tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32199693319273801262024-03-05T12:01:40.963-08:00M.JaneLife is like a song. In the beginning there is mystery, in the end there is confirmation. But it's in the middle where all the emotion resides to make the whole thing worthwhile.mandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-27270183149898390822012-07-06T12:59:00.003-07:002012-07-06T12:59:59.898-07:00Without FearI never post. I have a hard time finding the time! But sometimes, there is something screaming at me to post. My inspiration comes from a friend named Al Fox. She has an amazing <a href="http://alfoxshead.blogspot.com">blog</a> that you definitely need to check out. She was in Dave's mission, and was baptized into <a href="http://lds.org">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.</a> She now lives in Utah and is amazing at sharing what she believes in. There have been times where I wonder why it is so hard to share what you believe in. It has given me motivation to do the same!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvyIylpYoOT-iTcXaDxY9tId40nGmjBeejl905DpyaMa-SM8L8fIZYKpuXw4Io4k6NLl-4angj5XDvPgeB_Xm0q2L02UYtZrf1GqSXNFYkTbXgLmp2YswVxDb5lWxSyQT7-p72RYmaA4L/s1600/Al+Fox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="229" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvyIylpYoOT-iTcXaDxY9tId40nGmjBeejl905DpyaMa-SM8L8fIZYKpuXw4Io4k6NLl-4angj5XDvPgeB_Xm0q2L02UYtZrf1GqSXNFYkTbXgLmp2YswVxDb5lWxSyQT7-p72RYmaA4L/s320/Al+Fox.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I have found myself reading her blog more than others, and am amazed at her ability to post what she believes! It can be hard to do, as I am finding out as I write this post. But I want to share what I have been thinking and learning about lately. And that's it. Just thoughts that I have been having. <br />
<br />
Today I am writing about faith. And patience. And trusting without fear. As I was reading my scriptures today in the Book of Mormon, Mosiah Chapter 23: 21-28 stood out. The question I had was having to do with trials and hardships. And finding relief during these times. In this chapter, Alma had forsaken King Noah, and had established a people who believed and followed God's commandments. They began to prosper and were doing so good, when the Lord decided to chasten them, and they were brought into bondage by the Lamanties. These scriptures deal with their trial of being in bondage to the Lamanites. However, they apply directly to our lives and our trials. <br />
<br />
<b>v. 21-The Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.</b> <br />
<br />
The Lord sent us to the earth to be tried and to grow. He give us experiences when He will test our patience and faith. We are meant to be chastened. We all have to learn patience and faith. Patience can be waiting a long time to overcome a trial, or waiting for something we desire in our lives. Faith is knowing that you can overcome, receive, and looking up to a better day. <br />
<br />
<b>v. 22-Nevertheless, whosoever putteth his trust in him, the same shall be lifted up at the last day.</b> <br />
<br />
If you simply trust in the Lord, you will be lifted up-it's that simple. You WILL be lifted up and receive what you desire in His timing. When He sees it fit. So remember, you're learning <b>patience.<i></i></b> <br />
<br />
<b>v. 23- For behold, I will show unto you that they were brought into bondage, and <i>none could deliver them but the Lord their God.</i></b> <br />
<br />
Only the Lord can lift our burdens and truly deliver us from sorrow, hardship, pain, and suffering. And because He has born our burdens. So who should we seek for comfort? Where can we spend all our efforts in seeking happiness? It is in Him. Only seek for help from Him, because in Him you will find deliverance. Put all your efforts in coming closer to Him and trust in our Savior. And as you do this, you will be delivered from your bondage-just as the people of Alma were. <br />
<br />
<b>v. 24- And it came to pass that he <i>did</i> deliver them, and he <i>did</i> show forth his mighty power unto them, and great were their rejoicings.</b> <br />
<br />
He DID. Because the people of Alma had patience and faith, and trusted only the Lord to deliver them, He did. Remember that they were a righteous people who kept His commandments and put forth effort in Him. Then, the Lord knew them and so He did- delivered them out of their trials because they trusted in Him. This makes me realize that I need to consistently strive to be one of His-one who know Him, because they serve and live their life through Him. <br />
<br />
And then,<br />
<br />
<b>v. 27- Alma exhorted them that they should not be frightened but that they should remember the Lord their God and he would deliver them.</b>(Don't lose faith and don't fear)<br />
<br />
<b>v. 28- Therefore they <i>hushed their fears</i>, and began to cry unto the Lord that he would soften the hearts of the Lamanites, that they would spare them.. </b><br />
<br />
Even after all of their faith, Alma had to remind them to not fear and trust in the Lord. Sometimes, we too, need reminders. We need to hear that the only way to be delivered from our trials is to trust in Him and to be patient-because He will deliver us when it is the right time. Until then, we must be patient and trust, and cast outside our fears. <br />
<br />
Just always remember, we are here to learn, and the greatest lessons and learning come through the <b>hardest</b> times. <br />
<br />
The biggest one for me is to 'hush my fears' or let go of fears. Because there is no fear in faith. So do not fear. Have patience, and trust in Him. There will a brighter day. Things will be ok. We will be happy.<br />
<br />
"Look unto me in every thought, <br />
doubt not, fear not"<br />
D&C 6:36<br />
<br />
The Savior suffered it ALL for us. So look unto Him, because in Him is peace. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKycEs9Vhyiynl8goWZRxSnTmr98HXAaPqoDgeTfJ-mnBuQ3RqteEMwwqydL5npLmjTdv8W-c45pC1IYNPD-HqBwgXyOb_vs5blhkWn7LhDQJwMeoZJCIvQbXJI4kXJaKZs5zJFrbJmGln/s1600/Jesus+Christ+Pictures.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKycEs9Vhyiynl8goWZRxSnTmr98HXAaPqoDgeTfJ-mnBuQ3RqteEMwwqydL5npLmjTdv8W-c45pC1IYNPD-HqBwgXyOb_vs5blhkWn7LhDQJwMeoZJCIvQbXJI4kXJaKZs5zJFrbJmGln/s320/Jesus+Christ+Pictures.bmp" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />mandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-46988757089318399342012-03-21T17:55:00.003-07:002012-03-21T18:24:20.588-07:00Life.In school everyday, we have a 'good news' minute where 3-4 kids share the exciting things going on in their lives. <br /><br />News generally is as follows: <br /><br />"Today, my mom let me change my earrings into these new butterfly ones that I've wanted to wear since i was 5."<br /><br />"My brother's friend is going to this new big blow up toy place" <br /><br />"My dad let me play this teenager game where you shoot people and it's not aloud for anyone but teenagers. But my dad let me play it and it's really fun..... anyone can come play with me at my house sometime."<br /><br />or even better, <br /><br />"Miss Maughan is coming to have a sleep over at my house tonight!"<br /><br />Well.....Great! At the beginning of the year, I got a kick out of all the 'exciting' things going on in my kids' lives. Now I am simply used to hearing about how exciting it is that someone's neighbor's brother is going to New York for the summer (seriously.) <br /><br />It's a fact. Kids do say the darndest things. <br /><br />However, lately, good news minute has turned into a "I have good news, funny news, and some bad news" from each student. <br /><br />Examples of Bad News: <br /><br />"My mom told me that I maybe can come to Miss Maughan's wedding"<br /><br />or <br /><br />"So and so doesn't want me to come to their house after school" .......sad. <br /><br />Etc. <br /><br />So after hearing these types of news for over 100 days of school, I was a little shocked today by the news my students' shared with me. I can't even remember the 'good news' from today because I was so taken back by my kiddos and their bluntness in such serious matters. <br /><br />Kid 1: "My Grandpa died of old age and of sickness yesterday morning. He lived in Provo."<br />Kid 2: "My good news is that my mom and dad gave me 40 dollars last night. And I am saving it now to give to my uncle because we found out he has cancer."<br />Kid 3: "My uncle just divorced my aunt and is now living in my house because she is stealing his house. It's kind of fun cause I love my uncle."<br />Kid 4: "Did you guys hear about the big wreck on 9th East? Well, that was my cousins. One won't stop bleeding and one's arm was ripped out of it's shoulder." <br />Kid 5: "The bad news is, well, look at me!" (This student had a serious injury and is casted and on crutches)<br />Kid 6: "Yesterday, my neighbors brand new baby stopped breathing. And guess what. She died." <br /><br />I was stunned! My kids are so innocent in their ways of bringing up serious matters. It became very apparent to me how young these guys are, by their lack of understanding the seriousness of life's challenges. Definitely an eye opener as a teacher. I have a totally new perspective and vision of my students now. And you would think I would know them inside and out after all this time. <br /><br />I aslo had a moment of realization of when my kids are dealing with these hard things, the only place they go is to school outside of family and their hardships. My role as a teacher has suddenly changed. <br /><br />I love my job so much. Nothing has ever tested my patience as much, challenged me, and brought me to a breaking point. But, every second is worth it for those moments. Moments like today where you realize that you do have a lasting role in these kids' lives. I wouldn't rather spend my day with anyone else. Helping kids get through life is definitely enough for me- as small and unnoticed as it goes. <br /><br />Happy Wednesday!<br /><br />MJmandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-2776661387064898332012-02-19T14:15:00.000-08:002012-02-19T14:19:40.911-08:00Thought for Sunday....I love Sundays. Time to reflect and rejuvenate. I found this video and would like to experiment <br />'remembering' in my life. I for one definitely know that life gets so busy that sometimes we do not realize the good in what we do have. And for that reason alone I want to remember each day, and remember the good things. <br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DF01BQAcj8E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />MJmandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-11233977320308897542012-01-27T17:12:00.000-08:002012-01-30T19:08:46.666-08:00I can't get up....I think my body has become part of this brown, L shaped couch. I mean, I've only been sitting here for 40 minutes, but the sensation of mental exhaustion and physical fatigue seems to be taking over. Just recapping the prior week almost does me over. <br /><br />This week was Parent Teacher Conferences. An amazing thing as a teacher, but also requires 10 minute intervals to cram in all a student is doing, (I slowly became amazed at how my mouth continued to talk while my brain was drawing a blank) from 4-7:30 work day on top of the craziness of teaching. <br /><br />Fridays are crazy as a teacher. Fun rewards and activities to give, kids anticipating the weekend....which means behavior becomes again, crazy. You must be on top of your game in order to survive Fridays. <br /><br />Fridays after Parent Teacher Conferences....let's just say I am loving this brown couch right now. <br /><br />My life has changed substantially in the past 6 months. I have a hard time even remembering the life I held 6 months ago. There are so many stories that should have been told, stories to still tell, and many more to come. Hence, why I am writing now (and also due to the fact that I am becoming a sloth here on this couch). I'm starting to appreciate my experience in teaching this year only to the stories that it gives for me to laugh about. <br /><br />So as I sit here, hearing the buzz of reruns of the republican debate, (laughing at the intensity of the man speaking as spit flies from his mouth, and noticing how everyone seems to be asked to only wear things that consist of red, white, and blue,) I hope to share some of the times I needed to laugh in class and couldn't, or the times where I shouldn't have laughed and I did, and many more. <br /><br />LIfe is about living. And if you don't write down what you live, it can easily be forgotten. <br /><br />-MJmandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-53684263014672983552011-12-10T10:03:00.000-08:002011-12-10T10:08:48.564-08:00Read Read Read"If you find a girl who reads, keep her close. When you find her up at 2 AM clutching a book to her chest and weeping, make her a cup of tea and hold her. You may lose her for a couple of hours but she will always come back to you. She’ll talk as if the characters in the book are real, because for a while, they always are. Date a girl who reads because you deserve it. You deserve a girl who can give you the most colorful life imaginable. If you can only give her monotony, and stale hours and half-baked proposals, then you’re better off alone. If you want the world and the worlds beyond it, date a girl who reads." - Robert Pattinson<br /><br />ok ok... Robert Pattinson (edward from twilight...blugh) but to those readers out there, you know how it is....<br /><br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/272538214919674556/' target='_blank'><img src='http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/272538214919674556_n10pAobV_c.jpg' border='0' width='554' height ='367'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://blog.freepeople.com/category/lifestyle/page/6/'>blog.freepeople.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/jessicalpowell/' target='_blank'>Jessica</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br />MJmandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-60323100135034037812011-06-30T14:21:00.001-07:002011-06-30T14:22:58.681-07:00DecisionsWhen you make the right decision... you find yourself happier than you thought you ever could be. <br /><br />When you make the wrong decision... your life becomes a living nightmare. <br /><br />No pressure.mandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-58294373926593597122011-01-20T12:09:00.000-08:002011-01-20T12:36:07.483-08:00Reeeeaaaad Me!So I sit at work a lot. This means I sit at a computer. Alot. I was reading on <a href="http://lds.org">lds.org</a> trying to you know, feel spiritually uplifted. And BAM this is what I found. I had no intentions of posting on my almost abandoned blog, but after reading this, I wanted to share. I hope you enjoy! <br /><br />This story came from an article titled <span style="font-style:italic;">The Lord Needs Missionaries</span> by President Monson. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Bike to the Future</span><br /><br />By Peter Evans and Richard M. Romney<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7hYf9dr1VpzBGUsCf4FOW6CIpMDpIVIrw3PHncZSQn4GJO7MWo52l0bXnvXx9RdZBsR-ldY9JbiDUAtmPZeurvDlHGh_XCZULVna63d8BwfV8Ql1cX1Nm27EWUMxZnRWZ-K2zJmqS2y9/s1600/Banana+boy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7hYf9dr1VpzBGUsCf4FOW6CIpMDpIVIrw3PHncZSQn4GJO7MWo52l0bXnvXx9RdZBsR-ldY9JbiDUAtmPZeurvDlHGh_XCZULVna63d8BwfV8Ql1cX1Nm27EWUMxZnRWZ-K2zJmqS2y9/s320/Banana+boy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564368876490879794" /></a><br /><br />Lots of young men prepare financially to serve a mission. In Africa part of that preparation is earning enough money for a passport. Sedrick Tshiambine earned what he needed in an enterprising way: by selling bananas from the back of a bicycle.<br /><br />Sedrick lives in Luputa, Democratic Republic of Congo. He’s one of 45 young men in the Luputa district who is working to save money for a passport to go on a mission. In DR Congo a passport costs $250, which is about two-thirds the cost of building a house.<br /><br />But Sedrick was undaunted. He earned his mission money by cycling 15–30 kilometers (9–19 miles) from Luputa to small villages, where he purchased bananas, then cycling back across the hot African savanna, his bike heavily laden with fruit to sell in the city. Each week he traveled about 180 kilometers (112 miles) along the sandy roads, and only once did an unbalanced load cause a tumble.<br /><br />For his efforts Sedrick earned about $1.25 a week, or $65.00 a year. It took him four years to save enough to purchase his passport, but now he knows his future will include a full-time mission because he is financially ready to answer the call to serve.<br /><br />After reading this, I felt so selfish. How many of us would be willing to do what Sedrick did? 250 dollars to me, is nothing. That is a weeks worth of money for me. After reading this story, I do not understand why I have been so blessed. However, I hope to recommit myself to being grateful, serving, and giving because "where much is given, much is required." <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9DiTbLGoh7WKUMIwaORxzfG2-faCpyID07tccERRzAp9CNyaIVHWxtWEho70pyOUn3ZMNUbv6bFgLTAOrzOw5BLPfbSi0bULLxA2eMiIL2edWj153JH7Tc8N-gh-gGDd_2batfQFeUnR/s1600/banana+people.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9DiTbLGoh7WKUMIwaORxzfG2-faCpyID07tccERRzAp9CNyaIVHWxtWEho70pyOUn3ZMNUbv6bFgLTAOrzOw5BLPfbSi0bULLxA2eMiIL2edWj153JH7Tc8N-gh-gGDd_2batfQFeUnR/s320/banana+people.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564369538526118242" /></a><br /><br />May we all find more ways to serve in our daily lives:) <br /><br />MJmandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-34153132575565715102010-12-03T07:56:00.000-08:002010-12-03T08:05:39.249-08:00Be Not AfraidI was was reading my friend Jordan's mission blog and came across this and really like it. I hope you do to. It was what was written on an art display of Christ. This was the caption under a sculpture of Jesus walking on water.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxM1kwlurPPPWG6a-GS6Ctjh22OJOyNTPFGpokiOBCwfiyxvPHF87D_-zcPhtC3FOU48uYjawnr7I8KhgDoZ_7KmBA4mB68EJJiYKx1seYaCeYrbDN1aO-R7jG9b4XS8rY20FaTJ963fm/s1600/christ+on+water.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxM1kwlurPPPWG6a-GS6Ctjh22OJOyNTPFGpokiOBCwfiyxvPHF87D_-zcPhtC3FOU48uYjawnr7I8KhgDoZ_7KmBA4mB68EJJiYKx1seYaCeYrbDN1aO-R7jG9b4XS8rY20FaTJ963fm/s320/christ+on+water.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546487724814038706" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">IT is I, Be not afraid.</span><br /><br /><br />Matthew 14:25-31 <br /><br /><br />25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.<br /><br />26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. <br /><br />27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. <br /><br />28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. <br /><br />29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.<br /><br />30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. <br /><br />31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?<br /><br /><br />"And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them saying, Be of good cheer. It is I; be not afraid.”<br /><br /> <br /><br />Fear is one of the most powerful and common human emotions. But it is the opposite of faith. Faith in Jesus Christ gives us strength to face and conquer the challenges life brings. Having faith in Jesus Christ means relying completely on Him. Knowing that even though you do not understand all things, He does.<br /><br /><br />We can overcome anything through Him if we simply have faith.mandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-60946311729551607882010-10-08T16:35:00.000-07:002010-10-08T16:57:11.621-07:00Imagination<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0D29kcX_-0BBSulMyNvrCvS8z-_IEsp-QizgnFdUNSRguMWZHrpRXXgQAs2fYACsZCelozFndM4_o47pQzEAU6RXFpOOyQUYTo4EVtk1ASV-x0NqG1Q6FX5VM-QIgDzVhIg7CGRIbAUZ/s1600/vintagephotography1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0D29kcX_-0BBSulMyNvrCvS8z-_IEsp-QizgnFdUNSRguMWZHrpRXXgQAs2fYACsZCelozFndM4_o47pQzEAU6RXFpOOyQUYTo4EVtk1ASV-x0NqG1Q6FX5VM-QIgDzVhIg7CGRIbAUZ/s320/vintagephotography1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525826893619574978" /></a><br />"Imagination is more important than knowledge."-Albert Einstein <br /><br />I love this. I like this because as a little girl and as a grown girl, I have an imagination. I always find myself dreaming crazy dreams, and thinking crazy ideas. I always felt like those with imagination had more substance...(not that I'm saying I do), and more personality, because they have more passion for life. This is because they don't try to KNOW what is already known in the world- but they try to CREATE something that has never existed before. <br /><br />So what do you think? Is imagination more valuable than knowledge?mandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-15054787494805526622010-09-23T19:29:00.001-07:002010-09-23T20:26:52.885-07:00WarmthTonight is one of those nights where life has offered a simple gift to me. Life sometimes is hard. Sometimes, we hurt. And sometimes, we find ourselves in rough patches that we so desparetely tried to avoid. The beauty of life though exists within those small moments where despite the pain, all feels right in the world. Tonight I write not to share with anyone. I am assured that no one will read these thoughts. I write simply because I feel the need, and the need to express the beautiful things in life that we all seem to simply forget. <br /><br />To me, I measure how well my day was by how exciting I ended that night. Generally the more people I saw and the crazier stuff I do, makes me feel satisfied. I found myself tonight, realizing how selfish we all are and how much we are cheating ourselves from life by spending so much time looking towards the next party, the next fling, and the next excitement. We overlook the simple things that Heavenly Father has given us, the simple things that bring true happiness. <br /><br />Tonight, I chose to spend with my grandma, mom, and aunt for dinner in celebrating my Grandma's 77th birthday. This is the closing of the first week that my grandma has gotten through without her husband of 58 years in the home. After much debate, we put Papa in a rest home a block away from grandma. This way grandma can stop taking care of him as if he were a baby, and can start to live again. This was extrememly hard for grandma, but she knew it was the right answer as she also noticed her health dwindling. Nontheless, my grandma has never given up in trying to bring my Papa back. She has never stopped loving him, and has never stopped missing him. You see, Papa's health has been bad for a long time. After his cancer, loss of eye-sight, and constant mini strokes, he now has also forgotten how to use his body. Some days he cannot walk. And somedays he cannot talk. And on the worse days, he forgets how to eat and even breathe. But he is still here, his body is, and while he is my grandma still talks and spends hours with him everyday. <br /><br />The simple joys tonight that brought warmth to me, started as I watched my grandma's eyes light up as they brought her at least a liter of a root beer float. I enjoyed watching my grandma eat almost the whole thing, because I knew that grandma was back to her old self again. Next, she told us that she promised Papa we would all come visit tonight. Deep down, we all knew that if we didn't show, he would never know, but we went anyways. As I walked into the home, and saw my grandpa sitting in his wheelchair, hunched over all by himself, I instantly wanted to cry. I went on to say hello and remind him that I love him, and could tell this was a day he did not remember me. As we proceeded to take him to his room, another old lady named Hazel came rushing to great us and took no shame in telling us that it was time to but our grandpa to bed because he had been sitting there all day by himself. As we took him back, I could not help but chuckle as this senial, yet happy women thanked Heavenly Father that we came to put granpa to bed. <br /><br />As I entered Papa's room, I was happy to see all the pictures that were up of our family around. As I looked at a collage of my mom and her dad growing up, I could not help but smile at all the memories she had of them, riding motorcycles, tipping him in his chair, and dressing up like hobos together. As I sat here, with my family, I could not help but feel peace. Here I sat with my family. With people that had unconditional love for me, with people that have lived their lives, have gone before me. I then realized the beauty of love. As cheesy as it sounds, I was so content. Here I had family that has been there for me through every challenge in life. They have always been there to support, and have truly cried with me in my times of sorrow. And as we left my Papa for the night, and my mom said goodbye with a smile on her face and tears in her eyes, I realized that life is about these moments. Our lives are defined each of our hard times we undergo. But more importantly, our lives are shaped by the people we choose to love, and the ones we choose to love unconditionally. As I watched my grandpa mutter Happy Birthday to his wife, and watched my grandma kiss Papa on the head, I could not help but think how miraculous this simple gesture was. And how miraculous it is all around me, the lives of the older couples, that are still together, and have gone through life together. They have overcome every trial together, shared every fear, and doubts. They also have shared life's greatest moments together. But the beauty of it all is watching a love, still stronger than ever after 58 years, as two people strive to take care of each other. It is all around me. I see it fromt a gentle touch of a husband, to hearing my parents get excited to see eachother still, and exchange I love you. <br /><br />I know it seems so simple, but tonight I am so grateful. Despite my desires i have been at home for the past 5 months. But now more than ever, I realize how much of a better person I have become because I get to love. I get to love unconditionally, and I get to watch those around me be so happy in their love, whether it is the love of my newly wed brother, to quiet exchange of I love you from my parents, or the kiss of my grandma to her dying husband. I see so much what life is about. I want to take part in it. I want to love unconditionally. I am so blessed that I have been given family, where I can experience this beautiful gift that has been given to us all everyday of my life. I can't wait to one day have a family of my own, and to leave a legacy of my own.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGjpmZC9pQdy999mVNfcJJpRNFTJOlvFoNevS1-NuBtaUkaqjaSrlO57nWUu7KC_SVr8yss_zGKRr8i14Tn9FsGfLqOo3iYkpwq1c2oa4DTrDb2Z46vU6gtp2zeDsP79Gx9msBXdnmH33/s1600/203.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGjpmZC9pQdy999mVNfcJJpRNFTJOlvFoNevS1-NuBtaUkaqjaSrlO57nWUu7KC_SVr8yss_zGKRr8i14Tn9FsGfLqOo3iYkpwq1c2oa4DTrDb2Z46vU6gtp2zeDsP79Gx9msBXdnmH33/s320/203.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520315065281266594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRV5BWrIHL6hr8SqYuJGmh7A-aNhJ9P13nPhyphenhyphenEQ3IhI63_ZBP5DY-apmardEovOpRNSdTW0TZXfNih3QyUquVsJT6DK-DWpRNuk0e2MN7nbwKnqAFPoa3fjShxoc2n2B7e6OR5UmnS6a1/s1600/202.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRV5BWrIHL6hr8SqYuJGmh7A-aNhJ9P13nPhyphenhyphenEQ3IhI63_ZBP5DY-apmardEovOpRNSdTW0TZXfNih3QyUquVsJT6DK-DWpRNuk0e2MN7nbwKnqAFPoa3fjShxoc2n2B7e6OR5UmnS6a1/s320/202.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520315060721705010" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwN0_bIaRBiIXsQ4yImSAJuWt1qsg2zEBLB4aWb8YWoA5VEXLlpixu3Cw3uaTFjlbXscUbKvO1POipPB_qg_wOYSNXaViK14Bj26gELzGzsA2dfzQo4_8WUZJHTQWz38ZBmhjUVI3LaVn/s1600/197.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwN0_bIaRBiIXsQ4yImSAJuWt1qsg2zEBLB4aWb8YWoA5VEXLlpixu3Cw3uaTFjlbXscUbKvO1POipPB_qg_wOYSNXaViK14Bj26gELzGzsA2dfzQo4_8WUZJHTQWz38ZBmhjUVI3LaVn/s320/197.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520315053887094674" /></a>mandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-91671221386436351832010-06-30T11:02:00.000-07:002010-06-30T11:55:02.760-07:00Serenity<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cstumaint%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cstumaint%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link rel="colorSchemeMapping" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cstumaint%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> <w:dontbreakconstrainedforcedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> <w:word11kerningpairs/> <w:cachedcolbalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathpr> <m:mathfont val="Cambria Math"> <m:brkbin val="before"> <m:brkbinsub val="--"> <m:smallfrac val="off"> <m:dispdef/> <m:lmargin val="0"> <m:rmargin val="0"> <m:defjc val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent val="1440"> <m:intlim val="subSup"> <m:narylim val="undOvr"> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" defunhidewhenused="true" defsemihidden="true" defqformat="false" defpriority="99" latentstylecount="267"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="0" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Normal"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="heading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="35" qformat="true" name="caption"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="10" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" name="Default Paragraph Font"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="11" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtitle"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="22" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Strong"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="20" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="59" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Table Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Placeholder Text"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="No Spacing"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Revision"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="34" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="List Paragraph"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="29" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="30" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="19" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:1; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Bookman Old Style"; panose-1:2 5 6 4 5 5 5 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-bottom:10.0pt; line-height:115%;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Serenity-The absence of mental stress and anxiety. The ability to relieve the body of worries, troubles, and to just feel. To for a moment get in touch with our inner self and soul. It's simply peace. How can one attain this desirable feeling?
<br />
<br />This is a question I do not know the answer to. But, I do know what brings serenity into my life. C'est Musique! It's music. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_r8dfFlevaKivAVeJc2yNchs27dm-3KaedB7WqGiAxE-782pYd4VI8LNMIokNqeJQb8HCU_tIl7r8VoaUPB_YnnmsfNblS6efYh1Ar-6BcasbBR_8PGKwku0_88Hpfaf8kB18DMFlB4dg/s1600/music.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_r8dfFlevaKivAVeJc2yNchs27dm-3KaedB7WqGiAxE-782pYd4VI8LNMIokNqeJQb8HCU_tIl7r8VoaUPB_YnnmsfNblS6efYh1Ar-6BcasbBR_8PGKwku0_88Hpfaf8kB18DMFlB4dg/s320/music.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488639005539834050" border="0" /></a>To me music is a mysterious thing. It is something that can not be seen. It is a feeling that is indescribable. One cannot explain the elation that comes from listening to music in the times it touches something deeper within you. My whole life I have grown up in music. Luckily, I come from family that has music in their blood. As a little girl, it was my dream to play the violin. As I begged to learn, and finally got my way, I experienced the way music made me feel. My love of music has taken me on many journeys from Seattle, San Francisco, LA, and even to New York. Not only have I experienced physical journeys, but every time I engage myself in music, I am emotionally fulfilled.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">From my love of violin, my interest has led me to playing in many orchestras, the piano, guitar, viola, and teaching music. I have found much pleasure while attending college by getting a minor in music. BUT it's not just the classical that gets me. It's any music. I am obsessed. I have music on everywhere I go. I will literally listen to any genre as long as I enjoy the band. If only my voice sounded good....then people wouldn't mind my boisterous singing all the time!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeK7ywPkfKY8eFuisUuqmVUVSyITDVaO0tgv_NMlGBOFTwyupdRTCeoixJJbHr_MPAXo75ggqdlG1Gga18N7qYeoofll3cYi0JY-eS6Op9lplm7f5eb-q1EglXna_zOcSjqAszTH8SO8QO/s1600/mixed+tape.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeK7ywPkfKY8eFuisUuqmVUVSyITDVaO0tgv_NMlGBOFTwyupdRTCeoixJJbHr_MPAXo75ggqdlG1Gga18N7qYeoofll3cYi0JY-eS6Op9lplm7f5eb-q1EglXna_zOcSjqAszTH8SO8QO/s320/mixed+tape.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488639014383795154" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">But as to serenity-music is what puts me in this ease and carefree state of mind. I spend countless hours at the piano or guitar when life sucks, or I just need to think. I have yet to find something else that can heal me and help me feel at peace after only an hour.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPfTdk6MUlbbnRQE4h0nRXkA5I10F0jZ_qqE4emnTXGZnnw7L8_xDSH-sOSuKLqnceKHipahYPER-bFpUAC7WQko8cUQsj1J_Kx3C5aUvFHpOwEIw8lCuaNWBiRSFJozPmxaAmeN_s8JT/s1600/Piano+and+toes.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 305px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPfTdk6MUlbbnRQE4h0nRXkA5I10F0jZ_qqE4emnTXGZnnw7L8_xDSH-sOSuKLqnceKHipahYPER-bFpUAC7WQko8cUQsj1J_Kx3C5aUvFHpOwEIw8lCuaNWBiRSFJozPmxaAmeN_s8JT/s320/Piano+and+toes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488639017654443650" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">
<br /></p>mandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-81563528347022775372010-04-05T13:49:00.000-07:002010-04-05T14:56:56.160-07:00Welp about me!My friend Jordan asked me to complete this survey she had recently completed. Since I have had nothing in particular to blog about lately, I decided I would do so! Yee haw!<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Birthday: </strong>August 8, 1989</div><div><strong>Birth Place: </strong>Camarillo, California</div><div><strong>Height: </strong>5'4''</div><div><strong>Eye Color:</strong> simply brown:)</div><div><strong>Hair Color: </strong>Auburn/reddish brown</div><div></div><div><strong>Favorite Relatives: </strong>To me it seems rude to choose a "favorite" relative since all my relatives are family, and I am obliged to love them regardless of what they're like:) haha but in reality I love every single relative I have. I love my Maughan cousins, only because someone is guranteed to get hurt becuase of all the crazy things we do together. I love my Morris cousins because there are only a few of us so we are able to get together more often. I love my Grandma and Grandpa Morris, my Grandma and Grandpa Maughan, all of my dad's crazy brothers, and of course my immediate familia. I love my dad for who he is (if you know him you know what i mean) and my mother because she is my best friend. I love Scott because he is always there for me, I love Matt cuz I can relate to him and he lets me attempt to beat him up. And of course, I love my sister Kelsie because she is the sister I prayed to have as a 6 year old girl. So as for a favorite? There is not one. But I do absolutely love my cousins Kamry and Melanie. We are the closest in age and share some pretty good memories:) </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456762058198850706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 358px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcSH7_Y9CERNtEtHKeTryTYtIH2nVkB5PfrAZTwQ-e-C8FFYVxmet_4F1ZYfiUo5KHvUNSqtQmML_-GUjZ4ygj4SxDqCpZ-Ji0l4YqpK_Qg6fcPl753QeJeCXlZPNgHYVmXaGUcWNrRfG/s320/3+cousins.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456762641163771218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeA9QA6RqDlit7PSafIoXCallJ891XfBL8AxfOV9GT0X0tlXESRmjD6PQxx5FlAw8ppNH1Ms23leIr7i_0PSFqQfN6A5kb4uICH9BzoqGpBFK4PCK7mUeIGqdb1oOlH71yakYZ8BmMTp_u/s320/kels+and+mand.jpg" border="0" /><strong>Summer Memory: </strong>For the rest of my life I think my favorite Summer memory will have to be when I spent a summer in London/Europe. Extrordinary things happened there, and I felt like an extraordinary person. I was able to see the world and make unexpected friends. The memories that took place here are too many, and because of that reason alone it has become my favorite:)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456765844887550562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 327px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZWwjoMAHkIGAgRftYa90Cy4YBhrzzjkJVMzgMc8BbhJIyGL9TQa_QrTNEREUeKsOtWtkrgqi5x2Hd8Oxx51nzeOMD9OVxCvlIx0EKYCKSc4wXqDyQlpmXFMLpqHmTcIHUI1mal7sG7nO/s320/london+baby.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456766092229024898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN22Bdm3QJPzW4b3dMQBcVFY7v2C1BQcrgtzvUREFeU3Lrcy0UqkIDF6-ISq41QftEL3LpuPtzFbgV1Ql_1q1mVqeXQHn9mhOm9mjhyphenhyphenyKoJZnsWPstnTAVA7iNKCOul0ziLVdjmSGg8Hb8/s320/eifeel+tower.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div><br /><strong>Favorite TV Shows: </strong>Lost, 24, America's Next Top Model<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>What is on your Mouse Pad?:</strong> blue nothing<br /><br /><strong>Favorite Game:</strong> Hmmm... Mario Party, Speed, Eygpitian Rat Screw, Big Booty (inside jokes)<br /><br /><strong>Favorite Drink:</strong> Barqs Rootbeer! or Horchata<br /><br /><strong>Favorite Color: </strong>definately purple<br /><br /><strong>Favorite Sound</strong>: music. or birds in the morning<br /><br /><strong>Favorite Smell:</strong> The smell of the pages of a new book<br /><br /><strong>Worst Feeling in the World:</strong> Losing someone you love<br /><br /><strong>Favorite Singer: </strong>Seriously? I don't have just one. but I will choose Celine Dion because she changes my life...everyday;) and i'm obsessed<br /><br /><strong>Where will you be in 10 years: </strong>a mother of hopefully less than 3 kids, living in a foreign country(dream on), teaching music and in schools with a man i am still madly in love with.<br /><br /><strong>First thoughts in the morning: </strong>Where am I? What day is it? Why did I sleep in an hour after my alarm went off? (haha this is soley because I am a deep sleeper and am disoriented for the first 30 mins I wake up)<br /><br /><strong>Chocolate or Vanilla?</strong> chocolate. duh.<br /><br /><strong>What do you drive: </strong>white scoot scoot in the summer, blue '00 jetta elsewhere.<br /><br /><strong>Thunderstorms cool or scary?</strong> I encourage them. I could spend hours in a thunderstorm. like them better than a sunny day.<br /><br /><strong>Do you eat the stems of the broccoli?</strong> why not<br /><br /><strong>Favorite brand of gum: </strong>Trident<br /><br /><strong>Righty, Lefty, or both?</strong> Righty<br /><br /><strong>Innie or Outie?</strong> outie<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>What color are the walls in you room:</strong> apartment room white. home room: various shades of pink and orange.<br /><br /><strong>What is under your bed?</strong> my collection purses and my assortment of different tights. yoga mat.<br /><br /><strong>Pets: </strong>I've had love birds, golden retrievers, border collies, brittany spaniel, fish, crabs, bunnies. currently my family has a little yappy pomeranian named Kota. He drives me nuts. But he is cute nontheless. The second I'm aloud to own a dog, I will buy a chocolate labrador.<br /><br /><strong>Favorite Holiday: </strong>Christmas.<br /><br /><strong>Favorite School Subject? </strong>humanities, music, math<br /><br /><strong>Your lucky number is:</strong> 8<br /><br /><strong>I'll eat sushi but not: </strong>olives, ketchup, meatloaf. yuck.<br /><br /><strong>Hobbies: </strong>reading, tennis, friends, road trips, music, rock climbing, snowboarding, being outdoors.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456773070626635346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpnXpK3MKlMTKvduU0RA79mtA7AuyOrCqF6AQEsjUxpeW0tdqCQXEDwzzBNJtXxbwHkYgAYPPny0ME8B83uR3lLYNNyXVupM2sjiXYTeTSvtkv30Bg535J-FqfOqEEsMQIZqQKeKEfDWl/s320/rock+climbing.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456773079156598626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNo1sKRQ71BlQwpUR_zya0xymfiYozMH0fFr8dfLxIygBBfTmFeIeBC7RBFNCAfhyt1OOBxK-8p1c6ENZ92v2dEsrsXAqmp2i6vt23nHeMUBk8rTIwOuwOGgV0HnYg-bvVe83aIWAUzvc/s320/boarding.jpg" border="0" /> <strong>Absolute must-have througout the day: </strong>chapstick. social event.<br /><br /><p><strong>Rollercoasters-deadly or exciting: </strong>bring it on baby</p><p><strong>Favorite stores: </strong>Urban Outfitters, Nordstroms</p><p><strong>How many siblings do you have? </strong>2 brothers, one sister. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456773916766284354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxht1qQuDiZ6xQP_wr5o0y5fO32WYE9Q7z8a3OfWW5w0YeefNRns0Nx_ZTSJC1htxWhjgmOYikNz67r2As_iuYSDkwoKrs1T0DNuCXy0EPNmdSvZSJN3cqfdraZhDJaUFSa7JqEDmrB1Xa/s320/kids.jpg" border="0" />Cool. Now you can say you know random facts about me:)<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">MJ<br /><br /></div><p></p>mandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-393338238926133442010-03-17T12:24:00.000-07:002010-03-17T13:20:25.035-07:00Ahhhh Stress Relievers<div style="text-align: center;">No matter what you do, it's gonna happen. You will become stressed. For me, the simplest things stress me out. From waking up late, to big decisions in life, sometimes life can be hard to handle. One thing I do know, that despite all the bad things that happen in life, we have been given MANY things to make life amazing. We just have to utilize them.<br /><br />Here's my stress relievers:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGKFai0NKbY40oKkg2KLmDtdg19jSq3qkoQwMrfu-NErg60WW5SbCsh0SsTiYqzeCLXugTxgi4CA3uQU9KqiflDf8cyvhe7sEnmDUgLQmyWzEnWaqqmy13EAjHQDgO-X13VhiGqbyj_TG/s1600-h/rainbow.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 223px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGKFai0NKbY40oKkg2KLmDtdg19jSq3qkoQwMrfu-NErg60WW5SbCsh0SsTiYqzeCLXugTxgi4CA3uQU9KqiflDf8cyvhe7sEnmDUgLQmyWzEnWaqqmy13EAjHQDgO-X13VhiGqbyj_TG/s320/rainbow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449700102735838386" border="0" /></a><br />Feed the Birds<br />Stop and smell the roses (I really do)<br />Go on a long scooter ride<br />Take a bubble bath<br />literally dance in the rain<br />Talk and vent to a trusted friend<br />Watch a movie with someone you Love<br />Get out and Enjoy Nature (regardless of which season)<br />Run...and don't look back<br />Write in a journal<br />Lay in the Grass<br />Go to the Temple<br />Have a one song dance party...and dance your heart out<br />Plant a garden, or simply some flowers<br />Laugh until you cry...for no reason at all.<br /><br />What are your stress relievers?<br /><br />MJ :)<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>mandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-31899073800887954882010-03-05T12:06:00.000-08:002010-03-05T12:33:38.859-08:00The New Kite Boarding..Yea Baby<div style="text-align: center;">Most of you woke this morning March 5, and felt mixed emotions of anger, sadness, and bitterness when realizing the skies had dumped fair amounts of snow, hence, erasing any signs of Spring that began to shine only yesterday morning.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /> I just smiled.<br /><br />To me, snow brings happiness. Yes it is cold, but there are many things that I absolutely adore about it.<br /><br />One being snowboarding.<br /><br />Some of you may have heard about the a new sport called "Kite Boarding". It looks a little something like this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0SAi9mCuG4RNQMtNSOKOANmRt7i1FspmxiiJ1RA99RRgvLGE6O2AORCXXE2YbVbIAWpmY4HhcCzf_azp82M3bItnwireyvLIWRT4JfVEVz-TQ64-c8MrJxnnp9pX-CAZsiLFCQ9wOCVa/s1600-h/Kite+Boarding.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0SAi9mCuG4RNQMtNSOKOANmRt7i1FspmxiiJ1RA99RRgvLGE6O2AORCXXE2YbVbIAWpmY4HhcCzf_azp82M3bItnwireyvLIWRT4JfVEVz-TQ64-c8MrJxnnp9pX-CAZsiLFCQ9wOCVa/s320/Kite+Boarding.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445246833379416786" border="0" /></a><br />Yes I would classify this as an extreme sport. I am sure it is thrilling. I am jealous. Wish I could try. But, for those not so extreme and lack such resources, compensation for this sport can be made.<br /><br />And it looks something like this:<br /><br /><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyGoWVdzoyZP_au7HYnLE-m2N5jYwc_3JnIYjT9gka6aD-XfYWfT-4TRJ1n3iWiBYH_Tcqp9siQeJZ4tSP6zg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Hahaha. With some planning, we highly anticipated this moment. Only resource needed: a dollar ninja kite from Wal mart. Unfortunately, when we tried to board and fly the kite with the actual string, it resulted in diving to the ground each time. We still found a way. But still... I believe I turned many heads, and heard many pleasant and unpleasant remarks as I went down this run. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKv3bft51ZU4NgrnAPJssNmItuj7-_y8CkfHzUDAR7cY60zEFHsre_MH4ZCu3jjznw4NpiAm6ZHAkq_nvYGZGWjFuT2EUri12gfDrPwDrJgUTT3DIEVb_diF9uiGHzH047TZADoBvUKDk4/s1600-h/Snowboarding+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKv3bft51ZU4NgrnAPJssNmItuj7-_y8CkfHzUDAR7cY60zEFHsre_MH4ZCu3jjznw4NpiAm6ZHAkq_nvYGZGWjFuT2EUri12gfDrPwDrJgUTT3DIEVb_diF9uiGHzH047TZADoBvUKDk4/s320/Snowboarding+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445248590372444658" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Regardless, it didn't matter. We had fun.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ57w2v0JE038iDLcwfIPKV9Sydao7nB2CRVcSCUY0v98l56jdfaHJJqsYoTu49t-JFfHTAoePMPha8_sEFV3oG2DFvRnAnTQ7I_g3-1NGKjMzx-T94VNjYYUUvgbZAINuyj6B6ky5QJ21/s1600-h/Snowboarding+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ57w2v0JE038iDLcwfIPKV9Sydao7nB2CRVcSCUY0v98l56jdfaHJJqsYoTu49t-JFfHTAoePMPha8_sEFV3oG2DFvRnAnTQ7I_g3-1NGKjMzx-T94VNjYYUUvgbZAINuyj6B6ky5QJ21/s320/Snowboarding+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445248598487578450" border="0" /></a>The White Ninja.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOTMS00KyJNYxw7HCW8pRa5v_EHNfXD82K43vAw9q7nnbC1Gr9VkVAWN8CLmpgjY9VTllF9dKbZZaEgpsf1oSK1oyOU2_9wz2eHA5gWlz9N2SzKmc7mU3uL0bwZaeybNdpFm9vmmaLARt/s1600-h/Snowboarding+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOTMS00KyJNYxw7HCW8pRa5v_EHNfXD82K43vAw9q7nnbC1Gr9VkVAWN8CLmpgjY9VTllF9dKbZZaEgpsf1oSK1oyOU2_9wz2eHA5gWlz9N2SzKmc7mU3uL0bwZaeybNdpFm9vmmaLARt/s320/Snowboarding+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445248602663563650" border="0" /></a>And if only you could see up close, you would see my face of pure excitement.<br /><br />Best part is.....Round 2 begins today:)<br /></div>mandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-66760460725132649862010-03-03T11:01:00.000-08:002010-03-03T11:56:35.960-08:00Back to Blogging?<div style="text-align: center;">I have debated for days whether to return to the blogging world.<br /><br />And yet I sit here typing.....which I assume means I have given in.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">My reasons?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. </span>I work everyday, which involves sitting at a computer for hours and hours. Occasionaly, this leads me to slight madness. So after revisiting my blog, I found it had been deserted, while also looking quite pathetic. Solution? You guessed it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2.</span> Since I do sit at a computer, I find myself always reading my friend's blogs which helps me keep up with them in their crazy lives. Also, I have had a few requests that I should update my blog... and I find I agree, since there have been events in my life that exist ever since I have left Europe.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. </span>Lastly, I have an amazing friend, Jordan Lee who personalized my blog for me. Because of this reason alone, I decided it is better to use this gift then let it sit and rot away. Thanks Jord by the way=)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Plus, I am one who is constantly thinking. I think of everything from music, to crazy dreams of mine, from friends, laughter, love, unfortunate things.....anything about life. It'll be nice to get these things outta my head!<br /><br />Basically, the things I write here are things I don't expect anyone to read. The things I write will be things I simply would like to write down, and hopefully can look back at and laugh at the things I come up with and think about. But... if your eyes ever do come upon this blog, I hope that you will find yourself laughing and learning, just like I am.<br /></div></div><br /><br /></div>mandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-30505690586590526792009-08-11T15:39:00.000-07:002009-08-11T15:58:05.240-07:00So Long Scotland<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE26jgd2ky8-gx8KKKwD0YK2QDWr_FJ87QiemXsoFYKkIXFI94h1ZhxNBLOSxfnBXblBHrWTTH7lieEeQ7qkzB1GUnBhpEQ-euGsS_3f2BTdF6TSI2S5jcGM7Iip83SKxLKDnCn7Of40wd/s1600-h/041.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368844099637861602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE26jgd2ky8-gx8KKKwD0YK2QDWr_FJ87QiemXsoFYKkIXFI94h1ZhxNBLOSxfnBXblBHrWTTH7lieEeQ7qkzB1GUnBhpEQ-euGsS_3f2BTdF6TSI2S5jcGM7Iip83SKxLKDnCn7Of40wd/s320/041.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgswK4j0KxOSjIYvoqQZpNpeqKfEv7bVEp7ISJArPW67hkcjeEJ6_LpL0SfMr9WgK2KHRb28aHU40Z4VvMXzKj1XgH6cQNXxgTnGUTkPpq1cvNNYtj_haDVcRtlkfip-WmEnObXIOx00oV/s1600-h/036.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368844091358707586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 313px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgswK4j0KxOSjIYvoqQZpNpeqKfEv7bVEp7ISJArPW67hkcjeEJ6_LpL0SfMr9WgK2KHRb28aHU40Z4VvMXzKj1XgH6cQNXxgTnGUTkPpq1cvNNYtj_haDVcRtlkfip-WmEnObXIOx00oV/s320/036.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /> Today we woke up and went to Arthur’s Seat which is one of the tallest hills in Scotland. We hiked up to the very top and it was beautiful. Edinburgh is starting to grow on me, I guess its because I was able to get out of the city. The hike was beautiful and we could see out over the city for miles. On our way we saw this exhibit that showed a bunch of crazy street signs. They were so funny! I will post a few pictures of them. We then went to my favorite store (marks and Spencer’s) which is probably the thing about Europe that I will miss the most. We stocked up on some last minute groceries and then came back to the hostel to pack. It was our professor’s birthday today so we made a few cakes. We got really into it and went all out. The only problem is that people here do not know what frosting is so we had to improvise. For one of the cakes we found some marzipan and tried to make that work, and for the other one we melted a giant chocolate bar and used that for frosting. We made some really awesome chocolate covered strawberries to top the cakes off. Even though we had a hard time getting the right ingredients the cakes turned out really good.<br /> I am really sad to be leaving Europe tomorrow. I definitely could have stayed in London a lot longer. Im ready to get out of this hostel though… I feel like this is worse than camping… it will be good to see my family and friends but I am not ready for this adventure to be over. I am really so lucky to have been able to participate on this study abroad. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am really grateful to be here. Im heading home tomorrow morning at 6 am and get into salt lake at around 9 pm. Lets just say its going to be a long long day.<br /><div></div></div>mandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-74318193040293884662009-08-11T15:34:00.000-07:002009-08-11T15:39:14.860-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5jXMCkL5rt6IudZao2mOQqTPK4TooamalhghIJZ8Yi9z3Uy-dR7n8R4x7hcnhVIQRGgfeBFla-hRnoaJopoVTl5RxYhxfr6zmqeHJNBdVzP-VWsoLBgUqK9nNNcRgykE37XWpQO0enAG/s1600-h/034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368839384323440034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5jXMCkL5rt6IudZao2mOQqTPK4TooamalhghIJZ8Yi9z3Uy-dR7n8R4x7hcnhVIQRGgfeBFla-hRnoaJopoVTl5RxYhxfr6zmqeHJNBdVzP-VWsoLBgUqK9nNNcRgykE37XWpQO0enAG/s320/034.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntwl6pZwRUa9se1Qo23yfNVzMwedgHd5O8heJhv2LhR6SWbw3Sw1m_PfXUmUP_vS6yBUZgW2vDRlvE_55q0ipVDfPCv0LYxD4C-0maxxE_RGVinGewkMQQvgekK_2PTtA8HyzJCo7OclW/s1600-h/029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368839381777113746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntwl6pZwRUa9se1Qo23yfNVzMwedgHd5O8heJhv2LhR6SWbw3Sw1m_PfXUmUP_vS6yBUZgW2vDRlvE_55q0ipVDfPCv0LYxD4C-0maxxE_RGVinGewkMQQvgekK_2PTtA8HyzJCo7OclW/s320/029.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>mandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-13830799514918575622009-08-11T15:10:00.000-07:002009-08-11T15:34:09.816-07:00Funny Signs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4pzcbJmAKlQVcvolx3ADK8uKzB6isjHw498K42jvSS93zIh1DQawdtVCKr5Ie3S-y76AFbiNzwy2hFqwhQ_40TmMfnocf2vbqOyS_OAAHJc5c5-DqTto5eOir9Q6YBaksW521kNgACLO/s1600-h/033.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368838096735440098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4pzcbJmAKlQVcvolx3ADK8uKzB6isjHw498K42jvSS93zIh1DQawdtVCKr5Ie3S-y76AFbiNzwy2hFqwhQ_40TmMfnocf2vbqOyS_OAAHJc5c5-DqTto5eOir9Q6YBaksW521kNgACLO/s320/033.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3kE_96e64pXfrXVQl6-GRTaVzUOzzchxSRJYprp8XetEjmCSzCiuNH1rqBHZKbuxxXM75eMERiD5si_oMXP5KeSRaXH3tkMQHNrfTHqeDSxsRe0Ylg2dOtwf0bZDAnq1fcB_7pobU-TT/s1600-h/027.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368838086629604914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3kE_96e64pXfrXVQl6-GRTaVzUOzzchxSRJYprp8XetEjmCSzCiuNH1rqBHZKbuxxXM75eMERiD5si_oMXP5KeSRaXH3tkMQHNrfTHqeDSxsRe0Ylg2dOtwf0bZDAnq1fcB_7pobU-TT/s320/027.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>mandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-42481393963309125862009-08-11T14:56:00.000-07:002009-08-11T15:10:22.765-07:00Last few days.. (August 10th)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGYyI44KMLv039_4PHUOjHlosfQwhgBK2B9Rl0-PQIaGA8H8Q4W-2e1YSUIzGvjoREM9qmJEJn7oWfZ5NG5yF4n4oN4IzNIqzL5hloR7goJ_z2AoOF2GM5ylteMIR4dkEl9xX-m18yl2C/s1600-h/014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368831401288608706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGYyI44KMLv039_4PHUOjHlosfQwhgBK2B9Rl0-PQIaGA8H8Q4W-2e1YSUIzGvjoREM9qmJEJn7oWfZ5NG5yF4n4oN4IzNIqzL5hloR7goJ_z2AoOF2GM5ylteMIR4dkEl9xX-m18yl2C/s320/014.JPG" border="0" /></a> Top picture is of me and my professors... from the left (Larry, Diane, Me, Rachel our TA, and Wendy)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbiTxeY8a4UZu6kxjMjhsIEcz566SBbwlipMTp_aMCGZUHIC4OTUOZREv7x6aHetjrBvs0ED_2gherRsedGyBPPXUFn74RtMHAWQhuUUXGTNLnpU6KinqQfVhI_TjqNcTj9mXlL2vnOtz/s1600-h/010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368831396798478754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbiTxeY8a4UZu6kxjMjhsIEcz566SBbwlipMTp_aMCGZUHIC4OTUOZREv7x6aHetjrBvs0ED_2gherRsedGyBPPXUFn74RtMHAWQhuUUXGTNLnpU6KinqQfVhI_TjqNcTj9mXlL2vnOtz/s320/010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54H9CuPsFk4mPt50k4K4_Y63s8nqFgNuDRYuuVDIr9VkoF8D8_F-6SED0D6aaVxF7sIj_gi1tZBpA8WUAPCWZjIq8Duwb6BlPg8-0lbsWKgATDni6AiRm9SU0UD3v9QkKxNUSm-OnRnuy/s1600-h/005.JPG"><span style="color:#000000;">Yesterday we basically worked on our paper all morning and got most of it done. After we went out to lunch to the café that J.K. Rawlings started to write Harry Potter. It was called the elephant café. It was decent food, nothing too special but it was fun to be there. After we walked around Edinburgh and saw a lot of the city. This place is still not one of my favorites. Its dirty and crowded. In one store I thought I was going to go crazy because there were a billion people, not enough space, and annoying bagpipe music playing way way too loud. The day did get better though. We had our closing banquet last night and we went to this really good restaurant. Dinner was so good but the best part was dessert (white chocolate cheesecake with blackberries)!! We watched a slide show of all of our pictures and everyone was given an award. Mine was “so much fun we forget she’s a vegetarian.” It was a fun night and a good time being with everyone one last time.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368831386657246498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54H9CuPsFk4mPt50k4K4_Y63s8nqFgNuDRYuuVDIr9VkoF8D8_F-6SED0D6aaVxF7sIj_gi1tZBpA8WUAPCWZjIq8Duwb6BlPg8-0lbsWKgATDni6AiRm9SU0UD3v9QkKxNUSm-OnRnuy/s320/005.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><br /><br /></span><div></div></div></div>mandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-60028656775021997222009-07-30T12:00:00.000-07:002009-07-31T08:26:00.395-07:00Yes.... I am in London!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5a3kYdLsG2-Ebnf_zvavEmoAlq-UjgF6aSDJwEwulzn1mwdt-wJo596RhJh_AD1xZVyQ3SGVoxFlYXXTKB4sJynSQLqCSvaMjyLV5LVWVABNk1HCDUEViwcZ6l-JGmVOG7wnlitXwlCbe/s1600-h/DSC03408.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5a3kYdLsG2-Ebnf_zvavEmoAlq-UjgF6aSDJwEwulzn1mwdt-wJo596RhJh_AD1xZVyQ3SGVoxFlYXXTKB4sJynSQLqCSvaMjyLV5LVWVABNk1HCDUEViwcZ6l-JGmVOG7wnlitXwlCbe/s320/DSC03408.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364336863778298306" /></a>So London is a pretty sweet place. That about sums it up. There is MUCH to do, and people from all over the world. Literally. There are a million of Indians here.. suprise suprise. They are like our Mexicans in America. Anyways, after getting to London, we kinda hit reality again and realized we had to study. So the first few days were spent catching up on homework, which consists of visiting various sites in London. (hard school isn't it?) One night... we sat in our flats having done homework all day.....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbVUkuJuiGwEBouq4CMeS5H-Mt1IJ1lkifW-1n6m5ixvoMwJlwN082OtAvURhw9iNrTKkawh1x-BAhWFZeBeFOl4EAhJIvDrFCFgE8NB1MMRgJ7tATLl8hOxvVoBjWGexEHiBJJU4euZF/s1600-h/DSC03401.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbVUkuJuiGwEBouq4CMeS5H-Mt1IJ1lkifW-1n6m5ixvoMwJlwN082OtAvURhw9iNrTKkawh1x-BAhWFZeBeFOl4EAhJIvDrFCFgE8NB1MMRgJ7tATLl8hOxvVoBjWGexEHiBJJU4euZF/s320/DSC03401.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364335681300696914" /></a>and me being in one of my weird Mandie moods... really needed to get out!! Me and my friend Kenzie literally went crazy. We bought scarves and are pretty sure these are the sweetest ways to wear them.... after a while, we heard of a rumor, that it was Big Ben's 150 B-day party that very night... It took much effort, but finally we pulled our friends out of the apartment. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9y_vmMWuqs-R7jzz0R3hpbjDM-ywDszJPWN09FUNNFFIFv7iPoLuXzhOD4qp82oeYK08du4RcUABp5XLWGAU36Uw4EJGxCDHPrZYotF__Le0Vu74U3UUIPERgnpfCcySgKlJuN2QZN2KB/s1600-h/DSC03466.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9y_vmMWuqs-R7jzz0R3hpbjDM-ywDszJPWN09FUNNFFIFv7iPoLuXzhOD4qp82oeYK08du4RcUABp5XLWGAU36Uw4EJGxCDHPrZYotF__Le0Vu74U3UUIPERgnpfCcySgKlJuN2QZN2KB/s320/DSC03466.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364335686265107266" /></a>When we got off the tube, I finally got to see London as we all think of it... This is WestMinisters Abby... huge church where kings and queens are buried, and where current kings and queens are crowned..<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2Qu9JoIpzu2tZdW04g4frbuAiSw8KwtlRhhyphenhyphenszCtBRou-SSjLevL-6CI0_xc6pgvym42DdDoB5rjJsZ_1UpeG-6hh1rBxGUacTWS3fic2MI3pJMxfdz-7CZjrzdfx_hWtJvq_DM5oIvg/s1600-h/DSC03484.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2Qu9JoIpzu2tZdW04g4frbuAiSw8KwtlRhhyphenhyphenszCtBRou-SSjLevL-6CI0_xc6pgvym42DdDoB5rjJsZ_1UpeG-6hh1rBxGUacTWS3fic2MI3pJMxfdz-7CZjrzdfx_hWtJvq_DM5oIvg/s320/DSC03484.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364335679095735842" />House of Parliament... Big Benny!!! Happy birthday little guy</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKVZqiMlLUmFwpxEaH3n4VP40A-Em6T9oQb3UngB-_1Avu7P0K_ojQz1ZH64fDYzPIUogbqDLz8Zu4osZBl6QRrlR8_8kSqClZY2Mom11G9tQ03hTG7GFFQUvr5yatcFxx8fb8-TrEShM/s1600-h/DSC03443.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKVZqiMlLUmFwpxEaH3n4VP40A-Em6T9oQb3UngB-_1Avu7P0K_ojQz1ZH64fDYzPIUogbqDLz8Zu4osZBl6QRrlR8_8kSqClZY2Mom11G9tQ03hTG7GFFQUvr5yatcFxx8fb8-TrEShM/s320/DSC03443.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364335672146890338" /></a>Isn't he a beauty?<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4EePvuYnellwXzew3NUmGx5uifvpPp7wtEPikXY8hUVt60tLPTHlonI9SIwAEL67uaPXowH3egOC3oXbeA0D1Bs8DOof4lua14PcGGfcFuFYytmgjG250kuyBP-X9iT4cE6VPpP-_Jbv/s1600-h/DSC03412.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4EePvuYnellwXzew3NUmGx5uifvpPp7wtEPikXY8hUVt60tLPTHlonI9SIwAEL67uaPXowH3egOC3oXbeA0D1Bs8DOof4lua14PcGGfcFuFYytmgjG250kuyBP-X9iT4cE6VPpP-_Jbv/s320/DSC03412.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364333785360752226" /></a>It was pouring rain, but we didn't care! Come to find out, the "huge celebration" for his b-day was displaying a Happy BIrthday on the building. Pretty exciting... we were looking for a huge party but alas there was none to be found. We did enjoy talking to the hot dog man though! and just being in London..<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2MqzibaIXDsH5AU0WLN-il3kf-a5QOfJ8JvR8vAxX9ljSOP10dv1XMNt98Kq2v5tEtSflT2Fpro28dM6OEvE9MOsi9EiPkPnG-SaAoZWPB7PU26rk-HBNhRFHIQQ3OPPMyLiSTfVS8k1/s1600-h/DSC03416.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2MqzibaIXDsH5AU0WLN-il3kf-a5QOfJ8JvR8vAxX9ljSOP10dv1XMNt98Kq2v5tEtSflT2Fpro28dM6OEvE9MOsi9EiPkPnG-SaAoZWPB7PU26rk-HBNhRFHIQQ3OPPMyLiSTfVS8k1/s320/DSC03416.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364333782565779474" />This is our freakin out picture... Basically, every time we get really excited about something, we have our own signs.. me, i freak out by making noises with my armpit. Real original.</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWn5JKJe1utGECoAMTNVe9lhWBMonfhoDufeQYKQ-YXMhJPRXsGBkbAg6cbN64aVONe0mVOt7IGL6ZdikxfgGUYXUTU2b99frQkMN24A-VFZlzjuAy1MeUxeZKEBReNecnBeS9LDgaDQp/s1600-h/DSC03427.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWn5JKJe1utGECoAMTNVe9lhWBMonfhoDufeQYKQ-YXMhJPRXsGBkbAg6cbN64aVONe0mVOt7IGL6ZdikxfgGUYXUTU2b99frQkMN24A-VFZlzjuAy1MeUxeZKEBReNecnBeS9LDgaDQp/s320/DSC03427.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364333780261619330" />What a perfect picture...The good ol London eye... with me! and the purple building in the background. Gotta love purple. One of my traditions on this trip is everytime I am completely content with the moment, I try and record a little montage of it. Otherwise known as "mandie's Montage" (thanks to my friend Sara). Here we are documenting Ben's birthday! </a><div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyDw4zcFzPkKNgs4hXQXn7poumDjlX6kYmus4kzHW2oJtT9eZFel1MNDgDg4PmS-Be_elcFnS4K0DQhAiUrRA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>London is amazing. That is all i have to say. Despite the rain, I was dazzled.... </div>mandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-13258328976581826262009-07-21T12:05:00.000-07:002009-07-21T15:02:28.516-07:00The beautiful Wales!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KrCqmKBwXLHEh0a0mmRPmkl5stqXfP7KNjiK-r662pPUlxG3u111WHSP1vPXvzSfaxvt0_sTsJ_4cr54H3Ay_LsSKuR1r20NPqejjkdAMd8uDk1aTfSayBleLWYyA8K4QhRLQxqEPxAB/s1600-h/DSC02790.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KrCqmKBwXLHEh0a0mmRPmkl5stqXfP7KNjiK-r662pPUlxG3u111WHSP1vPXvzSfaxvt0_sTsJ_4cr54H3Ay_LsSKuR1r20NPqejjkdAMd8uDk1aTfSayBleLWYyA8K4QhRLQxqEPxAB/s320/DSC02790.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361029883293951058" />So for all ya'll who don't think much of Wales, you are exactly how I was before going there. But having been there simply a day and a half, I have decided it is the most beautiful place I have seen by far. The pictures don't do it justice. After leaving Ireland on a ferry, we arrived in Wales and hit up many sites in the short time we had!</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDdTTXyJfwHt6O9WNfZgyWw8b5ByxH5hHf3jqMhD5hteq__aQY4dTeelP0CDvcc_Lyn4Z4eiphBdsXsQpIcpIKMXhXf7GHsDJkLj5N5pe9qNh7W5eUxIwB7JIhR4N_fZO_5LzeU7I0so4/s1600-h/DSC02775.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDdTTXyJfwHt6O9WNfZgyWw8b5ByxH5hHf3jqMhD5hteq__aQY4dTeelP0CDvcc_Lyn4Z4eiphBdsXsQpIcpIKMXhXf7GHsDJkLj5N5pe9qNh7W5eUxIwB7JIhR4N_fZO_5LzeU7I0so4/s320/DSC02775.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361016628686516338" />This picture is almost impossible to read, but that freakin long name...is the name of this town. Don't worry, the first thing our bus driver did when he picked us up was put on a cd that taught us how to say the name of this town. </a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkq28jRBtqB3SME0chbuier1qcpcAZ6IZGAwlIotNCZAsXyPL7JIJmw5D67L2F-7zQPr3DRbKxfwdYM5gvoCaI5F8LXvUhqA_gsNVmM3mr7yjnbyLwzGolQ_-5wWPk_aVQ6j8xqWUSGpMr/s1600-h/DSC02815.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkq28jRBtqB3SME0chbuier1qcpcAZ6IZGAwlIotNCZAsXyPL7JIJmw5D67L2F-7zQPr3DRbKxfwdYM5gvoCaI5F8LXvUhqA_gsNVmM3mr7yjnbyLwzGolQ_-5wWPk_aVQ6j8xqWUSGpMr/s320/DSC02815.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361016623588475122" /></a>After seeing many castles, I thought for sure I would be sick of them. But the Welsh castles were amazing in many ways... First, the scenery was gorgeous. The style of the town was old and royal. There were bays with many sail boats, and the ocean was near by also. Sadly, I can't remember the name of this castle, but many crazy things happened here. Keep reading to find out!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tW8JbgT8vjRxVG-5IIu_8SKAn55iF-TdEVPEHgUD0LCZvoEkajl85VFWvJ4GGOAYjfavGzFMpOcqYTHKbpv15AQNC4Oij_WqMUq5cnLnXK78dVNsdtWIThjgmn44OsTQjQD5dWy0uo0-/s1600-h/DSC02821.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tW8JbgT8vjRxVG-5IIu_8SKAn55iF-TdEVPEHgUD0LCZvoEkajl85VFWvJ4GGOAYjfavGzFMpOcqYTHKbpv15AQNC4Oij_WqMUq5cnLnXK78dVNsdtWIThjgmn44OsTQjQD5dWy0uo0-/s320/DSC02821.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361016614964087890" />Just one view from the castle..</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zmsB1oddp1xYcs9mEKz7Wu_Rg1JmKFx2rzpyJyGwNGrSSWkMPJErCPbueBTSg133tGTlrsCVArcB-RMZ9ZrbgTZRkrEc8pooOIM2ykYHBXofMhiZcPEWO8ntmxVvih8-gVLZvyHTur7g/s1600-h/DSC02835.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zmsB1oddp1xYcs9mEKz7Wu_Rg1JmKFx2rzpyJyGwNGrSSWkMPJErCPbueBTSg133tGTlrsCVArcB-RMZ9ZrbgTZRkrEc8pooOIM2ykYHBXofMhiZcPEWO8ntmxVvih8-gVLZvyHTur7g/s320/DSC02835.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361014619391611122" />a picture showing a little bit of the town...</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUl6L4AIBv8Y_pNNq6bZKYWD7Gw7ph6m7f9np8XUlUDz7cI3ezLFNUDuDeW-5CLwhUN8nfspfBEpik3sWxPcpkWH71Knn-njfzLyEln7ynKABm-v_Uoifrbz5mQ20rS8Y5SsxS_uyrg0zY/s1600-h/DSC02879.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUl6L4AIBv8Y_pNNq6bZKYWD7Gw7ph6m7f9np8XUlUDz7cI3ezLFNUDuDeW-5CLwhUN8nfspfBEpik3sWxPcpkWH71Knn-njfzLyEln7ynKABm-v_Uoifrbz5mQ20rS8Y5SsxS_uyrg0zY/s320/DSC02879.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361014618989967282" />here I am in a national park called Snowden. It was absolutely stunning. We stopped to take pictures and this picture represents how i felt.. literally you felt unstoppable here! I pretty much just wanted to fly away here..and this was the closest i could get. </a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bpI0luncbO_mOSKK-Fj9GvdgnhMYV2ru4x0PvGMUZG5ENsUUumvYjZgYxlBwtiBjYypbdEtZ-r7PVhKMErsaF4LZJg_bci5kNtLfGSpOKyTdRIubdRgZM_HG87A2hucZ03DcdWwKUnZE/s1600-h/DSC02901.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bpI0luncbO_mOSKK-Fj9GvdgnhMYV2ru4x0PvGMUZG5ENsUUumvYjZgYxlBwtiBjYypbdEtZ-r7PVhKMErsaF4LZJg_bci5kNtLfGSpOKyTdRIubdRgZM_HG87A2hucZ03DcdWwKUnZE/s320/DSC02901.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361014612119937874" />this was all you could see for many miles.. add in waterfalls everywhere.. and sheep. </a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_ZuZ3UCk4cU3MCWXZBAqjn6D1gVYHrIIcNanYoRsDJbvIXIQuLeNPyYwNN4VwqLvPcgmBDTbxzBs8iUKVz_p66jfWE6MHYK_tF1mmA3i0eD2CsphBESHOdqKwpv50vYL9xpt_reRTSxx/s1600-h/DSC02973.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_ZuZ3UCk4cU3MCWXZBAqjn6D1gVYHrIIcNanYoRsDJbvIXIQuLeNPyYwNN4VwqLvPcgmBDTbxzBs8iUKVz_p66jfWE6MHYK_tF1mmA3i0eD2CsphBESHOdqKwpv50vYL9xpt_reRTSxx/s320/DSC02973.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361014611252045554" />Here we are in the city our hostel was at. It was a city that was built inside the castle walls... which are pretty massive. In this picture we climbed the castle that had a road going under it. We got yelled at by young Welsh boys that "this was dangerous"... you wuld think we could figure that out. This city was amazing!</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUcWhZRYoql3qLrWQ3rVDQP1iq9icJP9OxrUGc27hf350ovSdc9FX3nWAGpEO5dRXmiO6wgpv8VyxSLsddbe9n99qHtI682WfA4qMy81HBV_eBbh9OJcp4SbvnxtxXSOH0mrXga8hGsDN/s1600-h/DSC02966.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUcWhZRYoql3qLrWQ3rVDQP1iq9icJP9OxrUGc27hf350ovSdc9FX3nWAGpEO5dRXmiO6wgpv8VyxSLsddbe9n99qHtI682WfA4qMy81HBV_eBbh9OJcp4SbvnxtxXSOH0mrXga8hGsDN/s320/DSC02966.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361011086111522002" />the pier that was just down the street from our hostel.. </a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3_qEYTLd4_TLOa2cANaM0jUhoHxmp3QJ_NgEh6Qlfe8CUL6wlVMhxR260Y7i_wnSV7AHLBUkN88ttMRHaWDnCj-lkwUTQBCzYoG2eIG0ZPcHvvthchNzf7-RNv1OMj0Glt4ULKURph6T/s1600-h/DSC02979.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3_qEYTLd4_TLOa2cANaM0jUhoHxmp3QJ_NgEh6Qlfe8CUL6wlVMhxR260Y7i_wnSV7AHLBUkN88ttMRHaWDnCj-lkwUTQBCzYoG2eIG0ZPcHvvthchNzf7-RNv1OMj0Glt4ULKURph6T/s320/DSC02979.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361011080103382722" />Me trying not to fall..</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6irofyP4rNL10DsGy-5Y-RNZgbTs8HQq_4OyUC2n8y0nrOXvMqT4gTHfzFsJgf4fxXWssoXu9fRmAodW3TbRnBxximyDigALMqSehfjZ9SKcou4xbv0ox5UCvhF8Qc9fQ4_HKDFXhnkK/s1600-h/DSC03003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6irofyP4rNL10DsGy-5Y-RNZgbTs8HQq_4OyUC2n8y0nrOXvMqT4gTHfzFsJgf4fxXWssoXu9fRmAodW3TbRnBxximyDigALMqSehfjZ9SKcou4xbv0ox5UCvhF8Qc9fQ4_HKDFXhnkK/s320/DSC03003.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361011074731165762" />View from the castle tower up on the hill... unreal eh?</a><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8R44CoGeJ1Dbn1yt2sjx5dxGQhhpBonf3HpFRJG5xFzZ3RJAz5PNST6maKfzqJ81EgrrcpH5CK3hce0tec04hxF982jlI6OxMkPGz86RGjYylzlbIWASL_UT0ywaxuSI5N8jb1Z45fDzE/s1600-h/DSC03054.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8R44CoGeJ1Dbn1yt2sjx5dxGQhhpBonf3HpFRJG5xFzZ3RJAz5PNST6maKfzqJ81EgrrcpH5CK3hce0tec04hxF982jlI6OxMkPGz86RGjYylzlbIWASL_UT0ywaxuSI5N8jb1Z45fDzE/s320/DSC03054.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361011073310072258" />the next day we traveled to some church history sites. This is the pond where Wilford Woodruff baptized around 300 saints in the Wales/England area. It was in the backyard of some farm, but the church owns this property. </a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVyZGAfwKToF_Pui2CgwtAhcC3JvV3NYcm9IrIyruJ0uqThI_sPIboctcR0PhYywzO7VMzJUTGP3SYeIK3Xsi0b15xGTBiHJrB8tjwvCFOkyWzquWxecWY6uVh6KebUhNPBatLN7LVYdS/s1600-h/DSC03082.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVyZGAfwKToF_Pui2CgwtAhcC3JvV3NYcm9IrIyruJ0uqThI_sPIboctcR0PhYywzO7VMzJUTGP3SYeIK3Xsi0b15xGTBiHJrB8tjwvCFOkyWzquWxecWY6uVh6KebUhNPBatLN7LVYdS/s320/DSC03082.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361011069688481890" />Here is Kenzie and I on the top of the highest "mountain" in Wales. Well it felt like it anyways. ONce again, I don't think anything could ever beat this moment... this is the hill where Brigham Young recieved revelation that he should publish the Book of Mormon in England..and I don't blame him after lookin out on all that country.. how could you not. p.s.... it was so windy you could pratically lay back and the wind would hold you up. It was crazy!</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlkThIbUhrgLR6hckalBxFwxZ4azQnfMWyHHZ9auFeHLM-jHi7OkU08bz_0ka4PkoFUuc3NaAXAU6I0Qys4cE4Rp7P9i9YljmIvsay_Vu4E29YBbKRcOH98Dr7yMzIU1nwAGna4KWJolT/s1600-h/DSC03073.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlkThIbUhrgLR6hckalBxFwxZ4azQnfMWyHHZ9auFeHLM-jHi7OkU08bz_0ka4PkoFUuc3NaAXAU6I0Qys4cE4Rp7P9i9YljmIvsay_Vu4E29YBbKRcOH98Dr7yMzIU1nwAGna4KWJolT/s320/DSC03073.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361009316351539586" />view from the hill...</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTtHFRBezkbPgs9KTJjC-fJPwfe2N0nKTOZW_0KkkeJXJecAthVjIs9x602ZAkb3-nPfkjfGkeTt0SYdkU5cknAe0yDPTtUvzew3nWev9dsEzTYpTrXNRO-lx4zRIWpul2t6Hh1CsjUHt/s1600-h/DSC03101.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTtHFRBezkbPgs9KTJjC-fJPwfe2N0nKTOZW_0KkkeJXJecAthVjIs9x602ZAkb3-nPfkjfGkeTt0SYdkU5cknAe0yDPTtUvzew3nWev9dsEzTYpTrXNRO-lx4zRIWpul2t6Hh1CsjUHt/s320/DSC03101.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361009309896247266" /></a>WINDY!!!!... crazy hair on top of mountain<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBc0dEfSqBdkb_ZnRTxQSXgioO4G4GeRgWs2XBt7yHAANkvLfXiaz-Nbh2PebQmP1caMBFZnc6rOKZ7cY0zbEcRsBquEtYGJ9kff6GZtSZso35WLcI2RNyqv7y21ZKTJyzY3MfaodyKos/s1600-h/DSC03121.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBc0dEfSqBdkb_ZnRTxQSXgioO4G4GeRgWs2XBt7yHAANkvLfXiaz-Nbh2PebQmP1caMBFZnc6rOKZ7cY0zbEcRsBquEtYGJ9kff6GZtSZso35WLcI2RNyqv7y21ZKTJyzY3MfaodyKos/s320/DSC03121.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361009302893624258" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">here is the oldest standing LDS chapel in the world. In order to get in you had to answer some basic Mormon </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">questions</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">. Ex: How old do you have to be to be baptized? it was funny. From here we travelled about 3 and a half hours to London..... where we could finally move out our stuff and settle in. </span></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJewJvKKlaYFqeu4bTw5L2GnedIXK0wqtOT1oV4xmV9iPbzC_rDK-KhFihcKvE8L5n5r-tjNibd0QE_wjxUcrQZOdNynFHDeBwSVXH_RDdfqDE2wPgWrwvatD03_yluoyGgU_U7QaytlB/s1600-h/DSC03129.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJewJvKKlaYFqeu4bTw5L2GnedIXK0wqtOT1oV4xmV9iPbzC_rDK-KhFihcKvE8L5n5r-tjNibd0QE_wjxUcrQZOdNynFHDeBwSVXH_RDdfqDE2wPgWrwvatD03_yluoyGgU_U7QaytlB/s320/DSC03129.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361009291731310434" />W</a>hen we arrived.. we literally were FREAKING out. We were in London..... that's all I have to say..!! </div><div><br /></div><div>Highlights of Wales:</div><div><br /></div><div>The first castle we went to, was pretty high up. We were looking through the windows where they would shoot bow and arrows. One was old and wider than the others. I decided to stick my body out as much as I could..being about 30-40 feet up... as I came back in, my shoe fell off into the mote below that was a non tourist place to go, and was guarded by the castle walls. I freaked out a bit because I though I was going to be shoeless for the next 2 days. Fortunately, my friend Tiare was able to hop the fence and get it. In the mean time I walked around the castle in my bright pink sock getting many weird stares.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tiare and I were able to help a man up the hill that wasn't able to make it. It was a long story, but a really growing experience. </div><div><br /></div><div>The hostel we stayed in that night was the best by far. It was in an awesome location. (castle city!) and we each had our own outlet plugs. we loved it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wales was simply stunning... I would go back in a heart beat.</div><div><br /></div>mandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-60828635592687070012009-07-19T08:40:00.000-07:002009-07-19T13:32:11.818-07:00Dublin Ireland<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGF6mXC0K0I1rl1R5-mrQOB-0bY0YFCUINXr6nW8q49ndTH4o0JoTQ5HGbKyy-pwYF4ZtC6Eh1XWg6pvV-uvvFZ9p3_Z1joJY0BYyqkpj8SEqRurbtBFkUg72yhhh7IACmd30HPuK7qsr/s1600-h/DSC02681.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGF6mXC0K0I1rl1R5-mrQOB-0bY0YFCUINXr6nW8q49ndTH4o0JoTQ5HGbKyy-pwYF4ZtC6Eh1XWg6pvV-uvvFZ9p3_Z1joJY0BYyqkpj8SEqRurbtBFkUg72yhhh7IACmd30HPuK7qsr/s320/DSC02681.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360205093677545714" />So here is a pic of the city of Dublin, Ireland. preTty Sweet huh? haha not a whole lot to see here in this pic, but Dublin was a happening place. To me, Dublin wasn't that big of a city compared to New York and London. It was for sure a sketchy place though. The first day we got there, in the newspaper was a story of a man who was stabbed in broad daylight, and who laid in the city square bleeding for an hour before someone helped. It freaked me out a bit. Despite this, Dublin had some awesome pubs, cute guys, amazing shopping (typical), and some really strange things too.... </a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1YoJauy5Qd0eaAQ4E45YT9sgCE-4fKC7Jdf5zFVyZoXs-oZDv4vSW0HLp6SF4m0tR_JrzADAnC0qThy7jc_bxHLSvo789pQA7Zo9NgftYDvNK81DTdOR0V3Rg7E7bwLGslHMdPspuL8d/s1600-h/DSC02645.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1YoJauy5Qd0eaAQ4E45YT9sgCE-4fKC7Jdf5zFVyZoXs-oZDv4vSW0HLp6SF4m0tR_JrzADAnC0qThy7jc_bxHLSvo789pQA7Zo9NgftYDvNK81DTdOR0V3Rg7E7bwLGslHMdPspuL8d/s320/DSC02645.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360205089177214114" /></a>So this picture ain't nothin special... but considering I snuck the picture in a no picture zone makes it pretty amazing. This is the Library at Trinity college. Probably the coolest library ever! If you look closely there are books stacked from the bottom to the top... books that were very very old. Maybe I just found this cool because for one it was a library, and for two, it had the smell of books...which is amazing. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzEtzTgVVvsnnzGoTTpSMAgk84W2q4oAK1fUPgXIsPdc8Q5vqPajBFno6NXg8NpQKucLktiquO-DPC8pcp3pVGS63WOy3uHSCT-mBFqX6eek3IijUHw0yRcReLdyBnIOwO1QPrOFG5Ypo/s1600-h/DSC02641.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzEtzTgVVvsnnzGoTTpSMAgk84W2q4oAK1fUPgXIsPdc8Q5vqPajBFno6NXg8NpQKucLktiquO-DPC8pcp3pVGS63WOy3uHSCT-mBFqX6eek3IijUHw0yRcReLdyBnIOwO1QPrOFG5Ypo/s320/DSC02641.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360205088342757074" />Here is a small sample of what the Trinity College in Dublin was like on a rainy day. We saw the Book of Kells here..which is an illuminated manuscript of the four gospels. (one of the oldest copies of the four gospels in the bible that survives) woa!!</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSKrET0vnR9YgCVoCbRdCHiwzndaadN_lDhNerboCOxUvWhyx25HgdN5hJux5qV2fcX8q1uhrdpU2V4gFdShb2A_R9-aAV1MVs-d4mnRvGefCqyLYzRGDljjbNdNXCECZOZM75-71gZp6/s1600-h/DSC02650.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSKrET0vnR9YgCVoCbRdCHiwzndaadN_lDhNerboCOxUvWhyx25HgdN5hJux5qV2fcX8q1uhrdpU2V4gFdShb2A_R9-aAV1MVs-d4mnRvGefCqyLYzRGDljjbNdNXCECZOZM75-71gZp6/s320/DSC02650.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360205088461605378" /></a>As me and Nikki sat in this shoe store...we realized we were leaving Ireland without an Irish kiss.... so i was designated the lucky job to awkwardly ask him..."i know this is a really weird question... but we have a checklist to do in Ireland before we leave, and our last one is to kiss an Irish guy.." haha this dude instantly turned red. He looks 16 but in person more my age. Everyone around us laughed and he darted away after... it was preTTy funny!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6MJarF6wv4IbFz6lWm-hdyXcWvpU3hU4KDU9qw_3K0CQg2WeW0vWUUy44RGZa9vBos1hVw_l5OdsKAKJDAy_eGkSHBYLpSMjQhwfFpjd3Vd028j4SeKgDlwGdR7Xn56Oqn6V6j_uEhZL/s1600-h/DSC02652.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6MJarF6wv4IbFz6lWm-hdyXcWvpU3hU4KDU9qw_3K0CQg2WeW0vWUUy44RGZa9vBos1hVw_l5OdsKAKJDAy_eGkSHBYLpSMjQhwfFpjd3Vd028j4SeKgDlwGdR7Xn56Oqn6V6j_uEhZL/s320/DSC02652.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360205083922492994" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">We were pretty </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">ecstatic</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"> when we found Subway for only 2 euros...which is the cheapest food we've gotten yet. It was raining outside and we went into a Mcdonalds to eat, and got kicked out. So we sat and ate probably where a bum slept...in the rain, pretty upset that the one place that reminded us of America, kicked us out. </span></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMP-R-S-1wrGzSFMjDDenB86kwF60drd97cvXFQgA2sdqsUTi3Xk91IL_SpQPe9LQ3oIsrpUAWVFsWhCIX16W8TC2K_L7kY53c8e6zmAq5GCg4ktH5B1lKTcct1bXgUMEPAf8VtTpOMQi/s1600-h/DSC02655.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMP-R-S-1wrGzSFMjDDenB86kwF60drd97cvXFQgA2sdqsUTi3Xk91IL_SpQPe9LQ3oIsrpUAWVFsWhCIX16W8TC2K_L7kY53c8e6zmAq5GCg4ktH5B1lKTcct1bXgUMEPAf8VtTpOMQi/s320/DSC02655.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360203137009916290" /></a>Many strange things happened in Dublin... many strange people were there. This white thing started dancing with me.. and then gave me a sucker? <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XgrDLYOo_ck9JLFJtcmEYuWGkO3Nj2EimCd0-3Q-LLbAC0Yhtl7kzKrj_qwOeiAmY67Sna719d9b0O8936wYFiPi8aGnoYHEHvtlfHp2Th1juuaHjlabwOm6OzdiwXJRQ86RfKHCwKgP/s1600-h/DSC02658.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XgrDLYOo_ck9JLFJtcmEYuWGkO3Nj2EimCd0-3Q-LLbAC0Yhtl7kzKrj_qwOeiAmY67Sna719d9b0O8936wYFiPi8aGnoYHEHvtlfHp2Th1juuaHjlabwOm6OzdiwXJRQ86RfKHCwKgP/s320/DSC02658.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360203137184695538" />Oh and don't worry... Michael Jackson didn't die, but was hiding in Ireland. This dude was either high on drugs or had something wrong because he was shaking with his all white eyes... freaky!!!</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-pufzeSKOvouxTzkzfmvVwrHlrrO_szJ6E_JsTFSbl3C0Ge-oNUHHd48JRdKIoVdVucCYM474HB1fHxl5GHxYQ9125C_NDGDLgzOGcxelXhKffdiwQMOsKqLqSo0jQa1D-Zd9IkXl-2i/s1600-h/DSC02672.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-pufzeSKOvouxTzkzfmvVwrHlrrO_szJ6E_JsTFSbl3C0Ge-oNUHHd48JRdKIoVdVucCYM474HB1fHxl5GHxYQ9125C_NDGDLgzOGcxelXhKffdiwQMOsKqLqSo0jQa1D-Zd9IkXl-2i/s320/DSC02672.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360203130544680434" />Me, Nikki, Kenzie found my newest favorite store.. Acessorize. I loved everything in there and we found these cool hats that everywhere in Europe has... ! sweet</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITyI9s4DgyyBGqEoIwTaNolpcUh8iTOwjW9yYyWeKmBRr5DO8gAOwhHBCO2DV95eCK24XAO29LGufbwn85bOHBm_lv_Axr7Gxn3dqzR_0nmECxiwT0RDL2xpsQoKx0TPFmbbwfDK-BmW1/s1600-h/DSC02709.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITyI9s4DgyyBGqEoIwTaNolpcUh8iTOwjW9yYyWeKmBRr5DO8gAOwhHBCO2DV95eCK24XAO29LGufbwn85bOHBm_lv_Axr7Gxn3dqzR_0nmECxiwT0RDL2xpsQoKx0TPFmbbwfDK-BmW1/s320/DSC02709.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360203127701581186" /></a>Sunday..walking the "30 mins" our instructors told us it took to church. This is at the beginning of our walk.. when we still had energy. And yes, the walk was MUCh longer than 30 mins. On the way, I stepped on a wobbly tile and just my luck mud shot up my skirt. Go figure<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAVK_nwtymKLTqokzTJl2pdLq_3NEmtebKOwosnamNI-Abm4Ys2K2lfTVTu2wnV7HBDq9OcYxA9KJyHu4hyphenhyphenSnuU8eeKnXCG1fjDdQMVTxz_qVElb-7gxXutTl-0yw052l6DP73x3yf44T/s1600-h/DSC02717.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAVK_nwtymKLTqokzTJl2pdLq_3NEmtebKOwosnamNI-Abm4Ys2K2lfTVTu2wnV7HBDq9OcYxA9KJyHu4hyphenhyphenSnuU8eeKnXCG1fjDdQMVTxz_qVElb-7gxXutTl-0yw052l6DP73x3yf44T/s320/DSC02717.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360198088660231458" />This picture is to simply show my teacher Wendy, and how aweomse she is. Instead of being a professor, she's more like a mother...and basically told us to have fun and that will be our grade! awesome..</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTURQqbK9GmB2Y9uGhNHqYbg33bCJejcOz3Wj-q7HQEP7691WH6w0x2R_H9nagF7DtiGeYFVULwkwbv3t2mBN4KcloILWTK3i2kEroNRJVH4YX69p2XJJX9iO7_Bx_T15CCJaqYF09SaSD/s1600-h/DSC02710.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTURQqbK9GmB2Y9uGhNHqYbg33bCJejcOz3Wj-q7HQEP7691WH6w0x2R_H9nagF7DtiGeYFVULwkwbv3t2mBN4KcloILWTK3i2kEroNRJVH4YX69p2XJJX9iO7_Bx_T15CCJaqYF09SaSD/s320/DSC02710.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360198087315002050" /></a>Our second trip to church for the fireside... We wore tennis shoes and skirts. Cute huh.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvDwYDbyY8is-zkD31xo73sXQybs8_GohZ1dWHxWzNnNrA2V6TyEioshnJ-dyjRWh1HwAXefvjWNhlv8EF3CTzUJ8Z-ix75T9Sbh_6r94M6Ju88VPfIXFYfOaodQPD5vpM_cinAnsPyZj/s1600-h/DSC02719.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvDwYDbyY8is-zkD31xo73sXQybs8_GohZ1dWHxWzNnNrA2V6TyEioshnJ-dyjRWh1HwAXefvjWNhlv8EF3CTzUJ8Z-ix75T9Sbh_6r94M6Ju88VPfIXFYfOaodQPD5vpM_cinAnsPyZj/s320/DSC02719.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360198080950046098" />The Irish church!!!</a><div><br /></div><div>Highlights of Ireland...</div><div><br /></div><div>So by far my favorite part of Dublin took place when me and my friend took a midnight stroll with our buddies Jacob and Garret past midnight in Dublin city. We got pretty far in the city, and got ready to turn around, when we heard a local pub singing "American Pie". Me and Tiare decided that we should get the whole pub experience so we went in and started belting out the song with all the drunk Irish people. It was one of the most fun things I've ever done. Everyone was so happy and they linked arms with us and started to sway back and forth. Pretty funny.... </div><div><br /></div><div>The hostel we stayed in was a former convent which was pretty exciting. There was statues of Christ, an old confessional booth, and a big cathedral we would eat in. This hostel was my favorite because it was a larger hostel and people from literally all around the world were there. We talked to people from Australia, Italy, Argentina, Spain, and there were girls all over from France etc. that did NOt like us. But it was a good culture experience. </div><div><br /></div><div>The other thing I liked about Dublin is that they had really fun flee markets, fun shoppin and tons of street performers. I lOved it!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall Dublin was a fun city and fitting, but kinda sketchy at the same time! woot woot...</div>mandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-41437481280789772132009-07-12T12:40:00.000-07:002009-07-12T13:53:21.628-07:00Ireland take 2!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kziilQK_OVMaWFPNWbMh6-c-XsLI4o2QXaNS71QwsvnnLMyYBWknbRlktHFAR_lasKLaj1HJGEq2s7hqLlIyoEDGAOpD948dlTyUpCTwQxUHEk2X0ruar8RvyCunpUYAviELXoroSm1u/s1600-h/DSC02620.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kziilQK_OVMaWFPNWbMh6-c-XsLI4o2QXaNS71QwsvnnLMyYBWknbRlktHFAR_lasKLaj1HJGEq2s7hqLlIyoEDGAOpD948dlTyUpCTwQxUHEk2X0ruar8RvyCunpUYAviELXoroSm1u/s320/DSC02620.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357673967293798546" /></a>So after a couple days of driving and seeing lame castles like Ross castle, the thought of yet another one seemed pretty boring. (ya when would you think a castle would be boring)? but lo and behold.. we showed up to St Patricks Castle and it was freakin awesome. THIS is what I imagined Ireland like. The pics don't do it justice.. but the first picture is the graveyard in the back..with an awesome view of fields... <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc88ccjlb_6rlMNOX5JRNqBUzSqIjmCJ47-clZ7zpU7V97rMvNrK-nwENZYaxpVB909MTCS6Z2gPVlPI1JWn366PLpIzboioQfieiIOB_Rc4SWCbkOs4_9QDHzR82nXlGMZcazwAEAVlLn/s1600-h/DSC02609.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc88ccjlb_6rlMNOX5JRNqBUzSqIjmCJ47-clZ7zpU7V97rMvNrK-nwENZYaxpVB909MTCS6Z2gPVlPI1JWn366PLpIzboioQfieiIOB_Rc4SWCbkOs4_9QDHzR82nXlGMZcazwAEAVlLn/s320/DSC02609.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357673969968668706" /></a>Massive insides. St Patrick walked here...good ol st patty<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdGQoYn_G3anMyU2pSGPWU7nSa9jvLGCTOiTsLxDo_p-yssfyBVJ7YGdGpm-5atbhONUvk-w9ic7iFlLE8Nm7whYpr3pOZYy02k0S4FtQaDiUWoRG_Vijsqgj-sTlmRf818mpcQ_-M6G7/s1600-h/DSC02600.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdGQoYn_G3anMyU2pSGPWU7nSa9jvLGCTOiTsLxDo_p-yssfyBVJ7YGdGpm-5atbhONUvk-w9ic7iFlLE8Nm7whYpr3pOZYy02k0S4FtQaDiUWoRG_Vijsqgj-sTlmRf818mpcQ_-M6G7/s320/DSC02600.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357673964007480322" />next thing i knew... Sarah was sacrificing me. Creepy to think people actually were sacrificed here. </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgux5MNDKdxAScxXyOflCIk2596K5H1yVshbKHIsi8nX-OAkUYrxIk6wydGEynlkqCTgZTB8TjDFiOoWCVDhT8XTYciwIRJsbQ-Lj16mb3CyDCz8lDzjWZb4RkbtDv7O5p4nncvxT-u32/s1600-h/DSC02599.JPG"><br /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgux5MNDKdxAScxXyOflCIk2596K5H1yVshbKHIsi8nX-OAkUYrxIk6wydGEynlkqCTgZTB8TjDFiOoWCVDhT8XTYciwIRJsbQ-Lj16mb3CyDCz8lDzjWZb4RkbtDv7O5p4nncvxT-u32/s320/DSC02599.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357673958313573762" /></a>this picture is to try and show how tall the building was. Seriously, I was fascinated!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANt76sPsRQCN3FmYfd4rilEl5knOQ9o12OA6SJ4AGSRCmOQXJ1BazS3b49rLOTFLV6YT7pd8CpOdsTeRFjPDUQ7W1C5q6-oW0m2XOKPuc_Fc_W8bKon9kCdS1KEl6jzxXrB-LSyMKhSvN/s1600-h/DSC02636.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANt76sPsRQCN3FmYfd4rilEl5knOQ9o12OA6SJ4AGSRCmOQXJ1BazS3b49rLOTFLV6YT7pd8CpOdsTeRFjPDUQ7W1C5q6-oW0m2XOKPuc_Fc_W8bKon9kCdS1KEl6jzxXrB-LSyMKhSvN/s320/DSC02636.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357673956209768002" /></a>a classy picture outside of a cafe, which by the way is one of my favorite things to do. It was a perfect day in Ireland and no rain!! <div><br /></div><div>Here's a few facts I discovered and found unusual in Irish Land:</div><div><br /></div><div>Driving on the opposite side of the road can be super freaky, especially when the roads are narrow and you are driving right on the edge of a cliff...</div><div><br /></div><div>Toliets flush in the opposite direction.. and Ireland can't seem to pick a style of toliet</div><div><br /></div><div>all sink faucets have a faucet for hot, and one for cold. You push it and race until the water stops. Showers are exciting because the button lasts total of 30 seconds. </div><div><br /></div><div>Pubs are probably the funnest thing i have done. It is good, clean fun minus the drinking! This was discovered as me and my friend entered one and watching the drunks sway to the song "american pie" . Haven't had that much fun in quite some time. </div><div><br /></div><div>Apparently Convent Hostels like to wake you up with awesome European Techno music. It would def pass as runway music. Beware... if you ask if it is Irish music, you will be glared at and told it is just "on the radio"</div><div><br /></div><div>The food here is extremely expensive, very small portions, and flavorless. But the cookies here and Digestive cookies rock my world!</div><div><br /></div><div>The Irish make their money off of tourists.. their government is really crappy. Goes to show why they love foreigners. They are awesome people though. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ireland is in a horrible recession. </div><div><br /></div><div>And no one ever warned me that Irish men were so good lookin! and the "red hair" Irish stereo type is not true. I saw a total of 3 read heads.. one including my self.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Irish doors are all different, bright and unique. We started a door collection. </div><div><br /></div><div>That is all for now!!! Thanks for reading friends!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>mandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-33021133666098836142009-07-07T16:07:00.000-07:002009-07-07T17:14:33.497-07:00More Ireland<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">So I have now left Ireland and have traveled through Wales and am currently in London. I had a freakin great time in Ireland, and have so much to tell. To keep ya'll interested, i will only tell my highlights of Ireland...enjoy!!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0X5H_KEf-KpiuHKiTgf6ShN-Qq9ijeluKRo2w4iUOAugwC-OqIHckWpbDgI0VSNbqRhOqvJ_U3tGMXBsjbchcrc1rvNc663YGhSHS4504iVj553pjw6lU8m1lMtugnGQilX84wiXuKpR/s320/DSC02465.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355874629130675394" /></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left:0in;text-indent:0in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Georgia">OH MY one of my favorite parts of Ireland for some strange reason was Inch beach in Dingle Bay. (great Names huh) I just loved being at the beach and me and my friends took some sweet pics. I have hoards of pictures so I will spare everyone by only posting a few. This is a picture of<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span> me and my groupies in Ireland!!!</span></p></div><div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeASP05by6xKaLNZiz5N1L6PMPtkG82PI2Z2iwYuntuQaJbjVPOT1HLdDfrBnbuczCU0mJPKaeb9Zgpqj-CKST-nLDauhu56lQp5HufEJDufAaJWbwHBKE3A6lxMT1fZ_iBwKzXO2Kj8Mm/s320/DSC02543.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355874626447297186" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHf9Bc-1QVnyssj5EdERw2GC0wAbO04VFp9G_mASqOIKJRNNdRBR8q8XokVKQAU4oGItxxnBlRvoYcj3iA-6K0vrxsKRezVY-0Sz-JBzNeHImI9x2c1J1xiAghw1go9ot756O7opK8put7/s1600-h/DSC02554.JPG">So this here... is an old Irish couple named Joe and Nessy that I happened to sit by at one of the castles. It w</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHf9Bc-1QVnyssj5EdERw2GC0wAbO04VFp9G_mASqOIKJRNNdRBR8q8XokVKQAU4oGItxxnBlRvoYcj3iA-6K0vrxsKRezVY-0Sz-JBzNeHImI9x2c1J1xiAghw1go9ot756O7opK8put7/s1600-h/DSC02554.JPG">as the funniest thing you'd ever seen.. they were sitting under a tree watching the ducks in the rain. As i got talking to them, we started asking how they met, and if they were still in love etc... Despite the old man's hairy nose and crazy eyebrows, i loved talking to them. The people here are so genuine.</a></span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRy3okFlByG52kGyUN6YS0CtQe13vya5o0xP7nplYf-w4pUNU4m45DT0rAey3n4DOGcsdVhsWqFV1xPwPvk9SDR80D9tpLnDUhUC5a7xE_kHcr4GhyphenhyphenltvidERKfbVu3A33SZ-7-MjtZyL/s320/DSC02523.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355873761897641714" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></div><div>After much effort.. we reached this Irish waterfall. It was gorgeous and such a nice break from riding in the bus. Me and a few friends ended up actually getting so that was a plus also!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1syogfiWsx9V94KZ332QhH-8BbCy1H_ZH3Ybo3-nDmpezoOE1BHwFxwtuqwbC4vekY-reyFfFkcMpxCxB1EZo67JoeCb8WURUJpBBFhUrEK5sHSNR00rOX5bK-jLOqkGInifkmbeZzFM-/s1600-h/DSC02549.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1syogfiWsx9V94KZ332QhH-8BbCy1H_ZH3Ybo3-nDmpezoOE1BHwFxwtuqwbC4vekY-reyFfFkcMpxCxB1EZo67JoeCb8WURUJpBBFhUrEK5sHSNR00rOX5bK-jLOqkGInifkmbeZzFM-/s400/DSC02549.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355869231722499122" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuKSZzIKpAms_0Cd-sqb9_eMH4m1ycnWsBDvRIkfoOyWBcrJsxSdUl7hISFT1hyt6xSrfB5KLpW6S8NKMFv4snacjQpejK8DvPdWjuR9VTqwSF-uMel-sUwdlbdzmuvqBXI1VQQq5nkBP/s1600-h/DSC02573.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuKSZzIKpAms_0Cd-sqb9_eMH4m1ycnWsBDvRIkfoOyWBcrJsxSdUl7hISFT1hyt6xSrfB5KLpW6S8NKMFv4snacjQpejK8DvPdWjuR9VTqwSF-uMel-sUwdlbdzmuvqBXI1VQQq5nkBP/s400/DSC02573.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355868332249716914" /></a><br /></div><div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Well lookie here... this is me and Kenzie throwing our one cent euros into the Blarney castle river.. wishing for even more luck than we were about to get by kissing the Blarney stone. One of the most famous Irish castles contains a rock from the 800's. Rumor has it that if you kiss it, you will have Irish luck. Problem is, it is at the very top of the castle, and under neath a ledge. In order to kiss it, you have to bend your head back and kiss the stone that millions have kissed. So.. i did it! and after looking 100 feet to the ground.. it was worth it. Man these Irish people.. after kissing the stone and wishing in the river.. I sure have become more lucky! I mean look at me! I'm in Europe:) </div><div><br /></div><div>Well that's it for now.... and i apologize for the crazy formatting, i seem to not know how to use this blogger thing! ha ha ta ta!</div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBT4Gzw77wTT2Dl7fnuS12n4KgM14oIiSFLFDIAh9esUaw1Xzl0gWozRMutqMrM8oTbh8V2IJ_0PeaTtn68MCwaMyaOakq4WlGnAqwNE5JkLXjHt-JqgmrnsasI784Bv6SsUKcZtcfbUXM/s320/DSC02554.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355873757655488978" /></div></div></div></div>mandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219969331927380126.post-53605173940615806922009-07-03T13:29:00.000-07:002009-07-03T14:27:32.313-07:00still here!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5O82Ma1TQ-_wrXeYADxhN6a3WCtOd-rLw6URexy0bkrEbYGjkNB5LPXouDXvJogFPWM5yz4YzXEqZgviztnXHNc6bad3yTYE_1aakDVSn-j-WTcUenfXE9wKAzTD9oHwGqZzema164qGF/s1600-h/DSC02369.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5O82Ma1TQ-_wrXeYADxhN6a3WCtOd-rLw6URexy0bkrEbYGjkNB5LPXouDXvJogFPWM5yz4YzXEqZgviztnXHNc6bad3yTYE_1aakDVSn-j-WTcUenfXE9wKAzTD9oHwGqZzema164qGF/s400/DSC02369.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354348550451109986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNVeVrB_va8t_x9S4TUYHabySNcgzN8imVX7MZQ4yxMGGUvdf6e0ez-ooDdVwvBQ8CN1y8QpOYeEne3TiXbQ6_3lJ0usdhx0g9iKHBoQ6S8-F7b5HTfQAvzNg_hq62NdoModu4sx9nxSx/s1600-h/DSC02270.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNVeVrB_va8t_x9S4TUYHabySNcgzN8imVX7MZQ4yxMGGUvdf6e0ez-ooDdVwvBQ8CN1y8QpOYeEne3TiXbQ6_3lJ0usdhx0g9iKHBoQ6S8-F7b5HTfQAvzNg_hq62NdoModu4sx9nxSx/s400/DSC02270.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354348546932807890" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">So I am still in Ireland and loving the heck out of it!!! Through all of the touristy activities, and bus rides, there are definitely highlights that have stuck out. Here are a few of them along with pictures!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> We went to Killarney city which was a 20 minute drive from our Hostel. After eating in a pub, we could either walk to the hostel or grab a taxi. Me and most of my friends didn't want to pay the cab, so we decided t walk home which was an experience of a life time. We first got lost, and had some 10 year old Irish boys help us which was squeezing ourselves through a hole in the fence onto a main highway with no sidewalks. we then walked on the freeway for 2 and a half hours till 11 pm, (and it was still light). Best part was the little Irish boys were in love with us and followed us unitl they couldn't. One little boy was trying to impress us and almost biffed on his bike... as he recovered from his incident he replied in his proper Irish accent " I almost broke my ball sack!!" (pardon my language) we found it hilarious.. and eventually made it home safely. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pictures... me and my friends at the canons in Bunratty castle, and riding the Dingle Penisula dolphin!!!</div>mandiejanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464464540699647624noreply@blogger.com2