mitty's resume...need assistance

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Good Morning,

It came to my attention that there was a small hiccup in the system last week OR should I say a mild hairball cough?

Mitty aka Mittens was in charge of the MMN e-mail while I was out of town...but she failed to perform her duty.

So, Mitty has been put on notice! I'm afraid she has become a financial drain on the MMN operation and needs to find outside employment. She has been working on her resume and I ask that you take a moment to read and pass on to any contacts or potential employers. We would be most appreciative.

Sincerely,

Amanda Editor and Chief!!!

*********

Mittens Vallo

Education:
Street

Work Experience:
Monday Morning News dancer, performer, features writer
Published Author- "Mitty's Haiku Corner" a chapbook of original poems

Achievements:
???

Activities & Skills:

effective in kitty massage
type 70+ wpm with 98% errors
operate small machinery (can open cabinet doors with hinges)
excellent people skills

Certification(s)
Completed "Living Well With a Disability" Facilitator Training 5/11

Licensure
Rabies and Feline AIDS Vaccination (current)

Special Interests:

napping
licking ear buds
bird watching

References:

Dr. Andrea Shuster, DVM
Columbus, OH 43212

Susan the Cat Foster Care Lady
Westgate, OH

Juanita Sanchez
Assistant Rooms Manager
Hilton Inn Express
O'Fallon, MO


Okay, Mitty has just asked for her job back...I have a face full of kitty fur and a nose of tuna breath. (Ewwww...) after we address hygiene she's REHIRED!!! This is just the kind of worker we need around here.

Happy Monday,

Amanda

p.s. now she's napping

let's go to the instant replay!

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Good Morning,

I have a very small matter of greeeeat importance this morning! As I was cleaning up my files this morning I came across this...



"Get in the Zone" from the College Basketball Experience...

Think of it this way. I have very bad balance. Every time I go to reload my shot in a rapid fire competition it feels a bit like standing on a water bed. Ol Pistol Pete to my right was a machine!!! Cranking out shots so fast there was a trail of smoke!

I lost this "friendly" competition...25 to 37!!!

My shaky right leg will not go out the loser! Dad may have begged off “arthritis in both hands” but he was soon to be seen disappearing, running off to shoot more free throws! ...and i want a REMATCH!

Happy Monday,

Amanda

p.s. "Look at the scoreboard!" (stomp stomp!) I'm comin' for ya Dad!!! : )

Paddlin'

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Good Morning,

I had the good fortune of taking my maiden voyage in a kayak this weekend on Lone Star Lake. Regardless of ability, I think this is an activity anyone can enjoy. So, I'd like to encourage ALL to try...

5 Reasons to Try Paddling

1. You can adopt an ease to the language not typical of the urban Midwest.

In the West people get stoked...
ya’ll, honeys in the South
you sit and tawk in New Yawk
go "out and aboot" up North

now Midwesterners have somethin’ to do too. Go paddlin! : )

2. With cell phones, we are tuned into each other greater than ever before, physically though it has come at a cost as we so often miss the opportunity to interact with those around us. By choosing to go out in a kayak for a couple hours you are choosing to support friendly face-to-face communication with strangers.

3. People with houses on the lake may come out to great you and on some mornings have even opened up a window and turned up the stereo for all to enjoy (feels very different than when your apartment neighbor decides to do this).

4. If you travel in a pack and someone brings enough snacks, you are basically a party that floats! And...if you like to talk, you have a captive audience! Remember though that the corollary is also true. You are a captive audience! This might not be the best time to share your stories of Sacagawea and goals for Eskimo rolls...



5. The Polynesian navigational system...


In double-hauled canoes, "Papa Mau" and his crew made their way from Hawaii to Tahiti, reading only subtle changes in wind direction, waves, the flight of birds, the course of dolphins, the color of the water...



In no time whatsoever a new kayaker can determine that this unfortunate situation means log jam. : )

Happy Monday,

Amanda

Sargent and Sims Press Conference

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Although I encourage you to watch the entire video, I want to draw attention to the following quote from Sargent:

So here's a phrase that you hear; it's partly about language. You hear that US fiscal policy is unsustainable. You hear that over and over again. You actually hear it from both parties. And that can't possibly be true because government budget constraints are going to make it sustainable. So what they mean is that certain promises that people have made about taxes, entitlements, medicare, medicaid---those are incredible. They are not going to fit together. So the US fiscal policy is sustainable. It's very uncertain. It's uncertain because it's not clear which of these incredible promises are going to be broken first.

UPDATE: Peter Schiff engages in some creative editing to make it appear as if Sargent and Sims are know-nothings. Schiff uses an awkward pause and disclaimer by Sims (wherein Sims cautions the audience not to take the views of the two newest Nobel Laureates in Economics as irrefutable) to suggest Sims avoids the question. Schiff then skips from 15:35 to 16:13 (during which Sims presents his view) where Sargent says "I don't have much to add to that ... I was hoping he was going to ask about Europe." As the above quote captures, Sargent goes on to discuss his view of recent fiscal policy.

Schiff then manipulates a humorous move by Sargent---requesting a question about Europe and then, when the question is asked, deferring to Sims---to appear as if Sargent knows nothing about Europe as well. The audience recognized the humor with laughter and applause.

Shame on you, Schiff.

2011 Gus Rankings: Week 8

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Here are this week's Gus Rankings. LSU remains at the top, followed by Alabama and Oklahoma State, with Boise State and Clemson tied for the fourth spot.

There are 8 undefeated teams left in college football; the first seven spots in the Gus rankings are occupied by undefeated teams. In the six spot is Stanford followed by Houston at seven. The lowest ranked team still without a loss is Kansas State at #12.

At the other end of the rankings, Idaho has taken over the final spot from UAB, winners of their first game last weekend.

Conference rankings are as follows (average team points):

1. Big 12: 8.60
2. SEC: 7.42
3. ACC: 3.17
4. Big 10: 3.17
5. Pac-12: 2.42
6. Big East: 0.88
7. Mountain West: -2.50
8. Conference USA: -3.92
9. Sun Belt: -5.33
10. Mid-America: -6.14
11. WAC: -8.75

Pop Talk

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Today I'm featured on my friend, Dayle's blog: Made by Sodapop in her new Pop Talk section!

Not gonna lie, it kinda freaks me out seeing my face that big, but whatareyagonnado? ;)


I bonded with Dayle in our years at Hallmark, she was my cube neighbor. I'm sure that I gave her many headaches throughout the years with my stubbornness and naivety. And as she will attest, the minute she told me she was leaving I turned into an emotional sap, trying to make up for bad behavior and let her know how much I will truly miss her and how much of an impact she has had on my life. Dayle now lives in Atlanta and is spreading her amazing cheer, personality and design aesthetic through her many jobs and pass times. Luckily my brother lives in Augusta, GA and I can try to schedule flights to visit him through Atlanta so I can spend some precious hours with one of the best mentors. Love ya, Super!

Orange Flower Love

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On my way to the grocery store last night I passed a garden supply store. "Flowers" just happened to be on my grocery list (I was planning on getting the fresh-cut kind as a little gift to myself), but when I saw the flowers at the garden store, I couldn't help but pull my car over. They were soooo beautiful. So, so, so beautiful. Lots of pansies and ranunculus in full bloom everywhere. Have I mentioned that ranunculus might be my new favorite flower? Ever since we used beautiful yellow ranunculus in a photo shoot about 4 years ago, I've been completely smitten.

Anyway, I came home with about 6 times more flowers than I could actually handle. I had planned on taking some to work to put in my windowsill and planting some in this retro container I inherited from my mom, but all my plans changed when I realized just how much I bought. I might need to buy some new containers when it's time for tomato-planting season...

Now this is what happily greets me as I walking into my apartment:


And at work, this is what I get to peer at every time I walk to my desk or am working:


I've said it before, and I'll say it again, flowers truly are the way to a women's heart (even if it's your own). Ah, happy day!

overwhelmed.

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One of the things I love the most about the blog world is how open it can be. Most of the blogs I follow are written by women and I love it when they share personal stories. Personal triumphs and also when they're struggling... not because I like to hear that others are going through tough times, but because it makes these fabulous women seem more human. More relatable. Their bravery for sharing their fears and failures make the biggest impact on me.

Well, if you couldn't have guessed, I am overwhelmed with the world right now. Overwhelmed with work. Overwhelmed with e-mail. Overwhelmed with side projects. Overwhelmed with my personal constrictions on maintaining my fitness and nutritional goals. Overwhelmed with classwork (and I'm not even taking summer classes!). Just plain overwhelmed.

These are all things that I've taken on myself, mandated of myself. (It also didn't help that my hard drive crashed this past Saturday, putting me out of commission for a day until I got everything re-installed. Thankfully, I had backed up in the morning. For the first time in 6 months or so none the less. Bullet dodged.) Anyway, why do I do this? As I talk with my other girlfriends (not necessarily in the blog world), many of them feel the same way. They take on too much as well and then get overwhelmed. Is this a woman thing or are guys just better at handling stress... or hiding it?

I appreciate the work that Jess is doing at Make Under My Life, because I can relate so much. Recently she's added new totes to her shop in partnership with illustrator Ann Shen.



Kinzie Tote Collection by Jess LC and Ann Shen 

I have several illustrated posters in my head and sketched out to sum up my feelings about being overwhelmed. But, you know, it's filed under "Someday" on the teux-deux list...

Instagram Weeks in Review

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Instagram highlights from the past couple of weeks:



1: Early this morning I went on a beautiful 30-mile bike ride in the hilly Kansas countryside. It was lovely I tell ya, a great way to unwind from the work week. Bonus: My legs are getting stronger and the hills were rather enjoyable instead of the nearly impossible, like I remembered from last summer.

2: I met some adorable baby calf friends along the way! Although they were scared off as soon as I turned on my excited-baby-calf voice and started snapping photos. Sigh, I just know we could've been fast friends...

3: Yummy homemade Butternut squash rolls. By far the best yeast bread I've ever made. These make the perfect, hearty buns for a portobello mushroom burger, lettuce and thick tomato slice.

4: A delicious beet and arugula salad from Unforked with edible flowers. Seriously. Edible flowers! From a restaurant that also boasts a drive-thru!

5 &; 6: Lovely, lovely tile and lighting from a restaurant in Chicago (can't remember the name of it) that I visited while in the city for a bachelorette party. I ordered the braised rabbit with gnocci, but failed to get a good pic, rest assured my tummy was very fond of the meal though.

Hope the past couple of weeks have treated you well!

Madewell Store Opening

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Fellow Kansas Citians - Madewell is hosting a blogger event to unveil their new summer arrivals as well as a first peek at their fall collection.





WHEN: Sunday, July 15th from 5-7pm
WHERE: Madewell, Town Center Plaza
5076 West 119th Street, Leawood, KS 66209
There will be giveaways, shopping discounts, drink and snacks. Even a Madewell hair brading bar to rock the Madwell braid!
RSVP: Email Meggy to by July 8th. For more info check out Meggy's blog. 
Hope to see you there!

2011 Gus Rankings: Week 9

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Here are this week's Gus Rankings. Oklahoma State finds itself on top after both LSU (2) and Alabama (3) had byes. Oklahoma (4) and Stanford (5) round out the top 5.

There is an equally ferocious fight for the bottom spot. One-win Tulane and UAB are currently tied for the final spot, outpacing winless Idaho and Indiana.

At this point, it is fun to see how the BCS stacks up against the Gus Rankings. The top 5 teams with the biggest gains in the BCS compared to Gus are as follows (i.e., Gus says are overrated BCS-wise):

1. Wisconsin (11 spots)
2. Arkansas (7)
3. Arizona State (6)
3. Oregon (6)
5. Kansas State (5)

And the top 5 teams with the biggest gripe against the BCS vis a vis Gus (i.e., Gus says are underrated BCS-wise):

1. Penn State (6 spots)
2. Auburn (5)
2. Houston (5)
4. Clemson (4)
4. Michigan (4)

Can I vote if my California ID is expired?

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I don't have a DL and my ID recently expired. I don't really feel like spending $23 and 2 hours at the DMV to renew it this week. Can I vote with an expired CA ID? I don't have a passport either. Is there something else I should bring such as birth certificate, social security card, utility bill, bank statement? If so, which ones?Can I vote if my California ID is expired?
Your elections office will advise what other ID will be sufficient to enable you to cast your vote.



By the way: People are standing in line for ten hours in Atlanta, Georgia in order to vote. Are you sure you can't give up a couple of hours?
Check with your voting office. Here is Arizona the ballot says you can bring one of driver's license, state ID, tribal enrollment card, government issues ID (passport) or two of the following: Utility bill within 90 days of today's date, bank statement, vehicle registration, Indian census card, property tax statement, vehicle insurance card, tribal enrollment card, recorder's certificate or government issued document such as voters registration card. They must be current address and within 90 days.

Can I vote if my California ID is expired?
You will have to call your official election department. I should think that a birth certificate and some kind of picture ID even if expired should be able to get you to vote. But if all else fails, get on the phone with ACORN. - jk.
I just think they need your ID for identification purposes so the expiration shouldn't matter. I however wouldn't risk it and would just go to the DMV and get a new ID.Can I vote if my California ID is expired?
if you dont have a voter registration card forget it.
you need a government issued photo ID. Drivers license ,passport, military id etc
You need a picture ID.
stay away from acorn.

Can i get my license from the dmv?

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I'm 17 i live in VA and i had my permit for more then a year and i have my driving class slip saying iv attended 36 days of drivers ed i also have well over 48 hours of driving. Can i got to the dmv and take the road test and get my licenseCan i get my license from the dmv?
Wholy hell. You guys have to take over 36 days. Sheesh! We only have to do 24hours total class room work and 15 hours of driving. ! But yes. You can. if thats what your hand book says.

Will I be allowed my learner's permit during school hours?

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I like in Pennsylvania and my birthday is today. I failed my permit test and want to take it tomorrow instead of going to school. My parents will let me do this. Will the DMV still issue me my permit if I pass the test? ThanksWill I be allowed my learner's permit during school hours?
im pretty sure the dmv will still give you your permit if you take it during school hoursWill I be allowed my learner's permit during school hours?
The DMV probably doesn't care. But you better have a good excuse to give your school.Will I be allowed my learner's permit during school hours?
yeah they will I took mine during school hours, the DMV has no relation to your school

In San Diego, how long is the DMV line if you don't have an appointment?

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I want to go get my permit. When should I start standing in line? A few minutes before it opens? An hour?In San Diego, how long is the DMV line if you don't have an appointment?
With the layoffs of the employees and reduced hours it may be a bit more time consuming than normal.

You may want to consider having your mail forwarded to the office that you plan to go to.

By the way, you should be old enough to drive straight to the bar and have your first drink when you get out.In San Diego, how long is the DMV line if you don't have an appointment?
usually you can check by phone the wait/go to place where line is not that long for the basic

The Economics of Halloween Candy

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Here is a fantastic article from NPR on the spontaneous Halloween candy after-market. From the piece:

"Within seconds of returning home, the first group at the trading party spilled their pillow cases onto the floor and started making piles.

...

Sierra quickly became the queen of Reese's by jumping into the market early. While most kids were still organizing their piles by brand, she was already making moves and trading her way to a hefty collection of Reese's Pieces and Peanut Butter Cups.

...

The decibel level in the candy-trading room rivaled that of Wall Street. The trading peaked about 20 minutes in as cross-room deals had Milk Duds flying overhead while a Jolly Rancher came the other way. Whoppers went for Smarties. Kit Kats went for a Twix. Charleston Chews, the pennies of the lot, didn't seem to move at all."

Free Market Reform in Cuba

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NPR reports:

Cuba announced Thursday it is allowing the purchase and sale of real estate for the first time since the early days of the revolution, the most important reform yet in a series of free-market changes ushered in by President Raul Castro.

The law, which takes effect Nov. 10, applies to citizens and permanent residents only, according to a red-letter headline on the front page of Thursday's Communist Party daily Granma.

This video provides a clear picture of the living standard in Cuba prior to these new "free-market changes." You won't be surprised.

Blockquoting X

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X = Robert E. Lucas, Jr. on Keynes and the Keynesian consensus:

I think that in writing the General Theory, Keynes was viewing himself as a spokesman for a discredited profession. That’s why he doesn’t cite anyone but crazies like Hobson. He knows about Wicksell and all the “classics,” but he is at pains to disassociate his views from theirs, to overemphasize the differences. He’s writing in a situation where people are ready to throw in the towel on capitalism and liberal democracy and go with fascism or corporatism, protectionism, socialist planning. Keynes’s ï¬�rst objective is to say, “Look, there’s got to be a way to respond to depressions that’s consistent with capitalist democracy.” What he hits on is that the government should take some new responsibilities, but the responsibilities are for stabilizing overall spending flows. You don’t have to plan the economy in detail in order to meet this objective. And in that sense, I think for everybody in the postwar period—I’m talking about Keynesians and monetarists both—that’s the agreed-upon view: We should stabilize spending flows, and the question is really one of the details about how best to do it. Friedman’s approach involved slightly less government involvement than a Keynesian approach, but I say slightly.

2011 Gus Rankings: Week 11

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Here are this week's Gus Rankings. LSU leads the way with Oklahoma State two points back in the second spot. Alabama is third, Oklahoma fourth, and Oregon fifth.

At the bottom of the rankings, Memphis holds a two point "lead" over Tulane.

At this point, it is fun to extrapolate whom Gus would have playing in the BCS bowl games. We'll use the current Gus Rankings to determine bowl choice and to break any conference tiebreakers or uncertainty.

The National Championship Game is easy enough-- the top two ranked teams in the poll are LSU and Oklahoma State, here assumed to be the champions of the SEC and the Big 12, respectively.

The Rose Bowl is the next easiest bowl to figure. The champion of the Pac-12 and the Big 10 are each sent to the Rose Bowl unless they are committed to the National Championship Game. Neither figure to fit this stipulation this week; Oregon would be the champion of the Pac-12 (with the highest Gus Ranking), and would face Michigan (again, the highest ranked team from the Big 10). Note that the actual Big 10 race is still wide open; Michigan finds itself one game behind Michigan State in the standings, and Nebraska, Penn State and Wisconsin all have two losses or less as well.

Only one remaining conference has a binding tie to a particular bowl-- the ACC, in which current Gus champion Virginia Tech would travel to the Orange Bowl. The SEC (Sugar) and Big 12 (Fiesta) champions are not committed to these bowl because they have been chosen for the National Championship Game. These bowls get to choose replacements before the pool of at-large teams is considered.

So, the first bowl that gets to select a replacement is the Sugar Bowl, as LSU was the first team to be taken for the National Championship Game with their #1 ranking. We assume that the Sugar Bowl takes the highest remaining team in the Gus Rankings. Thus, the Sugar Bowl selects Alabama, which is ranked #3.

The Fiesta Bowl is next in selecting a replacement for Oklahoma State; next highest on the list is Oklahoma at #4.

The remaining teams are selected according to the pre-determined order for the season: Fiesta, Sugar, then Orange. The Big East champion remains as an automatic qualifier; the highest ranked Big East team is West Virginia at #29. Because Houston is presumed to be the conference champion of Conference USA and they are ranked within the top 12, they, too, are an automatic qualifier (though would have been the next team selected by virtue of ranking strength anyhow). That leaves one remaining team to be selected from the Gus Rankings-- and Boise State captures the final at-large selection.

So, in assembling the final selections according to requirements and still preferring teams with the highest possible rankings, we are left with the following bowl lineup:

National Championship Game: LSU vs. Oklahoma State
Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Michigan
Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma vs. Houston
Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Boise State
Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. West Virginia

Of course, things change from week to week...so we'll see where this ends up! As a fun side note...what would be the over/under on that Fiesta Bowl matchup?

2011 Gus Rankings: Week 12

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Here are this week's Gus Rankings. LSU continues to lead the pack, and Oklahoma State retains the second position despite suffering their first loss of the season. Houston surges into the third position, followed by Alabama and Virginia Tech.

As we noted last week, it's fun to project the BCS lineup per the Gus Rankings. You can find the BCS selection procedures here; remaining games are assumed to be decided by the Gus Rankings as well. As such, Gus determines the lineup for the BCs games should be as follows:

National Championship Game: LSU (SEC Champion) vs. Oklahoma State (Big 12 Champion)
Rose Bowl: Oregon (Pac 12 Champion) vs. Penn State (Big 10 champion)
Fiesta Bowl: Alabama (at-large, replacement for Oklahoma State) vs. Boise State (at-large)
Sugar Bowl: Houston (automatic qualifier, replacement for LSU) vs. Stanford (at-large)
Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech (ACC Champion) vs. Rutgers (Big East champion)

Not a bad lineup; the Sugar Bowl and Fiesta Bowl would probably swap lineups in this situation out of geographic preference. I don't see Boise State making it, but Alabama and Stanford have to be looking pretty good at this point to secure at large bids. Note also that Michigan cannot make the Big 10 title game and thus does not secure the automatic Big 10 bid. Rutgers takes the automatic Big East bid because I *think* Gus predicts a 4-way tie at the end of the season, and the tie-breaker is highest BCS ranking.

Black Eyed Peas & Kale Soup

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If you talked to me for more than five minutes in the past month you know that I've recently discovered the awesomeness that is kale. And how I was slightly concerned I may turn orange because of the astronomical levels of Vitamin A I was ingesting because I was eating so much kale. (Note: I have not turned orange yet, although I would welcome some color to my post-winter pastiness.) If you've ever talked to me at all you know that I'm always game for anything with beans. The other day I was looking for a soup that had both kale and black eyed peas and came across the blog, 365 Days of Kale. Delightful, no?


I used her recipe as a starter for and for the past week, I've been thoroughly enjoying my version of:

Blacked Eyed Peas and Kale Soup

3 c fresh kale
3.75 c (16 oz) frozen black eyed peas
1 1/4 c carrots, chopped
1 pint mushrooms
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 slices uncured Turkey Bacon (I got mine from Trader Joe's), cooked & chopped
32 oz Turkey Stock
1.5 c water
1/2 c fresh parsley
1 tsp Chipotle powder (for extra smokiness)
Black pepper to taste

Simmer all ingredients until vegetables are tender.

Yield: 4 very large meal-sized servings (I made 5 servings out of the full recipe, but the nutrition info is based on 4 servings)


Recipe adapted from original version here.
Calorie information via Calorie Count.

Goals Update

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At the end of January I posted my yearly goals. Let's check-in to see how I have/haven't progressed, shall we? As a reminder I had seven goals for the year:
Seven goals? Silly me! I recently sat through a seminar at work based on Franklin Covey research and it turns out that if I have that many goals, odds are I won't complete all of them. Kinda obvious, but it's so easy to bite off more than we can handle, right?

So it's time for a revision. I have been reading, sketching, and crafting... but I'm still having trouble with the regular blogging and snoozing. So let's throw them out the window, ok? Now, I don't think that's a great plan to just squash your dreams and goals because they're not necessarily working out, but I'm only doing that temporarily so I can focus on my two most important goals:
As far as I'm concerned I shouldn't be focusing on anything other than those two items until they are complete. So that brings us to the update:

Goal #1: Lose weight.
As of today, I'm down 10 pounds for the year. Slow and steady wins the race, right? On March 1st we started a biggest loser contest at work and holy cannoli that pushed me into high gear and got me motivated to get moving and eating better. And guess what? It's worked! In week two I was officially the biggest loser and down 4.99% body mass! I started more weight training after that and briefly jumped up in weight. Now, at 5 weeks into the competition I'm sitting in the number two spot with 5.49% body mass lost. I'm hoping to regain my lead by the end of the competition and win the fat cash prize.

Goal #2: Finish my thesis & graduate.
Well, this one has not been as successful thus far this year. In the past couple of weeks research has starting to progress and everything is starting to click a bit more. I still have a long way to go, but the important part is I'm finally able to focus a bit more each day. I think working out and eating well has helped me learn focus, funny how that works out...

Chakra Affirmations

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I had a wonderful 3-day weekend (thanks corporate-job for the free day!); I got nearly everything crossed off my to-do list, did a lot of relaxing, and got in some great workouts. Most notable, was a Friday morning yoga class at Darling Yoga. The class highlighted each chakra (Center of spiritual power in the human body, usually considered to be seven in number) through different poses and included an affirmation for each center. This was a perfect balance to my regular yoga classes, where we are in the middle of a 7-week series focusing on one specific chakra opening each week.

At first I felt a little silly saying these affirmations out loud in class, but once I accepted the practice it was extremely moving. I couldn't find the exact chakra affirmations used in my class, but here are two similar affirmations that spoke the most to me:

Red signifies the first chakra, the Root Chakra. It is a masculine energy at the base of the tailbone with the main focus of physical existence. Building and manifesting a healthy and strong physical body to maintain a creative and happy life really spoke to me as I'm in the midst of going through a lifestyle change and focusing on health. I love the belief that this focus on my health can cultivate my creativity.


Violet represents the seventh chakra, the Crown Chakra. A unified energy at the crown that represents thought and your connection to spirit and wisdom. The words "I am responsible" speak to me here. I am responsible for all of the love, joy, and happiness in my life. I am responsible for the health and focus in my life. I am responsible.

I created these images, so I can use them as affirmations in my daily life by posting them as my desktop wallpaper or on my refrigerator. I think they're great words to live by. What words or affirmations speak to you?

Affirmations adapted from Healing Journeys Energy.

Unwanted Dinner Guests

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Friends, I have some unfortunate news to share: I think I may have to abandon my compost bin.


This breaks my heart because I'm betting I produce more than your average amount of fruit and vegetable scraps than your standard single American. For the past three years I've been composting, I would keep a little bucket of vegetable scraps on my counter and take all of the delicious remnants to the bin on my patio when it was full. Now, one would imagine that this would be a smelly, bug-attracting routine, but that hadn't been my experience at all. That is until this weekend.

Not once, but twice this weekend I have come home to a kitchen ridden with hundreds of ants (and I'm known for keeping a very tidy space and kitchen). For the life of me, I couldn't find where they were entering my tiny home. But they were there, oh, were they there. I started with vinegar and tried to wipe everything down with the pungent deterrent to no avail. I tried leaving drops of honey to attract the unwanted guests and then drown them in it's sugary goodness, but letmetellya, these are the dumbest ants I've ever seen. They would walk in circles and circles going nowhere and were not in the slightest bit attracted to my sweet traps. Not even one.

Then, I read online about how ants leave scent trails for each other and when you kill one another scent trail is left, continuing to attract more and more ants. The online article's solution? Window cleaner. I swear I went through half a bottle of Windex this weekend alone, but it did the trick. Along with more vinegar, furious cleaning and vacuuming every single nook and cranny, I haven't spotted the same crowd since.

Anyway, back to the compost bin. I want to compost, it's such a great way to reduce the amount of trash I'm putting in the landfill, get rid of receipts and other printed financial statements to halt identity thieves, and of course, provide rich and intense nutrition for my container garden. I've found composting results in the most rich, wonderful-smelling earth that you can imagine. But this year, with the extremely mild winter it also means bugs and spiders. Lots and lots and lots of bugs and spiders. I don't mind sharing the bounty as long as it's an outdoor dinner party. But these bugs just don't know their manners and have been inviting themselves into my home. So, what's a girl to do? Keep composting? Take the summer off?

BTW, I spared you from a picture of my unwanted guests because I didn't want you to have the same creepy, crawly dreams I have the past two nights.

Ideas not coupled with action...

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Photos by Stephanie Hertel via Instagram
I've collected fortunes from fortune cookies for years and years. I think the collection started in middle or high school when I saw my older (and therefore much cooler) cousin collecting her fortunes.

I was bestowed with this gem over a year ago and it has been on my fridge ever since (an honor only given to the most deserving of ephemera). I'm hoping by posting it on my blog (and in a more prominent place) it will become my motto to get me through the next couple of weeks and months of giving action to ideas.




I have an idea to make a big art piece with all of my collected fortunes that I suppose I'll get to one of these days... ironic, eh?

WINNING!!!

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I tell ya, I am one very lucky, lucky lady! It's official, I won the Better Homes & Gardens Pin & Win contest! This was by far the most fun contest I've ever entered; picking out images from an awesome source for my dream home? Sign me up!

pinterest.com/hertels/my-better-homes-and-gardens-dream-home/

Never in a million years did I think I'd walk away with the grand prize (which is 4000 beans, btw). I just thought I'd get to have some fun looking at cute ideas for my home. In fact, when I received the first e-mail saying I was being considered for the potential grand prize I thought they must have sent that to lots of people or had a disappointing number of entrants, but wrong again. Over 11,000 entries. Let me say it again, I am one lucky lady. Check out the winning board here or follow all my pins on Pinterest here.

Who says my Pinterest addiction won't pay off!

The Gender Reveal - New Summer Arrivals!

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We have a couple new arrivals to the Etsy shop, just in time for summer parties!

I had fun breaking out the watercolors for the quintessentially summer popsicle invite. The second features the most popular reveal method: the cupcake. Both are themed with The Sweetest Surprise.

The Sweetest Surprise Gender Reveal Party Printable Digital Invitation - Popsicle

Gender Reveal Party Printable Digital Invitation - Cupcake Surprise

Head on over to the official Gender Reveal shop to see all of the invitations we offer. Or find more sweetest surprise celebration inspiration at the most obsessive and rewarding site, Pinterest!

Tote or Hobo?

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Dear Internet friends-
I need your help! I've been plagued with this decision long enough on my own, it's time to call in the experts. The question:


Here's the deal, I don't switch out bags/purses. When I buy one I use it all of the time. I'm just frugal and lazy like that. Therefore, my current trusty grey nylon bag is due for semi-retirement. It's held up well over the past year and a half, but I'm interested in adding some color and spice to my life.

Which do you think is more practical for everyday use? The yellow one is more unique and big and awesome. Big enough to carry papers back and forth between work and school, which is a bonus in my book. Will I get tired of the yellow? Is the camel version a more suitable and classic all-year-round option?

The blue one is a bit more standard and understated, but has a great more-neutral color. It's also big enough to throw papers in and go.

As I'm typing this I know which direction I'm leaning in... What do you think, should I take the plunge and go for yellow? Sigh, I do love them both...

Image and shop links: Yellow Leather Brook Tote by Art On Crafts OR Medium Leather Hobo Bag by Adeleshhop

Movie Foodie Night

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My friend, Katie, is one of the most creative and talented people I know. She works in the lettering department at Hallmark, in fact she did the hand-lettering for our Christmas Cookie Party video. Most recently, she came up with the brilliant idea of a Movie Foodie Film Series. The first movie night to kick off the series featured Benny and Joon.


In true Benny and Joon, fashion we had ironed cheese sandwiches, tapioca pudding, peanut butter and celery and instead of the may-be-gross Cap'n Crunch smoothies as shown in the movie, Katie made PB Cap'n Crunch bars. It was a fabulous evening and I can't wait for the upcoming Movie Foodie night featuring Mermaids and marshmallow kabobs!

Featured: 10 Must-Have Colorful Accessories

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I have some exciting news to share today. Better Homes and Gardens asked me to guest post on their Style Spotters blog after winning the Pin & Win contest BHG hosted! I was asked to share 10 Must-Haves in my home and since I'm such a color-lover and pops of color was one of the themes throughout my Pinterest board, I'm sharing 10 Must-Have Colorful Accessories for my home. Head on over to the guest post to check it out.




I also contribute to Staples Promotional Products relationship marketing blog, Your Brand Partner. And it just so happens that today I'm sharing another color trend (one of my favorites): Chromatic Accents. Check out the post here.

Questions about the dmv

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im i the only person that after waitin in line very patiently for three hours at the dmv or library just wants to scream at the top of theyre lungsQuestions about the dmv
3 hours in a DMV or library? What DMV or library do you go to? I've never spent more than 30 minutes at a DMV. I've never seen a line at the library...Questions about the dmv
No. Although who'd wait for 3 hours in a library?

Questions about getting my license at the DMV please help!?

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Okay I have a couple things this is really important though.



I'm 19 and haven't been to the DMV since I was 16. When I was there last time I was about to get my drivers permit and I remember seeing something that said "if ever convicted of a crime get this signed by the judge" so I did. I am wondering if they still do that.



And since I am 19 can't I just go down and take the driving test without having to take the permit test?



But if I wanted to take the permit test they wouldn't turn me away right? And since my crimes have been expunged for quite some time I don't have to get them signed by a judge right, and do I have to check the "yes" box??



All answers are very appreciated. (Its really late and I am going to the DMV when they open in about 5 hours)Questions about getting my license at the DMV please help!?
After 18 you don't even have to get a permit to begin with so no you do not have the take the permit test and have it for at least six months to get your license (at least in Washington where I live so it could easily be different for you). I suggest you go down when they open and ask what you need to do and can do. They can inform you based on your state and give you the materials you need. Sorry there isn't much more information for you but that's my suggestion so that you know for a fact what you need to do. Good luck!



-I can't tell you what Virginias driving laws are so pick up a rules of the road book at the DMV when you go in. You can refresh, study and probably answer a lot of your questions. Still feel free to ask them, it's part of their job to know the answers or be able to direct you to the answer.Questions about getting my license at the DMV please help!?
YES!!!!....you do not need a permit or a class....if you are over 18 you can just go and take the test!!!...good luck!!Questions about getting my license at the DMV please help!?
You are no longer a minor, unless the conviction was tried for as an Adult. That info keep to yourself for unfortunately there are some ignorant people in this world who if given the chance will use that against you. Don't worry about a thing.

Can i send my vision report to the DMV?

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so i passed my knowledge test at the DMV but failed the vision test in 5 seconds!!! idk how but i did even though they never asked me what i saw. now they want me to get my doctor to sign a release for me to drive but my doctor here doesn't want to because my eye tests aren't accurate anymore but i went to a specialist 4 hour from where i live last month. can they fax all the records to the DMV directly from there office?Can i send my vision report to the DMV?
Yes as long as its signed by the doctor and its dated.

Will I be allowed my learner's permit during school hours?

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I like in Pennsylvania and my birthday is today. I failed my permit test and want to take it tomorrow instead of going to school. My parents will let me do this. Will the DMV still issue me my permit if I pass the test? ThanksWill I be allowed my learner's permit during school hours?
im pretty sure the dmv will still give you your permit if you take it during school hoursWill I be allowed my learner's permit during school hours?
The DMV probably doesn't care. But you better have a good excuse to give your school.Will I be allowed my learner's permit during school hours?
yeah they will I took mine during school hours, the DMV has no relation to your school

In San Diego, how long is the DMV line if you don't have an appointment?

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I want to go get my permit. When should I start standing in line? A few minutes before it opens? An hour?In San Diego, how long is the DMV line if you don't have an appointment?
With the layoffs of the employees and reduced hours it may be a bit more time consuming than normal.

You may want to consider having your mail forwarded to the office that you plan to go to.

By the way, you should be old enough to drive straight to the bar and have your first drink when you get out.In San Diego, how long is the DMV line if you don't have an appointment?
usually you can check by phone the wait/go to place where line is not that long for the basic

Blueberry Rosemary Scones

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Blueberry + Rosemary = Heavenly

Kids, this may be one of the best things I've ever made. Melt in your mouth awesome.

I've been buying blueberries in multiples every time I go to the grocery because they're so fresh and delightful this time of year. Usually, I just wash them and freeze on a cookie sheet to put into my morning oatmeal later in the week/month; that is if I can stop popping the treasures into my mouth to actual freeze. This past week I found a blueberry scone recipe from La Petite Brioche and immediately wanted to make it, but I didn't get around to it until today. But I added fresh rosemary from my garden to make it a bit more fancy-pants.


Blueberry Rosemary Scones
Adapted from La Petite Brioche

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (I would use more next time, maybe close to 2 Tbsp)
1 stick cold unsalted butter, grated
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup cold heavy cream (I don't keep heavy cream, so I melted 1/3 c butter with 3/4 c almond milk and 1 Tbsp flour; which yields 1 cup of cream)
1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen (I would use close to 1 1/2 cups next time)
extra heavy cream for brushing the tops
raw sugar for sprinkling the tops

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add the cold butter and mix at the lowest speed (I used the dough hook for my food processor). Combine the egg and heavy cream, flour and butter mixture. Mix until just blended. The dough will look lumpy.  Add the blueberries and cut rosemary to the dough, gently mix by hand.

Dump the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it into a ball. Flour your hands and a rolling pin and roll the dough 3/4-inch thick. You should see small bits of butter in the dough. Keep moving the dough on the floured board so it doesn't stick.

Shape the dough into a square. Cut the square into quarters then cut again into eighths, diagonally, making triangles. Brush the tops of the scones with heavy creme, sprinkle with sugar and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are browned and the insides are fully baked. The scones will be firm to the touch.

This may be my next go-to baked good for potlucks and events. Seriously, give it a try. Just ignore how much butter you're using, like i did...

One day moving permit from DMV?!?

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I need to get a one day moving permit to move mine and my husband's vehicle to San Diego from northern California. What I need to know is if the permit is only good for a certain time. I.e. midnight to the following midnight or can you choose the 24 hours? If I need it from noon one day til noon the next is that something I get to choose or is it certain chosen hours by the DMV? And can I go the day before I need the permit to get it or do I have to use it the day the DMV issues it?One day moving permit from DMV?!?
I try to get ahold of them before they fill them out, otherwise you are stuck to the dates indicated. As to the permit it is good on the day that it is written for and thats it, since insurance is a majort problem these days you may have trouble even getting a permitt these days.

Why is the Dept of Motor Vehicles so outdated?

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I just spent 2 hours at the DMV, they don't take credit cards so I had to hunt down an ATM , they don't have a way to print out new drivers licenses so you have to wait 3 weeks while they mail it, and I think the camera they use still uses film. If they would update their technology it would cut their cost, why don't they do it? Picture this, you go to a website and type in your information and get a confirmation ID and pay your fees, then you go to the DMV, walk right up to one of the 5 stations they already have, show your ID and confirmation number to validate, they take your picture, check your eyes andas you walk out the door they hand you your drivers license. One do-it-all approach instead of having to wait in 3 lines at the only place in town that doesn't take credit cards.Why is the Dept of Motor Vehicles so outdated?
yeah its like they make it as hard as possible on us, I guess they want their reputation to stay the same. they are not even trying to move into the 21st century. i don't know where you live but here in oregon they don't even accept faxes from insurance companies for proof of insurance. you have to wait for them to process the mailed only copies which can take up to 6 weeks and they won't give you a license until they do so.

retarded!!
We need you to invent the warp drive and free us from cars.Why is the Dept of Motor Vehicles so outdated?
You realize how awesome it would be if they Privatized the DMV. I would love that. They would be competing for your business. Only good could come of it.
Same reason most government buildings in the US are second rate. Limited funding. The exceptions are courthouses, legislative buildings (i.e. the capitol building, etc.), and anything that has to do with the military.Why is the Dept of Motor Vehicles so outdated?
Depends on the state, Connecticut has a lot of automation. However, it all costs money.



Last time I paid by credit card, got my picture taken, received my new driver's license - roughly 90 minutes start to finish.
A bureaucrat's job isn't to get you a permit, smooth your path or take your money. His job is to draw a paycheck They are not going to do anything to streamline the system.
government monopoly.



No competition, no excellence

Will I be allowed my learner's permit during school hours?

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I like in Pennsylvania and my birthday is today. I failed my permit test and want to take it tomorrow instead of going to school. My parents will let me do this. Will the DMV still issue me my permit if I pass the test? ThanksWill I be allowed my learner's permit during school hours?
im pretty sure the dmv will still give you your permit if you take it during school hoursWill I be allowed my learner's permit during school hours?
The DMV probably doesn't care. But you better have a good excuse to give your school.Will I be allowed my learner's permit during school hours?
yeah they will I took mine during school hours, the DMV has no relation to your school

In San Diego, how long is the DMV line if you don't have an appointment?

To contact us Click HERE
I want to go get my permit. When should I start standing in line? A few minutes before it opens? An hour?In San Diego, how long is the DMV line if you don't have an appointment?
With the layoffs of the employees and reduced hours it may be a bit more time consuming than normal.

You may want to consider having your mail forwarded to the office that you plan to go to.

By the way, you should be old enough to drive straight to the bar and have your first drink when you get out.In San Diego, how long is the DMV line if you don't have an appointment?
usually you can check by phone the wait/go to place where line is not that long for the basic

2011 Gus Rankings: Week 13

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Gus has his own opinion on who should join LSU in the National Championship Game this week-- Houston! The Cougars come in ranked #2 this week, even on points with Stanford. Oklahoma State and Virginia Tech are tied for fourth. This week's rankings are here.

LSU looks to be a lock for #1 even with a loss to Georgia this weekend-- it would take a perfect storm of Georgia upsetting LSU and UCLA defeating Oregon, along with Houston beating Southern Mississippi and North Texas finding a way past Middle Tennessee State. And even that wouldn't do it if West Virginia defeats South Florida.

Houston, though, looks like a solid bet to hold on to the second spot through next weekend. Naturally, they would need to win their conference championship-- a home game against Southern Mississippi. But otherwise, things look promising. A win by Houston guarantees them second place; their two-point edge over Oklahoma State and Virginia Tech combined with a 9 point win would be too much for the pair of chasers to overcome. Further, Stanford looks to drop in the rankings by virtue of not playing. Here's how the weekend shapes up, points-wise:

Houston: Would earn 9 points with a win over Southern Mississippi; potential additional points from North Texas and UCLA. Total possible points: 11

Oklahoma State: Would earn 9 points with a victory over Oklahoma; one additional point from the Texas/Baylor winner. Iowa State also plays Kansas State; either outcome yields no net gain for Oklahoma State. Total possible points: 10

Virginia Tech: Would earn 7 points with a victory over Clemson (Clemson's 8 wins, less a point due to losing to Clemson earlier in the year). One potential additional point from Arkansas State. Total possible points: 8

So, in our weekly installment of the BC(GU)S, here's how Gus would allocate the teams:

National Championship Game: LSU (SEC champion) vs. Houston (automatic qualifier)
Rose Bowl: Oregon (Pac-12 champion) vs. Michigan State (Big 10 champion)
Fiesta: Oklahoma State (Big 12 champion) vs. Alabama (at large)
Sugar: Stanford (at large, replacement for LSU) vs. Boise State (at large)
Orange: Virginia Tech (ACC champion) vs. West Virginia (Big East champion)

One more week of regular season action!