tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2266470258602122272024-03-19T01:48:46.885-07:00Leaps Of FaithHolly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.comBlogger146125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-64501462977260936962020-04-08T17:30:00.000-07:002020-04-09T13:09:46.326-07:00When You Put A Girl In Quarantine...<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>You know, it's like the classic kid book, "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie." <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">If you give a mouse a cookie, he’s going to ask for a glass of milk. When you give him the milk, he’ll probably ask you for a straw. When he’s finished, he’ll ask you for a napkin. Well, if you put a girl in quarantine, she'll probably listen to a podcast on joy. When she listens to the podcast she'll decide to download to TikTok to find some joy. When she totally nails the TikTok #footdance she'll want to write a blog post {or something like that!}</span></i></span><br />
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<section> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@hollyroberts83" target="_blank" title="@hollyroberts83">@hollyroberts83</a> Final Cut...<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/footdance" target="_blank" title="footdance">##footdance</a><br />
<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Oh-Nanana-Remix-6624126913629653766" target="_blank" title="♬ Oh Nanana - Remix - dj 6rb & bonde r300">♬ Oh Nanana - Remix - dj 6rb & bonde r300</a></span></section></blockquote>
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<i><span style="color: #666666;">During my run this morning, my mind was going a million miles a minute, and I decided now seems like a good time to bring the blog out of an 2+ year quarantine. As I approach the end of week 4 of quarantining at my parents, I have a lot of thoughts, reflections etc to share...so here goes nothing, vulnerability and all.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">We as a city, a state, a country, a world are all collectively fighting this pandemic together, while each of us individually simultaneously fight our own battles amid the chaos and uncertainty. I write this blog from a place of abundant blessing, health, and love, and my heart aches for those literally fighting for their lives. But I still struggle. And my struggles are real and validated, as are yours. Let me tell, never did I imagine being 36, single, back living with my parents {although temporary} after just making the move to Denver. But, this was a CHOICE I made, and I am blessed I was able to make this CHOICE. </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #666666;">THEN AND NOW</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I miss Colorado. I miss my routine. I miss my dog. I miss my work space. I miss the Colorado mountains. I miss my clothes and all my stuff. I miss human connection. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">I'm blessed to be back in Oregon in a home filled with love, food, and yes, TP {and my amazing parents}! I'm blessed to have a healthy body that allows me to get out and exercise. I'm blessed my parents have let me take over their dining room table for my "office." I'm blessed to be busy with work. I'm blessed to have a suitcase filled with winter clothes and another filled with workout clothes that my friends so graciously sent me from my apartment in Denver. I'm blessed to crawl into my by bed every night in my parent's guest room, surrounded by memoirs from my childhood. I'm blessed to be more socially connected to friends and family while maintaining physical distance {Thank you ZOOM!!!}.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #666666;">THE STRUGGLE IS REAL...BUT SOMEONE OUT THERE IS PRAYING FOR MY "STRUGGLE"</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But let me be completely honest, this quarantining has been hard on this adventurous, giving, people seeking, philanthropic, on-the-go girl. For those of you who know me, I am usually on the go from the moment I wake up to the moment I close my eyes at night. And I wouldn't change it for the world...until the world forced me to change it. So here I am, forced to make some adjustments to my life. As we all are. After spewing daggers from my mouth in the form of mean + hurtful words, and crying until my eyes burned a couple of weeks ago, I knew I had to change my perspective, cause that is one thing I can control right now.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">One thing I know about myself is that I am a hard worker, a doer, a pleaser, someone who likes to add value and feel needed and appreciated. And I will be completely honest, I don't feel like I add much value being quarantined in my parents house. While I see + hear parents complaining about having their kids home {and trust me mommas, I know the struggle is real, so keep showing up and doing your best} I find my heart aching...oh how I would love to have legos scattered all over my living room floor or to sit down and do a math lesson with my kiddo, but that is not a blessing I have in this season of life. And I am sure there are mommas out there looking at my life, and thinking, dang, she has it good right now! And YES, I do. I think it's important for ALL of us to remember, we all have something someone else is praying for {<i>thanks Rachel Hollis for that reminder + perspective}</i></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #666666;">USING MY SINGLENESS FOR GOOD</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Following my full-on-whoah-is-me-pity-party {which we all will have, and I am sure I'll have another one over the next couple of weeks...so make sure to be gracious with one another} I knew I had to do something different...I needed to live each day, sometimes each minute of each day, with intention and purpose, and find a way to use my situation, my singleness, for good. I have time, I have resources, to give to others in need. BUT...the only way for me to do that is to fill myself up...to the point of overflowing...so I can pour into others. Everyday I focus on filling my mind, body and soul with positive nourishment, so I can then provide support and encouragement for others...whether that's dropping off lunch for a friend, face-timing with a 2 year old to provide a break in the chaos of the day for my friend, listening to a friend as they share about their current struggles, or doing an evening ZOOM math tutoring session. If I am stuck in the mental downward spiral of being "stuck" | quarantined, single in Medford, there is no way I can support others...and add VALUE during this uncertain time for all of us. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As someone who loves lists and sharpies, <br />I started making quarantine to-do lists</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipU6LGfQtgOUp_J5ZgKn_-P-e6y4y5zZnilQcnqi9jHcDoUmLH1P1dPWvMdoPSMmmpewCkYCtqpCJ5mlq8u4b7ue72HwWMSLEfIVETdarpIV9qdpw6MGncflEbc4RAxX3yufYI7spAcLs2/s1600/0AFD4E03-1611-456E-A835-6CB652AB153E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipU6LGfQtgOUp_J5ZgKn_-P-e6y4y5zZnilQcnqi9jHcDoUmLH1P1dPWvMdoPSMmmpewCkYCtqpCJ5mlq8u4b7ue72HwWMSLEfIVETdarpIV9qdpw6MGncflEbc4RAxX3yufYI7spAcLs2/s400/0AFD4E03-1611-456E-A835-6CB652AB153E.jpg" width="277" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">WE WILL NEVER GET THESE DAYS BACK</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For many of us, I think the pandemic is an answered prayer is some sense. How many people constantly wish they had more time to be home and with their family + kiddos...well, now you have it. Enjoy it! How many people have wanted to start an exercise program or train for a marathon, but just haven't had time. Well, it's time to lace up those shoes. How many people wish they had more time to cook dinner at home instead of constantly eating out. Now's your chance. How about all those home projects you keep putting off? You get the point...This pandemic is calling us all to something different...for some its rest, for some its action. Regardless of where the pandemic is calling you there is one thing that's certain, we will never get these days back {and I think most of us will say AMEN to that}....but...don't let them go to waste. Enjoy the time with your kiddos. Work harder than you ever have to keep your company afloat during these difficult times. Build that website you've been wanting to create for your business. Exercise and move your body. Take-up that new hobby you've always wanted to do. Read the book that has been collecting dust on your nightstand. Take time to rest, relax and be refreshed. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Whatever you do, make sure to live the best version of yourself during this time so you can come out of quarantine ready to take on the world.</span></span><br />
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<script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-90558469119392095002017-11-11T15:17:00.000-08:002017-11-11T21:22:45.298-08:00God is winking! <i>Hello! It's great to be back here...blogging that is. As I sit here, tears streaming down by face, my hope is that this post of vulnerability, pain, heartache, and loss can be a source of faith, hope and strength for those of who you find yourself in a valley of life, a season of pain. </i><br />
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The last two months have been a season of heartache, pain, loss, & hopelessness; however, I want to share with you a message of <i><b>hope</b></i>, <b><i>encouragement</i></b> and <b><i>faith</i></b>. Over the last couple months I have heard from several people how strong I am, how my faith is inspiring, but I am hear to tell you that it is a daily, hourly, minute-by-minute <i><b>CHOICE</b> </i>I make. <br />
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I don't necessarily understand it. I ask questions. I wonder why. In the end, I'll see the big picture and realize it was for the best. God's plan never disappoints. God's plan takes us further than we could ever imagine.<br />
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<b><i>EACH AND EVERYDAY...</i></b><br />
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I experience pain, but am overwhelmed by JOY!<br />
I feel hopeless, but am reminded of the HOPE I have in Him.<br />
I feel weak, but have so much STRENGTH!<br />
I feel alone, but my cup runneth over with LOVE!<br />
I battle not being good enough, but know that I am MORE THAN ENOUGH.<br />
I questions WHY?, but the real question is WHAT?<br />
When I want to say NO, I say YES!<br />
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<b><i>WHEN GOD WINKS...</i></b><br />
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<i>Each and everyday I experience <b>God Winks</b>, letting me know that everything is going to be ok, and that He has everything under control.</i><br />
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I have been surrounded and embraced by the most amazing friends, family & loved ones that a person could ever imagine OR ask for. The cards, random texts, words of encouragement and so much more have been overwhelming. Throughout this season, people who are near and dear to me have come to me for love, support and encouragement as they work through their own pain, darkness, & hurt. It is such a blessing to be able to pour into their lives during this season.<br />
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I am constantly asking myself WHY? Why me? But one day my mom encouraged me to switch my thinking from asking WHY?, to asking WHAT? What am I supposed to learn from this? One thing I have learned is that seasons of pain, loss, heartache etc are most often preceded by a season of abundant joy & blessing. Often in life, we refer to the<i> dash, </i>the line between our birth and our death.<br />
For me, I focus on the <i>dash </i>of that joyful season of life, and pray that I was a blessing in the lives of those I loved so dearly, that I left a legacy and a lasting impact, and that my love for them will never be questioned. And I choose to focus on all of the fun times, memories, blessings, and more that I experienced. <br />
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As the pain was often paralyzing, I searched for JOY, and made it a point to say YES! Yes to coffee dates, dinner invitations, the opportunity to travel and spend time with those who are closest to me, yes to uncomfortable situations that can result in so much growth and healing...YES to surrounding myself with the things and people that mean the most to me. Two weeks into my season of heartache, pain, & loss, I had the opportunity to be on team as a leader for an intense personal leadership class that focuses on embracing vulnerability, overcoming complacency in all areas of life, developing trust, living life to the fullest, etc..saying YES was perhaps the scariest decision I made, as having been through the class before, I knew how much emotion would surface over the course of the 3-day class. But I am here to say it was one of the best YESes I have made on my journey to healing. It was a YES I deserved to experience, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to be vulnerable with others and grow from the experience together. </div>
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Perhaps the most important & impactful thing I have done is to be aware of and in search of <i>God Winks...</i>those signs, encounters, and reminders that God has everything under control. From the Bible verse you randomly come across that speaks truth & wisdom, to the fortuitous encounter with an old friend, to finding a <i>sign </i>on a walk, to those things we like to call <i>coincidences</i>...they are everywhere, if you look for them. I have been overwhelmed by the assurance that everything, and I mean everything, is going to be more than ok.</div>
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While I don't know your personal story, or the season of life you are walking through, I want to encourage you to seek JOY, have HOPE, experience LOVE, & find your STRENGTH in Him...because you are MORE THAN ENOUGH!</div>
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<i><b><br /></b></i>Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-30509331635495952422016-11-08T18:44:00.000-08:002016-11-08T18:44:00.458-08:00What's Your Story? <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Disclaimer: this is going to be a rambling of my thoughts, but hopefully by the end you leave inspired, encouraged, and motived to share your story. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>This post has been influenced by my opportunity to hear the story behind two successful companies, both of which inspire me on a daily basis, one of which I am blessed to call my employer.</i></span><br />
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For those of you who know me, you know I am a major Dutch Bros groupie! I hit up <b><i>MY</i></b> drive-thru every morning, the baristas know my drink, my name, and my story {often inquiring about my morning run or whatever non-profit event I am currently working on}, and I have been fortunate enough to work with the local franchisee for several fundraisers. But often times, I hear a lot of criticism in the community about the "bro-ista, whats' up dude!?" culture of the company. A couple weeks ago I, along with hundreds of other individuals in the local business community, had the opportunity to hear the owner of Dutch Bros' story. A story of faith, of compassion, of loss, of doing doing the unthinkable, of risk taking, of family, of paying it forward....and so much more. As an owner of a company that started in a parking lot and now has over 260 locations in 7 states, Travis' mission it to provide a compelling future & hope for people both within the company and the community...he wants to make a difference, and be a ray of sunshine in the lives of others. As he said, he's not in the coffee business, rather he's the relationship business...and the product is LOVE! So do me a favor, next time you buy a $3.50 cup of coffee & the barista takes the time to ask you about your day, think of the individuals you are blessing {as Dutch Bros donates millions of dollars each and every year to local communities} & perhaps take a moment to ask the barista about their day...maybe, just maybe, you could return the favor and be a ray of sunshine in their life. </div>
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On a daily basis, I am beyond blessed to go to work for a family and company that embraces integrity, compassion, generosity, community, family and so much more. Stephen, the owner of the company, was recently named <i style="font-weight: bold;">The Chamber's First Citizen, </i>and the presenter of the award said it best: <span style="color: #232323;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"He creates a preferred future and brings it into present reality. He's somebody who puts common welfare in front of self-interest. He's a servant leader who has given endlessly and tirelessly of himself to make our community a better place to live." That is powerful! That is the kind of company I want to work for and support! In his emotional & moving acceptance speech, Stephen shared that he prides himself in carrying out the legacy of his papa.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #232323;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>So where am I going with all of this...</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #232323;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Whether you're the owner of multi-million dollar company, a stay-at-home mom, single, married, a recovering addict, someone struggling to find their way & purpose in life...EVERYONE HAS A STORY! Yes, YOU, have a story! </span></span></div>
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I think often times we underestimate the impact our stories can have on others OR perhaps we don't genuinely take the time to listen and hear the stories of others. I think so many times we all present the best version of ourselves, avoiding sharing the ugly, the struggles, the pain. But its through those that we can provide hope, courage, inspiration to others. Those who have been blessed abundantly I think feel the need keep quiet, out of a humble heart, for fear of bragging, making others feel inferior...but there is so much we can learn from others' success. And let's be honest, how quick are we to judge others before we truly know their story! And I am here to tell you that EVERYONE has a story.</div>
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<b>So now what!? I have a have challenge for you...</b></div>
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Share your story with others and take the time to learn the story of others. Why do you do what you do? How have you overcome failure & obstacles in your life? What are you passionate about and what drives that passion? How did you get where you are today? How have you been the recipient of and/or extended grace & mercy to others?</div>
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I know what several of you are thinking right now..."but I don't have a story!" I challenge you to dig deep and discover your story, because I guarantee you that your beautiful story has the power to inspire, encourage, and provide HOPE for someone. Perhaps the story you are currently living is one of pain, discomfort, loss and you are searching for that hope...I beg you to embrace vulnerability and share with someone, allowing them to pour into you, and walk along side you during these difficult times. If your story is one of abundant blessings, pay it forward and share with others, as your story might have the power to greatly influence the life of another. </div>
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In a world of go-go-go, where we are consumed with to-do lists, deadlines, goals to meet, standards to live up to etc., I encourage you to take the time to meet with someone over coffee, lunch, a drink...and have no agenda or purpose, other than to just be present and get to know the other person. It is amazing what can happen when we take the time to truly invest in the lives of others. </div>
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<b>Are you ready!? Let's go share, giving and receiving hope & love! </b></div>
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Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-56111693129863727662016-09-26T16:53:00.001-07:002016-09-27T06:53:43.818-07:00My Training Needs to Expand Beyond the 5am Hour<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's a routine...my alarm goes off at 4:30am, I roll out of bed and throw on my running clothes, drive to one of two spots to meet my running partners, and run one of a couple varying routes. The temperature is rather consistent throughout the different seasons. I always fuel {or in most cases don't fuel} the same way. I come home and get ready for work, go about my day, and do it all over again the next morning. I do this 6 days a week. Many times in life a routine and consistency is key, but when it comes to my training, I need to expand it beyond the 5am hour. Physically and mentally, I need to prepare for varying race day circumstances, and I need to embrace the full picture of training, not just the running component. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I can honestly say that right now my <i>training </i>consumes 1-3 hours of my day, and that is it. As I start my day, I quickly forget to hydrate, often times neglect proper fueling, and fill my day with obligations which end up taking a priority over sleep...none of which are advantageous to taking care of my body as I train for a marathon.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In 9 weeks I will be toeing the start line of my 6th marathon, and I want to know that I did everything to prepare for the best race I am capable of, and that means more than just being disciplined at getting up at 4:30am. Here is where I intend to improve my discipline & focus, to ensure I make the early morning wake-up calls worthwhile:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>FUELING: </b>This is not necessarily an issue of what I eat, rather what I <b><i>DON'T</i></b> eat. I'll be the first to admit I have been know to skip breakfast, wait hours to refuel following a long run, and not consume enough to properly fuel by body. Sometimes my lunch consists of a trip to a co-workers offers to grab a piece of candy from her candy dish. No bueno! I plan to focus on eating to FUEL, ensuring everything I consume is advantageous to my training, while making certain I am getting all of the nutrients needed to properly fuel my body. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Being an early morning runner, I ofter times don't fuel before or during a run either. These next several weeks will be my opportunity to dial in my race day fueling plan. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>HYDRATING: </b>I'm going to be honest...I'm a sweater. I run warm. More than others. Following my morning run, it is so easy for the hours of the day to slip away, without drinking any water/electrolytes...so I will be making a valid effort to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>SLEEP: </b>For those who know me, you know this is hard for me...but I have been saying NO to commitments, to free up my schedule, and make sure I have time for proper rest & sleep. While I feel like can survive on little sleep, I know that it is detrimental to my training. Here's to 7-8 hours of sleep a night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="color: #444444;">TRAINING VARIATION: </b><span style="color: #444444;">While I love my morning running routine and all of my training partners, it is time to switch things up and add a little variation to my training. My body is SO accustomed to running at a certain time, in a certain temperature, over a certain terrain etc..none of which simulate race day conditions. I have started running at different times of the day, on the treadmill, solo, and on different routes, in an effort to add variation, while keeping things fresh!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>RECOVERY, STRETCHING & MORE: </b>It's time for me to be more diligent about my stretching, foam rolling, recovery and more, in order to be a more balanced runner and really optimize the miles I putting in. I am looking forward to incorporating <a href="http://www.jasyoga.com/posts/jasyoga-262-starts-next-week" target="_blank">Jasyoga 26.2</a> into my training regimen & becoming a more balanced & resilient runner on my journey to the start line. </span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b>TIME & STRESS MANAGEMENT: </b>I am notorious for overcommitting & over extending myself. While I genuinely enjoy everything I am involved in and blessed to be a part of, it is stressful! Even <i>positive </i>stress takes a toll on the body. As</span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">cliché</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;"> as it sounds, I keep reminding myself that saying NO to something is saying YES to me!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">I also have control of how I respond to situations in my life, and I have become more aware of the unnecessary stress I bring to my life.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">As I write all of this, it all seems so obvious, and I KNOW what to do...but if I am honest with myself, running has just become a routine part of my day, and I need to refocus...because there's more to training for a marathon than just running. </span></span><br />
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Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-66645567139998917552016-07-05T18:47:00.000-07:002016-07-06T01:01:08.476-07:00My GARDING Birthday Bash <style>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Recently I have been thinking about what I want to do for my
birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want it to be more than just
another birthday, my 33<sup>rd</sup> birthday. I want it to be a day that makes
a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought about ideas such
as the <a href="http://rednoseday.org/" target="_blank">Red Nose Day</a> and Bob Goff’s Book and Company <a href="https://lovedoes.org/" target="_blank">Love Does</a>, whose goal is to change a few lives for the better. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>A couple weeks ago I was inspired
by the documentary “<a href="http://canyoudigthisfilm.com/" target="_blank">CAN YOU DIG THIS?</a>” not only for the literal effects of
planting a garden but also for the symbolic impact. During a solo drive home
from Portland, when I had hours of uninterrupted time to think, I came up with
the perfect idea…</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I celebrate my 33<sup>rd</sup> birthday, I would like to
invite you to celebrate with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those
who know me know that I love a good party, especially a birthday party…with a
THEME! Birthdays are a day to make someone feel special; I want to do just
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want this July 18<sup>th</sup>
to be just another day, another birthday, another candle in the cake; I want it
to be more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want this to be a day to
look forward to, a day to remember, a day in which several people feel special
and loved, a day that leaves a mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
let’s go GARDENING!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Can a simple act of planting a seed change lives? YES! Every
type of seed that is planted grows, and everyday you are given the opportunity
to grow where you are planted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
change a community, a relationship, a family, you just need to change the
compost of the soil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://brewyourbestyear.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Plant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://brewyourbestyear.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Plant.png" height="400" width="290" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So for my Birthday I am throwing a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gardening Birthday Bash, </i></b>and
invite you to plant a seed on July 18<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A seed of <b>HOPE</b>, seed of<b> LOVE</b>, seed of <b>LAUGHTER</b>,
seed of <b>GENEROSITY</b>, seed of <b>THOUGHTFULNESS</b>, seed of <b>FAITH</b>, seed of <b>SERVICE</b>,
seed of <b>HOSPITALITY</b>, seed of <b>FORGIVENESS</b>, seed of <b>COMPASSION</b>, etc. </span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJC6yh_Q5jbnJWh6dcqeym5yRzaI35yOlDKFSiXKlb5u8HNPyhWYjEfTi7e8Qw7i2tgiqwsUtQjMRkjgM64g9P3xlOOcxPFzS0rpH0XQzk90TEJBcmrKrYLmhCKadMnlJx7EnsoVXnaT4P/s1600/HollyGardeningProject_Logo_highres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJC6yh_Q5jbnJWh6dcqeym5yRzaI35yOlDKFSiXKlb5u8HNPyhWYjEfTi7e8Qw7i2tgiqwsUtQjMRkjgM64g9P3xlOOcxPFzS0rpH0XQzk90TEJBcmrKrYLmhCKadMnlJx7EnsoVXnaT4P/s320/HollyGardeningProject_Logo_highres.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">logo design by <span class="il">Sarah</span> Robinson at <a href="mailto:sarahrobinsondesign@gmail.com" target="_blank">sarahrobinsondesign@gmail.com</a>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Here are just a few examples of SEEDS that can be planted: </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>GENEROSITY</b>-make a donation to a non-profit of your choice</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>FORGIVENESS</b>-call someone who you need to offer of accept forgiveness
to/from</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>THOUGHTFULNESS</b>-leave ice cold water or Gatorade out for your
mailman, garbage man, contractor, etc. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>THOUGHTFULNESS</b>-Send flowers or balloons to someone <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Just Because. </i><b>COMPASSION</b>-make <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Homeless Care Packages </i>and deliver them to
homeless individuals in your community </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>FUN & LAUGHTER</b>-go to a local park and hand out popsicles</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>SERVICE</b>-volunteer at a local organization OR help an elderly
neighbor with yard work and household chores</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>KINDNESS</b>-purchase a coffee for someone in line at the coffee
shop</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>LOVE</b>-have uninterrupted playtime with your children</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>HOSPITALITY</b>-take someone dinner who you know is overwhelmed,
sick, or could just use a little extra help. Or better yet, invite them over
for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">EVERYTHING starts from a seed, so I encourage you to DIP
DEEP and make this world a beautiful, fruitful place. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/5266938be4b0bc5cd29e3299/567f1ae0a128e603ba9e4499/56837638bfe87330444d3995/1451456071357/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/5266938be4b0bc5cd29e3299/567f1ae0a128e603ba9e4499/56837638bfe87330444d3995/1451456071357/cover.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Please share your gardening experience with all of us as you
cultivate the soil of your life…I can’t wait to hear about all of the seeds
planted. Post on social media using the hashtag #plantaseed33</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Please join the Facebook Event page so we can all
share ideas and encourage one another in our gardening adventures: https://www.facebook.com/events/269456250087804/</span></span></div>
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Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-74112637743932685692016-07-03T20:22:00.003-07:002016-07-03T20:26:32.609-07:00WIld Rogue Relay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My 9th relay is done & done! I guess its safe to say I love me a good relay! Call me crazy, but running close to 20 miles, in 30 hours, with little to no sleep, sleeping in a suburban, eating cold breakfast burritos, and creating power arches for runners to run though is my idea of a fun, somewhat relaxing weekend {I love that my only concerns are cheering on my teammates and getting out of the van to run!}. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After being unable to run the <a href="http://wildroguerelay.smokymountainrelay.com/" target="_blank">Wild Rogue Relay</a> for the first couple of years {the race director is a good friend of mine and relay teammate}, this year I was not only able to run it, but was asked to join a team, consisting of employees from a company in my office building...I couldn't say no. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There are SO many things I love about a relay, but perhaps my favorite part is the instant friendships that are formed {unless of course you have the unfortunate experience of being in a van where not everyone's personalities mesh well...but knock-on-wood that has never happened to me}. We had a runner drop out last minute due to a family emergency, and no sooner than I posted on Facebook that we were looking for a runner I received a message that someone was interested in joining our team...a very talented runner, new to the area, who was hoping to meet people while doing what she loves..RUNNING! Anyone willing to join a team of 11 runners, knowing nothing about them, with no questions asked is a winner in my book! And MOLLY was just that...such an amazing and perfect addition to our team! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Molly got the party, and a good lead, started. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's always amazing to witness a very talented, yet humble, runner! Rocking the 6:30s.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If it looks like I am struggling here, it is because I was...6 miles slight steady incline, but NO break! One thing I will say about this relay is it is definitely one of the more challenging races, in terms of terrain...lots of climbing. But I guess that is the price you pay to enjoy amazingly beautiful scenery.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">These two...amazing...so much fun to have such a fun, loving, supportive, positive, talented father daughter duo in the van! I loved seeing the two of them bond over the experience, and Halyn ROCKED it!!!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There's something magical about finishing your first leg of a relay and experiencing your first hand-off. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">See...Jill's smile says it all.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">No relay is complete without a picture with Big Wayne and his cowboy hat...Wayne and I were van-mates for the <a href="http://www.cascadelakesrelay.com/" target="_blank">Cascade Lakes Relay</a> {another amazing Oregon relay} </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The major exchanges are where the party's at. This was the first time in which I ran a relay where we switch up our legs each time..as in I was not always runner 2. I am not sure if I have a preference one way or another, but it did create a sense of flexibility in our ran and we switched up legs as we went....Molly took my <b><i>TOUGH MOTHER </i></b>leg for me, and I swapped legs with Ryan, as he jumped in and ran the last couple miles with his daughter on her final leg, and then continued on to run my leg. I did like the lack of pressure to run our specific legs, in a specific time etc. Created more of a team support atmosphere. My only <i>complaint</i> per se would be that our team captain assigned all of the more challenging legs to the <i>stronger runners </i>{although everyone in our van was a strong runner}, thus resulting in a lot of miles AND climbing for some.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wonder Woman rocking the costume leg.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">These two...as if 4 or 6 miles UPHILL wasn't enough, they both decided to run both legs back-to-back, for a total of 10 miles, with about 2500 ft of climbing...can we say bada$$.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Perhaps the best part of the entire relay was when they were getting ready to run, and Ryan was still contemplating whether or not to join Molly and run both legs, she looked back at him and said, "Are you ready, because I am going to take off like a bat out of hell!' She was ready to roll...and Ryan was still unsure. But of course he rallied and they crushed all 10 miles. AMAZING! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All I kept hearing about when I signed up for the relay was the amazing breakfast burritos at exchange 24..which you pre-order before the relay...so they are waiting for you! Throughout the relay we kept talking about & anticipating the burritos, building up the hype...only to pull into exchange 24 which was rather crowded with limited space to park and sleep...and no sign of burritos. As we all got tucked in in hopes of getting an hour or two of sleep, all we could think about was our damn breakfast burritos. Devastation started to sink in...until Molly woke up around 3:30 for her leg and found the {cold} burritos...WINNING! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This picture says a thousand words...Liz is running with, encouraging and supporting her sister-in-law Kim, as she runs the final leg of her first relay...their entire team was running in memory of Ethan, their nephew and son, who lost his battle to cancer several years back. Such a power & inspiring image. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Not only did we have a father-daughter, we had an amazing husband-wife team in our van as well. Seriously, we had an amazing van...I can't say that enough! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You'll notice there are no nighttime running photos, because I was the only one in Van 1 with a nighttime run...Van 2 ran through the night and the rest of Van 1 missed out on the truly amazing experience of running through the headlight and blinky light lit night! But I think they were thankful and relieved.. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The checking off of our final legs...</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We were happy to be DONE! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Another relay in the books with a supportive, encouraging, and FUN team made up of 12 runners, some who work together, some family members, some complete strangers...who all ended the 220+mile relay as FRIENDS!!! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>I didn't really share much about my legs, but I ran just shy of 20 miles over 3 legs, did a lot of climbing, and enjoyed every step of the way. Wild Rogue Relay...JOB WELL DONE...I'll be back!</i></span></span><br />
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<br />Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-63631395889958474852016-06-21T20:44:00.001-07:002016-06-21T20:44:50.634-07:00a Dream {home office} Come True<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After 6 years in my house, and using my dining room table as my desk/office, I finally tackled my office project, with the help of <a href="http://madelynnhopandco.blogspot.com/2016/06/interior-design-storage-room-to-chic.html" target="_blank">Madelynn Hop & Co.</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had two main wishes for this bedroom-closet-storage-room turned office project:</span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A dining room table for my desk, as I like to spread things out while I am working</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Either a large chalkboard OR a chalkboard </span></li>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I had already purchased my </span><a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/desert+santa+maria+kerri+upholstered+dining+chair.do?&from=Search" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">desk chair</a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, so we had to work around that as well. </span><br /><div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After the first dining room table I ordered arrived damaged, Maddy helped me find <a href="https://www.allmodern.com/Whitetop-Dining-Table-LOON3067-LOON3067.html?redir=loon3067&rtype=8&dept=" target="_blank">this one</a> from AllModern. Then the look was complete with <a href="https://www.allmodern.com/Grover-Upholstered-Storage-Ottoman-HOHN2267-HOHN2267.html?piid%5B0%5D=15283738" target="_blank">"puff" ottomans</a> {in asparagus}, which match my chair perfectly. I seriously just want to schedule meetings here now.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKj_e6-ZDIhFxFqKEfBSUDNh31LkHJBM0IueKDqjva-Z5PE6ZmcLBW92UwqRM_NEPwAyjm2vxKJynvoHxXgjjORy4cLMLqEOkx59oIFKRBqXJ4C5CnbcoW9DT1ws0P_RS3MP7cgeg2cXKE/s640/blogger-image-45211999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKj_e6-ZDIhFxFqKEfBSUDNh31LkHJBM0IueKDqjva-Z5PE6ZmcLBW92UwqRM_NEPwAyjm2vxKJynvoHxXgjjORy4cLMLqEOkx59oIFKRBqXJ4C5CnbcoW9DT1ws0P_RS3MP7cgeg2cXKE/s640/blogger-image-45211999.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Another item which I ordered prior to the start of the official remodel was a large print <i>banner </i>made by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/threefeathersdesignstudio/" target="_blank">threefeatherdesignstudio</a>. Check out her stuff...its quite amazing, and she does custom orders as well. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjwQ5AJSCC9dywdHqSnfe54gvNCC2VghorGSlhzdYOgneALduEgSsch6teErT-pGR6kTIDtK0_0AOSfYC07SwdyYbvJbCTUiDZVT9zHxoACJ69R-4TqkjbIN1imP749aTS59mf6E2npHg/s640/blogger-image-24645812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjwQ5AJSCC9dywdHqSnfe54gvNCC2VghorGSlhzdYOgneALduEgSsch6teErT-pGR6kTIDtK0_0AOSfYC07SwdyYbvJbCTUiDZVT9zHxoACJ69R-4TqkjbIN1imP749aTS59mf6E2npHg/s640/blogger-image-24645812.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Unfortunately I don't have much closet space in my bedroom {or perhaps I have too many clothes}, so I have to utilize the closet space in my office. We used a neutral color Belgium linen fabric that blended well with the color of the walls, but added a fun element of design to the space.</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For wall decor I ordered two {2} <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/modular-wall-wipe-board-galvanized/?cm_src=AutoRel" target="_blank">Modular Galvanized Magnetic Wipe Boards </a>and a <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/galvi-framed-wall-boards-corkboard/?pkey=e%7Ccork%2Bboards%7C33%7Cbest%7C0%7Cviewall%7C48%7C%7C4&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH" target="_blank">Galvanized Framed Cork Board</a> {arriving in August} from Pottery Barn. I love being able to display things like pictures, invitations, inspirational quotes, to-do lists etc. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Oh my, I absolutely love office supplies, and had so much fun accessorizing my desk, shelves and baskets. Most of the items, including the rustic glam light fixture, were purchased from </span><i style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Pretty In Paint, </i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">here in town. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueFgBbPXaaf4BN5Z-2p75CHpzuzQNiHZP1d12rS30smvX5i0atSoE-kIPraU3p5-mqPS_3iYsstOdA4bgteOpjFhZd7X0hinz83YfC0_j75cjauQjcWh_JkmqzqHL23Cv8aQooBPHL4sv/s640/blogger-image--794777140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueFgBbPXaaf4BN5Z-2p75CHpzuzQNiHZP1d12rS30smvX5i0atSoE-kIPraU3p5-mqPS_3iYsstOdA4bgteOpjFhZd7X0hinz83YfC0_j75cjauQjcWh_JkmqzqHL23Cv8aQooBPHL4sv/s640/blogger-image--794777140.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I truly love everything about the office, but perhaps my favorite part is how Maddy was able to incorporate my love of running, while maintaing the rustic-chic feel of the space. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A chalkboard wall...I can't wait to continue to add to the creativity of the space!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBP-UpPQJG3CzC1L4QrGG5fLs6DdsqtZ4hBSGtcDNsPx39T3sqWi5-EJ0AFpSNnNN-MBhrH4G89_XSmyimmgZE5EjAklgYoDq9ib4dugiao1QFxby-RpIMUwDQOJcs2Q5Q6iTFMHrIojvQ/s640/blogger-image--91897898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBP-UpPQJG3CzC1L4QrGG5fLs6DdsqtZ4hBSGtcDNsPx39T3sqWi5-EJ0AFpSNnNN-MBhrH4G89_XSmyimmgZE5EjAklgYoDq9ib4dugiao1QFxby-RpIMUwDQOJcs2Q5Q6iTFMHrIojvQ/s640/blogger-image--91897898.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I couldn't be happier with my <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;">industrial-rustic-chic office with a few splashes of glam. </span></span>Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com182tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-4082568261765876362016-05-15T20:49:00.001-07:002016-05-15T20:52:16.516-07:00ATX: Bat City<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A 60th birthday {ON Cinco De Mayo} AND Mother's Day...now that sounds like a good excuse to go to Austin {as if I <i>really </i>need an excuse}. Enjoy this photographic narration of our trip to one my favorite cities...the <i>liberal </i>city of Texas...AUSTIN!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm a big fan of staying at VRBOs when traveling..it's a fun way to experience the local lifestyle in a different community. I also like the convenience of having a kitchen and a place to chillax at in between site seeing etc. We found a <a href="https://www.vrbo.com/407140?utm_campaign=VRBO_TRV_RES_HASC_replyReservationBlank_PPS&utm_content=propid_text_o_lprop&utm_term=20160502&utm_source=SYS&utm_medium=email" target="_blank">great apartment</a> in the heart of downtown Austin. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8miP0HscYhv1dgQplRKRI8kD-jrelHJaPgbLVVFKWggWCbFLG7FXldzNwAFh1O0D3_DXRUVbr5wHUm5eVk6944HRr6xdqP4xq6PH5KPjDA9iQo1Q7cjQGOz50XWd5XsNMXRYnS29-ZjMe/s1600/Photo+May+05%252C+2+34+58+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8miP0HscYhv1dgQplRKRI8kD-jrelHJaPgbLVVFKWggWCbFLG7FXldzNwAFh1O0D3_DXRUVbr5wHUm5eVk6944HRr6xdqP4xq6PH5KPjDA9iQo1Q7cjQGOz50XWd5XsNMXRYnS29-ZjMe/s400/Photo+May+05%252C+2+34+58+PM.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7X2uEaK-68Y1Y8dyptHfgLW-q40usAFLLKWtnRkwwTP1h_f4onJG-R1zSYFKVUaWz1fhalKPQS3ugBgX5fR8b_ize-ICjil3_Muq0V78Zao73VqycyDTXVSmILr4bWETjE-eWSi8oNXe/s1600/Photo+May+05%252C+2+36+21+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7X2uEaK-68Y1Y8dyptHfgLW-q40usAFLLKWtnRkwwTP1h_f4onJG-R1zSYFKVUaWz1fhalKPQS3ugBgX5fR8b_ize-ICjil3_Muq0V78Zao73VqycyDTXVSmILr4bWETjE-eWSi8oNXe/s400/Photo+May+05%252C+2+36+21+PM.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnV-OjTnpyuCynQLgsqx8F1iCLNXiZdOAIMK0EfyIEtVYCKSDcdXLSGhhbw5Cb6pK_GEF_w8EVm5mxyTc4NJAcdwp78ulbd7rErHPT3JTUja9w0X5SX1UR08u4HFluKu2dl1kdqHwXnpaW/s1600/Photo+May+05%252C+2+36+38+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnV-OjTnpyuCynQLgsqx8F1iCLNXiZdOAIMK0EfyIEtVYCKSDcdXLSGhhbw5Cb6pK_GEF_w8EVm5mxyTc4NJAcdwp78ulbd7rErHPT3JTUja9w0X5SX1UR08u4HFluKu2dl1kdqHwXnpaW/s400/Photo+May+05%252C+2+36+38+PM.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">After a full day of traveling, we were ready for a quick bite to eat, so after dropping off our stuff we headed straight to the <a href="http://ironcactus.com/austin-downtown-mexican-restaurant/" target="_blank">Iron Cactus</a> for margaritas and table side guacamole..when in Austin, on Cinco De Mayo...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">That evening the festivities continued as we celebrated my mom's 60th birthday with dinner at <a href="http://oasis-austin.com/" target="_blank">The Oasis on Lake Travis</a>, home to the best Sunset in Austin! Oh, the lakes in Austin...amazing! </span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #666666;">As many reviews will tell you, the food is not fabulous, but the view and atmosphere make up for it. </span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">If you make a trip out the The Oasis, make sure to immortalize your love with one of their <a href="http://oasis-austin.com/locks-of-love/" target="_blank">locks of love. </a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgq_x8V9kZ8aOWy3zX3mWmqjxT9z1Z4uC1XW0eb40iqD80pKM_64z3EHzRsbXA-P4t4HHiXNjs_6yjdfVCfvUxyLMgIgefbbbVx-AxhZQzz7961vMI7aF-HXUQhoqQr8xz7fnce8x1zm60/s1600/Photo+May+05%252C+6+24+36+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgq_x8V9kZ8aOWy3zX3mWmqjxT9z1Z4uC1XW0eb40iqD80pKM_64z3EHzRsbXA-P4t4HHiXNjs_6yjdfVCfvUxyLMgIgefbbbVx-AxhZQzz7961vMI7aF-HXUQhoqQr8xz7fnce8x1zm60/s400/Photo+May+05%252C+6+24+36+PM.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">A quick trip to 6th Street was a must following dinner. We hit up <a href="http://www.thechugginmonkey.com/1.0/homepage/" target="_blank">The Chuggin' Monkey</a> for some live music and dancing. </span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #666666;">ATTENTION BACHELOR FANS: this is one of the bars in Austin owned by Brad Womack. </span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4eqbAxtZ-MgysH0-lCDbKFvgfFrhYQgi3TZ0vh7bSP8dFMn3V6Ai_InMGj19XI7WNx0Dxp5Fl6tROy7fqrdOqReptPv8M8dZMYvE2GTypWW_zZeUp1iUZcRXNJ2_W_270QdprNgg2RTT/s1600/Photo+May+05%252C+8+57+11+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4eqbAxtZ-MgysH0-lCDbKFvgfFrhYQgi3TZ0vh7bSP8dFMn3V6Ai_InMGj19XI7WNx0Dxp5Fl6tROy7fqrdOqReptPv8M8dZMYvE2GTypWW_zZeUp1iUZcRXNJ2_W_270QdprNgg2RTT/s400/Photo+May+05%252C+8+57+11+PM.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtgOASEqYfl2IfPpAXd6R1YBIluhAzN9uFnWuOFpG4x7pVZDYujnBNGMozRL0GE-gYlzqgJjYdBfK6p1gnsxZYcChDH2x2DPbZVX8_C_Dm7hh_OxAL9uYaYr8BPC-uLGlGuksqeLXGpGH/s1600/Video+May+05%252C+9+07+36+PM.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtgOASEqYfl2IfPpAXd6R1YBIluhAzN9uFnWuOFpG4x7pVZDYujnBNGMozRL0GE-gYlzqgJjYdBfK6p1gnsxZYcChDH2x2DPbZVX8_C_Dm7hh_OxAL9uYaYr8BPC-uLGlGuksqeLXGpGH/s1600/Video+May+05%252C+9+07+36+PM.mp4" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi6H5jGfsOM_aoyISvFbYZKQ7WElE4cvLtGpiUIDisWD96CHFCYM6lZ9wdktDZMroP7lhV8B-cheGFik7lSX5EVz_Sux1UAuNJYXqfU4WxX81_ftZEWb7BnU8jEgrwv3FW6YbHDZiH5mz/s1600/Photo+May+05%252C+9+10+44+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi6H5jGfsOM_aoyISvFbYZKQ7WElE4cvLtGpiUIDisWD96CHFCYM6lZ9wdktDZMroP7lhV8B-cheGFik7lSX5EVz_Sux1UAuNJYXqfU4WxX81_ftZEWb7BnU8jEgrwv3FW6YbHDZiH5mz/s400/Photo+May+05%252C+9+10+44+PM.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">On Friday we played the roll of cheesy tourists and had some fun on the <a href="http://austinducks.com/" target="_blank">Austin Duck Adventure</a>! Can I get a quack, quack!? It was a fun, informative tour of the city. </span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #666666;">I recommend sitting on the right side of the duck, as several of the sights along the tour are on the righthand side. </span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">DID YOU KNOW that Austin is the <i>dog capital </i>of the U.S., with over 60% of the businesses allowing employees to bring their dogs to work, dogs weighing under 30lbs are allowed to stay at The Driscoll AND the 13th floor of one of the sky rise condominiums is an indoor dog park. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">DID YOU KNOW that <i>Texas </i>chili contains no beans!? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">I don't want to ruin the tour for you...but can you name the <i>Six Flags {it's not just an amusement park} </i>of Austin? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dJhHKFLMo3MPegoGDN-t7u19n33Ncg-P6ulMUZRaHuMPPXEL_acPY8bttwMtKatSK-qNoEOVXIcSCbpAkT-rI0uW20ZQI-4Z9B1F4xHi0q3OkfRtU3YYpvp4FVAUpmnc4NOwos6U-fxe/s1600/Photo+May+06%252C+8+55+39+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dJhHKFLMo3MPegoGDN-t7u19n33Ncg-P6ulMUZRaHuMPPXEL_acPY8bttwMtKatSK-qNoEOVXIcSCbpAkT-rI0uW20ZQI-4Z9B1F4xHi0q3OkfRtU3YYpvp4FVAUpmnc4NOwos6U-fxe/s320/Photo+May+06%252C+8+55+39+AM.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">Austin is the only city that still <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonlight_Towers_(Austin,_Texas)" target="_blank">moon {light} towers</a>...at one point Chicago and Detroit did as well. <span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">The Zilker Park tower was prominently featured in the film</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"> </span><i style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dazed_and_Confused_(film)" style="background-image: none; text-decoration: none;" title="Dazed and Confused (film)">Dazed and Confused</a></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">(1993) as the site of a high-school keg party, in which the character David Wooderson played by Matthew McConaughey {an Austin resident}</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">exclaims, "Party at the moon tower."</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzzGbkShV1CP5K2H653ECeJoPILAY2eMl16GCjkSxOTPsDzjYM7mpJEG-ULtCirW_SxinS4PZukCan2DZAkbqv_bo8CBpFzLcNWwJcvGgi8Yesvf67ypxoTSVbGvJogB4BFapSrAGJzT7/s1600/Photo+May+06%252C+9+38+00+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzzGbkShV1CP5K2H653ECeJoPILAY2eMl16GCjkSxOTPsDzjYM7mpJEG-ULtCirW_SxinS4PZukCan2DZAkbqv_bo8CBpFzLcNWwJcvGgi8Yesvf67ypxoTSVbGvJogB4BFapSrAGJzT7/s400/Photo+May+06%252C+9+38+00+AM.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">As the duck entered the waters of Lake Austin {oh my, the lakes of Austin!} we saw the home of the owner of Dell computers, along with the indoor water park build right next door {at the top of the hill} and...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecSxCTdK8QOcAopeVfG41aNl70i_55VoXyGmuJMQg_Tu9mUo1L5cSIYLaSFGVx3K8CNqg2zXLmExedAHS8ykhrxm3Cry_yXsxIYU1gHZwX1cYRatJQ4UzAhNcIjjcn6IiEKaL6s-MLvko/s1600/Photo+May+06%252C+9+52+36+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecSxCTdK8QOcAopeVfG41aNl70i_55VoXyGmuJMQg_Tu9mUo1L5cSIYLaSFGVx3K8CNqg2zXLmExedAHS8ykhrxm3Cry_yXsxIYU1gHZwX1cYRatJQ4UzAhNcIjjcn6IiEKaL6s-MLvko/s400/Photo+May+06%252C+9+52+36+AM.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">...the home, and helicopter pad of Dennis Quaid.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_eEWgCo35AkRpuaS05TGoL6mC19aNoG07rxs5Rgg-bh_CytEi835qRuBnV1GVKCFsy2nGQO1J-IUa1eChD9VK8u4JONtJybOSLDfewQQn1Y-ASH4U9fmA2L6Hi3CR-t0aEWhQj9g8cic/s1600/Photo+May+06%252C+9+55+15+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_eEWgCo35AkRpuaS05TGoL6mC19aNoG07rxs5Rgg-bh_CytEi835qRuBnV1GVKCFsy2nGQO1J-IUa1eChD9VK8u4JONtJybOSLDfewQQn1Y-ASH4U9fmA2L6Hi3CR-t0aEWhQj9g8cic/s400/Photo+May+06%252C+9+55+15+AM.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">When it's your birthday {or anniversary} Captain Bob let you drive...!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dZd9GvqoPlr_Xi3YDlxLkvFEYQVg8jp2Pv_FEmXA2nv1ddycU_qZkx5k8qD9deqSGUvb1mcsrNwox263mA0jDD85nZQUi9n7nYJz9POcf_dvCfJBRcCnx4To24I5zhvzQo7W0Jl3AhK3/s1600/Photo+May+06%252C+9+59+56+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dZd9GvqoPlr_Xi3YDlxLkvFEYQVg8jp2Pv_FEmXA2nv1ddycU_qZkx5k8qD9deqSGUvb1mcsrNwox263mA0jDD85nZQUi9n7nYJz9POcf_dvCfJBRcCnx4To24I5zhvzQo7W0Jl3AhK3/s320/Photo+May+06%252C+9+59+56+AM.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"> Following our duck adventure, we stood in line for over an hour and a half for <i>The Best BBQ in Austin, </i>at <a href="http://www.labarbecue.com/" target="_blank">La Barbecue</a>. Even this Flegav {flexible vegan} would say it was worth the wait.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywRDUpBvH_i1llbOfexV2lG9HP-ayDqNRVUSzQDjZfNENzibo89jQWr6Jlh7aLNiR6BzWvDUOWCGAMnVdmT-VSitD0ek48o4C6hdZ_ozeeUSE_MYQGhiWZpov1jpNTM5HIdf35_LvvvIU/s1600/Photo+May+06%252C+1+03+49+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywRDUpBvH_i1llbOfexV2lG9HP-ayDqNRVUSzQDjZfNENzibo89jQWr6Jlh7aLNiR6BzWvDUOWCGAMnVdmT-VSitD0ek48o4C6hdZ_ozeeUSE_MYQGhiWZpov1jpNTM5HIdf35_LvvvIU/s400/Photo+May+06%252C+1+03+49+PM.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACkj0iNheC4YDa5fhEY73oR5KTh_7X1A1g7YOR0rLCMEI-x3qsaovf1qQdKnhuFQe2y7RcDLiu9ez_66sPi5WItjDYJfw-D1WAILncl9NQhs3i8k6x0zZG_r7spAEF96RjFfyUSBGMF-R/s1600/Photo+May+06%252C+1+04+02+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACkj0iNheC4YDa5fhEY73oR5KTh_7X1A1g7YOR0rLCMEI-x3qsaovf1qQdKnhuFQe2y7RcDLiu9ez_66sPi5WItjDYJfw-D1WAILncl9NQhs3i8k6x0zZG_r7spAEF96RjFfyUSBGMF-R/s400/Photo+May+06%252C+1+04+02+PM.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><a href="http://www.labarbecue.com/#!menu/cuuz" target="_blank">La Frito Loco</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQOoWXItUNRCiwNDE5DcBp3ritOvRLUJjZ0nOwHydieWnlKlq89mPS3Er2yp_xOFZS6DNRAZRBkhyphenhyphen706p0OGcLxOsJm6UdhmYt3GVe4W1ajcqwzMo9pTMz7VB_20nvK6fMktaEWIyTHIG/s1600/Photo+May+06%252C+1+14+42+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQOoWXItUNRCiwNDE5DcBp3ritOvRLUJjZ0nOwHydieWnlKlq89mPS3Er2yp_xOFZS6DNRAZRBkhyphenhyphen706p0OGcLxOsJm6UdhmYt3GVe4W1ajcqwzMo9pTMz7VB_20nvK6fMktaEWIyTHIG/s400/Photo+May+06%252C+1+14+42+PM.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">We spent the afternoon at <a href="https://austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool" target="_blank">Barton Springs Pool</a>...which the swimmer-triathlete-water-lover in me absolutely LOVED! How amazing is this?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01BuBGrE6nFipKU4xv0hybDKZ0skBtKVNJpD2z4bDCuT-l2bS-ETg5dcTSVaShJKNSmNXpaG6PV2WNYCtvMLSD1MOyDI0qPyu2XAyThda_jwyxtkdnCpscu12zUMTCvVrahB3cCLBA64D/s1600/Photo+May+06%252C+4+30+26+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01BuBGrE6nFipKU4xv0hybDKZ0skBtKVNJpD2z4bDCuT-l2bS-ETg5dcTSVaShJKNSmNXpaG6PV2WNYCtvMLSD1MOyDI0qPyu2XAyThda_jwyxtkdnCpscu12zUMTCvVrahB3cCLBA64D/s400/Photo+May+06%252C+4+30+26+PM.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">On our way {2.5 mile walk} we stopped at Congress Bridge to see the bats emerge from under the bridge. You can read more about it <a href="http://www.batcon.org/index.php/our-work/regions/usa-canada/protect-mega-populations/cab-intro" target="_blank">HERE</a>! In my honest opinion, it wasn't all it is hyped up to be, but definitely an Austin must-see. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UIbMICQvzLSWtCYINl0hEn8pN5Gnc7DXUTJ-kIZersodU5-lFbcmVAmt5g14rGBhSwRCzz-uDB2fxpHemrd081ENYMEfmGbNrdgwZqMOk71I9DRFoIpULuDI7mndPT6_D5UVB4vvosaN/s1600/Photo+May+06%252C+5+39+38+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UIbMICQvzLSWtCYINl0hEn8pN5Gnc7DXUTJ-kIZersodU5-lFbcmVAmt5g14rGBhSwRCzz-uDB2fxpHemrd081ENYMEfmGbNrdgwZqMOk71I9DRFoIpULuDI7mndPT6_D5UVB4vvosaN/s400/Photo+May+06%252C+5+39+38+PM.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2D2Bv6QfwaNCLQSIQfgMkaI2_g3lfv4q4NUM8zZQec610fvhsUud4NzNpsQ18EgW7pcqZr8a_7Mv2rpFdEXgOXa0BbNXRxz4_Xbpmwc2eyapYui5UdWg3hBs2wRdNFxERZEoDcvrmGrV/s1600/Photo+May+06%252C+5+53+20+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2D2Bv6QfwaNCLQSIQfgMkaI2_g3lfv4q4NUM8zZQec610fvhsUud4NzNpsQ18EgW7pcqZr8a_7Mv2rpFdEXgOXa0BbNXRxz4_Xbpmwc2eyapYui5UdWg3hBs2wRdNFxERZEoDcvrmGrV/s400/Photo+May+06%252C+5+53+20+PM.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">That evening we hit up <a href="http://www.raineystbars.com/" target="_blank">Rainey Street</a>...for mules at <a href="http://www.raineystbars.com/2013/08/lucille-patio-lounge-rainey-street.html" target="_blank">Lucille</a>, sausage and beer {over 100 to choose from} at <a href="http://www.bangersaustin.com/#home" target="_blank">Banger's</a>, and live music at <a href="http://blackheartbar.com/" target="_blank">The Blackheart</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">Saturday morning, after a run along Lake Birdy {another lake!} we headed to Congress Street. First stop, the iconic <i>I love you so much </i>wall and coffee {iced bomber} at <a href="http://www.joscoffee.com/south-congress-jos/" target="_blank">Jos Coffee</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">Make sure to take <a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/2014/12/tour-austin-street-art/" target="_blank">a tour of all of the Austin Street Art.</a> And don't forget to SMILE! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWQh67Se8hFtXTOpN785Jzx4OebI3TuDIaFjUyAe3URFDzKHi1vFz24PsmFE-bYHuVQKrgcw6wazT9ZxfWYQ7OXwQzZaRwmsmrOsjIYHD1H5jQDNsVZkPIVUgaeUnY_ig8bmgZsF5AQN1/s1600/Photo+May+07%252C+10+51+54+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWQh67Se8hFtXTOpN785Jzx4OebI3TuDIaFjUyAe3URFDzKHi1vFz24PsmFE-bYHuVQKrgcw6wazT9ZxfWYQ7OXwQzZaRwmsmrOsjIYHD1H5jQDNsVZkPIVUgaeUnY_ig8bmgZsF5AQN1/s320/Photo+May+07%252C+10+51+54+AM.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">For lunch we hit up a Congress Street MUST: Hop Doddy Burger!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGpeMWf-S2brSz7pMr6Oa-4C7jvhd1tke8PiKgkoc18RLaPRBOx4ghLzDBHKWtSQNl_7Nq6z-9BYhU1NSDMXA57_ngs9UqGjayIC9aqp8VVKncjy0Rt82FbcOLgfKwApskGtGx125sBV1/s1600/Photo+May+07%252C+11+37+10+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGpeMWf-S2brSz7pMr6Oa-4C7jvhd1tke8PiKgkoc18RLaPRBOx4ghLzDBHKWtSQNl_7Nq6z-9BYhU1NSDMXA57_ngs9UqGjayIC9aqp8VVKncjy0Rt82FbcOLgfKwApskGtGx125sBV1/s320/Photo+May+07%252C+11+37+10+AM.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheH7e4hyG_20dnF30Q5G-0I2TUzUEvwoipY2VFijqD6IqAUM1NozcXkGJSPrgvUCQLRxetBs7x2mHaX8ng9LkFUZJ-QyDAQbe-LKHW5ghNFyGpcPboxiN1ZAjYWMQNn4XNA7CMeutcLEIx/s1600/Photo+May+07%252C+11+45+10+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheH7e4hyG_20dnF30Q5G-0I2TUzUEvwoipY2VFijqD6IqAUM1NozcXkGJSPrgvUCQLRxetBs7x2mHaX8ng9LkFUZJ-QyDAQbe-LKHW5ghNFyGpcPboxiN1ZAjYWMQNn4XNA7CMeutcLEIx/s320/Photo+May+07%252C+11+45+10+AM.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">After some much needed downtime..AKA a NAP...we headed back out. First stop, <a href="http://oldschoolaustin.com/" target="_blank">Old School Bar & Grill</a> for what I was told was the best Moscow Mule in town. I'm not sure about that, but loved the view from the patio. One thing is for sure though, Austin knows how to make a Moscow Mule right...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJ2lalbs-3C1AQr5jPKa7D5AWyfQmk-dRLVbYOWYrtNPBo3v4Yjmdu6CNN9iMBdYWkRg1FJxCsyErG9AngZ236em6BwoIhZT6sLQfxsMk-AZT0PAgS8MFXWHDCkwAWsT3mPZdJHoT_9f9/s1600/Photo+May+07%252C+5+20+26+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJ2lalbs-3C1AQr5jPKa7D5AWyfQmk-dRLVbYOWYrtNPBo3v4Yjmdu6CNN9iMBdYWkRg1FJxCsyErG9AngZ236em6BwoIhZT6sLQfxsMk-AZT0PAgS8MFXWHDCkwAWsT3mPZdJHoT_9f9/s400/Photo+May+07%252C+5+20+26+PM.jpg" width="223" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">...in a copper mug!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyKJr9rAEwVKj7fz8iELBh4O0-tRmH_uCTVwX18VNFq6vznCJdp2QVOegzZ3XUgD-jETki4R8RrQX2mbc9zYKTwvBbr6QBXMQ8Hk5a-v-qgq3uVuEPmvlEI0ojxCxI5swTxohrueo9wke/s1600/Photo+May+07%252C+5+21+52+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyKJr9rAEwVKj7fz8iELBh4O0-tRmH_uCTVwX18VNFq6vznCJdp2QVOegzZ3XUgD-jETki4R8RrQX2mbc9zYKTwvBbr6QBXMQ8Hk5a-v-qgq3uVuEPmvlEI0ojxCxI5swTxohrueo9wke/s400/Photo+May+07%252C+5+21+52+PM.jpg" width="223" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">And then, the moment we'd all been waiting...for ole fashion Texas Two-Step at <a href="http://www.brokenspokeaustintx.net/" target="_blank">The Broken Spoke</a>. This was good stuff. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdrEIbYanG3xob996DHBq8rFrpiqOAFgHM3cXwf63Hou6DA9PnCMV1X_6LNtvfuK-cW9Vi-krTnWXl5Ba-pT9_v4w1FA8RZ6UDDkbdJ0zolap_xaAMMeOdPXApqd6BMGYiXBnjooNm4FU/s1600/Photo+May+07%252C+6+11+43+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdrEIbYanG3xob996DHBq8rFrpiqOAFgHM3cXwf63Hou6DA9PnCMV1X_6LNtvfuK-cW9Vi-krTnWXl5Ba-pT9_v4w1FA8RZ6UDDkbdJ0zolap_xaAMMeOdPXApqd6BMGYiXBnjooNm4FU/s320/Photo+May+07%252C+6+11+43+PM.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6pHF282wVmPZ0lez7NMmcTCMUSVDpWCTxh6gUtR3EwLVZJwehPF_evO2h8ypRJzVr7EeP4-V-OJX-oIN_PuRJJzza48MPexEZMiIoO032DJqa35x1UqdlZcErBJY6a0-7eYFH9f_9wE8/s1600/Photo+May+07%252C+6+12+37+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6pHF282wVmPZ0lez7NMmcTCMUSVDpWCTxh6gUtR3EwLVZJwehPF_evO2h8ypRJzVr7EeP4-V-OJX-oIN_PuRJJzza48MPexEZMiIoO032DJqa35x1UqdlZcErBJY6a0-7eYFH9f_9wE8/s320/Photo+May+07%252C+6+12+37+PM.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwi5IE127AiT6riwno_rHibz00QjZdOYagDs6DkjXglSQdrkidiaHwfUjn2grzBQ_vgWAk24AElWVGFQgNXZIG5_RphicR7jk5_uKkhUAKU5L-ghyphenhyphenGUgctTV7Ps2x99Xb0dqr8HBkxNUmB/s1600/Photo+May+07%252C+7+56+08+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwi5IE127AiT6riwno_rHibz00QjZdOYagDs6DkjXglSQdrkidiaHwfUjn2grzBQ_vgWAk24AElWVGFQgNXZIG5_RphicR7jk5_uKkhUAKU5L-ghyphenhyphenGUgctTV7Ps2x99Xb0dqr8HBkxNUmB/s320/Photo+May+07%252C+7+56+08+PM.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">Nothing says TEXAS more than patriotic shower curtains for bathroom stalls. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglymUaDMqd5J6-GG8pKSUJaSi4tm2BSG32ZUS9zOAiRx-dgQBx4kadKbYXwsHGWWK9mMlMudBOPeUFfdKGiKZt_du39EPUXP65NAN1dMAdZhXkkVXplbDhoEedjNf6RI_CRDv78K7XBLZU/s1600/Photo+May+07%252C+8+06+43+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglymUaDMqd5J6-GG8pKSUJaSi4tm2BSG32ZUS9zOAiRx-dgQBx4kadKbYXwsHGWWK9mMlMudBOPeUFfdKGiKZt_du39EPUXP65NAN1dMAdZhXkkVXplbDhoEedjNf6RI_CRDv78K7XBLZU/s320/Photo+May+07%252C+8+06+43+PM.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">GOD BLESS TEXAS! The owner of the The Broke Spoken thanking everyone for over 50 years of business. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-5KIUtv0kDSOJ4lyAeWGsma8HpxBhTdacKlj_WP5f8vP_HMqZqBjot0QsgsRZCS2LTIhoIqaMeEyhEU4gr2jjspfl5pzxxsYt296Ag_tbqNHQK8nsCFr4_If5O7nhofoYvLieWfv0N6W/s1600/Photo+May+07%252C+8+46+05+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-5KIUtv0kDSOJ4lyAeWGsma8HpxBhTdacKlj_WP5f8vP_HMqZqBjot0QsgsRZCS2LTIhoIqaMeEyhEU4gr2jjspfl5pzxxsYt296Ag_tbqNHQK8nsCFr4_If5O7nhofoYvLieWfv0N6W/s320/Photo+May+07%252C+8+46+05+PM.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">Sunday morning we celebrated lunch by brunching with <i>The Gospel Stars </i>at one of my Austin favorites, <a href="http://www.stubbsaustin.com/gospel-brunch" target="_blank">Stubb's Gospel Brunch</a>. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBO7fa-ie6lf4bNgALysEt4yVN70DGH7ZEdzJc2FW_y0l4mvsMp0IOb5kctlNUJ56FA0wLplJnSTPQKxgv2veA5TaE2c2ATvNHqTcdQT4YR0dx_ik2Vs4-jyccSdgaxfCypLNv2stRPQs/s1600/Photo+May+08%252C+9+47+42+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBO7fa-ie6lf4bNgALysEt4yVN70DGH7ZEdzJc2FW_y0l4mvsMp0IOb5kctlNUJ56FA0wLplJnSTPQKxgv2veA5TaE2c2ATvNHqTcdQT4YR0dx_ik2Vs4-jyccSdgaxfCypLNv2stRPQs/s400/Photo+May+08%252C+9+47+42+AM.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">After a quick stroll through the <a href="http://pecanstreetfestival.org/" target="_blank">Pecan Street Festival</a> and coffee with a friend at <a href="http://www.thebrewandbrew.com/" target="_blank">Brew & Brew</a>, I headed to the airport for my solo journey home. My parents however stayed one more night and made it to the one street art I REALLY wanted to go to...I guess I have an excuse to go back. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHko4G5C7nJybapDGzs584wxuTMrnwE3VYNyZ1bJsBzZ2HUtV3bMo_l6CpxcwiWyl1UtBaArEzF-bNiQkuF6VjNUcyP5Ec7vuqMBJuRLwupYOQQU6FpWxXpCuXm4fQhZeREyrbcHZVmwPo/s1600/13177892_10209351624695389_6113627614915853142_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHko4G5C7nJybapDGzs584wxuTMrnwE3VYNyZ1bJsBzZ2HUtV3bMo_l6CpxcwiWyl1UtBaArEzF-bNiQkuF6VjNUcyP5Ec7vuqMBJuRLwupYOQQU6FpWxXpCuXm4fQhZeREyrbcHZVmwPo/s400/13177892_10209351624695389_6113627614915853142_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">Austin, <i>the live music capital of the the world</i>, keep weird.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">If you are considering heading to Austin, check out my other two posts:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.hollysleapsoffaith.com/2015/10/austin-part-i.html#.VzlAWiMrKuU" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666;">Part I</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.hollysleapsoffaith.com/2015/10/austin-part-ii.html#.VzlAeiMrKuU" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666;">Part II</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">And I highly recommend purchasing <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/100-Things-Austin-Before-You/dp/1935806718/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463369910&sr=8-1&keywords=100+things+to+do+in+Austin+before+you+die" target="_blank">100 Things To Do In Austin Before You Die</a></i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-81146853868245775032016-05-03T22:34:00.001-07:002016-05-04T07:49:08.921-07:00Continuing to Embrace Vulnerability<i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Life can he hard. Can I get an AMEN!?</span></i><br>
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<i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sometimes my blog is a forum in which I can work through my emotions etc., and my hope is that in doing so I can positively impact just one of my readers. Sometimes the posts I don't think much about, have the greatest impact on others, so may this post speak to you...</span></i><br>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My life motto recently has been <i style="font-weight: bold;">EMBRACE VULNERABILITY, </i>and get out on that <i>emotional </i>skinny branch. Let me tell you what though...it's HARD. So many times it seems easier to sit back, be cautious and SAFE, guarding our hearts from potential pain...instead of embracing vulnerability, which potentially opens us up to more heartache, disappointment, and a perceived feeling of failure. </span><br>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I recently approached a situation with an all-in, no regrets, fully embracing vulnerability {beyond what is usually comfortable for me...but if felt right} mindset, only to be disappointed, and hurt...which I knew was a risk I was taking. But I also recognized the potential that was there, and in order to see what might become of that potential, I had to put myself out there. And so I did. And I got hurt. BUT...if I had the chance to do it over, would I do it differently? NO! No regrets. </span><br>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Through this I have learned a lot. </span><br>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We cannot let FEAR control our emotions and decisions. I'm reading Pricilla Shirer's book <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fervent-Womans-Serious-Specific-Strategic/dp/1433688670/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462337951&sr=8-1&keywords=fervent+prayer" target="_blank">Fervent Prayer</a> </i>and she said it perfectly:</span><br>
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<i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"If God has given you clear direction, like He gave the children of Isreal-direction that's confirmed by His written Word and by the sounding board of wise, godly counsel your only reason for resisting Him is because you're AFRAID of what following Him down this path might mean or cost or entail, then you're not only on the threshold of being disobedient, you're about to miss an opportunity to give God some fresh, new glory by doing what He's wanting to do through you, which is the true impetus behind His invitation for you to join Him on the scary adventure in the first place."</span></i><br>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pain, heartache and hurt don't equal failure. So often in these times of heartache I question WHY? Why me? Why again? My mom once advised me to question WHAT? What can I learn from the situation? What might I do differently next time? What was blessing of the situation?</span><br>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's not all about ME! So often I focus on what I did wrong, what I should've done differently, what I did to deserve this. I beat myself up in order to find an answer. I ask myself...Am I Enough? What is wrong with me? But it's not always a result of something I did or didn't do. </span><br>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Through the tears, disappointment, and walking through the experience itself, we are made STRONGER! Everything is shaping and preparing us for what is to come. </span><br>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I turn to music for everything. To help me put into words what I am feeling. To bring out the dancer in me. To have fun and let loose. I just love music. Recently I have been clinging to the words of Mandisa's song, <i>Stronger:</i></span><br>
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<i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When the waves are taking you under</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hold on just a little bit longer</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He knows that this is gonna make your stronger, stronger</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The pain ain't gonna last forever</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Don't let the fear of <i>what if</i> prevent you from embracing the <i>what could be. </i>And if by chance things don't go as you had hoped know that there are bigger and better things in store.</span><br>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And don't ever forget...YOU are an <a href="https://youtu.be/b8VoUYtx0kw" target="_blank">OVERCOMER</a>, stay in the fight 'til the final round. You're not going under cause God is holding you right now. You might be down for moment, feeling like it's hopeless. That's when He reminds you that you're an overcomer. </span><br>
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<i><br></i>Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-68163414836878548882016-04-19T22:54:00.002-07:002016-04-19T22:54:45.516-07:00IF: Table <div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Back in February, when I attended <a href="https://ifgathering.com/gather/local/" target="_blank">IF:Local</a>, as part of my commitment to FALL, {fall into people and share the love of Jesus, fall into a life of surrender and obedience} I committed to hosting an <a href="https://ifgathering.com/table/" target="_blank">IF: Table.</a> During IF: Table, women gather <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;">and share a simple meal and dive deep with people over real stories and Christ centered conversations. A time for a whole lot of laughter – and maybe a few tears – but time spent that leaves us with glad hearts. Full hearts. Grateful hearts.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsh2nrExWWsz5jvfBTkZ1jbDGl4Ct0RUGJD2GfRYwAv8k1eLqygk9h4ZGChbF1fmdtEDNfjWL0XA5Cu4_2dvrzwIuirtBQOVHJ_RWOoRotrYa7gaE5Sg8oTW9N0_PRnLvOQliCp7uQT5j/s640/blogger-image-827304861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsh2nrExWWsz5jvfBTkZ1jbDGl4Ct0RUGJD2GfRYwAv8k1eLqygk9h4ZGChbF1fmdtEDNfjWL0XA5Cu4_2dvrzwIuirtBQOVHJ_RWOoRotrYa7gaE5Sg8oTW9N0_PRnLvOQliCp7uQT5j/s400/blogger-image-827304861.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This turned out to be a lesson in <i style="font-weight: bold;">obedience. </i>As March approached I looked up the theme of the March IF: Table...and it was <b><i>loneliness</i></b>. Umm...NO! I wasn't prepared to face my own struggles with loneliness, yet alone commit to having other women over to embrace the vulnerability with me. That's too tough. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But I made this commitment and it was placed on my heart for a reason, so I sent out an email to several of my girlfriends to find a time that might work for most of them, a daunting task in and of itself due to everyone's busy schedules. It was hard to find a time that would work for a few, let alone several. So that is a good enough excuse not to host the dinner, right!? NO! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God perfectly orchestrated the evening, and I know He hand picked the ladies who were to attend. 5 women, all in different phases in their walk with Christ and in different seasons of lives...single, newlywed, working moms, and a mom with a baby-on-the-way. It was beautiful. As we gathered around the table we fully embraced vulnerability, were raw and real with each other, and shared our struggles with and wisdom pertaining to loneliness. There were tears. Lots of them. But that is ok! It's ok to share our struggles. It's ok to ask for and accept help & prayer. Its ok to just be REAL and admit that we don't all have it together. Because we can all relate on some level, no matter what our story is. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I finished the evening with a refreshed spirit and grateful heart. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As April approached, I sent out another email in hopes of gathering a group of ladies for another IF: Table! Once again, God had his hand in it and selected 5 different women to attend. 5 women all in different seasons of life...single, new mom, stay-at-home mom, and a mom struggling with finding her identity and self-worth as she embraces a season of change. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As we worked our way through the <a href="https://ifgathering.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/April-2016-IF-Table-Convo-Cards.pdf" target="_blank">4 conversation questions </a>we shared about what we are currently learning in our walk with the Lord, provided new parenting support and guidance, laughed, enjoyed cake, and soaked in the amazing fellowship. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another evening complete with glad, grateful, full hearts. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnWKG4FOlAa_Lc1TkFwMr8iadtqrs1zSEVzZ4jAx2E7C2koo33MG0bal5Ns0VcHd_GjR444oRQzbyCf0ceVelzy4XXJXtSBvJgfoBIL4DM_I-GUnm53L41qrKEUlu5W2f2DKFebNwjF54/s640/blogger-image-1908577351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnWKG4FOlAa_Lc1TkFwMr8iadtqrs1zSEVzZ4jAx2E7C2koo33MG0bal5Ns0VcHd_GjR444oRQzbyCf0ceVelzy4XXJXtSBvJgfoBIL4DM_I-GUnm53L41qrKEUlu5W2f2DKFebNwjF54/s400/blogger-image-1908577351.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I encourage you to find some friends, gather around the table, and grow deeper in your walk through real, raw, genuine fellowship and Christ centered conversation with other women. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can find more about IF: Table <a href="https://ifgathering.com/new-to-the-table/" target="_blank">HERE! </a></span></div>
Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-29576183411457865852016-01-31T16:14:00.000-08:002016-01-31T16:14:11.253-08:00Embracing Vulnerability: My Most Dramatic Post Yet <i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I wasn't planning on publicly sharing what I am about to share, with anyone but my family and close friends, but recently the word has gotten out and a lot of questions, excitement etc have come from it, so I thought why not? Why keep it a secret? So, here goes nothing...</span></i><br />
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Monday nights are my favorite {and really only} night to watch TV. As an exciting season of Monday Night Football comes to an end, a new season of <i style="font-weight: bold;">The Bachelor/Bachelorette </i>rolls out. Always promising to be <i>the most dramatic season ever, </i> I plan my evenings around getting to know the contestants, "live" texting with my friends as the drama unfolds, and casting my vote for who will receive the final rose. Some seasons are better than others, sometimes love is found, and sometimes the drama is more than I can handle. During the last couple of seasons, I have had an overwhelming desire to apply to go on the show. For those who know me, and I mean <i>really </i>know me, that is a HUGE leap of faith. From fighting back thoughts of insecurity to overcoming my complete discomfort with being in front of a camera {ironic as I am applying to go on a TV showed aired on national TV}, it was a leap of faith I was willing to take...</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So I started researching on what all the application process entails & connected with people on twitter in hopes of gaining additional <i>inside </i>information. I'll be honest, the details are hard to come by...there is no timeline/deadline, you don't really know when to submit your application and which season you are applying for. But after several seasons passed and my desire to at least put myself out there to apply to go on the show increased, and with the a little nudge from my friend, I printed off the application, outlined my desired video, and started the process. Fully embracing vulnerability. </span><br />
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">WHY?</span></i></b><br />
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Well let me begin by saying that I am 32 and single in Medford, OR and am looking for more than this small southern Oregon town seems to have to offer. I want more adventure, more experiences, more culture.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I believe in the potential of the process to work for some. I know more people than not are skeptical of the show, and it's ability to create a <i>match made in heaven</i>. But I think it can be a great platform to meet people who you otherwise wouldn't meet, while truly having a once in a lifetime opportunity. So whether its true love you find {the ultimate goal}, new friendships you create, or adventures you have, its bound to be an EPIC experience. </span><br />
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://casting.bachelor.warnerbros.com/index.html" target="_blank">THE PROCESS</a>.</span></i></b><br />
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You have to submit a <a href="https://casting.bachelor.warnerbros.com/GirlApplication.pdf" target="_blank">5 page application</a> answering questions ranging from your dating past, what you are looking for in a spouse, to your occupation, etc, along with 5-10 pictures of yourself, and a <a href="https://casting.bachelor.warnerbros.com/TapeInstructions.pdf" target="_blank">10-15 minute video</a> basically convincing the casting crew to select you.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Did I mention I absolutely hate being in front of a video camera?? Oh the irony. But I outlined what I wanted to include in my video, picked out my outfits, determined the shoot locations and set out with a camera and my friend to depict <i>The Life of Holly</i> in only 10 short minutes! 10 minutes isn't a lot of time to fully encompass whats important to me...family, friends, serving/community involvement, my faith, running, my job, traveling, etc...while truly capturing my personality and who I am. I can honestly say I have never had more fun being uncomfortable...we laughed as we highlighted my <i>corporate </i>job in downtown Medford and staged a scene at the Dutch Bros drive thru. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The application was filled out in its entirety, the top pictures selected and printed {each individually labeled}, and the video edited and formatted to their specifications {complete with a personalized CD label}...and were all sealed up in a gold manilla folder, sure to catch the attention of the casting crew, and sent off to California. I tracked the package to confirm it was delivered, and then just waited. And waited. Always anxious when an unknown number called me. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuNZoMFVeZThHRyINCsmJVgHkg9KDqwWHv2FuSlH1_ycFEkTUbtK8YDjhCLag9lFtF0sWBQ3yLdsKcv_bhPI7Rf1mklk821QxDUEaQO8fdl_YXA9sUePvxHmD9EiT9gdaEV8k5K2vopE-u/s1600/IMG_2589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuNZoMFVeZThHRyINCsmJVgHkg9KDqwWHv2FuSlH1_ycFEkTUbtK8YDjhCLag9lFtF0sWBQ3yLdsKcv_bhPI7Rf1mklk821QxDUEaQO8fdl_YXA9sUePvxHmD9EiT9gdaEV8k5K2vopE-u/s400/IMG_2589.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I heard nothing. Not even a confirmation that my application was received.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">NOW WHAT? </span></i></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I thought I would be disappointed that I didn't hear back, but I really wasn't. Rather I was so thankful I followed a desire of my heart and forced myself out of my comfort zone. If anything, I hope I can encourage others to be willing to be uncomfortable and possibly face <i>failure, </i>because it is through the process that we experience many blessings in disguise. I have never had so much fun doing something that I really don't like; we seriously laughed until we cried several times during the filming process. And I grew as a person, gaining more confidence and an increased desire to continue to live life to the fullest. Something I thought would be so difficult and uncomfortable for me really wasn't, making me question what other opportunities I have passed up because at first thought they might make me uncomfortable.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So while I might not be riding elephants in Thailand, flying in a helicopter over LA, or having a camera crew follow me around 24-7, I am still living life to the fullest, making the most of every adventure and opportunity that comes my way, and at some point along the way I will receive my <i>final rose.</i></span> </span></span><br />
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<br />Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-57298612946963724702016-01-24T22:12:00.001-08:002016-01-25T07:03:22.269-08:00{MY} Auctions 101<div>
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<i>I have been involved in many fundraising efforts, ranging from participating in <a href="http://www.hollysleapsoffaith.com/2013/10/dwtrvs-dancing-for-cause.html#.VqY4cBgrKuU" target="_blank">Dancing With The Rogue Valley Stars</a>, to putting on a 5K fundraiser, to being the event manager for the local </i><a href="http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1140854" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Polar Plunge for Special Olympics.</a><i> I enjoy the event planning portion, and love the challenge of reaching & surpassing a goal. I have helped with a couple local auctions, but on a rather limited scale. I have been involved with the </i><a href="http://www.craterian.org/support-us/gingerbread-jubilee/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Gingerbread Jubilee</a><i> for a couple of years, and now as a board member of the </i><a href="http://www.craterian.org/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Craterian Theater</a><i>, I agreed to take on a larger role...that of procurement co-chair. With the help of my co-chair and our committee, we were responsible for procuring all of the silent and live auction items. I took on the role with a goal to </i><b style="font-style: italic;">spice things up, </b><i>changing up items that we had repeated for several years, and introducing new, perhaps </i><b style="font-style: italic;">risky </b><i>packages. I am happy to say, that with a phenomenal team and great collaborative effort, we pulled off the most successful Gingerbread Jubilee Auction in history. I did a lot of research to learn HOW to put on a successful auction, and I want to pay it forward and share what I learned from my experience. </i></div>
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4N7BYS9gLqJpXJ7UQHiLCmYV-SlY6o6zCH0zM39vykcdceol7BxIMwNvMH6Z5KXWtnl-WIKMLsnAEyEVfxfdWZWN1AFojAl92itK3IwMHO4gbP19IZV1TZ1QIqsufFszYHDxhqrRpmMqE/s640/blogger-image-332080400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4N7BYS9gLqJpXJ7UQHiLCmYV-SlY6o6zCH0zM39vykcdceol7BxIMwNvMH6Z5KXWtnl-WIKMLsnAEyEVfxfdWZWN1AFojAl92itK3IwMHO4gbP19IZV1TZ1QIqsufFszYHDxhqrRpmMqE/s400/blogger-image-332080400.jpg" width="265" /></a></b></div>
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<b>Do your research. </b>Google "Tips to a successful auction." "Top Selling LIVE auction items." There are so many amazing resources out there...take advantage of them. There is in fact a science to putting on a successful auction, including how to put together the LIVE auction order, how many items to auction off, when to do the <i>ask, </i>etc. Also, research the history of your event and notice what has sold well in the past, how many years a certain package has been offered, what areas you are lacking auction items, etc...it's important to be familiar with your event.<br />
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I came across a list of unique auction items, one being to auction off dessert prepared & served table side by a local <i>famous </i>chef, and we did just that! The dessert was part of the entertainment for the evening, a huge success, and got the evening off to a fun & exciting start...I mean, if a dessert goes for over $1,000, its bound to be a good night!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2Sg2fFRE6qVr1WmxcGdP8P38sDjNYzm-A7e3YiOS9SSeCR5WdD21RVrxpJVbbxHavClaD0-kQ47suiB2sn8lfpVGtS6IjX_PRGQpYsoUpaw2GhYmURGnevuYtfxG5BwGfXrempWdXxEc/s640/blogger-image--909962998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2Sg2fFRE6qVr1WmxcGdP8P38sDjNYzm-A7e3YiOS9SSeCR5WdD21RVrxpJVbbxHavClaD0-kQ47suiB2sn8lfpVGtS6IjX_PRGQpYsoUpaw2GhYmURGnevuYtfxG5BwGfXrempWdXxEc/s400/blogger-image--909962998.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Put in the extra effort. </b>If you are easily able to put together a package valued at $1,000, put in the extra effort to create a $2,000 package. That might mean adding a transportation component, a live performance to a dinner package, OR a behind the scenes experience. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bb7Zq13SNrvlEhIqGPhjX01mkD0sSrwdogB90oRK3U2mvOYBOpzI_Brlhq-_-Rofw5nQET-4CpCQTlAW_avDVLcS34Juw80lFPq2HCCdGBLN4bZ12Knm-QTRCslHSlHBnYkKKcPTfccE/s640/blogger-image-219737224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bb7Zq13SNrvlEhIqGPhjX01mkD0sSrwdogB90oRK3U2mvOYBOpzI_Brlhq-_-Rofw5nQET-4CpCQTlAW_avDVLcS34Juw80lFPq2HCCdGBLN4bZ12Knm-QTRCslHSlHBnYkKKcPTfccE/s640/blogger-image-219737224.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b>Make it a night to remember. </b>It's important that your guests enjoy themselves, and want to come back the following year. So in addition to offering a quality dinner & great auction packages you need to incorporate entrainment components into the evening.<br />
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At this year's {well now last year's} Gingerbread Jubilee Auction we knew we were going to hit the $1,000,000 mark {over the history of the auction}, and it was important to make a big deal of it. During the auction we celebrated raising $1 million by having a surprise celebration complete with champagne, sirens, and confetti!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4I-ZClsAwMZ1FXls9C1xivW12h05NCnR1rJnnKWhZJ0nVI0MbOa5w-9bsfDghvlARCh3LDd-cEA2Kfffv6Gm4Njn7tB2EHYekFByPW0jsSSeKJBefIWpECraP5W6n8Tw7nwXV_NaF39l/s640/blogger-image--1531001084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4I-ZClsAwMZ1FXls9C1xivW12h05NCnR1rJnnKWhZJ0nVI0MbOa5w-9bsfDghvlARCh3LDd-cEA2Kfffv6Gm4Njn7tB2EHYekFByPW0jsSSeKJBefIWpECraP5W6n8Tw7nwXV_NaF39l/s400/blogger-image--1531001084.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<b>Get items donated. </b>I am a firm believer that the auction items need to be donated NOT purchased. The ultimate goal is to raise money for the organization, so it is counter intuitive to purchase {aka underwrite} items to be auctioned off.<br />
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With that being said, there are a few {very few} situations in which adding a component to a package will significantly leverage the package, thus increasing the perceived value. For instance, I was able to get 4 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Grandstand seats donated, and while those are <i>priceless, </i>I knew the package didn't have much value without overnight accommodations. After submitting over a dozen donation request letters to NYC hotels with ZERO leads, I had to go to plan B. So with the help of a board member I solicited a financial donation from a local physician group to cover the cost of the hotel room & tickets to a broadway show. It was win-win situation...the package was our highest selling auction item at just under $8,000 and we developed new friends of the theater from the physician group. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGlu6mGS_u3exDZqIbs32IjR7-v9XsU56bnkNS8et5R8PGNrUBHWTiDA2MB5aAam3ZPloubzR_9mDqHn9wjjyKVpkB3NW917IfYglRIcz4fHQb5o2RpAUAzBhJZPC3jCviK0kiPVsYMFD/s640/blogger-image-590977292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGlu6mGS_u3exDZqIbs32IjR7-v9XsU56bnkNS8et5R8PGNrUBHWTiDA2MB5aAam3ZPloubzR_9mDqHn9wjjyKVpkB3NW917IfYglRIcz4fHQb5o2RpAUAzBhJZPC3jCviK0kiPVsYMFD/s400/blogger-image-590977292.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Include an element of exclusivity with each package. </b>For the live auction it is important that <i>every </i>package include a component of exclusivity, something that is truly <i>priceless; </i>whether it be a behind the scenes experience, signed memorabilia, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Tickets :), a VIP dining experience with a local celebrity, a private flight for a day golf trip etc.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2xzF70mnIaXybeeDhUPglJg0oQiiNSu9kI1j1-CN8zdOG4tW743WcFbIvrUEpWRWzPkUQHSUdcGZRdTcjfy702py-pP17lbHz0Sg0H1N0rAJqjkZbjqQtcV7DO_VetAjYPy9Bkf4i8VL/s640/blogger-image-1480458297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2xzF70mnIaXybeeDhUPglJg0oQiiNSu9kI1j1-CN8zdOG4tW743WcFbIvrUEpWRWzPkUQHSUdcGZRdTcjfy702py-pP17lbHz0Sg0H1N0rAJqjkZbjqQtcV7DO_VetAjYPy9Bkf4i8VL/s400/blogger-image-1480458297.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Be willing to take a risk. </b>In an effort to change things up, and <i>spice up </i>the auction, we had to be willing to take a risk and get rid of packages we have offered for several years, and introduce completely new & exciting packages. While some weren't as well received as we would've liked, others were a HUGE success! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYzwb7rX-wfz7q7CZVarMVkBpb1GlT8dSh7GadqLf0IrZKmnJ_11mAciP5RM056GwhZbkFhxzeP2PotPbqCK5PrwWCuSePQXH0w2Vd3w187bvpmiK_DsskHJV2qrGHvLG6e2_Nisafc3Z/s640/blogger-image--956426337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYzwb7rX-wfz7q7CZVarMVkBpb1GlT8dSh7GadqLf0IrZKmnJ_11mAciP5RM056GwhZbkFhxzeP2PotPbqCK5PrwWCuSePQXH0w2Vd3w187bvpmiK_DsskHJV2qrGHvLG6e2_Nisafc3Z/s400/blogger-image--956426337.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>Ensure the right people are in attendance.</b> You can have the most perfectly executed event, but without the right buns in the seat, the event will not be a success. I think there are 3 categories of people you need to focus on 1) Those who are big supporters of your cause/organization. They want to and will give, despite what packages etc you offer. 2) Specific buyers for specific packages. 3) People who are well known in the community for their support of several organizations...you always want to be introducing new people to the event and the organization. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qY-MjKoQeJrBNJ3H_NbiSmC0qS5JypcSW2p_a0u_zZYyBNBDCbImYHJKtP55acoO7bLfbrgO1Vzn8KdT_pr5fPrnOPqcdiCFZQFYQb4NNUmbM_Bb8ottLiyEJvvNOSxtsQ94JWZcuANL/s640/blogger-image--410467784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qY-MjKoQeJrBNJ3H_NbiSmC0qS5JypcSW2p_a0u_zZYyBNBDCbImYHJKtP55acoO7bLfbrgO1Vzn8KdT_pr5fPrnOPqcdiCFZQFYQb4NNUmbM_Bb8ottLiyEJvvNOSxtsQ94JWZcuANL/s400/blogger-image--410467784.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>Continue to cultivate relationships after the auction. </b>When the night comes to an end, it is so important to continue to cultivate & develop lasting relationships with your donors, sponsors, and buyers. Don't ever under estimate the power of a hand written thank you note or a nice bottle of wine to show your appreciation. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtwZjaTcHxIS__SUXzrTu2Dabmf0assTxDtHQ3YQJ9Bx7pyMLMlH0Ja-ylEMonDr8RRlUZrkio7oma5cNHtREqweOaeU25XCiwbq9FQl3cFzFOHJbEQh38Tp2LJIhWtM4CeFlHzXxtLzH/s640/blogger-image-1928138595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtwZjaTcHxIS__SUXzrTu2Dabmf0assTxDtHQ3YQJ9Bx7pyMLMlH0Ja-ylEMonDr8RRlUZrkio7oma5cNHtREqweOaeU25XCiwbq9FQl3cFzFOHJbEQh38Tp2LJIhWtM4CeFlHzXxtLzH/s400/blogger-image-1928138595.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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While there were moments I said <i>NEVER AGAIN, </i>I enjoyed the process and the challenge of figuring out the ins & outs of putting on a successful auction. It took a lot {and I mean A LOT} of time, energy and resource to pull it off, but in the end it was all worth it and an incredibly rewarding night & experience. </div>
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Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-25261429403676082812015-12-13T20:52:00.001-08:002015-12-13T21:00:28.155-08:00{Turkey} Trotting to Confidence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As my <a href="http://granatoracing.com/" target="_blank">coach</a> always say, physical confidence leads to mental confidence, and my confidence is building. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>One of my all time favorite holiday/running traditions is the Turkey Trot. </b>What better way to start the holiday than to get in a few miles {2 or 8} with friends & family!? I love seeing all of the families who come out for the occasion, and its great to see so many familiar faces on the course. This is never a race I train and taper for, but no matter where I am at in my running/training cycle, I always get out there for some fun! </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One year we dressed up.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Last year I ran with a 10 year old! {Amazing experience} </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This year I set out to test my fitness. </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've been putting in the miles...multiple <i>easy </i>runs a week, speed & tempo workouts, all topped off with a long run over the weekend. My paces are dropping and my endurance & confidence are building. I am <i>really </i>loving running these days! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I didn't really have a goal per se for the run, or even a <i>race </i>plan, but ideally I wanted to come in at sub 8:30s, and negative split! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With the temperature in the low 20s, Mark, Jen and I bundled up and headed to the race.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrRrN0iB5MfFXXCs1mOJb4zKmQytiwRrmyPxglqdoOnsCWTeb5DmG6peHFtR3B42EyBbTb6jGwcqmHqw8TqDFx73VJz82djcB5T34xUZaNnW0LAH_4W0WgD1d4OStV8wWcr1zORaEza4u/s640/blogger-image--1076852753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrRrN0iB5MfFXXCs1mOJb4zKmQytiwRrmyPxglqdoOnsCWTeb5DmG6peHFtR3B42EyBbTb6jGwcqmHqw8TqDFx73VJz82djcB5T34xUZaNnW0LAH_4W0WgD1d4OStV8wWcr1zORaEza4u/s640/blogger-image--1076852753.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was honestly so cold, it took everything is us to even get in a warm-up run...but we managed to get out there for a few minutes before heading back to comfort of the warm building. Literally I was chilled to the bones, but I knew I would warm up once we started running, so I didn't want to overdress. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The gun went off, and we were off and running! At one point I commented to Mark that if my feet didn't thaw, I wasn't sure I would make it...they were painfully frozen! After the first mile {I think everyone took off so fast mainly to warm-up}, I dialed us in to a smooth pace, with the goal to kick-it in the second half:</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mile 1: 8:18.41</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mile 2: 8:25.11</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mile 3: 8:30.71</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mile 4: 8:27.72</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We rolled into the half, already at sub 8:30s, and I definitely had more left in the tank. After the turn around it was game on. I slowly started picking up the pace, and I quickly realized I <i>quite surprisingly </i>had a lot left. The last two races we have ran, Mark and I have been neck & neck with a guy who I have named <i style="font-weight: bold;">Chicken Legs</i>...he's a fabulous older gentleman who wears shorty short shorts, and has, you guessed it, chicken legs. He is the nicest guy, but always seems to take us...but not today! I rolled up on him around mile 5, chatted for a second and then went on my way! </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mile 5: 8:15.88</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I continued to pass people and then around mile 6.5 I saw my dad's friend & running partner, who he told me I needed to beat, up ahead, and I knew I could catch him. I came up on him around mile 7, and thought in my head to back off a tad so I had enough to really kick it in at the end {it's funny how your mind creates this doubt}, but as I rolled through mile 7, I knew I could maintain, so to the finish I pressed.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was a running euphoria. </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I had a huge grin on my face as I made my way to the finish. My training consistency was paying off.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mile 6: 7:47.97</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mile 7: 7:20.47</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mile 8: 7:24.55</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">8 miles, 8:04/mile, 1:04.34</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>*</b>over a 6 minute PR</i></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We photobombed their finish. Or did they photobomb our picture?</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The euphoria of success from the Turkey has fueled my desire to continue to diligently train and reach my goals. </span></div>
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<br />Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-16102510939205804202015-12-06T21:43:00.000-08:002015-12-07T15:20:18.251-08:00Wrapped & Sent With Love & MINTED<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="color: #666666; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">It's the most wonderful time of the year! </b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The smell of gingerbread. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The sights of lights, trees, and festive decorations.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The sounds of Christmas music.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The joy of the season.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of my all time favorite parts of the season is running out to my mail box everyday, in anticipation of whose Christmas card I will receive that day. I love reading about everyone's year in a brief, couple sentence overview. I love seeing the happy, smiling faces of those who are near and dear to me. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What other time in the year do we get to proudly display pictures of all of our loved ones, for all to see!? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>For this reason, Christmas cards are one of my all time favorite form of snail mail, right up there with handwritten Thank You cards. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't know about you, but I save most of my Christmas cards from year-to-year! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Haven't order your Christmas cards yet for this year!? No worries, head over to <a href="http://www.minted.com/gifts/unique-holiday-photo-cards?it_category=n_seasonal&it_id=topi1hol" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Minted</a> to find the perfect card for every style & every budget. And BONUS, they offer FREE recipient address printing. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Which one will you choose?</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.minted.com/foil-stamped-holiday-cards?it_category=n_seasonal&it_id=c2i1uf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://cdn3.minted.com/files/mintedProductsImages/MIN/HFS/T8X/MIN-T8X-HFS-001_A_PD.gif?_=undefined" height="266" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.minted.com/foil-stamped-holiday-cards?it_category=n_seasonal&it_id=c2i1uf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Foil-Pressed</a><br />
<a href="http://www.minted.com/foil-stamped-holiday-cards?it_category=n_seasonal&it_id=c2i1uf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><br /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.minted.com/christmas-postcards" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://cdn3.minted.com/files/mintedProductsImages/MIN/HPC/157/MIN-157-HPC-001HOLIDAY_A_PD.jpg?_=undefined" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Postcard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.minted.com/letterpress-holiday-cards?it_category=n_seasonal&it_id=c1i8uf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://cdn3.minted.com/files/mintedProductsImages/MIN/HLE/004/MIN-004-HLE-001_A_PD.gif?_=undefined" height="266" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.minted.com/letterpress-holiday-cards?it_category=n_seasonal&it_id=c1i8uf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Letterpress Photo Cards</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.minted.com/letterpress-holiday-cards?it_category=n_seasonal&it_id=c1i8uf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Or maybe an <a href="http://www.minted.com/holiday-card-ornaments" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ornament card</a>? Or perhaps you are super creative and want to <a href="http://www.minted.com/completely-custom-cards" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">customize</a> your own card? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whatever you decide, have fun with it, as each Christmas Card you send will bring joy to the recipient. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>*whatever card you decide to send, please include the age of the children pictured...something I always appreciate</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Speaking of minted and joy, you have to check out their <a href="http://www.minted.com/gifts/gift-wrap-styles?it_category=n_gifts5&it_id=c1i8ep" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gift wrap, stickers and more</a>! </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love finding the perfect gift, but its more than what's inside the package, it's also about the presentation. The small, carefully thought out details, to customize the gift specifically for that special person on your list. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the chef on your list, add a little <a href="http://www.minted.com/product/wrapping-paper/MIN-KN6-CWR/sugar-spice" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sugar & spice</a>, from wrapping paper to gift tags to stickers.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What grandparent wouldn't swoon over <a href="http://www.minted.com/product/wrapping-paper/MIN-QY2-CWR/retro-noel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">customized </a>wrapping paper featuring their precious grandchildren?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Leave a lasting impression with the perfect finishing touch, a <a href="http://www.minted.com/gift-tags?it_category=n_giftwrap&it_id=c1i3gw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gift tag</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have partnered with <a href="http://www.minted.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Minted</a> to bring one lucky reader of my <i>Leaps of Faith</i> a little extra joy this holiday season! Enter my giveaway, ending Friday 12/11, for your chance to win a $50 Gift Code for <a href="http://www.minted.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Minted</a>. </span></div>
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Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-51535354655168272582015-12-03T20:57:00.000-08:002015-12-03T21:15:31.500-08:00Running The Windy City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.hollysleapsoffaith.com/2015/10/austin-part-i.html#.VmENTGSrTEY" target="_blank">Austin,</a> <a href="http://www.hollysleapsoffaith.com/2015/12/rocky-mountain-high.html#.VmENgWSrTEY" target="_blank">Denver</a>, Chicago, OH MY! </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Talk of a fall marathon start brewing in Spring and so a couple of us threw our names in the hat for the <a href="https://www.chicagomarathon.com/" target="_blank">Chicago Marathon</a>. With the luck of the draw we all got in, and so began the planning for our racecation. </span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">*due to the fact that I ran a late Spring marathon, I took my coach's advice and sat this one out. But don't you fret, I took my role as spectator/cheerleader quite seriously.</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So 2 runners and 7 spectators headed to Chicago for the weekend, via trains, planes, and city buses. Heidi found us a <a href="http://www.chicagoguesthouse.com/L1.html" target="_blank">fabulous VRBO</a> in Wrigleyville {which was quite perfect as the Cubs were playing the Cardinals in the world series that weekend...and most of the crew was coming from Missouri!} </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGRVWb6zPo3MeVLp3EMx3B4Xy_aBBBM30cPiSn9vpdm6EPuT4tJQHguM3DmQLwTtBentLz42Rhl0MkSq1DgqT6D4LOmGn88cP3Qja7yjT1yQf4PD3mF5X10m9QY3tAYJuAV8PfhPGF7MB/s1600/IMG_3407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGRVWb6zPo3MeVLp3EMx3B4Xy_aBBBM30cPiSn9vpdm6EPuT4tJQHguM3DmQLwTtBentLz42Rhl0MkSq1DgqT6D4LOmGn88cP3Qja7yjT1yQf4PD3mF5X10m9QY3tAYJuAV8PfhPGF7MB/s400/IMG_3407.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I arrived early on Friday, in time to head to the <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/athletes" target="_blank">Oiselle team</a> dinner! It's always fun to meet, in real life, with teammates from across the county. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfmDVU9RS_zbaxMBeVJBGNEus9-Re6YMD3370z5K-2nwUW-iI9ekf3EJ_O8OSonF2gsAOPfPITW6vrryAt_7e2215AsGbsWfw65DfZmGDatnYJY7MuJnLAnHgH9QZcKExjymMRpkLDHWt/s1600/IMG_3420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfmDVU9RS_zbaxMBeVJBGNEus9-Re6YMD3370z5K-2nwUW-iI9ekf3EJ_O8OSonF2gsAOPfPITW6vrryAt_7e2215AsGbsWfw65DfZmGDatnYJY7MuJnLAnHgH9QZcKExjymMRpkLDHWt/s400/IMG_3420.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One of my favorite ways to view the city is by foot...and because I wasn't participating in the marathon, I was able to set out on a long running tour of the city! And oh my, I fell in love with running even more in the windy city! It's magical!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRG4YuIa5S7Y88FguP2N5s5xr9jie_Ch26lXD9y3VAEQQJkmwYtL_0AKd69QWblk0LJPCs6nt_BaSMKDWv6YR0Dn3-6_13YVt6BesgDLMIEH_VPzDKiut50ZeEImSKQ4WlLP28snB41zI/s1600/IMG_3419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRG4YuIa5S7Y88FguP2N5s5xr9jie_Ch26lXD9y3VAEQQJkmwYtL_0AKd69QWblk0LJPCs6nt_BaSMKDWv6YR0Dn3-6_13YVt6BesgDLMIEH_VPzDKiut50ZeEImSKQ4WlLP28snB41zI/s400/IMG_3419.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As the support crew, it was important that we stayed properly fueled {caffeinated}, so first stop at the expo was Starbucks. Parker and Ashton warned Addi that there would be lots of Starbuck stops on race day...they've clearly done this before. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_veUb71LWuccGNlbrBS5U_S-T0THIGzpfH0pJg2gHob3gvo9zDlsLW0wa3aHTvbzejqbETGOhNf4-fR13Q12td6AZLw0xf19SmTC9Y57gNDG7aw8BdfDGVUUREvSl2G7tf3BZ7sQJ2vfg/s1600/IMG_3423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_veUb71LWuccGNlbrBS5U_S-T0THIGzpfH0pJg2gHob3gvo9zDlsLW0wa3aHTvbzejqbETGOhNf4-fR13Q12td6AZLw0xf19SmTC9Y57gNDG7aw8BdfDGVUUREvSl2G7tf3BZ7sQJ2vfg/s640/IMG_3423.JPG" width="356" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While at the expo we I ran into a dear friend of mine, who happens to be one of my favorite authors, <a href="http://www.katherinereay.com/" target="_blank">Katherine Reay</a> {if you haven't already done so, you need to check out her 3 books}. Heidi and Heather are huge fans, and I knew they would be ecstatic to meet her, so they rushed over to say hi and grab a photo. So fun!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDiO0uVqxnQWg3oPeelqHJJTTJ4lJY8uOPw1SQv-G3Cn04zcLMw4cFos3NDD-rD1AnfFcd_NONSmJETu0DX9vklou18BVgQTNKFfqu4jU0dKLjSId31UwC32jqerEKTq_u9zHZDaNbWdO/s640/blogger-image--802068373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDiO0uVqxnQWg3oPeelqHJJTTJ4lJY8uOPw1SQv-G3Cn04zcLMw4cFos3NDD-rD1AnfFcd_NONSmJETu0DX9vklou18BVgQTNKFfqu4jU0dKLjSId31UwC32jqerEKTq_u9zHZDaNbWdO/s400/blogger-image--802068373.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After a long morning at the expo it was time to refuel and shake out some pre-race jitters, so to <a href="http://burgerbarchicago.com/" target="_blank">Burger Bar</a> we went! Nothing like a the laughter from a photobooth to ease the nerves.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtU8cevvlYc-3lDHXX0pTGjr6JFMiyvJKlYkCm8SFGfS9yGR9goth3IATxl207wxLvdq8fDRAJQAGlOJOC9iFrKKuKkbKMqdl3Xrk9JENDC6xos4sxeJvaqs7rpL_K5IwQmqhs3uwXPBC7/s1600/IMG_3430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtU8cevvlYc-3lDHXX0pTGjr6JFMiyvJKlYkCm8SFGfS9yGR9goth3IATxl207wxLvdq8fDRAJQAGlOJOC9iFrKKuKkbKMqdl3Xrk9JENDC6xos4sxeJvaqs7rpL_K5IwQmqhs3uwXPBC7/s400/IMG_3430.JPG" width="132" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8ZA9lRMT1zfzTIbxqcj-8h79Owh4hINWzbVIZ2PQ2uo-x5BVtIHA2EU9VpwL8-5PdOdQ_RV4318UsjUKNVpppDsQGHxtQZs7A50j2HqhwSzkRo-u0wkay-jVu_jQUlQpnpH07sV5h9NM/s1600/IMG_3428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8ZA9lRMT1zfzTIbxqcj-8h79Owh4hINWzbVIZ2PQ2uo-x5BVtIHA2EU9VpwL8-5PdOdQ_RV4318UsjUKNVpppDsQGHxtQZs7A50j2HqhwSzkRo-u0wkay-jVu_jQUlQpnpH07sV5h9NM/s400/IMG_3428.JPG" width="132" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">During our ride back on the "L," we met the most amazing <i style="font-weight: bold;">cuber...</i>a very nice young man putting himself through school to be a teacher. <i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>He could solve a rubix cube in less than 30 sec...it was amazing! But what was more amazing was how interactive he was with us {the obnoxious, highly entertained tourists}, especially the children. He would allow the kiddos to mix up the cube the best they could, and then see how long it would take him to solve it. He then provided them with some pointers on how to solve it, and allowed them to play around with his. A pretty unique experience! And one of the many reasons why I love public transportation.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0_eCp8hvqFsO_Yv9F1ENHfmFpl2Rptnw-wsyOTyJilD4Bi8nvq0d-l6Gz93U5RWS4eHZLoHihcUFeDTD4Bx_8j_294jKAdDxcFAEYqVAk6SvUD8FJKzXqIxyOvsDtEJMq_UYzNnIAQkQ/s1600/IMG_3432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0_eCp8hvqFsO_Yv9F1ENHfmFpl2Rptnw-wsyOTyJilD4Bi8nvq0d-l6Gz93U5RWS4eHZLoHihcUFeDTD4Bx_8j_294jKAdDxcFAEYqVAk6SvUD8FJKzXqIxyOvsDtEJMq_UYzNnIAQkQ/s400/IMG_3432.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That evening we invited friends over for a night of carb loading, poster making, and laughing. The perfect pre-race celebration. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEySPYgFYVG1EgOIRKkvnovp6IGAGlc0EGQZVJKi7Zjt9mF_Iqd7IOPLdI-D5kQQdsCaQIhYOPBK-C4ZyE7_olSxjwbH21aVMo7pCJo221j7ikwX43EgRxLVWjYblFOAwqsku1yccTId2f/s1600/IMG_3439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEySPYgFYVG1EgOIRKkvnovp6IGAGlc0EGQZVJKi7Zjt9mF_Iqd7IOPLdI-D5kQQdsCaQIhYOPBK-C4ZyE7_olSxjwbH21aVMo7pCJo221j7ikwX43EgRxLVWjYblFOAwqsku1yccTId2f/s400/IMG_3439.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>And then is was race day! </b>Meet our cheer squad captain, BOBBY! BOBBY was how our runners were going to spot us among the 1000s of spectators along the course. Note to self...when carrying a balloon around in the windy city, wrap the string around a stick or something to prevent it from blowing all over the place! </span></div>
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<b>Team Fun! </b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>TROOPERS! </b>It was windy, and cold in the shade of the buildings, but these 4 rallied! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At our bathroom-plus-we-need-to-warm-up stop we had a minor disaster...BOBBY broke free! And the hotel staff brought out the ladder to rescue him. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I brought some memories and inspiration with me for my cheering duties! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">BOOOOOBBBBBYYYYY she yelled as she rolled through the halfway mark! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Happy to be at the finish line waiting for mom {auntie} and dad {uncle}.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Last year she was my #1 supporter...so blessed to join her on the sidelines this year as we cheered our hearts out for everyone on the course. </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">He's a marathoner!!!</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>No words needed...</b>the emotion surrounding a marathon finish. </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A couple that runs together...</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On our way back to our place we got to see some of the Cardinal players! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Did I mention how much I love running through a new city!? </b>I was in my own little runner's paradise.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>And then, the moment us girls had been waiting for...</b>a trip to the <a href="http://www.thedrybar.com/" target="_blank">Drybar</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It happened to be Columbus day, so when we met up with the guys and kiddos we stumbled across a parade with DANCING horses...I had never seen such a thing. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We then made our way to a Chicago-Must-See...The Bean. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That night was game three of the Cubs/Cardinal series, and I felt it was a MUST to go to the game, and in no time at all I convinced Heather of the same. We watched the prices of tickets online all afternoon, discussed how much we were willing to spend, and then after <i>losing </i>several tickets online {they would sell to someone else before they were able to process my payment} we headed to the stadium with cash in hand. <i>Sidenote...by this point Nate and Jackson had bought tickets and were in the stadium watching the game, so we decided to do the same. </i>We talked to a few scalpers and then came across a guy who was selling 2 fairly good seats for a reasonable price. After <i>inspecting </i>the tickets {like we knew what we were looking for}, Heather and I looked at each other, exchanged a nod, handed him a big wad of money, took the tickets and sprinted {with huge smiles across our faces} to the gate...we were like giddy children...only to find out we were victims of a scam. The tickets were no good. The scanners kept beeping at us and flashing red. Moral of the story, if the scalper offers to go with you to the gate to ensure the tickets are legit, have him go with you. We made lemonade out of lemons and had a great time meeting up with some of Heather's friends & watching the game from the bar at the stadium. The energy was electric, and quite an experience in and of itself. One thing's for sure...we'll never forget that night in Chicago. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The following morning my phone was hacked, and a memory was left. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Oh how I love those silly smiles, and hate having to say goodbye! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But once again Chicago was amazing and holds many amazing memories. </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Chicago...it wasn't goodbye, rather until we see you again! </span></b></div>
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<br />Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-43960595357595591032015-12-02T22:00:00.002-08:002015-12-02T22:14:08.739-08:00Rocky Mountain High<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="color: #666666;">4 days after leaving <a href="http://www.hollysleapsoffaith.com/2015/10/austin-part-ii.html#.Vl-P-XarQdU" target="_blank">Austin</a>, I caught an early morning flight to Denver. My boss' son goes to CU {GO BUFFS!!!}, and this year's Family Weekend football game was against U of O...so it only made sense that I would go! I love any excuse to head to Colorado! And to top things off, it was also one of my best friend's birthdays that weekend...a win-win! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">Erin picked me up from the airport and we headed down to <a href="http://www.larimersquare.com/news/events/hot-stuff-firefighter-chili-cookoff-is-on-october-2nd/" target="_blank">Larimer Square</a> for the <b><i>Firefighter Chili Cook Off</i></b>, {Can we say HOT..HOT..HOT!} before heading back to pick up the girls from school. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">That evening I headed to Boulder to <i>surprise</i> MG {oops...I probably shouldn't have posted above picture of me in Colorado on social media} for his belated birthday dinner at <a href="http://www.frascafoodandwine.com/" target="_blank">Frasca</a>. I'll be honest, I don't even remember what we had {this post is a tad late}, but the <a href="http://www.frascafoodandwine.com/wp-content/uploads/menus/quattro-piatti-menu.pdf" target="_blank">food</a> was fabulous! </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666;">It's such a blessing to have friends that are family! And to be back in Boulder with them. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666;">The girls on Pearl Street! </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1v96JmfX-oX5k70MwW1rqM0u3z1ZskWoHdojRUy-4yp62u6-LaVJVyR5W8Lwh57GynXOi2wYCQbMlxKGSmw_BhomsYUFqjZhBUB0KW1zBvPA7sFl07OiyJmK2ooaW6ImUs23HS1nFom6/s640/blogger-image-1520607676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1v96JmfX-oX5k70MwW1rqM0u3z1ZskWoHdojRUy-4yp62u6-LaVJVyR5W8Lwh57GynXOi2wYCQbMlxKGSmw_BhomsYUFqjZhBUB0KW1zBvPA7sFl07OiyJmK2ooaW6ImUs23HS1nFom6/s400/blogger-image-1520607676.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">Saturday I headed back to Boulder for the game. And of course game day, especially during family weekend, wouldn't be complete without hitting up a few frat parties! Yes, that's right, frat parties! And somehow I was thrown in at the tail end of a drinking game {never a good idea} and ended up chugging a beer, while people chanting "Mom, mom, mom!" I think the entire thing was captured on snapchat....oh my! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">Back to the game! Despite it being cold, wet, and delayed due to lightning, it was great to be back in Boulder, with the Gambees! </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666;">Fight CU down the field...</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666;">Auntie Holly! </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666;">The entire crew! </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><b>Sunday...time for the birthday celebration. </b>And since we had so much fun doing the pubcrawler in <a href="http://www.hollysleapsoffaith.com/2015/10/austin-part-ii.html#.Vl_VDWSrTEY" target="_blank">Austin</a>, we decided to do it again in <a href="http://www.pedalhopper.com/denver/" target="_blank">Denver</a>. It really is a great way to have fun with a large group of people, get in some exercise, and enjoy the sights, sounds {it's all about the playlist...<i>It can buy me a boat...</i>} and tastes {beer} of the city. Erin and I have decided this is a <i>must-do</i> for all of our trips. </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666;">The Boys! </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666;">Our attempt at reenacting our photo shoot from Austin! </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666;">The gang!</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">The birthday celebration continued Monday morning, after we dropped the girls off at school. Reflexology foot massage anyone!? This was a pretty comical experience...foot massages in old ghetto fabulous recliners followed by couple style massages with complete strangers. Nothing like sharing a massage room with someone you don't know while someone sits on your back and gives you the most intense back massage ever. While I was fighting back laughter the entire time, it truly was the best $35 ever! We all left there with a dazed and confused look, not sure what exactly just happened...and laughed about it for the rest of the day.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">We wrapped up our girls morning by enjoying local, organic pizza & salad, and wine at <a href="http://www.sazzarestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Sazza</a>! Truly the best birthday weekend. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">That evening I had to say good bye to THIS face...oh my, miss Kylie and Audrey have held a special place in Auntie Holly's heart since the day they were born! As I was packing up, I heard the girls telling Erin how they were going to miss Auntie Holly...tears...it's time for Audrey to grow her hair out so we can all take a trip on a plane! That's the deal...ponytail = plane ride! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><b>Football-Birthday Celebration-Being an auntie-reflex foot massage-pedal hopper-friends that are family-and more. </b>The perfect Colorado weekend! Until next time...</span>Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-57399076509177885132015-10-24T08:54:00.004-07:002015-10-24T08:59:50.496-07:00AUSTIN: Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ATX. Part II </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh my goodness, before I can officially move on the Part II, I can't forget to mention that we tore up some dance floors Friday night! We started off at what is supposed to be the THE Two-Stepping hot spot, <a href="http://www.thewhitehorseaustin.com/" target="_blank">The White Horse </a>, but in all honesty the band was quite <i>odd </i>while we were there, so not a lot of 2-stepping for us. We then just danced our way through Easy Austin, hitting up <a href="http://texashotelvegas.com/" target="_blank">Volstead at Hotel Vegas </a> & <a href="http://6street.com/6street/the-eastern/" target="_blank">The Eastern</a>. My next trip to Austin will definitely including a trip to <a href="http://www.brokenspokeaustintx.com/" target="_blank">The Broken Spoke</a> for some boot scootin boogying! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ok, we now return to the regularly scheduled Part II. This post is going to be the same, but different...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We started off our Saturday with a little SocialSuds mixer on the P<a href="http://www.pubcrawlerofaustin.com/" target="_blank">ubcrawler of Austin</a>. Our bike consisted of a couple celebrating her birthday and then a family from the midwest. The two hour adventure included a stop of 3 of Austin's hotspots. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Pedal Bitches. </b>I had the honor of playing DJ for the morning..."...it can buy me a boat!"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our first stop was <a href="http://themeaneyedcat.com/" target="_blank">The Mean Eyed Cat</a> ...a homage to the Johnny Cash & truly a bar like no other! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After a couple more stops {including The Tiniest Bar} we headed back, everyone a tad happier than when we started. Erin and I agree that a pubcrawler is a must do in every city...a great way to meet people, see the city, try some local favorites, all while having a great time! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We met a friend of Erin's for lunch at what was the most amazing place...<a href="http://www.hulahutaustin.com/" target="_blank">Hula Hut</a> {at Oysters Landing}...a Mexican restaurant on Lake Austin, with boaters pulling right up for some chips & salsa. Good food, good margaritas, good company.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Destination: <a href="http://midnightcowboymodeling.com/" target="_blank">Midnight Cowboy</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A speakeasy vibe with cocktails that might loosen your inhibition. </span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Travel note: they don't serve food </span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Entrance is granted by pressing the <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.9999px;">"Harry Craddock" button. Upon opening the door, in speakeasy fashion they immediately slammed it on us, to confirm our reservation. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Most cocktails are $12/each and some are served table side. Although we didn't, I highly recommend ordering a drink prepared table side for the experience alone. They also have private rooms in the back which would be great for larger groups & parties. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Following a great experience at the Midnight Cowboy we headed to <a href="http://www.jblacks.com/austin/" target="_blank">J Black</a> for some food & Texas Football, before heading home to call it a night!</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Destination: City tour on the run</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sunday morning I hit the trails & streets of Austin for a 10 mile run...I love nothing more than touring a city on the run.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh Sunday morning in Austin, you will always be one of my favorite memories. We headed to Stubb's BBQ for their <a href="http://www.stubbsaustin.com/gospel-brunch" target="_blank">Gospel Brunch.</a> </span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Travel Tip: Definitely pay the extra $4 for a view of the band! </span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It doesn't get much better than front row seats to LIVE gospel music, a good Southern Style buffet, </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">and a build your own Bloody Mary Bar. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Unless of course you are selected from the crowd {after jumping and waving my arms around hoping to be selected} to sing with the band. I honestly thought it would be a group effort, NOT a hand me the microphone, call me <i>a lively one, "He's Got My Back!" </i>solo...but I loved every minute of it! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Following brunch, with a couple of hours to kill, we did what ever tourist in Austin does...we attended a festival...<a href="http://www.oldpecanstreetfestival.com/" target="_blank">The Pecan Street Festival</a>. </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">LOVE AUSTIN. LOVE ART.</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The two-day street festival filled 6th street with hundreds of local & national artisans offering original and handcrafted creations. I couldn't come home from Texas without a cross to add to my collection.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Austin, I will be back! </span></div>
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Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-89013257844232941802015-10-20T19:23:00.001-07:002015-10-20T19:26:50.408-07:00Austin: Part I<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ATX. The Nashville of Texas.</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been quite the jet-setter these days, and now that the dust is somewhat settling, I am finally getting around to sharing my travel adventures. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After reading <a href="http://www.johnprathermusic.com/" target="_blank">"100 Things To Do In Austin Before You Die," </a> I created a jam packed, fun-filled, 4 day itinerary. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just about a month ago I headed to Austin for a girls weekend with one of my best friends/roommates from college. And oh my, it was love at first sight! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Upon arrival we checked into our oh-so-quaint boutique hotel, <a href="http://heywoodhotel.com/" target="_blank">The Heywood Hotel</a>, where we were welcomed with a personalized notecard and yummy chocolate. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With only 7 rooms, the hotel offers freshly brewed coffee first thing in the morning, free wi-fi, free off-street parking, custom architecture, amazing Archipelago soy milk soaps & lotions, easy access to the hip East Austin neighborhood, and more...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...including an amazing shower,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a relaxing courtyard, </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_npLLTsbSMyhlyHhNxwGJkcJJlEtrZ90rSnS84tpH4Q3V5tQMwsFWozNmG2fQbGpc8BO_2GK4hmFDPS2ieccuthGB9Y8GcbiYMA0RXnyj43wnOJElvsYB84dZXHYA0z6pECw18DTEhXdN/s640/blogger-image--1799320802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_npLLTsbSMyhlyHhNxwGJkcJJlEtrZ90rSnS84tpH4Q3V5tQMwsFWozNmG2fQbGpc8BO_2GK4hmFDPS2ieccuthGB9Y8GcbiYMA0RXnyj43wnOJElvsYB84dZXHYA0z6pECw18DTEhXdN/s640/blogger-image--1799320802.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">AND free bike rentals from 7am-7pm {but DON'T BE LATE...as its a $1/min after 7pm}. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaJ4En2-OfR0g3AYaF_SBXHoAqTGH-FYoO8m7EBdxxz6gcWRfhpiOGseb6VUnt1329jSTER3DU6xB5M8CRPaMemqsQ2ZXytBRGDutcFtkbytnV7KttlUfwn1zC_nIRY2hgLjCTIMKScEY/s640/blogger-image-144653448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaJ4En2-OfR0g3AYaF_SBXHoAqTGH-FYoO8m7EBdxxz6gcWRfhpiOGseb6VUnt1329jSTER3DU6xB5M8CRPaMemqsQ2ZXytBRGDutcFtkbytnV7KttlUfwn1zC_nIRY2hgLjCTIMKScEY/s640/blogger-image-144653448.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Immediately upon arrival, we dropped off our suitcases and hopped on bikes...headed for <b><i>Damn Good Tacos at </i></b><a href="http://torchystacos.com/" target="_blank">Torchy's</a>. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7xEQ2myS9It7PiN2DVeBrqXCY4I5HPXY50Gs8utUGZ9TmSae6ByF_Sqfaw2pg0YMTyiGrbFPPVOtUXzhOi72l1BY-F1sdrq-oM3ssClV-fFlVSOeMJEKtrra2nhAf6CMeTgHLSGXwXH3/s640/blogger-image--1845024769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7xEQ2myS9It7PiN2DVeBrqXCY4I5HPXY50Gs8utUGZ9TmSae6ByF_Sqfaw2pg0YMTyiGrbFPPVOtUXzhOi72l1BY-F1sdrq-oM3ssClV-fFlVSOeMJEKtrra2nhAf6CMeTgHLSGXwXH3/s400/blogger-image--1845024769.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After maneuvering our way through construction, trying to figure out the lakefront bike path, and huffing it up a hill we ARRIVED! And oh my was it worth...hello fried avocado taco! The only thing missing were margaritas, so we set off on our bikes in hopes of finding some...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIAmWVc27rv6E46VP5NBl91yLAujbJKj1UFuv3JsBXGf_dQ1ERoWfV3M6qLuhgGSbU46c10dVixL-6W3D2mZjqRj6TjSd93IMO6J5WLuJ2B73H5FuevJuB7kS6urPSEfcn59q6w6-_Cpu/s640/blogger-image--657346254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIAmWVc27rv6E46VP5NBl91yLAujbJKj1UFuv3JsBXGf_dQ1ERoWfV3M6qLuhgGSbU46c10dVixL-6W3D2mZjqRj6TjSd93IMO6J5WLuJ2B73H5FuevJuB7kS6urPSEfcn59q6w6-_Cpu/s640/blogger-image--657346254.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...and we ended up at <a href="http://www.maggiemaesaustin.com/" target="_blank">Maddy Maes</a>. No margaritas, but the ice cold beer, live music by <a href="http://www.johnprathermusic.com/" target="_blank">johnPRATHER</a> and rooftop seating were perfection! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7klNXNM6d5yrBlntGx9Ch05fnuUXoINIGNEfEJ-DSyU_uhrbvMt3fHKu5wmnuXOKLPjfUx1v1Ty-0onbaGbmWeFqRYoffCjMNz09EiWWZU-GUTh8jWSJjWl4KXteWVkCfr9Dtnz6o8eOs/s640/blogger-image-1032177384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7klNXNM6d5yrBlntGx9Ch05fnuUXoINIGNEfEJ-DSyU_uhrbvMt3fHKu5wmnuXOKLPjfUx1v1Ty-0onbaGbmWeFqRYoffCjMNz09EiWWZU-GUTh8jWSJjWl4KXteWVkCfr9Dtnz6o8eOs/s640/blogger-image-1032177384.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The clock was about to strike 7, so we headed home to freshen up {I got in a quick run...no bueno following tacos & beer} and head back out for dinner! </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Destination: Rainey Street</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We dined outside while enjoying live music at <a href="http://www.novaonrainey.com/" target="_blank">NO VA</a>, and then headed to <a href="http://www.bangersaustin.com/#home" target="_blank">Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden</a> to enjoy a beer from the <a href="http://www.bangersaustin.com/beer/" target="_blank">largest tap wall</a> in Austin. </span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Travel Tip: During the week, most of the live music wraps up round 10pm, so make sure to get out early </span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7woEoY4RTbyXsIy8D0TtC6f_UJJQmlMv5rnZ0KR66995QXr632xypDpRAZdyxLnN6ZVXO8vFWGi7i2_C4FoOyB4LVC3-Z_0TDmQwvhRgsWpeA330HLNfo2DDXOPA1FYmoJItb0CnxdXeT/s640/blogger-image-1941515635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7woEoY4RTbyXsIy8D0TtC6f_UJJQmlMv5rnZ0KR66995QXr632xypDpRAZdyxLnN6ZVXO8vFWGi7i2_C4FoOyB4LVC3-Z_0TDmQwvhRgsWpeA330HLNfo2DDXOPA1FYmoJItb0CnxdXeT/s640/blogger-image-1941515635.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">FRIDAY: More adventures await</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After enjoying a cup of freshly brewed coffee, we jumped on the bikes and headed to Town Lake/Lady Birdie Lake {evidently everything is Austin has 2 names} for some paddle boarding! This was Erin's first time and she rocked it! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The lake was full of paddle boarders and kayakers...so fun!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZQrFkpviCOaII_kh4JgNCcU_G2PPLRm-JuR6xnMNEcSXSt37uuYde_vHY3Zt3Lr5yCmm3HTiog7DPZ2HOsOmue5T-bCp6PbIgloDe-6GEa1xUQ2hrv4buAI5lwG4Jz_glD3N5PGN4IB7/s640/blogger-image-860549667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZQrFkpviCOaII_kh4JgNCcU_G2PPLRm-JuR6xnMNEcSXSt37uuYde_vHY3Zt3Lr5yCmm3HTiog7DPZ2HOsOmue5T-bCp6PbIgloDe-6GEa1xUQ2hrv4buAI5lwG4Jz_glD3N5PGN4IB7/s640/blogger-image-860549667.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We found some kayakers who kindly offered to take our picture! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2a88iNkGuLlpp3bCamj-YdlZB_Fer5CyEN2oZMg1-tJo1lHZQ1sQXppzT8kyEAboANFiJoLfvvQd9DPzTMfvGQ2_y5u38whTEJVQle9_5q4ThTrchy-MCW-XBEe6brZVHWNv0y3yoADUk/s640/blogger-image-1851592139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2a88iNkGuLlpp3bCamj-YdlZB_Fer5CyEN2oZMg1-tJo1lHZQ1sQXppzT8kyEAboANFiJoLfvvQd9DPzTMfvGQ2_y5u38whTEJVQle9_5q4ThTrchy-MCW-XBEe6brZVHWNv0y3yoADUk/s640/blogger-image-1851592139.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After surviving our paddle boarding adventure we headed to another Austin must-see...</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Destination: South Congress Ave {SOCO}</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We hit up all of the hot spots, including <a href="http://www.joscoffee.com/overview-five/" target="_blank">Jo's Coffee</a>, </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_ibQGSLy5tBaKaOaLFS6KZXOjRkGdKb8hQ2N6FOykWWOitHnia30lZotPVADzkyzEBpDmrFyT4bl8kUY6Yo4quL1H20yMVGV1E9vvXkc1lIjGWrCoWaSW2kiTVjjkm7ZIvOhY_3yGK5D/s640/blogger-image-60245462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_ibQGSLy5tBaKaOaLFS6KZXOjRkGdKb8hQ2N6FOykWWOitHnia30lZotPVADzkyzEBpDmrFyT4bl8kUY6Yo4quL1H20yMVGV1E9vvXkc1lIjGWrCoWaSW2kiTVjjkm7ZIvOhY_3yGK5D/s640/blogger-image-60245462.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">where we stood in line to be complete tourists and take our pictures in front of the infamous "I love you so much" graffiti {I mean mural} wall. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuGtqzF6xkffMBYdBE1OUSLF1m2PzUXPsqFNX-tICiOTUhwFfYvav9tpotEs1od0Gi2UjxrN6To0WQuGoMmmQlbvHMudCbTfoRtNn_MfivSF50yX8kMlIbtI99jepat_OIvRtKY7JRX-i/s640/blogger-image--874003324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuGtqzF6xkffMBYdBE1OUSLF1m2PzUXPsqFNX-tICiOTUhwFfYvav9tpotEs1od0Gi2UjxrN6To0WQuGoMmmQlbvHMudCbTfoRtNn_MfivSF50yX8kMlIbtI99jepat_OIvRtKY7JRX-i/s640/blogger-image--874003324.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And then we stood in a line around the building {that is always a good sign, right!?} for an all natural & local <a href="http://www.hopdoddy.com/" target="_blank">Hopdoddy Burger</a> & a <a href="http://www.hopdoddy.com/sips/" target="_blank">lil skinny dipping</a>! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A trip to Texas isn't complete without a little boot shopping, so we hit up the best of the best: <a href="http://www.allensboots.com/boot-stores" target="_blank">Allens Boots </a>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Say what!? A <a href="http://www.toms.com/coffee?cid=ps_usbrand&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=toms%20coffee&utm_campaign=US+-+Brand+-+Coffee+-+Exact&utm_content=sBHPaiQMx_dc|pcrid|69138755215|pkw|toms%20coffee|pmt|e|" target="_blank">TOMS Coffee Shop</a>!? YES PLEASE!!! </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Coffee for me, water for all! </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And once again 7pm was quickly approaching, so we headed back to get ready for another night out on the town! </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Destination: The Driskill & Stubb's BBQ.</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Travel Tip: The bikes were great for getting around during the daytime. And while we felt safe to walk, most nights we used <a href="https://www.lyft.com/cities/austin" target="_blank">lyft</a> to get downtown. It was anywhere from $5-$6 each time. </span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We started the night off at the historical <a href="http://www.driskillhotel.com/" target="_blank">Driskill Hotel</a> for you guessed it, drinks, before the concert. {Are you sending a theme for the weekend yet!?}</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As die hard <i style="font-weight: bold;">Bachelor Fans, </i>we couldn't pass up a selfie opportunity in front of <a href="http://www.dizzyrooster.com/site/homepage/" target="_blank">The Dizzy Rooster</a>, on our way to... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.stubbsaustin.com/" target="_blank">Stubb's BBQ</a> for the Josh Abbott Band, where we ended up viewing the show from the VIP section! It pays to act like you know what you're doing. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stay tuned for more ramblings about the sights, sounds, eats & drinks of Austin!</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To be Continued...</span></b></div>
Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-75723959486507556552015-09-13T16:09:00.001-07:002015-09-13T16:16:04.308-07:00When in Missouri...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b>You go to The University of Missouri and run the track at Stankowski Field. </b></div>
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Last year when I went to Missouri, I had a couple mile repeats on my training schedule so after late night baseball games, we headed to the track. As tough as it was, I loved the sweat inducing heat and humidity, coupled with the energy of the track. There's something contagious about the energy of college students running around the track, playing scrimmage soccer games on the fields, and enjoying sand volleyball games all under the Rec Center stadium lights. </div>
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This year I once again had a track workout on the schedule, so I headed the Rec Center for some 800s.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGAhWGgVUFN2Sf7_ex3rkNisXkrAcIfpFuE0BpnUL8vkioFKDjEZMK47VWqLVwM22Hagx3AU7LiXGpGX5UY3hgvX_RYtPpdwf-DXnP1qToH463FHmOs7dPUyQrDWwFIybLBtUfNzCZg1h/s1600/IMG_0107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGAhWGgVUFN2Sf7_ex3rkNisXkrAcIfpFuE0BpnUL8vkioFKDjEZMK47VWqLVwM22Hagx3AU7LiXGpGX5UY3hgvX_RYtPpdwf-DXnP1qToH463FHmOs7dPUyQrDWwFIybLBtUfNzCZg1h/s400/IMG_0107.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>You have a good sweatfest! </b></div>
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Are you noticing a trend here!? SWEAT! I have never sweat like I do when running in Missouri, but I love every minute of it! Holy humidity batman! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4ebs8yow3fblXvebKPw1v_cITLzNkmEDzhCjbh1qYXA1-Oxw5vFyZbWfda4OiwAsX-C-ilaUJ9cBcSSX7h9gwvdVktymdnDMWpkBvg8VwANmNHwDn6ule0nQwklTZc26459YnMzr2fZ5/s1600/IMG_0109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4ebs8yow3fblXvebKPw1v_cITLzNkmEDzhCjbh1qYXA1-Oxw5vFyZbWfda4OiwAsX-C-ilaUJ9cBcSSX7h9gwvdVktymdnDMWpkBvg8VwANmNHwDn6ule0nQwklTZc26459YnMzr2fZ5/s400/IMG_0109.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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With Heidi training for the Chicago marathon, me keeping up with my training schedule, and Heather being willing to jump on her bike and meet us out on the trail...we all accomplished our run, with SMILES! </div>
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<b>You </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">RV </i><span style="font-weight: bold;">it!</span></div>
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Saturday morning we loaded up in the <i>Minnie</i> and heading off to <i>Camp Comfort. </i>Ashton couldn't miss a great selfie opportunity, with a <i>sleeping Holly </i>photobomb.</div>
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<b>You </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">CANOE </i><span style="font-weight: bold;">a boat.</span></div>
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<i>I love turning nouns into verbs. </i>Sidenote...rivers, floating, boating etc are a tad different in Missouri than in Oregon. In Oregon, when we make reference to the <i>river </i>and <i>floating, </i>it usually includes rapids and inflatable boats...which lead to quite a debate..what is a <b><i>TAHITI</i></b>? Is it more of an inflatable kayak? Or an inflatable canoe!? Ok...back to our FLOATING ADVENTURE..</div>
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In true Missouri redneck fashion, after dropping off a vehicle at the end of our float, we all piled into one vehicle, and road in the back of the truck. </div>
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And then we floated. And carried our boats. And laughed. And swam. And took a lunch break. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYWqD8tvV9qAudupkGgrrsLlu-lzz6_jvWjDLDsMIOqB3hAlUUvwfqsFrfrUCiz35XCjdcXRJmDazcu4QLUD-d2XieQLa5X8OaWO_7WU9XY0VzMBDG-N_7A33NVgmUqUa1DDVNdJIXTOD/s1600/IMG_0073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYWqD8tvV9qAudupkGgrrsLlu-lzz6_jvWjDLDsMIOqB3hAlUUvwfqsFrfrUCiz35XCjdcXRJmDazcu4QLUD-d2XieQLa5X8OaWO_7WU9XY0VzMBDG-N_7A33NVgmUqUa1DDVNdJIXTOD/s400/IMG_0073.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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It doesn't get much better than this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkK-FaRfzOqqIkg1KfjOwhK4Qgx0qPlN_xaP9OFDtoIUNW_3aEmHhHTKRs6R9sYRqke5oS1vHrKFHck4InfTlX-xUUfAdj0b1JHKEJ5K1gQfsKJ5j3loLyz-f2amniPTUBWu-pliSwzWW/s1600/IMG_0075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkK-FaRfzOqqIkg1KfjOwhK4Qgx0qPlN_xaP9OFDtoIUNW_3aEmHhHTKRs6R9sYRqke5oS1vHrKFHck4InfTlX-xUUfAdj0b1JHKEJ5K1gQfsKJ5j3loLyz-f2amniPTUBWu-pliSwzWW/s400/IMG_0075.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yes, the selfie stick made the float. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3qBzU9XwKzrVpit9h5y2RdlIO4dUEev27yqhZN4u_CTmXG9AaXY2cDfZY480W1FJz-yJ3F_PMv-CZMiXkBLUKXdEpMmgmr1E-WY_n7HzMoZXc_aS9Z_BIyflx7XbsyHR8lwRLfZFytSs/s1600/IMG_0078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3qBzU9XwKzrVpit9h5y2RdlIO4dUEev27yqhZN4u_CTmXG9AaXY2cDfZY480W1FJz-yJ3F_PMv-CZMiXkBLUKXdEpMmgmr1E-WY_n7HzMoZXc_aS9Z_BIyflx7XbsyHR8lwRLfZFytSs/s400/IMG_0078.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Canoes, Kayaks, and Paddle Boards...OH MY! </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFL-Ix3dkPM7GWmNm6zNKGn-qg8NBengyz87fRKi-Eb1gpmSvuTd1HIeEgO0Fiaut48x2ze9JYLmAez2EmYUQzC5fcKIRusfHNZBkCBHD12upmasCN_Uyw2RCbobUFw70HYAbc_ODexFLh/s1600/IMG_0079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFL-Ix3dkPM7GWmNm6zNKGn-qg8NBengyz87fRKi-Eb1gpmSvuTd1HIeEgO0Fiaut48x2ze9JYLmAez2EmYUQzC5fcKIRusfHNZBkCBHD12upmasCN_Uyw2RCbobUFw70HYAbc_ODexFLh/s400/IMG_0079.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1c0FMepuwQ5fcGgPhTq2vkrVFVlIuqD7F5xL2labeFoNVPDLlaR0nGe3cyw3X9swml0aTOkunq7vvzKWLcYsnZfVx7X6lAio0G8XWXJXpmvqzN_xfoNcjzs5MVNsnvmWAs-ncrQ8DHvGM/s1600/IMG_0081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1c0FMepuwQ5fcGgPhTq2vkrVFVlIuqD7F5xL2labeFoNVPDLlaR0nGe3cyw3X9swml0aTOkunq7vvzKWLcYsnZfVx7X6lAio0G8XWXJXpmvqzN_xfoNcjzs5MVNsnvmWAs-ncrQ8DHvGM/s400/IMG_0081.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxe7E_yAkqGU8TB4OP4Y1ab94XBfzo9LDECIDTqZ2clNLilkPTW_5JwG2f39DJ_LdkL7NznOJVPpS5brDLPaz0LiKu0zW9uMkF9g1oe8JX5MK9tdWkyVsIT_wC2sit2bcIPzG3om6AR9F/s1600/IMG_0082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxe7E_yAkqGU8TB4OP4Y1ab94XBfzo9LDECIDTqZ2clNLilkPTW_5JwG2f39DJ_LdkL7NznOJVPpS5brDLPaz0LiKu0zW9uMkF9g1oe8JX5MK9tdWkyVsIT_wC2sit2bcIPzG3om6AR9F/s400/IMG_0082.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQfYRhutNRZ5zXXB7UXcAnDE-XZj_L08DBVz4AhdGGLP_5LdTgiAEmrY8kLAOO3uIrAR14yy5lXO_L2Tk_IXSQ-c4metEwTvA47kHi16zkXOKz-oU9n4k3XWetfFleMvWZQ5xH9MSnA2J/s1600/IMG_0083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQfYRhutNRZ5zXXB7UXcAnDE-XZj_L08DBVz4AhdGGLP_5LdTgiAEmrY8kLAOO3uIrAR14yy5lXO_L2Tk_IXSQ-c4metEwTvA47kHi16zkXOKz-oU9n4k3XWetfFleMvWZQ5xH9MSnA2J/s400/IMG_0083.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3kwkL_7U1O73O1OzfjxNEe6esFW1XzFH3xLsUwV9jhoippir9khDZ27u3eqW1AlLsQ5nsCedAp2ZwkeQGpZOtV_RL9tr5DMW9UkRU2fZ_xLikm_LkriMDapk7X3cmzOXMxqZZ01Luaj_/s1600/IMG_0084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3kwkL_7U1O73O1OzfjxNEe6esFW1XzFH3xLsUwV9jhoippir9khDZ27u3eqW1AlLsQ5nsCedAp2ZwkeQGpZOtV_RL9tr5DMW9UkRU2fZ_xLikm_LkriMDapk7X3cmzOXMxqZZ01Luaj_/s400/IMG_0084.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There is just something about dads throwing kids! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzGZ5Ieuy7LCsdQFTTGhXjXhdpBDqig5939AkoIx6AAhvEiif2Xmr3kN1k6Q8DlqxezpI7rwwWj_fbCzm1RuuLtapbHizYmYqngBX5E_78kMqm9LdQOXjxscdtdFTpy0lnrT2IlgQoFv0/s1600/IMG_0096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzGZ5Ieuy7LCsdQFTTGhXjXhdpBDqig5939AkoIx6AAhvEiif2Xmr3kN1k6Q8DlqxezpI7rwwWj_fbCzm1RuuLtapbHizYmYqngBX5E_78kMqm9LdQOXjxscdtdFTpy0lnrT2IlgQoFv0/s400/IMG_0096.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2i5v2GKFDGHEu-vulW1iSpi0wkHp7hzSiiNHBs9RmrFpd3WImvoTnGS7wS9g5Kn5Jd2dXoYoaoycGQvjVg0QAeGgRVOnFmBD3VDtY9ri2cR3c_b8gBZyyla-sTRfHBijERWwtxhVP2lq_/s1600/IMG_0100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2i5v2GKFDGHEu-vulW1iSpi0wkHp7hzSiiNHBs9RmrFpd3WImvoTnGS7wS9g5Kn5Jd2dXoYoaoycGQvjVg0QAeGgRVOnFmBD3VDtY9ri2cR3c_b8gBZyyla-sTRfHBijERWwtxhVP2lq_/s400/IMG_0100.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmegUSehJBpnwtSszw34on3uwQstcTe49EOpTIg3Fa4flDBSLx-auHSR4eGp0ecGIYdo93dnHwgHy32sbOwR4mI00u5MTf681HQpfKGs9NB5kAk5K_RcBeko18UwzSPkDnWkPBxlCbiyfg/s1600/IMG_0101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmegUSehJBpnwtSszw34on3uwQstcTe49EOpTIg3Fa4flDBSLx-auHSR4eGp0ecGIYdo93dnHwgHy32sbOwR4mI00u5MTf681HQpfKGs9NB5kAk5K_RcBeko18UwzSPkDnWkPBxlCbiyfg/s400/IMG_0101.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I just love these kiddos! <i>NUUN TEAM FUN! </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jLbvHJt99YzrIqEucMFSyzGMH4AH_xGEvv5xm-fZjhBkd-cNsukMVPdeABBZ7XEFKQiAyWvcgAw7SuROfH_p0vbrXf7qxYVxB31g-3HXsVXkm1tOzcfFCwjA6IE9sHshTNvSWXr6UW-u/s1600/IMG_0102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jLbvHJt99YzrIqEucMFSyzGMH4AH_xGEvv5xm-fZjhBkd-cNsukMVPdeABBZ7XEFKQiAyWvcgAw7SuROfH_p0vbrXf7qxYVxB31g-3HXsVXkm1tOzcfFCwjA6IE9sHshTNvSWXr6UW-u/s400/IMG_0102.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>You spend the night at <i>Camp Comfort. </i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGckDfqVAcBwbmjWTo1-DNb1GCDYxZFc5UF3RCM6iDDPeK0hTaFz0BfH_7IYNqc7Fq1jlSOeTmMDs-08HG4x_pUhv3aVWYuK4_rmgjM-C6R2Vo4O_msQuvVzbsyyOc_2q7TYk9Kqss-Sjd/s1600/IMG_0050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGckDfqVAcBwbmjWTo1-DNb1GCDYxZFc5UF3RCM6iDDPeK0hTaFz0BfH_7IYNqc7Fq1jlSOeTmMDs-08HG4x_pUhv3aVWYuK4_rmgjM-C6R2Vo4O_msQuvVzbsyyOc_2q7TYk9Kqss-Sjd/s400/IMG_0050.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>You participate in a several hundred boat water balloon fight! </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivNJ-es5Mad4lxJTqKKOuuU8u3hFYiu6siwRufMq4pKEkRA1jwu_zsMazb0diVi_y-PstwcjPLHlRcXsvDb24WAksVvGfOEePS7ZBAP65_mB5itc_XQ02snWIEz238djaCWZI3c5g34nW/s1600/IMG_0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivNJ-es5Mad4lxJTqKKOuuU8u3hFYiu6siwRufMq4pKEkRA1jwu_zsMazb0diVi_y-PstwcjPLHlRcXsvDb24WAksVvGfOEePS7ZBAP65_mB5itc_XQ02snWIEz238djaCWZI3c5g34nW/s400/IMG_0019.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I have never experienced such a thing! And it was amazing! We entered the water balloon fight completely unarmed, but thanks to the phenomenal driving skills of Phil, we maneuvered our way through all of the boats, scooping up water balloons from the water and equipping ourselves with our own ammo. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmT-FyRc9Au-dVEHG-k0H-PCWUauW4Ianqpl1W7OJTxmbxpjfpKjVQxYm0mbf6UZwFvnX2rR7WPMHytWBa8MNd-M7Cu1xZQQWrP0c_Stj1Rwfhle1Ajy7K71miqsrsK2Pob_tRiBloNE0/s1600/IMG_0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmT-FyRc9Au-dVEHG-k0H-PCWUauW4Ianqpl1W7OJTxmbxpjfpKjVQxYm0mbf6UZwFvnX2rR7WPMHytWBa8MNd-M7Cu1xZQQWrP0c_Stj1Rwfhle1Ajy7K71miqsrsK2Pob_tRiBloNE0/s400/IMG_0020.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Hours later we returned soaking wet with battle wounds and stories to tell!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVjVfoKlUwnPy6vf-4f10TNuPqIdDJaaFg3qevwQHlcGPluX7e_S81mbJt5VY2AsyG4K4R5NBXpIYExMbC0qWxghs3rVU_oQRWJlnCGLiZavdJQ4S7Yr1fLrhTYkqhp4XNxQMSpTDKpcA/s1600/IMG_0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVjVfoKlUwnPy6vf-4f10TNuPqIdDJaaFg3qevwQHlcGPluX7e_S81mbJt5VY2AsyG4K4R5NBXpIYExMbC0qWxghs3rVU_oQRWJlnCGLiZavdJQ4S7Yr1fLrhTYkqhp4XNxQMSpTDKpcA/s400/IMG_0023.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>You teach the kids to wake surf! </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEzKlc6Tbka-LI2IxY-v65_h7AVi56ALhkVlLGzxKqG8-J5Ir053prh0FSsHVD3CdEMXUqP3JOzXHyniRFdjjawyeBgvl28aCt6IhOAu7dTUeQdS-V1YD1tv4lbg7vSnAhgl7pTQ5PmIB/s1600/IMG_0043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEzKlc6Tbka-LI2IxY-v65_h7AVi56ALhkVlLGzxKqG8-J5Ir053prh0FSsHVD3CdEMXUqP3JOzXHyniRFdjjawyeBgvl28aCt6IhOAu7dTUeQdS-V1YD1tv4lbg7vSnAhgl7pTQ5PmIB/s400/IMG_0043.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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PRICELESS...the smile on all of the kiddos faces when they mastered wake surfing. I got in the water with all of them to help them get the feel of getting up and we were 4 for 4...all of the Crouch/Figueiredo clan are now wake surfers!!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXGewLdvppWlh8V0PW4TkeWM3IPh3vG04v7vkygOPilZTU9BUF2VAiv2P9Sim6bszFf1IzrDyDriySplWm2VfY5m0DkxtOt8JKgwk2MHSPymoctbcnuk-FOGUVkncABUCfAjqw3aoys2d/s1600/IMG_0035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXGewLdvppWlh8V0PW4TkeWM3IPh3vG04v7vkygOPilZTU9BUF2VAiv2P9Sim6bszFf1IzrDyDriySplWm2VfY5m0DkxtOt8JKgwk2MHSPymoctbcnuk-FOGUVkncABUCfAjqw3aoys2d/s400/IMG_0035.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There's something about a boat...it rocks to right to sleep! I'm right there with you Parker!<br />
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<b>You have a very serious RACK-O tournament! </b></div>
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The Figueridos and I played Rack-O when they came out to Oregon for Spring Break, and <i>this </i>guy was so determined to win, that he wanted to play over & over & over! He was a little nervous to play in a round with his Grandma {serious game player}, Dad {Rack-O Champ} and myself...</div>
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This is what a reigning champs game face looks like! </div>
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The grandkiddos loved helping Grandma and she loved returning the favor. </div>
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Ashton might've been nervous, but he was quietly strategizing a WIN!!!! Rack-O CHAMPS!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7YE389gMn9Gzlbt3sugR2iZIuscrBlSdclgctrAxtKAJ_kl9Dgr6yf0chH5d35eXugYCCr-poP_bXC3dwI2oaH2Pw0L5O35zUo3KwwtD_HugJI-XQ8ix5vHhwtYvfM1vnd9lGiNJSNMS/s1600/IMG_0065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7YE389gMn9Gzlbt3sugR2iZIuscrBlSdclgctrAxtKAJ_kl9Dgr6yf0chH5d35eXugYCCr-poP_bXC3dwI2oaH2Pw0L5O35zUo3KwwtD_HugJI-XQ8ix5vHhwtYvfM1vnd9lGiNJSNMS/s400/IMG_0065.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>You have hysterical jumping photo outtakes! </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7_G1KTsyqoKw1Mkw0iIK9qaKAihhDKeR8NIgedHMOZ839H9knqF3pMQrQK-og84lUnYXKXCgrGrEeNzeLmXoyaNVddD5e8zxv1RdNqABkNQElxP0o0DqmOhzLMY7SDB9bn0gh80TQj-S/s1600/IMG_0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7_G1KTsyqoKw1Mkw0iIK9qaKAihhDKeR8NIgedHMOZ839H9knqF3pMQrQK-og84lUnYXKXCgrGrEeNzeLmXoyaNVddD5e8zxv1RdNqABkNQElxP0o0DqmOhzLMY7SDB9bn0gh80TQj-S/s400/IMG_0012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>You squeeze in a little tennis playing.</b></div>
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When in Missouri we squeeze in as much fun as possible, and we have been talking about playing tennis together for weeks...so we didn't let a little rain slow us down! These boys were naturals...future tennis players for sure! </div>
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<b>Family is not defined by your blood relatives.</b></div>
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I am beyond blessed to have an amazing family, and I thank God for them everyday! But I am also extremely blessed to have friends that are like family to me. Holidays, especially summer holidays, are all about spending time with family doing what we love. I got on a plane Labor Day weekend to fly across the county, and was welcomed with loving arms, as if I was family! I spent the weekend doing what I love, with people I love. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFW-kK20LYJK1qG5d2OGq5o3a2wMiMHNZJFnmcRkM_YiUGD8fWamJZKi5mkLZjB94bF1LldCkHNOB1Vdqbku54wcdVYpstOfaCkANDkCENRlinK6j8_kORXlqshzAsfQljKL0E0_NugWII/s1600/IMG_0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFW-kK20LYJK1qG5d2OGq5o3a2wMiMHNZJFnmcRkM_YiUGD8fWamJZKi5mkLZjB94bF1LldCkHNOB1Vdqbku54wcdVYpstOfaCkANDkCENRlinK6j8_kORXlqshzAsfQljKL0E0_NugWII/s400/IMG_0028.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-86191595803582344532015-08-30T21:42:00.002-07:002015-08-30T21:51:54.201-07:00Cascade Lakes Relay 2015 <div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Ok, Ok..yes, I ran the <a href="http://www.cascadelakesrelay.com/" target="_blank">Cascade Lakes Relay</a> a month ago, and yes, I am just now getting around to blogging about it. My new life motto is #betterlatethannever! For those of you who know me, you know I LOVE relays! As in I would run a relay every weekend if I could. So here is my recap, in more pictures that words!</div>
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I was so thankful to be asked to run with the same team again this year...last year I was a last minute sub...AND to have the same legs! I was runner 1, which meant I was able to kick off the relay with a run around Diamond Lake! Last year I was really just starting to kick up my training, and perhaps not quite ready to tackle the 20+ mile. This year I was significantly more prepared, and excited to see what I could do. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzW4h-LCi4-rFpp1seJv1WRmcE9DkFyFATwlZl4FhV_6bEU2fHvmCCmt8SckzMg_WZ61emM3tCk_kWJvR60kUpRu-EXA7tdzrOk5eWCsXvN0_3OyF0KdkQjaPlX-u7H4FD0GXR1viUsJA/s640/blogger-image-1821798508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzW4h-LCi4-rFpp1seJv1WRmcE9DkFyFATwlZl4FhV_6bEU2fHvmCCmt8SckzMg_WZ61emM3tCk_kWJvR60kUpRu-EXA7tdzrOk5eWCsXvN0_3OyF0KdkQjaPlX-u7H4FD0GXR1viUsJA/s640/blogger-image-1821798508.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I finished my first leg of 7.36 miles at an 8:48/mile pace and felt great! I was ready to let the good times roll!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNukBSHf52cw7nkQI-W00_rGhu3Sojfj_dl5JFweHnqX758WhDZnHO71hgfxQUnmlH5KOhmLALYQYrd5Jdf0HQLYrRwiNs30wbDkl4WZa9MtG0vnJx6QxHPaaQNzASyKMkifNqJlOmxyYK/s640/blogger-image--303204070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNukBSHf52cw7nkQI-W00_rGhu3Sojfj_dl5JFweHnqX758WhDZnHO71hgfxQUnmlH5KOhmLALYQYrd5Jdf0HQLYrRwiNs30wbDkl4WZa9MtG0vnJx6QxHPaaQNzASyKMkifNqJlOmxyYK/s640/blogger-image--303204070.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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As I handed off to John I was ready to be a cheer leader extraordinaire and to get my van dance party on! </div>
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I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love how relays turn an individual sport into a team sport...where the success of a team really depends on supporting, encouraging, and cheering one another on. </div>
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Relays also wouldn't be possible without the hundreds of volunteers who bring excitement, fun, and SAFETY to the event! </div>
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Despite the heat and tough terrain relays are ALL SMILES!<br />
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TEAMWORK...it's what it's all about! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShgTAQA9PplYmK6HRcBapVOjr1xEnjhCuAoYf38VQwiPRouy7V3K5EkiEDo6t0xFnKRw4EJp-U029T7SXZbcybRGcqYqhfMmX1P_mVyC8vWc9pbv5_xvffelmElMfn6MQWe71QbtU7ei5/s640/blogger-image--742623307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShgTAQA9PplYmK6HRcBapVOjr1xEnjhCuAoYf38VQwiPRouy7V3K5EkiEDo6t0xFnKRw4EJp-U029T7SXZbcybRGcqYqhfMmX1P_mVyC8vWc9pbv5_xvffelmElMfn6MQWe71QbtU7ei5/s640/blogger-image--742623307.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This guy...an amazing runner! An amazing person!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXFooKkl_l83hbohhfnCTVl5NAPWeeF_GQ_CABf9iD0lYwpi6TIqzdWR7AJsLTg7JYpnz0FJSnv9yHMd7C9FsRGZLVO-jrKEjkEbHzDyaKLvGLOJ7m4uNPfC2z6RJeK5JUzCGRXlIVls5/s640/blogger-image--883776941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXFooKkl_l83hbohhfnCTVl5NAPWeeF_GQ_CABf9iD0lYwpi6TIqzdWR7AJsLTg7JYpnz0FJSnv9yHMd7C9FsRGZLVO-jrKEjkEbHzDyaKLvGLOJ7m4uNPfC2z6RJeK5JUzCGRXlIVls5/s640/blogger-image--883776941.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oops..relay foul! Time with the other van is limited, but it's always fun catching up with them at the major exchanges! </div>
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Its a RELAY tradition! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjThgrtEQx51286EGmFbrwUc4MR32OeLZYWY7vY6hk1tCg4nqZLMwrFlGyCFxDVduZjLbQXGPV0by-9PXaU1AQRQ3rJbF-ABVtFPUykm_1GO4FB4migpRYG_g49ge4bXQLch06wbaP69en/s640/blogger-image-2107249896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjThgrtEQx51286EGmFbrwUc4MR32OeLZYWY7vY6hk1tCg4nqZLMwrFlGyCFxDVduZjLbQXGPV0by-9PXaU1AQRQ3rJbF-ABVtFPUykm_1GO4FB4migpRYG_g49ge4bXQLch06wbaP69en/s640/blogger-image-2107249896.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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BROTHERS! A family that runs together...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFBMqRuCWfr9Fe3EVfVFVAdiXgTQdx6XMUkG1C46UshnA9o75LBOmw2KAs56i5vEuxw2aqgfn7PV4EpW9tpZWIjQ5wjyyO2u8Wq4zqjhLI0mizFwHNmL_Fh6Z7haDwH2rZQabQ7wNaScm/s640/blogger-image--393165116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFBMqRuCWfr9Fe3EVfVFVAdiXgTQdx6XMUkG1C46UshnA9o75LBOmw2KAs56i5vEuxw2aqgfn7PV4EpW9tpZWIjQ5wjyyO2u8Wq4zqjhLI0mizFwHNmL_Fh6Z7haDwH2rZQabQ7wNaScm/s640/blogger-image--393165116.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I can't think of a better way to kick off the night runs than by a top-of-the-van-dance-party! I love the nighttime runs...it doesn't get better than a blinker lit, star filled sky run! </div>
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Doesn't he look like he is having a blast!!!? I was excited to see him come in to the exchange so I could take off into the night! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfGEABxgdDwuFUDKqFp2G4QC5iSriARlUqP54P80lxU_rxIKDXWfV-J2rKWryVTUbGKcRzQCxQKUmdbWJW_7AEBYfrWWr_cyO47KupH7Vm-INNv_dwPSGXeT5JTQt6HaXRnR3-dIn6Ddx/s640/blogger-image--1381200958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfGEABxgdDwuFUDKqFp2G4QC5iSriARlUqP54P80lxU_rxIKDXWfV-J2rKWryVTUbGKcRzQCxQKUmdbWJW_7AEBYfrWWr_cyO47KupH7Vm-INNv_dwPSGXeT5JTQt6HaXRnR3-dIn6Ddx/s640/blogger-image--1381200958.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Another RELAY tradition; a relay isn't complete without a headlamp selfie. </div>
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How can you NOT enjoy a nighttime run with these views?? I busted out 7.47 more miles, at an 8:53/mile pace. </div>
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GUUUUUUUU!!!!! Relays are filled with many team and van inside jokes, and this is one of them! You had to be there...but long story short, he ran up to the van screaming GUUUUU, and he wanted a GUUUUU! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2GpFKzt-rMyClCcf5ATLXw_eCyKfsKzcpmQjM9Vxh3HZ7Ef3obAlRvHfGgbjyI19iNW9-MH3W2f-lPMdJZU7tU9TOhVoHHqA0z248eF_GCOcx_TCsldY9_CIuYMZzCT6-HuHJ0upp7cM/s640/blogger-image-201699607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2GpFKzt-rMyClCcf5ATLXw_eCyKfsKzcpmQjM9Vxh3HZ7Ef3obAlRvHfGgbjyI19iNW9-MH3W2f-lPMdJZU7tU9TOhVoHHqA0z248eF_GCOcx_TCsldY9_CIuYMZzCT6-HuHJ0upp7cM/s640/blogger-image-201699607.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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With 90deg+ weather, water sprayers were a lifesaver! TEAMWORK! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Tz3s3vQycHeLaQs72GOigatm69XUCLEgj97SIFu1TZb_MVQfV5_09MpVzGwPqBqMovVgCBMcW6LdKZBH2gZ-Y_1hYwtjGe_uXJ76vMCF8XYjEH2Z_rvMt4pR6gPrkccWTlB8E5ZHaMZh/s640/blogger-image-1278998393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Tz3s3vQycHeLaQs72GOigatm69XUCLEgj97SIFu1TZb_MVQfV5_09MpVzGwPqBqMovVgCBMcW6LdKZBH2gZ-Y_1hYwtjGe_uXJ76vMCF8XYjEH2Z_rvMt4pR6gPrkccWTlB8E5ZHaMZh/s640/blogger-image-1278998393.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Meet our new vanmate...the bearded, braided lady with a doll! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcf7jnrbbVB8WdCwWex_F5mgFX936HlVOH2uLFxFj02v1JHWjOezeTH-14LVutalD-xfICJpT5Mtw1BIyt9856LQ-TAIZH7kabi817GQ19_R6LBOiuojkWAMmeOYh1KBik24K9H4E_WO1/s640/blogger-image-1467106016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcf7jnrbbVB8WdCwWex_F5mgFX936HlVOH2uLFxFj02v1JHWjOezeTH-14LVutalD-xfICJpT5Mtw1BIyt9856LQ-TAIZH7kabi817GQ19_R6LBOiuojkWAMmeOYh1KBik24K9H4E_WO1/s640/blogger-image-1467106016.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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And yes, <i>she </i>rocked 3 miles WITH the wig on, CARRYING the baby! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_VtAG_q8zHhi1mxKBnbR0pz0IbC8-SmlATykji12YkzR7s3bRRsZ2lnHBraa1Gq12aVC_KtBrBPwaY45X0AiribMTB7b863ZWrWI1RmrUhZwW_fssCFrq9UUGfB3qbLcMj0zlDusE5eY/s640/blogger-image--1630096397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_VtAG_q8zHhi1mxKBnbR0pz0IbC8-SmlATykji12YkzR7s3bRRsZ2lnHBraa1Gq12aVC_KtBrBPwaY45X0AiribMTB7b863ZWrWI1RmrUhZwW_fssCFrq9UUGfB3qbLcMj0zlDusE5eY/s640/blogger-image--1630096397.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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It's hard to beat a natural ice bath. My third and final leg was 6.04 glorious miles at an 8:53/mi pace. </div>
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Team selfie!!! Courtesy of Mark's Selfie-stick! </div>
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This picture says it all and sums up what a relay is all about!<br />
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Dance parties AND wings...they're a MUST! </div>
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She gets by with a little help from her team! </div>
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SEE, even in extreme heat, with a lack of sleep and upset tummies, there is FUN to be had! </div>
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Rocking our awesome new CLR hats! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirAth3EmGLlQKbAP-6ckKSdMzaFLQWgjs4QBf5nXkAOC6WKz_Um5BuTFFOzZspEbCJA3zY6IDzy1jBO09ehHAliarWAF-y-B_8kyrOwRvFvPhL2G3_v4T0H6X8j0sZSRXreohBFDCcSYe/s640/blogger-image-313966308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirAth3EmGLlQKbAP-6ckKSdMzaFLQWgjs4QBf5nXkAOC6WKz_Um5BuTFFOzZspEbCJA3zY6IDzy1jBO09ehHAliarWAF-y-B_8kyrOwRvFvPhL2G3_v4T0H6X8j0sZSRXreohBFDCcSYe/s640/blogger-image-313966308.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And we FINISHED!!!!<br />
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Another great CLR in the books! An adventure consisting of 2 vans, 12 stinky-runners-turned-friends, PB Pretzels, m&ms, licorice and more; headlight & glow stick lit runs, and accomplishing such a great feat! Until next year...Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-37815006621330269052015-06-04T15:30:00.001-07:002015-06-04T15:30:51.997-07:00No More Hamster Wheel <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I often hear from others how busy I am, how I am involved in so many various activities, that I am constantly doing fun and interesting things, and from the social media perspective, my life looks pretty great! And it IS! I have been beyond blessed with the opportunities that I have been given in my life, and I wouldn't change it for anything! <b>HOWEVER</b>...recently, I have been comparing my life to that of a hamster wheel...it's moving. And it's moving fast. But it isn't going anywhere. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_y73JdXfAOPdoZoOXy_q7kXDf6xfbwFrwcokr6cGQa2EozaK3fmsZLhbGBEK2DAJp6twhB70-m-AHvziX2-MsJU6R6ozggYWHPdV7xrN-U3H0koKZ_7nvzR9mDhx0nm5xZCbblPol1Zy/s1600/Hamster+Wheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_y73JdXfAOPdoZoOXy_q7kXDf6xfbwFrwcokr6cGQa2EozaK3fmsZLhbGBEK2DAJp6twhB70-m-AHvziX2-MsJU6R6ozggYWHPdV7xrN-U3H0koKZ_7nvzR9mDhx0nm5xZCbblPol1Zy/s320/Hamster+Wheel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am not usually one to make monthly goals, but in an effort to break the monotonous routine I am, consisting of early morning runs, work, evening meetings/commitments, repeat, I am going to write down a few things to focus on this month.</div>
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1. <b>YOGA </b>2-3 times per week</div>
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I started doing yoga more consistently a couple of weeks ago and LOVE it; not only for the physical benefits, but for the ability to mentally disconnect from the craziness of life. With my life spinning non-stop, so does my brain/mind. <b>AND...</b>I'll be completely honest, I struggle to quiet my mind, which can be overwhelming at times, and make it hard to really focus when focusing and clearing my mind is necessary. Think...running for hours...</div>
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SO, I made the best <i>investment </i>ever!!! For $5/month, I have unlimited access to <a href="http://www.jasyoga.com/#hitreset" target="_blank">Jasyoga's</a> <a href="https://jasyoga.pivotshare.com/" target="_blank">videos</a>, that I can enjoy anytime of the day, in the luxury of my own home. *<i>now I don't want to sounds anti-social, but finding a class that works with my schedule isn't always easy. However, Saturday morning yoga at the winery seems to always work with my schedule ;)</i> What I love about the videos is that they're specific to athletes, and an athlete's needs {time constraints, specific area of the body that needs special attention, etc}:</div>
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<div id="yui_3_17_2_1_1433455554967_1112" style="color: #171717; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: 0.95em; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; position: relative; text-align: center; z-index: inherit;">
<strong data-shrink-original-size="14" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1433455554967_1461" style="letter-spacing: 0.0714285714285714em;"><i>Jasyoga is a revolutionary approach to yoga for athletes. Our practical solutions are designed to help you recover, prevent injuries, and perform so that you can achieve your goals, no matter where your active lifestyle takes you.</i></strong></div>
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<a href="https://jasyoga.pivotshare.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/54699424e4b0e3880c8faa3d/t/546ddf40e4b01d8198f9c2cd/1432654643042/?format=1500w" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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2. <b>PLAN A <i>DISCONNECT</i> TRIP</b></div>
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I am fortunate enough to travel and be on-the-go quite a bit, which I love, but I want to plan a trip where I can just disconnect. No phone. No Schedule. No obligations. Even for just 24 hours. How great does that sound? And how amazing does <a href="http://www.summitpost.org/siskiyou-wilderness/567158" target="_blank">THIS</a> place look!? </div>
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3. <b>MORE STRUMMING TIME </b>{2-3 times per week}</div>
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Every time I pick up my guitar, I am reminded how much I enjoy playing. As my friend said the other night, playing is a form of therapy. For me, it's also my favorite way to worship. </div>
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4. <b>FINISH WHAT I STARTED</b></div>
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<i>Quitter </i>is a word rarely used to describe me, except when it comes to projects around the house. I always have good intentions, but that's about as far as it goes. I buy things that I think will look good and they end up with the tag still on them, leaning against the wall or in my office/junk room, for months {sometimes longer}. Speaking of office, I have had grand plans for it, for, well...4 years. Well, recently I hired some ladies to help me with redecorating part of my house, and it was wonderful. It helped jump start what I have wanted to get accomplished for quite a while. Well my time was running short, I was getting overwhelmed with them constantly calling and <i>nagging </i>me {just doing their job}, so as we approached {key work there} the completion of the two rooms that were my priority, I told them I would complete the last few things, and wanted to take a break until I had more time to commit to the next stage {that office I was talking about...}</div>
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Well, several weeks later I still haven't hung the rod with the two curtain panels I had made, and the huge clock I purchased is still leaning against the wall. This month is the month I finish what I started.</div>
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I am excited about my goals and having things to focus on to break the monotonous routine of my life these days. Do you make monthly goals? If so, what are some of YOUR goals for the month of June.<br />
<br />Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-77287114533260827162015-05-24T17:49:00.000-07:002015-05-26T11:00:25.615-07:00Joy Bombs - Discovering an Attitude of Gratitude In Everyday Living<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #666666;">J-O-Y, a three letter word that has been on my mind a lot recently. A three letter word that keeps reappearing in my life in a variety of ways. What is JOY!? I really like Rick Warrens definition of joy:</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #666666;">Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation. </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">Did you notice what one word was missing from this definition...HAPPY! Happiness is about feelings, which are fleeting and temporary. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapfymHkByeXZEb3-0z8A387dRdXv1PckjbiDyhqbQ50h2_SRdcDI4YHnz3RFnH2Ek0qE8cRMkL9EK-TEyKtc-fmY5R73vRwjpajsAY9E38-BJJUF6gBYYcH-YdI9op2kyErPIPsXwA_Pf/s1600/happiness_vs_joy_hollys_leaps_of_faith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapfymHkByeXZEb3-0z8A387dRdXv1PckjbiDyhqbQ50h2_SRdcDI4YHnz3RFnH2Ek0qE8cRMkL9EK-TEyKtc-fmY5R73vRwjpajsAY9E38-BJJUF6gBYYcH-YdI9op2kyErPIPsXwA_Pf/s400/happiness_vs_joy_hollys_leaps_of_faith.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">I listened to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/diving-deeper-into-joy/id80987532?i=318120440&mt=2" target="_blank">this sermon</a> from <a href="http://chcc.org/" target="_blank">Cherry Hills Community Church</a> a while back, and it really resonated with me. Life is full of ups & downs, peaks & valleys, pain & pleasure, and the list goes on. Recently I have noticed that people {probably me included at times} are focusing on the lows of life...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">-<i> Cancer Sucks {oh my, my heart aches for the number of people who have been diagnosed with Cancer recently}</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #666666;">- I'm so busy</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #666666;">- I have an addiction</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #666666;">- I haven't been this stressed in a long time</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #666666;">- I am beyond frustrated </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #666666;">- I am anxious</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">And rarely are people saying, "I am JOYFUL!" Very often the situations of our life do not result in happiness, but there is always JOY. We have joy because of our circumstances. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">Throughout our day we are tossed joy bombs...like that amazing, refreshing feeling of being hit by a water balloon on a hot summer afternoon. It's like a 4th of July fireworks show going off within our lives. Joy emanates out of a true sense and understanding of God's fierce love for us. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9ojt3KehEgt2tLsIqNJu8eNFP_R5nR1UqkGlJUflqTdfGSSW74BzU1uFH7Awzo4glJriOJAhotTyqEQRfeuBZGFKh_V1wLS0NDSemv3LGGLREXFYUrrx3CYwH9Wj_0Ffu-VKnu0fq4AD/s1600/joy_bombs_hollys_leaps_of_faith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9ojt3KehEgt2tLsIqNJu8eNFP_R5nR1UqkGlJUflqTdfGSSW74BzU1uFH7Awzo4glJriOJAhotTyqEQRfeuBZGFKh_V1wLS0NDSemv3LGGLREXFYUrrx3CYwH9Wj_0Ffu-VKnu0fq4AD/s400/joy_bombs_hollys_leaps_of_faith.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">My life is busy, my calendar is full, and at times I feel like I can't do it all. I have been blessed by much, but recently I have had a yearning for more, resulting in a dissatisfaction of where I am currently at. I struggle with insecurity and self-doubt. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">As a constant reminder that God is here, God is for me, and that God loves me I started a JOY BOMB journal. Here are some joy bombs that I have been tossed recently:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">-A text from a friend offering to bring me vegan ice cream when she knew I was a little discouraged</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">-Someone reaching out to me to fill a co-director position that I was stressing about filling </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">-Meeting and talking with a random guy at Starbucks one afternoon</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">-A friend, recently diagnosed with cancer, receiving the results of the brain CT...the cancer had not spread. Praise the Lord.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">-Having a solid tempo run...both physically and mentally.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJtwz6sleArOAE9gIL1QhVZL1824taEEkEgylGzuI9nCm5sl2Off3og2CO8xDPYyvr-ms1N_-cVDPFibINESJHjqOsmMPqAFl-bjpNnCYrW9_8dAjRBZCxE6rar26MovAUNAuB2w5ym2h/s1600/hollys_leaps_of_faith_joy_bombs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJtwz6sleArOAE9gIL1QhVZL1824taEEkEgylGzuI9nCm5sl2Off3og2CO8xDPYyvr-ms1N_-cVDPFibINESJHjqOsmMPqAFl-bjpNnCYrW9_8dAjRBZCxE6rar26MovAUNAuB2w5ym2h/s400/hollys_leaps_of_faith_joy_bombs.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">No matter what life has thrown you recently, I guarantee that you have been tossed some JOY BOMBS too! Take time to marinate in the truth of God's fierce love for each one of us and really search, find and focus on God's presence in all things...and say, "I AM JOYFUL!"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">Here is a great read too: <i><a href="http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-13874/40-ways-to-practice-joy-every-single-day.html" target="_blank">40 Ways to Practice Joy Every Single Day</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">5, 6, 8, 10, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 23, 32, 35, 36, 38 and last, BUT NOT LEAST, 40 are my favorite! </span></div>
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Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-89079065295807562222015-04-26T21:11:00.000-07:002015-04-26T21:36:44.044-07:00Minted Monday: Snail Mail Blessings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Have you ever been twitterpated with a website? After hours of {cyber} window shopping, you are left swooning over practically everything on the site and your cart has hundreds of dollars worth of items in it? Well that is exactly what happened to me when I stumbled across <a href="http://www.minted.com/" target="_blank"><b><i>minted</i></b></a>. Within minutes I was dreaming that I was a seamstress so that I could make something with this <a href="http://www.minted.com/product/fabric/MIN-TTD-NFC/koselis-glasses?ccId=322871&org=title" target="_blank"><b><i>fabulous fabric</i></b></a>, planning my next business adventure so I could create adorable <a href="http://www.minted.com/product/business-cards/MIN-8VJ-BSC/confetti-makes-me-smile?org=photo" target="_blank"><b><i>business cards</i></b></a>, and envisioning where I might be able to place this <a href="http://www.minted.com/product/wall-art-prints/MIN-LOU-GNA/staredown?ccId=107266&org=title" target="_blank"><b><i>amazing print</i></b></a> in my house. If you are like me, and you like the attention to detail when planning a party, enjoy stationary for every season & occasion, and want to find the perfect gift for that special person on your list, well <a href="https://instagram.com/minted/" target="_blank"><b><i>minted</i></b></a> is the site for you. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>How did I originally get </b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/minted" target="_blank"><b><i>minted</i></b></a><b>!? </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">For those of you who know me, you know I LOVE sending snail mail, whether for a special occasion, to encourage someone, let someone know I appreciate them OR just because! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2Asc-v2-LU1E9ykZdMF69rrf3Z-zkAEiihhuAh7p4U-TV4saejvayGYZkUZ2ytTMxXzV5R6sugAsNvjgnBYDDs7oAqiwnff2ms6NLMgMT8nz2gJSQy__MxTcFD3J0y_86LnvAhZzHSWi/s1600/Hollys_Leaps_of_Faith_handwritten_letters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2Asc-v2-LU1E9ykZdMF69rrf3Z-zkAEiihhuAh7p4U-TV4saejvayGYZkUZ2ytTMxXzV5R6sugAsNvjgnBYDDs7oAqiwnff2ms6NLMgMT8nz2gJSQy__MxTcFD3J0y_86LnvAhZzHSWi/s1600/Hollys_Leaps_of_Faith_handwritten_letters.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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So I am always in search of new and fun stationary...aka SNAIL MAIL. While I love blessing someone with an unexpected piece of snail mail and have been sending <i style="font-weight: bold;">Thank You Notes </i>since I could scribble my name, I feel like letter writing is a lost art that needs to be revived. And OH MY, minted's <a href="http://www.minted.com/mothers-day-gifts-stationery?it_category=n_paperie&it_id=c1i1&us=new+visitor" target="_blank"><b><i>stationary selection</i></b></a> takes letter writing to a whole new level. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.minted.com/product/personalized-stationery/MIN-ZPX-PST/the-original-snail-mail?ccId=149809&org=photo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://cdn3.minted.com/files/mintedProductsImages/MIN/PST/ZPX/MIN-ZPX-PST-004_A_PD.jpg?_=undefined" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How great are these!?</td></tr>
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<b>So why do I think handwritten notes are so important? </b></div>
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<b>They're genuine and thought-out. </b>Don't get me wrong, I am not against tagging a friend in a Facebook post to thank them for an amazing birthday gift or tweeting a friend letting them know you're thinking about them, but taking the time to find the perfect card, use your best penmanship to write out your thoughts, and place a stamp on it on your way to the mailbox really show your genuine thoughtfulness. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the simplicity.</td></tr>
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<b>They create lasting memories. </b>I don't know about you, but I save a lot of the cards I receive. Whether its a baby announcement, a motivational card from a friend, or just words of encouragement I love to keep them and go through them occasionally, allowing me to both reflect back and appreciate them again in the future. </div>
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I love the instant gratification of social media, allowing new parents to share the joy of their new blessing with the world immediately, but those posts are soon lost as they are buried under newer posts. What I love more is the joy of seeing a baby announcement everyday on my fridge when I have my morning coffee. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BIRDS OF A FEATHER...LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!</td></tr>
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<b>They're personal. </b>The perfect card is a representation of the sender and holds something special for the recipient. The words of the card speak directly to the one who will be reading it. When writing a card, thought goes into each and every word, with the message being spelled out in penmanship that is unique to the writer. Email by nature is momentary and lacks the character of someone's perfected handwriting. Long after the <i>delete </i>button is hit on an email, a letter remains to be read, appreciated and preserved. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh my...too cute!</td></tr>
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<b>They're Fun! </b>How great are all of these cards!? </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HELLO!</td></tr>
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<b>They teach a lifelong, invaluable lesson. </b>It's never too early to teach children the importance of writing a letter, sending a thank you, and practicing perfecting their unique handwriting...dotting their "i's" with an open circle and going for the more curvy/"bubbly" writing. Make letter writing fun with <a href="http://www.minted.com/kids-thank-you-cards-notes?it_category=n_paperie&it_id=c1i3&us=new+visitor" target="_blank"><b><i>creative personalized cards</i></b></a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.minted.com/kids-thank-you-cards-notes?it_category=n_paperie&it_id=c1i3&all=true&of=no&limit=380&sku=MIN-93J-KST" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://cdn3.minted.com/files/mintedProductsImages/MIN/KST/93J/MIN-93J-KST-001_A_PD.jpg?_=undefined" height="425" width="640" /></a><span id="goog_6351909"></span><span id="goog_6351910"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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<b>They're Tangible. Personal. Real.</b></div>
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Whether you want to cultivate romance, acknowledge the blessings of a friendship, send a word of encouragement, or express gratitude, <b><i><a href="http://www.minted.com/" target="_blank">Minted</a></i></b> has the perfect card for you for the perfect occasion. </div>
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Now I need to decide which cards to purchase! Oh yah, and come up with a reason to throw a party so I have an excuse to purchase <a href="http://www.minted.com/holiday-menu-cards?it_category=n_paperie&it_id=c4i3&all=true&of=no&limit=108" target="_blank"><b><i>menu cards</i></b></a> {remember, its about all of the small details}, fun <a href="http://www.minted.com/party-themes?it_category=n_paperie&it_id=c4i2" target="_blank"><b><i>decor</i></b></a>, and of course a <a href="http://www.minted.com/custom-photo-backdrops?it_category=n_party&it_id=c4i3pd" target="_blank"><b><i>photo backdrop</i></b></a>, because no party is complete without a photobooth! </div>
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<b>HAPPY WRITING! </b></div>
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Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-69010225531227011632015-03-26T15:54:00.000-07:002015-03-26T16:01:19.230-07:00Spring Break....OREGON Style<div>
A few months back my friend from Missouri told me that she and her family wanted to come to Oregon for their Spring Break, so I quickly went to work on putting together the <i style="font-weight: bold;">perfect </i>itinerary. I didn't want to leave out any detail, as I wanted this to be a Spring Break to remember...and that is was!<br />
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After flying in late <b>Saturday</b> evening, we heading to Crater Lake <b>Sunday</b> morning for their <a href="http://www.nps.gov/crla/learn/news/ranger-guided-snowshoe-walks-begin-at-crater-lake-national-park.htm" target="_blank">guided snowshoe walk</a>; the rangers always make it a fun, educational experience.<br />
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While there wasn't a lot of {and no fresh} snow, it was the perfect day.<br />
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Beyond blessed by this friendship!<br />
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A Crater Lake snowshoe walk isn't complete without a <i>penguin slide</i>. <br />
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Shhh...don't tell anymore, but this picture was made possible thanks to a selfie stick.<br />
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Picture perfect!<br />
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Later that evening we headed to the Craterian Theater to see <a href="http://www.craterian.org/event/ladysmith-black-mambazo/" target="_blank">Ladysmith Black Mambazo</a>, for a little cultural experience. </div>
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<b>Monday</b>, while I was at work, the crew headed to <a href="http://www.wildlifeimages.org/" target="_blank">Wildlife Images,</a> where they met Nubs the badger. Evidently Nubs loves the smell of feet...which the boys thought was hilarious! </div>
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For dinner and some evening fun we headed to Ashland. Oregon is home to several breweries, so we hit up one of my favorites, <a href="http://www.standingstonebrewing.com/index.html" target="_blank">Standing Stone Brewery</a>, for dinner and their infamous sweet potato fries! Not only are the food & beer great, but I also love their mission to be a <a href="http://www.standingstonebrewing.com/sustainability.html" target="_blank">sustainable</a> dining venue. </div>
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A total tourist thing to do, we drank some <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithia_water" target="_blank">lithia water</a>.</div>
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<b>Tuesday</b>, while I once again went to the office, the crew headed up the road to <a href="http://www.wildlifesafari.net/" target="_blank">Wildlife Safari</a>! Its pretty amazing that right here in Oregon you can have encounters with bears, lions, giraffes, cheetahs, and more, all for less than $20/person.<br />
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I mean, where else can you make friends with an ostrich!?<br />
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That night it was time for some adult fun, as we headed to the Rocky Tonk for a James Otto concert.<br />
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Bonus for the night, the opening act was from Missouri, and Heather was able to snag a picture with one of them. </div>
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<i>Girl I just got started love you...</i></div>
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While we were out on the town, the kiddos were having a blast with Grandma Shawn & Grandpa Vern {my parents}. This <i>grandma </i>relationship started a couple years back when we all did the Seattle Rock N Roll marathon and my mom watched the boys while we ran. I love that Ashton and Parker are not only comfortable to hang with them, but have a blast doing so. All night long Heather and I were receiving texts with pictures of their <i>hole in one</i> at miniature golf, dances moves on <i>Dance Dance Revolutions, </i>and results from the <a href="http://www.gokarthero.com/" target="_blank">slick car race track</a>.</div>
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Oh my, whip cream on the straw was the highlight of our daily trips to Dutch Bros! </div>
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<b>Wednesday</b> was perhaps one of the highlights of the trip...a behind-the-scenes, VIP tour of the Landfill and Transfer Station. Garbage, its a fun and fascinating business. <br />
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After the tour and a 3 hour drive to central Oregon, an ice cold beer, fireside at <a href="http://www.10barrel.com/" target="_blank">10 Barrel</a> was heavenly. </div>
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What day are we on now!? Oh right, now its <b>Thursday</b>, and the fun continues. After a {much needed} relaxing morning at the pool {which we ran and rode bikes to} we headed to <a href="http://www.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=36" target="_blank">Smith Rock Oregon State Park </a>, for a hike up Misery Ridge Trail...</div>
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...for the perfect Christmas Card photo opportunity!</div>
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Truly breathtaking!</div>
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As <b>Friday</b> rolled around we decided that a <a href="http://www.blackbutteranch.com/recreation/horseback-riding" target="_blank">horseback ride</a> was a MUST while staying at <a href="http://www.blackbutteranch.com/" target="_blank">Black Butte Ranch</a> in Central Oregon. Let me be really upfront and honest, I am not a huge fan of horses..BUT...I rallied for the team and had so much fun {and now want to go to a Dude Ranch!} ! Meet Billy, Bon Jovi, Strawberry, Indiana, and XXL! </div>
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Billy and I got along quite well...</div>
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On the road again...headed for Portland! The boys waited ALL week to eat at a food truck, so our first stop was at <a href="http://www.cartlandia.com/" target="_blank">Cartlandia</a>, for chicken & waffles at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-coop-chicken-and-waffles-portland" target="_blank">The Coop</a> and Voodoo Doughnuts! </div>
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We officially wore the boys out, but the itinerary had one more thing on it for the day...a Blazer Game!!! Phil stayed back at the hotel, poolside with the boys, while Heather and I had a <i>Girls Night Out </i>at the game. </div>
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<b>Saturday </b>had arrived, the day we would say, "<i>until next time!" </i>But that didn't mean the fun had to end! We checked out some beach cruisers from the hotel and rode to Starbucks and then around the parking lot! Perhaps one of the highlights of the trip! Seriously! </div>
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FREE Beach Cruisers to ride...<a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels/index.html?language=en_US" target="_blank">Aloft</a> is for sure my new go-to-hotel! </div>
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Spring Break 2015, Oregon Style...That's a wrap! We squeezed every ounce of fun out of the week. What's up next!? The next trip to Oregon will include a trip to the coast to ride quads on the dunes, a day at the lake, and perhaps a float down the river! Many more fun & exciting adventures to come! </div>
Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226647025860212227.post-18320286040581114062015-02-26T18:47:00.000-08:002015-02-26T18:47:59.190-08:00Training vs Racing...The Struggle is Real<span style="color: #666666;"><i>My easy pace is my former tempo pace. My tempo pace is something I never envisioned being able to maintain for over a mile, yet alone several miles. I have found a love for running around the "oval office' and pushing my limits during speed workouts. But there's a problem...</i></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #666666;">My race results do not reflect what I know I am truly capable of. My race results do not reflect what is taking place during my training. </span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">I approach the start line excited, confident in my abilities, but then it all falls apart. It wasn't until my last race that 2 words came to mind....RACE. ANXIETY! This is a foreign concept to me, because as a competitive swimmer for over 10 years, I was a slacker at practice {the one whose goggles were always leaking, pulling on the lane lines while doing backstroke, turning around in the middle, etc...you get the picture} but did great come competition time. Qualifying for state, regionals and more; I loved racing! And was successful at it. This {RUNNING} RACING thing is a whole new ball game for me...</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #666666;">Why do I run faster on a saturday morning at 5 am, on 4 hours of sleep, following a crazy hectic week than I do when I am tapered, rested and have the excitement of a race to motivate me? </span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">When I first started running, it was strictly for fun. An opportunity to run with my dad, to run with friends, and to travel occasionally. Then it turned into more. I had goals. I started following a training plan. I hired a coach. I wanted to compete.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">My last race, and in all honestly several prior to that, opened my eyes to my personal struggles with racing. While I knew I was capable of running the paces I discussed with my coach, they made me nervous. Made me doubt myself. They consumed my thoughts. And as soon as I {thought I} couldn't maintain them, my race was <i>mentally, </i>and therefore, physically, over. I couldn't get back in the game. I wanted to be done. There was no plan B. The last half was a walk/run combo, as I felt completely defeated. I gave up. It was a mental battle, that I lost. I crossed the finish line emotionally numb. It wasn't that emotional, tear inducing feeling as if I left everything out on the course, but still fell short of my goal. Rather, I was embarrassed. Truly ready to completely throw in the towel on this whole running thing. I felt defeated. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">BUT...I am not throwing in the towel. I am not giving up. I am determined to figure this out, and what a great day it is going to be when I am finally able to successfully put it all together. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">It has been several weeks since the race {yes...I am finally blogging about it, I know!} and I have had time to reflect etc. and to come up with an answer to everyone's infamous question of "Why?" {when hearing I had a rather disappointing race}. When is comes to racing, my mind is my greatest enemy; and I am a huge believer in the power, both good & bad, of the mind. My training no longer focuses solely on my physical strength, but also my mental strength. I am building the needed confidence to race MY race, that I know I am capable of. I am channelling my inner competitiveness for good, focusing on competing only with myself, my goals, and my PRs. </span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #666666;">I love running and I look forward to loving racing. It WILL happen!</span></b><br />
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<b><br /></b>Holly from Leaps of Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232077277738705858noreply@blogger.com24