tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73183271284286960702024-02-19T22:02:44.423-08:00The Wildly Eclectic Me MsSnarkyPantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06433129988001574898noreply@blogger.comBlogger620125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-79561438307598511782019-01-12T13:19:00.001-08:002019-01-12T13:20:41.484-08:00Our Helpful Turkey GirlSo this story bears a little bit of introduction.<br />
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We have a turkey. Having a turkey was not a plan of ours. She just sort of happened.<br />
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I was driving home from Dollar Tree one day and on the side of the road is a big white turkey.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtK2Eq9ZLOYgUkN-FxD6hTyxt8DciloEuOuD3pAKufBqvTNR7OWwKJgI4-BdNJ5X9gn1o4uJd86F3ojrNbrW7bJ22E0GVLzB05uXbV4dEsDGY_MKCuOiR3emqNneitSWJfC7IOheW8LOn/s1600/36784553_10103553570608017_5574350294411640832_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtK2Eq9ZLOYgUkN-FxD6hTyxt8DciloEuOuD3pAKufBqvTNR7OWwKJgI4-BdNJ5X9gn1o4uJd86F3ojrNbrW7bJ22E0GVLzB05uXbV4dEsDGY_MKCuOiR3emqNneitSWJfC7IOheW8LOn/s1600/36784553_10103553570608017_5574350294411640832_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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I assumed at first that she belonged to someone nearby so I took her home and put a message in our Local Lost and Found Pets page. Apparently, she had shown up a couple of weeks earlier and had been wandering the neighborhood.<br />
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After I got a better look at her it seemed likely that she came from a big commercial farm because she had only half of a top beak and the last joint of her toes were clipped off. That's apparently how they know the difference between the girls and boys on the big farms. Our theory is that she somehow jumped off of one of the giant turkey trucks that drive through town to the processing plant.<br />
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We had planned on giving her to my friend who has lots of chickens and a turkey, but the kids (yeah, just the kids...not me...really!) got really attached to her. So now she lives in our backyard.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFNSRk4-Ha1Q9tub2Lsk9hYd_aDle7iQV5Bwha3a9v5CR5FGyBTWJwY7wccs3eGIV2CGfKtvGlRqa9kUDQOQKNrZ1sUxCn80IJtnoOUzSZvPsQ8poMb_5NwRW_W5H9tnKOqUH4SzafV8d/s1600/49064747_10103833328431097_1363074774091169792_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFNSRk4-Ha1Q9tub2Lsk9hYd_aDle7iQV5Bwha3a9v5CR5FGyBTWJwY7wccs3eGIV2CGfKtvGlRqa9kUDQOQKNrZ1sUxCn80IJtnoOUzSZvPsQ8poMb_5NwRW_W5H9tnKOqUH4SzafV8d/s640/49064747_10103833328431097_1363074774091169792_n.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div>
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She's pretty darn adorable! She comes running whenever she sees you and then comes and sits at your feet, and she loves being petted.</div>
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So now to how she's helpful.</div>
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She had only laid one egg since we got her, but since we started our low carb diet this week she's been laying a new egg almost every day!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0h9WWMEwesI-exr6q0JTRRTUTor-oI7hmpnTowHWdIAhuWAeXRhizwroMJn9njcN9UlhbUR1qxpZBCv9KCydwbjY009XikKFkGZ7UUrnvHbYHnB4uaZMajn2O5aCVZ5YSw1zM0gRVb0p/s1600/IMG_7264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0h9WWMEwesI-exr6q0JTRRTUTor-oI7hmpnTowHWdIAhuWAeXRhizwroMJn9njcN9UlhbUR1qxpZBCv9KCydwbjY009XikKFkGZ7UUrnvHbYHnB4uaZMajn2O5aCVZ5YSw1zM0gRVb0p/s320/IMG_7264.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I included a chicken egg so that you can see the size comparison. That's an extra large storebought egg. </div>
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Hopefully, she keeps laying every day or so. They're yummy! </div>
Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-19633522938742899662019-01-04T20:32:00.000-08:002019-01-04T20:32:49.640-08:00Transforming my KitchenSo in an effort to make cooking low carb easier and faster, (<a href="https://lesleyspeller.blogspot.com/2019/01/2019-not-resolutions.html" target="_blank">See Plan #2</a>) I've been simplifying and deep cleaning my kitchen. That effort is going well. I'm nearly complete. <br />
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Have you ever looked at something and realized it was so dirty that throwing it out and buying a new one would be way easier. Yeah, that's where me and my ventahood are. I cleaned it for half an hour last night, and it's STILL filthy! I realllly wanted to just disconnect it and toss that sucker out of the backdoor. Sadly I had to think about <a href="https://lesleyspeller.blogspot.com/2019/01/2019-not-resolutions.html" target="_blank">Plan #1</a>. <br />
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As I was cleaning my canisters, I noticed all the nicks and chips in them. It didn't make me love them any less, mind you. It actually just made me worry a bit what might happen if they broke. I flipped over the cookie jar and there was a URL. I got these from my mom and dad about 20 years ago before I got married. In terms of the internet that's a LONG time ago. That's almost pre-Google for heaven's sake. So naturally the URL was dead. So no chance of replacement. I better be super careful with them!<br />
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After I got my spice rack all cleaned up and put back together, I noticed how unattractive my bottles of Great Value oils looked sitting next to them. I considered googling pretty bottles for oil, and then thought NO PLAN #1! So I set to looking around junk piles that had formed in all the locations I hadn't gotten to clean out yet and found two bottles. One of them was from a pink lemonade and the other was, I think, from a Pumpkin Soda... Or something like that. At any rate they both came from Aldi and the bottles were so cute I couldn't throw them out. Yay, hoarder for the win!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvV97gauNTgifvzS2crXDPlIMUXvAXUQWNNZF_vZSgmh7arp3od3275fG3cWtObAlICpb7MKWDwzCCDgNv42zF-ePTnCOkvrXCcwxQPNdRETVHBUErg55nk8x-emCcIMHWyaT8q3pp9MUA/s1600/IMG_7235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvV97gauNTgifvzS2crXDPlIMUXvAXUQWNNZF_vZSgmh7arp3od3275fG3cWtObAlICpb7MKWDwzCCDgNv42zF-ePTnCOkvrXCcwxQPNdRETVHBUErg55nk8x-emCcIMHWyaT8q3pp9MUA/s640/IMG_7235.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yes! That IS a collapsible funnel! Isn't that awesome!<br />
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So now I have pretty bottles for my oils for $0! Go me!<br />
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Now, if I can just decide what to do with all those appliances I only use once every 6 months or so... Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-87527269783700512382019-01-02T13:44:00.001-08:002019-01-03T17:55:45.416-08:002019 (Not) Resolutions:<div class="MsoTitle">
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<strike>2019 (Not) Resolutions:</strike></h2>
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These are not resolutions because resolutions almost always fail. Let's call them plans instead.</div>
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2019 Plans:</h2>
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<b>Spend Less Money</b></div>
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Last year my resolution was to write down every single transaction in my budget. I succeeded in that, but I still spent way more money than I should have on food and random stuff.</div>
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Action Plan:</div>
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a. <i>Weekly Grocery List:</i></div>
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Yesterday, I made a weekly purchase list for groceries.</div>
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b. <i>Monthly Toiletries and House Supplies List:</i></div>
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Yesterday, I made a VERY detailed supply list and did price comparisons between Grocery.Walmart.com (I HATE going into the store) and Amazon/Amazon Subscribe and Save. I discovered that a very large number of our household supplies and things are much cheaper when bought in large packs on Amazon Subscribe and Save. So I now have like 26 subscriptions. I had about 7 before.</div>
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<i>c. Stick to it </i> That's the hardest part!<br />
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<b>Eat Healthier and Lose Weight</b><br />
The husband and I need to lose weight badly, and we need to make the kids eat more diverse vegetables. Avalon is going to be easy. She’s currently making a list of veggies in Word next to me. She just asked how to spell artichoke. The boys will be harder…</div>
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Action Plan: <br />
a. <i>Chose a Diet Plan</i></div>
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We’re going to be doing Low Carb.</div>
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b. <i>Make a list of foods we can eat.</i></div>
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Done! Did it yesterday and posted it on the cabinet. I’m pretty sure that’s why Avalon is making the list of veggies.</div>
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c. <i>Make a Weekly Grocery List</i>:</div>
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Boom! Done as part of the previous goal.</div>
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<b>Write More</b><br />
I want to write again. It’s so hard to find the time and my muse, but I want to make it happen. I miss getting lost in my own worlds.</div>
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Action Plan <br />
a. <i>Blog</i></div>
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Start with blogging to get my muse warmed up hopefully.</div>
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<i>b. Finish the Rough Draft of the sequel to Blood and Violets.</i> That book has been torturing me for a couple years now. I just can’t get it finished!</div>
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So, there’s the plan! Let’s make it happen!</div>
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Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-7274432398634475412015-06-10T07:29:00.003-07:002015-06-10T07:39:19.695-07:00The "Why" of Me<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I believe that it is our responsibility to raise, educate,
and develop self-sufficient young adults who can make a difference in the world
in whatever field they choose. </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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We are living in a changing world
where technology dominates our lives.
Many people fear what that technology is doing to our children's
attention spans and ability to relate to peers and leadership. I, on the other hand, am not afraid of
technology. I love technology and all the ways that it has added to our
lives. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I grew up in a very small town in southeastern
Arkansas. My graduating class consisted
of about eighty-five students of which approximately 15% were African American
and the rest Caucasian. The ethnic
diversity was virtually non-existent. If
your religion was anything other than Baptist or Methodist it was best just not
to mention it, and if your sexual or gender identity would not one day land you
in a happy, little nuclear family then you took a deep breath, tamped it down,
and waited until you got to college to admit to yourself and everyone else who
you really were. In fact, any deviation from what was considered the societal
norm was frowned upon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>And then came the internet. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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And with the internet came the flood of information. If you were homosexual or you were
distrustful of organized religion and its agendas, then you suddenly realized
that you were not completely alone in the world. Because when you live in a microcosm of
society like a small Bible belt town before the internet, you do not always
know that, and that feeling is both detrimental to your growth as a person and
your emotional well-being.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The world has changed.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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That tiny town is no longer cut off from the rest of the world. Through the wonders of social media, I’ve
watched the people who remain there grow as human beings to be more accepting
of others and their differences. Not
everyone has changed, of course, because that is impossible, but so many people
have that it gives me hope.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It is true that the internet and access to smart phones at
all hours of the day has shortened attention spans. Young adults are accustomed to seeing what is
happening instantly and responding to it.
This does make challenges to those of us who want to educate them, but that
shortened attention span stems from that same flood of information that has
been coming at them since they were little children. The beautiful thing about it is how receptive
they are to that information. Rather
than hitting a brick wall of disinterest and bouncing off, it is absorbed into
their growing minds. Our task is to
teach them to filter the information that comes in so that they understand that
not all of it is good and true.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Social media can be dangerous if young people are not taught
to use it wisely. A photo taken and
posted on Facebook, if inappropriate, can be dangerous to a person’s future job
prospects and relationships. People can
be stalked, bullied, and abused via social media. These things are all true.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>But it can do so much more!</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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It can connect you with people who you never would have
known otherwise and give you friends in all corners of the world. It can help you stay connected with family
who live far away and who you might have only gotten to see during the
holidays, if then. It can allow you to support
people in their hardest times and celebrate with them in their happiest. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Technology allows the entire world to shrink down to the
size of a smart phone and slip into our pockets so that we can take it with us wherever
we go</b>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There is <b>a new template for the human mind</b> that has been
forged by the information age. Young
people simply do not think the same way that people did a generation ago. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My work as a Research and Support Specialist at the
University of Arkansas lets me dig into the new technologies that are emerging
and find the ones that will work with this new template for the mind rather
than against it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Because just because it’s different doesn’t mean it’s wrong.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-32568125899917833682015-05-24T09:24:00.001-07:002015-05-24T09:24:13.077-07:00Purple Freddy Perler Bead Pattern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Mb22PC93No4jV7kxPiVgRi6NBvaPa9KVx1gz99f5G4NpECn2fOT5NCCl1OXwS8H0XP7RDd2VyYP3tJaeGzYG7gGWtPzLWQI0Ogt15KCZ3W7DOs_yya9l-Z2YiKJAKgQ2m6rnoSDvt8BV/s1600/Purple+Freddy+pattern.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Mb22PC93No4jV7kxPiVgRi6NBvaPa9KVx1gz99f5G4NpECn2fOT5NCCl1OXwS8H0XP7RDd2VyYP3tJaeGzYG7gGWtPzLWQI0Ogt15KCZ3W7DOs_yya9l-Z2YiKJAKgQ2m6rnoSDvt8BV/s320/Purple+Freddy+pattern.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
Nicky is totally into Five Nights at Freddy's. Actually Avalon kinda loves it too. Which is weird for a 4 year old girl...but whatever floats her boat.<br />
<br />I've been totally into making things with Perler beads lately. You know those melty beads? I couldn't find a good pattern for Purple Freddy so I made one for him, and I don't think it's half bad. I did the eyes in glow in the dark white. (which really looks more yellow)<br />
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It's kinda huge so you're going to need several of the interlocking square boards.<br />
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And here is the finished product!</div>
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Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-17953791389076152092015-02-27T19:24:00.000-08:002015-02-27T19:24:00.604-08:00The Great Dress Debate of 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.wired.com/2015/02/science-one-agrees-color-dress/" target="_blank">The Science of The Dress</a>Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-76249377542884990372015-02-21T10:19:00.000-08:002015-02-21T10:19:19.890-08:00Is it okay for only one third of our population to be "good citizens"?Okay, I started this as a Facebook post and it grew too big for that. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-c-pianta/failure-to-launch-the-fed_b_6432028.html" target="_blank">So I read this article... </a><br />
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I think that this article and maybe the whole liberal arts based core curriculum of college educations places too much emphasis on the learning of what you need to be a "good citizen" at a college level. Only 33.5% of 25-29 year olds have at least a bachelor's degree. So that's only 1/3 of students (if they learned and retained everything they should have haha) that have what it takes to be a "good citizen." <br />
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This stuff needs to be taught at a high school level and not just as part of the college prep. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>They need to understand the basis for our government and the history behind it's creation. No high school graduate should not be able to tell you why we have a balance of power between the three branches of federal government. </li>
<li>They need to be taught how to read an article and recognize if it's sources are worth listening to, and they need to fully understand that no matter WHAT you read it's all biased because a human being wrote it and human beings are incapable of not putting their own spin on things. </li>
<li>They need to know how basic economics works. Supply and Demand and how current world events are going to be effecting the costs of things.</li>
</ul>
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If all of these things were taught in high school rather than college then 81% (the percent of high school graduates) of the people in this country would be qualified to be "good citizens" instead of just 33.5%. Everyone in the united states who is over 18, is a citizen, and isn't a felon has the right to vote. That means they all need to be educated so that they can understand the way the government, the businesses, and even their religious groups are manipulating them to vote the way they want them to. <br />
<br />
Every single political party and group of any kind uses manipulation to try to get you to do what they want. That doesn't necessarily mean their way isn't the right way, but you need to be able to recognize the fact that everyone is going to be trying to do it. Most of all you need to be able to recognize the lies, because those are out there too. We see them more and more with the rise of social media. If something sounds so insane and horrible that it can't possibly be true, then for heaven's sake do some research. You have the internet. You have the world's information at your fingertips. Please make use of it. Sometimes the really crazy things are true, but more often than not they're taking a tiny fact and trying to turn it into a HUGE lie.<br />
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And now that we're on the failure to launch subject, students in high school need to understand how to balance their checkbook and pay their bills, and the basics of cooking and sewing that Home Economics provides. They also need to know the basics of home repair, using tools, and how to go out and look for a job.that Career classes provide. These also need to be moved closer to the time that you graduate instead of in the 8th grade. (maybe it has been by now, but that's when it was when I was in school) The problem is that if you don't have really fantastic teachers for these two subjects like I did, then you don't retain that information all the way through high school and college/trade school so that you can apply it to real life.<br />
<br />
But more than any of these other things we need to be teaching these kids at home to rely on themselves. They need to be held responsible for their actions. We need to let them fail. We need to pick them up after that and give them a hug and tell them to keep trying. They need to know that they can count on us to support them but not to do everything for them. And they need to learn to work HARD!<br />
<br />
There is nothing wrong with hard work. NOTHING. Whether that hard work is as a factory worker, a hair dresser, an engineer, a scientist, a custodian, or a teacher. As long as you enjoy your job and the opportunities that it brings you, then you should be proud of that job and no one should make you feel ashamed of it. The only thing anyone should be ashamed of is just putting forth enough effort to get by. If you hate your job, work hard at it, and in your spare time further your education in whatever way would lead you to a job you love. Because even if you finish a college degree, when you apply for jobs you're going to have to list your previous employment, and if they hear you were a lazy cashier at McDonalds then what's to make them think you won't be a lazy laboratory scientist?Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-40615918802105306522013-04-09T11:12:00.000-07:002013-04-09T11:30:37.682-07:00Baking!So I've discovered something. I think I like to bake just for the sake of baking. I made 42 or so cupcakes, iced them, and sprinkled them without so much as licking the icing off my fingers. I also made about 42 Pumpkin muffins without eating any. (I did taste a bite and spit it out to make sure it was the right recipe.) <br />
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I thought it was going to be a nightmare to be on Atkins, because I wouldn't be able to safely bake. Apparently, however, I'm totally good with baking and feeding stuff to others. I'm not saying I don't want to taste it...but the urge is not so great that I can't resist it.<br />
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Next baking experiment?<br />
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BTW I LOVE that girl! She's perfectly adorable!<br />
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So instead of the Tetris design, I'm going to do MARIO! Since Finny is obsessed!<br />
<br />Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-17240471992018928912013-04-04T13:17:00.001-07:002013-04-04T13:17:07.509-07:00The Way to Go from Yum to OMG Yes!Wrap it in BACON!!!<br />
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Yes, that's right! Bacon!<br />
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I like venison steaks fried. They are yummy. I'm not wild about the baked. However if you take a venison steak and wrap that puppy in bacon and bake it. We are talking SHAZAM!!!!<br />
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I enjoy salmon. It's quite good. Lots of Omega Fatty Acids. But wrap that salmon filet in bacon! Ohhhh yes!<br />
<br />
Then to trick yourself into thinking you are getting pasta, sauté some shredded Zuke in butter and olive oil, drain it really well in a colander, put your bacon wrapped salmon on top of it, and then...<br />
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Wait for it...<br />
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Drench it all in Alfredo sauce!<br />
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Then. Just sit back and enjoy your Atkins friendly dinner!<br />
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<br />Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-38820728803832967622013-04-02T14:11:00.001-07:002013-04-02T14:11:47.523-07:00Atkins Diet...GO!I'm not going to post on more than one blog about my various interests. There just isn't that much extra time in my life. So here comes a diet post!<br />
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The hubby and I just started the Atkins diet. We both have a good chunk of weight to lose. I've been reading the 1991 book by Dr. Atkins himself and while it is probably a little outdated in the most recent scientific research, I started reading this one and loved his kind but firm style of convincing you to do the diet. He simultaneously makes you feel less guilty about your weight problem while still making it clear that you have to make changes.<br />
<br />
Now I'll be honest, I was REALLY skeptical about even trying it. I LOVE bread and well you have probably seen my cake posts. It's really not as bad as I thought it would be. I've been taking the L Glutamine supplements he recommends for cravings, and I think they really help.<br />
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Coffee is an obstacle. Did you know that coconut milk in coffee is vile? Like gag a maggot vile? Well it is!!! Heavy cream has the same number of carbs and while not coconuty like my preferred creamer it is quite yummy. Also Splenda in powdered form has carbs to keep it from sticking together. I ordered some liquid Sucralose. I hope it isn't awful! I will let you know!<br />
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I made a bunch of deviled eggs and got two handy deviled egg keepers that hold 20 each from Walmart. They're very stackable and handy!<br />
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Also made a bunch hamburgers for dinner last night and to keep for today. I think I'm making bacon wrapped venison steaks for dinner tonight. I tell you all this fatty stuff really goes against everything I ever learned was bad for me!!! I'm swayed by all the scientific evidence though. This book is SO heavy on the science. It's not a motivational book, it's plain and simple science and success stories. That appeals to my fact-craving mind.<br />
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Okie dokie. That's about it for now. I'll try to keep updating regularly!<br />
<br />Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-75025692647645169802012-12-16T10:23:00.000-08:002012-12-16T10:23:18.092-08:00Lesley's Tips for Enjoying the Holidays<div class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">Tips for Enjoying the Holidays More:</span></span></span></div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"> Shop Early - Nothing spoils the happy holiday mood like last minute shopping.</span></span></span> </li>
<li>Don't expect it to be like a holiday movie - Accept perhaps National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation ;)</li>
<li>Don't expect it to be like a Christmas Card - Expectations ruin the
beauty of the experience you're having. Sure the kids throw clumps of
icicles all over the tree, dump sprinkles in 3 inch high piles in the
middle of the cookies, and decide halfway through that they're not
remotely interested in making ornaments with you, but who cares. Enjoy
what it is instead of mourning what it could have been.</li>
<li>It's the
thought that counts - This applies to receiving as well as giving. If
you get a gift you don't like, be happy that the person thought of you
enough to spend their hard earned money or time on it. Same goes for
giving, put some thought into the gift you give someone and if they
don't like it well they can just suck it! Don't worry about it. They
should be grateful and if they're not, then it's not your fault.<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"> </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">It's not your responsibility to make everyone happy - There are people
in everyone's life that no matter what you do, what lengths you go to,
what money you spend won't be happy. It's not your fault. People chose
whether to be happy or not (aside from clinical depression which should
be treated) and if they chose to be unhappy or disappointed with a
situation then it's not your fault. Do what you can. Don't kill
yourself. The result will be the same!</span></span></span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">And it's not about the presents! So don't go overboard. </span></span></span>Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-28365192877739163762012-12-06T09:31:00.001-08:002012-12-06T09:31:41.582-08:00New Game: Zombie Appocalypse!Okay, so I don't know about you... But with all the Christmas presents I just bought, I'm broke!<br />
<br />
So...New Game!!!<br />
<br />
The zombie apocalypse is about to start! There are signs. Scattered reports of people attacking others and eating their flesh. Bath salts? Or impending doom?<br />
<br />
For the sake of safety you better stock up! For at least the rest of the month! (Trust me...it's the holidays so shopping in this mess is just like shopping in a real impending apocalypse.)<br />
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Once you make your stock up trip, society falls. Don't worry. At least the power and water are still on and we have tv!<br />
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Okay, that's it! Don't buy anything else for the rest of the month! <br />
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What? Your kids need fresh milk, and you don't wanna bake your own bread? Hmm OK. I guess then you can go out on the occasional salvage run. But you're not allowed to buy more than a bag worth of groceries. After all with anymore than that, you're going to be too weighed down to run from the zombies chasing you!<br />
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Now...GO!Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-32529663695317583992012-11-06T10:44:00.001-08:002012-11-06T10:44:35.762-08:00I've been a Busy Little BeeI know I promised to be better about posting here, but I've been so busy that I haven't been able to manage.
There is something about this time of year! I swear I get SO overwhelmed by everything.
Work has been crazy! And I just had Nicky's birthday party last weekend. He had a Halloween birthday party. I built a little haunted house in our barn. It was epic!
And on top of all that, I've finished up publishing all the Women of Sithein books and Blood and Violets in print and Kindle editions.
So here you have them! In suggested reading order, even!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYM2Ety9you3IwOpLJogtWGq-JK_2AyRUI0Arrgr8W3pN-kphBXOgBEe_Pxao0nJRsh3NoAQc-J0mAV8CF1q49eX03UZSSC3_ofSnUJ7BmfBEBYGkm9XZGsgb-hcs7RgJIFC2A7sp5tglZ/s1600/fiona_Ebook_Ready.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYM2Ety9you3IwOpLJogtWGq-JK_2AyRUI0Arrgr8W3pN-kphBXOgBEe_Pxao0nJRsh3NoAQc-J0mAV8CF1q49eX03UZSSC3_ofSnUJ7BmfBEBYGkm9XZGsgb-hcs7RgJIFC2A7sp5tglZ/s320/fiona_Ebook_Ready.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fiona-OSithein-Women-Sithein-ebook/dp/B00A13HB3K/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1352224389&sr=8-4&keywords=lesley+speller" target="_blank">Kindle</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.createspace.com/4047759" target="_blank">Print</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXrEmDfw9D4VX9rOYHmk4j1c9bll9zpiqaMg2vGHI8RFjlaU7oPT1xOL3UoTkdvaU4x3yXyZiS9zcGzTMF8S43NjvsCcjlGHpWAYY68kT0ESKR_9WkjSK1702tjsC5Q7dtlx3leH1Qphyphenhyphen/s1600/BaV_Cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXrEmDfw9D4VX9rOYHmk4j1c9bll9zpiqaMg2vGHI8RFjlaU7oPT1xOL3UoTkdvaU4x3yXyZiS9zcGzTMF8S43NjvsCcjlGHpWAYY68kT0ESKR_9WkjSK1702tjsC5Q7dtlx3leH1Qphyphenhyphen/s320/BaV_Cover.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blood-and-Violets-ebook/dp/B0090VYUEW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345736741&sr=8-1&keywords=blood+and+violets" target="_blank">Kindle</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.createspace.com/4018819" target="_blank">Print</a></div>
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So that's why I've kinda had my hands full! I'm working on Dark Waters right now again. The sequel to Blood and Violets. </div>
Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-13469493804218523102012-10-10T16:30:00.002-07:002012-10-10T16:42:01.018-07:00Contest: Slay Your Own Dragons NecklaceIn celebration of the release of Dana of the Whispering Wood in both <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dana-Whispering-Women-Sithein-ebook/dp/B009LXGUWE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349911423&sr=8-1&keywords=dana+of+the+whispering+wood" target="_blank">Kindle </a>and <a href="https://www.createspace.com/4021279" target="_blank">Print </a>formats, I'm giving away a Slay Your Own Dragons necklace!<br />
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<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8451/8069444466_ebe470eae2_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8451/8069444466_ebe470eae2_z.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a id="rc-cb9c921" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cb9c921/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-2902670435131395762012-10-10T06:48:00.003-07:002012-10-10T06:48:28.689-07:00Big Stuff!<div style="text-align: center;">
Okay, so I finished my edits of Dana of the Whispering Wood! Go me!</div>
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And now it's available on the Kindle store.</div>
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Buy it now for only $2.99!</div>
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Not only that!</div>
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You can also buy a print copy of it!!! $13.99 for that. </div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://lesleyspeller.com/books/Dana_Cover.png" width="200" /> </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dana-Whispering-Women-Sithein-ebook/dp/B009LXGUWE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349876329&sr=8-1&keywords=dana+of+the+whispering+wood" target="_blank">Buy on the Kindle Store</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.createspace.com/4021279" target="_blank">Buy it in Print </a></div>
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Blood and Violets is also available on the Kindle still for 99 cents and now in print for $12.99!</div>
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Yes, I've been a busy girl!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzS6TW_eUd2RiRIsaMYD45AXOhnGrHZ0Sfe7oSyHNTQY69Cn6avivO49icPtVdDHpfAh3w3IlSXvnAjBd22YNSUxW021i4PMwkF7Hm1zoCFTR-mUfWh_7TYjF-veGzUDj96H0Htt86A1k/s1600/BaV_Cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzS6TW_eUd2RiRIsaMYD45AXOhnGrHZ0Sfe7oSyHNTQY69Cn6avivO49icPtVdDHpfAh3w3IlSXvnAjBd22YNSUxW021i4PMwkF7Hm1zoCFTR-mUfWh_7TYjF-veGzUDj96H0Htt86A1k/s320/BaV_Cover.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blood-and-Violets-ebook/dp/B0090VYUEW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349876804&sr=8-1&keywords=blood+and+violets" target="_blank">Buy on the Kindle Store</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.createspace.com/4018819" target="_blank">Buy in Print</a></div>
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Big thanks to my amazingly awesome hubby for the super cover art!</div>
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<br />Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-61031303199016696332012-09-19T21:20:00.000-07:002012-09-19T21:20:39.702-07:00Free for Three Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blood-and-Violets-ebook/dp/B0090VYUEW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348114442&sr=8-1&keywords=blood+and+violets" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9I1MLYI0zFhN8X4kduA5XoOvRMrGw1DiF__wjLSQ_8Y82vQObMY_q62kzxn4z43bK3L1i-WZQn65VKfgVX1zFRlYR3AdQyXZnc24I-d9_nX2mW_KV682TaZs9ETdV_1LsW-WD8IhrfoX-/s320/cover3.jpg" width="200" /> </a></div>
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Since tomorrow's my birthday, I'm giving you all a present.</div>
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Blood and Violets is free today, tomorrow, and the 21st!</div>
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Enjoy! </div>
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Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-36376136044731902262012-09-06T11:07:00.002-07:002012-09-06T11:21:30.736-07:00Contest!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sd5_emrq5X4clTs8pbY7RKTiw2RhdH8NrVPOskw1-K0zlDJcIE_Nzs7Hm8oBefwnGD7BlXoCFlRsdleVmJgujNCIsNmHqZAFwoiWK0hBs6QgrWePWmTKGP_iBE2kC4oFa843ph2R-9cb/s1600/7910391670_dfa9c1f341_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sd5_emrq5X4clTs8pbY7RKTiw2RhdH8NrVPOskw1-K0zlDJcIE_Nzs7Hm8oBefwnGD7BlXoCFlRsdleVmJgujNCIsNmHqZAFwoiWK0hBs6QgrWePWmTKGP_iBE2kC4oFa843ph2R-9cb/s320/7910391670_dfa9c1f341_c.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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This is my very first giveaway EVER so you'll have to bear with me! </div>
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You can win this gorgeous necklace just by following the instructions below. If you've read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blood-and-Violets-ebook/dp/B0090VYUEW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346955583&sr=8-1&keywords=blood+and+violets" target="_blank">Blood and Violets</a> please review it to earn more points! </div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cb9c920/" id="rc-cb9c920" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script></div>
Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-44043846954290639262012-09-03T12:00:00.001-07:002012-09-03T12:00:44.610-07:00Romance Novels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1hQmClV-MozAOBlpMVASWZUXrEr2TOlayt8c8P6pjGa9LkvKOADJmVNCY-rjgO30vklNFQxu9nOWbEcnse6pxDkjt2ApbpEskrA2TY49gLlsvQcW2SbszOJ0hCxq1PF0VyqbM6L2AaBQ/s1600/romance+novels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1hQmClV-MozAOBlpMVASWZUXrEr2TOlayt8c8P6pjGa9LkvKOADJmVNCY-rjgO30vklNFQxu9nOWbEcnse6pxDkjt2ApbpEskrA2TY49gLlsvQcW2SbszOJ0hCxq1PF0VyqbM6L2AaBQ/s640/romance+novels.JPG" width="540" /></a></div>
<br />Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-56660689961405137922012-08-27T20:28:00.001-07:002012-08-27T20:29:13.506-07:00Blood and Violets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2jt6O6saYief1MqDYjYCDei5a7GdphIHWLpSy6sIeUCNv4NGAwtitE5cEKJSGrqSUl8El5LEuWS3YUPy3Wxzfn3yTiCC31Df4exDDAPy6yMpjbUx4avss7tjL-Oo2fYFc9_MSCLe1uwd/s320/BaV_Cover.jpg" width="200" /> </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blood-and-Violets-ebook/dp/B0090VYUEW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346123906&sr=8-1&keywords=blood+and+violets">Buy Me!</a> </div>
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Marie doesn’t know how she managed to get herself kidnapped by a
vampire or how she can possibly be having such uncomfortably lusty
feelings for him when he’s holding her a prisoner. Alexander wants a
protégé, and this snarky, obnoxious young woman is absolutely perfect.
He just has to manage his growing attraction to his feisty prisoner and
keep her out of the way long enough to complete a vital business
arrangement before proceeding with his plan. Meanwhile, a shadowy group
known as Carpe Sanguis is out to not only stop Alexander’s plans but
take his very life.
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<br />Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-84026455501941429142011-11-01T17:20:00.000-07:002011-11-04T17:42:14.913-07:00Nicky's Interactive Angry Birds Cake<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6059/6296874827_15dfe62aa1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6059/6296874827_15dfe62aa1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6047/6270508833_9ce475f71c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6047/6270508833_9ce475f71c.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/6208796810_ff862d3f4d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/6208796810_ff862d3f4d.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Notice the shocking difference in the picture quality of the birds vs the piggies... The birds were photographed with an iphone 4S the piggies with a 3G.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JMUbnsupdAQ" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe>Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-35517408682328423292011-10-19T08:59:00.000-07:002011-10-19T09:00:17.636-07:00New Diet BlogI'm starting a new diet and for that new diet I've created a new blog. Yay blogs! Feel free to join me at http://mssnarkypantsdiets.blogspot.com if you're interested!Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-16352471974438233182011-09-26T05:39:00.000-07:002011-09-26T05:43:43.424-07:00Need to Get Writing AgainThe presence of a embryo, fetus, or infant kills my ability to write... I think it's the sheer exhaustion that they bring with them. That or my muse is simply terrified of babies. It's very hard to think up crafty language when you can barely keep your eyes open. I have hopes that soon my darling princess will allow me to get back to the creating of prose for entertainment's sake. We shall see. Until then, ain't she cute!?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSeZWKEgsrmsFWlIqHNmwsGOgJrfur9C3LPklZYItWm-GxaiPIhCEqevHqD_Q049aFl9MyeuO_qXk4TJqU3ri3_3Mjgw17atWKuiKsZSgIa-wuzrORpC-zOz5PIrz8A42TJAS5In8hhxS/s1600/Razorback4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSeZWKEgsrmsFWlIqHNmwsGOgJrfur9C3LPklZYItWm-GxaiPIhCEqevHqD_Q049aFl9MyeuO_qXk4TJqU3ri3_3Mjgw17atWKuiKsZSgIa-wuzrORpC-zOz5PIrz8A42TJAS5In8hhxS/s320/Razorback4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656647745033990082" border="0" /></a>Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-85624937562996198982011-08-27T10:13:00.000-07:002011-09-26T05:12:41.823-07:00Nicky's Favorite LinksThis is a post so I have something to link to on Nicky's computer with his favorite links. Please ignore... hehehe<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">School</span><br /><a href="http://farmcards.org/">Farmington School District</a><br /><a href="http://farmcards.org/folsom%20elementary/index.htm">Folsom Elementary School</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM_dia8QGr0">How to Hold Your Pencil</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Bugs</span><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTQZAiuDoTg">Amazing Bugs You Didn't Know Existed</a><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAAwCRukK9Q">Giant Water Bug</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4UYBKBalfk">Lantern Fly</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9t4cuKQ_3M&feature=related">Gloworm</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Fish</span><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZXHHnysIWU">10 Most Horrible Undersea Creatures</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Science</span><br /><a href="http://www.kidsastronomy.com/">Kids Astronomy</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Games</span><br /><a href="http://pbskids.org/games/">PBS Kids</a><br /><a href="http://www.nickjr.com/kids-games/">Nick Jr.</a><br /><a href="http://www.sproutonline.com/sprout/games/">PBS Sprout</a><br /><a href="http://kids.discovery.com/games/skill/bug-off">Bug Off</a><br /><br /></div>Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-73179568921385941892011-07-25T07:14:00.000-07:002011-07-25T10:05:05.016-07:00Rules for Social Interactions......at least with me, though I am admittedly socially stunted.<br /><br />1. If you start an invitation with, "You probably can't/don't want to, but..." I'm going immediately assume it's something you want me to say no to and you are only asking out of politeness. Yes, I've said no to things I really wanted to do because I assumed I wasn't really wanted there. If you want me to come some where or do something just ask me.<br /><br />2. If you don't send me an invitation or invite me personally to a social event I'm going to assume you don't want me there, and thus will not attend.<br /><br />3. Ignore me long enough, even if we used to be very close and I'll assume it's because you don't like me or are embarrassed by me and will eventually stop attempting to connect with you at all.<br /><br />4. If you don't invite me to a social event that you assume I wouldn't want to go to so that I won't feel obligated, and I later find out that I was supposed to be invited then I'll assume that you are embarrassed by me or don't like me enough to want me there, and that's the reason you didn't pass along the invite. And trust me, in the day of Facebook I'll hear about it then I'll be hurt.<br /><br />5. If you don't like me and want me around, because you think I'm not smart enough, wealthy enough, slim enough, attractive enough, entertaining enough, or a good enough parent, then just do me the favor of letting me know. We'll both be better off. Text me. Email me. It doesn't have to be face to face. Then after that I'll leave you alone. I promise. It's a waste of my time and yours otherwise.<br /><br />I guess the bottom line is, <span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">say what you mean and mean what you say</span></span>, because I'm not good enough at reading social cues to figure out what everyone wants. Not to mention that I'm just tooo tired and busy to try to sort it all out. And if you try to lead me in the direction you want me without saying it outright then I'm unlikely to get it, because I'm too tired and naive to get it.Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318327128428696070.post-34316655712196722062011-07-14T07:48:00.000-07:002011-07-14T08:43:08.848-07:00Prefectionism Gone WrongSo I was watching an episode of hoarders (something about watching that show makes me capable of purging junk in my home and it needs it) and there was a very overweight woman who had just given up on cleaning her house. She would go through these spurts of wanting to get it perfect and working all night long and not ever be able to get it nearly clean so she just gave up.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">It was obvious to me that she was a perfectionist who couldn't get things perfect so she just gave up on her home, which is probably exactly what happened in regard to her body as well.</span><br /><br />Then I saw a reflection of myself in the tv, because I was sitting on the floor playing with Avi, and it suddenly occurred to me...<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Holy SHIT! That is me...that's exactly what I've done...</span></span><br /><br />Even when I was younger and lost a bunch of weight, I thought I was horrifically fat...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2WCfzzk7jkD39XNwKsKnw5vnHAXHDWe1Iw3lQh8YhMAI4j3z4OuAU8nzTIwm2hvGyT38CRVDEwbd7-tW78RMnhzHCKu7gMpd8xC-jHQrrOfFlGQau7PwV9cXEFVXFyHWrbHP3mj8dHiO/s1600/2888736039_d8ab1db39f_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 245px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2WCfzzk7jkD39XNwKsKnw5vnHAXHDWe1Iw3lQh8YhMAI4j3z4OuAU8nzTIwm2hvGyT38CRVDEwbd7-tW78RMnhzHCKu7gMpd8xC-jHQrrOfFlGQau7PwV9cXEFVXFyHWrbHP3mj8dHiO/s320/2888736039_d8ab1db39f_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629227762859239010" border="0" /></a>There I am when I thought that. I was so not horrifically fat...<br /><br />But since I worked so hard and still didn't feel good about myself, then all the hard work I had put in felt pointless. Why bother when I slave for months and am still fat and ugly? So I just gave up caring what other people thought of me. <br /><br />That in and of itself is not a bad thing, but the fact that I don't feel good about myself at all anymore is. I'm pretty active so I'm not really in as horrible shape as I could be. But I'm getting older and sooner or later the effects of all this excess weight are going to catch up with me. Something has to be done...<br /><br />But what?<br /><br />So if we've established that I'm a perfectionist who will never be happy no matter what I do? Where do I go from there?<br /><br />I've heard people comment that if a person knows the root of their problem then they should be able to solve it, "after all that is why people spend 1000s on therapy." But that is just so not true. I think I've figured out a large portion of my problem, and I have no idea where to go with it.Lesley Spellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752962065518940782noreply@blogger.com5