tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70998752710582735612023-11-16T06:13:37.368-05:00Beginnings of a New LifeCaitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-52020970486050207322014-01-11T17:14:00.001-05:002014-01-11T17:14:48.386-05:00WordpressI have started up a newer, cooler and hopefully easier posting/blogging styles over at wordpress.com. I have already started exporting my files, posts and comments over to the new page; I am not quite sure how I like it yet but I am hoping I will like it more and more as the time goes by.<br />
<br />
Thanks to everyone who took the time to read/comment and support me as I started, stopped and re-started this blog over here. You can continue to keep up to date with everything <a href="http://beginningsofanewlife.wordpress.com/">here.</a>Caitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-36062084093938996612014-01-07T10:00:00.000-05:002014-01-07T10:00:07.977-05:00Living Intentionally - I already made a mistake<span style="color: purple;"><b><i>I recently read a post from another blog <a href="http://frugalbeautiful.com/blog/">Frugal Beautiful</a> about how frugal doesn't mean being cheap.</i></b></span><br />
<br />
Before the weekend, I signed up for this 'super-sweet offer' from a magazine company. For $39.90 (every 2.5 months and charged to my credit card) I can get 4 of my favorite magazine titles (which equals about $3.88/week), but after 72 hours I am locked in to this contract for 48 months. <i>48 MONTHS! </i> Um, what? I can't cancel? I am locked in for the entire contract? 'Well, we offer over 300 different magazines, so if you get bored of the ones you originally order, you can change it up and get 4 new, different ones,' they say. Hmm. So over the weekend, I did some research. Apparently many people are dissatisfied with the service, have had bad experiences with harassing/rude phone calls and have had to make complaints about the company at various state's Better Business Bureaus. Yikes! (Not to mention that I did this without discussing this with the hubby - something I am trying to do better with and more of).<br />
<br />
It might not seem like a lot of money - to save $40 every 2.5 months should be easy. And if it is for you - great! For me, in my current financial situation, saving for a few magazines to come to my door is going to be hard. After much research and hard thinking about this 'suddenly-in-my-mind-stupid-decision' - and not the first one I will ever make either! - I decided to cancel that new subscription. Alas, I had to wait to Monday but it got done!<br />
<br />
The main reasons I came to this conclusion:<br />
1. We visit the <a href="http://ppld.org/">library</a> practically EVERY weekend. I almost always hit the magazine section and borrow 1-two past issues of my favorite magazines. And they are FREE.<br />
2. One of my intentions this year is to pay cash for things I want (exception of big-ticket items). Charging my credit card every couple of months DOES NOT fulfill that intention. Sorry, but a charge card is not cash.<br />
3. The library has FREE books and magazines to read. Past and present issues.<br />
4. I went ahead and assumed I would have the extra money every so often to do this; most likely scenario? Do I pay my credit card bill or put gas in the car? Honestly, money is tight for us/me right now and I would rather put gas in the car so I can get to work.<br />
5. Did I mention the library? That card is getting a TON of use, and we've only been here 3 months!<br />
6. Reading <a href="http://frugalbeautiful.com/blog/">this blog</a> and all subsequent posts relating to this.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Special Elite', cursive; font-size: 17px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 20px 0px 0px; text-align: center;">
<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;">"Being savvily frugal is about putting your money where it matters & putting consciousness into your consumerism."</span></strong></h4>
<div>
<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></strong></div>
<div>
Quote is taken directly from <a href="http://frugalbeautiful.com/blog/?s=Rant%3A+Frugality+">this post</a>.</div>
<div>
She rants about frugality versus being cheap. And <strike>some of,</strike> okay, most all of what she writes about is in direct line with how I am trying to shape my life by living intentionally. Here is a few paragraphs from her post:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: blue;">"<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; text-align: justify;">I don’t think the issue with frugality is necessarily that we won’t buy high end items- it’s just that we need to direct our way from the impulse shopping, the cheap purchases that really add up over time. It still amazes me how much my experience around shopping changed when I saved up for a pair of Christian LouBoutins, a MacBook Pro or a silver necklace from Tiffany & Co. As soon as I curbed my “cheap” purchases- the costume jewelry, the shoes that I only bought because “it was on sale,” or the obligatory nights out with overpriced martinis, my spending was ready for the big fish and it felt damn good.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-top: 0.7em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;">Frugality means buying less, but having more. I have less junk now, and more shoes that I still swoon over- months later. It’s authenticity. When you wear a designer handbag- it may be the only one you own, but it’s bought and paid for- truly, authentically YOURS. When it’s not a debt, but it was paid for without someone (a lender) chipping in, you lie to no one about who you are."</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-top: 0.7em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-top: 0.7em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
The question came down to this: Would I rather shell out $40 for magazines I can get for free at the library (see? The library is famous!) or try to save that $40 for the Coach purse I have been drooling over for about a year now (pretty much since last Christmas but I feel is too expensive to just go and purchase outright without some major saving)? I'll take the Coach purse!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-top: 0.7em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
What do you think?</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-top: 0.7em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Caitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-20042437986813648772014-01-06T12:17:00.001-05:002014-01-06T12:17:26.440-05:00Two videos I think you need to watchA few things:<br />
One, I think this woman in this video was on my plane from Boston to Dallas/Ft Worth when I was coming back from visiting my family over Thanksgiving. I am not entirely sure this was her, but I noticed her for obvious reasons. And I am ashamed to admit that I did, indeed, have to look away because her outward appearance is 'different'. At first I wanted to keep <i>looking at her.</i> (Some people may call it staring; I call it curiosity-with-un-moving-eyes). But then I thought about all the other people in the terminal and how they also might be looking at her and I felt that adding me to the mix would make her uncomfortable. So I stopped. Then today I saw this video (making it's Facebook rounds) and I had to watch. Don't watch it if you are just trying to keep up with the latest craze of videos. Watch it to remind yourself that the words 'beauty' and 'ugly' are two liberal, over-used words our society uses to make ourselves feel better. She has overcome odds (in birth and in life) and she is a great reminder about how our actions can uplift others, rather than tear them down.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://clashdaily.com/2014/01/labelled-worlds-ugliest-woman-lizzie-velasquez-knows-god-sees-true-beauty/">http://clashdaily.com/2014/01/labelled-worlds-ugliest-woman-lizzie-velasquez-knows-god-sees-true-beauty/</a><br />
<br />
Second.<br />
I am noticing this video in our everyday lives more and more. Someone very close to me recently suggested I upgrade my phone to a smartphone or something with all-the-time-internet-capabilities (even if I only use it for the GPS). I have a cell phone. I like my phone. It can connect to the internet, but a. the screen is so small and b. I choose <i>not </i>to. My phone serves it's purpose: I can call and text and sometimes even take a picture. I want to go on Facebook or Pinterest, post to this blog or search the internet? I can wait until I get home from work to use the computer. I need directions? Stop and ask, or look it up before I go out. I want to listen to Pandora?Well, how about that radio? Or the Ipod?<br />
<br />
I must admit, sometimes it would be easier to have a smartphone. Better pictures, more text message storage space, I can do Facetime from my phone rather than having to use Skype or some other program via my computer. GPS at my fingertips - wow that would be so cool (hello to never getting lost and winging it again! Wait, isn't that part of the fun? I discover so many new places I never knew were there before!)<br />
<br />
I also admit that sometimes being out with friends or another certain someone who is 'checking' their phone for updates, weather etc etc can be a bit annoying. Like when we are in a restaurant, having dinner or whatever - we are supposed to be talking, laughing, sharing and you 'need' to have your phone on the table? On more than one occasion I have asked others to put away the phone. If I wanted to see what the latest app was, the weather (just go outside!) or who is posting a new picture to FB or Instagram every five seconds instead of spending some quality-in-the-present-moment time with you, I would have stayed home, plunked down in front of the computer.<br />
<br />
So watch this video. If your life continues like this, how long do you think those relationships will last? (On either side?) Maybe this will cause you to pause and think about your current life - are you making memories with the people you love or too worried about the next stat or picture?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.artthesystem.com/2013/12/after-i-saw-this-i-put-down-my-phone.html">http://www.artthesystem.com/2013/12/after-i-saw-this-i-put-down-my-phone.html</a>Caitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-65500224466247948602014-01-03T10:00:00.000-05:002014-01-03T13:24:33.111-05:00Dinner Last NightSmokey Corn Chowder<br />
Hands-on time: 25 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Serves 6<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
8 oz sliced bacon, cut in half<br />
1 lg sweet onion, chopped <span style="color: red;">(I just used a yellow onion)</span><br />
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped<br />
1/2 tsp smoked or regular paprika<br />
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper<br />
2 10oz pkgs frozen corn <span style="color: red;">(I just used one)</span><br />
3 c low sodium chicken or vegetable broth <span style="color: red;">(I used chicken)</span><br />
1 c half and half<br />
Salt and black pepper<br />
2-4 scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal<br />
1 baguette, sliced and toasted (optional)<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Cook bacon in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy, 6-8 mins. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate.<br />
Spoon off and discard all but 2 Tbsp grease and return pan to medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, 5-7 minutes until soft. Add the garlic, paprika and red pepper and cook, stirring about 2 minutes.<br />
Stir in the corn, broth and cream; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15 mins. Transfer half of soup to a blender and puree until smooth. Return to pot and stir in 1/2 tsp each salt and black pepper.<br />
Divide among soup bowls and top with scallions and bacon. Serve with bread if using.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">*I used a light rye bread from the bakery for the bread and did not toast it so the juices could be soaked up.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">I also pureed once, poured it back in, took out some more and did it again for a second time before re-joining it all back in the pan. Andrew doesn't like corn so I figured this would make it easier to eat the slightly smaller kernels. </span><br />
<br />Caitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-20105535863542094062014-01-01T18:08:00.001-05:002014-01-06T13:02:59.461-05:00Hello 2014!Gosh, can you believe it? 2014! Already? So much has happened this year in our lives - exploring all around Alaska as the last few months flew by around us, packing up our house and saying goodbye to close friends we have made in the last three years, traveling by car through Canada and parts of the US we have never been to, making new memories, settling into Colorado Springs, surprising family for Thanksgiving and enjoying the holidays in our new apartment!<br />
<br />
I don't really like the idea of 'resolutions' for the upcoming year - mostly because I tend to break them. I attended my first heated yoga class at <a href="http://www.cambioyoga.com/">Cambio Studios</a> yesterday morning, and the instructor started off the class with a little 'farewell to 2013, hello to 2014' quip and one of the things she said - she is going to be pursuing <i>intentions </i>rather than resolutions. <i>Intentions. </i>I like that. Making a resolution for the new year is setting you up to fail - after all, isn't the word itself sound so <i>final</i>? Intentions is more flexible; if I don't succeed, then there is room to grow and change and make the goal more suited to how life changes.<br />
<br />
A few posts ago, I wrote that I want to live a <i style="font-weight: bold;">fuller life.</i> What does this look like? To me, this means living more simply, more compassionate, more servant-like. I am not going to be perfect and that is okay with me.<br />
<br />
Some of the ways I have brainstormed to help make this overall intention succeed:<br />
Read/listen to one book a month (List coming soon)<br />
Volunteer in the Church's nursery<br />
Experiment more with new recipes; find a couple of new favorites and make a rotating schedule<br />
Sponsor a family for the 2014 Holiday Season<br />
Spark my creativity - see tab under '52 in 52'<br />
Attempt to stick to an allowance for myself every month (not that I spend a lot of money on myself anyway) - The point here is to use CASH for coffees, snacks, little purchases, stamps etc. When it is gone, it is gone. The Question becomes: What is really important to me? Do I really want to give up those $4 for a fancy espresso drink? P.S. The answer is almost always YES!<br />
Attempt to only purchase/acquire clothes etc for the house from second-hand/consignment stores like Plato's Closet, The Salvation Army, Airman's Attic, Warrior Warehouse etc.<br />
*Exception to the intention (because there are always exceptions): Underthings, workout clothes, gifts given to me. If I have a gift card, intend to only shop the clearance/super-marked-down racks. Sneakers and shoes (special condition of the feet needing good support). The ONLY other non-second hand exception comes from super-discounted sales (like the one Old Navy is having right now to get rid of all their winter stock - Hello l/s shirts for less than $3!!)<br />
Save for something of quality; rather than having lots of quantity. If I can save up for something and use cash to purchase it - it is authentically mine and I am more apt to take better care of it.<br />
<br />
There are, of course, financial intentions for the upcoming year as well; some I may talk about on here while others I may not. Mostly because financial information within my immediate family is none of anyone's business except between Andrew and I, but I may share some of the frustrations that come from not reaching those goals or lessons I am learning along the way.<br />
<br />
There are many other ideas and thoughts floating around in my mind on what it will mean, what it currently means, and what I have imagined it to mean, living a fuller life. Intentions will (and should) change as the year progresses but as for now, I am excited to see what this new year will bring!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmqETB3GdXpl6ds1FTVCl9hFlPm-Ktifq-EiuoAkkOZwgSeilcecuzK8b38r8uBlMVgrE8f4WMGkYpnwipXYqQkQvJkcKDrLNbDm0W8oY33w6uSbPBpBxlQ1z8IBdR_42NbO72UEAdyE/s1600/2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmqETB3GdXpl6ds1FTVCl9hFlPm-Ktifq-EiuoAkkOZwgSeilcecuzK8b38r8uBlMVgrE8f4WMGkYpnwipXYqQkQvJkcKDrLNbDm0W8oY33w6uSbPBpBxlQ1z8IBdR_42NbO72UEAdyE/s320/2014.jpg" height="167" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Caitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-27620240888037403842013-12-28T11:24:00.001-05:002013-12-28T11:24:08.277-05:00Dinner Last nightI've been trying out new recipes via my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/caitlinskinner/din-din-dinner/">Pinterest Dinner</a> board. There are so many yummy dishes all around, sometimes it is hard to choose just one! I wanted us to shy away from having chicken all the time, so decided to try a shrimp dish. It was Delish! Simple ingredients and simple process. Even Andrew liked it (he doesn't always like the new dishes) and said we should make it again.<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Orzo with Feta, Basil and Shrimp</span></u><br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: minion-pro-display, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: minion-pro-display, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
1/4 cup plus 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: minion-pro-display, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
1/2 tsp. sweet Spanish paprika</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: minion-pro-display, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: minion-pro-display, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em id="__mceDel" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em id="__mceDel" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></em></em>1/2 tsp. sea salt, plus more, to taste</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: minion-pro-display, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
3 cups orzo</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: minion-pro-display, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, snipped into small pieces, plus 4 to 6 whole leaves</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: minion-pro-display, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
1/4 lb. feta cheese, crumbled</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: minion-pro-display, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: minion-pro-display, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2d2d2d;">In a bowl, stir together the shrimp, the 1/4 cup olive oil, the paprika, red pepper flakes and the 1/2 tsp. salt. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. </span><span style="color: red;">*I only let it sit for about 20 minutes and it still tasted great!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: minion-pro-display, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: minion-pro-display, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo, stir well and cook until al dente (tender but firm to the bite), according to package instructions.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: minion-pro-display, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: minion-pro-display, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Meanwhile, in a large fry pan over medium-high heat, warm the 2 Tbs. olive oil. Drain the shrimp, discarding the marinade, and add the shrimp to the pan. Cook, turning once or twice, until the shrimp are opaque throughout, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the shrimp and any pan juices to a plate and cover to keep warm.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: minion-pro-display, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: minion-pro-display, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Drain the orzo and transfer to a warmed serving bowl. Add the shrimp and their juices and stir several times. Add the snipped basil and cheese and gently stir again once or twice. Garnish with the whole basil leaves and serve immediately. Serves 6 to 8.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: minion-pro-display, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: minion-pro-display, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: red;">*For the Feta Cheese, the variety I used was tomato and basil. I only put in what I thought looked good, rather than a 1/4 lb. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: minion-pro-display, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: red;">*For the basil, buying fresh is really expensive here, so I put in 1/2 tsp instead.</span></div>
Caitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-31166071456424946892013-12-15T13:53:00.001-05:002013-12-15T13:53:22.649-05:00A few pictures from our last nine months in AlaskaAlthough most of our photos are on Facebook, I decided to share a few of the pictures we took during our last 9 months in Alaska so you can see what we've been up to! (not in any particular order).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSThav6Zjy7sdGyepPLPDUGUZMULDZ7-LLL1Tj43Vgn4xupa651_xdbT5j1vRf0uBHw9CZ-TxBJvCQfvd-nVAPpgXXgFf8auxVKROjLANEpLzxJUZ90ibDqWcZ2Uu8hLVe8zrvZTvnss/s1600/IMG_1215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSThav6Zjy7sdGyepPLPDUGUZMULDZ7-LLL1Tj43Vgn4xupa651_xdbT5j1vRf0uBHw9CZ-TxBJvCQfvd-nVAPpgXXgFf8auxVKROjLANEpLzxJUZ90ibDqWcZ2Uu8hLVe8zrvZTvnss/s320/IMG_1215.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Talkeetna, where Mayor Stubbs lives.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mDBvMBMNeygDeb3Re16mTdNjZcIQSb44S7XW0CxNnf2BHylxfOwCiUYuxNOA_BTuuyF7PLLo_RYLUqo_3xNmJGEuPhNrdbUNn_GjFJFIOfO9dp7CJ6PtyzS-cJvu-hRfNfPDyjQLnIk/s1600/IMG_1667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mDBvMBMNeygDeb3Re16mTdNjZcIQSb44S7XW0CxNnf2BHylxfOwCiUYuxNOA_BTuuyF7PLLo_RYLUqo_3xNmJGEuPhNrdbUNn_GjFJFIOfO9dp7CJ6PtyzS-cJvu-hRfNfPDyjQLnIk/s320/IMG_1667.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moose at Kincaid Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KV7kUo4Wf7QBMkz6_h_5JIqTIcWOwpejBs4m5M14xcoUMjHyC3ZX3KgoeWGoOdkwunRzk0PXJqe7CIk4GIC9__FvezLr34O0M53BbkzgaGutWAPPihD0ut1VyOQ8H10UBmwQtyqEGlE/s1600/IMG_1708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KV7kUo4Wf7QBMkz6_h_5JIqTIcWOwpejBs4m5M14xcoUMjHyC3ZX3KgoeWGoOdkwunRzk0PXJqe7CIk4GIC9__FvezLr34O0M53BbkzgaGutWAPPihD0ut1VyOQ8H10UBmwQtyqEGlE/s320/IMG_1708.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking to Snowbird Hut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNmTDP1D1_ZpiOqYclBCQXuBAfqLrP6Jij_AKco1YZYmDALSMbIr2WeI-IDe3Mgz3zg25MXKE9ozwjlhK3BB7IUF4mq3kvSXr-GrTxR1JzrJuq8pOBqA5FdDWIDBd9JuY93lFyEzj-9Y/s1600/IMG_1724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNmTDP1D1_ZpiOqYclBCQXuBAfqLrP6Jij_AKco1YZYmDALSMbIr2WeI-IDe3Mgz3zg25MXKE9ozwjlhK3BB7IUF4mq3kvSXr-GrTxR1JzrJuq8pOBqA5FdDWIDBd9JuY93lFyEzj-9Y/s320/IMG_1724.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0kQ-Zqc3ftg7pHkD8bTuFRxe311c16N692VFzP9PTLUOHmdyRrRqbetGmdwrZ5kZLRTiTS0TKOOB9LPSMkapnv3ZT4dexCFxHuOnstsrSWXVjWzYiwJ7ZpKI33xnBiskHzx_qt3gqms/s1600/IMG_1756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0kQ-Zqc3ftg7pHkD8bTuFRxe311c16N692VFzP9PTLUOHmdyRrRqbetGmdwrZ5kZLRTiTS0TKOOB9LPSMkapnv3ZT4dexCFxHuOnstsrSWXVjWzYiwJ7ZpKI33xnBiskHzx_qt3gqms/s320/IMG_1756.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing Puzzles with the Mitchells.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPyqw3unL_QNbkjja2aMsvm9OFr890KM8Ny70pZ3e-OARRD0wEQN5qKyCuCz9g70KCqF7STWobDrC1-TaYQ0zd6fCSttfMwDjyPa0IRpYJoyDPZekDyhyQdGYmti8xQeyXFiVeDJdTJc/s1600/IMG_1760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPyqw3unL_QNbkjja2aMsvm9OFr890KM8Ny70pZ3e-OARRD0wEQN5qKyCuCz9g70KCqF7STWobDrC1-TaYQ0zd6fCSttfMwDjyPa0IRpYJoyDPZekDyhyQdGYmti8xQeyXFiVeDJdTJc/s320/IMG_1760.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying out the Hookah</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lC1Ym6Rol0RUAOE0OHcu7xrxonL9K56CHgGcA8BtV2s_ZtR7TM_AmbkjlGWzWuzMaCydgzQjnLFVT1KBl61DLeJ0Vy1YAsUEXBpoTPTY3pLub46hd2j6qAvgifmEWlBoz36WRqmS5XU/s1600/IMG_1017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lC1Ym6Rol0RUAOE0OHcu7xrxonL9K56CHgGcA8BtV2s_ZtR7TM_AmbkjlGWzWuzMaCydgzQjnLFVT1KBl61DLeJ0Vy1YAsUEXBpoTPTY3pLub46hd2j6qAvgifmEWlBoz36WRqmS5XU/s320/IMG_1017.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew's re-enlistment (June 2013)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehI_BjjSL2-yDIhdL4LNAR-IpqY5p5v5ttLja3csdJ8o_4F2yydbK9jko_TnUj6mjgvKWKYhPElEo0kPw0opvsemZAgQJNRUpAL2alt7KJtuVCztWEAXqE3Ez7aQrbzCj__dFGahpi2U/s1600/IMG_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehI_BjjSL2-yDIhdL4LNAR-IpqY5p5v5ttLja3csdJ8o_4F2yydbK9jko_TnUj6mjgvKWKYhPElEo0kPw0opvsemZAgQJNRUpAL2alt7KJtuVCztWEAXqE3Ez7aQrbzCj__dFGahpi2U/s320/IMG_1024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rick & Sheryl came to visit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaAq8sTa7oCgwH8L2EWPmGC0a2i8hFCA_r240rHi1VRRVtkc8KHdjeAdO0kUhrDqkG1bNUzDmkpklX6d3rLw7Qhd8SdVcGVeAdhVWJdkfUEkRyyCCHGRNOHHvAiXkV0RSW5TcvOFR7YE/s1600/IMG_1043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaAq8sTa7oCgwH8L2EWPmGC0a2i8hFCA_r240rHi1VRRVtkc8KHdjeAdO0kUhrDqkG1bNUzDmkpklX6d3rLw7Qhd8SdVcGVeAdhVWJdkfUEkRyyCCHGRNOHHvAiXkV0RSW5TcvOFR7YE/s320/IMG_1043.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Denali National Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFazWlq_Rc154XODRw2XniS1DIJtjoL6lRAZZkcnW0mrXXtvDzcJx68GzFQLXHhFtwnVCGR_OlnfTGksCNfxEFQab6G-u_1xgHVc8XO3yXvAcvd0amUgbTynwLpzUqjhVeoH-7x1OyCc/s1600/IMG_1111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFazWlq_Rc154XODRw2XniS1DIJtjoL6lRAZZkcnW0mrXXtvDzcJx68GzFQLXHhFtwnVCGR_OlnfTGksCNfxEFQab6G-u_1xgHVc8XO3yXvAcvd0amUgbTynwLpzUqjhVeoH-7x1OyCc/s320/IMG_1111.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_J3XDeLh7W76wiq6Go7V9czlDbjorGPV6Qw2qeHzOlRjtJKt1q8BMkx-TVyH-fvZlag4469sOmNnQ0Sj3oNPj6RVXF1LS3Q2cB3IB6zosb6qnZDG_-AvaQyNKg6LeWCF3RQhJKQxPXZQ/s1600/IMG_1176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_J3XDeLh7W76wiq6Go7V9czlDbjorGPV6Qw2qeHzOlRjtJKt1q8BMkx-TVyH-fvZlag4469sOmNnQ0Sj3oNPj6RVXF1LS3Q2cB3IB6zosb6qnZDG_-AvaQyNKg6LeWCF3RQhJKQxPXZQ/s320/IMG_1176.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwFZrRqpjsWU6aMnfuyh2Vh9tQtJpL99m7__G6FSW8u9Z_S6oOytChn611HD81Q4X6sRsTQpm1NrmhnnATpLcjxcc7SIKLiyOJKGDxHfovkmF8dr5UKswpkwlYRV_sYln955D67sqCsA/s1600/IMG_0758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwFZrRqpjsWU6aMnfuyh2Vh9tQtJpL99m7__G6FSW8u9Z_S6oOytChn611HD81Q4X6sRsTQpm1NrmhnnATpLcjxcc7SIKLiyOJKGDxHfovkmF8dr5UKswpkwlYRV_sYln955D67sqCsA/s320/IMG_0758.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning Gull Rock Trail with Alex and Danielle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWj4ulLdOxGtrz3MPEvMO4ZYMEmUIcOFpzcIDip5WIM3rP2MqkFH_crS9MKhMBSCgtY5Gr7l9eGnnSQcL2MethaTeo0weOZQCl5eC1zyZKHCmJiBxxGNuo9Ua23Yk7FNOahSm-g1iq-s/s1600/IMG_0786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWj4ulLdOxGtrz3MPEvMO4ZYMEmUIcOFpzcIDip5WIM3rP2MqkFH_crS9MKhMBSCgtY5Gr7l9eGnnSQcL2MethaTeo0weOZQCl5eC1zyZKHCmJiBxxGNuo9Ua23Yk7FNOahSm-g1iq-s/s320/IMG_0786.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShJQELcPkN5O7WL37AquEIWYtslNLM9-CIRGlMabqwoYPgu8E5yG6Y9SuHisM2LG75mO7Wkil4FRv6z0KGwA30qVEoHfmc2XNjlarluXoQ_9wE41iK3Xiz8QSBP2ePiGtz4I5iUlsmkk/s1600/IMG_0834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShJQELcPkN5O7WL37AquEIWYtslNLM9-CIRGlMabqwoYPgu8E5yG6Y9SuHisM2LG75mO7Wkil4FRv6z0KGwA30qVEoHfmc2XNjlarluXoQ_9wE41iK3Xiz8QSBP2ePiGtz4I5iUlsmkk/s320/IMG_0834.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_jnas__XyRXhTbJPsLAHK1dc-7ye1FUHOOIhC-oVkIOrWoVDtgCFFxGEPftwA_VZaNQaI4dh_R6yC3wUSpAqub2Jhb3x4y6K1-jDdEr2fj985UEYTyvZ71M3eDDZGCK_6hWRS7rz7rM/s1600/IMG_1362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_jnas__XyRXhTbJPsLAHK1dc-7ye1FUHOOIhC-oVkIOrWoVDtgCFFxGEPftwA_VZaNQaI4dh_R6yC3wUSpAqub2Jhb3x4y6K1-jDdEr2fj985UEYTyvZ71M3eDDZGCK_6hWRS7rz7rM/s320/IMG_1362.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew's Marathon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OWt-ReT-O-raDXd96LXixcqsncdxvG968R8ybDnhdhTQS5seiD5ZsJYvbkWO-kiYqyspdjveR9tC-UjBAwqFO6-TmQEzr0-ru_F5pxlWiYbd2tVpAe1FgfUERIZ0UQNgfOScmTRVVSQ/s1600/IMG_0140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OWt-ReT-O-raDXd96LXixcqsncdxvG968R8ybDnhdhTQS5seiD5ZsJYvbkWO-kiYqyspdjveR9tC-UjBAwqFO6-TmQEzr0-ru_F5pxlWiYbd2tVpAe1FgfUERIZ0UQNgfOScmTRVVSQ/s320/IMG_0140.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cross country skiing at the golf course</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNyKVzzqgVAwRZzrUq3-5PrDCIBlKTcJGnO8QbeLi53Zpz5njysAEfaRg3ZdlQosH7cpi321bV5nhHWw8zFT1zsv1va9myQnLbWA-YVzYmRMz6kRxKYMMbhRlyYuYfRZ4aBEQfVHOH3s/s1600/IMG_0230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNyKVzzqgVAwRZzrUq3-5PrDCIBlKTcJGnO8QbeLi53Zpz5njysAEfaRg3ZdlQosH7cpi321bV5nhHWw8zFT1zsv1va9myQnLbWA-YVzYmRMz6kRxKYMMbhRlyYuYfRZ4aBEQfVHOH3s/s320/IMG_0230.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Fairbanks/Chena Hot Springs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVbo2c8jq0sbdASWHY8Q7rJIsgopePCRIiMB0Ur-cGA3rsxwaVTH1qw0A1Aynddwn_wSfv_fKzE01hq4pQ_E07nib22M6F4GieH479VbMkyAqlgYgSN4hyphenhyphenDQwu3T3IA6RTxFUYgMc00M/s1600/IMG_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVbo2c8jq0sbdASWHY8Q7rJIsgopePCRIiMB0Ur-cGA3rsxwaVTH1qw0A1Aynddwn_wSfv_fKzE01hq4pQ_E07nib22M6F4GieH479VbMkyAqlgYgSN4hyphenhyphenDQwu3T3IA6RTxFUYgMc00M/s320/IMG_0248.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ice museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleTYOXHzavyKrIbWImntMlYEJOijhMun-svCZLX4X_JJNRqql6ZJyWhJHhav3mFxCNO0xav3m0gqs3YmB1-mIABfGXIgBoJJasvFtHl8izb0UQ8Bm93eMS8mj1ylsF80nHI-XNDAwdKQ/s1600/IMG_0274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleTYOXHzavyKrIbWImntMlYEJOijhMun-svCZLX4X_JJNRqql6ZJyWhJHhav3mFxCNO0xav3m0gqs3YmB1-mIABfGXIgBoJJasvFtHl8izb0UQ8Bm93eMS8mj1ylsF80nHI-XNDAwdKQ/s320/IMG_0274.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple martini in a glass cup!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-TzLV6ZqVkn4UH4TPwjrpKEldNEMXFlUYJGYRm9-Fm7Ocqp1tIsqr2wAocW8wLbjr5Z4wQWc6bQ9BC9FMT056ToKIz8h6IAAHF5Q8Ct002wlIUQ15HLGWckvwj8HGTPxg1tu39MhL2w/s1600/IMG_0288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-TzLV6ZqVkn4UH4TPwjrpKEldNEMXFlUYJGYRm9-Fm7Ocqp1tIsqr2wAocW8wLbjr5Z4wQWc6bQ9BC9FMT056ToKIz8h6IAAHF5Q8Ct002wlIUQ15HLGWckvwj8HGTPxg1tu39MhL2w/s320/IMG_0288.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Ice Bar"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Caitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-76921376102610017132013-12-11T21:32:00.000-05:002013-12-11T21:32:40.477-05:00Coming back from a loooong hiatus!Well Hello!<br />
<br />
Obviously I have not kept up with sharing my adventures to everyone. For that I apologize. Our last nine months in Alaska went by so fast and we crammed so much into that short time. A couple of days ago I re-vamped the design etc of this thing and I hope it will encourage me to keep this up!<br />
<br />
I have been thinking about this past year and doing research on ways to live more graciously, more simply, and work on building up our nest egg/gaining full ownership of the red Subaru. I want to live a <i>fuller life</i>. Stay tuned for my thoughts on 2014!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4S59RgsiEr5du_2xsBDaFjKUJBsV5FFf-0njlDFLb8CjvQjo8V3bWxVsO0JY09P4z8HXq0CXRwBDeXfzkKIdgfnTvksm98taCDoFtQEMMBohCSml8zsp__ZNByxeC3nfWLthVu1QMdXQ/s1600/thanksgiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4S59RgsiEr5du_2xsBDaFjKUJBsV5FFf-0njlDFLb8CjvQjo8V3bWxVsO0JY09P4z8HXq0CXRwBDeXfzkKIdgfnTvksm98taCDoFtQEMMBohCSml8zsp__ZNByxeC3nfWLthVu1QMdXQ/s320/thanksgiving.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Caitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-56250193820964129032013-01-26T23:15:00.002-05:002013-01-26T23:17:09.133-05:00Midnight Sun Cafe<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpXRZBHnrWr-XhUm6khpJeP_1lLZGIEgUvEphY9CXn142eZzt4CsvRYF92wh_ojMGn1GaM2cX0K8XOnZ9FyglXdstuafhKEIaKrWhSB56W6kebdsvZavMOUFFucvSRWlD9e3PZYccKgM/s1600/IMG_0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpXRZBHnrWr-XhUm6khpJeP_1lLZGIEgUvEphY9CXn142eZzt4CsvRYF92wh_ojMGn1GaM2cX0K8XOnZ9FyglXdstuafhKEIaKrWhSB56W6kebdsvZavMOUFFucvSRWlD9e3PZYccKgM/s320/IMG_0116.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We sat in a sunny front window of the cafe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMOFlJXq8J_JSt9H6z4SbcFlsvij3R0Y2KH96KMVgh6K1cH9Cy9h0JA2q9ONULWQumc7_WM370_jqHcrb_pb1jjc4x7XUDc0a0VywxSr3KMKEu5NrY1ra-YEz7klZf7raTVKs0mm7LmE/s1600/IMG_0119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMOFlJXq8J_JSt9H6z4SbcFlsvij3R0Y2KH96KMVgh6K1cH9Cy9h0JA2q9ONULWQumc7_WM370_jqHcrb_pb1jjc4x7XUDc0a0VywxSr3KMKEu5NrY1ra-YEz7klZf7raTVKs0mm7LmE/s320/IMG_0119.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew had a pepper-jack turkey sandwich</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1yDJ1aiSjBRmLyV-cQt5xMZebn65l3NNPRezFzOrQ-3xHvB-qhNmr_XrGjwe1cvXU5x7DF_s1MLECra_XUm6Ef8TD4cohZmWHyAC-3fB_g8T6lNtvZAN6i-HNLRCfJvF5OhnlXjzyVA/s1600/IMG_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1yDJ1aiSjBRmLyV-cQt5xMZebn65l3NNPRezFzOrQ-3xHvB-qhNmr_XrGjwe1cvXU5x7DF_s1MLECra_XUm6Ef8TD4cohZmWHyAC-3fB_g8T6lNtvZAN6i-HNLRCfJvF5OhnlXjzyVA/s320/IMG_0117.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many lunch options! And they prepare it right under the sign!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnelKKO8JS2oKnXXzoWW2D56e5YxLvKFQBe08xH1gxplS_D6bdR4viB5cVqKLqwF-YPeYEScHTy3pwTOt3sn2lPfyPiNeZc1LM7vQuOLg5033Swk-s5AsSorhRXe8P6aJ_KH6tqvQz28/s1600/IMG_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnelKKO8JS2oKnXXzoWW2D56e5YxLvKFQBe08xH1gxplS_D6bdR4viB5cVqKLqwF-YPeYEScHTy3pwTOt3sn2lPfyPiNeZc1LM7vQuOLg5033Swk-s5AsSorhRXe8P6aJ_KH6tqvQz28/s320/IMG_0118.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had a delicious one called 'Zeus' that had artichokes, onions, roasted peppers, lettuce, mozzarella and salami.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Caitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-33491970686383263452013-01-05T17:12:00.002-05:002013-01-05T17:13:51.285-05:00101 in 1001So I have been following a blog of someone I went to college with and she is doing a project called 101 in 1001 - as in 101 goals in 1001 days (or 2.7 years). You can read more about it at www.dayzeroproject.org or just Google it. And being me, liking to make lists and things, I think this is a pretty neat idea. I've been thinking about it. What types of goals would I have? What projects would I find doable and most enjoyable?<br />
<br />
The blog post I read this in has plenty of homestead goals - after all, they do own a house and have started a family. For us, as much as I would love to put on there 'paint the kitchen' or something along those lines, we are soon to be in a moving state and putting something like that would be silly since we don't know what our next living space will be like.<br />
<br />
Think, think, think. I have a few categories picked out: Personal, Creative, Professional/Education, Travel & Food (those too I stole from her). Can I really come up with 101 goals with just those five categories?<br />
<br />
We shall see! I'll post when I've got the list!<br />
<br />
Who else would like to try this with me?Caitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-32890723511761124682013-01-02T00:30:00.000-05:002013-01-02T00:30:02.524-05:00Yoga anyone?I've decided to get into the practice of yoga. I went about a month ago to a class at the gym and really enjoyed it. Since I work until 6 every night, I'm not able to go during the week, but one of my girlfriends has been doing Jillian Michael's Yoga Meltdown Level 1 and I decided to try it out. I've been doing it for about a half week now (and on my awesome new blue flower yoga mat Andrew bought for me!) and I am definitely feeling a difference! I've been doing it in the mornings before work which is working out pretty good so far. We will see what happens next week as we drop down to one car again :(.<br />
<br />
I never thought this would happen, but I am already feeling the effects from a couple of days. Yes, most parts of my body are sore, but I can already see I've gained flexibility and I feel looser - not so tight and wound up!<br />
<br />
I haven't done a lot of running at all, even though I should be. For right now, I would like to continue in this yoga mindset and get a little bit stronger, and then in February or March I plan on starting some training for the Twilight 12k/Skini Mini 6k. We shall see where that takes me.<br />
<br />
<br />Caitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-29393564925396406752012-12-16T23:39:00.000-05:002013-12-06T00:06:08.036-05:002013 Last Year in Alaska Bucket List1.<strike> Run in the Big Wild Life Runs - 5k or 1/2 </strike> August 2013, 5k<br />
2. <strike>Run in the Twilight 6 or 12k</strike> June 2013<br />
3.Run in Mayor's 1/2 Marathon<br />
4. <strike>Eat dessert at Sweet Basil Cafe</strike> September 2013<br />
5. <strike>Get coffee & dessert at SugarSpoon</strike> August 2013<br />
6. Get a smoothie @ Organic Oasis<br />
<strike>7. Eat brunch at Taproot </strike> 12/29/12<br />
8. Graduate from school!<br />
9. Volunteer 1 time at Bean's Cafe<br />
10. Participate in National Clean up Day<br />
11. <strike>Camp in Denali National Park</strike> July 2013<br />
12. Hike Ice Harding Trail in Seward<br />
13.<strike> Ride the train to Fairbanks. </strike>February2013<br />
14. Hike Flattop<br />
15. Kayak @ Ekutna Lake<br />
16. <strike>Take a sled dog ride</strike> February 2013<br />
17. Visit & take a picture at the Arctic Circle<br />
18. <strike>Visit Ice Museum & get drink at the (ice!) bar.</strike> February 2013<br />
19. <strike>Go to Chena Hot Springs</strike> February 2013<br />
20. Go on the 26 Glacier Cruise<br />
21. Get a pair of Sealskin Mukluks<br />
22. Hike Crow Pass.<br />
23. Volunteer @ Campbell Creek Science CenterCaitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-40218036670874036132012-12-16T23:29:00.001-05:002012-12-16T23:29:24.071-05:00End of the Year Review: 2012 Goals<b>1. Spend more time with the people I love.</b><br />
Yes .I've been doing better with this. Sarah and I get together at least once a month - or at least whenever we are in each other's area. Andrew and I spend quite a bit of time together too.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Be more connected/involved in the Women's ministry at Hospitality House.</span><br />
I have dropped off the face of the planet in terms of Hospitality House. But I have been faithful in doing the Life On Life Discipleship program this fall and even though it has ended, I am hoping to be in discipleship with the leader of my small group going into the spring.<br />
<br />
<b>3. </b><b>Take advantage of low-cost to free activities offered on base, plus in and around Anchorage.</b><br />
We've done better in this area. We went to the tree lighting and concert celebration in the town square around Thanksgiving. And we went for a walk on the coastal trail recently.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Be more spontaneous, creative, intuitive, interactive.</b><br />
Still working on this one.<br />
<br />
<b>5. Invest in a couple of high-quality items.</b><br />
We haven't bought anything since my last post.<br />
<br />
<b>6. Be financially sound.</b><br />
Again, HAHAHAHA. But we did finally pay off the Nissan sitting broken in our garage!<br />
<br />
<b>7. Giving to God what is God's.</b><br />
See last post on this one.<br />
<b><br /></b>Caitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-76168730262933012092012-11-25T21:57:00.001-05:002012-11-25T21:57:52.739-05:00ThankfulAs everyone else is doing thankful posts via Facebook or twitter, or even in letters and cards, I thought about what I am thankful for. As much as I would like to say the usual... "I'm thankful for family and friends..." I've been thinking a lot harder. What am I thankful for?<br />
<br />
In our life this year, we have been incredibly blessed. We have been able to use cars from various friends as they have gone on deployments or on vacations for extended periods of time. And each one seems to come at the most appropriate time. For example, our friend Julian is coming back from a six month deployment this week - and my friend Sarah is leaving for 3 weeks of vacation on December 11th. So while we will be with one car for two weeks again, we will then have a second car throughout the holidays. This helps out immensely since I have physical therapy twice a week and my schedule is off from Andrew's.<br />
<br />
I am grateful that my health - although rather spotty at times - is in relatively good shape, including the stuff going on with my foot. It could have been worse, after all.<br />
<br />
We have been able to have family visit us and travel back to visit others. We were able to go to Washington State and Seattle, Erin & Grammy have been able to visit, and both of us have been able to visit New England, albeit on separate occasions. Living in Alaska is harder when it comes to visiting family, mostly because it is expensive to buy plane tickets from here and it is more cost efficient to go for more than one week. but we've been lucky.<br />
<br />
Andrew has made some significant breakthroughs in his career in terms of awards he has been in competition for or has won. This looks really good on his resume and shows that he is proactive on being a better wingman. That's why he is being nominated for Airmen of the Year award!<br />
<br />
I am grateful that I still work 40 hrs a week and that I got Outstanding on my year-end review. Which means I will be getting a bonus at the end of the year. Sweet!<br />
<br />
I am grateful for our crazy kitties, Zoey and Chip. They certainly keep things interesting.Caitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-7444704104673933472012-10-25T01:03:00.001-04:002012-10-25T01:03:22.786-04:00ZoeyIt's been a long time since I last posted and although I am not going to go into everything right at this moment, I do want to write about how annoyingly frustrating this whole adopt-a-new-kitten thing has been. We adopted a"6-month" old kitten from Animal control and after having her for just one week, she got a really bad upper respiratory infection so we went for treatment and found out she is pregnant. So we got her meds etc and went on our merry way...except she stopped eating on her own and dropped most of her weight. So back to the animal hospital we went. She was pretty much on death's door when we brought her in and I was pretty convinced we would have to euthanize her that very night (this was two weekends ago). But Andrew never gave up hope and we brought her home with some syringes, a high calorie diet and some sub-q fluids we were to give her everyday.<br />
<br />
She is doing much better now. She has gained all of her weight back and then some, weighing in at 5.2 lbs as of yesterday. She has begun to waddle a little and has two "saddlebags". She is super cute.<br />
<br />
So here is the annoyingly frustrating part - we were supposed to drop her off for a spay today but when I called Animal control to cancel, they said that by not spaying her, I am breaking contract and can be fined, held up in court (of which I must pay attorney fees) and they can still take her back. So I went back to the contract and yes, it says all these things. Let me pause for a minute and point out that we adopted her <i>four weeks ago </i>and upon the news her per pregnancy (~1 week after we got her), it was determined she was give-or-take 2-3 weeks along. So they adopted out a pregnant cat - something they are not supposed to do. Then she got really sick (which is normal coming from a shelter - it happens all the time) so we postponed having the surgery.<br />
<br />
Although she is better, eating by herself etc, she still has some upper respiratory infection signs like sneezing. We are in the opinion that if we were to spay her (and I've done a ton of research on this) that we would a. knock her back on her butt and b. cause her separation anxiety for the rest of her life. I am estimating (in my limited knowledge but thorough research) that she is in her 5th week of pregnancy or has just started her 6th week. Surgery on pregnant cats about to enter or well into their third trimester is NOT recommended. (Cat gestation is normally 65-68 days for those of you who were wondering).<br />
<br />
So the only way out of this is to provide a letter from a veterinarian stating the medical reasons for a delay in the spay procedure. So I called up Diamond Animal Hospital to see if they would write one. They said no based off of the information they have up until when we brought her there for being super sick and on death's door. What they don't know is that she is pretty much better. They still think she's sickly. I suppose I should have called and updated them, but for right now, as far as I'm concerned, I don't think they deserve to know anything.<br />
<br />
So then a vet tech from animal control talked to me and my only option as far as her end is to uphold my contract. But first I need to see if she is healthy enough to even undergo surgery, let alone give birth.<br />
<br />
Anyways, to end this long frustration, the woman we have been talking with from an area rescue is meeting us over at a different animal hospital tomorrow evening for a second opinion and a hope that they will write the letter to delay her spay until after the kittens are born. And if not, we will be 'surrendering' her to the rescue with the tale of her backsliding and getting really sick again so that this woman can 'nurse her back to health and deliver her kittens safely'.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsf3_V-dE9wJ9Mt9qGHtLCWdzNOjMi_RAIJnaR_QixloqutuwUiQZVQlz6zlNV800JltDZHY4BFsscLm3IhVcEs-hKPVmCrFBebSAMvyI0HlfKF9pfmfcmJCV_0GEGyxE9dR9ZDNaWog/s1600/Zoey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsf3_V-dE9wJ9Mt9qGHtLCWdzNOjMi_RAIJnaR_QixloqutuwUiQZVQlz6zlNV800JltDZHY4BFsscLm3IhVcEs-hKPVmCrFBebSAMvyI0HlfKF9pfmfcmJCV_0GEGyxE9dR9ZDNaWog/s320/Zoey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Caitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-14207539171038975852012-09-04T01:54:00.000-04:002012-11-26T23:54:19.674-05:00A little [somewhat vague] update.Okay, here it goes. Remember a few weeks ago I wrote about how much of a slump I was in? Well, I self-referred myself to a counseling center downtown. So far I've had an initial appointment and one regular appointment, with the second coming tomorrow evening. Without going into much detail (since, after all, it is confidential and I think I'd technically have to sign a release-of-information form to each one of you if I were to tell you what happens within the center), I will tell you that I can only handle up to a 3 on the 1-10 stress scale. Let me correct that: anything from a 1-2.9 I can handle with a small amount of frustration. 2.91-borderline 3 and above gets worse. And I mean <i>bad. </i><br />
<br />
So, to help me out, I had to come up with a list of things to do (ie. getting a hobby). I'm already almost finished with one! My list is long-ish but I'm not doing all at once.<br />
<br />
<strike>Make a pillow </strike> Finished! Sunday Nov. 25th 2012<br />
Paint/design the headboard in the guest room<br />
<strike>Join a Bible study</strike> (did that - Thursday nights from 6:30-8 down on Kinrod street and starts on Sept 20th)<br />
Exercise - I've already gone twice in a week, which is my starting goal. But I am going to try to go pretty much every day this week.<br />
Do a couple of projects I've pinned from Pinterest.<br />
<br />
That's all I've got so far.<br />
<br />
<br />Caitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-20094996139600934272012-09-02T13:43:00.002-04:002012-09-02T13:43:51.401-04:00a blurb to keep you happy.I'm not ignoring you I promise! A lot to talk about. But as of right now, we are off to the State Fair for the second (and last) time. I'll try to post in the next few days!<br />
<br />
<br />Caitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-22262640544606493322012-08-06T01:48:00.000-04:002012-08-06T01:48:52.721-04:00Three of my favorite songs from Mandisa...If you haven't listened to her, you need to:<br />
<br />
Stronger:<br />
<a href="http://www.vevo.com/watch/mandisa/stronger-live-in-the-studio-official-music-video/US82Y1100037">http://www.vevo.com/watch/mandisa/stronger-live-in-the-studio-official-music-video/US82Y1100037</a>
<br />
<br />
Good Morning:<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnmWwudeqfM">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnmWwudeqfM</a>
<br />
<br />
Waiting for Tomorrow:<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp4Def1nN0g">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp4Def1nN0g</a>Caitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-9856824843382739582012-08-05T20:59:00.001-04:002012-08-05T20:59:37.336-04:00In a slumpI've been feeling a little blah lately. A few posts ago I had wrote that I wanted to train for a half marathon in October. Based on recent events, I have decided that I don't have the time to train this year. It's already the month of August and I've lost one full month already. For those of you who don't know, I injured my left foot on July 5th and it has pretty much put me back. I haven't run in 7 weeks. Yikes! I've had x-rays, a bone scan, took three days off from work, iced it three times a day for three weeks, walked with crutches for 2 weeks and am still currently not back to normal.<br />
<br />
I've been feeling blah because I have no outlet for my emotions. I used running to do that. And I'm <i>really</i> feeling it. Most people can't see, but I've gained weight in my middle and butt/upper thighs. I don't like it. And right now I can't do anything about it.<br />
<br />
I'm feeling blah because i am getting frustrated at my job with a few certain people. There is a lot of people leaving the center because of PCS orders or, in Meghan's case, moving because her husband's job has been relocated. Out of the 60 or so staff members at Sitka, we are losing 15 more people (and have already lost about 6). It's hard because we haven't been given anyone to replace those leaving - and even the ones we had gotten (about 3), they are automatically put into rooms because we are so short staffed.<br />
<br />
I've been struggling with confrontation lately. I've had to face my dislike of confrontation recently. Not only is it uncomfortable for me, but I haven't been doing it at all and now I have to step up to the plate when I see something going wrong. And I HATE that.<br />
<br />
I've been feeling blah lately. I read friend's blogs and everyone seems to have such happy lives. I love reading about my friend living in Germany and the adventures she has with her kids. I love to read about another friend who just moved - who writes about God and her life and all these philosophical ideas - and I read her blog because she causes me to think about these things. In ways I may never have thought.<br />
<br />
I read of another one of the blogs I follow and although she is busy, she still finds time to can or go canoeing etc.<br />
<br />
I am so tired. I go to work then come home and I'm limited right now in the activities I can do because of the injury. I want to live an exciting life - I mean, I live in <i>Alaska</i> of all places.I'm feeling tired and blah because I tried to live an exciting life and I got injured. Gr.<br />
<br />
I'm in a slump because I feel so tired. I want to go out with friends, go hiking, do crafts/projects, volunteer somewhere...Where does everyone else get the energy to do these things?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELSgNSB48mSqQ8QNplRj9WCm_HIKR_A_Ibb8GP1GKGwggRx1c7Z5W2qQUpzQcZ744hTz7POrfQYoQBToRSfB9muud9Ga2MtmcS-Jh4l-hVcccJE4XwVlY20ecvuIj_SdLDeNly_gDNC8/s1600/sleeping_kitty%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELSgNSB48mSqQ8QNplRj9WCm_HIKR_A_Ibb8GP1GKGwggRx1c7Z5W2qQUpzQcZ744hTz7POrfQYoQBToRSfB9muud9Ga2MtmcS-Jh4l-hVcccJE4XwVlY20ecvuIj_SdLDeNly_gDNC8/s320/sleeping_kitty%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Caitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-43335875071968601612012-08-04T15:14:00.003-04:002012-08-04T15:14:42.671-04:00Two articlesHere are two articles I would like for you all to read. After spending some time in a Muslim country (and having friends who work with them), I understand what a huge step this is for women over there.<br />
<a href="http://sojo.net/blogs/2012/08/02/muslim-women-olympians-legacy">http://sojo.net/blogs/2012/08/02/muslim-women-olympians-legacy</a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.policymic.com/articles/11632/london-olympics-2012-year-of-the-arab-woman-athlete">http://www.policymic.com/articles/11632/london-olympics-2012-year-of-the-arab-woman-athlete</a>Caitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-78410242979223452382012-07-20T18:36:00.000-04:002012-11-24T01:54:51.627-05:00Just over halfway there: have I been keeping my 2012 goals?<b>1. Spend more time with the people I love.</b><br />
<div>
This had been off to a great start. Or at least I thought. But lately I haven't been as good at this. I don't think I've actually spent any time with the Ovels since the last time I did when Andrew was TDY..<i> back in March/April. </i>But I do make an effort to hang out with Sarah at least once a month. SOmetimes more, but we try for once every month. Bonnie - She had a baby, was on vacation then I was...but she is coming over for coffee on Sunday morning so we can catch up. Which I am excited about. Overall, I've been doing really poor in this area. I only have a little more than a year left here and I'm already failing on the friendship scale in terms of quality time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>2. Be more connected/involved in the Women's ministry at Hospitality House.</b></div>
<div>
Again, another EPIC FAIL. And this is because I stopped going. I feel overwhelmed when I go <i>because there are so many people. </i>Don't get me wrong: this is what this ministry is supposed to do - reach out to soldiers/airmen and/or their families. I stopped going first because my favorite exercise class met at the same time. Then it was because Andrew didn't want to go/didn't want a commitment like that every week. Finally it is because I can't stand the immaturity of the 18 year olds. And I am no longer receiving any growth from it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>3. </b><b>Take advantage of low-cost to free activities offered on base, plus in and around Anchorage.</b></div>
<div>
I must admit, I haven't been able to keep up with this one either. There were a few free talks offered at the Campbell Creek Science Center & the Eagle River Nature Center over the course of the winter, but every time I didn't feel safe driving there because of the weather conditions. We did do the Fourth of July parade downtown this year. And we have done some hiking. I know I plan on convincing Andrew to go to some of the performances offered by the Anchorage Concert Association this fall. But those aren't necessarily free. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>4. Be more spontaneous, creative, intuitive, interactive.</b>
</div>
<div>
I struggle with this too, because I like routine, lists and tasks. It's not really part of my personality. Although, I must say that we hiked Mt. Baldy before jumping on a plane bound for Seattle. (This is also the mountain that put me in this current laid-up position - more on that later). I <strike>haven't even thought about that quilt</strike> have had a few fleeting thoughts about the quilt but nothing has come of it yet. I've been thinking about re-arranging some wall hangings/photos around the house. I've been thinking about doing some pinterest ideas. That is about as far as my creativity has gone so far. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>5. Invest in a couple of high-quality items.</b>
</div>
<div>
I've been successful at this one! I FINALLY bought a dress watch - although it becomes my everyday-everywhere-when-I'm-not-working watch, but still. My mom helped me buy it. It is probably <strike>one </strike> THE most expensive piece of jewelry I own, apart from my engagement-wedding rings. But not the most valued, as in sentiment. What else have I gotten? We've bought a 3-season tent and two sleeping bags with our anniversary money. My mom gave us a back country cooking/mess set that isn't cheap and Andrew bought the parts for and built his own desktop. I think we did pretty well here. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>6. Be financially sound.</b>
</div>
<div>
Ha. I think this one is kind of a joke. Really, who is ever really financially sound? I had made it a goal to put aside 10% of every paycheck into a savings account, as an emergency/nest fund and I've done it for the most part. I have had to hold back on a couple paychecks because of bills, but then again there have been other months when I've been able to put aside 20% of every one. I don't have as much saved as I would like but since it is only July, I think I've done a pretty good job.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>7. Giving to God what is God's.</b></div>
<div>
Um...yeah. This DEFINITELY hasn't happened. And I will tell you why: I worry too much. I worry too much about my school loans. I worry too much about how we are going to pay for things - like if the car breaks down. I worry about money. A lot. I know what you might be thinking. how can I worry about money when last year we flew home/to the NE area like four different times? Well, those where special circumstances. And sometimes our inability to say no to our best friends. Or because we were asked to be a part of something long before we got married and couldn't back out of that commitment. Whatever it was, we haven't done that this year. Just one trip. And now that's done. And we won't be flying home again for a while. Probably not until we move away from here. Which is in October of 2013. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I haven't been tithing. and the sad thing is, I no longer feel <u>guilty</u> about it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Overall:</b></div>
<div>
I suck at keeping my goals. Maybe I have too many expectations? Could I be pushing myself too hard too soon in too many areas? We are just over halfway to January 2013. Let's hope that these next few months perk up a little bit.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until then.</div>
Caitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-27220931125061810092012-07-19T18:44:00.002-04:002012-07-19T18:44:38.447-04:00"Do not discriminate. There is no difference between the Jew and the non-Jew. There is no difference between the black and the white man. We are both born the same way and we both die the same way. Make peace."<br />
<br />
Jaap Polak, <i><u>Steal a Pencil for Me.</u></i>Caitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-73935019861263131452012-07-18T22:40:00.000-04:002012-07-18T22:40:51.692-04:00Mt. Baldy, Everett, Seattle, Sedro-Wolley & the North Cascades Highway.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTpG6Tt60aELqDWCj1ZVv6NFQdMQQ-wkdlijiNaTHPxWviTQKlS6g4p1IvkbMgf_hIXxtOI9Uc1rrW8xBuQC3WiEHYM4WlY3_KFJKcdVyXYFYa5T5ErP-tR08eoVYBWa39RjfWRDdUsE/s1600/IMG_1658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTpG6Tt60aELqDWCj1ZVv6NFQdMQQ-wkdlijiNaTHPxWviTQKlS6g4p1IvkbMgf_hIXxtOI9Uc1rrW8xBuQC3WiEHYM4WlY3_KFJKcdVyXYFYa5T5ErP-tR08eoVYBWa39RjfWRDdUsE/s320/IMG_1658.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the Seattle Sky, from our tour of the area on Sunday. Andrew took this one. I think it's gorgeous.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Update, update, update!<br />
<br />
Where shall I begin? Well, two Thursdays ago (July 5th) Andrew and I went hiking up Mt. Baldy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9egN3FKHNcBTdieqEmLOni6s_cDSM1ST5QxgOOeKqwKzvSWZS8EPWdUaLimdqYNVQ0oQwRjzP7rlzFDgp7Y_fPJ4OutMtme7OaqUpW98Ky011qZ6fg5FLg_rrZFZ_duoleww19O1pnD8/s1600/IMG_1167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9egN3FKHNcBTdieqEmLOni6s_cDSM1ST5QxgOOeKqwKzvSWZS8EPWdUaLimdqYNVQ0oQwRjzP7rlzFDgp7Y_fPJ4OutMtme7OaqUpW98Ky011qZ6fg5FLg_rrZFZ_duoleww19O1pnD8/s320/IMG_1167.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocngO6z-4Qz3BrH3KIHM6CiHiIc2LR9UjGGG1ONTPpx8T8zpuefRty5m9E8OM3FQY4JDBcbciwUGMcq5tLEA9DXROHlkpp0HwP4anXA0rjY5Sx6iIgvMImZUPeC35ADztoipuH4QBmOA/s1600/IMG_1180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocngO6z-4Qz3BrH3KIHM6CiHiIc2LR9UjGGG1ONTPpx8T8zpuefRty5m9E8OM3FQY4JDBcbciwUGMcq5tLEA9DXROHlkpp0HwP4anXA0rjY5Sx6iIgvMImZUPeC35ADztoipuH4QBmOA/s320/IMG_1180.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXL2FMHwm-tyOHdXYjxhuetsAD-9pD7cQqZeKGxaLunFd8sXCcpvw3usAZUUfHIpGiRc2odDB5hXJeuZOcoQ4Ru7jAWPzsaXStUMZb28PrWP5_now0UXOYK2MA4apu2sqlE7TLCY5Eq1k/s1600/IMG_1182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXL2FMHwm-tyOHdXYjxhuetsAD-9pD7cQqZeKGxaLunFd8sXCcpvw3usAZUUfHIpGiRc2odDB5hXJeuZOcoQ4Ru7jAWPzsaXStUMZb28PrWP5_now0UXOYK2MA4apu2sqlE7TLCY5Eq1k/s320/IMG_1182.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I have *affectionately* names Mt. Baldy the Hill of Death. There is a 2,000 foot elevation gain over one mile and it is pretty much walking STRAIGHT UP the side. But besides that, uou will understand why in a minute.<br />
<br />
Later that evening, we flew to Seattle and arrived at 5:04 am PST on Friday. I was tired and grumpy and really just wanted a nap, breakfast and some coffee. Oh and my leg was swollen and it hurt to walk. We had a wedding rehearsal Friday afternoon, the wedding itself on Saturday, Sightseeing on Sunday. Sunday evening I dropped Andrew off at the airport before Erin and I drove to Gina's house for the next few days. Monday I got driven around the North Cascades Highway and stopped at various places to see beautiful sights. We stopped at the visitor center and I got a pin for my backpack. I also got to stop at the original Cascadian Farms! I got some DELICIOUS homemade raspberry & chocolate ice cream and a do a short little walking tour around the farm stand. I was pretty excited. Here are some pictures from the trip:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9CYwnIzZ5MaUdMzux34s590IK0fTkQl1FkWZav4G-jiL925LFTsKsjyj7j78tGcnOzObPH4bMlwJYLFs_-dEzebl-M-R720yozKbl0OF28h5f-MLVyx5axRoo8a5AG8yL3m_A2Pa4cK4/s1600/IMG_1188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9CYwnIzZ5MaUdMzux34s590IK0fTkQl1FkWZav4G-jiL925LFTsKsjyj7j78tGcnOzObPH4bMlwJYLFs_-dEzebl-M-R720yozKbl0OF28h5f-MLVyx5axRoo8a5AG8yL3m_A2Pa4cK4/s320/IMG_1188.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO2yNRP0IgKwMk6Km4YpQQITjj2S5iUXEucKn1YoSQKM1qXVDOzftAi5BxVV-fJvrCCEsoBGgu2fV_1dhwCEuv7On7F2xrxnuFUur9-epTCVLOVzA_74MrUVJqhfqpjSkQyUM9usMGag/s1600/IMG_1190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO2yNRP0IgKwMk6Km4YpQQITjj2S5iUXEucKn1YoSQKM1qXVDOzftAi5BxVV-fJvrCCEsoBGgu2fV_1dhwCEuv7On7F2xrxnuFUur9-epTCVLOVzA_74MrUVJqhfqpjSkQyUM9usMGag/s320/IMG_1190.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above: Beth's Cafe, where Alex took us to breakfast that Friday morning. This is a mural along the outside wall. it basically is the same as the inside decor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRo0_m52ZcItBUYyGDvRKC1ZxbUzEHWnr4PN7DDG2lpcuQBQe2MMZIjJJpEbxCjaZn2IvusblPHChuw7vT-B6l1wnv0F8uWsQZvtTV2-936a__QKdsHWpC4ThfkFuUNkQdSPrBafb48c/s1600/IMG_1194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRo0_m52ZcItBUYyGDvRKC1ZxbUzEHWnr4PN7DDG2lpcuQBQe2MMZIjJJpEbxCjaZn2IvusblPHChuw7vT-B6l1wnv0F8uWsQZvtTV2-936a__QKdsHWpC4ThfkFuUNkQdSPrBafb48c/s320/IMG_1194.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A really cool monument/statue at the Mukilteo Lighthouse.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzekJ8uBU9vkGN-cY2YXyxIuESZFBjwDF86pLyXTCUsN-xDQanxu0b0gMLjTVAyrDGwe_hNxIi8hqJtYfdz-9KK9AQsXHNYixENiuiNgWHznOo7ep88t5g7BLQzj9oF_0YqrWcvkDhI4/s1600/IMG_1196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzekJ8uBU9vkGN-cY2YXyxIuESZFBjwDF86pLyXTCUsN-xDQanxu0b0gMLjTVAyrDGwe_hNxIi8hqJtYfdz-9KK9AQsXHNYixENiuiNgWHznOo7ep88t5g7BLQzj9oF_0YqrWcvkDhI4/s320/IMG_1196.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhRjVihIlJQszw3-rg6rTFt5dHRBxXNe2sbCGjlEvwiSddexkhiZrXtZlNdeyH1wNPRjdlKTOCT90anPeYXcH-ebksYC99fFCPoND9habSzsqALAwZFRRncv3TqH1LGqvUdSS5tto2AE/s1600/IMG_1220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhRjVihIlJQszw3-rg6rTFt5dHRBxXNe2sbCGjlEvwiSddexkhiZrXtZlNdeyH1wNPRjdlKTOCT90anPeYXcH-ebksYC99fFCPoND9habSzsqALAwZFRRncv3TqH1LGqvUdSS5tto2AE/s320/IMG_1220.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the wedding, you take a cake pop and your table number. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOpFitLK28H96GTk4Wy3KzMQZY4XKmn7rJQEcYWyYmydD_DgSb4no93u0wqwP7-ZIgBtRNnit-1NYkCD3dNiUIQ5cAX5eSoAxmEnS-kO4xlXbcePSd9RwSs3Ro5plfOPEtHnJHqogQl8/s1600/IMG_1225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOpFitLK28H96GTk4Wy3KzMQZY4XKmn7rJQEcYWyYmydD_DgSb4no93u0wqwP7-ZIgBtRNnit-1NYkCD3dNiUIQ5cAX5eSoAxmEnS-kO4xlXbcePSd9RwSs3Ro5plfOPEtHnJHqogQl8/s320/IMG_1225.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Make-your-own-mini-cheesecake" dessert station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcTyOPHv2bvbonym0r0bWxMRNkhVoB9JGu7xhlUVfexRQClFex8tLYyLranWk8pQoJACfloaerXYSGrHmG4l11huFXC5_aOIlx6Q1smZSaFOKVHThX111oQSKL6X99Ax9NREP-sXkoes/s1600/IMG_1262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcTyOPHv2bvbonym0r0bWxMRNkhVoB9JGu7xhlUVfexRQClFex8tLYyLranWk8pQoJACfloaerXYSGrHmG4l11huFXC5_aOIlx6Q1smZSaFOKVHThX111oQSKL6X99Ax9NREP-sXkoes/s320/IMG_1262.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnLr2jlx_F0_p9NKVoFpSJekBLr1G1kPRGfmW878NRA8ZCxRpy29h1Hx1CGMR8Vt0YGQUMox99jRsqhfC9H2GVjML-PRyH4ToW2rz7rcmVt_ETikQE9yHJkbiDhBOmMueJKnkfGW9nhA/s1600/IMG_1269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnLr2jlx_F0_p9NKVoFpSJekBLr1G1kPRGfmW878NRA8ZCxRpy29h1Hx1CGMR8Vt0YGQUMox99jRsqhfC9H2GVjML-PRyH4ToW2rz7rcmVt_ETikQE9yHJkbiDhBOmMueJKnkfGW9nhA/s320/IMG_1269.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wedding party.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijsN7dm4CChF3khCN10DSkUKDLgcwPtdCeSAAj3SRyplqGcLwli3fh7KuoeRr8OPc5tXct2AM6S9rLez8ZG30HvBpLVRohx5RK8sUbuTBjZoD-tEA4QffUbYq5OJVp66OHB2U5r_QUUo/s1600/IMG_1272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijsN7dm4CChF3khCN10DSkUKDLgcwPtdCeSAAj3SRyplqGcLwli3fh7KuoeRr8OPc5tXct2AM6S9rLez8ZG30HvBpLVRohx5RK8sUbuTBjZoD-tEA4QffUbYq5OJVp66OHB2U5r_QUUo/s320/IMG_1272.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danielle had her side carry lanterns. Each one is different because each person has had a different impact on her life.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq48tSuSGV9Ojq54AePJInzb2IOCtxWCn4fOMCM7wjqvYHymSg6ziO2pfoV9ZxiASDjmF-PPcD9gf1Hwi-Tq8HohiMydkbeaJ2teJchBh9a_O0D6nKr-mZROEMTQt1KSurBoM-0VQno9U/s1600/IMG_1462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq48tSuSGV9Ojq54AePJInzb2IOCtxWCn4fOMCM7wjqvYHymSg6ziO2pfoV9ZxiASDjmF-PPcD9gf1Hwi-Tq8HohiMydkbeaJ2teJchBh9a_O0D6nKr-mZROEMTQt1KSurBoM-0VQno9U/s320/IMG_1462.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturday night after the wedding Erin, Gina & Ryan came down to Mulkiteo for a short visit. Originally all three were coming to Seattle with us on Sunday but Gina (and therefore Ryan) had to back out. But since Gina and Andrew have never met before, this seemed like a good idea. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAJOI5o9ED4tFTquUy5rhmJIt9urG_KF3zUnL-0YwNHO5lUBexYcQcKMWXC9CuKkHomQ5lw4S2ET1zeFbI2sN0XDZw8tXEAcq9gO0WrzKtUlwGYT2q2K7_rFBjVH1K6J4MljHwSerWVE/s1600/IMG_1471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAJOI5o9ED4tFTquUy5rhmJIt9urG_KF3zUnL-0YwNHO5lUBexYcQcKMWXC9CuKkHomQ5lw4S2ET1zeFbI2sN0XDZw8tXEAcq9gO0WrzKtUlwGYT2q2K7_rFBjVH1K6J4MljHwSerWVE/s320/IMG_1471.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Bikini Stands'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhLMAPmiGPFqgGnaz3NEi2eMpEXSAnC6Rz5HW7uvZq2JhRwbxtleHqSHqjlz4R2VCEmgsZUZzDYvMSW0nO2DCx-fds9dM3CiMGRkEiUbXU7nUqsI6NFgqkuLLzVuKg7e7TxrJByPDl5A/s1600/IMG_1473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhLMAPmiGPFqgGnaz3NEi2eMpEXSAnC6Rz5HW7uvZq2JhRwbxtleHqSHqjlz4R2VCEmgsZUZzDYvMSW0nO2DCx-fds9dM3CiMGRkEiUbXU7nUqsI6NFgqkuLLzVuKg7e7TxrJByPDl5A/s320/IMG_1473.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EMP - Experience Music Project in the Seattle Center. Wanted to go in, but didn't have time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8rbsf0C34bPxYoev2QSkFdo_4kaS9aRrgwW-7QkCyk1OsdjJHpk9YwZ6SA6u5h_f8HEc3tj7wGhEUT6QAKix6meI3oepz2g2rYAcjmw64zI2wkWSj4EzRlED-FDsr1x_DE5yaD7BK_Q/s1600/IMG_1479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8rbsf0C34bPxYoev2QSkFdo_4kaS9aRrgwW-7QkCyk1OsdjJHpk9YwZ6SA6u5h_f8HEc3tj7wGhEUT6QAKix6meI3oepz2g2rYAcjmw64zI2wkWSj4EzRlED-FDsr1x_DE5yaD7BK_Q/s320/IMG_1479.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJMe2Z5lYi0720h2GWulfHCFPjptHR7XLbwLGvgmVUF2BDy6YLb71731h6e2l23cIJMxsJU0qHxRVCDiEwSpMKutZJ3uuhvrNOoFqwSvtfyWtd2o39mST33BIg_jWbJeJem_gxa_Hz3o/s1600/IMG_1504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJMe2Z5lYi0720h2GWulfHCFPjptHR7XLbwLGvgmVUF2BDy6YLb71731h6e2l23cIJMxsJU0qHxRVCDiEwSpMKutZJ3uuhvrNOoFqwSvtfyWtd2o39mST33BIg_jWbJeJem_gxa_Hz3o/s320/IMG_1504.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atop the Space needle. This picture took almost four tries, using a couple of different tourists. But we got it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijc87ru3KpaduBaYdxPXl3PwL7cEe5g_8ch3dpp88u7Uzc4yAuegcsl2zTzfbeGZl9hunF3ZqY2htRLLTlkMwHUVj9Y73x-doRVZHVWHiPikNLYRJb7VISSdvdPc0FjGke9iILDaynpeU/s1600/IMG_1562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijc87ru3KpaduBaYdxPXl3PwL7cEe5g_8ch3dpp88u7Uzc4yAuegcsl2zTzfbeGZl9hunF3ZqY2htRLLTlkMwHUVj9Y73x-doRVZHVWHiPikNLYRJb7VISSdvdPc0FjGke9iILDaynpeU/s320/IMG_1562.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please don't arrest me officer!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfH_JeMcfusorxDOocn-Ek3o_DLHX3OdszMJCyI1mRHBrg7Pn74SQPonMK2nosgs7CZ6goi3fcCAkdjV_R8f86i3S4bNPnn9x0y30fBHPThRphuqV86dP8uNk-WcAuGtQnaEiBNXzsGY/s1600/IMG_1572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfH_JeMcfusorxDOocn-Ek3o_DLHX3OdszMJCyI1mRHBrg7Pn74SQPonMK2nosgs7CZ6goi3fcCAkdjV_R8f86i3S4bNPnn9x0y30fBHPThRphuqV86dP8uNk-WcAuGtQnaEiBNXzsGY/s320/IMG_1572.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue trees invite people to pay attention to deforestation.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvEH8gOgOPyxhOfe6lw937wxNEkiJWxGsYGOT89CNm-vWPUoMZLw7HgcEqOs6hctcQDBfqJYNL9fdLYPdMb6FA2Ts1FJMraMWA_LhMXnE7XzqWG543Utme0UJYcnpA-aur-hytvBi31s/s1600/IMG_1581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvEH8gOgOPyxhOfe6lw937wxNEkiJWxGsYGOT89CNm-vWPUoMZLw7HgcEqOs6hctcQDBfqJYNL9fdLYPdMb6FA2Ts1FJMraMWA_LhMXnE7XzqWG543Utme0UJYcnpA-aur-hytvBi31s/s320/IMG_1581.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibGRzJhylj44H5oogLMGXpb6HysSoZ63d5Z5MEZlEZ2lI9HGHh-8M7IondxbTXrGiDaUmZD8q3lV7ab_LCNCxPR8xnKcVW43rC9dnA4ygj7YqAiGrxTbyxnduximnvr9DucEjqt9bukE/s1600/IMG_1590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibGRzJhylj44H5oogLMGXpb6HysSoZ63d5Z5MEZlEZ2lI9HGHh-8M7IondxbTXrGiDaUmZD8q3lV7ab_LCNCxPR8xnKcVW43rC9dnA4ygj7YqAiGrxTbyxnduximnvr9DucEjqt9bukE/s320/IMG_1590.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PiLEKL6x5hWBFFxBjy8tV0ExkuAv3llfKkHDpkCcEBXifufdMxWHyqS8xxF3hIsugeMhUmIoisC-kpXtRrN7mp4keQRtbdjQy5kwePXlw4kJ35lWT7t3u1nhpoPEaEsqwuSdSFzEN6A/s1600/IMG_1593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PiLEKL6x5hWBFFxBjy8tV0ExkuAv3llfKkHDpkCcEBXifufdMxWHyqS8xxF3hIsugeMhUmIoisC-kpXtRrN7mp4keQRtbdjQy5kwePXlw4kJ35lWT7t3u1nhpoPEaEsqwuSdSFzEN6A/s320/IMG_1593.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE original Starbucks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZvUyCLmLmsSfqVMYTca_lCyihl0OkeoajrcC6oMBhTKuNUXnD2X0Wq1_nOdZ1YJGiOjXI6yWJ86W6G3JGmrjuXOxWa6aIU9Xlo-L3fCoQSd4_87N-cjd0DQCXduSmRN9379abIA31Rw/s1600/IMG_1615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZvUyCLmLmsSfqVMYTca_lCyihl0OkeoajrcC6oMBhTKuNUXnD2X0Wq1_nOdZ1YJGiOjXI6yWJ86W6G3JGmrjuXOxWa6aIU9Xlo-L3fCoQSd4_87N-cjd0DQCXduSmRN9379abIA31Rw/s320/IMG_1615.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kind of like the gum tree at Houghton. Only a wall.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_qFP2IGZOiHU9uDQirBZFiiFmbk9aKXcoUnfOKD66fYzez5rt0Xm0LXCUV3Q910voBNqsY0UlgbAdiqtbBtDKO-xxcnyKMiwW62qPh9u-no1KKDImV4RSxFIPzRYdgKo5l7DUMXmi4o/s1600/IMG_1627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_qFP2IGZOiHU9uDQirBZFiiFmbk9aKXcoUnfOKD66fYzez5rt0Xm0LXCUV3Q910voBNqsY0UlgbAdiqtbBtDKO-xxcnyKMiwW62qPh9u-no1KKDImV4RSxFIPzRYdgKo5l7DUMXmi4o/s320/IMG_1627.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where we had dinner.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKzXftBMP7rE-ZGz-bY9ZLlAvcnJtV50SlGxrreT81IcBjVxpNM9NroBpF5MHTluiULgOY8K_f7uW94gyIvGObUghTdh52dDrmEDIrY30eZdtLQ1WVTT7C9C6GA-yApxBgHWnT84mdn8/s1600/IMG_1638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKzXftBMP7rE-ZGz-bY9ZLlAvcnJtV50SlGxrreT81IcBjVxpNM9NroBpF5MHTluiULgOY8K_f7uW94gyIvGObUghTdh52dDrmEDIrY30eZdtLQ1WVTT7C9C6GA-yApxBgHWnT84mdn8/s320/IMG_1638.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding the Carousel because the Ferris wheel was too expensive.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPW-Zs01PoNc4mNw2FyhDpuxcIb0w1_5mPKKeMZ2jjqSUZY6UD1K9HYFs39DiWHAvi6tkFGVLek7iEtkvgQBYirnFqFz7b1M2no6DzzyFBfDHLY3VmGWxCZL2qkNG8YmwbujlTxPQ_sN4/s1600/IMG_1657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPW-Zs01PoNc4mNw2FyhDpuxcIb0w1_5mPKKeMZ2jjqSUZY6UD1K9HYFs39DiWHAvi6tkFGVLek7iEtkvgQBYirnFqFz7b1M2no6DzzyFBfDHLY3VmGWxCZL2qkNG8YmwbujlTxPQ_sN4/s320/IMG_1657.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the aquarium.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDLEHDuiMpZs6eY77Z8-afdSdu6iNfNZ6t1M32TFiJBfPoen4hC0ZEAZsWq604-3G01eOmZdxotrAoFNMFQeRIQ14NMVTID9Tu-i0ytwGgUDWyJ9_10Bo8Bcg6PnYz3ahyphenhyphenultae5wBa0/s1600/IMG_1684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDLEHDuiMpZs6eY77Z8-afdSdu6iNfNZ6t1M32TFiJBfPoen4hC0ZEAZsWq604-3G01eOmZdxotrAoFNMFQeRIQ14NMVTID9Tu-i0ytwGgUDWyJ9_10Bo8Bcg6PnYz3ahyphenhyphenultae5wBa0/s320/IMG_1684.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">International Fountain back in Seattle Center.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Other photos from the trip can be found <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.688807298494.2043169.100300079&type=3">here</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.688711146184.2043144.100300079&type=3">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Another update in a few days about my foot/lower leg!Caitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-59954146641610269122012-06-26T02:13:00.001-04:002012-06-26T02:13:43.865-04:00If Andrew can do it, so can I.I ran five miles today. The loop I usually do is between 3.1 and 4.2 miles (depending if I add the stretch to the second light) all said and done. So when I got to the 2.2 miles mark I thought, why not keep going? After all, I've been running for a while so I think it's time to move forward. No more easy 3 milers. It's four or more from now on. So I went past the second light. About a half mile past. Which means I have to go back that half mile too. Really, I wanted to see if I could do it. I debated for about, oh, 3 seconds, if I wanted to go all the way to Boniface gate - an additional 1.5 miles from the light I would turn around at...but decided against it. Seven miles today would have been too much. But 5 was okay. Took me about an hour. I was purposely going with an easy stride. In reality, I figured that if Andrew can run 26.2 miles then I can run 5. And so I did.<br />
<br />
I've been flirting with the idea of running the half marathon during the Big Wild Life runs in mid-august. If anything, I will be at least running the 5k sponsored by Snow City Cafe. Andrew ran it last year. There are a couple of people I know who are making it their goal to be able to do the 5k - people who have never really exercised consistently before. Don't get me wrong - I am interested in their plans and I hope that they can do this - they will be super proud of their accomplishment. And hey - maybe later they will do more. One of the women suggested we put together a team and since I am the 'most experienced' that I be the head of the team and we run it all together....The woman who suggested this run/walks 3 miles in an hour. I KNOW I can do it in 28/29 minutes. This may be selfish, but I don't want to feel obligated or bogged down having to run as a group when I know I could get a PR for myself. I haven't told them yes or no or really discussed it with them because I don't want to say yes but then decide to do the 1/2. Because you can't do both. They race at the same time.<br />
<br />
I am asking God to help me not to have the 'runner's attitude' as I call it. Which I just displayed some to you all. Thinking that I know better. Thinking that just because I have been running [relatively] consistently for the past <i>2 months </i>that I somehow qualify as 'knowing my stuff' and am only out to get PRs for me, not helping and encouraging others to get outside and just <i>go. </i><br />
<br />
I'm working on it.Caitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099875271058273561.post-54500631493647387312012-06-18T00:19:00.001-04:002012-06-18T00:19:12.499-04:00A long one but worth it.Not too much has been going on recently. This past week was a little stressful for me. The kids were all cranky - which is in part (I believe) from another caregiver in the room who couldn't separate her emotions from her personal life in the workplace. Hence, she was constantly yelling a the kids and being negative. Her negativity began to wear on both the other caregivers (one of which is me) and the babies. Andrew has been really stressed as well. Tomorrow morning at 8 am he goes up against the Below-the-zone (BTZ) Board and he's really nervous. When he's not working or fishing (there was a salmon derby this week), he's studying like crazy. If he makes an excellent impression tomorrow, he could put on his Senior Airmen promotion early. So you can see why he's under a lot of stress!<br />
<br />
I need some advice from everyone who reads this. Whether your comment comes through here or Facebook or even in an email, I appreciate all advice. Andrew and I have decided that we need to crack down on paying off various things. This decision has been stirring around for some time, but has become more definite this weekend when I got a notice from Great Lakes.org, a lender in which two of my loans from school are serviced by, about the two loans they hold. Both are coming out of a year-long determent. Originally I put them into deferment because I qualified for Economic Hardship based on Alaskan standards. I have gotten a better job since then that pays a little bit more, but I have also had to make additional loan payments from other lenders since getting that job. Although I know it is better to pay loans back, even if it is just a little bit every month is better than putting them into another deferment or forbearance, but I don't feel I have any choice as of right now.<br />
<br />
I am not going to discuss the exact numbers of which I owe (and it is more than you think) but to give you a general idea - by the time I am done paying I may have been able to purchase the equivalent to a lower-end ranch style house. The loan payments are not too much the issue here. We are PCSing next year (whether to a new base or to the New England area) and we would like to have our car paid off before then. And if some of you remember, last Veteran's Day we got into a car accident and are still working on paying off that loan as well.<br />
<br />
We have been blessed in many ways. A friend who is currently on deployment is storing his stuff in our basement and we are able to use his car. He is applying to extend for another six months, which means that instead of coming back in November like he planned, he will come back in May of 2013. Having his car is a huge blessing for us as Andrew's job sometimes requires him to travel around base etc. It's a plus for me too since I work at 8 am and Andrew works at 7 am. Having two cars means that I can go to work at normal time instead of being dropped off early. It also helps out for when I have errands to run over lunch or doctor appointments to attend.<br />
<br />
So we have been looking into ways to save some money - well, it won't be going into a savings account but rather towards the car payments, among other things. We are looking into dropping the cable and land line we have and just paying for internet. We don't even use the land line but yet we still have to pay for it. And we just found out that in order to have internet we don't need the cable of the line! Aurora Housing on base told us we did in order to have the internet - they lied! Andrew will also be canceling his smartphone plan from Verizon. Originally we were looking into combining a downgraded cellphone with the internet for Andrew, but with the GCI provider (it's the only one in Alaska) it would be the same amount of money that we pay now for the bundled cable/phone/internet package. I think what is going to happen is Andrew is going to transfer his line to my mom's family plan and downgrade to just a text-no-data-plan cell. And then we will drop the cable and land line and just pay for internet. We will be saving over $150 a month.<br />
<br />
We just bought a Costco membership today mostly so we can get our monthly stash of meats from there. I also ordered a year's worth of contacts - and I only spent $100! Much cheaper than ordering from any other place I've found. I also found a pair of lens I liked but we need to think on it. Because of my prescription, the lens could be really thick.<br />
<br />
What I really would like for you is advice or tips on saving money whether it is on groceries (We don't get a whole lot of coupons in the mail/newspaper etc.Most coupons are specific to grocery stores around town. Which we don't shop at) or gas or whatever you have on your mind. Anything that helps would be greatly appreciated.<br />
<br />
Also, this summer will probably be the only time Andrew comes home (even if it for a wedding). The next time we will see everyone will be September/October of next year. Money will be tight over the next year, so trips/plane rides to the East coast will probably no longer be happening until we PCS. So if you want to see us, come to visit us instead.<br />
<br />
Whew. Done for now.Caitlin and Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17848059133291716908noreply@blogger.com3