A-Z meme

A - AVAILABLE: nope
B- Birthday: nov 20
C - CAKE OR PIE: cake, lemon preferrably
D - DRINK YOU LAST HAD: sprite
E - ESSENTIAL ITEM YOU USE EVERYDAY: computer with internet or else it's useless
F - FAVORITE COLOR: pink!!!
G - GUMMY BEARS OR GUMMY WORMS: sour gummy worms
H - HOMETOWN: ontario, ca
I - INSTRUMENT: my iPod, yeah!
J - JUGGLE: um, yeah i'm kinda lacking in the whole hand-eye coordination department
K - KILLED SOMEONE: only spiders - once they're in the house, that's my zone, they forfeit the right to life (*holy moley nicole i was laughing sooooo hard when i read that*)
L - LIFE IS INCOMPLETE WITHOUT: my family
M - MILKSHAKE FLAVOR: vanilla malt(*TONS) with like 3 drops of chocolate syrup (yes, i'm very particular, which drives hubby nuts when i send him to BaskinRobbins to pick up something for me)
N - NUMBER OF SIBLINGS: 2 beautiful sisters, 1 handsome brother, 2 bils and 1 almost sil
O - ONE WISH: hmmmm, to be twinkled, that would be cool (as long as my family could come with -- front row to the millenium, could you please pass the pop corn while i watch all the gnashing of teeth?)
P- PHOBIAS OR FEARS: claustrophobic
Q- QUICKIE: hmmm, right now?
R - REASON TO SMILE: my family, i have the best one on earth
S - SEASON: spring and summer, love love love it
T - TIME YOU WOKE UP: 7:49 am (well thats when my alarm goes off anyways, i ususally snooze until about 8:07 am)
U - UNDERWEAR: you know *wink*
V - VEGETABLE(S) YOU HATE: squash/zuccini
W - WORST HABIT: cracking my knuckles and every other bone in my body, procrastination
X - X-RAYS YOU'VE HAD: hmmmm, besides my teeth?
Z- ZODIAC SIGN: scorpio

the what and why of christmas

this post has been completely copy and pasted from my brother-in-law, TJ's myspace blog, i hope you enjoy. very interesting insights into christmas and all of it's meanings.

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"Last week we had a couple of Jehovah Witnesses knock on our door. Personally knowing the emotions and labor that accompanies door-knocking to spread the gospel news, I invited them in and offered a drink. The discussion went as you might think between a Mormon family and two Jehovah Witnesses. We agreed to disagree on many points of Biblical interpretation. Being December, we began to discuss their religion's teaching to not celebrate holidays and, in particular, the neglect of Christmas. Being fair-minded, I will tell you that they choose not to celebrate due to their interpretation of various Biblical verses and add the comment that they simply choose to give gifts and presents throughout the year and not let the traditions of man dictate when and what they will celebrate. I applaud their thoughtful analytical process in choosing not to celebrate. However, over the following days it caused me to reconsider why I was celebrating Christmas and what Christmas means to me.
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I understand that evolution of Pagan celebrations and rituals have brought us to our current tradition of Christmas. I'm actually okay with that. So the Romans celebrated Saturnalia in a fashion more closely related to a week of Mardi Gras type partying. That's cool. The Christians then wanted to bring in some Roman converts and incorporated the week long festival into celebrating the birthday of Christ. They worshipped the trees, so let's bring in a tree and decorate it. I understand that. Nicolas born in Turkey, becomes Bishop of Myra, honored position on the council of Nicaea (that was the council that decided what letters and scripts to put into a compilation that would come to be known as the Holy Bible), he dies, and gains a following that over the next 700 to 800 years combines a few different histories contributing to the characteristics of Saint Nicholas, who received Saintdom in early 19th century. In 1809 Washington Irving writes "Knickerbocker History" which refers several times to the white bearded, flying-horse riding Saint Nicholas using his Dutch name, Santa Claus. Having read this, Dr. Clement Moore in 1822, writes the epic poem, "A Visit From St. Nicholas," or as it is most commonly referred today, "Twas The Night Before Christmas." Add some more about Coca Cola's involvement with the marketing of Santa's image, the advent of Rudolph and Frosty, the numerous classic Christmas movies, a couple of NFL football games and you have a Christian American Christmas tradition.
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Just because it came from Paganism and is now being exploited by Capitalists should we now shun the celebration? Are our Jehovah Witness friends right in their refusal to celebrate? Heck, my own ward here in Oceanside banned Santa Claus from our church Christmas party. What is this world coming to? I propose that Christmas is not in need of a restoration as there was no true definitive Christmas established to return to. Therefore, reforming Christmas, as the Christian world has been doing and will continue to do is what is required to instill the purity of Christ-worship during the Christmas season. Will there be those who miss the mark? Of course, just as there are differing levels of commitment in varying Christian congregations. Will there be those who overdue it in their zeal and seek to isolate Christ as the only acceptable figure of celebration during Christmas? Of course! How do you ban Santa from a Christmas party? What's next...ban Harry Potter? Alright, I'll save that debate for a different blog.
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Christmas is the time of year when we can realign our focus to be more in line with our beliefs. As one Mormon authority, Hugh B. Brown once said, "For one day, at least, Christendom practices Christianity." How many non-believers are reminded once a year that a Savior was born as a babe in Bethlehem? How many contributions and various charitable work is contributed in the month of December every year? I suppose once Christ comes again it won't be necessary for Christians to celebrate Christmas but until then, what is the harm?
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Do we worship Santa? Of course not. John A. Widtsoe, a mormon apostle and respected scientist, once said, "We live in a world of symbols. We know nothing, except by symbols. No one finds fault with the symbols on the pages of a book because they are not as mighty in their own beauty as the things the represent...There are some men who object to Santa Claus, because he does not exist! Such men need spectacles to see that Santa Claus is a symbol; a symbol of the love and joy of Christmas and the Christmas spirit."
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I love the stories of Santa Claus. A jolly old man who brings joy and cheer throughout the world by giving gifts to good little boys and girls. Newer interpretations are even incorporating Santa's help in the spread of Christianity (see C.S. Lewis's tale of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe). I love that during this season mankind thinks more about giving than receiving. I love the spirit of Dickens "A Christmas Carol." I love watching movies that spread happiness and delight. I wish that the spirit would permeate throughout the year. Unfortunately, the words spoke many, many years ago… "There is no room at the inn" are still being spoke today by far too many people. There is no room for Christ in the commercialistic Christmas season, there is no room for Him in the selfish heart, there is no room for Him but during Sunday worship, and there is no room for Him in schools and government. Christmas helps remind me that I need to find room in my faith and actions for Christ lest I hear the words of James echo in my ears, "But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?"
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Boyd K. Packer, a current Mormon apostle, has said, "The whole account - from Bethlehem to Calvary - is the Christmas story, and it takes simple, childlike, almost naïve faith to know it…" Christmas is more than celebrating the birth of the Savior for without His death and resurrection, the story remains untold. I choose to celebrate His life and what He taught. I celebrate that through Him we, as mortals, can overcome the two things we cannot for ourselves - sin and death. Jesus Christ has opened the gates of heaven and made possible the way to return. I do know that Christ is our Savior and Redeemer and I know that He lives. May we praise Him and I invite you all to define the what and why of your own Christmas story. In the words of Tiny Tim, "God bless us, everyone!"

...

end of TJ's blog post. we now continue with our regular sceduled program ...

christmas meme

1. Egg nog or hot chocolate? egg nog (because i can drink ho-cho any other time, but you can only get egg nog around christmas)
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Santa (aka me) wraps them.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? White lights on the tree (much to the chagrin of hubby) and no lights on our apartment, yet!

4. Do you hang mistletoe? hmmm, i wonder where i could get some. I

5. When do you put your decorations up? we got our tree up the first saturday of the month, and i love it. i used to hate decorating for christmas but if i could i'd leave my tree up all year long, it makes me sooooo happy. i should put a picture on here.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? stuffing, seriously love love love the stuff.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child: opening one present on christmas eve, and it was ALWAYS pajamas, then having a slumber party with all my siblings, waking up and opening presents in the new pajamas.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? probably from one of my sisters

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? please refer to item number 6 - a tradition that i really need to start with my hubby!

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? all of my random ornaments, plus the bright colored ones that i LOVE - red, pink, aqua, lime green, and a giant shiny red star on top!

11. Snow! Love it or dread it? love to visit it, glad i don't live in it anymore.

12. Can you ice skate? i've only done it once, but i didn't fall at all, so i would say yes.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? no gifts really stand out, i don't think christmas has ever really been about the presents.

14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you? family and remembering the true meaning of christmas -- and it isn't Santa.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? english toffee
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? pajamas -- as disussed earlier.
17. What tops your tree? giant shiny red star, love it!

18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? giving, but i never know what to give.

19. What is your favorite Christmas song? It Came upon a Midnight Clear, i think, but i like them all

20. Candy canes: yes please
21. Favorite Christmas movie? a christmas story, christmas vacation, and how the grinch stole christmas (animated)
22. What do you leave for Santa? hmmm, might have to actually start leaving him something i suppose.

I believe in Christ

I has to write out my testimony for a special christmas lesson we are doing for the young women in my ward, and I decided that since it was already type it out, why not post it on my blog? So in case any of you were wondering whether I have a testimony or not, here it is ...

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I believe that Christ is the son of God, and was born as the redeemer of the world. I believe that He came here and was crucified to atone for my sins and save me from temporal and spiritual death. I believe that by His grace is the only way that I will be saved. I have accepted Him as my Savior. We live in dark times, and Christ is truly our only light and lifeline, it is only by and through Him that we can be saved. I believe that this is the only true church on the Earth today, and that it is lead by Gordon B. Hinkley, a living prophet, seer and revelator, who was chosen by God to guide us. I believe that Joseph Smith Jr. was a prophet of God. I believe he saw what he said he saw, and that he was called and preordained to restore the fullness of the gospel and reorganize Christ's church on the Earth. I believe that he translated the Book of Mormon from the gold plates, and that the words contained in that book are the words of God. I also believe that the words in the Bible, the Doctorine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price are composed of the words of God. These books are true, I believe this because I have read them and prayed about them. The Holy Ghost has borne witness to me of these things. I believe that if I follow the teachings shown by Christ, our exemplar, and keep the commandments that He has given to us in these books that I will be with God and his son, Jesus Christ, in the Celestial Kingdom when my mission on this Earth is done. I believe in the power of the Priesthood, I believe in its power because I have witnessed its power. I believe in Christ, and His gospel is true. I have a firm testimony in this fact and it will never waiver.

what's in a name?

we've decided on the name for our little ninja, but also decided to not tell anyone (except immediate family -- because i am SOOO not good at keeping secrets). the other day we got together with hubby's dad and we decided we were going to tell him the name, let me play out the conversation (using fake names of course).
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hubby: dad we wanted to let you know what we've decided to name the baby
fil: okay
hubby: john bob
fil: oh wow, when he grows up he's gonna wanna go by bob
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holy moley, that is the rudest thing i've ever heard. basically telling me that the kid wont like his name. this is exactly the reason why we are not telling people our name. i don't wanna hear your comments, it's not going to change anything. when he pops out i'm going to name him what i wanna name him, and there is nothing you can do about it.
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other baby news:
i'm now 32 weeks, only 8 more to go!!!

figure flattery 101

Dressing with style involves more than just wearing what you like. It takes strategy. By using your clothing’s fit, fabric, color, details, pattern and proportions to lengthen, slim and direct attention to exactly where you want it (and away from the places you don’t), you’ll be able to create a look that is both flattering and in keeping with your personality.
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Fit.
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Wearing clothes that fit is the most important thing you can do to create a slimming, attractive look. Everything you wear should fit perfectly. This may seem obvious, but who hasn’t stood in front of a dressing room mirror and convinced herself that no one else will notice that the skirt is a bit too tight? News flash: it will give you away every time. Good fit means that clothes skim the body (showing curves without clinging to them) and that all the details (lapels, pocket flaps, slits, seams, darts, and pleats) lie flat. Any time clothing pulls or buckles, it not only creates a sloppy appearance, but adds pounds. The effect is the same for tight fitting and loose fitting clothing.
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A garment that fits well:

is neither too skimpy nor too bulky

is in no way constricting

skims your body gracefully

touches the body where it is designed to — not above or below the area h

as no extraneous bumps, lumps, creases, puckers, gaps, droops, bags, etc. d

oes not have to be adjusted when you sit, stand or move

Key areas to watch are shoulders, bust, waist, derriere, crotch, arms and legs.
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Another major key to creating the best silhouette for your body is wearing a bra that fits. It can actually make you look 10 lbs lighter. If you are not sure you are wearing the correct size read my post on correct bra sizing for more information on this topic
http://jodijean.blogspot.com/2006/09/correct-bra-sizing.html
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Fabric.
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Fabrics that fall smoothly over the curves of your body are the most flattering. If fabric is too stiff, it takes on the shape of its own and winds up looking boxy; too thin, and it clings to every bump and bulge; too bulky or too shiny, and it adds pounds. Just right is a matte fabric free on unwanted heft but with enough body to slide over problem areas.
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Color.
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As anyone who has ever stepped out of the house in a red dress knows, color catches the eye and can make you look terrific.
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Monochromatic. There are two compelling reasons to dress in one color, head to toe: The long, unbroken line it creates makes for a pulled-together look, and an overall color can actually make you appear slimmer. Stark color contrasts draw the eye and form horizontal lines that divide your body, making it appear wider and shorter. And while you can achieve the effect with any color, darker shades, which absorb more light, are the most slimming.
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Bright and light colors. Even though dark colors can make you appear slimmer, and lighter, brighter can do the opposite, there is still a place for vivid hues in your wardrobe. By strategically placing paler or brightly colored pieces near or over a part of your body that you like, you’re making sure it gets the attention it deserves. You can always pair brights with darks to balance the body.
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Details and flourish.
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Details, color and naked skin can be used to divert attention to a place you’d rather emphasize. So by all means use beading along your neckline to draw attention from your large derriere. Just be wary of too much of a good thing. Anything that adds an additional layer or girth — ruffles, patch pockets, wide lapels, big buttons or epaulettes — only accentuate what’s underneath.
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Pattern.
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With pattern, there are four considerations: color, size, direction and the subtleties of stripes.
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Color. Tonal patterns (pink or red) attract less attention then those in contrasting colors, and the darker the background, the more slimming the print.
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Size. Always choose prints that are in scale with your size. Petite figures are more flattered by small, low-contrast prints, while taller women can take bigger prints with more contrast. Large women should also choose bigger prints, but may benefit more from the slimming power of a low-contrast design. A uniform, all-over pattern, which keeps the eye from resting on any one spot, is also a good diversionary tactic for voluptuous bodies.
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Direction. Sometimes the print itself creates a line, and sometimes the negative space does it. Either way, vertical lines are preferable to horizontal lines, and diagonal lines that are more vertical than horizontal will have the same elongating effect as a true vertical.
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Stripes. When it comes to wearing stripes, the decision involves more than simply choosing between horizontal or vertical lines. While it’s generally true that verticals lengthen and slim and that some horizontals will make a heavy area look heavier, it all depends on the size and spacing of the stripe. Horizontals can be used to create beneficial optical illusions if you’re of average size. Widely placed horizontal stipes, for example, can give the illusion of a bigger bust and — when worn with a dark bottom — can help balance a pear-shaped figure. If the horizontals are thin and widely spaced, they can have a lengthening effect, while widely space vertical stripes can widen. No matter which way your stripes fall, however, make sure the garment is on the loose side. If it’s too tight or stretchy, you’ll wind up wearing squiggles!
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Proportion.
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Figure flattery is not just about camouflage and diversion — it’s also a balancing act. The length of your legs in relation to your torso, the width of your shoulders in relation to your hips — these things matter to your overall appearance, and just like everything else, can be manipulated.
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Generally, to avoid cutting your body right through the middle horizontally, every outfit should be either "short-over-long" (or full) or "long-over-short" (or narrow). A short narrow jacket over an A-line skirt or a cropped jacket over trousers is one way to achieve the "short-over-long" look. Conversely, a long jacket with skinny pants or a tunic over a pencil skirt creates a "long-over-short" look.

watch your step

setting: my bedroom

time: 3:02 a.m.
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i wake from my slumber as nature calls me (dang she's needy, especially now that i'm pregnant). i crawl out of the foot of my bed so that i don't wake my sleeping husband. unfortunately we haven't put away our suitcases from our thanksgiving trip to my sisters (for the record it is my hubby's suitcase). i wasn't fully awake, so therefore not as nimble as i am in the daytime. my foot catches the side of the suitcase, in order to steady myself so that i dont slip and fall i stretch out my hand and use the bed as a guide -- this startles my husband. he sits straight up, and announces "huuuwwwaaaahhh" and he uses both feet and prompty kicks me square in the chest.

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apparently at 3:02 a.m. i look very suspicious standing at the foot of the bed, and he assumes that i am a predator there to attack his family. he does the only thing he can do to protect them. kick the assailant, knock them down, take them down. (that's what i get for marrying a marine). needless to say it knocked me down. as i sat there on the floor, stunned by what just happened, apparently my husband realized what happened. he quickly came to my rescue and started hugging me and profusely appologizing. he helped me to my feet, i did my business and crawled back into bed.

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as i lay in bed thinking about what just happened (and he lay next to me appologizing, hugging, kissing, trying to calm me down) my ninja-son decided i was a predetor as well and started kicking me from the inside -- to the extent that it made me cry out in pain. i told hubby he must be awake from all of the adrenaline pumping through my system.

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we laid there for about an hour just talking and giggling (well i was doing most of the giggling, he didn't think it was very funny that he kicked his pregnant wife in the chest) i told him that i was gonna call my sister and tell her all about it, he begging me not to. them i told him, "oh, i am soooo blogging this", again he begged me not to, but he doesn't read my blog anyways, so he'll never know.

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i'm just grateful that hubby kicked me in the chest and not in the stomach, or else the night could have turned out much differently.

clothing personalities, part 3 (natural and dramatic)

natural

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Sporty natural, more than any other personality, knows who she is from a very young age. She needs comfortable clothes, which is why her clothes are less tailored and unstructured. She is a great team player. She is a loyal, faithful friend or employee. Material things or how things look are usually not her focus. She simply has a no-fuss, no muss attitude about life.

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Her body type is as follows:

Height is average tall, Body is strong and sturdy in appearance, Hips are curvy, with a nice waistline, or hips can be straight, with a thicker waist, Bone structure is softly angular with broad to average shoulder width. Body may be slightly muscular.

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Personality Profile:

Warm and friendly, goal orientated, responsible.

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Clothing:

Softly tailors, unstructured garments. Nothing fussy or frilly or fitted. Minimal details, loose garments for mobility. Separates dominate, mix and match, sportswear.

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Fabrics for her:

Textures are soft, rough or nubby. Wrinkled looks are good, Knits will often be jersey, cable or studded. Tweeds, wool challis, linens, cottons and denims

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Patterns:

Paisleys, plaids, stripes, solids with matte finishes

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Accessories:

She seldom will finish her look with added detail, Jewelry is rarely her focus, Simple chains and stud earrings. May be chunky or funky, earth or Indian jewelry

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Shopping tips:

A planned budget is ideal. Shop department stores, catalogs or specialty stores such as Lands' End, Eddie Bauer, Mark Fare, Strike and Talbot's. Discount stores or cheaper chains will not carry the traditional natural look because this style is not always produced in cheaper fabrics. Always remember personal taste prevails. You are rarely willing to stretch and risk new looks, you like your comfort zone.

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Proto-types:

Cheryl Tiegs, Brooke Shields, Jane Fonda, Ali McGraw, Farrah Fawcett

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dramatic

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She has a sophisticated, high-fashion look. Some dramatics have a tendency to over-do their look to unattractive extremes. Just think of Cher; wherever the dramatic goes, she turns heads. People want to see what she has on and how she is put together. She likes large groups and a lavish array of foods. She is a risk taker. She's happiest owning her own business. She enjoys being in control. She is a private person, which becomes apparent when you try to get close to her. She allows no grass to grow under her feet...she is always moving forward.

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Her body type is as follows:

Height will be taller (5'8" and above). Bone structure will be narrow and angular. Overall look can be exotic.

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Personality Profile:

Natural authority, in control, risk taker.

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Clothing:

Long, sleek and always straight lines. High fashion, severely tailored garments. Square, sharp shoulder lines, angular necklines, shapes and edges. Ensemble looks, no mix or match separates. ...

Fabrics for her:

All fabric choices must hold a defined shape. An appropriate choice would be gabardines, foilles, stiff brocades, taffetas, linens, stiff brocades, metallics etc.

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Patterns:

Bold and sweeping abstract, ethnic or geometric in bold colors. Head to toe dark neutrals or bold colors.

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Accessories:

Bold, chunky, angular and dangling are all a part of who she is....hats, scarves and brooches, as well.

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Shopping tips:

A planned budget is ideal. A greater amount of money will be spent on accessories. This is where her uniqueness is. Whatever you choose must make a statement. Put the focus on current trends in clothing and accessorization.

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Proto-types:

Cher, Barbra Streisand, Marlene Dietrich, Joan Crawford, Linda Dano

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next we'll talk about figure flattery

happy birthday

happy birthday to me
happy birthday to me
happy birthday to meeee-eeeeee
happy birthday to me

clothing personalities, part 2 (classic and gamin)

classic

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She is the epitome of elegance and refinement. The classic personality is very controlled, from the time of her youth; she expresses her heart and soul in her appearance. She does not like chaotic environments...it will always bring out the worst in her. As a person, she is warm and caring. She is always sincere.

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Her body type is as follows:

Height is average (5'4" to 5'7"). Figure will be balanced and symmetrical. Her appearance is one of a mature adult, never "girlish". Body is not too thin, too delicate or too sturdy

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Personality Profile:

Emotional nature, balanced, controlled and rational. Old fashioned person, home body.

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Clothing:

Elegant, refined, fashionable, dignified, clean simple lines. Softly tailored or soft flowing. Ensemble dressing, not usually mix and match. Never trendy, faddish or severe in style. No crisp, bouffant lines.

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Fabrics for her:
Matte finishes or low luster are best. Fabric weights are moderate. Smooth knots and double knits are great. Refined textures such as silk, soft woolen fabrics, cottons, smooth knits

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Patterns:
Evenly placed prints, soft flowing abstracts, houndstooth, herringbone, polka dots, stripes, solids.

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Accessories:

Jewelry, belts, handbags and shoes should be refined, elegant and fashionable. Sleek, slightly chunky, smooth circle or geometic, no angles. Classics do not wear dangles or funky stuff!

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Shopping tips:

A planned budget is ideal. Because classics need to purchase quality clothing, your motto needs to be "Less clothes for more money". Focus on a base color scheme, especially if money is limited for clothing purchases. Investing in solids and refined fabrics are the key. Keep an eye on fashion trends, not fads, to stay current and fashionable

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Proto-types:
Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Grace Kelly, Nancy Reagan
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gamin
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The gamin is the most misunderstood of all the personalities. Many of them want to be another personality. She is petite and often is unwilling to accept her petiteness and does not want to be called cute...and yet, she is adorably cute! Her personality is spunky and energetic. She loves fun and a good time. Many gamins take "the party" wherever they go.
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Her body type is as follows:

Height is 5'5" and under, Build is small to medium, Her body can be straight and slim or chunky and stocky.
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Personality Profile:

Energetic, drive, spunk. Dynamic, charming personality. Fast mover.
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Clothing:

Very tailored, straight, sharp fine lines. Animated outline, snappy, chic, lots of crisp trims of contrast, braiding or beads. Eye catching details.

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Fabrics for her:

Colors should be bold and sassy as she can create, Multi-color splashes or caricature work well, Prints should be colorful, animated and contemporary, Matte or low luster finishes of fabric surfaces are best. Oriental silks, crisp cottons, wool, etc.

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Patterns:
Smart, colorful, animated, trendy and contemporary in look.

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Accessories:

Jewelry pieces should be scaled to body proportions....smaller sizes are generally best. Gamins are the only personality who use contrasting hosiery colors for a more staccato appearance. Small and geometric, asymmetrical or irregular shapes. Contemporary and trendy looks.

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Shopping tips:

A planned budget is ideal. Focus should be petite sizing. You are perfect for mix and match. Avoid monochromatic, unless you are combined with another personality. Coordinate two or three colors into your garments. One color needs to dominate as a foundation color.

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Proto-types:

Sandy Duncan, Sally Fields, Carol Channing

one reason why i love youtube.com

okay this is just the coolest thing i've ever seen, notice it's not edited and it's one continuous thing. you must watch the whole thing start to finish ...

clothing personalities, part 1 (ingenue and romantic)

The first step is learning what our clothing personality profile is. There are six basic personality types:

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Classic -- simple but elegant
Dramatic -- entrance making
Romantic -- sexy
Ingenue -- innocent
Natural -- earthy/sporty
Gamin -- spunky

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we'll start with the Ingenue today.

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The ingenue woman is a sweet, youthful, innocent portrait of femininity. She is not sexy and alluring, but rather has a naive, feminine side. When she enters a room, she brings a special quality of freshness.

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Her body type is as follows:
Feminine, small-boned, dainty. Regardless of height, her frame is delicate looking. Figure traits are gently rounded.

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Personality Profile:
Artistic, charming, enchanting and magnetic (like Romantic).

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Clothing:
Frilly frocks of tucks, ruffles and lace. Old fashioned feminine styles, Victorian looks. Simple clothes in feminine fabrics.

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Fabrics for her:
Weights should be light, soft woolens and fine silks, fine cotton, crisp cotton, angora, cashmere

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Patterns:

feminine prints and florals, from small to large

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Accessories:
Jewelry is small and dainty, florals, ribbons, bows and cameos, diamonds

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Shopping tips:
A planned budget is ideal. You may first want to look through a catalog to find your style. Fabric quality is not crucial, you may wear less expensive clothes and have a more expansive wardrobe. Always remember to finish your look. This is where you may have trouble, whether it is shoes, bag, coat or jewelry

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Proto-types:
Goldie Hawn, Charlene Tilton, Barbara Mandrel

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personally i really dont think that there *are* any ingenues (at least not adults). i think all ingenues grow up into romantics. i almost think these two categories should be merged, but that's just my humble opinion.

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romantics

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She is a sexy lady; curvy and very feminine. She is the epitome of sex appeal. When she enters a room full of people, most women present will feel threatened by her sex appeal. She is charming, enchanting and magnetic. She can be very accommodating and sympathetic.

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Her body type is as follows:
Height is average to short, not tall. Figure proportions are very shapely, rounded and soft. Hips and buttocks are always rounded.

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Personality Profile:
Artistic, charming, enchanting and magnetic.

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Clothing:
Rounded lines, lots of draping of fabrics, flowing shapes in dresses with a waistline. Waist definition, with soft, ornate feminine lines. Fluidity of line from head to toe.

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Fabrics for her:
Weights should be light to medium, finishes should be rich. Suggested fabrics are silk, soft wool, crepes, sweater knits such as angora and cashmere, suede's and soft leathers.

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Patterns:

Oversized florals, polka dots, feathery shapes, soft abstracts, solids.

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Accessories:
Jewelry is dainty in detail, but lavish in effect. Silk scarves and flowers work well with this look. Evening looks are ornate. Diamonds

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Shopping tips:
A planned budget is ideal. Focus on spending the most money on the waist up. The garment itself must express your style. Do not choose cheap fabrics, it will discount your look quickly.

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Proto-types:
Liz Taylor, Rita Hayworth, Sophia Loren, Donna Mills, Jane Seymore

pumpkin recipes

here are some of my favorite pumpkin recipes, i thought that they would be fitting for the upcoming thanksgiving season -- the cupcakes are to-live-for!!!

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meal in a pumpkin

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2 cups cooked rice

1 lb cooked and shopped up hamburger meat

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 1/2 cup chopped celery

1 cup chopped mushrooms

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup soy sauce

3 Tbsp brown sugar

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mix ingredients together, hollow out a pumpkin, fill pumpkin with mixture. leave lid on pumpkin when baking. this mixture will filla 6-7 lb. pumpkin. bake 350 degrees for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

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cornbread

(to go with your meal in a pumpkin)

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3 cups bisquick

1/2 cup cornmeal

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup melted butter or margerine

1 1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2 cup milk

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make 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes

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pumpkin cupcakes

(for desert)
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cupcakes:
2 1/4 cups flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
½ cup softened butter
1 1/3 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts ( optional)
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cream cheese frosting:
1/4 cup softened butter
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, at room temp.
3 cups confectioners sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
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preheat oven to 375*. put paper liners in muffin cups.

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sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. beat in eggs. blend in mashed pumpkin. stir in flour mixture alternately with milk, blending after each addition. stir in nuts.

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spoon batter into muffin cups, filling cups about two-thirds full. bake 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. frost with cream cheese frosting.

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to make the frosting, combine all ingredients in large mixing bowl and beat until smooth.

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yield: 24 cupcakes.

quick survey

the jocole team has been furiously working on expanding our products line and we want to know what *you* want. you can influence what products jocole carries.

please take a minute or two and complete the survey in the link below:

http://quizilla.com/users/jocole/polls/3581063/influence_the_jocole_product_line/

any other additional comments or suggestions can be emailed directly to Jocole at: buyjocole@yahoo.com

we plan to continue introducing products and color options, if you have a product or a color that you would like to see on our website, http://www.jocole.net, please contact us.

excuses excuses

sorry it's been forever people. luckily my last post was very entertaining.

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here are some excuses on what's been keeping me busy, in no particular order...

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- church calling - being the 2nd counselor in the young womens organization keeps me busy sundays and tuesdays

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- work - keeps me busy monday through friday, 9 am through 5 pm

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- baby - holy moley ... the kicking, the doctor's appointments, the eating - plus i finally got the crib and other baby things, which meant i had to clean out the "office" (aka the black pit, which means a room just full of random boxes that we never unpacked -- required a trip to ikea for some $30 bookshelfs) (heck yea, full bookshelfs for only $30.00 awesome!!!)

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- business - i've been working on trying to do a complete overhaul on my website (http://www.jocole.net), get some more shirts manufactured in more colors for those customers out there who are wanting more, draft some patterns for more designs (yup you heard it here first, we're planning more tops, pants and skirts) be prepared, i'm planning on posting some sketches here, i want feedback people to see what ya'll want.

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- random projects - my boss has "hired" me to make a costume for her daughter. i had to draft the pattern basically from scratch, and now i still need to do the fitting shell and then sew the finished garment. so far it is still only on paper. good thing i know she'll pay me for all the hours that are going to go into this. i'm thinking of asking her to trade the costume for her bernina, think she'll go for it? i hope so, hopefull i rack up enough hours to make it worth her while. i'm so tired of my sewing machine (which actually needs to go to the shop right now...)

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plus somewhere in the midst of all of this randomness i need to spend time with my husband, watch some gilmore girls, and spend some girly time with friends. blogging has just fallen behind. sorry people.

job security

i recently learned something interesting and i thought that i would share it with all of you. have you ever wondered how the tooth fairy got her job, or why she still -- after all these years -- has a job. yeah, i've never wondered about that either, but my 4 year old neice has wondered about her job security. the story was related to me by my sister and it has to be the funniest thing that i've heard in a LONG time. this is how the conversation plays out in my head.

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sister: blah, blah, blah, and then we stick the tooth under our pillows and the tooth fairy comes and takes it and leave us money.

hannah: why does the tooth fairy want our teeth?

sister: hmm, i dont know, what do you think?

hannah: why does she pay us for our teeth?

sister: hmm, i dont know, what do you think?

hannah: well, i think it's because her teeth always fall out, and she can't keep them in her mouth...

sister: wow, that's interesting.

hannah: ... and you can't eat dinner or talk without teeth. the tooth fairy likes to eat dinner and talk to she takes our teeth and uses them till they fall out, then she uses other teeth.

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so there you have it, the tooth fairy needs our teeth so she can eat her dinner and talk. two very important things to a 4 year old. so next time you think about the tooth fairy, now you can now why she has such wonderful job security.

it's a ...

i had my sonogram on wednesday. i would have posted earlier, but its been a crazy week.

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i drank my 32 ounces of water, i waited patiently while the lady smeared goo all over my belly, and talked incessantly to the person she was training and not telling me a thing. finally, she asked if i wanted to know the sex of my baby. my answer, "yes, please!" the person she was training went and got hubby.

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we all stared at the screen while she searched for genitalia (or a lack thereof). hmmm, baby was sitting all cute with both hands clenched right below his chin, and his ankles were crossed. baby was gonna make this as difficult as possible.

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we looked at it's little face, and we could see its mouth open and close, "wow" the lady turned to me, "it has a really big mouth", hubby said the kid must take after me. then she commented on the large head, and i must say that is all hubby. then we noticed that baby was sticking his tongue out at us. taunting us. actually it was really really cute.

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then after much searching we saw "it". yes people i'm having a ...

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BOY!!!

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i kept telling everyone that it was a boy and nobody believed me. well i was right and everyone else was wrong. hubby is a real man who can get the boy he wanted on his first shot. anyways. we're both really really really excited. now i can start planning and buying and all of that fun stuff.

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we still haven't thought of names, so any suggestions will be taken into consideration. please give me suggestions, i gave a list of names to hubby and he turned up his nose to ALL of them. and NO, we will not be having a hubby jr. so stop asking already. okay not your blogland, but everyone else keeps asking me and its really annoying.

correct bra sizing

most women are wearing the wrong bra size, so i've decided to write a post on how to find the correct fit.

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there are two elements to your bra size: the band size (ie. 32, 34, 36) and cup size (ie. A, B, C). you will need a measuring tape to determine your bra size.

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1. band size:

using a soft tape-measure, measure around the ribcage directly under the bust. be sure the tape is smooth across the back and level with the front. add 5 to this measurement to obtain your band size.

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for example: if your ribcage measurement is 29" + (5) = 34" band size. if the resulting band size is an odd number like 33", you can usually go to the next even band size (34").

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2. cup size:

measure loosely around the fullest part of your bust, holding the tape measure straight but not tight. subtract your band size from this measurement.

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the result would be your cup size. if the different is:

less than 1" to 1" = A cup

more than 1" to 2" = B cup

more than 2" to 3" = C cup

more than 3" to 4" = D cup

more than 4" to 5" = DD cup

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for example: if your band size is 34" and your bust measurement is 35", you wear an "A" cup.

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Tips:

you should take your measurements while you are wearing a non-padded underwire bra or a tight-fitting seamless t-shirt.

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because standard band sizes are even numbers only, if you have an odd-numbered band size, you may need to go up or down a size depending on how you like your bra to fit.

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ensure the right fit:

now that you have your measurements, knowing how the bra should be positioned on your body will also help you find the perfect bra.

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here are a few key questions to keep in mind when you're trying on bras to ensure that you get the right fit:

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band

q. can you fit two fingers under the band comfortably?

a. the band should be fitted, but not cutting into your skin. it should sit lower on the back than in the front and sit comfortably below the shoulder blades. the back of the bra should not ride up above the bra line. it it does, adjust the straps. if the bra still rides up, try a smaller band size.

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bra straps

q. are the straps adjusted for individual comfort?

a. straps should be adjusted to give support to the bust without cutting into the shoulders. if the straps are falling down, you may not be filling up the cups. try a smaller cup size.

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cups

q. do the cups fit smoothly?

a. the cups should be filled out so they fit smoothly. if there are wrinkles, you may need a smaller cup size. in the case of cotton/spandex underwire bras, there should be a little excess fabric in the cups to allow for shrinkage. if there is overflow at the top, under the arms, you should try a larger cup size.

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tip: 34D, 36C, and 38B are the same cup size. if the band is not snug enough, try a smaller band size and a larger cup.

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underwires

q. do the underwires completely surround the breast tissue?

a. all pressures should lie on the underwire to support the breasts without digging in at the sides. underwires lie flat against the chest. if the underwire is standing away from the body, suggest a bigger cup size. underwires should completely surround the breast tissue to provide support.

the fall schedule

shannon, over at rocks in my dryer started this madness, so blame her, and read about her obsession:

rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/2006/09/guilty_pleasure.html

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okay people, i know that all of my friends and family know this, but in case you didn't i thought i would write about my obsession with television today. i love coming home from work, snuggling on the couch and relaxing to some good ol' entertainment. plus fast-forwarding through commercials is the greatest invention ever (i think i love my dvr even more than my ipod). i'm so excited that the new fall season is upon us. let me tell you about some of my favorite shows, and some of the shows i am planning on exploring this new season. although it will depend on what show end up being at what time, because i can only dvr two shows at once it complicates things.

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i go even so far to put all the shows i like to watch into a program and plan out my tv watching week. i use http://meevee.com love love love it.

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seriously people if i could only watch one show for the rest of my life it would be GILMORE GIRLS! oh how i love it. i have every season on dvd, and just heard that season 6 is coming soon -- i most likely will preorder at on amazon.com. i quote it constantly and wish i could move to stars hollow.

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returning favorites: HOUSE is just so sarcastic, i love it. yes it follows the same format every episode. misdiagnosis, almost kills patient, misdiagnosis, almost kills patient, accidentally find answer from a random thing. still i love it. LOST is just fabulous. i jumped into it in the middle of the first season and quickly caught up, and quickly got addicted. the characters are just wonderful, and i love how they put the pieces to the puzzle together bit by bit, episode by episode. i love it when they do an episode with flashbacks giving us some background about the characters -- it makes them real and i love it. GREY'S ANATOMY is just a good drama doctor show and the writing is fabulous. some of the characters are annoying, and yes they are all sleeping with each other, but i still like it. yes i realize that DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES is soo bad and there are no values, but the writing is sooo good. i promise to never cheat on my husband or killing anyone, okay?

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more returning favorites: SURVIVOR - i caught the bug while i was living with my sister and BIL and they watched it every thursday. now i am addicted, and this season looks definitely interesting. PRISON BREAK - got into it, stoppped, started again, now i'm watching it again in it's new season. so far it's been interesting. BOSTON LEGAL - started watching it when i started working in a law firm, and i'm never disappointed. the interaction between william shatner and james spader is wonderful. plus it has candyce bergen. love it.

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returning comedies: MY NAME IS EARL, THE OFFICE and SCRUBS. all of them are truly hillarious.

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my new favorite: HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER - i keep trying to get people to watch this show. the writing is fabulous, i swear it's the new FRIENDS.

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new ones to look forawrd to: JERICO, HEROS, MEN IN TREES

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and the ones that i have to wait for: 24 - gotta love "JACK" as it is affectionately known in our house, THE O.C. - guilty pleasure that i must admit i only started watching because of the character that was on GG before moving to the OC, and THE 4400 - this is a summer show, and i love it. it has a sci-fi element to it, but the writing and character development are entrancing. if you haven't seen it i completely recomend it. love love love it.

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you'll notice that there aren't very many "reality" shows on my list. as a whole i'm not a big fan, there are a couple but not many. i would much rather be taken to an alternate reality where the characters are interesting and flawed than watch people sing and dance. i also am completely over all of the Law&Orders and the CSIs. I'm over solving crimes by cutting people open and watching a show all about rapes and murders. i know a lot of people still love them, i personally have gotten over them and have moved on.

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there you go, now you know my obsession. any shows out there that i am missing? let me know some of your favorites, or ones that i should be watching.

pirates

i was going to write yesterday about how it is "talk like a pirate" day. but well work was busy, and no one would read it today to think its funny. plus, on another blog was a post on the same topic, and she said it much better than i could, so please go read her post.

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http://bellsontheirtoes.blogspot.com/2006/09/ahoy-there-mateys-arrghhh.html

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there you go, hillarious, right?

dressing without losing yourself

When we are dressing ourselves, we must learn the basic principle, and that is to keep a sense of our own personal style apparent. Otherwise, we will feel made up or unattractive, because we are trying to duplicate someone else's look, instead of learning to develop our own sense of style that best suits our body frame, clothing preferences and personality.
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When getting started, you must first learn your body frame. Listed below are all four of the bodies, along with their characteristics and you choose which one of them best describes your body (you may fall into one or a combination of more than one category). The overall goal is to draw the viewer’s eye up to the beauty of your face.
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A-Frame

Body is narrower at the top half and wider at the lower hip and upper thigh area
Legs may be shorter and sometimes heavier
Upper torso may be average to long, firm and slender
When there is weight gain, it is usually in the upper thighs and hips
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Goal: Balance shape by widening shoulders. This can be achieved by choosing garments with shoulder pads or sleeve detailing and horizontal necklines.
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V-FrameShoulders appear to be wider than the hips
Bust is unusally large, with a shorter torso and high waist
Thighs and derriere are usually flat
Legs are thin
Tummy may be more prominent than bust
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Goal: Give illusion of hourglass shape by widening hips. This can be achieved by chooing garments that have width and fullness in the skirt or pants, pockets at the hips and long tunic style tops.
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H-FrameBody appears to be straigh up and down
Thighs and derriere are usually flat
Legs may be longer
Bust is average to large
Weight gain is usually through the middle
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Goal: Create hour glass figure with illusion of smaller waist. This can be achieved by choosing either a bloused garment with a flared skirt and belted waist, wrap tops, v necklines, and long tunic style tops.
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8-Frame
Figure is curvy and perfectly balanced
Bust is full, waist is small, with average length
Hips are gently tapered, with good proportions to derriere
Leg length and upper torso are balanced
Weight gain is always evenly distributed
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Goal: Emphasize figure; avoid clutter, fluff and tight fit. This can be achieved by choosing garments that fit the body and identify the waist, wrap tops, v and scoop necklines, shaped one-piece dresses.

attack of the kidneys

considering that my last post was on modesty, i was disgusted when i read the following article:

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20380241-1243,00.html

padded bras for 6 year olds. i mean, come on -- it's absolutely disgusting on so many levels.

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i also said i would write about my recent hospital trip, so here it goes.

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on wednesday night (august 30th) -- okay technically thursday morning, but it doesn't ever really feel like the next day until the sun is up -- i woke up around 3 o'clock and had to go to the bathroom (nothing unusual there, i mean, i'm pregnant i have to pee **all** the time). so i did my business, and thought to myself, "hmmm, i'm kinda cold" so i put some pants on, and turned off the fan. i climbed back into bed, and snuggled under the covers. after five minutes i was still cold and starting to shiver. so i put on another blanket, five minutes later i had four blankets on and was shivering uncontrollably. i was so cold that my whole body was shaking and i couldn't hold myself still. my husband was in the living room, so i called to him and he came in. he tried warming me up to no avail. we had heat packs going, and everything else that we could think of. i finally asked him to give me a blessing which helped to caml me down enough to let me fall asleep. although i wouldn't say that it was restful sleep.

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thursday i was really tired and just generally felt crummy all day. that night i was baby sitting for some friends (3 year old and 1 year old). i threw up in their toilet, and then went home and threw up in mine. thursday night was another restless night and when the alarm went off i walked to the living room grabbed my phone and called in sick. i then threw up again and went back to sleep. over the course of the day on friday i threw up at least 15 times, and couldn't keep anything down (not even water). my temperate was fluctuating between 101 and 97 degrees. it was horrible, when i went to bed that night i told myself that if i didn't feel better in the morning i would go to the hospital.

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saturday morning i woke up and promptly threw up again. i called my ob-gyn who's office was closed, but an associate listened to my symptoms and told me to go to the hospital. we went to the emergency room. they took my blood, they took my urine, i threw up in their toilet while waiting for someone to see me. they put me on an iv and have me something for the nausea, and informed me that i had a kidney infection. you can read all about it at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/kidney-infection/DS00593/DSECTION=2

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it's not fun, they wrote me a perscription for some antibiotics and sent me home, along with the instructions to drink lots of water and cranberry juice.

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i wasn't really feeling normal or slightly normal until the following wednesday. thursday i had an appointment with my ob-gyn we heard the baby's heartbeat and everything seems to be fine. she wants me to take antibiotics for the remainder of my pregnancy, "just in case". so hopefully i wont have to go through that again. looing back over the course of events i probably should have gone to a doctor sooner, like thursday after i had the weird chills, which they describe on that website as "shaking chills". that was the first real sign that something was wrong with my body. but being pregnant there are lots of weird things about my body now, and it just seemed like a weird pregnant thing, and not a weird "my kidneys are trying to kill me" thing.

modesty

I had plans to post on my recent trip to the hospital, but I feel that this matter is much more important. (and please bear with me, I just typed this whole long post and my computer ate it.)
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recently on the blogs that I read there has been much discussion about "modesty". although I’m not a mom ... yet. I’ve always felt very strongly in that matter. I don’t think that this is necessarily just an issue with our kids, although there is an issue with that. I don’t ever shop for little girls clothes, but I have seen some in passing that make me sick. Why do people, and clothing retailers and manufacturers feel the need that we as parents want our six years olds looking like teenagers? They don’t need "sex appeal" they are little girls and need to remain that way.
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While I was working as a pattern maker in a custom bathing suit shop there was an order for a bathing suit for a one year old. It was for a bikini with a thong bottom. Yes you read that right. Why in the world would someone want to look at a one year olds bottom in a thong? Where would the diaper go? How could that be comfortable on such a small child (let alone, an adult)? It was disgusting, but I had to make it.
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Yes it is a problem for our girls, but I also think it is our problem as well. We as women and mothers need to be the example to our children and the children around us that modesty is important. We need to show them the correct way to dress. It is easy to be modest if you truly desire to and we need to be the examples.
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Modesty has always been an issue for me, I struggled with it as a teenager, but now as an adult I see it’s importance. So much so, that I started a business completely based on modesty. Check it out: http://www.jocole.net./ They are shirts designed to perfectly cover you in all of the right places. They are reversible, which means, that if you wear it one way it was a modest scoop neckline, or if you flip it around it has an even higher neckline. And they have an extra extra long length. You can wear them alone, are with the latest styles without compromising modesty. They are designed to expand your wardrobe options – while keeping your cleavage, back and stomach covered.
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The clothing that we wear reflects who we are. Modesty in our dress is a virtue we should not put aside because of today’s fashions. I value modesty in ones appearance. My goal is to provide clothing that women of all ages can feel good about wearing. I don’t believe that you have to choose between dressing modesty and dressing fashionably. How we dress is an expression of who we are. Everyone has their own unique style, and my products empower women to express themselves by choosing the clothes that they love AND still be modest.
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If you feel like reading more in the matter, you can check out:
http://everydaymommy.net/everyday-mommy/2006/9/5/moms-for-modesty.html
I feel very strongly about this subject, and I think we all should.

answers to prayers

well readers i've recently received an answer to a prayer and i thought that i would share it with you.

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ever since i found out that i was pregnant i've had the desire to quit my job and be a stay at home mom. the only problem is that i work and if i quit my job we would not be able to pay all of our bills. this concern and desire has been on my mind ever since.

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two saturdays ago (August 19th) i was asked to babysit for some friends. they have a three year old little girl and another on the way (she's one month ahead of me). well, we were sitting there talking while they were waiting for the couple that was going out with them. and heather asked me if i was planning on being a stay at home mom. well my answer was: that is what i want, but it doesn't look like an option at the moment. she then asked me if i would be interested in doing day care for their kids, and threw out an amount of how much i would be paid (just about how much i am getting paid now).

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after they left i could think of nothing else. i wanted to call my mom that instant and talk to her about it (that is how my own mother supplemented their income as i was growing up, we always had other people's children in our home) but she was in utah, and i didn't want to bother her. but the more i thought about it, the more i realized that it was the perfect solution, and it had just fallen into my lap.

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even now, when i think about it, i only have the most peaceful feelings. you would think i would be terrified. going from no kids, to having a four year old and two newborns. that's crazy right? okay, i'm a little nervous. but i've always been pretty good with kids. and what's one more poopy diaper when i'm already changing a ton on my own kid? i spoke with my sister about it, and she was very reassuring, telling me i'd be a great mom, and this is right up my alley.

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i can't help but think that the Lord truely does work in mysterious ways. i've been racking my brain with a solution, and here one falls right into my lap when i needed it.

lesson learned at girls camp

sorry that it's been a while readers, this past week has been a roller coaster. from last monday to saturday (august 21 - 26) i was up in the mountains with the girls that i teach in church at a "girls camp". it had it's ups and downs, as anyone who deals with youth should know.

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let me tell you a little story about what the girls (and i) learned up there last week -- it will be long.

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on wednesday we had a special guest speaker, and she talked about the parable of the 10 virgins, 5 were wise and 5 were foolish (you know, matthew 25:1-13 ... if you dont know go read it ... i'll wait ... http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/25)

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you finished it? okay, then i'll continue ... she read a poem about 10 princesses, and made the parable come alive. the girls actually listened intently. towards the end she challenged the girls to write down their testimonies. she passed out papers to everyone to do it on. The heading on the paper read: "My Testimony - The oil in my lamp". And she told us that our testimonies were the oil that the scriptures were talking about, and that writing them would strengthen them. it was an amazing talk.

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the next day, thursday, we had another guest speaker. he basically did a review on what the first speaker talked about, he even re-challenged the girls to write their testimonies. he then past out little replicas of the lamps that they used during the days of Jesus. after his talk i just had this feeling that i really needed to get the girls in my cabin to write their testimonies down, and i could not stop thinking about it all day. after campfire the feeling was stronger. on our way back to our cabin i ran into one of the leaders up at camp, and she looked me straight in the eye and said "be prepared" i tried to ask her what she meant by that, and she would only keep repeating the phrase. the prompting was stronger, and i knew what she meant.

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when we got back to our cabin before my counselors started their devotional, i asked all the girls to take five minutes and write their testimonies. and none complained, they all did it right then and there. it was amazing. then my counselors talked about choosing the right. then i called my husband. when i was talking to my hubby the camp director walked into our cabin, i quickly got off the phone, as i wanted to hear what she had to say. she told us that they were moving flag from 8am to 9am. this was unprecidented, and in my 7 years of going to girls camp as a youth they had never done this. i then knew that something strange was going to happen tonight and they wanted to let us sleep a little more.

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well, we got ready for bed, and everyone went to sleep (except my counselors who were outside looking at the stars, talking and giggling). i was almost asleep when i felt someone tap me on my shoulder. i took off my eye mask, and pulled out my ear plugs (yup, i am the lightest sleeper in the world and i wear those every single night -- hmm... i wonder what will happen when baby pops out and wakes up in the night) anyways, back to the point, so i look at cassie and she looks totally freaked out. "something's going on, all of the priesthood are walking around with suits on and kicking everybody out of their cabins" i mean, she's acting like they are evacuating the camp or something.

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so like seconds later, a leader is in our cabin and calmly says, "the bridegroom is coming, the bridegroom is coming, get your oil and come with me" well, my girls were sleeping, and it took a few seconds to wake them up and register in their brains what in the world was going on. i told them to put some pants on (you know girls and sleeping in shorts) and to grab their testimonies that we wrote. the leader was trying to rush us, and i got kinda attitude-nal and said, "it's midnight and its cold, you can wait 30 seconds for my girls to put some pants on." she quietly waited the 30 seconds.

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when we got out of the cabin everyone else was out too, and they were ushering us up the hill. at the top of the hill the camp director was sending some girls down one path and some girls down another. we still basically didn't *really* know what was going on. when we got to the front she asked to see our oil. we showed her our testimonies and we took the path to the left. the pathway had christmas lights all along it and led to the craft cabin, inside all of the walls were covered with white tablecloths, pink streamers, flowers, etc. there were two tables, one had two huge cakes on it, while the other had a huge bowl of red punch. there were soft hymns playing. it was very peaceful and calm. there were already girls sitting down waiting, and we were the last group let in (besides the leaders).

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once everyone was seated, and it was confirmed that no one was coming, the speaker walked to the door and locked it. she then told us why we were there (obedience, etc.) and talked more about the parable of the 10 virgins, and congratulated us. then she asked what we were feeling. i was the first to speak, "i'm shocked! there isn't very many people in here" (there were only 20 people in that room -- out of 120 people at camp -- not counting the leaders) the girl sitting next to me spoke, "i'm sad that my sister isn't in here", and a girl down the row said, "that was the first thing i checked, that my sister WAS in here" etc. it was kinda bitter sweet though. because we were happy to be in there, but sad for the people that we loved who weren't.

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on the flip side (and i'm not telling this first hand because i was not there) everyone who didn't write their testimonies were sent to the lodge and got a similar but different talk. when they got to the lodge it was dark and there was no cake waiting for them.

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over all by the end of friday i think the girls got the message. that you never know what is going to happen and you should always be prepared. it took some longer to learn the lesson, but they all came around, and it was a positive experience.

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now, not to toot my own horn or anything. but, i was the only adult in that room who didn't have prior knowledge about what was happening (believe me, there were other adults, and they were not too happy that 1. they didn't know about it, 2. that they didn't go and 3. that they didn't get their girls to go -- alot of them felt like failures at first) and our cabin was the only cabin where the entire cabin was there. other cabins had one or two, or none, we had everybody. and i think that's something to be proud of.

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overall, i will never view that parable in the same light anymore. it is no longer just a story in the scriptures, it has now come alive and i will never forget that. i have the lamp replica sitting on my mantle to remind me to never forget and always be prepared.

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the other lesson that i learned very clearly is to never doubt those promptings that i have. i am soooo thankful that i listened when the spirit told me to have those girls write their testimonies. it was sooooo good for them to be in that room, i think that they really needed it. i'm so grateful that i listened and following the heedings and did what it told me to do.

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the other thing that kinda of stuck out to me, was the next day one of my girls, who was in another cabin came up to me and said, "how come you didn't warn me?" i could see in her eyes sadness. she wanted to be there, and i wanted her to be there too. how come i didn't warn her? why was i only thinking of my cabin, and not of any of the other girls up there whom i've grown to love so much? when i get to the other side i want them all there. i need to be better at preparing them for life, and after. i need to think more of others more often.

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there you go, hope it wasn't too long winded.

no touchy!

i don't understand how when you are pregnant people lose all sense of decency and boundries. while it is unacceptable in society to pat a bald man on his head or rub a fat woman's stomach, apparently it is acceptable to touch a pregnant woman's stomach with no question, and not have to ask first.

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the first time that i witnessed this phenomena i was with my preganant sister, and it happened to her. i was mortified, and vowed that when i was pregnant i would not let that happen, and joked that if any woman rubbed my belly i would grab her boob. yes people you read that right. if you feel me up, i will feel you up. if you ask first i might be more complant. it's especially crazy when you aren't even "showing" yet. yes people, why do you feel the need to rub my fat? you are not in contact with the growing child hidden behind said fat.

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and yes i have already grabbed someone's boob, full on grabbage. i was not ashamed, she felt me up, so i felt her up. i seriously do not see the difference. i usually warn people first, "next time you touch my stomach i WILL grab your boob, so ask first, please" but this time, i went straight for the boob, and i think it got the word across.

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a body is a body, boundaries ALWAYS apply. regardless of whether you are preganant or not. it's a violation of personal space.

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so please, do not rub my belly, don't even think about it (at least not until i'm showing) and then ask first, and if the thing decides to start kicking me i might even invite you to feel, but until then ... look but don't touch.

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on a related note, when i start getting really fat please do not ask me, "are you sure you're not having twins?" yes, i'm sure -- thank you for calling me fat.

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pregnancy update, all of the answers to all of the questions that you want to ask:

yes, we're very excited.

i'm due february 7th.

no, i don't know what we're having. ask me again in a month.

i don't care whether it is a boy or a girl, it's not like i have a say in the matter anyways.

i'm feeling fine, seriously almost no morning sickness, except when i have a headache.

seriously, please, no touchy!

pictures

here are some pictures of some of the people who i enjoy in my life (notice, not everyone is included and there will be other posts)

This is a picture of me and some of the girls that I teach at church. Markie, Callie, Me and Brittany. yes those are twins and they are awesome. Callie thinks she's a twin, thereby making them triplets, and they have brought me into thier little club and say we can be quadruplets. It amazes me that these girls think i'm cool enough to hang with, despit our age differences (although, yes i know i still LOOK like i'm 12) . they call me to go shopping, and hang out. great great great girls. love them. and the other day they invited me to a sleepover. unfortunately because of my "delicate condition" i have to go to bed by 10 o'clock or else i die, so i declined. but it's nice to be invited.

Hannah, Isabelle, Abigail, and Claire (also known as: Hannah, Belly (Izzy if i feel like making her mommy mad at me), Biga and LaLa). My neices, love love love them. I only ever really see Hannah, the others live too far away, so it only about once a year. Hannah is my favoite neice, big sister to the goober you see pictured below. Yes, i do have favorites, but only because I see them more than the others. Plus, Hannah gave me my favorite nickname. If i ruled the world, I would make everyone else call me that... although come to think about it, it might not be as special that way. She's a freaking cutie, and i love her to death.

Adam ... my only (for one more month) nephew, cutest smile in the whole world. he won't say my name yet, but he smiles everytime i say it, plus the only word i have ever heard him say is "woah". love love love this boy.

text messaging maddness

text messaging, it seems so convenient . . . let me show you some messages back and forth from a friend of mine and me as we tried to make plans on what to do yesterday.

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her: "jodi! whats goin on 2nite?"

me: "whatever u want"

her: "uh oh... this again. hehe. i dont reall care, but i cant c clerks w/o ben"

me: "i noticed, i'm down for anything"

her: "k, what time do u get off work?"

me: "5"

her: "so we have some time 2 think about it"

me: "yea, where do u wanna meet?"

her: "umm... doesn't matter 2 me. depends on what we r gonna do"

me: "haha, were not getting anywhere"

her: "i know, whats new"

me: "haha"

her: "im down 2 go 2 the mall or a movie or out 2 eat or 2 just kick it"

[in an effort to speed up the process i sent her an email with movie times]

me: "u have e-mail"

her: "?"

me: "i sent u an email, read it"

her: "k, do i need 2 read it right now?"

me: 'b4 2nite, pick a movie, ill meet u at ur house after work"

her: "k sounds good, good job on making a decision! :)"

me: "thanx"

her: "hehe"

[later that day]

her: "i dont c an email from u"

me: "try it now"

her: "k"

her: "got it, thnx, nething u wanna c?"

me: "click, super ex, u me & dupree"

her: "click or u me & dupree sound good"

me: "k"

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this whole massaging back and forth started around 11:00 am and completed somewhere around 3ish. i think its absolutely crazy that it took that long to make such a stupid decision. when i simple phone call would have taken like 5 minutes TOPS. plus, with like 5 cents a message it cost me about $0.65.

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we saw click by the way, went to togos and the mall. click was pretty funny with a little but of come crude humor, but funny none the less. it reminded me a LOT of it's a wonderful life. does anyone else find text messaging just kinda crazy? while i was in the middle of typing a messgae one of the CPAs in my office walked by and told me to write the message, take a picture and send it to her. come to think of it, that might have been easier.

back to work

last week i took the entire week (moday through friday) off to go beach camping with my family. it was a wonderful trip. although somehow trying to get comfortable while preggo in a sleeping bag is a talent i have yet to master. but i must confess, on the last night when i moved to a different tent i slept better, strange, since the bag and the pad i was sleeping are were exactly the same. bizarre.

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i think i would have appreciated it more if i hadn't got sunburned the second i stepped onto the beach. yes, i did put on sunscreen, but either it didn't work, or i just don't know how to apply it correctly (what's i'm supposed to cover ALL of my skin? not just random blotches? weird!)

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now my entire body is molting, i feel like a lizard shedding it's skin, or a caterpillar coming from the cocoon. unfortunately, i don't think it will lead to an improvement. and when i say my entire body, i mean my entire body, including my head. yes i burned my scalp. not fun, and actually just plain gross. the rest of me i can cover and hide in some manner, shirts and pants, it's amazing. but i cannot cover my head from the horrors of society. seriously, its really gross. one's head should never shed. i would post pictures but they are just too scary to even think about. although, i do think if i stopped scratching it would help not bring more flakes to the surface.

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now i'm back to work. it's always nice to be missed, and be TOLD that you we're missed. although i know that they missed my ipod too. my little ipod gives our office music, and while i'm gone the office just gets too quiet.

bring on the bulls

today is July 7th, in case you didn't know, a day which happens to also be the running of the bulls. yes, you know what i'm talking about, you've seen "city slickers", billy crystal gets gored by one.

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so to honor such an occasion i thought i would give you a quote from scott adams, yes, you know who i'm talking about, THAT scott adams, who write the comic dilbert, yes you know what i'm talking about, the comic that brings office humor smiles to our faces daily. yes, i love dilbert. i actually only read two comics everyday, dilbert and pearls before swine. nothing else is worth reading, gotta love those crocs always wanting to eat their zeeba neighba. anyways, back to the point.

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"Every year in Pamplona, Spain, over a million people watch and/or participate in the Running of the Bulls. People – and by that I mean idiots – try to run ahead of a stampede of bulls in the narrow streets. The bulls have killed 15 idiots since 1924. I think you can appreciate the valuable service the bulls are performing. Later that day, Matadors torture and kill the bulls for entertainment. It’s a popular vacation destination for the whole family."

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"The part that got my attention is that hundreds of animal rights activists always attend to protest. Many of the female activists protest by going topless and running with the bulls. That’s right: In order to make this event LESS popular, the female activists take off their tops and jog in front of onlookers."

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"Keep in mind that this is a crowd of people who hope to see bystanders get gored before the animals are all stabbed to death. I hate to categorize people, but which of these items do you think would have the best chance of discouraging folks that enjoy watching bulls get stabbed?
1. Classical music

2. Poetry reading

3. Tits"
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haha, i couldn't be funnier if i tried. thats just hillarious. isn't that what boys like most? violence and boobies. i know my hubby sure appreciates those things. thank you scott adams for bringing these "activists" to our attention. my thoughts about the running of the bulls will never be the same, and i'm sure yours wont either.

sad day

okay, completely sad day in history.

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if you feel a bit squeemish today, you should stop reading this post now!

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seriously people, i'm gonna talk about vomit today.

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okay, well my mom always brags that i am the best thrower-upper-person ever. even as a child i always made it to a bowl, or "the bowl" -- as in the big porcelin one in the bathroom. i never made a mess. my mom, becuase of me, never had to clean up nasty throw up from any surface (carpet, tile, nothing).

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well, this morning that wonderful streak was crushed. yes, i didn't make it this morning. there i was sitting on the couch eating me honey-nut-cheerio-wannabes. and they were delicious . . . until the bottom of the bowl, and then they started getting soggy. cheerio-wannabes are not supposed to be soggy, they are supposed to be crunchy and absolutely delicious. well, the sogginess made me gag a little. and then it was all over. i ran to the bathroom.

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yes, made it.

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then i hear the hubby in the other room (while still in bed), "what are you doing?" me (very casually) "throwing up, what do you think i'm doing?" then i start gagging some more. uh-oh! so i run back to the bathroom.

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no, didn't make it.

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although it did land on the counter and on the tile right next to "the bowl". at least it wasnt on the rug. and it was easy to clean up. but, by golly, i've always been excellent that "making it". i mean, right now i have bowls in the living room, bedroom and my car just in case i feel a little nausea (even though i haven't at all). dang.

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after i cleaned up my mess, i grabbed a box of nilla wafers (those dont get soggy - unless you add other stuff) and headed to work. it was such a sad say that i had to call my mom.

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me: mom, it's a sad day today.

mom: why?

me: i didn't make it.

mom: but you ALWAYS make it.

me: not today. [recounted the whole story]

mom: but you ALWAYS make it, even when you were a kid.

me: i know. you know what though, cheerios look a lot like oatmeal, it was gross.

big news!

hey bloggers

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let me tell you the hillarious conversation that i had with my four year olf neice this weekend.

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me: hey hannah, wanna know a secret?

hannah: what hemi?

me: i'm going to be a mommy!

hannah [to her mommy]: mommy, hemi is going to have a baby, and i'm going to be the BABYSITTER!! [back to me] hemi, what are you going to name it?

me: hmmmm, i don't know, what do YOU think i should name it?

hannah: hmmm, [pause] i don't know either, maybe you should talk to uncle robby about that.

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okay, i just think that is the funniest thing ever. she's so smart its crazy.

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yes you read that right people, i'm preganant. i'm about seven weeks along (so my baby is only about the size of a raspberry, and acutally that's what we -- okay mostly me -- have been calling it) and i'm due February 7th.

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luckily i've only been sick one day so far (puking my guts out, not so much fun) the good thing is that recently i've chopped all my hair off (kinda like a reverse mullet, its longer in front and shorter in back) so my husband said he didn't have to hold back my hair, becuase there is nothing to hold back. that was friday, and i don't recommend it. but every other day i've been fine. i'm just hungry ALL the time.

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so there's my big news, i'm sure i'll talk about it more on here as things progress.

jamba jamba

yet another comic from pearls before swine, love it, and i love that stephen pastis is talking about blogging. it cracks me up.

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well the birthday party didn't happen, poor little three year old was throwing up, so it's been moved to tomorrow night. instead saturday was spent at the driving range, going to jamba juice (the most annoying smoothing place ever, we couldn't get out of there fast enough-if you've seen the snl sketch featuring natalie portman and jamba juice then you have an idea of what i mean - sorry i tried to find a link to a clip from that sketch, but i couldn't find it, even on this huge world wide web - that's insane). EDIT: here is the link, someone emailed it to me, so enjoy, i think it's histerical. http://www.vsocial.com/video/index.php?d=19221 no joke, the kids who were working were acting like this, it was crazy.

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then we went to see nacho libre. um, it was okay i guess, it's a rental though. i didnt think it was worth 10 buck each. so netflix it, because it was kinda funny but if you've seen any of the previews then you've seen the movie.

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we we're going to see the lake house last night, but hubby got called by work and we had to cut our date short. lame! oh well.

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any other movies out right now that are worth seeing? or any movies you recommend renting? i just joined netflix so i need to get some movies on my list.