tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84306907948066322362024-03-28T05:32:53.670-04:00damondnollan.comDamond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.comBlogger1090125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-33474361233241204032021-07-30T16:36:00.008-04:002021-07-30T16:36:59.725-04:00How to Install Groutable Vinyl Floors<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgTxweUWnCZPmxMDSqIZGWLhwcR_GMhQ5IuY3Dy9dgGb-yETIZrJgfvB2uGgBR_n4SHjxK0N5VVXvFe5zqspDybByuAJYAoRA8RekO-AIFpy0cdIVl_roA1n7HOdF2FdhJgGyxkJFaDDK/s1600/1627677084552571-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgTxweUWnCZPmxMDSqIZGWLhwcR_GMhQ5IuY3Dy9dgGb-yETIZrJgfvB2uGgBR_n4SHjxK0N5VVXvFe5zqspDybByuAJYAoRA8RekO-AIFpy0cdIVl_roA1n7HOdF2FdhJgGyxkJFaDDK/w640-h480/1627677084552571-0.png" width="640" />
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</div><br /></div>In this full-length video, La'Toya and I document our latest DIY project, the kitchen floor. We used the Crescendo Peel & Stick Groutable Vinyl Tile from Armstrong Flooring.<div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MZic90Lcr-4" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div></div>Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com0Smithfield, NC 27577, USA35.5084935 -78.33944557.1982596638211547 -113.4956955 63.818727336178846 -43.1831955tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-48459030214404426552020-07-03T16:13:00.001-04:002020-07-03T16:13:09.502-04:00Firstleaf Wine Club Review<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1cERbfgxyvDTPLjJynIAqj0pTdlh89rKMYjH2jL96H1snSYa4c7dunFaXsatJCvcWcssn3pXtJQN9aPlQUo4bGmDvhMJjCqRCWVdq9U20GAkpq8ETyvKpVm4oP0QhwiYw2Tl3y7afbsD/s4032/20200701_151926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1cERbfgxyvDTPLjJynIAqj0pTdlh89rKMYjH2jL96H1snSYa4c7dunFaXsatJCvcWcssn3pXtJQN9aPlQUo4bGmDvhMJjCqRCWVdq9U20GAkpq8ETyvKpVm4oP0QhwiYw2Tl3y7afbsD/w640-h480/20200701_151926.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><font size="3">A few weeks ago, while doing some online window shopping, I came across this wine deal that looked too good to be true. While I don't recall the exact details, I believe it was 12 bottles of wine for $70. Great price but how good are they? I asked myself. </font></p><p>Going beyond the initial advertisement, I soon realized that the vendor was offering an introductory wine package as a way to entice visitors to join their wine club. I was intrigued by the idea, but how many other wine clubs are out there? I couldn't, in good faith, join the first club I saw without having a clear idea of what my options were. How does this club stand up against the others? Thus began my search. </p><p>Over the next few hours, I looked for resources that would help me find the most popular and highly vetted clubs out there. I began comparing and contrasting the strengths and weaknesses of each option. How much does it cost? What do you get? What is the value and quality of these wines over those found elsewhere? What did other members and past customers have to say?</p><p>In the end, I was able to whittle down the list of choices to a select few. At this point, the similarities and differences were so minute that any of the options I had were probably going to be safe ones. So, when it came time to decide, we ended up selecting <a href="https://mbsy.co/32FlHj">Firstleaf</a>.</p><h2>Why Did You Choose Firstleaf? </h2><p><a href="https://mbsy.co/32FlHj">Firstleaf</a>, which is headquartered in Healdsburg, CA, was listed highly amongst its competitors. Based on the various articles that I found, it was often referred to as a popular choice for wine enthusiasts. That sounds like us!</p><p>Beyond the public recognition, most of the customer reviews were also positive. Of course, like anything else, there was the occasional negative experience shared by only a handful of people. When compared to other wine clubs, there were those that were popular but had an overwhelming number of negative reviews, which made it easier to scratch them off the list. </p><p>Once on the site, we were presented with a short quiz that would help connect us with wines that we might enjoy. Based on the results of our initial submission, I think <a href="https://mbsy.co/32FlHj">Firstleaf</a> did a good job of identifying the types of wines that we currently drink while opening the door for others to try.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4SrHzhzmRxhLIJgLk_H6Scu16AqZCMGxYNB9Qs2-1KLhoWIMS2p-tMFZUR6SNyftO0T_9vgPn4fCNJYizQmJ_WCT-4tqBOx3eJnd_lv-ulGjc7NkYMNx9yzttHEEZqiClFzxJQzVhQ05/s1503/firstleaf_quiz.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1503" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4SrHzhzmRxhLIJgLk_H6Scu16AqZCMGxYNB9Qs2-1KLhoWIMS2p-tMFZUR6SNyftO0T_9vgPn4fCNJYizQmJ_WCT-4tqBOx3eJnd_lv-ulGjc7NkYMNx9yzttHEEZqiClFzxJQzVhQ05/w640-h380/firstleaf_quiz.png" width="640" /></a></p><p>Beyond the personalized selections, I found the introductory offer to be just the right price for someone looking to try new things without the risk of throwing all of their money away. For us, we got 6 wines for $39 (plus tax). In total, we paid around $42. </p><h2>How Does It Work?</h2><p style="clear: both;">Once you complete the quiz and review your curated selection of wines, you will enter your mailing address and payment information. Additionally, you'll have the option to update your wine preferences which include your mix of red versus white, region (USA and imported), frequency (1, 2, or 3 months), and a couple of other options.</p><p style="clear: both;">With the introductory offer, you will receive your first box of 6 wines within a couple of days. From then on, you will get another customized box of wines according to your preferred frequency rate. Do understand that you can change your preferences at any time.</p><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our Experience</h2><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After exploring the <a href="https://mbsy.co/32FlHj">Firstleaf</a> website and completing the quiz, we decided to take the introductory offer. We completed our order on June 25 and the shipment safely arrived on July 1. Tracking was made available through the UPS website with the occasional email update from <a href="https://mbsy.co/32FlHj">Firstleaf</a>. Overall, it was an easy process. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzWSusPr6-8I7xDfWsAo_0rp5MgQR41PGhXU0XjmzFIoFYmfHEmZP8DQEU8CGa0LhEmo0ec2DqnILue0fBvI9v_SUVUBRhcyX0WqJ7VJDXhTQ70RnJ9Y9c2AWtyUgT5tfBAzwOgXqbHwt/s4032/20200701_151155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzWSusPr6-8I7xDfWsAo_0rp5MgQR41PGhXU0XjmzFIoFYmfHEmZP8DQEU8CGa0LhEmo0ec2DqnILue0fBvI9v_SUVUBRhcyX0WqJ7VJDXhTQ70RnJ9Y9c2AWtyUgT5tfBAzwOgXqbHwt/w640-h480/20200701_151155.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When the package arrived, it came in a medium-sized brown box with a blue "<a href="https://mbsy.co/32FlHj">Firstleaf</a>" logo stamped on the side. I don't recall the exact weight of the box, but it was lighter than I anticipated. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While opening the package, we were excited to see how the company would present its product. Inside the box, there was a similar blue color design along with a "Thanks!" message stamped on one of the four flaps. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the middle, there was a welcome letter and an envelope filled with detailed information cards that described each of the wines. The same information can also be found on the <a href="https://mbsy.co/32FlHj">Firstleaf</a> website. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZk55PnBI6w03cv58yd72xYbHPxvirKm_FhHHrz9wEsneXcig7d2_tHv-SvXBHEpmOpum02t6sa40aXxfCC8v-MZmaS4M9rBLftQbCV2D_PvabYTfuU1iL1MwnLrlIngKm7C52H8xQVj2W/s4032/20200701_151238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZk55PnBI6w03cv58yd72xYbHPxvirKm_FhHHrz9wEsneXcig7d2_tHv-SvXBHEpmOpum02t6sa40aXxfCC8v-MZmaS4M9rBLftQbCV2D_PvabYTfuU1iL1MwnLrlIngKm7C52H8xQVj2W/w640-h480/20200701_151238.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div>Under the envelope and letter, we found six warm bottles of wines cradled in what felt like recycled egg cartons. The temperature in the box understandably matched the North Carolinian summer temperature you would find outside. I imagine the delivery truck and warehouse are not much cooler during this time of year. Nevertheless, everything arrived securely and as expected. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDX6AhukZ-WU_1NnhdjWFQF06w0qgA4El3r3W9fuuo6u0avBJJK8L1UZNzL4pjSLCDWGK5tY9NXafOfUmbhFR5utLB94ykiIh8u2Op5NDGphjRuBUwPyftoJ449SNcr_uKCB-RmOC6xw_/s4032/20200701_151530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDX6AhukZ-WU_1NnhdjWFQF06w0qgA4El3r3W9fuuo6u0avBJJK8L1UZNzL4pjSLCDWGK5tY9NXafOfUmbhFR5utLB94ykiIh8u2Op5NDGphjRuBUwPyftoJ449SNcr_uKCB-RmOC6xw_/w640-h480/20200701_151530.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Within moments of receiving and opening our highly anticipated gift, we read through each of the information cards and settled on the 2012 Broken Earth Petit Verdot. Without going into a full review of this specific wine, which I think we will do later, I can say that I was extremely pleased with this selection. Additionally, if this first bottle is any indication of what we can expect from the rest of our curated wines, then we are going to be extremely happy with our decision to join the <a href="https://mbsy.co/32FlHj">Firstleaf wine club</a>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1B073UcIf1bsRWggObIdGpLP2W980NyhiFz1lcRgBwhJq-aJsXXOkPfyk_1roCvmN_hXp5Fxs_wmlvJ9nJjWxadkt4VqBPHK6rAwLnr8bKSwzknJSNEc3PPFaeOOTLowqq_eXlC1xGpXz/s4032/20200701_154004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1B073UcIf1bsRWggObIdGpLP2W980NyhiFz1lcRgBwhJq-aJsXXOkPfyk_1roCvmN_hXp5Fxs_wmlvJ9nJjWxadkt4VqBPHK6rAwLnr8bKSwzknJSNEc3PPFaeOOTLowqq_eXlC1xGpXz/w640-h480/20200701_154004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At this point, we still have five more bottles to consume, but based upon our varied selection of wines and initial experience with <a href="https://mbsy.co/32FlHj">Firstleaf</a>, we have decided to reserve our next shipment of six wines that are now scheduled to arrive at the end of July. Unlike our first shipment, where we received all Californian wines, we changed our preference for the next order to include all imports. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As young wine enthusiasts who enjoy exploring new tastes from varied regions and wineries, joining the <a href="https://mbsy.co/32FlHj">Firstleaf wine club</a> made sense for us. At $90 for six bottles, we are ultimately paying about $15 per bottle regardless of its retail value, many of which sell for more than $20. Beyond the price savings, we enjoy the idea of finding new wines that match our unique tastes. I don't know about you, but we've exhausted the limited number of wines found at our local grocery store and see this club as an opportunity to bring award-winning wines to our doorstep.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you are interested in giving <a href="https://mbsy.co/32FlHj">Firstleaf</a> a try, consider taking advantage of our <a href="https://mbsy.co/32FlHj">referral code</a> and get 3 free wines on us (you just pay for shipping and tax). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In closing, I hope this overview of the <a href="https://mbsy.co/32FlHj">Firstleaf wine club</a> was helpful. Should you have any specific questions, feel free to ask us in the comment section below. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you're interested in reading more about the wines we've received from <a href="https://mbsy.co/32FlHj">Firstleaf</a>, please let us know. We've played around with the idea of reviewing a few of the wines, so if we get enough interest from you, our readers, then we may make that happen in the very near future. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As I prepare to end this particular article, I want to personally say "Thank you" for reading and I hope to see you back this way again soon! Until next time... </div>Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-90678967859047254322019-01-20T16:13:00.001-05:002019-01-20T17:07:34.765-05:00Touring the Childress Vineyard in Lexington, NC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBjKj92C_AtUkzK4mTXF3QGW8rHWQuU2KTx0O1FjJE9HXTRP81lqNLEQyLYWDQ1xERPxWgjZwuzRTr5ci8ilqCdLRoF_JwbpKZZ65i5P3Kx8T82nrU9oOLGQf-jNu3ziPjiKeCcTtoyvx/s1600/49479735_10100419832475645_520042190752186368_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBjKj92C_AtUkzK4mTXF3QGW8rHWQuU2KTx0O1FjJE9HXTRP81lqNLEQyLYWDQ1xERPxWgjZwuzRTr5ci8ilqCdLRoF_JwbpKZZ65i5P3Kx8T82nrU9oOLGQf-jNu3ziPjiKeCcTtoyvx/s640/49479735_10100419832475645_520042190752186368_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was a chilly January afternoon and the car pulled into the nearest parking space available.</div>
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"It's packed," I said looking around the facility. There were a lot of cars here and it didn't take a genius to figure out that the <a href="http://www.childressvineyards.com/" target="_blank">Childress Vineyards</a> in <a href="http://www.lexingtonnc.net/" target="_blank">Lexington, NC</a> was a very popular destination.<br />
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While still in the vehicle, I looked through the windshield at a large stone building sitting atop a hill that overlooked rows of dry grape vines. The lawn was a vibrant green color and looked to be well tended. When viewed against the deep blue sky and contrasting Earth tones found on the building, the imagery caused one to gaze warmly on the scenery.<br />
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As I waited for my girlfriend, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/latoyacesar?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARBUn1ImTIXcHIjxu-nI-ZsMfghTKLdwv15S10UhWt9jUhls_RCEn1cIPAycqHPAYgCtV0kLqFDbj2Ch&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBfgIHUwQUtZeyAvvh_l6T29-P58jwIzva71b3qiN_1Dq7o6o2OJP8z5KUWVEZCiUAB57B1o4beHAr9tZCE2C0ZudD34P1OqZPWooYVcOW6HyaOiUZ8lU7kfBH3zP4UFa7ml6ECJpwQbGqJ4QQfUECFfpoJABMbuoEWkAqN9TT5aV2qd-SZwP29dBA9fJ9c_vyZkejSsILMnW6nksz8ZQRls4TBw8UC57itO8woVWAUBjrZKF1lcOyiIPxFUB43xRMyPNGa1TiQPf2z780LVEke" target="_blank">La'Toya</a>, to collect her things, there was a growing feeling of excitement brewing in my stomach. It was only a few moments ago that our intended destination was actually revealed to me. This was her payback for all the times that I took her out and failed to disclose our plans.<br />
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When I asked her how it felt to watch me squirm in anticipation, she responded with a huge smile that she was enjoying it very much. I'll admit that I did too.<br />
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In celebration of my 44th birthday, all she told me prior to our Saturday morning departure was that I should dress comfortably and be ready to leave by 10 am.<br />
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The two of us got out of the car, stretched our legs for a moment, and then slowly made our way toward the entrance of the building.<br />
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At first glance, I noticed a couple of people standing outside engaged in a quiet conversation. Each of them holding a glass of white wine in their hands while looking intently at one another.<br />
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The closer we got to the large wooden doors, the more I realized that there was a lot going on inside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7O5nqXoNvxeoSyFu6eqTBYTkGIcR1MoUZuPniz_qfxNwJ-I_HyR8YYSM1BtqZfp2PLXp3_V9WcrJVC1nL3selkodkNmFTXD_9as5mplrtAQByqEvw0h57lFGUhfthYHWGeCmMwFbGAFS/s1600/50110027_10100420178322565_9177139793404887040_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7O5nqXoNvxeoSyFu6eqTBYTkGIcR1MoUZuPniz_qfxNwJ-I_HyR8YYSM1BtqZfp2PLXp3_V9WcrJVC1nL3selkodkNmFTXD_9as5mplrtAQByqEvw0h57lFGUhfthYHWGeCmMwFbGAFS/s640/50110027_10100420178322565_9177139793404887040_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The foyer, just beyond the doors, was a large room with high ceilings and marble-colored tile floors. In the middle, directly in front of us, stood a circular fountain with four levels of pooling. There was a light trickle sound of water as it overflowed slowly from one level into the other. The larger bottom pool held a variety of stones and different denominations of coins. As we walked in, I saw an older black woman toss something shiny into the water and it resulted in a kerplunk sound with a small splash to follow.<br />
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The sound of voices filled the halls of this building and it was accompanied by dozens of moving bodies. As I scanned the faces of its guests, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the attendees did not consist wholly of one demographic. There were all age groups with different hues of skin tones. Some individuals were dressed in khaki's and a button-up shirt while others wore casual sporting attire.<br />
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Not having the pleasure of visiting many vineyards in my day, I incorrectly assumed that I would have seen only the bougie wine enthusiasts in attendance, of which I aspire to be a card holding member one day.<br />
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"Ahem! Please pass the Grey Poupon and a glass of your finest Malbec."<br />
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No, this adventure revealed to me that people from all walks of life can and do enjoy a good glass of wine, not just the richest elite.<br />
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According to La'Toya, we were scheduled for the 2 o'clock tour of the Childress Vineyards. She mentioned moments after we arrived that if we wanted to look around or get something to eat, we could always catch the 3 pm tour instead.<br />
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"No," I replied. "While it may be my birthday, I'm following your lead today. You're the Boss and I'll do whatever it is that you want me to do."<br />
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"Ummm!" She said with a smile. "Why does everything you say always sound so nasty?"<br />
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"It's because you have a dirty mind." I playfully shot back. I laughed quietly to myself knowing that I indeed meant that line as a flirtatious double entendre.<br />
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Looking around the room, I didn't see an official front desk. Instead, I saw a bar with frozen drinks directly behind the fountain, an empty conference room to the right of us through the tall rounded doors, and a shop to the left through another set of archways.<br />
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While we got our bearings straightened out, and I took a few pictures of the lobby, the two of us moved out of the main walkway toward the front left corner of the room where there hung a medium-sized mirror on the wall. I took the opportunity to double check my face and clothes for proper presentation while in public.<br />
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After our two-hour commute, I had to reassure myself that things were still put together and not too wrinkled or decorated with crumbs from our quick stop at Bojangles'. In case you were wondering, I had a spicy chicken sandwich with a nice golden crust. While I tried to be careful eating over napkins, it's still possible that I caught food somewhere.<br />
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Once I determined that things were good, I gently pulled Toya closer and said, "Hey, let's take a quick picture."<br />
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[Camera Click]<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeGNbQzpzJFbU6rbm1FuuugW0KvyIjNiGrw3Rn7jWqDp5uQgywR3AA_QVEfrdS5K6abHSZgirG0zklZKqirU1OshgHLdiOb6cZTqD1nDfzkHGYM6inksOmnnmhWLZfGi70xk1kXOu84DT/s1600/49608098_10100420203157795_2987229151133433856_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeGNbQzpzJFbU6rbm1FuuugW0KvyIjNiGrw3Rn7jWqDp5uQgywR3AA_QVEfrdS5K6abHSZgirG0zklZKqirU1OshgHLdiOb6cZTqD1nDfzkHGYM6inksOmnnmhWLZfGi70xk1kXOu84DT/s640/49608098_10100420203157795_2987229151133433856_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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She's a natural!<br />
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After our photo shoot, La'Toya walked over to the wooden podium near the second entrance of the Tasting Room and wrote our names on the tour list.<br />
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For the next few minutes, the two of us stood near the bar area and took in the surroundings.<br />
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Further back, beyond the bar was the Bistro. If you listen to the employees, this place has the best food in the area. While we had 2:30 reservations, we didn't get the chance to try anything.<br />
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The highlight of this place appears to be the tasting room. A quick glance and you'll notice large groups of people huddled around the bar. A second group of people consisted of those waiting for the tour.<br />
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Around this time, a young man wearing a black dress shirt, black jeans, and black Keds walked over to the list of names on the podium and announced that the 2 o'clock tour would be leaving in just a moment. He led the small party to the front of the lobby and proceeded to small talk with us.<br />
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We learned that his name was Devin and the Vineyard was the brainchild of NASCAR racer and team owner, Richard Childress.<br />
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After the initial welcome, our tour guide, Devin, instructed us to walk through the front doors and hang a right down the wood covered walkway.<br />
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Along the cemented path were white pillars perched upon piles of stone. In between the pillars were tall dividing walls made of the same stone used for the pillars. In between the walls were black iron tables with cushioned chairs that overlooked the multiple rows of harvested grape vines. Honestly, with a tall glass of wine and some good company, these seats would be a perfect place to get lost.<br />
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Once we passed the chairs, the path opened up to give us an even better view of the vineyard. With each step that I took, I could feel the heavy burdens of the day simply melt away.<br />
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Continuing down the cemented walkway, we reached the far end of the building and its wooden covering.<br />
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Turning right, the path continued around the winery until it reached a fork in the road. Down the left path, there was a long building that was later described as a reception hall. Down the right path, there was a red-roofed gazebo standing tall near a small man-made pond.<br />
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While we waited for Devin to reach the front of the line, we took a few minutes to enjoy the view.<br />
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On the right side of the walkway lay a carpet of lush green grass. On top of the grass, there were a few more opportunities to sit down and relax.<br />
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One of my favorite seats included a tabletop firepit with cream colored chairs. Further down, I noticed a couple of black iron tables with matching seats.<br />
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Taking the whole scene into perspective, I was in love with the vivid contrast in colors. Definitely another great spot to wine down.<br />
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Continuing our tour, Devin led us down a flight of stairs and then stopped. He pointed his finger toward the pond and explained that it was created in the rare case of a draught. Due to the amount of rain Lexington receives each year, the pond hasn't been used for anything more than a photo backdrop and the casual sightseeing.<br />
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Moving right, our tour guide explained that this open area, which included the gazebo, tables, and chairs is often the location for many wedding celebrations. At night, the hanging lights turn on to create another romantic scene.<br />
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Turning our heads another quarter turn, we began to see the secret sauce behind a quality wine. Standing under a large covered area, we found ourselves looking at this enormous stainless steel drum. According to Devin, this is where the grapes are brought first. At this stage, all of the grapes go through a de-stemming process followed by a juicer. If one is making white wine, only the juice is used. If one is making a red wine, the entire grape is used. It is the skin that helps give the wine its red color.<br />
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Once the juicing is complete, it is then transported through a small pipe into the next room for fermentation.<br />
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Walking into the fermentation room, which was separated from the outside by a single door, we stood in awe at these large stainless steel containers that were organized in rows of ten.<br />
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As we made our way into the tall room, I could see some kind of party off in the distance. At first glance, I would say that it was a birthday party or maybe even an anniversary celebration. I just recall seeing a large gold balloon shaped in the form of numbers.<br />
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While they partied on the second floor, the group of people in our tour continued to file in through the door.<br />
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For the next few minutes, Devin spoke about the fermentation process. He explained how the juice was directed into these short-term storage devices and then magically transformed into wine. I think It's fascinating.<br />
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Walking through the fermentation room, we entered into another room with extremely high ceilings. Lining the walls were racks of wooden wine barrels.<br />
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It is during this step that the wine continues to age and develop its unique flavor. On one end of the barrel, the winemakers record the date.<br />
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Around the belly of the barrel rests a plastic plug called a "bung." This airtight object allows for easy access to the wine for a variety of reasons. Each barrel is designed with this opening and is aptly named a "bunghole." [Pause for a reaction]<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSEGkUd7E_fJpNyq6FNVZjnzAxd94yttVx7iUrqV9-NOc8McckLtQYwMOwkIFiGQWGOwk3ZOBtgOs_OwJysQqXkz8f-eePJiimB9P1W0LXfirPaEw_3w3pNi-BXAJaTORRdZNTfwmPT5B/s1600/50763245_10100423968382255_5781787448052809728_o_10100423968377265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSEGkUd7E_fJpNyq6FNVZjnzAxd94yttVx7iUrqV9-NOc8McckLtQYwMOwkIFiGQWGOwk3ZOBtgOs_OwJysQqXkz8f-eePJiimB9P1W0LXfirPaEw_3w3pNi-BXAJaTORRdZNTfwmPT5B/s640/50763245_10100423968382255_5781787448052809728_o_10100423968377265.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I giggled like a schoolboy when I first heard this and looked around the room to see if anyone else got the joke. Clearly, I was the only one.<br />
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"Bunghole" is what Beevis and Butthead used to say. "I am Cornholio and I need TP for my Bunghole." [Still laughing]<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVdjr0FPUXLUJXOsKKx9I9gP_WjSy8vemsVVam0HI2OkBNrm7XagOjsuaAaZC7BY6xKMkLN5tPqzjtP-AuYziaSHXBGXTqBfGvmg4imK8NyQuWgEAXyhkKPYfmYAZTq6mMnWg_jN2dCEM/s1600/50589113_10100423968297425_6805567687024967680_o_10100423968292435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVdjr0FPUXLUJXOsKKx9I9gP_WjSy8vemsVVam0HI2OkBNrm7XagOjsuaAaZC7BY6xKMkLN5tPqzjtP-AuYziaSHXBGXTqBfGvmg4imK8NyQuWgEAXyhkKPYfmYAZTq6mMnWg_jN2dCEM/s640/50589113_10100423968297425_6805567687024967680_o_10100423968292435.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Moving on.<br />
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Leaving the room full of barrels, we walked through a metal fire door into a much smaller space. To the left of us were two enormous wine barrels made from cedar. According to our tour guide, they are currently being used for show.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRD-PgvJXb9nwMnnta4XB30HFZlDrJFGuBB2WgcEr1v_GlHlSLtWoncvtV5saV1yczPlleOnvGBE58ipAuloTQR2CzCDijdzFRuDysFR1061cDhFIBR31DK-sNgytsg-ShyYiqMBitaB_/s1600/50771265_10100423978002975_314681615143927808_o_10100423977992995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRD-PgvJXb9nwMnnta4XB30HFZlDrJFGuBB2WgcEr1v_GlHlSLtWoncvtV5saV1yczPlleOnvGBE58ipAuloTQR2CzCDijdzFRuDysFR1061cDhFIBR31DK-sNgytsg-ShyYiqMBitaB_/s640/50771265_10100423978002975_314681615143927808_o_10100423977992995.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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On the right side of the room was a large painting that hung on the wall adorned with a rich mahogany colored frame. The picture depicted a vineyard in the Fall where the leaves have started to turn yellow. If you look close enough, one can still see bunches of purple grapes ready for harvest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfsYgSKUmM_YS_QpWDvckvdphse00joU_LyJXqRxP8oyICqyYOgn0GwIiX9DDTb-C-K9KGjEeF_LJq3O9cgzPLdjf0NeAIjG6VvtjFSRuxGgnzuxmSGZ2imUaTJdqY4RAhGZe5L8nSnFf/s1600/50543910_10100423978052875_6286299530983899136_o_10100423978047885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfsYgSKUmM_YS_QpWDvckvdphse00joU_LyJXqRxP8oyICqyYOgn0GwIiX9DDTb-C-K9KGjEeF_LJq3O9cgzPLdjf0NeAIjG6VvtjFSRuxGgnzuxmSGZ2imUaTJdqY4RAhGZe5L8nSnFf/s640/50543910_10100423978052875_6286299530983899136_o_10100423978047885.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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For some reason, this picture seemed to both capture and hold my attention. Maybe it's the time of year. Autumn signals the end of summer when it's no longer hot. I felt at peace in this place.<br />
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Just beyond this area was a longer and wider hallway of sorts. On the right side were multiple panes of glass. On the left was a wall showcasing both pictures of wine barrels separated by stone carved statues of women holding wine pitchers. The contrasting colors of dark wood that decorated the bottom half of the wall and around the statues looked good against the lighter colored wall that sat above the wood panel. Definitely something I could see in a future iteration of my home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXCUY6e2blhwC_9m12lCJMhzejDwLnS-If8xGfLcdQnnkpSsSTU_imVvfwEnF2ukYnbtoSnPvq-r4N_ShTZa_NH0zwNd6lw09r-DZRFGauhjVdJ9XRC4C7HWVVL8mO0wsiSlT9gLEBths/s1600/50272092_10100423977973035_2758799305450979328_o_10100423977963055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXCUY6e2blhwC_9m12lCJMhzejDwLnS-If8xGfLcdQnnkpSsSTU_imVvfwEnF2ukYnbtoSnPvq-r4N_ShTZa_NH0zwNd6lw09r-DZRFGauhjVdJ9XRC4C7HWVVL8mO0wsiSlT9gLEBths/s640/50272092_10100423977973035_2758799305450979328_o_10100423977963055.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Where the left wall felt natural, warm, and elegant, the opposing wall with the glass felt like an industrial manufacturing plant that was cold and sterile. The room on the other side of the glass contained stainless steel machines used in the bottling process.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_c6WeAaqbrN2fmkcG6qmG5s15W9uNmHRtvTtHVn3-E8yDVnR2EN4lsW5rowx5tymKJnrVS7atemSKGZcI3o0vLnU8ycjTG-TDdkJ_QFLU9Zb6Tj50W_NLLknsn-L0vS170sX4_jCBa8UW/s1600/50226124_10100423978087805_5089221398887399424_o_10100423978082815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_c6WeAaqbrN2fmkcG6qmG5s15W9uNmHRtvTtHVn3-E8yDVnR2EN4lsW5rowx5tymKJnrVS7atemSKGZcI3o0vLnU8ycjTG-TDdkJ_QFLU9Zb6Tj50W_NLLknsn-L0vS170sX4_jCBa8UW/s640/50226124_10100423978087805_5089221398887399424_o_10100423978082815.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In this room, we learned about the different types of corks and the length of time one can store wine in a bottle before it goes bad. Very interesting facts that I'll try to use at my next dinner party.<br />
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On to one of my favorite rooms in the winery.<br />
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Just off the hallway is an entrance into "The Cave." I don't think it's actually called "The Cave," but it's how it felt looking in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6bu0F2OlhImvfpBQXP2UJBXW7StlGhq9JgBkmnB9C8CwCUO_jwjmE0NiO5RAMvCvBJ7SgsgQXn50joBR9ux93iRp4udJBL-3K7VR8INLZ0_e9nQrxDn4BH-x__diHTfBpDOSqqEIErz3/s1600/50035315_10100423991650625_5453656804246421504_o_10100423991645635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6bu0F2OlhImvfpBQXP2UJBXW7StlGhq9JgBkmnB9C8CwCUO_jwjmE0NiO5RAMvCvBJ7SgsgQXn50joBR9ux93iRp4udJBL-3K7VR8INLZ0_e9nQrxDn4BH-x__diHTfBpDOSqqEIErz3/s640/50035315_10100423991650625_5453656804246421504_o_10100423991645635.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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From the outside, there are two spiraling green bushes guarding the wooden doorway. It is made of the same colored wood that runs across the left wall of the exterior hallway.<br />
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The cave runs deep and is made up of the same stones that decorate the winery's face.<br />
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The brick colored walkway breaks into two separate isles running alongside the three rows of fresh cedar barrels. The barrels rest securely atop a cement structure with gravel. The purpose of the gravel is to help the wine cellar breath.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxmjgkrMuY5a6MUQhhu9slphqyY3UxDJjLAPDPYUfiNWXzN0Rgtr3bkIAZXte7MZbGOj0WST_c-tGNC38j2oxPAmm7fttKuuXQxreG_gjjF5pkdEgEb4o-xjFGpdAykDI9Imi_mTO_q5d/s1600/50211475_10100423991705515_8927519639940890624_o_10100423991700525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxmjgkrMuY5a6MUQhhu9slphqyY3UxDJjLAPDPYUfiNWXzN0Rgtr3bkIAZXte7MZbGOj0WST_c-tGNC38j2oxPAmm7fttKuuXQxreG_gjjF5pkdEgEb4o-xjFGpdAykDI9Imi_mTO_q5d/s640/50211475_10100423991705515_8927519639940890624_o_10100423991700525.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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At the far end of the cellar, one can see the large R.C. emblazed in black marble. R.C. stands for Richard Childress.<br />
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White lights hang from one of the three chandeliers, which helps to give a festive feel to the room. Beneath the lights is a large sturdy wooden table that is perfect for a family feast or an intimate wedding celebration.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_sFFZHFJLUAtHMSsg4U2QGx42LFaeOq7VCXwEu0wj-nJRt8Ot8pr_M2duxv9HZxNZ8UJejeV7R7RqG6IEVLKaXO7JApvjDfqHS9zEzb59IGR2Njfr8t2x8QG2tU8azTPG5kcuFvZdh0Z/s1600/50847853_10100423991755415_2190853355876646912_o_10100423991740445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_sFFZHFJLUAtHMSsg4U2QGx42LFaeOq7VCXwEu0wj-nJRt8Ot8pr_M2duxv9HZxNZ8UJejeV7R7RqG6IEVLKaXO7JApvjDfqHS9zEzb59IGR2Njfr8t2x8QG2tU8azTPG5kcuFvZdh0Z/s640/50847853_10100423991755415_2190853355876646912_o_10100423991740445.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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According to Devin, this room also comes equipped with a waterfall fountain. It wasn't running at the time, but I could see myself spending a great deal of time in this place. It's secluded, quiet, and a perfect spot to enjoy a good conversation over wine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7aapzEFCtjblmvQR3NJPofO1nk6qPpMf3OrrpJ2g2UW79OrYSjCUxoQUWo2NJvBfWk_hwkFXpDRNv_vQAg4cuhx5I5B4dl35VomiygvwwnYq2BcIwxq71qb8gQa3dPN2-nL6f3PGtQ8q/s1600/50247566_10100424031865035_500591293185916928_o_10100424031860045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7aapzEFCtjblmvQR3NJPofO1nk6qPpMf3OrrpJ2g2UW79OrYSjCUxoQUWo2NJvBfWk_hwkFXpDRNv_vQAg4cuhx5I5B4dl35VomiygvwwnYq2BcIwxq71qb8gQa3dPN2-nL6f3PGtQ8q/s640/50247566_10100424031865035_500591293185916928_o_10100424031860045.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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At the heart of the cave was a locked wooden door with a large pane of glass. Inside the door were hundreds of bottles of wine resting individually within its own slot. In the middle of the room was another wooden table with six chairs followed by a few extra chairs aligned against the walls.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmaDqsH1KNFp8HHufhRx3qVQQM6us1cu2W6lXheqAT6g09WLiYu3k4XmoAs0anz0fe5Y1YRvI4AzIuD2fKgrE8ISwIyaTxuWclQuNsd9EyBZmyNIKuXrm1f2UPAxwyRuCZhGvGOAwqy_u/s1600/50628661_10100424022259285_2772385201836261376_o_10100424022254295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmaDqsH1KNFp8HHufhRx3qVQQM6us1cu2W6lXheqAT6g09WLiYu3k4XmoAs0anz0fe5Y1YRvI4AzIuD2fKgrE8ISwIyaTxuWclQuNsd9EyBZmyNIKuXrm1f2UPAxwyRuCZhGvGOAwqy_u/s640/50628661_10100424022259285_2772385201836261376_o_10100424022254295.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I don't know about you, but I can easily imagine a movie scene where the heads of an Italian mafia family would sit around this table, smoking cigars, and sipping on their finest wines while plotting their next move for total domination.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYK7NRsgKbZASLNapseZgIjR4sH_I6H84Wf-Nzhdsxj_S9OWR2_xDXmIv6MqLsSCBYyA1AiP6U6PT6nq9cvLHA3euKtMs7A9OQmkgwXjZNfHM5CjJzd3EF3ge7Ee_2qcU-oTZKZO8wmGa_/s1600/49803046_10100424022339125_5928690769983438848_o_10100424022334135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYK7NRsgKbZASLNapseZgIjR4sH_I6H84Wf-Nzhdsxj_S9OWR2_xDXmIv6MqLsSCBYyA1AiP6U6PT6nq9cvLHA3euKtMs7A9OQmkgwXjZNfHM5CjJzd3EF3ge7Ee_2qcU-oTZKZO8wmGa_/s640/49803046_10100424022339125_5928690769983438848_o_10100424022334135.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In fact, that is exactly what this cave holds within its belly. This particular cellar protects the finest and most expensive wines in the vineyard, which they call "Reserve" or "Cellar Reserve." These wines are aged in new barrels over those barrels that may have been used a few times before.<br />
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At this point, the tour around the winery was officially over.<br />
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One by one, members of our small party left the cellar to explore other areas of the facility. For <a href="https://www.facebook.com/latoyacesar?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARB959qPGEwL-VMmyrEAHChSdcms6yr3cQv79zKbBgyR4UIkxMzGM03Rq6n1s1gBgziCPYsBfIWSO9EB&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARC43drRjN-VpipjKAd6umdCE2uiWLvPmULlfVaZpRDxLEgXl06-YVDXxM2R9QKm2MZMD-Z8BJlXX1HcY6zuRF05S3Julq4xaWQfBlGs7TAqIPjDVlr72Dj89t44kYAC4eILngdWAhJAywOicChvIU-iflP5M7au7ZBoGQwE0qQe33cyYSYM1xqySqDueG54VpfxvptRH4uHX1N8hXiiPK54KJUyi3Xlwpxnp9ieKlWtTJNbqdW7pDVV2ZyZF4w3ww5C8N5alCg6UexsMjuwO0t5">La'Toya</a> and I, we tarried a little longer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgldfAHEQMN5GNY82a6U8f5em4ZRHEXlQpo6BUdp05SkZ7C-ZexljlMx_BRWXk0jTCMQMLA2OGJnzbg8_UkSOkuldtkp3PUN6W7VegvaSks8PiKWG81g4ZUjxnexLv-t6IvbPXkmiMC5s/s1600/50785239_10100424045842025_5911625726750097408_o_10100424045832045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgldfAHEQMN5GNY82a6U8f5em4ZRHEXlQpo6BUdp05SkZ7C-ZexljlMx_BRWXk0jTCMQMLA2OGJnzbg8_UkSOkuldtkp3PUN6W7VegvaSks8PiKWG81g4ZUjxnexLv-t6IvbPXkmiMC5s/s640/50785239_10100424045842025_5911625726750097408_o_10100424045832045.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our steps were slower, smaller, and maybe even begrudgingly heavy as we didn't want to leave this peaceful place.<br />
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With everyone else gone, we sat down in the two empty chairs and just enjoyed each other's company. While a bit chilly at times, it gave us a perfect opportunity to nuzzle and embrace the perfection of this moment.<br />
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After enjoying our alone time in "The Cave," La'Toya and I decided to head back upstairs and partake of the various wines that we've learned so much about.<br />
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Routed through a back stairwell, our tour guide helped us once again find the Tasting Room on the main floor.<br />
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For $15 dollars per person, we decided to enjoy the "Barrel Select Tasting." This package features dry and full-bodied wines with a souvenir glass. The following wines were tasted:<br />
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* Andante Chardonnay ($24.99)<br />
* Viognier ($24.99)<br />
* Sangiovese ($18.99)<br />
* Pinnacle ($14.99)<br />
* Merlot ($18.99)<br />
* Cabernet Sauvignon ($18.99)<br />
* Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($29.99)<br />
* Starbound ($19.99)<br />
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Each tasting included eight 1/2 ounce pours, which didn't seem like much for a couple that enjoys a full glass per serving.<br />
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Nevertheless, we definitely had a great time laughing, sipping, and taking notes for our future reference.<br />
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Our favorite was the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon followed by the Cabernet Sauvignon. Both were really good, but the reserve was a bit more smooth.<br />
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One wine that I was really looking forward to trying was their Devil's Tribute. It's a red wine blend aged in whiskey barrels. While not a terrible wine, my favorite wine is still <a href="https://www.robertmondaviprivateselection.com/" target="_blank">Robert Mondavi</a>'s <a href="https://www.robertmondaviprivateselection.com/california-wine/bourbon-aged-cabernet-sauvignon/" target="_blank">Cabernet Sauvignon aged in bourbon barrels</a> ($13.99).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUA4TNFTEybX7mjDl11EycxDcowLsM81SAz3R2icN5JOIVVQmSbA1A_48zoBlt_FVL2z_haWCu_IQkAleXiztfWThdX2kW21CKgFXz8Odtv5NupsX3c8EVA2Ehrm-dt5jKpqqZPo29huid/s1600/49939003_10100424064030575_6661179936029540352_o_10100424064025585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUA4TNFTEybX7mjDl11EycxDcowLsM81SAz3R2icN5JOIVVQmSbA1A_48zoBlt_FVL2z_haWCu_IQkAleXiztfWThdX2kW21CKgFXz8Odtv5NupsX3c8EVA2Ehrm-dt5jKpqqZPo29huid/s640/49939003_10100424064030575_6661179936029540352_o_10100424064025585.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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For those interested in a wine club, Childress Vineyards offers two packages: 1) Sweet Club ($199) and 2) Dry Club ($250) where they send three packages of three bottles throughout the year (April, September, and December) along with other discounts.<br />
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At the conclusion of our wine tasting experience, we decided to grab dinner at <a href="https://www.baddaddysburgerbar.com/" target="_blank">Bad Daddy's Burger Bar</a> in <a href="http://www.cityofws.org/" target="_blank">Winston-Salem</a>.<br />
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On our way out, I took a few more pictures of the vineyard.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEBzjWca1wkuVjcP2_8vA4snL37UCMP67dFQKymNwneapwggERBIVSCgY_cs9nVarvylrtb6ySy_17Mb6sZxFmYwYNmq3Llu8wxeFz9-Nu5rFjwZhYFRHqliGRWEghNpZny5ZnITv9HeE/s1600/50151418_10100424086041465_7965957108967407616_o_10100424086031485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEBzjWca1wkuVjcP2_8vA4snL37UCMP67dFQKymNwneapwggERBIVSCgY_cs9nVarvylrtb6ySy_17Mb6sZxFmYwYNmq3Llu8wxeFz9-Nu5rFjwZhYFRHqliGRWEghNpZny5ZnITv9HeE/s640/50151418_10100424086041465_7965957108967407616_o_10100424086031485.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Overall, I had a marvelous time and look forward to exploring other vineyards in the area (and around the world).<br />
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Who knows, maybe we'll start sharing more of our explorations and experiences.<br />
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To Devin (our tour guide) and Childress Vineyards, I say "Thank You for hosting us!"<br />
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To La'Toya, I want to express a HUGE thank you for pulling me away from home and making my birthday a special one.<br />
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Until next time...</div>
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Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-51426387325566632112019-01-06T18:54:00.000-05:002019-01-06T22:47:55.271-05:00An Elegant Evening At The Chateau<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEJYc37Vs7SNYIv1NXiSGQjqx9mNg4nwEtpumJLZTDwT9cTv3ULE37xRVavZA7FSLuK00TkucJxQRoWMUFtb_dbkepjlbRDs95ixocIENHVdTIvypvceD5OJHNKso0BpNfJhIw2eADTZC/s1600/28168705_10156144494927790_2604401762305019032_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEJYc37Vs7SNYIv1NXiSGQjqx9mNg4nwEtpumJLZTDwT9cTv3ULE37xRVavZA7FSLuK00TkucJxQRoWMUFtb_dbkepjlbRDs95ixocIENHVdTIvypvceD5OJHNKso0BpNfJhIw2eADTZC/s640/28168705_10156144494927790_2604401762305019032_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Pleasantdale Chateau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: left;">It was afternoon and we arrived early at the historic chateau during a very crisp and chilly wind. As we walked up the stairs toward the building, I was amazed at how hidden this place was from the near city.</span>
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Once inside, we were greeted by a formal entry, halls laced with stone, and a quiet garden that begged for a moment of silence.<br />
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As I walked through the passageway, the air grew colder due to the number of windows that separated it from the outside world.<br />
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A sweet aroma filled the room. It was like a fresh potpourri of exotic breeds mixing together into a beautiful fragrance of peace and harmony.<br />
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Walking through the garden, I entered another small building.<br />
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In the center was a number of couches resting in front of a fireplace. Because I was the only one here at the moment, it was extremely quiet.<br />
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To the left, opposite the fireplace, there was a closed metal gate with an entrance to a pool. In my mind, I could see fans made of palm branches and a relaxing ruler eating grapes off the vine. For now, it was motionless but still inviting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-PpXV4HENrfcWZjyC4cIfqoCj4pG4r5X2yX-_V9n8J2oQS71Surn6qimh0cBanVAnSQDULb4V3Y4T3itkPjwZiJMbTnFHX5YWu-eMD-Jd54y8MTF_8tXClTcSAs_58k6QmQwalJS0enX/s1600/49210972_10100417113249995_7129659721543319552_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-PpXV4HENrfcWZjyC4cIfqoCj4pG4r5X2yX-_V9n8J2oQS71Surn6qimh0cBanVAnSQDULb4V3Y4T3itkPjwZiJMbTnFHX5YWu-eMD-Jd54y8MTF_8tXClTcSAs_58k6QmQwalJS0enX/s640/49210972_10100417113249995_7129659721543319552_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Leaving the pool, I turned back toward the assembly of couches where on either side of the fireplace were two entrances into a small dining room. </div>
<br />
To the left of the seating area was an inconspicuous door that led down a flight of wooden stairs.<br />
<br />
Reaching the lower level revealed a dimly lit game room. It had two pool tables, two card tables fully equipped with essential supplies to play a variety of games, shuffleboard, and multiple food stations.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8Dt3J3-PxFBVaN1m3Nx5gsNjLM6XeIJGieQS9yiJ3aSXKLkX8Hm6SA70OjtjWW6CkTTcjchPK1N1feQFh6bX2y3roJU08c6RbrN6xYpgj_6Li43vEiuoyjOtBFs8WZpjElmumKtw0HqA/s1600/49183527_10100417566940795_6858139641506168832_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8Dt3J3-PxFBVaN1m3Nx5gsNjLM6XeIJGieQS9yiJ3aSXKLkX8Hm6SA70OjtjWW6CkTTcjchPK1N1feQFh6bX2y3roJU08c6RbrN6xYpgj_6Li43vEiuoyjOtBFs8WZpjElmumKtw0HqA/s640/49183527_10100417566940795_6858139641506168832_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRe7jsUx4m6slxeVvXD3pnuYF_bqkHvGHxiQA4DYjklQwjCffHEkiaVuDOPU2kpMGCbcYmiIPHZsyXUoBraWEZKxyDywjEUGOkswuESSdNra1SLefKljYeSgkaLTFs6G392yXQxLxaY8q/s1600/49485880_10100417566885905_7140010030085963776_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRe7jsUx4m6slxeVvXD3pnuYF_bqkHvGHxiQA4DYjklQwjCffHEkiaVuDOPU2kpMGCbcYmiIPHZsyXUoBraWEZKxyDywjEUGOkswuESSdNra1SLefKljYeSgkaLTFs6G392yXQxLxaY8q/s640/49485880_10100417566885905_7140010030085963776_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
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At one end of the room was a door leading to a barbershop with a 6-foot tall statue of a medieval suit of armor resting motionless beside it. On the other end was a large couch with a flat screen television.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjuD5I9pHrFEcHtbIp_qur9MofNk1XG6VjmHhyphenhyphenvCd-caFC2JqoemuTLk8gfWR8dYW4WjLesTWTTFT76AqXNsUnLgKnpeKFXA-a79MsYQpM43I8bEYg7twED7RdTuQOVYhcATrxdN0SCPqN/s1600/49351525_10100417566855965_5687185519138570240_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjuD5I9pHrFEcHtbIp_qur9MofNk1XG6VjmHhyphenhyphenvCd-caFC2JqoemuTLk8gfWR8dYW4WjLesTWTTFT76AqXNsUnLgKnpeKFXA-a79MsYQpM43I8bEYg7twED7RdTuQOVYhcATrxdN0SCPqN/s640/49351525_10100417566855965_5687185519138570240_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
This room felt like a true gentleman's corner.<br />
<br />
After exploring the pool area, I walked back through the garden toward the front door of the Chateau.<br />
<br />
From the main entryway, there are four possible ways to go. Where I initially went right, this time I took a left into a much larger dining area.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvJV9ZW6i7YcPIlgdsRP-cDCiQLb6QoptKrfB-faYGHV284vOINbw_yn_W22Z6RI3s4lmuH_VmR_0ytQTCtVXJ-40TCGcl_75_A_W0TxGBFuizxOfPCoT1sDEpraoUkMxkgkPevk2KTOu/s1600/49164575_10100417687389415_977461735399096320_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvJV9ZW6i7YcPIlgdsRP-cDCiQLb6QoptKrfB-faYGHV284vOINbw_yn_W22Z6RI3s4lmuH_VmR_0ytQTCtVXJ-40TCGcl_75_A_W0TxGBFuizxOfPCoT1sDEpraoUkMxkgkPevk2KTOu/s640/49164575_10100417687389415_977461735399096320_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
For a moment, I felt as though I had been transported back through time. The place was gorgeous...almost fairytale like. I completely understand why a formal affair would happen here. It was amazing!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhhqyZx_RBYcyrr0IPmU0-CAlzW7qNqz80AMb5m17xcYB1Zj1SIIrCSx3t1dbVGL3_lNnNUwDEeKUVVreq8kViKT5k9nAeJJmpDA4hYsH1164T2FY-M5Oc93ZKhQQDR0H5gFbErpDs4Td/s1600/49204642_10100417884414575_2262630784902889472_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhhqyZx_RBYcyrr0IPmU0-CAlzW7qNqz80AMb5m17xcYB1Zj1SIIrCSx3t1dbVGL3_lNnNUwDEeKUVVreq8kViKT5k9nAeJJmpDA4hYsH1164T2FY-M5Oc93ZKhQQDR0H5gFbErpDs4Td/s640/49204642_10100417884414575_2262630784902889472_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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As I walk through the dining hall to further explore the secret treasures this place holds, I see large wooden tables, huge decorations on the walls, and well-manicured grass outside through the windows.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzJFHU6ac4m7bv3wjkoGPVJDODU9BavQdiyQPic1btpM0D6F1x6B1UOSetl5554E181_DA2ntiRESxxVbKLbkM_KLZ9MA0PL34rqzC0Aug6Vk1S4Myl81I1lRDhyphenhyphen9ePBjxHbFU9TItUkd/s1600/49512277_10100417884464475_653756239347449856_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzJFHU6ac4m7bv3wjkoGPVJDODU9BavQdiyQPic1btpM0D6F1x6B1UOSetl5554E181_DA2ntiRESxxVbKLbkM_KLZ9MA0PL34rqzC0Aug6Vk1S4Myl81I1lRDhyphenhyphen9ePBjxHbFU9TItUkd/s640/49512277_10100417884464475_653756239347449856_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
It's quiet. Where are all the people? I ask myself.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Obviously, nobody answered. It's just me. With each room that I explore, I feel an increasing discomfort begging me to stop snooping and get back to the safe places in the castle. Essentially, those few rooms that I was formally introduced to by the staff and its wealthy benefactor. Unfortunately, I couldn't stop. I made it this far without being stopped or questioned. Why not continue my journey? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TCLyScaW35v2EOu1KzG_dba0cImgGEyNLzfcRYUWFhaMLqZimex8cIUv7WGFim2HsBMtkvaGhsPtG46l9JpZTg0coNKHhWgD3H1HEJYRnz5_rzMBez_9Zx6FLCPay0y-2C38JY4SodT3/s1600/48411830_10100417884524355_6061074422393995264_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TCLyScaW35v2EOu1KzG_dba0cImgGEyNLzfcRYUWFhaMLqZimex8cIUv7WGFim2HsBMtkvaGhsPtG46l9JpZTg0coNKHhWgD3H1HEJYRnz5_rzMBez_9Zx6FLCPay0y-2C38JY4SodT3/s640/48411830_10100417884524355_6061074422393995264_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
The next few rooms appeared to be related to the dining hall. One long room held tables and chairs for eating, but no windows for light.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2-ztzmIkfSbTDQKyQBlVaYMNzoc2igFxis3dlESHamFSgGkJ2wY1fw1I9zcT4UVhwO32WzTVEbK-kUqSwAM_OmQcCkf6y0oMg3ckZImCaE5Rw2DFWJELSoTj9nTmWnxVm-mDUdLgVor_/s1600/49213268_10100417884564275_1981374422027599872_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2-ztzmIkfSbTDQKyQBlVaYMNzoc2igFxis3dlESHamFSgGkJ2wY1fw1I9zcT4UVhwO32WzTVEbK-kUqSwAM_OmQcCkf6y0oMg3ckZImCaE5Rw2DFWJELSoTj9nTmWnxVm-mDUdLgVor_/s640/49213268_10100417884564275_1981374422027599872_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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"Fancy," is all I could say under my breath while I wondered how much this place might cost.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHpC5FYsIk168HOOX3uszRt9F7KzIUfFYi5SzCGf8idlxE_ikjYHCAColWptx5QcEQ1MAGX3eYmyo87ike-ufGbVDMU__hUON39OR24AMJrGluZ6DfwUDrur0S4WeI3DygbrMp_k_9VvG/s1600/49899548_10100417892787795_3187898668971720704_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHpC5FYsIk168HOOX3uszRt9F7KzIUfFYi5SzCGf8idlxE_ikjYHCAColWptx5QcEQ1MAGX3eYmyo87ike-ufGbVDMU__hUON39OR24AMJrGluZ6DfwUDrur0S4WeI3DygbrMp_k_9VvG/s640/49899548_10100417892787795_3187898668971720704_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Walking through the dining area led me to the study.<br />
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To the right was another fireplace with a table placed in the middle of the room.<br />
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Around the walls were old books. Many of them appeared to be encyclopedias and other reference materials.<br />
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As I sat there, I could hear a group of ladies laughing nearby.<br />
<br />
Moments later, a variety of staff members dressed in all black scurried by to attend to their respective posts and duties.<br />
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I felt a little out of place considering I was walking around the facility wearing sweatpants, t-shirt, and an afro.<br />
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Still wandering the halls, I exited the library through one of two glass doors near the fireplace. It led me to a long corridor made up of brick and marble.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWNj8DEGiyYkuY_YO3yam3CzR4mGBncTGiJPWouPkNym6tA73D2L9VnEiMritXPvcCePyg_DnQBtm4-JMbrUyQFnwAiNlduiOClHrfjsQp81Ui1vYrAk9gk2tC61KFkB8S8Q1zhuqCBlE/s1600/49895769_10100417892837695_9102476601622265856_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWNj8DEGiyYkuY_YO3yam3CzR4mGBncTGiJPWouPkNym6tA73D2L9VnEiMritXPvcCePyg_DnQBtm4-JMbrUyQFnwAiNlduiOClHrfjsQp81Ui1vYrAk9gk2tC61KFkB8S8Q1zhuqCBlE/s640/49895769_10100417892837695_9102476601622265856_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Against the wall ran a series of wooden tables covered with snow-white coverings, plates, heating stations, and statues from the Orient.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRt4LQEbBOINt4vEvOV05qWDTPuM2Unb-0WvUg3V4q2aAje35v0kl5Bd4D1Im7qIuYRE49RmqHuU1cCvpW_MYpavWRzIh7LAK_nITuUinEsKwYY_BYa7_oftF5Bzexkka8Syh6rRu2SmP/s1600/49461830_10100417892872625_1764197747142950912_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRt4LQEbBOINt4vEvOV05qWDTPuM2Unb-0WvUg3V4q2aAje35v0kl5Bd4D1Im7qIuYRE49RmqHuU1cCvpW_MYpavWRzIh7LAK_nITuUinEsKwYY_BYa7_oftF5Bzexkka8Syh6rRu2SmP/s640/49461830_10100417892872625_1764197747142950912_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Where do I go now?<br />
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I followed the construction noise and muffled voices until I arrived at a large ballroom filled with large glass windows and doors.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RQOX-S8WpSc0r7TtL4s1fCUrCAoCni6MNXxC3JGdSoxqw4Nz4gqCB6yNp6zJ2C3PIjdhtl12SyqeoU42uwqGd3MBnx7opdyLlwkGKB2Kv5f1cWaLCvNqjA4ZOzu7qBN4b8kFjOizCz5n/s1600/49178417_10100417946105945_3005046655457165312_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RQOX-S8WpSc0r7TtL4s1fCUrCAoCni6MNXxC3JGdSoxqw4Nz4gqCB6yNp6zJ2C3PIjdhtl12SyqeoU42uwqGd3MBnx7opdyLlwkGKB2Kv5f1cWaLCvNqjA4ZOzu7qBN4b8kFjOizCz5n/s640/49178417_10100417946105945_3005046655457165312_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the middle of the ceiling was a large dome with small glass panes decorating its circumference. Natural light filled the dome and bled into the room below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJz7j9Rs-ORXcoGrdJBg_3TiZBaVkyKdOJyAZi_zK60UhEecXiscTRxZr77wggQ8Q36o73BVU4DkBvsAPDr0VBUEh9NpYTIT5aSqCpmfAvRM2E-n8_fjLYSPVx1FF4DM-Mwnb5FY5h0W9Z/s1600/49196474_10100417946001155_1966373643155931136_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJz7j9Rs-ORXcoGrdJBg_3TiZBaVkyKdOJyAZi_zK60UhEecXiscTRxZr77wggQ8Q36o73BVU4DkBvsAPDr0VBUEh9NpYTIT5aSqCpmfAvRM2E-n8_fjLYSPVx1FF4DM-Mwnb5FY5h0W9Z/s640/49196474_10100417946001155_1966373643155931136_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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In the middle of the floor was a peach-colored dance floor made of medium-sized marble tiles. Around the dance floor was a dark floral print carpet that filled the expanse of the room.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnC29De3E4-z7ZfaUnqHFeudnRsS4qSehgynuh_ahCvBWjAVsl9jhOtZqRwZne05bV06MiIoinYlBkOEcZUAbAkZn_n_CfX7oU7hXZqlC8rebncexgKyzJ7OBr-EbKGfa6GMfomtasEzY/s1600/49286292_10100417946056045_8019437539226025984_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnC29De3E4-z7ZfaUnqHFeudnRsS4qSehgynuh_ahCvBWjAVsl9jhOtZqRwZne05bV06MiIoinYlBkOEcZUAbAkZn_n_CfX7oU7hXZqlC8rebncexgKyzJ7OBr-EbKGfa6GMfomtasEzY/s640/49286292_10100417946056045_8019437539226025984_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
The voices I followed came from a couple of dark-haired men dressed in all black. They both had medium builds, wore heavier black coats, and were caught in different stages of moving chairs and stone pillars into a layout resembling that of a wedding. There was a single aisle in the middle of two sections of cream colored chairs lined with white waist-high pillars still wrapped in plastic.<br />
<br />
The room felt incomplete but it had potential. With the right accessories, this formal layout could really come to life.<br />
<br />
Disappointed that I didn't recognize anyone, I decided to continue my walk around the facilities.<br />
<br />
Where did everyone go?<br />
<br />
After leaving the ballroom, I noticed a group of well-dressed individuals beginning to gather near the chateau's entrance.<br />
<br />
From a distance, I couldn't hear what they were saying, but it looked like they were guests greeting one another.<br />
<br />
I could tell that they were guests because one of the older ladies was wearing an expensive looking fur coat, which would suggest that this group had just arrived through the chilly afternoon air. Now inside, they could safely remove their coats and warm up near one of the raging fireplaces.<br />
<br />
As I approached the attendees, there was a clear difference in our attires. They were wearing formalwear while I looked like I just walked in after a Saturday morning cleaning session.<br />
<br />
Once I got within an arm's length away from the group, I smiled warmly as I introduced myself. If you didn't know any better, you would think I had my suit on and owned the place. At one point in our conversation, I was giving directions on where to find the bathrooms and suggesting places to go while we wait for the other guests to arrive.<br />
<br />
Eventually, after shaking hands and kissing babies, I decided to head upstairs and change clothes in the master bedroom suite.<br />
<div>
<br />
The room is hidden away on the second floor behind two doors. The first door leads to what appears like a long walk-in closet. Beyond the closet, which has multiple sliding glass mirrors, is the second door into the suite.<br />
<br />
The Master Bedroom Suite is a large room with a king-size bed. The furniture appears to fit the theme of the castle, aged but still refined. On the wall to the right are a flat-screen television, two chairs, and a table.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRwlNGEnoHBKDCJTcDVB5kRlEVbOPrtMAhewfZwpSTjsil3G8z8FpzHl9ovbIL8yl-XP0JMSvH_AvlvL44Z_kYqRnMYC7WGzcRzPVTZIs3F5EoTqsTxL61s1qQC4sjigdV24V-9ZZxC68/s1600/49797531_10100417987273445_5579533564023668736_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRwlNGEnoHBKDCJTcDVB5kRlEVbOPrtMAhewfZwpSTjsil3G8z8FpzHl9ovbIL8yl-XP0JMSvH_AvlvL44Z_kYqRnMYC7WGzcRzPVTZIs3F5EoTqsTxL61s1qQC4sjigdV24V-9ZZxC68/s640/49797531_10100417987273445_5579533564023668736_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
In the middle of the room is a crystal chandelier. While it does a great job of bringing light into the room, the four windows appear to add a subtle warmth to the hideaway.<br />
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To the left of the bed is a door into the bathroom. It is painted a light tangerine brown color with sandstone colored ceramic tiles. The bathtub uses a contrasting set of aqua blue tiles with a white pedestal sink.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHP5gnuE-VLHviG3VhHEgkkmR9OxgymXHUZqNNMJRhbI_hVhh9ChMBBG28ffCs5GMNGLijom9BzVgYVv-5NpUcOHvXR4eTysN1oXqHy-r_msXIGMm4AsCe6_41eOGxMmzW-5OXFbnRiNr/s1600/49513289_10100417987952085_6946612171052679168_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHP5gnuE-VLHviG3VhHEgkkmR9OxgymXHUZqNNMJRhbI_hVhh9ChMBBG28ffCs5GMNGLijom9BzVgYVv-5NpUcOHvXR4eTysN1oXqHy-r_msXIGMm4AsCe6_41eOGxMmzW-5OXFbnRiNr/s640/49513289_10100417987952085_6946612171052679168_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once in the bathroom, there is another door that leads into the octagon shaped living room. Decorated with a couch and two plush chairs, the room uses a competiting floral pattern decor for its wallpaper and plaid in its curtains. Due to its location, it feels like a hidden room perfect for entertaining cocktails and conversations.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfuDS86cR7zWhYpKZAces0SvvaK6rZWr5YapPz91TLheL00TrA9Dkf8_HgkLFGtU72xyVKoCC-JLiLPN2kJaht_gxsFDayBvxABykDSB3qQpQaWtKHJxs3uwMGzhtRRR5ZRSf0rRwUJBK/s1600/49292677_10100417988770445_6143381182789713920_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfuDS86cR7zWhYpKZAces0SvvaK6rZWr5YapPz91TLheL00TrA9Dkf8_HgkLFGtU72xyVKoCC-JLiLPN2kJaht_gxsFDayBvxABykDSB3qQpQaWtKHJxs3uwMGzhtRRR5ZRSf0rRwUJBK/s640/49292677_10100417988770445_6143381182789713920_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
More of the guests began to arrive and I was walking around the castle in sweatpants. I knew then that it was time to change clothes and prepare myself for the evening ahead.<br />
<br />
By the time I came back downstairs, the valet and waitstaff were in full swing.<br />
<br />
I continued my earlier walk around the entrance welcoming people, shaking hands, and introducing myself to the other attendees. At one point, I noticed the bar was now up and running, so I stopped and grabbed a glass of bubbly champagne. Come to think of it, I may have stopped by the refreshment station a few more times for good measure.<br />
<br />
"Howdy!" I would say.<br />
<br />
At other times, I would raise the glass and give a head nod.<br />
<br />
"Good to see you." I would reply.<br />
<br />
It didn't take long before the waiting area, bar, garden, and entrance spaces were full of people dressed to impress. The ladies showed off their elegant dresses while the men wore tuxedos and dark suits. I have to admit it, we were clean!<br />
<br />
In an effort to stay cool amongst the large crowd, I decided to take a casual stroll through the garden. It was cold enough to keep from sweating but covered enough to avoid being cut by the piercingly cold wind outside.<br />
<br />
[Snapshot]<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1NaMNon8kLWGmqAnghEjNk6NQ-vmmWc_i4pSqtvQNzK7dBxVZtK-cxoeAiHBWDepm8QKFezguk8ulHG-crwfPlSNppSLNd5R86qCkPRH3kcnSfjWBPmxFC0-Y7Mukg7_6CoaN1kyFs4K/s1600/49731919_10100418009613675_8635906904029134848_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1NaMNon8kLWGmqAnghEjNk6NQ-vmmWc_i4pSqtvQNzK7dBxVZtK-cxoeAiHBWDepm8QKFezguk8ulHG-crwfPlSNppSLNd5R86qCkPRH3kcnSfjWBPmxFC0-Y7Mukg7_6CoaN1kyFs4K/s640/49731919_10100418009613675_8635906904029134848_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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It was then, off in the distance, that I could hear a small bell ring.<br />
<br />
"It's time."<br />
<br />
A small slender man dressed in a black suit, white dress shirt, black tie, and white gloves walked quickly toward the guests.<br />
<br />
The gentleman's face was jovial yet focused. As he neared the group, I could hear his black dress shoes tap rapidly against the floor. With his hands, he began to motion us toward him while he mouthed the words, "Please follow me."<br />
<br />
Similar to the great escape led by Moses thousands of years earlier, the large mass of well-dressed people began to follow him through the garden, entryway, long corridor, and finally into the ballroom.<br />
<br />
It was amazing. The large rotunda that I had visited only a few short hours earlier was now transformed into a new magical world created solely within the imagination of a visionary.<br />
<br />
With the sun being replaced by the moon, the creators threw soft colors of light all over the dimmed room. There was a significant splash of orchid purple on the ceiling and walls with turquoise blue as a contrasting accent color. To really make the room sing, small white lights were strategically placed around the decor alongside the bright yellow glow radiating from surrounding candles. Simply beautiful!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_g0YHpOTJlbf0c1dLfSV0HLxDU91Esz62PyVjl_Z4j3wlo76O0Wfgtnoe6kibvZoOFrMfE5-wI3BO3Q6CBdlftGUcJ8MrGqURErz48brCjLQPpI3G7FrUJvqgQvuHdaneLJIHwaEpyGfD/s1600/49643180_10100418168036195_5625244780695912448_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_g0YHpOTJlbf0c1dLfSV0HLxDU91Esz62PyVjl_Z4j3wlo76O0Wfgtnoe6kibvZoOFrMfE5-wI3BO3Q6CBdlftGUcJ8MrGqURErz48brCjLQPpI3G7FrUJvqgQvuHdaneLJIHwaEpyGfD/s640/49643180_10100418168036195_5625244780695912448_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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As we entered the room, guests were directed to their appropriate places. A feeling of excitement and anticipation filled the air because we all knew that the reason for our gathering would be revealed within a matter of moments.<br />
<br />
Once everyone was in place, the music in the room changed and the huge doors opened.<br />
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That's when I saw HER.<br />
<br />
The large doors in the back of the room opened slowly like the doors of the Emerald City in the Land of Oz. With bated breath, each guest immediately turned toward the entrance in anticipation of the long-awaited wedding party.<br />
<br />
First, there was the groom, a stocky bald-headed man with a short beard. He was wearing a tailored black tuxedo, white shirt, black bowtie, white pocket square, and a huge smile. You could tell that he was excited to be there.<br />
<br />
Following the groom were his best man and the band of merry groomsmen. Without knowing them, you could tell that each of them liked to have fun and enjoy life to the fullest. Their walk was a mixture of confidence, testosterone, and a lot of youthful energy.<br />
<br />
Once the men entered and found their spot at the front of the room, everyone turned around for the women. It started with the Maid of Honor and then the bridesmaids. In a word, each one of them was "stunning." From the hair on their head to the heels under their feet, they were gorgeous.<br />
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One minute I was commenting on how beautiful the ladies looked and then in the next moment SHE turned the corner. In an instant, the entire room grew quiet and it was as if time had slowed to a near crawl.<br />
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"It's HER." I said to myself.<br />
<br />
My eyes grew wide as they attempted to take in the fullness of her captivating beauty. She had long black curly hair that bounced ever so slightly over her pretty brown neck and shoulders. Her eyes looked down toward the floor as if she was trying to hide her gentle sensitivities, but her self-confidence shown through like a ray of sun through closed blinds.<br />
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She wore a black dress that hugged her in all the right curves and then accessorized it with a bouquet of flowers and a shiny pair of diamond earrings.<br />
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"Wow!" I thought. She took my breath away.<br />
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As she continued to glide down the aisle, I couldn't take my eyes off of her. She was mesmerizing.<br />
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Not to seem overly stalkerish, I allowed my gaze to waver but for a moment as the audience stood and turned to welcome the bride. While I don't recall every detail, I do remember that she had on a long white dress that followed her from behind. It was decorated near the top with lace and a set of sparkly shoulder straps that hung off the side. She was adorned with long black curly hair, a Hollywood smile, with a flawless glow.<br />
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Once the ceremony began, I found it extremely difficult to stay focused on the proceedings because my eyes kept wanting to steal another glance at her.<br />
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For most of the time, she looked upon the bride in support, but there was that one moment that I caught her gaze. Her beautiful brown eyes found me in the crowd where she then used those long eyelashes and innocently shy smile to send a flirtatious message.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgge97mm4OJy9ZiJcaCW5T_aI8-BknzZfZgoZVMLjOwvvE-f-iaQbjNiZOb7BuAgdkfCVgC3LouZBkyWO_4AdVhXGgNIc_uATa1DBU9zChyphenhyphenvAigQVXGdeQJ54vcyOxAI2GsyyMsGAu5R25G/s1600/49468789_10100418222008035_8495510796854362112_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgge97mm4OJy9ZiJcaCW5T_aI8-BknzZfZgoZVMLjOwvvE-f-iaQbjNiZOb7BuAgdkfCVgC3LouZBkyWO_4AdVhXGgNIc_uATa1DBU9zChyphenhyphenvAigQVXGdeQJ54vcyOxAI2GsyyMsGAu5R25G/s640/49468789_10100418222008035_8495510796854362112_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
"Boom, boom...boom, boom." That was the sound of my heart.<br />
<br />
After the ceremony, the wedding party marched its way out of the door with the attendees not far behind. As we walked out, all of the guests were encouraged to refresh themselves at the multiple open bar stations around the facility. Not only were there cool refreshments, but they also had various assortments of finger foods. From cheese cubes to lamb chops, we probably ate better than at any Thanksgiving dinner.<br />
<br />
For the next hour or so, while the wedding party was off taking pictures, friends and family engaged in cocktails and conversations. I met so many great people that the time just sped right by. Before we knew it, we were being guided back into the ballroom where it had transformed into another sitting arrangement. Instead of having chairs lined up into rows, the room now had large circular tables with fancy table pieces.<br />
<br />
Where the priest once stood, there was now a DJ. He had his large speakers, digital turntables, and a long playlist of songs to keep our toes tapping.<br />
<br />
Once all of the guests were escorted to their seats, the wedding party made their entrance. Some walked in dancing while others waved like royalty. In the end, everyone was ready to celebrate this very special union.<br />
<br />
As is the custom in many marriages, the first dance was reserved for the bride and groom. Today was no different. We all huddled around the dance floor while the couple looked lovingly at each other and savored the journey to this moment. Priceless!<br />
<br />
At the conclusion of their dance, everyone was excused back to their assigned tables. Fortunately for me, I had the distinct pleasure of having HER sitting closely at mine.<br />
<br />
Let the party begin.<br />
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After the couple's first dance, SHE walked over to the table where I was sitting. I can only imagine how big the smile was on my face when she walked up. She was gorgeous and she knew it.<br />
<br />
I don't recall the first words that we said to one another, but I remember sitting there at the table feeling a bit nervous. Where do we begin? I thought.<br />
<br />
In my head, I kept saying, "You already know this woman," but for some reason, everything felt completely new. Maybe it was the fairytale-like scenery, the dressing up to be "Fancy," or maybe it was the few glasses of Johnnie Walker on the rocks that caused the giddiness I felt. Whatever it was, I liked it.<br />
<br />
Over the next few minutes, I took advantage of the moment and asked for a picture. She agreed.<br />
<br />
I grabbed her by the waist and pulled her close.<br />
<br />
[Camera Snap]<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FdGpD67kGbcNB9SJw9dtOI3pNqhC1wxfuokKuSwKQ8HAtWaIbjUXIcO3H0UTY5O3Rc-AbBoJ73T7PDMDm17OKi8Gl2-Y0EUzTK3GRkRkGXa3HYqARjqDLSkaTDPXTIM2i8UUR2X-HbfC/s1600/49594213_10100418315121435_1697716717167312896_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1547" data-original-width="1600" height="619" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FdGpD67kGbcNB9SJw9dtOI3pNqhC1wxfuokKuSwKQ8HAtWaIbjUXIcO3H0UTY5O3Rc-AbBoJ73T7PDMDm17OKi8Gl2-Y0EUzTK3GRkRkGXa3HYqARjqDLSkaTDPXTIM2i8UUR2X-HbfC/s640/49594213_10100418315121435_1697716717167312896_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
That was the first time we touched that evening and it felt great. All of a sudden, my chest started to feet hot. Not as in sweaty hot, but like an inner glow that warmed my heart kind of hot.<br />
<br />
After the pictures, I asked if she wanted to dance. She said, "Sure." I grabbed her hand and led her to the dance floor.<br />
<br />
By this time, many of the guests did what we did and moved to the center of the room. The two of us walked to an open area on the floor and started to dance. She put her arms around my neck, I put my hands around her waist, and we just got lost in the moment.<br />
<br />
When I looked at her, she had this big smile on her face followed by an innocent little giggle. I laughed.<br />
<br />
"What, you didn't think I could dance?" I asked.<br />
<br />
"No, I've never slow danced before." She said shyly.<br />
<br />
"Say what?" I acted surprised by her comment. "You've never slow danced before? Girl, we're gonna change that tonight." I replied with a sly grin and chuckle.<br />
<br />
Round and round we went until the song came to an end. I took her hand into mine and led her back to the table where many of the other guests were assembled.<br />
<br />
We went around the table and did introductions. I already knew many of the guys from the cocktail hour but hadn't had the opportunity to meet their wives and girlfriends since most all of them were in the wedding party.<br />
<br />
Over the next few minutes, we socialized as a group but I wanted to steal a few moments alone with HER. So, I asked her to take a walk with me.<br />
<br />
We both got up, put our napkins on the table, and left the room hand-in-hand.<br />
<br />
The music from the rotunda grew quieter as we walked down the long corridor. I could see a huge weight being lifted from her shoulders as the noise turned into a more peaceful silence.<br />
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Knowing the perfect place to go, I led her to the "Secret Garden."<br />
<br />
[Camera Snap]<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7A9b2t7lTz7OKEbaBVqGRMe04cctqnTNeWyQ9tXNHlG1pOoIbYZU93TZDJx5-QNeGx-X6El5AQlydJXLIllSS3ipcgapH4MT6tazVyFgAMGIXJZAYAzQXqtcWXtPtwwmkf5FHfQOX-zH6/s1600/49898450_10100418557959785_7757029464235573248_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7A9b2t7lTz7OKEbaBVqGRMe04cctqnTNeWyQ9tXNHlG1pOoIbYZU93TZDJx5-QNeGx-X6El5AQlydJXLIllSS3ipcgapH4MT6tazVyFgAMGIXJZAYAzQXqtcWXtPtwwmkf5FHfQOX-zH6/s640/49898450_10100418557959785_7757029464235573248_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeughTN5S6tv9LOODQ7mzaPknY4VuAp037b83yTtWqzhIwS8zr5O6k3SDCqikaj2M_rlvHebh5W0ztDNEO1QUia7mVaJNfZJy3RpaKwkXMnUPkSiQPtLMswXU9vykA-vX5zZoBD3LDQTQ/s1600/49791380_10100418557835035_6769266464525385728_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeughTN5S6tv9LOODQ7mzaPknY4VuAp037b83yTtWqzhIwS8zr5O6k3SDCqikaj2M_rlvHebh5W0ztDNEO1QUia7mVaJNfZJy3RpaKwkXMnUPkSiQPtLMswXU9vykA-vX5zZoBD3LDQTQ/s640/49791380_10100418557835035_6769266464525385728_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The two of us stood there in the middle of the garden. It was quiet. There were no other people around as they were all in the ballroom celebrating.<br />
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A faint sound of blowing air emanated from the vents spaced evenly throughout the room. It didn't feel cold like it was earlier that day, so my guess is that the air was to warm this vulnerable space.<br />
<br />
The aroma from the surrounding plants and flowers created a calming effect on me while also deadening any exterior noises. It was peaceful.<br />
<br />
In the middle of the room was a sturdy wooden table with a light-colored marble top. There was a large blooming plant in the center of the table that took a considerable amount of space.<br />
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For some reason, we gravitated to that table while in the middle of our conversation. Honestly, I don't remember the details of our talk, but I remember how it felt.<br />
<br />
SHE was walking slowly around the centerpiece with one hand lightly brushing against the cold marble surface. Every so often, she would look up and grin teasingly. I smiled warmly finding her flirtatiousness to be quite entertaining.<br />
<br />
I stood there at one end of the table with my hands in my pocket while we continued our light and playful dialog.<br />
<br />
Finally, she came around, stood in front of me, and smiled with her beautiful brown eyes. As she slowed her movement, I leaned back against the table and grabbed her waist. Gently, I pulled her closer to me and she wrapped her arms around my neck as if we were preparing for another slow dance.<br />
<br />
I could hear her breathing ever so lightly in my ear while her intoxicating perfume filled my soul. The world stopped and I quietly begged for this moment to never end.<br />
<br />
Feeling completely overwhelmed with emotion, I kissed her. She was sweet like a drop of honey and soft like a snow white Camellia petal. Perfect!<br />
<br />
The moment seemed timeless, but in reality, it may have only been a few minutes. Slowly, we pulled away from each other and exhaled.<br />
<br />
She smiled a huge smile and giggled a bit as if embarrassed. Her face was warm and blushingly pink. I smiled to assure her that everything was alright.<br />
<br />
After a brief moment of silence, we hugged tightly. We stayed in that place for a moment while allowing our embrace to comfort one another. It felt wonderful.<br />
<br />
Realizing that some time had passed, we decided that it would be best to get back to the party. So, we walked briskly down the hall and into the corridor. The music that was once a distant blur was now growing increasingly full.<br />
<br />
With the lights flashing, music pumping, and people talking, we were once again in the mix. The remainder of the night was completely amazing. We all had an incredible time celebrating with the beautiful bride and handsome groom.<br />
<br />
As the night came to a close, we all put on our coats, said goodbye to one another, and walked back outside into the dark crisp air. One-by-one, the valet would bring the cars and the large crowd slowly left the building until there were none.<br />
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[Fade to Black]<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwpW8nMGLcELPH9WZRcX4o5fKbAaHPTAtmqrvW9Nf9a9rEYxC7Hk7UB3aBkuiz8rjkV53QsOsAZLWMEwkgBHZuV0HrueyKeUBzNRpYEPn8bc3Gl1PSdI2nw39bkqLCoIeiMdZTwjGgFrk/s1600/49756106_10100418635898595_7464024703653380096_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwpW8nMGLcELPH9WZRcX4o5fKbAaHPTAtmqrvW9Nf9a9rEYxC7Hk7UB3aBkuiz8rjkV53QsOsAZLWMEwkgBHZuV0HrueyKeUBzNRpYEPn8bc3Gl1PSdI2nw39bkqLCoIeiMdZTwjGgFrk/s640/49756106_10100418635898595_7464024703653380096_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
To the families, friends, and supporters that made this event possible, I say "Thank you!" It was beautiful, elegant, and an experience that I will never soon forget.</div>
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Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-69289341080958074172018-11-07T11:25:00.000-05:002018-11-07T11:25:00.377-05:00My Process for Staying OrganizedAs of late, I have started to once again use the to-do list as a way of managing my time. For some reason, I go back and forth on using it while utilizing my calendar stays pretty consistent. <br /><br />In Outlook (work), I am able to use flagged emails or create tasks. At home, I use Google Inbox (reminders), Google Calendar, and now Google Tasks to create triggers for what I should be doing.<br /><br />My current process involves flagging email and creating reminders/tasks. From this growing list, I then find time to add the task to my calendar. Essentially, I'm cherry-picking items to work on. <br /><br />While this is great and all, I'm seeing a lot of flagged messages and tasks just sitting (and growing) in my box. Yes, I take time each day to review them, but I fear that it's going to get unwieldy. Come to think of it, that might be the reason I stopped using tasks originally. <br /><br />Anywho, I'm looking for ideas and strategies. How are you using To-Do Lists and the calendar? What is your process for managing your growing list of tasks? Events? Reminders?Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-4609752274524060512018-11-06T15:45:00.001-05:002018-11-10T05:37:44.581-05:00Writing a Book as an ESFJThe more I learn about myself (as an ESFJ - Fe Si Ne Ti), I am realizing what processes work best for me.<br />
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<h2>
External Feeling (Fe)</h2>
The first lesson was that I needed regular feedback and multiple touchpoints when it comes to creating. Writing blogs and short posts on social media provides me with quick bursts of positive affirmation, which directly feeds my need for tribe approval. When I feel good, I write more. As a result, I end up with a bunch of short thoughts and ideas that need to be sewn into something more cohesive and comprehensive. </div>
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Testing Developing Content in Facebook Groups </h3>
One way to pull these ideas together and testing it before making it widely available to the public is by posting developing content within Facebook groups. <br />
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What I have found is that posting snippets of content within groups is like a comedian testing jokes inside comedy clubs. What tends to do well in groups, also does well with the larger audience. As a result, I can either spend more time developing the material or leave it alone altogether. </div>
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<h3>
Updating Existing Content for Deeper Depth and Wider Awareness</h3>
Another strategy that I'm playing with online is the updating of published Facebook posts and blog articles followed by alerting readers of the change via a comment in the discussion area. <br />
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“Why would you do that?” You ask.<br />
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Good question. First, by updating existing content, the author can add additional thoughts and ideas based on feedback from the readers. Doing this, one is able to add further depth. <br />
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Second, Facebook doesn't currently notify people on edits made to posts but it does alert them when another comment is made. Additionally, by posting the new information as a comment, as well as an edit, both new and old readers will see the same stuff.</div>
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<h3>
What’s Beyond the Blog Post?</h3>
While driving home one night, I asked myself the question, “What is smaller than a book but larger than a blog post?” A Google search didn’t immediately give me what I needed, so after a few revised queries, I found a list of publications that fall under the novel.</div>
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<ul>
<li>Novel: 40,000 + words</li>
<li>Novellas: 17,000 - 40,000</li>
<li>Novellettes: 7,500 - 17,000</li>
<li>Short Stories: 3,500 - 7,500</li>
<li>Flash Fiction: 53 - 1,000 words</li>
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That was helpful, but I don't see myself writing fiction anytime soon. So, what about nonfiction?<br />
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I didn't see a neat listing like the one I posted above. What I found is that in the fiction category one can write shorter books while on their way to full-length publications.</div>
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<ul>
<li>Short eBooks Singles: 4,000 - 30,000</li>
<li>Books: 30,000 + words</li>
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<h2>
Introverted Sensing (Si)</h2>
One idea for me (and for you should you see value) is to continue writing short posts on social media. Take those and build upon them until they become blog posts. Combine those blog posts and make small eBooks that can sell on Amazon. Finally, combine those smaller eBooks and grow them into full-length titles. Rinse and repeat.<br />
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This process of collecting and building upon existing information supports my Si.</div>
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<h2>
Introverted Thinking (Ti)</h2>
"So, what do you want to write about?" you ask.<br />
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Would it be surprising to learn that I don't have an answer to that question? While I'm still learning about my type, I've come to believe that the Ti cognitive function for ESFJ in its inferior position hinders me from seeing what I really want without first exploring my thoughts and feelings with others (like, right now with you).<br />
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The thought of writing 30,000 words seems daunting. If I can do what comes naturally and write in shorter bursts, I believe the books will practically write themselves.<br />
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Thoughts? Am I using and understanding my type correctly?</div>
Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-86429958560193243352018-11-05T14:08:00.000-05:002018-11-05T16:08:08.281-05:00Editing Existing Work to Add DepthIn light of some recent conversations around content creation and writing for substance, I have finally given myself permission to edit Facebook posts and blog articles after they have been released for public consumption. Up to this point, I was adhering to some "internal guideline" that restricted my updating of past articles. Instead of doing what I introduced above, I would maintain existing contributions as-is and then create a new article or add related thoughts to the comment section of the post. While that's not a bad practice, it's not efficient.<br />
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For blog articles, search engines are already directing traffic to the page in question. Why not maximize on those pre-existing readers? Additionally, you can save time by simply updating sections of the article with new and more relevant information versus starting from scratch.<br />
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Now, you may be reading this and thinking, "Duh! This is just common sense. Editing is not a new idea." You're right, it's not; however, for people like me who see and record a lot of information in small chunks, versus all at once, this could be a game-changer.<br />
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Why a "game-changer?" you ask.<br />
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In my everyday life, I already take copious amounts of notes inside of Google Keep and Google Drive. Unfortunately, those notes often feel like random disparate thoughts and ideas gathering dust in a folder that will never see the light of day.<br />
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To avoid losing any more good ideas, I've decided to try revisiting my notes, articles, and now Facebook posts to update them with new thoughts.<br />
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Remember, because this content is available to the public, I also have access to the comments and questions offered by its readers. As a result, their feedback helps me to better refine and connect the message with them.<br />
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While it's still too early to claim victory, I am beginning to see both an increase in depth and breadth in my writing. That's exciting!<br />
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In the future, I would like to write and publish a library of books on various subjects. I believe that by allowing myself to adopt this one strategy, I may have found the secret sauce that's been eluding me all along.<br />
<br />Just wanted to share some personal random thoughts with you. If it's helpful, feel free to use.<div>
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Until next time...</div>
Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-90388653728295758302018-11-01T18:03:00.000-04:002018-11-01T18:03:33.625-04:00ExpectationsRecently, I found myself feeling angry. As a result of this strong emotion, I ended up raising my voice and communicating displeasure in a way that was outside of my normal range. First, I don't enjoy being upset. Second, I don't like the environment anger creates. No, I was not acting at my best.<br />
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Given the time and space to reflect on my reaction, I realize now that I held a series of expectations for how things should be. I have a natural tendency to seek control over situations and outcomes, which can come off as controlling.<br />
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In a world where we all have free will, the most that I can hope for is the power to control myself, my emotions, and ultimately my actions. When faced with a situation that doesn't agree with me or my beliefs, I have the power to determine my response. I have power, control, and influence over ME alone.<br />
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So, the next time I begin to feel angry, frustrated, or powerless, I plan to pause, examine the situation, and decide how I will respond knowing that I have the POWER to control MY next move.<br />
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Make today a very great day!Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-53543761277181873222018-03-24T13:42:00.001-04:002018-03-28T07:53:47.785-04:00Document, Don't Create.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It’s been over a month since I posted my last article, “<a href="http://www.damondnollan.com/2018/02/lessons-learned-from-painful-break-up.html">Lessons Learned From A Painful Break-Up.</a>” In the days and weeks that followed, I found myself trying to sit down, focus on a single subject, and just write, but I couldn’t find the right words to put on paper. Seriously, it felt like a mental constipation was happening and there was very little that I could do to spark movement again.<br />
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As I look back over the recent months, knowing there have been other times that the words escaped me, I noticed that something significant seems to happen right before a long hiatus. Apparently, it takes time to digest it, marinate on it, and then ultimately to find the time to figure out what to say about it.<br />
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In this very moment, I am reminded of what Gary Vaynerchuk says, “Document, don’t create.” As I understand his message, he’s telling us to take time to record our journey. What do we see? What are we experiencing? Do as much as we can to capture the now, as we live it, for it may one day serve as a valuable learning tool for us all. This idea of archiving our lives is great for bloggers like me, as I find that my articles are more highly consumed when I write like I do in my journal. Hint: My journals mainly consist of stories and the lessons I learn.<br />
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Thinking back, and looking at my web site’s analytics, the most successful articles that I’ve written were done from this very personal perspective. It is the tale of my life and its many escapades that seem to spark the greatest interest. While I feel that I have a lot of knowledge to share in various subjects, maybe the delivery method that I am most successful in writing is one that is done from the first person point of view over my mediocre attempts to do so in the second person. If this is the case, then I gladly accept that truth as it feels much more natural to do so.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUzbpMzFmCOaF2rZ5LmsI_G8Y8-cSokgN6OX273EcoEVjkt95Vd4D_3r_rXB9Ar8t_G2PKra6kUVw0nI5BepGafWS09wFtTJM8YwFrv1QTo6jHQTNwdA3xhm_0j1G7gG32Stq11OJkBoX/s1600/beoriginal.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUzbpMzFmCOaF2rZ5LmsI_G8Y8-cSokgN6OX273EcoEVjkt95Vd4D_3r_rXB9Ar8t_G2PKra6kUVw0nI5BepGafWS09wFtTJM8YwFrv1QTo6jHQTNwdA3xhm_0j1G7gG32Stq11OJkBoX/s320/beoriginal.png" width="320" /></a></div>
On the opposite side of documentation, there is creation. Truth be told, this is probably where I have spent much of my time in the past month. I’ve tried to create an article that was safely removed from how I was feeling and what I was doing to still impart some value to you, the reader. As we’ve seen, the more I try to distance myself from what’s going on within me, the more constipated I become. Clearly, this is the lesson for the day. Embrace who you are and the gifts that you’ve been given. Don’t always try to do things like someone else, but take pride in your talents and use them to the fullest.<br />
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As I write that, I want to share with you that I’ve also had further thoughts about the book. I’m not yet sure why a book seems so appealing to me in this moment, but I’ve taken a cursory look at the process for self-publishing and gathering ideas around what I would like to showcase through that medium.<br />
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From my rough calculations, 50,000 words would provide a solid publication. Fifty thousand words is equivalent to 100 pages with 500 words per page. My articles range somewhere between 700 and 1500 words, which means that I could write a book based on 50 of my best work. How exciting is that?<br />
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The question that remains for me is this, “What topic or topics have I written about so deeply that would actually fill up 50,000 words?” Even as I attempt to catalog my past articles, I don’t think there is any one one topic that fits the bill. This has silently led me to reconsider the process of writing. In order to publish a book, I would need to be more organized in my daily activities and tightly focused on writing consistently. Where is the uniformity, cohesiveness, and solid structure behind the book? It can’t be just a random set of stories...or could it?<br />
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As you can see, the process overall, has led me to this place where I stand today. If I plan to write one book or hundreds of them, I need to get going. Where I seem to excel at the moment is in telling my life’s story and sharing the lessons along the way. If I stick to this truth and embrace the journey as I’ve been set within it, I believe the WHAT will eventually become clear. More importantly, if I am to write these books, it does require much more content than what I currently have in my catalog.<br />
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In stating that, I imagine that you, dear reader, may experience a slight shift as we move forward. This may be seen in the number of articles that are written and a more focused effort on sticking with the first person perspective over a somewhat distant second.<br />
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However it morphs, and ultimately ends, I want to thank you for joining me on this adventure. Thank you for sticking with me thus far as we are all growing together.<br />
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Until next time...</div>
Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-19458401712084747712018-02-22T00:45:00.000-05:002018-03-14T20:05:01.735-04:00Lessons Learned From A Painful Break-Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-p_4oWskHNFmPPuIGRph0JaWD5HvZU9bLxYOnArfd0jttL_JBsA7CBPGhiLF96BmEJvGggf0SVKjZTStK_LQF6OjwTWSxO8HQHy634UTZIl77W1s4xmjapR4InJPBCO-71-Z-134fS6HZ/s1600/breakup.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lessons Learned From A Painful Break-Up" border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-p_4oWskHNFmPPuIGRph0JaWD5HvZU9bLxYOnArfd0jttL_JBsA7CBPGhiLF96BmEJvGggf0SVKjZTStK_LQF6OjwTWSxO8HQHy634UTZIl77W1s4xmjapR4InJPBCO-71-Z-134fS6HZ/s640/breakup.png" title="Lessons Learned From A Painful Break-Up" width="640" /></a></div>
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We were only days away from reaching our three year mark before it all came to an end. Secretly, I hoped that my absence from her life would have been enough to prompt a change, but it never did. As I replay one of our last conversations, I expressed my need to talk to her in person about something seriously important. Repeatedly, I asked her for a day and time that she would be available to talk, but that day would never arrive. It was then that I made up my mind. Until my request to talk was taken seriously, I was not going to reach back out or ask again. If it was important her, she would have called. Unfortunately or fortunately, she didn't.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaVw_JLHM7-ImIyozT60hWl1h5NDf9b0SMbq9rqWtM4op01KeJpMPPytVpJmbJ3llASXL-cTJADMk1UomvFurEBUiow77JeBYXSsKTGE4uXGMnfk1103-AmUF_eCyZVJKcYX1SiblWe_B/s1600/walkingaway.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Did I love her? Absolutely. However, I also love me." border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaVw_JLHM7-ImIyozT60hWl1h5NDf9b0SMbq9rqWtM4op01KeJpMPPytVpJmbJ3llASXL-cTJADMk1UomvFurEBUiow77JeBYXSsKTGE4uXGMnfk1103-AmUF_eCyZVJKcYX1SiblWe_B/s320/walkingaway.png" title="Did I love her? Absolutely. However, I also love me." width="320" /></a></div>
As I write those words, I knew in that moment that I had to be willing to walk away from a relationship that was no longer serving its purpose. Did I love her? Absolutely. However, I also love me.<br />
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Without going into the details, I spent a great deal of time pondering over the life of our relationship. Where did it go wrong? At what point did it transition from a passionate and fulfilling match to the painful and hurtful end I know it to be today? What role did I play in all of this?<br />
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In hindsight, I am painfully aware of some damaging incidents that contributed to its final demise. While I could easily attempt to point every finger at her, I know that I am not completely blameless in this ordeal. Maybe if I had handled certain situations differently, things would have been different. Unfortunately, going back in time isn't one of the options available to me. Instead, all I can do is learn from my mistakes and avoid repeating them in the future.<br />
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<h2>
Be The Man</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpF5179H_i-x0B1O5DP_ETr7p2COoj3Z5rNyTA0vkW9gatZt030kj8Z7UHLV6QAmekl391J_-5PpPhzBEEMEscdxY6NeHZgvHQrUCXI7RZ2e_PqOkXc8qESDUNuwC8W_t80tz2ADnR2nyU/s1600/28336307_10155117701516594_2274230699114876431_o.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="In the end, I have to be the man that I was created to be regardless of how other people see me. That's my truth." border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpF5179H_i-x0B1O5DP_ETr7p2COoj3Z5rNyTA0vkW9gatZt030kj8Z7UHLV6QAmekl391J_-5PpPhzBEEMEscdxY6NeHZgvHQrUCXI7RZ2e_PqOkXc8qESDUNuwC8W_t80tz2ADnR2nyU/s320/28336307_10155117701516594_2274230699114876431_o.png" title="In the end, I have to be the man that I was created to be regardless of how other people see me. That's my truth." width="320" /></a></div>
One of the lessons that immediately made itself known to me was my failure to "be the man." While it didn't happen overnight, it was during the course of our nearly 3-year relationship that I slowly gave up my masculinity in exchange for something more feminine. In my defense, I thought that I was doing the right thing by trying to be nice, flexible, caring, and accommodating. Unfortunately, the price that I paid led me into a weak and powerless position. Instead of owning the situation, setting boundaries, and ultimately enforcing those limitations and expectations, I gave in and lost my own self-worth. Slowly, I gave up the very things that made me who I was and defined my valuable contributions to the world. I was becoming less of me and more of something else. I didn't like it.<br />
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Instead of feeling confident, secure, loving, and free, I ended up feeling every ounce of fear. I was afraid of losing her, losing the relationship, losing the "security blanket" that I had grown accustomed to over the years. I don't want to be alone! I said to myself.<br />
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In turn, as I slowly gave up my role and purpose in the relationship, I eventually lost her respect, her trust, her attraction, and ultimately her love. It didn't happen overnight, but eventually, it gave way to the harsh reality that I experienced throughout the latter part of our time together.<br />
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Being the man doesn't require one to be mean, disrespectful, calculating, or even ice cold. What it does entail is the proper ownership of and alignment with oneself. What did I believe? What did I want? What was my truth? Being the man means knowing these things for self and standing firm despite the opinions of others. If my truth, belief, or needs do not mesh with someone else, then I have to be willing to walk away in order to protect that alignment with the inner man. Where I messed up most egregiously is in giving up that man to appease her. That's weak, destructive, and it's no wonder that I lost her respect. In the end, I have to be the man that I was created to be regardless of how other people see me. That's my truth.<br />
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<h2>
The Power of Change Rests With Me</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9m4ZUwq5Z71JnXioMVWkSyDvQH_sTIqC8NiomDzHeWT6dDLmO-t89N9czUalZolNu2wo3IUCqj3WoZlHHDpXZ3hD_WrriqNd6-XJLF_2R-RuGcCrJO8SzkjVtAG3gyDTwt6yyDOd9hD5C/s1600/fear.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=""Facing our fears empowers us to change our circumstances."" border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9m4ZUwq5Z71JnXioMVWkSyDvQH_sTIqC8NiomDzHeWT6dDLmO-t89N9czUalZolNu2wo3IUCqj3WoZlHHDpXZ3hD_WrriqNd6-XJLF_2R-RuGcCrJO8SzkjVtAG3gyDTwt6yyDOd9hD5C/s320/fear.png" title=""Facing our fears empowers us to change our circumstances."" width="320" /></a></div>
While it's easy to walk around feeling powerless, I have come to learn that I have control over me, my reactions, my decisions, my thoughts, and my behavior. No, it's never easy doing the very thing that we fear (losing love, losing affection, losing respect, and being alone), but it is in the facing of that fear that actually empowers us to change our circumstances.<br />
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Maybe, and this is a big maybe, had I stood firm in my alignment with self and taken the appropriate actions early on, things wouldn't have ended the way they did. It's possible that she would never have seen the weak version of me, which could have resulted in our successful and happy dance down a life-long journey of togetherness. Maybe had I been in my masculine, the relationship would have ended years earlier when we realized that we are too different and nobody was willing to give up themselves or their identity.<br />
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Whatever the outcome, I know today that the power to change my circumstances always rested within me. I just had to face the fear that held me back.<br />
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<h2>
Breaking Up Is Painful</h2>
Once I came to the stark realization that our breakup was real, not just some common occurrence of time apart due to anger or stubbornness, the numbing pain of loneliness and grief set in. In my heart, I knew that I was doing the right thing by standing up for me, holding firm to my demand for respect, and seeing first hand where my attraction level was with her. Learning the truth through her actions allowed me the strength to press on through the pain because I know that I deserve more than what I was getting.<br />
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In the days and weeks that followed, I fought my urge to give in. Instead, I found ways to stay busy. I wrote blog articles, hit the gym, talked to friends, and focused intently on my purpose. Getting back to the man I once was required substantial amounts of self-reflection and reassurance that I'm doing the right thing. As a result of it all, I feel awkward, wobbly, numb, and still a bit lonely. Despite the friends I have around me, the emptiness associated with a break-up doesn't go away on demand. When things get quiet, as they often do at night, I feel it most intensively. No, I don't miss the negative parts of our relationship, but I do miss the girl. For nearly 3 years, she was the only one I had been with. It was her lips, her hands, her voice, her smell, her laughter, her hair, her eyes, and her essence that I had grown to love. The mere thought of having to replace all that I've come to know and love is difficult.<br />
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It was during a conversation with a co-worker that I was reminded that my feelings are normal and to be expected. I cannot automatically turn off my feelings for her and replace them with someone else. It's going to take time, patience, and a healthy dose of self-love to take appropriate action when all my heart wants is a resolution. Sometimes, what's best for us doesn't always feel good at the moment.<br />
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Closing Thoughts</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykDORhpx68J-aZ63otoZ171ixqh_eki0qxnP65_ihLFGGsVPjbziQA8h9WAs21FNKEYJVmsLez9e3zFw4ECaNDm2pjjteMjTdjNeXXQo4e33LDXhvejegoTQJJ1dAsIiVxwkVQ8PyPg3D/s1600/heartbreak.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="I want to feel and savor every emotion that I can from this experience as it will only aid in my ability to love, trust, and build again." border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykDORhpx68J-aZ63otoZ171ixqh_eki0qxnP65_ihLFGGsVPjbziQA8h9WAs21FNKEYJVmsLez9e3zFw4ECaNDm2pjjteMjTdjNeXXQo4e33LDXhvejegoTQJJ1dAsIiVxwkVQ8PyPg3D/s320/heartbreak.png" title="I want to feel and savor every emotion that I can from this experience as it will only aid in my ability to love, trust, and build again." width="320" /></a></div>
As I bring this article to a close, it is important to remember why I chose to write it in the first place. The intent, more than anything else, is to capture the intricacies of this moment. What does it feel like to transition through a break-up? What lessons can we learn from this time of our lives? Where do we go from here?<br />
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The second purpose of this article is to help facilitate closure. While I've had some conversation with friends about this situation, I tried my best to ignore it and hope that the feelings will subside on their own. I've come to realize that I have to talk it out. In order to get it out of my system, I have to explore how I feel and come to terms with those internal truths.<br />
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There may be some who read this and see weakness, but I believe that it is these moments that we grow the most. I am human. I have feelings. Love and break-ups aren't nice and neat ideas that resolve themselves in the span of a thirty-minute sitcom. This is real life. I want to feel and savor every emotion that I can from this experience as it will only aid in my ability to love, trust, and build again.<br />
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Thank you for reading. Until next time...</div>
Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-40385692037476193172018-02-13T22:04:00.005-05:002018-02-19T22:29:05.384-05:00Getting Back Into Shape the Easy Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYl2diexCy2_3bfizuCTg9Gwk-OJ4-AFLK8ZTmGx7Ebd3bx9fMytKXGdOIXRuAoidkbdDPeKJWCKZba4nwhiltYkZCnDinw0RH71VBwfahs8DgCimiegK_W-bMBGFe4-9-aL7QR0hRwVVO/s1600/backintoshape.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Getting Back Into Shape the Easy Way" border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYl2diexCy2_3bfizuCTg9Gwk-OJ4-AFLK8ZTmGx7Ebd3bx9fMytKXGdOIXRuAoidkbdDPeKJWCKZba4nwhiltYkZCnDinw0RH71VBwfahs8DgCimiegK_W-bMBGFe4-9-aL7QR0hRwVVO/s640/backintoshape.png" title="Getting Back Into Shape the Easy Way" width="640" /></a></div>
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It has been more than a few years since my last serious weight loss transformation and I’m ready to get back at it. Yes, there have been numerous attempts to reboot the process since that time, but none of those attempts seemed to stick for long.</div>
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Regardless of the reason, I chose to stop working out and eating right. As a result, I gained weight. At first, I enjoyed eating whatever kind of foods that I wanted, but eventually, I couldn’t consume terrible food without feeling guilty. First, I don’t want a heart attack, stroke, diabetes, or any other condition that can be prevented with better choices. Second, I knew that as I ate the comfort food, it was adding to my waistline and overall weight.<br />
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As I write this article, I currently weight around <b>245 lbs</b>. At one point in my life, I’ve weighed as much as 280 lbs and as low as 212 lbs. Of course, this was as an adult. Because I’ve done it before, I know that I can lose the weight again. The answer rests with my habits and strict adherence to a meal plan, daily cardio, and weight training.<br />
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In the past, while making huge strides, I recall packing 4 to 6 meals each day and eating every few hours. It was a combination of fish, steak, or chicken with rice, sweet potato, and broccoli. For breakfast, it was oatmeal with 6 eggs (2 whole eggs and 4 egg whites). My cardio session was 20 minutes long, twice a day, followed by a rigorous weight training session that focused on a single body part at least 5 to 6 days a week. It didn’t matter if I was on a cruise ship, in a hotel room, at home, or away, I always prepared to follow the aforementioned plan of action. As a result, I lost a lot of weight.<br />
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I remember losing so much weight that everything I wore looked way too big for me. It was as if I was wearing my father’s outfit or something. That’s more of a joke since the fact of the matter is that I’m actually taller and bigger than any of my dads. Just putting that out there.<br />
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At one point, my success was so evident that I’d get questions often about what I’m doing. I would explain my meal plan, workouts, and offer any advice I could to people. I remember feeling accomplished, confident, and full of energy. It was a good time in my life. There was even one point where I was running my hands up and down my stomach in pure amazement. I couldn’t tell you the last time my abs felt that tight and it actually shocked me.<br />
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With all of that progress, why did I stop? From what I can remember, I eventually reached a weight where I felt comfortable. In actuality, I should have kept going since I still had some fat around my lower back and abs. However, since I finished a successful 12-week sprint, I wanted to transition to a four-week bulking program. That switch in programs threw me off big time and I ended up enjoying that average weight for a while.<br />
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If I gained weight, my clothes were going to be my last line of defense.</blockquote>
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Unfortunately, I started allowing those poor habits to return and the weight found its way back up the scale. I told myself that I wouldn’t buy any larger clothes. If I gained weight, my clothes were going to be my last line of defense. Well, people, my clothes are screaming at me. There are some nights that my pants leave itchy impressions in my skin because it’s so tight (mainly around my waistline).<br />
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As I look in the mirror today, my abs are gone and it has been replaced by a protruding bulge around my waist. The fat belly hangs over my belt most noticeably in the front and sides. P.S., the love handles are the last thing to go. They are so not attractive!<br />
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In my estimation, I look soft and round. My face and stomach are key indicators of weight gain.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7YBjB9F8giJ7B2fCJZXXs5xg4OwKKuaczm5yrUQ_S64K-QqP-rc-2nhxD5gN-jlgr4nUjRgIUX4fErdHXST3Mu1eJwG73pbhPdrKWYvA5AbTUB3LIMMhN-WzKg3u00jwtthn2cap-TBC/s1600/presentcondition.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="My present condition doesn’t reflect who I once was or what I can do." border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7YBjB9F8giJ7B2fCJZXXs5xg4OwKKuaczm5yrUQ_S64K-QqP-rc-2nhxD5gN-jlgr4nUjRgIUX4fErdHXST3Mu1eJwG73pbhPdrKWYvA5AbTUB3LIMMhN-WzKg3u00jwtthn2cap-TBC/s320/presentcondition.png" title="My present condition doesn’t reflect who I once was or what I can do." width="320" /></a></div>
While I know that I can lose the weight and pack on the muscle again, my present condition doesn’t reflect who I once was or what I can do. The only evidence that I have is some old pictures and the memory I hold in my head. I remember what it felt like to win and I know that I can feel it again.<br />
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At this stage of my conditioning, I’m not looking at my body much. Sure, I see what comes out of the shower, but I don’t pay it much attention since I know that I have some serious work to attend to. Instead, my focus is on building the habits that will lead to long-term success.<br />
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I know that I have to change my eating. I also know that I have to increase my cardio and weight training activity. Unfortunately, I also know that if I go too fast, I’ll eventually quit because I’m too sore or I’ll start missing meals and workouts.<br />
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Knowing this, I went into this season slowly. I want to focus on the habit of daily disciplines. Until I can get this under control, no amount of willpower will keep me in the game for long. Eventually, I’ll make excuses and start missing key activities.<br />
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Having written that, let me share with you my strategy. This is something that I’ve done successfully in the past and it has become my goto strategy for any major change I make in my life.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
There is something extremely motivating when I get in the gym and can see my muscles flexing, veins popping out under controlled stress, and a massive influx of testosterone through my body which makes me feel unstoppable...animalistic.</blockquote>
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In the case of weight loss, I know there is the meal plan and the physical activity. I have to get both sides under control if I’m going to see any real progress. Doing one without the other leaves disappointing results for me. While I can adjust my eating and lose the weight, there is something extremely motivating when I get in the gym and can see my muscles flexing, veins popping out under controlled stress, and a massive influx of testosterone through my body which makes me feel unstoppable...animalistic. Honestly, I don’t know if it’s actually testosterone but you get the picture. It’s the pump, it’s the blood, it’s the body that feels amazing after a good workout. That feeling often influences what I do in the kitchen. If I want to see more gains, I change my habits in the kitchen. They are related.<br />
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How Do I Begin?</h2>
How do I begin? You ask. I begin slowly. Let me explain. At the beginning of any new sprint, I tend to do the bare minimum. In the case of weight loss, I tend to start by doing one exercise, one session of five-minute cardio, and I eat one controlled meal. That’s it!<br />
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Sure, it feels funny to walk in the gym and leave only minutes later, but I have a game plan and I don’t let people’s stares deter me.<br />
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For that first week, my goal is to simply make it easy to do the right thing. It’s easy to walk for 5 minutes on the treadmill or stair machine. It’s easy to do one exercise a day. It’s easy to eat one healthy meal a day. That’s the point, you have to make it easy.<br />
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With that written, even though it’s easy to do, it doesn’t always mean I’d do it. Sometimes, my mind would say, it’s so easy that you can miss today and double up tomorrow. While true, the point is to establish daily disciplines and habits.<br />
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So, while I may get all of my meals, cardio, and weight training done that week, if I didn’t do it according to plan (that means daily effort), then I start the same routine on the following week. I’ll keep doing this same one exercise, one five minute cardio session, and one healthy meal until I’ve successfully done what I planned to do.<br />
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Another reason for this slow introduction is that I also give my muscles time to adjust. Yes, there will be sore muscles, but it won’t be debilitating. I also use this time to figure out my schedule. Do I workout in the morning, in the evening, or right after work? When do I cook my meals? With the slow introduction, I get to play around with moving parts until I find a time or routine that fits into my life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54ttp5geY1i7emNbhGwQnTLt00tkw2wu4qQ0G9PzBWrxsh6htInH_K1G0g4JBC_r8nZqNyOoko9UzqoQyf_EW-WZ37FbS-NnD93NvVvI9yuLNgfAlJrjkHQtxV5NodT1k-B-MjSfwk_EQ/s1600/habit.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The goal isn’t to get it done the fastest, but rather to re-establish the daily habits that helped me find success." border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54ttp5geY1i7emNbhGwQnTLt00tkw2wu4qQ0G9PzBWrxsh6htInH_K1G0g4JBC_r8nZqNyOoko9UzqoQyf_EW-WZ37FbS-NnD93NvVvI9yuLNgfAlJrjkHQtxV5NodT1k-B-MjSfwk_EQ/s320/habit.png" title="The goal isn’t to get it done the fastest, but rather to re-establish the daily habits that helped me find success." width="320" /></a></div>
Once I have been able to successfully follow the plan, and this may take weeks to achieve, I then increase the intensity. Now, I add one additional exercise, which gives me a total of two. I increase my cardio by 5 minutes, which gives me 10 minutes in total. I now eat two healthy meals a day.<br />
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Like before, I continue to focus on daily disciplines. While it seems easy to do, going from 15-minute workouts to 30-minute workouts is a jump. I also find that I start warming up after five minutes of cardio.<br />
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As I improve my conditioning, strength, and follow through on my plans, I will continue to increase the number of exercises, minutes of cardio, and a number of healthy meals until I’m running at full speed. This process could take weeks or it could even take months. The goal isn’t to get it done the fastest, but rather to re-establish the daily habits that helped me find success years before.<br />
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<h2>
Where Am I At Today?</h2>
To give you an update on where I am today, I have consistently been in the gym, eating right, and doing cardio for about 8 or 9 weeks. During that time, I went from the bare minimum effort to 3 exercises per body part per day, 15 minutes of cardio, and 3 healthy meals. The results I’m seeing are fat loss, more strength, and better conditioning.<br />
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Eventually, I’d like to rest somewhere between 4 and 6 exercises per body part, 20 minutes of cardio (twice a day), and 4 to 6 healthy meals. Once I’m running at full speed, I am planning to be at my goal in about 6 or 7 months. That should be around September or October of this year, which, once I’m finished with this 12-week sprint, will be another two 12 week cycles. I can live with that.<br />
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As I bring this article to a close, you are more than welcome to join me on this year's adventure. It won’t always be exciting, but it will be worth it.<br />
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Thank you for reading!<br />
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Until next time...<br />
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<h2>
Getting in Shape the Easy Way (Facebook Live)</h2>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="385" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/luMziWHoQjU" width="640"></iframe><br />
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In this live video, Damond goes into depth about his current weight loss journey. He will share strategies for getting started, staying motivated, and reaching your goals.Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-47925409315422497612018-01-24T23:37:00.000-05:002018-03-14T20:08:31.746-04:00No More Mr. Nice Guy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfNRc8QjbuP9eGqdcmHNbjPqDm7ROwGByAnLIA3VZbPO27K8-aBpyB8b-f0dqX_AQpwuwNdH9ZBtEw_ZgQH8YtNTbKmm-d3Lo1URwBafc9_a6IcVu_tR7aV2F9fphACzPMfjyUYxEdkt7/s1600/nomrniceguy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfNRc8QjbuP9eGqdcmHNbjPqDm7ROwGByAnLIA3VZbPO27K8-aBpyB8b-f0dqX_AQpwuwNdH9ZBtEw_ZgQH8YtNTbKmm-d3Lo1URwBafc9_a6IcVu_tR7aV2F9fphACzPMfjyUYxEdkt7/s640/nomrniceguy.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am a nice guy. For as long as I can remember, I have always been a nice, sensitive, and caring person. Wait, there is one exception that immediately comes to mind. If you ask my younger sister, she may tell you a slightly different story. As a child, I have been known to gently terrorize her, her friends, and her pets (laughing).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHvWAxNJd_7548ZTBXNdUjAykTEakSWewX8eeIRt7Ze5Fk0R3mBwdzw2QpgLAeLpW2o7mINesZ1r5D802tmO8Mr1U7IWDp2kPR9bl7xjlJ-MR4LyC6r5lO1CxdRWDS2Uj0DyofvwUPuw8/s1600/1516960693206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHvWAxNJd_7548ZTBXNdUjAykTEakSWewX8eeIRt7Ze5Fk0R3mBwdzw2QpgLAeLpW2o7mINesZ1r5D802tmO8Mr1U7IWDp2kPR9bl7xjlJ-MR4LyC6r5lO1CxdRWDS2Uj0DyofvwUPuw8/s320/1516960693206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
With that written, let me get back to the story at hand. As far back as fourth grade, I recall buying gifts (i.e., flowers, jewelry, etc.) for the girl of my affection. Based on popular culture, and the advice from my mother, <b>I always thought that being nice and charming was enough to win a woman’s heart.</b> Unfortunately, as I have learned many times since elementary school, being nice doesn’t always lead to getting the girl. No, often times it led to being locked into the dreaded “Friend Zone.” [Add dramatic music here]<br />
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Don’t get me wrong, being liked and getting along with people has its advantages, but when you lose the girl that you’ve been pining after for years, being nice just isn’t enough. How many guys (and gals) can feel me on that?<br />
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As I grew older, let’s say high school, I was tired of being the “good guy.” No, I wanted to finally get the girl of my dreams, but it required a slightly different game plan than what I had originally subscribed. Instead of chasing after one girl, I had to simply open myself up to meeting a lot of people. The more I dated, the less I focused on just one person. If you take that experience, along with a huge boost in confidence (and probably plenty of teenage hormones to boot), I was finally realizing how it felt to be wanted by the female persuasion. Can I just say that it felt GREAT!<br />
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Somewhere after high school, probably during my transition into college, I was tired of the loneliness that was associated with the excessive masculine bravado. I wanted to genuinely connect with someone, but emotions often led to weakness, codependency, and a loss of attraction. <b>It’s only when I became indifferent to the situation that I was able to maintain control, dominance, focus, and, of course, the lady’s attention.</b><br />
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As I grew up through my 20’s, 30’s, and even now into my 40’s, I found similar instances of niceness and eagerness to please that I displayed as a child. However, instead of just being locked into the “friend zone,” I realized that other issues were surfacing. Being accommodating, for example, opened the door for being taken advantage of, walked on, disrespected, and mistreated. No, I didn’t like it, but I also didn’t do anything to stop it. Hence, it continued.<br />
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Why didn’t you stop it? You ask. Honestly, <b>I believe it had everything to with the fear of loss.</b> When I feared losing something important to me, I ended up embracing a weak position, adopting timidity, and accepting whatever hot mess was given to me.<br />
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As I seriously reflect on this long-time lesson, I recognized that being “nice” wasn’t always the right answer. While I’m not suggesting that anyone become offensive, disrespectful, manipulative, mean, or rude, what I am saying is that <b>one should know their value and never accept anything less.</b><br />
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If you find that you are being walked on, mistreated, disrespected, looked over, taken advantage of, cheated on, lied to, devalued, abused, put down, or made to feel less than, then it’s time to put your foot down and say, “Hey, I’ve had enough! No mas, no more!”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OnKKTkDPqjRTIoHJ617FigxAvUEYysPo5A75S3-S5053xuH2JrvIMIjvKmMxqYZD-Oa2xS0j4kyGoDnlAZ2oLdnISvkc03vfjmQMVopAPrpgzac2DdcKOGJmwSA8XqHnoumS1U6aG1ef/s1600/FB_IMG_1517064440861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OnKKTkDPqjRTIoHJ617FigxAvUEYysPo5A75S3-S5053xuH2JrvIMIjvKmMxqYZD-Oa2xS0j4kyGoDnlAZ2oLdnISvkc03vfjmQMVopAPrpgzac2DdcKOGJmwSA8XqHnoumS1U6aG1ef/s320/FB_IMG_1517064440861.jpg" width="320" /></a>Beyond the verbal declaration, which is a good start, you also have to put action behind it. This means that you have to be willing to walk away and never look back if things don't change. If that 4th grade crush could not see my value, my worth, and my contribution, then it was her loss, not mine. There were plenty of other girls on the playground to choose from.<br />
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While today's message used the interpersonal relationships of my youth, we can take the same lesson and apply it to many of our grown-up situations. From dealing with our boss, employees, children, spouse, landlord, neighbor, friends, family, business partners, and co-workers, we all have the same power to stand up for what we want, what we need, and what we deserve without settling for crumbs. It is when we decide, take action, and remain steadfast in our convictions by being willing to walk away from situations that no longer serve us, that we see the desired change in our lives. Even if that change is only within ourselves.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“You teach people how to treat you by what you allow, what you stop, and what you reinforce.” ~ Tony Gaskins</blockquote>
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Ok, Champions, let’s make today a really great day!<br />
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<h2>
How To Avoid Being A Pushover</h2>
Here is a Facebook Live that I did in relation to this article.<br />
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Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-2155677141436359302018-01-23T21:43:00.002-05:002018-01-24T07:24:30.416-05:00Who Am I?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Earlier this evening, while on the way home from work, I received a negative message from an online user. As soon as I saw the opening line of text, I immediately knew that it wasn’t going to be uplifting or supportive. Instead, its sender apparently wanted me to “know about myself,” as seen through their lenses.<br />
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While everyone may have an opinion, I definitely don’t have to agree or even subscribe to what someone else is selling. Instead, assuming I was going to be swayed, I’d much rather be influenced by people who choose to see the best in me, who want me to succeed, and who love me unconditionally. Please understand, that even before I embrace the caring support offered by my circle of friends and family, I want to take the lead in filling the mind, body, and soul with my own positive thoughts and inspiring opinions. More powerful still, is listening to the Word of God and aligning with who He says I am. Here are a few of my favorites:<br />
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<ul>
<li>I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%20139:14&version=NIV">Ps. 139:14</a>)</li>
<li>I am God’s masterpiece. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=eph%202:10&version=NLT">Eph. 2:10</a>) </li>
<li>I am greatly loved by God. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=col%203:12&version=NIV">Col 3:12</a>)</li>
<li>I am His treasured possession. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=exodus%2019:5-6&version=NIV">Exodus 19:5-6</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20cor%204:7&version=NLT">2 Cor. 4:7</a>)</li>
<li>I am free. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%208:36&version=NLT">John 8:36</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=gal%205:1&version=NLT">Gal. 5:1</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rom%208:2&version=NIV">Rom. 8:2</a>)</li>
<li>I am healed. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20peter%202:24&version=NLT">1 Peter 2:24</a>)</li>
<li>I am whole. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=eph%203:19&version=NLT">Eph 3:19</a>)</li>
<li>I am more than a conqueror. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rom%208:37&version=NIV">Rom. 8:37;</a> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20cor%2015:57&version=NIV">1 Cor. 15:57</a>)</li>
<li>I am wanted. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%201:4-5&version=NIV">Eph 1:4-5</a>)</li>
<li>I am significant. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20cor%2012:27&version=NIV">1 Cor. 12:27</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rom%2012:4-5&version=NIV">Rom. 12:4-5</a>)</li>
<li>I am a friend of God, chosen by Him and appointed to bear good fruit. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2015:15-16&version=NLT">John 15:15-16</a>)</li>
<li>I am sent by God. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2020:20-23&version=NLT">John 20:20-23</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rom%2010:15&version=NLT">Rom. 10:15</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matt%2029:16-19&version=NLT">Matthew 29:16-19</a>)</li>
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No, we may not be where we want to be, look how we want to look, or live like we want to live, but we can surely celebrate and enjoy the honest truth from a God that loves us just as we are.<br />
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Remember this, YOU are a champion! YOU are a winner! Never let someone else’s opinion define who you are or what you believe. Get away from that stinkin’ thinkin’ and allow yourself to be who you were always meant to be. Embrace your greatness and let any negative words, actions, or thoughts roll off your shoulders like water rolls off a duck’s back. Be impervious to the disapproval of others and hold tight to the encouraging words of the Lord. Amen!<br />
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Make today a really great day!Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-53631293645856314202018-01-17T13:31:00.001-05:002018-01-17T13:31:44.452-05:00The Single White Envelope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A single white envelope lay dormant in the mailbox. From the outside, I don’t recall there being any indication of what I might find within its sealed shell. Like the many days before it, I put my hand inside the aging green container, collected the gift left behind by the dutiful mail carrier, and forcibly closed the rusty-hinged door with the sound of scraping metal that was followed by a loud snap. <br />
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Having arrived home only moments earlier, my mind was racing through a checklist of tasks that I had to perform that evening. As I walk up the driveway toward the house, I stop at the car to pick up the laptop, lunch bag, and any other remnants that I may have accumulated that day. <br />
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Once inside the house, I dropped everything down on the kitchen table and proceeded to remove my shoes. Currently, I have a no shoes on the carpet policy, which was implemented to save the last few clean fibers from being trampled upon by the outside world. Yes, there are dark trails and heavy stains all over the floor, but it’s never too late to maintain what you have. <br />
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After putting my shoes away, I came back to the table and proceeded to open the letter. I started by tearing away at the corner and forcing my index finger into the newly made hole. Aggressively, I ran my finger down the envelope, which created a long tear in the sealed flap. If I was more refined, maybe I would have used a fancy letter opener, but this correspondence looked more like junk mail than anything of importance. <br />
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Mindlessly, I ripped out the paper from its securely sealed cocoon and unfolded it one layer at a time. It took me a few moments before the contents fully registered. “Wait, I think this letter is serious.” I thought. <br />
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Instead of simply skimming the words for context, I went back to the top and read every word. At first, it didn’t make sense. What was the author trying to say? Was this thing really intended for me? Again, I read the letter in its entirety only to come to the same conclusion. This thing has to be wrong. Is this a joke? I asked myself. <br />
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Unable to take further action that night, I put the communication back in its envelope and made a mental note to call the telephone number located near the top of the page when I get in the office the following day. <br />
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Fast forward through the details of the call, I found out the next afternoon that I was the intended recipient of the letter and the contents did, in fact, affect me directly. In that moment, I could feel my heart racing. My skin warmed intensively and I could feel my pores open with perspiration. What now? I thought in a panic. <br />
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I looked around the empty office space in search of an answer. My eyes shifted left to right as the ideas traveled from one part of my brain to the other. “Think, think, think...” Taken from the pages of Jimmy Neutron, I pleaded in silence. <br />
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Then it hit me, “...Brain Blast!”<br />
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Over the next hour, I reached out passionately to my network of key supporters and friends. I shared the situation with them in honest detail hoping to get some movement in resolving the issue. While the answer to this riddle would require more time and energy than could be mustered in this single day, I found comfort in knowing that I wasn’t alone. To hear that there are those who were willing and able to help make all the difference in the world. <br />
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In the following weeks since I first received the letter, I have been blessed to find that I am in good hands. The individuals who are now involved have taken a stand to aid me during an experience that could have easily make anyone extremely uncomfortable. There have been no talks of compensation or a transaction of any kind. All I have received from them is full support, in earnest. <br />
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It is in this very moment, as I write these words, that I feel so overwhelmingly blessed to have a circle of friends, business partners, co-workers, frat brothers, family members, and even associates that have my best interest at heart. Be it through prayer, financial, physical, and even moral support, I know that I am surrounded by some really amazing people who care about me and my well being. Honestly, I don’t know if I could ever begin to repay them for what they’ve done and continue to do for me. Please know that I am indebted to them and will do whatever I can to pour the same “goodness” I feel back into their lives. While words will never fully express my genuine and heartfelt gratitude, let me at least begin by writing a huge “THANK YOU!”<br />
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As I take a moment to reflect on this experience, let me share with you some thoughts.<br />
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<h2>
Get Some Good People In Your Life</h2>
I cannot stress how important this truth has been for me. It is in moments like this where I am at the end of my own ability and resources, that God sends a blessing through someone else. Knowing this, take this opportunity to surround yourself with generous, loving, supportive, and positive people who consistently pours life into you through their words and actions.</div>
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<h2>
Trust In The Lord For Everything</h2>
The year 2017 is only one example of how amazing God is and how mysteriously he works. While filled with challenges and opportunities for growth, there is no way that I could ever have conducted the intricately intertwining characters, events, and an overarching storyline that God is writing as we speak. I don’t know how the story ends, but I do know that He has it all under control. When in doubt, trust and believe that the Lord is working it out for our good.</div>
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<h2>
Be Patient</h2>
The situation that I’m generically describing is but one piece of a larger story. Unlike a television sitcom, life doesn’t always wrap up so neatly within a 30-minute timeslot. No, sometimes the resolution takes much longer than anyone could anticipate or even fathom. Whatever life looks like for you now, learn to be patient with certain things. Remember what do they say, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”</div>
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<h2>
Be Thankful For Whatever The Outcome</h2>
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This idea for consideration may not be an easy one to swallow. Trust me when I tell you that this past year delivered some crushing blows to the midsection. There were times that I cried out in pain, confusion, and angst against the numerous fiery arrows being shot in my direction. “Why?” was a common question that I asked both silently and aloud. Regardless of the outcome, I have learned to thank God for it all. Be it “good” or “bad,” the events serve a much larger purpose and I’m thankful that I could live through and learn from those experiences. </div>
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As I bring today’s article to a close, I hope that you got something of value from it. Please feel free to share this lesson with someone who you think could benefit from it and drop me a line in the comment section below. <br />
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Remember, today is a new day with an opportunity to turn it all around. Keep your head up because you were destined for greatness.<br />
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Until next time...</div>
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Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-88208475680856076092018-01-15T13:55:00.001-05:002018-01-15T13:55:31.846-05:00The Importance of Taking A Break<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is morning. The sun is up and I see a cold icy blue light piercing through the bedroom blinds. In the distance, I hear the airy sound of passing vehicles as they commute up and down the nearby highway. Outside of my window, the occasional sound of small birds chirp enthusiastically between one another while a neighbor’s basset hound conducts its daily wakeup howl. </div>
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At the moment, I’m sitting in my bed with the computer resting on my lap. Here goes another attempt to write something that I can publish to the world. Yes, in the back of my mind, I’m fully aware that it’s been <b>37 days</b> since my last article. Trust me, I feel the pressure.<br />
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As I finish the last paragraph, I hear the lyrics from Aaliyah’s song, “Try Again” echoing in my head.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“It’s been a long time, we shouldn’t have left you, without a dope beat to step to.”</blockquote>
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I feel the same way. I shouldn’t have left you hanging.<br />
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What happened? You may be asking. Well, that’s a really good question and one that I intend on answering in today’s post.<br />
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Let me begin by sharing that 2017 was a really interesting year. In hindsight, it feels like one of the most dramatic and stressful years to date. While I won’t go into detail about the numerous events, just yet, I will share that they fully tested me in so many ways. While not very popular at the time, I now stand grateful for the experiences.<br />
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As the year came to a close, I was looking forward to the downtime. Honestly, I needed a break and was already planning to live in my pajamas for most of the holiday. What I didn’t foresee was how badly I needed to disconnect from the world.<br />
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It was after the car accident last month that I went into “survival mode.” My focus was on securing transportation and addressing a number of pressing issues. As you can imagine, the stress from the year along with the various priorities that I faced in December left me drained. I was exhausted.<br />
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While I was still able to fully function at work and with friends, I was biding my time until I had no further responsibilities to uphold. It was then that I simply let go and put down every weight that I was carrying. I got lost in solitude and it felt great. Days turned into weeks. Unfortunately, living in stasis is not something one should subscribe to for the long-term.<br />
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Eventually, I grew tired of the inactivity, laziness, and lethargic flow of my days. It was time to pull myself out of the muck and mire. It was time to reconnect with my purpose and get back to what is important to me.<br />
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So, what lessons did I learn from these past 37 days? What takeaways can we garner? In following sections, I share a few ideas that come to mind.<br />
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<h2>
It’s OK To Take A Break</h2>
The first lesson that I walked away with is that it’s OK to take a break. With the introduction of technology, it feels like we are always ON. Through email, text messages, mobile phones, social media, and instant messages, I can be accessed almost instantaneously. We are bound to our roles in society, within our jobs, and within our everyday life that unless we are intentional about breaking away, we can eventually burn out at the most inopportune times. </div>
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<h2>
Schedule Regular Breaks</h2>
When I am in full swing and being extremely productive, I don’t want to stop doing what I’m doing. In fact, I can often be found working hours upon hours trying to accomplish a goal without a single resting period. In the moment, it feels great, but the pendulum often swings equally as hard in the opposite direction.<br />
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A better strategy is to be intentional about the periods of time that I work. Some experts suggest that 90-minute sprints are the sweet spot for productivity. After that 90-minutes, remove yourself from the task and do something that will allow you to rest and recharge your batteries. Some ideas may include walking around the office or outside in the fresh air, stopping to have a light conversation with a coworker or friend, and grabbing a bite to eat with your circle of influence. Whatever the activity, be sure to peel yourself away from the work and just relax.<br />
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In addition to the small breaks at work, consider taking time in the evening to put down your tasks and simply enjoy the fruits of your labor. Walk with your spouse around the neighborhood, workout in the gym, do crossword puzzles in the backyard, go fishing, watch a movie, listen to music, meditate, or relax in a rocking chair with a cool refreshing drink.</div>
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<h2>
Remove the Technology</h2>
While technology has allowed for more access to people and information, it also has a way to tether us to the world. During our moments of downtime and relaxation, consider removing cell phones, laptops, tablets, and any other device that competes for our attention. Enjoy dinner with the family and set an imaginary forcefield around the table where any electronic doodad immediately dies. No distractions, just good ‘ol family time. This can easily extend to date night as well. </div>
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<h2>
Get Alone With Yourself</h2>
Outside of the physical and mental decompression that happens during a break, there is the opportunity to reconnect with yourself. For me, I find alone time to be extremely beneficial toward understanding what I want or need in that moment. My desire to be social often requires that I give a lot of myself. Be it a listening ear, words of encouragement, or the ability to see someone else’s perspective, I find that I’m using energy to relate and support others.<br />
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While I have some pretty amazing friends, co-workers, family members, business partners, and customers, I recognize that I have to get away from everyone in order to “zero out” or bring everything back into balance and alignment with who I am inside. One friend calls this my “Michael Jackson moment.”<br />
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Apparently, looking back over the previous 37 days, I spent a great deal of time seeking balance and solace, but it could have just as easily be achieved on a more consistent basis. Consider an alone time in the early morning or late at night where you just write in the journal. Use this time to detach from other people’s wants, needs, and focus this time on giving you what YOU need. </div>
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<h2>
Rest on Sunday</h2>
As a child, I was taught that God rested on Sunday. As a result, we too are instructed to take the seventh day for ourselves. This means no work, no chores, no nothing whatsoever for the entire day. In writing that, I already know how much of a challenge it will be to sit still and chill when there is so much work to be done. However, based on this past season, I completely understand why it’s necessary.</div>
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<h2>
Take a Real Vacation</h2>
This is another hard one for me because I feel guilty taking time off work, but I recognize the value of taking a real vacation. Now, it’s not required that you go somewhere fancy, but I found my first trip to Mexico was such an amazing adventure. I came back to the world feeling completely relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle my mission and purpose. Because I was out of the country, my mobile phone didn’t allow for calls or the Internet. It was just me, my friends, and the experience of an all-inclusive resort. Wow!<br />
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Now, as an active member of a travel club, with nearly 30 trips under his belt, this suggestion has been practiced and appreciated plenty of times. However, it is important to note that a real vacation means NO WORK. Get away from the office, emails, voicemail, and anything that will distract you from enjoying the moment in paradise. </div>
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<h2>
Conclusion</h2>
As I bring this article to a close, I do hope that you got something of value out of it. As I have learned from this recent experience, you have to give yourself permission to take a break or your body, mind, and spirit will take one for you. You can’t be your best if you’re running on fumes. Just as being productive is valuable toward your business or mission in life, so too is a period of rest.<br />
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Until next time...</div>
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Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-33672200761348521502017-12-07T08:53:00.000-05:002017-12-07T09:00:40.088-05:00Bruised But Not Broken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last night, while driving home from Goldsboro, NC, I was in an accident. Outside of a scratch and some soreness in my shoulders, back, and neck, I walked away from an incident that could have been much worse. </div>
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It was about 9:30 in the evening and I was only minutes away from my destination when a large deer suddenly appeared in the middle of the road. In response to this new information, I quickly applied the brakes hoping that I could decelerate the vehicle fast enough that I wouldn't run directly into it. With only seconds remaining, I attempted to move over into the left lane and avoid a collision, but then the car started to swerve from the rear. To correct the vehicle, that was now heading toward a ditch, I turned the steering wheel in the opposite direction to compensate for the fishtailing effect that was in motion.<br />
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Unfortunately, there wasn't enough room on the highway to apply corrective action a second time because the car was now sliding sideways toward the guardrail. Eventually, the front corner of the vehicle banged sharply into the protective railing and whipped the vehicle around where the backend of the car then slammed into guardrail. Still in a continuous motion, the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica finished its 360 degree spin and then limped across the highway until it came to a complete stop in the median's ditch.<br />
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I sat there quietly while the car continued to make various dying sounds. The lights were flickering off and on while a dinging noise alerted me to a message in the dashboard. I could see steam escaping from the front of the vehicle, which smelled like the remnants of the car's coolant hitting the hot engine.<br />
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In all of the craziness that just transpired, I begged the question, "Why is this happening now?" It felt like such an inopportune time knowing that I would have to buy a newer vehicle with money that I did not have.<br />
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Not understanding the bigger plan, I gave up trying to comprehend the purpose of it all and just sat there peacefully in my seat while saying a prayer out loud. "<b>Thank you, God, for keeping me safe and protecting me from something worse. I don't know why this is happening, but I trust that you will bring me through this. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.</b>"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-b6wJGtS3pg8hWWnjOZ_nEOhpmSaFzO47VJ1Y6Y4PAGXMluxTP9tUMr11TqDhTr_FQ1nnYIj0szMnhieYNOCRvFwMocSRypfqpO4ULIaQxh5C3jNVcgHSRzggem6Gz5rLdh6alTDQ7-x/s1600/20171205_223935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-b6wJGtS3pg8hWWnjOZ_nEOhpmSaFzO47VJ1Y6Y4PAGXMluxTP9tUMr11TqDhTr_FQ1nnYIj0szMnhieYNOCRvFwMocSRypfqpO4ULIaQxh5C3jNVcgHSRzggem6Gz5rLdh6alTDQ7-x/s640/20171205_223935.jpg" width="640" /></a>Once the prayer was over, all I could do was laugh. It felt unreal that all of these apparent misfortunes would be happening around the same time. Just as we get through one situation, another one popped up in its place thus adding to the weight that I'm having to carry. For a moment, I thought about Job from the Bible and all that he had to go through. Thankfully, I'm not dealing with the extensive issues he dealt with, but I understood his pain. In those moments when everything seems like it's going horribly wrong, it's then that I feel led to simply thank the Lord for what's right, for the lesson, for the opportunity to grow and improve.<br />
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I don't know why or what the plan is for all of this, but it's not for me to worry about. I've placed my fears, concerns, and anxiety on God and trust that he's going to order my steps and find a way where there seems to be no way.<br />
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Over the next hour or so, I was accompanied by the <a href="https://www.ncdps.gov/Our-Organization/Law-Enforcement/State-Highway-Patrol">North Carolina Highway Patrol</a> and my girlfriend, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/brandinmatthews">Brandi</a>. Together, we game planned our next few moves. I would call my insurance company, <a href="https://www.statefarm.com/agent/US/NC/Elizabeth-Cty/Billie-Reid-RJRYD1YS000">State Farm</a>, and arrange for the car to be towed to my house where they would later come and pick it up for further assessment. In the meanwhile, Hertz reserved a rental car for me, which I could pick up the following day.<br />
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In the time that I was waiting for the tow truck to arrive, Brandi pulled out her small first-aid kit and started cleaning the cut on my face. With a brown band-aid now positioned near my left eye, I walked around the car, took a few pictures, and then began removing personal items that lay scattered around the interior cabin.<br />
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While I tried to remain calm, I felt a bit scatterbrained at times. I found myself taking extraneous steps around the incapacitated vehicle while trying to organize myself. What should I be doing now? I asked.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6dH2P0WcaftpY_3bh80b43e1lFpI0YESQFso8jTzCg8SJbC9leJSeYT0czgWs95mNCb4bApiyKqZnTCrS-4PAhJrxwcU87R_yaabkLQr6erhojbAVOwnMAHKvHOIpffSRXBKfw6QUoaZ/s1600/20171205_215943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6dH2P0WcaftpY_3bh80b43e1lFpI0YESQFso8jTzCg8SJbC9leJSeYT0czgWs95mNCb4bApiyKqZnTCrS-4PAhJrxwcU87R_yaabkLQr6erhojbAVOwnMAHKvHOIpffSRXBKfw6QUoaZ/s640/20171205_215943.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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At one point, I walked over the scene of the accident in an effort to remember the particulars of the event. When people say, "It happened so fast" I can totally relate. The street told the complete story as the tire marks outlined the path of my vehicle. I walked the curved lines and replayed the car hitting the guardrail and littering the street with coolant. Dirt and auto parts lay dormant on the pavement leading to the car that rested silently in the dark.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYJm2PFM0SGy_7dDLePrBh8bkTzgo1mB8ke3J4oEaZbSq6xAX2BXwD4lVvN0x4wsXJeoH139xh8i1nnqNBqlZm8q5VKJu3XDhzV9jpdfgs3ODea8Qw6osi_KSkknJVhU6jv5sXe-Pj5NW/s1600/20171205_224513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYJm2PFM0SGy_7dDLePrBh8bkTzgo1mB8ke3J4oEaZbSq6xAX2BXwD4lVvN0x4wsXJeoH139xh8i1nnqNBqlZm8q5VKJu3XDhzV9jpdfgs3ODea8Qw6osi_KSkknJVhU6jv5sXe-Pj5NW/s640/20171205_224513.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Eventually, Brandi took me home and held me in her arms. Few words were spoken for the remainder of the night. While I knew that the course ahead may be rocky, in that moment I just wanted to focus on the here and now. I can't change what happened and there is no point in asking "why" when rebuilding is far more important. So, I allowed myself to ignore everything and breathe.<br />
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At one point, Brandi repeated the words, "<b>One step at a time...</b>" to which I completely agree. With the Lord's help, we've overcome other challenges and we will soon overcome this one, too. Using the words from <a href="https://twitter.com/mattfry">Pastor Matt Fry</a>, "If he's done it before, he'll do it again."<br />
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As I write these words, I just wanted to share with you my story. Yes, it's easy to feel sorry for ourselves and focus on everything that's not going right, but that's fruitless. Instead, I've decided to take a shower, get dressed, make my bed, and go into the next minute with a positive mindset. I'm still here. All is not lost. Yes, things have happened, but it's not the end of the world. <b>Focus on what you can do with what you have and allow the Lord to take care of everything else</b>. Trust that everything will be okay and that there is a reason for it all.<br />
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Before I bring this post to a close, I do want to openly thank God for his protection and movement within my life. I also want to thank my girlfriend Brandi for being there during all of the difficult times we've had to face. I would also like to thank State Farm Insurance, <a href="https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/reservation/">Hertz</a>, and the NC Highway Patrol for aiding me when I needed a helping hand.<br />
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Moving forward, I'm going to have to find another vehicle. While the rental car will provide some short term assistance, I'm in need of a longer term solution. I guess that part of the story is still unwritten, but know that I will share it with you as it unfolds.<br />
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Until next time...Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-33942659119932040972017-11-30T19:24:00.002-05:002017-11-30T19:24:54.541-05:00Teach By Example<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJqTMR4GL51h8Euq3KYeK5FL0jXIePotzznvbiyXFJHeYCbN4D1xe1a-E9qcDh8wY5KgmK3j872AIlJxMwW4UkkPma9509Z1vWlGBbM-K-4s_3GAi5yyKMBC19Af0X7w7x0KJKnjGQHEV/s1600/teachbyexample.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Teach By Example" border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJqTMR4GL51h8Euq3KYeK5FL0jXIePotzznvbiyXFJHeYCbN4D1xe1a-E9qcDh8wY5KgmK3j872AIlJxMwW4UkkPma9509Z1vWlGBbM-K-4s_3GAi5yyKMBC19Af0X7w7x0KJKnjGQHEV/s640/teachbyexample.png" title="Teach By Example" width="640" /></a></div>
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About 5 years ago, I made a thoughtful decision to start a business by way of a network marketing company. While the first few days were a bit rocky, I soon experienced a level of success that exceeded my expectations. Over the next 10 months, I worked closely with the leadership and reached another point of achievement. It felt amazing!</div>
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Not long after, my friend and mentor, the one who was guiding me on this journey, made a decision to move a couple of hours away. This meant that we wouldn't see or work in the same way that we had been during the preceding months. It was both scary and exciting. It was scary because there was still so much to learn, but exciting because I was being promoted into a leadership role. </div>
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What I realized almost immediately was that I was great as an individual, but wasn't as strong as a leader. I remember one lady on the team telling me that she was happy for my success, but wondered how she could experience it for herself. It was then that I stopped doing the activity that helped me realize success and looked instead to encourage her to increase her activity. My plan was to talk about the strategy that I employed and massively educate the team on the how-to's. </div>
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Eventually, this young lady closed her business and I had to start rebuilding where I left off. The lesson I learned in that moment was to <b>never stop doing what works</b>. </div>
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A year or so after that experience, I had another amazing run with a team of go-getters. They were hungry, excitable, and highly energetic. It was so much fun and I learned a lot about how to build and support a team of entrepreneurs. I loved it! </div>
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Process for Teaching</h2>
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Today, as I continue my work with new business owners and share the building lessons that I've learned over the years, I was reminded of the process by which we help others find success in this industry. Not just in this industry, but life in general. The process involves the following steps:</div>
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<ul>
<li><b>Step 1:</b> I tell you how to do it.</li>
<li><b>Step 2:</b> I show you how to do it.</li>
<li><b>Step 3:</b> You do it, I watch you, and then I give feedback.</li>
<li><b>Step 4:</b> You do it all by yourself.</li>
<li><b>Step 5:</b> You teach someone else how to do it. </li>
</ul>
Since the very beginning, I was good for telling you how to do it. I would quickly move to watching you do it, with feedback, and then letting you go. While it seemed to work fine, I knew there was something missing. Today, it's as clear as a window after Windex. I completely ignored step number 2, which is the show you how to do it. Be it at the office, at home, at the gym, in the fraternity, or now in the business world, I skipped such an important step in the learning and teaching process.<br />
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It is by doing the activity and inviting you to join me on the journey that one gets to hear and see how something should be done. It's small, yet powerful. Again, by going to the gym, attending the class, talking to prospects, loving your spouse, and reading the books that I show you how to experience success in your life. That point was so good, I had to reiterate twice.</div>
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So, as we go into this day, let's take the action that we wish to teach and invite others to come along for the ride. "Oh, you want to learn this valuable point, huh? Great, how about you sit back, relax, and watch me go to work." </div>
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Share It! </h2>
I hope that you got something of value in today's post. If you did, please take a moment and share it with someone who you think could benefit from it.<br />
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If you like this kind of information, make sure you don't miss a single article! Follow this link to <a href="http://www.damondnollan.com/p/newsletter.html">subscribe to my newsletter</a> and I'll deliver this content directly to you.Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-38116898466835234202017-11-27T13:02:00.000-05:002017-11-27T13:03:29.162-05:004 Tips for Setting and Following Through on Your Goals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_TWcQIz-S60qhOyLXtn848Bofsps751MkF_-vM3BnlrXAKFmoM-8eIOB9TOzH77-YkRP3KzRwnhckD1gnTxouF_FsooggMpemEXA6I8sTXHyom6feJ3Tr7GBUFNuSF7zEeQJATOdK_Fk/s1600/goals.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_TWcQIz-S60qhOyLXtn848Bofsps751MkF_-vM3BnlrXAKFmoM-8eIOB9TOzH77-YkRP3KzRwnhckD1gnTxouF_FsooggMpemEXA6I8sTXHyom6feJ3Tr7GBUFNuSF7zEeQJATOdK_Fk/s640/goals.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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While reading, "<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Never-Eat-Alone-Expanded-Updated-ebook/dp/B00H6JBFOS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1511797392&sr=1-1&keywords=never+eat+alone">Never Eat Alone</a></i>" by Keith Ferrazzi, I came upon a chapter that talked about setting goals. While the book is focused on improving relationships and connections, the author's dive into goal setting prompted a serious self examine. Honestly, I haven't been great in this department. Yes, I have some written goals, but that's about as far as I've gone. Not good!<br />
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As I continue to work on improving me and my overall situation, I realize that without goals I can be quite shifty. Often times, I find myself asking the following questions:<br />
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<ul>
<li>What should I be working on? </li>
<li>How should I be spending my time? </li>
<li>What is my number one priority at the moment? </li>
</ul>
Without goals, I end up spending time on things that aren't moving me forward toward anything of significance. Yes, I have a well oiled calendar with time allotted for any number of tasks and meetings, but are those activities the right activities? What am I saying "Yes" to that really should be a huge and emphatic "No?"<br />
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In the following sections, I share a few ideas on setting goals and ways to hold yourself accountable for reaching those targets.<br />
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1. Set A Realistic Goal</h2>
The first step is to set a realistic goal with a specific due date. For us procrastinators, having a deadline is a great way to ensure that this goal and all the subsequent tasks do not fall into the "someday" category.<br />
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2. Work Backwards from the Due Date</h2>
With a goal and date set, now it's time to pull out the calendar and determine what has to happen between now and the due date. What steps or tasks have to be completed in order to achieve the goal? As you come up with those items, be sure to add them to the calendar.<br />
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3. Find an Accountability Partner</h2>
Personally, having someone other than me to be accountable to is a great way to add pressure. I find that if I keep the goals and their related tasks solely to myself, it's easy to ignore deadlines with plenty of self promises to finish at a later date. This cannot happen if I seriously want to achieve my objectives.<br />
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In the past, I have used social media as a way to hold myself accountable. By stating my plans openingly and in the public eye, I had people who were watching my activity level closely. It's uncomfortable and embarrassing to be called out for not doing something that you said that you would do.<br />
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4. Up the Ante for Maximum Compliance</h2>
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While your accountability partner could be your boss, friend, spouse, or business partner, there is the possibility that you will still fall short because there isn't enough at stake. For me, missing a deadline with my boss is something I am not willing to do, especially on important and high profile tasks. However, should you need more pressure, consider doing something that will make falling short extremely painful. </div>
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One example would be to put money on the line. In the event that you don't reach your target, you lose that hard earned money toward a cause that you are adamantly against. This is another place where your accountability partner could come in. Give them a post dated check with expressed instructions to send the money if a goal is not reached by the agreed upon deadline. No amount of excuses or heartfelt pleading can stop the process. The only way to stop the clock is to achieve the goal. </div>
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If you're open to that idea, consider using an online resource like <a href="http://stickk.com/">Stickk.com</a>, which is a free service that I've used in the past to lose weight. Instead of writing a check, you set a dollar amount backed by a debit/credit card. Next, you determine the goal, deadline, and weekly tasks that lead to the successful completion. Each week, you check in with a referee (your accountability partner) and report on whether you've completed the tasks for the last 7 days. If not, you lose a portion of the total dollar amount. To really apply pressure, agree to a figure that will cause serious discomfort.</div>
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Questions for Discussion</h2>
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The purpose of this article is to initiate some form of action within our lives. To help get the ball rolling, let's answer these questions in the comment section below:</div>
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<ul>
<li>What are 3-5 goals that you want to achieve right now?</li>
<li>When are you planning on completing those goals?</li>
<li>What are you willing to do each week to accomplish the larger goals?</li>
<li>Who will serve as your accountability partner?</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h2>
Share It! </h2>
I hope that you got something of value in today's post. If you did, please take a moment and share it with someone who you think could benefit from it.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Subscribe Today! </h2>
If you like this kind of information, make sure you don't miss a single article! Follow this link to <a href="http://www.damondnollan.com/p/newsletter.html">subscribe to my newsletter</a> and I'll deliver this content directly to you.Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-37928410174913048872017-11-23T07:27:00.000-05:002018-03-14T20:17:49.319-04:00Procrastination: What Motivates Getting Things Done?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi, my name is Damond Nollan and I am a procrastinator.<br />
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Yes, you read that correctly. I often delay tasks until the very last possible minute. From as far back as I can remember, there has always been a strong urge to put off homework, chores, taxes, projects, home repairs, and even getting dressed in preparation for the day. It's systemic and it affects just about every area of my life.<br />
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Despite the negative connotation associated with procrastination, I still get things done. Ok, before you try and poke a hole in that statement, I will be extremely transparent and reveal that I have yet to finish my doctoral degree. Oh, and if you're my girlfriend, I am very aware of the endless list of tasks that I still haven't completed, like adding all my many books to the four bookshelves you bought last Christmas.<br />
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In my mind, I know there are a trillion things that I have to do, but instead of worrying about everything and carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, <b>I focus primarily on what's most important now.</b> What has to be done today? Better yet, what has to be done right now? <b>If I have time to finish it, then it can wait.</b><br />
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<h2>
Procrastinators vs. Anti-Procrastinators</h2>
When I compare my style of task completion to that of a co-worker, I feel like such a slacker. This particular individual begins work the minute she learns about a task. She almost always finishes the assignments first, which tends to ultimately influence how the rest of us complete our contributions.<br />
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In my personal life, my girlfriend, much like my mother before her, always wants me to do stuff right now. "When are you going to finish <u>cleaning your room</u>?" She would inquire. "Soon!" I would reply. At this point, you can replace "cleaning your room" with just about anything and it will resemble what an anti-procrastinator would ask. Here are a few more examples:<br />
<ul>
<li>When are you going to file those important papers?</li>
<li>When are you going to call the company and ask for more details?</li>
<li>When are you going to hang those new drapes I bought?</li>
<li>When are you going to clean the garage, paint the girl's bedroom, organize that closet, and get rid of all that junk?</li>
<li>When are you going to call the repairman and get the washing machine, refrigerator, sink, staircase, and front door fixed?</li>
<li>When are you going to buy a new bed, dining room table, suit, coat, and shoes? </li>
</ul>
<div>
While each of those things are important, it doesn't require an immediate action. Most of the time, there is still plenty of time to get the issue or task resolved. For open-ended tasks, as in things without a deadline, they will get done when it absolutely has to be finished. <b>Why waste my time and energy doing something that can wait, may never see the light of day, or serves as busy work to satisfy someone else's need for constant change and attention?</b> No thank you! (add boyish smile here)<br />
<br /></div>
<h2>
Bringing in the Big Guns</h2>
It was during a recent conversation that I realized how much contention our differences in completing tasks can cause. From my girlfriend's perspective, failure to finish requests within her expected timeframe meant that I didn't care. If it's important to her, it should be important to me. She argues.<br />
<br />
This discussion prompted further contemplation around strategies for personal motivation. I always knew that if I wanted my house clean, I would just invite someone over, but how can I apply that same strategy for other tasks? This led me back to a <a href="https://www.success.com/podcast/ep-85-what-type-of-procrastinator-are-you">Success Insider podcast episode</a>, hosted by Josh Ellis and Shelby Skrhak, that focused on procrastination. That is where I was first introduced to Dr. Mary Lamia, the author of, "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/What-Motivates-Getting-Things-Done/dp/1442203811">What Motivates Getting Things Done: Procrastination, Emotions, and Success.</a>"<br />
<br />
What I enjoyed most about the interview was that Dr. Lamia didn't cast a dark shadow over people whose default style is procrastination. In fact, she pointed out that<b> procrastinators are just as likely to be successful as those individuals who get things done early</b>. She even went on to say that procrastinators may even have a higher quality first draft because we ruminate on the job long before we ever take action to complete it.<br />
<br />
"Wow! I need to read that book." Says my inner scientist. Understanding motivation would only help me achieve more. Not only that, but I am getting the impression that I will no longer have to walk around in shame because of my default style, but instead can walk around with my head held high as I embrace the natural gifts God bestowed upon me.<br />
<br />
If you are interested in reading the book with me or want to engage in a conversation about procrastination and motivational styles, I would love to engage with you. I do have a growing <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/304815119720071/">book club on Facebook</a> that you are welcome to join or feel free to comment below.<br />
<br />
Either way, I am excited to jump in and devour these 10 chapters:<br />
<ol>
<li>What Motivates Getting Things Done: An Overview</li>
<li>Deadlines, Deliberation, and Distractions</li>
<li>What Motivates Early Action or Delay?</li>
<li>Anxiety as an Engine for Task Completion</li>
<li>Why You Should Fear Failure</li>
<li>Pursuing Excellence</li>
<li>Relationships and Divergent Motivational Styles</li>
<li>Optimizing Your Motivational Style</li>
<li>Troubleshooting Guide</li>
<li>Looking Back and Moving Forward</li>
</ol>
<div>
As I gain insight and contemplate how I can apply the lessons to my life, rest assured that I will be back to share it all with you. Just make sure you <a href="http://www.damondnollan.com/p/newsletter.html">subscribe to my newsletter</a> so you don't miss it when it comes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until next time...</div>
<div>
</div>
<h2>
Share It! </h2>
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If you like this kind of information, make sure you don't miss a single article! Follow this link to <a href="http://www.damondnollan.com/p/newsletter.html">subscribe to my newsletter</a> and I'll deliver this content directly to you.Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-53066922727799248102017-11-22T08:03:00.000-05:002017-11-22T08:03:37.973-05:00What Is The Purpose Of Your Struggle?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRYFmZuTk_W0jHtoLUpveT-8ubrx2HTXmBm204-MTOjgzunCYrJcKnOCJtWT4bs6KrprQEfgdtqHCdOjE2pmLiG5qpAHgyMOZ-hj8XKKtluDzqUUDR76Zsn1_kOITpJ7wcVrH5u151zap/s1600/27fdcb635431f333e3aac631480f139026c92f9a_61b0538e7f4d5a3a5a0a5431f7683a5fb7b6937c_instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRYFmZuTk_W0jHtoLUpveT-8ubrx2HTXmBm204-MTOjgzunCYrJcKnOCJtWT4bs6KrprQEfgdtqHCdOjE2pmLiG5qpAHgyMOZ-hj8XKKtluDzqUUDR76Zsn1_kOITpJ7wcVrH5u151zap/s400/27fdcb635431f333e3aac631480f139026c92f9a_61b0538e7f4d5a3a5a0a5431f7683a5fb7b6937c_instagram.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records." ~ William Arthur Ward</blockquote>
<br />
When I read that quote from William Arthur Ward, I see two messages. The first message speaks to overcoming adversity in order to achieve great things. However, the second message reveals itself in the exploration of adversity and its effect on the broken individual. In the context of this passage, being broken is a sign of weakness or a lack of perseverance. However, I would argue that <b>being broken can actually be good for us</b>.<br />
<br />
As I think about real situations in my life, I have gone back and forth on the purpose of adversity. Yes, difficulty has the power to challenge us, inspire us, and push us to new heights, but it also has the ability to deter further action. We most certainly see this realized in the experience of physical, emotional, or mental pain and discomfort.<br />
<br />
Here's the question, "<b>What is the reason for our hardship?</b>" Is it meant to break us or to propel us? Should we stop what we're doing because it's the wrong thing or should we push through the suffering until we get a reward from it?<br />
<br />
The answer lies within the outcome. Does this struggle make us better or worse? Are we trying to increase our strength, stop a bad habit, or are we just being abused? Are we being encouraged or discouraged? Is it removing the extra baggage from our life or adding to it? Is it uplifting and positive or destructive and hurtful?<br />
<br />
If you look at your present situation, how would you describe it? Are the trials you're experiencing forcing you to improve? While painful, scary, and terribly uncomfortable, is the experience causing you to reflect on your life and ultimately grow? If so, then I would encourage you to push through the pain and go get what you deserve. However, if the opposite is true, then it's time to consider getting away from those toxic people and destructive situations as quickly as possible.<br />
<br />
I honestly believe that <b>God allows adversity in our lives to either correct us, because we're doing something wrong and something has to change, or to improve us, because we have a lofty purpose ahead and we need to get ready</b>. Come to think of it, he may allow trials in our lives for both reasons at the same time. In the end, we shouldn't run away from adversity, but embrace it for we will be better in one way or another.<br />
<br />
When challenges arrive in our lives, and they will come, remember to keep your head up, trust in the plan for your life, and follow the guidance written in <b>Philippians 4:8 (KJV)</b>:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.</blockquote>
<br />
You are a Champion!<br />
<br />
Until next time...Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-80534719684084672172017-11-10T08:02:00.000-05:002017-11-10T08:02:06.558-05:00Nothing Is Promised<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdxJxrBWJi7Yn6MDyTZ3P-GoCgBNaE3F4g1ypqmW5tnxytX6-xPn_eMHpNzaVuq-_C5ie8EBO3TzIGJIjE95bG4hNdqNHyR2MkqaTeg3evoKSYF148zuyoS-OLX7HsAIM4N_8ZLU9x4RA/s1600/IMG_20171101_113954_753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nothing is promised and everything can change in an instant." border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdxJxrBWJi7Yn6MDyTZ3P-GoCgBNaE3F4g1ypqmW5tnxytX6-xPn_eMHpNzaVuq-_C5ie8EBO3TzIGJIjE95bG4hNdqNHyR2MkqaTeg3evoKSYF148zuyoS-OLX7HsAIM4N_8ZLU9x4RA/s640/IMG_20171101_113954_753.jpg" title="Nothing is promised and everything can change in an instant." width="640" /></a></div>
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No matter where you are right now, life can be different based on the decisions that you make. It can be a good decision or a bad decision, but a decision nonetheless. You can be riding high with all things going as planned, but allow yourself to make a series of bad decisions and that life could change for the worse. The opposite is true as well. You can be in the worst place of your life, but with a series of good decisions, things begin to turn around for you.<br />
<br />
Even in those moments beyond our control, we get to decide how we will see the event and what action we decide to take next. That decision rests with us.<br />
<br />
What decisions will you make today?
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Share It! </h2>
I hope that you got something of value in today's post. If you did, please take a moment and share it with someone who you think could benefit from it.<br />
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<h2>
Subscribe Today! </h2>
If you like this kind of information, make sure you don't miss a single article! Follow this link to <a href="http://www.damondnollan.com/p/newsletter.html">subscribe to my newsletter</a> and I'll deliver this content directly to you.Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-25036579685109236072017-11-07T10:38:00.000-05:002017-11-07T10:38:19.304-05:00Attacking the Debt: My Plan for Paying Off $390,000<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. ~ Proverbs 22:7 (NIV)</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ouch! As I read that quote from Proverbs, I know exactly how it feels to be in debt and it's not fun. While I believed that my decisions were wise at the time, now that I have to pay it all back, I'm questioning my logic. Yes, I'm surviving but my lifestyle has and will continue to be affected until I can free myself from the shackles associated with personal loans.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In today's article, I want to begin a conversation about debt and share my plan for getting out. I would also like for this post to be a living document that I can update as my situation changes or as I learn more on the subject. In the end, I hope to look back at this time and celebrate how far we've come. While I may be telling my story, this can be a journey for us all. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Background Story</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Over the past year, I have had a number of personal situations arise that required a considerable amount of time, energy, patience, and money. To be honest, it has been an extremely challenging period of my life, but I believe that God will work it out and I'll be stronger, wiser, and better prepared for the mission (and blessings) that lay ahead. While the aforementioned circumstances go far beyond money, our finances do play a sizable role in our everyday life. As a result, I'll start by being transparent with my financial situation, but I anticipate that at some point the other lessons will find their way out as well. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I think about where I am in life, I know that I have been blessed. Unfortunately, even with a great job and salary, I still find myself living paycheck to paycheck. When it's possible, I try to save as much money as I can for a rainy day; however, it is an uncomfortable feeling when rainy day circumstances eat away at the financial cushion you once had. Even more unsettling is when you realize that the monetary support you expected to refill the coffers is either not coming or was far less than what you anticipated thereby leaving you feeling exposed and seriously vulnerable. Yeah, I'm feeling it!</div>
<br />
In response to stress and anxiety, I almost always began by looking for ways to organize myself and my life. Since today we are talking about finances, I usually start the process by reviewing my budget and asking the following questions:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>How much money will I bring in this month? </li>
<li>What are my expenses? </li>
<li>How much will I have left over? </li>
</ul>
Based on the responses to those questions, I ultimately have to rethink my monthly purchasing decisions in order to stay within budget but also to start rebuilding my safety net.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Dave Ramsey's 7 Baby Steps to Financial Peace</h2>
<div>
Years ago, probably while going through another financial struggle, I found Dave Ramsey's book, <a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/store/books/dave-s-bestsellers/the-total-money-makeover/prodtmmoclassic.html"><i>Total Money Makeover</i></a>. It was then that I was first introduced to the <a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/baby-steps">7 Baby Steps to Financial Peace</a>.<br />
<br />
As I write that, I am once again reminded of how powerful our struggles can be.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
"Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records." ~ William Arthur Ward</blockquote>
<br />
Don't get me wrong, I don't like feeling uncomfortable or going through tough times, but adversity, much like a cold shower, has a way of waking me up. I can either sit idly by and watch circumstances slap me around or I can pull myself together and start fighting back. The key, based on how I see the world now, is to embrace the struggle because it welds the power to improve us and help us reach our highest potential. When I get comfortable, I get lazy, fat, sluggish, and sloppy. When I struggle, I quickly drop what's unnecessary and focus on the goal. That explains why successful people and overall achievers adopt the saying, "Get comfortable being uncomfortable." It is through the intentional discomfort that we can finally realize our best selves.<br />
<br />
Now that we know about the power of struggle, let's focus that energy on getting out of debt and then let's navigate our way toward building wealth. Here are the 7 Baby Steps to Financial Peace:<br />
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Baby Step 1:</b> $1,000 cash in a beginner emergency fund</li>
<li><b>Baby Step 2:</b> Use the debt snowball to pay off all your debt but the house</li>
<li><b>Baby Step 3:</b> A fully funded emergency fund of 3 to 6 months of expenses</li>
<li><b>Baby Step 4:</b> Invest 15% of your household income into retirement</li>
<li><b>Baby Step 5:</b> Start saving for college</li>
<li><b>Baby Step 6:</b> Pay off your home early</li>
<li><b>Baby Step 7:</b> Build wealth and give generously</li>
</ul>
<div>
In today's article, I will start by focusing on Baby Steps 1 and 2. As I make progress, I will come back and update the post to reflect the remaining steps. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Baby Step 1: $1,000 Cash for the Emergency Fund</h3>
<div>
Once again, I find myself at Baby Step 1. While I personally like having more than $1,000 set aside for emergencies, this is a great place to start. Looking at my current budget, I should be able to reach this goal by the end of the month. If I'm unable to get there by adjusting my spending, I do have a house full of things that I can sell. Come to think of it, getting rid of all those unused items sounds like a great idea regardless of my financial situation.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Baby Step 2: Use the Debt Snowball</h3>
<div>
This is where I see a great deal of time and resources being spent. While updating my budget for the month, I decided to bite the bullet and obtain a complete snapshot of my financial health. According to my records, I currently owe over <b>$390,000</b>.<br />
<br />
"Whatcha talkin' bout, Willis?" </div>
<br />
Yeah, I know. Crazy right? With two mortgages, a number of student loans, and a few medical bills, this monstrosity makes me feel extremely uncomfortable. On the good side, I know the target number that I need to attack and I have a plan to bring things back under control.<br />
<br />
"<b>So, how does the Debt Snowball work?</b>" You ask.<br />
<br />
That is a really great question and I'll do my best to share the steps I'm taking to execute this strategy.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Make a List of the Debt</h4>
<div>
The first place I started was by visiting <a href="https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action">AnnualCreditReport.com</a> to get a full view of my debt. I also went to each lender's website to confirm the balance, interest rates, and monthly payments. Outside of a few medical bills, everything was already captured and calculated within <a href="http://mint.com/">Mint.com</a>.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<h4>
Prioritize the List by Amount Owed</h4>
<div>
Once I have everything recorded, I then prioritize the list by the amount owed. The smallest debt gets listed first. While creating the list based on the interest rate makes sense, this particular strategy builds momentum by knocking off the debt as quickly as possible. There is something extremely motivating about crossing off completed items. The goal is to get it paid off, so taking whatever steps to build and maintain momentum is key. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Pay All the Minimum Payments</h4>
<div>
Outside of the student loans and medical bills, I am already making monthly payments on all my bills. The goal this week is to get the student loan payments back down to a reasonable amount, as $1,300 a month is just not feasible right now. Additionally, I'll need to reach back out to the medical billing company to establish a monthly installment.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Put Extra Cash Toward the Smallest Debt</h4>
<div>
Once I have all my minimum payments being made, I will take any extra cash that I have left and apply it to the smallest debt. Let's say that I have $300 left over each month. Instead of stashing it under savings, that <b>$300</b> goes directly toward the smallest debt. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As a working example, let's say my lowest monthly installment is <b>$25</b>. When I combine $25 with the $300, it now becomes <b>$325</b> towards knocking off the medical bill. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let's say that after two months, the first debt is paid in full. Now, I get to apply that freed up <b>$325</b> towards the next debt on the list, which is $100 a month. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As you can see, I now have <b>$425</b> towards attacking the next debt. As I pay off each loan, the monthly installment gets rolled into a growing snowball of freed money. It just keeps growing and building until eventually I no longer have any more debt. It is important to remember that in Baby Step 2, we are attacking all the debt outside of my mortgages. We'll address mortgages later when I reach Baby Step 6.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Additional Thoughts</h2>
While I have put off attacking the debt for a long time, I can no longer afford to blindly over look these issues. I have come to learn that problems, and not just financial problems, do not magically disappear because we ignore them. No, issues go away when we face them head on and take the appropriate action to usher in a resolution.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Will it be Uncomfortable?</h3>
Absolutely, this type of change will require a sacrifice. To create more space, it may mean putting on hold any extra activities outside of what's necessary. Furthermore, it won't get fixed overnight. It took time to get into this hole and it will take time to get out. The best advice I can give as it relates to the discomfort associated with debt reduction is to simply "Grin and bare it." Remember, trouble won't last always. It may be difficult now, but doing what's hard will make life easier later on.<br />
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<h3>
What About Emergencies?</h3>
<div>
The purpose of the Emergency Fund is to help cover any unexpected issues that may arise during the process. I personally feel uneasy about ONLY having an extra $1,000, but remember as we pay off the debt, we are freeing up more money. Should the time come that the Emergency Fund is not enough, we can put our debt reduction effort on hold long enough to address the issue. Additionally, if we ever go below the $1,000, make sure to replenish that fund before going back to Baby Step 2.<br />
<br />
Well, that's about it for now. Thank you for taking the time to read and hopefully you'll join me on this journey. </div>
<br />
Until next time...<br />
<br />
<h2>
Share It! </h2>
I hope that you got something of value in today's post. If you did, please take a moment and share it with someone who you think could benefit from it.<br />
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Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-56017583593693011132017-10-29T10:09:00.000-04:002017-10-29T10:42:31.512-04:00Building Deep Within Your Passion Is Better Than Building Wide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1Ten0vr6XUPGDisORWk0TFboZxQyogN3HcfviDU_4oV_d1Q5QCZl_lizY_6Uwjv57PQ47MzzMlA34AQRF9s4E2hgvYKu13d-lr3JPoaXM_h4fDTqy_z9XgrjMFQOBOnJ-LEeQ8UlBqaZ/s1600/builddeep.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1Ten0vr6XUPGDisORWk0TFboZxQyogN3HcfviDU_4oV_d1Q5QCZl_lizY_6Uwjv57PQ47MzzMlA34AQRF9s4E2hgvYKu13d-lr3JPoaXM_h4fDTqy_z9XgrjMFQOBOnJ-LEeQ8UlBqaZ/s640/builddeep.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was listening to a talk from <a href="https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/">Gary Vaynerchuk</a> this morning and something he said really resonated with me. While he was talking primarily about social media platforms, video, marketing, blogging, podcasts, and entrepreneurship, he advised this young man to stop worrying about the numbers (going wide) and start going deeper (focus on the value add content). <i>What are you passionate about doing?</i> He asked. Whatever the response, he advised that we should go do that.<br />
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My interpretation of his message meant something to me because I was already thinking along these lines. In fact, I had a similar conversation with a co-worker last week about this very thing.<br />
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In this article, I want to take a few minutes to further explain the lesson that I'm chewing on in hopes that it brings you an awareness in your own lives.<br />
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Over the past few days, I've spent a considerable amount of time trying to understand the expansion of readers for my blog articles. In other words, how can I continue to grow my audience? I've tried a few things these past weeks, but none of it gave me the satisfaction that I was looking for. While the numbers of readers has exploded, I was missing the engagement and depth associated with real people who are genuinely interested in the message. The lesson for me is that I value depth over width.<br />
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Yes, it's fun to say I have X, Y, and Z number of followers and readers, but in the grand scheme of things, it means very little when the relationships are not there to support the numbers. It feels empty and shallow. <b>Meaningful relationships take time to develop.</b><br />
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While I initially found the lesson in my blogging effort, the same lesson rings true in other areas of our life. We may have X, Y, and Z number of "friends" on social media, but how many of them are real, managed, maintained, strengthened, mutually beneficial, or satisfying?<br />
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Again, it's fun to say that an individual has amassed some number of success, but if it lacks the depth of genuine relationships, is it really success? Who really wants to reach the pinnacle of success alone? Sure, there is probably a momentary high associated with "winning," but when the lights turn off and the crowd stops cheering, who is still there waiting for you?<br />
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In the book "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Networking-Mutual-Benefit-Teddy-Burriss-ebook/dp/B00B4D1DLW/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8">Networking For Mutual Benefit</a>", by <a href="http://www.burrissconsulting.com/">Teddy Burriss</a>, I walked away realizing that relationships should be mutually beneficial. While I would love to have the capacity to engage with everyone, I don't. As a result, I have to be selective about where I spend my time and with whom I invest my energy.<br />
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One easy way to determine that answer is by identifying those things that are of interest to me. What are my passions and desires? What drives me? What feeds me? What encourages me? Who is pushing me forward to become the best version of myself? At the same time, are they getting something in return?<br />
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As I write this, I can imagine that some of you already have this figured out, but you just need a friendly reminder. Maybe, you were like me and just needed permission to do what you already know is the right thing to do. Go forth and be great at what you were created to do. You have permission. In fact, it goes beyond permission. You have been given a directive and are held responsible for doing what you were placed on this Earth to do.<br />
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Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. ~ 1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV)</blockquote>
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Each one of us has been given a certain amount of time on this planet and we cannot afford to waste it doing those things that are not of interest to us or inline with our calling. <i>What value is it to do something that brings forth no fruit?</i> It is by going deep, not wide, that we allow the roots of our tree to find strength and support. It is by those roots having the opportunity to dig deep, that the tree can produce healthy and life giving fruit. It is by focusing on being the best that we can be that we first, bring glory to God, but then bring real value to others. Even if those others are few.<br />
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To bring this lesson to life, it means having deeper engagement and relationships with the right people who are aligned with where we are supposed to be. It means focusing on creating life-giving fruit and sharing it freely with those who genuinely want it. It means writing more, engaging more, building deeper friendships, and investing our time and energy into those things that are congruent with the mission.<br />
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Take a moment to just marinate on that and then answer some questions. What is your purpose? What mission are you on? What were you created to do with the time given and are you doing it?<br />
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If you find that maybe you have been distracted and focused on the wrong things, let's take this opportunity to adjust and get back to where we are supposed to be. Take whatever lesson you can acquire from your time away and embrace it as a gift toward a better you. If you are still here on God's green Earth, then you still have some work to do.<br />
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Let's not focus on what we don't have, but focus on what we do. Understand that where you are is where you are supposed to be. Be a good steward of what's been given and seek to maximize on it to the best of your ability. Only God knows how and who will be affected by your work. Be happy in the journey and never grow weary in doing the right thing for He will sustain you.<br />
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It is a powerful, overwhelming, and humbling place to be when you get back to doing what you were destined and designed to do.<br />
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Make today a very great day!<br />
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Until next time...<br />
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I hope that you got something of value in today's post. If you did, please take a moment and share it with someone who you think could benefit from it.<br />
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If you like this kind of information, make sure you don't miss a single article! Follow this link to subscribe to my newsletter and I'll deliver this content directly to you.Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-77235445349656202392017-10-26T20:38:00.000-04:002017-10-26T20:53:03.449-04:00Living A Life of Excellence <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbupQcsPQPR_nZQvAKfN5qe3kZD8TnDa2pFa53-lfnEMhm0g4R4EHfaOsy-Uh3sANx9YMTuSPM7Tc0lH0p60YCk9MbjhuGyqpX_Pqc3YgTTVJN2Pbsdprpp_UITb5PIFcdO6IaVqClQR1/s1600/20171026_180920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cutting the Grass" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbupQcsPQPR_nZQvAKfN5qe3kZD8TnDa2pFa53-lfnEMhm0g4R4EHfaOsy-Uh3sANx9YMTuSPM7Tc0lH0p60YCk9MbjhuGyqpX_Pqc3YgTTVJN2Pbsdprpp_UITb5PIFcdO6IaVqClQR1/s640/20171026_180920.jpg" title="Cutting the Grass" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's Thursday night and, according to my calendar, I am supposed cut the grass when I get home from work. In my mind, I'm thinking of all the reasons why I don't have to cut it today. "<i>It's not long enough</i>," "<i>I just cut it a few days ago</i>," and "<i>I have better things to do with my time</i>." While each of these statements are true, it wasn't convincing enough to stop me from pulling out the lawnmower and getting it done.<br />
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As I walked back and forth across my lawn, the blades on the mower easily slice through the grass like a hot knife on butter. With each row that I complete, I turn around and examine my handiwork. There is a sense of accomplishment and pride that washes over me as I compare the beautiful freshly cut row contrasted against the 4 day old growth. The difference is clear.<br />
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It is in that moment that I feel good about pushing through my initial hesitation and cutting the grass anyway. Yes, I could have allowed the grass to grow a few more days, but then it would have been more challenging and it would have required a second pass. All of which would have taken an hour to complete against a shorter 30 minute touch-up.<br />
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In life, I find that my natural tendency to procrastinate and push things back until the last possible minute bleeds into many different areas. I could easily go weeks without cutting my hair, cleaning my room, washing my car, organizing the growing pile of mail on my kitchen counter, deleting old emails, and calling good friends or family. In my mind, I tell myself that it's good enough for now or that it can wait a few more days, but if I'm following my plan, it can't wait.<br />
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<b>Addressing the issue while it's still nice and controllable is better than waiting until it's overrun and an eyesore. </b></blockquote>
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While the difference between cutting the grass today and cutting the grass a few days from now can seem like a trivial thing, let me assure you that it's not. Cutting it today means a relatively easy stroll over a still well maintained carpet of lush green grass, but in a few days it no longer looks groomed and it's on the border of screaming for attention. While a slight exaggeration, understand the point. Addressing the issue while it's still nice and controllable is better than waiting until it's overrun and an eyesore. The difference between the two is but a few days.<br />
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Think about your life and all of the things you're managing right now. Are you addressing it often and with little effort or are you waiting too long and now required to spend countless hours just to catch up? Regardless of how you answer, let me ask you this question, "<i><b>How does it feel?</b></i>"<br />
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If you said that you address it often and with little effort, I would imagine that you feel good, accomplished, and ordered. However, if you said that you're waiting too long and required to spend countless hours just to catch up, I would imagine that you feel exhausted, stressed, and disappointed.<br />
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<b>You can choose to live an ordered life or a life filled with stress, anxiety, and confusion.</b></blockquote>
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Right now, you get to decide how you want to live your life. You can choose to live an ordered life or a life filled with stress, anxiety, and confusion. You can choose to create a buffer between you and pure catastrophe or you can live life on the edge with inches between you and homelessness. You can be well put together or you can be a total mess. It's up to you how you choose to live your life, but it all starts with a decision to live a life of excellence. That is, if you choose to.<br />
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No matter where you are right now, life can be different based on the decisions that you make. It can be a good decision or a bad decision, but a decision nonetheless. You can be riding high with all things going as planned, but allow yourself to make a series of bad decisions and that life could change for the worse. The opposite is true as well. You can be in the worst place of your life, but with a series of good decisions, things begin to turn around for you.<br />
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<b><br />Nothing is promised and everything can change in an instant.</b></blockquote>
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Nothing is promised and everything can change in an instant. That is true regardless of who you are and what you have or haven't done. However, even in those moments beyond our control, we get to decide how we will see the event and what action we decide to take next. That decision rests with us.<br />
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So, what will you do today? What decisions will you make? Will you decide to build on your successful momentum or throw cold water on your raging fire? Will you trust that today will be better than yesterday or will you believe that it will be more of the same?<br />
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Remember this, you are more powerful than you know and blessed beyond your wildest dreams. So, let's choose today to live a life of excellence with overflowing abundance.<br />
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Until next time...
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<br />Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430690794806632236.post-2094892195477934462017-10-25T21:57:00.001-04:002017-10-25T21:57:47.400-04:00Your Time Is Valuable - Protect it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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During a recent webinar on productivity, <a href="https://darrenhardy.com/">Darren Hardy</a>, a speaker, author, and former publisher of Success Magazine, began his presentation suggesting that we only put on the calendar those things that will help us reach our goals. This tip resonated with me because I recently found myself suggesting the same thing. <br />
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If you have been following my articles on time management, you may be aware that I try to schedule every minute of the day. For some, this may be too much. I've heard comments from co-workers who say it's too difficult to find time to meet as my calendar stays full. While this may be true for people trying to meet today, but if you go out another 5 days, I do have openings. <br />
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For me, scheduling tasks, meetings, and even time to watch television is how I stay organized. It works and now I have the supportive nod from highly productive people who agree with me.<br />
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Be More Selective</h2>
It was during my evaluation of the calendar that I found an opportunity to improve upon my effectiveness. Instead of scheduling everything, I need to be more selective about what I am focusing on. With 24 hours in a day, I know that I cannot give my time to just anything and everything. Instead, I have to determine the highest valued items and spend my time focused on that. <br />
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Sure, it would be nice to sit down and read every article in a magazine, have deep conversations with everyone I meet, watch every television show that peaks my interest, and attend every local event made available. Unfortunately, I am limited on time, energy, and money. Starting with those limitations, I have to use my calendar and my budget to determine where I should be investing my time to get the greatest return.<br />
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What Is Your Time Worth?</h2>
To achieve this goal, I can start by delegating tasks to someone else. Yes, there are things that need to be done, but it doesn't always mean that <b><i>you</i></b> are required to do it. The easy example to explain this concept is with mowing the lawn. While it may appear to be a cost saver doing this job personally, consider what else you could be doing with your 1-2 hours a week. If you're in business or work in a professional setting, how much is an hour of your time worth? Compare that to the price you would pay to have someone else cut your grass. <br />
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Let's say you can make $75 to $150 an hour. When you compare the price of paying someone to cut your grass versus <b>YOU</b> doing it, which I've seen fall in the $35-$45 range for a yard my size, I'd say that you're losing money. Why spend an hour doing something that could save you $35 when you could spend that same time doing something with a higher return on your investment?<br />
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As I look at my calendar for the week, I see a number of items that can and should be replaced with higher valued items. Many of these things are time wasters, provide little interest to me, or can easily be done by someone else. <br />
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The more my calendar fills up, the more valuable my time seems to get. Knowing that I don't have the time or energy to do everything means that I have to determine what <b><i>must</i></b> be done and find time to do it. Often, this means rearranging my schedule and replacing the less valuable items for something more important. <br />
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Let me quickly write that money isn't always the measuring stick of value. Spending time with a loved one (spouse, child, or friend) may not bring dollars, but it does build and maintain a priceless relationship. <br />
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Yes, Schedule Your Time With Friends</h2>
As a result of this strategy, I have found myself having to schedule telephone conversations with family and friends. It seems cold at first glance, but what I found is that it allows me the time to focus entirely on them. For that moment in which we've agreed to spend together, I am not worried about my cell phone, emails, work deadlines, or any other task because this time is devoted solely to them. In this moment, this is the most important thing.<br />
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To make this work, I do have to protect my time. This means that I have to continuously fight against people who want to encroach upon my already scheduled day. This isn't always easy, but it is something I'm working on. At the job, we get unexpected telephone calls, emails, and office visits. Unless your place of employment requires you to be available at a moments notice, I say let the voicemail catch the callers, address email at the predetermined time, and schedule a focused conversation with visitors. <b><i>You</i></b> have to control your time. If not, someone else will control it for you.
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Until next time...Damond Nollanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710491441975924387noreply@blogger.com0