tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35804753567844848282024-03-05T15:11:45.254-08:00B&L JacksonLyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.comBlogger158125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-67426393336104701442017-06-02T08:15:00.002-07:002017-06-02T10:10:14.890-07:00Oy vey!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Our lives have been a ridiculous roller coaster of stress the last six months. Working on getting the house sold, finding an apartment, finding Ben a job, and financial planning is enough to drive a person mad. I think that the month between the end of work and beginning of law school will be a much needed break to relax and rein in my anxiety. </div>
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Throughout this process we have hit bump after bump. The theme to the past 6 months has been "whatever can go wrong, will." Everyone keeps telling me that it will all work out in the end. Well, yeah, but they aren't the ones who have to sacrifice their bank accounts in the meantime. Oy vey.</div>
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Despite how it may sound, Ben and I have both remained positive and are taking everything in stride. There have been a couple glimmers of relief in the past week or so, and if those would just pan out we would be able to breathe easy for a while. Fingers crossed!</div>
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As I reflect on the past few months and what is in the very near future, I am reminded how blessed I am to be married to a man as wonderful as Ben. He has been nothing but supportive of my decision to go to law school. He has agreed to quit his job, move to another state, and support us financially as I pursue my degree. He does not do this begrudgingly or expect "repayment". His love and support still amazes me. </div>
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Of course, I have offered a form of "repayment". If/when Ben decides to pursue his Ph.D., I will offer him the same deal he is offering me. He just has to wait a few years. In anticipation of his future endeavors, he is using this time to discover ways in which he can gain experience a knowledge that will benefit him in the long run. </div>
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We have less than a month until we can move into our apartment in St. Paul. We have a lot to do between now and then. We are looking forward to this next chapter!</div>
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-8560079672102985962017-01-24T08:52:00.000-08:002017-01-24T08:52:34.096-08:00January 21, 2017 - Women's March on Washington<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My name is Ashley Judd and I am a feminist. And I want to say hello to Independence Avenue in the back, all the way down to 17th Street, and I bring you words from Nina Donovan, a 19-year-old in Middle, Tennessee. She has given me the privilege of telling you what she has to say:</div>
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"I am a nasty woman. </div>
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I'm as nasty as a man who looks like he bathes in Cheeto dust. A man whose words are a distract to America. Electoral college-sanctioned, hate-speech contaminating this national anthem. I'm not as nasty as Confederate flags being tattooed across my city. Maybe the South actually is going to rise again. Maybe for some it never really fell. Blacks are still in shackles and graves, just for being black. Slavery has been reinterpreted as the prison system in front of people who see melanin as animal skin. I am not as nasty as a swastika painted on a pride flag, and I didn't know devils could be resurrected but I feel Hitler in these streets. A mustache traded for a toupee. Nazis renamed the Cabinet Electoral Conversion Therapy, the new gas chambers shaming the gay out of America, turning rainbows into suicide. I am not as nasty as racism, fraud, conflict of interest, homophobia, sexual assault, transphobia, white supremacy, misogyny, ignorance, white privilege ... your daughter being your favorite sex symbol, like your wet dreams infused with your own genes. Yeah, I'm a nasty woman — a loud, vulgar, proud woman.</div>
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I am not nasty like the combo of Trump and Pence being served up to me in my voting booths. I'm nasty like the battles my grandmothers fought to get me into that voting booth. I'm nasty like the fight for wage equality. Scarlett Johansson, why were the female actors paid less than half of what the male actors earned last year. See, even when we do go into higher paying jobs our wages are still cut with blades sharpened by testosterone. Why is the work of a black woman and a Hispanic woman worth only 63 and 54 cents of a white man's privileged daughter? This is not a feminist myth. This is inequality. So we are not here to be debunked. We are here to be respected. We are here to be nasty.</div>
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I am nasty like my bloodstains on my bed sheets. We don't actually choose if and when to have our periods. Believe me if we could some of us would. We do not like throwing away our favorite pairs of underpants. Tell me, why are pads and tampons still taxed when Viagra and Rogaine are not? Is your erection really more than protecting the sacred messy part of my womanhood? Is the bloodstain on my jeans more embarrassing than the thinning of your hair?</div>
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I know it is hard to look at your own entitlement and privilege. You may be afraid of the truth. I am unafraid to be honest. It may sound petty bringing up a few extra cents. It adds up to the pile of change I have yet to see in my country. I can't see. My eyes are too busy praying to my feet hoping you don't mistake eye contact for wanting physical contact. Half my life I have been zipping up my smile hoping you don't think I want to unzip your jeans. I am unafraid to be nasty because I am nasty like Susan, Elizabeth, Eleanor, Amelia, Rosa, Gloria, Condoleezza, Sonia, Malala, Michelle, Hillary!</div>
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And our pussies ain’t for grabbing. There for reminding you that our walls are stronger than America's ever will be. Our pussies are for our pleasure. They are for birthing new generations of filthy, vulgar, nasty, proud, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, you name it, for new generations of nasty women. So if you a nasty woman, or you love one who is, let me hear you say, hell yeah."</div>
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-47122805797841477592017-01-20T10:43:00.001-08:002017-01-20T10:43:47.856-08:002016 Presidential Election / 2017 Inauguration<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I exercised my right to vote in the 2016 Presidential Election, therefore I have earned the right to be upset with its outcome.</div>
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I just watched a live-stream of the inauguration of Donald Trump. I am still in disbelief that this was the outcome of the election and continue to be filled with fear and sorrow. What I try to remind myself is that this man did NOT win the popular vote. HRC had the popular lead by nearly 2.9 million American votes. #imwithher</div>
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As much as I have tried, I cannot seam to muster any positivity towards this new presidency. I cried on November 9th, 2016 when I learned the outcome of the election. I cried today, January 20, 2017, as I watched the live-stream of the inauguration. </div>
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As a woman, I feel threatened. There are individuals who believe that women are not equal to men (among an additional array of issues facing women). Meryl Streep put it perfectly in her speech at the Golden Globes:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">"...when it's modeled by someone in the public platform, by someone powerful, it filters down into everybody's life, because it kind of gives permission for other people to do the same thing. Disrespect invites disrespect." </span></div>
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She was referring to Trump mocking a disabled journalist, but it holds true to any form of disrespect, xenophobia, homophobia, you name it. I will be entering a male-dominated profession within the next four years. The thought of men (or anyone) mirroring Trump's behaviors is TERRIFYING. I know there are many men who would not mirror his behaviors. This is not a man-bashing/man-hating thing. It is just how I feel at this moment.</div>
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I wish I could be at the Women's March on Washington tomorrow. </div>
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[This post is not my greatest, but I felt I should memorialize my feelings on this day. I do not wish for Trump to fail - I wish for him to prove me wrong in my fears.]</div>
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-85024613896116394502016-09-13T11:54:00.000-07:002016-09-13T11:54:53.192-07:00Mini-Rant re: Law School<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I strive to be an optimistic and positive individual. Despite hearing horrible things about law school, I have tried to maintain that mindset throughout my application and selection process.<br />
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I am so sick of the negativity that arises when people ask me about law school. I'm to the point I just don't want to hear it. In response to my comment that I was excited for law school, I had one individual state, "You shouldn't be." WHAT?! I am taking the initiative to further my career and to expand my knowledge base. I know law school will be hard, but come on, man. I can be excited for the opportunity of self-improvement.<br />
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I'm not stupid. I know law school is going to be a lot of work. I'm not under any illusion that this will be a break from life and a nice three year vacation. I will have to work harder than I am now, say no to social events, say no to family events, etc. I will have internships/externships during summers and breaks and won't get to sit around binge watching Netflix the entire time. I. Get. It.<br />
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So, if you don't have anything supportive to say, shove off.<br />
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**NOTE: If you are reading this, I am very likely NOT referring to you.</div>
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-33657942005590816162016-08-25T11:39:00.000-07:002016-08-25T11:39:08.137-07:00Summer winding down-ish.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 2nd Beach Boys concert! Much closer to the stage this time and just as entertaining!</td></tr>
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Ben and I are finally reaching a point where our summer is winding town and hopefully turning into glorious fall days spent with our babies, family, and friends. I think we have had a whopping 5 weekends (MAYBE) of being home over the weekend since the end of May-ish. We have enjoyed our many activities and adventures, but I think we are both ready for some down time.</div>
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This coming weekend we will be heading to Spring Green, Wisconsin to go to the American Players Theater to see Death of a Salesman written by Arthur Miller. If you have never gone to APT, you must add it to your bucket list. Now.</div>
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In the weekends that follow we will be heading to MN for Tescia's bachelorette party, attending Brucemorchestra here at home, and attending various concerts which include the Dixie Chicks (Johnna and me), The Piano Guys, and Grace Potter. So maybe we aren't slowing down. . . but at least most of these activities are in Cedar Rapids. :)</div>
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-80694850268121926932016-08-02T08:46:00.002-07:002016-08-09T07:48:14.088-07:00Mitchell Hamline School of Law - Graduating Class of 2020! (Inshallah. . . )<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The decision has been officially made! Ben and I will be moving to the Twin Cities next year so that I can attend Mitchell Hamline School of Law!</div>
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Initially, I planned to retake the LSAT and apply to the University of Iowa. If I were accepted there, we wouldn't have to move and Ben would already have a job. Plus, we would remain close to family and friends. After much thought and discussion with Ben, I decided that is not the road I would like to take. Moving away from Iowa will force me to go outside of my comfort zone and explore new options. There are so many facets of the law that I haven't had a chance to experience and I think going to a larger city would allow more opportunities for growth. </div>
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When making the decision of where to attend law school, I also took into consideration what doctoral programs would be available to Ben in the area. I researched what programs were offered and came to the conclusion that the Twin Cities would possibly be a good fit for him as well. He already has plans to do some certificate program through University of St. Thomas over the next few summers. Obviously, when it comes time for him to start looking into doctoral programs I will support his decision to go wherever. While it would be nice to not have to move, a new adventure is always exciting. Our initial thought, though, is that we will be in the Twin Cities for approximately five years. Maybe more. Maybe less. Meh.</div>
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Anyway. . . It feels wonderful to have a plan. </div>
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-76391887146433410822016-07-18T10:30:00.003-07:002016-07-18T10:30:51.696-07:00Bookworm 4.0<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So it has been since January of 2014 since I have posted about books!! With school starting in the summer of 2014, I didn't really get that much time to read for fun. Plus, I began reading the Outlander series, so that consumed my free reading time for about 2 years! So here we go. . . </div>
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1. The All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness</h2>
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It has been so long since I read the first and second book in this trilogy, that I honestly can't remember too terribly much about the plot. What I do recall is that the main character is a witch, there is travel through time (with her vampire boyfriend), and I loved the books! I recently purchased the third and final book in the series and plan to reread books one and two so that I can refresh on the story line and finish the series.</div>
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2-9. The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon</h2>
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This series is amazing! It is so well written and you are very easily able to fall in love with the main characters. It is the story of a woman who accidentally time travels to Scotland in the 1700's (her time is approximately 1946 ish). There is so much to this story throughout the eight books that I don't feel I can really sum it up in a short paragraph, so I'm not going to try. I highly recommend this series. It is quite the undertaking because each book is quite lengthy, but it is well worth the time. It took me two years to finish the series, but I could have finished sooner had I not been in school at the time. It is also now a series on Stars, I think, so you can check that out as well!</div>
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10. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes</h2>
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This book was okay. The main character, Louisa Clark, is likable and you grow to love Will Traynor, the quadriplegic man she takes care of for 6 months. It is a fairy predictable book, but an enjoyable read nonetheless. I chose to rad this one because they recently released a movie based on the book. I will likely rent the movie when it comes out, and I generally like to have read the book before seeing the movie. </div>
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11. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins</h2>
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I decided to read this because there had been a significant amount of hype over it. I had heard that if you liked Gone Girl, you would enjoy this book. Well, I thought Gone Girl was okay, so I read this one. I was never really into this book. I kept reading just so that I could figure out the twist of the book, but I didn't ever feel invested in the story. </div>
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12-14. Fifty Shades Trilogy by E. L. James</h2>
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I put off reading these for quite some time. I always said I would never read them because they were trashy and not worth my time. After talking with a friend who had read them 3x through, I decided to read the first couple chapters of the first book to see what the hype was about. Well. . . I was hooked. As everyone has said who has tried to convince me to read these, the story line is actually really good! I was intrigued by Christian Grey's story and wanted to learn more about what happened to him in his childhood. I became interested in the love story between him and Anastasia. I couldn't put these down! The down side of these books are that the writing is not great. In the couple of books, the main character says "Jeez" so many times I could just punch her. There is also a lot that could be discussed about her whole world seeming to revolve around a man, but why think so much about higher end trashy novels? </div>
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Up next I plan to read Escape by Carolyn Jessup and Laura Palmer that talks about leaving a polygamist lifestyle. One of my guilty pleasures is watching Sister Wives once in a while and so I was intrigued by this book. I also plan to read Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg since it came highly recommended by my soon to be SIL. And the book One L: The Turbulent True Story of a First year at Harvard Law School by Scott Turow. I've seen it on multiple reading lists for different law schools, so I'll give it a whorl. </div>
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Happy reading!</div>
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-88982755363277966622016-07-13T10:33:00.004-07:002016-07-18T10:56:30.432-07:00Clarity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have been asked on multiple occasions why I decided to take a year in between getting my bachelor's and starting law school. One part of the answer has to do with financial security. I want to take extra time to build our savings so that we don't have to go as far in debt, because trust me - we will have plenty of it after law school! Another part has to do with my marriage and time spent with family/friends. The past two years I have been absent quite a bit. I said no to many things and feel as though I've neglected my relationships. I want to take a year to nurture those relationships. The biggest part of my decision has to do with my overwhelming anxiety.</div>
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I have struggled with depression and anxiety since high school. When I start to feel overwhelmed, I shut down. I have struggled with this the last two years and I am so proud of myself for not crumbling completely! Working full-time, going to school nearly full-time, and trying to manage my relationships was hard. Really hard. Because I took classes during spring, summer and fall, I never got a break from the constant feeling of being on the verge of failure. That's how I feel when I'm at my max - close to failure in some aspect of my life. I start thinking I can't do it. I get anxiety about my anxiety and worry that I'm not good enough, not smart enough, and that I'm going to fail. That is crippling. SO - a year of returning to a normal playing field is much needed before embarking on my law school adventure. I am optimistic that while law school will be difficult, I will feel less overwhelmed because I will not be working and can focus solely on my education.</div>
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Mental health is such a taboo topic, even still as many celebrities and other well known individuals have begun to reveal their personal struggles. I am a deeply private person and it is hard for me to be open about this topic, especially since I do feel shame surrounding my issues. Why do I write this post then, you ask? Because at least here you can read it, know my reason, and I won't have to feel uncomfortable trying to explain and justify my decision.</div>
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-66046982589023691072016-07-10T15:29:00.001-07:002016-07-18T10:57:04.346-07:00Whirlwind<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It is a goal of mine to be better about updating the blog. I really enjoy being able to look back on posts and take a moment to remember things that have passed and maybe revisit a memory that I have forgotten. </div>
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That being said, there are many things that have happened the past few months!</div>
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1. Barry Manilow came to Cedar Rapids on April 8th! Mom and I attended his concert and it was fantastic! We were given glow sticks upon entrance. Ha.</div>
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2. April 23rd we leased a 2016 Chevy Equinox. Our Mountaineer required about $2,500-$3,000 worth of work, and we decided instead of putting that money into an older vehicle, we would prefer to trade in for something we could rely on. We did a two year lease, so if we find we are drowning my 1st year in law school, we will be able to cut it loose. Let's hope that isn't the case! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDrfzaY9sIVVEFKwVgIY-TbadTfdvLzOhdqm1LsjByiuogNQ94MbNEQS1YBPF3sY_Wo9JvkfpK4HcpDh1a8HvVAyeJDBZ52LdzZiWflQZ6fkmF_jRVw7j-WYP55BFlJGxiNyhFalFxPQ/s1600/equinox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDrfzaY9sIVVEFKwVgIY-TbadTfdvLzOhdqm1LsjByiuogNQ94MbNEQS1YBPF3sY_Wo9JvkfpK4HcpDh1a8HvVAyeJDBZ52LdzZiWflQZ6fkmF_jRVw7j-WYP55BFlJGxiNyhFalFxPQ/s400/equinox.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I named her Shelly.</td></tr>
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3. On April 30th, Ben and I went to a Garth Brooks concert. It was AMAZING. I have loved Garth since I was a little girl and have always dreamt of seeing him live! Garth was actually my first ever cassette tape. :) If at any time Garth is within reasonable distance to my location, I will be going again. Ben thought it was really good and was a great sport in putting up with my obnoxious self. The tickets were randomly selected for you, so we ended up in one of the back balconies. No one around was standing/dancing/singing, but that didn't stop me! While I didn't stand, I danced from my seat and sang until I was blue in the face!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHlVEb3iKRfMqAHNUrKW493RcnwpZnfrwec_inkynRTL6ErmOnzyHrjcxANrZEOmfCh36pUyYR8gpzQ_1GiOODrwoEW0XkApGIJyH6ZspRsJmxXdmMhPmfPj0X4VvnpcUvxkFjGGY_ms/s1600/Garth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHlVEb3iKRfMqAHNUrKW493RcnwpZnfrwec_inkynRTL6ErmOnzyHrjcxANrZEOmfCh36pUyYR8gpzQ_1GiOODrwoEW0XkApGIJyH6ZspRsJmxXdmMhPmfPj0X4VvnpcUvxkFjGGY_ms/s400/Garth.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for Garth to start!</td></tr>
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4. Graduation. Did a post<a href="http://benandlyndseyjackson.blogspot.com/2016/05/graduation.html" target="_blank"> here.</a> Here is a nice post did Ben on my last day of classes:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Jw8KgJiOkCSlX_Yj1Ui1A9MbvkqPn81giVq_4tJt07fEs40AqGh125xlYwKaWHe4utI2I78zPfwagAIcpF4ytlUIIW4glW1LXH6v0fIwqgRQY-3_qsrfDQtTpEsmYzf_2Mp0MCLNWAA/s1600/ben+grad+post.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Jw8KgJiOkCSlX_Yj1Ui1A9MbvkqPn81giVq_4tJt07fEs40AqGh125xlYwKaWHe4utI2I78zPfwagAIcpF4ytlUIIW4glW1LXH6v0fIwqgRQY-3_qsrfDQtTpEsmYzf_2Mp0MCLNWAA/s640/ben+grad+post.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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5. May 27-30th Ben and I traveled to Lanesboro, MN to camp, kayak, bike, and enjoy the outdoors! It was our 2nd time to Lanesboro. We stopped at Aroma Pie Shoppe in Whalan, MN and enjoyed a couple slices of pie (BJ - raspberry cream; LJ - chocolate cashew) and coffee. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5w5dlBZ92Zu0juZpuy3mfYWA7IazLzf6peS1vKKFNAX_n_tlaVp9iPNA-GOpf03-JN89yeXV6Cl2yHfPVWy2pU-LenbOhm5bNYHSni1v4rn-ks89RP3CfJAxvLQb6rdaFi7MXDDaQtQ/s1600/Aroma+Pie+Shoppe+Whalan+MN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5w5dlBZ92Zu0juZpuy3mfYWA7IazLzf6peS1vKKFNAX_n_tlaVp9iPNA-GOpf03-JN89yeXV6Cl2yHfPVWy2pU-LenbOhm5bNYHSni1v4rn-ks89RP3CfJAxvLQb6rdaFi7MXDDaQtQ/s400/Aroma+Pie+Shoppe+Whalan+MN.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoG-o2VV3CUmtt4ZnX2fXYWGho46bdULww4MmepEcid09ZRiUQKrsTqTxt5llUfpk6IJfvuag0u234LfiR3UJrQgPfXhn2CjUX_gQmcqy8MuZhMfU5d33F7WKVwfwpgSeDsXXI7E8-dz0/s1600/kayak+lanesboro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoG-o2VV3CUmtt4ZnX2fXYWGho46bdULww4MmepEcid09ZRiUQKrsTqTxt5llUfpk6IJfvuag0u234LfiR3UJrQgPfXhn2CjUX_gQmcqy8MuZhMfU5d33F7WKVwfwpgSeDsXXI7E8-dz0/s400/kayak+lanesboro.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st time out on the new kayaks!!!</td></tr>
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6. June 10th we took the puppies to a 5k Doggy Dash that raised money for the local animal shelter. It turned out to be a fairly warm day and both dogs were ready for naps after the event!</div>
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7. We spent Father's Day down in Ft. Madison with some of Ben's family.</div>
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8. June 24-26th we traveled to Omaha for a visit with our friends Joe and Julia. We got to meet their new cutie, Leo, and enjoy some time catching up. </div>
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9. On July 2nd we traveled to Wisconsin to the Alpine Valley amphitheater with Johnna and Danny to go to our first Dave Matthews Band concert. Alpine Valley can hold 37,000 people and the concert was SOLD OUT. It was such a fun experience!! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILe2UCwVu0k-eBBopOY4XEupBmrygDkTQLVMr3S4neGDGjNgRXGK8Lmoi3FdY2RcfJAbuqEXypdfjV5dIyo7O656Bx3tg4YqKIw4WA9XgVgUtuVqy9BbAy2pJAAvY9QlSi67_Ir79tug/s1600/DMB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILe2UCwVu0k-eBBopOY4XEupBmrygDkTQLVMr3S4neGDGjNgRXGK8Lmoi3FdY2RcfJAbuqEXypdfjV5dIyo7O656Bx3tg4YqKIw4WA9XgVgUtuVqy9BbAy2pJAAvY9QlSi67_Ir79tug/s400/DMB.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Johnna, Danny, Ben & me. </td></tr>
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That catches us up to this weekend, for the most part. </div>
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Ben and I decided to celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary this weekend because he will be leaving for Andy's bachelor party on our actual anniversary (July 14). Yesterday we decided to take the kayaks out to Lake Macbride and to try bringing the puppies. We've been wanting to take them camping with us, but we always worry about what we would do with them if we took the kayaks out or went on a bike ride. So we hit up Petco for a couple of doggie life vests and went to the lake! We packed a lunch and had a nice picnic prior to our voyage. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduCtaRB8QnL5CptdV07d-nCVagZG1jn-G03ESKRa5J1dBGk-98EL7cZzx4WJogBAhEWLno0VsK2QeSx_KDqs8HCMhAXocKVPf9vZMiV68RGibBREdJlW6A9jHnaRs09kge65NJrswWLE/s1600/picnic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduCtaRB8QnL5CptdV07d-nCVagZG1jn-G03ESKRa5J1dBGk-98EL7cZzx4WJogBAhEWLno0VsK2QeSx_KDqs8HCMhAXocKVPf9vZMiV68RGibBREdJlW6A9jHnaRs09kge65NJrswWLE/s400/picnic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After a nice picnic lunch, we unloaded the kayaks, got the dogs fitted for their life vests, and pushed off. Grover was completely fine in the kayak. He didn't appear to be nervous, but actually seemed to enjoy it! I think that in his seven years with me he has learned that I will fiercely protect him and not let any harm come his way. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICqifFUrMcsIOYeDu4UmhqlGRqQbN2C7sR4PURzFP7OdcSGHrAciFw6QN4cL9fQQiuM5FGXGBZ_PaEeDw3IMwvwbuG1_-I2i119qzhNT2Nb5OMS4HQt1cCQgIjNXAd5I5gt5zFhAAfCY/s1600/kayak+grover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICqifFUrMcsIOYeDu4UmhqlGRqQbN2C7sR4PURzFP7OdcSGHrAciFw6QN4cL9fQQiuM5FGXGBZ_PaEeDw3IMwvwbuG1_-I2i119qzhNT2Nb5OMS4HQt1cCQgIjNXAd5I5gt5zFhAAfCY/s400/kayak+grover.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet little copilot!</td></tr>
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Odie was not quite as fond of the kayaks. Ben struggled to get him into the cockpit initially, but finally got pushed out into the lake. It wasn't very long before Odie jumped ship and tested out his personal flotation device! He swam around for about 20 seconds before he made his was close enough to be to grab the handle of his life vest and pull him back into the kayak. He then refused to move from Ben's lap and chest for at least 45 minutes. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpiCkZCV-8mO7W26EiWtonmXrxdqgQdiVmiJz0lDr0e_RUn-2ancoArdJiiAtkrD1sSW2qp6F-U7Ss-QXAGLVREpNowTKfJUkCKeefvuf_xYe7Ummy0dzfTa-TmhsziZZjIt-_gXTF4s/s1600/kayak+odie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpiCkZCV-8mO7W26EiWtonmXrxdqgQdiVmiJz0lDr0e_RUn-2ancoArdJiiAtkrD1sSW2qp6F-U7Ss-QXAGLVREpNowTKfJUkCKeefvuf_xYe7Ummy0dzfTa-TmhsziZZjIt-_gXTF4s/s400/kayak+odie.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calming down a bit, but still not totally impressed, I think.</td></tr>
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I'm so glad we decided to try the dogs in the kayaks out on the lake instead of a river the first time. I think we will take them out a few more times on the lake before attempting a river. Side note: at some point Odie peed the boat. On Ben's lap. Once Ben dried I said my usual, "Something smells like piss." It was Ben. Bahaha. </div>
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After getting home from our kayaking adventure, we showered and went to supper at The Bluebird Cafe in North Liberty. We enjoyed breakfast for supper and then made our way to play putt putt. Ben thought up the idea for putt putt because I have mentioned several times that there is a neat course (neat for Iowa, that is) at one of the golf courses, but we have never gone. </div>
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We also exchanged gifts yesterday. Ben gave me an absolutely gorgeous necklace and diamond earrings! He is awesome. I gifted him the complete series of Battlestar Gallactica (which he happened to find earlier in the week in my secret hiding place - aka the back seat of the car. Oops) and a daily journal for a couple that spans 3 years. </div>
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Now it is Sunday and while I initially had motivation to get things one, that has flown out the window. I wanted to pulls weeds around the house, but then it started raining at 10 a.m. and has been raining on and off since then. A day of reading, coffee, and laundry it is, then. </div>
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-46345678843239136502016-05-24T13:18:00.001-07:002016-07-18T10:57:20.848-07:00Graduation!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEcXQWDcxiIPjIOnJbjMAYiV1MhJUeb6JNQM18tPraUGeNNLRJmf4JzEFIMbPH2WzVT_eNlsVurvZJoIstbp0y9020r7chxJeTf7PBgTC9s8nrWsRQ8mdKXHXawvPjc3RVsd1glldTmQ/s1600/graduation3%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEcXQWDcxiIPjIOnJbjMAYiV1MhJUeb6JNQM18tPraUGeNNLRJmf4JzEFIMbPH2WzVT_eNlsVurvZJoIstbp0y9020r7chxJeTf7PBgTC9s8nrWsRQ8mdKXHXawvPjc3RVsd1glldTmQ/s400/graduation3%2521.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May favorite! Maple bacon cake!!!!</td></tr>
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Ten years after graduating high school, I finally graduated from college! Graduation was held at Carver Hawkeye Arena on May 14, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. While I am not thankful for the piles of student loans that I am facing come November, I am thankful for the winding road I took to achieve this degree. My college journey was punctuated with life experiences, both negative and positive, and they have all played a part in getting me to where I am today. I am blessed with amazing family, friends all over the U.S. and world, a job I love, a home of my own, and two sweet babies (my dogs).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kM0oPc-6GQvZC_0pIvb7M0IELaUKFRqIGNjd8y42xqNAxGiPRPjzww7UO6bFizDJx7iTzl4eqiursq_p2_d-0srm1_hWC77UugcYGaRV7JPA-44ayaK6MgMswntCNnFNvmgXjiC7DZ8/s1600/graduation4%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kM0oPc-6GQvZC_0pIvb7M0IELaUKFRqIGNjd8y42xqNAxGiPRPjzww7UO6bFizDJx7iTzl4eqiursq_p2_d-0srm1_hWC77UugcYGaRV7JPA-44ayaK6MgMswntCNnFNvmgXjiC7DZ8/s400/graduation4%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ben snapped this photo while waiting for the graduation ceremony to begin. I was tired and lacking coffee. And obviously lacking excitement. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwm7BDIBwil5sXTWkz-yh_cVmybgnJui_rGHjDsLtLcQUyd0DCVqS6n8RI1dFn8c0ZYLu3UF2PVK3q0mWqWj8Pt-UvndTAklIUZN7e8h84zmzr2f62gavntN36AcoD8nkaakx6nsjY-qg/s1600/Graduation%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwm7BDIBwil5sXTWkz-yh_cVmybgnJui_rGHjDsLtLcQUyd0DCVqS6n8RI1dFn8c0ZYLu3UF2PVK3q0mWqWj8Pt-UvndTAklIUZN7e8h84zmzr2f62gavntN36AcoD8nkaakx6nsjY-qg/s400/Graduation%2521.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This wonderful man has had to put up with my antisocial behaviors for the last 2 years. I feel he deserves quite a bit of recognition for this graduation as well. He helped to keep me sane when the stress of trying to do everything (work, school, family, social life, marriage, etc.) perfectly made me feel overwhelmed. </div>
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I always love my time with my mummy. Our quality time the past two years has taken a hit due to school (for both of us) and work. She, too, helped to keep me sane throughout this process from beginning to end. At the end of the graduation ceremony, the graduates were asked to look at their family as the speaker discussed how they helped get us all there (or something like that. . . I was not being a very good listener!). I waved up at my mummy and she later told me, with tears in her eyes, that I wave the same as I did when I was a little girl. I make note of it because it is a memory I want to keep. :) I will always be her little Lyndsey! </div>
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What happens next is fairly unknown. I have applied to law schools and secured a seat for the class of 2020 at Mitchell Hamline School of Law. I have a year to make decisions and figure out what I want. I will use my year wisely to refresh and reconnect with my neglected family and friends. Currently, I am looking forward to a summer of kayaking, camping, all things outdoorsy! </div>
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GO HAWKS!</div>
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[P.S. I am an official HAWKEYE ALUMNI!]</div>
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-11351792766399195332016-03-31T07:56:00.002-07:002016-03-31T07:56:55.658-07:00Anxiety Revelation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Since submitting my law school apps, I have felt nothing but anxiety. As mentioned in my previous <a href="http://benandlyndseyjackson.blogspot.com/2016/03/emotional-roller-coaster.html" target="_blank">post</a>, it's been a bit of an emotional roller coaster! </div>
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A couple nights ago while reading before bed, it occurred to me <i>why</i> I am having <i>soooo</i> much anxiety regarding law school. There is of course the normal stress that change can bring, but I also will be leaving a job that I love, with people that I love working with. By leaving the job, I am removing my ability to successfully support myself. BOOM! There it is. The thought of not being able to support myself is terrifying. I am absolutely blessed with a loving, hardworking, husband who is more than willing to work to support both of us for the next few years. That isn't the issue - that is wonderful. I think I have some deep-rooted need to know that no matter what happens, I can take care of myself without needing anyone's help. If I'm being honest, without needing a man's help. I have trust issues when it comes to males. I'm sure anyone with a psychology background can psychoanalyze the crap out of that paragraph. </div>
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It helps me to know that after law school, Ben and I will reverse roles. He will dive full-time into a Ph.D. program of his choosing and I will bring home the bacon. It is also incredibly helpful that I feel solid in our marriage and that we are both on the same page in terms of our commitment to one another and our wanting the other to succeed. I basically need to enlist the help of a therapist to straighten out the crazy that goes on in my head. Understanding that this is what is causing me significant amounts of stress and anxiety actually helps to relieve it a bit. Thank goodness.<br />
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Of note: I have been accepted to a law school!! I have only heard from one of 8 that I applied to. Hopefully I see some more admissions roll in!</div>
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-41354206086105382332016-03-28T12:41:00.001-07:002016-03-28T12:41:52.779-07:00One year with Odie!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We adopted our sweet terrorist one year ago today! We love our little snuggle puff!</div>
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-24274684693360228212016-03-21T07:40:00.001-07:002016-03-30T11:12:05.314-07:00Emotional Roller Coaster<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Now that I have submitted most of my applications to law school, I have been on quite the roller coaster ride of emotions. As typical with my generation, I enjoy instant gratification, so having to wait 3+ weeks for a decision is driving me mad.</div>
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Day 1: Submit application. Feel proud of self and excited! </div>
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Day 2: Check status of application a gillion times per hour. Feel confident. </div>
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Day 3: No one is going to say yes. . . I'm not going to get in. This is going to be awful. </div>
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Day 4: It doesn't matter all that much. I plan to take a year off anyway. I'm fine.</div>
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Day 5: PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE.</div>
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Day 6 & 7: What if I get in? What if we have to move? Change is too scary. I'm going to go vomit now.</div>
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Week one down. At least two to go. </div>
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Yay.</div>
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-42007079104986692242016-03-01T09:33:00.002-08:002016-03-01T09:33:42.023-08:00Personal Statement<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After attempting to write my personal statement for my law school apps for 6 months, I finally finished a draft this past weekend. It is horribly sloppy, has incomplete thoughts, and needs a lot of work, but it is drafted!</div>
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Ben has graciously gone through and provided notes on things to revise or add. He has listened to me spout out ideas of what I could include in my personal statement for the last 6 months, so he has a good idea of what I want to say and reminded me of things that I inadvertently left out.</div>
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My goal is to be able to submit my law school applications within the next two weeks. Exciting times!</div>
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-68106993776687079832016-02-20T18:11:00.001-08:002016-02-20T18:11:42.984-08:00Time passes so quickly!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I haven't posted in almost three months, I think. This is what we look like now:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyH74Ml_I_rReTDyiAMdxQPDjsS1i2Mn62q99QeRknSJCJCt5SAPBRvQ5XNuGeUHG4PNbRDVjOsMd3sKUWyETWYh2Q_Ds-8Epmm0ClCaPKi9XcDG9dkv99Uxu0bF6uUUOhG708Fu3lxMI/s1600/Old.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyH74Ml_I_rReTDyiAMdxQPDjsS1i2Mn62q99QeRknSJCJCt5SAPBRvQ5XNuGeUHG4PNbRDVjOsMd3sKUWyETWYh2Q_Ds-8Epmm0ClCaPKi9XcDG9dkv99Uxu0bF6uUUOhG708Fu3lxMI/s400/Old.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of SnapChat filter.</td></tr>
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Just kidding. :)<br />
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My lack of posting is not for lack of things happening in our lives. More like lack of time / lack of want to log on and write. </div>
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I still have not completed my law school applications. I have a self-imposed deadline to complete those by the end of February. I think the first due date coming up for applications is in April and some schools even allow you to submit applications as late as August. I am to a point now where it is stressing me out more to not know what I will be doing than the thought of rejection. The applications themselves are very easy. Obtaining the letters of recommendation was easy. It is writing the personal statement that is a huge challenge. BUT Ben will be at a conference in Seattle this weekend through Tuesday, so I will have plenty of time home alone to work on this thing and at least get a draft completed. I have many, many first drafts which consist of about 2 or 3 sentences. </div>
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On another note, we went to Chicago last weekend! As an early birthday present to Ben, I purchased tickets to the opera Der Rosenkavalier by Strauss. We went up Friday night and stayed through Sunday morning. We walked around the city, got a couples massage, went to supper at The Berghoff (German restaurant before going to a German opera!), and attended the opera. We ended up leaving a bit earlier than originally anticipated because there was a winter weather system moving in and we wanted to get home safely. We truly enjoyed our time in the windy city! We had never done a couples massage before and we both truly enjoyed it. We did the deep tissue massage and I was sore the next day. I also had some bilateral hip pain going on after the massage which was uncomfortable, so I think next time I would discuss that with the massage therapist prior to the massage.</div>
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Here are some lovely photographs of our time in Chicago:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2goTUIH9eu0djHRVF8Ad1MMJbl6sOlnt7kVYwAYWswAcsv6xpSoJfLrPPX5XsaVRWJXM_EwNdb-myb8V5-z3D40644YnbDLiLy5PMC6O02IUmhA0J4QaxY6h_9-WWY1p6jp8gvwKqWWM/s1600/Massage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2goTUIH9eu0djHRVF8Ad1MMJbl6sOlnt7kVYwAYWswAcsv6xpSoJfLrPPX5XsaVRWJXM_EwNdb-myb8V5-z3D40644YnbDLiLy5PMC6O02IUmhA0J4QaxY6h_9-WWY1p6jp8gvwKqWWM/s400/Massage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for our couples massage!<br />One of the ladies at the spa said y hair is gorgeous. :)<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZr7u3botZzsspc7izULDdxnAwXJ5IazvPdap1Zkwxy6USK8X_AqlpMhicNuuxPBJ-x1smXdT2UPGltQpiUOg0_XfRWSiIVFH_p60hXAua0voKHA_UBNT_pgWvAyicxNnFRI0PqC9MaOI/s1600/Berghoff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZr7u3botZzsspc7izULDdxnAwXJ5IazvPdap1Zkwxy6USK8X_AqlpMhicNuuxPBJ-x1smXdT2UPGltQpiUOg0_XfRWSiIVFH_p60hXAua0voKHA_UBNT_pgWvAyicxNnFRI0PqC9MaOI/s400/Berghoff.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supper at The Berghoff - a German restaurant in Chicago.<br />I chose a German restaurant before going to the German opera!<br />Ben had steak, potatoes and asparagus.<br />I had sliced beef with a sweet and sour gravy, mashed potatoes, and veggies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GOMUC2s73PAJ0_t6WuVyy_g51Pi2vL6RZm0rClwx1JMEH-hYB7QMaFlwgC1Jxr0mmf3GbDlIgo9lYY5GGFdqwRsmhr0u6AEK0SMXo5MHPuXYFyq8_ZF962i7Z-C4L5RAS75Q_ctVVAA/s1600/Opera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GOMUC2s73PAJ0_t6WuVyy_g51Pi2vL6RZm0rClwx1JMEH-hYB7QMaFlwgC1Jxr0mmf3GbDlIgo9lYY5GGFdqwRsmhr0u6AEK0SMXo5MHPuXYFyq8_ZF962i7Z-C4L5RAS75Q_ctVVAA/s400/Opera.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wined and dined and ready to go see Der Rosenkavalier!<br />Isn't my hubby handsome?!</td></tr>
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We did, unfortunately, hit some snow on our way home from our weekend away and ended up sitting in stand-still traffic for 3 hours due to a massive car accident. (No fatal injuries, thank goodness.)<br />
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Other things that have been happening in our life:<br />
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I started my final semester of undergrad!!! I graduate May 14th at 9 a.m.! I could have had the 1 p.m. slot and slept in if my name were still Watznauer. . . Just saying. . . lol<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilANROo5I7j-EX6F9fPBVodKg8OfFvNzYi5mYnicTwGKO3kcBO_DBMWe_8URRMuWbIkyHdZx6cWhvE7qLpSBc56FvXufnE4yUeSU_ErP1jn3-hWJuYVk_fqNnCd-HIKvpPY14b7z4JcbI/s1600/Babies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilANROo5I7j-EX6F9fPBVodKg8OfFvNzYi5mYnicTwGKO3kcBO_DBMWe_8URRMuWbIkyHdZx6cWhvE7qLpSBc56FvXufnE4yUeSU_ErP1jn3-hWJuYVk_fqNnCd-HIKvpPY14b7z4JcbI/s400/Babies.jpg" width="377" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet babies after a weekend at the farm. Pooped!</td></tr>
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Odie and Grover became BFF's. They now look out the window together, play, snuggle in the same vicinity, share doggy beds, and sometimes chase one another. It is a nice change from Grover snarling at Odie allllll the time. [NOTE: Grover still snarls on occasion. Odie normally deserves it.]<br />
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Odie earned our trust to remain out of his kennel during the day when we are at work. After about a month of free roaming, he betrayed our trust and is now back to the kennel. In his lifetime he has destroyed 5 pairs of my flats, 2 pairs of Ben's shoes, too many Kleenex's to count, a few of my school books, multiple puzzle pieces, multiple pens, a bajillion toys (those are ok to destroy), and I'm sure many other things that have slipped my memory. Most recently he tore into a stack of text books I was going to take and return for a bit of moolah. We have noticed that we can predict when Odie will be destructive, and most of the time it is when we tick him off because we are leaving. So. . . kennel.<br />
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Ben has continued to learn and grow in his new position this year. He has liked this job from the get go, but as the year has gone on I have noticed that his enjoyment has increased. He has had the chance to establish working relationships with his teachers and gained their trust. They have also gained experience in the classroom and are able to actively participate in their conversations and various interactions. As I said, this weekend he is in Seattle for some conference from today through Tuesday. If you want more information on how things are going with his career, feel free to ask him about it!<br />
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As for my job, I continue to work hard and am learning more each day! It has been pretty busy at work. I had a deposition at the end of January to prepare for and then a hearing from this past Thursday that both kept me quite occupied during the working hours. I went to both the deposition and workers comp hearing with the attorney I work with and it was great to be able to see how my hard work was used in both situations. Advice to attorneys: take our paralegal(s) to hearings, depos, witness interviews, etc. It will improve their work ethic and work product!<br />
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This is all I can think of at the time being.<br />
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TTYL. LYLAS. BRB. ;)<br />
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-89170438011732298382015-12-10T10:02:00.002-08:002015-12-10T10:02:51.851-08:00Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Cgr6sm3NzX_DeMq8q6CIlg-HwZ2BUkb7VBHQ5C8sKYOFklrs9QH9F7XXnSnnb62i3SN2cPUVbHz5EMkGI4CsCR25m11dF6ObJlLsIlhDeU9xS8Y1vNt0WPGU9rOSuSDdzZE7iIRfYgM/s1600/dogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Cgr6sm3NzX_DeMq8q6CIlg-HwZ2BUkb7VBHQ5C8sKYOFklrs9QH9F7XXnSnnb62i3SN2cPUVbHz5EMkGI4CsCR25m11dF6ObJlLsIlhDeU9xS8Y1vNt0WPGU9rOSuSDdzZE7iIRfYgM/s320/dogs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It took them forever, but they're friends sometimes! </td></tr>
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It has been quite some time since I have sat down to write a post for the blog. I have been completely swamped with work and school and have had no time to do anything I find fun. If I do make time to do something fun, I end up paying for it later with 20 tons of homework to catch up on. Sigh. . .<br />
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BUT this semester is almost over! My first day of total freedom will be Friday, December 18th! Ben and I are going up to the Twin Cities for a Christmas party and some holiday time with part of his family. I will finally be able to enjoy a weekend that does not include a complete day being consumed with class work! I haven't had a break like that since summer.<br />
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I suppose this is good practice for law school. Although, I won't have a full-time job if I'm going to law school, so I'm hoping that will make a difference.<br />
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So for now, I will go and gloriously plow through one more week of classwork. When finished, I'm going to veg and watch Christmas movies every night while eating candy kisses and enjoying snuggle time with my husband and fur babies.<br />
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-17426890965531264072015-09-24T09:29:00.000-07:002015-09-24T09:29:49.892-07:00Freaking out.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My current mantra. . . </div>
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You know that feeling when you look at your life and realized you are trying to do way too much at one time? Well that is me right now. </div>
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I have a loaded schedule of 3 online courses through Iowa, 2 that I am finishing up from the summer, I am trying to prepare for the LSAT on October 3rd, I am working on preparing all of my crap to apply for law school, and I am working full time. I envy those who either do not have to work and are going to school full time, OR who are working on getting ready to apply to law school while working but without other classes. I know I'm being a big baby right now because there are people with a lot more on their plate than me, but I don't care. It's my party and I'll cry if I want to.</div>
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Today, I feel like I am drowning because I can't turn my brain off. I keep thinking about everything I have to get done in the next 2 months and I feel helpless. I'm trying to switch my thinking to just one day at a time - max one week. I can do one week. </div>
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-84006563602487098132015-09-01T07:53:00.001-07:002015-09-01T07:53:25.513-07:00Law School - Apply Today!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Some of the various law schools I am interested in applying to open their applications today!!!!</div>
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Who is ridiculously giddy and has butterflies in their tummy?! This girl.</div>
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Unfortunately, I won't take my LSAT until October 3rd, so official submissions cannot be made until then. BUT I am being proactive and collecting my letters of recommendation, drafting my personal statement and other various addenda I plan to file, and I will fill in what information I do have in the applications so they are ready for me to click SUBMIT once I receive that LSAT score! </div>
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All that being what it is, Ben and I are mulling over the decision to wait one year before I start law school. We plan to have all debt (aside from student loans, car payment and mortgage) paid off by the end of January, so at that point we can begin saving more each month. If I waited a year to start law school, we would be in a better place financially once I did start. This is just an idea flitting around. We will see what happens and what we decide together. </div>
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Wish me luck!</div>
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-25763430012428029352015-08-16T13:51:00.002-07:002015-08-17T07:55:41.648-07:00Easy, Breezy, Beautiful. CleverGirl.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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You know when you are out running errands wearing your yoga pants and a ratty t-shirt, no make up, and have total bedhead and see a perfectly put together woman and you suddenly think, "Wow. I wish I could be her!" Well I do!!!! I have always been amazed by those women that seem so outwardly put together! They have perfect hair, makeup, and an amazing outfit to boot. I have always wanted to be like those women! They look amazing, exude confidence, and appear to take pride in their physical appearance.</div>
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I had a realization a couple/few weeks ago. The only way I will ever be like those women is to take action instead of wishing for a miracle. So, I have begun to take action!</div>
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I have never worn much makeup. Foundation, blush, and mascara were my usual day-to-day staples and if there was a special occasion I would slap on some eye shadow. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that routine, but I want to learn how to do more! I have been watching beauty YouTubers and learning new tricks. I have picked up some new beauty products and the experimenting has been quite fun.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben's lovely finger poking my overexposed face. But new makeup! Yay!</td></tr>
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Before you go all judgy on me, I would like to clarify that I am not a completely self-involved dumb woman. I am a woman who wants to have confidence and take pride in my appearance. I am not materialistic or think that I need every product known to man slathered on my face. I want to look good for myself! And my husband. I want him to take pride in having a lovely wife! I also am smart, have a good career and will be applying to law school in a month. Brains are beauty, too!</div>
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Anyway. . . So far in my process I have found a few products that I do not know how I lived without! </div>
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1. The <a href="http://www.sephora.com/corrector-P270555" target="_blank">Bobbi Brown Corrector</a> from Sephora is TO DIE FOR! I know that some people use regular concealer for under eye dark circles, but this stuff is far superior. It is very dense and creamy and covers those circles and lines and brightens the eyes. Go try it. Seriously.</div>
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2. The <a href="http://www.sephora.com/naked-palette-P267200?skuId=1324532" target="_blank">Urban Decay Naked 1</a> eye shadow palette is also to die for. Very subtle colors that you can mix and match to do an everyday look or some beautiful night looks. It comes with a brush that I love and there are a million online tutorials for different shadow variations.</div>
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3. The <a href="http://www.sephora.com/perversion-mascara-P387956?skuId=1635770" target="_blank">Urban Decay Perversion Mascara</a> is the best I have ever used. It doesn't get clumps or create spider lashes with multiple layers. It also stays on your lashes and doesn't give you raccoon eyes by midday. I will never go back to my drugstore mascara AGAIN.</div>
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4. I have also learned that your makeup brushes MATTER. If you use the $10 pack of brushes from Target, you aren't going to get the nice, blended and natural look that you will from the more expensive brushes. Splurge, get the better brushes, and care for them so they will last a long time and it will so be worth the money!</div>
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5. I am also a huge fan of the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/all-nighter-long-lasting-makeup-setting-spray-P263504?skuId=1458173" target="_blank">Urban Decay All-Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray</a> [not pictured]. This is a light face mist that sets in your makeup and is perfect for long days at a wedding or other event. Pretty much all of the Urban Decay products I have tried I have loved. I also have the eye shadow primer which is fantastic and keeps your eye shadow flawless all day.</div>
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I will leave you with a quote I thought was appropriate from House Bunny with the discussion of eye shadow, mascara. . . makeup. </div>
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"The eyes are the nipples of the face." -Shelley</div>
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:) hehe.</div>
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-13079664603344981232015-08-12T15:36:00.001-07:002015-08-12T15:53:41.847-07:00Preparing to Apply to Law School<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As you know, I am in the process of preparing to apply to law school. On September 1st I can officially begin submitting applications! Yikes! Unfortunately, I was unable to take the June LSAT due to an amazing vacation in Hawaii, so I cannot take it until October 3rd, therefore must wait until I receive my score to submit my complete application. What you likely do not know, is that you have to use a special program to compile all the various components of your application and submit it to the schools electronically. (Note: this program costs $$, as does the LSAT, and your application to the school. Woof.) In that program, you can search for schools in a few different ways. One way, which I have found to be both a blessing and a curse, is by inputting your GPA and LSAT score. I am obviously guesstimating on the LSAT score (and am in no way trying to flatter myself with this number - generally sticking to the average for the time being) and am bumping my GPA up just a notch and seeing that I can at least get in SOMEWHERE potentially. That's exciting! To an extent. . . </div>
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I am not ashamed to say that I have a terrible GPA. [LIES - I am ashamed.] Currently, I believe it is at a 2.72 or something. I have a couple of F's that I am going to do the second grade option at the University of Iowa and that should bump it up just a bit. My goal is a 3.0 when I walk the stage. Or at least close to it. That being what it is, I absolutely MUST do well on my LSAT in order to have an inkling of a chance to be admitted to Iowa's law school. According to that wonderful program mentioned above, when I enter my GPA at a 2.92 with an LSAT score of 155, I have 0% chance of being admitted. I don't care. I'm still going to apply. </div>
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If you have talked to me at all, you would have picked up on the fact that I was leaning towards the University of Memphis. For their in-state tuition, it is approximately $18k/year. To receive this fantabulous in-state tuition rate, you just have to buy a house. After finding out that tidbit of information, I scoured realtor.com and found out that real estate in Memphis is even more affordable than Cedar Rapids! With further research, I realized why. . . Memphis has the 2nd highest crime rate in the U.S. Proof that nothing can be all sunshine and rainbows. So back to the drawing board!<br />
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*This weekend I had a conversation with my brother-in-law, Keith, and he made an excellent point. Wherever I choose to go is going to change my life. It will effect the friends I have, where I will live, where I might live and practice after school, etc. His point - don't base you decision strictly on cost of tuition. There are so many other things to consider! I hadn't really considered this aspect in my selection process. He is absolutely right. This means absolutely no Texas. Sorry y'all. . . *</div>
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Iowa College of Law would be ideal. We wouldn't have to move, therefore would know that we had a steady paycheck and benefits coming from Ben. We wouldn't have to sell our house, search for new housing, and acquaint ourselves with a new city. All of those things sound exciting, but the stress of getting ready to lay down my life for 3 years to law school is intense and I worry about feeling overwhelmed. (Although it makes me giddy to think about moving somewhere new!) Plus, if I were to go to Iowa, I would be a true Hawkeye through-and-through! Not to mention Iowa is the 22nd top law school in the country, so I'd have a fairly competitive resume. And all of the attorneys I have worked for have gone there and they are very well respected in their various fields. I want to be that!</div>
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I fully expect rejection from Iowa, but am going to do everything I can to weasel my way into their school! I will also be applying to schools in Minneapolis, Denver, Omaha, Tennessee and Kentucky. Maybe Virginia. Maybe Georgia or the Carolina's. Maybe Virginia. TBD.</div>
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-62082176301536502252015-07-28T15:14:00.002-07:002015-07-28T15:15:58.597-07:00My Sweet [Fur] Babies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Quite unfortunately, I have not had a ton a time to work with my new camera due to my overload of homework. Ben and I are signed up for a photography class on August 17th, which hopefully will mean I am bit less bombarded and can play! Here are just a few shots I took of the babes. I just want to smoosh my face with their faces!!!!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoiyQ2HmwG0YMvHyuXp1n-JulpdvTe7aLy0V-yP8zVwgGk9LjFpfVzCmcJNb473yiTkVmX4J2ZXkC9fnZmD0uY7CXHwG9ifyXHk5WldUrjdo5WKKhoDUMp7idFNny4wMceyEEUqJr7F8/s1600/IMG_7173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoiyQ2HmwG0YMvHyuXp1n-JulpdvTe7aLy0V-yP8zVwgGk9LjFpfVzCmcJNb473yiTkVmX4J2ZXkC9fnZmD0uY7CXHwG9ifyXHk5WldUrjdo5WKKhoDUMp7idFNny4wMceyEEUqJr7F8/s400/IMG_7173.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He is like a perfect stuffed animal!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUxYxe_QE2iBwZn1r33LjB9Fva-c2AhkZodFlMZJ1OWn2JiZBelvdmdHDCsgMOyLuozNq3ifW7on4vUbdZ7n9xMb_yV0VM9xGD1pJaqgqTrIzx74bnAZHB6dQnWw5sGMzkQpD6R2Vq9A/s1600/grovie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUxYxe_QE2iBwZn1r33LjB9Fva-c2AhkZodFlMZJ1OWn2JiZBelvdmdHDCsgMOyLuozNq3ifW7on4vUbdZ7n9xMb_yV0VM9xGD1pJaqgqTrIzx74bnAZHB6dQnWw5sGMzkQpD6R2Vq9A/s400/grovie.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look! I figured out manual focus!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIsApzVdBZMCYlgCnFqcChZL8JVda-ais9CHk3H2MFl5odTPzUmoyaFFIPxV8_HGgNrs-pRb515gAHMd2DcuQUBD7ZXArbijQsYA41wxS06wSPfXx02l23W2KMzEErd6W5zMW4jld4os/s1600/IMG_7193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIsApzVdBZMCYlgCnFqcChZL8JVda-ais9CHk3H2MFl5odTPzUmoyaFFIPxV8_HGgNrs-pRb515gAHMd2DcuQUBD7ZXArbijQsYA41wxS06wSPfXx02l23W2KMzEErd6W5zMW4jld4os/s400/IMG_7193.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My majestic prince. <3</td></tr>
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Who needs human babies when you can have soft, fluffy, fur babies?! </div>
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-74947149072594245252015-07-28T12:56:00.000-07:002015-07-28T12:56:42.564-07:00All Work and No Play<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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There are men and women out there who are parents (married or single), work full time, and go to school full time. How in the name of Sam Hill do they do they do that!? I work full time and have no other obligations besides my husband and dogs and struggle to fit everything in!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHE4OJFurQXXdOGJUgJvTYCLXzHm1HjEo1Y48oXMrT7Wz4lwgrkXSV75aVJjcQbWY3KsFajaEaN51v-M1OmKKwc8aHll-LagJCQH-XzG_2H0lO_mF69QYWovLqptWNI9h_mbICK9YW14I/s1600/homework.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHE4OJFurQXXdOGJUgJvTYCLXzHm1HjEo1Y48oXMrT7Wz4lwgrkXSV75aVJjcQbWY3KsFajaEaN51v-M1OmKKwc8aHll-LagJCQH-XzG_2H0lO_mF69QYWovLqptWNI9h_mbICK9YW14I/s320/homework.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My life right now.</td></tr>
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The past month has been an up hill race to get things done for my classes. I procrastinated in my spring semester classes due to (1) laziness; and (2) a promotion at work that was a stressful process. Therefore, I spent two weeks doing everything in those classes to have them finished by July 15th. Now I am just working on my summer classes. I signed up for 3 - two independent studies and one regular online course. With Hawaii and finishing up my spring classes, I have gotten essentially nothing done on my summer independent studies. Thankfully, you have two semesters to complete independent studies, but I have a minimum amount of work that has to be completed by August 1st. It ends up being about half of the coursework, and so it is yet another scramble to get everything completed. </div>
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My new favorite response to being asked to do something fun is, "No, I have homework." I can tell that Ben has been disappointed by this response on more than one occasion when he has to go hang out with our friends solo. I look forward to when August 2nd arrives and I can be more social again. I tell him it is a good glimpse into what law school will be like. Although, with law school I will not be working full time and won't allow myself to fall behind in my coursework like this, so I hopefully will be able to say "yes" more often than never. </div>
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Ben has been truly amazing the last month. I have neglected my normal duties in our joint partnership to keep our home livable and stocked with life's necessities and Ben has taken care of nearly everything! This has been such a blessing to me and has helped to alleviate some of my stress.</div>
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This stressful time has served as a chance to learn something about my husband. Ben encourages me to work on school work and there are times I refuse. It is frustrating for him because he feels that I am resisting his attempts to help me succeed. I was thinking about it last night and I have come to the conclusion that Ben and I do not learn in the same way. (Well, duh.). Ben is able to focus. Like intensely focus. On anything. It is really quite amazing to me that he is able to do that. I cannot do that. Unless I am reading Harry Potter. If it doesn't have to do with Harry Potter, I have the attention span of a gold fish. After a couple few hours of studying my brain is exhausted and needs a break. Once I take a break, I am ready to go again. SO - when I say, "No, Ben. I'm going to watch an episode of Justified and THEN study," it is really just allowing my brain time to refresh. </div>
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-3605440201126902652015-07-06T12:39:00.003-07:002015-07-06T12:40:34.451-07:00Photography: New to the Scene<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have always loved photography. When I was younger, I dreamed of growing up and having my own studio (for a few minutes - then it was back to wanting to be a princess or a mother). Since Ben and I were married, I have made it a habit to bogart Ben's fancy pants camera and make him use the point and shoot or his phone when we are out and about. This is unfair for many reasons - number one [to me] being that Ben is much better at working the camera and would likely get a much better shot than the semi-blurred, crappy version I get. Sorry, dear.</div>
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Knowing that I am a total hog and don't like to share [not JUST referencing the camera here. . . ;)], I have been keeping my eye out for my own fancy camera. This past weekend I spotted a heck of a deal on one of those Facebook buy/sell/trade groups and after discussion with Ben, purchased my own camera, lenses, bag, etc. It is a Canon Rebel T5i, and it is beautiful! </div>
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I didn't get a whole lot of time to play with and experience my camera because I have too much homework to do, but I did sign up for a beginner's class on July 20th and found some great tutorials <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB-YBCCPeGa03cH0YV6EcGQ" target="_blank">here</a>. I like their videos so much, I went ahead and bought the first intro to your camera downloads and am excited to watch those and try out my new gear!</div>
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This is a purchase for me to increase my enjoyment of the photos I take and to have a fun hobby. I have no future plans to have my own photography business, but I do want to learn and feel proud of the photos I take. Here is to learning new things!</div>
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-37507288627668533012015-06-28T14:32:00.000-07:002015-06-28T14:32:34.739-07:00Live in the Now<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It has been a month since my last post due to the fact that we were getting ready to go on vacation, went on vacation, got back from vacation, and had to adjust to life back from vacation and get caught up on work, school, and everything.</div>
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Our time in Hawaii was amazing. We visited both Kauai and Oahu. The bulk of our trip was spent in Kauai and I am very grateful for that. Kauai is more laid back and a lot less congested than Oahu. It provided a more relaxing environment and enabled us to leave our worries and stress back home for a couple of weeks. I'm not going to do a full on post of how our trip went and include a ton of pictures at this time, but here are a few of my favorites that either Ben or I were able to capture:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful peacock at Smith's</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final sunset on Shipwreck Beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEaugYxlgwSZxtdOsR4iDf4ieNNQMi7kHPoLb5sCIpr5sd741SnkjjytNQG95BtSN3b2RHJpq_zSpfBnWfXlQui_ba43BdaxLYfhscfWPLYUX2o4FZC4buftMllS-MkOd1jSkvHXcnNE/s1600/11011123_10100188407967245_3571640056754105500_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEaugYxlgwSZxtdOsR4iDf4ieNNQMi7kHPoLb5sCIpr5sd741SnkjjytNQG95BtSN3b2RHJpq_zSpfBnWfXlQui_ba43BdaxLYfhscfWPLYUX2o4FZC4buftMllS-MkOd1jSkvHXcnNE/s400/11011123_10100188407967245_3571640056754105500_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waves crashing at Brennecke's Beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking at the last lookout of Waimea Canyon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54Yp_L3Qr_PWz_u2aoFIPM61OQn_a5veTJS6BYDl7SZRPbTnTXNH8Bun5djxYLYXArEz7D7xYvt0cKMx2whCh_VmuAKFKc3YKH_h7cSbDGosi-ZCYRmlD5Gtdx4vqRba4w9HNwz82cWg/s1600/11401405_10100188052344915_2554720963497305644_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54Yp_L3Qr_PWz_u2aoFIPM61OQn_a5veTJS6BYDl7SZRPbTnTXNH8Bun5djxYLYXArEz7D7xYvt0cKMx2whCh_VmuAKFKc3YKH_h7cSbDGosi-ZCYRmlD5Gtdx4vqRba4w9HNwz82cWg/s400/11401405_10100188052344915_2554720963497305644_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Napali Coast</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My private beach!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9XZ46HXtZVnvMQR0QBfnRnTL4o8D73UYZWRFA1VlFtP52V4GcKj56cDNrF48CTsIs8gOlxcDufg8INohZykE0AMo3CcOIgkEBdPuQIJ61d9vkIMMYT5HcsJhsJyoulUFUrrj0Q72I_o/s1600/11406950_10100187838703055_2855044181574003277_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9XZ46HXtZVnvMQR0QBfnRnTL4o8D73UYZWRFA1VlFtP52V4GcKj56cDNrF48CTsIs8gOlxcDufg8INohZykE0AMo3CcOIgkEBdPuQIJ61d9vkIMMYT5HcsJhsJyoulUFUrrj0Q72I_o/s400/11406950_10100187838703055_2855044181574003277_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Date night!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Shipwreck Beach</td></tr>
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I'll do a more in-depth Hawaii post later this week (I hope).</div>
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The real purpose of this post is to share something that was said in one of my online lectures. The class is all about self improvement, and one of the very first lectures really made me think. The professor was discussing living in the now. Instead of focusing on what you want in the future (i.e. I want to be active in my community in the future. I want to live in this city in the future. I want to go to grad school in the future.) and planning for what you will do in that future, work on it now. Do it now. If you want to be more active in your community "in the future," get off the couch on your weekend and go do it. Etc. </div>
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If you have talked to me or read the blog lately, you will know that it is my desire to further my education once I earn my bachelor's degree. Instead of focusing on "When I get into X school, I will do Y", I should really focus and put my efforts fully into the coursework I am working on now. </div>
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The same goes with Ben and me currently living in Cedar Rapids. Instead of focusing on when we can vacate and go live somewhere that seems more exciting, I should put my energy into making the most of our time here. We are close to both of our families, we have great friends, we have our lovely home. . . there is a lot to enjoy now. </div>
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With all of that said, I am going to go enjoy time with my husband and fur babies for the remainder of my Sunday. </div>
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580475356784484828.post-64509950570315019082015-05-28T09:14:00.000-07:002015-05-28T09:47:01.064-07:00Vacation, All I Ever Wanted!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(If interested, click to make large enough to read.)</td></tr>
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Anyone who has the pleasure to speak with me on a regular basis is fully aware that in less than a week I will be in Hawaii! This has been a trip 3 years in the making, so needless to say I am pretty pumped. My sister-in-law suggested that we all go to Hawaii for my in-law's 40th wedding anniversary. A big thank you to her for that AMAZING idea! </div>
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As you can image, a trip that includes 10 adults and 2 kids has a potential for chaos and stress. All parties involved have worked really well together in the planning and we enlisted the help of a Googledoc to organize ourselves. That has been such a wonderful thing - we are all able to contribute to this spreadsheet even though we are in 3 different states.</div>
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My purpose for this post is mostly to document our trip plans thus far. We have many adventures planned that include kayaking, snorkeling, zip lining, sky diving, etc. (Some with family, some just Ben and me.) </div>
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The countdown has commenced!</div>
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Lyndseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975972419737216720noreply@blogger.com0