tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20285984862589587132024-03-12T17:00:45.024-07:00life to the fullestMeagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-18878123342297960002014-07-23T15:41:00.006-07:002014-07-23T15:41:52.386-07:00A new season, a new blog.<div style="text-align: center;">
If you have followed me here for a short while or long while, please go over and follow me on: </div>
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<a href="http://www.theruffadventure.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Ruff Adventure</a>.</div>
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I uploaded a couple of posts from here to there, and will be updating there from here on out. I thought it would be nice to start a new blog that Aaron can also update on. </div>
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So follow and be prepared for lots of Ruff adventures! :)</div>
Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-72030745963306494222014-03-28T12:26:00.001-07:002014-03-28T12:26:13.296-07:00An update four months in the making<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Friday blogging world! I sure have missed you, and I'm sure you've missed me. It has only been four months. Ha ha ha. I think the quickest, most effective and most fun way to jump back into blogging is to join a link-up and make a list. So here you go... <a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/" target="_blank">Five on Friday</a>!</div>
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[ONE]</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6Nt7q48_3-QQZmiCrtO1TMTJ1g0okJPcFGIdKdykEZB1TnuUBzp08bYSeAiO5L7oR1t6uFTE1z1i1ZTFm16xylBT8U1fmciV_gELRccFamVTpboXnF1u-9GEPZ59_Q8nK6cE1A8kIUY/s1600/sarahjoslyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6Nt7q48_3-QQZmiCrtO1TMTJ1g0okJPcFGIdKdykEZB1TnuUBzp08bYSeAiO5L7oR1t6uFTE1z1i1ZTFm16xylBT8U1fmciV_gELRccFamVTpboXnF1u-9GEPZ59_Q8nK6cE1A8kIUY/s1600/sarahjoslyn.jpg" height="320" width="253" /></a></div>
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This whole post may or may not be prompted by my dear friend Sarah who blogs over at <a href="http://sometimesscreaminghelps.com/?p=172" target="_blank">Sometimes Screaming Helps</a> and is the Creative Editor at <a href="http://shelovesmagazine.com/" target="_blank">SheLoves Magazine</a>. She is an incredible writer and blogger and photographer and coffee dater. Just saying. She is a world traveler and leaves the country just about every other weekend. (Okay, so yes... we live in Washington and she jaunts up to Vancouver, B.C., but that's still another country!) Our weekly coffee date conversations range from our beliefs about Jesus and where He is leading each of us... to the struggles of crossing your legs when you are wearing tall boots. I'm not making this up. She is cooler than she knows.</div>
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[TWO]</div>
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All Sons & Daughters. If you don't already listen to them, stop what you're doing and go listen. But maybe finish reading my post first. Then go look them up!</div>
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[THREE]</div>
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This past December, Aaron and I started a new adventure in nutrition- Isagenix. Considering that we were already eating really healthy, I was skeptical. What difference would a shake in the morning and a protein bar here and there make? Lets just say that a total of 16 lost inches later, I am no longer skeptical. By replacing part of our monthly grocery budget with Isagenix products, we're able to use the rest of our budget to buy the most high quality foods we can find without breaking the bank. Think organic, fresh, local produce and dairy, eggs, etc. And I can workout like a champion, so that's cool. </div>
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[FOUR]</div>
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I finished another of my <a href="http://meaganruff.blogspot.com/2013/09/here-we-go-25-books-im-reading-this.html" target="_blank">25 books while I'm 25</a>, A Year of Biblical Womanhood. I'm currently working on a review that I will post later. I really enjoyed it though! And I may be a little behind on my reading list, but I'll explain at a later date. </div>
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[FIVE]</div>
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Aaron and I traveled to a couple of my favorite southern states this past weekend. Here are a few quick snapshots for you. </div>
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It will be a holiday in the Ruff household when Chick-Fil-A opens their restaurant in Tacoma. </div>
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That is all.</div>
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Our first night in Alabama we trekked around Montgomery late into the night. Tyler and Katie Gray, and Tyler's fiancee Lauren were the most gracious of hosts. We had an absolute blast with them, so much so that Aaron suggested we come back to visit before I had the idea myself! We love the Grays! This photo is in downtown Montgomery by the river and the riverboat. </div>
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I am missing this sunshine. And my sandals. But I know it will be here soon enough.</div>
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Auburn, the most beautiful of college campuses. Brick buildings make me swoon. And they make me look up real estate in Alabama. Oops. </div>
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Dark and blurry, but such a fun memory of drinks and dessert (skillet cookies!) at The tipping Point in Montgomery. Our waitress was the most hipster of all hipsters, down to her PNW attitude. It made me a little homesick. Aaron got her to crack a smile, it was great! </div>
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The Tipping Point a little coffee/drinks/dessert place outside of Montgomery with almost all outdoor seating. Imagine this Washingtonian's delight when we were able to sit outside in short sleeves and sandals in MARCH under a clear sky. I keep reminding myself that those days will be here in July. Only a couple more months. </div>
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This sweet blonde baby girl stole my heart. The youngest Isbell and long awaited girl is sweet, spunky and downright hilarious. She posed for every picture, and encouraged her equally adored cousin Ellie to joined. It was late and Ellie was very interested in the legos. </div>
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So there you have it. A quick list update.</div>
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Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-64858474196297877392013-11-15T11:54:00.003-08:002013-11-15T11:54:42.584-08:00Sickness and moving and pointy noses.<div style="text-align: center;">
Dearest Blogging World, I have not forgotten you. I swear. Love, Meagan.</div>
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Okay but let's be real, I really have forgotten you. I just don't want to hurt your feelings. I am trying. Really, really, REALLY trying to be good. Because if there was a blogging Santa, I'd be getting coal for sure this year. </div>
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Anyway, I'm going to link up with <a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/" target="_blank">the good life blog</a> and post a Five on Friday post. Because they are my favorite and I have five really awesome things to share. Or maybe they are five really lame things. Don't tell me.<br />
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..ONE..<br />
It's Friday. Woo. Can you tell I am excited? I woke up this morning feeling TERRIBLE. I was sure I had a fever and that I would never talk again because my throat was mutilated by all the razor blades I'd apparently swallowed in my sleep. But no. Ninety-eight point four. Practically perfect. So I called in to work, which would have been fine. Except we're moving this weekend. So I can't lay in bed and relax when my house is a wreck and my new house is sweetly whispering, "Come! Fill me with your stuff and light candles and decorate and enjoy HEAT and mold-free air!" Yes, our current place has mold. This was not supposed to be a rant. But thanks to the sick day I am taking a few minutes to blog, so that's nice. Ah, Friday.<br />
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..TWO..<br />
I am literally wearing so many layers I lost count. When you're sick and moving and you live in western Washington and its November... layers are a must. Socks over jeans are a must. With socks underneath as well... because, well... IT'S COLD. But this is what I absolutely love about fall. Knee socks under boots with polka dots, flannel everything, sweater headbands. The works. Also, does anyone else have sick hair? Not sick hair are in "so rad, man", but as in "I am so sick and my hair knows it so it absolutely will not do anything" hair. Just me? So, the sweater headband is helping that.<br />
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..THREE..<br />
My lovely bonus mother-in-law and aunt AND grandma are coming into town RIGHT NOW to go to the Funky Junk holiday show with me! They are bringing cousin Adam too, but I'm sure he's not so stoked about the antique show as we are. ;) My mom and Talicia are going too. I've sworn off coffee for a while because I can sleep better, but I might need it for tonight. I can't have other ladies stealing my good deals just because I'm sick. I've got to be on top of my shopping game.<br />
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..FOUR..<br />
Everytime I have moved in the last year, it has been on day with pouring rain. After I called in and got everything squared away at work, I grabbed a coat and rainboots to go stand in my new house and enjoy it before we fill it. Not even a drop of rain on my way over or back. So I packed up my TINY car and started moving a few loads of stuff. First box out of the car and a raindrop hit me square on the nose. Just like in the movies, I looked up and it started pouring. It hasn't stopped since. I love you Washington.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No but seriously, I love you Washington. I'll put up with your rain FOREVER.</td></tr>
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..FIVE..<br />
Speaking of my nose, I've always liked it. It's little and straight, and it does its job. But yesterday one of my sweet second graders (Just kidding, she is the bane of my existence at work. AND you could say she is nosey, ha ha ha.) said, "Mrs. Meagan, you have a pointy nose. You must be from the land of the cold! Pointy nose, pointy nose!" Whatever that means?! I mean, technically I am scandanavian, and I hear that it gets pretty cold up in Finland and Norway, but where do kids come up with this?? I am totally okay with this, not offended. Maybe she thinks I'm an elf or something. ;)<br />
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<br />Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-51173939618506255192013-11-05T20:38:00.001-08:002013-11-05T20:38:32.663-08:00Forgive mePlease forgive me. I love blogging. And my blogger friends. And my other friends. But life as a Ruff has been B-U-S-Y this month. Of course, the month I pledge to write everyday. But, I can't help it.<br />
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I am overjoyed to be a working wife again. Don't get me wrong, being a stay-at-home wife was awesome, but I love my new job. I won't go to into detail because, well, this is the internet.<br />
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I'm working on a post about the cara box I receieved. I'm also packing for a trip to Spokane this weekend. And preparing activities for this week at work. And procrastinating tackling the HUGE task of packing up our house. Because yes, we're moving. In a week and a half. <br />
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I will be back to blogging.<br />
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I will post pictures.<br />
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I will be funny, and type like I talk, and even might possibly give you some quotes from the ridiculous children I work with everyday.<br />
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But that will have to wait until tomorrow. <br />
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<br />Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-54139731903352365362013-10-06T20:31:00.000-07:002013-10-06T20:31:23.928-07:00What The Walking Dead and Taylor Swift have to do with being a newlywed<div style="text-align: center;">
Today Aaron and I have been married for three months. It seems like much longer in the best way possible!! I am looking forward to many, many more months and years, and also enjoying where we are right now.</div>
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If you have been following my '31 days of newlywed life' posts, you've noticed that I missed a day and half. But let me explain.</div>
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Part of newlywed life that I've learned over and over again is to be self-less. (Really that is a lesson for all of life, but I'll briefly explain how it pertains to newlywed life and ours in particular this weekend). These past three months I have learned (in huge doses) that part of being married is being self-less. </div>
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<br /> My own self wants to be at all the Sounders games with Aaron. And if I can't go, then I want Aaron to stay home and watch them with me. My own self wants to watch Gossip Girl just a little more than it wants to watch The Walking Dead. And my own self definitely wants to listen to Taylor Swift... a lot more than my own self gets to. My self wants to be with Aaron all the time and not share him with middle school students. Or high school students. Do you see how this is sounding ridiculous? </div>
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Obviously no one is that selfish. Or maybe they are. But in being a newlywed, I learning to give up what I want in order to be a better wife. There are times where I have to completely give up something in order to meet a need we have (think shopping for clothes and/or crafts vs. paying extra on our student debt to pay it down faster) and times when we compromise so that Aaron and I are both happy, like listening to Jack Johnson instead of T-Swift in the car.</div>
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This weekend was another full weekend. I'll spare you the boring details, but I chose to spend the free time I had with Aaron instead of keeping up with my blogging. If that makes me a bad blogger and a failure at the 31 day challenge, so be it. I'm trying to be an awesome wife first. </div>
Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-85144485275297492032013-10-04T12:39:00.000-07:002013-10-04T12:39:23.126-07:00Nail polish, sister wives and praying for a snow day: Five on Friday<div style="text-align: center;">
I am really loving these Five on Friday posts. They give me a chance to talk about 5 little things that I may not want to write an entire post about. Ya know?</div>
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So since I'm also doing the 31 days of newlywed life challenge, my five this week will pertain to my newlywed life. </div>
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[ONE]</div>
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One of my favorite things is having freshly painted nails. One of Aaron's least favorite things is when I have freshly painted nails. He absolutely hates the smell. I mean, who loves it? I just deal with it because I love my nails to be painted. But while he is at work, I painted my nails a beautiful shade of red. I'll wash my hands 26 times before I see him this afternoon, and I'm sure the first thing he'll do is crinkle his nose and ask if I painted my nails. I'm sorry honey!</div>
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[TWO]</div>
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I've spent the past 10 months (since we got engaged) praying for a snow day this coming winter. First, because I love snow. And second because the thought of staying home snuggled up with my husband, venturing out only for coffee, sounds amazing. So I was as surprised and anyone when school was cancelled on Monday due to a short-lived power outage!<br />
We spent the morning sleeping in, then running errands in comfy clothes. We even went out to a little diner for a late, late breakfast. It was perfect. But I'm still praying for snow!</div>
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[THREE]</div>
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Yesterday was not my best day. Thursdays are CRAZY for us. We've got about 14 different things going on at any given moment. And none of them are together. After nannying and school and work and school board meetings and bible study, we got home to a mess of a house. I didn't even realize that our bed was covered in two loads of laundry. I planned on taking a picture and posting it of all of our laundry piled on the couch, showing my defeat. But I didn't. Does laundry multiply on its own? </div>
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[FOUR]</div>
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One of my favorite things about being Aaron's wife is being able to support him and his band at different games and such. Tonight is his school's homecoming game, and I am pretty excited about going and watching them play. I graduated from the school he teaches at (waaay before he started teaching!) and the band was NEVER as cool as it is now. The pep band alone is 90 kids strong. 90?! In our tiny town? It is crazy. </div>
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[FIVE]</div>
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I've been watching Sister Wives today while cleaning and blogging, and this show continues to blow my mind. Even more so now that I am married. The wives are continually saying, "I just struggle with jealously and I need to get past it." And I keep thinking, "Of course you do! Is it not obvious why?" It is one of those shows that I can't watch, but can't not watch. It fascinates me. Anyone else?</div>
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<a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/search/label/FIVE%20on%20Friday" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="THE GOOD LIFE BLOG" height="275" src="http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p782/thegoodlifeblog/5onFridayLogo-Final-forblogsidemenu_edited-1_zps7fcf6068.jpg" width="275" /> </a> </div>
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So go on and read some other five on Friday posts, and HAPPY FRIDAY!</div>
Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-24539496619286602952013-10-03T21:23:00.002-07:002013-10-03T21:23:24.256-07:00Unintentionally injuring my husband<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't know if anyone else has had this problem, but in the first 3 months of marriage I have managed to elbow, kick, scratch and poke my poor husband so many times I've lost count. I also cut the side of his head while cutting his hair. Seriously, I just poked him in the face while talking about my blog post. And when I got home from nannying, I scratched his face. Hard. Completely on accident. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KpuntVM4fZKRCk1r8nh9fZUtRFo3cUTtuLmPBpSJJyxDobrovrIUn3q9EHleEdnhBHHAuC-5bFGdyhwHr1D4fx8WuQQnfI-A1vLn3iSSiuqzQNM8rqNtitmDJco2frtKnfnLxxjjPj8/s1600/IMG_3943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KpuntVM4fZKRCk1r8nh9fZUtRFo3cUTtuLmPBpSJJyxDobrovrIUn3q9EHleEdnhBHHAuC-5bFGdyhwHr1D4fx8WuQQnfI-A1vLn3iSSiuqzQNM8rqNtitmDJco2frtKnfnLxxjjPj8/s320/IMG_3943.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaron and I in Mexico with his (our) family when we got engaged. Before I became an accidental husband puncher. </td></tr>
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Maybe it is because we're often in such close proximity to each other. Or maybe I'm just a terrible wife. (Totally kidding, I hope!) This cannot be normal!</div>
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So, on record, on the internet, I just want to say that I love my husband dearly. He is incredible for putting up with me. And I have never elbowed him on purpose. I promise.</div>
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Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-26573088067960695162013-10-02T12:05:00.000-07:002013-10-02T12:05:20.538-07:00Newlywed Life: Day Two<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been joking a lot recently about the fact that I'm a stay at home wife. But that is only to keep myself from being upset about not working. For the past six years, I have been working multiple jobs. And for the past year and a half, I've also been a full-time student. You can imagine how weird it felt when the non-profit I worked for dissolved itself. </div>
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It would be wonderful if I didn't need to work and could just focus on school. But that is not our reality. So while I've been looking for a new job, our house has been pretty much perfect. I have all this extra time, so our floors get swept daily. And the bed gets made every morning. And there is never any laundry out. AND I've decorated for fall. I'm not sure how that's all going to go when I'm working again... :)</div>
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I'm
also trying to make things as easy for Aaron at home as possible.
Obviously cleaning, because I love to do it and I hate messes... but also
with organizing, meal planning, grocery shopping and other random things
that just have to get done. He works beyond hard. Even when I am
working, so I like having the extra time to make things easier for him. </div>
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We've also both picked up some odd jobs in the meantime. I nanny for a family friend once a week, and pick up any other babysitting jobs that are offered as often as I can. Aaron refs soccer on the weekends, and we spend most all of our time at home doing things that don't cost money.</div>
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God has completely provided everything we need in this last month of my stay-at-home-wife-life. I am eagerly awaiting what He has planned for me next, and know His timing on a job will be better than what I can do for myself. Until then... I have to go switch over the laundry! ;) </div>
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Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-17391313208268911322013-10-01T14:18:00.000-07:002013-10-01T14:18:38.194-07:0031 days of newlywed life: day one.<div style="text-align: center;">
I decided to join up with a cool 31 days of blogging project via <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2013/09/welcome-to-31-days-2013.html" target="_blank">Nesting Place</a>. Bloggers choose a topic and blog about it each day for the month of October. 31 days! There are literally thousands of topics going on out in the blogging world, so it took me some time to figure out what I really wanted to write about.</div>
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You know, something that won't get boring for me to write about. Something that won't make me have to do 31 different DIY projects (people doing this, more power to ya!). But also something that is interesting for you, the reader. So, I chose to blog about newlywed life. Because it is my life right now. And I won't be for long... because how long can you really be considered a newlywed? 6 months? A year? I don't know... so I'm jumping on this now.</div>
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This is me and my husband on the real day one of our married life adventure. Smiling and happy and pretty (and handsome). We're still that way, just not as fancy. ;)</div>
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I think I'll start off this first post with a little list. Because I love lists. And I almost did a 31 days of lists post. Maybe I'll save that for next time. Anyway, a list.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Five Things That Changed When I Got Married</span></span></div>
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1. I started a real budget. And actually, we started it part-way into our engagement, because paying for a wedding starts to merge your incomes. Anyway, serious, down-to-the-penny budgeting is the best thing ever. It doesn't mean that I don't spend money on fun things, but with student loans for both of us and the dream of someday owning a home on a teacher's salary, we get giddy about budgeting. And saving. And paying off debt. </div>
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2. I get way more sleep. Before we were married, Aaron and I did not live together. So each night after work I'd go to his house, or he'd come to mine and we would hang out until 10:30pm. That was our cut-off time. Then we'd say goodbye and go home to shower, make the next day's lunch and unwind before going to sleep. NOW we have so much more time together! We can get things together and get ready for bed together, and sleep much better and much more! </div>
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3. I waste much less food. I am not a huge fan of leftovers. Some things I love, but not much. Aaron is the opposite, so we waste very, very little food. I like this.</div>
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4. I have more laundry. Yes, that is obvious. But when it was just me, I hated doing such small loads of laundry when I needed clothes. That is absolutely never the problem anymore.</div>
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5. I am more prayerful and observant of God's hand in our lives and marriage. I love having what God says to me be confirmed through Him speaking to Aaron as well. I am able to put to practice patience and asking forgiveness and grace on a daily basis. Not because of anything either of us does purposefully, but just because living in such close quarters with someone you love is hard. And fun. And stretching. In the best possible ways. </div>
Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-45164457074452246692013-09-30T15:04:00.002-07:002013-09-30T15:04:52.375-07:00Pumpkins, a flood and a baby.<div style="text-align: center;">
September is ending with a bang. And a flood. And a baby. Let me explain.</div>
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I went into this weekend with very high expectations. Friday was to be a night of rest, movies, blankets and coffee with my husband. WRONG. We got called in to work at the Tacoma Dome for the booster club. Life of a band director's wife, I guess.</div>
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So instead of snuggling up on the couch, we spent the evening pouring beer and handing off pizza to crazed country music fans. My pants were soaked with beer, because the tap at my register was broken. And I wore flats, which filled with beer multiple times. AND I missed dinner. At midnight, while helping count all eight tills at our stand, I saw over 20,000 in cash. Never in my life have I seen that much money at once. Also, we broke our previous record (and Tacoma Dome record) of 18,000. The booster club gets 10% of all food sales, and 8% of all alcohol sales. In the end, they needed us at that show, and it will be good to see that check go to work for the band program.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least I put my boots to good use this weekend. I didn't take many photos at the pumpkin patch because, rain and an iPhone don't mix well. But this was the flooded entrance to the ATM at the patch. </td></tr>
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I was looking forward to the opening day at the pumpkin patch, which also was the beginning of a super storm in western Washington. Go figure. We still braved the rain and got plenty of beautiful pumpkins for our cottage. After the pumpkin patch, Aaron gave in to my very favorite fall activity, storm watching. The rivers were supposed to flood, so we drove around our town, over every bridge looking at how high the muddy water was rising. With coffee in hand, obviously. It was perfect. We also got to reschedule our comfy stay-in night for Saturday... so it was a win-win. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEGUbVPxY11Xh7wWHbtBKCu8IEog5jzZRjXGDc9o41x2mjB4H15J3wxmoDBJLLrc5hRNUlWXqZHmX7vLyxYWQxVA8ZHrm2YNe6q42yB61UMN95lcbMuIfWXfb5DXJqZTy9X9Yvdb0OFU/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEGUbVPxY11Xh7wWHbtBKCu8IEog5jzZRjXGDc9o41x2mjB4H15J3wxmoDBJLLrc5hRNUlWXqZHmX7vLyxYWQxVA8ZHrm2YNe6q42yB61UMN95lcbMuIfWXfb5DXJqZTy9X9Yvdb0OFU/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our cozy night-in on Saturday. Homemade kettle corn, wool socks, blankets, Aaron and blu-rays. </td></tr>
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At about 3:45am on Saturday, I was fast asleep. Do you have an iPhone? You know how loud it is on vibrate? Times that by two (mine and Aaron's phones), and then times that by at least a dozen. That is the amount at texts that came streaming in, one after another, at 4am. BUT they were great texts! Our cousin Sarah went into labor, which meant our sweet cousin/nephew would be born SOON. Throughout all of our activities and errands on Sunday, we eagerly checked our phones for any baby news. We mostly just got silly texts about the baby being named after just about every male in the family. </div>
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Aaron headed out to the Sounders game, and <a href="http://dustandlove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Talicia</a> and I braved the storm in wellies and sweats to get dinner. This weekend was seriously shaping up to be awesome. Especially after the letdown Friday night. When Aaron got home, the baby STILL wasn't born. We were just about asleep, with the crazy rain coming down outside and the lights flickering on and off, when we got the call. Sweet baby <span>Sèamus</span> Aksel Ward was finally here! If only he weren't all the way in California! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<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/AVvXsEic7Zc59w6Uprm_TcnhbfLAqVQMxlv9KZjDAJRqGmSQUdi0fXX3SrOfBVzDVFMdsuRj3lv4efR1hxWCcWx9_X80wpEBUyUohPwS_roCiV30p0xDEck0cDvx8h1sHIBkIi74Ld8xvijAGOw/s1600/seamus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7Zc59w6Uprm_TcnhbfLAqVQMxlv9KZjDAJRqGmSQUdi0fXX3SrOfBVzDVFMdsuRj3lv4efR1hxWCcWx9_X80wpEBUyUohPwS_roCiV30p0xDEck0cDvx8h1sHIBkIi74Ld8xvijAGOw/s320/seamus.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8lbs 8oz, 20 inches of pure adorable-ness. </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I only stared at his picture for 45 minutes before I finally went to sleep, and early this morning we were awoken by yet another phone call! Apparently the power had gone out for good, and Aaron's school was starting 2 hours late. Woo! Extra sleep. An hour later, school was closed for the day. Ten minutes later, the power came back on. It was an unfortunate call for the school district to make, but how were they supposed to know the power would come back on so soon? I'm totally okay with them calling it! </div>
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Fall is here, we're prepared for more storms, and our family has grown! </div>
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So, bring it on October. We're ready for whatever is in store!</div>
Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-37375695549188666172013-09-27T10:58:00.001-07:002013-09-27T10:58:19.970-07:00Happy Friday! <div style="text-align: center;">
Hey blogging world. Or blog reading world. Happy Friday! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This week, and actually the last couple weeks, have been pretty crazy for the Ruff house. Between job searching and nannying and major school-work, plus Aaron's 17,271 students this year crammed into 5 class periods and his new found hobby of soccer refereeing... we're pretty busy. </div>
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This morning I attempted to take my final exam for 'Foundations of Education', but halfway through the test, the proctoring site kicked me out and informed me that my computer is no longer compatible with their system. Why did they let me begin the test? Who knows. </div>
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So to kick my frustration, I'm posting a Five on Friday for the second week in a row! Read, join in and HAPPY FRIDAY!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
[ONE]</div>
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In the interest of growing my blog and trying to make it legitimately entertaining to read and keep up with, I made an 'about me' page last night. Blogger is funny about pages, and the way I think they should work is definitely NOT how the actually work. That's okay though, I made one just the same. I think I was delirious from studying for the previously mentioned final exam. It has a picture of Aaron and a lobster, so if you're interested... check it out. If not, that's cool too.</div>
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:)</div>
<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/AVvXsEhCFy-DGXPJIuVYSrTUp03kIExjf4xm3BT7q9FG0TEl9ywx82x3cu7Je7pzR_mR2V9x0cyEd8TriiZXboQxrAe8QU16ErdAl98KoabvRL3slBT8nWhdew8bOBL3a7ITkk3Y2G0JamXc2gA/s1600/02012013-Magui-121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFy-DGXPJIuVYSrTUp03kIExjf4xm3BT7q9FG0TEl9ywx82x3cu7Je7pzR_mR2V9x0cyEd8TriiZXboQxrAe8QU16ErdAl98KoabvRL3slBT8nWhdew8bOBL3a7ITkk3Y2G0JamXc2gA/s320/02012013-Magui-121.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In case you skip the about me, I added this awkward family photo for you. We just wanted some family photos. Now we're material for a popular blog and a book on awkwardness. (PS- I love it.)</td></tr>
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[TWO]</div>
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For my friends and followers in the PNW, where would you suggest going on an overnight trip? Aaron and I are planning on going somewhere for the weekend later in October, but we haven't figured out where to go. We were just in Portland, although we aren't opposed to a second trip. Where are some cool places you've stayed? </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuThL1DFWesF0BUqaJ05dIhr-YrGCQ407YQBitn3UHunisTDH5Rjpdlrej5Si0ZPPOMuuoL718DavnKZimtae-bwMKF6zHRtfzm7cM6k9AQu0zo4nb5gvj-2heDtKWu47tHDCVIOu__k8/s1600/IMG_6209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuThL1DFWesF0BUqaJ05dIhr-YrGCQ407YQBitn3UHunisTDH5Rjpdlrej5Si0ZPPOMuuoL718DavnKZimtae-bwMKF6zHRtfzm7cM6k9AQu0zo4nb5gvj-2heDtKWu47tHDCVIOu__k8/s320/IMG_6209.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last time I was in Portland, I ate at Pine State Biscuits every day. (Two days). And I'd do it again.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
[THREE]</div>
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My goal to do some sort of physical activity each day is going well. Our gym membership is back up and running, and I forgot how much I love our gym. Yesterday, my physical activity was toting around a two-year-old, including multiple trips upstairs and downstairs. That counts, right? She isn't light.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivk6cW2InciirFZK5r8_qI7Qhtw2A7rR1_w5orROu33O9VCEOUdjIgJrMHtUVhW7U8nFZZ1nYCDXU8H_0ua5kfKepIbrCUZLI5peFEAYDzpfVNaSKqxl8KUZErxBK-Qp33uBjVQwFPCiM/s1600/IMG_4640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivk6cW2InciirFZK5r8_qI7Qhtw2A7rR1_w5orROu33O9VCEOUdjIgJrMHtUVhW7U8nFZZ1nYCDXU8H_0ua5kfKepIbrCUZLI5peFEAYDzpfVNaSKqxl8KUZErxBK-Qp33uBjVQwFPCiM/s320/IMG_4640.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace, disapproving that I've said carrying her is a work out. Sorry Gracey!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEgf9Bj6Gy92dwewMIwbpxTE5dzTWIERfyBi9Pot3SDzvWTtakfWGsnhGGujpPThEo1UbAeSd1XqAPHQCrj7nDIfzaeUCcLPjq6aQyGtGzg41PVLcKAUsH4dXPvjRHu3CAvEnRyJSajzGSk/s1600/IMG_4624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9Bj6Gy92dwewMIwbpxTE5dzTWIERfyBi9Pot3SDzvWTtakfWGsnhGGujpPThEo1UbAeSd1XqAPHQCrj7nDIfzaeUCcLPjq6aQyGtGzg41PVLcKAUsH4dXPvjRHu3CAvEnRyJSajzGSk/s320/IMG_4624.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace, after I've apologized. She forgave me.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
[FOUR]</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For as long as I can remember, my family has made fun of me for always wanting to paint and re-purpose things. To their major disbelief, that actually became a real thing. People started up 'junk shows' with cool vintage treasures and re-purposed furniture. I've been to a few shows, but I am getting really excited for the <a href="http://www.junksalvation.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Junk Salvation show coming here in November. </a></div>
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I'm definitely saving my spare change. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEI65TzSFYpmfp3p00zsbkgxHRkjyTIVeecoKHgkuMKv5WeKRdaisBxHCzYp1jdhBLYoMa27IlTbzCwGMgJnvGkhvySjceHsmhWHTNoPOJvjF2EiRsBwtvTy3Ruot0q-9ErtTtXUq2z0/s1600/IMG_5476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEI65TzSFYpmfp3p00zsbkgxHRkjyTIVeecoKHgkuMKv5WeKRdaisBxHCzYp1jdhBLYoMa27IlTbzCwGMgJnvGkhvySjceHsmhWHTNoPOJvjF2EiRsBwtvTy3Ruot0q-9ErtTtXUq2z0/s320/IMG_5476.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last spring I went to the Farm Chicks junk show in Spokane, which was INSANE and AWESOME. We spent the entire day shopping and browsing and making our plan of attack for Farm Chicks 2014. </td></tr>
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[FIVE]</div>
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I am in serious need of coffee right now. And since we already made french press today, and our regular coffee pot bit the dust, I think I'll throw on my boots and walk to my favorite coffee stand. I love life in the PNW. And I love coffee. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYi1u6mHKVyiZ2ppuOaLtIyT8om2siObjD_b70X3El8YnOhUWLVExnLNGbMN7q_80JWZiobJQTEKzmJwV3Eca_meOlXI7WoNMJ9BYs-vsUR66ezp7tO-4G-dbz_XGWDqGV8uSv3MftKIY/s1600/IMG_4530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYi1u6mHKVyiZ2ppuOaLtIyT8om2siObjD_b70X3El8YnOhUWLVExnLNGbMN7q_80JWZiobJQTEKzmJwV3Eca_meOlXI7WoNMJ9BYs-vsUR66ezp7tO-4G-dbz_XGWDqGV8uSv3MftKIY/s320/IMG_4530.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, last spring, taking a creeper picture of myself at Starbucks inside Target. It happens.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Now go, check out other Five on Friday posts!</div>
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<div class="THE-GOOD-LIFE-BLOG-FIVE-ON-FRIDAY-button" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 275px;">
<a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/search/label/FIVE%20on%20Friday" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="THE GOOD LIFE BLOG" height="275" src="http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p782/thegoodlifeblog/5onFridayLogo-Final-forblogsidemenu_edited-1_zps7fcf6068.jpg" width="275" /> </a> </div>
Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-88674023457107369992013-09-24T13:42:00.001-07:002013-09-24T13:42:20.029-07:00Inspiration Tuesday: Routines <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fall is here, and the craziness of summer is over. I do love the leaves, the weather and everything pumpkin flavored, but my favorite part about fall is getting back into normal routines. And my inspiration this week, while I am continuing to work on our fall decor (more soon, I promise!) is to get back into some old routines. This is actually inspiration for forever, not just this week. :)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Friday, I started back up with school work (boo!). It is really hard to study the 'fundamentals of education' when you aren't working in a classroom. I've also discovered that it is really hard for me personally to study when there are other things around the house I could be doing. Like dishes. Or laundry. Or watching Gossip Girl. Or spraying the house for spiders. All of which I've done today, instead of studying. But anyway.</div>
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The routine of schoolwork starting back up in September has been normal for me since I was five. How have I been in school so long and still not gotten my degree, you ask? Because I take a lot of breaks. My life is fun. School isn't my number one priority. Except when it is. Like this season of my life. </div>
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<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/AVvXsEh6Rbj6gKIgOUxtkf66awACcuvorXkMmi8NrMECpxtWg_t1fACC851VxR_1GMm7whraQ97nCXzdKIHJrprEnEyqXf46vr16HORSp5-n0iF2CUx_RvIIWeE27YPdsH2_ZfoWJHAg5PLKh3U/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Rbj6gKIgOUxtkf66awACcuvorXkMmi8NrMECpxtWg_t1fACC851VxR_1GMm7whraQ97nCXzdKIHJrprEnEyqXf46vr16HORSp5-n0iF2CUx_RvIIWeE27YPdsH2_ZfoWJHAg5PLKh3U/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is not how Friday nights should be spent. But, someday I MIGHT be glad I did it. No guarantees.</td></tr>
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However, that is NOT the routine I'm inspired to get back into. I mean, I'm doing it because I'm paying for it and because someday I want to do something other than watch other peoples' kids. Like teach other peoples' kids. Or watch my own kids. Or teach my kids. Moving on.</div>
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I have always loved fitness. Sports, meh. But physical fitness... I'm all for it. Aaron might make fun of me for bragging about multiple 'PE Student of the Month' awards I have in my high school portfolio, but only one athletic letter award. I like to be active, but I don't like games. I'm competetive in EVERYTHING in my life except sports. I was the kid who loved practices. My teammates would be so upset over a lost game and I'd be like, "I wonder if my mom will drive me to school tomorrow instead of making me take the bus." No kidding. So, moving on.</div>
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I like to run (most of the time). I like to lift weights. I like to ride my bike and hike and swim. My goal is to do some sort of physical fitness activity each day. I'm not going to be so hardcore that after a crazy day I'm running miles in the dark rain. I don't hate sleep. But I have much more time than I think about to make fitness a priority and a part of my daily routine. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiww_nmVu_D3-sCyrfL-KQLBm6sUkwfCqPioiW0I1a2o6GMrG9tQpuejruIZWgZmS6ATwY9zDH3eFuOolBf2WZKBRd9jCwu1gyK7EPVusURjXAUV4UXqrN55i88jYvGiYYm1aRZ2Cw_wDw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiww_nmVu_D3-sCyrfL-KQLBm6sUkwfCqPioiW0I1a2o6GMrG9tQpuejruIZWgZmS6ATwY9zDH3eFuOolBf2WZKBRd9jCwu1gyK7EPVusURjXAUV4UXqrN55i88jYvGiYYm1aRZ2Cw_wDw/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruff Fitness. Our living room. Sunday afternoon.</td></tr>
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It doesn't hurt that a ton of my family is planning to run <a href="http://www.bloomsdayrun.org/" target="_blank">Bloomsday in Spokane in May</a>. And yes, it's 221 days away, but I don't want to be the slowest one in the family. :) </div>
Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-39508739492874106072013-09-20T13:59:00.000-07:002013-09-20T14:01:36.450-07:00Five on Friday!<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't think I've mentioned it, but I am taking part in a really cool blogger box swap thing called a Cara Box, put on my <a href="http://www.wifessionals.com/p/cara-box-exchange_4.html" target="_blank">Wifessionals</a>. I've met (via email and blogs) my two email pen pals, <a href="http://bigapplegirl-windycityguy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Katie</a> and <a href="http://acutelifestyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ashley</a>. How is that we all have the most popular names of the 80's? I love it. Anyway, I am loving that I am getting to connect with other bloggers and can't wait to put together a box for Katie. Today, she linked up with another blog for 5 on Friday, so I am going to join her!</div>
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<div class="THE-GOOD-LIFE-BLOG-FIVE-ON-FRIDAY-button" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 275px;">
<a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/search/label/FIVE%20on%20Friday" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="THE GOOD LIFE BLOG" height="275" src="http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p782/thegoodlifeblog/5onFridayLogo-Final-forblogsidemenu_edited-1_zps7fcf6068.jpg" width="275" /> </a> </div>
<br />
<br />
ONE<br />
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On my way to meet up with a friend for coffee today, I spotted one of my FAVORITE sights. Spooner's Farm was putting out rows and rows and rows of bright orange pumpkins. My heart leaps with excitement and I have to keep from swerving my car straight into the field. On top of that, I'm wearing a huge cozy scarf for the first time this season. And sipping a chai. So I'm in my happy place.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2xar6y1loWSM6-WgUeI7ZMhDDT1AQhKy7iCZuoMdGzmMGQhGsOt9-YtvlfuBnNCZESncAoXtbIIZjy1XQFoW5r-cxPipolBcvb2XZ4TGxtlRBWkmdclWNEu8A0NOdR5ByfvbuH4GmJ4/s1600/IMG_1254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2xar6y1loWSM6-WgUeI7ZMhDDT1AQhKy7iCZuoMdGzmMGQhGsOt9-YtvlfuBnNCZESncAoXtbIIZjy1XQFoW5r-cxPipolBcvb2XZ4TGxtlRBWkmdclWNEu8A0NOdR5ByfvbuH4GmJ4/s320/IMG_1254.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me. With a pumpkin. Two falls ago. </td></tr>
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TWO<br />
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I spent about an hour and a half looking up stuff about Disneyland with Charlotte, the four-year-old I take care of on Thursdays. I was looking up prices and ride videos and she brought out all of her Disney books to help me. Disneyland is calling me, and I must go.<br />
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<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/AVvXsEgwdHmpbpUpTuEql3-HMNqJx_qCm0F7aI4cpuv-lxQmZ853uTKBeogkNBjmVoTHohAXfsZVenZG6fD9v7X_uukQEhphjTpzb1owytozHcUGk6n6IYG2qM4l8dRn9ufgSbpUtuR5jzUxv88/s1600/IMG_4112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdHmpbpUpTuEql3-HMNqJx_qCm0F7aI4cpuv-lxQmZ853uTKBeogkNBjmVoTHohAXfsZVenZG6fD9v7X_uukQEhphjTpzb1owytozHcUGk6n6IYG2qM4l8dRn9ufgSbpUtuR5jzUxv88/s320/IMG_4112.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Charlotte. I searched my entire photo collection for a picture of her. None are clear, because she does not sit still. Except to talk about Disneyland with me. </td></tr>
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THREE<br />
<br />
I cut my own hair last night. Which is actually a dramatic way to say that I trimmed the ends off my hair. It is a good inch shorter, but that doesn't matter when your hair is crazy thick and wavy. I doubt anyone could tell a difference if they tried, but I can.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_tmHvNhJktwAgbchDalwi6MwYVh477-iYnU8OfXLXvh9puFiSftQsPbFD0rGPyeCgCKzP4mpZ9k7ixdcg-bqRMsVH0SDI2cQiCgyGQBFhNd1U6Dae_8OE5gryr4iIBGlBhjd434HE8g/s1600/IMG_3818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_tmHvNhJktwAgbchDalwi6MwYVh477-iYnU8OfXLXvh9puFiSftQsPbFD0rGPyeCgCKzP4mpZ9k7ixdcg-bqRMsVH0SDI2cQiCgyGQBFhNd1U6Dae_8OE5gryr4iIBGlBhjd434HE8g/s320/IMG_3818.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just an example of how you wouldn't even be able to tell if my hair was cut because it is out of control. </td></tr>
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FOUR<br />
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Is there any way that I can make a living by just blogging and crafting and being funny? I have an awesome craft supply! No? Shoot.<br />
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FIVE<br />
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I am wishing and hoping a praying that there is some way Aaron and I can sneak to Spokane in the near future. Even if we did, I know we wouldn't have time to see everyone we want to, but it sounds so perfect to be sitting on the couch at Aaron's mom's house Liberty Lake laughing with the family, or talking in the kitchen at his dad's house with 4 adorable little siblings running around. Ah, well. Thanksgiving will come. Eventually. Orting is pretty okay. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1X5uHqWhNrmoGxRCYe0Jpw20jpN4poUWsdjswAcpEFJQo_m550lZfAlNjI_-bsXzpSpYKwUGzZokKvMTgPj09WIzkM0rqu7lmc47Yuj5rQTs3QVSq8BGXsBjrDMvK7egOrTsMWVs7NcM/s1600/footballgame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1X5uHqWhNrmoGxRCYe0Jpw20jpN4poUWsdjswAcpEFJQo_m550lZfAlNjI_-bsXzpSpYKwUGzZokKvMTgPj09WIzkM0rqu7lmc47Yuj5rQTs3QVSq8BGXsBjrDMvK7egOrTsMWVs7NcM/s320/footballgame.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The OHS football game last week in our hometown. It was a beautiful night and the Cardinals crushed whoever it was that we played. I'm more into the band. ;)</td></tr>
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<br />Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-3046124692111395092013-09-17T11:42:00.000-07:002013-09-17T11:42:48.250-07:00Inspiration Tuesday: Home Inspiration<div style="text-align: center;">
Fall has arrived in the great PNW. And I am so glad. After a seriously crazy week last week, I needed the cool breezes and cloudy skies. I am all about the fall weather. And chai. And candles. Candles don't work in the summer. It is already so hot, who wants to light a candle? Ugh. </div>
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Since I have my own house with Aaron now, compared to with my parents or roommates, I am so stoked to decorate for the seasons. I'm not planning on going crazy. It won't be like walking into a pumpkin. But it will be cozy. Which is another reason I don't like summer in our house, you can't be cozy inside on leather couches in 95 degree weather. Not possible.</div>
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<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/AVvXsEjG63xt34hQyS9zOQKEkoK9vHHYmBQ6iproszrjq_Tf4yI_pLZM_udGBUsCnB9-nzDJRbADj55JUDFk39ZSDHalQGMI6GRlW8-IV1j3kedHhl5A7NLsF0ujo306j_sNmUsStBmUCLp9rl0/s1600/happyfall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG63xt34hQyS9zOQKEkoK9vHHYmBQ6iproszrjq_Tf4yI_pLZM_udGBUsCnB9-nzDJRbADj55JUDFk39ZSDHalQGMI6GRlW8-IV1j3kedHhl5A7NLsF0ujo306j_sNmUsStBmUCLp9rl0/s320/happyfall.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Pinterest, no link provided from site.</td></tr>
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I started the perfect bunting, received a darling light up pumpkin, and plan on buying quite a few more little pumpkins when our pumpkin patch opens up. For now, that's my vision. It is still a work in process, but I've started a couple Pinterest projects and will post them as soon as they are done!</div>
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I remember my favorite house I knew growing up. I don't remember specific decorations, but everything went together without looking too perfect. (You know when a house looks great, but you're scared to touch anything? It wasn't like that. I sat on the furniture without fear.) The first time I set foot in my friend Amanda's house, I felt at home. It was probably a combination of candles and laundry detergent and her mom's cooking that made the scent of their house so wonderful. </div>
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Their family moved, and I was able to visit on a trip across the country a couple years ago. Even in a completely different house, the feeling of coziness in their home was the same. And I know that it wasn't just the way her mom decorated that made their house so special or made it stick in my memory so well. It was years of girl's nights and sleepovers and bible studies and football games and campouts. It was prayer, and it was Jesus coming through the people in the house. </div>
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Our house now is tiny, but it won't be like that forever. Still I pray that our home would be cozy, homey and restful. I pray for the memories we're making in our little cottage, and for the guests that will visit our humble abode. I pray they will feel at home, and know that there is something different about our house. And my decorating is just a little something extra.</div>
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<i>What is your decorating style? Do you decorate with the seasons, or have the same stuff all year? Do you prefer LOTS of cute Halloween things, or just a few pumpkins and banners? What makes your favorite house your favorite?</i></div>
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Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-14187518396118082382013-09-15T19:17:00.001-07:002013-09-15T19:17:30.702-07:00Love Does<div style="text-align: center;">
Remember two days ago when I made <a href="http://meaganruff.blogspot.com/2013/09/here-we-go-25-books-im-reading-this.html" target="_blank">a list of 25 books</a> I want to read over the next year?</div>
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Well, I may need to up the number of books I'm going to read. </div>
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Let me first start by saying that I had a wonderful birthday. A couple people commented on my Facebook saying, "I hope Aaron spoils you" to which I say, he always does.</div>
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He spoils me everyday, and I'm not exaggerating. I mean, he makes me breakfast and coffee almost everyday. Now, I have to wake up at 6am to eat said breakfast, but he still does it. </div>
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On my birthday it was no different. He works until 5:30pm-6pm on regular days, but took off early on the 12th. We dressed up nice and fancy, and drove to BARNES AND NOBLE. If you want to make me happy, take me to a bookstore. No joke.</div>
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I picked out a book from my list, and purchased it with some birthday money. More on that in a minute. After B&N, we went to my traditional birthday restaurant... The Melting Pot! Dipping bread in cheese? Dipping brownies in melted chocolate and peanut butter? That is my kind of place. </div>
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The day was perfect. The night was perfect. And I love being 25. </div>
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Back to the book, do you know how many people have recommended that I read Love Does? Directly, I think 6. Through blogs and twitter and other indirect ways, more than a dozen. So I bought it. I don't want to say I judge books by their covers, but in the spirit of being honest, I do. And this books cover had me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTiHqwbHzxvtY-r2XFc5k7jwtRtvUmZzF6zK2dLrYBH-qEIHeMhp5_CsdPSZ6kmcXf2wbCkFS9UotiAehn387yPa6FZTXBxKPWuO3dUwOsdWOlWpjfv2bUl3sukD01eGh0c9f9BcRWTg/s1600/lovedoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTiHqwbHzxvtY-r2XFc5k7jwtRtvUmZzF6zK2dLrYBH-qEIHeMhp5_CsdPSZ6kmcXf2wbCkFS9UotiAehn387yPa6FZTXBxKPWuO3dUwOsdWOlWpjfv2bUl3sukD01eGh0c9f9BcRWTg/s320/lovedoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Isn't it so nice?</div>
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I cracked the cover at 3pm on Friday afternoon. I read and read and read. I took it to Aaron's office at the school and read while he directed drumline. Drums don't bother me. I was too into it. </div>
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On Saturday night, I curled up in our over-sized chair with my Great Grandma Ellen afghan, lit a new pumpkin apple candle and read Love Does until I finished it. </div>
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At the risk of sounding completely cliche, Love Does made me laugh and cry. Out loud. Each chapter is its own story, all tying together to make the main point: Love Does. It's a book that you can read through quickly because you don't want to stop, but then go back and reread chapters as you need to. </div>
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I will loan you my copy if you really need, but please go buy your own copy. Here's why: all the proceeds, and I mean ALL, go to charity. You will read about it in the book, but it is work the 16 dollars. Also, like I said, you'll want to be able to go back and reread bits and pieces. You will not regret it. </div>
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Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-42416547519168314132013-09-12T13:28:00.001-07:002013-09-12T13:28:50.914-07:00Here we go, 25 books I'm reading this next year!<div style="text-align: center;">
Today I'm twenty-five. </div>
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I posted last week about how I like to read. And I like to make lists. And I like to cross things off lists. Lots of my followers gave me GREAT suggestions of books to read, and I also found a couple blogs that were super helpful in completing my list.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bookreviews.me.uk/rory-gilmore-reading-challenge/" target="_blank">The Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge</a></div>
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<a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/category/books-reading/" target="_blank">Modern Mrs. Darcy</a></div>
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So after lots of thought, here is my list!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUi-giYJ_RXdMPaIALBtJgROnZGwlReuweI894B_gx0pDLtyLEqhjjwrbTOGguRHV-SkdBGy9KVfo0oUeL4cNREyzLG6cY0bRURwYkuTt6nEsrC3fIYlCxm40HreUXB59fkKpcU2sRUY0/s1600/twentyfivebooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUi-giYJ_RXdMPaIALBtJgROnZGwlReuweI894B_gx0pDLtyLEqhjjwrbTOGguRHV-SkdBGy9KVfo0oUeL4cNREyzLG6cY0bRURwYkuTt6nEsrC3fIYlCxm40HreUXB59fkKpcU2sRUY0/s320/twentyfivebooks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>25 books to read while I'm twenty-five</b></span></div>
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1. 7 by Jen Hatmaker</div>
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2. Love Does by Bob Goff</div>
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3. Company Aytch by Samuel Watkins</div>
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4. A Circle of Quiet by Madeliene L'Engle</div>
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5. A million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller</div>
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6. The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer</div>
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7. Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond</div>
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8. The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace</div>
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9. A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans</div>
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10. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini</div>
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11. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky </div>
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12. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton</div>
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13. Interrupted by Jen Hatmaker</div>
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14. Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare</div>
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15. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald</div>
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16. The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls</div>
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17. All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren</div>
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18. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath</div>
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19. The Awakening by Kate Chopin</div>
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20. The Bielski Brothers: The True Story of Three Men Who Defied the Nazis,
Built a Village in the Forest, and Saved 1,200 Jews by Peter Duffy</div>
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21. <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[1yfec].[1][4][1]{comment10201172979918204_5557152}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[1yfec].[1][4][1]{comment10201172979918204_5557152}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[1yfec].[1][4][1]{comment10201172979918204_5557152}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Under the Overpass by Mike Yankoski</span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[1yfec].[1][4][1]{comment10201172979918204_5557152}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[1yfec].[1][4][1]{comment10201172979918204_5557152}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[1yfec].[1][4][1]{comment10201172979918204_5557152}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">22. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen</span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[1yfec].[1][4][1]{comment10201172979918204_5557152}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[1yfec].[1][4][1]{comment10201172979918204_5557152}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[1yfec].[1][4][1]{comment10201172979918204_5557152}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">23. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins</span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[1yfec].[1][4][1]{comment10201172979918204_5557152}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[1yfec].[1][4][1]{comment10201172979918204_5557152}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[1yfec].[1][4][1]{comment10201172979918204_5557152}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">24. Outliers by Malcom Gladwell</span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[1yfec].[1][4][1]{comment10201172979918204_5557152}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[1yfec].[1][4][1]{comment10201172979918204_5557152}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[1yfec].[1][4][1]{comment10201172979918204_5557152}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">25. You Learn by Living by Eleanor Roosevelt </span></span></span> </div>
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I'll be coming back to this monthly to let you know what I've finished and give recommendations! </div>
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:)</div>
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Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-32437812313610032472013-09-10T11:43:00.000-07:002013-09-10T11:44:48.586-07:00Inspiration Tuesday, take one!<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Tuesday! I am very excited to start this new tradition:</div>
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If you go back to my post <a href="http://meaganruff.blogspot.com/2013/09/introduction-of-inspiration-tuesday.html" target="_blank">LAST Tuesday</a>, you can see my explanation of what I'm trying to do. </div>
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Basically, we live in cool times. The internet keeps us connected with friends near and far through social media, blogs and email. The internet also provides us with a website of endless inspiration and ideas: Pinterest. To me, the trap of Pinterest is that people don't do anything. They mindlessly pin away, but don't actually DO or MAKE or COOK the things they are so inspired to pin. </div>
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This is not just an observation, it's is a personal conviction that I am changing as of now. </div>
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Inspiration Tuesday will include photos, blog posts, or messages from friends that have inspired me to move to action. And I actually have two blogging friends, <a href="http://atparsons.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ashley</a> and <a href="http://stephanieorefice.net/" target="_blank">Stephanie</a>, that 'inspired' me to create a link up. I wasn't really sure how that worked. Okay, honestly I'm still not sure how it works. So if I'm doing it all wrong and someone feels inspired to help me, please do so!</div>
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So here it goes, my inspiration from last week. And really, I have been wanting to do this for a long time. </div>
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A coffee bar.</div>
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I saw this on Pinterest and immediately knew it was something I had to do. So I followed the link over to <a href="http://www.thecreamtomycoffee.com/" target="_blank">The Cream to my Coffee</a>, and made a mental note that this was in my future.</div>
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Flash forward about 4 months. Aaron and I got a house, and I moved in. Now, it's not really a house, it's more of a cottage. As in, it's tiny. See <a href="http://meaganruff.blogspot.com/2013/05/210-2.html" target="_blank">here</a>. If you didn't click and look through, here is a picture of our coffee bar to begin with:</div>
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I'm not exaggerating, this is the ONLY space we have in our house for coffee. And we love coffee. This was not working.</div>
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So, after searching "coffee bar" on Pinterest and a quick trip to IKEA, I got to work. Now, I'm must let you know that this is still a work in progress. </div>
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I want to stain the shelves and do a bit more styling. I pray everyday that my landlord will change his mind and let us paint. Even if it is just a fresh coat of white. But there you have it. Coffee bar inspiration brought to life! Now we have a little more space for our coffee addiction.</div>
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Next week's inspiration is fall decoration. It's supposed to be in the 80's all week here, so I need to get in the fall spirit! Link up and show me what you're inspired to do!<br />
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Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-76915442920271209162013-09-06T21:33:00.002-07:002013-09-06T21:33:39.207-07:00#lummi2013<div style="text-align: center;">
Every year, Aaron's family goes to Lummi for a long Labor Day weekend. This year was the second time I got to go. The first was as Aaron's girlfriend, and this time as his wife! </div>
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So here's our trip through various instagram lenses. </div>
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The drive up was CRAZY. It rained so much and so hard.We didn't hit any traffic until the rain started in. Thankfully it cleared up by the time we reached the island.</div>
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I took a picture of this sign last year. I remember being so excited to finally get there. I was even more excited this year!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanWM3t5SVTZ_pDGB5UCrV0_wPVUUuFXDA5LTvFtPdvU9-oUZtBfHCOHTqIkVuCHh0J4tpYYppGndG5-qmJG4zKZVB2qQPB9Fk9oeQvtrkKDGo8mKUydpRF4RU9zJy5NFU2nba9McAQA0/s1600/IMG_6428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanWM3t5SVTZ_pDGB5UCrV0_wPVUUuFXDA5LTvFtPdvU9-oUZtBfHCOHTqIkVuCHh0J4tpYYppGndG5-qmJG4zKZVB2qQPB9Fk9oeQvtrkKDGo8mKUydpRF4RU9zJy5NFU2nba9McAQA0/s320/IMG_6428.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We eat a lot of delicious food at Lummi. And play a lot of board games. And lounge on the beach. A lot. So this year, Sophia, Taylor and I kicked off the weekend with a hike. </div>
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It. Was. Beautiful.</div>
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The view from the top was perfect. You could see a slight layer of fog on the water. I love when a hike has a rewarding view at the top. </div>
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From the yard and dining hall at camp, there is a beautiful view of Mt. Baker.</div>
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And again from the beach below. I usually have the thought, "Is this real?" while at Lummi.</div>
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One tradition that I love is picking blackberries. We load up and drive to a big field lined with blackberry brambles. We pick until we can't tell if it is blackberry juice or blood on our fingers. I know that sounds gross. I'm sorry. But blackberry picking is serious business. </div>
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Then Aaron's mom makes a delicious blackberry cobbler back at camp.</div>
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Mmmmm.</div>
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This year, as we were getting ready to leave the blackberry picking field, William wanted to play hide and seek. He knew his sweatshirt was green and blended in, but his hair gave him away. ;)</div>
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We also decided to take on a project that would benefit camp. We considered fixing some doors in the bathrooms, but ended on building a new firepit. Aaron's grandpa Larry figured out the dimensions and number of bricks we would need, which was GREAT. (Except for the whole loading-a-hundred-18-pound-bricks-onto-a-cart-and-then-into-the-car in the pouring rain thing. But we survived.)</div>
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And this beautiful firepit was the result! We filled the bottom of the pit with rocks from the beach, and sang camp songs at the first official fire. </div>
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Sophia, Claire and I decorated the chalkboard outside the bathrooms. (Of course I was part of a project that included a chalkboard.) Sophia did the starfish and Claire did the awesome 3D work on the writing. Did I mention Claire is only 10? And her dad is a graphic designer? I wonder where she gets it??</div>
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As I mentioned before, we eat at Lummi. And we eat well. Homemade cinnamon rolls and homemade pizza, farm fresh corn and green beans with burgers, fresh salmon (or at least we ATTEMPTED... there was a little mishap with Bev. The clerk at the only grocery store on the island gave us her number. She promised 6 fresh caught fish for our dinner, but the boat came in a little later than we planned on eating. So now we have fresh salmon in our freezer. An entire fresh salmon. Eyes and all.) and rice, homemade cobbler... Lummi is pretty delicious.</div>
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Our last campfire was filled with marshmallows and lots of laughter. That sounds super cheesy and I'm sorry but its true. Aaron decided to use a huge wooden plank to roast his mallows. William was in a fit of hilarity and led us multiple camp songs, complete with motions, and at the top of his little five-year-old lungs. </div>
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When we left, I had to snap a photo of the sign. How perfect and woodsy is it?</div>
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<br />Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-50467489103445772172013-09-05T13:44:00.002-07:002013-09-05T13:44:26.281-07:00twenty-five books<br />
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I'm setting a new goal (see #9 and #10 on my post <a href="http://meaganruff.blogspot.com/2013/08/top-10-ways-to-procrastinate-and-have.html" target="_blank">10 ways to procrastinate</a>): </div>
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<b>Read twenty-five books while I'm twenty-five. </b></div>
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At first I thought it was a small number considering my love for reading. But I'm also working on reading the entire Bible cover to cover. And I'm a full time student, so I think 25 is pushing my time, but not so crazy that it is completely out of reach. You know what I mean?</div>
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I turn twenty-five in one week, so I need to compile a list of books. That's where my blog reader's come in. I need recommendations. Give me whatever you have. Series, fiction, non-fiction, poems, how-to... I want it all!</div>
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<br />Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-74932266280317436612013-09-03T11:03:00.000-07:002013-09-03T11:03:28.086-07:00Introduction of Inspiration TuesdayToday is the first day of school in our district. Aaron's alarm killed me at 5:45am, but by 6am I was up and eating my toast, reading Genesis and rejoicing in the gray skies. I love fall weather and fall clothes. Anyway, it was strange to be up so early before I had to go into work, but I enjoyed an episode of two of Gossip Girl while I painted my nails and contemplated what I should wear. So let's fast forward and get to what I'm excited to post about: inspiration.<br />
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I used to do this thing I called "Inspiration Monday". The only problem with that was that I was never actually inspired to DO what I posted about. Lame.<br />
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In my defense, I was young, lived in a bedroom in a shared house, and had way too much going on. Now I'm still young, but I have my own house with my sweet husband. I still have a lot going on, but I'm better at getting stuff done. So here we go, my new plan:<br />
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Instead of just posting pictures of things that inspire my style, life, house, etc... it's going to be a two-part post. First I will go with my original plan. Post a picture of something cool that I like. Part two will be a follow up on me <b>actually doing </b>what I was inspired to do. <br />
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Since this is the first week, I kind of have to keep you in the dark about my project. Next Tuesday I will post the idea, the follow-up and an my inspiration for the following week. I'd love for people to give me ideas. Send me pins, comments, emails... show me what inspires you. Then carry out these projects and ideas and show me! I love the internet.<br />
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For a hint at what I'll be working on, head over to my <a href="http://pinterest.com/meaganmruff/home-inspiration/" target="_blank">Pinterest "home inspiration" board</a>. Happy Tuesday!Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-50434658666125936072013-08-30T09:12:00.001-07:002013-08-30T09:12:29.255-07:00A note from Lummi Island<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm not a selfie kind of person. Except apparently I am. At midnight. Alone in a tiny cabin on the beach. I took about 17 pictures of myself before I realized how exhausted I was and crashed. </div>
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I was mostly excited about my new sleeping bag and headlamp. I've never had my very own sleeping bag. My brother and I had matching ones as kids, so I never knew which was actually "mine". Then I borrowed them from 18-24 because what 18-24 year old WANTS to go spend 100+ on a sleeping bag. Not me. I had coffee to buy. But because we love camping and because my husband is so great, we bought a beautiful green Marmot sleeping bag for me! Is it okay to name your sleeping bag? Because mine needs a name. I love it that much.</div>
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And my headlamp? It is perfect for the short but dark walk from our cabin to the bathrooms. And for reading. And for looking like a nerd. But I love it. </div>
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So this is how my Labor day weekends are spent now. Lounging around Camp Lummi with family, blogging, playing Puppyopoly and Yahtzee and Catan, hiking, drinking copious amounts of coffee, picking blackberries, cooking and not doing my hair. </div>
Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-4947243703952057842013-08-28T13:04:00.003-07:002013-08-28T13:04:53.714-07:00Shoes.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These bad boys take me places.<br />
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The first day I got them, they took me to get 247 shots before I went to Haiti.<br />
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They stuck by me last summer when I worked at camp for an entire week. I pounded the gravel at our church property for 8 days with them. And then I picked little rocks out of the bottom each evening.<br />
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They've hiked me up and down Mt. Peak more times than either of us can count.<br />
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They walked me down the streets of Cabo San Lucas on my honeymoon.<br />
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They get scrubbed down with magic erasers and soaked with oxi-clean often.<br />
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And they run me all around my sweet town. <br />
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It may not seem like it, but the point I'm trying to get to is that I love fall. Obviously my train of thought is complicated. Hopefully you'll catch on.<br />
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My shoes took me out this morning on my usual route. We went through town and hopped on the trail, then cut down by the river and eventually back up through town. It's a nice little loop. It's scenic and is almost exactly three miles, which I love. <br />
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Anyway, today the trail smelled like fall. I am thankful for two reasons. One being that usually the trail smells like cows. And in the summer, you don't want to breathe in 80 degree cow smell. Trust me. The second reason is obviously because I love fall. You could smell the wet leaves and fresh fallen rain. I was so happy, I could have ran for three more miles. I didn't, because that is crazy and I am not on that type of crazy-runner level yet. Also because I almost stepped on a slug multiple times. <br />
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Boots and pumpkins and scarves and football are right around the corner. But now the sun is breaking through the clouds and I'm sure it will feel like August again by 3pm. Thank you Jesus for my little peak of fall this morning!Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-80789958319817914492013-08-26T13:57:00.000-07:002013-08-26T13:57:39.578-07:00Twenty-five things about me before I'm twenty-five<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know I just posted a list, but I couldn't resist. I LOVE reading <a href="http://www.shebreathesdeeply.com/" target="_blank">She Breathes Deeply</a>, the author Mandy is such a fun writer to read. Today, she posted a list of 25 things you may not know about her. To start off, most of my blog readers and followers know me fairly well (at least I think so). I do, however, believe that I can come up with quite a few facts you STILL may not know. </div>
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So here we go...</div>
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1. I started blogging in December 2005. I was a junior in high school and the majority of my posts are completely embarrassing. They are littered with way too many "likes" and ellipses, and go on and on and on with stories about my most recent late night Wal-Mart trip. It's fun to look back.<br />
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2. I am pretty close to being blind without my contact lenses.<br />
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3. I do my best work at the last second. Maybe it's the pressure, but it is just how my mind works. <br />
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4. I was the pickiest eater you would have ever met up until I was 23. My favorites were salad with no dressing, grilled cheese and raw vegetables. Now I love Thai food and will eat any vegetable, cooked or raw, that you put in front of me. I made a resolution to "try new things", and it really worked out for me.<br />
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5. I've watched LOST completely through, twice. I am dying to start it again. I also try to convince my husband that we could easily name all of our children names from LOST characters. He is not convinced. Yet.<br />
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6. Speaking of names, they are my favorite. Can you go to college to study names? I wish. I have always wanted lots of children, but I think the underlying reason is so that I can use all of my favorite names.<br />
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7. I have a beautiful sewing machine. It has been mine for two years now, and I haven't sewn a thing. It is a serious problem and I have an accountability partner who is helping to kick my butt into gear. (She's a blogger too, check her out at <a href="http://dustandlove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Paint it Green</a>!) There are so many wonderful things on Etsy that I could just make myself. Stay tuned for my progress.<br />
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8. Fresh flowers, books and coffee are better than diamonds. Forget fancy jewelry, when Aaron comes home with flowers or a steamy americano, I am the happiest girl in the world. Take me a bookstore and it's over. You've won me.<br />
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9. Next summer, I plan on making fresh salads from our currently non-existent garden.<br />
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10. I didn't go on a plane until I was 17. In fact, I'd barely left the great PNW. Since then, I've walked the streets and tent cities of Port au Prince, Haiti, swam in the Gulf of Mexico in Lousiana and the Sea of Cortez in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, stood on the front lawn of the historic Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC, and driven across our country THREE times, with 26 states along the way. I don't plan on stopping my travels anytime soon.<br />
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11. My family always combined "vacation" with visiting family and golf tournaments, camping along the way. As a kid, I loved it and looked forward to these trips, swimming all day like a fish and falling asleep with my sleeping bag scratching my sunburn. It wasn't until I was 24 that I went on a fancy vacation. I was like a kid walking into Disneyland for the first time when we reached the resort in Cabo San Lucas. And then Aaron asked me to marry him so that was cool. :)<br />
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12. Speaking of Disney, I've actually never been.<br />
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13. I prefer documentaries and historical fiction to chick flicks and comedies. Specifically the WWII time period. If they are in a foreign language, they're that much better.<br />
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14. My husband is a band director and I have exactly 0% musical ability.<br />
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15. I am ridiculously excited to get my own office this year. You'll definitely be seeing my office decor soon.<br />
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16. My husband and I are serious nerds when it comes to most things, but especially our finances. We get giddy going over our budget and dreaming about paying off student debt. We've got problems.<br />
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17. I've never been a shoe person until I got married. I'm convinced it was my wedding shoes that pushed me. Since then (a month and a half ago) I've bought 4 pairs of shoes for the school/work year, and convinced my mom that I need Hunter boots for my birthday next month. <br />
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18. I don't have a favorite color. I like way too many to pick just one.<br />
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19. I love office supply stores.<br />
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20. I don't like paper napkins or paper towels. The feeling of them is worse than nails on a chalkboard to me. Cloth napkins and wash rags all the way. Bring on the laundry, I don't mind.<br />
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21. I want to live in a place that has snow in winter. We get a day or two of light snow and it melts before we even get a chance to enjoy it.<br />
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22. When I was 18, I moved to Alabama for school. I moved back to Washington after only 6 months, but it was one of the best experiences I have ever had. I don't regret it.<br />
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23. Hot chai latte, pumpkin candle, fuzzy socks and rain on my windows. That is all.<br />
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24. We have 5 ways to brew coffee in our house. French press, pour over, regular drip, espresso machine and a Keurig. So yeah, we're from Washington.<br />
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25. The most important thing in my life is my relationship with Jesus. I don't think this is something "unknown" about me, but it is the most important. I am undeserving of the grace and love my Savior has for me. I am undeserving of the precious life I've been given. But I am using my time here in this world to known Him more, to serve Him better and to show others the love and grace He has extended to me. Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-40038215788183271732013-08-23T20:53:00.003-07:002013-08-23T20:53:58.145-07:00Top 10 ways to procrastinate and have something to show for it.<div style="text-align: center;">
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If you're like me, you get done procrastinating and sit down to do whatever task it is that you've been putting off. Then wish that you had more reasons to put said activity on the backburner. I do this most often with school work. Being an online student is one of the hardest things I have ever done. It takes a crazy amount of self-discipline, which I simply don't have a lot of the time. Don't get me wrong, I get stuff done. I pass my classes and usually go above and beyond what the assignment requires. BUT I get most of my work done in the day or hours right before it is due. That's just how I work. </div>
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The terrible, horrible thing about procrastinating is that you usually
have nothing to show for it. If you sit in front of a TV screen watching
3 seasons of Grey's Anatomy, you'll only end up with feeling lazy and
having mascara running down your face (because let's face it, Grey's can get
to a girl!). If your afternoon that was set aside for paper writing
turns into an afternoon dedicated to a Pinterest board with 300 new pins
of houses you'll never have, you will be no closer to having that
awesome sliding barn door in your kitchen (yeah, I've pinned it) than
you are to turning in your research paper. I'm saying this because I
have been that girl. And I love Pinterest and Netflix and doing nothing.
But I also know there are much better ways to procrastinate. Ways that
still sometimes include pinning, but also give you something to show for
it. Ways that will make people forget that you put off homework because they're amazed at what you did instead. Read on. </div>
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<b>Top 10 ways to procrastinate and have something to show for it.</b></div>
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1. Blog. Post about your day, your dog or your favorite recipe. Do a 'how-to' post... like how-to make simple burger buns. I'm really trying to figure that one out. If you don't have a blog, see #2.</div>
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2. Start a blog. It is a great way to procrastinate school work, home work, house work, etc. See current post. </div>
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3. Once you have a blog, redesign it. Some of my biggest school assignments have led me to my favorite blog designs. No joke. If you don't know how to redesign a blog, you're in for a procrastinating treat. LOOK IT UP. It will take you for-freaking-ever to figure it out and get things looking good. But once you're done, you've learned something new and you have a shiny new design to show for it. </div>
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4. Bake. Everyone loves baked goods. If you're dieting, give them away. It is a good way to meet or re-meet your neighbors. Take them to your favorite barista. Give them to your babysitter. Or your brother. Or both. But seriously, bake. If you don't know what to bake, see #5.</div>
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5. Go on Pinterest. DO NOT STOP READING... decide on a baking, crafting, cooking, decoring or gardening project, search it out, and do it! Then when anyone questions you about whatever you were putting off, you can respond with, "Oh, I didn't get to that yet because I did this (bust out a plate of cookie butter rice krispies, point to new flowerbed, show off newly painted bedroom, etc.)!!"</div>
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6. Clean. If you're trying to put off cleaning, skip this number. I have a sickness. I like to clean. Sweeping, mopping, dishes... don't even get me started on organizing. It's a serious problem, but if you want to hire me, I'm good at it. Anyway, I write my BEST papers after I completely empty out my closet and start from scratch. It is relaxing and such a great feeling to see all my clothes (after I've weeded through things I don't wear or that are too worn out), shoes and scarves neatly put away and color coordinated. Or organized by style, type, etc. Okay, I'll stop before people think I'm crazy. Sometimes cleaning is a good way to procrastinate. </div>
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7. Organize your iTunes (or other music player) account. Make sure you don't have duplicate songs and that all your albums have artwork. Everyone knows that no amount of studying can happen until your music is seriously in order. (Again, I have a problem).</div>
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8. Research something that you don't actually HAVE to research. Do it for fun. And so that you can show off your new knowledge of the different ways to brew coffee at your next get together. "Why is french press coffee so much better than regular drip coffee?" your friends might ask. You will know.</div>
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9. Read. If you're procrastinating reading, stop it. No one questions why you are reading instead of doing whatever work you should be doing. And reading is good for you. (It should go without saying that magazines don't count.)</div>
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10. Make a list. I'm not talking about a grocery list or a honey-do list. Make a list of things you want to do or accomplish, and be serious about it. Set a time frame (this year, the next 5 years, before I turn whatever age, before we have kids, etc.) and think of real things you want to accomplish. Write them down however is best for you. (I painted mine on a canvas a couple years ago.) Then do ONE of those things. That way you have a good little start to get you motivated. Yes, I mentioned motivation in a post about procrastination. I'm sorry. Some examples I have on my upcoming list: go to Disneyland, plant a vegetable garden and read X number of books. I haven't set a number yet because I haven't set a time frame. But I will. Tomorrow. ;)</div>
Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028598486258958713.post-83877302491290413312013-08-14T14:41:00.000-07:002013-08-14T14:44:08.759-07:00It has been a Ruff summer.<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not saying this is the reason that I am in the process of becoming a teacher. It's not even in my top 3 reasons that teaching is a great profession. But in mid July, when its as hot as it gets in Washington, it sure is nice to be able to pack up the car and venture around the PNW with no worries about time off and missed work. </div>
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With our <a href="http://meaganruff.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-best-day-ever.html" target="_blank">wedding</a> and honeymoon, the summer of 2013 has already been good to the new Ruffs. :) We spent a week planning and preparing for our wedding with our closest friends and family. Then we got MARRIED. We enjoyed a peaceful and relaxing trip to Vancouver Island, and then ate our favorite foods and ordered drinks at the pool in Mexico. We were so blessed to have such a great multi-destination honeymoon, and we made lots of memories (most important part of vacationing to me!).</div>
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After we'd been home for a week from Mexico, Aaron and I packed up The Silver Bullet (my name for his car) and headed east to Spokane! </div>
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This trip was especially nice because I didn't have to sleep alone in the guest room! :) Okay no but seriously, we had so much fun!</div>
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Aaron's sisters (and mine!) really hit it off at the wedding. We thought it would be fun to take them out on a sister date while we were in town. We went down to Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane, rode some rides and of course visited the giant red wagon slide. I don't know if the girls were as excited as I was about the slide. ;) Ella and I went on a stomach turning miniature roller coaster. Thankfully neither of us had eaten right before the ride. </div>
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Anyway, we followed up all the park fun by going to Red Robin. The girls drew pictures of Aaron and giggled their way through a dinner of grilled cheese and spaghetti.</div>
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A few days later, we had dinner with almost all of the Ruff family. We had a panini party, which is the most brilliant of all dinner parties. In usual Meagan fashion, I didn't take any pictures of how nicely Laura had everything set up, or my delicious grilled cheese and turkey and pesto sandwich--pressed to perfection. That's also due in part to the fact that I let the kids play on my phone all evening. I'm a total sucker to any kid that crawls into my lap and sweetly asks, "Maggin, can I play on your phone?" I can't help it. Being called 'Maggin' gets to me. </div>
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We had a really great night eating and laughing and looking at wedding pictures. If only Spokane and Orting weren't so far away!!</div>
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We also got a chance to go shooting with Aaron's mom and step-dad. Phil and Ruth have been taking different classes, basic gun classes and defensive classes. It is crazy what they are learning, but I'm thankful for it. Phil taught me what to do, how to hold the gun, how to stand, etc. I'm really terrible at remembering which kinds of guns we shot. They all have number names and I just don't do well with that. But this picture is from my first round. Pretty good for my first time, right?</div>
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We spent a few days at the Spokane River, and one day went out on the boat all afternoon. Don't let this picture fool you, it took a good 45 minutes of putting down the river for Alexis to smile. But once we were at it for a while, she had a lot of fun. I enjoyed it because fast tubing freaks me out. :)</div>
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Aaron and I each finished a book in the couple days that we spent lounging on the beach. It was SO NICE. </div>
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At the end of our trip, we had a baby shower for Aaron's cousin Sarah. Ruth threw the shower, and it was amazing. Straight out of pinterest in the best way possible. </div>
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The girls of the family, pre-baby shower!</div>
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All the cousins before baby Ward makes his way in there. :)</div>
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A quick shot of Charlie, Mitch and me! Their cuteness has power over me. Don't tell them.</div>
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After almost two weeks in Spokane, we drove southwest to Portland for a Five Iron Frenzy show. We priceline-d a "3-star" hotel downtown, and it was a little sketchy, but that didn't ruin our fun. We ate at <a href="http://www.pinestatebiscuits.com/" target="_blank">Pine State Biscuits</a> (TWICE, because it was that good), Voodoo (because you have to at least once) and Fire on the Mountain Wings with our friend Wayne. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Gz8oIy-XpWy_qQHScvIAZJ5kywJfedWAZgAEEoma0f1W-2X1BbNjKt2kS1Euv14R9fGsYNFiVTsAO9K5DAjeHPr-F7MxgZ2Cg10xAd7ehAzF3T6mNxz5Evj7Nz-tsVFPzjpX1igUiIU/s1600/IMG_6209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Gz8oIy-XpWy_qQHScvIAZJ5kywJfedWAZgAEEoma0f1W-2X1BbNjKt2kS1Euv14R9fGsYNFiVTsAO9K5DAjeHPr-F7MxgZ2Cg10xAd7ehAzF3T6mNxz5Evj7Nz-tsVFPzjpX1igUiIU/s320/IMG_6209.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Reggie... yup.</td></tr>
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The night of the concert, we didn't eat dinner. So after the crazy ska show, we ventured to a place called Mississippi Pizza.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Gz8oIy-XpWy_qQHScvIAZJ5kywJfedWAZgAEEoma0f1W-2X1BbNjKt2kS1Euv14R9fGsYNFiVTsAO9K5DAjeHPr-F7MxgZ2Cg10xAd7ehAzF3T6mNxz5Evj7Nz-tsVFPzjpX1igUiIU/s1600/IMG_6209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></a>It advertised that it was open late, and we were SO GLAD. They had a live salsa band and fresh pizza at midnight. Aaron was pretty much in heaven. And besides my giant hair, I was too. </div>
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<br />Meagan Ruffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172432710378825960noreply@blogger.com0