tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36459678485084373782024-03-05T11:23:24.723-08:00Get to the GistUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger255125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-83251467845976522652020-01-02T14:56:00.001-08:002020-01-02T14:56:42.944-08:00No one is perfect<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtLj60nwNrU_0v35DnTNjf-yuswjrCwY6ZagqfoMeO1c2Pqy0kUXwubkQ_Q1Beu7nNT628Wk5iYPOWcNaxAGnaYo85u4dTnRHHhudoDUHwgTL9_PsknW3nZ65eoKf83dENWtyR-EgOZA/s1600/It%2527s+OK+to+not+have+all+the+answers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="457" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtLj60nwNrU_0v35DnTNjf-yuswjrCwY6ZagqfoMeO1c2Pqy0kUXwubkQ_Q1Beu7nNT628Wk5iYPOWcNaxAGnaYo85u4dTnRHHhudoDUHwgTL9_PsknW3nZ65eoKf83dENWtyR-EgOZA/s320/It%2527s+OK+to+not+have+all+the+answers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-34593299355183487282019-08-20T10:36:00.002-07:002019-08-20T10:36:42.870-07:00Endure like zooplankton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGm0UsRfi5PvAn813OVzjJscDr0ARzGG47c-Xq_Nh-tnoIEaeLVDMWfHz8np0VETq4J4zjHM7ATPdLSwso4tnPpJck2vaAUqPXWIBCRyi5Cqzow4K-FrxeSkXIkkzgrGsLhyXRL-mHdU/s1600/.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="469" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGm0UsRfi5PvAn813OVzjJscDr0ARzGG47c-Xq_Nh-tnoIEaeLVDMWfHz8np0VETq4J4zjHM7ATPdLSwso4tnPpJck2vaAUqPXWIBCRyi5Cqzow4K-FrxeSkXIkkzgrGsLhyXRL-mHdU/s320/.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I read today that many zooplankton (mostly tiny and weak animals that are carried by the currents) spend the beginning of their lives climbing every day to the top of the ocean where their food is, only to have to let them selves sink back down to the ocean floor to not get eaten themselves. They make this lengthy and extensive trip every single day in hopes that eventually they'll survive and grow in to a much larger, more capable animal.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-74939762149019732702018-07-02T14:08:00.001-07:002018-07-02T14:08:24.143-07:00How long does it take for a train to stop?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">PREPARE TO STOP!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
I was talking with a train conductor a while back and he was telling me about car/train accidents. One thing that I found fascinating is that, when a train is long enough, it can take a mile or more to stop that train!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Can you imagine if we had to prepare a mile ahead to stop our cars? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love to apply things to real life. And, since I write a lot for the spouses of addicts, I couldn't help but think about how this mile-to-stop would apply to addiction. I'm sure you could think of all sorts of things, but the one I want to focus on is that the conductor has to purposefully stop the train. You can't be wishy-washy or put it off. If, a mile down the road, you are wanting to be in a better place, then you have to stop now. Knowing that for that mile you will be working against the massive momentum you've built up. And even after that you have to be careful not to pull up on those brakes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I couldn't believe it. A mile!</div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><div align="left" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-58628626319793432742018-04-23T10:09:00.000-07:002018-04-23T10:09:09.351-07:00The spouse knows anywayWhen trying to decide if you should tell your spouse about your addiction, consider the pretty good chance that they know anyway.<br />
<br />
That's right. They may know anyway.<br />
<br />
Sure, they may not know what is really going on, but they might know that something is terribly wrong. They may be asking themselves questions like:<br />
<br />
Why can't we seem to get along?<br />
Why is my spouse always to irritable?<br />
Why can't we connect in our relationship?<br />
Why do things feel so awkward between us?<br />
<br />
So while they may not really know what is going on, they may know that something is going on. And no matter how many excuses they try to make in an attempt to try and fix your situation, none of them will work because they aren't being told the truth.<br />
<br />
That isn't fair to your spouse, yourself, or your family.<br />
<br />
Just a thought.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-76735889697667753992018-04-06T09:54:00.001-07:002018-04-06T09:54:15.857-07:00Question: "Should I tell my spouse that I am an addict?"<br />
I've never been in the position of wondering what I should tell my spouse about an addiction, but I have been on the opposite side of being told by my loved one about their addiction.<br />
<br />
My personal opinion? The answer is yes. You should tell your spouse.<br />
<br />
That being said, being told about the addiction was one of the most awful experiences ever. I literally felt like the world around me was falling apart. The fact that things weren't actually falling down around me didn't match up to how I was feeling.<br />
<br />
But then a great thing happened. After a good cry we came up with a plan. Being handed all that crap, while hard, was a good thing because the root of the problems we'd been having was now out in the open and we could look for applicable, honest help. Whereas before we couldn't make a plan to help our relationship because I had no idea what we were really dealing with.<br />
<br />
Consider playing soccer, 2 against 2. If you don't tell your partner that you are playing soccer, then you won't get any help making goals or stopping the other team from making goals. Meanwhile, you are frustrated that you are losing the game and your partner has no idea why you are so upset or why things are stressed out. Because he or she doesn't even know they are playing the darn game!<br />
<br />
Trying to work past an addiction is the same thing. In my opinion, take it or leave it, if you don't tell your spouse, your relationship may not get the healing it needs and he or she isn't going to know why things are so tense and stressed out.<br />
<br />
You've got to tell your spouse that they are playing soccer!<br />
<br />
I've met multiple wives who have told me that their marriage was better than ever after finding out about their husband's addiction because now they are on the same page and able to work together to find health and peace in their relationship.<br />
<br />
That being said, it isn't going to be easy. You are telling your spouse about a betrayal, and they are going to take it that way. Getting through this is going to be hard, but so worth it.<br />
<br />
If telling your spouse leads to more unrest in the relationship, then I still think it is worth telling. There were things in my situation that eventually threw our relationship under the bus, but I have always been grateful that the person told me. I have respect that they had the courage to tell me, and I think that was the absolute right decision.<br />
<br />
You have to let your spouse make their own decisions based on what you tell them, but a relationship based on the truth, even if that truth comes hard, is always better than a relationship based on lies.<br />
<br />
Anyway, that's my personal opinion from my personal experience.<br />
<br />
What do you think?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-83444721971872853132018-02-27T17:12:00.000-08:002018-02-27T17:12:10.149-08:00"Sticks and Stones"<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlZGUa99IE68y_aLx04ucPTf2QDIpNc1WlRr0NSwa8xVICfBlLnO89CVLpuMN6N9GuoLEJoje5p3989e0UZeHCiUAlpstTpXDjpmYgCz0dByQwe-WBxfi35-lWaNIlOa5IofHHR0k6YY/s1600/20161122_183210.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlZGUa99IE68y_aLx04ucPTf2QDIpNc1WlRr0NSwa8xVICfBlLnO89CVLpuMN6N9GuoLEJoje5p3989e0UZeHCiUAlpstTpXDjpmYgCz0dByQwe-WBxfi35-lWaNIlOa5IofHHR0k6YY/s320/20161122_183210.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I love this picture. It is a tower of bubble wrap. I saw it and my mind immediately started coming up with ways to use it. Art projects? Packages? Just popping it for fun? The options are endless!<br />
<br />
Bubble wrap . . . the ultimate protection for packages and storage.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, we can't use bubble wrap on our souls.<br />
<br />
I know, that was deep.<br />
<br />
But seriously, you know the old adage "sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me?" Totally not true. That saying is the ideal to strive for, the goal of one day being able to just shake it off.<br />
<br />
In reality, words sometimes hurt more than actual injuries. And the damage done by them can take longer to repair sometimes.<br />
<br />
However, there is good news. When you are hurting, physically or emotionally, you can always go and pop some bubble wrap. Works every time.<br />
<br />
But seriously, how do you heal from word wounds? Well, for me, I just try to think of the source. If the person is notorious for being jerky or mean, then I try to remember that. You can't trust their opinion. Eventually, after so many jerky things said, you can ignore their jabs completely. Because who really cares what they think?<br />
<br />
If someone came to you and said that a narcissist was telling them what a horrible person they were, what would you say? You'd tell them to ignore the person's comments and not take it to heart. If someone came to you and said that a liar was telling them what an awful spouse they were, what would you say? Of course you'd tell them that that person was lying!<br />
<br />
So why can't you take your own advice? Why do you let that person, who you know doesn't have a good reputation of trust, get to you?<br />
<br />
Be your own good friend and tell yourself the truth.<br />
<br />
So then it really may be true that sticks and stones will break your bones, but words will never hurt you.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-73341977685741838032017-11-06T12:28:00.000-08:002017-11-06T12:28:09.434-08:00LifeStar Therapy is hosting a Facebook Live Event tomorrow, Tuesday November 7, 2017<br /><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiELRXhhLpqss-Vs3xIBy4gCwtjpOHTOajUOoJ7jHveWwwRLoLaKc9lTFoIjprZa7N5smRfJ8xuUVt1i82erskVZ5RWaDKRZTkTBqWmiqddYrjQP2XCDjgp2nIPPk5e7PZDFSeCF8QYzc/s1600/Lifestar+Logo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiELRXhhLpqss-Vs3xIBy4gCwtjpOHTOajUOoJ7jHveWwwRLoLaKc9lTFoIjprZa7N5smRfJ8xuUVt1i82erskVZ5RWaDKRZTkTBqWmiqddYrjQP2XCDjgp2nIPPk5e7PZDFSeCF8QYzc/s1600/Lifestar+Logo.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I have great news! Tomorrow, November 7th, LifeStar Therapy is hosting a Facebook live event. For those of you who have read my blog or checked out my articles, you know that LifeStar is a great resource and help for those who are struggling with pornography and sexual addiction, as well as their families. So you don't want to miss out on this opportunity to hear from them.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">LifeStar Therapy helps to treat the addict, as well as the trauma caused to the rest of the family from the addiction.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The following is a press release from LifeStar about their Facebook Live Event:</span><br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Pornography addiction can be devastating, not only to the addict but to their family as well. It’s much more common than you might think, however, and there are resources out there to give you hope. </span></div>
<br /><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Join us on November 7th, 2017, at 7 PM MST, for an exclusive </span><a href="http://www.lifestartherapy.com/facebook-live-event/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Facebook Live event</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">. This event is hosted by Lifestar Therapy, and we’ll be talking about how to take back your life, today. We’ll go over the science of porn addiction and why it can be so difficult to overcome. We’ll share the steps you can take to recover from a porn or sex addiction. Finally, we’ll talk about what to do if you discover that your spouse has a porn addiction.</span></div>
<br /><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Lifestar Therapy has over 25 years helping people from all walks of life overcome their addiction. We offer those suffering from porn addiction and their families a safe place to talk about their struggles with others like them. </span></div>
<br /><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">When you are struggling with a porn addiction, or when you discover that a spouse or loved one is hiding a porn addiction, it can feel pretty lonely. But the truth is, there are many other people just like you who have gone through the difficult, long process of overcoming addiction. Repairing relationships, rebuilding self-esteem, strengthening bonds, and forming new habits all takes time and work, but it is worth it, and it is easier if you are surrounded by people who support you. There’s a whole community out there, waiting for you to connect and gather strength from them.</span></div>
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Follow this <a href="http://www.lifestartherapy.com/facebook-live-event/">link</a> or post the following into your browser so sign up for the live event:<br />
<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.lifestartherapy.com/facebook-live-event/">http://www.lifestartherapy.com/facebook-live-event/</a><br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<br /></b><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-6258003862804186632017-10-13T17:55:00.000-07:002017-10-13T17:55:18.195-07:00From the water to the airHave you ever heard of a naiad? No, I'm not talking about some mythological character. A naiad is an insect that can live for years, though some types only live for months. They live under the water. They eat small creatures, other insects, are pretty good at catching their prey. Great, great swimmers!<br />
<br /><br />
But a naiad is only the nymph (adolescent) stage of a particular insect.<br />
<br /><br />
After all that time swimming, the naiad crawls out of the water, sheds its skin, and boom! It's a dragonfly!!!<br />
<br /><br />
Yes, a dragonfly! You read that right. After potentially years of swimming, the dragonfly crawls out flies.<br />
<br /><br />
One day it has gills (according to the book I was reading) and the next day it is breathing air. <br />
<br /><br />
How cool is that! <br />
<br /><br />
Talk about an example of a great change!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-47809510432055719212017-10-10T10:41:00.000-07:002017-10-10T10:41:24.850-07:00Perspective<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hz5BLni15Qwp1EN77UcQv1nzrp2llyb2v6_xm1fDkaExU1UcedkT6Up-kuUHSaS9ovXqiGR3osKvgGhnhFanIJFQu4cvC80F7Fl3ULc-jhgSpgOehThAhgUNfLyM8JAI7xYg7ffBZsU/s1600/20170930_201829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hz5BLni15Qwp1EN77UcQv1nzrp2llyb2v6_xm1fDkaExU1UcedkT6Up-kuUHSaS9ovXqiGR3osKvgGhnhFanIJFQu4cvC80F7Fl3ULc-jhgSpgOehThAhgUNfLyM8JAI7xYg7ffBZsU/s320/20170930_201829.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This whole time I've been treating these like a weed! Next summer, I'm letting them grow wild and I'll set up a road side stand. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If I don't treat my lawn with anything next year can I call them organic too?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ok, but on a serious note . . . really? ORGANIC dandelion greens? I guess it really is all about perspective.</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-42515325087878849072017-08-31T09:36:00.000-07:002017-08-31T09:36:20.511-07:00And then you remember . . .<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30Gb_GGuj4P_r0Subzxp77gAFMMAiCbgt4JNhQf0yIXlE2S2FrceefUCbG1vYUu7buRJWQgdmb2uR2r3O4-d3UIo3vssk0pg6CgeohPtjVIx3aKF0rarG8ehHwrk4ptQPAZF6pzE4L6E/s1600/P1020985.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30Gb_GGuj4P_r0Subzxp77gAFMMAiCbgt4JNhQf0yIXlE2S2FrceefUCbG1vYUu7buRJWQgdmb2uR2r3O4-d3UIo3vssk0pg6CgeohPtjVIx3aKF0rarG8ehHwrk4ptQPAZF6pzE4L6E/s400/P1020985.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Time really does heal a lot. It honestly gives you time to "forget" things you will never really forget. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The other day I was told about something that is currently happening with the addict in my life and how he treats his "new". Something that he says. I had this disorienting moment of "What?" And then I was taken back in time to what felt like every single disagreement we had when he would say the same thing to me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes the memories come out of the blue. Pictures, court documents, old friends. Something will remind me and for a moment it's like I am right back in that frusterating moment.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes this remembering is good, because it 1) reminds me of exactly how things were 2) shows me how far I've come.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes this remembering is bad, because 1) so much of it shouldn't have happened in the first place and I don't want to spend my time thinking about it, 2)it is disturbing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But remembering is part of life. And it helps us a lot, to grow and learn and move toward the future.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At the same time, I don't want to relive some of those memories. I purposefully don't sit and think about how it felt to be treated like that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So why post about this? If remembering is normal, who cares? Well, there is a group I am a part of where a lot of people share about dealing with the memories when they come up. And it disturbs them, when memories they didn't want to remember suddenly pop up again. They ask about how others deal with these memories.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Honestly, there are 3 ways I generally deal with them. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1) If it is a good memory, I file it away in my mind under "at least there is a good memory to remember."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2)If it is a bad memory, I file it away as "Proof of what was going on."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3) If it is a memory that I don't want to remember, I say a prayer to help that memory not pop up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How do you deal with the sudden memories?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-73448861309077222972017-06-12T22:58:00.000-07:002017-06-12T22:58:04.971-07:00Seeing yourself as forever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPoHvSC1aMJlZJpSI7FsHMfIE3meWQaxPrzOZSqplopTF8IeC9e9KrJXYejb1WBkr_pZz62yZjhzQlPv7wmKZ4Ac6qJubzo2sf0UFeoyAVbQyaKdtPo3ZiSTQX2da1ZMdBFf7otYspTs/s1600/P1000939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPoHvSC1aMJlZJpSI7FsHMfIE3meWQaxPrzOZSqplopTF8IeC9e9KrJXYejb1WBkr_pZz62yZjhzQlPv7wmKZ4Ac6qJubzo2sf0UFeoyAVbQyaKdtPo3ZiSTQX2da1ZMdBFf7otYspTs/s400/P1000939.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Do you see yourself as forever?<br />
<br />
The world has a "who cares about the hangover" mentality, where people do whatever they want to, when they want to, and darn the consequences. It's a mentality that would have you ignore everything but this one moment.<br />
<br />
But, in reality, we are forever beings. Our influence, our work, and ourselves will last long beyond this one moment. What we do today is important because it leads to tomorrow.<br />
<br />
We matter. We are important. What we do matters, and what we do is important.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-36490173093039753912017-05-22T12:59:00.001-07:002017-05-22T12:59:31.764-07:00Be Clear<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFNny2ygk1DyKWCgQneIvufcdZuCFDYdX27f1B0H2AhmxePVTLSrt7B7G_pIV9Oyx1-82lWf-zerLMnedcJmGN5wgnXBIcuZT5iO1Yf9Nulepo-xmBkyJTnFEoQ_prpxkOxrnyh0selE/s1600/20160515_135130.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFNny2ygk1DyKWCgQneIvufcdZuCFDYdX27f1B0H2AhmxePVTLSrt7B7G_pIV9Oyx1-82lWf-zerLMnedcJmGN5wgnXBIcuZT5iO1Yf9Nulepo-xmBkyJTnFEoQ_prpxkOxrnyh0selE/s400/20160515_135130.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Of course fish don't eat quarters! Or at least they aren't supposed to . . . but this sign isn't quite clear on the subject. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Maybe there is one specific fish that likes to eat quarters? Like one of those deformed fish from the Amazon? The kind that look like they spent too much time in radiation infested waters? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now obviously they mean for you to bring quarters to buy their fish food to feed the fish.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Or maybe not, it's unclear. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-9028894688379667302017-05-03T14:27:00.001-07:002017-05-03T14:27:40.015-07:00Jenelle vs. The Gopher: Round 1!Did you know that I have gopher problems? And vole problems? Everyone has issues and trials, and one of mine is that there is a gopher living in my back yard.<br />
<br />
If you haven't seen my dead rat post, visit:<a href="http://get2thegist.blogspot.com/2015/08/does-nasty-flat-rat-reflect-on-you.html"> http://get2thegist.blogspot.com/2015/08/does-nasty-flat-rat-reflect-on-you.html</a><br />
<br />
The neighborhood kids think it's cute. Me? Not so much.<br />
<br />
But I don't have just any old gopher ailing me. This gopher is one of the most brazen, cocky, make-fun-of-me gophers in the universe.<br />
<br />
Meet . . . actually, I haven't given him a name yet. Or maybe it's a her. Hmm. I'll have to come up with something.<br />
<br />
But anywho, Meet . . . the gopher!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEO7TWY8l9yhb1tB5_BejlzEY7hceenUVrLUV77csoeFOO15nr9m4vH-BUsJYJzVomffMpp9mDsOvH8QFiS6O_GqKqQhQ5x_af0FZKgMg1sR7nQfFZBT1hA_3aMb1isn7ZPzwNbVznu8Q/s1600/Gopher+1+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEO7TWY8l9yhb1tB5_BejlzEY7hceenUVrLUV77csoeFOO15nr9m4vH-BUsJYJzVomffMpp9mDsOvH8QFiS6O_GqKqQhQ5x_af0FZKgMg1sR7nQfFZBT1hA_3aMb1isn7ZPzwNbVznu8Q/s400/Gopher+1+cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Maybe this is a vole? I don't know for sure, do you? Let's just assume it's a gopher.<br />
<br />
<br />
In broad daylight he pokes his head above the ground and snickers at me. Yes, snickers. His annoying little whiskers twitch and his beady little eyes dart around, daring me to protest his existence.<br />
<br />
Which, of course, I do.<br />
<br />
This is our yard! Our garden! Our soil! And this lame little gopher, and the generations before it, have taken advantage of our hospitality one too many times!<br />
<br />
No longer will our grass and flower beds be pocked with mounds of dirt! No longer will our vegetable plants, after months of hard labor, be sucked through the ground in one fatal swoosh! No longer will I be mocked!<br />
<br />
Huzzah!<br />
<br />
So, today I tried putting some hair down into the open gopher hole (we happened upon it creating an entrance to its evil lair), because I had heard that gophers don't like the smell of humans in their tunnel. 5 minutes later it had removed the hair and the dirt I covered it with.<br />
<br />
So then I messed up his tunnel with my shovel.<br />
<br />
Still didn't work, he came back.<br />
<br />
......Augh!<br />
<br />
And I have planted plants that the gophers and voles supposedly don't like. We usually don't have any problem with the gophers and voles in our onion patch, but today they came up right in the middle.<br />
<br />
.......Augh!<br />
<br />
Tune in next time to see episode 2: Jenelle vs. the Gopher; round 2!<br />
<br />
On a related note, if you have any ideas of how to COMPLETELY get rid of gophers in your yard, let me know!!!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGpcW6S6i9BPrux_ejbHerN1rDl97c91UFW7WAdoYuEoe3R6oJPPvP8s_6oKHg2nkrn43Kh1MHfHpaNnyd7coHDZ0JkoDmGawA6iS9ti1CrgNf0ox3r1KxjTGUwWKvGNzTzLeryYN0udg/s1600/Gopher+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGpcW6S6i9BPrux_ejbHerN1rDl97c91UFW7WAdoYuEoe3R6oJPPvP8s_6oKHg2nkrn43Kh1MHfHpaNnyd7coHDZ0JkoDmGawA6iS9ti1CrgNf0ox3r1KxjTGUwWKvGNzTzLeryYN0udg/s400/Gopher+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-70758237448546093102017-05-01T11:45:00.001-07:002017-05-01T11:45:58.163-07:00A little Confidence Can Go A Long Way!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpF8raPL8nmI-bU1buaVKHeW5Ug7x97AxqVvs5ukn0uEUuzmQJfkA4axBMNnSN6kzCkMhIYObC8eMOEnW0K54b7WeWQF_WlZ0hAIWKErKTfV60jD1UzozAdgTSd1kq7sXh-vp4eVTFFtA/s1600/20160224_144209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpF8raPL8nmI-bU1buaVKHeW5Ug7x97AxqVvs5ukn0uEUuzmQJfkA4axBMNnSN6kzCkMhIYObC8eMOEnW0K54b7WeWQF_WlZ0hAIWKErKTfV60jD1UzozAdgTSd1kq7sXh-vp4eVTFFtA/s400/20160224_144209.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you ever get jealous of those people who are so confident that the world just seems to wilt around them? That it doesn't matter what anyone thinks of them, they know their value.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have some friends that I often look at and think, "Man! I wish I was that confident!"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Because confidence is beautiful! It makes you look strong, smart, and capable all at once!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's like the peacocks in the picture above. The one is proudly showing it's feathers and winning the stare down with the other one, who is bowing to him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Although, confidence can easily go the wrong way and make you seem cocky. That's not good. The picture below describes this perfectly. While the one male peacock is being confident . . . or is he being cocky? . . . and the other male peacock is bowing to him . . .<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The female peacock couldn't care less! She's just in the foreground cleaning her feathers!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VB54qJ_PxfQiV-98F-wJL1CBkHSexFMeoxVPympF8aKxsaKnZC0QGSQlD41dqR64_C2QIN6IaCcXtBZEmVaKjT9Lg4wCxRSfHKPstLU1eOY0iS7WtxNex2v80NOQYu1s2HZAAvQhXvE/s1600/20160224_144225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VB54qJ_PxfQiV-98F-wJL1CBkHSexFMeoxVPympF8aKxsaKnZC0QGSQlD41dqR64_C2QIN6IaCcXtBZEmVaKjT9Lg4wCxRSfHKPstLU1eOY0iS7WtxNex2v80NOQYu1s2HZAAvQhXvE/s400/20160224_144225.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So who is more confident? The cocky peacock or the silent, I- could- care- less- about -your- drama, female?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not all confidence looks the same. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-31545677899614383482017-04-27T12:38:00.000-07:002017-04-27T12:38:58.151-07:00The Surprise Gorilla Attack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmalUorZ2zOd9SqelH-sCInPT_1qV8PWhSghrv7MJUJ3zUNXgoxApne-mfoBf_TvsGFoPoXNehGWZHJ521cWdsrz4Dl1WQuJ_I7g-NNPGl4FyjRBXw7qAlCdSYh8ds-jEQhwRiswsDbw/s1600/20160224_145256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmalUorZ2zOd9SqelH-sCInPT_1qV8PWhSghrv7MJUJ3zUNXgoxApne-mfoBf_TvsGFoPoXNehGWZHJ521cWdsrz4Dl1WQuJ_I7g-NNPGl4FyjRBXw7qAlCdSYh8ds-jEQhwRiswsDbw/s320/20160224_145256.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So there we were, at the zoo, checking out the gorilla cage. You know how everyone loves it when the animals come right up to the glass? Well that's what we saw as soon as we walked in. This massive gorilla was sitting right up by the glass.<br />
<br />
We couldn't get right up close to it, unfortunately. There was a group of kids who were crowding the prized area.<br />
<br />
One by one, and sometimes at the same time, all of the kids started tapping and hitting on the glass.<br />
<br />
Boom. Boom. Boom.<br />
<br />
The Gorilla did nothing.<br />
<br />
Boom. Boom. Boom.<br />
<br />
The Gorilla did nothing.<br />
<br />
Boom. Boom. Boom.<br />
<br />
Again, nothing.<br />
<br />
-I think too often people do this with other things as well. They tempt it, get close, "play", figuring that nothing will happen. But, guess what happens when you do that?<br />
<br />
So back to my story. The Gorilla just sat there, looking rather dull while those kids tapped on the glass.<br />
<br />
All of a sudden, without warning, the Gorilla jumped to it's feet in a motion so fast that if you blinked you would miss it. It reared it's massive body into backward swing and threw itself against the glass. With one big "boom!" it slammed its forearm against the barrier and then pounded it's fist.<br />
<br />
In one big motion, every single one of the kids that had taunted him jumped back in surprise.<br />
<br />
Yeah.<br />
<br />
Then, a bit more cocky, the gorilla went back to sitting quietly.<br />
<br />
I wish I had gotten the whole thing on video!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-90399322645758643572017-04-24T17:20:00.002-07:002017-04-24T17:20:31.673-07:00One of the worst snow storms I've ever been in!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOM6t6DThWOm1tnaJ_JgJpl7BWQBmQbmcJ5SvxPjVx-SICrSQm5uPupI_YbIPhyphenhyphenDGKPU5PWNoe_ZrnDHa1xyGQKjZsXpGGSvdzQH4jqnm67DC-TrorjFacZdmfeMEqG1nq9FAb2xVQvc/s1600/20151215_162110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOM6t6DThWOm1tnaJ_JgJpl7BWQBmQbmcJ5SvxPjVx-SICrSQm5uPupI_YbIPhyphenhyphenDGKPU5PWNoe_ZrnDHa1xyGQKjZsXpGGSvdzQH4jqnm67DC-TrorjFacZdmfeMEqG1nq9FAb2xVQvc/s320/20151215_162110.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of the worst snow storms I have ever been in was during a road trip a few years back. Out in the middle of the desert, the snow started to fall and quickly became a blizzard.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We were lucky, though. In front of us was a large semi truck to lead the way. Because seriously, we could barely see out the side windows, let alone the front.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then, quite a while into this snow storm, we decided to go around the truck. I don't remember why we decided to go around it, but we slowly edged into the next lane and pushed ahead through the snow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As soon as we pulled ahead of the truck, we wanted to die. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
IT WAS BARELY SNOWING!!!!!!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We weren't in the middle of a snow storm! We had just been stuck behind a truck with so much snow on the top of it that it was blowing off behind it as it drove!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!!!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At the time, it felt like one of the worst snow storms I had ever been in. In hind sight, it was the most pathetic snow storms I had ever been in.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But at the time we were just praying to get safely through the storm!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That's ok, whatever storm you are in needs its due diligence!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-51878025411906239312017-04-14T12:02:00.000-07:002017-04-14T12:02:52.980-07:00The Old Friend?The addict in my life wasn't always "the addict in my life." Originally, I had the pleasure of calling this person "friend." We hung out, we saw each other at parties, we wrote letters to each other when this person moved out of the state for a number of years. <br />
<br /><br />
Sometimes I think back to that time period of our relationship when everything was light, fun, and adventurous and it is kind of a shock to my system. Things have changed so much between us, and it is hard to see the person I used to call "friend" when I'm being lied to and called names. My old friend wouldn't have treated me this way. I thought.<br />
<br /><br />
So now what? How do you reconcile the "addict in your life" with your past "friend?" Especially when you were more than just friends?<br />
<br /><br />
Honestly? I pray for this person. Things aren't great between us, but I still pray.<br />
<br /><br />
What do you do? How do you handle old friends and addicts?<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-32027681931163562892017-03-13T14:16:00.000-07:002017-03-13T14:16:00.775-07:00Dead Deers and Pornography - Don't look!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(This Post was originally posted in May, 2015 on Get2theGist)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgzeZlo9yF8KGz5iU4J-8YB-m0f66SIhJuyHkz5cXPugjqgUBslpnVvUt-ElRY_3glGkEBCskNKbRWdaVu7mjPzQrWaafsZ51CG-HZ_sfKbVLr8CPK9E3M6EtPZj4Lj9X25YKVYgt2GM/s1600/IMG_5869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgzeZlo9yF8KGz5iU4J-8YB-m0f66SIhJuyHkz5cXPugjqgUBslpnVvUt-ElRY_3glGkEBCskNKbRWdaVu7mjPzQrWaafsZ51CG-HZ_sfKbVLr8CPK9E3M6EtPZj4Lj9X25YKVYgt2GM/s320/IMG_5869.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Explanation of picture is at the end.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ever heard someone say that they just had to know what their pornography addict spouse was looking at so they went and looked themselves?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have heard this. A couple of times. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And each time I thought, "No, no, no." That is not good!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Or, like I've talked about before, there are those addicts who try and get their spouses to participate with them. Which is not good either. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You don't want those pictures in your head any more than you want them in your spouse's head.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's like the picture at the top of this post. You can know that there is a box. You can know that there is a deer in the box (see feet sticking out on both ends). You can even know details like that the box is a lawn mower box and that the deer is (obviously) dead.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You might even wonder about what happened.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But don't go looking in the box! That isn't something that you need to see. And will it help you to look at the stiff, stinky, deer? You already know it's a dead deer. Do you really need to see all of the details or smell the stink? Will that help you?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
No. No it won't. If anything it might scar you. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, please heed my words. Don't go looking at dead deers or pornography. Yuck!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
By the way, I saw this box on the side of a road with the feet sticking out. What the crud? But I DID NOT go look. I took this picture from a safe distance, which is why it is so fuzzy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
UPDATE: There have been many times that my never having seeked out pornography has been a major blessing in my life. Looking at the dead deer will never help you!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-3082805499944547692017-03-08T13:32:00.002-08:002017-03-08T13:32:55.287-08:00What people told me about 50 ShadesA couple of years ago I wrote an article on the 50 Shades Boycott. I also blogged ALOT on the subject. The second movie in the Series, 50 Shades Darker, came out a few weeks ago and I wondered:<br />
<br />
<br />
How do people really feel about these movies?<br />
<br />
<br />
So, I interviewed people on the street and asked them. I got some very interesting responses, and ended up doing some looking around to see how the responses compared to the research on the franchise.<br />
<br />
<br />
You should go check out my article published by Deseret News <a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865674797/Jenelle-Stone-I-asked-people-on-the-street-how-they-feel-about-Fifty-Shades-Darker-Here7s-what.html">HERE</a>. Or paste this link into your browser:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865674797/Jenelle-Stone-I-asked-people-on-the-street-how-they-feel-about-Fifty-Shades-Darker-Here7s-what.html">http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865674797/Jenelle-Stone-I-asked-people-on-the-street-how-they-feel-about-Fifty-Shades-Darker-Here7s-what.html</a><br />
<br />
The article has a link to the video I made from the responses and research. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-13458757079011333382017-02-06T12:20:00.001-08:002017-02-06T12:20:48.314-08:00This plant hasn't lost its sparkle. Literally.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQMIZSVPSYL7c1ScHQkps0xooj0D7nUcon9ixqeb7_Ehc14qVTwioesk-Xp9pyl28M5tsIho_PNHQEvr2me4QROlzidV-vpYTGvAOlYWFDfnmtQs30Wi8a5vlZQP8lwg5ktVA3EC7voo/s1600/20161224_161659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQMIZSVPSYL7c1ScHQkps0xooj0D7nUcon9ixqeb7_Ehc14qVTwioesk-Xp9pyl28M5tsIho_PNHQEvr2me4QROlzidV-vpYTGvAOlYWFDfnmtQs30Wi8a5vlZQP8lwg5ktVA3EC7voo/s640/20161224_161659.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This plant has seen better times. Life has been pretty rough, and I'm sure it doesn't feel like the plant it used to be. Back when it's petals were a little spunkier, it's foliage a little fuller. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But no matter what, it won't lose it's sparkle/glitter. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What is your sparkle? </div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-26643391084917525652017-01-30T11:23:00.001-08:002017-01-30T11:23:06.969-08:00Sidewalk Ends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLN6Iyp68bswk9DpE4gKP_0EGdYnk8dxBRA8OVKtMixWumViAVtREzOtlpJ9fTT0PQJcoDCtWtDp3gJJ0B1x0qAHaHxf21u87ATymoCDUtzhuuCTrVL-pbJQnE6l_LTVu5JTla6ycKqqQ/s1600/20160429_133228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLN6Iyp68bswk9DpE4gKP_0EGdYnk8dxBRA8OVKtMixWumViAVtREzOtlpJ9fTT0PQJcoDCtWtDp3gJJ0B1x0qAHaHxf21u87ATymoCDUtzhuuCTrVL-pbJQnE6l_LTVu5JTla6ycKqqQ/s400/20160429_133228.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Every sidewalk ends at some point. Either ending in a dead end, a wall, or sometimes just undeveloped, uncharted area. And usually you don't expect the sidewalk to end, it just does.<br />
<br />
And you find yourself unsure, peeking around the sign to try and figure out how to continue your journey.<br />
<br />
What now?<br />
<br />
What next?<br />
<br />
Shouldn't there be a dang side walk?!<br />
<br />
How do I do this?<br />
<br />
<br />
But seriously, why are we even surprised? EVERY SIDEWALK ENDS. That doesn't mean your path ends, or your journey ends. It just means that you've hit a snag, a conflict, a puzzle, a point where you have to figure out how to continue. It just means you have to work out what to do next. Whether that means braving the rough ground, finding another path, or taking a step back. Or multiple steps.<br />
<br />
Everyone pauses when the sidewalk ends. It's natural to experience that moment of "well crud, what do I do now?" But ending sidewalks are a part of life. Otherwise you'd end up just going in circles.<br />
<br />
Ending sidewalks will eventually be what gets you somewhere.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-10559972349990047232017-01-10T22:50:00.003-08:002017-01-10T22:50:51.983-08:00When things fall apart . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQcKGlAkI19XWtLfDQ3jocwTNsXOSsytH7kLLQ9AOPgDwx2RvWdNUT_UIQGaY1opzh577Knxej-wSNdlSzrJPRjF4oPcTRGXPw3X_douPJwUjstCK7CGggflZlMAB-Op1LxxtexXcj_0/s1600/Quote-+Marilyn+Monroe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQcKGlAkI19XWtLfDQ3jocwTNsXOSsytH7kLLQ9AOPgDwx2RvWdNUT_UIQGaY1opzh577Knxej-wSNdlSzrJPRjF4oPcTRGXPw3X_douPJwUjstCK7CGggflZlMAB-Op1LxxtexXcj_0/s400/Quote-+Marilyn+Monroe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br /></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-55202775496519115342016-12-05T10:31:00.002-08:002016-12-05T10:31:37.777-08:00Did the twig know it could do this?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSvIKSKHMvnmOg_oDHsQb9kvbnXgfCp8H3tnHHmgBRyRLhQXdI0ExH6jzdEzRFTX-V7kz183Rsq4todqlxU3zeKr1p1x57l_2f5SvqX3dW69RzWicdsfY-3FRve2xDagpoIQ9qJnI8hA/s1600/20160923_153726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSvIKSKHMvnmOg_oDHsQb9kvbnXgfCp8H3tnHHmgBRyRLhQXdI0ExH6jzdEzRFTX-V7kz183Rsq4todqlxU3zeKr1p1x57l_2f5SvqX3dW69RzWicdsfY-3FRve2xDagpoIQ9qJnI8hA/s400/20160923_153726.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, at the beginning of garden season last year, I decided to try something new. A friend of mine takes her tomato plants and wraps them up with plastic wrap to make mini green houses. As a result, she is able to put them out super early in the season and then get tomatoes early as well.</div>
<br />
I tried it. A couple of my tomato plants were OK, a couple of them died right off, and a couple of them were hanging on by a thread. I didn't pull up one of these barely hanging on plants, and I let my marigolds grow up around it.<br />
<br />
It was basically a twig in the ground.<br />
<br />
Then, at the end of the season, I found this! One lone tomato, decent in size, hanging from the top of that twig. No leaves, no color, and no growth. But on the top, a nice, juicy tomato.<br />
<br />
I had another nice, big plant that I think only gave me one or two tomatoes.<br />
<br />
Even when you're feeling like you are hanging on by a thread, don't count yourself out. Your influence reaches farther than you know, and more people rely on you than you realize.<br />
<br />
And when someone comes along that seems like a better "plant" than you, just remember that looks are deceiving. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-59341697058127994142016-11-28T08:38:00.000-08:002016-11-28T08:38:55.265-08:00Sweet dreams are made of... cheese! Apparently.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdQZ-ZxE8yNbT-4kXYI3JTPPySkz6KPCT1BnUHH51v0m3oD6cQGsVLbPw234fSnQTG4lvoFRWlDzcpAAVqQFHx_UfZ-r00drEZBMZu7gIz5dShaSJ1N2yAw6ZFS-LeJ2kfLALBMbdX4w/s1600/20161126_190118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdQZ-ZxE8yNbT-4kXYI3JTPPySkz6KPCT1BnUHH51v0m3oD6cQGsVLbPw234fSnQTG4lvoFRWlDzcpAAVqQFHx_UfZ-r00drEZBMZu7gIz5dShaSJ1N2yAw6ZFS-LeJ2kfLALBMbdX4w/s400/20161126_190118.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
How could I not post this picture? Whoever wrote this is pretty <i>sharp. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
And I guess I just want to say...<br />
<i><br /></i>
For those days when you are feeling <i>blue</i>, and you feel like those around you aren't very <i>curd-</i>eous. Remember that others' actions are <i>nacho </i>fault.<br />
<br />
You hear <i>swiss</i> all the time, when someone feels they are to blame for someone else's choices. It makes me want to s<i>cream! </i>People <i>Colby </i>feeling like this for several reasons, but what it comes down to is it just isn't true.<br />
<br />
And one more <i>string:</i> not only are you not responsible for some one else's choices, their choices do not reflect on you.<br />
<br />
<i>Que-so, </i>you got this?<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645967848508437378.post-41128517515224083982016-11-07T10:49:00.000-08:002016-11-07T10:49:07.995-08:00True Story: Would you like to pet the bee?<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJF2uyWWvahiK_Vt5udMXlhcRIFqoSOuuDvifw9Hg3zOgEgPbLvjWHc4Ibj2OaNFqlJXtVyGiw5pWl9bQx2MkrutFc34Cjpk06h3soJL9IMjPzpsWYwc2TXXDXY6civJ5lMxQp__j7HtE/s1600/P1010238.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJF2uyWWvahiK_Vt5udMXlhcRIFqoSOuuDvifw9Hg3zOgEgPbLvjWHc4Ibj2OaNFqlJXtVyGiw5pWl9bQx2MkrutFc34Cjpk06h3soJL9IMjPzpsWYwc2TXXDXY6civJ5lMxQp__j7HtE/s400/P1010238.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My cousin and I decided to meet at a local garden. We thought the kids would love to see all the pretty floral designs. Personally, I like to feed the fish in this garden's pond. But <i>that</i> is for another post.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
At one attraction, where the flowers are planted around a fake carousel, the kids all stopped to admire a cute little bee on the flower. Specifically, the bee pictured above.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My cousin crept close and asked the kids if they wanted to pet the bee.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0W15g-JtYRN-KOkS71FYy59su2RXLrlhhntzsEyBqANmDAiE4c_bME0utSv0SuNfbOTfMHdbqzUq3YyF5VgOq8apHJm9dLXfcI1R0THn7NdeCLx821jWJcrzwvLE1nOw-1RMyb2p6vk/s1600/.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0W15g-JtYRN-KOkS71FYy59su2RXLrlhhntzsEyBqANmDAiE4c_bME0utSv0SuNfbOTfMHdbqzUq3YyF5VgOq8apHJm9dLXfcI1R0THn7NdeCLx821jWJcrzwvLE1nOw-1RMyb2p6vk/s320/.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She was serious! Apparently this wasn't her first encounter with bees and she knew what to do. She reached forward, and gently pet the bee. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I remember holding my breath, sure that she was about to get stung. Luckily, she didn't. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course I was amazed. I mean, seriously? How can you pet a bee and not get stung?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I thought about being bold and just going for it. How cool would it be to say that I pet a bee? Unless, of course, it stung me. In which case it wouldn't be cool. It would be embarrassing, in fact.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Someone: "Hey Jenelle, how'd you get stung by a bee?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Me: "Oh, you know, I tried to pet it."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Super embarrassing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We all know someone that seems to have superpowers. They can handle or accomplish things that you would look at and think, "I couldn't do that," or "I couldn't handle that." And that's OK. We all have our strengths, and my strengths are different than yours. It's OK for us all to have different super powers and weaknesses.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What seems easy to one person, may seem hard to someone else. Like how my cousin could pet a bee and I froze, unable to accomplish what she made look so simple.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Someday I'll tell you about my other cousin and her wild tarantula powers. Again, true story. And again, not a super power that I have. But that is OK.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8sFNmv0hnaEozdvdVM05yyRZr5nNDWP02rXjIadiUrCv-SGtdApJRMbeyCPAbH18XGDAG9TR4KH3b1LOk63Chqt5-PniS8PtUVThpT7CJo6zbE3MXutnjOfNPGuMRN__OShukaho_aI/s1600/P1010239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8sFNmv0hnaEozdvdVM05yyRZr5nNDWP02rXjIadiUrCv-SGtdApJRMbeyCPAbH18XGDAG9TR4KH3b1LOk63Chqt5-PniS8PtUVThpT7CJo6zbE3MXutnjOfNPGuMRN__OShukaho_aI/s400/P1010239.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0