a severe
club foot and struggles with self-esteem issues. She is able to walk, but that
foot is quite misshapen and is 3 sizes smaller than her other foot. As you can
imagine, shoe shopping is no fun and is expensive. To be honest, it is often a
traumatic experience, and Emma usually cannot fit into the styles of shoes she
would like to wear. Emma's eyes lit up when she saw the Thanksgiving boot
display in your store. I told her that JCPenney doesn't do anything for people
with differently sized feet, but she insisted that I ask. The sales associate
told us what I expected...unfortunately, we would have to buy two pairs of
boots. I just wasn’t prepared to do that. We were standing near the shoe
department a minute later, and the sales associate came running up with a big
smile on her face. She told us that her manager said the store could sell us a
mixed pair of boots. I cannot express to you how happy this has made my
daughter. I’m pretty sure she tried on every pair of boots in that store, and
she found the perfect pair in sizes that fit her feet. She’s never had a pair
of tall boots like so many teenage girls wear. As an added bonus, she is now
comfortable wearing leggings because the boots conceal the extremely thin calf
on her left leg. This act of kindness has had an amazing effect on my daughter.
I would like to thank your company, the sales manager who approved the sale and
most of all the sales associate who cared enough to ask permission. All this on
the busiest day of the year. We have told many people about this story, and we
will continue to shop at JCPenney. </div>
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Sincerely, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ann Schaffer <o:p></o:p></div>
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I didn't expect a response, but I received an email from the store manager the very next morning. He asked me to call his cell phone because it was his day off. The first thing I said to him was, "I hope I didn't get you in trouble!" Luckily I did not. He thanked me for my email and asked if I could come back into the store, but I explained that I live nearly an hour away in Waterloo. Coincidentally, he also manages the store 5 miles from my house, but he really wanted to get me back to the Marshalltown store. He said they would like to do something nice for my family. So the girls and I will be going there this tomorrow 12:30.<br />
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I have no idea what they are going to do...it's so much harder to receive than it is to give! My initial reaction was that I wish the "something nice" would go to someone who needs it more than us. Of course my imagination was going wild. Here is a peak inside my twisted head...<br />
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- What if this is a big production?<br />
- Will the news be there?<br />
- Will someone be filming this?<br />
- What if they ask us to be in a commercial for JCPenney?<br />
- What if they are filming that commercial right there on the spot?<br />
- What should we wear? I don't want to look like we've spent a lot of money on my clothes in case they think we don't have very much money, but also I want to look nice. Oh man...<br />
- Should Emma wear the boots? (she will)<br />
- Will Christmas carolers be present?<br />
- Will all the associates dip into their own pockets for gifts? Are they sponsoring us for Christmas? Are our names on a giving tree in the JCPenney break room?<br />
- If we get a gift card, would it look bad if I used it toward a ring I saw there that I really wanted, but didn't get? (It was under $100 and really pretty.)<br />
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Ok, I know my imagination needs medication. In reality, we are just going to enjoy this and will be happy with whatever they decide to do. I am also hopeful that the company will also do something nice for the sales associate.<br />
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Here's a photo of the boots in case you were wondering. Cute, right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3sFFpKdTN7SntmEWXxg3osdp2XFldmVm9isL-YsYYGg6KX14W4TUBlK7GdhUMGa0CAw1RLJuPcKrJ2lbfb4fp748Hux1RgkVv1L96Z1sJm8XsXowSV7XLg9Bpbba-jSX6bt0U4JWrgDD/s1600/boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3sFFpKdTN7SntmEWXxg3osdp2XFldmVm9isL-YsYYGg6KX14W4TUBlK7GdhUMGa0CAw1RLJuPcKrJ2lbfb4fp748Hux1RgkVv1L96Z1sJm8XsXowSV7XLg9Bpbba-jSX6bt0U4JWrgDD/s1600/boots.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I will keep you posted on whatever happens tomorrow. We are looking forward to it!<br />
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annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-82571997158680538612014-05-01T14:35:00.000-05:002014-05-01T14:35:01.119-05:00Waterproof May Day BasketsIt's a rainy May Day this year, so my daughter, Emma, and I came up with an idea for May baskets that can be left outside without getting soggy.<br />
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Read <a href="http://www.forgetaboutnormal.blogspot.com/2013/04/happy-may-day.html" target="_blank">this post</a> from 2013 if you are unfamiliar with the fun May Day basket tradition.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-ARZm9UG7L-G04gRt2M2-TTvXhGfuDrt4RgT_mNzsNpipfgDSbqhaPsXti-h0WfMX4VnVIIcHQsi2qGR3xQGWUF2g9zjroxHBzqdF7DBPI1Nrz2S8tEGdqv9EMlOU6cF9dxsi-BYiM9a/s1600/2014+May+Day3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-ARZm9UG7L-G04gRt2M2-TTvXhGfuDrt4RgT_mNzsNpipfgDSbqhaPsXti-h0WfMX4VnVIIcHQsi2qGR3xQGWUF2g9zjroxHBzqdF7DBPI1Nrz2S8tEGdqv9EMlOU6cF9dxsi-BYiM9a/s1600/2014+May+Day3.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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We used half pint sized mason jars instead of traditional paper cups. We added a circle of fabric with a basket-type print as a nod to the tradition. You don't need to glue the fabric to the lid because the outside ring will hold it in place. We added a ribbon, candy, and a note. I know May baskets are supposed to be anonymous, but it's kind of nice to know who has left you a treat. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAGEX3WnnvD0PPu1rp-hngiM3ROXVu9YisX7w6yY8pbmAtSCavT0rquJv5fjwYBo0gqHd5rfQuI4i3nVCVRGm0KAOOjYfWhyphenhyphenuluktSrIQrbozQd_Cv8WqcXLr_e4tDAI3GT8JTStr_VHO/s1600/2014+May+Day5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAGEX3WnnvD0PPu1rp-hngiM3ROXVu9YisX7w6yY8pbmAtSCavT0rquJv5fjwYBo0gqHd5rfQuI4i3nVCVRGm0KAOOjYfWhyphenhyphenuluktSrIQrbozQd_Cv8WqcXLr_e4tDAI3GT8JTStr_VHO/s1600/2014+May+Day5.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy May Day!</span></div>
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MAY your days be many and your troubles be few.</div>
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MAY you find laughter and joy.</div>
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MAY you find forgiveness, friendship and love.</div>
annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-45875052811083185282014-03-18T11:24:00.001-05:002014-03-18T11:24:34.662-05:00Ingredient Substitution Fail!I got up early this morning to give myself a homemade pedicure before heading to the Kalahari Indoor Waterpark Resort in the Wisonsin Dells. I started with the Listerine foot soak that I used a couple times last summer. You're supposed to mix 1/4 c. Listerine, 1/4 c. Vinegar and 1/2 c. Water. Well, I didn't have Listerine, but I did have this.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4zRSsTGN78q1_F-SqRUZQ1e-1kEjTXtdL-7omTTnrmIvLf29kjr7rqHxa9s7CUDVXbBMJqFVuExfcUrwKRiLYaAkPgmM3YodZ9Jbb77hpjlMndpL6pTrbf8phBKWM9iOy_jaroWvhfw6/s640/blogger-image--1834310248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4zRSsTGN78q1_F-SqRUZQ1e-1kEjTXtdL-7omTTnrmIvLf29kjr7rqHxa9s7CUDVXbBMJqFVuExfcUrwKRiLYaAkPgmM3YodZ9Jbb77hpjlMndpL6pTrbf8phBKWM9iOy_jaroWvhfw6/s640/blogger-image--1834310248.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I used a bit more hot water to dilute it, but I ended up with THIS!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYZVuigYwdpEUKyHzFXvt2rDeEIduli8T54QkRIiJJbzxHrKrn7scu44oIDrwNIynz94zkD5EdSJdLiuyHnVIEwSKkvTxB25p_a1FMn4QTgeVaJsCGdhB38B1a51wwGG4tYBjtk8COPUB/s640/blogger-image-1797864132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYZVuigYwdpEUKyHzFXvt2rDeEIduli8T54QkRIiJJbzxHrKrn7scu44oIDrwNIynz94zkD5EdSJdLiuyHnVIEwSKkvTxB25p_a1FMn4QTgeVaJsCGdhB38B1a51wwGG4tYBjtk8COPUB/s640/blogger-image-1797864132.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I spent the next hour working with foot scrub and a file. They're still slightly blue, but hopefully no one at the waterpark will notice!</div>annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-56738482244235222892014-03-17T10:27:00.002-05:002014-03-18T10:48:35.015-05:00Softball Fleece Tie BlanketHey, World! Fastpitch softballs are YELLOW! <br>
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Baseballs: small and white<br>
Softballs: big and yellow<br>
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Yes, white used to be the standard color, but yellow has been standard for softballs since 2004. <br>
<br>If you are a softball family like me, you know a good solid blanket is a key part of the game day gear. Spectators and players can wrap up in it to keep warm, or can spread it out on the grass for a comfortable resting spot on a warm day.<div><br></div><div>I had an itch to make a quick no-sew tie fleece blanket with a softball theme in our team colors. What I found was a lot of fleece with white balls, intended to apply for baseball and softball. That just will not do! <br>
<br>Here's what I came up with.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXcMlo3Br7Kd1QCZY6lOG41fVFtCP0NhtccCjvhXTVEibRavmbSHsT2KyQII67XCMWeZVuQi_OnTt3ob5OS8NHDbG1foCela2MsLl5rNZus08NRTfJ8o_sD4_lClXCP_6fu8EF8tkoe_D/s640/blogger-image--1735602402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXcMlo3Br7Kd1QCZY6lOG41fVFtCP0NhtccCjvhXTVEibRavmbSHsT2KyQII67XCMWeZVuQi_OnTt3ob5OS8NHDbG1foCela2MsLl5rNZus08NRTfJ8o_sD4_lClXCP_6fu8EF8tkoe_D/s640/blogger-image--1735602402.jpg"></a></div><br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1dAbFAQ7S0DFQHZgzjIRciueWrXCWhrvcGmrrs3c8P0HQ_G3rQraXWiGPjiQVXY8jjKwbdDIBclVwKc0Q6ux1HB48hU6O-x3LQuo-x_SEG5soKQYdLjEgN_AjgqX6-d-r_CaxoYWePIN/s640/blogger-image--860524023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1dAbFAQ7S0DFQHZgzjIRciueWrXCWhrvcGmrrs3c8P0HQ_G3rQraXWiGPjiQVXY8jjKwbdDIBclVwKc0Q6ux1HB48hU6O-x3LQuo-x_SEG5soKQYdLjEgN_AjgqX6-d-r_CaxoYWePIN/s640/blogger-image--860524023.jpg"></a></div><br>Here is what you'll need to make a similar blanket:<br>
<ul>
<li>2 yards each of any two colors of fleece. There are a couple kinds of fleece, and you want the kind that is not super "stretchy". Look for sales!</li>
<li>1 yard bright yellow fleece will make two large softballs. I used them to make two blankets.</li>
<li>A special marker from the craft store that wipes off with a damp cloth. Don't get the kind that disappears in an hour unless you're a quicker stitcher than me!</li>
<li>Tape measure</li>
<li>Masking tape</li>
<li>Sharp sewing scissors</li>
<li>Red and florescent yellow embroidery floss, I strongly recommend DMC brand.</li>
<li>Straight pins and a large embroidery needle</li><li>Optional: a small piece of fleece with matching embroidery floss to add a number or logo</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CH_mMln3X7xckN1QpN-Rj8hzOWC2hhdCJurjqJ9QSqpQE5IShstf7uh54EmFkBSvhmo-RVsjFnHME2MQItxBfaAA2YbxojV3MeVC2Mouie_KKuZsqZi9GLQucFDKxsPN-gk32n1rfZLc/s1600/Blanket4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CH_mMln3X7xckN1QpN-Rj8hzOWC2hhdCJurjqJ9QSqpQE5IShstf7uh54EmFkBSvhmo-RVsjFnHME2MQItxBfaAA2YbxojV3MeVC2Mouie_KKuZsqZi9GLQucFDKxsPN-gk32n1rfZLc/s1600/Blanket4a.jpg" height="320" width="240"></a></div>
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Here are the basic steps I used.<br>
<ul>
<li>Use something large, like a round laundry basket to trace a circle from yellow fleece with your special marker. You can fold the fleece in half to cut two circles at once. Or you can cut smaller circles to add several softballs instead of one large one.</li>
<li>Create a curved pattern for the softball seams. I freehanded one half of a smooth arch on a piece of paper and flipped it over to create the other half of a symmetrical arch. Tip: draw the arch quickly, and don't overthink it. Trace onto the yellow circle with your special marker.</li>
<li>Use two strands of black embroidery floss to backstitch the seams. See Youtube for many tutorials on back stitching if needed.</li>
<li>Lay the two large pieces of fleece on top of each other. If there is a right size to your fleece, put it on the outside (faced down, and faced up). The fleece on which you wiant to place the softball should be on top. Trim off the edges if there is a thick curl or finish. Trim both pieces of fleece to make them very close to the same size and shape. </li>
<li>Place the yellow softball in the middle of the top piece of fleece. Use a tape measure to make sure it is centered. Pin it to the top piece of fleece, using as many pins as you can around the outside of the circle. Set the bottom piece of fleece aside.</li>
<li>Sew the sotball to the large fleece with bright yellow floss using a blanket stitch. See Youtube for many tutorials. Remove your pins.</li></ul><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXgHAwpVm7w8qXqmYoDa1ccQA95Ea9f5-IemJAdT0KtoIJ9I3lHyg5xS2ROhX64pwDoSulWg3k3_c80Lrpae0thGN_tF0oeItSh5aftZk7nr40SechwnrOGRRM2DVXU9lCaBIxeSpj_zP/s640/blogger-image-421613767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXgHAwpVm7w8qXqmYoDa1ccQA95Ea9f5-IemJAdT0KtoIJ9I3lHyg5xS2ROhX64pwDoSulWg3k3_c80Lrpae0thGN_tF0oeItSh5aftZk7nr40SechwnrOGRRM2DVXU9lCaBIxeSpj_zP/s640/blogger-image-421613767.jpg"></a></div><br></div><ul>
<li>Use red floss to create the stitching along the seams. You'll want to make the red stiches longer than you think, at least a half inch per stitch. I made them too small and had to re-do them twice! The red stitches should go through the yellow circle and the large piece of fleece to help hold the softball to the blanket.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0BH8O370XjL_GXHSY-pmXIoO3ZEoE7lbBFk0RmGTJYq3ORPgPK7YuWKlb_lI9WuH4kbIhGpZf9Ws4WW2z-VEa_lgceolqXoLf5Qhb8PMqaSTLT2wbiCPOpEUrnwxG3Qm09vDnDFwnFQ8/s1600/Blanket3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0BH8O370XjL_GXHSY-pmXIoO3ZEoE7lbBFk0RmGTJYq3ORPgPK7YuWKlb_lI9WuH4kbIhGpZf9Ws4WW2z-VEa_lgceolqXoLf5Qhb8PMqaSTLT2wbiCPOpEUrnwxG3Qm09vDnDFwnFQ8/s1600/Blanket3.JPG" height="320" width="240"></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>Optional: Trace a number or logo onto a piece of fleece, and attach it to the center of the softball, using the blanket stitch. </li>
</ul>
<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/AVvXsEjS9BjMnP0wakcZNy-BE85vekJuvLssifD9CyfKIVx954Q84zXcdjEiDD-jHZ20Rw7RlceouUYaOH6oEWIPvCabAL_HSoXUZkmbIlYF6AuWazno_ZSWx0EppI7OPjzzQUmH1qOBhpMbHZhO/s1600/Blanket5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9BjMnP0wakcZNy-BE85vekJuvLssifD9CyfKIVx954Q84zXcdjEiDD-jHZ20Rw7RlceouUYaOH6oEWIPvCabAL_HSoXUZkmbIlYF6AuWazno_ZSWx0EppI7OPjzzQUmH1qOBhpMbHZhO/s1600/Blanket5.JPG" height="320" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Type a number into a document, increase the font size, and print for a pattern.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52hK5CO3vh7WEZgvvljfCxSVmKdsCVSLtE4v2GmwtXCCjTB0abYzTrc_yBOv7N2pBK9ZYi_OHYul4s-JwhTSEJvYsDDeT2jH9WBB-Vjxd55sRuO02LdiOK5YTRfI4SLLgZvRT3dKhpD-P/s1600/Blanket2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52hK5CO3vh7WEZgvvljfCxSVmKdsCVSLtE4v2GmwtXCCjTB0abYzTrc_yBOv7N2pBK9ZYi_OHYul4s-JwhTSEJvYsDDeT2jH9WBB-Vjxd55sRuO02LdiOK5YTRfI4SLLgZvRT3dKhpD-P/s1600/Blanket2.JPG" height="240" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trace a logo on a t-shirt using tissue paper for a pattern.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<ul>
<li>Once again, place your two large pieces of fleece on top of each other with the right sides out. Line up the edges as closely as possible. They can be off by a fraction of an inch, but trim if necessary.</li>
<li>Use your tape measure and masking tape to mark a border 4 inches from the edge, all the way around the blanket.</li>
<li>Cut off the corners of the blanket, from the edge to the tape, removing 4"squares. Cut 1-inch wide strips all the way around the blanket, using the taped border as a guide for how deep to cut. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Remove the tape.</span></li>
<li>Double-knot <u>every-other strip </u>to attach the two pieces of fleece. The knots should be tight so they don't come undone, but be very careful not to cinch them too tightly toward the base of the strips. The blanket will pucker and won't lay flat if they are cinched too tightly. You'll also want the knots to be tied consistently. </li>
<li>Flip the blanket over so the back color is on top, and tie the remaining strips. This helps the blanket look good from both sides. </li>
</ul><div>Waaa-LA!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikctV2PrjMdilRPPLq1Ir59Qjo9pa1a89V_yOPNBz7_XjpKpniyjszFeSByCmQlQ4WBMEC_dv6PcjvtAanOlu9cGj7bhfHL0L2srAu0eqIMUG2p7v6GxuP_6vetSj0yEl7wTcdI3AM7VSm/s640/blogger-image-645119399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikctV2PrjMdilRPPLq1Ir59Qjo9pa1a89V_yOPNBz7_XjpKpniyjszFeSByCmQlQ4WBMEC_dv6PcjvtAanOlu9cGj7bhfHL0L2srAu0eqIMUG2p7v6GxuP_6vetSj0yEl7wTcdI3AM7VSm/s640/blogger-image-645119399.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
</div>annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-75740028973676407082014-03-15T07:28:00.002-05:002019-11-19T11:23:40.637-06:00Two Curious Packages in One Glorious DayI curiously received two packages at work one day last week.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsL9j5AbM6S6Cos8V3Fmxp2Lp_orznXzkMIdBEDaNbFQImwQumJ2jgG6ixCnjUE0OdcbTFBs7zfZJWfo_L1ybNqnmxs2tn6R5XSBfPR4obcwZ6OIGPAkNDALgM8w0EbQhuTseYMAYntcMM/s1600/Award+-+boxes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsL9j5AbM6S6Cos8V3Fmxp2Lp_orznXzkMIdBEDaNbFQImwQumJ2jgG6ixCnjUE0OdcbTFBs7zfZJWfo_L1ybNqnmxs2tn6R5XSBfPR4obcwZ6OIGPAkNDALgM8w0EbQhuTseYMAYntcMM/s1600/Award+-+boxes.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I opened the sturdy padded envelope first, and inside was just one thing. MY CHECKBOOK! No note. No explanation. I had just been at my company's headquarters, and figured I must have accidentally left it there. I didn't even know I had lost it, but was very thankful it was returned!<br />
<br />
On to the box. Here's the first thing I pulled out! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbOV4j65S6q4NkCEHOOJ4tBUVKEEssmFlHf3kA6yxlT6RnDvYzypd1SAuvxz7j_JJX5VYg-F6PRpO_UsQuyQ8xOHhNiaxk7WbS41FHmJU9EGuTRZ0QdciPHl0NDgE4ZqFlRKyg4nUtbmD/s1600/Award+-+chocolate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbOV4j65S6q4NkCEHOOJ4tBUVKEEssmFlHf3kA6yxlT6RnDvYzypd1SAuvxz7j_JJX5VYg-F6PRpO_UsQuyQ8xOHhNiaxk7WbS41FHmJU9EGuTRZ0QdciPHl0NDgE4ZqFlRKyg4nUtbmD/s1600/Award+-+chocolate.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Magnificent Chocolate Award!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Weird, but awesome! Without a doubt, I deserved this award. Either that or maybe someone was pranking me. I dug through the box and found a heavily taped and bubble wrapped framed certificate. I couldn't wait to find out who finally was recognizing my outstanding achievements!<br />
<br />
And then I found this.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYAt1pP-hP9TSD4gHi8TJAgBTQ7bf1G8olh1W-MoFeVaQ1rdjovrUgUYKw9NHLOJWW7T6G9R-lmjO2Q3Fi11urXE1y5NymGta_dmPzguWqZ-OzXsUBciTM7yXF63r_JOUMNmWNtSqihn0/s1600/Award+-+certificate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYAt1pP-hP9TSD4gHi8TJAgBTQ7bf1G8olh1W-MoFeVaQ1rdjovrUgUYKw9NHLOJWW7T6G9R-lmjO2Q3Fi11urXE1y5NymGta_dmPzguWqZ-OzXsUBciTM7yXF63r_JOUMNmWNtSqihn0/s1600/Award+-+certificate.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A slight misspelling of my name, perhaps?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My first thought was that this is a very weird prank! There was also an envelope, which I was sure would explain the joke. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_z1J7tsYXqD8Vh2Nh3fWkj7_MzU_TggJj0O4gFiXjt-9ZO6tBJWjUhE9iCue7IwIcRNsCELiWTkshCWMMZpwjij8SFBPLXcs_jrnVMxyTTUsLex9ahTRNDdjcrXL28tiMTyxy4fUCs5H/s1600/Award+-+envelope.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_z1J7tsYXqD8Vh2Nh3fWkj7_MzU_TggJj0O4gFiXjt-9ZO6tBJWjUhE9iCue7IwIcRNsCELiWTkshCWMMZpwjij8SFBPLXcs_jrnVMxyTTUsLex9ahTRNDdjcrXL28tiMTyxy4fUCs5H/s1600/Award+-+envelope.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The anticipation is killing me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mBCT80jClatzil9VEuY-fcWh3cpFakneBI9gdNnk2iAo-Z05n-5Tm4euhyVJUhWn8E04CF5DIfQMC1qnnEK2gyXlRnkYt8qxhT7kBML6rTmWhcz4a0o5aCNyMHf9Fytk1BBYQzQ3LFQI/s1600/Award+-+winner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mBCT80jClatzil9VEuY-fcWh3cpFakneBI9gdNnk2iAo-Z05n-5Tm4euhyVJUhWn8E04CF5DIfQMC1qnnEK2gyXlRnkYt8qxhT7kBML6rTmWhcz4a0o5aCNyMHf9Fytk1BBYQzQ3LFQI/s1600/Award+-+winner.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm beginning to think this award is not meant for me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If this is a prank, it's an odd one! <br />
<br />
My company does a lot of business with Sears, but no one in my office knows Walter Chamberlain. One co-worker thought she knew him, but I suspect she was thinking of Wilt Chamberlain, who I really hope is a totally different guy. Unless Wilt Chamberlain finally had enough of fame and fortune and turned into a programmer at Sears. Remember that show Alice and how they always talked about Wilt Chamberlain? I sure hope you're old enough to remember that show!<br />
<br />
ANYway. I weighed my options. <br />
1. Eat the chocolate award.<br />
2. Display the award.<br />
3. Find the rightful owner.<br />
<br />
I chose Option 3. A little because it felt like the right thing to do, but mostly because I found it entertaining. I googled Walter and found out he's a programmer at Sears. Then I asked my co-worker to do the dirty work and call the Sears Mail Room. Guess what! They were happy to hear from us because they had mixed up two packages. I got Walt's award, and he had something for me! I took advantage of the spacious box and included a deck of promotional playing cards, a box of Thanks-A-Lot Girl Scout Cookies, and this letter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BeoAohOSGbK6JzarxNcnf37bBdZOd6k29mSqOHLAq2FiF27IOgbY1idEui9_2cn_CDugaB85x7RkQjyxZCDw2nnageSL0oPTEX9hDAuyrjfhWqRFyeDDv_R_rPTXLHrbY7DOKjrlB9xy/s1600/Award+-+letter.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BeoAohOSGbK6JzarxNcnf37bBdZOd6k29mSqOHLAq2FiF27IOgbY1idEui9_2cn_CDugaB85x7RkQjyxZCDw2nnageSL0oPTEX9hDAuyrjfhWqRFyeDDv_R_rPTXLHrbY7DOKjrlB9xy/s1600/Award+-+letter.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
At the last minute, I threw in this framed 8 x 10 photo.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY49_VvvCH-w7Axq-DDDYAiP8DX7Qifj86SKC1L6mEh_M69vugDcWNvtwrvH29ZUft4vwPaRSh0d3BHSRVSaPkPC1UNlFXUtjDcB5C1F_z6wo3DVMDawD24Gi-jQi5FIacUUoATkvqg_oD/s1600/Award+-+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY49_VvvCH-w7Axq-DDDYAiP8DX7Qifj86SKC1L6mEh_M69vugDcWNvtwrvH29ZUft4vwPaRSh0d3BHSRVSaPkPC1UNlFXUtjDcB5C1F_z6wo3DVMDawD24Gi-jQi5FIacUUoATkvqg_oD/s1600/Award+-+photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't know if this will amuse Walt, but it certainly amused me! And that's worth something.<br />
<br />
I haven't heard back from Walt, but I received this email yesterday.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOOhQd-c-_12JvVT5WwOfvHIyKpMnTrBzJsQ7Va9dDiuWKxgdbMITgIq2L8aSv_X_pippy6P6vhGVflgdZzdiQjWXaOszPn3KCQ2tVq51yy61fNosPHz_ZIUflKw9TFtDTL3ZY3x1_lxI/s1600/Award+-+email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOOhQd-c-_12JvVT5WwOfvHIyKpMnTrBzJsQ7Va9dDiuWKxgdbMITgIq2L8aSv_X_pippy6P6vhGVflgdZzdiQjWXaOszPn3KCQ2tVq51yy61fNosPHz_ZIUflKw9TFtDTL3ZY3x1_lxI/s1600/Award+-+email.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So it turns out that I didn't leave my checkbook at my company headquarters; I left it at a tradeshow I recently worked for Sears. Apparently I'm TERRIBLE at reading return addresses and equally inept at keeping track of my belongings! My checkbook somehow survived being shredded and falling into water, and made it's way back to me. It's a checkbook miracle!annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-75208769956021425622014-01-20T17:29:00.002-06:002014-01-20T17:29:39.694-06:00I accidently strangled my toeIn honor of my toe and millions of other injured toes, I beg you to please throw away your socks that have holes in them. Do not donate them or give them away. First of all, that's disgusting. Second of all, they're dangerous. Save the toes, people. <br />
<br />
Let me tell you a slightly embarrassing story. A few days ago, I decided to get on the old treadmill. I noticed a tiny hole in my sock as I was getting ready, but I decided it would be ok. I was afraid I might lose my motivation in the time it took to find and change into a better pair. <br />
<br />
About a half mile into my five mile walk/jog, I noticed that my toe had poked through the hole in the sock. It was slightly uncomfortable, but I knew I wouldn't get back on the treadmill if I stopped to fix it. No pain, no gain, blah, blah, blah.<br />
<br />
When I finally stopped, I immediately took off my sock and freed "this little piggy stayed home," which is the second toe for those of you who don't remember the rhyme. I was expecting instant relief, but it is still hurting after FOUR DAYS. I've limped. I've elevated. I've whined. But I haven't looked at it even once. I just can't, and I can't ask anyone else to look at it either. To be honest, I'm afraid of what I might see. I would post a photo here, but that would mean looking, and I'm not ready to do that. <br />
<br />
Now do you see what I'm saying? Please help spread the word. Clean out those sock drawers. Your newer socks will enjoy the extra room and your toes will stay nice and safe. Please don't let this happen to you or anyone you know. Are you with me?<br />
<br />
P.S. Here's the piggy poem in case you can't remember it. <br />
<br />
This little piggy went to market.<br />
This little piggy stayed home.<br />
This little piggy had roast beef.<br />
This little piggy had none.<br />
This little piggy went wee wee wee<br />
All the way home.<br />
<br />
P.P.S. It's always bothered me that home and none don't rhyme or even have the same vowel sound. Also, I've always wondered where the little piggy was coming home from? Did he go to market with the big piggy? If so, the two piggies who did and didn't have roast beef interrupt the flow of the story. Did they go to market? Did piggy number three eat his roast beef at the market? <br />
<br />
Here's a better version, don't you think?<br />
<br />
This little piggy ate bananas.<br />
This little had bread.<br />
This little piggy had roast beef.<br />
This little piggy was fed.<br />
This little piggy went wee wee wee<br />
All the way to bed.annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-14942434734409915942013-12-12T06:47:00.002-06:002013-12-12T07:23:13.325-06:00Emma's First Sleeping PillHave you ever worked a normal day, gone home to complete chaos and then gone back into work the next day as if nothing major happened? That happened to me last Wednesday.<br />
<br />
Kids around here get out of school every Wednesday at 1:30 in order to avoid missed days for teacher in-service. This particular Wednesday, I took the afternoon of in order to take 19 (yes, 19!) second and third grade Girl Scouts to tour a t-shirt printer. Five of the girls came back to my house to hang out until their parents got off work. Sure, they used a whole bottle of chocolate syrup on their ice cream, but the day was still going ok. <br />
<br />
Then Emma, my 14-year-old, told me she needed a haircut that night because she wanted to look cute for a concert the next day during school. My 12-year-old daughter, Alli, had a softball lesson at 6, so Emma, Alli and I headed out the door as soon as the last little scout was picked up. We went to Great Clips and hoped for a quick cut so we could be on our way. <br />
<br />
As I was waiting for Emma, I thought I heard her say "Mom....", but she wasn't looking my way when I looked up. After the third time, I went to see what was going on. That's when I noticed Emma was uncontrollably SOBBING. She had wanted her side bangs trimmed shorter so she can leave them down, but the hairstylist had cut half of her bangs straight across her eyebrows. I tried to calm Emma down so the rest of the bangs could be cut because it had to be done at that point. I didn't mind the new look, but Emma was, and still is, devastated. I sent Emma and Alli to the car so I could pay and smooth things over with the stylist. Emma stayed in the car during Alli's softball lesson, dramatically mourning the loss of her bangs. I explained that no, she could not stay home from school tomorrow, and no, her life was not over.<br />
<br />
I hated to leave Emma home in that condition, but I had made plans with my newly divorced friend who hasn't gotten out of the house in quite a while. We walked into a nice quiet restaurant, and she immediately recognized a "lady" who had been "extra friendly" with her husband. It was after they'd been separated, but it still stung. But the kicker of the whole thing is that the "lady" was wearing a product that is sold exclusively by my friend. We think it's most likely that this "lady" took the product from her husband's basement where they were being stored at the time. Luckily, we had a good laugh over it all. Whew! That could have been bad!<br />
<br />
We went back to my friend's house to find some headbands that might help Emma hold her bangs back for the next few months. That's when I got a panicked call from Emma. I thought she was still worked up about her bangs, but she told me she had cut her knee open and needed to go to the emergency room. She was getting up on a bed and put her knee on a pair of sharp scissors. Ew, I know. I rushed home, and texted a photo to my husband, TJ, who was working at the fire station. I could post that picture, but ew. He told me it didn't look like it needed stitches, but I needed to use a couple band aids to pull it shut. I did my best and then cleaned up the blood, some of which had gotten on the dog's tail. Emma was hysterical, still partly overreacting from her hair, and partly justifiably from her knee. I caved in and told her she could stay home from school the next morning. As I was getting her some ibuprofen, I noticed a bottle of sleeping pills. Perfect. Emma is old enough for a sleeping pill, right? Right.<br />
<br />
I called the school in the morning blubbering something about Emma staying home because she hurt her knee. I knew it sounded lame, and my attempt to over-explain only made it worse. I came home over my lunch hour the next day, and Emma was happy, ready to go to school, and looked beautiful with her bangs pulled back. Isn't she pretty!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQWhJDFuIwII7r8kQVPYTNj-h18lTRcUxTnYf-h5LibPbRLGy1M3lzVu1e6wXyP-Nh_1f6wBw6zTNV-oNPwHWyH5HdV4991eArfvUGTqG80poSjDyVonFGIbDrqMdsG-ecPL_avTKNHLq/s1600/Emma's+Bangs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQWhJDFuIwII7r8kQVPYTNj-h18lTRcUxTnYf-h5LibPbRLGy1M3lzVu1e6wXyP-Nh_1f6wBw6zTNV-oNPwHWyH5HdV4991eArfvUGTqG80poSjDyVonFGIbDrqMdsG-ecPL_avTKNHLq/s320/Emma's+Bangs.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-33836390105631377512013-10-17T14:44:00.000-05:002013-10-17T17:52:09.604-05:00My dog is a picky eaterNellie is a pretty good dog. But one thing that irritates me is that she does not eat at her bowl in the kitchen.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbN-1o0uinzW_7jj3hdN6Yr-hYfFVc9QbEXGrAdpvixdcuXUeOA3DHR90DG3Q7eomoTtEzZ2g-rzAyP7ENDEy0ywKuIKK0nx21NW2v2JlvHujLeNsUXZFWkESKz5r1FoC1zR30N93zCGf/s1600/Nellie+Food2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbN-1o0uinzW_7jj3hdN6Yr-hYfFVc9QbEXGrAdpvixdcuXUeOA3DHR90DG3Q7eomoTtEzZ2g-rzAyP7ENDEy0ywKuIKK0nx21NW2v2JlvHujLeNsUXZFWkESKz5r1FoC1zR30N93zCGf/s320/Nellie+Food2.JPG" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy-to-clean tile floor</td></tr>
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Instead, she scoops up mouthfuls of food and eats in the living room. <br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1x8wotwDa_1aFwOk5dNg8f5adtmP_6wss6H1VeYxH_C5N8rwpbcez3QYnKRl0tov_9yvy0B6JajD7J3GTa8CMlWLYhZSlVTbIEF8ibGL3RzYkuD6jaiRJMj_ShhFJl_hztV8TE-TVGBKq/s1600/Nellie+Food1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1x8wotwDa_1aFwOk5dNg8f5adtmP_6wss6H1VeYxH_C5N8rwpbcez3QYnKRl0tov_9yvy0B6JajD7J3GTa8CMlWLYhZSlVTbIEF8ibGL3RzYkuD6jaiRJMj_ShhFJl_hztV8TE-TVGBKq/s320/Nellie+Food1.JPG" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dog food on my CARPET</td></tr>
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She's good about cleaning up the pieces that spill out of her mouth, but I DON'T WANT HER TO EAT ON THE CARPET! The other day I caught her carrying food to her eating spot. I moved quick like a bull fighter to block her way. I told her NO. I asked her to <em>please</em> eat on the tile. I pulled her back to the tile. I was determined to put a stop to the nonsense. I lost. I gave up. I gave in. I took a photo.<br>
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I didn't want to have to do it, but I think I'm going to put her on <a href="http://www.dog-shaming.com/">www.dog-shaming.com</a>. Maybe that will teach her.<br>
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Also, I think it's weird that she doesn't like most dog treats, but she LOVES sandwich bread. We don't give her other people food, but we use bread as a reward and to teach her tricks. She is crazy for it! I once gave her a piece of her favorite bread that had been left out for a couple hours, and she wouldn't touch it. What a picky eater!<br>
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And another thing. She only eats mini chunks, even though she's big enough for the regular chunks. We tried to switch her, but the bigger chunks fell right out of her mouth and made a mess on the carpet. Sigh. annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-27270761695120485982013-10-06T12:41:00.001-05:002013-10-13T19:18:16.124-05:00I No Longer Fear Mariachi Bands<div>
I recently visited a Mexican restaurant called Jalapeno Loco near the Milwaukee airport. To my horror, it was mariachi night. I wouldn't say I have a Mariachi phobia, but they make me awfully uncomfortable. I take pride in my diverse taste in music. I like rock, indie, pop, folk, country. But Mariachi? No gracias!<em> </em>I tried calm my nerves and shouted to my coworker, "Are they too loud, or am I too old." Then, "I really just want them to stop." The next thing I knew, the happy musicians finished their unusual rendition of <em>Roll Out the Barrel</em> (only in Milwaukee) at the table next to us. And there they were, surrounding our little table for two, looking at us expectedly. <br>
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<em>Flashback to my last real-life experience with a mariachi band. It was during my college years on a family trip to Tijuana. We were eating at a touristy restaurant with an authentic Mariachi band doing their thing. I felt like the best way to deal with them was to ignore them. My dad enthusiastically waved them over. And then looked to me for a song choice because I had studied Spanish. I froze and couldn't think of anything. It was terribly awkward, and I've avoided Mariachis ever since that day.</em><br>
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But on this more recent experience in Milwaukee, my manners proved to be stronger than my distaste in Mariachi. Without thinking, I spoke to them in Spanish. I don't usually use Spanish, even when I know I'm talking to a Spanish speaker. For some reason I feel like it is condescending or that it looks like I'm trying to show off. I was nervous and it accidentally came out like a side effect of my fear. Well, it turned out that they were delighted to hear a gringa like me speak their language. We instantly bonded! </div>
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Like a horrid moment from my past, the band asked what we wanted to hear. I said I actually liked their rendition of <em>Roll Out the Barrel</em> that they had just finished. I could see them roll their eyes at one another. We settled on a Chilean folk song that was fun and not at all awkward. I'd actually like to hear them again sometime!<br>
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annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-80015494911970269122013-10-06T09:58:00.001-05:002013-10-06T09:58:29.518-05:00Virgin = Vegetation = Vegetarians<div>
One of the consequences of going to Digitour was that the girls had to do homework on our way home from Chicago. Here are a few snippets of our conversation.<br />
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Gwen: Mom! It says PUBERTY on my homework!</div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1380808323828_15772">Me: WHAT?</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1380808323828_15776">Gwen: Yeah! It does! pu-ber-ty. Weird, right?</span></div>
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Me: What subject is it?</div>
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Gwen: It's math, mama. I don't get why it says that.</div>
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Alli: Gwen, that says property.</div>
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Gwen: Oooooh! (pause) What does property mean?</div>
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Gwen: I know how to spell virgin.</div>
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Me: WHAT?</div>
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Gwen: Virgin. I know how to spell it.</div>
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Me: WHY?</div>
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Gwen: Because I do. It's v-e-g-e-t-a-t-i-o-n.</div>
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Me: Gwen, that's vegetation.</div>
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Gwen: Oh, ok.</div>
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Me inside my head: PUH-LEASE don't ask what virgin means!<br />
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Then later...</div>
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Gwen: What are some vegetarians around our neighborhoods?</div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1380808323828_15799">Me: WHAT? Let me see the paper. Gwen, that says vegetation. It's not the same thing.</span></div>
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Gwen: I know, but I call it vegetarians.<br />
Me: Vegetarians are people who don't eat meat. Vegetation is plants.<br />
Gwen: Eh! Close enough.</div>
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Stubborn kid!</div>
annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-32847350449328072712013-10-05T13:39:00.001-05:002013-10-05T13:52:33.373-05:00I don't need help in the bathroom<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1380808323828_15771">
<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1380808323828_15770">It's been FOREVER since I posted, but I happen to be in a writey kind of mood today. I broke the kids out of school this week and road tripped to </span>the 2013 Digitour concert in Chicago. I'm not big on pulling the kids out of school, but it was just a day, and I decided it would be a good memory for us. <br>
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Digitour is a concert series featuring several teen Youtube stars. Some of the youtubers sang cover popular songs. A group of popular British and a South African stars interacted with the crowd and participated contests like best bum and best makeup applied by an audience member. It was a family-friendly show, and totally worth the drive.</div>
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Traffic was horrible, so we got to the Riveria Theater in Chicago right as the show was starting. I dropped the girls off and found parking. I went directly to the bathroom when I finally got inside. It's been a while since I've made it out to an urban hotspot, so I had forgotten about the ladies that set up shop in the bathrooms and work for tips. They provide a tray of things you might need, like mints, candies, band-aids, aspirin, etc. In this case, they were also handing out paper towels because coincidentally, the paper towel holders were all empty. Hmmm...</div>
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It's an uncomfortable and unnecessary service, don't you think? I never know how to treat them. I generally avoid taking anything from them and don't leave a tip. I don't want to be rude, but it feels like a scam. No one really needs help in the bathroom. However, I feel guilty when I think about how I must look to them. I obviously have enough money to splurge on entertainment. And then I think about the bathroom helper, a person who has somehow taken a path that has led to earning tips in the lady's room.</div>
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So, there I was trying to avoid making eye contact, and a tough-looking bathroom worker said to me, "Oh, girl! Those shoes are FIERCE! If I saw you on the street, I swear I would BEAT YOU DOWN and take those shoes right off of your feet!" And her friend nodded in agreement.</div>
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"I...uh...thank you!?" as I scurried away to meet up with the girls.<br>
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We headed into the theater that was bursting with teenage hysteria. As we settled into our seats, Gwen tugged on my shoulder and shouts over the concert, "MOM! I HAVE SOME CANDY!" Sure enough, she held up a wrapped roll of Smarties. My first panicked thought was that she'd found it under her seat, but then she proudly announced that she got it from a lady in the bathroom. Oh dear! I guess it's a good example of how we see things differently as we get older. </div>
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It turned out to be a great night overall. Emma and her friend, Nina, loved the whole thing. Loved isn't a strong enough word. They actually cried! Alli thought it was too loud. Gwen cried because she was too hot, but afterward said it was awesome. I was able to make it home safely, shoes and all. I know we'll all look back on the night as a fun adventure.<br>
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I'll end with a photo of Caspar Lee and Marcus Butler crowd surfing in bubbles. <br>
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annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-18556134638305306232013-04-30T22:32:00.004-05:002013-04-30T22:32:50.373-05:00Happy May Day!Do you celebrate May Day? It's such a fun tradition, but is unfotunately not well known outside of the midwest. Traditionally on May 1, kids make little baskets and fill them with popcorn and candy. Then they sneak up to doorsteps, leave a basket, ring the doorbell and RUN!! You're not supposed to get caught, but it's fun to hide in nearby bushes to see the reaction. See...isn't that fun!<br />
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There are a lot of ways to make May baskets. I usually start with a paper or plastic cup, but I've also seen cute baskets made from gift bags or chinese take-out containers. I also love the idea of giving a little flower planted in a paper cup. <br />
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Here is what we came up with this year. It's pretty simple.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SWJUPz4VFdCHjOVR_fDseN-vQqQpAd51Yc15SVr5ztKRB7QpwXBGYqbrFaaUNh8A2dZEiDwEZeoaJ_vC4sLcTI7lRjcYDLALBXYdG3pRZ3XwWM20RTQxgIYmPhBfSxIzqRVsGKW3WKx7/s1600/May+Day3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" lua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SWJUPz4VFdCHjOVR_fDseN-vQqQpAd51Yc15SVr5ztKRB7QpwXBGYqbrFaaUNh8A2dZEiDwEZeoaJ_vC4sLcTI7lRjcYDLALBXYdG3pRZ3XwWM20RTQxgIYmPhBfSxIzqRVsGKW3WKx7/s320/May+Day3.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 May Basket</td></tr>
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You can probably figure this one out. We used a party paper cup from Walmart and cut slits to add a pipe cleaner handle. That's probably the most commen way to make a May basket, by the way. We took it a little further by adding three flowers to each basket that we made from card stock, flat craft sticks, Hershey Kisses and Tacky Glue. May basket night always takes longer than I want it to, but the girls and I really like our craft night! The man in our house...not so much. Sorry, TJ! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkluR5lTRDsGJC17imshE9ShAOi-Ef-5H1BU32sl4rhSMXrI1Ju3xbOjVARNeAw4NPFxYMi61y7FpJzBKC9TkI5ik03L4oE-AB5BX2k-LjaWLM79nB_FzIwBeHfrrO1bbX1FYpmeceLun1/s1600/May+Day1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" lua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkluR5lTRDsGJC17imshE9ShAOi-Ef-5H1BU32sl4rhSMXrI1Ju3xbOjVARNeAw4NPFxYMi61y7FpJzBKC9TkI5ik03L4oE-AB5BX2k-LjaWLM79nB_FzIwBeHfrrO1bbX1FYpmeceLun1/s320/May+Day1.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May Basket Flowers</td></tr>
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We tried to add candy that won't melt in the cups. I personally like wrapped candy and don't usually use the traditional popcorn. I used flavored Tootsie Rolls, gumballs, Tootsie Pops, and carmels. Fruit snacks are another good option.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0McFNWMyD0R0NQo_GQSPmIzINnLES9aUg8-uVgkKpakDCXWXt6UglMn2rnMpYEAhTyUTm5-vOc_CMBoL08b5k5nTXJwBaYOAIUL9Q-GF64VcdKmNb2qZyJ29rhhquumBle96F4dTSaKg/s1600/May+Day2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" lua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0McFNWMyD0R0NQo_GQSPmIzINnLES9aUg8-uVgkKpakDCXWXt6UglMn2rnMpYEAhTyUTm5-vOc_CMBoL08b5k5nTXJwBaYOAIUL9Q-GF64VcdKmNb2qZyJ29rhhquumBle96F4dTSaKg/s320/May+Day2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We scaled back this year to about 20 baskets. Some years it's been more like 50.</td></tr>
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If you don't already celebrate May Day in your neighborhood, I encourage you to start the tradition! And if you do celebrate, I encourage you to come to my house! :)<br />
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P.S. Parents, PLEASE teach your children not to place their May Baskets right in front of the door, because they'll put their friend in a real pickle. I can't even guess how many May baskets are knocked over by doors! It's a real flaw in the system, and nobody likes a spilled basket!annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4221906647313133746.post-57075763582993931722013-04-26T17:17:00.003-05:002013-04-26T17:17:26.366-05:00Wishing My Mother a Very Happy Birthday!<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimePaNho6LVb5v6PKCDa0OYqdUKDtdCZQdftydTUIWcOhA2LqbnXNZlaxGIqaM57bMsNCMygKDEPLhV-HXGPxpEAILsGX3e7j9ATssBJN5OmsE0SwyuesHc15YYEBNDiP3HhEbPzzZTsoR/s1600/Mom+with+a+Gator1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimePaNho6LVb5v6PKCDa0OYqdUKDtdCZQdftydTUIWcOhA2LqbnXNZlaxGIqaM57bMsNCMygKDEPLhV-HXGPxpEAILsGX3e7j9ATssBJN5OmsE0SwyuesHc15YYEBNDiP3HhEbPzzZTsoR/s1600/Mom+with+a+Gator1.jpg" /></a></h2>
I called Mom yesterday afternoon to wish her a happy birthday. It was one of those conversations that was not funny when we were having it. Everything was ho-hum, another busy day, la-ti-da. Sometimes it takes a few hours to find the humor! Here are some things that came up.<br />
1. Mom told me that Dad had invited some friends over for dinner to celebrate, so she was getting ready for that. No, it didn't bother her at all to cook her own birthday dinner.<br />
2. Mom was slightly concerned about having people over because, you know (no, I didn't) the bathroom isn't really functional because of the remodel.<br />
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3. I heard a few deep thunks. Mom explained that she was trying to thaw some frozen hamburger.<br />
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4. Mom told me about her trip to the Menards to buy "a long plastic thing" for $4. Well, ACTUALLY, she got TWO long plastic things for $4. Bargain! A friend recommended it to unplug Mom's kitchen sink, since you know (no I didn't) that it was plugged and had standing water in it. Well, it worked! She was proud that she didn't need Dad's help!<br />
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5. Mom suddenly panicked because she discovered a BRIGHT YELLOW stain on her kitchen counter from the Drain-o that she had use in an attempt to unclog the sink.<br />
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6. Mom told me that Turkey, a cat that now lives in their shed, but used to belong to me, has two new black friends. She didn't seem very happy about that.<br />
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7. Comet seemed to be making progress on the Drain-o stain.<br />
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8. Mom said, "Oh, darn!" but we continued to chat. A few minutes later she casually mentioned that she had spilled a whole bag of noodles, and some of the noodles was starting to burn on the stove burners.<br />
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Then I got a call from work so I had to let her go.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy Birthday, Mom!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's the rest of the photo that I posted at the top of this post!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8HUGNtC4cpeCh-HyFRinIYpncvy4W5F7jRK5U2Xch63lc1v5HOeyvV5DNvP0wVcj2W6WoyMEdA-yt94NmSUy5u2UNixHtIhKcc1r6QPpIWHNlRJNPenMZmCbVnaQRhYRj-oOJG-aqjDH/s1600/Mom+with+a+Gator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8HUGNtC4cpeCh-HyFRinIYpncvy4W5F7jRK5U2Xch63lc1v5HOeyvV5DNvP0wVcj2W6WoyMEdA-yt94NmSUy5u2UNixHtIhKcc1r6QPpIWHNlRJNPenMZmCbVnaQRhYRj-oOJG-aqjDH/s400/Mom+with+a+Gator.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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UPDATE: Mom said the birthday dinner went well. The company surprised her by showing up a half hour early...with a plunger to help her unclog the sink. Mom says there's no need to own your own plunger because it's not something you use very often. And the Drain-o stain didn't come out. It's one of the few things that Comet cannot fix (dry Comet, not the liquid kind).<br />
And here are a couple previous posts about my mom:<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.forgetaboutnormal.blogspot.com/2012/10/im-kind-of-like-my-mom-but-not-really.html" target="_blank">I'm kind of like my mom, but not really</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.forgetaboutnormal.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-pajama-loophole.html" target="_blank">The Pajama Loophole</a></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzckHRa9OlCgHf1jcVWRXOJf_sQTZXyoG7qYKmy_n39vr-1D2qqLDgsKUooyreP53Ao87I_rZjGrFkzNWSN3QxCM72mlesgiO998vsk_BP6KsSOI5TFnEJrB_Zdh99Qfs_Y1ntxoaTl23_/s1600/Mom+with+a+Gator3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzckHRa9OlCgHf1jcVWRXOJf_sQTZXyoG7qYKmy_n39vr-1D2qqLDgsKUooyreP53Ao87I_rZjGrFkzNWSN3QxCM72mlesgiO998vsk_BP6KsSOI5TFnEJrB_Zdh99Qfs_Y1ntxoaTl23_/s1600/Mom+with+a+Gator3.jpg" /></a></div>
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annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244678297942955116noreply@blogger.com1