tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31432315387653686652024-03-13T19:47:33.396+00:00MO and RO on the GORandom thoughts on living life in the Music City after nearly 3 years abroadMark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.comBlogger298125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-51288120434066907882011-01-03T19:58:00.000+00:002011-01-03T19:58:48.368+00:00Signing OffHAPPY NEW YEAR! Another year has come and gone and a new one is in its place. It's always a sad and yet exciting time. The organization is in "full steam ahead" mode for this week on our side of the house. Time to clear out and refresh a multitude of things.<br />
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For awhile now I've been contemplating officially ending this blog. As I'm sure you've noticed, I have lacked blogging energies for quite some time. I've gone back and forth about putting this blog out of its misery and have finally decided to do it. For the time being all the old posts will remain, but I will not be planning to post any new posts. <br />
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Mark and I both are on Facebook and email regularly so feel free to contact us there if you are wondering what we are up to!<br />
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Thanks for journeying with us to Scotland and back. It's been a wild ride at times, but a truly fantastic one as well.<br />
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So long from MO and RO (who are incidentally still somewhat) on the GO.Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-50736451578802182732010-12-25T18:41:00.000+00:002010-12-25T18:41:42.777+00:00Merry Christmas Island Style!We got to enjoy this island special last week and I thought it would be fun to share with you today. The video isn't the best. It was really low lights and I'm new at filming on my photography camera.<br />
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Merry Christmas to all! May Christ indeed bring JOY to you this day and New Year.<br />
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<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DqxT7jhPxsg?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DqxT7jhPxsg?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-3605956098438113142010-11-14T01:01:00.000+00:002010-11-14T01:01:57.693+00:005 Months LaterIt's hard to believe tomorrow we are at the 5 month "mile marker" of our time back in the U.S. Most of the time it just feels longer than that. I know things have been incredibly quiet around here so I figured it was time for a recap of the past 6 weeks or so. Here are the highlights in no particular order:<br />
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-- Mark's been workin' like a beast researching, reading, writing, revising. Progress is slower than anticipated, but to Mark's credit, he's been both writing the 6th and final chapter while also editing and polishing several previous chapters.<br />
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-- My photography business has finally taken off. It's all those families looking for Christmas photos/presents. Best place to see some of that work is <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=48110&id=131371116877557">here</a>.<br />
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-- I've also been working a temp job off and on as needed at <a href="http://www.bpnews.net/">Baptist Press</a> (BP). It started with me working as the fill-in Event Coordinator for the <a href="http://www.bpnews.net/journalism/journalcat.asp?cat=greet">2010 Collegiate Journalism Conference</a> in early October that BP puts on every year. The Event Planner was due with her firstborn the day after the conference ended, so they brought me in as a "just in case" person hoping she would still be able to work. There was another BP staff member who was going to still take charge and help me along. But then the Event Planner had her baby 2 days before the conference started and the other staff's grandfather passed away 3 days before the event, so she was out for most of the conference at the out of town funeral. That left ME in charge of a conference hosting around 15 universities from around the nation, including 80+ college students and 30+ faculty/staff/speakers! But, the Lord gave me strength through the long days (two of them being 14 hour days!), as well as wisdom to learn quickly and manage situations well. All in all it went smoothly and I was grateful for the opportunity to work and make money. As a bonus, I got to rub shoulders with some great Christian photographers and journalists. It was personally a very inspiring weekend.<br />
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-- Mark's been enjoying the blessing of being able to watch SEC football every Saturday again, and in particular, his Bulldogs. Too bad they haven't had as strong of a season as he first hoped.<br />
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-- Fall in TN has been everything I hoped it would be -- colorful and warm. I am still not ready for winter! Go <a href="http://rophoto.wordpress.com/2010/10/29/autumns-rainbow/">here</a> and <a href="http://rophoto.wordpress.com/2010/10/27/mornings-beauty/">here</a> to see more TN fall goodness!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaB0YLaSmCLl5cQaf-B_wRA-sbHZgiTCjSIcuHhOvPLm1XvfFiLUEbG5n18V2nmsnv_MJaKzY5xyRs4z2z-kyCm4d8lWUTuEdrBsc3g60Qt4RVzcYHxYzYFwbvKqLDl2FxoEhe_I-IGuA/s1600/_MG_9817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaB0YLaSmCLl5cQaf-B_wRA-sbHZgiTCjSIcuHhOvPLm1XvfFiLUEbG5n18V2nmsnv_MJaKzY5xyRs4z2z-kyCm4d8lWUTuEdrBsc3g60Qt4RVzcYHxYzYFwbvKqLDl2FxoEhe_I-IGuA/s320/_MG_9817.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaazuyRl3cj494t2Cu5xJjID7BuHc_C9LvdVtkyEkjMCigb4nEbEZVzykwf0YbvGBlw8G9_RoOQ-RQk6gv4wuteBGnE8xGVVm2-l1CiljtYiTdTruPCmGR-E10y77H_l4S7XBwiZg77p96/s1600/_MG_9190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaazuyRl3cj494t2Cu5xJjID7BuHc_C9LvdVtkyEkjMCigb4nEbEZVzykwf0YbvGBlw8G9_RoOQ-RQk6gv4wuteBGnE8xGVVm2-l1CiljtYiTdTruPCmGR-E10y77H_l4S7XBwiZg77p96/s320/_MG_9190.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>-- The last day of Sept we took a quick trip up to Louisville, KY for Mark to do some research at Southern Seminary. My cousin and his family live there (and he's a student at Southern), so it was fun to see them again after 6 years! I went with my cousin's wife and 3 kiddos (see the two oldest below) to the Louisville Zoo where they have a membership. I could have spent all day there with my camera :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtKU89qXndagxxfklOscM_n_mtQL1s6Q5wp5nA0nVs1EnMPRoS1vftKJpdMO0acHS-WGR9jaYbjcvs7cL-eEsWObgKVc-k6v0mr0DRW1A30J2wIJzk92wo05xs8vQ4IuGKHVE4ZdSF6gY/s1600/_MG_9774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtKU89qXndagxxfklOscM_n_mtQL1s6Q5wp5nA0nVs1EnMPRoS1vftKJpdMO0acHS-WGR9jaYbjcvs7cL-eEsWObgKVc-k6v0mr0DRW1A30J2wIJzk92wo05xs8vQ4IuGKHVE4ZdSF6gY/s320/_MG_9774.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
-- Mark's taken up running since we've been back. He's enjoyed talking to my dad about all things running. Currently, though, Mark's laying low to let his leg injury (shin splints? stress fracture?) heal up.<br />
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-- Speaking of running, in mid-Oct. we got to see my dad run in a half marathon. It think it was his 4th, but he ran the first 3 when we were in Scotland. He did a great job and we enjoyed the chance to cheer him on. He's currently training for a marathon in about a month, though has also had a couple of injuries this month that are hindering his training. We're all praying his body can heal enough to still run it.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">(My dad is in the blue shirt with black cap.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaA7LonGZb9HgvRwtdlKYirSMevy7CopswU7eo2jrHHzd24Cw4pYB4Qf2pYkvB_Ww5tZxAUPVzNH6A-DJ0HOHkqlsKU4KptHE3WzpqRCMlhmFqXUtx-JeNjy3NhVTybU5ZHv9Fi6dpoJ4C/s1600/_MG_8188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaA7LonGZb9HgvRwtdlKYirSMevy7CopswU7eo2jrHHzd24Cw4pYB4Qf2pYkvB_Ww5tZxAUPVzNH6A-DJ0HOHkqlsKU4KptHE3WzpqRCMlhmFqXUtx-JeNjy3NhVTybU5ZHv9Fi6dpoJ4C/s320/_MG_8188.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
-- The past couple of weeks I've spent more time at Baptist Press filling in for the lady who posts the daily stories/photos on the <a href="http://www.bpnews.net/default.asp">Baptist Press website</a>. It has been a crash course in some parts of journalism and working in a "press room" (though a very, very quiet one!). I feel like it's been a valuable experience for me as a photographer. You just never know when I might need some of the experience I've gained.<br />
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-- In early Sept. Mark started co-teaching a new Sunday School class for singles. We've both enjoyed the opportunity to serve and reach out to other young adults in our church. Mark's also been teaching a discipleship class on Sunday night on how to study the Bible. He's done an excellent job teaching in both classes and I've taken much pleasure in seeing him do what I know God has gifted him to do.<br />
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-- We are still being daily barked into shape by the spoiled prince of the house, Yafo. We love him dearly, but he's very needy - some might even say co-dependent. Especially this week since the fleas were feasting on his poor body. Thankfully a little pill and much cleaning later and he's doing better.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">How can I say no to this little face?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinCmBLDhGEsNK4cGujCSpub2t0p4Igsa4XnQnykVe8ilMNTSDsC5oOK_Pv_277SF8Bs3sJ7-IiDks2OKqykvCul6Kj56qbSNXLrsnvG_6jcQ5CjMz-UuD-Ijq11zDl3xiaTtnaB_0RMFy/s1600/_MG_8426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinCmBLDhGEsNK4cGujCSpub2t0p4Igsa4XnQnykVe8ilMNTSDsC5oOK_Pv_277SF8Bs3sJ7-IiDks2OKqykvCul6Kj56qbSNXLrsnvG_6jcQ5CjMz-UuD-Ijq11zDl3xiaTtnaB_0RMFy/s320/_MG_8426.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
-- Mark's eagerly anticipating a few days at the yearly Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) conference next week in Atlanta. It's so wonderful that we are so close this year!<br />
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-- We are looking forward to our two week trip to see Mark's family in just one month! Vacation is calling our name so the official countdown is on!<br />
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Thanks for stopping by again despite my irregularity of posting.Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-89947441648075565382010-10-21T01:00:00.000+01:002010-10-21T01:00:59.839+01:00I'm Published!It seems only appropriate that for my 301st post (since I didn't realize when I posted Mark's b-day post 2 weeks ago (!) that it was my 300th post we missed that celebration - but we'll do it now), that I share with you the very happy news that I am published! It was here on this blog that I first started my photographic journey and you all encouraged me on to keep pursuing this form of creativity. So thank you.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">My first published work is in The University of Aberdeen's <a href="http://www.abdn.ac.uk/international/index.php">new Chinese prospectus</a>!</div><div style="text-align: center;">(link is on the right of the page)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqvMYk0DFsrpauPTVsniJt1WBA00YFNog91v0GJQyfpyU4KEF5ISd2UX0A_gjBDg8wFA4sBbYgLdD0LVfMrvdb7FqiYp2bmmFQ723gZjfcnkDMKKSvJr-DBRuKGLq7E7ZhK0Hm7MVTkC4/s1600/_MG_9210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqvMYk0DFsrpauPTVsniJt1WBA00YFNog91v0GJQyfpyU4KEF5ISd2UX0A_gjBDg8wFA4sBbYgLdD0LVfMrvdb7FqiYp2bmmFQ723gZjfcnkDMKKSvJr-DBRuKGLq7E7ZhK0Hm7MVTkC4/s320/_MG_9210.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Love this shield!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaaJl3-FPIXYKLzY84RcHOKghswpe_nonaNofwK2D1vpr3sXrp5x__MFuET5_rojNboezhp-bA2NrUy2SEvxQFD-SA8jmJAmp-PkUo-Dkjc-iRk7gZrnr6O-yBJYE7iQfrmQRQn2V6dlf/s1600/_MG_9213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaaJl3-FPIXYKLzY84RcHOKghswpe_nonaNofwK2D1vpr3sXrp5x__MFuET5_rojNboezhp-bA2NrUy2SEvxQFD-SA8jmJAmp-PkUo-Dkjc-iRk7gZrnr6O-yBJYE7iQfrmQRQn2V6dlf/s320/_MG_9213.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Here it is!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqwouthZNd07MzfhWnGQzSSGnHXtMYOCvo_OoZnejjnyQRcdyPfc1AsrqsxD0cPojAJc2s0rSec2vsn1b9FpuDQwHl_nErKdpTNdheDo8xaw4Vf2ILP8BDGzV9UloEn4GBvFvQ2QgAg0Z/s1600/_MG_9221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqwouthZNd07MzfhWnGQzSSGnHXtMYOCvo_OoZnejjnyQRcdyPfc1AsrqsxD0cPojAJc2s0rSec2vsn1b9FpuDQwHl_nErKdpTNdheDo8xaw4Vf2ILP8BDGzV9UloEn4GBvFvQ2QgAg0Z/s320/_MG_9221.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Credit given in English in the back of the booklet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptV5HRapZ7CfiFzRhsx-RxDeFho4MHGI_0M4UEA0oamZUSfzrHN5C4xQgwW6_GSvb-C_gAkEh3YDx5n8iHvG-KhAaghEcxQ2njaBTeGi-WPjdr3JKYP5SZWxoWo9FrONCiDn3sfgxV6eb/s1600/_MG_9217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptV5HRapZ7CfiFzRhsx-RxDeFho4MHGI_0M4UEA0oamZUSfzrHN5C4xQgwW6_GSvb-C_gAkEh3YDx5n8iHvG-KhAaghEcxQ2njaBTeGi-WPjdr3JKYP5SZWxoWo9FrONCiDn3sfgxV6eb/s320/_MG_9217.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">And credit in Chinese (I think the "9" means my photo is on page 9.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcd0DCZ_YDXABXkz0IqXEO7_N0hvJMOSSCo1PjGKdlqjj9OGGH9sfaxRQgrKemgKasagC-oaIeG7F8v6OvZ_R1BjfdDrfCgm_notj7Rccx_-akyzvCYp2Oz44cH9S7j-ui_wLlJd_nTD5/s1600/_MG_9219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcd0DCZ_YDXABXkz0IqXEO7_N0hvJMOSSCo1PjGKdlqjj9OGGH9sfaxRQgrKemgKasagC-oaIeG7F8v6OvZ_R1BjfdDrfCgm_notj7Rccx_-akyzvCYp2Oz44cH9S7j-ui_wLlJd_nTD5/s320/_MG_9219.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My former colleague in Student Recruitment and Admissions who is the International Officer for China (meaning her "market" includes China) asked me to go with her to the on-campus Chinese New Year celebration this past February to take photos so that she could use some of them for this publication as well as on-line. It's fun to see this project come to fruition.<br />
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Let's hope there'll be more in the years to come :)Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-4836166265346073422010-10-05T21:16:00.000+01:002010-10-05T21:16:05.416+01:00Happy 35th Birthday, Mark!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTf4JsPDiME0MqNdnSoCH2OQKJdu86HIqWOuueencQXNw9LCcmrZCQfjZciMsO-X9kwwdgF2jKRpbZDdgr11s0LMCC6okVuuU1MSLLhkBMdM5bvKK3OH7mWjQTY3WdxVDkkvAkj8-YxAfd/s1600/IMG_9824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTf4JsPDiME0MqNdnSoCH2OQKJdu86HIqWOuueencQXNw9LCcmrZCQfjZciMsO-X9kwwdgF2jKRpbZDdgr11s0LMCC6okVuuU1MSLLhkBMdM5bvKK3OH7mWjQTY3WdxVDkkvAkj8-YxAfd/s320/IMG_9824.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>Just a quick shout out to my hubby who is celebrating his 35th year of life today! I'm so blessed to get to journey through this life together with him.<br />
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Love you, Mark!Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-53104121009451570042010-09-25T16:21:00.000+01:002010-09-25T16:21:44.780+01:00SatisfactionIn the time that I have been pursuing photography, I have printed out very few of my photos. Partially due to cost, partially due to knowing I'd just have to move them.<br />
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So this birthday I thought I'd splurge a little and took some birthday money from my generous mother-in-law (thanks Darlene!) and purchased one of my favorite Scotland photos on canvas board. I really want to go all out and get a larger size, but I decided on 11x16 because it is small enough to move around until the day we finally settle and it didn't require any cropping.<br />
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Remember <a href="http://rophoto.wordpress.com/2010/03/28/sunset-over-dunnottar/">this day</a>?<br />
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I went back and forth about which print to have made, but finally settled on this one (though, this photo hardly does it justice!):<br />
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Can I just say I'm in love!!<br />
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It looks just like a painting (if you click on the picture, you can see the canvas detail) and makes me smile every time I see it. We just need to get it matted, framed, and then hung one of these days. I love the vibrant colors and reminder of dear Dunnottar and the memories of spending time there with Mark and others who came to visit.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXjxzz-HYm2OxXtZl6WYy4Z1iZ61JxAzKwDWi1JPZlw9N1wMi5cta0lC9BZeTL-LlCq-HYyJ8NtFHpKiMy_h3-Ay94MhSGE2eqOPceBD74wKg93biVJKfLyglMo1Nh0CyC2hCONKNbenc/s1600/_MG_9500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXjxzz-HYm2OxXtZl6WYy4Z1iZ61JxAzKwDWi1JPZlw9N1wMi5cta0lC9BZeTL-LlCq-HYyJ8NtFHpKiMy_h3-Ay94MhSGE2eqOPceBD74wKg93biVJKfLyglMo1Nh0CyC2hCONKNbenc/s320/_MG_9500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I also got a print of this dahlia I took in front of the house this summer and framed it. I was planning to sell it but am pretty much in love with this one too so might have to keep it for myself :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAZE2hxFcm9x44NS8negJQ17JqX9_WRWPki7zq83RwNGIiZjeBUrU2f0qNCPR3DCUvBs27-RlPJ0rD1fKL4hWKuA5ca_HB3mDUXkCA5vc0kWW46r8nTEFYscyJNNv0okbOHANUj91TmH7/s1600/_MG_9508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAZE2hxFcm9x44NS8negJQ17JqX9_WRWPki7zq83RwNGIiZjeBUrU2f0qNCPR3DCUvBs27-RlPJ0rD1fKL4hWKuA5ca_HB3mDUXkCA5vc0kWW46r8nTEFYscyJNNv0okbOHANUj91TmH7/s320/_MG_9508.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It has truly been satisfying to finally see some of my work printed in a way that I envisioned as I took the photos. I look forward to seeing more printed!Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-68415170246346940752010-09-08T21:12:00.000+01:002010-09-08T21:12:17.707+01:00Wedding Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For those of you who want to see 376 worth of wedding photos that I took in July, click on the photo below and it should take you to see the gallery. You can then use the arrow keys to scroll through. Or, close the pop up window and start from the beginning and watch the slideshow. All are good options if you have time :) However, for those of you wanting just one more photo, the below was one of my top favorites for artistic/photojournalistic quality. Not sure exactly what it is, but I love it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rachelowens.smugmug.com/Weddings/Matt-and-Sarahs-Wedding/13059273_3eeTT#961420724_FBMM3-A-LB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img alt="" src="http://rachelowens.smugmug.com/Weddings/Matt-and-Sarahs-Wedding/MG7863/961420724_FBMM3-S-4.jpg" title="" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I should make one disclaimer and give credit to my second shooter, Bob Yang. Bob knew the bride from church and was an excellent help that day. I so appreciate his willingness to photograph with me! You will see some of his lovely photos too, though, I'd like to think you won't necessarily know which ones.</div>Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-1967962574840031722010-09-02T22:47:00.049+01:002010-09-04T18:19:13.175+01:00Three Years Later....<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>***Sorry to those of you got this on Thursday via email or in your reader blog feeds. I was typing it out as my first draft but accidentally hit "publish" instead of "save draft." So while I realized my mistake right away, it was too late. Blogger had already dispersed said new post. Anyways, here it is again with a few updates - today, on the actual anniversary of our departure.</i></span><br />
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My sheer lack of blogging in the past couple of months is not just your imagination. Google Chrome (my wonderful internet browser - you really should switch) is also picking up on this phenomenon. Blogger used to be my 3rd or 4th on my most used websites tabs. Now it is 6th. To those of you still reading, I am sorry. I just haven't had it in me to blog.<br />
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But that's not really why I'm writing this post. I'm writing this post to say it was three years ago today that we (or at least me) said our tearful goodbyes to my parents at the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport and boarded a plane headed for Aberdeen via Chicago via Manchester before landing on Sept. 5th.<br />
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Oh, the memories.<br />
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I feel that our lack of internet in our home for the first 2.5 or 3 months of our time in Aberdeen means that there are so many things I never got to record. Like I'm not sure that I ever shared that I actually lost my trans-Atlantic boarding pass in the O'Hare Airport. Imagine with me the sheer terror of being psyched up for this flight for months and months and then realizing it might not be happening. After a couple minutes of frantic searching Mark jogged from our gate (where the discovery took place) back to the security checkpoint (the last place I knew I had the ticket). Thankfully we had plenty of time for all of this to transpire, thankfully I didn't discover as we were about to board, and thankfully some honest and helpful citizen found my ticket around the security checkpoint area and turned it in where Mark reclaimed it. Whew. Crisis adverted. This was just a small reminder that God was looking out for us, each step of the way.<br />
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I still vividly remember arriving at the small Aberdeen airport with clouds drizzling some rain. I remember being ecstatic that all 4 pieces of our luggage had arrived. I remember taking it all in as we tried to maneuver our luggage carts to the taxi queue where they had to bring a 5 passenger mini-van-type vehicle to the front of the ranks so we and our luggage could all fit. I remember the taxi driver being kind enough to let us question him about this or that regarding the city. I think he actually kind of relished it and took us down particular streets so he could show us various things as we drove to the Duthie Park area of town to stay with another student family for the first 2 nights. I'm also pretty sure that Aberdeen introduced us on that trip with its usual antics of drizzle, sun, rain, sun, drizzle, etc. I remember I was cold!!! There are so many more things I remember from our first few hours and days in Aberdeen, but I will spare you.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xaMsw5krh0k/R3fBemO9rBI/AAAAAAAAAWY/9y1d-5AAmmM/s1600/100_1233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xaMsw5krh0k/R3fBemO9rBI/AAAAAAAAAWY/9y1d-5AAmmM/s320/100_1233.jpg" /></a></div>So transition to three years later. We now have 2 years, 9 months and 9 days of living in the UK under our belt and have survived around 2 and a half months of re-entry to the US. We have learned a ton about life, life in the UK, life in the US and about ourselves. We changed, we've grown, we've grown up. We've made some great American friends with whom we will always have a deep common bond from having lived together in Aberdeen. And we've also made new British friends that we learned a lot from. And we most definitely learned more about our mighty and awesome God. Most notably, I personally was reminded a multitude of times that I have an incredibly faithful God.<br />
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And that is where I find myself today. With more questions than answers, with uncertainties and at times discouragement - but also with hope - hope in the faithfulness of God. I am reminded most of all that we had very few answers when we headed to Aberdeen. We knew only where we were staying for the first 6 nights of our time there, we had no flat lined up, no certainty that I could find all the foods I needed for my diet, no phones, no friends (except two guys Mark had had some email communication with), no church, no jobs, no car, only a few possessions, and very little know-how regarding navigating in a foreign city.<br />
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And yet (or another way Scripture often puts it that I love, "BUT GOD") there was our faithful God giving to us each day as we needed. Perhaps some looked at us and said we were crazy and foolish. Some days I looked at us and wondered if we were crazy and foolish. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">But God</span></b>. He delights in blessing those who "foolishly" and whole-heartedly follow after Him. He delights in showing Himself faithful to those who trust (at times without having answers to the whole picture) and obey (to whatever it is He asks even when it at times can seem "foolish").<br />
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So in the midst of more uncertainty I'm trying to cling again to my faithful God in areas where I could tell you this or that isn't how I want it to be, or this doesn't seem to be going like I wanted, or that isn't what I expected, but I'd rather tell you how I am hoping (albeit weak at times) in the faithfulness of God. I'm clinging to the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">But God</span></b> mentality and can't wait to see what is going to happen on the other side! I am excited to see how God will show Himself faithful yet again so He will receive the praise He deserves!<br />
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And that's where I am three years later....Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-35028263862876110942010-08-17T19:36:00.000+01:002010-08-17T19:36:23.583+01:00The Ups and DownsThe past couple weeks of life have been full of highs and lows. One of the highs this past weekend was finally meeting several other people our age. We also agreed to co-teach/lead a new singles ministry for 25-35 year olds in our church. Mark's excited about the chance to teach again and we are both excited about the opportunity to serve together in our new church.<br />
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But last night we also had a low point of our time here. One of the active youth in the church committed suicide. And while Mark and I didn't know him we had seen him and definitely recognized his picture when my mom showed it to us. The church family is reeling from this tragedy and seeking to serve both the young man's family and other youth/youth workers. I'd ask for specific prayer for my dad as he leads the staff and as they all lead the church to grieve well and still give God glory. It's been amazing to recently see God at work in the hearts of many in the congregation. We pray that this will serve to further God's work and not hinder it.<br />
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Tonight there is a counseling time for parents and youth, and others will be meeting to pray. Wednesday night there will be more times of counseling for the youth, Thursday evening is the visitation and the funeral service is on Friday morning.<br />
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Thanks for your prayers....Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-46599856496528260062010-07-27T02:48:00.000+01:002010-07-27T02:48:29.554+01:00Thoughts on Being Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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I was going to post this for our one month/4 week "anniversary" but life was busy and I couldn't quite get my thoughts together. But I think this 6 week update will suffice better anyways.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_6BhzAXJD8O7EPKjytMjngzjBUvW24a_uClg0vbZa_TvourfoMWlHm4M0ZwmkPEiaoOtxwWUBzbzoXuImMNIc-PIMnXfLiZDihGVsYak5xWvfkNk2C1OEKKyfitg2y_2RzukLdiG4WQ5/s1600/_MG_6043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_6BhzAXJD8O7EPKjytMjngzjBUvW24a_uClg0vbZa_TvourfoMWlHm4M0ZwmkPEiaoOtxwWUBzbzoXuImMNIc-PIMnXfLiZDihGVsYak5xWvfkNk2C1OEKKyfitg2y_2RzukLdiG4WQ5/s320/_MG_6043.jpg" /></a></div>So after 6 weeks of being back in the U.S. I'm still hesitant when I cross the street because I am unsure which way traffic will be approaching me. I almost always still want to look right-left-right, instead of left-right-left. Thankfully my driving doesn't seem to have suffered too much except for the one minor "freak out" moment I had last week when I pulled onto a 2 lane road where there was no traffic. As I pulled out I thought I was going to the wrong side of the road, but turns out I was headed to the right side which in this country is the right side to be on, so it was all okay. Just a mere .5 second adrenaline rush. I'm glad that doesn't happen too often.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DdJKcYcJ7gzWBx5gl_fCDWMri8SctxJC0e2C4NvhtbpFn6h8SObwfagtPmlyC4uzdBdMx6jnOmI22JXHrWCzP0mPyWuVP__Y3fBLQPzoZnEH90z0qdciIAkwjKNkvEtkBYthEl_xW7AB/s1600/_MG_6100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DdJKcYcJ7gzWBx5gl_fCDWMri8SctxJC0e2C4NvhtbpFn6h8SObwfagtPmlyC4uzdBdMx6jnOmI22JXHrWCzP0mPyWuVP__Y3fBLQPzoZnEH90z0qdciIAkwjKNkvEtkBYthEl_xW7AB/s320/_MG_6100.jpg" /></a></div>I have discovered I miss my local Scottish grocery store, Sainsbury's, way more than I thought I would. I mean, I knew I was going to miss my granola cereal from there, my Frutis granola bars (though, brought some with me and am just now down to my last 3), and my oatcakes (I have still had those too - just down to my last two packets now. Sad!), and we knew Mark would miss his Milk Chocolate Digestive biscuits, but I was unprepared to miss the produce section (especially £1.50 amazing pineapple or £1 for 8 kiwi) or dried fruit and nut section. I am slowly figuring out where I can get the best selection of those items without paying an arm and a leg. Still, I obviously got more used to it than I realized and have walked out of a grocery store dejected more than once.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzA0aenzNdJaoyQrONAo6n79eJ5425VO3x5uldYfIS0jg74YNsoZHTAlF-ZjUdAzU-B-J4VpAM2GvQNKqW8a7xKeAnx4V0slNuyjxKTmNJaqf_pNSlXOdS_tilTS3GzxGNm8ktdeMOgl9z/s1600/_MG_6312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzA0aenzNdJaoyQrONAo6n79eJ5425VO3x5uldYfIS0jg74YNsoZHTAlF-ZjUdAzU-B-J4VpAM2GvQNKqW8a7xKeAnx4V0slNuyjxKTmNJaqf_pNSlXOdS_tilTS3GzxGNm8ktdeMOgl9z/s320/_MG_6312.jpg" /></a></div>Just like when you go to a new country for the first time and are more aware of everything around you, I have had that on some level here too. One thing I have really noticed this time being here is the prevalence of obesity. I mean, I have heard repeatedly that obesity is endemic in the U.S. but never noticed it like I have recently. It's not that there aren't overweight people in Scotland, because there are. I just knew or saw much fewer obese people. Its actually quite disturbing to realize how many people here are eating themselves to the grave.<br />
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Most other changes I've noticed have been of the imperceptible kind - like I know they are there, I know I am different, I know I think differently than a typical American (or even American believer) but can't quite pinpoint why. Every now and then someone will say something or do something that before moving to Scotland I would have dismissed or not noticed, but now I notice it, think about it and more than likely disagree or find it not quite how I would see things. Maybe at some point I will be able to put into words what those things are exactly. Or maybe not.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aBTSnmBbrQeTrEfQ3cQtmJbAcBTK0ZpBiiddd9TS9DmRVzXIGac-FiV_aFIMldt76JGNEO-fdMJU1GR_Fy7RD66fJUIL9z5ER2JKtK5Llolf3YvstQiqWWgA1ybw4v1rW5o7vwdrAp-N/s1600/_MG_6316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aBTSnmBbrQeTrEfQ3cQtmJbAcBTK0ZpBiiddd9TS9DmRVzXIGac-FiV_aFIMldt76JGNEO-fdMJU1GR_Fy7RD66fJUIL9z5ER2JKtK5Llolf3YvstQiqWWgA1ybw4v1rW5o7vwdrAp-N/s320/_MG_6316.jpg" /></a></div>I think more than ever before I am now faced with the desire to live "the American Dream." It's more than slightly depressing to be nearly 32 (and 35, if I can speak for Mark too) and have no home to call our own (and living with mom/dad (though we are no doubt incredibly grateful to be here!), no jobs (though I'm working hard on creating a photography one and Mark is definitely still working hard on his thesis), no children, and no "real security" (from a worldly, financial standpoint, that is) to speak of. However, in the midst of struggling through some of these thoughts I saw my dad reading <a href="http://www.radicalthebook.com/">"Radical" by David Platt</a>. He's actually challenging the entire church to read the book so Mark and I have both started reading it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1dDnmV8Ev9etG90ImDpdxoNquTCLYFDJIWb5jMy-z1Xhexc9W9PNiJLXrL0K7lROIpwukjNIAgRIKgApTNgLJDRYTGWsUzPB-Yf9PFZ4xk6jwg0xufoVhwqNxcJZDs8uB0geMDz2l23O/s1600/_MG_6092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1dDnmV8Ev9etG90ImDpdxoNquTCLYFDJIWb5jMy-z1Xhexc9W9PNiJLXrL0K7lROIpwukjNIAgRIKgApTNgLJDRYTGWsUzPB-Yf9PFZ4xk6jwg0xufoVhwqNxcJZDs8uB0geMDz2l23O/s320/_MG_6092.jpg" /></a></div><br />
If you haven't gotten your hands on a copy yet, you need to ASAP! It is phenomenal. Or maybe I should say phenomenally challenging. Reading the book has been a refreshing reminder of why we don't have so many of the things I want right now. A reminder of why we have sacrificed so much for Mark to follow what he believes (and I support) God wants him to do with his life. It's all been for God, Jesus, the Gospel -- they are all undoubtedly worth every last sacrifice and anything that we don't have that I am desiring. I've been exhorted that I indeed have been given much! I have been given the thing I need MOST in this life - a Savior and forgiveness of my sins. And also other needs and wants abundantly provided for. Speaking of which, I've been humbled by how God has provided for us during this transition time. Money has come from some unexpected sources and God is most certainly providing for our needs. Anyways, I'm sure at some point you'll be hearing more on this book....until then, go read it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDwndZBdyJ6n_wVyEZZxKX74v72I4U__IPrA8UFgQN3uzts9NCnMXSkZu8ilqonWiRkrNRqbKDZ5933a5Z_AkNB-nlwWj4mXpxMl8-gJU8fFVj_dqF_lwgNCtgSqdYqRhy9mOT-F6Gn9m/s1600/_MG_6104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDwndZBdyJ6n_wVyEZZxKX74v72I4U__IPrA8UFgQN3uzts9NCnMXSkZu8ilqonWiRkrNRqbKDZ5933a5Z_AkNB-nlwWj4mXpxMl8-gJU8fFVj_dqF_lwgNCtgSqdYqRhy9mOT-F6Gn9m/s320/_MG_6104.jpg" /></a></div><br />
So that's my lengthy and unrelated thoughts on life back in the good 'ole U.S. of A. Thanks to those of you who made it this far!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4c-BHb6ou9NagMjzN1667z2oikdxxDr-lXJOV20nYV4JTpAocPJ8N843ys5TZvbLmRxvoLl5AMmj89JMF_ige9Kzx09Munqmg7SyWSxX8CNt60Bsmf61_cb9dQSTLfwYQ28k2Yu1NhjFx/s1600/_MG_6047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4c-BHb6ou9NagMjzN1667z2oikdxxDr-lXJOV20nYV4JTpAocPJ8N843ys5TZvbLmRxvoLl5AMmj89JMF_ige9Kzx09Munqmg7SyWSxX8CNt60Bsmf61_cb9dQSTLfwYQ28k2Yu1NhjFx/s320/_MG_6047.jpg" /></a></div><br />
***Some of these flag photos I took on or around the 4th of July (which really did deserve it's own post) but just never got around to posting. The rest are from my trip to Philly. Oh, and the first one was to record the little note and flags my mom left on our bedside table the very late night we returned "home." It was a very happy sight! Thanks, Mom!Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-64401164385361820172010-07-23T20:43:00.001+01:002010-07-23T20:45:13.737+01:00Crisps and Chips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While we were in the UK we were continually amazed by the flavors of their "crisps." Take for instance, this bag I found discarded on a sidewalk the month before we left: "Argentinean Flame Grilled Steak."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBq5n2l1HH7dLpg9KvUfo1rO4Li1RfuSYa6Vpjk_b62KOz8rbu6PTUjhdqHNwbpSlWMcRqhLo9Ux_wmAD_N3eVxTswLP3xKbVjcj13lWrx-I7XQsCUdgCCCW6DyvbhwiUZdzUzYH53K-G4/s1600/IMG_9470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBq5n2l1HH7dLpg9KvUfo1rO4Li1RfuSYa6Vpjk_b62KOz8rbu6PTUjhdqHNwbpSlWMcRqhLo9Ux_wmAD_N3eVxTswLP3xKbVjcj13lWrx-I7XQsCUdgCCCW6DyvbhwiUZdzUzYH53K-G4/s320/IMG_9470.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not sure why it has to be "Argentinean" and how that taste differs to a NY Steak Strip in chip flavors, but it must. Mark's personal fav was the below somewhat healthier option "Sun Ripened Sweet Chilli" (yes, they spell Chili differently).</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2-xNV4dZgfk0SkWPle8xCysmIGGX3ehW95zdIIsFMIKEkryt9S8Ug3imkazWQIT4590OiX_3eGLrACLkKdmnWnDX4T-TzlBk8UZrGgGFsP6_JkE-0cLmPPGHeHlO4YpypPk4qtUKYnd7/s1600/IMG_0468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2-xNV4dZgfk0SkWPle8xCysmIGGX3ehW95zdIIsFMIKEkryt9S8Ug3imkazWQIT4590OiX_3eGLrACLkKdmnWnDX4T-TzlBk8UZrGgGFsP6_JkE-0cLmPPGHeHlO4YpypPk4qtUKYnd7/s320/IMG_0468.jpg" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These are just the beginning of exotic chip flavors. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walkers_(snack_foods)">According to Wiki</a> here are Walker's current flavors with corresponding pack colors:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"></span></div><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; color: black; font-size: 17px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0.3em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.17em; padding-top: 0.5em; width: auto;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Current_flavours_and_packet_colours">Current flavours and packet colours</span></h3><ul style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: url(http://bits.wikimedia.org/skins-1.5/vector/images/bullet-icon.png?1); list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.3em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">BBQ Rib (Black)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Cheddar Cheese (Yellow)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Cheddar Cheese & Bacon (Light Orange)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Cheese & Onion (Blue) <formerly green=""></formerly></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Jamaican Jerk Chicken (Light Yellow & Green)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Lamb and Mint (Dark Green)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">ManGo-Karting Chutney (Light Brown with Orange)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Pickled Onion (Lime Green)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Ploughman's (Dark Green)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-talkingretail20080111_6-0" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3143231538765368665#cite_note-talkingretail20080111-6" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[7]</a></sup></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Prawn Cocktail (Pink)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Ready Salted (Red)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Roast Beef and Horseradish (Dark Gold)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Roast Chicken (Orange)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Roast Gammon (Dark Pink)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-talkingretail20080111_6-1" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3143231538765368665#cite_note-talkingretail20080111-6" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[7]</a></sup></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Salt & Vinegar (Green) <formerly blue=""></formerly></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Smoky Bacon (Maroon)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Sour Cream and Chive (Cream)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Steak & Onion (Brown)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Sweet Cumberland Sausage (Dark Gold)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-talkingretail20080111_6-2" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3143231538765368665#cite_note-talkingretail20080111-6" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[7]</a></sup></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Thai Sweet Chicken (Turquoise)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Tomato Ketchup (Dark Green and Red)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Worcester Sauce (Purple)</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Walker's is once again running its "Do Us a Flavour" campaign where the public submits ideas and the company makes them on a limited edition basis - <a href="http://www.walkers.co.uk/flavourcup/">go see for yourself</a> (look under "choose a flavour"). There are some scary flavors there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyhoo, we always thought interesting chip flavors were just a UK thing. Imagine my shock when I was in Target yesterday and saw what I think I remember to be Doritos All Nighter Cheeseburger. Just not sure how I feel about meals being marked on a chip. It's just, well, wrong. Not that I eat them anyways. I'm just sayin'. </div>Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-40003157411762008992010-07-19T02:09:00.000+01:002010-07-19T02:09:48.702+01:00Philadelphia RecapThought I'd give you a quick Philadelphia recap in photos (what else would you expect by now?). My watermark accidentally ended up on some of these and I don't want to reimport them so I hope you don't mind!<div><br />
</div><div>While in Philly I stayed with my long-time friend, Lisa. We have been friends since 8th grade. It was great to see her again and catch up. We saw each other <a href="http://moandroonthego.blogspot.com/2009/06/lisas-visit.html">last year when she came to visit</a> us in Aberdeen, but a lot has change since then -- she is now married! I was so sad that I had to miss their wedding in March so it was so fun seeing the pictures from the wedding and watching the video, and in general hearing wedding stories (like the horror one of having to buy a new wedding dress 2 weeks before the wedding). </div><div><br />
</div><div>On Thursday Lisa and I went to the <a href="http://constitutioncenter.org/">National Constitution Center</a>. Her husband, Micah, knows someone who works there who was able to get us free tickets (a $20 value including the <a href="http://www.constitutioncenter.org/rome/">Ancient Rome & America exhibit</a>) It was a great center and they gave a fabulous presentation about "We the People." Just a fun factoid - the constitution was signed on my birthday - a few years prior :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Z13GbqfPhMDVPu4wOhLdae2DSR-q8WbLRuM_9jwlLXpo44v22JXIgAiW5f9tRai26Qg0PGUxW37pbptZLsttJOCvy9xzpC7pGD7aNCR40MHL6t13Z2lhyphenhyphenI9jsAnNEjwQAYTxw_gNX6rB/s1600/IMG_6308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Z13GbqfPhMDVPu4wOhLdae2DSR-q8WbLRuM_9jwlLXpo44v22JXIgAiW5f9tRai26Qg0PGUxW37pbptZLsttJOCvy9xzpC7pGD7aNCR40MHL6t13Z2lhyphenhyphenI9jsAnNEjwQAYTxw_gNX6rB/s320/IMG_6308.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
<div>They had a hall with statues of all the signers of the constitution. It was actually kinda freaky. I kept thinking they were real people. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZYSFSv2PwOS8Pv0LnPcGxf0XejmFVBAXoyDvSUixxkHtrZEdVZ8d0v523dk55m4IXURfyiPRxIhkQIdmIIu7NeH7It561HnfhyMaQMyrPkYP-6AsjAjzhdi5T2mFIthRKjzCVzjey_av/s1600/_MG_6302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZYSFSv2PwOS8Pv0LnPcGxf0XejmFVBAXoyDvSUixxkHtrZEdVZ8d0v523dk55m4IXURfyiPRxIhkQIdmIIu7NeH7It561HnfhyMaQMyrPkYP-6AsjAjzhdi5T2mFIthRKjzCVzjey_av/s320/_MG_6302.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>We both got to sign the visitors book that was in the form of how the constitution is. Yes! That's me - in a sleeveless shirt with shorts (I know, you've probably never seen that on this blog - forgive the whiteness). Y'all - it.was.hot! Actually, this day it had cooled down to about 93F instead of being <a href="http://www.philly.com/inquirer/home_top_left_story/20100707_Record-breaking_temperatures_in_Philly.html">102F from the previous day</a>! Lisa and Micah don't have central air in their flat (I kept calling it that - too hard to say apartment. Flat is soooo much easier!) and their little room units couldn't keep up so it was about 87F in their place on Wed. Anyways, we were all thankful for the cool-down on Thursday and afterwards.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0rRw4L6r0eFZ2ZtK2q_8NQk49zHEVvLc8AN1tsa_e8HdGmefCeR-gCWBiXQcnl8pGdWgdkAstO-OCy6nOoOiv253bZTQ1qVkT14exmxQMLpRREkyAxICN_PQW1AQCKKdvyv5F0WK7Xk2/s1600/IMG_6305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0rRw4L6r0eFZ2ZtK2q_8NQk49zHEVvLc8AN1tsa_e8HdGmefCeR-gCWBiXQcnl8pGdWgdkAstO-OCy6nOoOiv253bZTQ1qVkT14exmxQMLpRREkyAxICN_PQW1AQCKKdvyv5F0WK7Xk2/s320/IMG_6305.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>I loved how all the flags were hanging in the center of the center :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLaHNGfnZ_qyzltX2xgl6b_aONLOr-7lxwzd8P_tOsDDFwrsW2KAGQprhmWlVjvqHyhsN8ZtrMd8phQ2WXbA1On2BjLPTeTHC3eN43cj0XztaTkVeIoTAgXXVZ6eYx2XIAPsosqxwKUuD/s1600/IMG_6315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLaHNGfnZ_qyzltX2xgl6b_aONLOr-7lxwzd8P_tOsDDFwrsW2KAGQprhmWlVjvqHyhsN8ZtrMd8phQ2WXbA1On2BjLPTeTHC3eN43cj0XztaTkVeIoTAgXXVZ6eYx2XIAPsosqxwKUuD/s320/IMG_6315.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
<div>And I was rather proud that I was able to find the Tennessee flag without looking at the name plate. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_NWClXvPnpNO7FPN0jfuplQejO3tb_JOahUkM9ciZu7TZGLrEzzAhh0k3MvIbyDS88WASS0SQWp_RUB3az03tKGSStvMJ4J55HCf1E5ZCR4dVJoYCkGNlxKMKg11aziC2AEzN2__5KS-/s1600/_MG_6319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_NWClXvPnpNO7FPN0jfuplQejO3tb_JOahUkM9ciZu7TZGLrEzzAhh0k3MvIbyDS88WASS0SQWp_RUB3az03tKGSStvMJ4J55HCf1E5ZCR4dVJoYCkGNlxKMKg11aziC2AEzN2__5KS-/s320/_MG_6319.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A view of Independence Mall in Philly<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPwTfAwVv5D1swX6rGeGbLzIYAvAEwF9urw35yiPWpqwDj9yb2pEUqPD4f9km1at2Neq_sPLmL8_IXNFtwZEFpx6GgleVTlZhcbXmlXWydYi3Zl_N7NAHJgIM_oW26ZtALgbpfg2gJSNJ/s1600/IMG_6314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPwTfAwVv5D1swX6rGeGbLzIYAvAEwF9urw35yiPWpqwDj9yb2pEUqPD4f9km1at2Neq_sPLmL8_IXNFtwZEFpx6GgleVTlZhcbXmlXWydYi3Zl_N7NAHJgIM_oW26ZtALgbpfg2gJSNJ/s320/IMG_6314.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got to briefly stop by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LOVE_Park">Love Park</a> before heading to see my friend <a href="http://hollowayclan.blogspot.com/">Becky</a>. I had fun hanging out with her family, taking their photos and eating a delicious Rachel-friendly dinner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin35U5rfS07r41G4oT1pBQiMnEhWOLt_CD2mPKhkS5QUDjyA2zRu2UEf_E_XLxjU1VRYZJO-1db6_dUGfyx9vWC1yxd0QjuU0zffAc1MBHvwyZtpx71DJ1Q6LnhfKQ-nT5jrRRm5JmzT6j/s1600/_MG_6331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin35U5rfS07r41G4oT1pBQiMnEhWOLt_CD2mPKhkS5QUDjyA2zRu2UEf_E_XLxjU1VRYZJO-1db6_dUGfyx9vWC1yxd0QjuU0zffAc1MBHvwyZtpx71DJ1Q6LnhfKQ-nT5jrRRm5JmzT6j/s320/_MG_6331.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a very long day on Saturday of photographing the wedding Lisa picked me up from the reception. She asked if I was up for seeing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boathouse_Row">Boathouse Row</a> all lit up. Their place isn't far from it so I said sure. It made for some wonderful photos.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3BFzl-LmN0f1Twq0kIqPlkWvNQK7NH48MZY95Fy3Dm3Wq4d4be55TTmIXve7vq9w7HeWLnQR5WjxDeF6ki9MIrEuJVWZ9r7tbCFLq9oCPY5T2uKQZ-ZzOvnxCLrZ5sV3GOA4OB9ipwDy/s1600/_MG_8100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3BFzl-LmN0f1Twq0kIqPlkWvNQK7NH48MZY95Fy3Dm3Wq4d4be55TTmIXve7vq9w7HeWLnQR5WjxDeF6ki9MIrEuJVWZ9r7tbCFLq9oCPY5T2uKQZ-ZzOvnxCLrZ5sV3GOA4OB9ipwDy/s320/_MG_8100.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNwEyGWtnift2aZQJ4Iw3Onzhs_dmJQTwsdtwn58QFPNbrErv4QS5QFzGzV1oiV6e9LVJ7yAH8RIOGgiDFYWOs6ZqRF-hLrKTN4ee2-XwNXnoDMNWz93idSN0FraxuX__hJhyphenhyphen0XnLIpWl/s1600/_MG_8096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNwEyGWtnift2aZQJ4Iw3Onzhs_dmJQTwsdtwn58QFPNbrErv4QS5QFzGzV1oiV6e9LVJ7yAH8RIOGgiDFYWOs6ZqRF-hLrKTN4ee2-XwNXnoDMNWz93idSN0FraxuX__hJhyphenhyphen0XnLIpWl/s320/_MG_8096.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUvYac2TzvS93JJ1QVmH2FitBGx5dmyN7w09bPDnA3Qwnb8YeKUbyUPqxrkS3Ev_Vo-AfYzLV0tDJLdTmwEyLXKJHmnoNrQQruJAZ-MM0hntPQiu6Ow5eLQlKqAQeSAecRCBEURotvR3t/s1600/_MG_8099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUvYac2TzvS93JJ1QVmH2FitBGx5dmyN7w09bPDnA3Qwnb8YeKUbyUPqxrkS3Ev_Vo-AfYzLV0tDJLdTmwEyLXKJHmnoNrQQruJAZ-MM0hntPQiu6Ow5eLQlKqAQeSAecRCBEURotvR3t/s320/_MG_8099.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>As we got out of the car to head in for the night I saw this serene little image. The photo hardly does it justice, but it was just a quaint view and one reason I love Philly. It was nice to be in a city and not see granite :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRO-15AiO1-vtGEsu4AuYteRf7e7yzTZ_XImyikrvIg3KnM7WHjeMQdOEae7M-9hu85C1_DarqFdzpnsCX4cRcgJNLHtXJEDvE1BAuxWom2-vKdrP5jyxfbIYXEcIGawgOW7KPkBJIehQ/s1600/_MG_8106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRO-15AiO1-vtGEsu4AuYteRf7e7yzTZ_XImyikrvIg3KnM7WHjeMQdOEae7M-9hu85C1_DarqFdzpnsCX4cRcgJNLHtXJEDvE1BAuxWom2-vKdrP5jyxfbIYXEcIGawgOW7KPkBJIehQ/s320/_MG_8106.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
</div></div></div>Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-1860268447416471622010-07-15T03:31:00.000+01:002010-07-15T03:31:35.771+01:00Proof!Here's proof that Dad and Mark did indeed catch fish as large as <a href="http://moandroonthego.blogspot.com/2010/07/week-2-of-re-entry.html">they said they did</a>!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5m6ANTDtLIBT80rfr1u4iId7qg_n-H5UyVhE1qELC1HzPr-WZiSVNtQwNX7BLtXKdVtt5cDjN-RdvxXzAj8FCo6o_03cmEQ5luvdsK_mUCgHUmMQJmVJBHLkiTUvY3YSxAQEloAs__6m0/s1600/striper2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5m6ANTDtLIBT80rfr1u4iId7qg_n-H5UyVhE1qELC1HzPr-WZiSVNtQwNX7BLtXKdVtt5cDjN-RdvxXzAj8FCo6o_03cmEQ5luvdsK_mUCgHUmMQJmVJBHLkiTUvY3YSxAQEloAs__6m0/s320/striper2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAppuyHPy9Nt_uhuCBmPilL06FctJ6KYzh9f0FetdtikWOVSPGcHst2mHja6UZ1aJ8oz4n_Cyx4_xELiwEbDhQlOhl0_pjEqsFy4CPDBnjtJf8BzgP05X557lkUnej820DLPvKpfhobBO/s1600/markfish0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAppuyHPy9Nt_uhuCBmPilL06FctJ6KYzh9f0FetdtikWOVSPGcHst2mHja6UZ1aJ8oz4n_Cyx4_xELiwEbDhQlOhl0_pjEqsFy4CPDBnjtJf8BzgP05X557lkUnej820DLPvKpfhobBO/s320/markfish0001.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Impressive, huh?!<br />
<span id="goog_188912376"></span><span id="goog_188912377"></span>Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-83989795751516724542010-07-12T01:58:00.001+01:002010-07-12T02:00:35.095+01:00Never Say NeverIt's hard to know where to even start. I wanted to post something this past week and it just never happened. There are multiple things I could post about, but perhaps I'll focus on the one main one. The thing I said I'd never do. And yet did. Yesterday.<br />
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I photographed a wedding.<br />
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And guess what?! I loved it! It was an amazing day and I still can't believe how much fun I had! And how relaxed I felt. (Thanks for your prayers!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTJC85Da0omWKMuyuFO2SkYaeHXS7bMWQw6OgX48H9QYN-jYupQTszDX3hGiBB58UWbMas3SPq_ozeb3UbF_WYoq7KSaYeG-mgFK9LVfOrzZfj4WCj4JeUj7pOSO0ea0_5fkWrKukwKri/s1600/_MG_6904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTJC85Da0omWKMuyuFO2SkYaeHXS7bMWQw6OgX48H9QYN-jYupQTszDX3hGiBB58UWbMas3SPq_ozeb3UbF_WYoq7KSaYeG-mgFK9LVfOrzZfj4WCj4JeUj7pOSO0ea0_5fkWrKukwKri/s320/_MG_6904.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The past 6 months or so I've been following various wedding photographers' blogs to be inspired and to learn from their work. Over and over I have read the photographers describe what an absolute joy and privilege it is to be with a bride and groom on their wedding day. Yesterday, in the midst of various moments both happy and mundane, I had the same feelings that I had been reading about for months. I felt incredibly honored to have been asked to be the photographer - the one to share such intimate moments with the couple and family throughout the day. A day that none of them will forget. Nor will I. A bride and groom have great faith in their photographer. The weight of that did not escape me in the months and days leading up to The Big Day, nor did it when the day actually arrived. Their faith in me both inspired me and humbled me.<br />
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As I started getting more and more involved and passionate about photography in the past 12-18 months I was asked repeatedly if I would do wedding photography. At times people assumed that would be the next step for me. I vividly remember telling multiple people I would not do wedding photography. Too much pressure. Too many chances for failure.<br />
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Never say never.<br />
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The funny thing is that when I was first asked to photograph this wedding I rather quickly in my head and heart knew that I didn't want to do it, especially based on my previous assessment of what I thought wedding photography was all about. I agonized deeply over the decision, asked for multiple people's opinions, and prayed often for wisdom about making the right decision. At the end of those two weeks my outlook had changed and it seemed like too good of an opportunity to pass up, but I also knew what I needed to do prepare in various ways so that I could be the photographer I wanted to be on that day. Since that time I've worked diligently to be ready.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3IT5FVuVvBek_FAoiotGQXEjv7TGoPXbP_3FYX4kWP_ioW4XSclt6gn7RTiYMOEDIIYx9zdzXIlJUHNc6RA3uJa7jWwi73F0YJ5ZHjsy8gLQjzzuDrp1_xSUxLzlwmvlrux62EJOBY7C/s1600/_MG_7280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3IT5FVuVvBek_FAoiotGQXEjv7TGoPXbP_3FYX4kWP_ioW4XSclt6gn7RTiYMOEDIIYx9zdzXIlJUHNc6RA3uJa7jWwi73F0YJ5ZHjsy8gLQjzzuDrp1_xSUxLzlwmvlrux62EJOBY7C/s320/_MG_7280.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Over and over the past few days I knew I had made the right decision. Everything just felt right. Sarah and Matt (the bride and groom) were wonderful to work with, as was the family. And despite the pouring rain and ominous clouds (at least 1/3 of the skyscrapers in Philly were covered with dark, thick clouds as Sarah's dad drove me to their house around 10:45am), God heard my pleas for some sun and kept my heart at rest (I was dying for some of that beautiful natural light to help me make better photos). It was still raining when we arrived at the church a little after 1pm.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeeFcrnyMoG5Ov2JeUkZ0pCHTHSE6vQeO1SsYmiynbNDPoSRD4YL4LvByVbvbNgydogNN1X-2qsvbm1mYLUoTRSYE_zdQzd8CWgc4bw9mCpg8vLUGyHNIdWruWG-IUvIQmQE54ASRPMGc/s1600/_MG_6929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeeFcrnyMoG5Ov2JeUkZ0pCHTHSE6vQeO1SsYmiynbNDPoSRD4YL4LvByVbvbNgydogNN1X-2qsvbm1mYLUoTRSYE_zdQzd8CWgc4bw9mCpg8vLUGyHNIdWruWG-IUvIQmQE54ASRPMGc/s320/_MG_6929.jpg" /></a></div><br />
But, my friends, miraculously (literally) it began to clear!! By the wedding's start at 3pm the sun was streaming in the large side windows. Throw in some outstanding music provided by stellar musicians, a radiant bride walking down the aisle to bagpipe music (I wish you could have heard it! It was perfect and I was nearly in tears looking through the viewfinder!), and a convicting wedding sermon and it was a recipe for the best first wedding I could have had.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOJGx-zfLCvzP4avR0njGjZQZ6TsGdK7peBv3WeBDbRcybstM18l0wvcZuX_8q_tcmsQPPXrst34uTWhyphenhyphenoi7Wa82C0vxSd0f7se4fNucZJQrsFn6ECV95saRn6HZfl4EoY1HW4e_vl5k5/s1600/_MG_7408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOJGx-zfLCvzP4avR0njGjZQZ6TsGdK7peBv3WeBDbRcybstM18l0wvcZuX_8q_tcmsQPPXrst34uTWhyphenhyphenoi7Wa82C0vxSd0f7se4fNucZJQrsFn6ECV95saRn6HZfl4EoY1HW4e_vl5k5/s320/_MG_7408.jpg" /></a></div><br />
God is good. And I haven't stopped praising Him since.Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-90150107638371510392010-07-01T03:07:00.000+01:002010-07-01T03:07:55.712+01:00Week 2+ of Re-entryIn many ways it seems like we've been here longer than two weeks and 2 days. Not sure why that is, but just how it feels to me at least. Thought I'd give you some highlights of the past week or so.<br />
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Last Wednesday I got to shoot my first photo session of the two most adorable girls. They go to my parents' church (now our church too!). Their mom told me about a fabulous public place that has tons of old barns and buildings. I'm in love and will definitely take future clients there for more photo ops. Check my <a href="http://rophoto.wordpress.com/">photo blog</a> for more photos in the next day or two.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKTglF3vQCiY_yY5phCjvrJKWKKYgoEEOo5n9XQofZbkOIeYD6dPuikD-dB7e0Y1_rHkZsMEUrSGgwutOjw_ooo5idCd2nkery7ef5VjXq-ipS-Lwf-BTU1XrailHcfiZ-X7-ve93k9_1/s1600/_MG_4934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKTglF3vQCiY_yY5phCjvrJKWKKYgoEEOo5n9XQofZbkOIeYD6dPuikD-dB7e0Y1_rHkZsMEUrSGgwutOjw_ooo5idCd2nkery7ef5VjXq-ipS-Lwf-BTU1XrailHcfiZ-X7-ve93k9_1/s400/_MG_4934.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't you just LOVE their Americana outfits?!</div><br />
Thursday Mark and I drove nearly 3 hours east to Knoxville to meet up with some dear friends from Raleigh (who were visiting family in Knoxville). Mark and Travis used to be in a small guys group together. When the guys all got married (within about a year of each other) several of them kept meeting and just added their wives. We always enjoyed getting together with Travis and Julie (and Phil and MaryAnn) during that first year of marriage. It was great to see part of Tennessee while driving, as well as to go to the <a href="http://www.worldsfairpark.com/">World's Fair Park</a> in downtown Knoxville. But seeing T & J and their 4 blessings (meeting the youngest for the first time) again was a real joy!<br />
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***Sadly I just discovered that I accidentally deleted all those photos before downloading then on my computer, so you'll have to take my word for it that they are some cute kids and that Knoxville looks pretty cool from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunsphere">Sunsphere</a>.<br />
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Friday Mark spent the majority of the day car hunting and FINALLY FOUND ONE!!! Hurray and praise the Lord! It's a black 2001 Nissan Sentra that seems to be a decent little car with wonderful AC.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzsSqChoG7L7bnGur01qkw0m3f6K-T0DP2WJ4xPeFU8QlmC61iDwFszWbH9JXFyuZtIazHJaR0pZIJaTmOVLbEJ4zepTw0m3X91_onfd2uQnhek9653OTOhcTIwsEFow0lkZf0DXBLgOP/s1600/IMG_0649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzsSqChoG7L7bnGur01qkw0m3f6K-T0DP2WJ4xPeFU8QlmC61iDwFszWbH9JXFyuZtIazHJaR0pZIJaTmOVLbEJ4zepTw0m3X91_onfd2uQnhek9653OTOhcTIwsEFow0lkZf0DXBLgOP/s400/IMG_0649.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our new little car as seen from our bedroom window.</div><br />
Saturday was a big (and long) day for me. I shot my first wedding as an assistant to Sarah from <a href="http://www.eyerisphotography.com/">Eyeris Photography</a>. She was great and overall it was fairly low-key wedding, so a good one to get my feet wet with.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lEWFv72xMOWehHuApzBiZ4HTaqkCVE8eUegPJdKJtqEw_7ykFbqKCQWYnjBqgvkl2x66o4bVcuuVnfLHWgNwoTNcFREua-3KSluCr10NKgTqauVLdS26oz-_XKhb-vSXZ6y7tLZBDhsT/s1600/_MG_5590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lEWFv72xMOWehHuApzBiZ4HTaqkCVE8eUegPJdKJtqEw_7ykFbqKCQWYnjBqgvkl2x66o4bVcuuVnfLHWgNwoTNcFREua-3KSluCr10NKgTqauVLdS26oz-_XKhb-vSXZ6y7tLZBDhsT/s400/_MG_5590.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A quick shot I took before going to the balcony for the rest of the ceremony.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQYBovu0MnH0zAxOlVkTTtK1PcQXSnwh4YRH9qRlbIf6j2DeMBJpYQx8RAVdbv2MA1Q3Jrz2OyMaMVW5mblohscoYunoegcC_ayH6MHBGsz8d1VKQeLzrgPo2W7L6kv-y_K4bKIspF8Jj/s1600/_MG_5442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQYBovu0MnH0zAxOlVkTTtK1PcQXSnwh4YRH9qRlbIf6j2DeMBJpYQx8RAVdbv2MA1Q3Jrz2OyMaMVW5mblohscoYunoegcC_ayH6MHBGsz8d1VKQeLzrgPo2W7L6kv-y_K4bKIspF8Jj/s400/_MG_5442.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the brother and nephew of the bride. I kept finding myself drawn to the babies and children during the wedding - maybe a sign that that truly is my photographic passion. Or maybe just what I'm comfortable with at this point.</div><br />
Monday I woke up with a summer cold passed on to me probably by my dear mother. I was thankful it skipped the sore throat stage and was mainly just annoying sniffles. And thankful it is basically already gone. Monday also marked the day we became official Tennesseans by obtaining our TN drivers licenses - FIVE forms of ID later, mind you. But, as proof that Tennesseans are hands down the friendliest folks I ever did meet, I had the best DMV experience I ever remember - and it only took 30 minutes!<br />
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Yesterday Mark and Dad took mental health days and spent the day fishing on a boat on the Caney Fork River. It is reported they caught tons of fish with 2 strippers weighing in around 20lbs, but Mom and I are dubious due to no photos yet being produced. They came home beat but contented (and hungry).<br />
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This morning I did editing, editing, editing, then spent part of the afternoon at the massive and incredible downtown Nashville library with my mom. I just wish we lived closer than 25 minutes from it. It was amazing! Mark has been back at reading, writing, reading, writing. Fun times.<br />
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So that's what we've been up to!Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-1760601630271580132010-06-22T15:36:00.000+01:002010-06-22T15:36:30.910+01:00A Week of Reverse Culture ShockOverall it's been a good first week back. The worst part has been not being able to find a decent car to buy. You have to be extra careful buying a car in these parts due to all the flooding in May in the Nashville area. We'd appreciate your prayers that God would provide one quickly for us and within our price range. In the meantime, my parents have been great at letting us borrow their cars when we need them.<br />
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I thought I'd share some reverse culture shock happenings. More than likely it will be our Aberdeen friends that will most appreciate these.<br />
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-I was at the grocery store and was going to pay for my items, so took out my credit card and held it like I was going to insert it in the "chip and pin" slot. I was slightly flustered to realize it had no chip and I no longer live in the land of "chip and pin" but in the land of swipe-your-card-then-sign-your-name.<br />
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-I have had a hard time remembering that when writing my birthdate the month comes first instead of the day. This kind of shocked me since it took ages for me to get this one (in regards to my birthdate) into my head in Aberdeen. Mark's birthday, for some reason, has really thrown me for a loop.<br />
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-Writing the date in general. I knew this was going to be a problem since within the first 6 months or so in Aberdeen I had embraced this one rather wholeheartedly both at work and in my personal life.<br />
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-Mark and I were at Wal-Mart. He was in line while I went to the, well, the "bathroom" (since it is no longer as acceptable to call it the "toilet" or "loo"). When I finished he said to me, "I started to bag the stuff." I had a good laugh. Though, since there is no conveyer-belt, he said he didn't get any further than opening the bag on the turntable thing when the checkout clerk obviously started to pack the groceries.<br />
<br />
-Turning right on red. Mark and I had a discussion trying to remember if this was okay.<br />
<br />
-The emptiness of the grocery stores. I really can't get over this one. Maybe it is just the area my parents live in, or maybe American grocery stores just aren't as crazy busy (during most times) as Scottish ones since people don't shop every stinkin' day.<br />
<br />
-Of course I've already called "cell" phones "mobile" phones. This will be hard to break, at least this first month, I think.<br />
<br />
-You wave at your neighbors when you pass in your car. Right. I remember this one was new to me when I moved from Ohio to NC. I am no longer a hard-nosed city northerner so I must not act like one.<br />
<br />
-It actually being hot when the sun is out. And in the evenings. Don't get me wrong, I'm lovin' it! My brother noted (when he visited this weekend) that he hadn't heard me complain about the 90+ temps we've had almost the entire week we've been back. I said, "No, I haven't. And you won't hear me. At least not for a very long time."<br />
<br />
-The laundry, when placed outside to dry on a drying rack, (yes, this habit is harder to break. It's one I kind of like now, so will still line dry some) dries in about .4 seconds.Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-77802868493616162682010-06-20T17:45:00.000+01:002010-06-20T17:45:10.105+01:00Happy Father's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWhGVmSWKrnzppcoHymM9KYly5BmLvPg24JyTN0CBpL8EPhGEN0H_0a1OGuyivW8x0kPPPA-749wWFE2yYd4GFl6SpcGEa9bfa91hL35T5yTJKkE34CPKMe-xZvg4aQ00O011q2h_HSSE/s1600/IMG_4635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWhGVmSWKrnzppcoHymM9KYly5BmLvPg24JyTN0CBpL8EPhGEN0H_0a1OGuyivW8x0kPPPA-749wWFE2yYd4GFl6SpcGEa9bfa91hL35T5yTJKkE34CPKMe-xZvg4aQ00O011q2h_HSSE/s320/IMG_4635.jpg" /></a>For the record, I love my dad! It's great to be able to be here with him this year for Father's Day, especially after missing the past two. As a family we talked about how my brother and I haven't both been together with my dad on Father's day for nearly a decade due to one of us always living overseas for the past 8 years.<br />
<br />
Here are just a few reasons I love my daddy:<br />
1. He loves the Lord with all His heart, soul, mind and strength.<br />
2. He loves my mom devotedly.<br />
3. He loves and prays regularly for my brother, Mark and me.<br />
4. He isn't perfect but is willing to ask for forgiveness when he's wrong.<br />
5. He's super silly and fun! (see photo with pink shirt - this week was VBS and he promised the kids he'd wear a pink shirt [he hates pink BTW] if they got over 400 kids this week - they were close so he agreed to still wear one. His staff picked this out for him and he wore it today to church. What a trooper!)<br />
6. He's modeled Christ, His Kingdom and ways to us since we were young.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I LOVE YOU, DAD!!</b></span></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-16046640652244315462010-06-15T16:47:00.000+01:002010-06-15T16:47:23.698+01:00(New) Home Sweet (New) Home!Well, after arriving to my parents last night at 11:15pm (instead of 8pm) after flight delays, and some sleep, we are now chillin' for the day. My parents are at VBS at their church so we've barely even seen them yet. But there's lots of time to catch up. Hope you enjoy the below that I wrote (mostly) last night while desperately trying to stay awake in O'Hare.<br />
<br />
Since our final flight from Chicago to Nashville is delayed (bad weather in the midwest, I think, though not actually in Chicago), and I have nothing better to do, I thought I'd write an update about this very, very long 14th of June. I hope you enjoy the stats about the day.<br />
<br />
Current time in Aberdeen - 1:42am (I need to change my computer clock because that is just depressing!)<br />
Current time in Chicago - 7:42pm<br />
Time we woke up this morning - 4:00am<br />
Hour slept Sunday night - a rough 5<br />
Pieces of checked luggage - 5 at 50lbs<br />
Pieces of carry on - 4 heavy ones<br />
Amount paid for the extra piece of luggage - ZERO! (God is so good! I had only been praying that BMI was indeed going to let us follow United's (our long haul flight carrier) baggage restrictions, which were much more generous - 2 checked luggages per person for free - like we had been told. But you just don't always know if you can trust what you are told these days! So not only did they not charge us for a bag or two that might have been 1-2 lbs over 50lbs, but the lady didn't even charge us for the extra piece of luggage - saving us £130!!) I literally walked away with tears in my eyes at God's mercy via that lady and for answering our prayers.<br />
Number of people carrying a large (2 piece) winter coat besides me - ZERO! (Do you know how much weight and space winter coats take up?!)<br />
Airports visited - 4 (Aberdeen, Heathrow, O'Hare, Nashville)<br />
Number of times food was consumed - at least 15, maybe more!<br />
Pages read in my new Jodi Picoult book ("Handle with Care") - 100<br />
Number of minor meltdowns - 1 - when they took my ice pack in the O'Hare security checkpoint. There might have been a few tears shed over the incident (after the fact), but it was more the injustice of it all (and lack of sleep!) than the loss of my ice pack. They didn't care that we'd been traveling at that point for 16 or so hours, the ice pack was melted and could not be permitted because it was now a liquid. Never mind. At least not much food was left needing the refrigeration.<br />
Number of concourses/terminals toured in O'Hare - 4<br />
Number of Starbucks passed while touring O'Hare - 7<br />
Miles walked in O'Hare - close to two<br />
Number of people in O'Hare also traveling and/or with delayed/cancelled flights- 23,787,093,639,845 (yes, that many!)<br />
Number of times our last flight has been delayed - 5 or 6 (lost count, really)<br />
Number of gate changes - 2<br />
Number of hours delayed - 3<br />
Hours spent in O'Hare - nearly 6<br />
Pieces of luggage arrived safely in Nashville - 5 - HURRAY!<br />
Hours I hope to sleep tonight - 14<br />
Actual numbers slept - 9<br />
Estimated temp for today - 96<br />
Things planned for today - ZERO!Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-3170853601624084382010-06-11T13:55:00.001+01:002010-06-11T16:01:02.631+01:00LIVE!We are on the final 2.5 day countdown! Seems so weird, though now that most items are packed or in stacks waiting to be given away it is starting to feel more real - and getting more exciting! If we can just press on for a couple more days doing all those things that you have to do when packing and moving, then we can crash once we arrive in Nashville. If I keep sleeping poorly crash is most certainly what I will do!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifU7d20RPsAZ7dHNhdzvhNCt1VfmZA1p23oGeKsFfPN4rzvrGw6o_7Dzfx8TyddtMLXuZHYf9FTyuPevMuOhyvMOE36NCA_jaYv8rhu2Ixw1kKRKv7zciUcoGhfr5btInPdAGg0k-n22cr/s1600/final.plum.logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifU7d20RPsAZ7dHNhdzvhNCt1VfmZA1p23oGeKsFfPN4rzvrGw6o_7Dzfx8TyddtMLXuZHYf9FTyuPevMuOhyvMOE36NCA_jaYv8rhu2Ixw1kKRKv7zciUcoGhfr5btInPdAGg0k-n22cr/s200/final.plum.logo.jpg" width="200" /></a>While I had really wanted to blog about a few things that I've had on my mind to blog about the entire time we've been here, but haven't, it just hasn't happened. Too much else going on, I'm afraid.<br />
<br />
One of those "too much" items has been frantically working on my <a href="http://rachelowensphotography.com/">new photography website</a>! After much debate, I settled on <a href="http://www.rachelowensphotography.com/">www.rachelowensphotography.com</a> which is now LIVE so be sure to check it out and in case you haven't found my photography business on Facebook, you can do that<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nashville-TN/Rachel-Owens-Photography/131371116877557?ref=ts"> here</a>. If you know anyone in the Nashville area please send them to my site! Thanks!<br />
<br />
In case we don't have another opportunity to blog, we'll see you on the other side!Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-307131057843923482010-06-01T22:20:00.000+01:002010-06-01T22:20:10.077+01:00Eight Years and Counting!So hard to believe that 8 years ago Mark and I tied the knot! It seems like ages ago and yet there are so many happy memories that don't seem so far away. I so wish we had photos here I could look through. Or our video. I've already told Mark I want to watch at least some of it when we get back. It's been awhile since we've seen it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweVSd1OB86lcrUr-sCQYdc7OQkcuVQXMXvwsDC19VvhoWkDkOZtQjfP9aBqp3r2O9_wIZ6R-eR4WUbQnLjcqixypGNMJn3DIDFvZKMezr9E_cNvUDDGbeNCA2w3NB-o_sdGqJyZ4q1uSN/s1600/IMG_3711-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweVSd1OB86lcrUr-sCQYdc7OQkcuVQXMXvwsDC19VvhoWkDkOZtQjfP9aBqp3r2O9_wIZ6R-eR4WUbQnLjcqixypGNMJn3DIDFvZKMezr9E_cNvUDDGbeNCA2w3NB-o_sdGqJyZ4q1uSN/s320/IMG_3711-Edit.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lucerne Lake - I dream of going back here some day!</div><br />
But I have to admit, my thoughts have probably been more focused on <a href="http://moandroonthego.blogspot.com/2009/06/amazing-race-part-4.html">our anniversary last year</a> that started in Zurich and ended in a quaint village outside Freiburg, Germany. Those were happy memories too (except for Zurich - that place tested our sanity and our marriage but the below sunset made it worth it!). As crazy as our own Amazing Race adventures were those few days, I would love to relive them. But, since that's impossible, I did take a trip down memory lane via viewing the gazillions of photos I took. If these few photos aren't enough for you, click the link above and you can see many more as you look through the four parts of our amazing race posts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rD2Vwpy-_2oTnOxFN9cx1Qgrq39hukgrFAAuQPB0wC6GhyphenhyphenAOv5ibfgTDO6BuK8VeZYa_XA3huxoUgTgE0VOGKM9MhQYZn_1A5d8ExoGgLdYufi_X_5_RDQCRzg3R4sw8gSrnDy-914eS/s1600/IMG_4106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rD2Vwpy-_2oTnOxFN9cx1Qgrq39hukgrFAAuQPB0wC6GhyphenhyphenAOv5ibfgTDO6BuK8VeZYa_XA3huxoUgTgE0VOGKM9MhQYZn_1A5d8ExoGgLdYufi_X_5_RDQCRzg3R4sw8gSrnDy-914eS/s320/IMG_4106.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lake Zurich</div><br />
The Lord's been so good to us these 8 years! I never would have guessed some of the things that we've been through and yet I wouldn't really want to change a thing. All things have come by God's grace and for His glory and I'm just thankful to have gone through it with my Mark. I can't wait for the new things God has in store for us as we head into another 8+8+8+8+8!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnwbK3PP7b2s-_D3ydonAJHi5kutQgzJ2PHAe2b_ErDLE7X5oBYtXoodHDrNLmdivC9KfnuVXsSyw4oxYEEzznL7fHaZbUG80DoO76RH74c5WTWWlpKrNOxxBk-YwrgqSza8eDhcJMIg0/s1600/sunburst.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnwbK3PP7b2s-_D3ydonAJHi5kutQgzJ2PHAe2b_ErDLE7X5oBYtXoodHDrNLmdivC9KfnuVXsSyw4oxYEEzznL7fHaZbUG80DoO76RH74c5WTWWlpKrNOxxBk-YwrgqSza8eDhcJMIg0/s320/sunburst.2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">From our walk through the village and some fields after our dinner at our B&B in Germany the night of our anniversary last year.</div>Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-5406272360248893742010-05-28T16:38:00.001+01:002010-05-28T17:09:27.444+01:00The Love ContinuesI'm not sure how it has been over a week since I've last posted, but alas, the time is flying.<br />
<br />
I had one main goal for today and I'm happy to say I somehow accomplished it.<br />
<br />
But first, a brief recap of last night's fun. Vicki (see photo below), is an amazing dancer and was in <a href="http://www.list.co.uk/event/156314-the-wedding-singer/">The Wedding Singer</a> last night (and the next two nights). It was a musical based off of the Adam Sandler movie by the same title. After dinner out with Gemma and Fiona, we headed to see Vicki. We all really enjoyed the show and just spending a little time together for my "leaving do." Sorry, I opted to leave the camera home, sorry no photos, you'll have to take my word, it was a nice night out.<br />
<br />
Now back to today: So what was that one goal? Not to cry as I said goodbye to everyone at work. Not an easy feat, but somehow managed with only a slight mist in the eyes at one point. I had lay down the rules to the other girls in my immediate room:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoMcQ3OaFBBENAOx-QRJM-bMzZUqyLljQKCo8PG02BCZ7q9BMek2e158BoJykFGRKgVGCGT8cBFrcXIBKr4uXbwJSkW8jgl7Pe5tu_-gBs2cn30fKs5M_acIC6e6ik7C9EqS4VlTnBDPr/s1600/IMG_0489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoMcQ3OaFBBENAOx-QRJM-bMzZUqyLljQKCo8PG02BCZ7q9BMek2e158BoJykFGRKgVGCGT8cBFrcXIBKr4uXbwJSkW8jgl7Pe5tu_-gBs2cn30fKs5M_acIC6e6ik7C9EqS4VlTnBDPr/s320/IMG_0489.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Behind me: Fiona, Vicki, Gemma</div><br />
1. No crying.<br />
2. No looking me in the eye.<br />
3. Jokes and laughter must abound.<br />
4. No reading of cards.<br />
5. Remember number one.<br />
<br />
I was proud. They did well too! But I won't lie, as I got home and read the sweet cards I was given and looked again at the abundance of gifts I'd been given, the flood came. Mostly gratitude to my God for His graciousness in giving me this job. I remember praying a good deal before I moved here about my job. I prayed for one I would enjoy and not dislike. I knew it was going to be hard enough living overseas without having a job I despised to go to. God answered my prayers in big ways. Aside from the few odd days, I have rarely had that "I really dislike work" or "don't want to go to work" feeling. And it has made the world of difference. And I will never be the same for having had the chance to work in <a href="http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sras/index.shtml">Student Recruitment and Admissions</a>.<br />
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I don't think I could have worked with a more generous bunch! Check out a few of the things I was given.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77pjFu6PXuX6fpaKqUDEJQNq9h-96Zg13Rj5N0JuNboZsbmX1zxgrerWKCn_uZsCMQooBkTsgGibNlhjBsbVlTncJC9qc_53dMcGWFRiiGDcX5WJywVOz4TQKpjGNpoIUXWOrw0yDh-52/s1600/IMG_0531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77pjFu6PXuX6fpaKqUDEJQNq9h-96Zg13Rj5N0JuNboZsbmX1zxgrerWKCn_uZsCMQooBkTsgGibNlhjBsbVlTncJC9qc_53dMcGWFRiiGDcX5WJywVOz4TQKpjGNpoIUXWOrw0yDh-52/s320/IMG_0531.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">See ewe Jimmy reusable "carrier" bag - love it! Painting by <a href="http://www.tomjoe.com/">Thomas Joseph</a>; Thistle key chain and thistle earrings and celtic pendant (see below). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyRQXRbn4OVgCQIVyWubjIc6Alqpr4fCTkjZ_tktUqvdbtA1z5tqOyApVM3WWxH8BQzvuKe2L7Dpb6VvHMX2TYvDIiliTbtrzKi0_X1ZktQiXHB7DqRy9VLtNi3MMXhU6lBLgYRup6hvU/s1600/IMG_0530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyRQXRbn4OVgCQIVyWubjIc6Alqpr4fCTkjZ_tktUqvdbtA1z5tqOyApVM3WWxH8BQzvuKe2L7Dpb6VvHMX2TYvDIiliTbtrzKi0_X1ZktQiXHB7DqRy9VLtNi3MMXhU6lBLgYRup6hvU/s320/IMG_0530.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was floored that the girls in my room got me this among other little things!! <a href="http://www.nessbypost.com/Default.asp?&cookie_test=1">The Ness store</a> is amazing. I enjoyed browsing the one last year in Edinburgh when my friend Lisa was visiting. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiya3rs0ngycevW8kwSUAcx5muCXCnMFjwCLxfTv122zHdRG61uyb8PR5-YsU7Nxl81q-UXmcmSESIStqQurAOpgYQZAeEttOZ_oyKhqYLSBXneBxfzVwH70eJKtEb9jq2eYkYDpOJD8W5i/s1600/IMG_0535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiya3rs0ngycevW8kwSUAcx5muCXCnMFjwCLxfTv122zHdRG61uyb8PR5-YsU7Nxl81q-UXmcmSESIStqQurAOpgYQZAeEttOZ_oyKhqYLSBXneBxfzVwH70eJKtEb9jq2eYkYDpOJD8W5i/s320/IMG_0535.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The whole department chipped in and got me these thistle earrings.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYR-JLNWQdaOBRIbz-aF58G0oolp4tyl0XiY7HRa0QnL11B86Mcr5HzCsAADYfC8ul92P36qdgeSSsYQL91hwrPsV4MIBVE6w_cidPhmN-awjRkHMml3dCAEUeQl22EX1YPcFzitV0XqFR/s1600/IMG_0537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYR-JLNWQdaOBRIbz-aF58G0oolp4tyl0XiY7HRa0QnL11B86Mcr5HzCsAADYfC8ul92P36qdgeSSsYQL91hwrPsV4MIBVE6w_cidPhmN-awjRkHMml3dCAEUeQl22EX1YPcFzitV0XqFR/s320/IMG_0537.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And this (what I guess would be described as) Celtic necklace. Such sweet gifts to take home!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5KDeZvKts3T4sRNf6Nu-P6s7c1qvauW4xCXYugCOBomtwYJLIKibwaLrYMRcMKvwpd0ytNPX1UH_zzE8Sf-FNTtO8EAcEJuHttRDswbP6yJgwMu17R4hqZKLPRTuWpamMGHjjFkh3cWK/s1600/IMG_0539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5KDeZvKts3T4sRNf6Nu-P6s7c1qvauW4xCXYugCOBomtwYJLIKibwaLrYMRcMKvwpd0ytNPX1UH_zzE8Sf-FNTtO8EAcEJuHttRDswbP6yJgwMu17R4hqZKLPRTuWpamMGHjjFkh3cWK/s320/IMG_0539.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of the cards was a watercolor painting of the Unicorn in King's (right outside of Mark's office).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As a special treat they ordered in some soldiers and a piper band just for me! Just kidding, of course. The real reason was <a href="http://www.abdn.ac.uk/news/details-8314.php">this</a>. (If you click the link, at least in the next day or two, there is a slideshow of other photos too.) Anyways, Fiona, Vicki, Gemma and I quickly ran across campus to see the end of the show. We missed most of it, but I still managed a few shots.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4juXIYVAruwJVAaT9RtSpTvCJ5KRgY7QEjvRswXWwZPVTJVj4aAbvV-kU53iieN5yqqnFEMGaXoydNjfDrp1YrxvnvaiDqyW43ILniyfGym8LcvYM1ETXeSyKC3iqxasznmvwsXKZ7s1/s1600/IMG_0499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4juXIYVAruwJVAaT9RtSpTvCJ5KRgY7QEjvRswXWwZPVTJVj4aAbvV-kU53iieN5yqqnFEMGaXoydNjfDrp1YrxvnvaiDqyW43ILniyfGym8LcvYM1ETXeSyKC3iqxasznmvwsXKZ7s1/s320/IMG_0499.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJV8rn72pYXBOh68FbIVHsbTY584EMuAsrZk45h7bgxwJBFnX3KMar_x-qS3oNmgK0vCZhMD2Ha7C6HiWVOvRs-vMUjcgthGnf0zB7Atwzvk2oA-nvH_SSn7jMjJIaOjqQkeebfK75VTg/s1600/IMG_0505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJV8rn72pYXBOh68FbIVHsbTY584EMuAsrZk45h7bgxwJBFnX3KMar_x-qS3oNmgK0vCZhMD2Ha7C6HiWVOvRs-vMUjcgthGnf0zB7Atwzvk2oA-nvH_SSn7jMjJIaOjqQkeebfK75VTg/s320/IMG_0505.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkAelmccXT7E9ic9h1r2ZRVwGf7iMFVKttEqHQBgcGMUuANocOYkjVBAM5vzJ3aFfvQcFs3lDH1r_Yct1_tHevSwSC8EF28ME9BP3rPa2lMEmenjUI1YXq0OUnWBlHhYY0SOjSqXpXm7y/s1600/IMG_0511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkAelmccXT7E9ic9h1r2ZRVwGf7iMFVKttEqHQBgcGMUuANocOYkjVBAM5vzJ3aFfvQcFs3lDH1r_Yct1_tHevSwSC8EF28ME9BP3rPa2lMEmenjUI1YXq0OUnWBlHhYY0SOjSqXpXm7y/s320/IMG_0511.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I liked their massive feathers. Gemma (who grew up in Wales) said it is a Welsh thing. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As we were leaving and passing by the group of soldiers getting on their bus, Gemma (who is also known to be a bit crazy at times), bear-hugged me and drug me over to the soldiers saying, "She's moving back to America, can she have her photo taken with you." Not my favorite thing, but what was I to do?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrEOSipJG6wWXM5YEJw4KXqrV4iSIjTP4uTV8pDcFns0KysIawH8xlwgRa0fiFUwCOVgEghYo0y0n7f1UzoOcg4O-WtCIlaXJNowe3hBiblnvcxXMwinQmKgMUj4jboEvj5aV5rYRcclU/s1600/IMG_0514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrEOSipJG6wWXM5YEJw4KXqrV4iSIjTP4uTV8pDcFns0KysIawH8xlwgRa0fiFUwCOVgEghYo0y0n7f1UzoOcg4O-WtCIlaXJNowe3hBiblnvcxXMwinQmKgMUj4jboEvj5aV5rYRcclU/s320/IMG_0514.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The best part was right before the photo when their commanding officer told them to remove their bayonets from their guns first. I guess that was so I wouldn't get hurt :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So there you have it, my last day of work in review. It was a good day and I even got a little work done before all the partying and goodbyes started. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-56585530319316761092010-05-20T17:56:00.000+01:002010-05-20T17:56:19.057+01:00The Goodness of Kale<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When food allergies became my all consuming life about 5-6 years ago (years I'd rather forget most of the time!) I had to pour a lot of time and energy into reading about how to cook with allergies. And what in the world to eat! One food I ran across several times in my researching was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kale">kale</a>. I discovered pretty early on in changing my diet that I could only experiment so much within a given week or month. Sometimes it was lack of time, sometimes it was I could only handle so many failures! So kale, by nature of being a dark, green, leafy vegetable was left by the wayside. But it has always lurked in the back of my mind. What exactly does that stuff taste like? Could it be something to expand my diet?</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9v-NsyizZCodOvJo9ujhf6gJZKtHyy-iXPr8L8ZTrRrIrx6LpBz4t9vxQ3ylNlCRqftyD5C7nzEkaXp8X3kJe5UGkZInSSSsj2g2eBqFTFhxDA3q93rKWJVhxpmJUid0l3hWXZ8NNdMs1/s1600/IMG_9884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9v-NsyizZCodOvJo9ujhf6gJZKtHyy-iXPr8L8ZTrRrIrx6LpBz4t9vxQ3ylNlCRqftyD5C7nzEkaXp8X3kJe5UGkZInSSSsj2g2eBqFTFhxDA3q93rKWJVhxpmJUid0l3hWXZ8NNdMs1/s320/IMG_9884.jpg" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div>Enter a grocery trip with my mom when we were home at Christmas. We were in the veggie section and I mentioned something about how I'd like to try kale sometime, but had no idea what to do with it - not to mention you can only buy it in what seems like a bulk amount. I don't like wasting things so why would a buy a large amount when it was just Mark and me and we might not like it? Here's the best part, my mom, being the healthy cook/eater that she is knew what to do with it and bought some on the spot saying she'd teach me. Thanks Mom!</div><div><br />
</div><div>To me kale looks a lot like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collard_greens">collard greens</a>. And according to that link from Wiki, both are in the cabbage family so I suppose they might look similar. Not that I've eaten collard greens. The name is a bit off-putting (whereas kale almost sounds posh). And I've had the impression it is bitter. I'm not sure if that is founded or not, but it's what I've always thought. And I expected the same of kale. But, to my surprise, it had a pleasant not overbearing taste. And strangely enough Mark liked it too. Hurray! A new food - a very healthy food - for both of us to eat. We <a href="http://moandroonthego.blogspot.com/2010/03/yummy-chicken-recipe.html">already know</a> that makes me happy :)</div><div><br />
</div><div>So when I looked for kale here I noticed it comes pre-cut and packaged (see photo above) and it is generally a £1 or under. So not only is it a steal of a deal, but the hardest part is done for me! All I have to do is dump it in a colander, rinse with water, chop some onion, use my garlic press for some instant minced garlic and heat up some olive oil, saute the onion/garlic and then toss in the kale. I love the simplicity of this side dish.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZP8U_yBbnerPunD4NFxHJp8doQNeLsCiMXSHx-BD4Apm0-IEdhlVut12MKcySjhQWLqsE18x9C88o663WxUUPCrxbj77T-sdoqMG9TrKzklGkaDrjpfHCttgZ5S9UKAk7lCFWoLVv8pG/s1600/IMG_9889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZP8U_yBbnerPunD4NFxHJp8doQNeLsCiMXSHx-BD4Apm0-IEdhlVut12MKcySjhQWLqsE18x9C88o663WxUUPCrxbj77T-sdoqMG9TrKzklGkaDrjpfHCttgZ5S9UKAk7lCFWoLVv8pG/s320/IMG_9889.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>The only slight draw back is that it looks like a ginormous amount when it goes in the pan. The stuff is springy but quickly starts to shrink/wilt as it heats up. This pan is sans a lid, so I either use a plate, or better yet because it is already dirty, the colander. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xMjml-88uKtHI42bgMOhdolYIsglwU0bcggkUsSabGBYnwbW-X_KN8cV9OFyOigb5eSKE8L3kR9iAI96h2Bc_db-YObMm8xLQZkT0svjaC-vjw2hUVfyEkio_DQAdw51rr-1nW-x5G63/s1600/IMG_9891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xMjml-88uKtHI42bgMOhdolYIsglwU0bcggkUsSabGBYnwbW-X_KN8cV9OFyOigb5eSKE8L3kR9iAI96h2Bc_db-YObMm8xLQZkT0svjaC-vjw2hUVfyEkio_DQAdw51rr-1nW-x5G63/s320/IMG_9891.jpg" /></a></div><div>I think I usually let it cook for around 20-25 minutes. I forgot to take a picture before Mark and I already had servings on our plates, but you can still get the idea how much it shrinks down. We've found we don't mind the leftovers reheated in the microwave so it does last several days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqQwVgbw3HR5WRNZTq2GROICuNtivBZb7D2uAjoddgRATisdkG3k6CSoYnp98y-S-HCf_zvDmFXwu1NdGJ5jn55t3ehvkov4EfLjOgjvD0Bj7sOQwYrqcsO-wwXgg3jZvGK9pDWroY7jR/s1600/IMG_9892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqQwVgbw3HR5WRNZTq2GROICuNtivBZb7D2uAjoddgRATisdkG3k6CSoYnp98y-S-HCf_zvDmFXwu1NdGJ5jn55t3ehvkov4EfLjOgjvD0Bj7sOQwYrqcsO-wwXgg3jZvGK9pDWroY7jR/s320/IMG_9892.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>I've also heard it can be frozen and is great in soups, though I haven't tried either of those options yet. Maybe some day soon! And, for the very adventuresome chef, here's a recipe for <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Baked-Kale-Chips/Detail.aspx">kale chips</a>. It was originally the kale chips that got my interest in this veggie. Haven't tried those yet either (I'm not sure how well it would work with the pre-chopped kale) but hope to when we are back in the U.S.</div><div><br />
</div><div>One last tidbit for my Aberdeen friends - I've found this in ASDA (can even order it online) or Sainsbury's, but sadly found out on Sunday Morrison's doesn't stock it. Sorry.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So now you have no excuse for trying out this yummy and healthy veg!</div></div>Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-48084424165367803122010-05-16T16:03:00.000+01:002010-05-16T16:03:57.566+01:00Golden FieldsMark and I headed out yesterday morning for what possibly might have been our last Scottish adventure. I'm still hoping for one more final adventure, but am unsure where the time will come from to do so. Even yesterday's jaunt was a bit of a stretch. So this might have been it. If so, it was a phenomenal day to end our exploring of Scotland on. The sky was a deep blue, the sun bright, the clouds white and puffy, the grass a glorious green, and the fields a golden yellow. Just see for yourself.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTLnr-9jMv9cxPdtOmbN5JxxSPRN2IDCxde9BH1Ju1g1m2XQ7EMNIQhZvzj_tJgxLUdGGuQQcPae4cLhF7bC1ZeNWg1ax8WtyvSn_yM1XV6YlGXtPmJsyC_C9Bezd1Lo-iygY8s_k0G6g/s1600/IMG_9875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTLnr-9jMv9cxPdtOmbN5JxxSPRN2IDCxde9BH1Ju1g1m2XQ7EMNIQhZvzj_tJgxLUdGGuQQcPae4cLhF7bC1ZeNWg1ax8WtyvSn_yM1XV6YlGXtPmJsyC_C9Bezd1Lo-iygY8s_k0G6g/s320/IMG_9875.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fn2z7Hed3CU2feSFAl5sF0LJ7rPyeh1dQv1l__s9y56ByIzMJcJMq7xzYrysHmod0PxWoos-CMxL-3i8-q1t6RIkb7vGpcfa4_KmdVAWAFrF45ukEynQ8tvO3aNKBdmsKeKI7qeqLco4/s1600/IMG_9874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fn2z7Hed3CU2feSFAl5sF0LJ7rPyeh1dQv1l__s9y56ByIzMJcJMq7xzYrysHmod0PxWoos-CMxL-3i8-q1t6RIkb7vGpcfa4_KmdVAWAFrF45ukEynQ8tvO3aNKBdmsKeKI7qeqLco4/s320/IMG_9874.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8aaPvOj_9q9tn4qd8srW-LfPc0JxnKX40nqOCtpDASOVkdYDHA_JnmXbNI2QrCgP2xvQtJuNxx-fyRc_gwS6aVqkKRuGwpoPUZKb3DRTJ8M6SLdpw2OI3WwIrrYe2I1Nc4pAhNQr9xAZ/s1600/IMG_9876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8aaPvOj_9q9tn4qd8srW-LfPc0JxnKX40nqOCtpDASOVkdYDHA_JnmXbNI2QrCgP2xvQtJuNxx-fyRc_gwS6aVqkKRuGwpoPUZKb3DRTJ8M6SLdpw2OI3WwIrrYe2I1Nc4pAhNQr9xAZ/s320/IMG_9876.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I had forgotten the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brassica_napus">rapeseed</a> would be in bloom across the hills so it was an unexpected treat as we headed to St. Andrew's. Hopefully I'll get a chance to blog some more about our time there. If not, you'll just have to trust me it was a wonderful quick trip out of the city on a rare gem of a day.Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-31799162241490869192010-05-14T16:06:00.000+01:002010-05-14T16:06:39.662+01:00One Month and Counting!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMYRHk_bjNLeTEvXSHKSm0i0NOUjd_stB87lQ7xZeY1fGoIqxsTZ7wt9557bDEO0fGyhhrQykCvk4-de1gBFvC2XjxshHPLHBmevfNPDtTVUnhh5Abeje6P-S__aSfN4xx948UPyGkM1r/s1600/IMG_9720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMYRHk_bjNLeTEvXSHKSm0i0NOUjd_stB87lQ7xZeY1fGoIqxsTZ7wt9557bDEO0fGyhhrQykCvk4-de1gBFvC2XjxshHPLHBmevfNPDtTVUnhh5Abeje6P-S__aSfN4xx948UPyGkM1r/s320/IMG_9720.jpg" /></a>Hard to believe that today marks one month until we leave! It's on June 14th bright and early that we'll make our journey back to the U.S. Sadly, goodbyes are already beginning. Last week I said goodbye to a co-worker who was leaving for maternity leave. This week I said goodbye to two more who will be on holiday and overseas work trips and won't return before my last day of work. I'm not really looking forward to another 4 weeks of goodbyes.<br />
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One of the ladies, Wilma, that I said goodbye to this week is also one of the women that has <a href="http://moandroonthego.blogspot.com/2010/01/blanahoolie-blahn-ah-who-lee.html">enjoyed teaching me doric</a>. The past few months, especially after I say, "huh?" occasionally to something she says, has said she should get me a doric dictionary so I can attempt to better understand her. So this week when she gave me a gift I was pleasantly surprised to find these inside the gift bag:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4fVm7mQszKifvCLc2zOc9sLCfxNygbr5UaojfDxPQ6gsiPJ_uAe1qP3My03tgLznzmJc7Z-mGcxpDI95WYv7UTsFpqaTMYAZqk2CGuwWDuXeLT_kgNfoVoq4WUFJA2rs_akAuE0WFO28/s1600/IMG_9712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4fVm7mQszKifvCLc2zOc9sLCfxNygbr5UaojfDxPQ6gsiPJ_uAe1qP3My03tgLznzmJc7Z-mGcxpDI95WYv7UTsFpqaTMYAZqk2CGuwWDuXeLT_kgNfoVoq4WUFJA2rs_akAuE0WFO28/s320/IMG_9712.jpg" /></a></div>Though, she herself admitted, she really should have given me these when I first started working. Nonetheless, it was a rather special gift from her which will always allow me the chance to remember a few of the things I learned during our time here.<br />
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I was surprised to find that the bottom book in the photo above, "Doric - Alive and Kickin" was also signed by the author. I had to show you the funny woman on the front. She reminds me a lot of Princess Fiona, Shrek's wife. Once I read the book I'll have to let you know why she looks so scary.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_qQmOanrPrNwtR9T9crOghDI4Oz8z9-pSaNDln9wZe0b4Ao4CQ4kKAMDYy1uOFRY1hu3z0ySPIyZ5YqABffr8V4Kk_p1HZwdsooLTaXi9nJMt8kMvZp_V9X3xQHMtJNbDRt2a_2vR21o/s1600/IMG_9716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_qQmOanrPrNwtR9T9crOghDI4Oz8z9-pSaNDln9wZe0b4Ao4CQ4kKAMDYy1uOFRY1hu3z0ySPIyZ5YqABffr8V4Kk_p1HZwdsooLTaXi9nJMt8kMvZp_V9X3xQHMtJNbDRt2a_2vR21o/s320/IMG_9716.jpg" /></a></div>Speaking of reading....after attempting to read the first paragraph I quickly concluded it was a VERY good idea that Wilma had also included the dictionary. See for yourself.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHUthBdbL4nQgoy0my796Zq47AvBmk6eogaLljiexjftEIgF-H8OLLETZ1KUt6xkAefGCJ9ol9HZ8ISoRE2cM-iQDmX_DAEMpNv7rWhGuUY8io6O4vxcJuYVsYlXXgl8VlRPQ8N1ukP-u/s1600/IMG_9718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHUthBdbL4nQgoy0my796Zq47AvBmk6eogaLljiexjftEIgF-H8OLLETZ1KUt6xkAefGCJ9ol9HZ8ISoRE2cM-iQDmX_DAEMpNv7rWhGuUY8io6O4vxcJuYVsYlXXgl8VlRPQ8N1ukP-u/s320/IMG_9718.jpg" /></a></div>I just wish the books came with a CD of pronunciations. Or a CD of someone (preferably one of the women I work with) reading the book so I can forever remember the accent and pronunciations. Perhaps one of the other women in my office would like to give that to me as a going away present.Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143231538765368665.post-56884818423287232182010-05-11T15:41:00.000+01:002010-05-11T15:41:40.302+01:00The Big Red CraneI feel I would be remiss to not blog about The Big Red Crane and all that it signifies. I actually took these photos a month or so after it was first erected (sometime in October, I think).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPgLFO-zJhEiKqho4r2RA2rMRP96Sv4GF5_eQ87Yo39a5VvKV6KuWqyCwawFu9rmKub0YcIIAw5aG7kW5oKIcqJkmrpgDjz0GkSbVCCKg1_IKYI-EB1AkvZi3qmCqbefcMpAXmv5RIvXj/s1600/IMG_4507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPgLFO-zJhEiKqho4r2RA2rMRP96Sv4GF5_eQ87Yo39a5VvKV6KuWqyCwawFu9rmKub0YcIIAw5aG7kW5oKIcqJkmrpgDjz0GkSbVCCKg1_IKYI-EB1AkvZi3qmCqbefcMpAXmv5RIvXj/s320/IMG_4507.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHkpqrKSz81t3AnlUXpZVtQlwOuCV12hGlrvsED2dqK8j1VlMlxk5xXqwc7rHQJ9Wsl2QeyguSVUV25db_H8lqRJLzwNRmKBg_b1qLA9zePccOEUKhytzZh2WeSls6E7YU8ysSQrcLYCK/s1600/IMG_4509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHkpqrKSz81t3AnlUXpZVtQlwOuCV12hGlrvsED2dqK8j1VlMlxk5xXqwc7rHQJ9Wsl2QeyguSVUV25db_H8lqRJLzwNRmKBg_b1qLA9zePccOEUKhytzZh2WeSls6E7YU8ysSQrcLYCK/s320/IMG_4509.jpg" /></a></div>This is The Big Red Crane as seen from our kitchen window. The crane has become a permanent fixture on The University of Aberdeen campus. Namely, at the site of the new library that is being built. You get a sense for how tall the crane is since our flat is almost entirely uphill from campus and on the (U.S.) 3rd floor. No matter where you are in the area or on campus you can almost always see the crane looming large.<br />
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I had my camera on campus yesterday so I wanted to take a few shots to show the progress. Somewhat just for my own record, somewhat for our friends that used to be here and are now gone so they can see the changes around campus. And of course, just to inform you, my dear readers of life here.<br />
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My personal favorite part of the site - built-in windows in the wall surrounding the project for the curious of heart. I did notice, though, the bars are new and an obvious safety feature now that they are doing more work at eye level and less foundation work.<br />
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So you can't see the progress quite as well as prior to the bars.<br />
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And because I love you, I hiked up 4 flights of stairs to get you this view. You can see just how close the new library is being built to the old one - they basically touch (or maybe they do? see the 3rd photo on the blog to decide for yourself).<br />
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I really liked how you can already see the middle part (that is a major feature of the library) taking shape.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YOhZNrjrNwFc0ujIohP_K1Qfak3x-QmcfjIBjvPaLcJIGYA1wyJud9Ond9jXzr5num7Wx1HLnwtS8HAu1HkGuvKlMrwRjzimYTC296Q2_DcNlO-_JJklx3hPRTjYQWSuzInUmZl3q1KL/s1600/IMG_9556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YOhZNrjrNwFc0ujIohP_K1Qfak3x-QmcfjIBjvPaLcJIGYA1wyJud9Ond9jXzr5num7Wx1HLnwtS8HAu1HkGuvKlMrwRjzimYTC296Q2_DcNlO-_JJklx3hPRTjYQWSuzInUmZl3q1KL/s320/IMG_9556.jpg" /></a></div>I wanted to give you a shot looking straight down, but they've put up more safety plastic/glass in the library windows where the construction is so it was inhibiting any decent downward looking shots.<br />
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Since the new library is one of my departments big sells for the University, I've heard a fair bit about it, thus being remiss if I didn't show it off a little to you! To read more about the new library, <a href="http://www.abdn.ac.uk/newlibrary/">go here</a>. Be sure to also to watch the video they have on their simulating the new library. There you should see the interior portion I was mentioning above.Mark and Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785494744086150472noreply@blogger.com0