tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18467050777887126022024-02-18T20:21:30.173-07:00Iron Girl HollieA place for me to hang my cape.Dennis & Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298679417206085255noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846705077788712602.post-26191332504608057012011-04-21T15:12:00.004-06:002011-04-21T15:28:33.409-06:00Going to the mattresses.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk11Au-_6EWUTcTyqEA8qRghZAqn76lF-bRhVSpAc-I51kvK8uIV8oiiMXkUHRZ3f54uYZZ21I3lpybciu2p0kXfqczqDmpxJbVLkvKNWaleQg5dmQnem28DrEGZTVs0vZV0jmGftOLg0/s1600/go+to+the+mattress.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598147836250765218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk11Au-_6EWUTcTyqEA8qRghZAqn76lF-bRhVSpAc-I51kvK8uIV8oiiMXkUHRZ3f54uYZZ21I3lpybciu2p0kXfqczqDmpxJbVLkvKNWaleQg5dmQnem28DrEGZTVs0vZV0jmGftOLg0/s400/go+to+the+mattress.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><em>Go to the mattresses. It means you have to go to war. It's not personal. It's business. It's not personal. It's business.</em> </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I have been going to the mattresses for about a week. Tomorrow, I hit the mattresses head on and face to face. Well, cell phone to cell phone, but still <span style="font-size:180%;">HEAD ON</span>.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>The worst possible thing that might happen to me academically <span style="font-size:130%;"><em>HAPPENED</em></span>. I learned that I failed my comprehensive exam.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Huh?</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I know, right?!</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Now I am going to the mattresses to fight for my work. I am not going to take this lying down. (Note the clever, and un-intended pun.) I am trying to "play nice" and get along in order to move forward in an academic sense, but at the same time I am boiling, oozing, seething, mad.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>However...</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>The worst possible thing that might happen to me academically <span style="font-size:130%;"><em>HAPPENED</em></span>. And I have survived. My life did not end. The earth did not cease to turn. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;">I AM NOT MY EXAM.</span></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I am still a crazy genius. I am smart. I am capable. I am nothing if but determined. I will go to the mattresses confidently and articulately. And, should the result not be what I hope for, then I will continue to fight. I will continue to be smart, sexy, funny, capable, and a genius. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Simply, crap happens. But I choose to move away from the stink.</div>Dennis & Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298679417206085255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846705077788712602.post-40048757832280203682011-04-07T21:12:00.003-06:002011-04-07T21:28:28.659-06:00Just a little patience.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUQfomAb9Qn-fz2le54tUCSdcXZApCvlf7AkeC6C9tIf9p5f5kehllAw6_2SUOErYR7WKEkbUXqh1hD2j16H5vDPFGKU_9oGHW4GsbEXkQdr87ceDM-cNDXv-wRlLQLqZ-4ozNHlzuGs/s1600/guns_n_roses.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 290px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593046833383210370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUQfomAb9Qn-fz2le54tUCSdcXZApCvlf7AkeC6C9tIf9p5f5kehllAw6_2SUOErYR7WKEkbUXqh1hD2j16H5vDPFGKU_9oGHW4GsbEXkQdr87ceDM-cNDXv-wRlLQLqZ-4ozNHlzuGs/s400/guns_n_roses.jpg" /></a> I am not a patient person. There are far too many times that I want something and I want it <em><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">NOW</span></strong></em>. I don't think I have an impulse control disorder; but sometimes I wonder. I want to know the results of my comp exam and I want to know <strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;">NOW</span></em></strong>. I think I need to find my iPod and get lost in some good ol' G&R...Dennis & Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298679417206085255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846705077788712602.post-28675642882120897782011-04-01T01:25:00.004-06:002011-04-07T21:08:40.777-06:00intraPERSONAL cOnFlicT.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoqAit8nXeYFnr0tri2CcNjevBzGa6HKlLzzKhJtwmGJXHNdFhGvWR3TNhyphenhyphenizIFHtgJKwUOuc6PHntGVl39E743UpYRK9dulPlyhhcwvDPyLY61yFUuJaPQKeLm9fR4YdPaUk7LQBaJs/s1600/intrapersonal.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoqAit8nXeYFnr0tri2CcNjevBzGa6HKlLzzKhJtwmGJXHNdFhGvWR3TNhyphenhyphenizIFHtgJKwUOuc6PHntGVl39E743UpYRK9dulPlyhhcwvDPyLY61yFUuJaPQKeLm9fR4YdPaUk7LQBaJs/s400/intrapersonal.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590513992952551410" /></a><br /><br />Too often I find myself tossing and turning in bed in the early hours of a new day. Too often the thoughts that race through my mind are the SERIOUS questions that might better be entertained over lively dinner conversation with intelligent, open-minded, and close friends. And then there are the questions that seem too personal to escape the confines of my skull or even allow the words to cross my lips. It's a heavy way to start/end/start?/end? a day. Honestly, I don't know if I am coming or going at this point. I am not in a place of despair. I am not in need of rescue. I would like my monkey brain to shut off and find some peace in my heart. Sometimes the most difficult questions we face in our lives are sitting never so silently in the most active and dangerous chambers of our souls. The battle is difficult tonight...Where can I turn for peace? Where is my solace?Dennis & Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298679417206085255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846705077788712602.post-21885479717909389982011-03-29T15:33:00.004-06:002011-03-29T16:33:52.054-06:00Mightier than the sword.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 309px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589618364408599826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7iQ5aN5o7ySjpBsSXn7vrCCLgqkXnFPX7bFqiXJpUm4qWe8DSmU_xGJoj3PgiQAh3BP-gjyUgJfGeoN_dy50LzfJrR_xJUwoGamb99qzg_7ivFeYLoD2AszMJ6h58aWr06oq1WO0Buc/s400/keep+calm+and+carry+on.jpg" /> I spent the last week working on my comprehensive exam for my doctoral program. I have never done so much reading, research, and writing in one weeks time. I am still not convinced that my brain will recover from this week...I do hope so. One thing that seemed to help was a new print I found. <span style="color:#ff6600;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>KEEP CALM</strong></span> AND <span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>CARRY ON</strong></span></span>. Not a new print, it is actually from 1939, but recently resurfaced from the bottom of a box of dusty books purchased at an auction in the UK. (For the story, <a href="http://www.barterbooks.co.uk/kc_history.php">click here</a>.) The significance for me is that five simple words were a constant reminder to take cleansing breaths. Five simple words reminded me to take energy sustaining breaks. Five simple words reminded me that in a few short days the exam would be over and life will move forward. Bottom line: <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">words have power</span></strong>. <em><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong></strong></span></em><em><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong></strong></span></em><em><span style="font-size:180%;<br /><br />"><strong>Choose</strong></span></em> wisely.Dennis & Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298679417206085255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846705077788712602.post-12456805660400788352011-02-28T01:46:00.001-07:002011-02-28T01:49:16.019-07:00I am okay being unperfect.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Id96eQdCJlB88t4GcEKBQU1wj-AyMryYm_STA700ViPcs-6EXdznaqe1Tj9cd7m4zlyw0n5b6zUp8bjVK0V0kdrXBUfPbG1DoxEPTs21dbSBKJ0y3RPGqg-NSfEmNtP0A8LD5k0D1YE/s1600/i+am+okay+being+unperfect..jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Id96eQdCJlB88t4GcEKBQU1wj-AyMryYm_STA700ViPcs-6EXdznaqe1Tj9cd7m4zlyw0n5b6zUp8bjVK0V0kdrXBUfPbG1DoxEPTs21dbSBKJ0y3RPGqg-NSfEmNtP0A8LD5k0D1YE/s400/i+am+okay+being+unperfect..jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578659691007917106" /></a>Dennis & Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298679417206085255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846705077788712602.post-38433805210834333822011-02-28T01:14:00.005-07:002011-02-28T01:46:22.930-07:00The night was golden.I love Oscar Sunday. I love the arts in all of its many and varied forms. Tonight, however, the Oscars were the backdrop for an even better production unfolding in my living room. A fire roared in the fire place. The living room had been given a good vacuuming. The kitchen was clean and the dishwasher was humming. Company was coming. C&C Martineau Factory brought young master C over for a play date. When the rest of the Martineau Factory returned, we had a great time laughing, sharing opinions and jokes, and recharging our social batteries. The C&C Martineau Factory remind me that I do have a social life and friends...or at least the potential for a social life. So while many worthy performers and performances took away golden statues to symbolize their accomplishments in the arts, I took away something more valuable than gold. I have good friends. And the memories we made tonight were priceless.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi743bVr6PRjroh6RemtQ4Ugn-t6M_PFDK0WqhKQnNeTWwo8jH5Is2ci5a1CZGdQcXQgHxi1vgL3E85QwI0PT0faXwFrlw2dOAgPdIzkX-aMbmWKIicfiIlmSH4YGbpgQxoulLTcg508DY/s1600/i+love+my+life+and+the+ones+in+it.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 243px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi743bVr6PRjroh6RemtQ4Ugn-t6M_PFDK0WqhKQnNeTWwo8jH5Is2ci5a1CZGdQcXQgHxi1vgL3E85QwI0PT0faXwFrlw2dOAgPdIzkX-aMbmWKIicfiIlmSH4YGbpgQxoulLTcg508DY/s400/i+love+my+life+and+the+ones+in+it.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578658255694571362" /></a>Dennis & Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298679417206085255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846705077788712602.post-12798632977876657152011-02-14T15:02:00.010-07:002011-02-14T15:27:59.682-07:00Me. Myself. I.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-kfKLjr5nhftQG1VEypplBKX2NqerKHOM4gPQsvdUxrO1PslpMmvV4NWE6bBBJ9y-ywh1HkOZwpkedkbiUmbHsYLFcCOVyewqQ5oSLySqPM6zkD_2evMD2idpUcs_INJuliCotFNG_Y/s1600/Hollie+PEASU.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 153px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573674901846071362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-kfKLjr5nhftQG1VEypplBKX2NqerKHOM4gPQsvdUxrO1PslpMmvV4NWE6bBBJ9y-ywh1HkOZwpkedkbiUmbHsYLFcCOVyewqQ5oSLySqPM6zkD_2evMD2idpUcs_INJuliCotFNG_Y/s400/Hollie+PEASU.jpg" /></a><br /><div>It's Valentine's Day. So much love going around. The floral designers are working like Santa's elves at 11:59 pm on the 23rd of December. The cashiers at Hallmark haven't had a coffee break since midnight last night. Hustle and bustle galore to find the perfect something to show that someone that you care. Which brings me to this question:<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">WHAT ABOUT ME?</span></strong></div><br />Selfish? I think not. When was the last time I told myself that I loved me? When was the last time that I showed myself that I love me? Shouldn't Valentine's Day be as much about telling ourselves and showing ourselves that we love US ("us" meaning, "I love Me, Myself, and I"!) as it is about telling and showing others that we love them?<br /><br />I say hell to the yes!<br /><br /><br /><div align="left">I have this book that sits on a shelf in my office. <em>When I Loved Myself Enough,</em> by Kim McMillen. I open it's pages at random times on different days. I wondered what today's random message to my soul would be. It was:<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><br /><strong><em>When I loved myself enough I began feeling a community within. </em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em>This inner team with diverse <span style="font-size:180%;">talents</span> </em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em>and <span style="font-size:180%;">idiosyncrasies</span> </em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em>is my <span style="font-size:180%;">strength</span> and my <span style="font-size:180%;">potential</span>. </em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em>We hold team meetings.</em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em></em></strong></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Coincidence? I think not. Everything happens for a reason. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">So I say to myself, unabashedly and without hesitation: <strong>I LOVE ME! <span style="font-size:130%;">I LOVE MYSELF!!</span> and <span style="font-size:180%;">I LOVE I!!!</span></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span></div><br /><div align="left">This is my Valentine's gift to myself not only today, but ANY day! </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Now, give the same gift to YOU...</div></div>Dennis & Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298679417206085255noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846705077788712602.post-4948262387267916892011-01-27T16:06:00.005-07:002011-01-27T16:25:36.153-07:00The Buddhists call this mindfulness.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5xrGivO8lXo6_LQSZCd0Ok1vHnz32Wg79Fgps0USAYP8QtDRGA4mvM_N6pC8RhXtx0RWmm88b-tJPXjrxfF_9lfFwzwoOisgJ6wvLLdmaaC0xQ7sw3DXk7qHkR7aQsEH61LZReYdoHE/s1600/Mindfulness_Ideogram.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 312px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567010540258540082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5xrGivO8lXo6_LQSZCd0Ok1vHnz32Wg79Fgps0USAYP8QtDRGA4mvM_N6pC8RhXtx0RWmm88b-tJPXjrxfF_9lfFwzwoOisgJ6wvLLdmaaC0xQ7sw3DXk7qHkR7aQsEH61LZReYdoHE/s320/Mindfulness_Ideogram.JPG" /></a> Though in many ways it's like un-mindfulness because it is all about entering into an empty-mind state, void of worries and fears and insecurities...a state that can be best achieved through regular meditation.<br /><div><div><div><div></div><br /><div>Which brings you to...</div><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>LIFE LESSON #23</strong></span></div><br /><div>When you practice regular meditation, you find you are able to see so much more.</div><div></div><br /><div>Meditation works like one of those shake-up-snow-dome thingies - it helps the flaky stuff in your mind settle down, so you can <strong><em>see <span style="font-size:130%;">more</span> <span style="font-size:180%;">clearly</span></em></strong> what you truly need and want.</div><div></div><br /><div>So once a day you just sit. Stop. Become a human still life.</div><div></div><br /><div>Except.</div><div></div><div><em><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></em> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:180%;">Do</span> nothing</em>.</div><div></div><br /><div><em><span style="font-size:180%;">Be</span> nothing</em>.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567009811457817394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcZo29Q_SVVJgX3Sj3MdzXwinbT5Inzf_HuVcaDvy6sGzqgwDj11GpjTG5pMq_KoC9P5BdWDpHVnI_QsY64_nZ-dqO2vO2OkRjXc4cTKAfYk4vyTiwW3gYx2Xy5Na69dAkIKRSUGy22I/s320/mindfulness_based_stress_reduction_bay_area-8540.jpg" /><br /><div></div><div>Except <span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>breathe</strong></span>. You become one with your breath. You breathe. In and out. In and out. You shhhhhhhh and ignore the shhhhhhhhhh*t.</div><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Gently borrowed from, <em>"how to be HAPPY, dammit: a cynic's guide to spiritual happiness",</em> by Karen Salmansohn.</span></div></div></div></div>Dennis & Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298679417206085255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846705077788712602.post-76910914731666589402011-01-21T15:18:00.003-07:002011-01-21T15:24:55.801-07:00Mesmerized by Maya.<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjvpLuuD-KClOtLxduYVpScOiPqvXURnIkT23yJlwbMFueiZWzCZjXkkwBB7GLT3JAYQpx8hgfLL0T9c8AUNswew8qT5ukqD6rAxvNdUu3DnXajPM4lHeF8hj2D92je_RM_iQbD8yRHU/s1600/maya.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564768401467794482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjvpLuuD-KClOtLxduYVpScOiPqvXURnIkT23yJlwbMFueiZWzCZjXkkwBB7GLT3JAYQpx8hgfLL0T9c8AUNswew8qT5ukqD6rAxvNdUu3DnXajPM4lHeF8hj2D92je_RM_iQbD8yRHU/s400/maya.jpg" /></a> stretch. STRETCH. S T R E T C H yourself.<br /><br /></div>Dennis & Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298679417206085255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846705077788712602.post-26668289897855641912010-12-31T15:22:00.003-07:002010-12-31T19:50:49.413-07:00You say 'goodbye'. I say 'hello'.You say 'goodbye' (2010), I say 'hello' (2011)!<br /><br />With the smell of bleach and other cleaning products on my hands, I have rolled up my sleeves and set about the work of clearing the way for a new chapter to unfold in my life. Inspired by one of the <a href="http://www.apinspired.com/">wonder women in my justice league </a>whose super powers happen to be in the art and mastery of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">feng</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">shui</span>, I find myself bustling around my house gently and thankfully ushering out the Old so that the New feels welcomed by a warm and comforting environment.<br /><br />There are two words that seem to be finding themselves perfectly snuggled in to conversations of late. <span style="font-size:180%;">AUTHENTIC</span> and <span style="font-size:180%;">ORGANIC</span>. Being authentic is honoring the true ME. Doing what feels right for me right now. It means being present. Authenticity recognizes the <span style="font-size:180%;"><em>magic</em></span> of simple things. Authenticity is simple. It is true. Humbly seeking to remain in my authentic self lends itself to embracing life as a <span style="font-size:180%;">LIVING</span>, <em><span style="font-size:180%;">breathing</span></em>, <span style="font-size:180%;">ORGANIC</span> process. The mixture of the elements of life are all here. Some ingredients need a bit of shaking and stirring to be primed for <em><span style="font-size:180%;">success</span></em>. Other ingredients need a little heat; maybe some spice. But eventually, by trusting the natural flow of the <span style="font-size:180%;">grace</span> around me, organically, the <em><span style="font-size:180%;">balance</span> </em>of my life is as it should be.<br /><br />May health, happiness, and prosperity be yours as you say 'hello' to 2011.<br /><br />Adventure awaits... <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 304px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 312px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556982393752133794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovrisOgi1bk0WkoTOemqe2ufRtYmoIAA-RAqFWjOREhqXFx9U6Dg5v6y34uYX_m1qKxAzG9E-YuCZuOekpshnYo_yELbGMtkDBu9TTjLixw4w1uq4nwnl7rZj2shDPUwBUdYEKPX5izg/s320/konijn.gif" />Dennis & Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298679417206085255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846705077788712602.post-90172661982317025242010-12-21T15:14:00.003-07:002010-12-21T15:30:30.357-07:00Let your heart be light.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTo9vzMBLhW8emyz7v0fChuqvbI24YXotiMZX_wLAkhDahh8-nL-jEaTnjwlrSu1UU2OXyqErxpVBWxxzfrpJDfuQUXzKnpj6flkVjpYniFcz2ffvVnsd3jvpGTsu1uyb8-PGXiaJdG4/s1600/holiday+shopping.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553266205519335458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTo9vzMBLhW8emyz7v0fChuqvbI24YXotiMZX_wLAkhDahh8-nL-jEaTnjwlrSu1UU2OXyqErxpVBWxxzfrpJDfuQUXzKnpj6flkVjpYniFcz2ffvVnsd3jvpGTsu1uyb8-PGXiaJdG4/s320/holiday+shopping.jpg" /></a><br /><div><span style="color:#990000;"><em><strong>“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow,<br />stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons.<br />It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags.<br />And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore.<br />Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before.<br />What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store.<br />What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”<br /></strong></em></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#990000;"><strong>Dr. Seuss</strong></span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>What is "a little bit more" for me? A roof over my head. A soft bed. People I love. Food to eat. Love in my life. Peace in my heart. The smile of a stranger. Re-connecting with an old friend. Making new friends. Embracing challenges. Gaining strength from challenges. A job I love. Doing what I love. A husband whom I adore. A daughter that is a miracle. Love in my life. Peace in my heart. In my minds eye, the prettiest bow would pale in comparison to the gifts I already have in my life.</div>Dennis & Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298679417206085255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846705077788712602.post-17377330436517546482010-12-08T22:19:00.003-07:002010-12-09T01:02:36.037-07:00Hollie. Revisited.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNQKdGw78tq92sph9pe8t1zSvfPSuvPh8hCEBHAcq_OKpFS5xn0XAgxXgOpbbW_F6QbJoBCaWFhMyHDnqC4ASxtfdhSpdW_LlGQBwPVI1N_w6yCqe1AvgG855Y4OvjUEEx8HtipV5G1I/s1600/hollie+2010+in+status.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 397px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNQKdGw78tq92sph9pe8t1zSvfPSuvPh8hCEBHAcq_OKpFS5xn0XAgxXgOpbbW_F6QbJoBCaWFhMyHDnqC4ASxtfdhSpdW_LlGQBwPVI1N_w6yCqe1AvgG855Y4OvjUEEx8HtipV5G1I/s400/hollie+2010+in+status.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548589841860041906" /></a>Dennis & Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298679417206085255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846705077788712602.post-73915177828602210262010-12-06T21:29:00.006-07:002010-12-06T21:59:49.851-07:00Chip faced.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NUkHt71ne_dv6MDg4o-HQO8jGNGZag2zA_M6FMjd8VL5kN66ns8bOYi6L5lf4arID89BFRwIeTRA3zOc1X7BtOamACNgY9YyDvHNVR3vT1Xv3WJHI5xrjBId64OsiFquqiD_f0ALYzM/s1600/chipsahoybw.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547796207579011906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NUkHt71ne_dv6MDg4o-HQO8jGNGZag2zA_M6FMjd8VL5kN66ns8bOYi6L5lf4arID89BFRwIeTRA3zOc1X7BtOamACNgY9YyDvHNVR3vT1Xv3WJHI5xrjBId64OsiFquqiD_f0ALYzM/s320/chipsahoybw.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I had a rotten day at work. From the word "go" as walked through my office door, I could tell today would be one for the record books. To sum up: I was yelled at by a patient on the phone. I was spoken to in a stern manner from my supervisor. I was in a couple counseling session when a wife told her husband he had an hour to pack and leave the house. That was fun. I could not even get monosyllabic responses from a difficult patient who I thought was coming out of her shell. Apparently the world is just too scary a place. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Admittedly</span>, I tend to agree with her. My rescue fish died. My daughter likes to eat dog food, and she snacks with our dogs on a regular basis. My husband reminded me that if The Girl Wonder wants to eat dog food, it's okay. It's not like I am <em>feeding</em> her dog food.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><br />So tonight I get chip faced. I drown my sorrows in the dark <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">oooh</span>-y goodness of Nestle <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tollhouse</span> Cookies. Being off the wagon tastes good.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><br />Here's the recipe for your next relapse:</div><div></div><div><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong><br /><br />Ingredients:</strong></span></div><div>2 1/4 cups all purpose flour</div><div>1 teaspoon baking soda</div><div>1 teaspoon salt</div><div>1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened</div><div>3/4 cup sugar</div><div>3/4 cup brown sugar</div><div>1 teaspoon vanilla <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">extract</span></div><div>2 large eggs</div><div>12 oz. package Nestle <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tollhouse</span> semi-sweet chocolate chips</div><div>1 cup chopped nuts (I like pecans)</div><div></div><div><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong><br /><br />Directions:</strong></span></div><div>Preheat oven to 375 degrees F</div><div>Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl.</div><div>Beat butter, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a large mixer bowl until creamy.</div><div>Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. </div><div>Gradually beat in flour mixture.</div><div>Stir in morsels and nuts.</div><div>Drop by rounded teaspoon onto <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">ungreased</span> baking sheets.</div><div>Bake for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown. </div><div>Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div>Dennis & Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298679417206085255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846705077788712602.post-58899399490169735422010-12-02T01:10:00.002-07:002010-12-02T01:17:20.752-07:00The Girl Wonder.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYI62YTreMi3dsMWzNedUtzRHRShzcX60FQxh75yrLPHTqlN7EjruZ-WAH4q02jLxeh2oTc9dGBJ3w00qOl7feGYdIF3TUbVXXRA891jsQtjL-Nwht9E58q0rEUR69aln1habwik4q5W0/s1600/058.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545995892812247362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYI62YTreMi3dsMWzNedUtzRHRShzcX60FQxh75yrLPHTqlN7EjruZ-WAH4q02jLxeh2oTc9dGBJ3w00qOl7feGYdIF3TUbVXXRA891jsQtjL-Nwht9E58q0rEUR69aln1habwik4q5W0/s320/058.JPG" /></a><br /><div>All I need is to see her face when she wakes up in the morning. A glimpse of her hair that rivals the best Albert Einstein-do keeps a smile on my face all day long. All I need is to see her face when she goes to bed at night. Just long enough to whisper, "I love you". </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>All is well. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The Girl Wonder makes things well in the world. Especially in my world.</div>Dennis & Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298679417206085255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846705077788712602.post-47354019899927091322010-11-22T18:30:00.001-07:002010-11-22T18:32:33.157-07:00Social security.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dQ8bgEh-u6EvH9t16aCXzY4SmMlwJ-u2cOtZOS7R7HBkSzjyTJdP4PQR9Pg3hwAp19wNCXN3ziNhJCeK5Ayk2i7-_HhNK9L9xWsdt8DNXJ6Zdd8QfBsEinscKYxdFjXK7G_an6l7hMU/s1600/wwe.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542551913676918498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dQ8bgEh-u6EvH9t16aCXzY4SmMlwJ-u2cOtZOS7R7HBkSzjyTJdP4PQR9Pg3hwAp19wNCXN3ziNhJCeK5Ayk2i7-_HhNK9L9xWsdt8DNXJ6Zdd8QfBsEinscKYxdFjXK7G_an6l7hMU/s320/wwe.bmp" /></a><br /><div>I have come to realize that I find comfort and security in social media. I have been able to find and reconnect with so many people who have made an impact in my life through the power of the minds of the creators of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span>.<br /></div><br /><div>I learned of a friend who took his life last year. I guess reading articles in the newspaper about suicide survivor support groups is an occupational hazard for me. I didn't expect to have such an up close and personal experience with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Trib</span> at nearly midnight Saturday night. All I wanted was the score to the football game. What I gained was so much more.<br /></div><br /><div>Friends and family of my deceased friend created a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span> page in his memory. As I read the entries, memories came flooding back of him, and other people and places. I began to wonder... Would I find <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Roo</span> here?<br /></div><br /><div>Tentatively, I typed a message to another of the Wonder Women in my Justice League. Oh how I wanted to hear from her! I told myself that I would be "okay" regardless of whether or not I got a response.<br /></div><br /><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Roo</span> responded. My heart leaped. My social security blanket once again wrapped me in the warmth of a message from a dear friend.<br /></div><br /><div>I feel stronger today knowing that my Justice League is more complete. I feel more love in my life today. I feel more confident today. I feel more silly today.<br /></div><br /><div>It's been too, too long, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Roo</span>.<br /></div><br /><div>My cup <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">runneth</span> over...<a style="DISPLAY: inline" href="http://irongirlhollie.typepad.com/.a/6a0134897037a0970c0133f6521a23970b-pi"></a> <a style="DISPLAY: inline" href="http://irongirlhollie.typepad.com/.a/6a0134897037a0970c01348970833c970c-pi"></a></div>Dennis & Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298679417206085255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846705077788712602.post-27717949831923813062010-10-31T15:39:00.003-06:002010-11-22T18:34:01.852-07:00Kryptonite.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuYxI_mk-DATbgx9bAHqlnY_55A_eJQF-JuO3L-Sgve1dJC6g5Rz9txavzFfQnKhjifm9VPXrElnWNjO6FfSPjfZ1AFiJdgWxqS2-uYzA1RynC4SlWSZQg2sDbmtUu2LlD643PTteSzM/s1600/cold.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534331585416914418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuYxI_mk-DATbgx9bAHqlnY_55A_eJQF-JuO3L-Sgve1dJC6g5Rz9txavzFfQnKhjifm9VPXrElnWNjO6FfSPjfZ1AFiJdgWxqS2-uYzA1RynC4SlWSZQg2sDbmtUu2LlD643PTteSzM/s320/cold.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Iron Girl encounters kryptonite: the common cold. </div>Dennis & Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298679417206085255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846705077788712602.post-73979373504280337652010-10-26T21:44:00.004-06:002010-11-22T18:34:16.234-07:00It's kind of a funny story.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3VLtRwLmcJmFOYJcuDZHrKiasFimcpXBh8O-vK7FCWdi_tOq3LjeZjNeD5FxH9-DP8STJFBxms-EqEiVn1zgbxLTfuPPDd8n3oEDRQ8orHinucygwmOk06PvN7iN43wxtf16OqRUQI4/s1600/one_flew_over_the_cuckoos_nest_movie-25179.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532567862001540690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3VLtRwLmcJmFOYJcuDZHrKiasFimcpXBh8O-vK7FCWdi_tOq3LjeZjNeD5FxH9-DP8STJFBxms-EqEiVn1zgbxLTfuPPDd8n3oEDRQ8orHinucygwmOk06PvN7iN43wxtf16OqRUQI4/s320/one_flew_over_the_cuckoos_nest_movie-25179.jpg" /></a> I am reading a really good book right now. <em>It's kind of a funny story</em>. I often question my sanity (not really question, maybe inquire is a better word). But is it so wrong to fantasize about a vacation to a place that has arts and crafts, plenty of rest, prepared meals, regular sunshine and exercise, or maybe even a good water fight? Note to self: Taking mental vacations are much different than mental breaks.Dennis & Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298679417206085255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846705077788712602.post-39281623921627931362010-10-25T02:53:00.002-06:002010-10-25T02:57:11.912-06:002:53 a.m.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzfxyRY8c3g-cx2z0FloHVJni60iKN_Urv13yeSWpq1o04YktSMA_WxgvzeRBedtOW9FaytvluMqBJW7aUst6vjNZ3PhcgXYHu2-lu-qLK548WiSIhtNnsg8365n6KKd0t44NQgMw3LE/s1600/cupcake.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 204px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531904234064940034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzfxyRY8c3g-cx2z0FloHVJni60iKN_Urv13yeSWpq1o04YktSMA_WxgvzeRBedtOW9FaytvluMqBJW7aUst6vjNZ3PhcgXYHu2-lu-qLK548WiSIhtNnsg8365n6KKd0t44NQgMw3LE/s320/cupcake.jpg" /></a><br />Cupcakes are the official food of 2:53 a.m.Dennis & Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298679417206085255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846705077788712602.post-4832049573967975352010-10-21T09:58:00.001-06:002010-10-21T09:59:45.748-06:00Wanted.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOYnb9Nca3am-hhLSOCH2sQ5rfVAbYICNYsUDD9jYNgzFL21RJxThGNTa-0x3YsO0HUtWJy2IIG7l-00an5jk2fV3_20bgv7Dsr7rGRO6-xwmPMDazRES2UtBiBj0_pGRG5Wi8CDTCsc/s1600/Cowboy5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 219px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530529591807145682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOYnb9Nca3am-hhLSOCH2sQ5rfVAbYICNYsUDD9jYNgzFL21RJxThGNTa-0x3YsO0HUtWJy2IIG7l-00an5jk2fV3_20bgv7Dsr7rGRO6-xwmPMDazRES2UtBiBj0_pGRG5Wi8CDTCsc/s320/Cowboy5.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Blame it all on my roots I am back in my boots. It feels like home.</div>Dennis & Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298679417206085255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846705077788712602.post-67552601910065820012010-10-17T22:17:00.002-06:002010-10-17T22:27:02.957-06:00Dark and twisty.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU18WQaO46MY-29OmAKQ2A4zR9REhm7Ome9f5J2awR1Ay6yWv9y5jcFWzXTKzhc6uWUV5qNidSqngtevSexK-Cv8gqCtvBefCl4oUAgI33qIIIMtgO1dcaVKV5udhgkACfaqsdxkU6LCo/s1600/LukeSkywalkerBW.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 222px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529237744645804082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU18WQaO46MY-29OmAKQ2A4zR9REhm7Ome9f5J2awR1Ay6yWv9y5jcFWzXTKzhc6uWUV5qNidSqngtevSexK-Cv8gqCtvBefCl4oUAgI33qIIIMtgO1dcaVKV5udhgkACfaqsdxkU6LCo/s320/LukeSkywalkerBW.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Why do I have to hide my dark and twisty side? Super villians have a bright side and super heros have a dark side. Who we are is who we are. All of it. The bright side and the dark side. I have a feeling that this blog may be a reflection of the dark side of Iron Girl Hollie. Dark can be good. Even Luke Skywalker had a dark and twisty side and he turned out alright.</div>Dennis & Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298679417206085255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846705077788712602.post-28412542016284158732010-10-15T23:54:00.002-06:002010-10-16T00:07:46.092-06:00Post one.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKmXdc5zBY03crqCntn_jNlWth3dDzUcj9erWv-N2n768hgY8tGr9A2ysLSswShShXpXOOTdjenseKEhUcGPJEZJaeJaO_PB2xHqY-n4QxAHZlrRE38F6NqkON-bAjFnM8vFqNHxDRgA/s1600/take+a+break.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 271px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528521444501517090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKmXdc5zBY03crqCntn_jNlWth3dDzUcj9erWv-N2n768hgY8tGr9A2ysLSswShShXpXOOTdjenseKEhUcGPJEZJaeJaO_PB2xHqY-n4QxAHZlrRE38F6NqkON-bAjFnM8vFqNHxDRgA/s320/take+a+break.jpg" /></a><br /><div>A place for me to write. Sometimes I just need a place to hang my cape, take off my mask, let my hair down, take off my bra and let it all hang out. A place for me to be me. A place where I know I will be heard and validated. A place where I will not be questioned or second guessed. Even Wonder Woman needs a Bat Cave.</div>Dennis & Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298679417206085255noreply@blogger.com0