tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86784503344169533972024-03-05T11:39:20.678-05:00A Lovely Life, IndeedKelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.comBlogger482125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-68565693658234054982023-01-30T08:00:00.001-05:002023-01-30T08:00:00.186-05:00Shake off Winter's Doldrums with Imbolc: Embracing the Light and Energy of the Upcoming Spring (with New Seasonal Journal Prompts)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyb8Po2p0UcPJ1hrr6MFvOPyIVZIEB8OgUNrEvXBFimwQmXQ316BlIvCdZ53t5vIVp_DnEk8GDne6Sp4pgvaKcCvi7f9DrUSu6wMOfyScucccxaZU5F5xDb1fYeqH2wP2PrCsmM74vOWwhqRPU-GdJBcVUhasoksDyCEmKCQt8aE92qWcBjtIS0XN1Hg/s1640/Imbolc.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyb8Po2p0UcPJ1hrr6MFvOPyIVZIEB8OgUNrEvXBFimwQmXQ316BlIvCdZ53t5vIVp_DnEk8GDne6Sp4pgvaKcCvi7f9DrUSu6wMOfyScucccxaZU5F5xDb1fYeqH2wP2PrCsmM74vOWwhqRPU-GdJBcVUhasoksDyCEmKCQt8aE92qWcBjtIS0XN1Hg/w640-h360/Imbolc.png" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Imbolc, also known as Brigid's Day, is the midway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, when we welcome the return of light and the coming of spring. It begins the evening of February 1st and concludes the evening of February 2nd. </span><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The observance of Imbolc, (or St. Brigid's Day for Christians) is a lovely time to mentally transition from the darkness and indolence of deep winter to an energy of renewal and light. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here are some ideas for incorporating the spirit of Imbolc into your everyday, for when you're ready to shake off those winter doldrums.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>1. Clean and declutter your home</b>. Imbolc is a time of renewal and new beginnings, making it the perfect time to do a deep clean and declutter of your home. This will not only help clear out the old to make way for the new, but it will also create peaceful and harmonious energy in your home, hearth, and spirit.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>2. Light candles.</b> Imbolc is a time of returning light, so lighting candles is a simple way to welcome more light into your home. Consider using white or yellow candles to symbolize the return of the sun or choose candles in colors that align with your intentions for the season.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Enjoy a traditional candle-lit, Imbolc-inspired meal, like a</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">hearty stew made with root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and turnip, which symbolize the emergence of new growth and renewal. Serve your stew with a side of crusty bread to represent the hearth and home and finish with warm, spiced apple or pear crisp to represent the return of the sun and the coming spring. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>3. Reflect on your goals and intentions.</b> It's still winter and winter is a time of rest and reset; however, at Imbolc, you can begin to think about what you want to create or grow in the coming months. Take some time to think about your goals and intentions for the year ahead, and envision a plan for setting them into motion. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>4. Celebrate the natural world.</b> Imbolc marks the gradual awakening of the natural world, the first signs of spring. Take a walk, observe the changes you see, and document those changes with photos, mental notes, or journaling as a way to connect with the season and the natural world. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>5. Practice self-care.</b> Imbolc is a time of renewal and rejuvenation, so take this opportunity to practice self-care and nourish your mind, body, and spirit; whatever that looks like for you. </span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkEWr7DJdv_NSc9OgXlxKq5DjyQ7eUIiv6M1Zs45NQz2bO2B5j5spS3-cKoS5sJM7qPew53SXKOoupuKYIOHvEmQthUOv_8Zd-k9CPRYQ3lHvIvq722vm4Uh0syyUDibt7fUnFPKzO42PgUXCi_olZzHKjU5UCLfNwUKDuaq91i6mpZr6H9Epesxt7w/s940/Journal.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkEWr7DJdv_NSc9OgXlxKq5DjyQ7eUIiv6M1Zs45NQz2bO2B5j5spS3-cKoS5sJM7qPew53SXKOoupuKYIOHvEmQthUOv_8Zd-k9CPRYQ3lHvIvq722vm4Uh0syyUDibt7fUnFPKzO42PgUXCi_olZzHKjU5UCLfNwUKDuaq91i6mpZr6H9Epesxt7w/s320/Journal.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Do you journal? Here are some Imbolc-themed prompts for you to consider. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">1. Think about the themes of Imbolc, such as new beginnings and rebirth. How do you want to grow and change in the coming year? What are your hopes and dreams for the future?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">2. Consider the symbolism of the goddess (and Saint) Brigid and what she represents. Brigid is the goddess of fire, poetry and healing and Saint Brigid, the patron saint of poets, midwives, newborns, and smith crafts. How can you tap into her energy of creativity, inspiration, and healing in your own life? What kind of work or projects do you want to undertake in the coming year?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">3. Take stock of your relationships and connections. Who are the people in your life who support and uplift you? How can you strengthen those connections and build new ones?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">4. Think about the element of fire and how it relates to Imbolc. How can you use the energy of fire to ignite your passions, creativity, and motivation? What steps can you take to bring more fire and vitality into your life?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">5. Consider the idea of balance and how it relates to your own life. Are there areas of your life where you feel out of balance? How can you bring more balance and harmony into your life?</span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Incorporating the energy of Imbolc into your everyday life can be a meaningful and fulfilling way to celebrate a season of renewal and new beginnings. Whether you reflect on the past year, set intentions for the future, or focus on relationships and balance, there are many ways to align yourself with the natural rhythms of the world around you. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Imbolc is a time of transition, a time to honor the goddess Brigid and her energy of creativity, inspiration and healing. It is a time to take a deep breath and let go of what no longer serves you and to welcome in new beginnings. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">By taking the time to reflect and make intentional choices, you can make the most of the Imbolc season with renewed energy and peace of mind.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p></div><div><br /></div>Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-1864809981833503552023-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:002023-01-23T08:00:00.169-05:0010 Ways to Declutter your Digital Life in 2023<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6ygFCstV7ufsIdHuVrKETG9OR6mb_8i50N1dBPF5OUVdHrdGI6bEQXJD8xUUFTdff5ES7hpbtR4t7EbYO8D219jCp6iIt-snuC9wBpEe5YZkCNlpqt7fUM5H2IqnboL2OxLZIOwmI7Prwg2Pfpp_uYwcTIYS6VA7_8pHa9J4e250KCqQJu51EkOs1Q/s1640/Declutter%20Digital.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6ygFCstV7ufsIdHuVrKETG9OR6mb_8i50N1dBPF5OUVdHrdGI6bEQXJD8xUUFTdff5ES7hpbtR4t7EbYO8D219jCp6iIt-snuC9wBpEe5YZkCNlpqt7fUM5H2IqnboL2OxLZIOwmI7Prwg2Pfpp_uYwcTIYS6VA7_8pHa9J4e250KCqQJu51EkOs1Q/w640-h360/Declutter%20Digital.png" width="640" /></span></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As someone who uses my various devices for both my personal and professional life, you can imagine the files, programs, emails, and notifications that can build up over time, even for a self-proclaimed "zero-out" person like me. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the same way that we feel the seasonal itch to declutter our homes, it's important to declutter our digital spaces as well; at least it is for me. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">When I take the time to clean out unnecessary files, documents, and programs and properly file what I <i>do </i>need, it becomes easier to focus, find what I need easily, and stay on task with that I have to do. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And it frees up valuable space, improving overall performance (both my devices <i>and </i>my own.)</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It can seem like a daunting task to declutter your computer and digital life, but now's the perfect time! Here are 10 easy ways to get started:</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">1. <b>Uninstall </b>unnecessary programs and apps. More space = faster, improved performance. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">2. </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">Organize your email </b><span style="font-family: verdana;">with </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">folders</b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> and </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">subfolders</b><span style="font-family: verdana;">. File or delete everything. The goal is no-scroll. To delete what's already there, group your emails by sender and bulk delete what you don't need. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">3. Clean out your <b>downloads </b>folder. Free up space by deleting what you don't need. Then, create a </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">system for your downloads to go directly to your desktop. Delete what you don't need at the end of each day. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">4. </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">Clean up your desktop </b><span style="font-family: verdana;">of unnecessary icons and files. Try out a desktop organization tool to help keep folders and files organized and prioritized</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> according to your to-do list or goals. Canva has lovely options based on your own unique vibe or aesthetic goals. Similarly, remove icons from the task bar or dock that you're not using regularly.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">5. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Clean up your browser. </b>Delete your cookies, cache and history, as well as any unused plug-ins and extensions. Create a bookmark system for the websites you need to access regularly.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">6. Use <b>cloud storage. </b>Free up space on your devices with Google Drive or iCloud. If you're a Microsoft person, OneNote is a great tool for keeping your files in their own digital binder. This makes my Gen-X, Trapper-Keeper loving brain very happy. And, you can access your files from any device. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">7. </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">Unsubscribe</b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> from emails and newsletters you no longer read. Scroll to the bottom for the unsubscribe link or use the tools built into your email operating systems to help you. You also can use an app like unroll.me or the leavemealone.app to manage your subscriptions.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">8. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Clean up your social media accounts<b> </b>and <b>unfollow</b> accounts that you no longer engage with or that no longer serve a purpose in your life. This will help declutter your feed and make it easier to see the accounts from friends, family, and organizations that matter most to you.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">9. <b>Delete screenshots </b>you no longer need or move images from your device to an external hard drive. More space = faster, improved performance. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">10. This is <b>not one and done</b>. Set a goal to declutter monthly or quarterly. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What are <i>your</i> best tips for decluttering your digital life? Share in the comments. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-9675358276720484532023-01-16T08:00:00.002-05:002023-01-16T08:00:00.175-05:00January Read-Watch-Do<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnneHYTKdtTaNivoIOfQ2K7qM5ZX6empKHnrzNUTqRnwy3oHHGoPOhRNmu2HbnY9xkQ3a5cQEfP0FtJTLGR2JkCYliT2iO84Uejq-XMCaDQrmRV-3jsdYIRYo8sNIWNJuwlN7hI_rVgeONYnVmW-QLnLhvQc-ps_lz_GRtugJCDb94l9cpmMp75IZbFw/s2050/Read-Watch-Do.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="2050" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnneHYTKdtTaNivoIOfQ2K7qM5ZX6empKHnrzNUTqRnwy3oHHGoPOhRNmu2HbnY9xkQ3a5cQEfP0FtJTLGR2JkCYliT2iO84Uejq-XMCaDQrmRV-3jsdYIRYo8sNIWNJuwlN7hI_rVgeONYnVmW-QLnLhvQc-ps_lz_GRtugJCDb94l9cpmMp75IZbFw/w640-h244/Read-Watch-Do.png" width="640" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Say what you will about winter, but I love the opportunity to rest and rejuvenate. </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's the season when I have time to read and catch up on things I like to watch. And it's the perfect time to try a new hobby or plan for future activities, like summer travel. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here are our offerings for this month's read-watch-do. </span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><u>Read</u></b></span></h2><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In January, the <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/alovelylifeindeed2" target="_blank"><i>A Lovely Life, Indeed</i> Facebook community</a></b> is reading <b><a href="https://a.co/d/diVD8E5" target="_blank"><i>The Light We Carry </i>by Michelle Obama</a></b>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">From Amazon: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(15, 17, 17); color: #0f1111;">In</span><span class="a-text-italic" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(15, 17, 17); color: #0f1111;"> <i>The Light We Carry</i>, Michelle Obama</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(15, 17, 17); color: #0f1111;"> opens a frank and honest dialogue with readers, considering the questions many of us wrestle with: </span></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="caret-color: rgb(15, 17, 17); color: #0f1111; font-family: verdana;">How do we build enduring and honest relationships? </span></li><li><span style="caret-color: rgb(15, 17, 17); color: #0f1111; font-family: verdana;">How can we discover strength and community inside our differences? </span></li><li><span style="caret-color: rgb(15, 17, 17); color: #0f1111; font-family: verdana;">What tools do we use to address feelings of self-doubt or helplessness? </span></li><li><span style="caret-color: rgb(15, 17, 17); color: #0f1111; font-family: verdana;">What do we do when it all starts to feel like too much?</span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(15, 17, 17); color: #0f1111;">Drawing from her experiences as a mother, daughter, spouse, friend, and First Lady, she shares the habits and principles she has developed to successfully adapt to change and overcome various obstacles—the earned wisdom that helps her continue to “become.” She details her most valuable practices, like “starting kind,” “going high,” and assembling a “kitchen table” of trusted friends and mentors. <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />“When we are able to recognize our own light, we become empowered to use it,” writes Michelle Obama. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #0f1111;">Our book club will meet to chat about this book on <b>Thursday, February 23, 2023</b> <b>at 7:00pm ET</b>. <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/alovelylifeindeed2" target="_blank">Join our online community here</a></b> for access to this and future events. </span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Watch</b></h2><p style="text-align: left;">I recently had the opportunity to see <b><i>Stutz</i></b>, a documentary made by the actor, Jonah Hill, about his psychiatrist, Phil Stutz. Through candid conversations about Hill's life, Stutz shares some of his visual models of therapy, which he has used throughout his 40+ year practice. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Early on in the film, Hill shares that his intent is to spread Stutz's ideas and tools to as many people as possible and based on reviews, his ideas seem to resonate. The visual tools, which Stutz sketches on index cards, are easy to understand and remember. Here's the official trailer from Netflix. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5CmcpXkWwxs" width="320" youtube-src-id="5CmcpXkWwxs"></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Have you seen Stutz? What were your key takeaways?</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Do</b></h2><p style="text-align: left;">I'm not a resolution setter, but I do set intentions for the new year. I love to cook and I often look for new recipes to try and hopefully, work in to our monthly rotation. As someone who is interested in health and longevity, I tend to gravitate towards Mediterranean (pescatarian) and vegetarian meals, so my <b>DO</b> for this month is to try 3 new recipes:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>One new fish-based meal</li><li>One new vegetarian meal</li><li>One new soup or stew</li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">What would you like to add to your weekly or monthly meal rotation? Are you trying to eat more plant-based meals or meals that fit within your chosen parameters? I'd love to hear more in the comments. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">So that's it for January!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><u>Read</u></b>: <i><b><a href="https://a.co/d/diVD8E5" target="_blank">The Light We Carry</a></b></i> by Michelle Obama and then join us for book club on February 23rd in our <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/alovelylifeindeed2" target="_blank">Facebook community</a></b>. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><u style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></u></p><p style="text-align: left;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Watch</u>: <b><a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81387962" target="_blank">Stutz</a></b> on Netlix</p></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><u>Do</u></b>: Try 3 new recipes this month to mix up your meal rotation. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p></div>Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-87618491364523105882023-01-09T08:00:00.005-05:002023-01-09T08:00:00.191-05:00Book Club Night! Are you in? <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/alovelylifeindeed2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="2136" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fn8CkJgkweo8Nh0cgAB93iJz54Jlq9nBOZgCECRil6sz-dJFJi_M3OHNuhT4totsYt66Tr2mOtdfCPhtv7WsvbKh8JyPkyX5RCgDkoo9NYHRd3zDPaVJ_cK_fWCf1nJ5P38IFGXFh8Bg928LuzBLMZaTlyra0Cnlrpj3U26DN6dkovjzxYuSjtzq1w/w640-h286/Screenshot%202022-12-30%20at%2010.52.47%20AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Over in our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/alovelylifeindeed2" target="_blank"><b><i>A Lovely Life, Indeed</i></b> <b>Facebook community</b></a>, we do various Zoom events for our members to chat in real time and connect face to face, as well as what we do in our daily conversation posts. </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Our latest book club offering is <b><a href="https://a.co/d/8ke3aTR" target="_blank"><i>The Light We Carry</i> by Michelle Obama</a></b>. We'll be meeting on Zoom to discuss this book on February 23, 2023 at 7:00pm ET and we'd love to have you join us!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xdj266r" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b style="text-decoration: underline;">Here's a summary from Goodreads</b>: </span></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">In an inspiring follow-up to her critically acclaimed, #1 bestselling memoir "Becoming," former First Lady Michelle Obama shares practical wisdom and powerful strategies for staying hopeful and balanced in today’s highly uncertain world.</span></i></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">There may be no tidy solutions or pithy answers to life’s big challenges, but Michelle Obama believes that we can all locate and lean on a set of tools to help us better navigate change and remain steady within flux. In "The Light We Carry," she opens a frank and honest dialogue with readers, considering the questions many of us wrestle with: How do we build enduring and honest relationships? How can we discover strength and community inside our differences? What tools do we use to address feelings of self-doubt or helplessness? What do we do when it all starts to feel like too much?</span></i></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">Michelle Obama offers readers a series of fresh stories and insightful reflections on change, challenge, and power, including her belief that when we light up for others, we can illuminate the richness and potential of the world around us, discovering deeper truths and new pathways for progress. Drawing from her experiences as a mother, daughter, spouse, friend, and First Lady, she shares the habits and principles she has developed to successfully adapt to change and overcome various obstacles—the earned wisdom that helps her continue to “become.” She details her most valuable practices, like “starting kind,” “going high,” and assembling a “kitchen table” of trusted friends and mentors. With trademark humor, candor, and compassion, she also explores issues connected to race, gender, and visibility, encouraging readers to work through fear, find strength in community, and live with boldness.</span></i></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">“When we are able to recognize our own light, we become empowered to use it,” writes Michelle Obama. A rewarding blend of powerful stories and profound advice that will ignite conversation, "The Light We Carry" inspires readers to examine their own lives, identify their sources of gladness, and connect meaningfully in a turbulent world.</span></i></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5);">Want to join us or join the community created exclusively for women in midlife (and those approaching midlife)? </span></span></span></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5);"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #050505;">We're only a click away. <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/alovelylifeindeed2">Join here</a></b> and we'll see you inside. </span></span></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #050505;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #050505;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5);"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5);"> </span></span></span></div>Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-55753575192494162252022-12-30T10:28:00.002-05:002022-12-30T11:22:16.048-05:00Welcome Back! Let's Get Reacquainted.<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-Qp_Kneh3z6gmHcUjG5pr3Dgz06a5SPAQEHRg1lDu1oU0-k_EsierCy6htdJj678FxECThgU6mzx9kTnyXxlncnaI-EWTverkFLjH94ubCj4S1COtVOoCx32byIXWnFyIx0mTr6-VDpqryFbWRiHea0btOdN5NgqBoC-_2oOyxn_jXJWklyn4PYGYw/s1640/Welcome%20Back.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-Qp_Kneh3z6gmHcUjG5pr3Dgz06a5SPAQEHRg1lDu1oU0-k_EsierCy6htdJj678FxECThgU6mzx9kTnyXxlncnaI-EWTverkFLjH94ubCj4S1COtVOoCx32byIXWnFyIx0mTr6-VDpqryFbWRiHea0btOdN5NgqBoC-_2oOyxn_jXJWklyn4PYGYw/w640-h360/Welcome%20Back.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Happy New Year...almost. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have my coffee and if you're new here, welcome. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">A little about me...</span><br /></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm Kelly (she/her.) I'm a happily married Gen-Xer and dog-mom to our (now senior) pup named Gracie. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm an INFJ and a HSP. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm politically liberal.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">I gravitate toward nature-based spirituality and I embrace the hippie-crone qualities of my personality and this stage of life. If I attend services, it's at our local UU church.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm an educator, a <a href="https://www.kellsrodriguez.com" target="_blank"><b>copywriter</b></a> and a <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/alovelylifeindeed2" target="_blank">community builder</a></b>. </span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBdAEd7OYYhsUkQ_PZYEuZPSR7wWTZG9n51ZWkwsNJz-UtzwtjjOVGoWBn6lbNDtCusKTmPZiqh4hJSLU1fZ_8PYpuHM0gQdixwPRGHk5cxA3XclIAxW6qJSRnh5iPBk49agfTFLlSbnQKBJ3_bXnhLwEvFpBBnSKXMPvTpgBy6rhb6HyintZ3Fc9cA/s1536/KELLY_BOSTON_5.18(41of56)%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBdAEd7OYYhsUkQ_PZYEuZPSR7wWTZG9n51ZWkwsNJz-UtzwtjjOVGoWBn6lbNDtCusKTmPZiqh4hJSLU1fZ_8PYpuHM0gQdixwPRGHk5cxA3XclIAxW6qJSRnh5iPBk49agfTFLlSbnQKBJ3_bXnhLwEvFpBBnSKXMPvTpgBy6rhb6HyintZ3Fc9cA/w266-h400/KELLY_BOSTON_5.18(41of56)%20copy.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Some of my favorite things...</b></span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">travel and exploration</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">spring and fall</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">being outside in nature</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">cooking (and some baking)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">early mornings and sunset's golden hour</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">face time with friends and family (and video calls with those far away)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">local farms and fresh local produce</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">videos of animals, like a panda enjoying a delicious piece of squash</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">reading and writing</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">winter solstice and the rest and stillness of winter</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">fresh sheets and flannel sheets in the winter</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">time by the sea</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">village life</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">my denim overalls, great graphic tees, long cardigans, a warm beanie, pajamas and slippers, my Birks and Bean boots</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">John Denver, Abba, Jimmy Buffett, Michael Franti, acoustic guitar, 60s/70s folk, 70s/80s rock, and 90s alt-rock</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">experiences over stuff</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">dates with my husband</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Les Miserables, Wicked, Mama Mia</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Starbucks "medicine balls" (which I make at home)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">my morning routine</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Buddha bowls and poke bowls</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">haircut day...<i>very </i>important for maintaining my pixie</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">opening the windows to air out the house</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">afternoon walks with Gracie</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">shoulder-season travel</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">fireplaces and fairy lights</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">decluttering </span></li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>I will always say no to...</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Haricot verts, offal, clutter, smoking, dishonesty, mean-spiritedness, food waste...any waste, apathy, injustice, intolerance. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Where to now?</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm not sure, but it feels good to be writing again. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tell me more about you. What do we have in common? From where in the world are you reading? What are some of <i>your</i> favorite things?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-8154871723744139582021-05-04T18:30:00.003-04:002021-12-21T09:47:56.765-05:00Big News! <div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Hello friends!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I am so excited to let you know that we now have a <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/alovelylifeindeed2" target="_blank">lovely little Facebook group</a></b> for our online community and I'm over the moon excited to get started on this fun passion project!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVsdrVac7Hf0kXGo1-3WJbY0Fc51TA_5t_5bSn0PjSfDho3dYsWeVj2lEecOCv7EQAutfyYfutkAUoPNKoT06SBGXLzhX0FRn6YnWsFuiazqT6Y8EPIE7aZhQyCwFqI7d3f7OKWUIP5E4/s2050/ALLI+Cover.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="2050" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVsdrVac7Hf0kXGo1-3WJbY0Fc51TA_5t_5bSn0PjSfDho3dYsWeVj2lEecOCv7EQAutfyYfutkAUoPNKoT06SBGXLzhX0FRn6YnWsFuiazqT6Y8EPIE7aZhQyCwFqI7d3f7OKWUIP5E4/w615-h235/ALLI+Cover.png" width="615" /><br /></a><i style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">A Lovely Life, Indeed</i><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> is a <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/alovelylifeindeed2" target="_blank">FREE Facebook group</a></b> where you can connect with other seekers of all things lovely. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">You still can expect the same travel, wellness, food, and inspiration that you’ve come to expect, but there will be special shout-outs to my Xennial and Gen-X sisters who are taking on midlife with hope and genuine excitement for the opportunity that lies ahead.</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">You see, I'm turning 50 next month and I couldn't be more excited. My 40s have been amazing and I plan to welcome the new decade with similar hopes, dreams, and intent.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I hope you'll <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/alovelylifeindeed2" target="_blank">join us</a></b>. We'll see you inside. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><p><span style="color: #0000ee; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><u><br /></u></span></span></p>Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-50378276054197181502019-12-13T11:14:00.001-05:002019-12-13T11:14:06.100-05:00I was a podcast guest!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hello friends.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am popping out of hibernation to share a wonderful experience I had recently. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was blessed to be featured on the <b><a href="https://shehitrefresh.com/ep-23-discover-your-purpose/?fbclid=IwAR10QG9A0yzVmTZieYlzD8Hy_gAutbRiGUJoHAiCH-U1FDqwZKmygn_91JY" target="_blank"><i>She Hit Refresh </i>podcast</a></b> to share my own career refresh and my ideas on the wonderful opportunity that midlife brings. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYz7zXxy-xNEfZlqWu7yuzGqAdwZQ3nZrvRi5PF31W5ULLGDo-zfLbxC0o31Hjb8gw5uOJb1_NQFst8sxmVN0_l2qkNFUxisHQWIE2RpKv01HAMitDp7xYk43PUuNTFeGhdQmUF2cd4Qh/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-13+at+11.08.49+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="1600" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYz7zXxy-xNEfZlqWu7yuzGqAdwZQ3nZrvRi5PF31W5ULLGDo-zfLbxC0o31Hjb8gw5uOJb1_NQFst8sxmVN0_l2qkNFUxisHQWIE2RpKv01HAMitDp7xYk43PUuNTFeGhdQmUF2cd4Qh/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-12-13+at+11.08.49+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">According to co-founder, <a href="mailto:cepee@shehitrefresh.com" target="_blank"><b>Cepee</b></a>, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 17px; font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">She Hit Refresh is the only </span><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/shehitrefresh/?ref=br_rs" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none; border: 0px; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.2s linear; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic;"><b>online community</b></span></a></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 17px; font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><b> </b>dedicated to helping women 30 years and older go from daydreaming about breaking free and starting a life of travel… <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">to actually doing it!"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: 17px; font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></span></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: 17px;">If you're over 30 and looking for your tribe, <i>She Hit Refresh </i>is a wonderful community to call home. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: 17px;">I hope this holiday season finds you all happy and well. I'm excited to see what this new decade brings. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: 17px;">What might your life look different in 10 years? What big dreams are simmering in your heart?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: 17px;">Consider giving this podcast a listen and see how you can turn up the burner on those dreams and make them happen. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: 17px;">Happy holidays, friends! Much love to you in your corner of the world. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: 17px; font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: 17px; font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></span></span>Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-36020498858588968032019-03-27T08:47:00.002-04:002021-03-28T16:27:41.231-04:00A Kitchen Facelift <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We're giving our kitchen a facelift. It's not a full blown remodel, although it feels like it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We replaced the countertops and backsplash, and the floor. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We painted the ceiling, the walls and the cabinets, and we replaced the fixtures. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We also changed the lighting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Then, we we moved into the room adjacent to the kitchen and then the adjacent bathroom. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It feels like a full remodel, sans dining room and family room...for now. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Thing are out of place. There are boxes and barrels and paint supplies and clutter...everywhere. People are coming and going and there is construction noise all day, every day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There are decisions to make and sometimes, nightly trips to Lowe's as one project moves to another. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's productive and ultimately, it's adding value (and loveliness) to our day to day lives, but it has its challenges.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Before all of this began, we planned on adding a few ceiling fans in other rooms of the house, and adding a couple of outlets, but this turned into a complete rewire, updating the 1910 nob and tube wiring and bringing the house to code. It's safe now, and it brought peace of mind, but as you can imagine, it feels like we're hemorrhaging money. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like others who have updated their homes in one way or another, we have found that there are a few obvious realities.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Truth #1</b>. <b>We have too much stuff.</b> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>My Fix</b>: <b>Reduce, recycle, donate. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As we emptied drawers and cabinets, a glaring truth stared me in the face. Why on earth do we have so much stuff? </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">When households merge, the stuff doubles. Keep the best and donate the rest. Recycle what you can't donate. This includes duplicates of most things...extra pots and pans, skillets, single use kitchen appliances, and gadgets that a kitchen knife can handle. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlm7_PsH_jp9p1tjwWwz-PC3h0QoFTFxV2Vfmx_2F6A2gmdEKHY3_vyMfZsFUYrXbRYO5JQ6BKpZvjBgLzUy0AQvixyOLDWqMC2jAIRpRQzbH8l5xbGTgGQ6hIjqkIKEfRUkSvjN28liT/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4b8d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlm7_PsH_jp9p1tjwWwz-PC3h0QoFTFxV2Vfmx_2F6A2gmdEKHY3_vyMfZsFUYrXbRYO5JQ6BKpZvjBgLzUy0AQvixyOLDWqMC2jAIRpRQzbH8l5xbGTgGQ6hIjqkIKEfRUkSvjN28liT/s640/fullsizeoutput_4b8d.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Truth #2</b>: </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>We have a paper clutter issue.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>My Fix:</b> <b>Sort, Opt Out, Shred</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sort paper into piles of unread magazines, newspapers for the animal shelter, junk mail and bills. Encourage my husband to opt out of paper notifications and set up auto payment with a credit card with points and miles wherever we can. Shred old notices and clear the clutter. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Truth #3: Chaos Creates Anxiety</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>My Fix:</b> <b>Self Care is Critical</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This downstairs facelift, although exciting and fun, is also overwhelming for me. My husband may be overwhelmed with the to-do list, but I am overwhelmed by the sensory disruption and the decisions to be made. I do better with more order and less choice, like pick A or B or, the blender goes here. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With the house in a state of chaos, my retreat is upstairs, where things are as they were. My </span>quiet time to recharge is necessary. And that's okay. If he wants to paint, I can prep the tape and then get out of the way. We make a good team. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;">I also can focus on what I do best. For example, given the paper clutter issue we have, I have taken over the remodeling paperwork. Receipts, color swatches, contracts, and other papers have now been organized into a readily available "house folder." #teacherorganization Now, I know that even when I can't quickly access one thing, I can, at least, find the receipt for X when we have to go back to Lowe's again to return or exchange it. Yin and yang.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;">Another small win: With the stove currently in the dining room as we await the plumber (it's propane), I decided to try my never-used Instant Pot that I bought six months ago. I began with the water test, moved on to cook a dozen eggs, and then that evening, tried a seafood cioppino, all with great results. It's a new relationship, but I'm smitten. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUs4UZlF95pNEJ4OF57oECyuxRKRl0Vwuibxjc6Euq5bjlSbOPshkB5HpPI_HT1gNHu4nlec_TAf0gu-lmCOpXHnaFlsa27A4_mI-PWvhPFkPls913bHFpXRRcJzJipIBs25-KvFSXkTFx/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4b8e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUs4UZlF95pNEJ4OF57oECyuxRKRl0Vwuibxjc6Euq5bjlSbOPshkB5HpPI_HT1gNHu4nlec_TAf0gu-lmCOpXHnaFlsa27A4_mI-PWvhPFkPls913bHFpXRRcJzJipIBs25-KvFSXkTFx/s640/fullsizeoutput_4b8e.jpeg" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;"><b>So what now?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;">Luckily, our current project will be wrapping up soon. And it looks great!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;">What's next? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;">As with any long term project, it's time to revisit our long term goals. Where are we on timing? What action steps come next? What do we need to do to keep moving forward?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;">It's a big, exciting, occasionally overwhelming, ongoing critical conversation. Through it all, I've learned that we balance each other well. We understand and appreciate each other's strengths and challenges and we share a common vision for our future. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;">It's exciting and occasionally overwhelming, but nonetheless, it's indeed, still lovely. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-67947202353929721642019-03-20T07:58:00.000-04:002019-03-20T07:58:09.963-04:00We made it through another winter! Cheers to spring!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As a New Englander, most people assume that my favorite season is autumn or the much too brief season of summer, but they're wrong. Nothing is sweeter, for me, than the Spring.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I enjoy the fall, but it leads to winter and winter's lack of light, the added layers, and the biting cold batter me on every level. Through frosted car windows, icy walkways, and snowy cotton-ball covered tree branches, I try to see the beauty of winter for what it is. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I get older, I appreciate winter more for its power to slow things down, giving me time to reflect and rejuvenate myself with new goals and experiences that seem to lend themselves to sunnier, warmer days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The eye-squinting warm spring sunlight makes me giddy like a toddler anticipating a surprise. Fewer layers lighten my body and my spirit. The budding trees that give way to full green foliage causes me to pause and admire in the same way I would stop to admire the changing of colors in the fall. The cooing of mourning doves when I take out Gracie in the early morning light and the buzzing of bees around our budding rhododendron remind me that we're all happy to see Spring arrive, allergy sniffles and all. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We survived another winter. It's time to step out into the light, stretch, and give thanks for another opportunity to revive and thrive. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcDN-JjRREL7nh0BJc74LMNP0H8p5oSljoUzRtfOzhhZ5vhYdfT9RssGCthfRXxRFzZDcSpnyCLKhhVHNTzy0YjFXnhMqmfbqAFZ8a7qDD5gv1QyU24cKAHUqNb4sWaeDsFbEJDiwUrZ8/s1600/ALLI-Spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="977" data-original-width="605" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcDN-JjRREL7nh0BJc74LMNP0H8p5oSljoUzRtfOzhhZ5vhYdfT9RssGCthfRXxRFzZDcSpnyCLKhhVHNTzy0YjFXnhMqmfbqAFZ8a7qDD5gv1QyU24cKAHUqNb4sWaeDsFbEJDiwUrZ8/s640/ALLI-Spring.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy Spring to you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-10778477990598988182019-02-28T08:15:00.000-05:002019-02-28T08:15:33.772-05:00Three on Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqRI4Zt_eQhVkfHPuZKJduUOSWcHgD__42R2uV0LiRHB5oDA4oiMUui_cnG7C3WLVGCzJgQlR2ehRlHHHL2TnJKvTr3GmpJRtS43EXakC3227mHgaSzH1T-Gq_I7F6XAb-qWL-s-eltrf/s1600/ALLI-3onThursday.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqRI4Zt_eQhVkfHPuZKJduUOSWcHgD__42R2uV0LiRHB5oDA4oiMUui_cnG7C3WLVGCzJgQlR2ehRlHHHL2TnJKvTr3GmpJRtS43EXakC3227mHgaSzH1T-Gq_I7F6XAb-qWL-s-eltrf/s640/ALLI-3onThursday.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>1. Graphic Tees</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love graphic tees. I tend to use them to share my vibe. A second adolescence, maybe, but as Rachel Hollis said in <i>Girl, Wash Your Face, "</i>Other people's opinions of me are none of my business." Rock on!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsw1cFrJ6rKQIgK8TEHk6-qUVnTuEcu98XADX8GUeAAaSnZt-IqV1DWeEaaUMOnR5qw8EXqkgeGfMqKmfDed3Qr2AZmTASzp0nfxPGNCMFfJ-4sSv2tV5hppGNIJsBvsSV6TJuSDwMwsz4/s1600/ALLI-OPINIONS.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsw1cFrJ6rKQIgK8TEHk6-qUVnTuEcu98XADX8GUeAAaSnZt-IqV1DWeEaaUMOnR5qw8EXqkgeGfMqKmfDed3Qr2AZmTASzp0nfxPGNCMFfJ-4sSv2tV5hppGNIJsBvsSV6TJuSDwMwsz4/s640/ALLI-OPINIONS.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>2. Digital Nomad Cruise</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is an intriguing concept, whether you're an established digital nomad or just curious about the lifestyle. Here's a mini documentary about Digital Nomad Cruise and why it may appeal to you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OBVpNk6N4M8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OBVpNk6N4M8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>3. Eggs Benedict</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nothing says brunch like runny egg goodness, Benedict style. I prefer savory foods to sweets when it comes to breakfast and brunch, so Eggs Benedict creates the perfect bite. I'm not a fan of the traditional style with Canadian <strike>bacon</strike> ham, so I seek out variations, like crab cakes or short rib or avocado to mix it up. Check out <b><a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/bloggerhandywoman/10-versions-of-eggs-benedict-that-just-might-make-n230?utm_source=dynamic&utm_campaign=bfsharepinterest&utm_term=.sqY47Y31D#3550949" target="_blank">Buzzfeed's collection</a></b>, from pulled pork to a corn bread base to elevate your benny to hipster level.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdiHvrDyXFrMAk4gn0YOElTCEYDIQ9P3Zk-_ptg2KiuiWIgnI6Cp0xCADZqhtFHUnDPuDiEmoSRsxz3bkr_Ji7SB8g8Exl9OV9ANcfFMV26Z10Cj8AbNsb7aZh-MEopYCrnlDQhyphenhyphenPgACs/s1600/ALLI-Benny.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdiHvrDyXFrMAk4gn0YOElTCEYDIQ9P3Zk-_ptg2KiuiWIgnI6Cp0xCADZqhtFHUnDPuDiEmoSRsxz3bkr_Ji7SB8g8Exl9OV9ANcfFMV26Z10Cj8AbNsb7aZh-MEopYCrnlDQhyphenhyphenPgACs/s400/ALLI-Benny.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thanks for <b><a href="http://www.notentirelyperfect.com/2019/02/three-on-thursday_28.html" target="_blank">Stephanie</a></b> for the post idea. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-27650740261025161172019-02-26T10:18:00.001-05:002019-02-26T10:20:55.855-05:00My Daily Essentials<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJo7Kb5x3iQNKDNqQeIch5b5S7LW8RGXdTJaEQ_fktvoJTv_nFEy_8b1Yhaqzke0tXg10D8EvoOSyOw8OLfOMGAZ4lWUOlpQ46WcdJFgXTuGwEz3LaHiLtNFq5WulrTRDv84o2N9pT9Pr2/s1600/ALLI-Essentials.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJo7Kb5x3iQNKDNqQeIch5b5S7LW8RGXdTJaEQ_fktvoJTv_nFEy_8b1Yhaqzke0tXg10D8EvoOSyOw8OLfOMGAZ4lWUOlpQ46WcdJFgXTuGwEz3LaHiLtNFq5WulrTRDv84o2N9pT9Pr2/s640/ALLI-Essentials.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Essentials might be a strong word, but nevertheless, there are things we all enjoy having in our lives on a daily basis. They might not be essential in a life-sustaining way, but they make life much more palatable every day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>1. Coffee</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm a hot coffee kind of girl, even when it's 90 degrees. I don't want fancy coffees or even iced coffee first thing in the morning. I need my regular hot black coffee that I make myself and add my own sweetener and favorite creamer. I sit and sip and I may read or watch the news. It's my time and my coffee my way. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>2. My Mac</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Since I work online, my computer is non-negotiable. It's how I earn a living. And it gives me an easier platform to monitor travel deals than my phone. But, since all of my devices are Apple products, I enjoy the seamless sync that keeps everything organized. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>3. My Phone</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I know it's another tethering device, but it's a convenience item that makes me more time efficient and productive. And I love having a camera and video options so handy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>4. Snacks and water</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am someone who grazes. I tried the three meal thing, but it's just not for me. Having snacks nearby ensures that I have a healthy option and that I have the opportunity to eat when I'm hungry. Having a refillable water bottle is necessary for the same reasons. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>5. My Sleepy Co-Worker, Gracie</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Good for midday snuggles and stand up and play reminders. We all should be so lucky.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_HHIEaFnsbhJwCtKXP2d4AMJiBF2QASm9YhZUy_nDzxgtNsTl23iRDvlPvKp3sdvu766-N4_Lw6ZOWBZaRpbWk4I5ZnXXj1NVgbONKB3pU03X9itc7BBUdlhReH8wp0JPCb5vA_E-Mnh/s1600/IMG_9423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_HHIEaFnsbhJwCtKXP2d4AMJiBF2QASm9YhZUy_nDzxgtNsTl23iRDvlPvKp3sdvu766-N4_Lw6ZOWBZaRpbWk4I5ZnXXj1NVgbONKB3pU03X9itc7BBUdlhReH8wp0JPCb5vA_E-Mnh/s400/IMG_9423.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><br /></b><b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><br /></b><br />
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">6. Blanche</b><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Even though I work from home, my car is necessary for life errands. We don't live in an area with great public transportation, so my car is a lifeline. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What about you? What are your daily essentials?</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Thanks for </span><b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/2019/02/without-you-in-my-life-id-slowly-wilt.html" target="_blank">Steph</a></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.notentirelyperfect.com/2018/10/my-daily-essentials.html" target="_blank">Steph</a> </b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">for the fun post idea. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-87589199049751539902019-02-22T16:16:00.000-05:002019-02-22T16:16:35.317-05:00The couple who's sick together...<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week was a wash. With both of us dealing with the flu and a busy week at work, it was not the most productive of weeks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It started with a cold last weekend...from me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then on Monday, he got the flu. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then, 24 hours later, I had the flu. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Both of us, sick, at the same time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-S7bohv2E0IIgAjOtJ5-CF26MgC1UpqIc66GGdtOmbba-nw3iAWhyphenhyphentoDkI73CvbWV1Kprlk9RcMc8f3xdJIzBDsl_PCvK5cfRpGlhf6PogvdjlwpLfKEK3wQiMpi0C2cfko8Fp0YR1vbN/s1600/ALLI-Flu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="620" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-S7bohv2E0IIgAjOtJ5-CF26MgC1UpqIc66GGdtOmbba-nw3iAWhyphenhyphentoDkI73CvbWV1Kprlk9RcMc8f3xdJIzBDsl_PCvK5cfRpGlhf6PogvdjlwpLfKEK3wQiMpi0C2cfko8Fp0YR1vbN/s640/ALLI-Flu.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When you're both sick, it brings up an interesting relationship dynamic. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When he's sick, my husband likes to retreat to our bed until most symptoms have quelled. I also sleep when I'm tired, but move around because I crave the comfort that comes from physical closeness. I may sleep on the couch or in our bed, but I need to move and be physically close, like when I was a kid and it was my Mom who stayed close by with a glass of water or her hand on my head, checking my temperature. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Luckily, we're both on the mend. My fever finally broke and most symptoms have subsided. He's back at work and feeling more like himself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now, for me, it's reintroducing nutrition and movement so I can get to my CrossFit Opens workout, 19.1 this weekend. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hpZJYeOwHgQ/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hpZJYeOwHgQ?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What's the dynamic like in your relationship when one or both, you and your partner, are sick?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-71665150930480874642019-02-20T08:55:00.001-05:002019-02-20T08:55:27.101-05:00Nesting...Surviving Nature's Harshest<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Finally, we seem to be seeing our way out of the Polar Vortex. While I understand that March will enter like a lion, I'm hoping it's a cub. I'm ready for Spring. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana;">When you work from home, you can marvel at the weather phenomena from the comfort of your pajama bottoms and a hot cup of coffee. My boots and jacket are near the door, but in the winter, I nest. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHvh8J8eTg0Zds91Yo72T_f6VP1cFFXKv__ynoCKmlvqpR4L_PYj-mHv24bnviYoRfZxNAI82EJehFoZAKvpLYuXZlIdlOptrdHYMx1xrSZ6OxW1VJECSS97y9aGZEc1cCRlknLVM68HP/s1600/ALLI-Winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="605" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHvh8J8eTg0Zds91Yo72T_f6VP1cFFXKv__ynoCKmlvqpR4L_PYj-mHv24bnviYoRfZxNAI82EJehFoZAKvpLYuXZlIdlOptrdHYMx1xrSZ6OxW1VJECSS97y9aGZEc1cCRlknLVM68HP/s640/ALLI-Winter.jpg" width="496" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I'm sure that we all nest in our way...hunkering down and making things comfortable in our homes for our body, mind and soul. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">What brings you comfort? What are your winter must-haves? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">In no particular order, here are mine...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">1. A hot cuppa something. Wrapping my cold hands around a warm, steaming mug makes me smile. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">2. A warm blanket. We received a lovely afghan for our wedding that is never far from sight in the winter time. From Netflix binging on the couch to sneaking in a mid-afternoon nap, this is my go-to lap warmer.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">3. A stash of favorite movies and streaming shows to watch. Sometimes I seek out movies set in far off tropical locations and escape New England winter, even if just for a couple of hours. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">4. Great soups. Some people think New Englanders have clam chowder running through their veins. In the winter time, it could be true, but a steaming pot of vegetable soup or stew is better than any restaurant offering on a cold, damp night.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">5. Thick socks and warm boots or slippers are non-negotiable. Cold feet? Cold everything. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">6. Oversized sweaters that are big enough to layer as many long sleeves and thermals as you want underneath.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">7. Warm fleece scarves. Like comfort food, warm scarves provide that extra layer of warmth and the softness of fleece is a welcomed bonus.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">8. Baking. Whether it's cookies, brownies, pizza, bread or anything else your heart desires, baking not only sends an amazing aroma through the house, but it can also quell even the most carb-crazed sweet tooth. You can clean it up with recipe substitutions or go old-school and enjoy it in moderation. And heating up the oven makes for a toasty warm kitchen.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">9. Red wine + homemade pizza for two = Perfect. Date. Night. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">10. Someplace to go. For those of us in the Northeast, winter can seem like an eternity...truly, a never-ending season. The remedy to cabin fever can be as simple as a weekend getaway to a B&B with a roaring fireplace or jacuzzi for two. Or it can be a vacation to someplace warm and tropical. Or you can embrace the season and go ice-skating or take a sleigh ride at a nearby farm. Hibernation be damned. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Those are just some of the ways I nest in the winter. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">What are your favorites?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana;">Until Spring, enjoy the stillness of Winter, in all of its teeth-chattering glory.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBuq7fsy7Npow6c6iO8XWJ-t8IoV5m6RxVXWwE-JGNyw0jfuwtYi2OmoRPHES21rPMWG4D5VSSUDbnHWSpB5VRP25jV_Ha9n301O0Wc713E-U-xVDjhD3K-4fu101ZygeZk47pKMIzA8P/s1600/ALLI-Solstice2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBuq7fsy7Npow6c6iO8XWJ-t8IoV5m6RxVXWwE-JGNyw0jfuwtYi2OmoRPHES21rPMWG4D5VSSUDbnHWSpB5VRP25jV_Ha9n301O0Wc713E-U-xVDjhD3K-4fu101ZygeZk47pKMIzA8P/s640/ALLI-Solstice2016.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span>Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-24565715214597142812019-02-18T05:00:00.000-05:002019-02-18T05:00:07.041-05:00Feel the fear and do it anyway.<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Much to the dismay of my mother, I've always been the one in the family to test the limits on what she would consider normal, safe behavior. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My answer to her <i>why </i>has always been <i>why not?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Change is scary, but so is regret. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Today, life is good, but many of the blessings in my life </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">have resulted from risk and a willingness to try. And w</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">ith risk comes fear. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana;">No one likes to feel vulnerable or get hurt when things don't work out the way we intended, but what's the alternative?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">My opinion? Feel the fear, and do it anyway. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You don't have to conquer the world today. Start small. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not ready to run a marathon? Download and follow a couch to 5k app. Imperfect action is better than perfect inaction. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1q-4Dh9wBLly2Z1E6G7S_ytU34-1_zeJ6HYLRAP3rkmRD_wjN8yP9SQ6bLqVp8FjPHhr8UZ9cBW9fw4k4gG4Wt3q1hj6utUrKBAUuXBjV0PtNRj-vl9jgSmq4JlaxQsUjFtjkgOH5FI-F/s1600/ALLI-Action.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1q-4Dh9wBLly2Z1E6G7S_ytU34-1_zeJ6HYLRAP3rkmRD_wjN8yP9SQ6bLqVp8FjPHhr8UZ9cBW9fw4k4gG4Wt3q1hj6utUrKBAUuXBjV0PtNRj-vl9jgSmq4JlaxQsUjFtjkgOH5FI-F/s640/ALLI-Action.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not ready to sell everything and explore the world? Venture away for the weekend or explore your own capital city. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Want to enlarge your social circle? Try a meetup group around something that interests you or start one of your own. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not ready to Konmari your house? Clean out your junk drawer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Want to feel like you're making a difference? Pay it forward in your coffee line, donate your tidied closet leftovers, volunteer an hour for a cause that means something to you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You don't have to do everything, but everyone can do something. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Every day is a new opportunity. What lights your fire? Do that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-70350202743721685232019-02-15T05:00:00.000-05:002019-02-15T05:00:02.451-05:00Friday 5: Live Music Experiences that Top My List<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I creep closer to 50, I'm starting to put together lists of life experiences that I don't want to miss, like places to see, concerts to attend, and other treats I have envisioned myself doing at some point in time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today, I've been thinking about music. This is not a wish-list because I have had the opportunity to experience a couple of these already, but overall, these are musical experiences I don't want to miss. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. Red Rocks, Colorado</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This open air amphitheater is about 10 miles outside of Denver and has been known for live recordings, given the unique visual aesthetic of the venue. This year, I am going to a concert at Red Rocks...on...my...birthday! I can't wait! More on that later. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpXGx5DsLaM_OQMbi0VAAi8XbslD1dkrI9k7gCCoaQIGyT76wfSut8a2OR8O_THUMG4B3TX6QhdsVbqEISfQz4AruiOg0STEcCXqiTKpEJixV2nqa7Ivq11O5TqfPibm07nDrj5n8HA7K/s1600/Red+Rocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpXGx5DsLaM_OQMbi0VAAi8XbslD1dkrI9k7gCCoaQIGyT76wfSut8a2OR8O_THUMG4B3TX6QhdsVbqEISfQz4AruiOg0STEcCXqiTKpEJixV2nqa7Ivq11O5TqfPibm07nDrj5n8HA7K/s640/Red+Rocks.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. Broadway, NYC</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've seen theatre in the West End of London, but never Broadway, USA and that has to change. I don't know what my first show will be, since there are many that top my list, but before my 50th, I will see a show on Broadway. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Frustratingly, theatre in London's West End is more affordable than matinee prices on Broadway. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3. Open Air Music Festival</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The hippie in me loves the idea of a summertime, open air acoustic rock or folk music festivals like the <b><a href="https://www.greenriverfestival.com/" target="_blank">Green River Festival</a></b> or <b><a href="https://freshgrass.com/" target="_blank">Fresh Grass Festival</a>. </b>I'm not a die hard though; if it's raining or cold, I'm out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4. Les Miserables in London</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">From the first time I heard the music of <i>Les Miserables, </i>I knew I had to see it live in London, where it all began. For my first time in London, my ticket was in the pit, in the second row, to be exact. The second time, we were in the dress circle; still amazing seats, and worth every pound sterling. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02RVjFEHydvS8Sryp1VBz9NLEu3yYnO_kcCqynfyK9WRSbpLt378ZVNALyDkVwL5FkjyWIYbFSpHVwxSPIFRBAPIzrEzNiAQeg79IcMzNRuxbS3XQvABrQrseHLXAhpHgA0NlXHg54NHJ/s1600/ALLI-LesMis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02RVjFEHydvS8Sryp1VBz9NLEu3yYnO_kcCqynfyK9WRSbpLt378ZVNALyDkVwL5FkjyWIYbFSpHVwxSPIFRBAPIzrEzNiAQeg79IcMzNRuxbS3XQvABrQrseHLXAhpHgA0NlXHg54NHJ/s640/ALLI-LesMis.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">5. Jimmy Buffett in Key West</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For a Parrothead, this is the holy grail. I had the opportunity to see Jimmy Buffett play in the back yard of the host hotel for the annual <i><b><a href="https://www.phip.com/meeting" target="_blank">Meeting of the Minds</a></b> </i>Parrothead Convention in the early 2000s...2004, maybe. After hearing a rumor that this would be the year he would appear, my friends and I gathered for pre-concert drinks and found our space to wait in the backyard of the Casa Grande Hotel in Key West, Florida. Sure enough, the focus turned to the left of the stage and there he was! He played for almost two hours. It was my one and only MOTM to date, but what an event! Future shows pale in comparison to having a front-row experience in such an intimate setting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGA3N2En7FCbSQ1pRLD2SwKCcpVMcCH94OO7Ndi1ARitZzwAwEWC5msmYgknKQA8F4ulxpAeZef1AN3UqDqpsNkBF2SQzVl_rzBeNnyePYjdw-rC8tG1QfLOPxc1wb7zsbJyAiJD2_IT0G/s1600/ALLI-MOTM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="604" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGA3N2En7FCbSQ1pRLD2SwKCcpVMcCH94OO7Ndi1ARitZzwAwEWC5msmYgknKQA8F4ulxpAeZef1AN3UqDqpsNkBF2SQzVl_rzBeNnyePYjdw-rC8tG1QfLOPxc1wb7zsbJyAiJD2_IT0G/s640/ALLI-MOTM.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And a 6th for good measure...a summer concert at Tanglewood.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had the wonderful opportunity to get tickets to John Williams Night at <b><a href="https://www.bso.org/" target="_blank">Tanglewood</a></b> one summer for my husband's birthday. We brought lawn chairs, a blanket, and a picnic basket filled with wine, cheese, a baguette and hors d'oeurves to enjoy under the stars while listening to the iconic scores of composer John Williams. If you're ever in New England in the summertime, this is a fabulous treat! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What concerts or musical experiences top your list of must-sees?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-71755751728479858742019-02-13T08:26:00.001-05:002019-02-13T08:36:00.492-05:00Navigating Hypersensitivity When We Travel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRWtqkOWHzsYucW2pjtVEL3iiIDn0PzO3ageFJHXH6od3sP6m1w4sBCSY4cV3DnjI5YoqsAjdts5DKAVPv74L2f64PgZpO6246TMpjY8KDy-aTGQ0kYqhfoOsr4n3RyFV0M0C3PWJWUVw/s1600/ALLI-HypersensivityAndTravel.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRWtqkOWHzsYucW2pjtVEL3iiIDn0PzO3ageFJHXH6od3sP6m1w4sBCSY4cV3DnjI5YoqsAjdts5DKAVPv74L2f64PgZpO6246TMpjY8KDy-aTGQ0kYqhfoOsr4n3RyFV0M0C3PWJWUVw/s400/ALLI-HypersensivityAndTravel.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I had lunch with a good friend over the weekend. She's the kind of friend with whom you can talk about everything and anything. We've been friends for nearly 20 years and have been through the good, the bad, and the ugliest of uglies. She gets me and I get her. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Our hours of conversation spanned from family catch-ups to the future of education and employment, automation and the global economy to personal idiosyncrasies. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When you're feeling awry, it's easy to feel like you're the only person in the world that feels that way. You start to wonder if it's normal to think or feel or react in a certain way. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My friend has two little boys, very different from one another as siblings often are. Interestingly, we discovered that the older of the two, her 6 year old, is indeed, my "spirit animal." </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I exhibit many of the same peculiarities in behavior and reaction to stimuli that her little guy does. We both are highly sensitive in areas that others never consider. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As our conversation continued, we each found clarity as I was able to explain the why of some of her son's reactions and behaviors and I received validation as to why I may have similar reactions to various sensory-based stimuli. While our reactions may not be normal to others, to us, they're normal in how we navigate life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Travel can be challenging when you're sensitive. Exposure to poverty or the different cultural norms related to animals, for example, can be difficult for sensitive travelers to process. Sensitive travelers may internalize images, sounds, and smells on a deep enough level to create both a physical and emotional response that can last a lifetime.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For me, I enjoy traveling to places that push me outside my comfort zone, where I can talk to people and listen to their music, eat their food, and use their public transportation. I like living like a local and immersing myself in wherever I go because I appreciate travel as personal development and not only for tourist fun (though there is a time for that as well.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I'm feeling anxious, I know how to retreat and recharge; the same is true when I travel. When that happens, I often head outside, taking in the landscape and noticing the architecture that makes a place unique. I may decline certain activities in favor of quiet time one afternoon or explore independently on my own schedule, apart from others. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If there are cultural differences that are outside my norm related to poverty, the environment, or the treatment of animals, for example, I know that I have the privilege to make choices based on my own circumstances and beliefs. Not everyone has the same level of privilege so I use mine to affect change in ways that make sense to me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sensitive people learn how to navigate life with various strategies, like exposure and grounding. Traveling, even if you're sensitive, is worth it for me, every time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Are you a sensitive or highly sensitive person? What strategies do you employ for self care when traveling? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Not sure if you are a HSP? Here's a <b><a href="http://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test/" target="_blank">quiz</a></b> for self-assessment. </span><br />
<br />
<br />Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-31469614161817011772019-02-11T05:00:00.000-05:002019-02-11T05:00:04.168-05:00Making Friends as an Adult<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_J7yNTujegmyxVhyphenhyphena2NibxJeIclvToCgFHYo6iWdnwGzjJJwsvrF0tUHWNBEnBoSLSYAS48SRRwxCaqJmM4v0CsQoNLLx3qhUUzyp81VbxyXCQ-qIQh6F5sk9NXMWGPX0BRtCVBCdQkNM/s1600/ALLI-Making+Friends.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="764" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_J7yNTujegmyxVhyphenhyphena2NibxJeIclvToCgFHYo6iWdnwGzjJJwsvrF0tUHWNBEnBoSLSYAS48SRRwxCaqJmM4v0CsQoNLLx3qhUUzyp81VbxyXCQ-qIQh6F5sk9NXMWGPX0BRtCVBCdQkNM/s640/ALLI-Making+Friends.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It can be difficult to maintain connections outside our inner circle as long work days turn into nights spent catching up on chores that never seem to get accomplished. Some of us have families, some of us are caring for aging parents, and some of us are just trying to keep our heads above water. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">While it's important to connect daily to those we cherish most, it's also important to connect to others outside the inner circle who share similar goals and challenges, similar circumstances or choices or similar interests and curiosities. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I had the wonderful opportunity recently to connect to some like minded folks and it went so well, that we all expressed interest in doing it again next month. Sitting around the table, we are all different people joined by a common thread; and it's that common thread that rejuvenates us and allow us to connect with people who "get it." We shared stories and successes and brainstormed solutions to challenges we face. We all left feeling empowered and connected. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Think about where you are in your own life, what you like to do, what you want to do. How can you network within those parameters to create connections and expand your social circle? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Maybe there's a meetup group tailored to your interest? Maybe there's a book club you can join or start your own around topics geared toward your own interests and goals. Maybe you start a monthly coffee connection with people in your season of life or an accountability group to help you stay focused on and achieve your goals. Maybe there is a networking group to help you create professional connections or a group with those who share your faith tradition or your favorite sport or hobby.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">It doesn't have to be strangers. Maybe there's someone with whom you've lost contact and with whom you would like to reconnect. Maybe you're the bridge to bring others together and potentially create lifelong friendships. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">It's hard to make friends when you're older, but building your circle of friends is worth the effort. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Reach out. Build bridges. That human connection is a win-win.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Do you keep room in your life for new friends? How do <i>you </i>cultivate new friendships?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-84252292340715833632019-02-08T07:49:00.000-05:002019-02-08T10:39:40.923-05:00Friday 5: What crossed my radar this week<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Every now and then, something crosses my radar that makes me want to share it with everyone I know. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here's what caught my eye this week. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1. <i style="font-weight: bold;">Stay Human</i>...a film by Michael Franti. This is available on Amazon and supposedly, soon to Netflix. It's worth watching. It's hope-inspiring. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NaQu7n4NA6s/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NaQu7n4NA6s?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>2. <i><a href="https://www.thegirlfriend.com/" target="_blank">The Girlfriend</a></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This newsletter from AARP is targeted towards Gen-X women. I remember seeing a Facebook ad for the newsletter and decided to give it a try. I'm glad I did. It's a mix of health, relationships, food, and trends. Like anything, you take and leave what applies to you, but more than once, it has provided a reassuring nod or a good laugh. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>3. Eggs Benedict</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">How have I lived most of my life without indulging in this delight? My first eggs benny were atop crab cakes. I don't think Canadian bacon will ever light my fire in the same way. Who's ready for brunch? What's your favorite benny combo? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4. <b>Made for More with Rachel Hollis.</b>..now available on Amazon Prime. After loving <i>Girl, Wash Your Face, </i>I have <i>Girl, Stop Apologizing </i>on pre-order on Audible. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/EP35djHU4Cg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EP35djHU4Cg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">5. <b>The Flower. </b>I love the music of Michael Franti and I respect him and his work as a human being. His music has always been socially conscious and I enjoy the positive message in most of his songs. This video nearly took my breath away. It seems to becoming a radio hit and I'm happy about that. The world can use healing. We all have a role to play. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/w0N5OEpxbFY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w0N5OEpxbFY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That's it for today, friends. What crossed your radar this week? Share your favorites.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Enjoy your weekend. See you soon.</span>Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-78147143808405811042019-02-04T07:08:00.000-05:002019-02-04T07:08:45.229-05:00Decluttering and Moving Forward<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVAWEguOLEok6ofHCHAhEuZ5Y0bcMpsx4jfN2GxbI1aM679i2gpJwQnLxNE2JzRoFzQxtu9IL_cGog8RfvNZDZ7o7LUIlSo-aLNAODLTfkalJfuYR-2As_Fo_1iPuHkLkuXyMXe2-oPtk/s1600/Spark+Joy-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1209" data-original-width="1600" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVAWEguOLEok6ofHCHAhEuZ5Y0bcMpsx4jfN2GxbI1aM679i2gpJwQnLxNE2JzRoFzQxtu9IL_cGog8RfvNZDZ7o7LUIlSo-aLNAODLTfkalJfuYR-2As_Fo_1iPuHkLkuXyMXe2-oPtk/s640/Spark+Joy-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Have you started to declutter? Marie Kondo has started a revolution of sorts, first with the book and now the Netflix series about tossing all that does not spark joy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you're into <b><a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/01/21/687255642/thrift-stores-say-theyre-swamped-with-donations-after-tidying-up-with-marie-kond" target="_blank">thrift shopping</a></b>, now's the time for you, as Kondo devotees donate their spark-less belongings and clean up their personal clutter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After Marie Kondo-ing my own clothes and junk drawers, I continued thinking about clutter, both physical and digital. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I began cleaning up my social media feeds too, unfollowing pages and accounts with whom I really wasn't engaging. What I looked for online and what "sparked joy," I realized, were the people with whom I had made a connection, in real life or online. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And that brings me here. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am so grateful for those I have met through this space. I am grateful for the opportunities that it has afforded me throughout the years. As a result of this space, I have made wonderful friends and shared transformative experiences, and it remains something that, indeed, sparks joy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And so it remains.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you're new here, welcome! Later this week, let's sit for a cup of something and get reacquainted. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My heart smiles today as I push publish on this post. I hope you'll come back for more. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-6618728888962976792018-03-11T09:30:00.001-04:002018-03-11T09:30:22.359-04:00Lovely Reads #5<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sunday mornings are meant for coffee and perusing articles of interest. Whether it's the news, your latest book, or your favorite magazine, a Sunday spent with meaningful-to-you words and images can set the tone for your week. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here are some of the items that crossed my radar this week:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/obituaries/overlooked.html?smid=fb-nytimes&smtyp=cur" target="_blank">Overlooked: 15 Women We Overlooked in Our Obituaries</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Better late than never, I guess. Thanks to <i><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/obituaries/overlooked.html?smid=fb-nytimes&smtyp=cur" target="_blank"><b>The</b> <b>New York Times</b></a></i> for recognizing these 15 remarkable women. Kudos for adding a form for readers to nominate other remarkable women. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-03-25/unexpected-places-cherry-blossoms?mbid=social_facebook" target="_blank">10 Places to See Cherry Blossoms in the United States</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you can't get to<b><a href="http://www.alovelylifeindeed.com/2014/03/cherry-blossoms-washington-dc-in-bloom.html" target="_blank"> Washington DC</a></b> to see the blossoms yourself, here are other locations that will put you in a Spring state of mind. Via <i>CN Traveler.</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/if-literatures-complicated-men-were-on-tinder" target="_blank">If Literature's Complicated Men Were on Tinder</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is a treat, via <i>McSweeney's Internet Tendency</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/animal-tourism/" target="_blank">How You Can Stop Animal Abuse in the Tourism Industry</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thanks to <i>Nomadic Matt </i>for keeping this issue a topic of conversation. File this under <i>know better, do better. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://blog.paleohacks.com/hip-flexor-stretches/" target="_blank">Unlock your Hip Flexor: 5 Stretches to Reverse the Damage of Sitting</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can see why they say that sitting is the new smoking. Trust me, you'll feel better. Via <i>Paleo Hacks. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just curious about this one...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWX4CJ2PhnYxsczku5fbiKUC9Vk7moJQwSljuIcR2ngrpjW23TYGCm0y-VMrdrxnpWBL4hVcrs4jvsox8aBh1H95BiTc5izRzj64kYtZjihMfw0sby0nr7X-GARwGuXLZjU8fzDgEJU6m/s1600/fullsizeoutput_412c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWX4CJ2PhnYxsczku5fbiKUC9Vk7moJQwSljuIcR2ngrpjW23TYGCm0y-VMrdrxnpWBL4hVcrs4jvsox8aBh1H95BiTc5izRzj64kYtZjihMfw0sby0nr7X-GARwGuXLZjU8fzDgEJU6m/s640/fullsizeoutput_412c.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you read something noteworthy this week, drop a link in the comments. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Have a great week friends. </span>Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-58938938456765245162018-03-01T09:53:00.001-05:002018-03-01T09:53:47.712-05:00While I Wasn't Blogging: Catching Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspkDJLgtk6joCEKdWr_FIoURX2BhT2RgEKfJAsf7qHb3saiyztNundTkzasHXgeNHN6vNUmQTAmlsy5SIJb_-yYpjMESo2AaX5I7MqFla0A4ahbZcZ63bGPR2qJLWYAh2PYI5Z0PCkJoh/s1600/fullsizeoutput_40c9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspkDJLgtk6joCEKdWr_FIoURX2BhT2RgEKfJAsf7qHb3saiyztNundTkzasHXgeNHN6vNUmQTAmlsy5SIJb_-yYpjMESo2AaX5I7MqFla0A4ahbZcZ63bGPR2qJLWYAh2PYI5Z0PCkJoh/s640/fullsizeoutput_40c9.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After a blink-and-it's-gone-February, I feel like I have finally settled into 2018. Clearly, I have lost my pace when it comes to writing and blogging, but not for a lack of ideas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While I wasn't blogging... </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I finished the first semester with my new students from Spain and France and welcomed a handful of new students from Italy for the second semester (and transitioned into second semester with my Spanish and French students). </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I broke out of my comfort zone and decided to try CrossFit. I feel like the work I had been doing with my trainer prepared me for this transition. I'm getting stronger every week I love the variety with each class and the motivation from the CF community. I even registered for the Open, the annual CrossFit Games. It feels great to be part of a team and I love seeing what my body can do now that it couldn't when I first started in January. It's all about progress, not perfection. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9YeKrLMivT6ScfDY7tc74vFxQj7YT1BDDNmRbkJ0mCu-rs6WHiXhlrRt_VAjjlo_TdLlPFUmcSYxcbkaKoSofwOpZyuwDQofdRYPKvBSUmygQfh3W4eieUe1BHeO7GfGy2CyhniE1LJ3/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4122.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9YeKrLMivT6ScfDY7tc74vFxQj7YT1BDDNmRbkJ0mCu-rs6WHiXhlrRt_VAjjlo_TdLlPFUmcSYxcbkaKoSofwOpZyuwDQofdRYPKvBSUmygQfh3W4eieUe1BHeO7GfGy2CyhniE1LJ3/s640/fullsizeoutput_4122.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I started keeping my nutrition on point with whole, unprocessed foods and looking at macronutrients instead of calories for changes in body composition over weight loss. I've been working with a nutrition coach who monitors and adjusts my numbers (if needed) every week. I'm in week 11 and down 9 pounds and 10 inches. It works. </span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My husband and I have been delving deeper into real estate investment and are closer than ever to buying our first property. Positive energy welcomed. </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We've been planning summer travel. My niece will be here in June, so I'm looking forward to some quality time including her first trip to NYC. We're also thinking about where we want to travel while we're in Spain this summer. And as always, I'm checking out flight deals for unexpected long weekends away. </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Life is good. I'm outside more, meeting friends IRL whenever possible, reading more offline, doing my thing. I'm excitedly awaiting spring, in spite of the nor'easter knocking on our door. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ideas are swirling like butterflies. I need to follow a couple of them and see where they lead. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What's new in your world? Any new challenges or pursuits? Inspire me. </span></div>
Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-10870987624425839212018-01-02T05:00:00.000-05:002018-01-02T07:27:26.303-05:00Remembering 2017 and the lovely moments that were<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've thought about a 2017 recap for a while, but it never really came together. In spite of the chaos of the world around me, my inner world remained fairly even-keeled. I'm grateful for that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The year started with friends on a snowy New Year's Eve and ended quietly at home on the couch...just him and me, and Gracie, who was not happy about staying up until midnight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQmKDQja6kOfEr39zyzYJrppSmnfrz3i0H05IGHNXoI-OgPHUFUmDJUa1zSPNa8j8hMkd_hpoa-oVaLW9d4bSlZ8B1E2yPYHxZJ3SPrxigfKYvV9xE0i24_9mzk9NV2IR5OWS9NWIGdjF/s1600/IMG_5513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="1085" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQmKDQja6kOfEr39zyzYJrppSmnfrz3i0H05IGHNXoI-OgPHUFUmDJUa1zSPNa8j8hMkd_hpoa-oVaLW9d4bSlZ8B1E2yPYHxZJ3SPrxigfKYvV9xE0i24_9mzk9NV2IR5OWS9NWIGdjF/s400/IMG_5513.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was a good year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In January, we found a great hotel deal and ventured to Manhattan for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday and paid homage to John Lennon's peacemaking efforts in Strawberry Fields. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOF7bSG5kRzWtHP5mReQ-T4CVTcKXsIOZEJQzO2YxdjyYTj87FBCmpS-tduwrp6gcu3SZSYlK9RUc3ueKsCsjpz79V2X1d6qEn9juPdjeZ8-ZbsQv1R-LuTUQt8_ef0bgMdWiWwOIOksW4/s1600/15977180_10211888508388374_5786761420300982425_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOF7bSG5kRzWtHP5mReQ-T4CVTcKXsIOZEJQzO2YxdjyYTj87FBCmpS-tduwrp6gcu3SZSYlK9RUc3ueKsCsjpz79V2X1d6qEn9juPdjeZ8-ZbsQv1R-LuTUQt8_ef0bgMdWiWwOIOksW4/s640/15977180_10211888508388374_5786761420300982425_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We flew south in February for my brother's Gulf-side sunset <b><a href="http://www.alovelylifeindeed.com/2017/03/scenes-from-wedding.html" target="_blank">wedding</a></b> and soaked up a lot of sun that we wished we could have bottled for our frigid New England winter. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">March was quiet; the blizzard brought some snow-day snuggles with the pup and the hubs and with the hope that Spring would make her appearance sooner than later. Nope. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rA9wnVNUR59EBmDeYLL1lvwhpdd-EH9O1FROXxluplDO8x5u5GVUxC1L3XTqCS1XZF-_uN0HxbFpytooN0_JI6lR1ZUblIMbL5bC01i_B-9AwbADn4xaGY4bZ7vD0zA0Ml-NTTTP7IMf/s1600/17629955_10212668353004002_6787147903347724955_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rA9wnVNUR59EBmDeYLL1lvwhpdd-EH9O1FROXxluplDO8x5u5GVUxC1L3XTqCS1XZF-_uN0HxbFpytooN0_JI6lR1ZUblIMbL5bC01i_B-9AwbADn4xaGY4bZ7vD0zA0Ml-NTTTP7IMf/s640/17629955_10212668353004002_6787147903347724955_n.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In April, I traveled to Milwaukee for WITS17, the Women in Travel Summit. From food tours to a party at the Harley Davidson Museum and selfies with the Bronze Fonz, MKE treated us well and seeing my travel friends was rejuvenating. If you're a woman who loves travel, <b><a href="http://www.sheswanderful.com/witsummit/" target="_blank">WITS18</a></b> takes place in May in Quebec City! Join us!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyb0sWGydGxNiHO8P9NZFQLfAglyIOzYEGIxVd-vJzAdeXU1b-O1XoTdccU3v4SHE_VJT0QV0PeHyJ-TYn9bnDTIN7sh-4mssgES9i006xMTmOd_ddDmcp1lJ_Z3O4fUznHWVJws8Q23De/s1600/IMG_5520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyb0sWGydGxNiHO8P9NZFQLfAglyIOzYEGIxVd-vJzAdeXU1b-O1XoTdccU3v4SHE_VJT0QV0PeHyJ-TYn9bnDTIN7sh-4mssgES9i006xMTmOd_ddDmcp1lJ_Z3O4fUznHWVJws8Q23De/s640/IMG_5520.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In May, we celebrated five years of marriage and ten years together by sharing an ice cream at the place where we met. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAY50j_t0F8fjgnpkzk2RBBLXbbb5JdV1Cd_ojbntR-EXIZiu7Jy4RrTkCNe0y92GtsiwEyxAeLOaXiG-5q10q2aXCdkh4cuP4n9-OUayCJj1Bbx8NmunEkGDFBJHOUxH7_JLANFyBeJ3x/s1600/18519488_10213179650026108_1249883461658883994_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAY50j_t0F8fjgnpkzk2RBBLXbbb5JdV1Cd_ojbntR-EXIZiu7Jy4RrTkCNe0y92GtsiwEyxAeLOaXiG-5q10q2aXCdkh4cuP4n9-OUayCJj1Bbx8NmunEkGDFBJHOUxH7_JLANFyBeJ3x/s400/18519488_10213179650026108_1249883461658883994_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Later that month, we traveled north of the border, to enjoy a long weekend in Montreal. Great weather, great food, great company. A lovely weekend, indeed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsG1cMqV4ni7-8GNHOjuiUVUrHZB5X0DmqAfr7I11Tc1UhsyLdY2BqCV3eCDQ1nijuji9hdUkQsspmQKT5lL7OEus_aBd_9RZexOvtrAwBkO58oBqGiuVIe67r_bmskkJ5oQNVW9yePxVQ/s1600/18698152_10213270653061127_1470525250408684999_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsG1cMqV4ni7-8GNHOjuiUVUrHZB5X0DmqAfr7I11Tc1UhsyLdY2BqCV3eCDQ1nijuji9hdUkQsspmQKT5lL7OEus_aBd_9RZexOvtrAwBkO58oBqGiuVIe67r_bmskkJ5oQNVW9yePxVQ/s640/18698152_10213270653061127_1470525250408684999_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">June was a whirlwind. It began in Miami for a end-of-the-year teacher <strike>party</strike> rave like no other I have ever seen. Then after my birthday celebrations, it was time for the Tall Ships in Boston, an outdoor Jack Johnson concert, and seeing Wicked for the first time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was wicked good!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYG4MPPcdqUJ-N_h-nRRnfhfJIe8vBwjacW-Nnpl9s_zVKQ4BMJSfZuVMZHoG10GcRUwOAPEg0suwTClHRF3eLHFzYqqQfHm1E5sDeMjSECGhK7avQHnT543iwPk80letZqlrvQwypuWh/s1600/IMG_5523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYG4MPPcdqUJ-N_h-nRRnfhfJIe8vBwjacW-Nnpl9s_zVKQ4BMJSfZuVMZHoG10GcRUwOAPEg0suwTClHRF3eLHFzYqqQfHm1E5sDeMjSECGhK7avQHnT543iwPk80letZqlrvQwypuWh/s640/IMG_5523.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">July brought us back to Europe, back to Spain to see family and friends, and back to Porto, exploring northern Portugal with our friend who visited us from the States. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HFvkiRS7T4PzX_XBlgcELhlqjSumNM8mpJmUot0dfHbE4-oIyT2WtLsAUDBEn1xCGtUVd5ih0IkUup6OIjm6rhAL8_F2kw3ngYEn2xtSlfZbiyfjq8HeDR-oGeqcxLnayB_4RE3rLDjc/s1600/IMG_3279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HFvkiRS7T4PzX_XBlgcELhlqjSumNM8mpJmUot0dfHbE4-oIyT2WtLsAUDBEn1xCGtUVd5ih0IkUup6OIjm6rhAL8_F2kw3ngYEn2xtSlfZbiyfjq8HeDR-oGeqcxLnayB_4RE3rLDjc/s640/IMG_3279.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-3jdgvzqyDOdSd5ow3wBAAzpsVacBiEi8waZMIRbMnT2NlcrrcI6j73URNM3eWtAcj1pmHBFMl74PJquZ1B7eyPZkARoEq8CqpS_SrcSUAq9_wtWcG2iOOggZtdW11iriYgNENF_BIFH/s1600/2015-04-21+21.13.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-3jdgvzqyDOdSd5ow3wBAAzpsVacBiEi8waZMIRbMnT2NlcrrcI6j73URNM3eWtAcj1pmHBFMl74PJquZ1B7eyPZkARoEq8CqpS_SrcSUAq9_wtWcG2iOOggZtdW11iriYgNENF_BIFH/s640/2015-04-21+21.13.56.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">How about this sunset though?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9_3uVRlv13Uckr7b2HRIfkllqCPkAlqlg1eOge_VdhFVfM6nseKil4pXwL1VIFKgDaUQNTgLgy5eRNRcpy5I70AjaCUJSM7sqssLMfkYG5okSZFP8x6txjL3aKUDY6hrJ87ImOJ2o-ns/s1600/20429757_10213977689616599_7634327284494115260_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9_3uVRlv13Uckr7b2HRIfkllqCPkAlqlg1eOge_VdhFVfM6nseKil4pXwL1VIFKgDaUQNTgLgy5eRNRcpy5I70AjaCUJSM7sqssLMfkYG5okSZFP8x6txjL3aKUDY6hrJ87ImOJ2o-ns/s640/20429757_10213977689616599_7634327284494115260_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In September, I was scheduled to spend time with a friend in Northern New Mexico, but bronchitis and costo-chondritis put my trip on hold. Luckily, by the middle of the month, the cough was better and we were able to spend time playing tour guide in Boston to friends in town for a long weekend. We ended the month cheering on our MLS home team, the New England Revolution, with friends who gifted us with tickets for one of their final home games. Go team!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhnya1oGgSiQJJcb3Ua8Nt84Gjd51nKNun-g2t2pSeIEBTSU0L-QEdGUjbGhtOrBoXeBKcFL4Oo8DZq6WIpv8QSsMxoukx43yqdUQZeY5FBKqjsmzOLtP-rWceljHtCinW-9tilnknFqm/s1600/22089846_10214505841700071_6464303857949540123_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhnya1oGgSiQJJcb3Ua8Nt84Gjd51nKNun-g2t2pSeIEBTSU0L-QEdGUjbGhtOrBoXeBKcFL4Oo8DZq6WIpv8QSsMxoukx43yqdUQZeY5FBKqjsmzOLtP-rWceljHtCinW-9tilnknFqm/s640/22089846_10214505841700071_6464303857949540123_n.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In October, we were dancing in our seats at the Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull concert. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So. Much. Fun. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Then, I was lulled into participating in the 7-day black and white photo challenge and I realized that the pads of my dog's feet are heart shaped. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Seriously. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0JkGcc2wm8Yc-ca4B_dE3rc7GEpu9i6vaoILJHf9zA-DXmYlV7joob1aeswvR4JWKGkTKHPKF5YQob8k1SeNMLlwP7mBgS_6-9pzx6eFlIbtMlI5KpCOOCNQwgzM6WGG3We0qWBURYDO/s1600/IMG_4355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1227" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0JkGcc2wm8Yc-ca4B_dE3rc7GEpu9i6vaoILJHf9zA-DXmYlV7joob1aeswvR4JWKGkTKHPKF5YQob8k1SeNMLlwP7mBgS_6-9pzx6eFlIbtMlI5KpCOOCNQwgzM6WGG3We0qWBURYDO/s400/IMG_4355.JPG" width="396" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We ended October with a fabulous Ray Lamontagne concert in Providence and rediscovered what a fun capital city this is to explore. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFJOVp-I-TlM9X_h7JOZEJrLFGSEzxGYZhBbPJPLFNSLvVM5hMvKYgeqj9JkPLkBxGq5kJnDQcbeosn2PJP_CXkQRWy4kEQHi5VwKQ51PxW7CRQt1v0c_T5sf5AgMMQjAF5BSuOnhgQOb/s1600/IMG_4382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFJOVp-I-TlM9X_h7JOZEJrLFGSEzxGYZhBbPJPLFNSLvVM5hMvKYgeqj9JkPLkBxGq5kJnDQcbeosn2PJP_CXkQRWy4kEQHi5VwKQ51PxW7CRQt1v0c_T5sf5AgMMQjAF5BSuOnhgQOb/s640/IMG_4382.JPG" width="512" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In November, I was back in Miami for a quick weekend, eating some of the best Cuban food on Calle Ocho at Versailles, and later, swooning in the sunset of the Florida Keys. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MSDg2CDwGbNCj1b4hZ9E1k3XBeee1CQVff14WtPSJi9PJ2Z329j8dhScmAAMXKE1n2lDRR3HIRq9vr_Ld3d7a3WIeLfS5CU8KHUdNgVFClLuE2nrplebnSOBA5lHxtP_BlBFcjFE6uCW/s1600/3ZHvM65CRKKAxmfAsIMI3Q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MSDg2CDwGbNCj1b4hZ9E1k3XBeee1CQVff14WtPSJi9PJ2Z329j8dhScmAAMXKE1n2lDRR3HIRq9vr_Ld3d7a3WIeLfS5CU8KHUdNgVFClLuE2nrplebnSOBA5lHxtP_BlBFcjFE6uCW/s640/3ZHvM65CRKKAxmfAsIMI3Q.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Then, it was off to Chicago, to learn the ins and outs of travel hacking. It was great catching up with my friend Mona, and she and I made a new friend in Rose. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KjIMkesu9DuLVp3e0L6zoUUlqVOdKVh5Qlgxc4sBu1jT9hWMAPqmEavSJN_Ocqddez52i8j6urJL0zU3oSijQR1tLH3BvBMNjrrHIy25ClgqENG2fCFt6002wxaEV1DlgJ9hZE59dHmS/s1600/IMG_4810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1498" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KjIMkesu9DuLVp3e0L6zoUUlqVOdKVh5Qlgxc4sBu1jT9hWMAPqmEavSJN_Ocqddez52i8j6urJL0zU3oSijQR1tLH3BvBMNjrrHIy25ClgqENG2fCFt6002wxaEV1DlgJ9hZE59dHmS/s400/IMG_4810.JPG" width="373" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My husband and I had the opportunity to catch up with another WITS friend, Vicky, from <i><b><a href="https://www.buddythetravelingmonkey.com/" target="_blank">Buddy, the Traveling Monkey</a></b>, </i>and then later, enjoy what was left of a warm fall day with drinks on a rooftop bar at a <b><a href="https://www.whetstonestation.com/" target="_blank">brewery</a></b> on the Connecticut River in Brattleboro, Vermont. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3JVowcOh6v_wR29Vy9mT2sb-6xoY0EnoP1GO_V3Ueg_69MOd1QnKQLmcGa2Zyk-MIb6l2kKVcmhez3Cq_lCIY_DzuDCWPnN7fDvo4N0GH3uBf9AZrr8iESlk7XWFVSdRU7Yc3vf0ya5y/s1600/IMG_4391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3JVowcOh6v_wR29Vy9mT2sb-6xoY0EnoP1GO_V3Ueg_69MOd1QnKQLmcGa2Zyk-MIb6l2kKVcmhez3Cq_lCIY_DzuDCWPnN7fDvo4N0GH3uBf9AZrr8iESlk7XWFVSdRU7Yc3vf0ya5y/s640/IMG_4391.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Over the Thanksgiving holiday week, it was time to cross the pond once again, this time to London. From Christmas markets to a historical sites to a night at the theatre to see <i>Les Miserables,</i> we had an amazing time. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXalrDlIrkm0PIpLusRMspckSlelLLGMbW-ExdVherstqG2GarzH_zt1smxhm9gQ4Wh-tMu6xBhzm3GTFewchgILgkelkG64dM7VVz8PiqHoH310R6PFDxw45bQE77d2iQ-C6RJ2KBnxz4/s1600/T5mn5xTdRaCSo2l0MBgXfw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXalrDlIrkm0PIpLusRMspckSlelLLGMbW-ExdVherstqG2GarzH_zt1smxhm9gQ4Wh-tMu6xBhzm3GTFewchgILgkelkG64dM7VVz8PiqHoH310R6PFDxw45bQE77d2iQ-C6RJ2KBnxz4/s640/T5mn5xTdRaCSo2l0MBgXfw.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And then we were back in December. The month began with an <i>Acoustic Christmas </i>concert featuring the Goo Goo Dolls. Interestingly, there was no Christmas music to be heard, save for one carol from a warm-up group. Humbug!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There were enough fa-la-las later though, when we took my parents and my mother-in-law to a local concert featuring the <b><a href="http://glennmillerorchestra.com/" target="_blank">Glenn Miller Orchestra</a></b>. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What a treat! This touring group is like a step back in time, playing the old Glenn Miller classics. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6bThwNBZb7JIDy1pkp2bAai-XMu51_KNDdV2loRA3_vFOV2VUTRqj7KqddEkxbSCYPz07nX-wiyGyAxW045cYx9Aa8VkjFui0wg6apshCF-Pg1Qqlnzozxleu6GZiynsQv67gmKybndL/s1600/fWep1XlWTpSXMOFSWHMVRw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6bThwNBZb7JIDy1pkp2bAai-XMu51_KNDdV2loRA3_vFOV2VUTRqj7KqddEkxbSCYPz07nX-wiyGyAxW045cYx9Aa8VkjFui0wg6apshCF-Pg1Qqlnzozxleu6GZiynsQv67gmKybndL/s640/fWep1XlWTpSXMOFSWHMVRw.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you're a fan of big-band music and you haven't seen this gem, check out <i><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn-WKsv_oDM" target="_blank">The Glenn Miller Story</a></b>, </i>starring Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HzrlOK6XJtI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HzrlOK6XJtI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The following week, we were blessed to hear former vice president, Joe Biden, on his book tour in Boston. The conversation, moderated by Tom Brokaw, was a message of hope that so many of us needed to hear. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0dKRjelrxzI8Fv4TXXWiMZXBeLuVGs5AdVbrH_M3dBV8EYAwnACKzHl2AWAYe0Wuxz_s5xHdsBppKYDvgXKpaNfd2OKRrPCfpexyeFWeS41zi1lFdGNVDGbKLoxmP6grqvO17p2NgBss/s1600/IMG_5393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0dKRjelrxzI8Fv4TXXWiMZXBeLuVGs5AdVbrH_M3dBV8EYAwnACKzHl2AWAYe0Wuxz_s5xHdsBppKYDvgXKpaNfd2OKRrPCfpexyeFWeS41zi1lFdGNVDGbKLoxmP6grqvO17p2NgBss/s640/IMG_5393.JPG" width="512" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After all of the holiday merry making, December ended and we <b><a href="http://www.alovelylifeindeed.com/2014/12/grapes-new-years-tradition.html" target="_blank">ate our grapes</a></b> at midnight, eager to greet 2018 with an open heart and excitement for the promise that the year will bring. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While this post ended up being a lot longer than I had planned, for me, it was a fun look back at our year. I hope you have the opportunity to do a similar recap; if not in a public space like this, at least with those you love. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">No doubt, 2017 was not perfect, but it had its moments of love, laughter, and joy. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was a lovely year, indeed. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 42px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 2210px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 42px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 2210px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-84553146296130839532018-01-01T10:55:00.001-05:002018-01-01T10:55:08.743-05:00Start Today...Joy Jar 2018<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy New Year, friends. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is not my idea, but it's a good idea. Thanks, <b><a href="https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/lets-talk-about-those-happiness-jars-shall-we-dear-lovelies-about-a-y/" target="_blank">Liz Gilbert</a></b>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cheers to joy in 2018. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5auroHUVSWgmhN_TNvnY7Hq9FKe0M4ZtkxzSugY8ZHZBCcynr8hiE_ASou7OZ7EfKUrMHT4CNM6wFmQE7Q-ogWU3RP114eh3dpUPi-TmC4HhOoOIieBdrgWCA_Jax9PtXw-6Oewx6h_lj/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4073.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5auroHUVSWgmhN_TNvnY7Hq9FKe0M4ZtkxzSugY8ZHZBCcynr8hiE_ASou7OZ7EfKUrMHT4CNM6wFmQE7Q-ogWU3RP114eh3dpUPi-TmC4HhOoOIieBdrgWCA_Jax9PtXw-6Oewx6h_lj/s640/fullsizeoutput_4073.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Are you starting a new tradition in 2018? </span><br />
<br />Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-9047672773635974042017-11-20T05:00:00.000-05:002017-11-20T05:00:17.552-05:00Earn 1000 Marriott Points with One Tweet<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This weekend, I went to Chicago and attended <b><a href="https://ftuniversity.com/" target="_blank">Frequent Traveler University</a></b>, a symposium of experts in the miles and points game. Workshops on everything from redemption programs to manufactured spending gave attendees tips and tricks to make everyday spending work for their practical and aspirational travel goals. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One thing I didn't know was just how easy it is to accumulate points, both airline and hotel points when you're part of a loyalty program. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For example, Marriott is running a promotion right now with the NFL called </span><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Extra Points Sunday. </i><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All you have to do is connect your Marriott account to your Twitter account before you play and reply to a question that's posted each week. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tweet your response with the hashtag #RewardsPoints and you will earn 1,000 points each week of the promotion. Questions are posted on Sundays and you have until 8:00 p.m. Eastern to answer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLYl3aJrMSJkO-P_lNMWqku7fM4M6hcHsJEMdL8VW5aa70VcUziQNzi-BKk0oPq66TCj4pVLgCG0hHrSq7qBJGyRu6kHqBuxPwqWbI6qDs2zrRk_wfId7_dzTjHl8rbCtIXQ7lAju46LL/s1600/ALLI-Marriott.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="940" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLYl3aJrMSJkO-P_lNMWqku7fM4M6hcHsJEMdL8VW5aa70VcUziQNzi-BKk0oPq66TCj4pVLgCG0hHrSq7qBJGyRu6kHqBuxPwqWbI6qDs2zrRk_wfId7_dzTjHl8rbCtIXQ7lAju46LL/s400/ALLI-Marriott.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With points averaging about $.09/point, you're not going earn a free night, but every point counts. Earning $9 for a few minutes work is not bad at all. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy tweeting!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm new to the miles and points game...any tips or tricks that worked for you? Please share in the comments. </span>Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678450334416953397.post-36090125496939513242017-11-13T05:00:00.000-05:002017-11-13T05:00:16.565-05:00Only a Kiss? Hardly. Guillermo Calderón's Kiss in Boston<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We love to go into Boston for various events and when we saw that Goldstar was offering tickets to Guillermo Calderón's play, <i>Kiss, </i>it seemed like a great opportunity to see the Chilean playwright's socio-political drama. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZR1XsGl_DHk4CWqt5o6DiBu-BRUGRqJDE-kQevPu-auVzzlH3BvJBWTYuLHcxeP5KSoM0HYkOSpm6nUJZ2xaSdd1QfNAnFIZMwzjj8_CNBdhu7SaduO6ppVHpvVGcz12kHOop7qFlnI1M/s1600/IMG_4751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZR1XsGl_DHk4CWqt5o6DiBu-BRUGRqJDE-kQevPu-auVzzlH3BvJBWTYuLHcxeP5KSoM0HYkOSpm6nUJZ2xaSdd1QfNAnFIZMwzjj8_CNBdhu7SaduO6ppVHpvVGcz12kHOop7qFlnI1M/s400/IMG_4751.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Kiss, </i>Calderón's first play in English, is about two couples who meet for dinner in Damascus, seeking respite from the war around them. The couples plan to watch their favorite Syrian soap opera, but things change rapidly. This play-within-a play touches on cultural and linguistic misinterpretations and the implications of those misinterpretations. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jKtdlhHqnDk/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jKtdlhHqnDk?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you're in the Boston area, <i>Kiss </i>is running through November 19th. Tickets are available at the box office and through <b><a href="https://www.goldstar.com/signup?p=F925332RP" target="_blank">Goldstar</a></b>, a discount ticket service operating in major metropolitan cities around the United States. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #bd081c; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 193px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 607px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #bd081c; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 193px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 607px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Kelly Rodriguezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424296190091205312noreply@blogger.com0