tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9835909087727995562024-03-06T02:25:52.570-07:00Hanie's Adventures...or something like that...Haniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-60458947273396298792010-11-21T10:26:00.006-07:002011-02-19T18:07:50.762-07:0020 November 2010I am behind the times. But as most of you know I like history so I am going to take this moment to share a little history about my life over the past few months. As I reflect back to 2010 I laugh and cry about everything I endured. Not that it all was a hardship but there where moments that humbled me. I don't want to reflect on the negative even though those moments help us become stronger but simply stated, I like the positive better!<br /><br />This post is about the day of November 20, 2010. This day ended up being fun-packed with friends, flying, and fans. Simply put I went flying, had a Thanksgiving dinner with my friends, and was crowned Miss San Marcos. I think the pictures from this day will do it justice. Enjoy!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Morning:</span></strong><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESmKYFf33wtPk4wvrqXHd8xY8dZXewbBQcwYR3Id5IE6jkbc1YIg_3U5qB3IyDGFA6_ihsbPfHASGp0NacF4rnXFvq62rLWk7_gsPcj_DE0bfNH0ykeR_H2uMgN8g7pJKfvs2BtufnUk/s1600/SAM_1076.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575555257665801538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESmKYFf33wtPk4wvrqXHd8xY8dZXewbBQcwYR3Id5IE6jkbc1YIg_3U5qB3IyDGFA6_ihsbPfHASGp0NacF4rnXFvq62rLWk7_gsPcj_DE0bfNH0ykeR_H2uMgN8g7pJKfvs2BtufnUk/s400/SAM_1076.JPG" /></a> Driving to Chandler Regional Airport. Are we excited or what!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcdz-rlNh2CAz_dHAeKpedIAX43YSISwlr4HEgC4YDuOgS0LAJi78_3rJNKfJfEbnCCDKDoGahJ6knL43WVyJEiblsWFWMdm1Yk31RcaK-tbXm3djtCAFoi3WdKBG9mf7GoLRANVIPoA/s1600/SAM_1086.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575555263165255442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcdz-rlNh2CAz_dHAeKpedIAX43YSISwlr4HEgC4YDuOgS0LAJi78_3rJNKfJfEbnCCDKDoGahJ6knL43WVyJEiblsWFWMdm1Yk31RcaK-tbXm3djtCAFoi3WdKBG9mf7GoLRANVIPoA/s400/SAM_1086.JPG" /></a> Adam, ze pilot, and Me. I guess since I am smiling I trust he can still fly while looking backwards.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoYjmsPjnZEfv__hP-YBrTZyFS4dgVbZ7TaJL8Jgxi6ZD8161CGo7HiozIz86utH-cD0q198nVTHJmrZ8PnuIVMT6f0HOIcZuey0YwzQwbOLA69MCu1PK1Fu66llayqj-Kucp-WZq0aE/s1600/SAM_1088.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575555271122742418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoYjmsPjnZEfv__hP-YBrTZyFS4dgVbZ7TaJL8Jgxi6ZD8161CGo7HiozIz86utH-cD0q198nVTHJmrZ8PnuIVMT6f0HOIcZuey0YwzQwbOLA69MCu1PK1Fu66llayqj-Kucp-WZq0aE/s400/SAM_1088.JPG" /></a>I love you Arizona!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKMKHNdxPHzrkFGtr3ObmyWtZxjRcViC5T7wLEhKSmHBIUpMYOLHM_RZwKU_H982wHs1xYtZ-FpwAKRC6avkKguOLChd3bj9SwMwhjbTiZJqLMl3piYksOG67VExuFbWUn0H00GACeS4/s1600/SAM_1098.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575555265304415858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKMKHNdxPHzrkFGtr3ObmyWtZxjRcViC5T7wLEhKSmHBIUpMYOLHM_RZwKU_H982wHs1xYtZ-FpwAKRC6avkKguOLChd3bj9SwMwhjbTiZJqLMl3piYksOG67VExuFbWUn0H00GACeS4/s400/SAM_1098.JPG" /></a> Eliza and I, ze passengers. Once again, trusting the pilot as he takes a picture of us.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><strong>Afternoon to the end of the day:</strong><br /></div><div align="left">Preparations for our Thanksgiving dinner pretty much took us all day! After we put our feet back on the ground we spent the rest of our day preparing the turkey, cooking pies and casserole. Well at least I should say Eliza did because I was preparing for a pageant. Never would I thought I would be in a pageant and as silly as it was, it was an interesting experience. I had an interview, talent, and evening wear. I was actually crowned Miss San Marcos! Considering I had no idea what I was doing for my talent and evening wear until about 5:30pm I would say it was a success.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoylz4KfWJT18_DYxJ01ZPFOf2YvCdrZEV4Qy7D3u5loCU5Ug5RtRiBOLgTBmOHvv25l8VGqGmYpz8qh7MWZc8707p0LR0YUTajm6couF69SJ0dln_Q39-oKMtcWi0a1USwyXeT3lqgiU/s1600/SAM_1102.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575563211068609890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoylz4KfWJT18_DYxJ01ZPFOf2YvCdrZEV4Qy7D3u5loCU5Ug5RtRiBOLgTBmOHvv25l8VGqGmYpz8qh7MWZc8707p0LR0YUTajm6couF69SJ0dln_Q39-oKMtcWi0a1USwyXeT3lqgiU/s400/SAM_1102.JPG" /></a> Dave giving some TLC to the bird. It paid off by being flavorful and moist!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEipMXOnS6n4Bm7b5yeUTC3cxYesgW9LU8UeFJk7qQqBadbjaCIw9Pr2ctClS4lyDWdSsJw8EwJyQsyt-rUTpyB0-gSdr_gBAcWoa3t3Htg2mZeYd-2tgUnluVQeEzutlgmKbB9DV5PQ/s1600/SAM_1104.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575563210146729682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEipMXOnS6n4Bm7b5yeUTC3cxYesgW9LU8UeFJk7qQqBadbjaCIw9Pr2ctClS4lyDWdSsJw8EwJyQsyt-rUTpyB0-gSdr_gBAcWoa3t3Htg2mZeYd-2tgUnluVQeEzutlgmKbB9DV5PQ/s400/SAM_1104.JPG" /></a> I am grateful for this harvest!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTAKfLNE-fbuzpxKyU_216x-oy-pYa_k0T4hqeDzl2wxgQ0Wh8SPBegCzDg2UcNjqSX_1_9O6hUQTKFpteIsx_jcR2IwvHiqPxfTTGKDuPDQE6m33oF-OC1-BXR7Hvt1ReEa5DHIhnXo/s1600/SAM_1107.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575563200477994130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTAKfLNE-fbuzpxKyU_216x-oy-pYa_k0T4hqeDzl2wxgQ0Wh8SPBegCzDg2UcNjqSX_1_9O6hUQTKFpteIsx_jcR2IwvHiqPxfTTGKDuPDQE6m33oF-OC1-BXR7Hvt1ReEa5DHIhnXo/s400/SAM_1107.JPG" /></a>Jena, Brittany, Lauren and I (clockwise)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbAD1-pfBU-kQa8Ilwcyy9Sj6kZE5AcdyyYRyM-pAhr-VfkQN3q0aeIuaY1vZzHY4e6SPKw_gEjplKu4uJivRb5gFOqXd1J5K_H8qRhOJYxEHbXLEVlqLSl7Kx9r03ptFjgOBKpcyuOY/s1600/SAM_1110.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575563188686809282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbAD1-pfBU-kQa8Ilwcyy9Sj6kZE5AcdyyYRyM-pAhr-VfkQN3q0aeIuaY1vZzHY4e6SPKw_gEjplKu4uJivRb5gFOqXd1J5K_H8qRhOJYxEHbXLEVlqLSl7Kx9r03ptFjgOBKpcyuOY/s400/SAM_1110.JPG" /></a>What a bunch of turkeys! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-9OhoYh4sj14nHFqSV_vz6B0G7eqn7tQ9iE2CvIkpAWQKmIx_Y48Vh_Eg85thmIFj-ZLTiZf04L0J2sumW4AuLS9yfYYbrg-RsrQehPI0A6Q4q_Lc2rBa8F_uqqrc6F1NY8Su6ec2uo/s1600/SAM_1124.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575563180325303138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-9OhoYh4sj14nHFqSV_vz6B0G7eqn7tQ9iE2CvIkpAWQKmIx_Y48Vh_Eg85thmIFj-ZLTiZf04L0J2sumW4AuLS9yfYYbrg-RsrQehPI0A6Q4q_Lc2rBa8F_uqqrc6F1NY8Su6ec2uo/s400/SAM_1124.JPG" /></a> In my crowning glory! (This is the only picture of the whole night.)</div><div></div><div align="left">There you have it. This was a memorable day in so many ways. I was really worn out by the end of it all. I think I could have enjoyed all didn't happen all in one day but I really am not complaining. I am blessed to have amazing friends!<br /></div></div>Haniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-46654521939642926022010-11-21T10:10:00.006-07:002010-11-21T21:14:57.385-07:00End To An Era...Enter New<div>You never know how hard it is to say goodbye to a dear friend. Knowing that you will never see them again, only relying on the memories saved in your memory bank, the experience the joys of that friend. </div><div></div><br /><div>After 92,000 miles, 9 years, and countless hours, I severed all ties and responsibilities of being an owner to my dear Betsy, the 1999 Ford Taurus. She was the first car I owned. We bonded and had many amazing trips together. A trip to San Diego, countless trips through the mountains, midnight runs to Dairy Queen, and more. About 3 yrs into the relationship, we knew we needed each other when we thought we would never see each other again. Betsy had been kidnapped late on night. Luckily she was found 3 days later. Betsy also had a few emergencies plastic surgeries after she was hit. I stood my her, knowing she could pull through.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBiKS3I93YYbYW6-2cKg5U_TkLLCmgwUXlOAVwI1cHD3mMBqwSR5Fhg8VTD89S-3WR2TrniTo-SUVyjoCEznFKA7_JHaGsdvUMjwkNee9aIXngBRtbonmdMtldfVPT0lW60UfkMshLrY/s1600/betsy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542222343847480114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBiKS3I93YYbYW6-2cKg5U_TkLLCmgwUXlOAVwI1cHD3mMBqwSR5Fhg8VTD89S-3WR2TrniTo-SUVyjoCEznFKA7_JHaGsdvUMjwkNee9aIXngBRtbonmdMtldfVPT0lW60UfkMshLrY/s400/betsy.jpg" /></a> <div></div><div>Considering Betsy had started to fail me months before we separated, one might think I could have skipped away with a smile on my face at the dealer when I made the trade but we went deeper than that. I still have to have a moment of silence each time I see a Taurus pass me on the road. But all things must come to an end. </div><div></div><br /><div>And what is life if we do not start anew when things come to an end? I know have a new friend! Not a 6-cylinder but a zippy 4 cylinder, 2010 Toyota Corolla! So cheers to my new friend, Her-mine-ee (or at least that might be the name, it might change.) We haven't had a road trip yet, but I look forward to the new adventures that will fill the time in our relationship here in the near future. </div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEzOLLK-RjPZBCPyAIp2Zt3Ay-rgGhONaNCFUNgbVcYUNFdt_5wunwXeCAg_pTAbilXRN4IKsUL01CV5EIcwMrs_CnE_73NB2-KPzd5yiKwJMFuzAWqiFXUC9j4D5WiRXWa4IlHJC7i4/s1600/hermoine.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542222345852927026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEzOLLK-RjPZBCPyAIp2Zt3Ay-rgGhONaNCFUNgbVcYUNFdt_5wunwXeCAg_pTAbilXRN4IKsUL01CV5EIcwMrs_CnE_73NB2-KPzd5yiKwJMFuzAWqiFXUC9j4D5WiRXWa4IlHJC7i4/s400/hermoine.jpg" /></a>Haniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-57277852522058797062010-11-21T09:28:00.010-07:002010-11-21T21:07:17.780-07:00Birthday Wishes and More<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjggho5aozrwBOUqTEkHXyvidX3Dv-jHgl2nPa_8NwoVXw5KYXkm8bRlNjI3jzallHNcVZ7N8CLfajz2IBpRtoAliryR5Rbxqrfd8xGLYkQCkmnwueYW11rhc06LmTQppDSOCcEiFD4tc/s1600/SAM_0796.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542217588971237122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjggho5aozrwBOUqTEkHXyvidX3Dv-jHgl2nPa_8NwoVXw5KYXkm8bRlNjI3jzallHNcVZ7N8CLfajz2IBpRtoAliryR5Rbxqrfd8xGLYkQCkmnwueYW11rhc06LmTQppDSOCcEiFD4tc/s400/SAM_0796.JPG" /></a> <div align="left">As the year circles once again to the end, I celebrated another wonderful birthday. Now if you really know me you know my birthday was back in October and we are no longer in October but its never too late to share some great stories. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">As many say, as you get older, your birthday is just another ordinary day. I am feeling this more and more each year. I now realize though that a birthday is not just a day for people to celebrate you, its a day for you to celebrate another year in the presence of the wonderful people our Heavenly Father puts in your life. I think I am progressing in the direction that not everything is about me. Birthdays are days that you get to celebrate the joys of each year you live! </div><br />This year I did work on my birthday. It was a pretty uneventful day. About 4:03pm I hit the highlight of the day when I just walked out of my classroom, leaving all my worries behind. Ahh! A night without grading and planning! My birthday gift to me. I didn't care if I was totally unprepared for the next day. I was out of there. My sister and her brother then took me to dinner @ Olive Garden! Oh the deliciousness of their crisp salad and breaded chicken with marinara sauce, topped with parmesan cheese. Don't worry I cannot forget the breadsticks bursting with salt, garlic, and butter. Mmmm! It was a top-notch meal! Of course I over ate but calories don't count on birthdays right??!<br /><br /><br />At the time of my bday I was temporarily living in Casa Grande (but I am now back in Chandler). Being away from friends and family I didn't expect anything to happen for my birthday. Well after a little trip to Target after we ate (apparently just to kill time), we headed back to the house. I wobbled to the door, still extremely full from the meal and unlocked it. Hands full of leftovers and books, I realized there was a shiny balloon in the middle of the room, and shadows of balloons on the floor. The lights were not on so I really could not see everything. And I kept thinking, "All this was not here before we left and I was the last one out the door..." SURPRISE!! (insert loud scream) The lights flicked on and people started popping out of hallways, closets, and from behind furniture!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6n_C_FEaQxutvZ8jt7NaJV1mG3NQOQokiXkRyedpw53_6xXhyTjvMoonBvfbIadazNOT6kbXIhwQlgpD_U8CWb0G-SiW0pGsFyFJqZ5_cyshwp6IT8OQqklF-fYWJZEf3gxz47rY_wM/s1600/SAM_0815.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542219324111100114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6n_C_FEaQxutvZ8jt7NaJV1mG3NQOQokiXkRyedpw53_6xXhyTjvMoonBvfbIadazNOT6kbXIhwQlgpD_U8CWb0G-SiW0pGsFyFJqZ5_cyshwp6IT8OQqklF-fYWJZEf3gxz47rY_wM/s400/SAM_0815.JPG" /></a> Eliza & I with Tim as background<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABzfygvkAcryC6hHi-6az3weMuqdvZj3Vn-XY5D02r3FNauDkIGaEj5lTiISzguCKr55q_vSBk_lV-YBKkIz0h5FVAaCXnZUmU0GMC8xqZW-vJYUPS2KQuMvw3U_xInVo_ZTUu1GfBJQ/s1600/SAM_0799.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542219291538642850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABzfygvkAcryC6hHi-6az3weMuqdvZj3Vn-XY5D02r3FNauDkIGaEj5lTiISzguCKr55q_vSBk_lV-YBKkIz0h5FVAaCXnZUmU0GMC8xqZW-vJYUPS2KQuMvw3U_xInVo_ZTUu1GfBJQ/s400/SAM_0799.JPG" /></a> Me, Janalie, Tim, and Lauren<br /><div align="left">I was totally taken by surprise, not able to stop my pounding heart, to see the smiling faces of my friends. It was to be a simple day, but it got complicated. But of course I was not going to contest it. :) My day was complete as I celebrated with some of the people I love, another great year.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3SVVHIF5BLR-4_taw223Dr5ehAFPE3yGkSk6uXKJ6a0hfWZhmEqAHB6zhQvjSMUnfE9-yeZk_S6rz8TnfSWZ-dX9UN_eIZMNd40SEUnaAiiU-RjsI_dg8fvP-YoPepGpn0LMEx6l3j0/s1600/SAM_0800.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542217601212599298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3SVVHIF5BLR-4_taw223Dr5ehAFPE3yGkSk6uXKJ6a0hfWZhmEqAHB6zhQvjSMUnfE9-yeZk_S6rz8TnfSWZ-dX9UN_eIZMNd40SEUnaAiiU-RjsI_dg8fvP-YoPepGpn0LMEx6l3j0/s400/SAM_0800.JPG" /></a> Cutting the Cake. Mmmm good!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUl7w1bvEmpukSSGSLUmoJ5oU5I-5ZW8cYbrevS6XbMnENd_2sCQ-EqUNKIyLR-CNKbJXfIh_x32y1pvb8uBviEy3-odPILR_GaESUMevMKHhMJuRvb8MFhVehtxusdzIrSfM_9t5s6h0/s1600/SAM_0802.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542217617066128114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUl7w1bvEmpukSSGSLUmoJ5oU5I-5ZW8cYbrevS6XbMnENd_2sCQ-EqUNKIyLR-CNKbJXfIh_x32y1pvb8uBviEy3-odPILR_GaESUMevMKHhMJuRvb8MFhVehtxusdzIrSfM_9t5s6h0/s400/SAM_0802.JPG" /></a> Me, Jason, and Alison </div></div><div align="center">(Pink was the theme color of the party I guess)</div></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrNLQihquIcIb5YbGFTRfV14YWKgtdYs_2_GoxP9bx031hB7vKOYA6ZX9TBkWtZ50rgQXogCW_dx3GoLGuN-qGcdbzQ57RhuYzgUZNl_hY3kFWI5CK81EYyp3zff3ULtFGuPfpg7bO5c/s1600/SAM_0814.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542217608300674514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrNLQihquIcIb5YbGFTRfV14YWKgtdYs_2_GoxP9bx031hB7vKOYA6ZX9TBkWtZ50rgQXogCW_dx3GoLGuN-qGcdbzQ57RhuYzgUZNl_hY3kFWI5CK81EYyp3zff3ULtFGuPfpg7bO5c/s400/SAM_0814.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a>All of us together!!</p>Haniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-32266362976893439752010-08-17T11:37:00.010-07:002010-10-10T15:59:31.633-07:00Farewell...Oh just kidding!<em>(For this post to make sense, read the Summer 2010 post first).</em><br /><br />With the excitement of the 4th of July, I was anticipating an interview for a teaching position in Snowflake. Applying was paying off. As most know I did well enough in the interview that I was offered a 5th grade teaching position at Snowflake Intermediate. Now as crazy as this sounds, I had lots of anxiety for some reason. I did accept the job but with several reservations. What reservations? I have know idea. I guess one was that I was not ready to move back to Snowflake but that was not a good enough reason to pass up the only job offer I have had since I graduated college. I was unsure that I did the right thing in accepting this job. Everytime I thought of moving and teaching a little piece of me just broke down. (I know that this sounds harsh but I was really being torn apart). This was a great test of my faith. I knew that whatever would happen, I would have my Heavenly Father and Savior helping me every step of the way. I just had to act myself. It was also a time of trust and prayer.<br /><br />This meant that I had 3 weeks left in Chandler. I will admit that this turned me into a very emotional person. I do not know if it was nerves and anxiety for the job or the move. I knew I had to take the job and just forget about other aspects of life and make the best of it. For some reason, the Lord had given me this job offer and I had to take it. With limited time in Chandler, my friends gathered around me and put me at the center of their lives. I am still amazed at how much time they sacrificed on my behalf. Within this amount of time we were able to check off most of the things on my wishlist. There were a few things I have always wanted to do or just sounded like fun so we put our best effort into doing these things before I left for the small town.<br /><br /><br />What was my wishlist? Well, first I never have karoaked and I had been talking about doing it for months. What ended up being a 'let's see how it goes' night at Native New Yorker ended up being an awesome time. Sadly I picked "I'm leaving on a jet plane" (good farewell song right?!). I will not sing that one again because it was too sappy for the occasion. Here is proof of this event...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvNK2C6aUxup7Ot7HsPFUz2sLwR7uKz2F8D0mXWeigQwuORn6xBxvVsTsQjTmZQb1sivJR3wsd3VGG6PqJPYD-bHaJG1yBojZp88GZI4ltzI-rzpsuvBfADZqwuBl2AOy6_8PNp5p-h0/s1600/karoake.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526543537800126274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvNK2C6aUxup7Ot7HsPFUz2sLwR7uKz2F8D0mXWeigQwuORn6xBxvVsTsQjTmZQb1sivJR3wsd3VGG6PqJPYD-bHaJG1yBojZp88GZI4ltzI-rzpsuvBfADZqwuBl2AOy6_8PNp5p-h0/s400/karoake.jpg" /></a><br />The next thing on my list was to have some delicious German cuisine. I have been home for just over a year now from Germany and I have not enjoyed a single schnitzel, bratwurst, or potato salat since returning home. I needed some crispy, breaded pork mit kraut und salat. I found a quaint little restaurant on Main St in Mesa to help quench my craving. The food was okay. The atmosphere awesome and the company amazing. I was joined by Eliza, Adam, Lauren, and Karina. Pictured below is us with our food. We all ordered schnitzels. My favorite thing was the red cabbage kraut. AmAzInG!<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20pJlrpUUDf3x3qiHigY8k1YNt8hYCDSZz99SukveculErHq11cCxa5GBnE1bseHm5UQ5wZp0gKQqNTCCZq4AUhou4n3JUYiFP5IjAHvG8pmdSSq9Hcpq5Cw81JBAXKuVKpDkSIXbYAA/s1600/schnitzel.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526543549552662866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20pJlrpUUDf3x3qiHigY8k1YNt8hYCDSZz99SukveculErHq11cCxa5GBnE1bseHm5UQ5wZp0gKQqNTCCZq4AUhou4n3JUYiFP5IjAHvG8pmdSSq9Hcpq5Cw81JBAXKuVKpDkSIXbYAA/s400/schnitzel.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswcm526qLcgeLeHCm0yB51WF7a0av4_UfshV_VjY38JYF9GVdhC1-bQYoFQYu3SEWb2BphDey7gGQ1ViWTu8BpVcQqMfvny_i5Jxv4lxjfDK8-NsF2Gq2XrlAXxyWrE4oquA8bh9dZ-c/s1600/schnitzel+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526543545252249970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswcm526qLcgeLeHCm0yB51WF7a0av4_UfshV_VjY38JYF9GVdhC1-bQYoFQYu3SEWb2BphDey7gGQ1ViWTu8BpVcQqMfvny_i5Jxv4lxjfDK8-NsF2Gq2XrlAXxyWrE4oquA8bh9dZ-c/s400/schnitzel+2.jpg" /></a> That was 2 weeks of adventures. Not pictured was the trip to Bahama Buck's and the Sunday night parties. It was ending up to be a memorable time. I could not have asked for more. But there was still one more weekend (or at least we thought). During the last week of my living in Chandler I got a call from a friend who just got hired in Maricopa. She said they needed another 5th grade teacher. If I wanted the job, I had to act now. I immediately called the principal, got an interview, applied, and in short I did get the job offer. It was not official because of funding, grants, and school board approval but I had to decide now between staying in Chandler or go home. I had to make the decision quick. With the anxiety about Snowflake, I still poured out my heart to Heavenly Father to know which job I should take. Well, the last weekend had come and the final party was set to go. I wanted to just enjoy the weekend just in case I did go ahead a move. I postponed my decision for a few days...<br /><br />Finale of this time was a night full of food and fun. I know many people put lots of thought into making this night special. Food was supplied by Moki's, a hawaiian restaurant. (I had craved Moki's for the 8 months I had been in the valley but had not been able to get over there to eat it.) We practically overran the small restaurant with our crowd and it was awesome! Nothing like a room full of friends and chicken katsu! Mmm good!<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMQWZZLNVQBaspkG8dL2H06HhU-Pw4GhHXCmqAm24HVyvX9pEbajCYWyOJW-2bbNH4vCxCMVJqPpj_zhLJagm0kgSneBwxb_juWqKbkqt1mIEzKggdirCwZn-0ygFp9R0L8wVt-pR_J8/s1600/mokis.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526543553586746194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMQWZZLNVQBaspkG8dL2H06HhU-Pw4GhHXCmqAm24HVyvX9pEbajCYWyOJW-2bbNH4vCxCMVJqPpj_zhLJagm0kgSneBwxb_juWqKbkqt1mIEzKggdirCwZn-0ygFp9R0L8wVt-pR_J8/s400/mokis.jpg" /></a> Crowd #1</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEsL2TKcKibdO6WYc63CT3fAAMaMIFyCqyXLUBkLyTQ8Sxm24j5Cz-ii8pxJsCaCjSk-Y4eklt1hKStPA9RgZjFYaghU8hV7ohnicg-7cU-O-uk7XqCqFgAVCpTtKCu09DSBFpVovsxI/s1600/mokis+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526551629292902978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEsL2TKcKibdO6WYc63CT3fAAMaMIFyCqyXLUBkLyTQ8Sxm24j5Cz-ii8pxJsCaCjSk-Y4eklt1hKStPA9RgZjFYaghU8hV7ohnicg-7cU-O-uk7XqCqFgAVCpTtKCu09DSBFpVovsxI/s400/mokis+2.jpg" /></a> Part of Crowd #2</div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">After we let our delectable mean settle, the party train headed to Discovery Park where Bahama Buck's snowballs and coolers of snow waiting to be thrown. Yes, that is right! We had snow at the end of July in Arizona! (Luckily Adam knows where to get it and for free - the ice rink!) It felt so wonderful to be freezing in 100 degree weather. Of course it didn't take us long to warm up and dry.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzQC8pS7EoXSG-EarBcQMtYfd0kZnVUGvY6rT2qpSsPpl4jsk2OyBzj4V7Pd2itGhlBhm3KnkR_M7Etobl939meazQK0dHuxkAGrSSQuiXKYMuTRYTH95u_WAcj0GLPPuu9MdeXrJ0sY/s1600/after+snow.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526543556293922354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzQC8pS7EoXSG-EarBcQMtYfd0kZnVUGvY6rT2qpSsPpl4jsk2OyBzj4V7Pd2itGhlBhm3KnkR_M7Etobl939meazQK0dHuxkAGrSSQuiXKYMuTRYTH95u_WAcj0GLPPuu9MdeXrJ0sY/s400/after+snow.jpg" /></a><br />After being snowballed, thrown in a snowpile, and water ballooned there was cake to be had for dessert. I am still amazed at the thought and beauty of this delicious creation. Just perfect for the occasion! Thank you again my friends! One big apple, surrounded my little apple cupcakes each with their own little tootsie roll warm. Cute!<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlZtY-KQ6azyJw7vHVLQJdmjvuZ4nDCPYG5oVeLzDuusJt7e3lTpGrN4cQ2YOh-7WwbtD1KzyrvLLYqg_PPmzbz97Fp9JYK7tnvDDNwyLwi59wq_MEKVbdf2vkEECBOxBYhnj33ZUgT0/s1600/apple+cake.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526551625710049554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlZtY-KQ6azyJw7vHVLQJdmjvuZ4nDCPYG5oVeLzDuusJt7e3lTpGrN4cQ2YOh-7WwbtD1KzyrvLLYqg_PPmzbz97Fp9JYK7tnvDDNwyLwi59wq_MEKVbdf2vkEECBOxBYhnj33ZUgT0/s400/apple+cake.jpg" /></a> <em>~the "cake" ~</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgld4ZM7WvkdoHtXoQvKl5Ern_3qO0e8LT_4INJZzOkqeTthvMTS7xln01dK_NVHaxZqV0IRQfqPmzhBURAGjVGYT9o8YH6T9HlA4VgJbWf7yIAh6ZAsRDbVyJX0oURb4MRn5ZO6GLa1Vo/s1600/me+and+cake.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526551623383884194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgld4ZM7WvkdoHtXoQvKl5Ern_3qO0e8LT_4INJZzOkqeTthvMTS7xln01dK_NVHaxZqV0IRQfqPmzhBURAGjVGYT9o8YH6T9HlA4VgJbWf7yIAh6ZAsRDbVyJX0oURb4MRn5ZO6GLa1Vo/s400/me+and+cake.jpg" /></a> <em>~ the "cake" and I ~</em><br /><br /><div align="left">With the cake ended the fun but the memories still live on. The party ended up not being a 'farewell' but just a 'congratulations on the dream job' because I did not end up moving. I have taken a 5th grade teaching position at Butterfield Elementary. I was blessed to have to option of two jobs, especially in the education profession. Each one would have made me grow differently but I do know that I made the right decision to stay in the valley.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic; COLOR: rgb(51,51,153); FONT-WEIGHT: bold">I would like to end this blog by giving my greatest heartfelt thanks to the many who have prayed on my behalf and supported me through the last month. You all know who you are and I have felt so much love over the past month that I am forever in your debt. Without your prays and faith, it would have been a thousand times harder. </span><br style="FONT-STYLE: italic; COLOR: rgb(51,51,153); FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><br style="FONT-STYLE: italic; COLOR: rgb(51,51,153); FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic; COLOR: rgb(51,51,153); FONT-WEIGHT: bold">To my family, who have given me places to lay my head at night and nourishment. And to my dear friends who helped me with my wishlist - you guys are just amazing!! I do not know why I am so blessed but I only hope that I can take that same love you have shown me and share it with the world.</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,153)"> </span></div></div>Haniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-47009786881397621262010-08-17T11:04:00.009-07:002010-10-10T14:38:41.802-07:00Summer 2010<div align="left">So you would have thought with all my time this summer that I would have been blogging. Especially since I have had an awesome summer!! Each day was a new adventure and most likely a memorable one. I have had lots of laughs and tears. Lots of ups and downs and crazy turn arounds. But in the end I have grown so much!<br /><br />To begin the summer, I lost a dear one to me. Grandma Pearl Bates Solomon passed away. As much as a loved having this most amazing woman in my life, I was grateful to see her exit this life and back into the arms of her husband and loved ones who have also passed on. She will be missed.<br /></div><div align="center"><em></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjC7uTZ2V1OJ3D-byvkV935PA-VI_tCyP5pMbrn_G-FUwxK1f4fgpCf1Ifz7-zaYqgjHyznhlvlHXDL6F_WAcX2xj-R23LSSTnqcCukFnvdSm3cMhw1ccpkB8SUe4BrykeQ0rq5jkG4hs/s1600/SANY3571.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526528900361606930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjC7uTZ2V1OJ3D-byvkV935PA-VI_tCyP5pMbrn_G-FUwxK1f4fgpCf1Ifz7-zaYqgjHyznhlvlHXDL6F_WAcX2xj-R23LSSTnqcCukFnvdSm3cMhw1ccpkB8SUe4BrykeQ0rq5jkG4hs/s400/SANY3571.JPG" /></a><em>~ Grandma's last birthday, 90th ~</em> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">And what is summer without a little bit of fishing and tree swinging! One Saturday afternoon we took to the lake, to sit back and relax. We found a spot along the Silver Creek where we also found a swing. It was a lot of fun. No fish were caught, just memories were that afternoon.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoVn8v1mA-Vk4A2dnOigFYZC7Tuvsa487GYgH7aWm0Yf1l_rx8AHHYr8aeXBTcDJNIM7FoELgTChaqDb6YvI4ioq0KLHQGud4nKpu_bblaGs10vsY07Yf5LoMepXnzaihf5Yix3-3tXI/s1600/DSC01430.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526532238047288082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoVn8v1mA-Vk4A2dnOigFYZC7Tuvsa487GYgH7aWm0Yf1l_rx8AHHYr8aeXBTcDJNIM7FoELgTChaqDb6YvI4ioq0KLHQGud4nKpu_bblaGs10vsY07Yf5LoMepXnzaihf5Yix3-3tXI/s400/DSC01430.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKKW2v8s5BBzBpguRNj28L3gute82sX4ursRNgDhBoiwye2bm9k6zBLQvXmwZDgvUEwJfS76RSG31zs7oE-7Zh8Yfh4E7RfoKhu3NJVhPVf4MY1RJCOGQxVCLsW358a9KlF3VHmJMNzA/s1600/DSC01415.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526532230661439970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKKW2v8s5BBzBpguRNj28L3gute82sX4ursRNgDhBoiwye2bm9k6zBLQvXmwZDgvUEwJfS76RSG31zs7oE-7Zh8Yfh4E7RfoKhu3NJVhPVf4MY1RJCOGQxVCLsW358a9KlF3VHmJMNzA/s400/DSC01415.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthbBEN-pSnekUQRtUOPi65A74hPfhyphenhyphen06iGGbXLimLkUTWs8AYo5DweM1WlR30Ylwo_ct1CV8laqYEAnq4r3ezwSg7aFsJxnkfwF5tYqmFJsZ-dGwJlU54Nf81Y8565cvsZk3dy3byTdk/s1600/DSC01406.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526532226037198194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthbBEN-pSnekUQRtUOPi65A74hPfhyphenhyphen06iGGbXLimLkUTWs8AYo5DweM1WlR30Ylwo_ct1CV8laqYEAnq4r3ezwSg7aFsJxnkfwF5tYqmFJsZ-dGwJlU54Nf81Y8565cvsZk3dy3byTdk/s400/DSC01406.JPG" /></a> Throughout the summer I applied and applied and applied...and applied to every teaching position I was qualified for. But we will come back to that...<br /><br />Summer nights brought fun times. Birthday parties and "just because" parties brought me closer to the wonderful friends I have made here in Chandler. It has been great to laugh, joke, and smile everyday. I could not ask for more.<br /><br />--still applying for a job--<br /><br />As most of you know my favorite holiday is during the summer. I love America! And I love celebrating the independence of this great nation. There is no other place but Taylor, AZ to celebrate this great day. The small town pride just hits home with me every 4th of July. Luckily I was able to celebrate it with not only my family but some of my close friends. I was able to introduce to them the crazy traditions of firing the anvil, the Jenning's band, cheese souffle, Patriotic program (Taylor style), Navajo tacos (twice), Taylor rodeo, fireworks, and more.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zRt8UWexhmLGru13W7CLsFNJK7ojyJxIEe3Yr_NnyphdrW8gaMyNTVGcFVOpnfJVm-KCw6AxgoM7E0itvBxDTY4XFc9wNEY0Amzi6Hazavt0twDW8G5CA0SBJZ5eK4CGdQyKwuf8AyY/s1600/DSC01470.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526528921040346946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zRt8UWexhmLGru13W7CLsFNJK7ojyJxIEe3Yr_NnyphdrW8gaMyNTVGcFVOpnfJVm-KCw6AxgoM7E0itvBxDTY4XFc9wNEY0Amzi6Hazavt0twDW8G5CA0SBJZ5eK4CGdQyKwuf8AyY/s400/DSC01470.JPG" /></a> ~<em>Eliza and Devrin~ </em><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmehu6yVBPGzDrOcRy0rDH2EIcUkMeeb-lJi-eoacbrX-mxtqzA4seES218fCeriDLGBeO79vj0kC2k_vaRefMe4B6THMFGIiTtxOcmzgyQpKxV8yZ_nqeeHYBHUDz4kHngh-qH6I6jlM/s1600/DSC01466.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526528914143726546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmehu6yVBPGzDrOcRy0rDH2EIcUkMeeb-lJi-eoacbrX-mxtqzA4seES218fCeriDLGBeO79vj0kC2k_vaRefMe4B6THMFGIiTtxOcmzgyQpKxV8yZ_nqeeHYBHUDz4kHngh-qH6I6jlM/s400/DSC01466.JPG" /></a>~ <em>Truck full of "Anvil Followers" ~</em><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFonua-5sb5yXCkYP8COhcckxBDbJhNVSOEhAipS8CFcXLP9Jq4pCpQauXYEttcKS5oKYOvxtN1bQd5b-AAoVpihfqJ7xGLsSgfGd4jU1DhEfun7PZFv2agq4zPSg2-kE64jf_SNfcEaE/s1600/DSC01464.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526528908185945554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFonua-5sb5yXCkYP8COhcckxBDbJhNVSOEhAipS8CFcXLP9Jq4pCpQauXYEttcKS5oKYOvxtN1bQd5b-AAoVpihfqJ7xGLsSgfGd4jU1DhEfun7PZFv2agq4zPSg2-kE64jf_SNfcEaE/s400/DSC01464.JPG" /></a>~ <em>Alison, Adam, Eliza and Me ~</em></div><div align="left"><br />It was a long day but you only get to celebrate the 4th of July once a year so you have to make the best of it which is not very hard to do in Taylor. I have to say sharing my small town with city folk was an awesome experience. I was glad to 'educate' them especially when it came to the rodeo and anvil.Maybe the best story about a city folk was Eliza thinking the bulls at the rodeo were called "Bucket Bulls" because they come out of the bucket. She now knows they are called "Bucking Bulls."</div></div><div> </div><div align="left">This 4th of July was definitely another memorable holiday. It was great to get back to my roots again. All my applying for a teaching job was about to pay off too. The constant applying, praying, and worrying was about to return my back to my roots 24/7.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><em>...to be continued...</em></div>Haniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-70762259568849869592010-05-17T16:59:00.008-07:002010-05-26T17:46:24.794-07:00Gila Valley Temple Openhouse<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AgixndEiUHC640QcgWjfCxxsRy1idkw_17-OJzI0zjE8TWEFMPQVnzE-kwhbnouhviHIz-s1SrALjEeyBa48TROjyQt2aEYWt2JrTWtQIgVxpMqV6Q8pUGEcHDZ_cD7-dxJGRJpJYFM/s1600/SANY3692.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475740446614903218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AgixndEiUHC640QcgWjfCxxsRy1idkw_17-OJzI0zjE8TWEFMPQVnzE-kwhbnouhviHIz-s1SrALjEeyBa48TROjyQt2aEYWt2JrTWtQIgVxpMqV6Q8pUGEcHDZ_cD7-dxJGRJpJYFM/s400/SANY3692.JPG" /></a> <div>I want to begin this blog by saying that I am absolutely thankful that in this day and age, we are blessed more and more with opportunities to get away from the loud and chaotic world by going to the House of Our Lord. He has now blessed more saints with an easier task of attending the temple and completing the much needed work for those who have passed on before us. </div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWmff1OnxFmU45eayqJ900IWzkZTjGbBwjPpCsm80_IYiuoFBFzzeiy41zThZONjcSV6Mqj0CVC0A0h6wyMg00hOC2hDIWD7uALB4AGQ9UJPBGCnO19S-luvpnSjSqGoKB4I4WIq9EI4/s1600/SANY3700.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475738828778233634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWmff1OnxFmU45eayqJ900IWzkZTjGbBwjPpCsm80_IYiuoFBFzzeiy41zThZONjcSV6Mqj0CVC0A0h6wyMg00hOC2hDIWD7uALB4AGQ9UJPBGCnO19S-luvpnSjSqGoKB4I4WIq9EI4/s400/SANY3700.JPG" /></a> (Me, Gabby, and Katie)<br /><br /><div align="left">On May 11th, (sorry my computer and/or internet as been out of order) I was able to go on a road trip to the new Gila Valley temple with a great bunch of friends. It was not a bad trip considering 6 hours out of the 8-9 hours of the trip where spent in the car. We shared tall tales and "short tails", sang together, avoided near face slaps, and discussed what a wash is (a dry ditch we determined). I know this sounds like a bunch of silly things but it was time well spent together because we were able to enter the temple together and feel of the spirit that is present there. </div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcuxYQfitbRZDOpZ9mODIsmkV0KtEIJnUVODzlD7QdNXpUz78Krj6ONSK9KMGHBQooyWQY3G_BCjBNT7GrR7iDc7TYe7ovw51lhjP3eF7jAQFxFCgAX1tolFu6rEU3_B-KX-BBJwy8VY/s1600/SANY3706.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475738835244665282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcuxYQfitbRZDOpZ9mODIsmkV0KtEIJnUVODzlD7QdNXpUz78Krj6ONSK9KMGHBQooyWQY3G_BCjBNT7GrR7iDc7TYe7ovw51lhjP3eF7jAQFxFCgAX1tolFu6rEU3_B-KX-BBJwy8VY/s400/SANY3706.JPG" /></a>Two of the Happiest people I know! (Eliza & Gabby)<br /><br /><div align="left">The beauty of that building, and any other temple, is absolutely amazing! Personally I think it could be a rundown shack and still be beautiful because of the spirit, blessings and work done within its walls. But of course we reserve the best for the House of the Lord so the best is used to create such magnificent structures. </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOZ-He4MbCsEw7ZOD3neJj5B4uEU2gnM3tRcCAwY-QP_OOd8tow94cI0NjHiVr-EYab-8QzO4YjJwcy940wCt4YhpSfOv6Oj1ELVb5XYRNG9N9tSv6tyBcR8shWRaOzNMSMvxDDynZlY/s1600/SANY3702.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475738829171240434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOZ-He4MbCsEw7ZOD3neJj5B4uEU2gnM3tRcCAwY-QP_OOd8tow94cI0NjHiVr-EYab-8QzO4YjJwcy940wCt4YhpSfOv6Oj1ELVb5XYRNG9N9tSv6tyBcR8shWRaOzNMSMvxDDynZlY/s400/SANY3702.JPG" /></a>The Whole Crew (Janalie, Adam, Me, Gabby, Katie, & Eliza)<br /><div></div><br /><div align="left">I am grateful that I had friends to share this experience with and to feel their testimonies through their smiles as we walked through the rooms. I know that within the walls of the temple families are sealed together and death cannot break a family's bond that is sealed together. :) Those who were not able to accept the gospel while present on this earth are able to receive the same blessings because the work is completed for them by worthy members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Heavenly Father does not want to leave anyone out no matter when they lived on this earth. We are blessed with different resources today to do the needed work. I know that just as it has been prophecied that temples will dot the earth and it is coming true. I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to attend temple(s) near me and pray that I will set aside the time to do my part for I know it is important and must be done. </div></div></div></div><div><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQwwB6E5_36aoK_w2tB8tmQ_LIzu1DvScxNQEVMxh9mWlRycI9Xb76JzqHpsDLEvHSBJmxNuyfVGZdrvfAMQynsj1gVWCgV1VZ5hypewxnH_SIG5hlFNZc8JMLp5zVeTxJB8iwtKDLuQ/s1600/SANY3716.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475738849719863330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQwwB6E5_36aoK_w2tB8tmQ_LIzu1DvScxNQEVMxh9mWlRycI9Xb76JzqHpsDLEvHSBJmxNuyfVGZdrvfAMQynsj1gVWCgV1VZ5hypewxnH_SIG5hlFNZc8JMLp5zVeTxJB8iwtKDLuQ/s400/SANY3716.JPG" /></a><br />After we the walk through we took pictures and played on the train tracks. When we were on the train tracks I think everyone thought I was crazy because I kept hearing a train whistle. "It's all in your head Steph." Well, minutes after our fun on the tracks ended what came pushing its way down the track?? Yep a train! I proved that I had the best hearing. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbGznUM7Mv4dbIeY3LfQzn8zw4FZHY_zRfG7wl5zXMS0NdC-62FkLpqn85MYk9yhsJdfqnEp8_1ax6RyTceOZuN4uUQIiksDC-1qjGZTEmoYKsUJ656tmsPTCyd7cdVkLVGKsnmqcdwg/s1600/SANY3709.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475738843682964370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbGznUM7Mv4dbIeY3LfQzn8zw4FZHY_zRfG7wl5zXMS0NdC-62FkLpqn85MYk9yhsJdfqnEp8_1ax6RyTceOZuN4uUQIiksDC-1qjGZTEmoYKsUJ656tmsPTCyd7cdVkLVGKsnmqcdwg/s400/SANY3709.JPG" /></a><br />Besides the blustery day, I had a wonderful time. This past Sunday (May 23rd) I was also able to attend a session for the dedication of this gorgeous structure. My testimony was strengthened as I listened to President Monson, President Eyring, and the new Temple President testify of the work done in the temple and what role we play in Heaven Father's Plan. As someone in my life comes closer and closer to the end of their time on this earth, I cannot express with words what it means to me to know that I can see my family and friends again. And to know that forever I can be with them. <br />~HanieHaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-56085963038346413382010-04-17T12:28:00.005-07:002010-04-24T09:03:56.767-07:00When you think it's not any good<div align="left"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I am always amazed at how pitiful I can get when things are not going the way I want them to go. But I am also amazed at how my Heavenly Father helps pull me out of the dark and back into the brightness. I am not going to go into detail but pretty much life has been crazy. I have had so many ups and downs I am getting sea sick. But I am grateful for the challenges I am facing and that I am able to recognize the many blessings I have in my life. I know that this too shall pass. I also know that my troubles are small compared to the many troubles others face.<br /><br />Heavenly Father works in mysterious ways. Whether through scriptures, your family, or a 14 year old girl's diary, he guides us through our lives. You are now asking yourself what 14 year old girl. Well I have been reading Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl and I came across a few inspirational words as I read the book. Here is a young girl, having to hide in an attic with family and strangers in order to survive WWII. Everyday they have the same routine as they hide for more than 2 years. But imagine yourself at age 13 you have to gather up all you can, wearing several layers of clothing, and sneak into an attic of a business building and remain there till who knows when. The only entertainment you have is radio telling you of a war that is happening around you, only being able to eat so much, and studying and reading the same books over and over. But also think of yourself as a teenager trapped in a building, not able to go outside -- and on top of that, maybe you will never feel the direct sunbeams of the sun every again. Depression, I know for sure, would set in for me. I think of this past week when I didn't have a car and how crazy I went staying home for just 3 or 4 days! After about one year and a half of hiding, this amazing girl writes:<br /></span></div><div align="center"><br /><em><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">"The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely, </span></strong></em></div><div align="center"><em><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can </span></strong></em></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><em><strong>be </strong></em><em><strong>quite alone with the heavens, nature, and God. </strong></em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><em><strong>Because only </strong></em><em><strong>then does one feel that all is as it should be and </strong></em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><em><strong>that God <span style="color:#33cc00;">wishes</span> </strong></em><em><strong>to see people <span style="color:#33cc00;">happy</span>, amidst the simple </strong></em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><em><strong>beauty of Nature. As </strong></em><em><strong>long </strong></em><em><strong>as this exists, and it certainly </strong></em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><em><strong>always will, I know that </strong></em><em><strong>then there will always be </strong></em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><em><strong><span style="color:#33cc00;">comfort</span> for every sorrow, whatever </strong></em><em><strong>the </strong></em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><em><strong>circumstances </strong></em><em><strong>may be. And I firmly believe </strong></em></span></div><div align="center"><em><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">that nature </span></strong></em><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><em>brings solace in </em><em>all troubles.</em>"<br /></strong><br /></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Wow! How beautiful, inspirational, and wise is this statement! Heavenly Father wants us to be happy. He knows that times are hard and that we will stumble but He provides us with simple things to remind us that we are not alone. Like Anne states, God wants - he wishes - us to be happy. We are here to feel joy! Joy in his gospel! Joy in Our Saviour! Joy in building ourselves into the clean spirits we are meant to be. Nature is a simple thing he gives us and I hope as we enter a new spring, a time when everything is clean and starting over that we too can start anew and be comforted in our sorrows. </span></div><div align="left"><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Make lemonade, see the glass half full, and know that this too shall pass! I know that positivity has made me more mature in handling my hard times. This positivity comes from knowing that God is there and through our Savior, we will once again be in their presence. I hope that I hear them say, "Well done!" </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong><span style="color:#990000;">"Think of all the beauty that's still left in and around you and be happy!...And whoever is happy will make others happy too. He who has courange and faith will never perish in misery!"</span></strong> ~ Anne Frank</span></div>Haniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-79195804278484273092010-03-17T22:53:00.003-07:002010-03-19T10:29:46.712-07:00May you...So we have all heard the phrase <span style="color:#663366;"><strong>"May you live everyday of your life"</strong></span>, whether it is from a 'quotable quotes' book or a hallmark card somehow we have heard this quote from our dear friend Ralph Waldo Emerson. Does it sound like this quote is finished? Keep this in mind as I relay a story to you...<br /><br />A few weekends back, my friend, Allison, and I had a girls night out at a place called "Sauces". It was a glorious evening. We sat out on the patio of the restaurant enjoying ourselves as we gabbed about life and did a little bit of people watching. After our delicious dinner we decided to walk to Barnes and Noble. After wondering B&N for a while (because you can't spend just 5 minutes in there) we eventually found ourselves looking at the bookmarks, a few cards, and of course the refrigerator magnets that will impact your life with a little phrase or two.<br /><br />As we were reading these magnets we came upon the one with Ralph's quote, "May you live everyday of your life." Of course I have thought of this quote several times and it is a mini-pep talk that says "do something with your life okay!" but that is not the message that I got this time. This may reflect my current mood about life but I really think it is a nice addition to the quote. I really think that Ralph did not finish his quote. Of course you will live everyday of your life. If you are not then you are dead right?! So to finish the quote for dear Ralphy,<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"><span style="font-size:180%;">"</span>May you live everyday of your life.</span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"><strong>May you die if you don't!"</strong></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;color:#333399;">--Ralph Waldo Emerson assisted by Hanie</span></div>Haniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-42962851270444106252010-03-17T22:34:00.006-07:002010-03-19T10:27:32.124-07:00St. Patrick's Day<span style="font-size:180%;color:#009900;"><strong>Happy St. Patrick's Day!</strong></span> I hope little leprechauns did not trick you too much today. Funny thing about my childhood days on St. Patrick's day - the night before we always built a little house for the leprechauns to sleep in either out of wood blocks or legos. We would even dress up a potatoe as a leprechaun and hide him in the little house. I miss those days. Funny memories that just make me happy :)<br /><br />I am home in Taylor for spring break so it was fun to be home again but I didn't build a house for the leprechauns. I guess that is why I didn't get any of his gold today (and heaven knows I need it). But I did get to live something from my childhood - green biscuits and gravy for breakfast and for dinner, yes the delicious irish meal of corned beef and cabbage. Just made for a happy day.<br /><br />For some reason I was in the mood for St. Patrick's day so I was a little leprechaun myself for my friend's 1st grade class. I can't show you any pictures (child laws) of the happy children eating their gold, rainbows, and green hills but this was the cute cupcakes I made. (familyfun.com for ideas).<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzM2V-ttoUH19EFzwDR4MVTm463C_xtJG1_6NARyJAAnidR0-HziqaYngLsXL7cGSPCqQuZkiYifvCGC1TSFqq9-FlUKHF97qQh_rdQqR8EmhDtFuElBEekt64SG4arP9YLkUt6sa2IJk/s1600-h/DSC01257.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449845577978649058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzM2V-ttoUH19EFzwDR4MVTm463C_xtJG1_6NARyJAAnidR0-HziqaYngLsXL7cGSPCqQuZkiYifvCGC1TSFqq9-FlUKHF97qQh_rdQqR8EmhDtFuElBEekt64SG4arP9YLkUt6sa2IJk/s400/DSC01257.JPG" /></a></p><p>Of course I had to save an extra cupcake for my nephew, Kyler. After he ate his corned beef and cabbage he got to eat his rainbow cupcake. He was so cute! He was so excited and when he gets shy he tries to hide by closing his eyes and tucking his head into his shoulders. He is at that stage that he thinks if he can't see you, you can't see him (Piaget's theory). It is the cutest thing! Here he is trying to share his delicious cupcake with me. </p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlHFyn4M4lAqi1xcSwp95LTUvmyxRWVVV23kgBmVOtDv4unpRJxiqX3qL2dSPBV_JAqq47NIjypu6zndH4h41ZZx47O0e43z_r6XuxQh7C0-jFNPqbdMbex555aReQ7O0QqzsSbI_jv8/s1600-h/DSC01275.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449845569847164962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlHFyn4M4lAqi1xcSwp95LTUvmyxRWVVV23kgBmVOtDv4unpRJxiqX3qL2dSPBV_JAqq47NIjypu6zndH4h41ZZx47O0e43z_r6XuxQh7C0-jFNPqbdMbex555aReQ7O0QqzsSbI_jv8/s400/DSC01275.JPG" /></a> And yes, I greened out today with green fingernails, my Rainbow shirt from Ansbach (because the mascot is Leprechaun) and when it was cold I wore my jacket from Ireland. May I say that it was a nice day! I am <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#009900;">LUCKY</span></strong> to have such a wonderful life! --<br /><br /><div></div>Haniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-39344851419370484332010-01-19T09:51:00.006-07:002010-03-17T22:32:44.657-07:00Go take a Hike--or 2<div>I guess it is time to start and finish this post since it has been over a month it has been sitting in my 'post' box. But just to show that I have been doing something with my life I will go ahead and share my adventures hiking over the last little while. We will start with the 2nd hike (since my pics loaded in that order) and then go to the first one.<br /><br />So my second hike was with my brother David and a few of his friends. We went to Gold Canyon. In the hills there is a trail that leads to some hieroglyphics. I have to say that it was a pretty easy hike and the view was just amazing. Once you get to the hieroglyphics there are some natural springs that flow into a few ponds. As you sit and admire centuries of art work you are at peace as you hear the waterfalls.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqh1LU11AU35CChDfJauVXcOiWh2RNaJWxVt23Qa0EWSXzJ-wIkQAENF-T2TE01M1ZDtEPBQwpfiaNjalr58gfZTejhmSJLREJPK9JolGXa5nrHVvTYV_RWUviYK9KlYmg1tV1Z6QnEU/s1600-h/SANY3670.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449828410579753602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqh1LU11AU35CChDfJauVXcOiWh2RNaJWxVt23Qa0EWSXzJ-wIkQAENF-T2TE01M1ZDtEPBQwpfiaNjalr58gfZTejhmSJLREJPK9JolGXa5nrHVvTYV_RWUviYK9KlYmg1tV1Z6QnEU/s400/SANY3670.JPG" /></a><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449828395164390546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2Unav35H78iWVH6sMrfT8SSDHFK44HwbhL6EeBWhMzVC7ke2IyaPaAFirO_MfIrZbw-qwUsMG4HQBJQsWSGxCUs9HxJMaf5w2mqDJq-Lh-4WvppA5qZSF2rf9lLtIszVlpL9wvvt1oE/s400/SANY3665.JPG" /> Picture of Allison and me. This was taken half way through the hike so do not judge us by the red faces and crazy hair. It was a little bit warmish that day with a slight breeze. </p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARVlo6CZEOis6MUHS-buD667yM-gvTRPYViZ-IsF841S6vHsFi4rTO2WXYTs6oVYoT8WuWF83P-lTbelPLIhP0TP5JhEkXppulhnhe9XE1BX2Cgh6b31wnAPHNi4RPZjolgbAoQzmazk/s1600-h/SANY3655.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449828392601074450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARVlo6CZEOis6MUHS-buD667yM-gvTRPYViZ-IsF841S6vHsFi4rTO2WXYTs6oVYoT8WuWF83P-lTbelPLIhP0TP5JhEkXppulhnhe9XE1BX2Cgh6b31wnAPHNi4RPZjolgbAoQzmazk/s400/SANY3655.JPG" /></a> This picture is of one of the bigger 'ponds' there at the top of the trail. From there we continued on up the mountain even though the trail stopped at the springs and hieroglyphics. Of course the boys go trudging through the bushes, jumped over rocks, and have the idea to 'climb' to the top. Their dreams were dashed when the climb got a little harder and there seemed no way to really get all the way to the top. Plus a few of us girls were getting scratches all over (yes, a few drops of blood were shed but we survived). Picture below is of the crew.<br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449827340639902402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL11N6NjcDPMTddK0ARb_gQi2vegOPMAoFCli0RRSMxtBSDKGCOYx31TC3TXljN6EHKe52pXMHnpoR9T2IWs9ErusNdTLjH42IO35C0PXRURHLASrKK3NIiaZo6Xj9cn3sUC-rTvsi46Y/s400/SANY3660.JPG" />(End of Hike #2) </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />My first official hike in the Superstition Mountains was awesome! I was a little apprehensive when I woke up to rain but the hike must go on. My hiking buddies were wonderful people I have met in my ward here in Chandler. I loved this hike because I was able to get to know people that I hadn't met yet and it was an awesome start to new friendships. To get our energy up we started our day at Ihop. Once we filled our tummies we were ready to start hiking. Our hike was at Ussery Pass. The hike was pretty easy. I did huff and puff towards the end but I say it was an enjoyable journey. We climbed to the 'caves' a.k.a. holes in the mountain.<br /></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449827337598635042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1E_NQQuDeURRPEwAEDXb_8Pam1gRgGRO0Yii-65x-fTIehdst7vwqTI568eeVBCHLhZoIZ54qRiEaCCuyevczuz2jbGyBHgkrniOOqijFG3K93h_OJLDVdrIzH6bevbP5skS8eIXpgZk/s400/SANY3646.JPG" /> Once we made it to the caves it was picture time. I think we spent the whole hour at the top taking pictures of this and that. There are many to share but here are a few for your enjoyment. First picture is of Ali and I holding up the mountain. We are super strong didn't ya know?<br /><br /></div><div align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449827325602160770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCwo0AuBICw5NVNGaOQvD2emat8902D-7ewP6uNcmKCm_MBAj8XdKXasc-wpgazQc30lcu6KE0XgCpHxJndNthBsRUDYHYTSe0ttF1SN6tIMtc29c31v-6qz9mN4RbypMQh12siaJeXg/s400/SANY3622.JPG" /> </div><br /><div align="left">View from the top out over the Mesa/Phoenix area. If you look at the top of the picture it is a little dark; this was part of the storm that happened the day of the hike. Luckily it never 'rained' during our hike. But it did start to sprinkle towards the end so we hurried down the mountain. The last thing we wanted was to end up on the 6 o'clock news as 'stupid hikers washed down Ussery Pass'.<br /></div><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449827332833493698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifX2X09fW-h_VY1Jg5jK0AhK2tUT15nQfpl2vfVA6sFKtgcxyiz9Q0oh58qfNiBThM93ec8DbFgBRRzAzm9YmgPkKSs87H9rYK2tDpN_rHlAkLYxVaTQlQiCvo0OjDG2azSlwEMAVy4Jk/s400/SANY3641.JPG" /> Just a fun picture. Yes I was a little nervous as we kept moving out over the edge to take pictures but it did make for a cool picture. In the picture is Sarah, Josh, me, and Sarah.</p><br /><p>As I mentioned, it did start to sprinkle so we thought it was best to start down the mountain. On the way down, Ali and I were the Caboose. Wait not we were the detached caboose left out in the middle of no where. Of course it was partly our fault because we had to keep stopping to take pictures but we also stopped to check on a lady who had slipped. She was with her sons but we wanted to make sure she was okay. As we did our civic duty the rest of the crew continued down the mountain. Ali and I were fine but wanted to make sure we kept up with the rest of the group. There was no way to get lost because you only had to follow the trail. As we were finishing the hike 'by ourselves' and evil plan developed in our heads. We were going to fake a fall and make them all fill bad for leaving us behind. Oh yes, we faked the fall by actually rolling in the dirt, sticking twigs in our hair, making up an elaborate story of what happened, and hopped to the car pretending to have a broken ankle. I have to say I should have won on Oscar for the job I did. Several of the girls believed I was actually hurt. What they didn't know is that I was laughing so hard it looked like I was crying. A few of them were a little put back when I came running out of the bathroom to show I was okay but I think Ali and I learned who are 'true' friends were that day. j/k you all were great. </p><br /><p></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsNt86-HHemg-H3PTXVKaxiG_HCan4E25jUE2PgjtQ-veyfYljAkXEBWY6XCfnKSv21G3YBfvLkg31oPHOleyRH6e5_sA-fzGscURxVqfyvz7dizvmwgO1Bzi2MS-mQrNlUws6mpbtLk/s1600-h/MLK+hike.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449841978219124946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsNt86-HHemg-H3PTXVKaxiG_HCan4E25jUE2PgjtQ-veyfYljAkXEBWY6XCfnKSv21G3YBfvLkg31oPHOleyRH6e5_sA-fzGscURxVqfyvz7dizvmwgO1Bzi2MS-mQrNlUws6mpbtLk/s400/MLK+hike.jpg" /></a><br /><p>Well, there are the tales from the trails. Until next time...</p>Haniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-4142122726034723252010-01-10T10:19:00.004-07:002010-01-10T11:03:38.485-07:00Is this rope safe??!?<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">You will just have to take my word because that is all the proof I have. (Camera was left in the car.) 2010 is turning out to be an interesting year because I have already jumped off a cliff. Its not what you think it is - all is well! And technically I carefully, inch by inch, eased my way over the edge with my trust in a rope. That's right, I went rapelling!<br /><br />Rapelling is something I have always wanted to do but never had the opportunity. Luckily the invitation was extended to me, I accepted and went! The trip was nice and I got to meet some cool people. We went out by Salt River and the cliff was about <strong><span style="color:#009900;">120</span></strong> feet high. I was glad that it was only that high because when I first 'accidently' looked over the edge my heart definitely skipped a heart beat and my body said, "<span style="color:#ff6600;">What the <strong><em>heck </em></strong>are you doing</span>?" Ignoring my sanity, I continued inching my way over the edge hoping that my right hand would continue being the brake hand I needed it to be. With nerves and mind going <strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">crazy</span></strong> and the rope being heavier that I thought, I started letting the rope go through my hand hoping I would be able to brake. My fear came true; I was not really able to get my hand back behind me to brake. It was free fall from my first <span style="color:#3333ff;">'bounce'</span> off the wall to the ground. I was freaking out because I was just falling down the rope. "Ahh, Ahh, stop it stop!" Just before a total break down began I saw land only inches below me. Once on the ground of sanity my legs collapsed and I was laying on my back. From there I screamed, <span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>"I did it!"</strong></span> I experienced personal triumph.<br /><br />Would I do it again? Yes! And I did. I went for a second time just to prove that I could do it again. The story was the same but I was able to bounce twice off the wall this time. My brake worked a little bit better thank goodness.<strong><span style="color:#ffff00;"> :)</span></strong> But I still lost my footing once on the ground again so I yelled again, "I did it" from my back. I wish I could have gone more but with so many people there was not much of a chance to go more than twice.<br /><br />So let it be recorded that on the ninth day in the year two thousand ten as the day that I, Stephanie S. trusted a rope and rapelled down a rock...and <strong><span style="color:#339999;">enjoyed</span></strong> it! ;)</span>Haniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-68283941750523508962009-12-29T16:30:00.008-07:002009-12-29T17:36:14.161-07:00Last Post of 2009<p align="left">I cannot believe that <strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">2009</span></strong> is almost gone! I cannot believe that the first decade of the 21st century is over! Y2k seems like it was a few days ago, not a decade. That was a silly time. I guess now we have to wait and see what <strong><span style="color:#000066;">2012</span></strong> brings right?</p><p align="left">With the end of the year, we all think about what has happened in the past year? What did I do with my life? And I did NOT complete all my resolutions so I will do them next year (and we all know that they are the same resolutions for <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">2008</span></strong>, <strong><span style="color:#00cccc;">2007</span></strong>, etc.) But I do have to say that <strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">2009</span></strong> was awesome!! I am not sure if I can label it the best 12 month period of my life but I do know that I was able to accomplish several things. </p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420818491094177586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWFft52eu-RgMmxNKfznAciPtkgHOKAksn7mdB8AkjvnWmhXisulTVjAnEcQqS1m-rqrGlJaBjNiuYE4Ba_7kV_unZQvIaGEluK9ydLpKVh4EaHVBg6TIA_ZgFfw_kWtNFcRZFmLCPrE/s400/Ireland+(8).JPG" /> <p align="center"><span style="color:#003300;"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">On the streets of Dublin, Ireland.</span></strong><br /></p></span><p align="left">So what does <strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">2009</span></strong> stand for me? <strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">2009</span></strong> stands for completion of my student teaching, which I feared from day one of college. <strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">2009</span></strong> stands for Bachelors Degree (fInAlLy!-can I get a Hallelujah?)!! <span style="color:#6600cc;"><strong>2009</strong></span> stands for 5 wonderful months exploring Germany and other European countries, experiencing a view of life from across the pond! <span style="color:#6600cc;"><strong>2009</strong></span> also stands for learning to recycle, travel on trains, protests, language barrier, helpful people, and schitzel! <span style="color:#6600cc;"><strong>2009</strong></span> stands for steady weight (until the last week). <span style="color:#6600cc;"><strong>2009</strong></span> stands for horrible market for new teachers and several applications.</p><div align="left">As I reminisce about the past year it gives me chills to think that 12 months ago I was planning my trip to Germany. I seriously wish that I could have a "Groundhog Day" movie script for my life that goes from January 19th, <strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">2009</span></strong>-June 2nd, <strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">2009</span></strong>. Without replaying a few days, it was a time that I would relive without hesitation. But we all know that we cannot live in the past. And of course, we cannot control the future. But we can definitely plan and carry out our plans the best we can.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420815693464354738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNC-03OrLM0P8fxYp66sEWdjVn3tFfIW5OBdJ57wHdwrs4YyTjleTUBiXZSrBDAVOxHr3yGYlWwBAuXWZfFDJiCNV0Tnuj466IGDzri1lsyS6evEj0jXi3SjxOHbrZWZL-52iaAA0qyI/s400/DSC01152.JPG" /> <p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#003300;">Our Pre-made Gingerbread house.</span></strong></p><p align="left">So with <strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">2009</span></strong> walking out the door, what do I look forward to in <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">2010</span></strong>? Don't worry I am not here to write down my "goals" for <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">2010</span></strong> but I do want to express my "hopes" for <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">2010</span></strong> (just a few). <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">2010</span></strong> - Get a FULL TIME job! And hopefully it will be a teaching position. Gotta put that hard college work and degree into action! <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">2010</span></strong> - Take and pass the AEPA test for the middle school social studies endorsement. Yep, I want to teach history! <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">2010</span></strong> - Read some more books on my list that keeps growing every day. I do not read all the time but I know I should read more than I watch. <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">2010</span></strong> - Learn a little bit of Spanish (comes in handy these days). <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">2010</span></strong> - The last I will list, and it may sound silly but I hope to stay in better contact with friends and family and NOT via electronics. Maybe via phone, but not via texting. I just sense a little bit more personal connections are necessary. </p><div align="left">With all that said, I truely hope all of you have a wonderful welcoming experience with <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">2010</span></strong>. And to make you think, is it <span style="color:#cc0000;">"two thousand ten" or "twenty-ten"...</span><br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420816697067074466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdanUHErGjOQlUAcw3NPk0a0YuOmrS-UHJMXgOF0VztUYN5UqvuCgw0avhjWPFabkJp2acmdQHF3_5pvgcRzM7_Qo1JvK4hy7qkXSuO9zctWhp9GfMteiubfvXanMycSaxhsuSy4ZEefs/s400/DSC01204.JPG" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"> <strong><span style="color:#003300;">Christmas Day we got to visit my Brother-in-Law at the fire department where he works.</span></strong></span></p>Haniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-37711506773912303242009-12-16T20:58:00.002-07:002009-12-27T22:20:34.816-07:00I cannot guarantee that this blog will be exciting or dull. Well maybe I can the dull but I just keep putting off writing something to update the blog but then I say "What can I say? What is so pressingly exciting that I must share it with all 3 readers of my blog?" -Well okay maybe only 2 - but I guess I should post something because I have guilt from not writing anything. As I freelance this writing I will share what comes to mind and edit so it is not so long and miscellaneous mischief.<br /><br /><br />The biggest thing that has happened to me over the last few weeks is a move to Chandler, AZ. Yes, I had to remove myself from the small town life (for multiple reasons) and get back to the city. I really debated the move because of the employment option I had (or have) at the time. I am currently a substitute in Chandler instead of Snowflake. (Not exactly a promotion is it?) I am still determining whether or not there will be enough funding to support myself but thankfully I am able to live with my brother and his fam so rent it pretty cheap. When I excepted the change I was still hesitant on my decision because I was not 100% sure it was the right decision. Truthfully I am still deciding whether monetarily it was a wise choice but in other parts of life it has been great.<br /><br />I am grateful for the new friendships I have made within the short amount of time I have been here. You think the city would be harder when looking for a part in the play "Society" but I feel like I have the lead part already! It makes me SmIlE!<br /><br /><br />I am still desperately applying for every possible teaching position that I can get my hands on!!! ---Of course I have been worried of why I do not shine on paperwork so I finally rewrote my resume for the 119th time. I hope and pray that this revision will help me shine in the stack of many applicants. If not, I am lost forever in the world of substitution. That makes me sAd.<br /><br />That is an update for now. I'm working on some more exciting news...Haniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-14519413127947539472009-10-21T10:29:00.006-07:002009-10-25T13:11:57.461-07:00Happy 90th Birthday Grandma Solomon!<div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;color:#330033;"><strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">Happy <span style="color:#cc0000;">90th</span> Birthday Grandma</span> <span style="color:#6600cc;">Solomon!</span></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#330033;"><strong>Pearl Bates Solomon</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#330033;"><strong>Born October 16th, 1919</strong></span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpKMj6fF3puJB47tBOQp_BgM1RKmxwZsepttxvCnh6i0CUjE2Y_G9J1xP6P8m33ZQ7DnmzpBvO4f4guyTIb06AAl_ISQTOnCZneVE9IqefXhX3xvwJ0swhG5qFQuyxrRlvWLG3bCxSFU/s1600-h/SANY3571.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396624358129502274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpKMj6fF3puJB47tBOQp_BgM1RKmxwZsepttxvCnh6i0CUjE2Y_G9J1xP6P8m33ZQ7DnmzpBvO4f4guyTIb06AAl_ISQTOnCZneVE9IqefXhX3xvwJ0swhG5qFQuyxrRlvWLG3bCxSFU/s400/SANY3571.JPG" /></a> I would like to express my gratitude to a special lady in my life. I was blessed to have my Grandma Solomon live just down the hill from me, to sit with her every Sunday at church, and to spend some good times at her house. Few things I remember about Grandma Solomon's was sharp cheese, homemade macaroni and cheese, saltine crackers, and of course fresh squeezed lemonade with fresh mint from the garden!! Grandma always had cheese and crackers for us. I also remember watching nickelodeon at Grandma's and how I was so lucky when I did because we didn't have cable tv at home. We also spent many afternoons watching "The Music Man" because Grandma didn't really collect movies. And I will admit that when it came time to go to the bathroom, if I could, I would make an excuse to go home because I never liked Grandma's bathroom. It had too many daddy long legs! <br /><br />But my Grandma is a special lady! She is a modern day pioneer! The more stories I hear about her the greater my pride swells in being her granddaughter. Being widowed at a young age and raising 8 kids by herself was no easy task but she did it. I love hearing her testimony. She has shown me that life is not easy but with the Lord it is made easier.<br /><br />The rest of this blog is pictures from Grandma's PaRtY! It was not an easy task for her to sit but I know she enjoyed every minute of the party. It was great to see her smile :) (For those family members who would like copies of the pictures please let me know. I can either burn a cd, email, or whatever for you. Email me at <a href="mailto:haniesstep@hotmail.com">haniesstep@hotmail.com</a>.)<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmE5oDNV7nPonlPsREaxM-gGnpRoCsQONz9ClFoOteO62svkIAWO9fPhbmjGeC47m2HxOS9cLaodgvaZL8i3AM6YxjqLmLP2xavEF1wLzYTXG3-kA2gx1v2FFNY4l_VIBPgBbQKF0n3A/s1600-h/SANY3551.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396623796715775906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmE5oDNV7nPonlPsREaxM-gGnpRoCsQONz9ClFoOteO62svkIAWO9fPhbmjGeC47m2HxOS9cLaodgvaZL8i3AM6YxjqLmLP2xavEF1wLzYTXG3-kA2gx1v2FFNY4l_VIBPgBbQKF0n3A/s400/SANY3551.JPG" /></a> Grandma w/7 of 8 kids<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6l9ytHoABbNyfBTOXNUJ4BTaaLp0d0cGobOrxqg4q2bNW-SCYn3QvYMOD1u37F43H1v2Plzmjf5dniCb83PUWaFzjOh5qtBCkqCuniNYOGtJXmaie2CZOqIm388w_9Uc8UzEGQMTn9g/s1600-h/SANY3549.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396623795848947858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6l9ytHoABbNyfBTOXNUJ4BTaaLp0d0cGobOrxqg4q2bNW-SCYn3QvYMOD1u37F43H1v2Plzmjf5dniCb83PUWaFzjOh5qtBCkqCuniNYOGtJXmaie2CZOqIm388w_9Uc8UzEGQMTn9g/s400/SANY3549.JPG" /></a> Chantelle and Karen Godfrey, Grandma, Aunt Bobby Sue, and Uncle Gary<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG03XHgRqFYKgzGfbsCR0Pk21H_DJjTTxPFndnMt0-rbhFMLrKJTgHZrWY7uXvNaM0t2p1dIlbz9XcJS0OBsPI1z24F19aGH3FahI6vmvOlquujaPNTxjwROy8oa7qmkiiV49YGlTtwOw/s1600-h/SANY3548.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396623789590701634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG03XHgRqFYKgzGfbsCR0Pk21H_DJjTTxPFndnMt0-rbhFMLrKJTgHZrWY7uXvNaM0t2p1dIlbz9XcJS0OBsPI1z24F19aGH3FahI6vmvOlquujaPNTxjwROy8oa7qmkiiV49YGlTtwOw/s400/SANY3548.JPG" /></a>Grandson David, Great Grandsons Kyler and Braiden<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKcgoR4nUAGJrBtW1GHfnBr1gMKQ4cEqMfSxsCqug_KVNuAMUE0ThwKP_d1WzSQtFpfNj9ynkjrP0-2Jhh03zOemet7alDEoNZR8kt1taruyDCi8gRui58wF9e6oabBhtKy_plIAMF68/s1600-h/SANY3541.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396623785562954306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKcgoR4nUAGJrBtW1GHfnBr1gMKQ4cEqMfSxsCqug_KVNuAMUE0ThwKP_d1WzSQtFpfNj9ynkjrP0-2Jhh03zOemet7alDEoNZR8kt1taruyDCi8gRui58wF9e6oabBhtKy_plIAMF68/s400/SANY3541.JPG" /></a> My Fam<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht38Qcev0q-GYnVkw3RW1kv9FWKE28D9p54_cYnCKi288kIqu02efkCsbYHZxBdgPVQvxIu3vHmw_J5v9jdG0T8Nt0Vi26x9ZXYv5LyR2jmw_csDiG0L4-kLQMbjA-8xaW4FS42ZimyX8/s1600-h/SANY3528.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396622214166470130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht38Qcev0q-GYnVkw3RW1kv9FWKE28D9p54_cYnCKi288kIqu02efkCsbYHZxBdgPVQvxIu3vHmw_J5v9jdG0T8Nt0Vi26x9ZXYv5LyR2jmw_csDiG0L4-kLQMbjA-8xaW4FS42ZimyX8/s400/SANY3528.JPG" /></a>Heather, Grandma, Jonathan<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnvVCY-ev7GzKwlf3xD6wMq_ln360SBa5xyztg7_uFJcFK9nkfZlTDlge5k91EPPyzrn94-86WLh_-rHZnFOY_sMlzxyv1nWWc-Db0MEl5jq9rNogPopyh6S_3xBstBF6lyOI9eOa9w8/s1600-h/SANY3536.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396622207037805026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnvVCY-ev7GzKwlf3xD6wMq_ln360SBa5xyztg7_uFJcFK9nkfZlTDlge5k91EPPyzrn94-86WLh_-rHZnFOY_sMlzxyv1nWWc-Db0MEl5jq9rNogPopyh6S_3xBstBF6lyOI9eOa9w8/s400/SANY3536.JPG" /></a>Brad, Grandma, Uncle Carvel, and Aunt Cleone<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQVrt05npxcy1i2o9YL4S6CFeWXzcJ8X2MdHVXFFEWG7LFXIiQn3OjhsAAUPEbRfIFKtvNxvDPr2tC5Fu5SO_imk8TcaJKkKhBeToaJMlbkcsoTyPEz_sNKaqUBUuvMvyMmIw1lzF7M4/s1600-h/SANY3531.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396622205099214818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQVrt05npxcy1i2o9YL4S6CFeWXzcJ8X2MdHVXFFEWG7LFXIiQn3OjhsAAUPEbRfIFKtvNxvDPr2tC5Fu5SO_imk8TcaJKkKhBeToaJMlbkcsoTyPEz_sNKaqUBUuvMvyMmIw1lzF7M4/s400/SANY3531.JPG" /></a>Grandma and I<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMaHf2sl3i16lMsPtD7Onrk-PV8E15Ipr5qaPK_ApBVzGlU84Zpg-Cih_NKeWuJuAJCeil8dr4bUPDm_QWoFTtA0CQOzeJ5hKFQ_DEWfGPl8QgnVahHaF-mBeL52e_W1dGtk5WHJLmkM/s1600-h/SANY3527.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396622202529701698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMaHf2sl3i16lMsPtD7Onrk-PV8E15Ipr5qaPK_ApBVzGlU84Zpg-Cih_NKeWuJuAJCeil8dr4bUPDm_QWoFTtA0CQOzeJ5hKFQ_DEWfGPl8QgnVahHaF-mBeL52e_W1dGtk5WHJLmkM/s400/SANY3527.JPG" /></a> Jason and Tiffany Owen Fam<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlilfmTGutLnvriUD-_XG8hH-nFKiE1AMaAa_cnwDPbGAR4GetPJCTFrFSwSyNOfeXuwylmEl_CzuEq3qDZ4S-pKCCkoB1PNc5FtyW-CIjgilwszjuABqEmLGE3fkAMpvH-oUMgO1I-Y/s1600-h/DSC01072.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396619819825767234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlilfmTGutLnvriUD-_XG8hH-nFKiE1AMaAa_cnwDPbGAR4GetPJCTFrFSwSyNOfeXuwylmEl_CzuEq3qDZ4S-pKCCkoB1PNc5FtyW-CIjgilwszjuABqEmLGE3fkAMpvH-oUMgO1I-Y/s400/DSC01072.JPG" /></a>My nephews Kyler and Devrin with me<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1i15O3ufwJj-ybhdIUN-tUM7tQVzt92kedJkW3B8aUOWK-hlP_SYNQ4TuoGcUGLXtMahZ1xARyczYAIBNUDjSxjBD4VN9I3tjN4qPzzOMZ31O1G1S78iTAN73AmyyeWDH8dhDViRNLI/s1600-h/DSC01067.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396619811305673634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1i15O3ufwJj-ybhdIUN-tUM7tQVzt92kedJkW3B8aUOWK-hlP_SYNQ4TuoGcUGLXtMahZ1xARyczYAIBNUDjSxjBD4VN9I3tjN4qPzzOMZ31O1G1S78iTAN73AmyyeWDH8dhDViRNLI/s400/DSC01067.JPG" /></a>Franco's and Grandma<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC61GRVM-KJZBh7sE1ehPbpjlGUn0Ym3uYpYgx7xW2Wt8B8YKawlcWeIowVimL9DyKAAFSJ5dlErZpVqDv8nejEZCCUsXZeW-LqLVAHVSxvA4VfQGBKimfFzZwvli1bkCw12d43X9drT0/s1600-h/DSC01059.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396619809074602930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC61GRVM-KJZBh7sE1ehPbpjlGUn0Ym3uYpYgx7xW2Wt8B8YKawlcWeIowVimL9DyKAAFSJ5dlErZpVqDv8nejEZCCUsXZeW-LqLVAHVSxvA4VfQGBKimfFzZwvli1bkCw12d43X9drT0/s400/DSC01059.JPG" /></a> Uncle Bill and Aunt Rita's Clan <div> </div><div align="left">Okay, for all those who attended you know that I took a lot more pics but blogspot is giving my trouble so just email me and I will send pictures to you. Happy Birthday Grandma!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Haniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-22800041092753213602009-10-06T19:23:00.004-07:002009-10-06T19:49:54.155-07:00Camping AdventuresI seriously cannot remember the last time I went camping. I have wanted to go for several years but plans never came together until this past Labor Day weekend. I gave my self a pat on the back when I returned home because I did pretty good with no shower for several days. It could have been worse if we didn't have a trailer with a toilet (because I do have to have my modern day plumbing).<br /><br />I have to express thanks for all my family for pulling together and making this weekend happen. I had a wonderful time and can't wait till we can go again. The only downfall of the weekend was the rain (but it was actually pretty nice, keep it cool) and that my sister-in-law broke her leg in two spots right above the ankle. We pray for her to have a speedy recovery...and no surgery...<br /><br />We camped in a wonderful spot, an open meadow big enough for us to play tree golf, set up a volleyball net, and play kickball. My brother invited a friend's family from the valley to join us and I have to say the meshed in well. No one was strangers but for a few seconds and from then on it was like we were great friends.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDtXJ9uiAbqrY6y-G7fCxHLjEwh90salbmDWhXUEPpxC1h2INSumBWR39uWzagC9TK4DqJSd72_WTSluXhKoQRP6M7k0pZQWkWl0WnhjybCP7x2ZEhPL6p3YujBgv2EOqE74a4Egf6no/s1600-h/DSC00971.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389679724119281298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDtXJ9uiAbqrY6y-G7fCxHLjEwh90salbmDWhXUEPpxC1h2INSumBWR39uWzagC9TK4DqJSd72_WTSluXhKoQRP6M7k0pZQWkWl0WnhjybCP7x2ZEhPL6p3YujBgv2EOqE74a4Egf6no/s400/DSC00971.JPG" /></a><br /><br />One thing I remember about camping when I was little was riding the "tree horse." Unfortunately since I have grown since last time I camped I was not able to show my inner campin' cowgirl but the kids had a great time.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389679748515780146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmZlTdfjkWjh8s0UBMB_n7ijGpFbpbVC7C6s-R6aRGmU7fG5SWu540cF3H180-4IocPRpd4UQGkD30B6T0IiCBhwIgMJsirWlnctGyo091fWyHi-6bt4tBQllNBNrzZc9_X1JhxhDfJA/s400/DSC00973.JPG" /><br /><div align="center">Braiden Riding the Tree Horse - We prepare for the worst...</div><br />Now before you judge me on the mess of my pants, let me explain...okay?...It was dark, I was stuck, and I had no way out...That's true but probably still not what you think. My brothers took those who wanted to and could to a cave near our campsite (even though it took us about 30 mins to find it). The cave was awesome!! (Doesn't beat the salt mine in Salzburg because they had a slide, but I did slide everywhere in the cave. Seriously it was about a 1/2 mile worth of up and down hills of slippery mud. Boy was it a thigh workout! Not only do you have to squat-walk for about 100 feet in the beginning but you have to step up on 2 feet steps of slimey mud. It was awesome. I didn't have a flashlight, which I will definitely have next time I go, because it was darker than dark. We turned out all the lights when we were at the end and you couldn't see your hand at all right in front of your eyes. Scary but awesome!</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinV05NGFOhnnKRpLr74kKU-H0-1dFmRNxdeVLbOG11JTFHoJfkoOmh1OKF1DLQMO7hx32YqVnbYpXOXqnFVTBs08tSKLpys-G2j_-X-yuKYvQt9sE4sE4GdWdsZtYqOqjOsGsFrNp3PEc/s1600-h/DSC00991.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389679742317626818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinV05NGFOhnnKRpLr74kKU-H0-1dFmRNxdeVLbOG11JTFHoJfkoOmh1OKF1DLQMO7hx32YqVnbYpXOXqnFVTBs08tSKLpys-G2j_-X-yuKYvQt9sE4sE4GdWdsZtYqOqjOsGsFrNp3PEc/s400/DSC00991.JPG" /></a><br />All in all the trip was great! I had a wonderful time forming the memories that I now have. Thank you family!...Hope to do it again soon. </div>Haniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-33043270638596298562009-08-02T08:51:00.007-07:002009-10-05T20:39:43.737-07:00Apps, Summer, and, more...Let me just say that it is harder to entertain yourself when you have all the time in the world than if you have to think of something when you have a few hours of freedom. It doesn't come easily no matter if you have a FULL summer of trying to find a job, wonderment of where you are going to live, should you move out of state and/or country, how can I earn a few bucks, and what should I have for breakfast. I guess it is mostly a little bit of worry since it is crunch time. I just hope that something will come along soon.<br /><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Besides making sure I use my free time wisely I have had some mini adventures and delights over the last few months since my 'traveling' days. It has been hard since I still have a little bit of travel bug but I make due with what I have and can do. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#cc0000;">4</span><span style="color:#000099;">t</span><span style="color:#cc0000;">h</span> of <span style="color:#cc0000;">July</span></span></strong> - Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE the 4th of July! I debate all the time whether Christmas is my favorite holiday or the 4th of July. I love the feeling and excitement of celebrating our wonderful nation's birthday of independence! And to do it in Taylor, AZ - nothing can replace it. This year it was a different 4th of July because unfortunately I had a little bit of bad luck. Of course, Taylor starts celebrating at 4 am and at 5am the mini-'parade' begins. Well once again too many people didn't start at the right spot and cut in line so we were pushed back to the end of the line and were not even able to see (but definitely hear) the anvil. So we cut out half way through. I don't think I have EVER not followed the anvil 100%. I knew at that time I was going to have an off day. </div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389321577776514466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-jOAEGBC-Efxs0qN_XFIsMCgsCrM5V2JtDDW0wH5DIhaI5SPnBEsP9Lve45b5K3JoneG8rZJLu691hk9TRMl6TOwAO1SEqkPlI63m9IyjiS4KMXaaO4bR3EK1zsr9AlUkrEcVHSI01o/s400/DSC00903.JPG" /></div><div align="center"><strong>Cierra sporting her patriotism</strong><br /></div><div align="left">After breakfast (which was fantastic - I love the souffle!), we headed to the parade in Show Low. Parade was entertaining and I was feeling very festive on the way home. Well, I was a little bit too festive in my driving and got caught speeding 68 mph in a 45 mph zone. Luckily the officer only wrote me for 10+ instead of revoking my license right on the spot. Believe me, this really set me off and I knew that this was not going to be the best 4th of July. But it did look up with delicious navajo taco and fireworks later that night. --Happy Independence Day! (I know it's late but we can always celebrate our independence.) </div><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">CEDAR CITY, UT - I have done a little bit of travel this summer and not just back and forth from Wal-Mart in Show Low. I was able to accompany my grandparents and mom to Cedar City, UT for a weekend. My mom lived in Cedar City until she was 12 and both Grandpa and Grandma grew up in and around Cedar City so it was a trip to 'remember their childhoods'. I was excited because I was getting out of AZ and I had not been to Cedar City since I was probably 10 yrs old. It was a very enjoyable trip. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389321603833828850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXAdXm7E4eh6LT0OgQSuTPy1cn2eY0DRuWVvudaXHeS_gnXBACwYgDnKjie8x_y2y8l8KqkusxtjBb6W6z8K2S9xLdhHflNCSAOCq6ZgbHSYIfl0jkZ40gVy3fEnxBQMWfp97j2M7PJo/s400/SANY3478.JPG" /></div><div align="center"><strong>Mom, Grandma and Grandpa at Duck Creek</strong></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">We drove through Cedar Canyon, saw my great-grandparents homes, and visited with relatives. Oh and I also went to the Shakespearean Festival. (Cedar City is coined Festival City USA by the way). Mom and I went to "The Comedy of Errors" and I have to say it is a fave. I'm not a Shakespearean expert but this play was awesome. All in all it was a very nice weekend.</div><div align="center"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389321594106313602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNa-S81Usax_rPynuPMfeTbXgx2RuznIIo5GRX02o39NJU3GmpENfhkzG_wmuND4Rc6cZ7lu1OAuC6gK1-O1rQB3SWZMhs4OeIyRvKGF4e9kp6E0UWGwbZI7-if-CWu6d2JS_ABDrkW5k/s400/SANY3492.JPG" /> <p align="center"><strong>Outside the Globe Theatre</strong> </p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389321573368366130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nqf_Pbn9GxZpNZPrXn5jPaLrs50SK-ct6u02m6bN4llaOKK1wBTox4ac1mTdXIHgr0p3IKn9M9pSotXqx6F7nWadfYj8_W4ytSX_SVmiy3PAJ2kl7p_AQvdMwxLIU_ob5Xn6dQQ_kwg/s400/DSC00957.JPG" /> <p align="center"><br /><strong>Set for "The Comedy of Errors"</strong> </p><br /><strong></strong><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">10. 10+. 10++. That is the number of completed applications that I can think that I have submitted this summer. I only wish that there was one application for all the districts in the state. It is annoying that they all ask the same thing but you still have to write out the same information over and over and over. It would be nice if they actually provided enough space to write all the requested information too. -- I just hope and pray that somewhere, my application makes it to the top of the pile. I am first judged by paper and it is annoying! But luckily jobs keep popping up here and there. Something has to work out soon...</div><div align="left"></div><p>Oh and one more thing - My grandpa and I have a little thing. He wears suspendors and I cannot resist flipping them. So when I went to Germany I knew I had to bring him back a pair of suspendors. I purchased them a month and a half into my trip and I couldn't WAIT to give them to him. I had to be a little picky because most patterns had "I love beer" on it and I didn't think he would wear those. Luckily I found some with the edelweiss flower on it. I'm not playing favorites or saying I'm an excellent shopper but doesn't he look snazzy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUdqJ1dlTWiTIvi7hpd6uxuJf1vp_mPzu0Ke5RpO5BpSOR46cy-H2bDXeMRvfPkOojQAW6ePjTOrhS9Sp9D-Iq_-ke4YqeXShfXu9GX12Vim1IqE9UBG4SDH1Y4Bjx3Wz4-APOjpH1jE/s1600-h/DSC00869.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389321582935193282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUdqJ1dlTWiTIvi7hpd6uxuJf1vp_mPzu0Ke5RpO5BpSOR46cy-H2bDXeMRvfPkOojQAW6ePjTOrhS9Sp9D-Iq_-ke4YqeXShfXu9GX12Vim1IqE9UBG4SDH1Y4Bjx3Wz4-APOjpH1jE/s400/DSC00869.JPG" /></a> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#663333;"><strong>Tschuss!!!</strong></span></div>Haniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-62639915122185891602009-06-30T12:34:00.006-07:002009-06-30T15:39:35.552-07:00Praha - How Could I Forget?<div align="justify">And I didn't forget! No, I could not, would, not, and will not ever forget Prague! I am a wee-bit late on this blog but I just was speechless when it came to Prague until now (or at least that is my excuse. I went to Prague oh about, let's say, 4 months ago?! So it is definitely time that I share the beautiful, classical, unique village of Praha. </div><div align="justify">
<br />Now for all who may not be geography-buffs Prague is in the Czech Republic. Our trip started at 3:07 pm and we were to arrive around 10 pm in Prague. Trip started out nice and to cross the German-Czech border we had to switch to a very small, "antique" locomotive. My heart did skip a beat as my mind wondered if this little machine could do the job. The locomotive was not our only concern, we have just crossed into a new country, spoke no Czech, and to say it plainly the people were a little scary and rough looking on the outside. "You're no longer in Germany Stephanie!" It also became evident that not as many people in the 'country' spoke English like they do in Germany. But back to our locomotive. We were traveling along in the dark, cold country when the lights started to slicker. Little unnerving but we were still chugging along. Few minutes later the lights slicker again when we stopped at a train station. At this time the conductor and other engineers started pulling up the floor so they could look at the train. At this time I was thinking of writing a sequel to the little engine series titled "The Little Engine That Couldn't." We were not going to make our connecting train in Pzln. This was the first time I felt a little panic in a foreign country because there was know one I could communicate with and we had a problem on our hands. Eventually someone on the train did speak a little English so they were gracious enough to assist. About 30 minutes later a 'big' train started to pull us to our connecting stop. At the connecting stop anxiety was still on the rise because we still had know idea what was going on and we just following everyone on our train but the train could have come soon because I almost witness a fatal accident as drunk dudes played on the track. -- The Czech Republic was not making a good first impression.
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<br />Jess and I did make it to Prague. Once there we were in search of an money exchange or ATM at the station. It took us another 20 minutes to do that but we had to have money because we were NOT going to walk the streets of Prague at midnight (plus we had no map yet) so we needed money for a cab. With pretty much all the money we did withdraw we paid for the cab, he dropped us off on a side street with our luggage and left. Considering it cost about $40 for the cab it was probably 7 minutes from the time we got in the car till our luggage was on the street again. We stood in the middle of the street with blank looks as our cab raced away because we had know idea where our hostel was. Another 15 minutes or so and we found it (and it was right where our cab dropped us off) and we walked into HEAVEN!! Our hostel ended up being an hotel for about $12/night each. Not bad considering the luxury we had. Definitely beats Super 8...After all our adventures so far, we went to bad listening to Czech tv, anxiously awaiting tomorrow.
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<br />After a nice rest in a comfy bed and down comforter we set out for the streets of Prague. Now for the not so history buffs - Prague is said to be the most conserved city in Europe because it was never really bombed in the World Wars. If you want to know what Europe was before the 1900's go to Prague. Building after building you see beautiful, unique architecture - no repeats. I was in awe the whole time. I was beginning to love Czech.
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<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353209188346155026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_4DSe-93CuEhyphenhyphen02H5LTM5AOWM35Y4Vji71PaLSVwQtJmCHnKMftAIqM1yCW7FPNv7QyeTYi9HDnVI5s5TSVUSYIW-WnrJwC9Aq2mf0JzzH2mzjXYP2lyjdQD96rgjjO7Wanz_QjObSk/s320/SANY1451.JPG" /> <p align="justify">We really had only 36 hours left in Prague so we knew we had to make the best of it. To get a feel for the city and know a little bit about it's history we went on a free walking tour (you just tip at the end of the tour - and you can do these in most cities in Europe). Our tour guide was very animated and did great with her English. We did the west side of Prague in the morning and the East side in the afternoon. Each tour about 2+ hours and definitely worth it. In one day we were able to see the whole city with time to shop! Few pics of the city...
<br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353209205009245282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYMi0pWgqM5QJ8B275QpGbU-HEyedLoULjM54771i0toD3lwTJDgkfq9vwSzthP13IEM1g0C3evcHCwo8NNBftkRZA-OHX2fhmPUGoU6d45VufrdB1aHA_vsuDra2izgbmLUSBR_IS-Y/s320/SANY1504.JPG" />
<br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#6600cc;"><strong><em>Jewish Quarters - </em></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#6600cc;">funny story...Jess was so into the tour guides speech that she did not notice that a dog was 'taking a break' on her shoe. But everyone else in the group noticed. I guess that is what she gets for standing my a pole. (Sorry Jess, had to share).</span></div>
<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353209198443227730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPyWwqNsAe4_OZjvCcw2c-2Oq9ZZR42KzHK6sEkVINm8qH-9n2TjPIwM5JKwzCIY_6_o53GpmE4TuVQBEq42J_XHtKfRWtOaw4stIWB7A8pIQc8uCkx3q829FzkqmsZFi8MbQRVW-ntY/s320/SANY1489.JPG" />
<br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#6600cc;"><strong><em>My favorite building in Prague - </em></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#6600cc;"><strong><em>I want this architect to design my home.</em></strong></span></div>
<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353209189083961554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1nAOyNnMUF3OuQeNlYEpZv8-5k7TX9PYCFaFEdeS9a12erRVfnTqQSstOi18mpeBm9AjE9xIy37W2mRrQSj00lnlajXCUOKWo1GZC8crSZ7ozbNsD9W1cWItiME3q80cS9yNpv_Zzmo/s320/SANY1457.JPG" />
<br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="color:#6600cc;">Astronomical Clock in Prague's townsquare</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="color:#6600cc;">Tells you everything you need to know about time. </span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#6600cc;"><em>To scientific to even </em>try<em> to tell you about it...</em></span></strong></div><p align="justify">
<br />In between tours we thought we would treat ourselves to some delicious food so we went to KolKovna (suggested by the tour guide). Mmm, mmm good! Besides the smoking in the restaurant I do have to say the food was amazing. I had "Moravian Sparrow": roast beef, dumplings, and sauerkraut. I especially liked the purple cabbage sauerkraut. It is a little sweeter and not so tangy as the white. Yum! </p><p align="justify">The afternoon tour we went to Prague Castle. Warning to the future traveler: it is quite the hike to the castle and you have to get to it by foot. You definitely build up a little sweat. At this time of the tour we definitely were carrying our scarves and coats. But the hike was worth every step because the castle was breathe taking. From the hilltop you are able to also look out over all of Prague, see the 'mini eiffel tower' that was actually inspiration of Paris' grand icon. Just outside the castle gates I did get to see a little campaigning for some politician. Of course I didn't understand anything but it was something to see. And I didn't get to Buckingham palace in my travels but I can say that I tried to get a castle guard to smile. It's cheesy but what tourist doesn't pose for a pic with a guard?!
<br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353213630676730402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqc5952eu7EUxQxyDGpzLN6sLZRkQhzmKdQ-BZoUAr-Ft80seT8UniJ8Ha-qs7amng8dKtQCMCndQVU6ryGRzsFkKh7aY3JYZlk7hVL_WJqtMkRLBOyiLbd60Bsq8eTFzaRZ4XWv7LdGI/s400/SANY1533.JPG" /> <p align="center"><strong><em><span style="color:#6600cc;">Don't look so serious dude!</span></em></strong></p><p align="justify">The courtyard to the castle was exquisite in everything. (Pics on the smilebox below). Attached to the castle is one of the biggest churches I have ever seen. It is so big the courtyard was not big enough to get a picture of the whole thing. The church was of a gothic style so it really did not fit in with the rest of the palace but it sure was beautiful and contributed to the feel of the castle. Our tour ended just outside the courtyard and it started to rain. To hide from the rain we headed into a little cafe where I experienced the most amazing hot chocolate! It was probably pure creme but oh my goodness was it worth every calorie and gram of fat. (I am salivating as I write this.) By this time our feet were screaming for a break so we thought we would take it easy and find our way back to the side of the river. </p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"></p><p bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4d5441784e6a4d334d6a493d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" alt="Click to play this Smilebox postcard: Praha" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4d5441784e6a4d334d6a493d0d0a.jpg" width="386" height="303" /></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=google&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" alt="Create your own postcard - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" width="386" height="46" /></a></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/postcards" target="_blank">Make a Smilebox postcard</a></td></tr></table>align="justify"></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify">Since we had a big day Jess and I wanted to 'treat' ourselves to something unique. We definitely got what we wished for! It was a splurge but we went to a medieval dinner. Wow! No production of Robin Hood has come close to filming the authenticity of this time period as this restaurant did. It is a hidden gem of Prague. But before our AWESOME dinner we practically walked the whole city again. Our dinner package came with a tour of the city. I thought we would be going in a van but nope we walked and walked and walked and walked. I was so feriated because my feet, calves, shins, where in so much pain! And the tour guide was speed walking and talking so fast it wasn't even worth the extra tour. But in the end it was made up by the delicious food, music, and, environment of dinner. In short dinner entailed wooden benches with wool for comfort, gypsy dancers, bagpipes, drums, pirate shoot out, snakes, lizards, and peasants. </p><p align="justify">To end, I must say that even though the trip started out with anxiety and worry, I can only say that Prague is the one place I am <em>dying</em> to go back to. I would go back there tomorrow if I could. The city was beautiful, clean, and enchanting. And I know that there are several places I would like to go and/or go back and see. So much to see, so little time.
<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe62vWXRAYUhqxiAcPdY38Kl3wC0Dj04nX1oC4WKVr-3BplBhVzDun-wm5iJsL_PS1kkJSbSNCVI8__SYytMNI2qP3HGyUpbJip_9wU5NelK5q-dUKh7wtiilwgShG9b7dZP70rExMKtw/s1600-h/SANY1560.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353213641379477346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe62vWXRAYUhqxiAcPdY38Kl3wC0Dj04nX1oC4WKVr-3BplBhVzDun-wm5iJsL_PS1kkJSbSNCVI8__SYytMNI2qP3HGyUpbJip_9wU5NelK5q-dUKh7wtiilwgShG9b7dZP70rExMKtw/s400/SANY1560.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a><strong><em><span style="color:#6600cc;">27 white crosses in front of the old town hall </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color:#6600cc;">to remember the fallen.</span></em></strong>
<br /></p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353213635370339042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixounaGsFaxRIF5qVddg5jmNTKncKNw7-KVwyeDJA3Iv2QrHHCgEAJphDIeUqfNgB6LL-X6uX6m7liAsqjcPPBzyD070PAz5-U6e5W2unr4yN69eB4uzH34ShQ_03Cp_ASubihNHBXA9w/s400/SANY1553.JPG" /></p><p></p><p align="center"><em><strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">What a view! It doesn't get any better than this.
<br /></span></strong></em></p>Haniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-73561380377422004972009-06-13T19:35:00.005-07:002009-06-13T20:27:52.400-07:00Non-Stop funI definitely felt right at home the last few days as I got to play with my nephews and niece. It was like the good ol' days chancing little ones in the yard, playing Wii, and being tired at the end of the day. I loved it! The fun started early Friday morning with some pulling kids around the block in the radio flyer to football to fishing. <br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347010881565603874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7lNVSLjG8X68rBwSEFiYeUfY-XlRv8pocVSjIzRZA8hDL75wg-uMYM58LjPRBnCMaSAKk8RSLa0q0cmugOFPD57A9f-RRFwpBwhVcfWSzWhfQIXA-O97C_6Mf-rMpC-etJLx2kdkIdQ/s400/DSC00784.JPG" border="0" /><br />Not only did we go fishing Friday but once we woke up on Saturday it was off to the head of the creek. We caught 5 fish Friday night but Saturday - nothing, nada, zilch. The wind was blowing and the fish were not biting at all. But it was still fun. The kids tried to lure the fish in by chanting, "Here fishy fishy fishy. Anybody who's everybody is in the bucket. Here fishy fishy fishy." Of course it didn't work but it was worth the laughs. Another timeless moment was when Devrin would say, "Hey fishy, don't eat my d-orn!" <br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgnqd1StvtgJlLrMBZr-wTFOtj7Ydm4tdvkNhHvC97_R5OvuPmAUpt51AKV8RrFnix_jfUX0gyhjX31heM3WKf2nPgr5vjUzQpLfNyTvF6jVZ7IMQ6pNIqVIQWLWVMxy9NKFLkcxnnLQ/s1600-h/DSC00842.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347010901602019474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgnqd1StvtgJlLrMBZr-wTFOtj7Ydm4tdvkNhHvC97_R5OvuPmAUpt51AKV8RrFnix_jfUX0gyhjX31heM3WKf2nPgr5vjUzQpLfNyTvF6jVZ7IMQ6pNIqVIQWLWVMxy9NKFLkcxnnLQ/s400/DSC00842.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#663333;"><strong>Cierra helped Grandpa reel in this beauty</strong></span></div><strong><span style="color:#663333;"></span></strong><div align="center"><br /></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347010886853903362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtZsR5Nf_5Ni6BWNo40yE_CnmdpHrncQCozC901rezd77qdYtd-IlQr9MNocI1wD6mpgKJVJnkvoYpdvPbjE5v88j0gVtvftoBR_mxg2_3MHIeyK5lUD5dndIzvmW8YHMNkw_9f1K7_o/s400/DSC00811.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><strong><span style="color:#660000;">...Baitin' those hooks...</span></strong><br /></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oIMwywIAH7fvkl5xVuD7rNuPvHrxrgsaDGab3zhyphenhyphenQ8QdoQX1Tox1Lj_9Ztul5VJVf8IQIhyfFjeuLDxMtXJzlim4gTF84MsYlq7gdubj88x4e6UcdSt4L-j9lQLW5caqNxb0A2rNosI/s1600-h/DSC00840.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347010897519175970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oIMwywIAH7fvkl5xVuD7rNuPvHrxrgsaDGab3zhyphenhyphenQ8QdoQX1Tox1Lj_9Ztul5VJVf8IQIhyfFjeuLDxMtXJzlim4gTF84MsYlq7gdubj88x4e6UcdSt4L-j9lQLW5caqNxb0A2rNosI/s400/DSC00840.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#330099;"><strong>Braiden's beauty that he baited and reeled in all by himself!</strong> </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330099;">It took a little bit of encouragement for him to touch the fish but someone had to do it (and Aunt Hanie wasn't going to touch it!) He didn't want it to "flap on him."</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVKPQBpOIoG08DHzG4YF3nk7zoWIexs12GOhgaq_VzzK9JzLUeL5z5flmFFG93MBPatEv1NNMuNs6-7XpnTmw08QxGDkEjRPMVTEZJ0d4lKKtBucdTqk2D2ro180qFIZm-uuttKtyCLs/s1600-h/DSC00813.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347010890870497522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVKPQBpOIoG08DHzG4YF3nk7zoWIexs12GOhgaq_VzzK9JzLUeL5z5flmFFG93MBPatEv1NNMuNs6-7XpnTmw08QxGDkEjRPMVTEZJ0d4lKKtBucdTqk2D2ro180qFIZm-uuttKtyCLs/s400/DSC00813.JPG" border="0" /></a>... <strong><span style="color:#003333;">Downtime while fishing...</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#003333;">(Devrin and me)</span></strong></div><strong><span style="color:#003333;"></span></strong><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347011185122304274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VVwShBjoo9P2HMTrbnse5hjIJ2T-BC7odeoO5mdisMpmDllXEoYtn9yOjxInF6tW7gXjqyl2ZnxFCaI3TaMJMiJfzl4z8k35SBXFXWdGicEbFABGOYRBx_ZTb36x9mTqlxncnPov9Ng/s400/DSC00852.JPG" border="0" /></div><p>After fishing and before we headed to Show Low pool we had some extra time so why not make cookies? Cierra was the cook. I do have to say I was impressed that she cracked to eggs and no shells ended up in the ingredients. </p><p align="center">Now what do we do on Monday?...</p>Haniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-18424580611384940112009-06-07T09:42:00.004-07:002009-06-07T10:24:21.898-07:00Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity JigIt's official. <span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"><strong>I am back</strong></span> on Taylor ground trying not to be blown away. I am excited but at the same time sad that my adventure is over. And then on top of it a little stressed due to the job market for teachers. Amazing to think that when I started college there was a shortage of 2500 teachers in AZ. I'm just a little bit mad about it but life is life. I'll work through this...<br /><br /><br />I am adjusting to being back in AZ especially when it comes to the heat and landscape. Just to give you an idea here is a comparison...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344633301936679874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQwvemVoIigN9YAYAm03cUyDiVdNMWqe2BWgcNaFYkuw7T9G5-VNY2owKtkKMiFwsaVtOOgQRdw4Ek2ppV72040PWAxUZQFRL541DwAvaW833bZSYF2wtSsFGwPEsN1HJzRZBh1VgMwo/s400/SANY2941.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344633298429150402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3HnBg8UpK7qLn-E2JoKi-s6EqFWsglsV8nh6U_rqDOv2Mhb4_MTXizKneokyFlBkZA4qaYacN5r4M3puQkiWCCMx4MGbIVYYAZ_LrJTp9ifC-hHTrmDD7h0KtxQ6pyrZW4EEmZfmWjA/s400/az.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p>Hmm, do I really have to tell you what pic is where? - "I love my Arizona" and its so 'unique' from other places, especially Germany or any European land. Gotta love it.</p><p>I do have to express my relief of once I landed at least in Atlanta it was nice to know I was back on U.S. soil. Nothing like knowing you are back in your home country. I was able to read all the signs, listen to conversations, flirt with the customs guy - just great! Oh and if I needed to order something, I knew exactly how to say it and I didn't get a "uh what did you say?" look from the server. Oh and to have my car back!!!!! To go where I want to go is one of the best feelings in the world. My only problem is that I guess I forgot how to get to my brother's house because I had to take a little detour. Good thing my sister was right behind me. And I also had trouble getting gas yesterday. "Select payment, put the nozzle in the tank first, press grade and then pump." Was a hard concept for me yesterday but I was really tired okay?!</p><p>Well, I am back and moving on to hopefully better things like a job!! BRING IT ON!</p>Haniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-13566293174183101092009-05-30T14:31:00.004-07:002009-05-30T22:42:33.684-07:00Signing off from Germany<div><br /><br /></div><div>Sadly but truely I am just saying hello one more time from Germany. It has been a fabulous time. I'm thinking of writing a movie script called "Way Better than Groundhog Day" so i can relive the experiences here that I have had. I will miss all of my new friends. Especially those at Rainbow. </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341853949390992114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQ6i5gENPeDnEX4ypooR8Jwky6ypUAHjJe_b84WjzJjoN_OC9W1n7JcDwf4h-o4JA6YhRX_r30vghwbZie6yC5N0zh4gGiG0cseDm9wcrmDHZJ6VK7-383qH7gNrwJ4npta6MKTpOD3A/s400/DSC07308.JPG" border="0" /><strong><span style="color:#336666;">My last Saturday in Germany - went to Rothenburg.<br /></span></strong></div><div><br />I have so many great memories and I have hardly begun to share them through my blog. I can't wait to get the bill when i try to develop pics. I finally filled up my 4GB camera card a few days ago. I think I totalled 3000+ pics! I'm going to have to save a whole years salary to pay for them.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341853955779060770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAUXid7F_HsxufjnvTloAWNp09y_kqtNV6K9qRvnqCb20G_0KSLz7sorhLqY0KFiQKI9Bi3rdrtl4IExkhYRxHRA0bvLkooMb6TTwPAgCpDd8nUq9LnB5EG8uG6yOQz2btfs6HFyDGdc/s400/DSC05737.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Jess's last Saturday - spent in Rothenburg and Dinkelsbuhl.</span></strong> </div><br />I can't wait to see you all again whether you are in the U.S. or Germany. I hope I will be back soon! -- Pray that I have a simple adventure on the way home. No 6 days in airports please!!<br /><br />Signing off from Germany...HanieHaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-56640949026926060112009-05-29T09:05:00.003-07:002009-05-29T09:17:36.185-07:00Bitter Sweet<span style="font-family:verdana;color:#330033;">I must officially post that I have completed my adventures at Rainbow Elementary School in Ansbach, Germany. I'm speechless due to the wonderful friendships and time I have had at this school. The staff, students, parents -- all are wonderful. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#330033;">I am wondering if I get "extra credit" for the last few days. Due to an unexpected turn of events I did end up in the classroom the last few days. But it wasn't your typical school day - I did my first 'international' event. Today we were able to invite German students to the school and somewhat introduce them to how our school system runs. (We were fortunate to visit their school about 2 months ago.) I hope I did a good job in making them feel welcome at our school. It is hard when you have 39 or 58 students at one time in 1 classroom (yeah don't tell the fire marshal please) and when only half of them understand you. I really didn't feel overwhelmed but it was definitely challenging. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#330033;">It is hard to believe that I will be gone in less than 72 hours! Germany is FaBuLoUs!! I highly recommend traveling here. It has been a blessing to get ot know such wonderful people and get to benefit from their hospitality. Memories has been formed and cemented (Germans will like that since they are pretty proud of their cement). </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#330033;">That's all for now. Just wanted to give word on my day I guess. :)</span>Haniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-52711854501507072932009-05-26T13:33:00.018-07:002009-06-20T14:07:02.706-07:00Salzburg, Austria: Home to Mozart and "The Sound of Music"<span style="font-size:130%;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkdQwfNsIHMjTvTz3jozilNT5kaiXESivwsgIs-O6hvzlytcFskyZTyTrzpQyM9Vminjy7mdQW7pJZPL88jyh3I9sWTmvBpOVEnQjx9VF-KNfBb0s2envLNYGrF5kWJSxD1ojlpksOxk/s1600-h/SANY3370.JPG"></a><br /><div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;"><strong>"High in the Austrian Alps lived a beautiful city, </strong></span><br /></div><div align="center"><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;"><strong>Lay dee-o-a-lay-dee-o-a-lay-dee-whoo"</strong></span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Salzburg just sings, "Beauty, peace, adventure, eccentric, traditional, entertaining, kosher, and salt!" I do have to say that Salzburg was a good way to end my travel in Europe (even though Rome or Paris could have topped it off with caramel, nuts, and a cherry!) But all in all, it was a very enjoyable trip. </span><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">The train took me a little longer than I thought it would but I arrived in Salzburg just in time to give myself a little rest (early morning train rides do wear you out) before attending a performance at the Salzburger Marionetten Theatre. But even before that I had time to walk along the Salzach River and purchase an ice cream cone that was literally melted. At this time I did encounter an odd young man. I would say he was a little topsy-turvy and did not give me a good feeling. I'll spare you the yucky details but I am lucky nothing happened. </span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348703244244833762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl53gRZ2oAdDvt5lidGrtQIu-EfmbykPMXa-9Gvhfswu4dBd_8ni67uPvEXo7fBqDtRHN9d01Qg9Lbm-FEYjceqMqXoZLteSynMRr4N9ituQWXLlFTDwuqD1rH_PImWaxeBthglaox4Ts/s320/SANY3071.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">The play that I went to at the theatre was "Die Zauberflote" - "The Magic Flute" by Salzburg's own, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It was all in German but I was still able to follow along with the story very well since they projected the story line on the side walls of the theatre. I was overwhelmed with amazement of how well the puppets moved - they walked with better posture than I do! The costumes, the scenery - it was fabulous! I recommend a trip to the theatre on your own trip to Salzburg. </span><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348703255495560498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5eISku_18bb1jJXZKk_hudsJSx6KlXjVD4zpR_Ew6c_b0Z-S2s-vHIBTEwvuSzWTrEadu4vt2R6qh2plMWzKWFWXKP4r8p01pI1CiDhuZBj66nqyun6uIo2BM8b97BOJMhxOCarXTZU/s320/SANY3078.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">On my first full day in Salzburg I decided to just explore the city. It was a Sunday so I took it easy and enjoyed the beautiful scenery around me. The exploring started with a trip to Mirabell Park, made famous by its beauty and being featured as the scenery of the Do-Re-Mi song in the film "The Sound of Music." The Von Trapp family is originally from Salzburg and that is where the true story took place. The park was absolutely gorgeous and what other way to spend a beautiful Sunday morning but with a stroll in the park to enjoy Heavenly Father's work. </span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348703259068944082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GA4ctVLfSPEtddUQUHHz0ZU5OrEfZUgUacdXrqeeIQx1Ztg7UUbkRKO8w5nWqQsBYpIPICVQR6f5Ma3HlABvKHq1JmDjwPQCbFEh1eTkh6wexC9rgD3MoRd9oxM1SltazYpsbR3OQVU/s320/SANY3085.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">While I was taking a stroll in the park I made 27 little friends. I didn't have to clean their house or sing "Heigh-Ho" so that was great. But I did get to take a few pictures. Here is my favorite "dwarf" and I named him Harry 'cause of the glasses. </div><br /><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348878957830189106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8VdQcD5EFEdwsIzL8VABmCrSJs2CuJE7IqBdQTLxgsj62ii8ZD5eeqVb-_E2vxRnRSLz2_OBCXaENFLgL4gFDDsM6kSQeOYTrJX-aGO5tIVe_8THoVvx-wluR3I7HBNx4Sh3DbcqFio/s320/SANY3133.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div><div align="left">I had a second treat while at Mirabell Park - an Austria concert! I was so excited because I got to see them in their traditional costumes and not to mention their wonderful music. The concert happened in an open area in the trees. Just a beautiful environment to help eccentuate the music. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348703265747052562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_wIWzbbayLTwylz_25e457hwUuO7iW0968yre-_sjD0zUa-htCDoKnMnFFQBhlMPpyGzchoOVbJBVkcRca2Iu4aEjaBKMhJ-JKzVyHuqjeQGiOwmGRqnxPOAEUhlWAMQaI1LfUVUz9k/s320/SANY3139.JPG" border="0" />The rest of the day I walked the streets and just enjoyed the beauty of the area. I pretty much walked the west side of the Salzach river. Monday I did a little less walking and more riding. To save my feet (which are still recovering from the 4 months of student teaching and walking on cobble stones), I signed up for "The Sound of Music" tour and a trip to the Salt Mines. Both of these tours where absolutely wonderful. The weather was a little roasty so I was glad to be riding in an air conditioned bus. Instead of giving all details I will just pinpoint some highlights of each tour...<br /><br /></div></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">"The Sound of Music" Tour</span></strong> </span><br />*The Gazebo - the famous pavilion that Liesl and Rolf sang "Sixteen Going On Seventeen". There was actually two separate gazebos used for the movie: larger one for the indoor shots and one for the outside shots. I got to see the 'outside' shot gazebo. I also got to skip down Maria's lane where I built up my 'confidence'!<br /><br /><p align="left">*Palace of Leopoldskron - place where the boating and drinking pink lemonade scenes where filmed. Of course only the back of the palace was used as the 'back' of the Von Trapp's home and then another building was used for the front scenes. </p><p align="left">*Nonnberg Abbey - This is the abbey where the real Maria was a nun and was used in the film. This was actually about 500 meters from my hostel. But man was it a CLIMB to the top!</p><p align="left">*St. Gilgen/Lake Wolfgang - This picturesque area was featured in the opening sequence of the movie.</p><p align="left">*Church of Mondsee - Beautiful yellow church about 20 or so kms from Salzburg where Maria and the Baron got married. </p><p align="left"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>To see pics from Salzburg, click on the Smilebox picture below.</strong> A new window will open up with the pictures.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#ffcc00;"><strong>"Salt Mines" Tour </strong></span></span></p><p align="left">After "The Sound of Music" tour I had a 30 minute break before I headed off to Berchtesgaden (actually in German) to the Salt Mines. Salzburg is named after the Salt Mines; the mines are the reason why Salzburg was built in the area. The mines have been mined for 300+ years! The area is still mined today but in old parts of the mine you are able to go on a guided tour. I liked the tour because I got a cool wardrobe (but to tell you the truth I had no idea when the last time it was washed...). </p><p align="left">The tour begins with a 5 minute train ride into the mine. The air drops to almost freezing (luckily I didn't go during the winter when it goes <em>below</em> freezing) and you are ushered to a gigantic hole in the mountain. After a small introduction on how the mining of salt begins you get to slide down a steep wooden slide. You just sit on it, hold up your feet and slide right down. I was <em>SO</em> afraid I was going to get a splinter or two in my buns but that wood is smoother than --okay I'll say it--a baby's bottom. It was exciting. And of course they use this slide as a tourist trap because they do take your picture. I think I had a more frightened look on my face going down that slide than I have had going down Splash Mountain at Disneyland. </p><p align="left">The tour goes on for about an hour as you going through the steps of mining salt, getting to learn more about salt, see new and old machinery, go down a second slide, and lick the walls (so salty!). But this is not all of the tour - you even get to ride in a cable car several stories up AND boat across a mirror lake with a light show! AwE-sOmE! Inside the mountain is a small lake and it just looks like glass. What ever is shown on the ceiling is reflected on the water so a magnificent light show is played on the ceiling and reflected on the water to make a circular light show. Can I get a "WOW!"</p><p align="left">After the tour of the salt mine the tour bus took us up a very windy road that overlooked the town of Berchtesgaden. From where we were located, we were able to spot Hitler's Eagle Nest.<br /><br /></p><p align="center">*****</p><p align="left">So you tired yet? I am and I was when I was in Salzburg but Tuesday I had a few hours in the morning to waste before heading back to Germany so I did the most ridiculous thing --I climbed the mountain up to the Fortress! What look liked a simple climb after a few hundred steps to the Abbey ended up being a HORRIBLE climb. And once I reached the cashier to pay to get inside I still had probably 1/3 of the mountain yet to climb. (And I have to say I had a feeling that the cashier was laughing at me because I was already out of breath, ready to pass out, and he knew I still had a long way to go!) My thighs burned but I made it! Construction of the fortress started in the 11th century and continued until about the 19th century. Ran by Prince Archbishops, each added to the fortress during the 800 years of construction. I was able to climb atop the highest point of the fortress to overlook all of Salzburg and beyond.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348898384210296978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkctPoWHGNUwa6ZIniQzbrHF8ugNf9ML_MFvgQUxN3TXtfc8hc06eCMEB40WLDmXbT4ST8qZtfOanD75LMteOqX5KuBvyuy26bViAtwHRIPAS4soWXzX0IMDpDkb9L4-Ea2OgWCnGqXwQ/s320/SANY3366.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="left">Now I knew it would be a lot easier going down that it would be up but I for sure wanted to use the lift to go down. (Yes I knew of the lift before I headed up to the fortress but I thought I was almost to the top after climbing to the abbey okay!) </p><p align="left">Here I ended my adventure in Salzburg. Besides the yucky dude in the beginning the trip was wonderful. I splurged on entertainment but I did not regret any of it. I went out with a bang! The train ride back was bitter sweet because I knew I was only days away from leaving "My" Europe. I would go back any day because there are a lot more things to do and see. But for now "Auf Wedersehen, Salzburg!"</p><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4f546b784e5459784d413d3d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="303" alt="Click to play this Smilebox scrapbook: Salzburg" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4f546b784e5459784d413d3d0d0a.jpg" width="386" /></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=google&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="46" alt="Create your own scrapbook - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" width="386" /></a></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/scrapbooks" target="_blank">Make a Smilebox scrapbook</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></span></span>Haniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-30398133048161004462009-05-20T11:11:00.009-07:002009-08-02T08:50:57.030-07:00It's Not Over Till the Fat Plane Leaves!I'm leaving on an airplane,<br /><br />Don't know when I'll be back again.<br /><br />Oh hey, I hate to go.<br /><br />It's been a joy to be here,<br /><br />Don't worry I didn't drink any beer,<br /><br />Oh, I really hate to go.<br /><br />'Cause I'm leaving on an airplane!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlQwstAJDcY5enOhljhNtqDea07fRu2unEhqehf-5oapomSO_wX7m8PtTNIZwo2u87l3w4acBgVtaKLIy_Y0e5ViIcJS-HGKzw-ohLz1pUfyarU-BcsS6qH6d0wq6uzDk7u5-x3lNE9U/s1600-h/SANY2953.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337976651598847938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlQwstAJDcY5enOhljhNtqDea07fRu2unEhqehf-5oapomSO_wX7m8PtTNIZwo2u87l3w4acBgVtaKLIy_Y0e5ViIcJS-HGKzw-ohLz1pUfyarU-BcsS6qH6d0wq6uzDk7u5-x3lNE9U/s400/SANY2953.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I may have only 2 days, YES 2 days left of student teaching; however, adventures await me around every corner. Even though I am dreading the next 48 hours because I know it is the end of my duty here it's a moment in my life to celebrate. I am no longer an undergraduate!! Yeah that's right, I'm an top now!! - I just hope that I am on top when it comes to applications, resume, and interviews :). Yep, I official submitted the first completed app today. I'll submit hopefully another one tonight.<br /><br />I'm going to miss each and every one of the kids! Even those 'sweet' ones ;). All the students have made it hard the last week or two because they keep reminding of my short time left here by saying, "Why do you have to leave?" I guess this is just the beginning of all the ends I will face. (But in a way I will never see most of these kids. Just a downfall to overseas teaching - but still worth it!)<br /><br />Each time I walk to the train and ride it home I cherish it because it could be my last ride. But then I tell myself that I still have some traveling to do after student teaching so I don't get all choked up.<br /><br />To give you a little look into my 'daily' life here in Germany I thought I would give you a peek at the dear house that has been my home the last 4 months. That is the first picture in this posting. Second picture is a view from the front steps (but really the back steps-another contrast to German construction) overlooking the meadow as a train drives by. I think I am good to say that a train goes by every 7-10 minutes during the day and maybe 20-30 minutes at night. Duetschebahn definitely keeps those tracks hot. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgl9ZCpeUgpzmeZ_x-u_s_zyM0D4qetZuxC3c-IA6rDQI7UWqkItF7KmPTMAG-BUc52lFBwrHNCSrfwahB5GT1GGNFlBwOmFWaLqvfXNlVinEtNQ1eZdEs3MUfWSHk98LuALZhLEyqsU/s1600-h/SANY2955.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337976657462658850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgl9ZCpeUgpzmeZ_x-u_s_zyM0D4qetZuxC3c-IA6rDQI7UWqkItF7KmPTMAG-BUc52lFBwrHNCSrfwahB5GT1GGNFlBwOmFWaLqvfXNlVinEtNQ1eZdEs3MUfWSHk98LuALZhLEyqsU/s400/SANY2955.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The next picture is shot from in front of the Bruckencenter (mall) in Ansbach. The bridge is a pedestrian bridge that crosses the highway into old Ansbach. If you look closely you can see the steeple of a church and I have to say that my timing was perfect because I was able to also capture a smartcar. Europeans love to be eco-friendly.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAIHLzQzKJP-077RjmWMmGwPoFApothsVbEvlPkaCUg0F_WeJMK49YDbO07Hs_NSJk3Cc9gVcgP0UWiMVD4oU5fv1gothFzeSN9ArU3s5RK1_o1s4cI3wGK-QfEA7TOXjO7hH9IXh2MU/s1600-h/SANY2896.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337976653430186802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAIHLzQzKJP-077RjmWMmGwPoFApothsVbEvlPkaCUg0F_WeJMK49YDbO07Hs_NSJk3Cc9gVcgP0UWiMVD4oU5fv1gothFzeSN9ArU3s5RK1_o1s4cI3wGK-QfEA7TOXjO7hH9IXh2MU/s400/SANY2896.JPG" /></a><br />To end this blog I want to just post a 'good' picture of me that also reflects the greenery of beautiful Germany. One day I was walking downtown Ansbach and made my way to the Orangerie. The Orangerie is where the house citrus plants during the winter so they could have citrus fruit year round. The grounds of the Orangerie is also home to beautiful paths with gorgeous, luscious trees and open fields of wild flowers. It was a beautiful day and so I was able to capture a beautiful moment at the Orangerie. Can you understand now why it is so hard for me to leave on that airplane?<br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmYrrnnpNdRqLfdxLYd5b4CAPWzyJ7QOQGN-62SLTP-FFyJeSoeKHvtYGX6AnQdFHFkfXX2MldNo_rEKInks4n12u6__P6ySVyTMiznFbFAs8wxT7bjN5Ppx_jx8BKp9uOyB_FhIeT1s/s1600-h/SANY2933.JPG"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmYrrnnpNdRqLfdxLYd5b4CAPWzyJ7QOQGN-62SLTP-FFyJeSoeKHvtYGX6AnQdFHFkfXX2MldNo_rEKInks4n12u6__P6ySVyTMiznFbFAs8wxT7bjN5Ppx_jx8BKp9uOyB_FhIeT1s/s1600-h/SANY2933.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337976658363520098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmYrrnnpNdRqLfdxLYd5b4CAPWzyJ7QOQGN-62SLTP-FFyJeSoeKHvtYGX6AnQdFHFkfXX2MldNo_rEKInks4n12u6__P6ySVyTMiznFbFAs8wxT7bjN5Ppx_jx8BKp9uOyB_FhIeT1s/s400/SANY2933.JPG" /></a></div>Haniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-82078483271812902772009-05-08T13:54:00.005-07:002009-06-20T14:09:54.056-07:00Happy Graduation Day!<span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#993399;">HALLELUJAH!</span> </span>LET THE CHORUS SING PRAISES! I, STEPHANIE S., HAVE COMPLETED MY BACHELOR'S DEGREE! Who would've ever thought?!?! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWJZe1yyK8QARmzdOumieBa08LHibRLKGozsBB6DJ6m-X-nU7tC3LD2dr-pDG0Y7ozUwJlTapXwkimvyh8AMMiHoTsTukZ-oEHdwts_zNzPagMoWiuW-kx_UuJEh6lEm_h00qB2IBFfQ/s1600-h/NAU.gif"></a><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341291712534537074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 295px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 51px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsl36mRS5Wixoy2aQyHWbKcQGQZAF_6OvuG57gq3dUQa4lJX_5gbBxteLTfHU8hW77yRKXTARTRDoZ5lj5z8yGkx5pWWAwVXd7-ENfYobQaeJ9QchdZFR4yutl6CD_2vyXmxMkUMNMYw/s400/NAU.gif" border="0" /> <div></div><br /><div>Unfortunately I do still have 2 weeks to go technically with my student teaching but officially NAU will pass me and give me a diploma. JOYOUS! AMAZING! WAHOO!!!</div><br /><div>Just a little plug for my personal benefit so read if you want --> I want to thank some people for their support and encouragement over the last 8 years. (Sad but true eh?) In no particular order...</div><ul><li><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>Grandma and Grandpa Rowley</strong></span> - I know you were always there for me and encouraged me to go forth. In my years in the valley, I know I couldn't have made it without my "Ivory Keys" and other means (I can't wait to touch a piano when I get home). Love ya and thanks SO MUCH!<br /></li><li><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Monique</strong></span> -- You are weird Moneeka! You know why? Because you hired me! I mean I hid in closets and under desks, asked "Who's coming?", and I eat meat! I do want to thank you for those understanding times when I first started out when I needed time off for family. You don't know how much I was blessed to have you as an employer AND as a friend.<br /></li><li><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Girls at Mesa #5</span></strong> - Sara, Tara, Debbie - What can I say than thanks for listening to me and helping out when I needed help. You probably were the ones that saw me the most during my college work. It's hard to think its been 2(+) years. Thanks for the laughter!<br /></li><li><strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">The Best Siblings in the WORLD!!!!!</span></strong> (+ in-laws) - I know we have all been through a lot the last few years but I knew if I ever needed help or a blessing I knew you guys would be there in seconds. You would let me vent and then kick me back into gear. I only hope I was there for you. Thanks for being who you are!</li><br /><li><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>Marmee & Daddy Roy</strong></span> - Okay so this one is in a particular order because I am saving the best for last. You guys are some of the toughest people I know. It has been the weirdest last few years and I know I really didn't have much to complain about considering what you guys have been through but you still let me cry and vent over 'burnt cookies'. All in all, you always point out to me to turn to my Heavenly Father. You put me on my knees when I needed to be. You always reminded me who I am and that nothing is impossible; that I should go forth and do my best. I truely hope I have made you proud. <strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">I HEART YOU!</span></strong><br /></li></ul><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">I know there are more of all you amazing souls I know. Some I have known for months, 1 or 2 years, or my whole life. Aunts, Uncles, cousins, neighbors, friends, church leaders, teachers, and the man at the corner: Thanks! Please know that I want to list all but blogspot only allows so much MB before their site breaks down. :)</span></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">I AM GRADUATED!</span></strong></p>Haniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983590908772799556.post-36822186924943714692009-05-05T12:22:00.013-07:002009-07-21T11:02:40.867-07:00Nurnberg<p align="left"></p>I must say that I was not expecting an enchanting place when I went to Nurnberg a few weekends ago. It really surprised me to find a beautiful castle (but my pics just don't do it justice) and I really didn't expect to hike up a mountain to get there. But I did and I made it. I enjoyed walking the grounds of the castle and made another climb up the Sinwell Turn. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvtVBMOjxGmxHXUyY74EOwHMOSDT_fuX0HHLlPU3huBbWQwAsSGiV4dbWQ1MxfwetIpbZA0l5hiyKfo_dg1B4SukQrhF-ORBwzITV_nR6371oFeBDuGLW3hnayyOJ7tozMVBFh_S1QRI/s1600-h/SANY2562.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336857375592448178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvtVBMOjxGmxHXUyY74EOwHMOSDT_fuX0HHLlPU3huBbWQwAsSGiV4dbWQ1MxfwetIpbZA0l5hiyKfo_dg1B4SukQrhF-ORBwzITV_nR6371oFeBDuGLW3hnayyOJ7tozMVBFh_S1QRI/s400/SANY2562.JPG" /></a><br />The sinwell turn was yet another circular staircase that keeps going and going and going. And just when you think you can't make it any farther you reach the top and realize that all that hard labor of climbing was worth it. It's worth the climb because of the beautiful view of Nurnberg.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;">When I opened the door to go up the Sinwell Turn I was faced with this creepy view. I expected the king's soldiers to jump out and point their arrows at me. It was kind of freaky...</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrdQrU2phGfqhwlvzbCOHOQlh-bPRcLtChSkYHrf7z1duYaRH3j3ohVaquF4aMqkz45mK-YZbBjIowZNnNX5yoYEPXCm_5Efgfe92SZPVDv0Hy_d4vqNfHuj5S8dQeIbQaISeu6sQzNE/s1600-h/SANY2565.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336857378552007186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrdQrU2phGfqhwlvzbCOHOQlh-bPRcLtChSkYHrf7z1duYaRH3j3ohVaquF4aMqkz45mK-YZbBjIowZNnNX5yoYEPXCm_5Efgfe92SZPVDv0Hy_d4vqNfHuj5S8dQeIbQaISeu6sQzNE/s400/SANY2565.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">View "up" the sinwell turn. It keeps going and going and going...you get the point.</span></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br />I did buy tickets to tour the castle but I never found the entrance and I didn't get much help from the tourist place but I did walk the around the castle that was fantastic and peaceful. Every where you look it is a breathtaking view that you never want to forget. Of course I take pictures but I can't get a picture of everything. (And I only post so many. I know I have over 1,000 pics, maybe even close to 2,000 from my dream of being in Germany).<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35Tp3li7yRtU5c0IITnAIcRDNoIPuXL5Znj3HXt0SMo3pMf-RMNBLazo0ZBQH5UEB0iWvTQDOthD462Cxow4tnNIoAvb0dr58pIBz2K_vByoXs8wxhFMmJK9HfkOISF3oUX8GdLmES2g/s1600-h/SANY2585.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336857378071921154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35Tp3li7yRtU5c0IITnAIcRDNoIPuXL5Znj3HXt0SMo3pMf-RMNBLazo0ZBQH5UEB0iWvTQDOthD462Cxow4tnNIoAvb0dr58pIBz2K_vByoXs8wxhFMmJK9HfkOISF3oUX8GdLmES2g/s400/SANY2585.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">The view that paid off the climb. Oh how beautiful roofs can be eh?</span></strong> </div><br /><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336857369138596306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmfNnFxqgEgl9wVbbMtpWYRch9O5YXt4nugArwVL9t-T6ELdRilvfq5jdh_8zzx8waDLkH0Or2IyWBC2puXL5CoLBGL9e1-ECxGq2HwpI7hTJl3gNgO0wzK-xt89x5ru2LN5eB268XKk/s400/SANY2536.JPG" /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663366;"></span></strong><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663366;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663366;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663366;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663366;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663366;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663366;">From the top, the </span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663366;">slight </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663366;">climb up to the castle.</span></strong></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><br />The castle was awesome. I was able to go into a museum there that had articles of clothing, weapons, dishes, toys, and more from the castle. Really it is amazing to see <em>real</em> spears and guns that are literally 6 feet or more long that take 10+ men to handle. There were also old globes, canon ball machines, and horse saddles. As I stood there in awe of these items I really could but thinking that this stuff was 400+ yrs old!! Just throughs me for a loop that there is proof of history so far back.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYJZQ7VjWO3U4o-qKU2I3USoJ76m3yGOD_S744EDabv6IbAn0q6A7rfD_Em8xSMq0L678nv6G6LX_K6glYkmGFzWVt9ssl4OJXDWUtYkRNwD81tOnd9yv2wfNd5kEIkLWYaWlkPhyJpI/s1600-h/Nurnberg.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336853637481346210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYJZQ7VjWO3U4o-qKU2I3USoJ76m3yGOD_S744EDabv6IbAn0q6A7rfD_Em8xSMq0L678nv6G6LX_K6glYkmGFzWVt9ssl4OJXDWUtYkRNwD81tOnd9yv2wfNd5kEIkLWYaWlkPhyJpI/s400/Nurnberg.JPG" /></a> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">BIG door to the castle courtyard. Probably the biggest I have seen!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGD1oFxCk8KSWpIt0QIt_9pa2pI28Y8kfIPN2tntQtlv8X-72t5n1Y2utP3FcybXAMJuBP2qDtqbBbxLiYWjC2oDNnEj_43DhQqHMCDtWuMG65NDv0wattOqELkS_21lOxc3JETcENWcs/s1600-h/Nurnberg+(4).JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336853645715696914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGD1oFxCk8KSWpIt0QIt_9pa2pI28Y8kfIPN2tntQtlv8X-72t5n1Y2utP3FcybXAMJuBP2qDtqbBbxLiYWjC2oDNnEj_43DhQqHMCDtWuMG65NDv0wattOqELkS_21lOxc3JETcENWcs/s400/Nurnberg+(4).JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#33cc00;">Servants quarters in side the castle gate. Very "German" wouldn't you say?</span></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzhQb5Hecy2Secv5W48KGCKafR8T6pxef7_2cWLoHAFBH40YQTHLi_aKKJJrnf9em3x2mZXepTpfRq1g2H6Xrt5OA-S7PWMDQDLF8ruigyZcTeNU7QYdv5OHmDPOTGki4V70C9uaQDAs/s1600-h/Nurnberg+(1).JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336853636133626338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzhQb5Hecy2Secv5W48KGCKafR8T6pxef7_2cWLoHAFBH40YQTHLi_aKKJJrnf9em3x2mZXepTpfRq1g2H6Xrt5OA-S7PWMDQDLF8ruigyZcTeNU7QYdv5OHmDPOTGki4V70C9uaQDAs/s400/Nurnberg+(1).JPG" /></a><br />Outside the castle walls was a beautiful city full of excitement. Since it was a Saturday, the Hausmarkt Strasse was busy with farmers and buyers. The main item was the "frischer spargel" - translated fresh white aspargus. May I say that I love aspargus but there is joy also in white aspargus. If you find it, buy it, and enjoy it. In Germany it is the thing to eat during its harvest time. But more on spargel later.<br /><br />This is a picture of the famous Geistspital (Holy Spirit hospital) in Nurnberg that is now a rest home. It's very enchanting considering its a hospital.<br /><br />Okay so this gold shrine looking thing is really nothing but a 'good luck' charm to those you touch the ring that's in the gate. I thought it was if you just touch the gate but you have to touch a certain ring so no good luck for me...but then again I did kiss the blarney stone in Ireland so I hope I'm covered.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLTvVFVk_8BS35Eelg8Ai35V_hR_21rVZPJqG-y-6rD521J29qDZDffKcvyPZXe01FlhdCwiKCQmA3ISdIclHwJzry6OVcb6IKCHDQNMeDCU72WwgKNj9ZICx_SwZ8vxp00oJpmJ_v0w/s1600-h/Nurnberg+(3).JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336853646038011554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLTvVFVk_8BS35Eelg8Ai35V_hR_21rVZPJqG-y-6rD521J29qDZDffKcvyPZXe01FlhdCwiKCQmA3ISdIclHwJzry6OVcb6IKCHDQNMeDCU72WwgKNj9ZICx_SwZ8vxp00oJpmJ_v0w/s400/Nurnberg+(3).JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWg1BdqVs2mWkgRfdy4z251RquCrnz628GNDi25qGKRP6IkeYcQ5FqtOfM1irX_oROlLU8Php4d0wi6NnovB88ootCKDovIxdrvgcQm-6e8QEhDpXYJoxie07YYNGb2N_jNICUV5OXbZ0/s1600-h/SANY2624.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336857383197288594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWg1BdqVs2mWkgRfdy4z251RquCrnz628GNDi25qGKRP6IkeYcQ5FqtOfM1irX_oROlLU8Php4d0wi6NnovB88ootCKDovIxdrvgcQm-6e8QEhDpXYJoxie07YYNGb2N_jNICUV5OXbZ0/s400/SANY2624.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;"><strong>House of Albrecht Durer, one of Germany's most prominent artists. I do have to say that is art is absolutely amazing.</strong></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGHlh0rgEU332p_ynbhN4NQlNtovDaF2Vvhj68HFsayhub1WvsqQwujEcZg7QYmXAad5WIrGIG-R2m2ceVLk3xi5ZlwGm1dSHyZ3StA15mDlQdvKLcgLfP8jdCBW6b5vTKGHNyleiYVw/s1600-h/Nurnberg+(2).JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336853642887784354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGHlh0rgEU332p_ynbhN4NQlNtovDaF2Vvhj68HFsayhub1WvsqQwujEcZg7QYmXAad5WIrGIG-R2m2ceVLk3xi5ZlwGm1dSHyZ3StA15mDlQdvKLcgLfP8jdCBW6b5vTKGHNyleiYVw/s400/Nurnberg+(2).JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#330099;"><strong>Last but not least the one gondala that I will see on this trip to Europe.</strong></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">p.s. sorry the pics and everything are all skee-waddley. I was trying something now and it didn't work. I would fix it but I can't right now...</span>Haniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01198652481244979787noreply@blogger.com3