tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406525822587650962024-02-19T09:54:02.356-06:00One Hill of a LifeAn adventure of life's up hill battle!Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.comBlogger158125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-27170451166392929322014-12-04T10:26:00.001-06:002014-12-04T10:26:09.495-06:00Home Sweet Home<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div style='width:400px;margin:0 auto'><div style='position:relative;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/home_sweet/set?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=142325374' target='_blank'><img border='0' height='458' title='Home Sweet Home' src='http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/FGcSXTTXqzaS2L03NnEJPw/cid/142325374/id/cOvoQNJ75BGCeO-Imyklpg/size/c400x458.jpg' alt='Home Sweet Home' width='400'/></a></div></div><br/><div style='text-align:center'><small><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/home_sweet/set?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=142325374' target='_blank'>Home Sweet Home</a> by <a href='http://cathrynhill.polyvore.com/?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger' target='_blank'>cathrynhill</a> featuring a <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/canvas_painting/shop?query=canvas+painting' target='_blank'>canvas painting</a></small></div><div style='width:400px;margin:0 auto'><br/><div style='text-align:left;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=124872300' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img height='50' title='Rug' src='http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/124872300.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=119441761' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img height='50' title='Sheepskin area rug' src='http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/119441761.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=110884710' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img height='50' title='Bobby Berk Home resin wall art' src='http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/110884710.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=120461654' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img height='50' title='Sunflower home decor' src='http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/120461654.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=111813869' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img height='50' title='ArteHouse wall art' src='http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/111813869.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=93189416' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img height='50' title='Art Classics LTD canvas wall art' src='http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/93189416.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=124046125' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img height='50' title='Turquoise home decor' src='http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/124046125.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=118989615' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img height='50' title='Canvas painting' src='http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/118989615.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=119498695' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img height='50' title='Contemporary design furniture' src='http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/119498695.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=118237404' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img height='50' title='Dark brown ottoman' src='http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/118237404.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=101225294' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img height='50' title='Monarch Specialties rectangular table' src='http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/101225294.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=86808380' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img height='50' title='Hello Sunshine Bold Script Linen Down Throw Pillow' src='http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/86808380.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a></div></div></div>Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-67763472343418998382014-11-17T09:09:00.001-06:002014-11-17T09:09:54.329-06:00I'm Back!?Hey ya'll!! Harvest is winding down here in the Central Illinois region and if you've been watching the weather reports its cold! Not just here, chances are that you too are getting a pre-winter freeze on!<br />
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Jon and I just got back from our first official (real) vacation! We finally went away for a week! We've been together nearly 7 years and officially married for 4 years now and we've never taken more than 3 days vacation. Those include our first trip to Six Flags, St. Louis (2 days) while dating, our "honeymoon" to Galena, IL (3 days) and our first anniversary to St. Louis (3 days). </div>
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We went to Williamsburg, VA! I have been there before, about 13 years ago and one of my brothers and his family live in Newport News, VA. We did get to spend a day with them (they all had Tuesday, Nov. 4 off of work and school because of the elections!). </div>
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We did so much last week! It was a wonderful experience for us and we were so grateful to finally get to have this experience together!<br />
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Thanksgiving is fast approaching, aka next Thursday! Eek! I'm on deck to make the traditional deviled eggs! I became the official deviled egg maker after my grandma passed because I got the recipe and it truly is an art even if you know the recipe!<br />
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That is all for right now, hopefully, I can get back to posting more again!</div>
Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-12495576585168835362014-10-14T08:28:00.001-05:002014-10-14T08:30:40.834-05:00Fall 2014<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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I'm loving the look of chunky knits, plaids, and boots! Hopefully, I will be able to add plaid and more knits to my wardrobe and to step up my boot game (it's very depressing right now)!<br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/fall_2014/set?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=137482925" target="_blank">Fall 2014</a> by <a href="http://cathrynhill.polyvore.com/?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">cathrynhill</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/steve_madden_boots/shop?brand=Steve+Madden&category_id=42" target="_blank">steve madden boots</a></small></div>
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Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-86367286577459590572014-09-25T09:28:00.001-05:002014-09-25T09:28:40.155-05:00Fall in My MidwestFall is officially here and for me that is not noted by the fall equinox or because the calendar tells me! It is when you see the first field being harvested! Which I noticed last Friday evening on my way home from work.<br />
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Harvest is one of those interesting times, for me it brings back my childhood and an exciting time because the corn and soybeans that you've looked at all summer go from green to brown and the combines, tractors, wagons and semis come out in force to hurry and get everything in before bad weather can halt you and the cold sets in. And also, staying up late on the weekends so I could see my dad. Back then he'd run about 4-6 hours of sleep (if that), leaving before the sun came up and coming home well into the morning hours with no days off unless it rained too much until it was all in. Somethings haven't changed, just my dad doesn't operate on that little of sleep anymore but he works everyday, weather permitting until its done, along with my brother, uncle and hired hands.<br />
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There is a change in the air, it gets crisper feeling and mornings are chilly while afternoons can be warm. The smell of harvest...It's a great time! The leaves have begun to change and give over their summer green for the warmer oranges, reds and yellows they becoming. And our anniversary is coming up in November, which always makes for a nice conclusion to most of the fall fun!<br />
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I've already made one trip to a local pumpkin patch, they have giant pumpkins, like competition sized pumpkins! :-) And I'm planning a trip to my favorite apple orchard in the next week, hopefully with Jon! It's not the big one in our area that everyone goes to, which is awesome for me because it means there is less people and I feel their cider is hands down the best in the entire world and I doubt that will ever change. Its like drinking an apple is so full and rich with flavor.<br />
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But along with all the fun and joys of the season, there is still a lot of hard work. Once again, this fall I will be working as a grain scale operator at a local elevator Friday nights and Saturdays, on top of my full time, day job. I enjoy it though and its worth it.<br />
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So, with that said I may not be as diligent with posts in the coming months. Not that I've ever been the best at it or have anything worth reading. But go and enjoy the weather, the apples and pumpkins and the crisp, fresh air, before we rush into the winter months!Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-35315356565362765552014-09-09T09:04:00.001-05:002014-09-09T09:09:14.699-05:00"Outlander" Spin<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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Once again, I have been sucked into a TV show and book series called, "Outlander" by Diana Gabaldon. Set in Scotland, first in 1945 then 1743! It has made me fall in love with the tartans of the Scottish clans and with a new appreciation of plaids, which I have refused to even consider the past few years as an option. I love the more subtle patterns.<br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/outlander_spin/set?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=134439934" target="_blank">"Outlander" Spin</a> by <a href="http://cathrynhill.polyvore.com/?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">cathrynhill</a> featuring a <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/pattern_skirt/shop?query=pattern+skirt" target="_blank">pattern skirt</a></small></div>
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Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-35296154568233499212014-08-29T09:20:00.003-05:002014-08-29T09:20:46.385-05:00Book Review: RewindRewind to my Senior year of High School and my British Lit class. We had to read a book by a British author. Having older siblings I knew this was coming, I had helped my sister with her report when she was a Senior on "A Room with a View" by E.M. Forster. The semester before this class I read "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen. It's a small school so the teacher kept track of siblings and what they had read, so you couldn't not read the same book as your sibling. But I was prepared, until I got to class and the teacher said that too many had chosen "Pride and Prejudice." Ugh! I would have to start all over and pick a new book to read, I chose "Jane Eyre" by Emily Bronte.<br />
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I just finished re-read "Jane Eyre" this week. Prompted by Netflix and one of the newer movie versions of this book staring Michael Fassbender and Mia Wasikowska as the lead characters.<br />
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And as I remembered from way back when I first read this book, the first half is very hard to get through but the second half flies. If you can get through the first half, it is totally worth it for the second! Warning: the conversations and descriptions can get a bit wordy and hard to follow, at least for myself.<br />
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The title character of Jane Eyre, is wonderful! She is not a beautiful, well off girl. She is "... poor, obscure, plain, and little..." She is one who has had to fight to survive against prejudices and worked hard to reach and grab for her independence. She respects herself and the law of God.<br />
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I did not realize how much this story is about her relationship with God. The differences in what I noticed now and not all those years ago, show my growth in life and understanding is amazing!<br />
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I would recommend this book for anyone! But mostly for young women who are facing social pressures! Jane remained strong and true to herself and the Lord she survives throughout the book but still struggled with temptations and finding her own life's mission.<br />
<br />Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-37980963710676406812014-08-25T14:01:00.001-05:002014-08-25T14:01:29.484-05:00Spamelot Saturday night Jon and I went to our first Corn Stock Theatre performance. Corn Stock is one of the many local theatre groups in our area. They are known for performing under the tent in the summer months aka its outside, in an open air tent.<br />
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They have a kid's summer camp that I actually participated in many, many years ago. I actually did it twice, the first time it was just 2 days of learning the basics of theatre and stage etiquette, costuming and they had us repaint the floor. The next time I did it it was a week long and we were divided into groups and each group rehearsed and practice a song and dance from a musical. I didn't quite enjoy that experience because I was the youngest in my group by a few years.<br />
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Anyway, one of the guys I work with gets season tickets with his wife every year and offered me their last ticket few months ago before Jon had Saturday's off, luckily they were able to get an extra ticket so Jon could join us.<br />
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The musical was Monty Python's "Spamelot" aka the stage version of Monty Python's classic film, "The Holy Grail." I loved it, it is a great representation of the movie, including the most loved scenes from it! It made me truly miss being on stage (I can't sing so the musicals weren't for me but I loved the drama club in high school). The performance was wonderful and the talent was truly on par! The singing was great too!<br />
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I'm hoping that next year I will be able to go to a few more performances. I would love to really check out more of the local theatre groups and their performances in the future!<br />
<br />Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-65366318940663323182014-08-22T10:28:00.001-05:002014-08-22T12:52:29.486-05:00Friday Bonus: Kimono Love<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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I am totally loving the Kimono trend right now! I'm just finding it difficult to find ones I like locally! I'm not a huge fan of all the fringe I've found on them but I love the patterns and airy feel and look they give.<br />
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My suggestion for wearing them is to keep the rest of the outfit simple and structured or slimmer to the body. Keep accessories basic but try to add complimentary pops of color with the shoes or jewelry.<br />
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Remember the star of the show is the Kimono, so let it shine!<br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/kimono_love/set?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=132767410" target="_blank">Kimono Love</a> by <a href="http://cathrynhill.polyvore.com/?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">cathrynhill</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/flat_shoes/shop?query=flat+shoes" target="_blank">flat shoes</a></small></div>
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Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-3451153339878167452014-08-22T09:41:00.001-05:002014-08-22T10:33:51.325-05:00DietingNo, I'm not on a food diet specifically but I am on a cash/spending diet! After moving, we have been really bad with spending. I believe its the first time ever that Jon and I have felt financially secure in our marriage. We went a little crazy with spending, not massive bucks but enough that I've put my self on a spending diet.<br />
<br />
I'm been shopping and eating out way too much lately! I hate the guilt that follows me after making unnecessary purchases. I believe this is my upbringing, my parents didn't buy me everything I asked for and most certainly did not spend money frivolously, I was told no a lot.<br />
<br />
Now, is the time to start knuckling down to save as much as possible! I've been buying things that are not necessary nor do we have room for them! So, I'm dreaming and planning for when we do get to the point where I can start in on decorating the house. I'm great at window shopping!<br />
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<b><u>Tips for going on a Spending Diet:</u></b><br />
<br />
1. Cash Budget - If I eat out or any extras I want, I must use cash which is also allotted like an allowance.<br />
- In the past, we usually have gone with $20 each per week. Whatever you don't spend rolls over.<br />
- Also, I have a Starbucks card and at the beginning of the month I load my card with $25 for the month, once its gone I have to wait until the next month to reload. This is a luxury, not a need!<br />
<br />
2. Don't tempt yourself - If you know you'll be tempted to spend money just don't even go into the store unless you have a list or have blinders on!<br />
<br />
3. Grocery Shopping - Plan menus and shop with a list based on that menu! Take your time! We mainly grocery shop at Kroger, and I use our Kroger Plus Card, it gives us Fuel Points and in store deals. I also like to shop at Aldi's for specific items like eggs, coffee creamer, bread.<br />
<br />
4. Be countable - I feel better when Jon knows what purchases I have made either before or after. He knows when I'm going to shop and usually what I'm looking for or what my budget is. I feel this communication between us helps strengthen us because we are being open, honest, and considerate of the others opinion!<br />
<br />
5. Learn to be content! This is probably the biggest hurdle we face. We are so fortunate to have a home and jobs that enable us to buy groceries and clothing. That we can have hot showers and hot meals each day!<br />
<br />
Sometimes you'll slip up and others you'll do really well. This is what works for us, and just a few tips if you are looking to save but don't know where to start!Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-20027070876993251822014-08-19T09:36:00.001-05:002014-08-19T09:36:54.114-05:00I'm Not One...Who normally gets into shows on TV however, I do get sucked in with reality shows but I never rearrange my life to make sure I don't miss them. It also helps that we live in an age of DVR but even as a kid I never was so obsessed with a show that my week would be ruined if I missed it. A few on the list of tried and true shows Rehab Addict (waiting for the new season to start in September) and a lot of TLC shows: The Duggar's, The Little Couple, Bride Day. Currently, as a couple we love watching Dirty Jobs marathons on Discovery.<br />
<br />
Before moving one of Jon's requests for the new house was DirectTV (<i>I'm not promoting them, its just what we have currently</i>) and he wanted the movie channel package. And since then I have been sucked into a few shows.<br />
<br />
I started the summer by getting sucked into Penny Dreadful on HBO via a Saturday night marathon leading up to the season finale the next night. I literally watched every episode but the finale in one evening. Very dark and disturbing. Why I thought this would be a good show to watch all alone, in a new house, I don't know.<br />
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The past few weeks my Tuesday night shows are Married at First Sight and B.O.R.N. to Style on the FYI channel. I've missed a few episodes of the Married at First Sight show, I forget its on because I try not to turn the TV on until I'm ready for bed, it comes on at 8:00 pm immediately followed by B.O.R.N. at 9:00 pm. I've only missed the the season premier of B.O.R.N., which I caught later. I love it and makes me wish I could have Jonathan and crew make over my wardrobe! And that I could handle living in the city so my style wouldn't look so out of place in a cornfield.<br />
<br />
But the main obsession right now just started on Starz! It's called Outlander, only 2 episodes in and I'm hooked. Its based on a book series by Diana Gabaldon. I'm not so patiently waiting on the first book from the library!<br />
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Jon also is into a new show on Cinemax called The Knick, staring Clive Owen. It looks very interesting but definitely one that I'll watch with caution and will need to be in the right mood to make it through an episode. It's very graphic with surgery scenes.<br />
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I'm looking forward to seeing how Outlander and The Knick move forward into the fall and what shows we have to look forward too! Do you have any new shows or returning shows your obsessed with?Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-29557648054639234042014-08-13T09:00:00.000-05:002014-08-13T09:24:40.996-05:00Book Review: Here We Go AgainSo, I finally got sucked into the "Divergent" books series by Veronica Roth. I went to my local library, got on the waiting list for the first book; which came back a few days later. I sprinted up to the library before it closed on a rainy Monday after getting the email and began.<br />
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It took me a few chapters to really get into and then I was hooked and I devoured it! A few days later when I was finished, I went back to the library and got on the lists for the next book, it was going to be a long weekend of waiting. Until my sister-in-law, said "I have those books if you want to borrow them." The book heavens smiled upon me! I got the next two books and began reading them.<br />
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I'd say the order in which I liked them are, <i>Divergent </i>(1), <i>Allegiant </i>(3), and then <i>Insurgent </i>(2). Now, I was put off going into it because of the hype of the movie and it being yet another post-apocalyptic type series. Hello, Katniss? But I will say I enjoyed that there were no supernatural beings, totally think that that is totally over done.<br />
<br />
I really like first-person perspective reads. I did enjoy the 3rd book because it brings more than one perspective in, though it took me longer to read because I would get confused on whose perspective it was. There were parts where the story seems to drag on and some really good/interesting plot twists I didn't see coming. I did cry. Jon literally came home from work the night I finished the series to me sobbing. So, you are forewarned. The plot twists are so good I'm going to stop because I don't want to give anything away.<br />
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Definitely, worth the read despite the hype of the series and books. I'm only slightly sickened by the fact that the author, Veronica Roth and I are the same age. Where did that kind talent and drive gene go within me? Seriously?Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-53276042603754725812014-08-12T09:26:00.002-05:002014-08-12T09:26:45.664-05:00Stuck in a RutFeeling stuck in a rut, again. For me its feeling all your energy moving but having no way to release it or having my ideas and wants being put on the back burning while working towards grown-up goals.<br />
<br />
We are mostly settled at the new house and now begins the next leg of that process. We are going about this home unconventionally as my family already owns, we are already living in it and we have yet to buy it but we need to save up a down payment. Which leads to putting ideas and wants on hold to reach that grown-up goal.<br />
<br />
Yes, we did sell our home in the city and yes we did walk away with some money, however almost all of that went to paying off debts. I don't want to go in to details but before we moved we were down to just house related debts aka the mortgage and a loan for the windows. Two years ago we took out a home equity loan and all 30 of the windows were replaced in the old house. Foolish? Maybe. Peace of mind? Totally worth it and we believe it was a massive selling point for us. And we exceeded our goal when selling, we wanted to break even but we actually came out with a little after everything was said and done.<br />
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Now, we are finally able to start putting more money away but that will mostly be going toward our next down payment. We've been unbelievable blessed in this whole process. I can't believe how much the Lord has protected and guided us and I am in awe. The next few steps are to become content with our new space as it is and keep giving the Lord control (I want to have the reins, so this is difficult) in all faucets of our life.<br />
<br />
I read a great article yesterday on <a href="http://momastery.com/blog/2014/08/11/give-liberty-give-debt/" target="_blank">Momastery.com</a> that really helped put this in perspective for me. It reminded me that even though myself and others may find areas of improvement for my home (I want new carpet and fresh paint, its a smaller house it won't cost that much to make it how I want it, right?), that I need to change my <span style="font-family: inherit;">"<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">perspectacles." I have home that we are better able to maintain and there are NO projects or remodels to be done! No bathroom upgrades, no 1950's kitchen with original oven! No roof leaks! There is no stress on my husband in this house!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">When we have time together, it is time together not stressing over home repairs. We can focus on each other! And we finally have the same days off, still different shifts for work during the week but we have 2 full days every weekend! What another blessing!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">So, when you feel stuck, what do you turn to? Do you turn to the world for comfort and drive yourself into a deeper rut or to the Father, where true comfort, peace, and contentment are really found?</span>Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-65051635156841034682014-07-23T09:11:00.001-05:002014-07-23T09:11:31.239-05:00My Outfit<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div style='width:400px;margin:0 auto'><div style='position:relative;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/my_outfit/set?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=129480535' target='_blank'><img force='1' border='0' height='334' title='My Outfit' src='http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/HJuTotD2wIToNeDXtyqYig/cid/129480535/id/khSbPnMS5BGk1DBABxFvvQ/size/c400x334.jpg' alt='My Outfit' width='400'/></a></div></div><br/><div style='text-align:center'><small><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/my_outfit/set?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=129480535' target='_blank'>My Outfit</a> by <a href='http://cathrynhill.polyvore.com/?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger' target='_blank'>cathrynhill</a> featuring a <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/yellow_shirt/shop?query=yellow+shirt' target='_blank'>yellow shirt</a></small></div><div style='width:400px;margin:0 auto'><br/><div style='text-align:left;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=112140252' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' title='Vince Camuto yellow shirt' src='http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/112140252.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=113232730' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' title='Crop pants' src='http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/113232730.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=104260611' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' title='Splendid leather sandals' src='http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/104260611.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=113476274' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' title='Navy blue bag' src='http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/113476274.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a></div></div></div>Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-85291908162017157672014-07-01T15:31:00.001-05:002014-07-01T15:31:00.953-05:00Independence Day<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div style='width:400px;margin:0 auto'><div style='position:relative;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/independence_day/set?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=126988130' target='_blank'><img force='1' border='0' height='405' title='Independence Day' src='http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/wp9k1fp5HmKMN0dRVCsg/cid/126988130/id/6C0gnV4B5BGatlhsBhFvvQ/size/c400x405.jpg' alt='Independence Day' width='400'/></a></div></div><br/><div style='text-align:center'><small><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/independence_day/set?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=126988130' target='_blank'>Independence Day</a> by <a href='http://cathrynhill.polyvore.com/?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger' target='_blank'>cathrynhill</a> featuring a <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/waffle_shirt/shop?query=waffle+shirt' target='_blank'>waffle shirt</a></small></div><div style='width:400px;margin:0 auto'><br/><div style='text-align:left;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=110048202' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' title='Free People waffle shirt' src='http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/110048202.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=111945521' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' title='Red shorts' src='http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/111945521.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=107697870' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' title='Chino shorts' src='http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/107697870.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=107308770' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' title='Vero Moda jean shorts' src='http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/107308770.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=112007597' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' title='Sperry Top-Sider sperry top sider shoes' src='http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/112007597.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=112049909' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' title='Colorful shoes' src='http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/112049909.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a></div></div></div>Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-42969101387515176272014-06-18T08:50:00.001-05:002014-06-18T08:50:49.856-05:00Book Review: FailHave you ever had a book that everyone seems to love and cherish however you've never read it and even when you tried to read it never finished?<br />
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That is what happened to me with <i>The Catcher in the Rye</i> by J.D. Salinger last fall. I tried reading it, got nearly half way through it and got so sick and tired of Holden Caulfield that I stopped reading.<br />
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Now, I was reading this book as a 20-something, married woman. I'm settled in my life, though I was unhappy in my job last fall and that was a great personal struggle for me, I was for the most part content and happy with my life. Accepting of the place God had me in and striving to grow in there. Maybe if I had read this book as a teenager or even when I was in college, I might have loved this book or even finished it. I could see the appeal of the story. There were times at the beginning when I could identify with Holden from remembering how I felt as a teenager.<br />
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So, die-hard <i>Catcher </i>fans, I'm not bashing the book, what I read was good. However, it just wasn't the book for me. Everyone has their own tastes, interests and different life-stages they are going there. Maybe someday I will give it another try and be able to finish it and love it the way so many have over the years.<br />
<br />
My interest in reading it was lit by watching a documentary on Salinger on Netflix. Though, I never finished that documentary either...Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-71283009415743296522014-06-12T08:30:00.000-05:002014-06-12T08:30:38.048-05:00Book Review<i>The Secret Garden</i> by Frances Hodgson Burnett was published in book form in 1911.<br />
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I had seen the movie as a kid when it came on the cable movie channels. I enjoyed it though Colin and Mary annoyed me. I finished reading the book earlier this week; it is in public domain which means its free online, so I downloaded it to my Kindle. Don't judge me, I still love a real book but if I can get books for free on my device I will and its a lot easier to carry books with me on a Kindle. It fits nicely in my purse, without all the weight of a real book. (I've ruined the lining of a few purses because of heavy books)<br />
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Anyway, the story of an orphaned brat, Mary Lennox, from India who is shipped back to York, England to be the ward of her uncle Archibald Craven and his closed up and creepy house. She is force to play outside every day where she begins to grow health and the mystery of the 100 locked rooms and the locked garden with its buried key intrigue Mary. She is befriended by a maid and her brother, Dickon, who is a Yorkshire boy and animal whisper.<br />
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Mary soon finds she has a cousin, Colin, that is her age but who is possibly even more spoiled and bratty than she because he has been sickly his whole life. Uncle Craven, Colin's father can not bear to be at his home so he travels and is away for long periods of time. Mary and Dickon befriend Colin. And together Mary and Colin grow stronger and healthier in the Secret Garden that Mary has been able to open up once more. The uncle comes back and is stunned to find his once sickly son healthy and happy. And they all live happily ever after!<br />
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I really enjoyed this book! I wish I had read it as a child; maybe then I'd love gardening and being outside! Even still reading this book reminded me of the carefree fun I had growing up, playing outside and keeping secrets and using your imagination. I really like seeing Mary's growth as a person; she is a child who was raised with everything being done for her and ends up in a place where there is no one to wait on her or entertain her all day. She learns to be polite, to share, and how to do things for herself. You see Mary begin the transition from childhood to early adolescence and the growing up she and Colin both must go through.<br />
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Definitely, a book worth reading and suggesting to a young person you know.<br />
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<br />Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-52849410708899266492014-06-11T08:41:00.002-05:002014-06-11T08:41:47.455-05:00Hot & HumidSunday afternoon, I got a text from my sister, Maggie asking if I wanted to go to a free yoga class. This new yoga studio was offering a free class for Running Central, where Maggie works, and a lot of people were backing out at the last minute and she needed bodies. I said sure, its been months since I did any form of a work out and thought a yoga class would be a nice jumping off point.<br />
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We picked up a few other girls along the way and talk about different kinds of yoga. Maggie had done a hot (Bikram) class with our sister, Elisabeth, and talked about how awful it was. Low and behold, we show up to the studio and we discover its going to be Hot, Humid Yoga! The terror and trepidation run through us. Maggie had described it as hell and said she felt sick afterward.<br />
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The instructor kept the room at 96 degrees with 40% humidity. We were dying before we started; you start sweating almost as soon as you are in the room. At one point I had to stop and lay on my back because I was getting light headed. It was a lot harder doing the moves because I am so out of shape and I get competitive and don't want to look like I don't know what I'm doing.<br />
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Afterward, heading home I felt queasy and nauseated but that went away once I ate dinner and I was very lethargic. Now, a few days later my arms are so sore and my hamstrings when I bend, fold or stretch them. But the arms are crazy sore.<br />
<br />
Overall, it was good, I had forgotten my shin's could sweat. I'm not sure I would try it again, but I've heard the side effects die off the more you practice Bikram but I'm pretty sure the instructor went easy on the heat, humidity and class level. Maybe I just need to practice at home and get better at some of the moves. Smooth transitions are hard for me.<br />
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It was definitely something I had wanted to try and now I have, cross that off the ol' bucket list!Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-16889575607711932812014-06-10T09:02:00.004-05:002014-06-10T09:02:58.079-05:00Closure We are officially done with our house in the "big city!" We closed last night and are for the time being debt-free (until we purchase our new home). The general timeline break down goes like this:<br />
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Late March - We contacted a realtor, just to meet with them and see if we liked them and what they had to say about our house.<br />
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Late April - We were ready for the market. We finished projects, removed clutter and personal belongings, and staged the house.<br />
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Late April/Early May - We were on the market, lots of showings, and we had an offer 2 weeks later!! Negotiations - happened, apparently I had a head for our house in negotiating! WooHoo!<br />
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May - Inspections, testing, fixing issues, etc., etc..General freak out on both buyers and sellers sides after inspections.... Realtor's did a great job calming us all down.<br />
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Late May/Early June - Move into new house and clear out of the old one.<br />
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June 9, 2014 - Closing! We signed on the line and handed the keys over to the new owners. A young couple, that had just got married that weekend! Breathed a sigh of relief!<br />
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We were extremely blessed going through this process. We were literally only on the market 2 weeks; we had expected to be on the market for months given the current movement in our neighborhood. Lots of houses that have sat for months and a lot more houses popping up for sale at the same time as us. We decided to not say anything until after the closing to ensure that we didn't jinx ourselves in case the buyers backed out. Or something came up that prevented everything from going through.<br />
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Now we are in the process of unpacking and as my brother said when helping us move, "fitting 10 lbs of sausage into a 2 lb casing" at the new, smaller house.Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-6301802715543113772014-06-05T10:08:00.001-05:002014-06-05T10:08:23.381-05:00Disappointed"Never judge a book by it's movie" is a very true statement and one sadly that I experienced last night.<br />
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A few years ago a movie came out based on a book series called <i>"Beautiful Creatures". </i> The trailers intrigued me and so I decided I would read the book and then hopefully see the movie down the line. I read the first 2 books and part of the 3rd book in the series. I really enjoyed the first book; young, teenage love, castors vs mortals, all set underground in a backwoods town in the south. I thought that the authors had really developed a unique and interesting world and characters.<br />
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Which was also their downfall for me. The world they created kept expanding throughout the next 2 books and became somewhat too vague to follow and I got confused in the story line and stopped reading.<br />
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Anyway, last night the movie was finally on a channel I got and could watch it. While the movie kept to the main story and theme of the book the adaption could have been better. I felt that key points and favored character's were left out or blended to make one character were missing from the book to the screen.<br />
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The movie in it's self wasn't awful, kudos for pick leads that actually act like real, awkward teenagers. But the all-star supporting cast kind of out shined them. Its one of those the book was good and they had a great cast so it should have worked! However, I feel that they departed too far from the book to really succeed. Probably, why they haven't made the sequel movie two years later.<br />
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Separately, the book and the movie are good, however, I have to say the book is better hands down. I may need to reread it but only reading it once and seeing the movie 2 years later and remembering certain parts that are completely ignored on screen is a bit upsetting.<br />
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Have you ever had this been? A movie trail intrigues you to read the book before seeing the movie and then are disappointed when they don't align? It's very frustrating.<br />
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<br />Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-48211589239366549302014-05-30T12:27:00.001-05:002014-05-30T12:27:57.996-05:00Summer<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div style='width:400px;margin:0 auto'><div style='position:relative;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/summer/set?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=123541657' target='_blank'><img force='1' border='0' height='357' title='Summer' src='http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/HRSoDhFyZyjoWpXW6PBeQ/cid/123541657/id/7omvvR-o4xG5eTVph-Oa4g/size/c400x357.jpg' alt='Summer' width='400'/></a></div></div><br/><div style='text-align:center'><small><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/summer/set?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=123541657' target='_blank'>Summer</a> by <a href='http://cathrynhill.polyvore.com/?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger' target='_blank'>cathrynhill</a> featuring <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/billabong/shop?brand=Billabong' 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href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=94789113' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' title='Folli Follie black sunglasses' src='http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/94789113.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=97839276' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' title='Floppy hat' src='http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/97839276.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=102412854' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' title='Sun hat' src='http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/102412854.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=109034263' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' title='Sun hat' 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Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-27135863506328203922014-05-20T11:36:00.001-05:002014-05-20T11:36:22.752-05:00Weekend Wear<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div style='width:400px;margin:0 auto'><div style='position:relative;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/weekend_wear/set?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=122547682' target='_blank'><img force='1' border='0' height='446' title='Weekend Wear' src='http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/4jUeRII7ua8EyXKiJbPMTg/cid/122547682/id/-E6z4Dzg4xG82sKuO-wIHA/size/c400x446.jpg' alt='Weekend Wear' width='400'/></a></div></div><br/><div style='text-align:center'><small><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/weekend_wear/set?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=122547682' target='_blank'>Weekend Wear</a> by <a href='http://cathrynhill.polyvore.com/?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger' target='_blank'>cathrynhill</a> featuring <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/blue_jeans/shop?query=blue+jeans' target='_blank'>blue jeans</a></small></div><div style='width:400px;margin:0 auto'><br/><div style='text-align:left;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=107873017' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' title='American Eagle Outfitters red v neck shirt' src='http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/107873017.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=107727583' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' title='Current/Elliott blue jeans' src='http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/107727583.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=109774422' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' title='Converse canvas shoes' src='http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/109774422.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=106467591' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><img force='1' height='50' title='MARC BY MARC JACOBS messenger bag' src='http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/106467591.jpg' hspace='4' width='50' vspace='4'/></a></div></div></div>Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-92120814823241003862014-05-20T08:20:00.000-05:002014-05-20T08:20:01.520-05:00Time Is FlyingThis time of the year always seems to fly!<br />
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There is a never ending stream of activities and craziness going on! Luckily, this year we aren't scrambling from one graduation party to another, next year will be a different story. But we've had birthday parties and Mother's Day was crazy!<br />
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Our social circle is small which is nice especially during wedding season because all of our close friends and family are married already. Since, Jon and I got married we've been invited to 3 maybe 4 weddings and only been able to attend 2 of them in nearly four years! Unlike my sister and her husband who in 2014 along have gone to or will attend 7-8 weddings. Blessings for being anti-social!<br />
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But now all our friends are having babies, so we are being wrangled into baby showers but that's life!<br />
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We are also in the process of selling our home which has been interesting and stressful!<br />
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Seems that every year it goes faster and faster and you don't know when it will slow down. But I'm grateful for this life and running around!<br />
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Hopefully, life will settle down a bit sooner rather than later and maybe I will be able to get back on a posting running. This is on a back burning for the time being!Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-65696929403548414352014-05-01T09:22:00.001-05:002014-05-01T09:26:47.960-05:00May Day<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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Here in the US, May 1st is just another day but I've always loved the idea of celebrating May Day (yes, I know it was originally a pagan celebration)! I think it is a day to dress in long, flowing dresses decked out in flowers and ribbons and bare feet while dancing outside! I would wear my hair natural (curly/wavy) with braids and a floral wrath or headband. It's the history lover in me that wants to experience this.<br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/may_day/set?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger&id=120806052" target="_blank">May Day</a> by <a href="http://cathrynhill.polyvore.com/?.embedder=3246597&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">cathrynhill</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/black_leather_flats/shop?query=black+leather+flats" target="_blank">black leather flats</a></small></div>
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Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-66847891181765067092014-04-29T09:08:00.002-05:002014-04-29T09:08:31.850-05:00Whirlwind AdventuresThis past week as been crazy! We have officially been on the market for a week and have had showings everyday but Sunday (thank goodness)! While the feedback as been mostly positive (yes, we know the house still needs some updating and work) it is still frustrating to see the line, "seriously interested" but no offers have come in. Grr! Praying for patience while God's will/plan to be done!<br />
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The hardest part about this is not being able to relax in our home anymore because I don't want to have to clean up a mess! Jon has been so a huge help with keeping up with the dusting and spot cleaning (because to be honest that is where I'm falling short)! I'm the lights, decorating/staging person. I focus on making the stuff in the house look good more than the making sure everything is in its place.<br />
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The other downside is Duncan! Our wonderful (crazy) dog-child who is normally crated at home can't be there during showings because he'd go bananas and <strike>scare</strike> annoy people which ain't good when trying to sell your home.<br />
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So, Duncan's been on several adventures lately: he's been able to make an appearance at my work place (I'm so thankful that they have graciously allowed this), he's been on a lot of walks and car rides; he's been to both of his "grandparents" houses, and even had a lovely coffee date with me on Peoria's most scenic drive, Grandview Drive where he had he's first Starbuck's Puppuccino! Granted the presentation could have been better, its just some of their whipped cream but they put it in a lid and not a cup so I had to put my finger on the sip-hole (?) to keep if from dripping out. But he loved it!<br />
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I'm still hoping to check out how pet "friendly" our outdoor mall is but last week when I would have tried it it rained the entire time we were out of the house and I had a meeting (poor Duncan had to be crated in the car) so I was able to have something to pass the time.<br />
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Jon even took Duncan on a walk in one of the local state parks but said he'd probably never do that again because Jon had little "flea-like" bugs all over himself and is now worried about Duncan, but he rubbed him down and we just did Duncan's monthly flea and tick last week.<br />
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Praying that these adventures will be coming to an end soon through an offer that has yet to come!<br />
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<br />Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040652582258765096.post-63082305904859526472014-04-23T08:10:00.001-05:002014-04-23T08:10:16.532-05:00We Are...Moving!<br />
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We made our official decision in late February! After looking at the house my sister, Julie, is currently living in and who is closing on a new home herself in May. So, the move won't happen until Julie closes and moves (or our house sales). But as soon as she is out of there we are in! (My sister's house is owned by our family, and is a rental right now for her, with us planning to buy it down the line).<br />
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We've been keeping this under wraps while we worked to finish up projects and start the downsizing process and were ready to be listed for sale which as of yesterday, we are officially on the market! Eek!<br />
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Our current home is 2,240 square feet, the home we are moving to is 1,100 square feet! We've not had too many people asking if we are crazy for this because the location is so desirable. The school district is one of the best in our county and its getting harder and harder to buy in the area. But the fact that we are choosing to downsize so drastically has to be confusing for some. Especially, since we are a culture of bigger is better!<br />
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Jon and I have planned on one day moving out to where our parents are but we weren't expecting it for at least another 5-10 years. But now is the perfect time for us to move really, its still just us two and the dog, Duncan. So, we don't need to worry about fitting a bunch of baby/kid stuff into the home yet; just all the stuff we've gathered over the past 4 years. Yes, we hit another milestone this past March, we've owned our home for 4 years now!<br />
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In preparing for this big life change, all the research, blogs and articles I've come across are reassuring me that this is the right move for us. We have been working to maintain and make improvements to our current home and not really enjoying life or saving for the future (besides my lack of a decent job for almost all of that time). There has never not been something that needed fixing or worked on. Jon, bless his heart, does the best he can but he has no real interest or passion for home improvements. I'm excited for him to not have to worry about as much; the new house is basically turnkey and about 40 years newer! And when Julie moved in 5 years ago it had recently been remodeled and updated.<br />
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The average house size in 1970 was 1,500 square feet and families were larger than the average of today. Having a family is totally do-able in a house smaller than that. I've seen it done! I babysat for a family that had 4 boys in a very small, 2 bedroom, 1 bath home (probably smaller than 1,100) for many, many years!<br />
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Although we got an awesome deal on our current house, we bit off more than we could chew. The house was all but abandoned and definitely neglected by the previous owners; it needed a lot of updating and still needs updating/renovations. And trying to maintain a house that is too big for 2 can have its downsides. I'm a terrible housekeeper, even when I had tons of free time. However, we are definitely leaving this home in better shape and condition than when we bought it!<br />
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The house we are moving into is also located in my hometown. Which is in the middle of nowhere, and has less than 1,000 residents. This will be interesting! I guess I'll get to live my childhood musing of being a "townie."<br />
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Please pray for us as we follow this new path God has placed before us. Pray that our home will sell quickly and that we will be able to break even! We already have a showing coming up soon!!Cathryn O. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17050791607595264559noreply@blogger.com0