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Make Mom Her Own Unique Book For Mother'S Working Day

14 Feb 2018 03:14

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Do you have an uncomfortable garden? Or maybe do you have much more harsh words for it? Do you discover your self obtaining a lot of no-exhibits at your backyard events? You do not have to really feel like this any longer; changing the landscape of your garden can go a long way. Read on to find suggestions which can help to renew your garden and produce a welcome outside retreat.The municipalities of Lang ford and Coll wooden previously had been over looked by most of the individuals in Victoria. When improvements arrived they grew to become the metropolis of option as more mature homes and farms were eliminated and totally new developments were constructed. So that was a fast more than see of the Victoria area. There is background all over the place you look ,come go to.Whether they're residing together or not, they'll most likely have every thing they require. 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The worst factor you can do is set the price as well high and then have to constantly slash it every couple of weeks. A well priced home will promote anyplace in any market.If cash is not an issue for you maybe Oak Bay contains what you might favor. With yards larger than present construction as this neighborhood has been created for numerous years. Nicely-kept lawns alongside with shrubs and hedges with floral preparations blended in for color. If you have lots and tons of money you may move into million dollar homes on the uplands region. At one time a gated region back again in the previous exactly where your personal Money plants maintains the lawns, and houses big enough for three families. And in the region the Victoria golfing club. Undoubtedly exclusive residing. Carrying on about the island to Gordon head next to Mount Doug Park.The web can additionally help you discover the very best costs on gardening products and provides. You might stumble on a nursery in your region that not only has great prices but some particular goods as well. Merely by going on-line, you could discover retailers that you just didn't know existed. There was 1 Money plants who discovered a nursery that sold to only other nurseries but was now open up to the consumer. She was able to search via their twelve greenhouses and purchase something she wanted. This produced it feasible for her to identify bouquets, colours, finishes, or any other option she preferred, and you can possibly find the exact same type of thing by utilizing the internet your self.Weddings are frequently the happiest day of people's life and you can be a part of it. There are numerous courses accessible to turn out to be a wedding ceremony planner. Often they include following a real wedding ceremony planner so you can gain accurate insights about the business; from the abilities and duties required to how to discover customers. This includes a research of all the wedding ceremony fundamentals from rings, gowns, flowers, favors, suits, cakes, traditional and contemporary venues, flower preparations, wine, enjoyment, deadlines and budgets.You will be able to develop such a nice landscape that your neighbors finish up jealous. The most difficult part is telling them you did it by yourself since these tips make you seem like a professional. Great luck in that process!

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Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Yogurt with quince topping - yogurt con sciroppo di mele cotogne

A simple dessert or a treat at any time of the day: use some plain thick yogurt, like greek yogurt, or yogurt from The Collective Dairy. For the topping I cooked some quince apples until mushy, then I put them into a muslin cloth over a bowl for a night to collect the juice. I measured the liquid and added half of its weight in sugar and boiled everything until I got a thick syrup. This can be kept in the fridge for a long time and spooned over the yogurt (or cakes or other desserts) when needed. So yummy!

Photos and Recipes by Alessandra Zecchini ©

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

  2. No thank you Steve Finnell, I don't follow religious blogs. I am also deleting your post because it classifies as spam. What is Spam? Spam is everything that has nothing to do with this blog and with the post in question. :-)

  3. Alessandra I love quinces so I love this yogurt with quince! just delicious!!!
    un beso

  4. Un beso para ti también Gloria!

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Thursday, October 9, 2008

So for this week, I'm going to look at another alum of WC who I respect a lot. He also happens to be related to me as well.

My brother-in-law Jason Kalajainen has in the space of ten years (or so) managed to carve quite a niche for himself in the professional world. After attending Westminster College, Jason went on to get a masters degree in non-profit administration, and he never really stopped from there. One of his first jobs put him into the art world, and he's risen through the ranks rather quickly. Since my sister is an artist herself, it's turned into a family affair. Jason started working for the Ann Arbor Arts Council, and has progressed through to the point where he is now the director of the prestigious Ox-Bow Art Retreat in Saugatuck, MI. Ox-Bow is an extension of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Jason was also recently honored with a Young Alumni Citation by Westminster College.

Despite this amazing work history, I admire and respect Jason for many other reasons. One of these is his work ethic. He pours himself into any project he takes on, and doesn't just stop when it's done. He stops when it's done WELL, and that's something that I'm trying to emulate more often. On another note, as a broadcaster, I also admire his talent at speaking to a crowd as well. He seems to have a knack with speaking, and keeping people's rapt attention, and this is something else I hope to learn as well.

Now, I realize that I may be somewhat biased, since we are related, HOWEVER, there's definitely no question that when I've been stuck on some problem, Jason, on multiple times, has been there to help me figure out exactly how to handle whatever comes my way. I really hope to take what I've learend from him to be a far more effective person in the professional world.

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11 June 2010

Okay guys, it's time for another contest! This one is being sponsored by CSN Online Stores who... for all of us readers out there offer some great things to help keep us all reading! Such as lights, bookcases, bookends and so much more to choose from! It's all there at your finger tips with this $60 gift card!!!

Entering is as always - Easy!

Here's some simple rules:

-Please, only entries in the form provided. I love comments, so please comment away... just no entries in comment please.
-You must be at least 13 years old to enter
-This contest is open to US and Canada only. Sorry!
-Contest ends on: June 29th 2010

Any questions, please email and Good Luck to everyone who enters!!!

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Hi, I’m Lisa and I'm a proud bibliophile.

I enjoy reading and reviewing a variety of different books within the Young Adult, "New Adult" & Adult genres/categories. If you have any questions or if you are an author or publisher and would be interested in promoting a book, please feel free email. You can find my email under the "mail" button or under the contact link at the top of the page.

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15 August 2008

Billy Elliot - A Punter's Review

On Saturday, 2nd August 2008 my beloved and I went up to London to see 'Billy Elliot', a musical based on the film of the same name and with music for the stage show written by Sir Elton John. Billed as 'The Greatest British Musical', it held out great promise for a thrilling night of theatre.

The performance we saw had Layton Williams in the leading role. I can honestly say that the lad was absolutely fantastic in just about every aspect of his performance. I was very impressed by his ability and his natural presence on the stage. He really lived the part, and certainly held his own in the pas-de-deux with Barnaby Meredith who played his older self, taking account of the boy's age and the experience of the older dancer.

It was strange for me, a Brummie living in Newcastle and having travelled all the way to London, to hear a whole production done in Geordie. Even that most difficult of accents the boy managed extremely well, with a couple of slight mispronunciations. I've lived near the Tyne for 22 years and still can't do the accent as well as Layton.

Billy's dad was played by Phil Whitchurch, known for his TV roles in 'The Bill' and 'My Hero' (in which he played a very convincing idiot). He put in an excellent performance, displaying his versatility in contrast with those other roles, powerfully conveying the pathos of a man in mourning.

I have to say the music did absolutely nothing for me. I found it unmemorable and lacking in depth and breadth, apart from one piece - an excerpt from Swan Lake, written by Tchaikowsky. Sir Elton John has written some superb stuff in his time, for example, the music for 'The Lion King'. Unfortunately, at least for me, this effort was not comparable and left me unmoved. Certainly, there was comedy in Grandma's song but that had more to do with the libretto than the score. The anthem entitled
(presumably) 'We're Going Down' had the potential for so much poignant irony but failed to plumb its depths. So, sorry, Sir Elton, but in my opinion this is not Britain's greatest musical; I saw 'Joseph' in November and that had much more going for it.

I was moved by the parts involving Billy's late mother but even there I have to say that was because it evoked memories of my own loss rather than empathy with his.

The show has been criticised for the amount of swearing in it. Even as someone who never uses such language, I did not find it offensive, fitting, as it does, the culture in which the story is set. I know that sounds awfully snobbish but I was was once a young boy and am fully conversant with the terms used. Indeed, some of the worst expletives were used by the youngest members of the cast and only served to make the comedic sections even funnier.

All-in-all, I preferred the film - but I would not wish to detract from the excellent performances I have already mentioned and there was some superb theatre among it all. By way of balance, I have to say that the audience received the show very favourably, with most of its members out of their seats in ovation at the end. Certainly, the man sat next to me seemed to be enraptured by the whole thing.

My beloved loved it, of course. Still, you can't expect to please everyone...

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10 May 2010

Electoral Chaos

Well, here we are with a hung, or balanced, parliament.  As they wheel and deal to decide who should form a government, how to unravel the tangled mess we have given them, let's hope they got and remember the message: we aren't all that happy with any of them.

Mr Brown has decided to go; do we have Mr Clegg to thank for that?  Despite comments in my previous postings, I do wish him well; I believe him to be a decent and genuine human being.  We still have no idea of who we are likely to get in place of him.  It won't be Mr Clegg.  It could still be Mr Cameron.  If the Lib-Dems ally themselves with Labour, who will lead the country while Labour elects its new leader?  I guess Mr Brown...

There is always the danger, of course, that the Lib-Dems will hang themselves out to dry by whatever decision they make.  If they go with the Tories it will give a genuine majority in the house but I can't see either party tolerating the alliance for long.  The Lib-Dems could be accused of compromising their principles.  The Tories will complain that they are being restrained from implementing their more radical policies (no bad thing, from my point of view).  If they go with Labour, there will still be no clear majority in the House.  Government will be reliant on the good will of smaller parties such as the SNP and Plaid Cwmru who will be in a position to manipulate Parliament to suit their causes (a good position for them).  They will be seen to have pushed the losing Labour party back into power.

Chances are we will have another election in October.  By then, if we get another Lib-Lab Pact, we may have a form of Proportional Representation in place.  It will be interesting to see how politicians sort out the ensuing hung parliament.  Still, it works in Europe and New Zealand.  At least they will have a mechanism for sorting out who is in charge and the horse-trading won't be necessary.  Labour may be left wondering how they would have faired in a First Past the Post election with a new leader.  Of course, they could wait and see how their new leader inspires the public and, if favourably, call an election before they have chance for a referendum on electoral reform, thus stabbing the Lib-Dems in the back...

Interesting, isn't it?

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Winchester Cladded Driveway Gates

Winchester Cladded Driveway Gates
Winchester Cladded Driveway Gates
Brand: All-Gates UK Limited
Product Code: DRIVE-WINCH
Availability: In Stock
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Here we have the Winchester Driveway. This range includes a fully morticed & tenoned frame, both pinned and glued for that extra strength and longer lasting durability. The round top styles are ex 100mm x 50mm and fully cladded with a smooth tongue & groove finish. Bell shape curved top rail. Complete and finished in a smooth finish with bevelled edges for character. Untreated. Ready to be preserved and stained with the colour of your choice. Available in pairs only. Please see the Coventry, Darlington, Staffordshire, Winchester and the Wrexham range for similar styles.

Please note that all our gates are supplied in a Scandinavian softwood as standard, but we can offer hardwood finishes too. If you would like a quotation for a hardwood, please contact us

Please note: All our height sizes are to the highest point on the gate (including any horns and capping).

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Highbridge Style Regents Driveway Gates

Highbridge Style Regents Driveway Gates
Highbridge Style Regents Driveway Gates
Brand: All-Gates UK Limited
Product Code: DRIVE-HIGHB
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* Select A Required Gate Size :

* Key Lock Required :

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   - OR -

Here we have the Highbridge Range. This range includes a fully morticed & tenoned frame, both pinned and glued for that extra strength and longer lasting durability. The shaped top styles are ex 100mm x 50mm and cladded with a smooth tongue & groove finish. Special shaped top rail with chamferred spindles inset. Complete and finished in a smooth finish with bevelled edges for character. Untreated. Ready to be preserved and stained with the colour of your choice. Available in both single or pairs. Please see the Cumberland, Cornwall and the Leicestershire range for similar styles.

Please note that all our gates are supplied in a Scandinavian softwood as standard, but we can offer hardwood finishes too. If you would like a quotation for a hardwood, please contact us.

Please note: All our height sizes are to the highest point on the gate (including any horns and capping).

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Monday, June 23, 2008

It's a Boy!

Today was the day our baby became a boy. :) We had our 1st (well, my wife did) ultrasound and we have a 20 minute DVD of the whole thing! Talk about cooool. Baby V was quite active and kept squirming around mommy's tummy.

I captured a few images off the DVD. Here's one of the pics of Baby V! The arrow you see in the picture is pointing to his tiny heart. :)

Later on he decided to do a flip and stretch his legs. Here's a pic of that event as well (not as clear though).

He kinda looks funky. Like some quasi-alien-human-thingy. :D But he's got all the human parts necessary to function. It was amazing seeing his heart and watching all 4 chambers operate. Got to see his kidneys, stomach, umbilical cord, spine, legs, arms, ear, nose, mouth, etc.

The creation of life is absolutely amazing. All this designed by our Heavenly Father. That's what blows me away. Praise be to Him!

I'm going to try to get some video uploaded this week as well. Gotta share the good news!

Now taking name suggestions... ;)

Tammy Schindel said...

yippee!!!! I'm so so so excited about my new cous.!!!!! love you both!

3orange1blonde said...

Hi Allen. This is a great idea..blogs, eh? I love blogging and reading them. I'm not a good writer so typing is so much easier and I can still be counted in the world of journalers.
Your blog is great..good writing. Thanks for the link. I'll check it every once in a while. Congratulations on being pregnant! It IS a miracle! And a boy?! You're just gonna love it. Yesterday Alan and Skye were playing soccer..cones set up and everything..Alan looked over and me and smiled! It was totally that look of "Look Lis, I got a boy to play soccer with!" Really is tremendous. O.k. too long of a message, thanks!~

3orange1blonde said...

oh, sorry, 3orange1blonde is Lisa Miller, you probably figured it out, but just thought I'd type it.


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Casino and Hotel Security Systems

There may be no event each year as great as the All-American Family Vacation. It takes a strong and vibrant travel and hospitality industry to make these travel dreams come true, but if you are having issues regarding security or failures in the field of systems integration, those dreams can turn into nightmares. It doesn’t take very long for a well established travel and hospitality company to go the way of Eastern Airlines, so if your company is having difficulties, contact us today. We offer the most experienced team in the business and we promise to work harder than any other company out there to cure what ails your travel firm.

Mergers within the travel and hospitality industry are nothing new, but the frequency in which they have been occurring lately has taken even long time industry experts by surprise. If your company is knee deep in a merger and you are struggling to overcome your systems integration issues, contact our experts for a no-cost consultation. Since 1992, we have been helping hotels and casinos make the most out of their existing infastructure. We’ll get your systems running and integrate new technologies to provide you a complete casino or hotel security solution.

It doesn’t matter if you are Disney or if you run a small travel agency with three employees, security is a major concern in this day and age. You not only need to protect your company from outside threats but also from internal threats that you may not see coming. We solve any type of security issue including access control, perimeter detection, IP video systems and more. We can even help you protect your computer systems from outside interference and hacking. In the Internet age, you can’t be too careful.

The travel and hospitality industry is a cornerstone of our economy. We understand how crucial security is and ensure peak performance from your commercial security system. We make sure our clients’ security issues aren’t an interference in your day-to-day business operations. Contact Alliance System Integrators, Inc., Inc. today to learn more about what our team of experts can do for you.


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New grad APN-- Collaborative agreement?

  1. Hello! I am a new grad APN, have just been offered my first job and am a little fuzzy on the details of what I do now! My question is in regard to how most collaborative agreements are drawn up - should my employer provide this? Or do I need to formulate something?

  2. Visit Ellie D profile page

    About Ellie D

    Joined: Jan '17; Posts: 3

  3. by   traumaRUs
    I'm in IL and our state requires a collaborative agreement. My practice provided it. It needs to include whatever the state BON says it needs to. Our state's APRN organization has one that meets our requirements on their website. I would suggest looking at the BON or your state's APRN organizations sites.

    Best wishes
  4. by   Ellie D
    Thank you! That is helpful
  5. by   WKShadowRN
    My employer provided it and the organization with whom I work is well versed in our needs and their liability. Please be sure to understand your state's practice act, what is considered safe to perform and order, and what is considered authorized by delegated acts. You will not be protected under their licenses if you practice outside of your scope.


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help about placement fees for employment in abu dhabi

  1. Please help me, it will be my first time to go abroad and I applied as a nurse in Abu Dhabi, UAE through an agency. I already have my 2 yrs exp, passed HAAD exam, underwent my medical exam and provided all the pertinent papers asked by the recruitment firm. my dilemma now is this. I neither have my working visa nor my license, which they said will be only be processed after I give them the responding fees. the fees are divided to three parts: 20k after signing the offer letter, 20k after having my license and 25k after having my visa and ticket. Will I trust this? The fee is equal to my one month salary if I would be employed in UAE.

    Is there someone in here who had the same experience I am going through right now? What shall I do? What to do... What if I do not do it and it is true all along then I lost my chance of going abroad but Im so afraid and confused right now, pls help me. Thank you very much.

    "To God be the glory."
  2. Visit nurseleeia profile page

    About nurseleeia

    Joined: Apr '08; Posts: 2

  3. by   Silverdragon102
    Moved to the International forum
  4. by   anadenunzio
    Are you insane? Why in the hell u want to go there?????????
  5. by   traumaRUs
    Its important to realize that other people/nurses take actions different from our own. Its even more respectful to realize that!
  6. by   banchan

    I'm guessing that you are from the Philippines. If yes, have you checked with POEA if this agency is licensed with them and if they have approved job orders? Also, check with the UAE embassy as to what is the actual cost of the visa if it is for employment.

    It is quite expensive for me. 65k? Check they have lots of job opening for nurses there in UAE. You might want to try going to some of the agencies and require about their recruitment procedure and application fees. Compare it with your agency and then you decide.
  7. by   anadenunzio
    @TraumaRU. Why we want to be nurses, RN's? Is not save lives? Starting here. If the nurse above is a girl, a women, with not much experince traveling abroad, spending all the money shae has. So the girl who I disrepected above should not travel alone. Not being dispectful, just protective.
  8. by   rglsmb
    is that in OPAS... better switch to agencies like Bayani or Abba..
  9. by   pinkykimz
    Hello nurse leeia. What agency did you apply?pls reply. Hoping.
  10. by   PinayUSA
    So they want $1,600 USD total.

    My gut just tells me this is way way too much money to pay, almost to a point of being a scam.

    Disclaimer I have very little knowledge on this, but it sure seems a lot of money to pay some one.

    Personally when I was placed at job, the company paid the recruiter or the company paid the fees, I am American and not in nursing profession.
  11. by   steppybay
    Why are you guys bringing up this old thread that's over 4 years old??
  12. by   standardprecautions
    This is too much. Look for another agency.


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Macomb Community College Nursing Weekly Schedule?

  1. I will be applying to Macomb Community College Nursing program for Fall 2018. Can any current students or graduates of this program tell me what your weekly schedule looks like. For example, the days and times of your classes and clinicals. Also, where are the clinicals held?
  2. Visit sydany profile page

    About sydany

    Joined: Mar '17; Posts: 1

  3. by   dulce_beso9
    I'm planning to apply then too and would like to know this as well!
  4. by   GiveMeTheCoffee
    The schedule changes every 8 weeks and is different for everyone. For the first 8 weeks it's usually 4 days a week with one 3 hour lab, one 6 hour lab, and two lectures. After that things get even more complicated with the 8 week segments being divided into 4 week classes and an 8 week clinical. Rotations are done at all major metro hospitals and there's just no way to plan for it. Prepare yourself for complete dedication and try to be in a job that's part time or less with extremely flexible hours.


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Why the Giants could be contenders next season, despite a horrible 2017

There are a lot of reasons why a franchise might decide a complete rebuild is the best thing for its future. A team full of veterans on pace to lose close to 100 games in a season? Yes, that would qualify as a major reason. Probably the best reason a team could come up with, really.

But the Giants don't seem to care about that. As one of their worst seasons in team history slogs to its inevitable end, the Giants are already starting to look ahead to next year; and, don't be surprised if the roster looks a whole lot like the one from this year.

It was easy to get a sense of what the Giants might have been thinking at the trade deadline, when the only veteran piece they moved was free agent-to-be Eduardo Nunez. They hung on to their higher-priced veterans, many of whom could have helped a number of contenders. That probably had something to do with the salaries of some of those players, but a team with an eye on rebuilding likely would have eaten money if it meant getting younger prospects in return.

The Giants didn't, and that speaks to what their plans are for 2018. They've made it clear that they're a team that doesn't rebuild, but rather tries to reload. With the success they've enjoyed this decade and the fan support and ticket sales that come with it, it's not hard to figure out why they might be averse to multiple losing seasons while trying to restock the system. But what is hard to figure out is whether the Giants are making the right move or just delaying the inevitable.

Taking a look at the Giants' roster, there are signs that they could be on to something in thinking they can contend again next year. Johnny Cueto, who can opt out of his deal this winter, recently indicated that his mindset has been staying in San Francisco and playing out his contract. Injuries have limited his effectiveness recently, but if he's healthy next year he can give the Giants a formidable top of the rotation with Madison Bumgarner and the resurgent Jeff Samardzija. The last two spots might be up for grabs, but that's already a solid foundation.

The bullpen has been buoyed by the addition of Sam Dyson, a return to health for Mark Melancon, and contributions from younger arms such as Kyle Crick and Hunter Strickland. If Will Smith can return from Tommy John surgery next year and become the reliable left-handed option they currently lack, the Giants have the makings of a pretty good relief corps, especially in the late innings.

So while the future of their pitching staff might give the Giants hope, their offense is another story entirely. If they had to point to one thing that has sunk their chances this year, an offense that ranks near the bottom of the league in almost every offensive category would be it. Finding solutions won't be easy, either: it's not an especially great year for free agent hitters that fit the Giants' needs, and there aren't a lot of hitters who'd put AT&T Park at the top of their lists of best places to hit.

The Giants will try, though. They've been linked to Giancarlo Stanton and have been one of the most aggressive suitors for him, according to reports. Tuesday they were linked to Justin Upton, who'd make a lot of sense for them in left field. If they somehow pull of a Stanton trade — unlikely, given the state of their farm system, but stranger things have happened — it would go a long way towards making their lineup respectable again.

Even if they don't land Stanton, they'll need to upgrade their offense somehow if they're to have any hope of getting back to October. Whether that's by signing someone such as Upton or trading for another bat, they can't just sit back, do nothing and hope their veteran hitters will rebound next year.

The Giants aren't crazy in thinking they could get back into contention next year with only a few tweaks, rather than a total rebuild. They've under-performed significantly this season, but they have a roster full of players with long enough track records to make someone think this year could just be an anomaly. And if they add the right pieces in the right places, it's not hard to picture them right back in the thick of contention by this time next year.

But it's just as easy to imagine this year being a precursor to even worse times, and the Giants being forced to start the rebuilding process next July while having already wasted a year's time. That dichotomy of potential results will make San Francisco one of the most fascinating teams to watch this winter — a championship club fallen on hard times trying desperately to return to relevance.

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Friday, November 25, 2011

Black Friday at All That's Vintage

It's Black Friday. The one day that most people wait for all year. Have you enjoyed all the commercials they aired all week in prep for this day? Personally, the Crazy Target lady was my favorite.

So, where will you be spending your Black Friday? I will be at the shop and we wanted to let you know of a couple of specials that we have going on. Pictured above you see the NKOTB Tour Jacket. It has been admired by several people. It's been preserved neatly in a box for over 20 years, so why not add a bow to that box and gift it to the fan on your list. The coat has been marked down considerably, so stop in and check it out.

Are you a collector of Milkglass Fire King Dinnerware? We've got a vintage set containing 50 pieces. With the gold trim to each piece it will look elegant on your holiday table this season. The set had been marked down to fit your budget and sure to add a nice touch to the meal.

And don't forget the Mannequin Lamp that welcomes you into the store. People have been collecting these to dress up in their homes for everyone to enjoy. It's football season so why not throw on your favorite team jersey. With a savings of 50% it'll add a nice touch to your home.

Be sure to stop in and see the other great items that we have. Affordable gifts for everyone on your list.

P.S. Are you wondering why this entire post is underlined? Well, so am I. Blogger was done for a bit this morning, so when it was back up and running I noticed this little kink......oh well:)

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Timeless Thoughts – Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Timeless Thoughts - Click to join the link up
Timeless Thoughts – Click to join the link up

I considered posting this earlier but decided it would be perfect for a Timeless Thoughts post and held off until now. Timeless Thoughts is a link-up run by Georgie and Tara each month, click on the image above to join!

Today (Mar 10) is the 20th anniversary of the beginning of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, in tv form anyway. It started all the way back in March of 1997 and would continue to live on through the show, a spin-off and comics until today.

Living in Australia I didn’t get to see the show until the summer (that’s December over here) of 1997. This was the time of the year that networks put on shows they didn’t think would really go to well but need something while all their popular shows were on hiatus for the summer.

Unfortunately, back in the mid 90’s we didn’t have the luxuries of downloading or buying episodes at the time they were released that we do now (although for some TV shows we still don’t in Australia… not legally anyway. Thanks Foxtel) so we had to wait until the tv networks decided they wanted to air the shows.

I anticipated Buffy coming for a while – For much of my life I’ve always had an interest in all things vampires.. That sort of died with the coming of Twilight when they were ruined for me – Buffy had been advertised on TV for weeks in advance but I just had to wait it out while watching things like re-runs of MASH. Summer programming in Australia was always riveting.

Finally, it began. I remember watching it from my little 32cm TV in my bedroom (something I’d do for many seasons of the show) each week and wondering what the scooby gang were going to come up against this week.

This continued for many years, through the angst of Angel/Angelus and all the big bads through the years, the love/hate relationship with Spike (I was always firmly on the side of love when it came to Spike.. as well as a bit of a Spuffy shipper), as well as all the other love (and heartbreak, because Joss Whedon can’t let his characters be happy, apparently) including the first lesbian sex scene to be shown on network TV.

At my first job I’d find others who liked the show too and we went to a Buffy convention in Melbourne in 2003 (my first time there!) and I got to meet Emma Caulfield (Anya) who was ever so tiny in real life. I would later realise that most the cast were quite short.

It was the first show I remember watching and really enjoying. The first show I ever wanted to own and bought on dvd, even though the box sets at the time took up a huge amount of space. I would later sell them and re-buy them in the smaller cases which I still own today.

Even though there were many times I didn’t like Buffy, the character, I always enjoyed the show as a whole and am amazed to see that it still brings people together, even now, 20 years later.

A Night at the Museum

On Friday night I went to my second Click + Connect event, held by Her Canberra. This time it was the Night at the Museum event held by the National Museum of Australia that was all about celebrating 50 years of Play School. The great thing about this event was that beforehand we got to mingle and meet new people around a table filled with lollies, champagne, fairy bread and party pies!

mmm lollies!
mmm lollies!

On arrival we were given glasses of champagne topped with fairy floss and completed with a straw! I’m not quite sure of the purpose of the straw but it was quite good for poking the fairy floss down into the champagne. It also a little volcano like with bubbles pouring up out of it after taking a sip.

I think I enjoyed this event better than the last one I went to as it felt a bit more casual. There was no sit down component and you weren’t stuck at the same table, you could wander around and meet everyone if you wanted. Plus there was a huge platter of fairy bread! I have to admit I had a few pieces of that. I don’t know who invented fairy bread but you can’t go past crunchy 100’s & 1000’s on some fresh buttered bread!

Champagne, extra full lolly bag and museum program
Champagne, extra full lolly bag and museum program

After a few glasses of champagne, some time to chat with the others and also to fill up our lolly bags we were given programs for the night and were whisked to the front of the line for entry to the museum. No queuing or tickets required! All very VIP.

Unfortunately as soon as we made it to the museum entrance everyone seemed to get separated and we didn’t enjoy the event as a group. It might have been that the 1 person who I wandered around with (I can’t even remember her name even though we had nametags on!) and I decided we needed to get on the jumping castle! It was a lot of fun but also quite tiring. My heart was racing after only 5 mins of bouncing fun!

People having fun hula hooping
People having fun hula hooping

There were little activities throughout the museum and we were free to wander around where ever we liked. I didn’t give hula hooping a go, I don’t think it would have been too successful.

Lower Landmarks - National Museum of Australia
Lower Landmarks – National Museum of Australia

It seemed like many people didn’t realise you could go further than the main hall as we basically had free rein over the other areas. It was nice to get to see the museum without having to move around other people and especially with no kids.

During one of the activities (that was held in a room that had twinkling stars on the ceiling) we met another girl, Vee, who had been separated from her friend group and asked if she wanted to walk around with us. She was really nice and I’m glad I made the offer, even if I only knew her for about 30 minutes.

The 3 of us then went and tried out kspaces which is an interactive exhibit where you become a time travelling robot that has to help in an event from the past.

They take your photo and for some reason my head/face ended up in a shark’s mouth. Maybe that is just how time travelling robots from the future are! I had a great time, even though it is targeted at kids. Part of the adventure involves a team of 4 having to control 1 mech which was difficult enough as adults, let alone as kids. Our team came 2nd (there were 3 teams of 4) and only lost by 5 points!

Quote on the wall
Quote on the wall

After kspaces my companions for the night had to leave which left me to walk around the museum solo. I didn’t actually get a chance to see the Play School exhibit (I’m not sure where it was as I did walk around quite a bit) and didn’t stay for the talks of the night as my feet really felt like they wanted to fall off.

I didn’t stay anywhere near as long as I expected to, I really wish I had another pair of shoes (and didn’t have to carry my coat around) and that the group had stayed together, at least a little, for the actual museum component of the night. It was fun though and I’m looking forward to finding out what the next Click + Connect event is.

The Dreaded Pap Smear

Earlier in the year I realised it had been nearly 2 years since my last Pap Smear (which is apparently an out-dated term, Pap Test is the preferred now. What do you call it?) and I would need to book in to get it done shortly. Of course I put it off. I’ve never known a woman who has said “Oh I am due to get my pap smear done, better go do that right this second!” it’s usually “Oh, I need to get around to doing that” but the experience is so awkward we just keep pushing that date back.

One of the main reasons I’ve been postponing mine is that I don’t have a regular doctor that I visit and it seemed really strange to have my first meeting with a doctor be one where they inspect my cervix. I thought I might wait and see if I had to visit the doctor for any other reason first but that never happened so I sucked up my courage and made an appointment. A local medical centre has a female doctor who specialises in female and sexual health so I thought, although awkward (for me), she would probably be a good choice to see. I made an appointment online and tried to prepare myself for the whole thing.

I'm so glad these aren't metal anymore!
I’m so glad these aren’t metal anymore!

I arrived to my appointment, got to the front desk and was told that the doctor I had chosen doesn’t actually take new patients and I should never have been able to book her. Regardless of the fact that I had been able to book the appointment they weren’t going to let me see her. Although the receptionist did whisper “Is it for a Mirena implant?” and I wonder what the outcome would have been if I had said that it was for an IUD.

After being told I couldn’t see the doctor I had researched I was also told that there were no appointments with any of their female doctors for that day. My options were to see a male doctor or see no one. Given I’d finally made the appointment I figured I’d go with the male doctor, how bad could it be? It couldn’t be any worse than normal, right?

I took a seat and waited for the doctor to call me in. I tried to stay calm and relax as much as I could.

The doctor called me in and asked me what I assume are standard questions but kept pressing on when my last test was. I don’t know if he didn’t believe that it was 2 years ago or maybe didn’t think I needed it yet but he asked me multiple times and at that point I was still fully dressed.

Then it was time to remove all clothing from the waist down (I kept my socks on!), spread my legs and let a strange man inspect me. It was about as pleasant as you would expect what is basically a plastic set of tongs clamped open inside you can be and then he made it even less so by proclaiming that there was a lot of blood and how that wasn’t very good. He then asked me again how long it had been since my last test. TWO YEARS!

At this point I’m getting even more uptight and the relaxing of my muscles just isn’t working. I assume he can see how nervous I am but then, the phone rings. Given we were in the middle of a procedure and the speculum was ‘in place’ I never thought in a million years he would actually go and answer that phone but… he did. He went and answered the phone while I just lay there, legs wide, in shock.

Unfortunately, the appointment didn’t get much better and it ended with him shoving a bunch of tissues at me telling me that there was some ‘stuff going on there’ and pointed in the general direction of my crotch. Because this appointment hadn’t been humiliating enough.

Once I had gotten dressed he essentially dismissed me from the office without giving me any understanding about what the issues with the test may mean.

I walked out of the medical centre and raced over to the nearest toilets where I shut myself in a stall and cried and tried to process what had just happened. While I gave permission for him to complete the test I have never felt this way in one before and didn’t expect to feel violated when it was over.

Fortunately, they were able to process the sample he did get and the results came back normal. I don’t know if I would have been able to work myself up to getting it done again so soon if they hadn’t been. It makes me wonder if this is a common experience for women during pap tests and is one reason why women fail to get them done regularly even though they are important in detecting abnormal cells and cervical cancer.

Next time I think I’ll investigate a gynaecologist so I can then be confident that it is a common procedure they do all the time.

Don’t be such a jerk – a rant

We were notified earlier in the week that there was a strike for garbage collectors and they wouldn’t be servicing our area on the normal day. There was a possibility that we would have to wait out the week for the pick up the following week. As such it was suggested that we minimise our waste as much as possible – you would think they would be trying to get everyone to do that all the time.

“By minimising the amount of waste created, people may be able to help their friends, family or neighbours by offering them any room they have in their bin to dispose of excess waste.”

image source: tams.act.gov.au

I know that some neighbours occasionally put a bag or two in our bin when we’ve put it out to the kerb for collection. We usually have space so I have no issue with that. I was pretty surprised however, to find that this week, when we may not have been getting our bins emptied at all, that a neighbour had filled our bin in it’s entirety before we had even had a chance to put anything in it. I can’t prove 100% who it was but given that our recycling bin was also half filled (on an off-week – our recycling is collected fortnightly) with a bunch of beer and other alcohol cans and bottles I have a pretty good idea. If you sit out in your garage every afternoon drinking and then put your empties into someone’s bin you become a fairly easy suspect.

I just don’t understand why someone would do that and think it is ok! I was pretty angry at the time while I tried to shove my rubbish bag into the bin and hoped that it would get collected this week. I would think twice before using someone else’s bin if it had been put out onto the kerb, let alone if it hadn’t and just wonder how much of a jerk you need to be to not give a shit about anyone else.

Fortunately, the bins were emptied a day later but, because of the material of the rubbish the neighbours had put in our bin (a bunch of plastic) and how much they (and probably partly me) had stuffed it into the bin it didn’t actually come out when the bin was emptied. So now we have to deal with their crap 2 weeks in a row, and hope it actually gets emptied properly next week. I will admit, I have considered dumping it into who I believe the culprits are bin and make them deal with their own rubbish.

My more rational self decided to move the bins into our backyard (previously they were sitting near the driveway) which is less convenient for us but it means they have to put in more effort if they use them. I highly doubt (but you never know) they would actually come into my back yard to dump some rubbish.

Have you ever had a situation where someone did something you considered incredibly inconsiderate, and what did you do about it?

Goals Update – First Quarter 2016

The first quarter of 2016 has now come and gone. It’s been both a slow and fast year. I had booked leave from work at the beginning of February for the end of March and it felt like it took forever to get there but then it also feels like no time at all.

Now that we’re into April I thought I’d provide my first 2016 goals update for the year, both the good and the not so good. So here goes:

Lose 20kg by 31/12/2016

Currently not going so well.

I have lost weight since the beginning of the year but not as much as I was working on. I kept to my healthier snacks (mostly) and my 1 shake per work week mostly and I was also building up my strength. Plus my fitbit shows me averaging 10000 steps on most weekdays (lets not go into the weekends.. they’re a bit less active).

Easter is my major weakness and with that being in the same week as our delicious trip to Melbourne there was really never going to be any good news at this point. I did try and get my weight down enough to take into account those events but I had some stomach issues in February which made me feel sluggish and gross and not wanting to do anything.

I need to get right back on that horse (where did that saying even come from?) and try again. It’s just so sad that nothing healthy (in my mind) compares to easter chocolate and cafe eating in Melbourne.

Learn to crochet

This is going ok. Around the time of my first post I bought a bunch of yarn and a new crochet hook, I also started following along on this video series for left handers (I’m fairly certain they have the same thing for right handers too) and I got through the first project. I also got quite annoyed during that first project and took a break before learning how to crochet in the round – I’m still on that break.

Since that time I have started getting more interested in cross stitch so, potentially, I will change this goal to that instead. Potentially.

Cook at least one new meal a month

This is on track (ish). I have made 3 new things, 2 of which were dinners and 1 cake however, I didn’t make any of them in January and one of the dinners was a fluke because we mistakenly received Pork Fillets in our online shopping and I found a recipe for them on the fly. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t add the 2 dinners into my routine as they didn’t turn out excellent. I do have this Rogan Josh lined up for next week so maybe it will be the lucky one.

Visit at least 12 new food places by 31/12/2016

Definitely on track (was there any doubt?), we have potentially tried 12 new places this quarter (especially with Melbourne in the mix) let alone this year. Reviews to come, eventually.

Work on improving All The Me

I am slowly working on this however procrastinating on the menu options. I have been working on improving my photos.

I still use just a phone camera (I’m not ready to take a DSLR out into public and start shooting food photos) but I have updated my phone and I have been doing more editing to improve the quality of photos. Let me know if you’ve noticed a difference!

I also signed up for a Facebook Page which all my posts are listed on (and some random other things) so follow me there to keep up to date! Have I mentioned how much I dislike Facebook? I really have no idea how people don’t hate it however, for exposure for my blog, it feels like a requirement so I’d love you to like my page if you feel inclined to do so.

One of the goals for this was to post once a week. I have done this every week except for the week I was in Melbourne. I didn’t have anything scheduled and I had planned to write something while I was there but you know, lazy. Plus there were other things to do! Hopefully the weeks that I did multiple posts make up for this – they do in my mind.

Overall I’m doing ok, some goals are moving slower than I expected (I blame the purchase of one Stardew Valley) but they have been worked on. I’m quite disappointed in my lack of will power when it comes to food and was really anticipating a better result on the weight loss goal but all I can do is try and improve from here.

Hopefully I’ll have a more interesting update come the end of June!


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Saturday, March 19, 2011

History of breaking

Breaking or b-boying, commonly called breakdancing, is a style of dance that evolved among Black and Latino American youths in the South Bronx during the 1970s.[1][2]:125, 141, 153 It is danced to both hip-hop and other genres of music that are often remixed to prolong the musical breaks.
Four basic elements form the foundation of breaking. The first is Toprock, a term referring to the upright dancing and shuffles. The second element is Downrock which refers to footwork dancing performed on the floor. The third element is the Freeze, the poses that breakers throw into their dance sets to add punctuation to certain beats and end their routines. The fourth element is the Power Moves. These are the most impressive acrobatic moves normally made up of circular motions where the dancer will spin on the floor or in the air.
The term breakdancing, though commonly used, is frowned upon by those immersed in hip-hop culture because the term was created by the media to describe what was called breaking or b-boying in the street. The majority of the art form’s pioneers and most notable practitioners refer to the dance as b-boying

B-boy styles

There are many different individual styles used in breaking. Individual styles often stem from a dancer's region of origin and influences. Although there are some generalities in the styles that exist, many dancers combine elements of different styles with their own ideas and knowledge in order to create a unique style of their own.
  • Power: This style of breaking is what most members of the general public associate with the term "break-dancing". Power moves comprise full-body spins and rotations that give the illusion of defying gravity. Examples of power moves include headspins, backspins, windmills, flares, airtracks/airflares, 1990s, 2000s, jackhammers, crickets, turtles, hand glide, halos, and elbow spins. Those b-boys who use "power moves" almost exclusively in their sets are referred to as "power heads".
  • Abstract: A very broad style of breaking which may include the incorporation of "threading" footwork, freestyle movement to hit beats, house dance, and "circus" styles (tricks, contortion, etc.).
  • Blowup: A style of breaking which focuses on the "wow factor" of certain power moves, freezes, and circus styles. Blowup-style consists of performing a sequence of as many difficult trick combinations in as quick succession as possible in order to "smack" or exceed the virtuosity of the other b-boy's performance. This is usually attempted only after becoming proficient in other styles due to the degree of control and practice required in this type of dancing. The names of some of the moves are: airbaby, airchair, hollow backs, solar eclipse, reverse airbaby, among others. The main goal in blowup-style is the rapid transition through a sequence of power moves.
  • Flavor: A style that is based more on elaborate toprock, downrock, and/or freezes. This style is focused more on the beat of the song than having to rely on "power" moves only. B-boys who base their dance on "flavor" or style are known as "style heads".
  • Flex: A style that is noted mainly from its requirement of being flexible. More complicated threading and moves with "flavor" are also accompanied with power moves and freezes that also require flexibility.


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Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Feruary 2017

Not much happened in February, apparently. There are lots of selfies on my phone that I send to Q10 over the Google Hangouts from work if she shoots a "Hi" from school. Like this:

Also, C12 got new glasses. Whooo. OK, I didn't need to buy those, I don't know that her prescription changed much, and I spent too much money on them, but she can see, and THAT's good.

Q10 was walking L3 and found this little white dog. Q10 dragged C12 outside to help her corral the dog, who we put on our porch. We created a little cozy area for the dog, and then overnight I didn't want him in our house (He was kind of gross. So cute in this picture, but he humped everything. I mean, everybody. Yuck.). So we put him on our back porch overnight and I do not know how, but he managed to escape over  a 3.5 ft wall. Q10 was quite worried about him, but I think he's OK. He's a little survivor.

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