tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33941236408572166792024-03-14T01:46:17.838-07:00This Journey of JourneysCome share life with me, this is a safe place for any part of our journeys. Alexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-39101229549305680822016-11-19T10:00:00.000-08:002016-11-19T10:00:16.801-08:00Unboxing Vlog<br />
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Hope you enjoy this unboxing! If you have any questions or would like help on your weight loss journey PLEASE contact me anytime. I'm here to help :)<br />
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xoxo,<br />
Alexandra AnneAlexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-29412948361603235132016-11-18T10:32:00.000-08:002016-11-18T10:32:13.081-08:00New New Journey (but still same journey, just new step?)What's up internet family? I miss ya'll. I miss typing into this little white box on a regular basis. Maybe after this semester I'll be able to type more schtuff out for ya. My goal right now is to FILM more schtuff, and that's been going crazy too. BUT, I have filmed! AND posted! I know, it's crazy!<br />
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My videos are not the quality I want them to be, but they're a start. Maybe years from now I'll look back at them and laugh (or cringe? eh, that's okay). Maybe I'll look at them and think "who is that girl?" It's always interesting to look back on yourself and see (hopefully) growth and change.<br />
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Anyway, I got on blogger and started typing in this box so that I could share with you my latest filmed ramble. It's not exciting necessarily but it's real life, you know? My aim on my blog and youtube is to be real and authentic with ya'll.<br />
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I'm gonna film a big sit down video with planning and schtuff but this was a quick update I filmed with my phone (yay technology amirite?).<br />
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So, hope you enjoyed that.<br />
TLDR; I'm doing beachbody stuff again! I'm eagerly awaiting my package right now (maybe i'll film an unboxing? That would be cool content). I'm starting Core de Force. I'll talk more about it in the next video.<br />
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Share with your friends, your amigos, your amici! And let me know if you're on a weight loss/fitness/health journey! I would love to connect.<br />
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Have a blessed day and weekend,<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>xoxo,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Alexandra Anne </i></span>Alexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-41660309540731552602016-09-29T20:32:00.000-07:002016-09-29T20:32:11.626-07:00Dem GoalsI did a thing, ya'll!<br />
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I FINALLY posted my intro vlog for my fitness series on YouTube :)<br />
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You can watch it here:<br />
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I hope this helps hold me accountable AND helps inspire others on their fitness and health journeys too!<br />
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Please feel free, as always, to comment or message me if you want someone to talk to during your own journey, or if you have tips for mine!<br />
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xoxo,<br />
Alexandra AnneAlexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-73041358931409958962016-09-13T06:41:00.001-07:002016-09-13T06:41:43.346-07:00New Year, New MeCiao friends,<br />
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Boy oh boy, this year has been something else. I guess that's what a first year of marriage combined with college and opera performance and a part time job and personal development is like?<br />
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Yesterday was my birthday, and I am now at the point where I can probably get away with just saying "I'm a 20something" because that's easier and more delicate than revealing my birth year and actual age. I am grateful to have made it another year and I try my best to not take life for granted! But at the same time, I want people to respect me for me, not base their opinions on my age. Honestly I don't even have many friends "my age" but of all ages! Some of my closest friends are actually twice my age, and that's perfectly perfect for me.<br />
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Now that I *am* a new age, however, I think this is a good time to refocus my energy, thoughts, and productivity. It is my last year of college (yay super senior/music major/transfer student) but it is also the year of my standing up for myself and taking care of myself.<br />
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Taking care of myself physically and emotionally is my goal, and I don't always succeed, but it is my aim to be the best Alexandra I can be so I can better serve the world and help others. It is my hope that I will be a better wife and friend this year, and inspire others to be their best selves.<br />
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For the first time ever I am listening to podcasts and reading personal development intentionally, and WOW! We have SO much potential, ya'll! I mean really, you can be in the best part of your life or the worst, and you could change lives. I really believe it.<br />
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In fact, my name meaning (Hebrew, isn't that neat?) is: Helper of Mankind.<br />
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Well there you go! I was named to help others! But I gotta help myself too. That's been my biggest struggle.<br />
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I'm going to be very transparent right now, and if you don't want to deal with that then I suggest you find another post or blogger to read :)<br />
I have been dealing with depression and it has taken physical tolls on my body that I am battling every day. This past summer I would have mornings where I woke up, said goodbye to my husband going off to work, and I would go back to sleep on the couch for hours and hours until I absolutely had to go somewhere (like my job). Then I would come home exhausted from my job (lifting heavy things by myself, standing outside for hours in the Alabama heat, not eating enough) and go to bed right after eating something out of necessity.<br />
I felt I had no purpose, I felt no drive, I felt lost.<br />
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(side note: starving youtself and THEN eating is a really sucky way to go, don't do it! It's something I'm still battling, and I honestly have to FORCE myself to eat breakfast, and it's helped my energy and depression so much)<br />
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I wasn't living for the right reasons; some could argue that I wasn't really living at all.<br />
But I have slowly begun changing my habits and building healthier ones. Thank God for the people in my life who have encouraged me and not left me (oh yeah, that adds to depression, getting friend dumped frequently and not being able to be close to people you desire that friendship with...). I have some amazing friends who are consistently there for me. Some of those friends happen to be coaches or fitness friends :)<br />
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You may be able to see where this is going: I am back to more regular workouts AND drinking Shakeology. I am still working on my consistency, but wow do I have energy and drive more than I used to. Yes, I still deal with depression and loneliness (I don't see my husband a few nights a week because of school) but working out TRULY helps me fight it and kick it in the butt!<br />
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So, the point of this ramble is:<br />
*I want to inspire and help others<br />
*I want to be the best Alexandra I can be (and be proud of this next year of life!)<br />
*I want to have confidence and strength to chase my crazy dreams (DO IT, DREAM BIG!!!)<br />
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I'm not sure if I will be blogging regularly, or if I'll transition into vlogging on youtube, or maybe I'll do both! We shall see.<br />
But let this post encourage you, please: YOU are worthy, YOU are capable, YOU can get out of the darkness and run freely in the light.<br />
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If I can help you in any way, even just by listening to you, please message or comment. <3<br />
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With Love,<br />
Alexandra Anne<br />
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<br />Alexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-54151726222379444562016-04-10T17:40:00.001-07:002016-04-10T17:41:58.021-07:00That Aching FeelingHello lovelies,<br />
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Apparently I can only sit my butt down to write a blog once a month lately, I guess that's okay considering I have been sick, had spring break, and am now in the midst of opera prep/the last few weeks of school.<br />
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I wanted to write because I don't really know how else to cope with this, and maybe you can relate; if you've ever been in a long distance relationship (LDR) you already know what I'm feeling, probably. If not, then I completely envy you, but in the nicest way possible; I wouldn't trade my relationship for anything and I love my husband more than life.<br />
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But guess what? Ever since I moved to college we have had to deal with distance; even when I moved back to Alabama and we were in the same state I still have been two hours away from him when school is in session.<br />
Now that we are married there is nothing stopping us from seeing each other weekends, which is amazing, but during the week we can't be together. It sucks, that's an understatement but it's what I feel.<br />
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Yep, I am SUPER blessed to even have a husband, to even see him on weekends, but that doesn't diminish the fact that every goodbye is harder and harder, and that when I am my loneliest I can't turn to him and melt in his arms. I know that there are others who have it worse than I do, and I am not interested in a pity party or a "who has it worse" contest, because comparison is stupid and pointless. Do you really WANT to have it worse? Geez.<br />
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But because *someone* always has it worse, I feel like I can't talk about this to most people. And that's just so crappy, in my opinion; shouldn't I be allowed to miss my freaking husband? We are newlyweds and the MOST we have spent together in our marriage is 10 days, and that was only because of spring break (before that week, we had only spent together 4 days in a row). We haven't even had our honeymoon yet because of my school; yep, it's a choice we both make to allow me to finish my degree and for him to work in our hometown, and I'm glad that I am sticking with school but it freaking STINKS to be in this situation.<br />
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Honestly, this semester has been one of the hardest on me, emotionally. Now I'm not just saying goodbye to a boyfriend or fiance, I am saying goodbye to my husband, my partner, my soulmate, my one and only. We are one now, and that makes the goodbyes harder than they ever were, even though I see him more frequently now. It's also been a rough semester due to changing friendships in my life, and so many losses of friendships over the last year; some nights I feel the only person I can trust is my husband (again, I am grateful for that, he is my everything, after all), but I crave that closeness in a friend that I can just go hang out with when I am lonely or that I can invite to try new things with me. My time at this school is almost up, and has been shorter than normal because of transferring, so I'm in this weird limbo situation with classmates. I'm pretty much just friendly with people as they are friendly to me, but no closeness truly happens or truly lasts (I get glimpses of it briefly, then the person just kind of moves on to the next, and I have to watch them be close...it sucks, but I just turn away and try to realize that it wasn't meant to be and they can just be my polite acquaintances).<br />
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All of this to say, I miss my husband, I miss having a best friend outside of my romantic relationship, and I hate goodbyes.<br />
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In 3.5 weeks this semester will be over, and I will feel better. Logically I know this, and I've been getting better with dealing with these emotions. But in this moment, the one right after he had to go home this time (usually I visit him, this time he visited me) I am feeling a physical pain in my chest and have been holding back tears while trying to distract myself. It feels like something inside me is not okay, like there is truly a piece missing or something crumbling from within.<br />
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I will live, and in 3.5 weeks I will get to live with him again. But this sucks, so so much.<br />
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The positive side to all of this? We are so close and have been through so much, we value our time together so much more, and I think we are stronger for it. No power in the 'verse can stop us, and we are an example of an LDR that succeeded and is still going strong after 4.5 years of being together.<br />
There is hope, always! LDRs aren't easy, but they are doable. I am proud of my relationship, and know that when I am in my husband's arms that the aching will go away. This period is temporary, and will someday no longer be the norm. Thank goodness!<br />
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If you're still reading, thank you for listening; I hope that my vulnerability can help someone else. You are not alone in your suffering!<br />
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xoxo,<br />
Alexandra AnneAlexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-24508013229536165492016-03-16T18:05:00.000-07:002016-03-16T18:05:22.063-07:00Hump Day Thoughts<br />
I'm alive!!<br />
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Well, a little bit dying, but alive-ish, that counts right?<br />
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School and music and life has been so busy, I have wanted to write but by the time I get free time to myself I honestly just want to pass out. I think my body is truly exhausted (and allergic to spring) because now I'm actually sick, and it sucks.<br />
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I'm supposed to be training for a 5k and eating super clean, and getting crap done, and I slept 10 hours today and only made it to one class. But just getting out of bed, ya'll, IS a success. I felt like crap and can't breathe properly, but I eventually gathered my strength and did it.<br />
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Now, on one hand, yay for pushing through it! Right? On the other hand, I have to keep reminding myself that my body NEEDS rest and to not overdo it. So I'm resting on my couch, but trying to stay awake and be productive til my normal bedtime (or even earlier, but close to it).<br />
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Hey, at least I can plan what workouts I'll do when I get better right?<br />
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I'm so grateful for my online and in person support system regarding my fitness journey; one of my goals this year is to make this blog more fitness related and for me to be more fitness focused. I'm SO excited to run a 5k Color Run at the end of May! Even though I'm sick, I should be well by next week (hopefully) which means I still have time to train.<br />
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Back in high school, and my early years of college even, I could run 3 miles in about half an hour, no problem. Now I struggle to make it to one mile! I want to get back into it. I believed all the crap about "well, if you're overweight you shouldn't run because it's always bad for your joints," and yada yada. Yes, it CAN be bad for you, if you are severely morbidly obese or have a severe joint problem. My doctor has never told me either pertains to me, so if I am careful and don't overly push myself, I can totally get back into running. And it'll help with weight loss and help my depression be less! Win win, right?<br />
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I'm also utilizing a combo, or I will when I'm not sick (grr), of 21 Day Fix workouts and Fit Girls Guide workouts and their meal plans. I have several Fit Girls Guide e-books and LOVE them. I also ADORE the community on instagram of fitgirls! It's INCREDIBLE. I know that in my mailbox at home waiting for me are love notes for my lunches from women I've never even met! I'm a huge fan of women supporting women, and this fitgirls family is just that. And about weight loss and body image even, where else can you find that? Women are so mean and two-faced, so often, I get sad and feel hopeless. But then I get that message or comment from a complete stranger who tells me I am beautiful and totally capable of making fitness gains. Incredible!<br />
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So yeah, that's my little ramble on "I hate being sick, but when I'm not sick I'm gonna workout and eat so well!" ;)<br />
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Are you on a weight loss or fitness journey? I would love to hear from you, don't hesitate to write!<br />
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xoxo,<br />
Alexandra Anne Alexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-73730295216031493962016-02-21T06:52:00.001-08:002016-02-21T06:52:27.044-08:007 Hugs A Day Keep the Doctor Away Happy Sunday, lovelies.<br />
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Today's topic, where I am co-hosting with the lovely<a href="http://bellebrita.com/"> Belle Brita for the #LoveBlog</a> this month, is Physical Touch.<br />
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Funnily enough, when I took my 5 Love Languages test during pre-marital counseling with my now-husband, physical touch was my top language. I was honestly surprised that it would be number one, seeing how previously I had tested with Words of Affirmation and Quality Time as my top; I came to realize that testing with questions about my then-fiance gave me different priorities, obviously, than I would have with other people in my life.<br />
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Of course I would rather hug my husband than receive a gift, I would rather him put his arm around me than be relieved of a task. I especially appreciate any form of physical touch due to our long distance being prominent in our relationship for years.<br />
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We have always been drawn to speaking our love through physical touch, however, even since we started dating. I wasn't someone who was used to public displays of affection, but he changed that very quickly; we kissed on our first date!<br />
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When we were in pre-marital counseling, our pastor told us to hug 7 times a day. That's a great challenge! He also told us that physical touch is important, as are all the love languages, and that we need to make sure to take care of each other's needs. Sometimes I want more hugs and kisses and am not ready to let go! (Part of this is because of the distance too, I am always wanting more because I know how I'll ache when we are apart). Other times, we will just be sitting on the couch spending (quality) time together, and I have the urge to just touch him. I'll put my hand on his leg or his shoulder, and be content because I CAN touch him. Knowing he is within my reach is one of the hugest blessings I can experience.<br />
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But I have always loved physical touch, even in non-sexual ways; when someone hugs me (and they initiate) I feel welcomed. If a little old lady puts her hand on my shoulder, I know it'll be ok.<br />
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Sometimes I feel more pain when I am away from my husband not just because we are apart, but because I don't have many ways to receive physical touch from the people I interact with at school. So if one of them hugs me out of the blue, it completely makes my day! </div>
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How important is physical touch to you?<br />
Do you get your daily dose of hugs? (I'm still working on counting out 7 per day that I'm with my husband!)</div>
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xoxo </div>
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Meet Alexandra Anne: wife, gamer, fitness lover, opera-singer, fur mommy, writer, dreamer. Addicted to mugs, music, and finding passion in life.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Meet Brita Long: Christian feminist blissfully married to Dan Fleck for almost two years. Lover of Paris, pink sparkles, sensible shoes, manicures, and books. Fueled by hot tea and mimosas.</span></div>
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Alexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-59077447273616046122016-02-17T08:35:00.000-08:002016-02-17T08:35:09.203-08:00To Serve Is To Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you know how good it feels to serve someone else? Not in a slavery-abusive type situation, that's not cool, but when you willingly give of yourself to take care of someone else's needs?<br />
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Let's look at some etymology real quick.<br />
My name is Alexandra, a Hebrew feminine version of the name Alexander. The name means "defender/helper of mankind."<br />
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Helper of mankind. Well, that's quite the load, isn't it?<br />
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That being said, I have tried to live my life with a servant's heart and to help people as best as I can. The best part of this? My husband's top love language is Acts of Service.<br />
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One of the most loving things I can do for my husband is to clean up a little, or have dinner made when he gets home; simply taking care of a task for him so he doesn't have to worry about it is all I need to do.<br />
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It's not easy, and sometimes I just don't wanna get off the couch. I'm not perfect at this love language by any means! But when I put a little bit of effort in towards it, it goes a long way.<br />
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Something I'm working on for myself, however, is how to accept someone else's acts of service towards me. My brain sort of goes "But wait, I'm the helper! I take care of YOU, not the other way around.... how could I ever ask for help?"<br />
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I'm taking it in small steps, for sure. They always say you can't truly love other people unless you love yourself, and that counts for self-care/asking for help too, I think. I'm still pretty independent, and usually just take care of my things myself. But here are some ways I am working on letting other people serve me like I want to serve them:<br />
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*Asking for a workout buddy to join me at the gym (I also love Fitbit challenges! Add me!)<br />
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*Texting a friend a seemingly stupid question because I need to lower my pride and actually figure out the answer<br />
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*Calling my husband when I'm upset and just listening to his voice to cheer me up (this is sometimes hard for me because I don't want to bother him...but merely hearing him helps me SO much)<br />
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*Asking my husband to help me with a task<br />
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*Asking a friend for advice (also hard: I have to admit that I don't know how to handle something that I feel I should already know how to)<br />
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*Actually inviting someone to just hang out- this may not seem like a normal "act of service," but it is a really huge step for me right now<br />
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What are your favorite ways to help someone?<br />What ways can you ask someone to help you?<br />
Both are important!<br />
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xoxo,<br />
Alexandra AnneAlexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-62962218768291943602016-02-14T20:52:00.000-08:002016-02-14T20:52:22.625-08:00It's Okay To Ask For Help #LoveBlog<br />
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Hello my dears,<br />
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I hope you had a lovely valentine's/galentine's/palentine's/etc day/weekend and are ready to face the week, Monday is here, eek!<br />
<br />
Today's post is on counseling in relationships and such.<br />
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I used to think I didn't need counseling, that that was for people who cheated or had step children, or I don't even know. If I thought that then it must've been a long time ago, because ever since Michael and I started talking about marriage I knew that pre-marital counseling was something I would be on board with.<br />
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I used to think we should seek out a church or counseling center for pre-marital counseling separate from the pastor marrying us, but we ended up only seeing our pastor for a few meetings before we got married. But it was awesome!<br />
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Now, it helps that our pastor was super chill and fantastic and real. He wanted to make our ceremony what we wanted it to be, and give the glory to God in the process. He also wanted to help us know how to live together as husband and wife and work together in the best way possible.<br />
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He was the one who gave us the couples' edition of The Five Love Languages and had us take the tests in it (even though we had taken the singles edition test years before). Our results didn't vary too much, just that the priorities are different when you are asked questions about your significant other as opposed to questions about a theoretical person you may encounter. Our pastor helped us analyze our results really deeply (but simply as well) to make sure we understood what the other person needed from us. For example, one of Michael's top love languages is acts of service; it fills his love tank when I do something to take care of our home or get groceries, etc.<br />
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One of my top love languages is words of affirmation; I need to be told very often how he feels about me and why I am not a failure (does anyone else feel like that?). I *know* he loves me, or else he wouldn't have married me, but the way my brain works I need to hear it or see it written pretty frequently to make sure I'm still doing okay in the wife department.<br />
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Seeing a pastor before we got married also helped us make sure all our ducks were in a row for wedding day (details, details, DETAILS) and helped us stay calm whenever mini emergencies happened.<br />
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I highly HIGHLY recommend pre-marital counseling. We had lived together before we got married (in a PG way, promise!) and still had things to learn about each other. There's still tons more to learn, I know it, but the counseling helped us prepare for the journey we have ahead. We may even have more casual counseling meetings with our pastor just because we love him THAT much! Plus, it's an excuse to go get coffee ;)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdQDlTYSdTOSRKgOf7nfd4TAZeh1e7A7Xw005qPmjY04zx8KPKHRjmUhyphenhyphenSO_1GsqzwBse2uQ2a79e6fNwXosy8Dw_PmVjrNmz0iuD76QdokG16a153E5TYZDr5fCSg3YNHn6y3W1q6Pw/s1600/IMG_1120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdQDlTYSdTOSRKgOf7nfd4TAZeh1e7A7Xw005qPmjY04zx8KPKHRjmUhyphenhyphenSO_1GsqzwBse2uQ2a79e6fNwXosy8Dw_PmVjrNmz0iuD76QdokG16a153E5TYZDr5fCSg3YNHn6y3W1q6Pw/s320/IMG_1120.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How BA and epic does he look? It's like "let's get this wedding taken care of" to me ;) </td></tr>
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Alexandra Anne</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Meet Alexandra Anne: wife, gamer, fitness lover, opera-singer, fur mommy, writer, dreamer. Addicted to mugs, music, and finding passion in life. </span></div>
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Meet Alex: Twenty-something southern wife living in the Atlanta suburbs. Lover of Pure Barre, animals, traveling, wine, eating (a lot), music, and dance parties!</div>
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<a href="http://www.twitter.com/lexrose5" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Twitter</a> // <a href="http://www.instagram.com/lexrose5" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Instagram</a> // <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thebergerbungalow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Facebo<wbr></wbr>ok</a> // <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/alexandrarose1" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> // <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/berger-bungalow-14336037" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></div>
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Alexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-6569930570952560272016-02-13T00:00:00.000-08:002016-02-13T00:00:07.728-08:00Words of Love to Affirm #LoveBlogHello lovelies!<br />
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Has anyone else had issues with blogger lately? Goodness gracious, no bueno.<br />
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Anyway!<br />
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On to the lovin :)<br />
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If you've been keeping up with the #LoveBlog posts, then you should know all about the Five Love Languages by now (if not, search my recent posts, you'll see it pretty quickly). I absolutely love writing about them because I think they truly open our eyes to how we function in our relationships and how our friends and loved ones function in theirs. We all have primary love languages, and we need to understand what people with other love languages need as well.<br />
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One of my top love languages has always been words of affirmation (I only recently learned that physical touch is my #1, but that's because I'm married now and when I first took the test I was in high school and single, but words is still #2 or #3 for me!). Words have helped me when physical touch could not be there. In long distance you cannot rely on touch in any way. I had Michael's voice, his pictures or skype, and his words.<br />
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I have a separate file on my email for my husband from back when we first started dating (that way if anyone was looking through my email they couldn't find it immediately, hehe, I had nosy parents), and this email file is FILLED with words of love, discovery, passion, and more love. Just knowing that I could write him any time was a blessing to me. And I love to look back on our archived words and see how far we have come in 4+ years (we've essentially grown into adulthood together, which is really neat to me).<br />
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But as we have seen in the other posts on the 5 love languages, it doesn't just apply to romantic relationships; these go for single people and friendships too!<br />
I've found that I have developed an awesome skill in becoming close with someone just through distance contact; texting, facebook messenger, skype, etc. Some of my closest friends I've never met or I haven't seen in person in YEARS. Truly, years. But they know my deepest things and what makes me click, and I know the same for them. Maybe it's easier to talk to someone without having to see their face? But I still skype some of these friends, so that's not it. I think it's just we have decided to commit to a level of honesty that I typically find lacking in my in-person relationships (typically, not always!).<br />
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A simple encouraging text or picture sent from pinterest can make my entire day better. Or just to hear someone say "I believe in you, you can do this," even if it is words on my phone, it gets me through the day. I have an amazing support in my words-of-affirmation friends.<br />
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One of my goals for this year is to feel sexier and more fit and find passion for health/fitness (PASSION is my word for 2016!), so I'm going to, tonight, write down my own words of affirmation and post them around my apartment. There's no excuses!<br />
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Oh and one more thought, for my birthday card and for last year's valentine's day, my now-husband wrote me SWEET letters, and words are NOT his thing, so it was super sweet that he spoke my language to me. (As he puts it, he's an engineer, not a poet ;) hehe)<br />
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Meet your hosts!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Meet Alexandra Anne: wife, gamer, fitness lover, opera-singer, fur mommy, writer, dreamer. Addicted to mugs, music, and finding passion in life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Meet Charlene Maugeri: Christian, wife, fur-mom, nerd, blogger and much more! </span><span style="color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">S</span><span style="color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">h</span><span style="color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">e</span><span style="color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">u</span><span style="color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">s</span><span style="color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">e</span><span style="color: #383838; 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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Meet Brita Long: Christian feminist blissfully married to Dan Fleck for almost two years. Lover of Paris, pink sparkles, sensible shoes, manicures, and books. Fueled by hot tea and mimosas.</span></div>
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Alexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-54861660127342494202016-02-12T06:39:00.000-08:002016-02-12T06:39:25.342-08:00Hoorah!! #LoveBlog<br />
TGIF! Does anyone else feel a huge sigh of relief when Friday gets here? It's especially awesome when it's a Friday off and you get a three day weekend, (which is what I get since I still have class Monday...oh well!)<br />
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Today I will be drifting a bit from the #LoveBlog topic for the day because...we just got our wedding pictures! I am very distracted by them, and am also trying to prep for our camping trip tonight/tomorrow for Valentine weekend.<br />
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So I will leave you with a few of my favorite wedding pics, and the website of the lovely photographer who took them! We've been so excited to get these!!<br />
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I promise to write more tomorrow ;)<br />
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xoxo,<br />
Alexandra Anne<br />
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all pictures by Margaret Marie Brewer photography http://margaretbrewer2015.wix.com/margaretmariephotosAlexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-38767003464602457102016-02-11T00:00:00.000-08:002016-02-11T00:00:32.923-08:00My Perfect Date #LoveBlog <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello friends,<br />
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I hope your week is turning out well :)<br />
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Today's topic is about Perfect Dates, and I honestly have had to think about this because I usually am quite fine with simple regular dates (ask my husband, I am pretty chill).<br />
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First, let me list my top favorite dates of the past:<br />
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*Surprise picnic at the park downtown- I love being deceived when it involves a surprise or gift, it makes my "girl who has to know"-brain very satisfied trying to solve the mystery!<br />
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*Our dates to the Museum of Natural Science- we went several times when I lived in Houston and he would fly in to visit me; we love to nerd out and that place was fantastic. We also liked walking around the city (once we went to a park down there and have many fond memories, including a bird that kept harassing me and following us!)<br />
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*Waffle House and the movies- this was our first valentine together, we were still a fairly new couple (but very in love) and we wanted to be frugal but still enjoy a lovey dovey day together. We decided to get all dressed up (fancy pants!) and go to Waffle House (frugal and yum!) where I promptly spilled my glass of water alllllll over the table and floor....we have since decided that it isn't a real date unless I spill something. Then we went to the movies and saw Red Tails. Because we are awesome like that ;)<br />
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*The proposal- duh, of course this is one of my favorite dates! He took me to our first date spot, and it was super romantic because it had snowed the day before, and got on one knee and asked me the best question ever! It was private too, and super sweet. It was also nice to see where our relationship got started, and where our first kiss was!<br />
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So, to describe a perfect date, it would have to be some sort of combination of any of the above, but really the perfect date is any time we make for each other and are together. I love my husband and all I need is to be near him and I am joyful.<br />
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What would your perfect date look like?<br />
What's been your favorite date ever?? <br />
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xoxo,<br />
Alexandra Anne<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Meet Alexandra Anne: wife, gamer, fitness lover, opera-singer, fur mommy, writer, dreamer. Addicted to mugs, music, and finding passion in life. </span><br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/AlexandraAnne27" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Twitter</a> // <a href="http://instagram.com/alexandraanne27" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Instagram</a> // <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThisJourneyOfJourneys" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Facebo<wbr></wbr>ok</a> // <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/chandelier27/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> // <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/this-journey-journeys-3941688" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></div>
Alexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-83508034711626889292016-02-10T07:20:00.001-08:002016-02-10T07:24:16.546-08:00Deal Breakers for Me #LoveBlog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 14.98px;">Deal breakers. We all have them, whether we admit it or not, and I’m here today to talk about some of my personal deal-breakers in relationships and in friendships.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 14.98px;">First off, let me give you some background, if you’ve never read my posts before or don’t know me personally; I am a 20-something musician who recently got married to a wonderful engineer husband </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 14.98px;">J</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 14.98px;"> We dated for 3.5 years before getting engaged, and had been together 4 years by the time we married. I had only sort of dated before him, but I definitely had relationships (my parents wanted me to “court” which they still would say I did, but honestly I dated my now-husband and just had relationships with a few other guys in high school prior to him).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 14.98px;">If I hadn’t married my husband and still had to be dating (SO glad I’m done with that, because I think I would stink at dating, honestly…) here are my deal breakers!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 14.98px;">*<b>Can’t be a smoker</b>- I’m a singer, and I think it’s downright disgusting. I have family members who still smoke and I love them, but I would never consider a romantic relationship with someone who smoked ever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 14.98px;">*<b>Can’t be a different religion</b>- I love having friendships of all types (and you’ll see this isn’t a deal-breaker for friendships) but when it comes to someone I must spend the rest of my life with and raise children with, we need to have the same values and morals and worldviews. I’m honestly baffled when I see marriages/relationships/etc where the couples believe vastly different things. How does that work? I need support in my relationship, and I need my partner to be able to back me up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 14.98px;">*<b>Probably couldn’t be another musician</b>. I mean, if I were trying to get to know people with common interests, or date someone I already knew, it might be a musician, but I would try to avoid it. I’m emotional as it is, and too sensitive for competition haha. Plus most of the men I interact with in music world are gay, so that just wouldn’t work either ;)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 14.98px;">*<b>Can’t be military</b>. Again, I’m not judging those who choose that, but as a military daughter, I couldn’t handle being married to that lifestyle/world. It’s hard enough for me to sometimes be away from my husband because of school; if he were far away because he were fighting in a war, I would just go crazy and not be able to function.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 14.98px;">*<b>Can’t own a compensation truck</b>. You know the type, the extra-too-large tires, the added subwoofer, too much sports paraphernalia, and usually is blasting loud rap or country music (oh I’m probably offending so many people right now…sorry ya’ll, I just can’t deal with those boys!).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 14.98px;">I think that’s the big stuff for relationships. I’m just grateful I found a man who is perfect for my needs and feels the same way I do about the big stuff<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 14.98px;">*<b>Can’t be ok with hurting people</b>- I know we all accidentally hurt each other, but some people seem to be ok with having malicious intent and truly want to hurt others, and that’s just not ok<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 14.98px;"><b>*Needs to be ok with differences-</b> guess what? I’m not gonna believe the same things you are 100% and that’s ok! It doesn’t mean I judge you for your beliefs and doesn’t mean I think I’m better than you. (I could re-title this, needs to not get offended by every little thing!) We should be allowed to talk about our different beliefs and learn from each other!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 14.98px;">*<b>Being fake-</b> if you are two faced, and it always comes out, people are actually not good at hiding that, then I have zero respect for you. If you’re bubbly and sweet and kind to Amy but turn right around and tell Marie that you are better than anyone else, I will probably want to punch you. (I wish I could smack some people sometimes, not to hurt them, but to show them they are NOT all that, and that they are pretty darn rotten. But alas, that is assault)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 14.98px;">*<b>Can’t think it’s ok to lie</b>. This goes along with being two faced, but lying means there is no trust or faith in the friendship, and if you can’t be honest with me and have to lie to my face, then I am not interested. I am honest and loyal, sometimes to a fault, but I think that’s better than lying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 14.98px;">What are some of your deal-breakers?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 14.98px;">Thanks so much to Brita for hosting me today!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 14.98px;">Alexandra Anne <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Meet Brita Long: Christian feminist blissfully married to Dan Fleck for almost two years. Lover of Paris, pink sparkles, sensible shoes, manicures, and books. Fueled by hot tea and mimosas.</span></div>
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Meet Erin Otts: Southern Christian Wife, Married to Matthew for almost 2 years, Fur-Mama, Lover of Coffee and a good glass of Vino, Reading, Dreamer, Huge Netflix/TV Binger. Trying to find her way in this world with God and her Husband. </div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Alexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-15220142158599764372016-02-09T07:36:00.004-08:002016-02-09T07:36:59.094-08:00Quality Time #LoveBlogToday's topic for #loveblog is Quality Time! One of my absolute favorites :)<br />
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The definition of quality time is as follows:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">qual·i·ty time</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">noun</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">time spent in giving another person one's
undivided attention in order to strengthen a relationship, especially with
reference to working parents and their child or children.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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I used to think that quality time could only be spent in person, but that was widely false; as a master (mistress??) of long distance relationships/friendships, I have learned that quality time can be spent in so many situations! Technically, I don't even have to be in direct contact with someone to give them quality time.<br />
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When I test for the Five Love Languages, gift giving is my lowest love language. However, I appreciate gifts oh so very much because I know the time that went into the gift and into getting to know me (and also the time to work to earn money for it!).<br />
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If my husband and I apart, we can still spend quality time together with phone calls, skype, texting, and even online gaming together (sadly, my gaming computer is at home with him this semester, so during the week I can't do that...alas!).<br />
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In person, we also like to game together whether it's on a tabletop or on our computers or on a console while snuggled on the couch in the living room.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(pictures taken from pinterest) </td></tr>
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Quality time isn't just doing activities together either. Sometimes, for me, the time is spent being near each other while accomplishing different tasks, but still taking breaks as needed for eye contact or kisses etc. (If you cuddle while on laptops, it is a risk you take that the laptop will be thrown to the ground to make way for more cuddles!)<br />
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When I am far away from my husband, though, the best quality time is when he calls me to check on me and tell me he loves me. That's what gets me through the day, hearing his loving voice.<br />
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All of this can be applied to friendships too! (Except the kisses part, then you've gone beyond friends of course) I am so happy when a friend wants to skype, or we spend hours in conversation even if that is through text, that all applies to quality time and fills my love tank. I think the reason conversation works for me so much is because it's tied to another one of my favorite love languages, Words of Affirmation, but that'll be for a later post ;)<br />
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What are your top love languages?<br />
How do you define quality time?<br />
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xoxo,<br />
Alexandra Anne<br />
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<br />Alexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-70592455885433504652016-02-08T18:37:00.001-08:002016-02-08T18:37:42.712-08:00National Marriage Week #LoveBlog <br />
Phew! What a crazy weekend! I had a recital, a quiz, a newlywed bridal shower, and drove up and down the state all within three days, eek! But I'm back to my laptop now, on my comfy couch drinking some pinot grigio (a la Ramona Singer, because let's face it, we all wish we could get away with being THAT blunt) and I'm ready to write my heart away :)<br />
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Today's topic is on MARRIAGE, because it is national marriage week, how cool??!? I'm pretty excited just because I am currently LOVING my new marriage (we hit four weeks on Saturday, seriously brand new) and can't wait to celebrate Valentine's weekend with my hubby.<br />
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I have my sarcastic moments and views of cynicism on life sometimes, but I have pretty much always been a fan of marriage. There was only one point in my life where I had a big pout and thought I would never have kids and probably never marry (it was a stupid bad breakup in high school, I was 17, so obviously the world was going to end). But a few months after that icky situation, Mister Right popped into my life, or back into rather. I had never been close to him, I just knew he existed from our circle of mutual friends and we hung out in group settings as acquaintances (we actually have a picture of the night we met!).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHn7TTF3umqCR2q9C7hz72TwL4OBTDvrm9QJThqdKgPYfO74Wgf5ZKNlNHIcwRGFlGhllkM8T3OSx78ScL8AkWI377uOU_VwZoK8vlRoOkH2C7nK04uTRE7-rinM4v-eCB6wnZxWMa6I/s1600/1924192_43235994119_2602_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHn7TTF3umqCR2q9C7hz72TwL4OBTDvrm9QJThqdKgPYfO74Wgf5ZKNlNHIcwRGFlGhllkM8T3OSx78ScL8AkWI377uOU_VwZoK8vlRoOkH2C7nK04uTRE7-rinM4v-eCB6wnZxWMa6I/s1600/1924192_43235994119_2602_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was 14, he was 16, four years later we would become a couple! </td></tr>
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So, I hadn't talked to this guy in a year, and all of a sudden he messaged me on facebook. Behold, facebook has done something GOOD, because four years later we are husband and wife and falling more in love every single day :) We started dating a little bit after that facebook conversation and have been together ever since.<br />
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I am actually planning a post on how to get a husband, a sort of satire if you will, because many things in our relationship have not been conventional or the social norm, and that's kind of awesome to me. But for today's<strike> late</strike> post I will give y'all an idea of what my relationship has taught me, and what the beginnings of our marriage has taught me<br />
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*<b>I don't believe in love at first sight. </b>I believe in lust at first sight, but there is NO way you can know the important things about a person just by looking at them. Yes, you can gather some ideas based on inferring data, but I believe that you need to spend time with a person in all sorts of situations to know whether or not you love them or are in love with them.<br />
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*<b>There is no actual schedule for love</b>. This slightly contradicts the above point, but I think every relationship is different. I knew I loved Michael within just a few months, but I also knew that we had a long way to go before we could plan our lives together. We were just teens when we started dating, and I was in high school! But we knew very quickly that we were in love, and that love only grew deeper and truer as time grew on.<br />
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*<b>Kissing isn't like the movies</b>. First off, bodies are gross. Secondly, in movies they aren't really kissing, it's more like a mushing of upper lips together with a combo of some movement of faces from side to side.<br />
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*<b>Long distance is completely doable</b>- and anyone who says "the distance is just too hard" makes me reallllllly frustrated. If both parties are honest and loyal then long distance is definitely attainable. It is NOT easy and I know it's not for everyone, but if we can do it, so can you. (I also know we are super blessed to be able to visit each other frequently, even when we lived 12 hours apart we never have gone more than 45 days apart from each other, now it's more like we can't go 5 days apart!). Skype is a huge blessing, and so is unlimited text/calling. He didn't text when we first went out, and we couldn't have free phonecalls til 9pm, haha those days feel so long ago now!<br />
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*<b>Living with a man is an adjustment, but it totally works when you are best friends.</b> We work so well together in every situation, it made sense that we have adjusted to living together pretty well. There are learning curves occasionally, but we love to serve each other, so we are usually happy to take care of something around the apartment when the other person asks. It's the little things that make a great marriage. Also, waking up to cuddles with your best friend is so wonderful. I wish I could do that every day (I will after this semester, I just have to live alone during the week, but weekends are wonderful). Oh, and having a pet helps encourage more cuddles too! Our cat brings us together and brings us so much joy, and is way easier than having a human child which we won't be ready for for many years to come.<br />
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*<b>It takes two to tango- </b>If one person isn't fully committed to the relationship, it won't work. Hands down. You can try and try, and it just won't change, not long term anyway. I am so lucky that God put the right man in my life at the right time. I didn't think I would ever be with anyone ever again (dramatic, right? Ah, to be 17 again, let's not do that, okay? Okay). But Michael walked in and completely won me over and it all has been so natural and at the end of the day it isn't hard for me to love him.<br />
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<br />Alexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-17166329520872238222016-02-05T11:55:00.003-08:002016-02-05T11:55:53.525-08:00Love Languages- Receiving Gifts #LoveBlogHi there!<br />
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Today's #LoveBlog linkup topic is about one of the 5 Love Languages; today's love language is "Receiving Gifts."<br />
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Now, if you don't know about the 5 Love Languages, I highly recommend you read THIS book, AND you can go to their website and take the online quiz and find out what love languages are most important to you (they're all important to a certain extent, but we all have different ways that we feel most loved and how we like to love others)<br />
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Funnily enough, receiving gifts has always been my lowest score on my love languages quiz. I don't consider myself to be a material person, and I know what it's like to have holidays come up and neither you or your significant other have spending money for frivolous gift giving. For me, I am appreciative of gifts because it shows the other person spent time to get it, time to figure out what I would like, and possibly time making it! Quality time is a higher love language on my list, so that's how I interpret gifts. </div>
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That being said, I love guessing what present I'm going to get if it's my birthday or Christmas (especially when you see your present under the tree and you try to figure out what it is based on the size and weight and box shape; my Dad calls me "Girl who likes to know," so that probably plays into that!). I also love giving a gift if I know the recipient is going to absolutely love it! I like taking the time to find them the perfect gift. </div>
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Do you like making homemade gifts? Check out this link I found on pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/pin/133067363967576902/ </div>
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Let me know what your top love language(s) are! (You can have more than one haha it's pretty cool)</div>
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xoxo,<br />
Alexandra AnneAlexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-72732345798446206762016-02-04T08:21:00.004-08:002016-02-04T08:21:56.283-08:00Valentine #LoveBlog<br />
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Happy February 4th, my friends! It's Thursday, the work week is ALMOST over, hang in there!<br />
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I'm trying to get things done, and keep up the blog hehe, and prepare for my recital this Saturday. Eek! It's not an easy life, but at the end of the day I know I'm working towards some awesome goals, so that keeps me going. AND I get to see my husband tonight! Yay! (Long distance sucks, but thank goodness we can see each other for weekends and he has tomorrow off from work!)<br />
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Today's <a href="http://bellebrita.com/">#LoveBlog linkup question is about Valentine's Day</a>! Brita asks us what our valentine plans are and what our favorite valentine has ever been.<br />
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This year is our first married Valentine's Day, and we will probably be celebrating the whole weekend and just spend time together. That being said, we also would LIKE to go camping, should the weather permit. One of our wedding gifts was a huge ton of camping gear and a tent and a double sleeping bag, so we really want to utilize that gift! Plus we love hiking and nature, so it'll be great to go up one of Huntsville Alabama's many mountains and enjoy the view.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How cozy does this look??</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huntsville is just gorgeous. We live in a beautiful city!</td></tr>
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<br /><br /><br /><br />As for the best Valentine's Day, that's really hard to pin down. I've been with Michael since October of 2011, so we have celebrated 4 Valentine's Days together. Last year's was really nice; we were both broke at the time so we both painted each other little cute cards, and played world of tanks online together (Valentanks day, as we call it) and then celebrated the REAL holiday, the next day, Half Priced Candy Day :) It was really funny last year because I knew Michael had been working on acquiring an engagement ring, but that's all I knew, there were no details. So he kept reiterating to me that I would NOT be getting a proposal on Valentine's Day (which would've been cheesy and kind of lame anyway, BUT at that point in time I wouldn't have minded because I was ready to get engaged!). He did eventually propose, just two weeks later, so I was a happy camper (hehe, camper, see why we need to go camping? Ok, I'll leave the puns alone...for now...). <div>
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The thing about Michael is we can do anything and nothing but as long as we are together we are so happy and joyful. We've been through many hardships over the last four years, and they have only made us stronger. And the thing about long distance is that it makes you appreciate the time in person even more, because you know how the aching feels to be apart. </div>
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Since we are Firefly nerds in our relationship, I'll end with our version of my favorite quote from the show. "No power in the 'verse can stop us." (In the show, Kaylee says "me" instead of us, but I think it's close enough!)</div>
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Alexandra Anne </div>
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Alexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-1068637115944256732016-02-03T02:00:00.000-08:002016-02-03T02:00:24.772-08:00Fictional Love- #LoveBlogHey friends! I'm joining the link-train on Brita's AWESOME February linkup (stay tuned, I'm gonna be co-hosting on four different dates this month, it's gonna be so fun!) and I'm a little behind but that's ok! I'm on board now ;)<br />
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Today's topic is Fictional Love. Brita asks <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.75px;">"Have you ever had a crush on a fictional character?" and "What TV couple is most like you and your significant other?" </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.75px;">First off, if you've ever met me, or been to my apartment, you've seen my Labyrinth poster and know that David Bowie was supposed to be my husband. But once I got married David realized he would never have me and gracefully left us behind (am I awful? Ok yeah, just a bit). Seriously though, Labyrinth was my childhood and Jareth the Goblin king was the man I was supposed to marry. I would totally have been his queen and danced around the castle with different dimensions and levels of gravity, etc. I also am a huge fan of Nathan Fillion, because he is the captain (in EVERY role, I swear) and my real-life husband looks just like him, so, I'm winning!!! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh Jareth....</td></tr>
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<br /><br />How could you NOT have crushes on these men? Mmmm. <div>
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Anyway ;)<br /><br /><br />As for question #2, what TV couple are we like, I want to say Marshal and Lily from How I Met Your Mother, except that my husband isn't *that* goofy. But I am Lily to a t.... anytime I'm watching the show and she does ANYTHING my husband looks at me and points (isn't our communication great? haha, we just point to the other person and know what that means). He's saying I'm her...I know.... she just gets excited and passionate, okay? There's nothing wrong with that. </div>
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We are similar to couples on TV, but it's hard to find characters that go together that are like both of us. I could say he is Malcolm Reynolds from Firefly, or Dr. House from House, but I don't really have anyone to couple them with that I relate to. If anything from Firefly I'd be like Kaylee haha but she and Mal are definitely not a couple in any way shape or form. </div>
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So I'll stick with Lily and Marshal, just because they have the same relationship dynamic we do where we are attached to each other equally, tell each other everything, and are totally passionate for the other person and would do anything for them and support their dreams. </div>
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Be sure to check out the #<a href="http://bellebrita.com/2016/01/introducing-loveblog-daily-blog-link-up-february/">LoveBlog linkup going on! </a></div>
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Alexandra Anne </div>
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Alexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-88930389895851912892016-02-02T19:25:00.001-08:002016-02-02T19:55:15.333-08:00Keep Going, No Matter What<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey friends,<br />
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I wanted to blog yesterday, but got hit with emotions and a to-do list that freaked me out, so I just didn't write. Today I was super busy and stressed and running around like crazy, so I wasn't even home to write.<br />
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Well I've been home for a while and did the usual "end of day" tasks such as cooking dinner, doing the dishes, watching Netflix on the couch while digesting said dinner, and meal-prepping some for tomorrow.<br />
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I was procrastinating because I also didn't know what to write. I wanted to start linking up to a friend's blog, but I think today I need to write for myself. And that's ok :)<br />
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Guess what? No one has it all figured out, and no one has a perfect life. I almost wish we didn't have personal social media platforms like facebook and instagram, because we all put up lies of some sort and still compare ourselves to the lies that someone else is posting (I'm not accusing you of lying on the internet, I just mean that it isn't real life, it's the part of life we feel like sharing at that moment).<br />
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But here on my corner of the internet (does the internet have corners? That implies a certain shape, unless it's a shape with many many sides and therefore many many corners...ok, I'm overthinking it, sorry ya'll) is where I hope to be as real as I can and not put up just the happy updates of my life. Yep, I'm super blessed and I wouldn't give up my life for anything (except God). But some things just downright suck.<br />
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Right now, school sucks; it's my senior year and I have a recital this weekend, an opera in a few months, so so many classes, and I'm trying to graduate in December so I have to do well. My neighbors suck; they have a ritual of waking me up at 11something-pm every night to yell and then wake up their baby who then cries and screams too. Long distance sucks; I am super blessed to even get to see my husband when I do, but it's usually only 3 days a week or 3 nights together. I know this is temporary, but long distance is not for the faint of heart!<br />
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But I am grateful. Grateful that I get to go through these crappy situations and learn and grow from them. They are temporary, and I am making my own life better and better as I am able.<br />
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I am so grateful for this space online that I can share with you my heart, and I hope that you feel safe here too.<br />
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So, have a great week my friends, and keep counting your blessings.<br />
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xoxo,<br />
Alexandra AnneAlexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-62598747302873546402016-01-31T21:09:00.000-08:002016-01-31T21:09:25.282-08:00sassy saturdayHello lovelies!<br />
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I have had an awesome and interesting weekend, and I am sooooooo excited to share with you a teeny little change in my life.....I'M A BRUNETTE! Hehe, I know that's not a big deal, but I've never been brunette (always blonde, once red, haha) so this is CRAZY strange and awesome to me. :)<br />
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I'm loving my new life, I love being married, I love my husband, and I love my new look and new focus on my passions.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJStNa2ZF9kuzJ2IJZPvx_TKR7yhNX0vKiuvu0a6AzbtMVIwVRfoKk55LudB8wxk7BTxw3IQv_eDJpbemX4WptGZ-gVzPVakwvNbWWE124Oajsvne4u0rdhWDwAp9Xy0BovKub9eaq5M8/s1600/IMG_0948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJStNa2ZF9kuzJ2IJZPvx_TKR7yhNX0vKiuvu0a6AzbtMVIwVRfoKk55LudB8wxk7BTxw3IQv_eDJpbemX4WptGZ-gVzPVakwvNbWWE124Oajsvne4u0rdhWDwAp9Xy0BovKub9eaq5M8/s320/IMG_0948.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After! Yay!</td></tr>
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The other part of my weekend was buying more Victoria's Secret swag...I swear, I must be addicted, I've been there 4 times in 3.5 weeks, the lady who helps me knows my name, and I LOVE it. Not only are their bras SUPER nice (and actually comfy and supportive!) but their workout gear is awesome!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These pants are SUPER comfy; I have some bright colored ones too! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With a free perfume sample! </td></tr>
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How cute is that tote?? SO addicted, so in love :)</div>
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Where do you buy your undergarments?</div>
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Where do you buy your sports clothing?</div>
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Have a great week, friends, and stay tuned for my #LoveBlog linkups for the month! </div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">xoxo,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Alexandra Anne </span></i></div>
<br />Alexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-112011720291129092016-01-26T14:50:00.000-08:002016-01-26T14:50:39.290-08:00dealing with anxiety<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Everyone goes through stressful situations in life, everyone goes through things that make them uncomfortable, but does anyone else know what true anxiety is like? What a panic attack does to your entire body and mind?<br />
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I'm no expert my any means, I haven't experienced all there is a body or mind can experience. But I have had my fair share of crap and horror and I want to offer whatever I can to try to ease your pain even just a little.<br />
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So here are some tips I go to, if I can, when I need to find peace and rest<br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">* Drink water- I always tell my husband that water is magic, and no matter the illness (physical or emotional) water helps so much. It also helps calm my breathing if I'm having a panic attack and my heart is racing (can we just take a moment to say "anxiety SUCKS," yeah I feel better letting that out, thanks guys). I also recommend hot tea for calming down, I love sleepytime tea, or peppermint (also good for soothing your stomach) or whatever I have on hand; add a little honey and you'll feel calmer in moments. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">*Lie down- sometimes all I want to do is curl up in my bed or on the couch and not face the world, and that's ok. eventually I do have to get up and put my big girl pants on, but we are allowed to have a moment (or a few!) to rest our bodies and honestly just ignore whatever stress is going on. Rest and sleep are important, and if you're like me and have trouble sleeping even in the best situations a few naps a week or rest times are vital! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">*Go for a walk- this is the opposite of the last point, but it can be just as effective. Walking stimulates the mind and the body and can give you endorphins (endorphins make people happy, happy people just don't shoot their husbands!). The fresh air feels good on your face, the movement sets your body at ease, Plus you can take your music and headphones, which leads me to the next point</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">*Listen to music- I made myself a therapy playlist (check out <a href="http://chandelier27.blogspot.com/2016/01/what-im-listening-to-this-week.html">this post</a> for some of my favorite playlists including that one) when I was dealing with an abusive situation and loss of people I could trust. Music has always been my physical constant, no matter what happens; music gets me through my wide array of emotions and feelings (do you have different music for different moods? I always feel like I'm the only one). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">*Light a candle (or incense)- I'm highly sensitive to smells, which means when I experience a pleasing smell I become so much more relaxed and can calm down. (It also makes my apartment smell fantastic, double win!) If you can't light a candle due to building restrictions like apartment rules or something, try making some coffee or baking an apple. Those smells are wonderful to me :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">*Just breathe- I know that sounds like "duh, of course I need to breathe," but really, try some breathing exercises and focus on that. When I'm having a panic attack I cannot breathe properly in the normal way, so I have to really work at this one, but it helps so so much, seriously. Some of my go-to's are "Count to 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4," or "Count backwards from ten super slowly." Sometimes I just have to focus on inhaling and exhaling, no other system than that. It really helps, I swear. :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope that some of these tips have helped you a little, even if they're simple and possibly intuitive, they're what I rely on and I am still on this journey every day. Some days are harder than others, and that's OKAY. Your journey is important too, and won't look like someone else's. You're going to be ok, I promise. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you need someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to contact me <3 </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">xoxo,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Alexandra Anne </span><br />
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Alexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-14775295380505479252016-01-24T21:32:00.000-08:002016-01-24T21:32:11.187-08:00what i'm listening to (this week)Hello friends!<br />
I'm sorry I haven't posted, I've been having laptop issues (gross, right?) But I wanted to share with you some music I LOVE right now and think you may love too!<br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify%3Auser%3Acesarmuela%3Aplaylist%3A1Bz8Xqf5g7I98wEYAfI2Ev" width="300"></iframe><br />
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At some point I'm gonna post about the video games I beat in 2015 and how they affected me, but for now i'm just obsessed with all the music from the Fallout series! Thank goodness Spotify playlists exist so I don't have to search for all the music!! (Also I'm obsessed with spotify premium, they have no idea i'm writing this so this isn't sponsored in anyway, but yeah, it's just FANTASTIC)<br />
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I highly recommend the Fallout playlist, because it's classy as ${!% (hehe)<br />
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Another one I titled "Therapy" because it helps me get through the hard times and just calms my soul when I'm anxious or hurt.<br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify%3Auser%3A125928650%3Aplaylist%3A2a7ZcK2txRFLON1v5OKK6M" width="300"></iframe><br />
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My tagline right now is "Fitness Opera Gamer Gal" so of course I have a workout playlist and a Nerd playlist (several songs overlap between the two). I like to nerd out when I work out ;)<br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify%3Auser%3A125928650%3Aplaylist%3A3liREmL2GIUJEyrqFFnVeM" width="300"></iframe>
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And last, but not least, I'm gonna share the wedding day playlist I listened to while getting ready in the hotel and bridal suite on my wedding day :) (Would ya'll be interested in hearing wedding stories? I've got a few! It was only two weeks ago so I am still processing it all, but I have several fresh stories!)<br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify%3Auser%3A125928650%3Aplaylist%3A07DMfd2b9vMOg28Co9n7e8" width="300"></iframe>
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Feel free to follow me or send me your favorite playlists! I have so many more, I could give you music for days ;) I feel like looking at someone's playlist can tell you a lot about that person. I'd love to get to know you via music!<br />
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Have a great week, and may your days be musical forever :)<br />
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xoxo,<br />
Alexandra AnneAlexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-21798054488421284932016-01-22T02:00:00.000-08:002016-01-22T02:00:02.821-08:00engagement photo shoothello lovelies!<br />
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this post won't have much in the way of me writing stuff down, i just wanted a place to show off our nauseatingly adorable engagement pics from October (thanks to the INCREDIBLE <a href="http://margaretbrewer2015.wix.com/margaretmariephotos">Margaret Marie Photography</a>!! ) and not be blowing up facebook with them (for now anyway..... ;) )<br />
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so here are some pics! enjoy :)<br />
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xoxo,</div>
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Alexandra Anne </div>
<br />Alexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-15723479642181906382016-01-21T12:00:00.000-08:002016-01-21T12:00:18.945-08:00my friend on my wristSo there's this craze going on that I'm totally on board with, I didn't get into it because it is trendy but I'm totally aware that it is. Who cares?? It's AWESOME.<br />
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Oh I should explain what I'm talking about; my fitbit! For Christmas my then-fiance-now-husband got me what I had been desiring for MONTHS, a Fitbit Charge HR. :) :) :) And since I have opened said present, I am obsessed. There are tons of articles out there on the pros and cons of having a fitbit, and how others are equally obsessed, I recommend you Pinterest them or YouTube them.<br />
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But this is my post about it, because I love it :)<br />
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Here's why!<br />
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*It tracks my daily steps, duh; I've read around the internet that it is recommended to walk at least 5k steps a day to maintain health, and 10k steps a day to lose weight. When I hit 10k steps in a day my fitbit starts buzzing like crazy and gives me a virtual high five! It's awesome! It also encourages me to walk around more, one night I was so close to beating a friend in a challenge (I'll get to that below) so I went outside at 11:57 pm to get as many steps in 3 minutes as I could! Yeah, like I said, obsessed!<br />
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*It tracks my heart rate, which helps me know how certain activities affect me whether it is stress levels or workouts, or lovey times with the husband ;) </div>
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*Due to the heart rate tracking, my fitbit tells me how many calories I've burned in a day! Now, I am one of those people who DETEST tracking calories. So. Much. But if I can see how many I'm burning, I'm more likely to track my intake and then I can see true progress and hold myself accountable!</div>
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*It's comfy. I am so used to wearing now, I feel naked without it (I have to take it off to charge it or when I shower, and when I got married!) </div>
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*It's also a watch. I just have to flip my wrist over and it appears, no touch required (but sometimes I touch it too, it has a touch sensitive screen and a tiny button on the side to make the different options show up) </div>
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*It tracks stairs and hills climbed in a day too!</div>
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*The app is the other cool part- I can see my sleep (tracked by the fitbit's heart monitor) and see how restless I am or how many times I wake up at night. I can also track my food on the app and it'll tell me if I still have calories allowed to consume based on how much I've burned!</div>
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*On the app I can challenge and be challenged by my friends! There are daily challenges, week-long challenges, and weekend challenges, and several people can join at once! It's another awesome motivation. </div>
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Do I need a fitbit to be healthier? No. But does it help inspire me to make healthier choices? YES. I love it so so much. I'm super grateful to the husband for getting it for me! </div>
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***** </div>
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If you have a fitbit, add me as a friend and we can challenge each other!</div>
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Check out my #commitedtothesexy board on pinterest (and on instagram) for fitbit ideas, workout ideas, recipes, and more! </div>
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Happy walking!'</div>
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xoxo,</div>
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Alexandra Anne </div>
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Alexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3394123640857216679.post-58619507247487533762016-01-19T17:31:00.000-08:002016-01-19T17:39:52.730-08:00re-ignite your spark<br />
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So I'm trying to let myself open up more on this corner of the internet because I know it used to be so therapeutic and amazing for me to write and write and to connect with others through our words on the internet. But being real is hard, it's so much easier to fake a smile and only give the highlights of life and act all la-di-da. That would be so much simpler and easier, and I wouldn't have to write as much!<br />
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Heh, but that's not real life. Facebook and social media are lies, I get so fed up with the B.S. that people post, acting like that's truth and that they just have perfect lives. So fake.<br />
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(Oh and then there are the people that get WAY too personal and just downright whiny on their statuses.... oh oh and vague-booking, that's pretty bad too).<br />
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I digress. I want to be real, I want to help others by sharing my stories and struggles. I want to inspire someone. I want someone to know that if they need me I will be there, I am loyal and dedicated.<br />
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Here I go, *breathes in, breathes out* phew.<br />
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I need to make changes in my life. I'm recently married and that is wonderful, but I live 2 hours away from my husband during the week and it's one of the hardest things I've gone through (and believe me, I have been through some horrific things, maybe someday I'll be brave enough to write about those). I'm also a senior in college and have a difficult degree full of drama and high emotions and stress and quite frankly some mean and rude people. I'm super sensitive so if someone ignores me blatantly, or curses me out during rehearsal, I take it pretty badly.<br />
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I could look at my schedule for the week and find all the things I dread, and count the minutes til I see my husband again (and yeah, ok, no matter what I still countdown til I see my love again, he gets me through the hard times). But if I focus only on the negatives, I will not be living my life to the fullest. I will not have joy, I will just be going through the motions (cue Buffy's musical episode) and I will be wasting my time.<br />
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Life isn't supposed to be just day-to-day fulfillment of obligations. There is no passion in that life, and if there is no passion, then what is the point? As a believer in Christianity, I am convinced by scripture and by personal experience that God has given us certain talents and passions for a reason, His glory and our joy. In my life I have been my happiest when I was using my talents and working hard for them. ("Find something you love and you'll never work a day in your life," great quote!!)<br />
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For 2016, my word for the year (cheesy right? Eh, at least it isn't just another fake resolution on the internet) is PASSION. And to accomplish this I will focus on some goals.<br />
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*I will find passion again for my music as I finish this last year of my Vocal Performance degree<br />
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*I will learn about the passions of a new marriage, and keep it alive and strong despite not seeing my husband every day<br />
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*I will find a church home to keep me grounded, and in the meantime discover more truths in God's Word<br />
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*I will open myself up in friendships and learn to trust and be vulnerable, despite the risks of being hurt (again)<br />
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*I will be passionate about my health and keep committing to taking care of myself physically and mentally!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SO_7Qpf9b6V_osut6Bw8Oc_brGutFAbPv6v4WHiCyXYh4M9naaFHqhwTc8clHcup9ltxDq30-FyRJpcyjDKBmKM22bZxCBMIMy_p0TCh5GBpcKSNAvW4Y91hnejvG42s11It7nzl6wc/s1600/100_7085findyourpassion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SO_7Qpf9b6V_osut6Bw8Oc_brGutFAbPv6v4WHiCyXYh4M9naaFHqhwTc8clHcup9ltxDq30-FyRJpcyjDKBmKM22bZxCBMIMy_p0TCh5GBpcKSNAvW4Y91hnejvG42s11It7nzl6wc/s400/100_7085findyourpassion.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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*****</div>
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What are you passionate about?<br />
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Are you looking to connect with someone as flawed as you? Leave a comment or contact me if you like :)<br />
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xoxo,<br />
Alexandra Anne<br />
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ps. Both pics in today's post were from my Summer trip to Europe!! Future blog post to come!<br />
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<br />Alexandra Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353571820635134958noreply@blogger.com6