tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19515990344003941942024-03-13T23:13:34.949-04:00Around the World with MeredithAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951599034400394194.post-66306380455130992212015-02-10T14:15:00.001-05:002015-02-10T14:15:28.494-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1MT4fUTFDys/VNpYdCgWi7I/AAAAAAAAWy0/EOg7YbZXg8k/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1MT4fUTFDys/VNpYdCgWi7I/AAAAAAAAWy0/EOg7YbZXg8k/s1600/Capture.JPG" height="320" width="305" /></a></div>
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Hello! Thanks for stopping by! I've finally moved my blog. Please visit me over at </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.sheisatrip.com/">www.SheIsATrip.com</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951599034400394194.post-70603092659903740902014-09-03T19:29:00.001-04:002014-09-03T19:29:51.429-04:00I am such a bad friend....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">because the <span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">HOTTEST</span> </b></span>book of 2014 was released in April and I just finished it today. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: center;">Because</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: center;"> I keep her laughing, I've been forgiven. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">T</span>his is not an objective book review. I fully admit that I'm totally biased. I have known the lady who penned this novel for over 15yrs. It gives my heart so much joy to see her doing her thing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">I</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>think my favorite thing about <i style="color: red;"><strong>Before I Say I Do</strong> </i>is that it is very relatable. It was a reminder that we all need to love, to be loved and that there is no GREATER love than GOD's love. It was a little <strong><span style="color: red;">LUST</span> </strong>in there too, but you'll have to read about that yourself. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>" Love is the flower of life, and blossoms unexpectedly and without law, and must be plucked where it is found, and enjoyed for the brief hour of its duration."<br /><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/d/d_h_lawrence.html" style="text-decoration: none;">D. H. Lawrence</a></i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">T</span>ara used a great level of detail, yet somehow managed to leave room for the imagination. I don't want to give too much away, so I'll finish by adding this. It was an easy read. Seamless transition between scenes, storylines and characters. The perfect book when you want a <i><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">fun, flirty, sexy escape</span></i> during lunch or before bed. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1oQ2xV5q2G0/VAd9DIS9MmI/AAAAAAAAV6Y/kWazKkSF9ik/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1oQ2xV5q2G0/VAd9DIS9MmI/AAAAAAAAV6Y/kWazKkSF9ik/s1600/th.jpg" height="366" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Click <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Before-I-Say-Do/dp/1496062949/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1409776724&sr=8-4&keywords=before+I+say+I+do" target="_blank">HERE </a>to get your copy today!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oZv3cAD7FiQ/VAd4qdTg3wI/AAAAAAAAV6I/p1QWEDKJUaQ/s1600/Tara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oZv3cAD7FiQ/VAd4qdTg3wI/AAAAAAAAV6I/p1QWEDKJUaQ/s1600/Tara.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">http://www.taralthompson.net/</span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951599034400394194.post-58739598357801459102014-06-22T01:00:00.000-04:002014-06-25T07:20:45.594-04:00Failure to thrive.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: x-large;">N</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">o matter what the truth is, when you tell people you're moving back home for a while, images of a bad break-up, being escorted from your office, a twin bed or a bank account with spider webs spring into mind. Because of his grace and mercy, I can happily report I moved home by choice and not force. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: x-large;">I</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">'d been thinking about leaving that city for a while. When I actually voiced the thought out-loud a year ago, I got mixed reviews. Some thought it was to save money for backpacking around the globe. Others were more concerned about my social life. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: x-large;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">his year, I took all of that into consideration ( especially the backpacking around the world) and ended my lease at a place I'd called home for seven years - with the intention of moving back in two months. Not one, but two apartments fell-through and I had an epiphany. I decided not to force what no longer fit. I'd moved there in 2007 always knowing it was not where I wanted to lay down roots, but "you go where the job is" or at least, that was my mantra back then. Now, not so much. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I don't regret my time there at all but, like the title of this entry, outside of my career, I failed to thrive.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">E</span>veryone knows I have a love/hate relationship with my hometown. As soon as I got a job, I started a </span><b><span style="color: #741b47;">"Never-Going-Back-to-Fresno Fund."</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> The only way I was moving back home was to care for my parents - no exceptions. Oh, how time has a way of changing your mind and perspective. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">My cousin thinks my mother and I are going to drive one another crazy, but I'll get on her nerves before she gets on mine.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>y colleagues say, " <i>What about the drive</i>?" Surprisingly, I look forward to it. It's very scenic, sets the tone for the day, and forces me to be organized and on a schedule. Before I was 5 miles away - if I left something, no worries. I just turn around. Late night? Go home at lunch for a power nap. For the first half of the drive, there isn't mobile phone reception. Instead of calling someone for a distraction, I listen to music or a podcast or ride in silence to get my thoughts together. Last week on my commute, I came up with the concept and outline for a conference presentation. #BOOM</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">C</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">ontinue to fight the good Teen Pregnancy Prevention fight by day, plot to take over the world at night and cloud hop when I want. Basically what I've always done. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951599034400394194.post-1333779887460041592014-04-16T15:16:00.006-04:002014-04-16T15:16:56.249-04:00Seems like a great time to visit.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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San Juan......Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951599034400394194.post-75171820295716014932014-03-06T10:00:00.000-05:002014-03-06T10:00:05.293-05:00#Happiest5k<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">March 1st</span> my cousin Lena and I participated in </div>
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Turn UP the volume and Press Play! </div>
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With encouragement from my friend <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/reSLICEd" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Jordan </span><span style="color: red;">{ Runner/DataDiva/Seamstress/All Around Cool Kid}</span></a> and a little hard work, I'll be able to actually <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">RUN</span></b> more in the next 5k.</div>
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Thanks for watching!</div>
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P.S. Still learning how to edit videos, so the quality of this one is not that great. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951599034400394194.post-63868763564208657242014-02-25T18:44:00.002-05:002014-02-27T13:19:58.370-05:00My cellular phone died<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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and I was forced to simply focus and pay attention without trying to snap a photo or live tweet a powerful quote. My dead phone forced me to sit and take in every moment of TedxCharlotte. Thank goodness. It was an amazing experience. Totoally in my element. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Shockingly, lots of people have asked, " Who is this TED person you are so excited about going to see?" So for those of you who aren't familiar, let me introduce you to TED. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SGrQCQLi2G8/Uw-BMR4ZHaI/AAAAAAAAVDU/MDyVe1IbRY8/s640/blogger-image--1127845102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SGrQCQLi2G8/Uw-BMR4ZHaI/AAAAAAAAVDU/MDyVe1IbRY8/s640/blogger-image--1127845102.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out in 1984 as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Technology, Entertainment, Design.</strong> TED conferences bring together the world's most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes or less). ( www.ted.com)</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1E1nt-JlAZM/Uw-BJYv_gTI/AAAAAAAAVDM/j3Wwm7vJHyQ/s640/blogger-image-1219583486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1E1nt-JlAZM/Uw-BJYv_gTI/AAAAAAAAVDM/j3Wwm7vJHyQ/s640/blogger-image-1219583486.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">#TedxCharlotte is what I attended. The <a href="http://www.ted.com/tedx" target="_blank" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: none;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">TEDx</strong></a> program gives communities, organizations and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue through TED-like experiences at the local level. TEDx events are planned and coordinated independently. ( www.ted.com)</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I strongly encourage everyone to follow your local Tedx on Social Media and to watch the videos on Youtube. I promise there is at least one video that you will love. </span></div></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mJH7WXny5YU/Uw-BOlaHk9I/AAAAAAAAVDc/hBjXqZYwqBw/s640/blogger-image--1558246695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mJH7WXny5YU/Uw-BOlaHk9I/AAAAAAAAVDc/hBjXqZYwqBw/s640/blogger-image--1558246695.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Right now, the one that is reigning supreme is “We should all be <span style="font-weight: bold;">feminists</span>” by Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. It's several months old, but it resurfaced in the new Beyonce'Knowles song Flawless. </span></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Thanks for reading,</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Meredith </span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951599034400394194.post-45409835881362557132014-02-17T14:57:00.000-05:002014-02-17T21:22:45.001-05:00A day at the beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">All of this cold weather is making me think of warmer days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">Here are a few of my MUST HAVES for a day at the beach</span>. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2U96SDK1KdQ/UwJok4l_MyI/AAAAAAAAVCE/7Z-rVpSFlHs/s1600/Fotor0217144952.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2U96SDK1KdQ/UwJok4l_MyI/AAAAAAAAVCE/7Z-rVpSFlHs/s1600/Fotor0217144952.png" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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1) <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90214006/" target="_blank">Water Proof Bag.</a> This one came from Ikea. As you may have guessed deep orange is my favorite color. </div>
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2) Water Proof Camera: I have ruined too many camera from water damage. I dropped enough hints and was gifted one for my birthday. </div>
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3) Paper and Pen: The beach is the perfect time to zone out. I normally put my phone away and enjoy the moment. Take the time to journal, thought dump. It also comes in handy when you meet people and need to write down a name/number or the address of where you'll meet for dinner. </div>
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4) Solar Chargers are the best return on investment ever! It's free power. I take so many photos when traveling my camera battery is always running low. Just sit it in the sunlight and charge away. </div>
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5) EZ Towels: One year I attend a public health conference about Emergency Preparedness. We got these in our goodie bag. At first glance, I thought, " Glad I got it for free, I'd never buy". However, they have proven to really be handy. All you need is water and Vola! A towel to nurse a bloody nose, wipe feet after a day in flip flops, or to freshen up after a long day of shopping before heading to dinner. </div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">In case you are wondering. it's </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">123 days, 4 hours remain till Summer</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951599034400394194.post-72213726851561093252014-02-16T12:04:00.005-05:002014-02-16T12:08:59.100-05:00All day every day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0urozUglTyU/UwDwnmIYuzI/AAAAAAAAVBg/IFuVv08klUo/s1600/blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0urozUglTyU/UwDwnmIYuzI/AAAAAAAAVBg/IFuVv08klUo/s1600/blog1.jpg" height="320" width="309" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951599034400394194.post-35204807932127381412014-02-11T16:12:00.001-05:002014-02-11T16:15:00.039-05:00Snow & South Africa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Px5l9pKoqbw/Uvp8nqKCB0I/AAAAAAAAU_8/RQFoH5Pl7SA/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Px5l9pKoqbw/Uvp8nqKCB0I/AAAAAAAAU_8/RQFoH5Pl7SA/s1600/images.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">I </span>believed to really connect with a culture, you must eat the food and dance to the music. I have yet to experience authentic South African cuisine, but Sunday I took a trip to South Africa without leaving South Carolina. The award winning Soweto Gospel Choir performed at the Peace Center in Greenville, SC and when I say award winning, I mean Grammy- Emmy Award winning. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he show was nothing short of magnificent. It's their 10yr anniversary and the performance is dedicated to the beautiful Miriam Makeba and great Nelson Mandela</div>
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<a href="http://www.sowetogospelchoir.com/Performances_Current.html" target="_blank">Click here to see if they are coming to a city near you!</a> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WjULUrF1XaA/UvqC328jKgI/AAAAAAAAVAY/DNMcZmR4Lsw/s1600/WP_20140211_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WjULUrF1XaA/UvqC328jKgI/AAAAAAAAVAY/DNMcZmR4Lsw/s1600/WP_20140211_002.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>oday I am snowed in, so why not update my blog. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yPg5NYNo9nM/UvqC6EQ6PGI/AAAAAAAAVAc/0pbVGzG3L7w/s1600/WP_20140211_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yPg5NYNo9nM/UvqC6EQ6PGI/AAAAAAAAVAc/0pbVGzG3L7w/s1600/WP_20140211_005.jpg" height="640" width="358" /></a></div>
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Well, I'm not literally snowed in.</div>
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I've been for a walk to get fresh air. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">R</span>ecently someone asked why I haven't updated my blog. My response was, " I haven't been anywhere, so I have nothing to share." They went on to remind me that I have plenty to say when it comes to researching, planning and paying for a trip, culture and life in general. And I used to, but the instant expert on everything that social media has lead us all to believe we are has made me more conscious of what I say. Travel should be safe though? Right?<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KUXPDs_2eb4/UvqJssvEyHI/AAAAAAAAVBI/u7EDzGQpnWg/s1600/blog-blogging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KUXPDs_2eb4/UvqJssvEyHI/AAAAAAAAVBI/u7EDzGQpnWg/s1600/blog-blogging.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span>o here goes. I am about to share more about what's going on with me. More not all b/c part of being a lady is being a little mysterious and unpredictable. O</span></span>ne thing I am excited about is the opportunity to introduce the wonderful world of Travel to the girls at <a href="http://zipporahsangels.org/Home_Page.php" target="_blank">Zippy's Place. </a>A local not for profit I volunteer with. Normally, my hours are spent behind the computer, so this is an opportunity to work directly with the participants. I have weeks until our program, but I've already done a little window shopping at Party City. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mRJDE5dPRtw/UvqE-_gf5_I/AAAAAAAAVA4/o3dJ6wGmQ-0/s1600/WP_20140208_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mRJDE5dPRtw/UvqE-_gf5_I/AAAAAAAAVA4/o3dJ6wGmQ-0/s1600/WP_20140208_005.jpg" height="640" width="356" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hmm</span> what else has been going on with me? I have been writing a deleting a blog entry about how to pay for travel for the last four months. Talking about money in general is uncomfortable and even though this is simply my opinion and creative ways I save for travel, I am still hesitant about posting it. We shall see.<br />
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As usual, Thanks for reading. <br />
If you are in the South East stay warm. <br />
Meredith ♥<br />
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PS. I signed up for a 5k next month. That should be interesting.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951599034400394194.post-57318663916153187662013-10-30T18:53:00.004-04:002013-10-30T21:27:06.943-04:00Throwback Thursday: Bele Chere 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YHM56-qblXg/UnGE1TOv9iI/AAAAAAAAU3A/1L6OohyPQMU/s1600/cooltext1260232808.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YHM56-qblXg/UnGE1TOv9iI/AAAAAAAAU3A/1L6OohyPQMU/s1600/cooltext1260232808.png" height="78" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAamWr5KOhA/UnGD-TDPDqI/AAAAAAAAU28/LsHcIRPb2pY/s1600/WP_20130728_094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAamWr5KOhA/UnGD-TDPDqI/AAAAAAAAU28/LsHcIRPb2pY/s1600/WP_20130728_094.jpg" height="360" width="640"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am so <b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta;">ashamed</span> </b>to admit this, but I've lived an hour away from Asheville since 2007 and this was my first time visiting. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AKVDAi096DQ/UnF_UzJDKrI/AAAAAAAAU1E/zn-9Y5EIqtA/s1600/Bele.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AKVDAi096DQ/UnF_UzJDKrI/AAAAAAAAU1E/zn-9Y5EIqtA/s1600/Bele.png" height="480" width="640"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I was looking for a weekend trip and a friend mentioned </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.belecherefestival.com/" target="_blank">Bele Chere</a>. Perfect timing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> After 30+ years, this </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">was the final festival.</span> </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UqdQ_anjMYY/UnGCW3zlsdI/AAAAAAAAU1w/UMiTBETjGSY/s1600/WP_20130728_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UqdQ_anjMYY/UnGCW3zlsdI/AAAAAAAAU1w/UMiTBETjGSY/s1600/WP_20130728_006.jpg" height="360" width="640"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The view from our room. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kAeHtvdOuJQ/UnGCE-RrgtI/AAAAAAAAU1g/trD010VxnKc/s1600/WP_20130727_009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kAeHtvdOuJQ/UnGCE-RrgtI/AAAAAAAAU1g/trD010VxnKc/s1600/WP_20130727_009.jpg" height="640" width="360"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;">You know I came home with two bags. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Taste so much better than store bought.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's a local couple. He fries and she seasons with homemade blends. The BBQ was delicious. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Low sodium and zero calories. #winning </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oGqe_JWDP60/UnGB7hYXlbI/AAAAAAAAU1Q/6BfKIiUmJ9Y/s1600/WP_20130727_015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oGqe_JWDP60/UnGB7hYXlbI/AAAAAAAAU1Q/6BfKIiUmJ9Y/s1600/WP_20130727_015.jpg" height="640" width="360"></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The sign said it all. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ_OZN_euYI/UnGC8sgSGyI/AAAAAAAAU2I/6r5VcHNHBG4/s1600/WP_20130728_035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ_OZN_euYI/UnGC8sgSGyI/AAAAAAAAU2I/6r5VcHNHBG4/s1600/WP_20130728_035.jpg" height="360" width="640"></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The first woman MD in the US studied in Asheville. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xRPGoyUmEhg/UnGDH0dIjPI/AAAAAAAAU2Q/bHGIANX1FXE/s1600/WP_20130728_053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xRPGoyUmEhg/UnGDH0dIjPI/AAAAAAAAU2Q/bHGIANX1FXE/s1600/WP_20130728_053.jpg" height="360" width="640"></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As the queens would say,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> " This sign is giving me LIFE!"</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NwHQzfZm3JI/UnGD39ub8pI/AAAAAAAAU2s/1xPPzcFZD5g/s1600/WP_20130728_068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NwHQzfZm3JI/UnGD39ub8pI/AAAAAAAAU2s/1xPPzcFZD5g/s1600/WP_20130728_068.jpg" height="360" width="640"></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I have a love hate relationship with my hometown, but everyone knows I'm from</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b> CHESTER, SOUTH CAROLINA </b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1ZO5op4rNg/UnGD31axZ1I/AAAAAAAAU2o/b85dfIqW4Mk/s1600/WP_20130728_074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1ZO5op4rNg/UnGD31axZ1I/AAAAAAAAU2o/b85dfIqW4Mk/s1600/WP_20130728_074.jpg" height="360" width="640"></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I could not talk him into this tour. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">No worries. Just another reason to come back. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7aw3r5-C45c/UnGDTj0s1eI/AAAAAAAAU2Y/JJB3xAlbi4A/s1600/WP_20130728_059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7aw3r5-C45c/UnGDTj0s1eI/AAAAAAAAU2Y/JJB3xAlbi4A/s1600/WP_20130728_059.jpg" height="360" width="640"></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The BEST crab cake ever!!! Nothing but meat and butter.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s8rY8MXKeRI/UnGCBA9u9NI/AAAAAAAAU1Y/x5RfZSK-bRc/s1600/WP_20130727_022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s8rY8MXKeRI/UnGCBA9u9NI/AAAAAAAAU1Y/x5RfZSK-bRc/s1600/WP_20130727_022.jpg" height="360" width="640"></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Chocolate treats for planning a fun and relaxing weekend. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mRd6n4yRaAQ/UnGIg_XtraI/AAAAAAAAU3M/brrz5bseK7Q/s1600/French+Bread+Asheville.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mRd6n4yRaAQ/UnGIg_XtraI/AAAAAAAAU3M/brrz5bseK7Q/s1600/French+Bread+Asheville.png" height="480" width="640"></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://frenchbroadchocolates.com/" target="_blank">French Broad Chocolate Lounge</a></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I decided NOT to post photos of the religious and equality protesters. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I am all about freedom of speech, but once you start talking about the Heavenly Father having sex, Meredith is done. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for reading,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Meredith♥</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951599034400394194.post-49850488811036663512013-10-21T19:13:00.000-04:002013-10-21T19:13:42.337-04:00Monks and Mormons #MahalaHi13 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W9IIec--gfg/UmVZ4M3Bv3I/AAAAAAAAUyI/MotCcaSdemY/s1600/the+climb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W9IIec--gfg/UmVZ4M3Bv3I/AAAAAAAAUyI/MotCcaSdemY/s1600/the+climb.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red;"><b>*None of these photos have been enhanced in anyway. What you see is what I saw.*</b></span></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home."<span style="font-size: x-small;"> - James Michener</span></b></span></i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222;">My friend Steph from Boston has nicknamed me Dora. As in </span><span style="color: purple;"><b>Dora The Explorer.</b></span><span style="color: #222222;"> So she will not be shocked to hear</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> that in one day, I managed to visit a multi-faith cemetery, a beautiful non-denomination Buddhist Temple and a multi-cultural Mormon University. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">None</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> of these things were on the itinerary for the day. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XrKupzjQBMg/UmVZ04JuI9I/AAAAAAAAUxo/w0oBHMK9DTc/s1600/drive.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XrKupzjQBMg/UmVZ04JuI9I/AAAAAAAAUxo/w0oBHMK9DTc/s1600/drive.JPG" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Leaving the city. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I don't let driving stop me from taking a good picture. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cdr1JcDn228/UmVZv7Ik5yI/AAAAAAAAUxI/yVx9-f_fgC8/s1600/Drive+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cdr1JcDn228/UmVZv7Ik5yI/AAAAAAAAUxI/yVx9-f_fgC8/s1600/Drive+2.JPG" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.valley-of-the-temples.com/" target="_blank">Valley of Temples Memorial Park.</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What a beautiful place to lay your loved one to rest.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E1L-kDsmQNA/UmVZ1i0x8CI/AAAAAAAAUxw/1tWhCX6HVmw/s1600/momor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E1L-kDsmQNA/UmVZ1i0x8CI/AAAAAAAAUxw/1tWhCX6HVmw/s1600/momor.JPG" height="471" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">While there, we stumbled upon the <a href="http://www.hawaiiweb.com/byodo-in-temple.html" target="_blank">Byodo Temple</a> . </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G1Sxo6mmJm4/UmVZwZ1MEWI/AAAAAAAAUxM/jrx-y2W_Jug/s1600/Drive+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G1Sxo6mmJm4/UmVZwZ1MEWI/AAAAAAAAUxM/jrx-y2W_Jug/s1600/Drive+3.JPG" height="640" width="471" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0_f3GTTdzIE/UmVxV43TaMI/AAAAAAAAUys/tR1HJiWGlm4/s1600/buddmom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0_f3GTTdzIE/UmVxV43TaMI/AAAAAAAAUys/tR1HJiWGlm4/s1600/buddmom.JPG" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So proud of my mom for being open to a new experience.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cmtMbrSLc0E/UmVxV2sBevI/AAAAAAAAUyw/PRxtUJZpxzI/s1600/33belle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cmtMbrSLc0E/UmVxV2sBevI/AAAAAAAAUyw/PRxtUJZpxzI/s1600/33belle.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/rowsbelle" target="_blank">@Rowsbelle</a> ringing the Sacred Bell.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BFDjQtmudcg/UmV5eHTWIdI/AAAAAAAAUzI/Z6qKiM15wlM/s1600/belle2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BFDjQtmudcg/UmV5eHTWIdI/AAAAAAAAUzI/Z6qKiM15wlM/s1600/belle2.JPG" height="270" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">During our visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center, we hopped on the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">trolley. We thought we were going on a tour of the center. We ended up at...</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hfAwjqzYMQA/UmV67PvMFpI/AAAAAAAAUzU/Zu54-i_VsQQ/s1600/bring.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hfAwjqzYMQA/UmV67PvMFpI/AAAAAAAAUzU/Zu54-i_VsQQ/s1600/bring.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <a href="http://byuh.edu/" target="_blank">Brigham Young University</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://byuh.edu/" target="_blank"> </a>-Hawai'i campus. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>"Enter to Learn, Go Forth To Serve."</b></i></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lm_0BTDpbJk/UmV66-HLBBI/AAAAAAAAUzQ/QnT7jdGJUqA/s1600/what.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lm_0BTDpbJk/UmV66-HLBBI/AAAAAAAAUzQ/QnT7jdGJUqA/s1600/what.JPG" height="640" width="474" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The visitors center for the </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://mormon.org/" target="_blank">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pT8T-mbxkSM/UmVZ3XD-7PI/AAAAAAAAUyA/7mmqRCCs-Qc/s1600/mormun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pT8T-mbxkSM/UmVZ3XD-7PI/AAAAAAAAUyA/7mmqRCCs-Qc/s1600/mormun.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Leave it to my mom to start asking questions about black members, teen pregnancy and same sex marriage. The poor missionary was <b><u>NOT</u></b> ready for that southern baptist pop quiz. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Please leave a comment!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Mer♥</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951599034400394194.post-48691591107711691882013-10-14T02:01:00.000-04:002013-10-14T02:01:09.382-04:00Hungry in Hawai'i #MahaloHi13<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9ha2WzlyP8/UlSkHPOPGDI/AAAAAAAARrw/16MM0nPlgA4/s1600/Mahalo1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9ha2WzlyP8/UlSkHPOPGDI/AAAAAAAARrw/16MM0nPlgA4/s1600/Mahalo1.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oy3g1cFIvEs/Ultpm9ehsaI/AAAAAAAAUtA/5K2LpeU-JTY/s1600/Locck+your+car.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oy3g1cFIvEs/Ultpm9ehsaI/AAAAAAAAUtA/5K2LpeU-JTY/s1600/Locck+your+car.png" height="482" width="640" /></a></div>
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I don't know why I thought this was so funny! </div>
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Don't let <span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G4isv_Fylg" target="_blank">PARADISE</a></b></span> fool you. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Yes! I went to Waikiki. Home of some of the best cuisine in the country and I went on a food truck crawl. What can I say? I am an off the beaten path kinda girl. Where else can I get sticky rice and fresh garlic shrimp from a food truck by the ocean?</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6bXtF4y9tk/UltsoftcNaI/AAAAAAAAUtw/Rw8QpBd7mKk/s1600/Shrimp.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6bXtF4y9tk/UltsoftcNaI/AAAAAAAAUtw/Rw8QpBd7mKk/s1600/Shrimp.png" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I saw this place on Unique Eats.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.shrimpshackoahu.com/Shrimp_Shack%21.html" target="_blank">Shrimp Shack</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e5J0-ha1bNY/Ultq1avtaeI/AAAAAAAAUtk/9YoMTJrpiIs/s1600/food+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iH8GHRDc07I/Ultq022otdI/AAAAAAAAUtM/Ao0Afy8j12g/s1600/Food+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iH8GHRDc07I/Ultq022otdI/AAAAAAAAUtM/Ao0Afy8j12g/s1600/Food+1.JPG" height="400" width="296" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gI2eyNe9M7E/UltvF38TyTI/AAAAAAAAUuI/4ensgAaWPFA/s1600/shrimp4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gI2eyNe9M7E/UltvF38TyTI/AAAAAAAAUuI/4ensgAaWPFA/s1600/shrimp4.png" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the gems I discovered using Instagram and Twitter was the <a href="http://www.honolulunightmarket.com/" target="_blank">Honolulu Night Market</a> #HNLNightMarket. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aSNjaH0k66A/UltwHzXA6UI/AAAAAAAAUuU/xpSvNNmHKvA/s1600/white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aSNjaH0k66A/UltwHzXA6UI/AAAAAAAAUuU/xpSvNNmHKvA/s1600/white.jpg" height="640" width="410" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Perfect timing!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g4tbFSDB6Xw/Ult3tFNnbOI/AAAAAAAAUu4/hYiIxNKMzoQ/s1600/White2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g4tbFSDB6Xw/Ult3tFNnbOI/AAAAAAAAUu4/hYiIxNKMzoQ/s1600/White2.JPG" height="400" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Decided to take a selfie in the cab. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At 32, I probably should not be saying <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=selfie" target="_blank">selfie</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNWb5kaC3GE/Ult34KnwzII/AAAAAAAAUvA/60fK8-ihQvA/s1600/cupcake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNWb5kaC3GE/Ult34KnwzII/AAAAAAAAUvA/60fK8-ihQvA/s1600/cupcake.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks Instagram! </span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">We got ours!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5IJBbAxzABQ/UlU8XV2jAFI/AAAAAAAATXE/FEhk6XA-lmg/s1600/mom4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5IJBbAxzABQ/UlU8XV2jAFI/AAAAAAAATXE/FEhk6XA-lmg/s1600/mom4.jpg" height="481" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Soror-Momma found her favorite. The Ice Cream Truck. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-venj8qUZ3zQ/UlU-I_RPIYI/AAAAAAAATXU/-0TphYfE0sY/s1600/mom5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-venj8qUZ3zQ/UlU-I_RPIYI/AAAAAAAATXU/-0TphYfE0sY/s1600/mom5.JPG" height="400" width="296" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/AlohaPops" target="_blank">@AlohaPops</a> Menu at the Honolulu Night Market</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Lilikoi was light, but very sweet. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-73r5BiL7Jsw/Ult6fcBHt6I/AAAAAAAAUvM/q381ethmST0/s1600/H'awaii+2013+310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-73r5BiL7Jsw/Ult6fcBHt6I/AAAAAAAAUvM/q381ethmST0/s1600/H'awaii+2013+310.JPG" height="400" width="296" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Italian Soda from Life is Sweet</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AFGr8AkOVrc/Ult81eKyYHI/AAAAAAAAUvY/62E2GTPzR6o/s1600/hnl.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AFGr8AkOVrc/Ult81eKyYHI/AAAAAAAAUvY/62E2GTPzR6o/s1600/hnl.png" height="481" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Food. Art. Music. Clothing. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Go where the locals go.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VxfASCwIU5E/Ult_TeSAP9I/AAAAAAAAUvw/2_COmxNDz-s/s1600/waffle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VxfASCwIU5E/Ult_TeSAP9I/AAAAAAAAUvw/2_COmxNDz-s/s1600/waffle.JPG" height="296" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>My Love...My desire...My waffle cake. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://whatchafillin.com/yelpfbigtwitter.html" target="_blank">@Whatchafillin</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">#1 I was seduced by their tagline. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#2 They were only $3.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0qVd6oxBxrc/Ult_TaJ_nhI/AAAAAAAAUvo/9ZJH4M-kKNw/s1600/waffle4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0qVd6oxBxrc/Ult_TaJ_nhI/AAAAAAAAUvo/9ZJH4M-kKNw/s1600/waffle4.JPG" height="320" width="238" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I prefer savory, so I got <span style="color: red;"><b>Hot Stuff</b></span>! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese and Jalapenos </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EpG3lxGyHX8/UluBfNz-oCI/AAAAAAAAUwA/a9bL9h68Eac/s1600/Mahalo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EpG3lxGyHX8/UluBfNz-oCI/AAAAAAAAUwA/a9bL9h68Eac/s1600/Mahalo+4.JPG" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Monya loves her chocolate!</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><b>Gimmie S'more</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Handmade chocolate fudge, Marshmallow, Gram crackers</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and Powdered Sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#Winning</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rwstGgBFLYM/UluDPrTOn6I/AAAAAAAAUwM/QMMTg3gpUPU/s1600/haupiapie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rwstGgBFLYM/UluDPrTOn6I/AAAAAAAAUwM/QMMTg3gpUPU/s1600/haupiapie.jpg" height="304" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I know McDonald's isn't a food truck, but I had to try this.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iK9RCI6E64Y/UluDgsX6Z2I/AAAAAAAAUwU/EP7pQn-F0EE/s1600/Food+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iK9RCI6E64Y/UluDgsX6Z2I/AAAAAAAAUwU/EP7pQn-F0EE/s1600/Food+7.JPG" height="400" width="296" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The other M's were NOT feeling it, but it wasn't bad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for reading,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mer</span></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23MahaloHi13&f=realtime" target="_blank">#MahaloHi13</a></span></div>
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<h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">A </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">hashtag</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"> is a word or a phrase prefixed with the </span><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hash_symbol" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; line-height: 19.1875px;" title="Hash symbol">symbol</a> #. <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">It is a form of </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tag_(metadata)" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; line-height: 19.1875px;" title="Tag (metadata)">metadata tag</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">. Short messages on </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microblogging" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; line-height: 19.1875px;" title="Microblogging">microblogging</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"> and</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_networking_service" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; line-height: 19.1875px;" title="Social networking service">social networking services</a>. </i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"><i>Hashtags provide a means of grouping such messages, since one can search for the hashtag and get the set of messages that contain it.</i> (Wikipedia) </span></span></h4>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"><b>ALOHA!</b></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1r0_PxGOrOw/UkuLYLnQkyI/AAAAAAAAQRk/GK-4jcDslJo/s1600/H'awaii+2013+240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1r0_PxGOrOw/UkuLYLnQkyI/AAAAAAAAQRk/GK-4jcDslJo/s1600/H'awaii+2013+240.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>A</b></span>fter years of talking, months of planning, and a 10 hour flight; I finally made it to </span></span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.1875px;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Hawai'i.</span> </i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">As a budget traveler, I (we) opted NOT to use the services of a travel agent beyond coordinating flights and accommodations. We were all coming from various cities on various dates and it was much easier to let <a href="http://carolinas.aaa.com/AAA-Travel/Pages/Travel.aspx" target="_blank">AAA Travel </a>handle it. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PZBaa4uHO0g/UkuMJaLXyTI/AAAAAAAAQRs/Xf6piGKxm_o/s1600/H'awaii+2013+242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PZBaa4uHO0g/UkuMJaLXyTI/AAAAAAAAQRs/Xf6piGKxm_o/s1600/H'awaii+2013+242.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 19.1875px;"><b>S</b></span><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">o what do #Hashtags have to do with my trip to the South Pacific? EVERYTHING. The reality is people enjoy over sharing on social media and I took advantage of that. I can't give away all of my secrets, but following #Hashtags saved us #Hundreds ! #BudgetTravel </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">Follow #MahaloHi13 on Instagram and Twitter</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b>nitially, I wanted to use a local travel agent. I liked a few pages on Facebook, started following a few on Twitter, and made cold calls. It wasn't long before I was reminded that the goal of the travel industry is just like any other business. #TurnAProfit. Before I go any further, I am not knocking travel agents. It has crossed my mind a time or two to become one. Therefore, I am going to share my experience using "I" statements. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">I needed this trip to be tailored to our needs and not what was convenient and profitable for an agent. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">One popular agent posted negative comments about his clients on Facebook and Twitter. I felt that was unprofessional and rude. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">I did not want to spend 11 days riding crowded tour buses to places that were of no interest to us simply because they were apart of a prepackaged deal.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">I wanted to save money.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">I am putting together a list of tips and questions that you should ask travel agents and tour companies before booking an excursion. I believe if a person is spending their hard earned money, they should have the experience they want. Within reason of course.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">Thanks for reading,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">Meredith</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951599034400394194.post-17247533331704182862013-07-17T09:52:00.001-04:002013-07-17T09:52:19.139-04:00Personal Perspectives: Give From Your Overflow<a href="http://sccampaign.blogspot.com/2013/07/give-from-your-overflow.html?spref=bl">Personal Perspectives: Give From Your Overflow</a>: This year I opted to work through the summer and go on vacation in the fall. I am looking forward to disconnecting and engaging in activitie...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951599034400394194.post-88616528292660817282013-05-26T21:48:00.000-04:002013-05-26T21:48:20.651-04:00I Can’t BELIZE It<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;"><b>Excuse me miss! Pardon me, sir!</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> H</span></b>ope everyone is well. I am
<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">LaRia </span></b>and I just wanted to stop by to let you know about my recent adventure to
Belize. Being a first time international traveler, I knew just the place to
visit: Belize! Belize is one of the last untouched paradises and the name
itself is simply awesome to say! So, for this trip, I wanted to experience life
as a Belizean and leave all cares & worries on US soil.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">F</span></b>irst stop: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Ignacio,_Belize" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">San Ignacio</span></b>.</a> While in San Ignacio, I went to an Iguana project to learn about why saving green Iguanas is so important for
their culture. The Green Iguanas are becoming endangered and people hunt for Green Iguanas to kill and eat. YUCK! Anywho, while there I saw Iguanas
(eggs) and had the opportunity to hold the ‘man’ of the house, Gomez.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rXWoxbg0pTQ/UaK1QWKLn4I/AAAAAAAAP9o/e_BAOEBxUJ0/s1600/Laria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rXWoxbg0pTQ/UaK1QWKLn4I/AAAAAAAAP9o/e_BAOEBxUJ0/s1600/Laria.jpg" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span></b>ne of the other focuses of the trip was
to spend time with children. I had the awesome opportunity to work at<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.karlmenzies.com/belize-child-care-dorothy-menzies" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>DorothyMenzies Child Care Center </b></span></a></span>in Belize City, Belize. Let me sum up this
experience: humbling! Oftentimes, life gets so busy, bills continue to roll in,
and the stress levels are so high that I forget to appreciate the ‘small’
things: clothing, shelter, food, family, friends, and education. Working with
the children at DMCCC allowed me to reflect and appreciate the life I live.
While I don’t have everything and am far from rich, seeing children with no
family and a desire to learn (all schools have fees in Belize) really humbled
me. I look forward to going back to visit and minister to the kids. </div>
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(***Due to <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">human trafficking</span>, I was unable to
take pictures of the beautiful babies). </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">N</span></b>ow, after visiting DMCCC and the Museum of Belize it was
time to head over to San Pedro, party town! Man o man, the men, beautiful men!
Everything about Belize was great from food, sights, animals, and even their
horrid mosquito! There’s nothing about this adventure that I’d change and I’m
so glad I lost my international traveler’s virginity in Belize!<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1951599034400394194" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951599034400394194.post-4986656772637107112013-03-20T12:00:00.000-04:002013-03-20T12:00:03.548-04:00 #FollowMeTo: My Kind of Love <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_zQQL7DCfRI/UUlJA9ZmBvI/AAAAAAAAP3A/eidjQUK68P4/s1600/cartoon+black+couple+hugging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_zQQL7DCfRI/UUlJA9ZmBvI/AAAAAAAAP3A/eidjQUK68P4/s1600/cartoon+black+couple+hugging.jpg" /></b></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Pristina;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Previous experience with
denigration, judgment and the growing and unforgiving world of social
media has cause me to become private and particular about how much I share
about my love life. Beyond my occasional </span></span><i style="font-family: Pristina; line-height: 115%;">"Single Girl
Problems"</i><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Pristina; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Pristina;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">stories, I try
to keep love talk to a minimum and besides platonic friends, you won't see me
</span></span><a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Boo'd%20up" style="font-family: Pristina; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank">"boo'd" </a><span style="font-family: Pristina;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">up online, unless it's at my wedding reception. I will admit
I am a</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Pristina; line-height: 115%;"> </span><s style="font-family: Pristina; line-height: 115%;">hopeless<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></s><a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/emotional-fitness/201201/tips-the-hopeful-romantic" style="font-family: Pristina; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">HOPEFUL romantic</span></i><span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></a><span style="font-family: Pristina;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
love me some black love.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">I say all of that because, a </span></span></b></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Pristina;"><span style="line-height: 30px;"><b>few days ago</b></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b> I was scrolling <a href="http://instagram.com/muradosmann" target="_blank">Tumblr</a> for travel post and came across a series of photos called Follow Me To. The concept was sweet and unique. People always ask me, " What if you meet someone who <span style="line-height: 30px;">doesn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> like to travel. Is that a deal breaker?" It's not a deal breaker,however; because being a <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/xenophile" target="_blank">Xenophile</a> is a large part of my life, I hope a mutual love for travel will be one of the things that bring us together. We shall see. </span></b></span></span></span></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_KHG7s6bp4/UUlXGLbTmlI/AAAAAAAAP3I/XnGNhsw3fF8/s1600/girlfriend-bali-rice-fields-1362505662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_KHG7s6bp4/UUlXGLbTmlI/AAAAAAAAP3I/XnGNhsw3fF8/s1600/girlfriend-bali-rice-fields-1362505662.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Pristina;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Russian producer, M</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Pristina;"><span style="line-height: 30px;"><b>urad Osmann, said </b>"</span></span><span style="background-color: #e7e6da; font-family: Pristina;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">the photo series
began somewhat by accident back in October 2011 when he was visiting Barcelona.
His tendency to take pictures of anything and everything began to irritate his
journalist girlfriend who grabbed his arm in frustration and tried to drag him
along." Osmann continued to take photos despite this, and the "follow me
to..." series of pictures was born.<b> ( </b></span></span><span style="background-color: #e7e6da; font-family: Pristina; font-weight: bold;"><span style="line-height: 21.6px;">courtesy</span></span><span style="background-color: #e7e6da; font-family: Pristina; font-weight: bold;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> of www.galding.com) </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Pristina; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_iKU0dlB2Y/UUlYVltLJyI/AAAAAAAAP3Q/6F3aOxUtmJQ/s1600/5f9db7f6d01cf3d8c29b4bbb33eeb3c2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_iKU0dlB2Y/UUlYVltLJyI/AAAAAAAAP3Q/6F3aOxUtmJQ/s1600/5f9db7f6d01cf3d8c29b4bbb33eeb3c2.jpg" height="195" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_CHmxRVUUo4/UUlYWqIP6bI/AAAAAAAAP3Y/Enh8xR-Hj4M/s1600/o-MURAD-OSMANN-facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_CHmxRVUUo4/UUlYWqIP6bI/AAAAAAAAP3Y/Enh8xR-Hj4M/s1600/o-MURAD-OSMANN-facebook.jpg" height="131" width="200" /></a></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<b style="font-family: Pristina; font-size: xx-large;">Check out the Follow Me To Series</b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<b style="font-family: Pristina; font-size: xx-large;"> on Instagram:</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Pristina;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://instagram.com/muradosmann">http://instagram.com/muradosmann</a></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.04px; text-align: justify;">♫ Spin the globe, whatever it lands that's where we'll go♫ </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.04px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IoBP24I2lwA" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951599034400394194.post-21522381778404346452013-03-20T09:00:00.000-04:002013-03-20T09:00:03.782-04:00March 20, 2013. International Day of Happiness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8u1gnXe8ZQ/UUju16D0CkI/AAAAAAAAP2w/FKzwvEn3z6s/s1600/487584_10151576696610820_1751519652_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8u1gnXe8ZQ/UUju16D0CkI/AAAAAAAAP2w/FKzwvEn3z6s/s1600/487584_10151576696610820_1751519652_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951599034400394194.post-4605561903717784352013-03-19T19:03:00.002-04:002013-03-19T19:13:33.423-04:00.you don't need magic to disappear. All you need is a trip to BarNo.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4TJ4-o3ks9c/UUYYPA7CLcI/AAAAAAAAP2g/L_RwXKfqjGQ/s1600/73bf8e128e8c11e2b31922000aaa09f2_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4TJ4-o3ks9c/UUYYPA7CLcI/AAAAAAAAP2g/L_RwXKfqjGQ/s1600/73bf8e128e8c11e2b31922000aaa09f2_7.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-weight: normal;">. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Vijaya, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Vijaya","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-themecolor: text2;">un shining. Warm
Breeze. Saturday was a lovely day. I spent the afternoon at
a baby-shower, but afterwards it was too pretty to go home. I put my moon
roof back and took a drive. I think the weather really got to me, b/c my car
drove itself to BarNo and I ended up in the US Travel Section with a
stack of magazines and books. 2-hours and 5 magazines later (I never got
to the books) I had a page of missive. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Vijaya","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-themecolor: text2;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 21.600000381469727px; line-height: 32.400001525878906px;">●</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Vijaya","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-themecolor: text2;">I need to enter
more travel contest.</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-themecolor: text2;">●</span><b><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Vijaya","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-themecolor: text2;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: Vijaya, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: #1f497d;">I think I want to use</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #1f497d;"> </span><a href="http://www.photozini.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="background-color: white;">Photozini</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></a><span style="color: #1f497d;">to
document my next trip. </span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 21.600000381469727px; line-height: 32.400001525878906px;">● </span><span style="font-family: Vijaya, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: #1f497d;">I use Evernote for work, I should look into</span><span style="color: magenta;"><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://evernote.com/food/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Evernote Food</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #1f497d;"> </span><span style="color: #1f497d;">as
well. </span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">●</span><span style="font-family: Vijaya, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><a href="http://about.afar.com/about/afar-foundation/"><span style="color: magenta;">AFAR Foundation</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #1f497d;"> </span></a><span style="color: #1f497d;">seems
like something I need to be supporting in some way.</span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">●</span><span style="font-family: Vijaya, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: #1f497d;"> If I am ever in Philly again, visit</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #1f497d;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;"><a href="http://federaldonuts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Federal Donut</span></a>s</span></span><span style="font-family: Vijaya, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: magenta;"> </span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">●</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Vijaya, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Africa is so </span><span style="font-family: Vijaya, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: magenta;">MISUNDERSTOOD</span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Vijaya, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">● </span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Vijaya, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">It's time to
drink the Kool Aid and get a Smart Phone. It will make travel so much easier.</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">●</span><span style="font-family: Vijaya, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: #1f497d;"> I want to take my lil "heart"
sister to the </span><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/columbiainternationalfestival" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">International Show</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="color: #1f497d;">next month. </span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">●</span><span style="font-family: Vijaya, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: #1f497d;">I wonder if I can convince Monya to take a road
trip to Nashville for a side of</span><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://www.hattieb.com/" target="_blank"> <span style="color: magenta;">Pimento Mac & Cheese</span></a>.</span></span><span style="color: magenta; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Vijaya, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">●</span><span style="font-family: Vijaya, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">I need to make more time for this part of my
life. </span><b><span style="font-family: Vijaya, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><span style="font-size: 21.600000381469727px; line-height: 32.400001525878906px;">●</span></span></div>
</h3>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951599034400394194.post-85663850132469245872013-03-12T13:00:00.000-04:002013-03-12T13:00:01.918-04:00Gettin’ Dirty in the Dirty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kR_pjVkyS0Y/UT3pl5a2lXI/AAAAAAAAP2E/55qI0L4kdN0/s1600/BeFunky_Kia's+Dirty+30+B-Day+Wknd+NOLA+2013+129.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kR_pjVkyS0Y/UT3pl5a2lXI/AAAAAAAAP2E/55qI0L4kdN0/s1600/BeFunky_Kia's+Dirty+30+B-Day+Wknd+NOLA+2013+129.jpg.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">H</span>ey ya’ll! My name is Kia and I’m
stopping by to tell you about my recent escapades in the Den of Sin otherwise
known as Nawleans (New Orleans, LA). Now I have traveled to New Orleans several
times for various reasons: family vacation, Mardi Gras, school conference; but
this time I was celebrating my Dirty 30 Birthday! And let me tell you, Nawleans
is the best place to celebrate turning 30 or maybe celebrating any birthday for
that matter. The people are friendly and the free drinks are plenty! While
there I found out that it’s local tradition that on the day of your birthday,
you walk around and people pin dollar bills on you. Talk about a sweet birthday
present. So by the end of the day, I
racked up about $25 in cold hard cash! <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Btzgn5K9tHE/UT3midBJIKI/AAAAAAAAP1o/AToUF3yLaCw/s1600/Kia%2527s+Dirty+30+B-Day+Wknd+NOLA+2013+071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Btzgn5K9tHE/UT3midBJIKI/AAAAAAAAP1o/AToUF3yLaCw/s1600/Kia%2527s+Dirty+30+B-Day+Wknd+NOLA+2013+071.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">N</span>ow you can’t go to the NO and not
eat some great Cajun food. New Orleans is one of the best places to get some
awesome seafood. We ate nothing but seafood every day except the last day I did
need a greasy burger to soak up some of the juices from the Hurricanes (will
talk about Hurricanes later). I must tell you that I’m not a fan of oysters; in
fact I absolutely do not like them. But when I got a look at the charbroiled
oysters from Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, and I listened to the oohs and ahhs my
friends were making eating those things, I had to try one and they were
AMAZING!!!!! They are the best thing that you could ever possibly eat, they’re
almost orgasmic. We couldn’t get enough of them; in fact we went back the next
day to get them as a “snack”. So if you’re ever in the dirty dirty, you must
stop by Drago’s and grab yourself a half or whole dozen of charbroiled
oysters. Oh yea and I also had this
fantastic lobster.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8yYmxZmCBKY/UT3miMvUobI/AAAAAAAAP1k/dLiTZIQ61Lw/s1600/Kia%2527s+Dirty+30+B-Day+Wknd+NOLA+2013+073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8yYmxZmCBKY/UT3miMvUobI/AAAAAAAAP1k/dLiTZIQ61Lw/s1600/Kia%2527s+Dirty+30+B-Day+Wknd+NOLA+2013+073.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;">D</span>rago’s is just one of many many many restaurants. So if you’re
ever looking for more good eats in the NO, you may want to also check out the
Trolley Stop Café on St. Charles Avenue, Deanies Seafood (they have amazing
fresh shrimp and crawfish) and The Gumbo Shop on St. Peter Street. Of course
don’t forget to eat some gumbo, jambalaya, barbecue shrimp and gator at some
point while you’re there and don’t
forget to stop by Café Du Monde for some beignets and coffee for an after
dinner treat.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>hose hurricanes that
I previously mentioned, we’ll they ain’t for the faint of heart that’s for sure.
If you like to indulge in a cocktail beverage then you must try a hurricane.
They are a fruity drink that packs a powerful punch. But if you want something
a little stronger then head over to the infamous Bourbon Street and grab
yourself a grenade. One or maybe two of
these and you’ll be dancing in the street or on top of a bar. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WCKGn2JBNyw/UT3pmChVDbI/AAAAAAAAP2M/L4aywRFRGtQ/s1600/BeFunky_Kia's+Dirty+30+B-Day+Wknd+NOLA+2013+150.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WCKGn2JBNyw/UT3pmChVDbI/AAAAAAAAP2M/L4aywRFRGtQ/s1600/BeFunky_Kia's+Dirty+30+B-Day+Wknd+NOLA+2013+150.jpg.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span>peaking of Bourbon Street, there are plenty of bars and you
can be like a kid in a candy store but pace yourself and remember it’s a
marathon not a sprint and watch out for those Jello shot girls along the way,
they can really trip you up. If you’re over
the drama of Bourbon Street and you want something that’s a little more chill
and “mature”, then hop in a cab and travel to the far end of the French Quarter
to a tucked away spot that the locals love called Frenchmen Street. There are
plenty of bars that offer live jazz bands and of course the best nights to go
are Friday and Saturday. But don’t forget your cash because it’s a must that
you tip the bands and help out Phillip (as in “fill up” my tip jar). <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">B</span>esides parading through the drunken masses on Bourbon
Street, there’s plenty to do in New Orleans. If you’re into history or if
you’re feeling lazy like we were, you can take a horse and buggy tour of the
upper and lower French Quarter.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he mighty Mississippi runs right through
Nawleans, so you can always hop on a ferry or take a river boat tour. For all
of you who want to try your luck, there’s a Harrah’s Casino and if it’s your
birthday, you get a free birthday spin. If you’re looking for something a
little more atypical, in the French Quarter is a nice little local rum
distillery called Old New Orleans Distillery and for $10 you can take a tour,
have a rum cocktail and sample the rums that they make. The distillery is a
great way to kick off your day, we sure did enjoy it! Don’t forget to stop by
the French Market and try to test your bartering skills-may the force be with
you! Of course there’s always plenty of shopping to do and a few museums and
art galleries to check out and if you’re really brave you can take an evening ghost
tour of the old cemeteries. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>hat’s it for now. I hope I have given you some unbiased
insight into one of the best places on Earth. Going to New Orleans for whatever
reason is a guaranteed good time! I hope that you continue to follow Around the
World With Meredith and thanks for letting me be a guest blogger! Until next
time friends. </div>
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Kia </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951599034400394194.post-13367422342038111832013-02-04T12:00:00.001-05:002013-02-04T12:00:03.954-05:00Guest Blogger_Tenisha: Food Truck Rodeo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>H</b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">owdy, Around-the-Worlders, I'm Tenisha! Just stopping by to tell y'all about my awesome experience at the </span><a href="http://www.durhamcentralpark.org/events/food-truck-rodeo/" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Food Truck Rodeo</a><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"> in Durham, North Carolina. Just a tidbit of info about me. I moved to the Raleigh-Durham area May 2012, after living in Greenville, South Carolina my entire life. The goal was to really get out and discover my new city. Eight months later, *cough*, I'm just getting around to it. But more on that later, it's talk about food.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>T</b></span></span><span style="background-color: white;">he Food Truck Rodeo (FTR) took place on Sunday, January 27th in downtown, Durham Central Park. The weather was nice and I was in good company. I was joined by my friend, Ayahnah, a Durham native. So, about this nice weather. By nice, I mean deceiving. Just two days before schools were closing early and highways were shutting down due to snow and ice. But, Sunday was beautiful. The sun was out and the clouds never looked more perfect. But...there's a but. It was barely 30 degrees. Eek</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;">!</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;"> </span> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">F</span></b>irst stop was to </span><a href="http://baguettaboutit.com/" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Baguettaboutit</a><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">. I was eager to try this because it reminded me </span><a href="http://eatdogmatic.com/" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Dogmatic</a><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">, a restaurant I enjoyed while visiting NYC in 2011. I customized my order and had the chicken and spinach sausage with chimichurri sauce. Ayahnah had the 'United Nations,' which is chicken chipotle sausage with chimichurri sauce. This place gets two thumbs up from me and I will definitely be trying them again!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>he next place I tried was </span><a href="http://www.chirbachirba.com/" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Chirba Chirba Dumpling</a><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">. Talk about yum! While in line, I chatted it up with a lady who swore by the Mushroom Veggie-lings. She's vegan and since I don't eat pork, I'd already had my eyes set on them. Her stamp of approval further sealed the deal. I have no regrets; they were amazing. As I write this now, I wish I'd gotten ten instead of five. LOL</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>D</b></span>ue to the dropping temperature, we made our rounds to take a few pictures but only managed to stand in line for one more thing...BEER! Go figure! If you're ever in the Raleigh-Durham area and want to eat in a "judge-free" zone, please check the FTR site for future dates. I had an amazing time and will definitely check it out in the summer!</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></div>
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Thanks for reading,</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951599034400394194.post-14414821568159891682013-01-31T12:00:00.000-05:002013-01-31T12:00:08.211-05:00In the mean time...<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://business.time.com/2013/01/30/6-myths-about-travel-spending-that-cost-you-money/#ixzz2JUNSTYg6" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><br />6 Myths About Travel Spending That Cost You Money</span></a></div>
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<h1 class="headline" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Cabin, Georgia, Arial; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.1em; margin: 0px 0px 3px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="http://www.budgettravel.com/feature/budget-travel-advice-how-to-pay-for-your-vacation,8998/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">How to Pay for Your Vacation</span></a></h1>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951599034400394194.post-90413463889327603482013-01-24T12:00:00.000-05:002013-01-24T12:00:06.350-05:00Day 8: Last day in the USJanuary 4, 2013<br />
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Shopping at the outlets in Gaffney, SC.</div>
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Stopping by the Big Peach!</div>
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Girlish giggles about men, work and fashion need no translation. </div>
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There is a universal language among us. </div>
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Mom made aAtsuko a farewell dinner.</div>
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Atsuko fell off of the couch!</div>
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My lil cousin showing off this Christmas gifts.</div>
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Atsuko explaining Kanji to my neighbor.</div>
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Atsuko and mom!</div>
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<i>January 5, 2013</i></div>
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<i>Farewell Atsuko! </i></div>
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<i>Thanks for coming!</i></div>
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<a href="http://atsuko-xxx.blogspot.com/">Click here to follow Atsuko's Blog!</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951599034400394194.post-74181598726953399282013-01-23T12:00:00.000-05:002013-01-23T12:00:11.350-05:00Day 7: Japan>New York>Carolina'sJanuary 3, 2013<br />
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This morning we drove up to Biltmore. </div>
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I have grown to like Biltmore, but I did wonder about how African-Americans were treated. </div>
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Obviously, back then " fair" treatment was still sometimes inhumane however, I snuck and snapped this photo. </div>
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Seems as if Mrs. Vanderbilt started the<a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=PXvOAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA27&lpg=PA27&dq=school+of+domestic+science+biltmore&source=bl&ots=BCCOttDd92&sig=_aC2lmGnuAxZLdHxxjeL0L_9yCc&hl=en&sa=X&ei=zKr8UPWDMIm49gST0oHwCg&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAA"> School of Domestic Science</a> </div>
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I guess back then that was a nod in the right direction. </div>
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<a href="http://www.meredithistripping.blogspot.com/2012/01/americas-largest-home-asheville.html">Click here to go to my 2012 blog entry about Biltmore. </a></div>
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Scotch Eggs look weird, but taste pretty good. </div>
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Boil Egg. Wrap in Sausage meat. Deep fry. </div>
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Lunch was on the property at Cedric's Tavern.</div>
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I am known for pulling over on the side of the road for a good photo op!</div>
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Next stop, Wal-Mart!</div>
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Good Night!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951599034400394194.post-67005684306001645852013-01-22T12:00:00.000-05:002013-01-22T12:00:02.927-05:00Day 5 & 6: Japan>New York>Carolina's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
January 1-2, 2013</div>
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Brunch at </div>
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http://www.bareburger.com/</div>
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Atsuko said it was the BEST burger of the trip. </div>
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Remainder of the day was spent traveling to New Jersey.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">January 2, 2013</span></div>
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Today we are taking the Amtrak to the South</div>
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We got some much needed rest on the train. </div>
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Tomorrow we head to Biltmore. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951599034400394194.post-66668114075367266102013-01-21T12:00:00.000-05:002013-01-21T12:00:06.047-05:00Day 4: NYE. Japan>New York>Carolina's December 31, 2012<br />
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Papaya Dog for breakfast. </h3>
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I've finally figured out this thing. </h3>
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Next stop, Dylan's Candy Bar</h3>
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This was Time Square by 1pm.</h3>
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Companies should stop making things white and slap Pearl on the label.<br />
It's misleading.<br />
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Red Velvet Cheese Cake from Juniors. </div>
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This idea was cute, but the presentation was sloppy.<br />
Seems pretty popular. Each cupcake is only 50 calories. </div>
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After a nap it was off to bring in 2013.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560116378220586889noreply@blogger.com0