tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13151331637691181552024-03-14T02:44:24.340-05:00Carissa Does It All Ya'll.This Blog is a great way to keep up with me while I keep up with myself in that thing called Life. Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.comBlogger188125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-989454807665854162021-03-25T09:11:00.005-05:002021-03-25T09:13:06.625-05:00My Mind Finds: Brain Awareness Week (Avoiding Dementia)<div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small;"><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Brain Awareness Week:</span></strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="349" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qu28XNkQg70" width="555" youtube-src-id="qu28XNkQg70"></iframe></div><br /><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I became more aware of the brain, diseases that attack it, what food can hurt it, and what fuels it over a decade ago when my mother was diagnosed with what seemed to be a form of dementia. She was only in her fifties…</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">There are so many questions, fears, and moments you simply can’t prepare for or understand when it comes to dementia.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">TO ease my anxiety I started researching the brain more and today I will share with you some of the changes I made and supplements I added into my own life in an attempt to actively fuel my brain and avoid a fate such as my mothers if I do have any sort of control over it… </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Understanding well that I simply may not. I am proud to be a child of God. Dementia is often genetic and cases can’t be healed but some studies are showing ways to slow, avoid or reverse it. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, for starters, I cleaned up my diet some. I have, fortunately, never been much a fan of soda, beer, or fast foods. But I am no health wizard. I studied the “Mind Diet,” which is very similar to a Mediterranean style of eating (show book) and I try to use this knowledge as my guide as much as possible. I keep a print out on my fridge to remind me as I reach for something I shouldn’t :) I also love water. I have this water bottle and tend to drink quite a bit of water each day. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I try to get 7-8 hours of sleep and I set an alarm a few times a day on my phone to remind me to get the exercise of some sort. My 30 minute moment changes daily, it is all about convenience for me. If I can’t get away from an office or the house to go to a gym I simply take a walk around the building or neighborhood. I bought an ancient elliptical off Marketplace to have around on cold or rainy days. I feel like I’ve tried every fitness class out there and even taught a few over the years. I have chosen my favorites and enjoy attended them when I can. If all else fails, I just turn on some music when no-one is around and hold a dance party which feels ridiculous at 1st but ends up being fun.. plus all of this also helps with mood. Also, Try to stimulate your brain with a suggested activity some each day. You can google some suggestions to find what is the most fitting and fun for you, there are also apps for it! </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, an example of my daily routine is:</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">*Wake up and take Mito Q before any meals or coffee while I feed my dog children and watch the news.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">*I have what I have named my “goodness jar, for breakfast every day except Sunday. On Sunday I like to have a larger brunch somewhere or make it. My jar can be prepped or made fresh. It is a low or no-sugar yogurt, with banana, steel-cut oats (or love crunch), chia seeds, almond butter, and berries. This is a great place to add supplement powders. I like Maca Root powder or Collagen Peptides powder.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">*I brew a coffee or tea and add a spoon full of MCT oil. Sometimes I just take it straight. It's coconut oil so it tastes like coconut which isn’t hard to handle. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">*At least a few times a week I take a shot of Apple Cider Vinegar (from the mother) with a splash of lemon, water, and turmeric. Some people take a supplement daily. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">*Once a week, with lunch, I take a probiotic. Many take one daily but I eat yogurt daily already so I rarely take mine more than once a week. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Favorite snack if I am craving something is dark chocolate, Omega nuts with dark chocolate chips and I finally have gotten on the hummus bandwagon and dip veggies, wholegrain Triscuits, or something in the hummus. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I also enjoy a Body Armor drink from time to time in the afternoon which is a good place to add supplement powders like the Maca Root powder or Collagen Peptides powder I mentioned before. So maybe I add Maca to the goodness jar and Collagen Peptides powder to the Body Armor drink. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">*Find some time for exercise and or a mind activity between 1 pm & bedtime as many days a week as possible. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">*At night I take a daily multi-vitamin and keep an extra Vitamin D oil bedside. I like CBD oil (Kats) and enjoy taking it at bedtime. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I don’t take any medications, just supplements although meds come up from time to time. I am not a medical professional so you are welcome to talk to your Dr about any of these suggestions or visit an alternative medicine professional. There are a lot of holistic style suggestions for dang near every issue you may experience. I will say, I am very happy with my overall health, mood, energy, and sleep on my routine with no added medications. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If I could go back in time, I would have studied neurology (or forensics: I mean I can’t stop watching forensic files haha) but I am doing my best to take care of my brain & I can only hope to help others with my advice and “Mind Finds,”</span></p></span></div>
Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-76913543882798764222021-02-01T19:51:00.000-06:002021-02-01T19:54:59.416-06:00I have songs for your Valentine's day playlist whether you are a lover or a hater.<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NuqBzhVIQIA/YBiu_-gV1wI/AAAAAAAAF_A/sMdzHGkxd2okt5DIG7tuCNd3rTJ-tKLHACLcBGAsYHQ/s828/Valentines%2BPlaylist%2BBlog%2Bheader.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="828" height="244" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NuqBzhVIQIA/YBiu_-gV1wI/AAAAAAAAF_A/sMdzHGkxd2okt5DIG7tuCNd3rTJ-tKLHACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h244/Valentines%2BPlaylist%2BBlog%2Bheader.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p><b><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I have songs for your valentine's day playlist whether you are a lover or a hater. After all, February 14th is one of those holidays people </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">hate</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> to </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">love</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> or </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">love</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> to </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">hate</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. </span></b></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Whatever your love life situation maybe, if you are a Lover, these romantic love songs are perfect for your </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Valentine's Day playlist</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">!</span></b></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f4cccc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">*In a Long Distance Relationship or Missing someone you Love?—> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">“Try Missin You,” Spotify: </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/4bx2dirkljBvQc936sB2P4" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">https://open.spotify.com/track/4bx2dirkljBvQc936sB2P4</span></a></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f4cccc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">*Just want the One you Love Back Where they Belong?—> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">“Back Where You Belong,” </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/24vZYZQzuiDn9OrRoi9Usp" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">https://open.spotify.com/track/24vZYZQzuiDn9OrRoi9Usp</span></a></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f4cccc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">*Wondering if it’s too late to be with the One you Love?—> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">“Turn Around and Stay,” </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/3Em7J48ziCGZuvG7OoVcg7" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">https://open.spotify.com/track/3Em7J48ziCGZuvG7OoVcg7</span></a></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f4cccc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">*Simply Crazy About your Baby? —></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">“Crazy ‘bout You Baby,” </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/24o13fBKlkIwWEhoIq3dMW" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">https://open.spotify.com/track/24o13fBKlkIwWEhoIq3dMW</span></a></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f4cccc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">*Want the Best Mix of Pick-Up Lines to present to your Love?—> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">“Best Way To Fall,” </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.reverbnation.com/carissabiele/song/19164260-the-best-way-to-fall" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">https://www.reverbnation.com/carissabiele/song/19164260-the-best-way-to-fall</span></a></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f4cccc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">*Love a Duet? Check this tune out! —-> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">“Wish You Didn’t Have Too,” </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/0YgWYTnx8SixKjFZcr4CHb" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">https://open.spotify.com/track/0YgWYTnx8SixKjFZcr4CHb</span></a></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Ok, and now for the Anti-</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Valentine's Day Songs</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. For those who aren't in the Valentine's Day mood this year, or prefer a Galentine's Day with friends, I wanted to share a few of my recorded songs that may fit your mood…</span></b></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ea9999; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">*Not Lookin’ for Love? Or Want a Galentine's Day? </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ea9999; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">LISTEN—> “Lookin’ To Fall,” https://open.spotify.com/track/0HZiAMG8pD8qzZl7Ggmxli</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #ea9999;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ea9999; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">*Burnt out & Ready to Get Out of your current relationship—> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ea9999; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">“Burn Out and Gone,” </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/2yStyIIDjAa23dslYA7bpZ" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ea9999; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">https://open.spotify.com/track/2yStyIIDjAa23dslYA7bpZ</span></a></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #ea9999;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ea9999; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">*Feel like Hitting the Hwy asap/ Just Leaving?——> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #ea9999;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">“US Highway,” </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/0YYc2UjHkT8AinLPB6ymzW" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">https://open.spotify.com/track/0YYc2UjHkT8AinLPB6ymzW</span></a></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #ea9999;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ea9999; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">*Does your EX have a New girl in your old Home? </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ea9999; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">CHECK THIS ONE OUT—></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #ea9999;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">“Her New Home”: </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/5vfuPYwhitCG6XqJYx7Cy1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">https://open.spotify.com/track/5vfuPYwhitCG6XqJYx7Cy1</span></a></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #ea9999;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ea9999; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">*Does your EX have a New girl you wish you could warn?—></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #ea9999;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">“Here’s To Her”: </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/1XlIIQVSnZ6EVhpq2mGYSM" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">https://open.spotify.com/track/1XlIIQVSnZ6EVhpq2mGYSM</span></a></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #ea9999;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ea9999; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">*Do you want to see Karma catch up to your EX? I HEAR YA—></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #ea9999;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">“Karma”: </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/2whyRvTyN3McmOel0zPkwU" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">https://open.spotify.com/track/2whyRvTyN3McmOel0zPkwU</span></a></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>I hope you connect with one of these songs! I would love to hear about your story and learn which songs you chose to add to your Playlist! </b></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>Message & Follow me on Socials!</b></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; 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background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">https://www.tiktok.com/@carissabielecountry</span></a></p>Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-21948197669189080292020-01-24T15:20:00.009-06:002022-05-04T15:32:03.461-05:00Carissa does a battle with Dementia- A dementia daughters diary<div style="text-align: center;">
Mom Diagnosed age: 55 "Likely represents Alzheimer's"</div>
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-December 2007-</div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">2003/2004: </span></b></u></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Dad is diagnosed with cancer and Grandma recently passed.</span></b></u></div>
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Mom told Dr. Lisa Pearce in 2007 that "When my mom died I felt like she took some of me with her, including my memories." She went on to mention that dad's diagnoses made it even worse.</div>
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Nuerology reports show Memory Complaints beginning in 2004. Minor complaints like difficulty forming memory for new events or conversations. She/ we associated her issues to be with severe depression. The Dr. also didn't feel the memory issues were caused by a structural brain issue but placed her on Aricept and Zoloft. [Dr. McLaren]<br />
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<b><i style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">History:</i></b><br />
<b><i style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">My Mom Cathy had back surgery around 1994 </i></b>A disoriented disc. Fragments of her vertebrae were removed.<br />
<b><i style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Mom has asthma.</i></b><br />
<b><i style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Mom has shown a possible allergy to IBUPROFEN.</i></b><br />
<b><i style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Mom has seemingly lost her ability TASTE & SMELL. Claims it started around 1994 after surgery. It declines each year. (she can still identify bitter, sweet, salty or sour)</i></b><br />
<b><i style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Mom lost her mom in 2004 & husband in 2006</i></b><br />
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<u>Family History:</u><br />
*Father Gerald McGinnis died of Lung Cancer at age 75 (He dealt with CAD at 54)<br />
*Mother Treva Hill-McGinnis died of what they think was CAD age 80 (UTI was present)<br />
*Mother showed some signs of Dementia (caused by UTI)<br />
*Sister Elaine McGinnis died in a Motor Vehicle Accident<br />
*Middle daughter seizure disorder since 9 months of age.<br />
History of Hodgkins was mentioned.<br />
*Everyone else reported to have died from old age.<br />
Possible ALLERGY TO IBUPROFEN discovered.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>June 3, 2006- DAD DIES</u></b>- </span></div>
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I try to recall how my sister and I knew there was something different about our mother. I personally think the #DementiaDemon entrance was during my father's dramatic exit on June 3, 2006. When my father died of cancer, part of my mom's soul left with his. I remember the mentally zoned out, glazed over eyes conversations, but assumed it was all just grieving. I felt very ill and like a contractor had installed a switch internally that allowed me to turn on and off emotion. The majority of the time I decided it was much easier to leave the emotional switch off. I was a fresh college graduate chasing big dreams and my big sister encouraged me to keep on keeping on whereas that is what my parents would both want.</div>
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Counsel and family Dr. think mom is <b><i>depressed.</i></b> Mom DOES NOT think she is depressed.<br />
She is prescribed Prosac and then Zoloft but insists neither help her and doesn't take them as prescribed. Mom insists that her sadness daily and loss in appetite are due to her losing her taste and smell.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>2007</b></u>-</span></div>
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Mom reported to her Dr. that she had been experiencing difficulties with her memory for around 8 years. We, as daughters only knew about 3 years.</div>
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Her loss of taste and smell had been brought up over the last 8 years which always concerned me and I still wonder if it could be related. Her Parietal Lobe seems to be having issues [MY OPINION] An appointment for tests was scheduled.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The <span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Parietal lobe f</span><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">igures out the messages you receive from the five senses of sight, touch, </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif;">smell</b><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, hearing and </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif;">taste</b><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">. This </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif;">part of the brain</b><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> tells you what is </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif;">part</b><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> of the body and what is </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif;">part</b><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> of the outside world.</span></i></span><br />
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<u>January 17, 2007: MRI: Rather normal.</u><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Pansinusitis</span><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> is when all of the sinuses in the head become infected or inflamed. Usually, a sinus infection, or sinusitis, affects only one or two sinus groups. </span><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Pansinusitis</span><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> may feel like a severe sinus infection but often clears up over time without treatment.</span></span><br />
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MEDS: Folnase, calcium, vitamin D<br />
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<u>July 25, 2007: Dr. Visit: Lisa Pearce FIRST DIAGNOSES OF POSSIBLE DEMENTIA</u><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">--Osteopenia</span><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> is when your bones are weaker than normal but not so far gone that they break easily, which is the hallmark of osteoporosis.---</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
Mom and Lisa chatted about how the memory issues were becoming problematic at work. Mom is a librarian at a College. New learning is difficult. She reported feeling more confused and lost than normal. An example was forgetting about social commitments and appointments. Another was following road map directions. She was still doing her finances on her own with little to no issues.<br />
The Dr. reported that mom showed diminished verbal comprehension & asked her to repeat a lot of stuff. Dr. Pearce decided to do some cognitive testing.<br />
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After these intense results came back and Advair was added as a medication for mom things got REAL. A neurologist appointment was scheduled for October.<br />
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AND, I bought mom a puppy (for companionship) then I continued my hop, skip and jumping life of chasing opportunities across the country and was barely ever in the hometown. Looking back, I feel I was the last to realize something had taken over my normal Mom. Or, the only one in denial. My mother and I were best friends. Mom would call daily and we traveled together often! Mother went on a job interview with me which ended up moving me to Memphis, TN. I remember her seemingly thrilled that she could drive from Missouri to Tennessee to visit me on occasional weekends. My mother's friends would encourage her to go to grief therapy after losing her husband, but she never successfully followed through. I saw and heard her depression grow in the year following my dad's loss. My mother started mentioning how she wished she could have just gone with him as opposed to being left alone to finish life on her own.<br />
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<u>October 5, 2007- New Neurologist </u>Dr. Joel Shenker<br />
What type of dementia/ neurodegenerative disease does mom have?<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Symptoms not likely for <span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #111111;">Frontotemporal dementia</span><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #111111;"> or Vascular. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #111111;"><br /></span></span>
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<u>October 11,2007 BRAIN SCANS </u><br />
MRI: Showed no abnormalities in brain parenchyma.<br />
PET scan. Possible decreased activity in the Parietal Cortices and Cingulate Gyrus through non diagnostic. Consistant with Alz.<br />
THIS also would explain her loss of taste and smell.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif;">parietal lobe</b><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> is at the back of the </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif;">brain</b><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> and is divided into two hemispheres. It functions in processing sensory information regarding the location of parts of the body as well as interpreting visual information and processing language and mathematics. </span></i></span><i style="font-size: small;">The <span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Parietal lobe f</span><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">igures out the messages you receive from the five senses of sight, touch, </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif;">smell</b><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, hearing and </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif;">taste</b><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">. This </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif;">part of the brain</b><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> tells you what is </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif;">part</b><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> of the body and what is </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif;">part</b><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> of the outside world.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif;">Gyrus</b><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> is a fold or "bulge" in the brain. The </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif;">cingulate gyrus</b><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> is the curved fold covering the corpus callosum. A component of the limbic system, it is involved in processing emotions and behavior regulation. It also helps to regulate autonomic motor </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif;">function</b><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">.</span></i></span><br />
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<u>December 7, 2007-</u> She is taking extra vitamins like B-12 and vitamin D.<br />
This is the closest thing to a diagnoses we have: "Likely represents Alzheimer's"<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">2008- RETIRES EARLY due to Memory Issues</span></u></b></div>
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<u>June 9, 2008:</u> Neurology Dr. Visit. At this time, although a PET scan had showed slightly abnormal the Dr. main concern was with depression. Mom was living on her own and didn't report any issues with memory at this appointment. My sister and I notice some oddities in her daily responses and ability to answer basic questions with confidence. Scheduled a follow up. [Dr. Joel Shenker]<br />
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It was during catch up calls with my oldest that caused sickness to take over my gut. I moved back to my hometown from Memphis, TN. I started Graduate school at William Woods University.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Feb 9, 2009:</u> </span></b></div>
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Neurology Dr. Visit. Mom reported she felt like the Zoloft and Aricept had been helping her memory issues and depression. We talked about whether we thought she needed Aricept or not whereas it could cause more harm than good. Her PET had showed slightly abnormal so she is going to stay on it. Scheduled her next visit in a year. [Dr. Joel Shenker]</div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">2010- Six Years after Memory Issues became noticeable:</span></b></u></div>
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<u>Feb 16, 2010: </u>Neurology Dr. Visit.<br />
We scheduled mom's First neurology visit in a year. I went with her on this one. The Dr. reported her as seemingly about the same mentally and still very depressed. Since her PET scan three years ago wasn't normal the Dr. had run some clinical tests but not found anything of major concern. Ruled depression and Aricept and Zoloft is what she takes. She weighed 145lbs. Dr. determined we will do another cognitive test in a year to watch for <span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">potential</span> neurodegenerative disease. [Dr. Joel Shenker]<br />
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<u>September 29, 2010: </u>Neurology Dr. Visit.<br />
Mom called the Dr. about a sudden memory function decline she was experiencing September 28th. She was having problems focusing, balancing her check book, felt high frustration and increased depression. She was scheduled for an emergency visit. Mom showed up to the appointment alone and was later joined by Rona.<br />
Rona didn't agree that these symptoms were sudden but mom had experienced some illness in the last three months and the mind had seemingly gotten worse during it all. [Sinus infection and C.Diff] She is on Aricept and Zoloft. Weight 125lbs. [Dr. Joel Shenker]<br />
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<u>October 28, 2010:</u> Neurology Dr. Visit. Minor complaints like difficulty forming memory for new events or conversations just like 2004. She/ we associated her issues to be with severe depression. The Dr. also didn't feel the memory issues were caused by a structural brain issue but kept her on Aricept and Zoloft. Weight 125lbs. [Dr. Joel Shenker]<br />
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Mom didn't have the E4 show in the test for Apo-E4.<br />
E4 is an indication of Alz. <span face="ff-kievit-web, "Helvetica light", Ariel, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">Everyone has two copies of the APOE gene: people with E2/E2 have the lowest overall risk for Alzheimer's and those with E4/E4 have the highest risk. The other combinations of APOE—E2/E3, E2/E4, E3/E3 and E3/E4—fall in between. </span>This means Alz doesn't seem to be the cause of her showing dementia symptoms although can't be completely ruled out.<br />
Performing PS-1 and Tau/AB tests could be done to assist in the Alz research.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">2011- </span></u></b></div>
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Mom lives at home alone. Rona helping a lot.</div>
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April 7, 2011: Neurologist Dr. Shenker determines that mom's memory issues stem from a <i><b>psychiatric problem not a neurologic disease. </b></i>Joyce attended this appointment with Mother and it seemed to get tense. Mom declined Dr. Shekner's advise to seek a Psychiatrist.<br />
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<u>October 10, 2011: Repeated 2007 Cognitive Tests:</u><br />
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Mom got a DEXA scan June 2011. Showing Osteopenia of lumbar spine.<br />
July 11th Mom diagnosed with breast cancer.<br />
Mom got a Masectomy two days after my birthday this year. July 26, 2011.<br />
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August recovery from breast cancer. Mom stayed at Churchill Assisted Living to recover then moved back home. I graduate from Graduate School with my Master's in December and considered moving to LA or Nashville eventually to chase some dreams; however, I've decided to stick around Fulton for now.<br />
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<u>August 17, 2011- </u>New Cancer Dr. Visit. PET scan and MRI ordered to look into the severity of mom's dementia. They are concerned about prescribing her certain meds or chemo options since she has dementia. Also ordered an Onotype DX (<span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #3c4043;">gives the Score that determines whether you need chemotherapy.)</span>.<br />
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<u>August 19, 2011- </u>Dr. Visit. Reading records, Mom didn't report any past nose bleeds in paperwork but had some very scary ones while I was living at home on 1108 Sharon Drive which was my childhood home. We moved into my GrandMother's house around the time I went to college in 2002.<br />
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<u>September 2011-</u> Mom started <span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #52565a; font-weight: bold;">Anastrozole</span><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #3c4043;"> (is used to treat breast cancer in women after menopause.) Mom declined Chemo. </span><br />
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<span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #3c4043;"><u>Dec 15, 2011-</u> Dr. Visit. CBC Lab within normal limits.</span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #3c4043;">My oldest sister Rona keeps mom's pills organized for her in her weekly pill box. </span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">2012-</span></u></b></div>
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<u>October 10, 2012: Dr. Visit. Showing significant dementia.</u><br />
Has been on *Anastrozole (breast cancer drug) for a year. Weight 139 and alert but very forgetful.<br />
*Zoloft depression drugs increased recently to 200mg.<br />
Other medications:<br />
*Aricept 10mg (I<span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">t can treat Alzheimer's disease.)</span><br />
*Multi Vitamin<br />
*Namenda 10mg (<span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It can treat dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease.)</span><br />
*Thiamine 100mg (Vitamin b1)<br />
*Zyrtec (Allergies)<br />
*Calcium<br />
*Nasonex 1 spray (<span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #3c4043;">(mometasone) is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.) Causes scary nose bleeds for mom. </span><br />
*Advair 1 puff (Asthma/ COPD)<br />
*Levocetirizine (Allergies)<br />
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<u>October 16, 2012:</u><br />
Mom experiencing a lot of abdominal pain so a CT was ordered.<br />
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<u>October 25, 2012: </u>Mom got a letter from the state telling her she'd need to retake the driver's test if she wanted to keep driving.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>2013-</u></b> </span></div>
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Mom is still living at home alone. Myself, Rona or mom's best friend Joyce take turns to get mother where she needs to be now that she doesn't drive.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>2014-</u></b> </span></div>
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Mom was in a facility. Losing her license was tough but losing her freedom and independence was hard to bear. Not being able to have her dog was the worst of all. I relocated to Nashville. (Lives in Ashbury Heights )</div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">2015</span>-</u></b> </div>
In March we started considering selling mom's old house. In July I took mom out of Ashbury Heights Assisted Living and with me to celebrate my birthday at the Lake of the Ozarks. The Lake has always been a favorite place of ours.<br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">2016- </span></b></u></div>
Around Mother's Day 2016 my sister mentioned moving mom to a newly built facility called Valley Park North. I was still taking mother out of the facility when I was in town. We went to Lake Ozark again around my birthday. Mother was still over the moon over her dog Koala and mine Jalisco.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>2017-</u></b> </span></div>
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Valley Park North was working out well until one bad day. Early Feb mother (who is confused with dementia) woke up in the dark one night looking for the restroom. She didn't make it to the restroom and soiled herself. She called for help and was found in a poo mess. This incident happened a second time and was treated as psychotic and the mother was asked to leave the facility. They placed mom in a psych ward while we figured out what to do. They also reported this on her files which will make it hard to find her a good home in the future. I had a heartbreaking phone call with mom while she was in the psych ward.</div>
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Mom moved into Columbia Healthcare. It is paid for by the state. The atmosphere was much different than her smaller, private facilities. By May 2017, mom was NOT doing well in her newest facility. It was a skilled nursing home and not the right fit for mother but no memory care would take her now that her files mentioned some aggression and a few embarrassing issues. The worst choice we've made so far but with what felt like no other options.<br />
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While under the care of Dr. Katherine Vanvoorn (at least March 2017- early Oct 2017) mom was on the following medications:<br />
<a href="https://www.drugs.com/risperidone.html" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.drugs.com/risperidone.html&ved=2ahUKEwjEw6GiiPDmAhUPlKwKHb1BCvQQFjAKegQIBBAB" style="background-color: white; color: #660099; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></a><br />
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<span face=""><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">*Risperidone: </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span color="" style="background-color: white;">Antipsychotic. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It can treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability caused by autism.</span></span></span></span></h3>
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<span face="">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">*Buspirone:</span></span> </span></h3>
<span color="" face="" style="background-color: white;">Anxiolytic. </span><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It can treat anxiety.</span><br />
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<span face=""><span style="color: #222222;">*</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Divalproex: </span><span color="" style="background-color: white;">Anticonvulsant. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It can treat seizures and bipolar disorder. It can also help prevent migraine headaches</span></span><br />
<span face=""><span style="color: #222222;">*D</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">onepezil (Aricept). </span><span color="" style="background-color: white;">Cognition-enhancing medication. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It can treat Alzheimer's disease.</span></span><br />
<span face=""><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">*Namenda </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">memantine. </span><span color="" style="background-color: white;">Cognition-enhancing medication. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It can treat dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease.</span></span><br />
<span face=""><span style="background-color: white;">*Mirtazapine </span><span style="background-color: white;">Antidepressant. </span><span style="background-color: white;">It can treat depression.</span></span><br />
<span face=""><span style="background-color: white;">*</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Risperidone </span><span color="" style="background-color: white;">Antipsychotic I</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">t can treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability caused by autism.</span></span><br />
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<span face="" style="color: #222222;">*Zyrtec for allergies</span><br />
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<span face="" style="color: #222222;">*Multivitamin</span></div>
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*Calcium </div>
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<span face="">*Senna twice daily for constipation and or <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Docusate on top of that. </span></span></div>
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<span face="">*<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Ondansetron</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> when she felt nausea due to all these meds. </span></span><br />
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<u><b>By September 28th, 2017</b></u> we found mom a new home! My sister and I moved her near me in Nashville to Vantage Point Village, Memory Care floor.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">2019-</span></u></b></div>
<b><u>June 23, 2019-</u></b> A guest of the facility ask mom "Is this your daughter?" and mother was very confused. I distracted the convo and we moved to our music walk up and down the hallway. The same guest commented "Your daughter Carissa is a beautiful girl," and mother spoke very kindly and responsive mentioning "Carissa, I haven't seen her in a long time," "She is a very sweet girl." Although heartbroken, I was flattered at the same moment. After our walk, I smelled a dirty diaper. I quickly showered mother, changed her, dried her hair and tucked her in like a sweet toddler. This was the 1st incident I have ever noticed where mom didn't make it to the restroom in time. I didn't get emotional tonight. I have my first therapy session tomorrow morning.<br />
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<u><b>July 2019- </b></u>Some days are better than others. Her mind is shockingly sharp somedays and makes me think she knows exactly what her situation is... while the next she seems extremely confused. Her hearing is very sensitive. She picks up every single noise around her and assumes it is directed at her so she often responds to conversations she isn't in or sounds several feet away. The sounds seem to cause her anxiety and spiral into frustration. I try to find a more private space with very few voices around to attempt any conversation. As long as I turn the music up enough to drown out all the other sounds she focuses super well on the music and has an awesome time singing and dancing around the floor. This is my favorite time with her! I have made a tradition of walking the hallway with mom to 1960's music and it has been a success. It can usually turn around any poor mood she may be stuck in.<br />
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<b><u>August 2019</u></b>- Mom has started to refuse showers. She gets into a physical struggle with me or the PA who attempts to help her shower. This was the 1st experience of physical freak out I have had with my mom. I stayed calm at the moment but left shaking, crying and heartbroken. I have tried a waterproof speaker, for some music fun, a loose swimsuit for less humility but the sheer thought of a shower seems to send her anxiety sky high. I pray for an answer, guidance or maybe an invention to make shower time easier for people like mom.<br />
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<b><u>Sept 4th, 2019-</u></b> It's been a hard few weeks. Mom's positive, kind and upbeat demeanor has changed some. My gut says it is the change in the facility atmosphere to blame, but suppose I do not know. The original facility & staff was beyond caring, always smiling and complimenting the patients when we chose this home for mom. Mom was always being greeted positively and hugs were always being given. Sadly, turn over has been huge and staffing an obvious problem. There are less positive vibes and smiles now. The few amazing employees left are so overworked they are too tired to be positive all the time. Not to mention, there are a few very verbally abusive patients on the floor. This situation makes me feel furious, almost too angry to visit. I don't want it to be this way. My main goal is to give mom the most positive and pleasant days possible whereas I have no idea what she is comprehending, feeling or when it may be her last breath. She hasn't even wanted to walk to our music lately. She has started saying "She used to like it there, but not anymore. No-one likes her there and she wants to go home to her mom." It is very hard to leave her. I pray several times a day for guidance, or financial prosperity so I can move mother into a more pleasant atmosphere OR better yet; build one for her and become the CEO of a perfect place for mom and people like her.<br />
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<u><b>Dec 3, 2019- </b></u><br />
A letter I wrote in an update to an old friend of mom's:<br />
Thank you. Mom's case is hard to understand. She has dementia which turns into Alz and memory failure in the end but starts with losing understanding for things- like how to operate everyday stuff, even use silverware, confused about Time/ days/ nights/ - changes communication factors so she slurs or can't put together sentences.<br />
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She began to lose her independence. That is how it started 10 years ago.<br />
Then Her vision turned blurry and no eye dr could fix it. Her memory is still intact- her thoughts are just cut short so she knows she recognizes people, places and things then cries bc she can't follow through on the thoughts. The hardest part is that at times she seems to completely comprehend what has happened to her and gets very very depressed.<br />
I have been researching anything and everything that might help. A well known, Dr. Bredesen, has some cool research and results I am looking into trying on mom.<br />
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She is currently on a finger food only diet because of the no silverware situation. It is hard to get her to eat anything healthy and good for the mind but thankfully she doesn't want sugar (soda and candy) like she used to. She has help dressing and showering but can still put on her own shoes. She can also still use the restroom herself BUT needs help finding it. She won't brush her teeth or let anyone else do it. Music is a major therapy for mom and is all she usually needs to turn a frown upside down. She easily walks over 7 miles a day up and down the facility hallway and is tiny now- weighs 120 or less. She and I walk together all the time and had practiced the wedding march- so I wanted to try the real deal with her by me on my wedding day.<br />
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I've tried to get her out of the facility some but over the last year, the success has declined. She gets very uncomfortable leaving (maybe bc she can't see super well? and it is scary?). Stairs are rough so we avoid those. She gets really agitated trying to bend and sit into a car seat. However, usually, once we get those things out of the way the rest of the adventure seems enjoyable.<br />
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Her sense of hearing seems to be intense. It may overwhelm her and cause anxiety. She hears and responds to every noise or conversation in the building. Unfortunately, there is a patient with very mean, negative and hurtful yelling outbursts that have changed mom's demeanor. Mom reacts as if she is being bullied, cries and asks if she is going to get in trouble a lot. Other patients living in mom's home react the same way to the scoldings. I have tried to get that patient relocated with no luck.<br />
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I feel she slipped into a deeper phase of dementia right before the wedding. Labor day weekend I noticed an increased sense of fear and agitation. (Common part of dementia also). She reaches for my hand often now, as though she is scared and needs consoling. She did not do well at the wedding and didn't seem to recall any of it afterward. However, she seems to recognize me, my name and Robbie's name in some way. She also seems to recognize a lot of the other names we bring up yet doesn't react the same in person.<br />
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I read her greeting cards from friends and family and she tends to nod and respond with " o, how sweet." I'll show her the church directory and see how she reacts. I believe she would recall people better if she could see clearly.<br />
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I am grateful mom still opens her arms for a hug and tends to light up when she gets sight of me. She tried to "vent" and I listen, console and agree however she is very hard to understand. I tuck her in as often as possible and get an "I love you too," out of her every now and then.<br />
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<b><u>December 15, 2019-</u></b><br />
Yesterday, Mom was very talkative although not much of what she was venting was understandable. After reading the book "The End of Alz," I am eager (but overwhelmed) about experimenting with the mind-diet. I am currently trying to organize my plan. Mom is only able to eat finger foods and her meals are provided by the home she lives in. We are lucky to get her to eat at all most days but the stuff she is eating is not healthy, to say the least. She mainly eats hamburgers and grilled cheese. I am trying to learn how to make healthy granola bars, cookies and such that could be available for snacking. Replacing the home's sweet tea with water or a daily greens smoothie, as well as other tricky recipes that I could provide for mom's daily meals to fuel her mind properly.<br />
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During this visit, my mother and her roommate's daughter chatted some and the topic of having daughters and mom did, in fact, seem to recall that "Carissa was her youngest," which was great to hear ...but also heartbreaking considering I was sitting right by her and she obviously didn't comprehend that I was the Carissa she was chatting about it.<br />
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My mind remains distracted until I drive to mom's home and check on her in person now. I find it hard to rest unless I personally tucked mother into her bed at night. I've also noticed that some nights when I can't sleep; the nurses will mention on a next visit about how my mother spent the same sleepless night pacing the hallways. I feel an oddly weird soul connection with her. I have to do something. It is not physically or emotionally possible for me to just "let it be."<br />
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PS: Thank God for Julie and her hubby Ray (who dance with mom a lot). Julie is the daughter of mom's roommate.<br />
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<u><b>Jan 1 and 2, 2020-</b></u><br />
Walking the hallway is the only pass-time mother has. She communicates she is bored. Taking her outside has been complicated. She can't see well so the ground has to be flat, she hates to be too cold or too hot, she seems rather scared. Jan 1st I was video chatting New year's wishes with a friend on a phone app when mom muttered: "I just want to die."<br />
This is not uncommon and has been going on since my dad passed in 2006; however, the ill wishes upon herself have been less over the last few years. She also has had a cough for a while that she can't seem to kick.<br />
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Jan 2nd when I approached her she seemed timid and told me she feels like someone is gonna get her. She has mentioned being "scared," over the last month. She also said, "I can't do this." I turned on Spotify 1960's playlist for music therapy and kicked the fear out of her mind for a while.<br />
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Some sentences were clear and correct today. Her communication on most days is very rocky. It's 2020 and I am more curious than ever to understand more about what type of dementia she has and what phase she is in. I also still have a major interest in Dr. Bredesen's RECODE protocol although figuring out how to get started has been very overwhelming. It also appears to be rather pricey. Part of the RECODE concept includes a mind healthy diet plan which I would like to start prepping for mom. Her rent includes her meals but those options provided aren't mind-healthy; not to mention mother can only eat finger foods.<br />
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Helpful Website: <a href="https://www.dementiacarecentral.com/aboutdementia/">https://www.dementiacarecentral.com/aboutdementia/</a><br />
Dr. Bredesen RECODE: <a href="https://www.apollohealthco.com/dr-bredesen/">https://www.apollohealthco.com/dr-bredesen/</a><br />
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After researching on dementia care central website I am guessing mother may be in stage 6 of 7 noted dementia stages. I do not feel clear about what type of dementia she is suffering from but Lewy Bodies is the closest so far. I am also going to re-evaluate her medications again.<br />
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I feel torn. If mother is truly suffering from the mid-late stage of dementia, which can not be cured but acclaimed to have options to reverse symptoms or slow down progression- is taking reversal or slowing steps and adding years on mom's quite horrific current life good or bad?<br />
I feel desperate for a miracle. I feel desperate to have my mom back for at least 10 more years; heck even one more day. I pray daily about guidance for myself and for her to be at peace. For God to eliminate her sadness and fear no matter what that means.<br />
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<b><u>Jan 3, 2020:</u></b> Mother was walking the hallways when I arrived. It was dinner time so I encouraged her to sit and eat. I brought her some Mind-Healthy finger foods to add to her provided meal. The verbally aggressive resident was awake and vibrant with rants which may have been one reason mother was very anxious and avoiding dinner. Fortunately, the problematic resident left the dining room space and wandered the hallways looking for an unlocked room to lay down in.<br />
Unfortunately, I believe the unlocked room may have been mothers. When we went into mom's room preparing for bed, the bed had been urinated in.<br />
Mother may have accidents from time to time, but nothing that I have been made aware of. I do know locating the restroom is hard for her. I asked the staff on duty if anyone had seen the bed wet earlier in the day, changed or noticed mother being wet. Mother had reportedly not even been in her room since her wake up call. If she and her bed were wet at wake up call, the staff would have already changed the sheets (we hope).<br />
So the guess is a roaming resident found mom's room unlocked, laid down for a while, wet the bed, woke up and left without anyone noticing. The staff stripped the bed and I laid down whatever bedding I could find mix-matched in the closet so mother didn't have to wait a few more hours to lie down since all sets of sheets were currently in the laundry.<br />
Our evening was blessed hugely by mom's roommate. Dot prayed with mom and preached a positive message of peace and love. It was fantastic.<br />
Then we all tucked in as usual and rested for the night.<br />
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<u><b>Jan 5, 2020:</b></u><br />
Somedays I am emotional from the moment I wake up. Once the flood gates open, it is hard to get them closed. Sang with the church choir, listened to the gospel but it didn't settle my anxious soul. I was quick to start a fight with Robbie and forgot my boiling eggs which ended up in a small kitchen explosion and mental break down.<br />
The only place I wanted to go was moms. I am still deeply attached to mom. The attachment scares me quite honestly. However, I do not like to visit mom if I am feeling weak or tearful. She is already depressed over her fate and my sadness just inflates hers. Today I went anyway. Mom was already in tears upon my arrival. I don't know if we both happened to be in a similar mood or if we can just sense one another from afar. We both just sit, held hands, cried and listened to the preacher sing and play acoustic. When mom noticed I really broke the flood gates she immediately rubbed my arm and started trying to support and cheer me up. It was a magical moment. She decided to dance and sing to make me laugh which was a success. Mom is a bright light for everyone there. She is suffering and being drug into a dark, depressing and scary place she doesn't understand yet she still offers love to every single person around her. Even Lisa, the mean one who bullies mom daily with verbal abuse. Mom is and raised me to be a Child of God. Together we can get through this.<br />
As the preacher ended his music and sermon he came over to chat with us. He prayed a prayer of healing over mom. My tears finally dried up for the day and I got to tuck mom in, always leaving my last words "I love you."<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Jan 7, 2020:</u>I left town for a few days to go back to the hometown of Fulton, MO for a baby's funeral. Needless to say, I was a ticking time bomb of emotions when I arrived back in town tonight to visit mom. She was in the hallway in a posed position with her hand on one hip talking to someone, or something, that was not there to my eye.<br />
I Googled hallucinations and dementia which is rather common. Mother's are clearly becoming more and more noticeable and frequent. She seems to have both audio and visual hallucinations now. This is the first time I noticed them keeping her awake into the wee hours of the night. This experience made me want to re-evaluate her medications. Maybe there are some changes we can make to help.<br />
Article: <a href="https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/hallucinations">https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/hallucinations</a><br />
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<b><u>Jan 9, 2020:</u></b> Mother is still having conversations with people and voices that appear to be hallucinations. She seemed to have an overall decent day. Her medications and diet will be re-evaluated.<br />
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<b><u>Jan 12, 2020:</u></b><br />
Mom's Medication List:<br />
*Daily Vitamin (morning)<br />
*Geri-kot Tablet (night) for constipation<br />
*Clonazepam (half 8am and half at noon) <span face="" style="font-size: x-small;">Sedative/ <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It can treat seizures, panic disorder, and anxiety</span></span><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">.</span><br />
*Quetiapine fumarate (morning and night) <span face="" style="font-size: x-small;"><span color="" style="background-color: white;">Antipsychotic\</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It can treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.</span></span><br />
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<span face=""><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">*Buspirone:</span></span> </span></h3>
<span color="" face="" style="background-color: white;">Anxiolytic. </span><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It can treat anxiety. (three times a day)</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span face=""><span style="color: #222222;">*D</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">onepezil (Aricept). </span><span color="" style="background-color: white;">Cognition-enhancing medication. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It can treat Alzheimer's disease. (bedtime)</span></span></span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">*CBD oil</span></div>
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<span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">*Zyrtec</span><br />
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<span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b><u>Feb 24th, 2020:</u></b> I got a call around 6pm letting me know Mother had fallen and was in rough shape. The PRN on duty had called an ambulance. A similar ordeal took place in April of last year. I'll always recall due to the fact it was the night I got engaged. It was an intense drive with no answers to the hospital. I was especially on edge due to getting asked "Is she D-N-R?" (Do Not Resuscitate).</span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Once I arrived they wouldn't let me see her while she was in exam and CT which required me to sit and envision how confused and scared she must be. The initial witness said in both incidents it looked liked mother seized and lost control of her bladder as she fell. In both incidents no proof of seizure could be found on CT. Both incidents were considered </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Vasovagal syncopes</span></b><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> possibly caused by "Severe dehydration." </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Mother hated the IV and was panicked on and off throughout the overnight stay. Mother was very passionate about her IV hurting in the crease of her elbow and when no one would help adjust or relocate she consistently tried to rip it out herself. I drained my phone streaming Elvis tunes but it did seem to soothe her some however, it was short lived. I was thrilled to see her facial reaction to Robbie being around. He was a fantastic supporter of both her and I. Eventually, we transported mom from ER to Outpatient and I finally got them to take out the IV she insisted hurt and relocate it. Once this process was over, she finally slept. We returned to Vantage Pointe the next morning around 11am. </span><br />
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<span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b><u>Feb 25th, 2020:</u></b> Seemingly disappointed to be alive and back in her space to repeat misery. She skipped lunch and just wanted to sleep. I felt the same. </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b><u>March 1, 2020:</u></b></span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Last week was a tough week for mother and for me. Emotionally, I am broken. Physically, I am tired. I am also feeling extra anger and frustration over the fact that all this is even taking place. It is a very helpless, confused and hopeless feeling.</span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Mother is still refusing to eat and drink. I don't feel like it either so do I blame her? I did get her to drink some Pedialyte. </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">She is walking around but obviously getting too weak to walk. She is still only 67. I am buying her a rolling walker to see if she will use it or if it will help her continue to walk the hallways. </span><br />
<span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a href="https://www.seniorlink.com/blog/my-loved-one-with-dementia-wont-eat.-what-should-i-do">https://www.seniorlink.com/blog/my-loved-one-with-dementia-wont-eat.-what-should-i-do</a></span><br />
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I am going to try to get another opinion on mom's situation.<br />
Are we handling it and medicating her correctly or should we try something else. Do we even have the correct diagnoses? Is there anyway to learn more about the cause or learn more about what happened to mom?<br />
Some people have suggested things like ElectroShock Therapy or Hypnosis. I have been hesitant.<br />
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REST OF MARCH:<br />
Wow! A tornado hit Nashville right after my last visit. Power outages, homes destroyed.<br />
I will not be returning to my office in downtown Nashville. We will be working from home.<br />
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Right after the tornado, we learned of Covid-19.<br />
A historic pandemic and shut-down has begun. I have been told my only option to see mother will be <span face="" style="color: #222222;">Facetime call attempts which is difficult for mother to comprehend. I don't have words or I'd blog about how tough this situation is on both of us. </span><br />
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<span face="" style="color: #222222;">APRIL:</span><br />
<span face="" style="color: #222222;">Still in shut-down/ quarantine. </span></div>
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<span face="" style="color: #222222;">I have attempted Facetime with Mother. It is not going well. She is becoming more depressed but the staff reports her as overall- doing well. </span><br />
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<span face="" style="color: #222222;">MAY:</span><br />
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<span face="" style="color: #222222;">Still in shut-down/ quarantine. </span></div>
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<span face="" style="color: #222222;">I have attempted Facetime with Mother. It is not going well. She is becoming more depressed but the staff reports her as overall- doing well. I am severely depressed myself. I am adding a new puppy to my life to see if that adds some Joy. Attempting self-care. </span><br />
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<span face="">I can NOT stop thinking about the fact mom may not actually have dementia. I have spoken with Yasmeen Neal <button class="ui-button glossary-button" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; cursor: pointer; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; text-align: left; touch-action: manipulation;" type="button" undefined=""><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: inherit; position: relative;">Psychologist</span></button><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: inherit;">, </span><span class="nowrap" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: inherit;">Ph.D. (</span></span><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #2c2d30;">Nashville Neuro, PLLC) </span><span class="nowrap" face="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">who agrees mother's timeline of symptoms don't fit together. Due to our growing curiousity on whether or not mother is dealing with a psychiatric issue or imbalance of some sort, Yasmeen is referring us to </span><span face="" style="background-color: white;">Dr. Newhouse is the Director of the Center for Cognitive Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.</span><br />
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<span face=""><span style="background-color: white;">I also still feel a gut instinct to follow Dr. Breseden's lead and get mother's labs done for vitamin and hormone levels if not able to try the entire protocol. Today [ May 17, 2020] I am still unable to see mother but I watched an interview with </span></span><span face="" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum and contacted his office. I am seeking a metabolic/ holistic Dr. in my area who can help me try to fix my Mother. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="" style="color: #222222;">MAY 18th, 2020!!!!! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="" style="color: #222222;">I got a call today announcing that I get to visit mother Thursday!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="" style="color: #222222;">I am so excited and relieved!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="" style="color: #222222;">Our visits are only 30 minutes but I am thrilled. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="" style="color: #222222;">I will be taking her a special drink that contains pedialyte, high vitamin D, Coconut and MCT oil! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="" style="color: #222222;">May 21st, 2020:</span></span><br />
<span face="" style="color: #222222;">I was able to mask up and visit Mom today for 30 Minutes! </span><br />
<span face="" style="color: #222222;">I was shattered upon entry whereas mom didn't flinch at the sight of me like she tends to do. She seemed angry/ frustrated. She did not seem to recognize me or my name. I don't give up easily so I turned on some music, gave her some space but followed her around as she walked. I always remind her she is awesome, my favorite person and best friend. That reminder tends to make her crack a smile and even say "well, thank you." I took her my special mind drink I had created on May 18th and she drank over half! Eventually, she eased up and enjoyed some of the songs as we walked together. It was very difficult for me to leave her, per usual. I picked up her mail on the way out and cried out of overwhelm. It was a huge stack of medical bills from her February hospital visit. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zWjObw3ztxU/XthmPhnCAkI/AAAAAAAAFvU/Zpztn5DPB5oN90mrzazuHkHErNfIBY2FgCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1Ocqx8yqS93Iwnde4eHwJXqocJ87gRfwFSSmaCt5-z7Q_u3RJY7MEyp1WGEsNrwKyiqZfQ9EH_daGO4G7xiVn_5Vtxqf-dmDXQqAIRHbaB0fLt5k0ud-e6xAjfxZiL7EBcSl5gRwXVyq-yhyk84bL8GPPW51iCr8xTfN2771quTmzL2znZz9DvarKw1WERrQ360C-2Ty95Er3NnVpULw6nWcAf8jxKRVsWrCgQQyRAUeqRTo5QCjUb6kbxrNMBWVtit7OhiXc5iVi8tw-SRlQCBpZpZx0dZ3fq1gViM5XGabO3wtfSl-1cwaUYCj7zQ-HxWEASAgqqu8tFSxoSx_1pKEnNgzjeqjoAVm9bgMGxWOEZMLdOY3xmetLI18yVlImCR7i-G4JGOI1RLTCsviGtQZxmz4O7TR7ilc3x4am0T8uR2R4PxPrdFXQiIlQND5RyhDXLjVpBAxRy5VcywuPDdfgBWV3d0P924dp3LEhq0yv1nE2B851Y0M4IP0PLaL8fcsCkbsDXFuC9cqu8Gmysk1lFZTq9TGDb7QjnrzG4q4DwB5Od8LCiK4hr50qZL145sZKJBFAe6XuWd6fu1oD2ZOzlT1b7mDFhZmkwl9Hh9gU/s1600/Covid%2Bdistance%2Breunion%2Bwith%2Bmom%2BMay%2B21%2B2020.mp4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zWjObw3ztxU/XthmPhnCAkI/AAAAAAAAFvU/Zpztn5DPB5oN90mrzazuHkHErNfIBY2FgCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1Ocqx8yqS93Iwnde4eHwJXqocJ87gRfwFSSmaCt5-z7Q_u3RJY7MEyp1WGEsNrwKyiqZfQ9EH_daGO4G7xiVn_5Vtxqf-dmDXQqAIRHbaB0fLt5k0ud-e6xAjfxZiL7EBcSl5gRwXVyq-yhyk84bL8GPPW51iCr8xTfN2771quTmzL2znZz9DvarKw1WERrQ360C-2Ty95Er3NnVpULw6nWcAf8jxKRVsWrCgQQyRAUeqRTo5QCjUb6kbxrNMBWVtit7OhiXc5iVi8tw-SRlQCBpZpZx0dZ3fq1gViM5XGabO3wtfSl-1cwaUYCj7zQ-HxWEASAgqqu8tFSxoSx_1pKEnNgzjeqjoAVm9bgMGxWOEZMLdOY3xmetLI18yVlImCR7i-G4JGOI1RLTCsviGtQZxmz4O7TR7ilc3x4am0T8uR2R4PxPrdFXQiIlQND5RyhDXLjVpBAxRy5VcywuPDdfgBWV3d0P924dp3LEhq0yv1nE2B851Y0M4IP0PLaL8fcsCkbsDXFuC9cqu8Gmysk1lFZTq9TGDb7QjnrzG4q4DwB5Od8LCiK4hr50qZL145sZKJBFAe6XuWd6fu1oD2ZOzlT1b7mDFhZmkwl9Hh9gU/s640/Covid%2Bdistance%2Breunion%2Bwith%2Bmom%2BMay%2B21%2B2020.mp4" width="322" /></a></div>
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<span face="" style="color: #222222;">May 23-25th: I felt like I was breaking down mentally and emotionally so I grabbed a bag and hit the highway to Florida alone for the weekend to reset. Attempting self-care. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="" style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><div><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div>June 1, 2020- My 2nd visit post-Covid shut-down. This visit was much better than the last. Mother's face lit up and she greeted me with a smile. She was bored and communicated that to me. I suggested we walk to music and she was all for it. After walking to a few songs, I offered her my special mind drink and she drank the whole thing. She said it was good. I noticed she walked into the activity room and has gotten into a routine of sitting in a specific chair along the wall. The chair had been moved and I could see her confusion as she looked for the chair. I moved one into space and she immediately sat in it for a rest. The activity room was hot and she communicated that it was too hot for her to sit in and then she wanted to lay down and take a nap. After a 15 minute nap, she was back up and asked to use the restroom. She got slightly confused about having two layers (pants and underwear) but used the restroom well on her own still. She was very talkative at this point. Some made sense and some did not. The big heart squeezer was that she verbalized "I love you," and also said, "You're a good kid." </div><div>(enter tears here)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>June 15- Neuro St. Thomas Brett Parker- Virtual Dr Visit. Mom said " I love you too!"</div><div><span style="font-family: "Chronicle Text G1"; font-size: 20px;">Dr. Brett Parker, MD, is a board certified neurologist. He provides general neurology with a focus on neuromuscular medicine to adults. Dr. Parker has a special clinical interest in neuromuscular medicine. </span><span style="font-family: "Chronicle Text G1"; font-size: 20px;">He aims to provide his patients with holistic and compassionate care that treats not only the illness but the person.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>June 22, 2020-</div><div>Just returned from Fulton. Niece Jessica's high school graduation. Long talk with mom. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">July 13th, 2020- Psych Vandy virtual with Paul Newhouse. </span></div><div><a href="https://www.vumc.org/ccm/person/paul-newhouse-md" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px;">https://www.vumc.org/ccm/person/paul-newhouse-md</a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">WHO? <span style="color: #333333;">Dr. Newhouse is the Director of the Center for Cognitive Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He is also Jim Turner Professor of Cognitive Disorders at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Professor of Psychiatry, Pharmacology, and Medicine.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">"<span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: black; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mutation testing would require a referral through our genetic testing service. While this can certainly be arranged, I do not recall that there was a strong family history of dementia which would suggest one of the familial Alzheimer's disease genes was present, although perhaps I was incorrect here. I do recall that the testing for the common risk gene, APOe genetic testing, was uninformative (low risk). I believe that we discussed further scans or spinal tap as being unlikely to be helpful to her at this late stage of illness as it would not change her care or therapeutic management. </span></span></div><ul class="_List messageList" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.88); box-sizing: border-box; color: #363636; list-style: outside none none; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px;"><li class="_ListElement" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><div class="_Segment _container boundary-none Message fromThem" style="box-sizing: border-box; flex-shrink: 0; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; max-width: 85%; padding: 0px; width: auto;"><div class="_Segment _container boundary-none MessageContent" style="background: rgb(248, 248, 248); border-radius: 0px 0.75rem 0.75rem; border: 2px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; max-width: 40em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0.5rem; position: relative; width: 693.328px;"><div class="_Text _readOnlyText msgText" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; width: 672px;"><div class="fmtConv" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; width: 672px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; width: auto;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">One thing that might be informative is to have an autopsy done of her brain when she passes away. This will help establish the underlying disease(s).</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></li></ul><div class="_StatusMessage _readOnlyText listCount" id="EID-2e" role="status" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.88); box-sizing: border-box; color: #565656; line-height: 1rem; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 869px;"></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></span></div>
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Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-33955613432763101662020-01-16T14:10:00.001-06:002020-01-16T16:05:12.784-06:00Carissa Does take interest in the Cellphone IndustryAs I sit in my Absolute Wireless office chair as Director of Marketing for this cellphone company in TN, GA, and AL; I can't recall much about my life before the cellphone.<br />
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I remember having to wait my turn when wanting to use the house phone with 2 sisters and a father who was on call for the hospital 24-7. I remember getting wrapped in the cord and having to stand patiently after each call with my arm outstretched while the phone dangled and untwisted closer and closer to the ground. I also remember my father picking up in the middle of my conversation and demanding I hang up.</div>
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I don't remember being scared to be outside riding my bike alone with no phone in arms reach or bored in my car while at a stoplight. </div>
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We have become so reliant on our phones it's insane; almost sad. However, I am guilty of phone obession and grateful I have such convienant access to communicate with anyone at anytime. </div>
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I found several articles I enjoyed about cellphones. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif , sans-serif; font-size: 18px; word-spacing: 1.600000023841858px;"><a href="http://www.greenbot.com/article/2908013/9-ways-smartphones-are-making-our-lives-better.html" target="_blank">Smartphones improve our lives in ways we never even think about! </a></span></div>
Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-87661587109654882822019-09-04T22:21:00.001-05:002020-01-16T14:03:04.391-06:00Carissa Does sing in a Gospel ChoirMusic is the strongest form of magic... and I just joined the church choir!<br />
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I moved to Nashville 6 years ago and joined the local YMCA for its convenience just a mile from my place. The YMCA happened to be connected to a church, called "Christ Church," so I found my curiosity set in and eventually went to a service.</div>
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The "Christ Church," choir had me in tears and hooked within the first song. I spent the next 5 years timidly tiptoeing into the church balcony on Sunday's to listen to the choir. Sometimes, I'd just lay in my bed and tune in online instead. I always thought to myself " I should audition for that choir," but then... didn't do it.</div>
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Finally, this year, with a little push from my friend Tina, I went to a few rehearsals which led to my audition. This past Sunday, September 1st, 2019 I made my debut singing as a member of the infamous "Christ Church Choir." God is guiding me loudly this year. He is answering my prayers in some of the most mysteriously awesome ways. There is still a ling list unanswered but the choir is more than just a choir. It is a new family. I feel a sense of unexplainable excitement about where I'm being led. Something feels ... Magic!</div>
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Stand by while the whatever magic happens -happens! I'll write about it.... and in the meantime be sure to check out the choir one Sunday morning!</div>
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Stream on Sunday's: https://www.christchurchnashville.org/live/</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MK6YU86eHBw/XXB5vztM-II/AAAAAAAAFWc/gLgiNHSCA0YLHyrZOs_Q7eA7EmP-SPZUQCLcBGAs/s1600/Choir_Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="956" height="202" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MK6YU86eHBw/XXB5vztM-II/AAAAAAAAFWc/gLgiNHSCA0YLHyrZOs_Q7eA7EmP-SPZUQCLcBGAs/s640/Choir_Banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; font-style: italic;">“I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live” (Psalm 104:33).</span></td></tr>
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Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-38148009314528726462019-07-28T23:09:00.003-05:002019-12-04T12:01:13.537-06:00A Daughter to Dementia PoemMother was diagnosed with early onset dementia in her fifties. She is now in her sixties and instead of hanging out with me, sipping margaritas on a Friday night- or helping me plan my wedding- or pressuring me with her excitement for grandkids; she is locked on the 2nd floor memory care unit at an assisted living. I spend my evenings and lunch breaks pacing hallways with whatever pieces of my mother still exist within her shell. I study her. I miss her. I love her. I need her. I may be obsessed with trying to "fix" her... but I believe most daughters would feel the same. None of us want to feel alone, so here is a reminder for whoever is reading this= You are not alone.<br />
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<u>A Daughter to Dementia Poem</u><br />
Each day would be easier if I knew what to expect.<br />
But every minute is different; leaving my emotions a wreck.<br />
Sometimes I feel her soul look me direct, deep in my eyes,<br />
like she is stuck in a body that can't communicate, but tries.<br />
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I don't know who I am to her, but I act like her friend.<br />
I smile and remind her I will be here till the end.<br />
I don't ask her questions, and I always agree,<br />
I try to bring her happiness, and remember it's not about me.<br />
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She doesn't say my name anymore, or call me her kid.<br />
But I remind myself of all the once upon a times when she did.<br />
Then Somedays she seems to know just who I am.<br />
But I refrain from asking because it send her brain into a spin.<br />
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Somedays she's loving, somedays she's fun<br />
but somedays she's angry, depressed and high strung.<br />
I do what I can to keep her anxiety low,<br />
music and dancing usually makes her glow.<br />
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She hears all sounds around her, and some words make her cry<br />
She always wants to go home, and feels lonely, but I try.<br />
I try to make her comfortable and try to give her love<br />
I pray each and every day for help from God above.<br />
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I watch her humiliation as she attempts things on her own.<br />
I've watched her lose knowledge of common items like a phone.<br />
My amazing mother and best friend is like a toddler now.<br />
I try to accept her fate, but I don't know how.<br />
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Her eyesight is failing and her appetite is small.<br />
She can't use silverware, read, write or catch a ball.<br />
Her attention span is lacking and memory connections gone.<br />
She doesn't recall ever marrying my father Ron.<br />
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She does recognize certain faces and seems to know lots of songs,<br />
she still understands the difference between right and wrong.<br />
She still loves Elvis and goes to sleep on her side.<br />
She still hugs me like my mother did when I cried.<br />
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I daydream of ways to fix her or at least more ways to help.<br />
I get caught up in feeling what I think she may have felt.<br />
I've been sick to my stomach for over 10 years.<br />
I have taken on major anxiety, depression and new fears.<br />
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If there is no cure for my momma then there is no cure for me.<br />
As a caretaker, I just try to make each day the best it can be.<br />
I wish for a miracle, I wish for more time.<br />
I wish there was hope for a mother like mine.<br />
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<br />Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-30546750297229886062019-07-01T20:51:00.001-05:002020-01-16T14:03:36.975-06:00Carissa does Songwriting- About the song "Strong Like the Whiskey."<br />
I have written a lot of songs, but no, I do not play the songs on repeat in my cd player or stream. I rarely ever listen to myself.<br />
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When I moved to Nashville, I had only written my songs, my way on my own time. My way wasn't working. Although I had notebooks of songs, some of which a few friends and family seemed to dig, none of my music had gone far.<br />
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The cool thing to do in Music City is "co-write," which felt very planned and something I am not good at doing. How do I know three weeks in advance if I will feel like writing a song the last Thursday of the month at 3 pm with people I hardly know?<br />
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Music is a therapy to me and song ideas just hit me randomly, usually in a very awkward or emotional moment. I figured others knew more than me about Nashville's songwriting process, so I looked into trying a co-writing session. I was so outside my comfort zone I almost cancelled the planned session last minute.<br />
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I am thankful I followed through because the result, this song, "Strong Like The Whiskey," was born.<br />
I believe God knew I'd need the song to get me through what was about to come in my life. The lyrics were collaborated by past experiences relatable by all three of us lady writers (Khiana Meyer/PJ Ju).<br />
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The topic of whiskey was brought up as a concept in the session due to my routine of carrying whiskey along with me at all times. I carry the whiskey in case my soul needed soothing due to sadness, awkwardness or anxiety.<br />
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Over the years I have learned to turn to faith yet, right or wrong, the taste of whiskey soothes me.<br />
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My parents raised me as a strong and independent woman. I am forever grateful to my two biggest fans, who were hands down my favorite humans on the planet.<br />
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When I lost them, dad, to cancer and my mother mentally to early dementia. I questioned life, my purpose and my strength to get through it. Many of my original songs, including this one, were inspired in some way by the situations evolved and emotion I experienced during the loss of my parents.<br />
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Three years after this song was written with two other gals in a small Nashville apartment; I sat in my car, alone, on the side of the road and cried to the song on repeat. I needed the reminder that I am "Strong Like the Whiskey," because today I was feeling the complete opposite. Defeated, deflated, exhausted, hopeless, and broken.<br />
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I still visit the shell of my mother who still suffers from dementia on a daily. The disease is heartbreaking and destroying everyone in its path. It comes with a hopeless feeling.<br />
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I continue to have high highs and low lows emotionally. Aside from the previously described losses, I have experienced a lot of rejection in career situations, and often feel "stuck at a dead end."<br />
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Not to mention the financial stress of life which can take a toll as well.<br />
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We all have our struggles and celebrations.<br />
This song guides me through some tough times. Maybe it can help others remind themselves to hold on to confidence, hope, and faith. If you found yourself reading this, I bet it was meant to be. Please be inspired by the lyrics:<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sometimes I take a shot</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leave my heart on the rocks</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It gets shaken and bruised</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I try but I stumble </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gets hard to swallow</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I’m hurt n’ confused</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I pour a little bit</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To take off the edge </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So I don’t forget.. I’m</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Strong like the whiskey</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The taste that taught me</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To handle the burns </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You sip and you learn</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To face the truth</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Til it goes down smooth </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The struggles, the heartaches </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All of the mistakes </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Meant to make me </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Strong like the whiskey</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sometimes I celebrate</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When things don’t go my way</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I know there’s better to come</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hard times, I take ‘em straight</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tap into a little faith</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Got proof, life goes on, I’m</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Strong like the whiskey</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The taste that taught me</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To handle the burns </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You sip and you learn</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To face the truth</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Til it goes down smooth </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The struggles, the heartaches </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All of the mistakes </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Meant to make me </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Strong like the whiskey</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bring on the bitter</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bring on the bite</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I get stronger with time</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Just like the whiskey</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The taste that taught me</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To handle the burns </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You sip and you learn</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To face the truth</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Til it goes down smooth </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The struggles, the heartaches </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All of the mistakes </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Meant to make me </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Strong like the whiskey</span></div>
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Find this song on Amazon: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=carissa+biele&ref=nb_sb_noss">https://www.amazon.com/s?k=carissa+biele&ref=nb_sb_noss</a><br />
CD Baby: <a href="https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/carissabiele1">https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/carissabiele1</a><br />
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<br />Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-10335817728436692532019-06-30T19:59:00.009-05:002020-01-16T14:04:58.183-06:00Carissa Does work 9-5. In my thirties daily routine, sometimes I feel like a desk. I post up in one spot for the majority of the day, allowing stress and tasks to stack up on me while I am expected to just hold it all up. No-one stops by to dust or organize, I'm not even sure if anyone even thinks about the fact I'm there. Like a desk though, if missing or moved, a large space finally gets noticed.<br />
Anyhow, I have a cool story about a desk. Last year, I got a desk off FB Marketplace from a closed office building on Music Row. Believe it was 1011 16th Ave. I chose the desk because “it looked like it had character.” I am a bit weird, I know. While loading the desk in the box truck, the journalist within me couldn’t help but ask for some details of the desk’s past. The story has it, this desk was an editing bay and may have been used to edit a few shows I was part of years ago, Pinks All Out and PassTime! Small world. I lived in Missouri at the time while the shows I traveled to work on were being edited in the very location I would eventually live in; on a desk, I would eventually own. I hadn’t even planned to move yet. I even heard some well-known entertainers who hold an influence on my life and decisions I’ve made, had stopped by to do some edits at the desk (Garth Brooks?). Everything and everyone has a story. What goes around does seem to come around. Do you believe there is magic or atmospheric karma in this world? Is it simply a random selection? Is it God?<br />
This is one odd but eye-opening example is hope to me. Our lives are laid out piece by piece. So many jaw-dropping little things have happened like this in my life. I for one, believe! I believe in it all! As I edit videos and churn away on the daily grind of to-do’s; I wonder if I was meant to be at this very desk, at this very moment, doing this very thing? This desk, usually a material item is gone unnoticed, was supposed to be a part of my story. Keep your eyes open and watch for signs in life. For me, the desk is a reminder to have hope and I wanted to share the story to encourage people to open up their minds to the unknown.<br />
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<br />Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-89945561695758544812019-05-20T15:32:00.002-05:002020-01-16T14:05:16.569-06:00Carissa Does Ancestry DNAI met my journalistic career idol today. My fiancé and I had dinner with a man named Rick and spent several hours learning about his impressive journalism and adventure filled past. As a journalist, I was in awe of his achievements and experiences of which he so humbly told us about as we dug for more and more information about the tall, deep voiced man from San Fransisco at a small booth in Nashville, TN.<br />
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The story of Rick actually began when our family got the coolest news of our lifetime! A new family member has magically surfaced in the McGinnis (Maternal) side of the family thanks to Ancestry DNA!<br />
Sadly, my mother, who has early onset dementia, has no solid, explainable, memories of the past and has very few blood relatives left to tell any stories. Her male cousins are holding down the family name, and one named Tim has been gracious enough to act as the family historian over the last few years. In 2018, his research paid off when blood line branches led Rick to Tim on the online family tree website.<br />
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Tim called me and asked if I would be willing to test both myself and mother to find out the likeliness of my Grandpa Gerald (mom's dad) or Great Uncle Mike (Tim's dad) may have fathered a boy, Rick.<br />
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Results are in! Rick and my mother have a very high percentage match! So much so, that we immediately began celebrating a new sibling amongst the McGinnis family! Our guess is that mother's dad Gerald had a relationship while serving in the US Navy and left the area before learning of any child on the way. The baby boy, Rick, was born out of wedlock and gifted to a lovely couple in adoption upon birth.<br />
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Whether Rick was created by Grandpa Gerald or Great Uncle Mike, the resemblance in uncanny. My surprise uncle Rick is the coolest news of this aspiring journalists lifetime!<br />
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Rick flew into Nashville to meet my mother, his sister, for the 1st time May 2019. Although suffering from dementia, Momma Cathy seemed to connect with her sibling very naturally. We were amazed to see what appeared to be an understanding and comprehension during the explanation of this very exciting but complicated discovery. The moment was awe-inspiring and magical.<br />
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It's clear as day. Love is all you need.<br />
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<br />Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-23922433697239714072019-04-19T12:31:00.000-05:002020-01-16T14:05:38.960-06:00Carissa Does battle with Anger managementI can immediately tell you what not to do when dealing with a lot of loss and that is quit loving because you are afraid of, or sick of, the horrid feeling of losing someone or something you loved. I did that and regret it. Again, tell the thought in your mind to shut up= You should not live what short life you have avoiding potential loss.<br />
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Did you lose a parent? I did<br />
Did you lose a grandparent? I did<br />
Did you lose your dog children back to back at Christmas? I did<br />
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Now, there are others who have lost children, spouses, you name it. We may not all have the exact loss in common but loss comes with the same sick, gut wrenching, I don't know if I can or want to go on feeling.<br />
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Here is how I coped with my first major loss in 2006:<br />
Got angry and shut off the world because no-one could relate to me.<br />
Threw and destroyed a lot of nice things I liked which made me even more mad afterwards.<br />
Felt sorry for myself.<br />
Ran away from everyone I loved in a desperate attempt to have some big adventure before I died.<br />
Went to 3 therapy sessions, decided they were dumb and quit.<br />
Lost all patience for anything.<br />
Hid all photo memories.<br />
Spent my savings on chasing my dreams.<br />
Went numb.<br />
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Here is what I recommend in afterthought:<br />
Invite friends over and allow yourself to cry and talk. I bet you have a friend who has felt loss and can relate to the feeling.<br />
Don't feel sorry for yourself long; you aren't the only person who has to deal with loss and although this is really BAD, there is a good chance someone somewhere has it worse.<br />
Find a weekly release for your anger (boxing class, ax throwing, goodwill plate throwing).<br />
Remember we all die; not just the someone you lost.<br />
Prepare for your own passing so no-one else has too.<br />
Don't hide all photos, keep the awesome memories alive.<br />
Hug the ones you love harder and more often.<br />
Vacation and take adventures with the ones you love. I recommend at least gifting this to yourself once a year.<br />
Give therapy a real chance.<br />
Make sure you set aside hard earned money to actually LIVE, chase your dreams, etc but attempt to budget so you don't get your car repossessed.<br />
Let your emotions flow freely to avoid going numb. You ain't crazy.<br />
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The more positive you can stay about it all, the more positive your future will feel and the quicker you feel ok. Isn't that what the person or pet would want?<br />
<br />Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-30083948088398513192019-04-19T11:53:00.001-05:002020-01-16T14:06:15.025-06:00Carissa does create a "Till Death Do us Party."I mentioned that fact I planned a basic funeral for myself at thirty in a previous blog. I still had some details to iron out and figured it would be much more fun with a bottle of wine and friends. Which is why I have decided to throw a "Till Death Do Us PartY," with some friends and loved ones who also need to plan their big exit party. Stand by for pictures, video, and details of how the 1st ever "Till Death Do Us PartY," turns out!!Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-65514131250076336122019-03-03T18:53:00.000-06:002020-01-16T14:06:45.360-06:00Carissa does her own funeral planning at thirty. <br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Planning a funeral is morbid and uncomfortable. The only thing that could make planning a funeral worse is doing so while in sheer pain, shock, snot and sobs directly after learning our loved one has died and needs a funeral planned. No one should have to make decisions on how to handle the end of your life except, you. Why not just make planning your own funeral part of life while you are still young and able to make it fun plus eliminate dumping the dreaded task on your loved ones later in life?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Throw a planning party alone or with friends and family, or consider taking a much-deserved vacation and do the planning on a beach or in a happy place where you embrace being alive! Make your end of life celebration what you want it to be, plus your loved ones will appreciate it, I promise. I am going to start this tradition... I am calling them "Till Death Do Us Parties." When they become a thing you can say, "O, I know the girl who came up with that tradition."</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Making your end of life celebration plans can be as simple as creating a diary entry, excel sheet or phone note with your ideas and details. Of course, you will want to ensure someone knows they exist if and when the time comes. Some, like myself, like to go all out on just about everything. I flew to a beach via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GettinOuttaHereTravel/" target="_blank">@GettinOuttaHereTravel</a> and while feeling alive and at my best, sipping a mojito, on the beach in a hammock I found <a href="https://www.mywonderfullife.com/"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">https://www.mywonderfullife.com</span></a> where I planned a solid funeral and can even pre-pay for it! I will be the first to admit, I had fun thinking about and planning my own funeral. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Death is inevitable. People are finding all kinds of new reasons to celebrate. From divorce parties to funeral planning parties, live it up and celebrate as much as you can! </span></div>
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Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-8283990147421567302018-11-22T15:06:00.000-06:002020-01-16T14:07:04.447-06:00Carissa does A Desperate Experiment: CBD Oil and Music Therapy vs. DementiaMy mother was diagnosed with early onset dementia in 2008. The battle has been horrible in so many ways. Starting with watching mom lose the abilities to drive, cook and take care of her own bills and body followed by losing the comfort and privacy of her own home.<br />
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As if losing her home wasn't bad enough; finding a new one is even harder. We bounced around to a handful of facilities before finding the right one, with a fantastic memory care unit, in Ashland City TN.<br />
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Once finding her forever home was accomplished, my goal is to keep a smile on her face, laughter in her heart and pep in her step for however long she has left. Her levels of depression, appetite, aggression and loss of speech and cognitive functions have varied over the last ten years. Most recently she randomly starts kicking the wall and mumbling. After much research, and testing CBD oil on myself and chihuahua, I have decided to test CBD oil on mom.<br />
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LOG:<br />
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Monday, Nov 12, 2018 nurses started adding 3 drops of <a href="https://katsnaturals.com/" target="_blank">Kat's Naturals "Heal,"</a> CBD Oil to mother's food a few times a day. The preferred method is under the tongue but, my mother doesn't understand the concept. Mother does understand the concept of eating chocolate pudding so it seems to be the best method for her.<br />
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Saturday, Nov 17th, 2018. My boyfriend and I went to celebrate mother's 65th birthday mid-afternoon. Mother was routinely walking the hallways. She lit up when she saw us; specifically fond of my arm-candy boyfriend. She was hyper and ready to party. We gave her a plastic margarita glass with a salted rim and filled with green Powerade, along with some of her favorite treats. She joked a lot, smiled a lot, and laughed until she cried. I asked the nurses if any had seen any aggression this week and none working this day had. <br />
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Thursday, Nov 22, 2018. I visited around 1pm. Mom was routinely walking the hallways. She was surprised to see me and gave me several hugs. I asked the nurses if they have seen any aggression lately and none working this day had. One nurse actually mentioned she had heard mom making more sense in her attempts to communicate. Mom tends to use one word or stumble her wording. It has been several years since I have heard her complete a phrase or sentences correctly. I usually finish her sentences for her due to her struggle. I walked aside mom for a while and also noticed she was communicating more clearly and seemed less confused than usual. I left at her usual nap time.<br />
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Sunday Nov 25th, 2018. Mother was routinely walking the halls and teared up a little at the sight of me. My mother has a roomate, Hazel. Hazel's daughter said today was the most she has ever heard mom talk. As we strolled hand in hand down the hallway, I noticed mom was humming and even singing along quietly to the Christmas music playing overhead.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxaIZV6qqvnzHFtfZ4X9Vjw-XJxihdWKkFXLodCIBWeyj_4QWFuhexUl7UjcwHRyu196c4AqdIhReMs3cw1qw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwZyvkOTcAhAK4ozDptC38dNVlI8VXmiYQxVekDVSHyY-15MZD0fGmb-9p_F82vTJCB36Mm798Lz2yNU2fX7g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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It is now 2019. Mother's signs of anger and aggression are almost non-existent. Everyone has a bad day from time, even you. From what I have experienced the best way to fight Dementia is with a huge smile, CBD oil, favorite music, exercise (dancing), and a decent diet- prefer Mind Diet.<br />
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As a caretaker NEVER show frustration with your Dementia Patient. Speak in short clear statements. If directing them to do something only give one step at a time in order for them to process it. Don't ask many questions, it makes them feel stupid and sad. Don't scold them, just distract them into a new thought or activity.<br />
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Mother won't allow me to mess with her finger food, not so healthy diet but she does allow me to turn up the best tunes from the 1960's on my bluetooth speaker and have a daily dance party.<br />
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Note: Smiles are Free. Dancing to good tunes is also free. Try it.<br />
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PS: If you are overwhelmed with finding your loved one a new home contact https://locate.aplaceformom.com. They were amazing.Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-76143154911245640332018-11-10T09:00:00.000-06:002020-01-16T14:07:35.495-06:00Carissa does offer advice- Love your parents damn it. It took me thirty years to grow up.<br />
I am the youngest of three girls with almost a decade separating our age groups.<br />
My parents were very supportive and spoiled me dearly which I didn't realize until I lost my father to cancer in 2006 and then my mother (mentally) to dementia a few years later.<br />
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I am not looking for personal sympathy, but I want every son and daughter out there to have some genuine sympathy for their own parents. Parents are the sole reason you are here (other than God of course). In most cases, your parents kept you alive, wiped your tears and your backside and dealt with your annoying banter until at least 18. Yet, I meet people every day who are fighting with their parents about something lame, I watch youth disrespect their parent and I also see many parents sad, sick and alone in the assisted living my mother lives in.<br />
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My mother doesn't even know who I am, what day it is or where she is yet I can not sleep at night without making sure the person who gave me life is living her own best life under her horrible circumstances. I also spent time with my dying father who was on hospice during the final weeks of his life. My parents became my children during their weakest hours just like they used to be for me growing up in mine. You are theirs and they are yours.<br />
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In my early twenties, I thought my career was more important than family and that may be the only regret I can say I have in my life thus far. I encourage everyone, no matter your family situation to consider making amends asap. Love the ones who gave you life before their life is gone.<br />
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PS: I have also finally decided I want babies! I will have to have more than one so the odds of a great relationship (at least one of them liking me) are higher :)<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">"Parental </span><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">love</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> is the only </span><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">love</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> that is truly selfless, unconditional and forgiving. We never know the </span><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">love</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> of a </span><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">parent</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> till we become </span><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">parents</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> ourselves. </span><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">Parents</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> were the only ones obligated to </span><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">love</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> you; from the rest of the world, you had to earn it."</span></div>
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Posted on Nov 10th in memory of my daddy, Ron Biele. Happy Heaven's Birthday!Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-40279307679840656212018-10-31T17:48:00.002-05:002020-01-16T14:07:52.716-06:00Carissa's does an Anti-Aging project.Even if my friends are lying to me when they tell me I look young for my age, I love it and my goal is to continue to hear comments about my youthful appearance as I age. Many friends also act as though they care to know what my facial routine and products of use are; so I am making this blog for those who might be serious about wanting to know.<br />
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For starters, I am just blessed because I have never had an anti-aging plan. I have loved everything I have used. I am not a pro. This is just what products I have found best for me and my skin over the last 30 years. I did try a zillion other items and they always went to waste due to my return to the list below.<br />
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I have always drunk a lot of water. Which is said to be good for the skin.<br />
I also take daily vitamins.<br />
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<b><u>Childhood- 8th grade: </u>Face wash</b>= Baby shampoo/ <b>Moisturizer</b>= Cocoa Butter lotion<br />
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<b><u>8th Grade- Age 21</u></b>: <b>Face Wash & Moisturizer</b>= <a href="https://www.proactiv.com/en_us/shopping/original-proactiv-solution-acne-system1.html?GeoRedirect=false&uci=US-PA-O-PS-SE-GA-XXXX-106202&dclid=CKmP7NLTsd4CFUhqwQodL8ANMQ&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9srO0NOx3gIViIuzCh1JPANZEAQYASABEgLMKPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Proactive 3 step kit</a>/ Still used Cocoa Butter lotion a lot (<b>Makeup</b> was <a href="https://www.clinique.com/product/1574/26651/3-Step/Step-3-Moisturize/Dramatically-Different-Moisturizing-Lotion+?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoLWGh9Ox3gIVFeDICh2oUgpyEAQYAiABEgK8D_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Clinique & I also used their Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion</a>)<br />
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<u><b>Age 22-30</b></u>: <b>Face Wash</b>= Shea Baby Wash & <a href="https://www.bareminerals.com/skincare/cleansers/pure-plush-gentle-deep-cleansing-foam/US78846.html" target="_blank">Bare Minerals Pure Plush Gentle Deep Cleansing Foam</a>/ <b>Moisturizer</b>= <a href="https://www.bareminerals.com/skincare/moisturizers/bare-haven-essential-moisturizing-soft-cream/US78852.html" target="_blank">Bare Minerals Bare Haven Soft Cream</a> with the occasional Cocoa Butter before bed.</div>
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<b>MakeUp</b>= <a href="https://www.bareminerals.com/" target="_blank">Bare Minerals</a> </div>
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Currently trying out: 2018-2019</h1>
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<a href="https://predireparis.com/" target="_blank">PreDire Paris</a>: (ONLY could afford this because there was an awesome sale at the Mall & I had my eye on this brand. It is super pricey online. I also have a salaried job now versus being a starving dream chaser #Grateful)</div>
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<b><i><u>What is up with this Brand? </u></i></b></div>
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Well, there isn't a ton of info out there yet. If I am getting scammed, I'll let you know once I know. </div>
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T<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "optimaltstd"; font-size: 16.5px; letter-spacing: 0.10000000149011612px;">he brand has dedicated a page of their website to the science behind and around some of their ingredients including argan oil, collagen, and PEE, which is one of the ingredients that is most unique to the brand. This strain of bacteria is found in Antarctica and can actually be used as a peptide, making it an excellent addition to their range of anti-aging ingredients.</span></div>
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(<a href="https://thedermreview.com/predire-paris-Review/" target="_blank">Read a 2018 Dermatologist Review Here</a>)</div>
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Here is what I am trying:</div>
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<b>Face Wash</b>= <a href="https://predireparis.com/products/basic-face-essentials" target="_blank">Purifying Milk Cleanser</a> </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4NIQ3mHQQ8/W9otXjY1bqI/AAAAAAAAFE4/p7dWj1PwPawSNavKjUFVSp1Wd0LAjc6cQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-10-31%2Bat%2B5.22.38%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="330" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4NIQ3mHQQ8/W9otXjY1bqI/AAAAAAAAFE4/p7dWj1PwPawSNavKjUFVSp1Wd0LAjc6cQCLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-10-31%2Bat%2B5.22.38%2BPM.png" width="104" /></a></div>
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Moisturizer= <a href="https://predireparis.com/collections/frontpage/products/hydrating-moisturizer-50ml" target="_blank">Daily Hydrating Moisturizer with Vitamin E & A</a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JMGp8fLTE1Q/W9ote0ZAKRI/AAAAAAAAFE8/iiGOBP-BQ4Ey2gb1eJkSJ3ZX0a9t5nvNACLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-10-31%2Bat%2B5.18.57%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="746" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JMGp8fLTE1Q/W9ote0ZAKRI/AAAAAAAAFE8/iiGOBP-BQ4Ey2gb1eJkSJ3ZX0a9t5nvNACLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-10-31%2Bat%2B5.18.57%2BPM.png" width="217" /></a></div>
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Toner= <a href="https://predireparis.com/collections/toners-cleansers-skincare-devices/products/foam-facial-cleanser-150ml" target="_blank">Foaming Facial Cleanser</a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YYfd9UukBfU/W9otnfYofsI/AAAAAAAAFFA/DgZBEEoyzEQmsR4KC9EWAVLWTcFmgxLDACLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-10-31%2Bat%2B5.06.41%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YYfd9UukBfU/W9otnfYofsI/AAAAAAAAFFA/DgZBEEoyzEQmsR4KC9EWAVLWTcFmgxLDACLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-10-31%2Bat%2B5.06.41%2BPM.png" width="166" /></a></div>
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Peeling Gel= <a href="https://predireparis.com/collections/frontpage/products/argan-oil-facial-peeling-gel-with-vitamin-e" target="_blank">Intensive Rejuvenating Facial Peel</a> (once a week)</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CETTH5THy0U/W9otsW-GwlI/AAAAAAAAFFI/g-D_qQeTqFYyQp9pp14nxPyEGBQR-bBHgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-10-31%2Bat%2B5.09.58%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1098" height="294" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CETTH5THy0U/W9otsW-GwlI/AAAAAAAAFFI/g-D_qQeTqFYyQp9pp14nxPyEGBQR-bBHgCLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-10-31%2Bat%2B5.09.58%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Under eyes= <a href="https://predireparis.com/collections/frontpage/products/skin-tightening-wrinkle-cream-20g-pt004" target="_blank">Skin Tightening Wrinkle cream</a> (once a week)</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dbMGdQpxY9c/W9otw55PeqI/AAAAAAAAFFM/GXMO86d2I0MthMcnXmeC045HNBw9eedvQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-10-31%2Bat%2B5.15.28%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1112" data-original-width="934" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dbMGdQpxY9c/W9otw55PeqI/AAAAAAAAFFM/GXMO86d2I0MthMcnXmeC045HNBw9eedvQCLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-10-31%2Bat%2B5.15.28%2BPM.png" width="268" /></a></div>
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A product I think is AWESOME but I didn't buy yet: <a href="https://predireparis.com/collections/vitamin-a-c-e-booster-hydrating-collection/products/golden-magnetic-mud-mask-rich-collagen-oxygen-booster-50ml" target="_blank">Golden Magnetic Mud Mask!</a> </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PwkucSBe2A/W9ou-40L3BI/AAAAAAAAFFg/8JIEgBYK03IIzndiBFibFhyJtjUco0FKgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-10-31%2Bat%2B5.38.28%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1056" height="370" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PwkucSBe2A/W9ou-40L3BI/AAAAAAAAFFg/8JIEgBYK03IIzndiBFibFhyJtjUco0FKgCLcBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-10-31%2Bat%2B5.38.28%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzvy7x5oPpLyR00rx7WqzH-qxXhBtI8TXVlp-V15PAC1mHRoNo0xcmzlhqOqLuGpMpfnJ0nxmubarO9AsJW2Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Broke as a joke? I have been the majority of my life. Try the baby wash for your Face Wash, Cocoa Butter as the Moisturizer and this Vitamin Cream from GNC below for a makeup primer. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fKIepCIZAWo/W9owaotNAOI/AAAAAAAAFFs/eGbMQH6Qxz84kygH_Kbwa4nmwnCHYbNWgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-10-31%2Bat%2B5.44.32%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="788" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fKIepCIZAWo/W9owaotNAOI/AAAAAAAAFFs/eGbMQH6Qxz84kygH_Kbwa4nmwnCHYbNWgCLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-10-31%2Bat%2B5.44.32%2BPM.png" width="309" /></a></div>
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You can always get rid of dark circles under your eyes temporarily with Hemorrhoid Cream. </div>
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BTW, you already look fab. </div>
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Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-20274962528462688952018-10-15T20:23:00.000-05:002018-10-16T15:49:55.025-05:00Carissa Does Get Outta Here to Island Hop in Greece July 2018!Life is too short to say "No, I can't," when someone notifies you a discounted, last-minute cabin spot opened up on an <span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 11pt;">AMAZING 10 DAY 5-STAR YACHT TOUR TO 7 GREEK ISLANDS & ATHENS</span> starting on your birthday!<br />
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Although my bank account said, "no," I said, "yes," then figured out the details and utilized Facebook marketplace to compensate some of the damage I planned to do on the pocketbook.<br />
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Thus, I had the best travel experience of my life so far.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 11pt;">WHERE: The Cycladic Islands of Hydra, Folegandros, Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Delos, Mykonos & Athens!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 11pt;">I had </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">the opportunity to explore Uniq</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">ue, “Off the Beaten Path” Greek Islands</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">- including Hydra, Folegandros, Naxos, and Paros; that tourists rarely see and cruise ships do</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">n’t </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">visit. In addition, we will also visit Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos- as these are a "Must Visit" when traveling to Greece!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 10pt;">aboard </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 10pt;">the 180’ Mega Yacht M/Y</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 10pt;">Harmony V, a sleek modern 5-star yacht with 25 outside cabins</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" style="color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; outline: none; text-align: left; width: auto;" tabindex="0">My home for 10 days! Harmony V on the Aegean Sea!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">DAY 1 WED JULY 25TH: ARRIVAL IN ATHENS! This hotel is amazing! Breakfast was delicious. We walked to everything we wanted to see. I highly recommend <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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EwcqzcYr8hY/W8UjTVMQfRI/AAAAAAAAFBI/jvm6h-c1q9AhzPYWTzRlf51ccpzbvoQXACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EwcqzcYr8hY/W8UjTVMQfRI/AAAAAAAAFBI/jvm6h-c1q9AhzPYWTzRlf51ccpzbvoQXACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_7702.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">Divani Palace Acropolis</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Day 2 THUR JULY 26TH: Our Day includes a guided Athens Panoramic City Tour and Guided tour of the Acropolis and a unique culinary walking tour of the Plaka neighborhood, tasting local foods in many stops for lunch. Free Last afternoon for rest or exploring Athens. All the food was fantastic. I was not a huge fan of the sausage but I suggest everyone try it while in town. It was breathtaking to walk The Acropolis which rises 490 feet into the sky above the city of Athens and has an area of approximately 7 acres. This is an exhausting day but worth it. So much beauty. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting the Parthenon! (Not the Nashville one this time!) </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 16px;">Acropolis view is amazing. Totally worth the walk up the hill! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Day 3 FRI JULY 27TH: Morning Transfer from Athens to Marina Zeas in Piraeus to embark on the M/Y Harmony V for our 7 Night / 8 Day Yacht Tour of the Cycladic Greek Islands. Enjoyed a super Relaxing afternoon on our 3-hour cruise to Hydra. The evening was spent exploring the charming Island of Hydra!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Thoughts:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Hydra is adorable. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">People love to shop in Greece.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">A Greek salad doesn't have lettuce greens here. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes. Yes. Yes! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 16px;">Hydra Island</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Day 4 SAT JULY 28TH: Morning arrival to Poliegos, a very small island known for its amazing beaches. Morning swim stop followed by a BBQ Lunch on deck. Afternoon sailing to Folegandros, one of the most amazing and most undiscovered islands in the Aegean Sea. Walked the amazing Upper city and dined at one of the traditional Greek taverna's. The evening was at my leisure so I explored Folegandros on my own. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Thoughts:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Swim was chilly and current strong. I didn't last long out there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Tour of Folegangros was interesting. Food great. Nightlife not so much. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Beaches are all awesome, rather rocky. Nudity is common. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Missing Zumba at the Y for a swim in the Aegean. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 16px;">Poliegos Beach. Pure beauty!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 16px;">Morning at Poliegos beach. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 16px;">Morning at Poliegos beach. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 16px;">Exploring Folegandros!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 16px;">Exploring Folegandros. This living area used to be a Fort!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Day 5 SUN JULY 29TH: An early morning to Santorini to view the magnificent sunrise and enjoy an early morning hike to the top of Santorini's Caldera Volcano. After breakfast, we enjoyed a circle island tour of Santorini visiting the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, traditional village Pyrgos, a cliff-side winery for a Greek wine tasting and ending in the breathtaking charming village of Oia, where we had the remainder of the afternoon and evening to explore Santorini. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Thoughts:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Volcano hike was cool, amazing views, but the excitment wore off after the first 20 minutes. Then it became a workout in the beating sun so prep. The boat taxi to the volcano can make people sick quick so motion sick types might need to go medicated. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">The Winery was one of my favorite stops during the entire trip. Oia was a chance to see native living as opposed to a vacation spot. Very neat. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">History buffs, you would love </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 16px;">visiting the ancient ruins of Akrotiri!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Santorini= overcrowded but a must must see!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capturing video testimonials about our awesome Travel Planner Michael Gableman with FunHappenings! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving to the Santorini Port. We will ride the cliff-side cars up to the city. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner in Santorini! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Day 6 MON JULY 30TH: Early morning arrival to Naxos. Free morning to explore Naxos town on our own. After lunch on the yacht, Our local guide Antonis took us on of Naxos town visiting the marble gate of Apollo temple and the medieval castle. We then continued on a private coach tour, circling the island, visiting beautiful panoramic viewpoints, postcard-perfect beaches and seeing how the rural villagers live in Naxos. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Thoughts:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Something about Naxos is super romantic. It feels cozy, and less populated compared to the other islands (well Hydra was cozy but less romantic feel, more small town feel). </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naxos Sunset</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Day 7 TUE JULY 31ST: Free morning to sleep in or explore Naxos town some more, before our short 1-hour cruise to the island of Paros- 1 hour away. After lunch, Antonis (guide) take us on a unique tour of Paros' two towns- Lefkes and Parikia, where we visit the area's unique sites and visit a local winery for a wine tasting. Our Fun "Greek Night" on board our yacht with authentic Greek cuisine and live music and dancing... was rescheduled due to rough seas! We checked out the lively nightlife in Paros then set sail earlier than planned. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Day 8 WED AUG. 1ST: 7:00am arrival to the Sacred Island of Delos and birthplace of Zeus. Our guide, Antonis took us on a morning tour of this historically significant island. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Then we headed to Mykonos. Spent the afternoon exploring Mykonos Town (aka went shopping) then wore a new outfit on the Food, Wine & History Culinary tour of Mykonos that evening. After dinner we bounced around this beautiful town and its famous shops and nightlife. [You'll want an overnight in Mykonos! The nightlife is thriving]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Day 9 THUR AUG. 2ND: After breakfast on our yacht, we had another Free Day to explore one of the most beautiful islands in Greece... More shopping, then a nap on one of the beautiful beaches. Our Farewell to Greece Dinner was at 8:00pm, as we headed back to Athens. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica,bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Day 10 FRI AUG. 3RD: Today, we arrived early into Marina Zeas, outside of Athens. Time to go home. </span></div>
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Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-80460793631184157212018-04-16T12:47:00.001-05:002020-01-16T14:08:21.057-06:00Carissa Does Open a Travel Agency- Gettin' Outta' Here to San Juan Puerto Rico April 2018 <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My hot date and I loved <a href="http://welcome.topuertorico.org/aboutpr.shtml">Puerto Rico</a>, even after the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Maria">major Hurricane</a> impact. The island is beautiful and functioning. The natives have fantastic attitudes after being struck by a terrifying disaster and don’t just need our help but displayed sincere gratitude.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The La Concha beach view.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The airport is very modernized although now more compacted after closing a few terminals. We weren't sure what to expect regarding transportation so I pre-planned our pick up with <a href="https://www.puertoricoshuttle.com/">Go Puerto Rican shuttle service</a> for $36 each. The shuttle staff had great communication, called to stay in touch on the trip in and met us at the baggage claim to help with bags. We later learned Uber is now in the area for a cheaper price although they can’t pick up directly at the airport or resorts so if you want an Uber you have to take a small walk away from those locations to catch one. We learned a lot from all the local drivers we met in shuttles and Uber. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The resort we stayed in, <a href="https://www.laconcharesort.com/">La Concha Renaissance in San Juan</a> reminded me of a Las Vegas resort. Beautiful spit-shined vehicles parked in front, a <a href="https://www.laconcharesort.com/resort-amenities/#casino-del-mar">casino </a>and modern design with 5-star service. I have zero complaints about the resort. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Our room at La Concha Resort.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">La Concha Resort Puerto Rico</span></td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Our room was an ocean view and we slept like babies listening to the ocean waves each night. There are some rooms that offer a jacuzzi on the balcony if you really want to get romantic. Breakfast at Delicias every day was wonderful. We chose the buffet option but the menu had great options. There was never any issue getting a beach chair on the beach like I have experienced at resorts in Mexico and Florida so that was refreshing. The sun in Puerto Rico is not going to go easy on your skin, be sure to use double the sunscreen you normally would. Due to the latitude of Puerto Rico the sun so the rays are sizzling. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My 1st of many Mojitos while in Puerto Rico</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">La Concha Bar </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">View of La Concha lobby bar.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"The L," drink at La Concha resort bar.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Mojitos happen to be my beach drink of choice so I was in heaven in the Rum capital where they specialize in mojitos. My hot date reported "The L," as his favorite drink on this trip. San Juan was also the birthplace of the Pina Colada which was also delicious. The bartenders at La Concha make a solid drink! Both my hot date and I have bartending and mixology experience and we were both very impressed. The drinks run around $12 in price however you can catch the news on happy hours at the resort at the registration desk or by walking the streets nearby or in the city of old San Juan just a few miles away.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Latino Star Resturant (walking distance). </td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We almost walked the entire way to the old city of <a href="http://welcome.topuertorico.org/city/sanjuan.shtml">San Juan</a> but eventually got too hot. It was a gorgeous walk and La Concha offers complimentary bicycles which, an afterthought, would make sense to utilize. We called an Uber and got let out on the streets of old <a href="http://welcome.topuertorico.org/city/sanjuan.shtml">San Juan</a> which reminded me of New Orleans a bit. The blue cobblestone streets were cool but walking on them isn’t the best idea because apparently there aren’t many driving rules around the area. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old San Juan.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View during the walk in Old San Juan.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If you want to buy jewelry, old San Juan offers a fine jeweler on every corner. The downtown area is full of shops, bars, and restaurants. We ate lunch at <a href="http://www.barrachina.com/about.html">Barrachina Restaurant</a>. I tried the traditional MoFonga combination dish and was very pleased. Puerto Ricans use plantains aka bananas for a ton of recipes. I am a believer in the diet plan I call “If God made it eat it; otherwise leave it,” and enjoyed the menus most everywhere. Everywhere we ate was around $18-$25 a plate. There are a ton of family-owned places away from the tourist area with lower prices. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch at Barrachina.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MoFongo shrimp plate. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fried Plantain Canoe with chicken.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mojitos at lunch.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We walked over 5 miles in old San Juan so wear comfortable shoes. We saw the tourism center, went in and took a map which is how we found our way to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castillo_San_Felipe_del_Morro">Del Morro Fort.</a> We were told there is a trolley that we could have ridden to the fort but we chose to get our exercise. The fort entry fee is $7 and worth it. No need to fix your hair before visiting old San Juan whereas it is the windiest place I have ever been. If you like to fly kites bring one on this part of the trip (PS: drones not allowed).</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I was looking for a good souvenir and was recommended the <span style="background-color: white; color: #0a0a0a;"><a href="http://www.vinow.com/blog/st-thomas/the-story-of-larimar-the-caribbean-gem/">Larimar, Caribbean gem</a>. The stone is considered a healing stone </span>only found in the Caribbean. Also, I was very happy to see a Walgreens on every corner and a Marshall’s, both have all you’d need to survive away from home at affordable prices. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I am a huge fan of lobster ravioli so we had dinner at the <a href="https://serafinarestaurant.com/location/puerto-rico/">Serafina</a> Italian restaurant next to the resort. The vibe at Serafina was awesome, we highly recommend even though it is a chain. Our friends celebrating their anniversary went to <a href="http://oceanopr.com/">Oceano </a>which was a short walk and they raved about their experience there also. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If you simply want to relax, the resort is perfect for it. We decided we wanted an adventure so we took a trip to the El Yunque, the only national rainforest with <a href="http://naturalwonderspr.com/">Natural Wonders tours</a>. Raul taught us a lot about real life on the island and we got the chance to see the destruction from the hurricane on the 40-minute drive to the forest. We were saddened to hear Raul and his family went 4 months without power and have many friends whose power still hasn't been restored after the storms. Sounds to me like the government needs some new structure, compassion, and leadership in some areas, just speaking my opinion. The stories about the locals uniting to survive were uplifting. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">El Yunque.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shot at the El Yunque Rainforest.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">El Yunque rainforest.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natural Wonders Tour guides were awesome! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water flowing to the natural slides falls and watering holes. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sections of the El Yunque rainforest are still being cleaned up after Hurricane Maria but we got to hike a good chunk of the area. The rainforest is no longer shaded after the storm ripped away the top of the tree canopy but still breathtakingly beautiful. I was pleased to learn there aren’t a lot of creatures to be afraid of in Puerto Rico. There aren’t monkeys, cheetahs, bears, gators, and no shark attack cases for example. Just harmless snakes, birds, street cats and bugs from what we encountered. There were some random port-o-johns and plenty of places to cool off while hiking the forest trails so wear a swimsuit and take extra socks, clothes, towel and toilet paper in your backpack. We found some natural water slides on the adventure and had a blast but the rocks are super slimy and it can be hard to get out of the watering holes without socks or water shoes on. I tend to need a nap around 3pm every day and in the middle of a rainforest on a cool flat rock is more relaxing than I would have anticipated. The entire experience was very peaceful. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our afternoon nap on the flat rock in the forest.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">5 days and 4 nights in San Juan Puerto Rico was wonderful and I will absolutely go again. Next time, I may get really wild and extend the trip by booking a cruise to the virgin islands ported out of San Juan in order to see more islands for the most affordable price. Puerto Rico needs and deserves tourist support so consider making the booking and let me know if I can help in any way. Please note this trip was offered through <a href="http://gettinouttahere.dreamtrips.com/">our travel club membership</a> for a super great price, however, as an <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GettinOuttaHereTravel/">independent agency</a> I can plan and book your trip to Puerto Rico (or anywhere) whether or not you have interest in <a href="http://gettinouttahere.dreamtrips.com/">travel club membership.</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/GettinOuttaHereTravel/">READY TO GET OUTTA HERE? CONTACT ME! </a><br />
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Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0San Juan, Puerto Rico18.4655394 -66.1057354999999818.2244544 -66.428458999999975 18.706624400000003 -65.783011999999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-33514464439872173792017-05-02T20:00:00.000-05:002020-01-16T14:08:52.814-06:00Carissa Does Spokeswoman role for an app called HYTCH.ME<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #555555; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-line;"><a href="http://hytch.me/">Hytch.ME</a> is a smartphone application that is dedicated to pairing users together who have a similar commute so they can share the ride. Download the app for Apple or Android phones today and start inviting friends to join your network. To learn more visit http://www.hytch.me today! #RideShare #Carpool #Nashville</span></div>
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<br />Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0Nashville, TN, USA36.1626638 -86.78160159999998835.752564799999995 -87.427048599999992 36.5727628 -86.136154599999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-555412355991531062017-04-27T11:05:00.000-05:002020-01-16T14:10:15.729-06:00Carissa Does Video Production and Editing- "Comin In Hott Creative."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-28867768084264918272017-04-26T16:28:00.001-05:002020-01-16T14:11:23.925-06:00Carissa Does Interior Design- #TossAndTurnMusicCity<ul class="_mo9iw _123ym" style="-webkit-box-flex: 1; border: 0px; flex-grow: 1; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: -5px -24px 0px; overflow: auto; padding: 5px 24px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Dear people, </span></span></h1>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My favorite design team #T<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTB29TjA_AK/?taken-by=tossandturnmusiccity" target="_blank">ossAndTurnMusicCity</a> (Deana Slemp & Sara Bruce Manual) are having and hosting a huge </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/homedecor/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#homedecor</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> and more </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/sale/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#sale</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> the weekend of the </span><a class="notranslate" href="https://www.instagram.com/franklintn/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">@franklintn</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/mainstreetfestival/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#mainstreetfestival</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> in </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/historicfranklin/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#historicfranklin</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 you don't want to miss out! Amazing </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/oneofakind/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#oneofakind</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> pieces and so much more!! .</span><br /><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LYMjEO1bsFg/WQEPrcmYvEI/AAAAAAAAEeo/UkBgueSyzwE89V77EFMsAxsNB-4i2lDFwCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-04-26%2Bat%2B4.20.11%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LYMjEO1bsFg/WQEPrcmYvEI/AAAAAAAAEeo/UkBgueSyzwE89V77EFMsAxsNB-4i2lDFwCLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-04-26%2Bat%2B4.20.11%2BPM.png" width="256" /></a></div>
</span><br /><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">.</span><br /><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/nashville/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#nashville</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/nashvilletn/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#nashvilletn</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/musiccity/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#musiccity</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/visitfranklin/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#visitfranklin</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/franklintn/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#franklintn</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/wearelocal/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#wearelocal</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/shoplocal/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#shoplocal</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/interiordesigner/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#interiordesigner</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/interiordesign/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#interiordesign</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/interiordecor/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#interiordecor</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/homeaccents/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#homeaccents</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/decorate/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#decorate</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> #Tossandturnmusiccity </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/design/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#design</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/interiordecorator/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#interiordecorator</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/furniture/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#furniture</a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/design/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#design</a> #CarissaBiele #FollowMeOnSocialMedia</span></h1>
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YOU can see some items they've made <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/TossAndTurnMusicCity/shop/?ref=page_internal" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </div>
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Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0319 S Margin St, Franklin, TN 37064, USA35.9216385 -86.86738259999998510.399604 -128.17597659999998 61.443673000000004 -45.558788599999986tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-34137292511882315502017-04-24T22:28:00.000-05:002017-04-27T11:06:03.249-05:00Carissa Does Have a Website www.CarissaBiele.comCarissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-49520856436166107612017-04-23T22:32:00.003-05:002017-04-27T11:06:25.061-05:00Carissa Does love the STL Cardinals <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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V7zImhjrTzo/WP1kNq9mSUI/AAAAAAAADdo/MVpWa9BfzpAp3HD2EuLTTRSs78XwjenlgCLcB/s1600/2012-01-27%2B18.28.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V7zImhjrTzo/WP1kNq9mSUI/AAAAAAAADdo/MVpWa9BfzpAp3HD2EuLTTRSs78XwjenlgCLcB/s320/2012-01-27%2B18.28.54.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012</td></tr>
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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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x2jbD6RmUZw/WP1kNjgr1II/AAAAAAAADdk/ZIWSspNNWiUGz-CTcCRfaJ6ga7SP_lApACLcB/s1600/2012-01-27%2B18.29.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x2jbD6RmUZw/WP1kNjgr1II/AAAAAAAADdk/ZIWSspNNWiUGz-CTcCRfaJ6ga7SP_lApACLcB/s320/2012-01-27%2B18.29.06.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A9I-uIK2S1k/WP0ufahoNSI/AAAAAAAACG4/IXgqeUVV998QFd_Da_u-6aNfifSMUiAPgCLcB/s1600/CIMG0855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A9I-uIK2S1k/WP0ufahoNSI/AAAAAAAACG4/IXgqeUVV998QFd_Da_u-6aNfifSMUiAPgCLcB/s320/CIMG0855.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010</td></tr>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tVV0Tx28_-o/WP1M4tq-UyI/AAAAAAAAC9k/xaG0MRy3BKIQR9T6F5U5I82qqbEDC5MMQCLcB/s1600/2011-10-28%2B22.15.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tVV0Tx28_-o/WP1M4tq-UyI/AAAAAAAAC9k/xaG0MRy3BKIQR9T6F5U5I82qqbEDC5MMQCLcB/s320/2011-10-28%2B22.15.48.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rL7b6hf4NYQ/WP1xszikzoI/AAAAAAAADmM/U1IvWTn6p2cDTP_PUPBHxz9vBQcKwK8zACLcB/s1600/2012-08-05%2B12.14.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rL7b6hf4NYQ/WP1xszikzoI/AAAAAAAADmM/U1IvWTn6p2cDTP_PUPBHxz9vBQcKwK8zACLcB/s320/2012-08-05%2B12.14.38.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cRwdQQip7-0/WP1xs2sqCuI/AAAAAAAADmI/m1HKrgvSQZURiAuUsDb0m5wkA1f3tKF_QCLcB/s1600/2012-08-05%2B13.04.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cRwdQQip7-0/WP1xs2sqCuI/AAAAAAAADmI/m1HKrgvSQZURiAuUsDb0m5wkA1f3tKF_QCLcB/s320/2012-08-05%2B13.04.26.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e7ulE0jkHtE/WP1xsVpDowI/AAAAAAAADmE/1yQ-YfzsvK8kVtxk4yemVjhAtwaJJPHvACLcB/s1600/imagejpeg952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e7ulE0jkHtE/WP1xsVpDowI/AAAAAAAADmE/1yQ-YfzsvK8kVtxk4yemVjhAtwaJJPHvACLcB/s320/imagejpeg952.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012</td></tr>
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<br />Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-80701895309005496972017-04-17T19:50:00.000-05:002017-04-27T11:07:11.230-05:00Carissa Does Love the St. Louis Blues <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ErT2K0Par50/WP46v6gQzRI/AAAAAAAADss/IvdsjQaSFioj0Tvx_oDoZz0BAJ0Ac-cYQCEw/s1600/2016-05-21%2B19.59.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ErT2K0Par50/WP46v6gQzRI/AAAAAAAADss/IvdsjQaSFioj0Tvx_oDoZz0BAJ0Ac-cYQCEw/s320/2016-05-21%2B19.59.30.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-77927283631712405352017-04-12T21:11:00.000-05:002020-01-16T14:12:14.257-06:00Carissa Does record a 2nd album in Nashville- #Karma <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just a humble reminder none of us are perfect & life is funny. </div>
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you can't hide from Karma. </div>
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Follows on all <a href="http://www.twitter.com/CarissaBiele" target="_blank">social media</a> is appreciated. @<a href="http://www.facebook.com/CarissaBiele" target="_blank">CarissaBiele</a></div>
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#Funny #Karma #CarissaBiele #Album #Nashville #LostKeys </div>
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Store: <a href="http://www.karmashoppingnashvilletn.com/">www.karmashoppingnashvilletn.com</a></div>
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Song: "Karma" on Carissa Biele <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/karma/id1187636112" target="_blank">Album NOW AVAILABLE on iTunes</a>. </div>
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Courtney Dashe: No Bull About It Music, BMI</div>
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Jessie Dillon: Revelry Music/Kobalt, BMI</div>
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Julia Carlson: Red Vinyl Music, BMI</div>
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Most all my pics are taken by: <a href="http://www.annettemcnamara.com/" target="_blank">Annette McNamara Photography</a>.<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/otPRvcLVfTc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/otPRvcLVfTc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Q8PGYaDZMrg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q8PGYaDZMrg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
<br />Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0Nashville, TN, USA36.1626638 -86.78160159999998835.752564799999995 -87.427048599999992 36.5727628 -86.136154599999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315133163769118155.post-7925032261077514812017-04-02T21:28:00.000-05:002020-01-16T14:13:08.616-06:00Carissa Does TV production- Starts A "Winners Row Show," at Fairgrounds Speedway <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Pest Doctor Front Runner Official Results - Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - Big Machine Family Day </div>
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B.H. Holmes Construction Company Legends Officials Results - April 2nd, 2017 - Big Machine Family Day </div>
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1 4 Wayne Grubb<br />
2 49 Adam Sturgill<br />
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USA Motor & Machine Pro Mod - Official Results - Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - Big Machine Family Day </div>
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Lewis Country Store Presented By Batters Box Bar & Grill Purestock Results - Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - Big Machine Family Day. </div>
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1 11 Tink Jackson<br />
2 71 William Coats<br />
3 C26 Unknown Driver<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><br />4 147 Tyler Cordell<br />5 33 Landin Dickens<br />6 92 Michael Hunt<br />7 125 Charles Groves<br />8 K04 Krista Travis<br />9 55 Donnie Newcomb<br />10 34 Charles Goddard<br />11 81 Shane Brady<br />12 50 Justin Poynor<br />13 94 Brian Sevier<br />14 21 Terry Jackson<br />15 15 Michael Toth<br />16 47 Mark Humble<br />17 75 Sophia Ladd</span></div>
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Advance Auto Parts Super Street Division Results - Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - Big Machine Family Day </div>
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1 93 Kevin Rollins<br />
2 60 Jeremy Newman<br />
3 9 Jim Jordan<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><br />4 31 Matt Barnes<br />5 5 Gus Moody<br />6 74 Billy Williams<br />7 47 Carl Langford<br />8 67 Johnathan Dishman<br />9 08 Josh Hood<br />10 125 Leroy Binkley<br />11 48 Mike Mitchell<br />12 00 Sam McCord </span></div>
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Bill Freeman Sportsman Finishing Order - Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - Big Machine Family Day. </div>
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1 05 Allen Carter<br />
2 31 Matt Barnes<br />
3 14 Billy Schaffer<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><br />4 81 Justen Dubay<br />5 52 Dwayne Hudson<br />6 007 Tre Faulkner<br />7 6 Zach Evans<br />8 28 Johnny Cox<br />9 24 Daryl Quick<br />10 6 Travis Ryman </span></div>
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Carissa Bielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587693965450775230noreply@blogger.com0625 Smith Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, USA36.130915 -86.763555510.608880500000001 -128.0721495 61.652949500000005 -45.454961499999996