tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23853486700198379502024-03-04T23:02:09.464-08:00Unconventional ParenthoodI am not your average person. Instead nearly everything about me is unique. And as a parent, I try to take it to a whole new level! Follow my journey of unorthodox parenting!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-8871393414900851932018-02-26T07:54:00.000-08:002018-02-26T07:54:06.127-08:00More Bullet Journal Collection PagesHey everyone!<br />
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So I have been trying to post bits and pieces of my bullet journal over on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mommachristy2/">Instagram</a>. This led to a friend of mine asking if I wouldn't mind setting one up for her so that she could get a little more organized. Of course I agreed because drawing spreads is a great sort of therapy for me! So far we have gotten through her collection pages and so I wanted to share them here as well. I am pleased with these spread and am even thinking of adding them into my own journal in some spots that I have left blank thanks to my OCD and knowing that I will appreciate the space to add in more later. Here are the spreads I did for her:<br />
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I also have a Wishlist page, although mine does not have a price column and I simply check off the items like I would a task. But my friend saw this, and for her it helps to see what she wants to save up for. I think it is a great idea!<br />
She was even forgiving of my drawing of the dandelion; something I am going to have to practice since I plan to use the design in one of my future monthly themes!<br />
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Nearly all of my social media accounts have the same password. Or I manage passwords based on theme, like the email account I use for my writing and my Goodreads page both have a literary themes password. So I didn't feel the need to put something like this in my journal, espcially as we are currently in a place where I fear my journal could be looked at. Perhaps in my next one I will include this spread.<br />
For now I did this page for my friend who manages not only multiple social media accounts but many small businesses as well. This page will definitely come in handy for her!<br />
It was quiet interesting finding the symbols for some of the accounts she needed, and as you can tell I am no artist. But one thing I told her, was that this is about functionality foremost. So as long as she could tell which logo was for what site, she was set.<br />
Another thing about this layout, if pressed, depending on the length of some of her usernames and passwords, she could add a second column of sites. As it is I gave her 2 additional spots at the bottom in case she created more accounts after I send the journal to her.<br />
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This is the last of what I think of as the organizational collections for my friend's journal. She needed a place to keep up with her daily medications. I actually found and tweaked the layout as she simply knew that she wanted one, not what she wanted it to look like. This one is far more simple than my other spreads tend to be, but we were really looking for functionality here.<br />
In case you can not see the titles of the columns, I included a space for each medication, dividing that by name and dosage. The next section is for when she would need to take it, int he morning, evening, and if multiple times a day. Then we made sure to include a spot for refills, because that can be one of the most challenging things about have a prescription, remembering when to get it refilled. Each prescription has 3 refill date boxes. While I am hoping that will be enough to get through the journal, there are additional rows for her her to rewrite a medication on a new line for additional refills. Finally I made sure to have a Notes section. My friend wanted a spot for the prescribing doctor, I wanted her to have a spot on the effectiveness and/or side effects of each medication. Notes was our compromise in the space we had. We are both happy with this layout.<br />
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My friend really fell in love with this page when she found it on Pinterest. She finds joy in doing little things to make other people's days brighter, something I love about her. So I took the spread she had found and grabbed a couple of the things I knew would be easy for her to do. The rest of the space on the page is for her to fill in more of the random acts that she would like to do, would feel comfortable doing, and even a few that I would consider bigger acts that she might be interested in doing.<br />
I love this spread and am considering doing something like it in one of the blank spots later in my journal as a sort of list my children and I could accomplish this summer. When you have it down on the page, it makes it more difficult for you to forget about it. I like the thought of having my journal hold me accountable for doing a little something that could brighten someone else's day.<br />
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This last spread was something that I pushed to put in the journal, actually. I wanted to make sure that my best friend took time to make sure she was ok. This spread gives her a few ideas of what to do when she might need a little pick up or a chance to focus on herself for a minute.<br />
I am also looking forward to putting this spread into my own journal in the first available free space because it is a great one! Everyone needs to make time for self care and having a page with ideas for that makes it a little less overwhelming when you might be too stressed to think beyond your need to simply stop and think about yourself.<br />
I also love this particular spread because it makes you slow down and think about what you might need when taking time for yourself. Instead of a spread that simply lists a variety of activities, this one is more focused, something I need in my journal.<br />
As you can tell I wrote down plenty of ideas for my friend, things that I know will help her, things that she would be comfortable with doing. However, I also left plenty of room for her to write in her own activities, things that she has found work best for her over the years. I highly recommend doing something like this in your own journal!<br />
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That is it so far for her stuff. Besides a calendar I have left blank for birthdays and anniversaries that I may post a picture of later, depending on if it is actually requested, and a rather long private note that I wrote for her to help remind her how incredible she is. We haven't made it far in the prep for her journal, but I have time to kill so I can wait for her to be ready. I have also been using that time to begin working on my May spreads already! Y'all, this journal thing is so incredibly relaxing for me. I love doing it!<br />
So today I leave you with another of the notes I have added to the free space I have in each daily spread. It was something I have heard plenty of times and loved and when my mother shared it on Facebook when I was having a bad day, I knew it was something I had to include in my journal. The scrap of paper I wrote the words on is part of the wrapping my bullet journals from my mother were wrapped in. She said they came that way when she ordered them and the colors and designs are so incredible I had to save them for my journals. Keep these words close to your heart, guys! And I hope your February ends on a high note!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-87677217209895308352018-02-04T08:17:00.000-08:002018-02-04T08:19:51.476-08:00Some of my Bullet Journal<br />
With January done, I thought I would share a few of the spreads that kept me going through the month. I am using my journal not only to keep track of everything we have going on, but to help me take a closer look at myself day to day. This means including a mood tracker so that I am forced to sit and really think about how the day went, spaces on my habit tracker to keep up with anxiety and headaches, and a Notes section on each daily to write a little like I would have in my old journals. I am loving it! This new system has really helped me focus on myself and my mental health a little each day. And with my writing coupled in, I choose to lay down the problems rather than dragging them into tomorrow. I won't say this system is perfect, I still have issues I need to handle in my life in order to get rid of one of my biggest contributors of anxiety, but I do think it is helping me on a smaller scale.<br />
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So, my dailies:<br />
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I never fill up all the space in the "To Do" or "Goals" boxes, although on a few busy days I have come close. Mainly the boxes are so big because I have this OCD-driven urge to use an entire page for a daily spread and I didn't have too much to fill space. Having a large box for the "To Do" box also allows for a little sigh of relief when the box is mostly empty on a hard day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QfB0W-2hPU6n2uslwijqtwxuLgN_oNEXa5sr0-gjNdEEp0MOCKukvCqv9v3LgFFKVOpfVg84qNEdnCea_SeJr9E-xFGDgKdQeeVkUQhStAyhy0tcXQ8AlXko4Nl2pEy0QH_oqLiaPtI/s1600/20180102_133247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QfB0W-2hPU6n2uslwijqtwxuLgN_oNEXa5sr0-gjNdEEp0MOCKukvCqv9v3LgFFKVOpfVg84qNEdnCea_SeJr9E-xFGDgKdQeeVkUQhStAyhy0tcXQ8AlXko4Nl2pEy0QH_oqLiaPtI/s320/20180102_133247.jpg" width="180" /></a>Something important about this set up for me: I don't let myself feel discouraged if any of the black boxes are left empty. I try to do better the next day, but I know that while the black is set in stone, there will always be that bar on every daily forever, it is there to encourage better habits, not demand them. It's the end of January and neither the "miles" or "workout" boxes have been filled a single time thanks to the weather. And that it ok.<br />
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My notes section also doesn't always get filled. Sometimes it's just a comment on how many new Pokemon I got. It's a mind dump space for me to just let it out. And I love having it.<br />
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The gratitude log:<br />
This is something I have tried many times over the past few years, keeping up with things that I am thankful for in my day to day. Sometimes it worked out pretty well, when I was having good days. But I changed it a little this year. I am allowed to be grateful for the same thing 3 days in a row, especially if it is the only thing keeping me going on bad days. I am allowed to not fill it in if the day has been rough and I can't think of anything, or if I forgot to fill it out and looking back that day was blurry and who knows what I was thankful for. I am giving myself leeway. And I think it turned out really well this month! I am looking forward to continuing it in future months, despite having a drawn out battle with March's design thanks to the theme and my need to keep these things looking pretty consistent. We will see how it turns out.<br />
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One thing about my version of this, I tend to offer up an explanation for why I am so grateful for a particular thing. And sometimes that works really well. Like when my husband does something incredible<br />
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and I want to talk about it for hours, and then the next day I have forgotten why I married him because he left his socks in the middle of kitchen table. I love being able to look back on why I was grateful for something. However, this year I am letting myself get away with not elaborating. Day 1 simply says Jareth. Do I really need to go into detail on why I am so lucky to have my son the day of his birthday when we have so much to do? No. I can simply be happy I have him.<br />
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My last main spread to help with my mental health this year, is my yearly mood tracker. This one is at the start of the whole journal. I also have one next to my monthly habit tracker that I fill into little designs to fit my monthly theme, I think I will post that in March because that is the one I am most happy with. Right now I want to share my yearly with you.<br />
This is the sit down in the evening and really think about how today felt tracker. This one forces me to stop and think about my overall mood because there isn't space to really detail out the ups and downs of some of my days (I do that in the monthly one) but instead I have to think a little closer on how I generally felt. Some days I do mix colors, there are great days striped with some anxiety, and I do that on the days when the anxiety or anger or exhaustion was so overwhelmingly noticeable, it had to be noted on the long run. I am so grateful for this spread! At the end of January I took a look at it and noticed way more pink days than I thought I would have had. Days where things were great and I was really happy with how things are going. I am looking forward to those days in the future and seeing how it all changes with a new house, family experiences, weather changes, all that. I think this is my favorite page in my journal!<br />
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Oh, "Inside Liv" is my daughter's page. She is journaling with me, and while she doesn't always sit down to do it, we are having fun sharing the time in the evenings when we do get to sit and fill in our trackers and dailies together. I encourage you to share this with your kids!<br />
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Those are a couple of my major spreads helping with my day to day mental health. Remember, this kind of thing is no substitute for seeing a professional, it is simply a tool I am using to help manage my day to day with my depression, anxiety, and OCD. I hope that some of this helps you with finding ways to help yourself in your own bullet journal. And check out Pinterest for ideas on other mental health related spreads and blogs. Research before you jump into something like using a bullet journal to help manage problems, because sometimes what works for someone else could really be a bad idea for you!<br />
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I wish you the best of luck with your spreads and journal. I would love to see what you have in your own journal! Feel free to share in the comments or find me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mommachristy2/">Instagram</a> or <a href="https://awesomecmbowles.tumblr.com/">Tumblr</a> (I am trying to increase my presence on there, so be patient) to share with me! Have a beautiful February!<br />
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Something I have written in one of the blank spaces on my dailies, right next to my goals. This spot is used for doodles, stickers, quotes, or even just left blank. My mother shared these words with me and it touched my soul.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-59460751923806623712018-01-22T12:07:00.000-08:002018-01-22T12:07:15.417-08:00Jareth's Harry Potter Themed 11th Birthday PartyIt's no secret that I am raising little nerds to carry on the mantle, just as my mother and grandmother did before me. Dudes, I am a legit third generation Trekkie and proud of it. So there was never any doubt when I looked at my son and suggested that he have a Harry Potter/Hogwarts themed birthday party the year he would be receiving his letter to Hogwarts. My heart smiled bright when he enthusiastically agreed. What followed was straight out of my best dreams!<br />
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To prepare we watched all of the Harry Potter movies, starting on Dec 29th, a day after ABC Family aired the first movie for their final marathon before turning the series over to HBO. We ended the marathon with the last 3 movies back-to-back on Jan 3rd thanks to HBO Now. I cried, Jareth cuddled with me and rubbed my back, everyone had a great time.<br />
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At this point I had already been planning the party, but had to get down to business of actually doing things. So things were ordered on Amazon Prime, Walmart was raided for crafts, and invites were printed off. Because Jareth is a New Year baby, we always wait for school to be back in session before throwing the party so that he can invite classmates. This year, twice as many kids as usual attended and it was a blast!<br />
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Oh, before I talk about the party, I want to celebrate my little man. When I suggested that Jareth throw a party centered around an orphan hero, I went ahead and threw out the idea that he pick a charity, to give to those in need, in kind of memory of Harry and his second chance and becoming something great despite his beginning. It took Jareth a week to decide before he smiled, agreed, and listened to the charities I had to suggest. His birthday was then dedicated to New Leash On Life which takes in dogs facing termination and pairs them with inmates seeking a second chance. We were thrilled to get to raise money for them.<br />
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So, leading up to the big day I asked Jareth to take the <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/eleanorbate/accurate-af-sorting-quiz?utm_term=.gpeeXm1Gl#.daPLGOEjy">Buzzfeed Sorting Quiz</a>, to find out his Hogwarts house. But then I wouldn't tell him which house he was in. Because I wanted to sort him. Sadly the Sorting Hat was not to be, along with the Dementor Pinata. But Jareth was ok with their absences. As the kids arrived I had the ones who didn't know where they belonged take the quiz on my phone and I wrote down their houses and glued pins on the ties. Finally we were ready!<br />
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Before a student can attend Hogwarts they need a few things. So the kids had to pick out their wands:<br />
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And choose the animal they would be taking with them:<br />
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Then we had the kids line up and I got to call out their houses. At that point I had an adult from each house standing there to pin a tie on the kid now in their house. I got to pin one new Hufflepuff! We are besties now!</div>
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My sister, Vicky. is a Gryffindor. She was over the moon that her nephew is now part of the house she loves so much!</div>
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Then, CAKE!</div>
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We also played Pin the Nose on Voldemort, but I failed to get a picture. Our one Slytherin, pinned by her very proud Slytherin mother, won the game, despite taping the nose on sideways. It was very comical.</div>
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I think of it as a person win, not only because everyone had fun, but because EVERYONE had fun. I did a job well enough that my Harry Potter fanatic of a sister, who got me into the series way back in the day, was loving it. And my non-Potter fans, the kids I thought would remain muggles agreed to take the test and join in the fun. I was very rewarded by that since one of them turned out to be my Hufflepuff. I hope they take that excitement home and discover the magical wizarding world themselves. </div>
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It's been a while since I sat down after a party and felt more giddy than drained, but this was one such day. When everyone had left and I had cleaning to do, I just couldn't stop grinning. That's something amazing for me these days. And I love being able to share it all with Jareth. Livia, who is only 5, is eagerly awaiting her own Hogwarts party. And so am I!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-45144531634501741812018-01-01T20:16:00.000-08:002018-01-01T20:16:30.491-08:00Obligatory New Year PostI am sure if I were to look back each year I could regularly find posts claiming that I will be updating my blog more, posting more about all the things my family intends to do over the year. And there is a very strong chance that while I mean well, each year I fail spectacularly. So I won't make those promises. I will say that I have the goal in mind to post more on my social media, this blog included. I'll say that my plan for this year is to focus on reclaiming who I am, as a person, as a mother, as a wife. And I'll say that I have already started a few things to help get me in that direction. So, I am hoping to update more to share with you my plans and path.<br />
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The beginning of which is my new bullet journal. I have been using a journal for a few months now to help keep me focused and on track, and I believe it has been working well. So I got my new one started up early on, drawing out collections, agendas, dailies, to get me year rolling. And I can't wait to share it all with everyone. For assured updates, check out my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mommachristy2/">Instagram</a>.<br />
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For today I will leave you with the sentiment inside the cover of my newest journal and I hope you take it to heart.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-26733048285584107872017-01-18T15:21:00.000-08:002017-01-18T15:21:12.830-08:00Jareth's 10th PartyI realize that I have been very lax in posting about my children's birthdays. And for a family that does incredibly random themes, I feel this is a major failure for me. With all the trouble that I have with finding things to fulfill themes my kids pick, I think I really need to share the ideas I come up with for these themes for others to use. I'll try to do better in the future.<br />
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This year my son decided he wanted to do a birthday centered around Miyazaki, the Japanese film maker that our family absolutely adores. So here is what we were able to come up for the party.<br />
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First off, my sister-in-law saved me by agreeing to do a cake at the last minute because I completely blanked on the that front as I got caught up in the fiasco that was the invites.<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cakes.delavega?fref=ts">Cakes De La Vega</a> came through for us and made an absolutely amazing strawberry cake that my son just loved!<br />
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In case you do not know, this is Calcifer from <i>Howl's Moving Castle. </i>It became a funny joke that Vega saved my bacon from burning.<br />
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For a game we played "Pin the face on NoFace." Unfortunately my son thinking rationally and used a trick to figure out where to put the face on the black figure, so he won darn near right off the bat. But still, it was fun and the kids were able to take the masks with them after it was over.<br />
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If you do not know, NoFace is from <i>Spirited Away.</i><br />
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The goody bags were the easiest to manage as we simply put things that we enjoy in them. Including a pair of chopsticks, some pocky, Swedish fish, bookmarks, and glowstick bracelets. The bookmarks I made from red cardstock to look like the bath tokens from <i>Spirited Away</i>. I love them. I am keeping a few for myself!<br />
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This party was so much fun! Even though nearly none of the guests knew anything about the films we took our inspiration from, they enjoyed the things we did and had. And once more my son was thrilled with the whole thing. And after all, that is what matters to me most!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-37628037845400761362017-01-18T14:58:00.000-08:002017-01-18T14:58:32.086-08:00Pork Cutlet Bowls!Recently I discovered the anime Yuri On Ice. It is the story of a male figure skater who in considering giving up after a particularly bad loss. But then in struts the man he has looked up to his whole career, offering to be his coach and take him to gold. What follows is an incredible story about a man finding his inner strength along with love.<br />
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The night Funimation streamed the season 1 finale, my son and I binge watched all 12 episodes. This was a bad parenting move since it kept him up past 11 on a school night and the show-hangover I had the next morning had me sleeping through my alarm and waking just in time to rush him to school right before first bell. But it was one of the best nights he and I have had since we accidentally binge watched all of the first season of Stranger Things last summer. We have a problem, we know, and we love it.<br />
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So what did that experience have to do with our family cooked meal? Pork Cutlet Bowls were a big part of the show (you have to watch it to fully understand) and it led to a sort of obsession. So guess what we made for dinner this past week?<br />
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We found the recipe <a href="https://www.dramafever.com/news/hmart-presents-how-to-make-pork-katsu-bowls/">right here</a>. But since none of us like onions we did change them out for noddles, something we will leave out in the future. The only other change we made was making our own pork cutlets. My husband bought a pork loin which he cut into small cutlets that we breaded with panko. He says they were a little bland, but I enjoyed them none the less. Plus it was fun watching my kids coat the meat in the panko together.</div>
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We had so much fun talking about the show while we cooked up this dish! And it will definitely be something we have again in the future!</div>
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Please, if anyone knows where we can get some good Katsu bowls, let me know, because we would love to have these made by professionals as well! Meanwhile, we have found a Ramen place next to the HMart where went for the kombu (and party favors for the party I will posting about shortly) that we will be visiting at the end of the month! We loved our trip into Japanese cuisine!</div>
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Next month, my son wants to try piroshki! Another Yuri On Ice reference. You should really watch the show!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-89127137103982501772017-01-01T10:14:00.000-08:002017-01-01T10:14:25.746-08:00New Year, New PlansHow many of us have made New Year's Resolutions that don't go anywhere? Plans to do things like eat better, work out more, clean out the negative, and then two months into the year they are gone, forgotten, labeled as actually unobtainable and why did we even bother? I did it every year until about 2014 when I decided that I would give myself 1 thing to change and that would be it. In 2015 the only changes I made were lists in my journal: a spot to list what I was reading, a line for what I was thankful for each day, what I thought of the new movie I watched. Things I could write or not write but that I saw daily because of my journal. I still didn't stick to these things through the year, but when 2016 rolled around I put all the same captions in my journal and tried to fill them all in once more. Because these are little things, notes about my daily life that I feel that I can admit to. I won't be able to work out every day because I don't always have the energy. I can't say I will eat healthier because there are days that I don't eat at all. I don't make resolutions because when my depression hits and I don't want to do anything at all, I feel like more of a failure for not doing something I told myself would stick this time around. But I can give myself permission to leave a page blank in my journal because that is my safe space. I make resolutions that I tell myself I am allowed to stutter on because I can always try again tomorrow. Because I am trying to give myself a little slack.<br />
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This year is more of the same. My main personal resolution is giving myself a set of goals for each day, things that I want to get done before I go to sleep that night. Most importantly they are things I believe are possible to manage in the day to day, like finish reading the book I have been working on for two weeks and only have 10 pages left. Write that blog post about said book. Do that load of laundry all the way through so nothing wrinkles. And more than likely there will be days that "Get out of bed" is the top goal. Because I give myself permission to have off days, to struggle, and to make getting to a better place a top priority and something to acknowledge. Daily goals rather than something I am expected to do every day for the next year.<br />
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My other big goal for the year is pictures. I read in Health Magazine that the University of California did a study on taking pictures: smiling selfies, things that made them happy, or something to make someone else smile. After taking the photos the students felt happier. And I thought, that's easy! I take pictures, I love taking pictures, I wish I took more pictures! And I want to do this. So over on my Instagram (had it, never, ever used it) I am going to take a picture every day that fills this study, and maybe, for a few moments every day I can be a little happier. Feel free to come follow me @mommachristy2 to see what makes me happy and share your own pictures. I am using the label #happypics for this series.<br />
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I also have smaller goals that I would like to manage this year, things I can do sporadically enough that maybe I can manage them. Like writing letters to people I don't get to see, because it's great to know someone is thinking of you and everyone gets a little excited these days when they get snail mail! And I want to write daily again, even if it's just an outline for a story idea I may never get around to, it will get my creativity working. And blogging! I am going to try to post on this blog more. 2016 saw 58 new posts on my book review blog and nothing here since March. I want to change that since so much of my world revolves around me as a parent.<br />
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What will I be posting here? What do you have to look forward to in my parenting adventure?<br />
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Once a month my family and I will be cooking up a new recipe for our family night. All four of us in the kitchen, trying our hand at creating something new together. It should be interesting, to say the least! I will try to have pictures along with these posts.<br />
We will also be trying to do something of a service project once a month. Whether it is helping out at a local shelter or taking dog food up to Noah's Ark. We want to teach our children to pass on the love, and we think this would be a great way to start. I don't love the idea of sharing these projects because it feels like bragging about what we are doing. BUT I want you all to see what they kids do, what they learn from these events, and maybe give you an idea of something to do with your own kids. So I'll be sharing these days as well.<br />
We also ambitiously plan to have a family night out once a month. Maybe discover new things in our area through changing our nights up. So pictures and notes about the places we go will definitely be shared.<br />
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It seems like we have a lot planned for this new year, and maybe we won't stick with it all, but I look forward to trying. This year is going to be about getting back to our happy place as a family and for me as an individual. I invite you all to join me on the journey!<a class="_8mlbc _vbtk2 _t5r8b" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BOuiLdblc8_/?taken-by=mommachristy2"></a><br />
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<b>Our first #Happypics of the New Year! The birthday boy is ten!</b><br />
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</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-46521968875571159862016-03-14T09:40:00.000-07:002016-03-14T09:40:29.420-07:00An Epic Nerf Battle!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiM_itxxvs_euzxCkkoYIE4Fqi4vVsVsOXIRzsxbjAIt68K0NUzTnSm5kQENOe3WuOP9bEmPnj10Onk6GZEri2MWkdsiDD6vZQ3zl18i2Mt6luxcllDYdekxML-PiVikCKLdYHEHgV9Gg/s1600/NerfBattle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiM_itxxvs_euzxCkkoYIE4Fqi4vVsVsOXIRzsxbjAIt68K0NUzTnSm5kQENOe3WuOP9bEmPnj10Onk6GZEri2MWkdsiDD6vZQ3zl18i2Mt6luxcllDYdekxML-PiVikCKLdYHEHgV9Gg/s320/NerfBattle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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On Saturday March 12th, we got the awesome opportunity to participate in one amazing event!</div>
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Jared Guynes is a resident of North Texas who saw the damage done in December 2015 to the Garland and Rowlett neighborhoods by a particularly bad tornado and decided to help out where he could. He had been trying to get together enough people for a couple years to break a world record and then he thought, why not do this record thing and help my friends and family with their problem at the same time. So he worked tirelessly for months, pulled in all the right people, and organized the World's Largest Nerf Gun Battle.</div>
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Hosted at the Dallas Cowboy's AT&T Stadium in Arlington, the event was attended by over two thousand people. Let me give you the numbers right quick:</div>
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Verified Participants in the Battle: 2,289</div>
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Verified Guns Used in the Battle: 4,394</div>
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Guns Donated to local Children's Shelter: 112</div>
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Donations to Tornado Relief Funds: *Yet to be completely counted*</div>
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This was a huge event in so many ways! </div>
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My friends and I saw the event and thought, this is awesome, we want our kids to have a chance to break a world record. We did not expect this. Not only did we break a record that is going to be really hard to beat again, we made an impact. Thousands of dollars are going to go to helping people rebuild their lives. Over a hundred guns went to kids that probably don't have much to their name. We made some awesome new friends. And it has inspired us to get together our own group for a Nerf Club so that we can continue meeting up and having battles. Plus, I went to an even with way too many people, got down on the turf amidst these strangers, and so did not have a single panic attack as my son continually got lost in the crowd, so there's my personal win!</div>
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A huge shout out to Jared for doing this. For the people getting the donations. For the families that got to experience it. For everything!</div>
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Here are my pictures of the event. Although I am sad to say my phone died early on and I didn't get as much as I wanted. But here is the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/498923750287299/">Facebook Page</a> of the group if you want to check out other's pictures of the event. </div>
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I will also be posting a separate post when we get Jareth his Guinness World Record certificate. So check back for that!</div>
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<b>Pre-Game Carb Loading at CiCi's!</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzt0D-woNj0ySa5xZqKJJRhrf-AxrR0KmOv1TqLs3gRpq8GNpJm1d2haszluoNopcUVdR6DPgRSOysFxq0GpoclK2gxh4akN-qesiAkRr8NcLku0OVdCCAjXzNfd0aVKovDrSsiH9SwM/s1600/20160312_160721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzt0D-woNj0ySa5xZqKJJRhrf-AxrR0KmOv1TqLs3gRpq8GNpJm1d2haszluoNopcUVdR6DPgRSOysFxq0GpoclK2gxh4akN-qesiAkRr8NcLku0OVdCCAjXzNfd0aVKovDrSsiH9SwM/s320/20160312_160721.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>A Little Target Practice!</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggALFqJtrv6bp6YkUdL5HSR_gMr2KpXhhOsksUKGRuEdrMqWnvcwvxpaX_fwbW7R2f7nar0cZtIQGNmXJsHTNnNpteAE6S5R1lx2KyuE2-FlixJZHsQNZqfetfSoWt__DiSClCW1FjhdE/s1600/20160312_162251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggALFqJtrv6bp6YkUdL5HSR_gMr2KpXhhOsksUKGRuEdrMqWnvcwvxpaX_fwbW7R2f7nar0cZtIQGNmXJsHTNnNpteAE6S5R1lx2KyuE2-FlixJZHsQNZqfetfSoWt__DiSClCW1FjhdE/s320/20160312_162251.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<b>People Getting Ready for the Battle in the Parking Lot.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpN3aswcxhCF0Qj9dfeICg227mXj53pdi2twU_MIXuML78TFK93-iSHMpZYcgd4mcN5TNnUb6xMBms9JtvMmHkLjkfzFnrnqSfFulAHglvbUjquXeADefU2nevu3PWBH0YXJuu8RaGhHY/s1600/20160312_170611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpN3aswcxhCF0Qj9dfeICg227mXj53pdi2twU_MIXuML78TFK93-iSHMpZYcgd4mcN5TNnUb6xMBms9JtvMmHkLjkfzFnrnqSfFulAHglvbUjquXeADefU2nevu3PWBH0YXJuu8RaGhHY/s320/20160312_170611.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>AT&T Stadium!</b><br />
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<b>Loki Made An Appearance! </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOim2G2zPyPKew06d9np7VjkAvjpZ1hi7ekYKsAB5Je15Bzjk7mRPYUK-QjnWhVk8JVSDL8I2O9d4UdADgJrCZA7z0yYJTov2ZAOgN4StYhTODnO7RGINHS2RYGTXJKNg7xl60GI-_fWU/s1600/20160312_171713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOim2G2zPyPKew06d9np7VjkAvjpZ1hi7ekYKsAB5Je15Bzjk7mRPYUK-QjnWhVk8JVSDL8I2O9d4UdADgJrCZA7z0yYJTov2ZAOgN4StYhTODnO7RGINHS2RYGTXJKNg7xl60GI-_fWU/s320/20160312_171713.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Getting Geared Up!</b><br />
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<b>A YouTube-r There for the Event. This is <a href="http://facebook.com/koltonkrottinger">Kolton</a>.</b><br />
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<b>Obstacle Set-up on the Field!</b><br />
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<b>T-Rex showed up!</b><br />
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<b>So. Many. People!</b><br />
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<b>Making Our Way Down To The Field.</b><br />
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<b>Waiting for the start of the Main Battle.</b><br />
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<b>This was part of the group picture that you can't see us in.</b><br />
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<b>The Guinness World Record Official!</b><br />
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<b>After the Main Battle. So many bullets!</b><br />
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<b>Kid's Only Battle.</b><br />
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There were more battles. The Rival Only. The Elite (Or traditional guns) Only. The Jolt (Single shooters) Only. Someone from our group participated in each one, and actually I think Jenn was in all of them! </div>
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At 10 we started to pack up our guns and get out of there. And it wasn't until the next day that I saw the announcement. We broke the current record! We will get our official certificate soon, one with Jareth's name on it so he can hang it on the wall to show off. We did this! And it was one of the greatest things we have done. Now I just have to find something similar for Livia to participate since we elected to have her stay with Gamaw for the night. If you hear of another record to be broken, let us know!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-76020746791124040412015-09-11T06:12:00.001-07:002015-09-11T06:20:50.025-07:00I Will See You Tomorrow. World Suicide Prevention Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday was World Suicide Prevention Day, and it was the best one I have had yet.</div>
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I don't do anything too big for the day. Because of schedules, the kids, no driver's license, I can't go to any events or even get to hang out with the people that helped me through my toughest struggles. But over the past few years I have used social media to try and connect where I can. For the duration of National Suicide Prevention Week, I take the theme and update my status or add a photo that coincides with it, reasons I am going to keep fighting, things that make me strong. This year was no different, and I still have three days of reasons on why I will be here tomorrow to post. Yet yesterday was a great day for me.</div>
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See, I don't have thoughts of suicide, not any more, not really since having my son, because that uber rational part of my mind tells me I just couldn't leave him alone. I am lucky to have that part of myself even though it tends to drive my husband crazy. I don't do self-harm any more either, thanks to two kids and two dogs and living in the country, I tend to get hurt enough on a day to day basis that it hits my limit in a day and my thoughts have wondered to the activity only a handful of times over the past eight years. It's not completely gone, but again, I am lucky. My biggest fights are anxiety and depression. And yesterday was a good day; not perfect, but really good.</div>
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For me, a tough day is any day that I can't get the energy to move.As the stay-at-home parent it is my job to get Jareth up for school in the morning and make his lunch, and lately I have taken to sitting with him on the porch until the bus comes. I would really love to curl up in bed with my husband and daughter and go back to sleep, but I know I won't get up when she does, the bed is too comfortable, I am too sleepy, my husband is there recovering from the night shift and he always makes everything better. But I get up. And lately I have stayed up. Yesterday was a good day. </div>
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After my only cup of coffee, thank you addictive personality that takes away all the good stuff I am too scared to enjoy much of, I actually got to moving around and working! I cleaned the kids' room, cleaned my room, did dishes, did some laundry along the way. Sure I sat down for a little here and there because I am reading a good fanfiction and my feet love a break now and then, but I got stuff done! I fried up some eggs to go on burgers for dinner even though the hot grease kinda makes me freak every single time. I even got some stuff done after dinner when I usually am just done with the day! It was a good day!</div>
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Sure, I had one moment where I apparently snappishly told my husband to leave my stuff alone (I thought I said it nicely, was perfectly reasonable in tone of voice, but then we always think that, don't we?). But it was quick, we were quiet for a moment, and I apologized and explained. Of course he understands why I did it. I left the kitchen grinning like a fool because we handled it! No big fight, no screaming, I won't be on edge for days any time someone even looks at my things. Yay! I remained calm(ish).</div>
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Then to make a good day even better! I went to bed at 10:30! With insomnia it doesn't matter what I do all day to wear myself out, at the end of the day I am just not tired. I stay up until 2 or 3 reading, rewatching M*A*S*H, writing a little if I am lucky, thinking if I'm not. I have laid down in bed with my eyes sore from keeping them open and still tossed and turned for an hour unable to shut of my mind. On a really bad night there is also a lot of waking in middle of the night. Last night was a good night! Sure I kinda opened my eyes when Tillie (our blue healer) came to bed, and it was kinda a shock when Brewster (our pit/lab) joined since he has taken to sleeping on the couch, but neither time was enough to keep my awake. Of course I slept through Livia ninja-ing her way between Gary and I, that only wakes me on a really bad night. And I only woke up once before my alarm in a mild panic over missing it and making my son late, it was only 6, everything was fine. I slept well!!</div>
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But the best parts of yesterday weren't the ones I lay thinking about right before dozing off and realizing that it had been a good day for me and my issues. The best parts were the ones I got so giddy about that I got to enjoy in the moment.<br />
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This is the third year I have actively taken part in the campaign, and each year I try to make sure that Jareth knows why it is the day is special. After all, he has had to watch first hand what these issues do to people; I am far from the only one suffering in my circle of friends. This year we decided to give him his own "Love" tattoo to match mine. If you don't know, mine says "One Love" in religious (and one gender equality) symbols, a testament to my greatest struggle and core beliefs. The kids love to ask what means what and to find the same symbols in everyday life. So Jareth decided to go with symbols that stood for his personality too. Video games and Superheros. Of course Liv had to have one too!</div>
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I love opening the door for talking about issues with the kids. Before he went to school we had a very brief talk about the subject, mainly so that he could explain it to his teacher if she asked why he had a drawing on his arm. It wasn't much, he is only 8 after all, but it is more than last year, and that's what counts.</div>
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They did this. They cuddled with me on the porch waiting for the bus. He stayed home after school so that we could put up his laundry together. He couldn't stop saying "wow, mom." over his room when he saw how clean it was. They joined me on the couch to watch Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (only teared up near the end for Robin, an improvement for me. I miss him.) for some family time during and after dinner. There were plenty of goodnight hugs and kisses. There was surprisingly little fight over actually going to sleep and by 10:30 I was tired and done with the day with no reason to stay up. </div>
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Eight years, nine months, and nine days ago I restarted a New Year with a little boy. It didn't hit me like lightening as I held him for the first time that I would never consider suicide again. The drugs were good, but not that good. It was gradual. It was moments like yesterday when Jareth lay on my bed while I folded sheets laughing as I told him all the bad bits of his birth and why he so owes me a hug and kiss when I want one. It was moments like 6 AM when Liv grabbed up my arm and snuggled it, because like me she needs contact to sleep, and nine times out of ten I am better than a Merida baby doll.</div>
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I am so incredibly lucky. Yesterday was a great day. And I will see you tomorrow.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-32341257726371240822015-06-26T11:35:00.000-07:002015-06-26T11:35:26.378-07:00Thank YouYesterday was Thursday. To most it is just another day of the week, for me it is something important. Every Thursday my family gets together with some friends for dinner, rotating between houses so that everyone gets to come up with what to cook while the others chip in on things like dessert and drinks. Occasionally my family has to miss out because we try to get together with our extended family on that same night of the week once a month, but that is the only excuse allowed.<br />
For most people it's still not a big deal. Who would want to find excuses to not see friends, let the kids play mostly unfettered, get tipsy while talking or playing card games? MOST people would love the chance to get to talk about the show their friends also obsess over or play a game of pool no one has to pay for. MOST people would gladly circle every Thursday on the calendar for the foreseeable future without hesitation and grin wickedly remembering the week one friend got so excited about burning a 3 yr old's taste buds, because that kid will eat anything spicy and hell yeah it is an accomplishment to get her to back off the adult wings. MOST people are not me.<br />
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If you knew me, you would know that consistently meeting with people every week is kind of a big deal. If you knew me, you would know that taking away my excuses to interact in public could be a really bad thing. If you knew me, you would know that there is a strong chance at some point this will all be too much. And if you knew me, you would probably never know why.<br />
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But somehow this whole "Dinner With Friends" thing works for me. Sure I don't really love going out for other things on other days of the week unless well within my other comfort zones. And yeah Wednesdays are a strictly family day with everyone staying at home and spending time together that really kinda annoys the hubby and oldest son. And maybe having people so willing and ready to talk about Supernatural with can be a dangerous thing. But I am enjoying it all.<br />
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For something like 7 months we have been doing this! That's a big deal in case you didn't know. For seven months I have been made to interact with people on a weekly basis! For seven months I have been getting to know people and have allowed them to get to know me. For seven months I have given up a bit of control on things like what we are eating that night, where we will be hanging out, what drinks I will have access too, what the kids are playing, what the adults are playing. Things normally I would try hard to micromanage because I can do it all, host it all, better. But giving it up, I am learning to really trust these people.<br />
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This was pointed out to me just last night. A metaphorical flashlight shining on the point throughout the night. Let me walk you through my night of "Wow, I think I have grown!"<br />
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- It had been a long week up to this point, one that had me spending most of Wednesday in bed and thinking it would be nice to repeat the very lazy lounging on Thursday as well. I felt weary throughout most of the day, wanting nothing more than sleep really. But we had plans, standing plans, that I was not about to be let out of.<br />
- The husband picked what we were going to bring. Drinks and honey glazed carrots. He makes really good honey glazed carrots. Only problem, we didn't have the stuff for the dish so we would have to stop and get the things and cook it at our friend's house. I hate cooking in other places, out of my element so to speak were I know where everything is and all that jazz. But there was no other option.<br />
- I was going to have to cook!!! I enjoy cooking, don't get me wrong. I am using my family and friends as guinea pigs until I perfect my own unique lasagna recipe. BUT the husband makes the good honey carrots. Everyone loves his honey carrots. He knows how to make them. I would be making them for the first time for our friends. Oh yeah no pressure. Why?<br />
- Because the husband and kids would be going next door to swim while I cooked. Along with our friends. Leaving me alone in a strange kitchen, by myself, to make something I haven't made before. And with instructions like "lot of butter." "Then add a ton of the cinnamon" "And when they are ready pour on the honey." What? No recipe? Left alone? Normally I would be panicking. Instead, I don't know, I rolled with it. I turned on Pandora on a phone to fill the silence, and began chopping carrots. Damn near relaxed!!<br />
- When the last of our friends arrived I directed them to the pool without a thought. Told them to go have fun. One of them went about putting the drinks they had brought in the fridge, reaching around me to put one on the counter. "Brought you Smirnoff." He grinned. Thankfully I didn't cry right there. They went out of their way to bring drinks I liked even though both of them would drink whatever was available. I am the picky drinker and they thought about that as they made their purchases. Then he made sure I had one before leaving the house. It's a big thing for me to have people spoil me. A really big thing.<br />
- His girlfriend asked where my swimsuit was. Uh oh. Oh no. I would not be swimming. Why? Well because . . . I don't know. It's been a long week, I've been stressed. Sometimes I just can't do water. I spent the next twenty minutes explaining to her one of my justified oddities in comparison to this thing I have with water that has no reasoning, it just is. She laughed. "You are so weird." She laughed again. "Ok, Whatever." She shrugged. Like it's no big deal that a grown ass woman has some seriously odd issues with water for no apparent reason. (Yeah because the no artificial orange thing is so normal, too.) She called me weird, we BOTH laughed about it. When she left I was still smiling, because she hadn't meant that in a mean, teasing way. She had made an observation: I was weird, and was perfectly ok with it! That doesn't happen for me.<br />
- When the carrots were done, I covered them, grabbed my drink, and went to sit next to the pool while the others swam. I made one guy get off the cooler because that was the close, dry seat, he could get in the pool so I could sit. I took beers and moved them out of the way of the splashes, handed over new ones, joked with a guy I had never met before, dug through a bin for goggles that didn't exist. I acted like a normal adult instead of my quiet, shy, withdrawn self. Of course no one there realized a difference, because with them I am always talkative, I always tease others, I always fit in. None of them know that I really never do. Well maybe except the one guy who knew me in High school and knows I have issues with making friends. But not the others.<br />
- When we sat down to eat I warned them all: "If the carrots suck blame him, he left me to cook them." Everyone agreed they tasted great. "That was my way of fishing for complements while using him as a scapegoat just in case." I told them honestly. After all, I need reassurance and confirmation. They laughed and said again that the carrots tasted good. No judging the fact that I needed the words to be said, just doing it and moving on.<br />
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It was on the drive home that I came to the very tipsy realization that I am entirely too blessed for my own good. I have spent the past couple of years coming to terms with all my issues, spending a lot of time taking a closer look at myself than I have wanted to. I am flawed. It's something that I am learning to just deal with, but fully come to terms with it. I am flawed and that is ok. It helps that I have this awesome husband that knows about my flaws, either seeing them for himself or listening as I fill him in on what is going on inside my head. My three closest friends have anxiety issues, I think two of them are on meds and the third is seriously considering doing the same, so when I need someone to understand from my perspective I have people to talk to. But they live in three different states from me and aren't exactly available for coffee at my house, and sometimes no one is able to talk me down from an attack (although they have on numerous occasions thus far). I had been back in Texas for nearly five years before I was able to find other friends that I felt comfortable enough to be around, to talk to, to be myself with. But now I have that. Because I am so very lucky.<br />
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So I told my husband on the drive home about these little revelations about the people we hand out with, and how I felt I needed to thank them. He told me I really should. So:<br />
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Thank you! Thank you Erin, Nicole, and Abby for knowing what it's like and being there through thick and thin for more years than we should be comfortable admitting to with our age. Thank you Blair for taking a chance and continuing to push until I was able to be a friend back, and making me keep in touch when I wanted to hide away. Thank you Renn for knowing back before I was ok with myself enough to be ok with others and not judging me by what you know. Thank you Joseph for putting up with my quiet self long enough to get to know me. Thank you Jenn for just being you, because you are so awesome words can't cover it all and I really needed a friend like you. Thank you Ju for being patient enough to try to understand when our differences make it really hard to get. Thank you Brooke and Derek for seeing me as more and trying to be friends, because y'all and the kids mean so much to me. Thank you guys, all of you, for letting me be flawed and not making me think it is my fault or that I am broken. I've been trying to figure myself out and heal what I can by myself, but you all make it so much easier. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.<br />
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Thank you.<br />
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I would like to extend a hand to anyone that needs friends like mine. I may not be them, but I like to thank I am a good friend in my own right. So if you need someone to talk to, someone that gets you or is willing to listen enough to work on getting you, please feel free to get a hold of me. Just because I am figuring my own things out doesn't mean I am not willing to help you with yours, too. Who knows, the next time I say thank you, you may be the one I am saying it to.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-54473466179968541752015-05-10T11:19:00.000-07:002015-05-10T11:19:55.997-07:00My Mother's Day Gift to MyselfMother's Day is that one day a year that we are kinda forced to pay attention to our mothers, give them a little appreciation for something they do all year without a second thought. We buy cards and little gifts, inadequate tokens to show how much we love them and are thankful that they agreed to go through the horrors of childbirth only to then spend the next (at least) eighteen years raising us. Sometimes it is the only time that some of us stop and appreciate all they do. I fully believe that this day does not do mothers justice! It is both necessary (we really do need to stop and realize what others do for us every now and then) and insufficient (seriously, for all mom's do, one day is so not cutting it). And I say all this from the point of view of a daughter.<br />
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As a mother I really do like having a day that my husband forces my kids to be nice for as long as he can. I love that all my non-mother friends tag me in their little posts, reminding me that they are ok with my endless posts about my children that clog up their newsfeed throughout the year. I like getting the phone calls the next day from my two best friend to tell me what their kids did for them and my other best friend (who is not a mom) to tell me what her and her siblings did for the woman I see as a long distance mother myself. I adore the cute little videos that try to capture what a mother is and all they do, the ones that make everyone cry, almost making me as a very emotional mother seem normal with my constant tears. And I thoroughly enjoy the almost painful laugh I get at the yearly vids of men going through that labor simulator (thanks <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b81Cr97ANrk">Try Guys</a>)!<br />
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But what about the rest of the year? The other 364 days when we are up early to get everyone else ready for their day. I don't get my first cup of coffee until I have been up for an hour, what about you? Or that constant cycle of cleaning because no one is capable of cleaning up after themselves? The late nights and long days? The taxi service and chef's kitchen? I've poured and set out snacks for five other boys running through my house because Jareth invited them over. Birthday planning, dinner hosting, lunch packing, two-cart grocery shopping! Chocolate covered cherry secret moments and laughter filled truffle time. Morning cuddles with a full bed of two kids, two dogs, and a husband still asleep enough to think he gets to stay in bed. Random hugs. Yelling matches. Spankings and temper tantrums and "it's not fair"s. Begging for this toy or that snack. Only Mom can hold me because I am sick, clingy, and want only her. Mom does it this way. Mom said I could. When will Mom be home? All of this comes with being a Mom and we do it all on demand because we have to. And that's all ok!<br />
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The thing is, being a Mom is pretty tiring. It's hard. It's stressful. And sometimes I really mess it up. There are days when I barely roll out of bed, only doing so because if I don't there is no one else to get Jareth up for school. When my husband stays the night with a buddy so the drive to work is a little shorter and he can get a little more sleep, Livia and I spend the whole day in bed watching YouTube. Some days I wake him up an hour early because I really don't think I can handle the kids by myself any longer. I don't cook very often, partly because I can't and partly because when I can the smallest negative comment says to me that I can't do anything right. I hate playdough because the colors mix and it sticks and my OCD just can't take it (Livia is 3 and loves it and I am just now fighting myself to let her play with it). Jareth could make his own lunches when he was 5 because there were mornings I couldn't get myself to do it for him. Livia eats pepperonis every day for lunch, because she loves them and because they are easy to serve. Wild Banshee Wednesdays originally started because I needed a day to turn the music up too loud and drown out the outside world and push myself to play with my son. Jareth asks for hugs, waiting a moment for me to turn and open my arms, because he knows I don't always like to be touched and I have to prepare myself. I cried the day Jareth turned to me and said "Mommy, I love your laugh, it's pretty. I don't think you have laughed all day. I am glad you did now."<br />
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Why am I telling you how bad I can get? Because it is ok. This is my Mother's Day gift to myself: being ok with the bad moments. I am allowing myself to have off days. I want you to know that I know I am not perfect and I am coming to terms with that. I have my issues, I am dealing with them, and that's just how it is. And it's really ok if you are the same way. It's going to be just fine if you can't handle everything all the time. The thing about Mother's Day, we aren't being reminded to love our mothers, we are being reminded to let them know that we do. My kids love me through the hard times. Livia sits with me all day in bed, rubbing my ear, giving me a hug or cuddle, and still wants me to spend the day with her again tomorrow. Jareth curls up on the couch with me, asks how I am doing, and watches my show because he gets it. My husband goes without a little sleep, helps a lot more than he should, and makes sure to give me an extra tight hug when he can. If they are ok with me, the three people that matter the most, than I need to be ok with me, too.<br />
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So today don't forget to tell your Mom that you love her, that she rocks, that she is the coolest Mom ever! And if you're a mom, take it easy for a day! I get that you probably can't have the Hallmark Day of Relaxation, but you can take a breath, give yourself a thumbs up, and remind yourself that you rock! Being a mom is tough, you can't call in sick, you can't take a personal day, but you can allow yourself some slack on the whole being perfect thing. Share my gift with me, be ok with being just ok. You're doing a great job!<br />
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So what did you get or do today? Let me know that you are ok!<br />
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Happy Mother's Day</h2>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-6525845630834775142015-04-18T06:31:00.000-07:002015-04-18T06:31:22.337-07:00While I was silentOn Friday, April 17th, I participated in the Day of Silence. It is a youth movement meant to draw attention to those that feel they must remain silent about their sexuality, as well as their allies. I'm not considered "youth" any more but I thought I would partake in the day since I was unable to when I was in fact in high school. I was surprised to find that a number of things came to light for me.<br />
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1. The first thing I had to do was explain to my kids what I was doing and why, the night before. My 3 yr old had no clue what was going on, not fully, but she still told me she would help me be quiet (which has now been added to one of the cutest phrases I have heard from her lips). My 8 yr old was excited by the thought behind the day. Suddenly he wanted to participate because he felt that the way his classmates pick on him is bullying and feels the need to draw their attention to it. I talked him down, but on Monday we will be asking his teacher if she will be willing to allow him to have a DoS on Friday. We are asking because he is young, it will be difficult, we don't want to disrupt the class, and well, we want to give her a heads up. Of course if he does this it will be for bullying and harrassment in general, not simply the LGBTQA+ cause, although that is what caught his attention.<br />
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2. It's easy to ignore most people, to not respond, to get them to understand things with hand gestures and simply pointing. Not a 3 yr old, who surprisingly remembered what was going on and was soon ok with me not talking. But this meant me having to do a lot more for her since I couldn't simply tell her to do it herself or go get Daddy. I must also say, it was one day when I was extremely glad I took the time to teach my kids some sign language when they were little.<br />
Anyway, it was very hard not to randomly blurt out how cute she was, how silly she was acting, how much I love her. While today was about bullying, I couldn't help but think about the number of voices permanently silenced due to suicide. How many mothers out there don't get to say these same things to their own children because they were taken from them when they could no longer bare the harrassment? I nearly cried a few times just staring at my daughter. I'm sure it is something that will stick with me for a while.<br />
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3. Which leads me to my own mother. Nearly every morning she sends me a sweet little text sayign "Good morning. How are you doing?" It is a bright spot in my day. Today the text read "I know you can't speak, but I wanted to say hi." It put a huge smile on my face. My mother is a Christian, a very sweet, loving, Christ-like Christian. Something I have found is rare. She has one daughter that is openly pagan and another that is openly gay. And she texts them every morning asking how they are, sending a little support my way when I choose to back a cause she may not feel fully comfortable with. Because she is amazing. I have found a small group of people who are the same and I have pulled them in close over the years, so happy to have found them after too many years of being tormented for my beliefs. Today reminded me that there are those out there willing to overlook the differences and offer kindness.<br />
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4. And thus that last little hit home for me. I was bullied for much of my life. Even back when I still practiced Christianity, I was in a bigger school system where I was in fact in the minority for my beliefs. I was looked down on and laughed at. When I found my way to Paganism we were in the process of moving to a small town that currently has 6 churches for the small population to choose from. Once more I was the minority, the outcast, the one on the recieving end of the notion that we should "just string 'em up and let them burn." I hate to admit but while dealing with the slurs and comments I didn't pay any attention as my sister came out gay. I can only hope her popularity saved her from the worst of it.<br />
When Facebook first started, back when you actually needed and .edu email to log in, I was still trying to get to know my new college acquantances. I told my roommate I was pagan before moving day so she could leave if she wanted, she asked that I hide my books until after her parents left. I did. I told my Welcome group that it meant I was polythiestic and got all kinds of excited at the World Cultures reading list for it's diversity, but I rarely talked to all but one of the other members as soon as it stopped being mandatory. After a heated debate the second semester about boundries involved in religion, conversion, caring for others souls, some stopped talking to me completely. So I always watched my posts on FB. Years later I found that I hesitated before every repost, wondering if someone would be offended o disgusted. I reread every update for any signs of my beliefs, knowing I had friends and family that disagreed or even worse, didn't know. It wasn't until my stepmom informed me that her father, the preacher, already knew about my religion, after we had gotten back from staying with him on vacation where he never said a word and was so sweet to me. Holy crap, I could say what I wanted because those that mattered no longer cared!<br />
I was silent for too many years, unable to voice my real opinions and beliefs! Suddenly I could say what I wanted. So I started doing that. I repost little link about Pagan Pride Day. I "like" that article about dealing with depression and mental health. I shared that video about the couples behind an X-Ray kissing. I am not in your face pagan and I don't have only gay friends. But I am me and I no longer hide that.<br />
So today when I couldn't get on Facebook and point out how I am reminded of why I worship the Sun when I am lucky enough to catch a sunrise like this morning, I was very caught off gaurd and a little anxious. I simply couldn't imagine having to go back to being silent about who I am. <b>So why must our youth feel they have to be silent?</b><br />
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Think about all the voices you don't hear.</h2>
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Thank you to everyone that respected my decision to partake in this event. Thank you to everyone who has made sure that I do not have to be silent the other 364 days of the year. Thank you to everyone who has spoken out about bullying and harrassment for whatever cause. </div>
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I hope you feel you can speak up. Remember, you can always talk to me.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-80056961493464671372015-04-16T13:57:00.002-07:002015-04-16T13:58:20.959-07:00April 17th - A Day of SilenceSo back in 2003 I heard about the Day of Silence. A Friday in April when students across the country remained silent to show their support for other students that had to keep quiet about their sexual orientation. A way to speak out against bullying without saying a word. I tried to join it, but being from such a small community that didn't understand it didn't turn out so well.<br />
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I decided this year to partake again.<br />
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Traditionally it is a thing only done by students, but I don't see why that has to be. There are plenty of adults out there that feel that they can't be who they want to be for fear of hatred. It is also a campaign for the LGBTQA+, but they are not the only ones bullied for who they are. People can be terribly unaccepting when they want to be.<br />
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So tomorrow I am going to take a vow of silence. That means complete silence. No talking with friends, family (yeah, even the kids), and not online. I have almost always felt safe in expressing my beliefs and preferences, but there are so many others that can't. Even if you are just a plain jane and have nothing to be silent about, maybe you should consider being silent for the day, it may give you a look into how others feel when they are unable to express themselves.<br />
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I am hoping that by doing this I can show my kids (mainly Jareth since he is older) how devastating bullying can be. I may fail, I may end up breaking down and talking with the kids, and I may give in to check a notice on Twitter. Or I may make it through the day, having to be quiet about my opinions and thoughts for the first time in my life, or since I came out of the broom closet back in 2001. Either way, I hope to raise some awareness for those out there that even as adults they don't feel free to be themselves. That alone could inspire something big.<br />
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For those that don't feel they have anybody to talk to, please feel free to message me. Reach out because I am here to listen to whatever you have to say about whatever subject. You don't have to be quiet!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-13659574426993479122014-09-09T08:22:00.000-07:002014-09-09T14:44:42.155-07:00National Suicide Prevention Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"You're young, healthy, have a beautiful son, no bills, and no job. What do you have to be depressed about?" Those words were spoken by someone who, while he loved me, had no real understanding about depression. And they are words that have stuck with me over the years since they were first said. He was right. At the time I had everything I could ask for (no job was because I wanted to be at home with my son instead) and by all intents and purposes I should have been very happy with life. Yet I found it hard to get out of bed in the morning, spent most of my day curled around myself in a chair, only hugged my young son when I couldn't help it, and disappeared into my room whenever I could. I knew the symptoms well because I had gone through the same thing many times over the years, but it didn't mean that I had any idea of how to really handle it.<br />
I consider myself very lucky when it comes to depression. While I have had several bouts with it they have been fairly short ordeals, the last one lasting only two weeks before I was able to recover myself. As I deal with it I find it easier for me to hang on to the world, able to go about my day to day life with very little effect from a sour mood. I have a very mild case. And with a family to think about I know that this is a blessing.<br />
That was not the case when I was younger. When my parents got divorced I moved with my father to a very small town in Texas. I was fortunate enough to find a small group of friends that would become vital to my struggle until graduation five years later. I had a very support father that encouraged me to be who I wanted to be. Again, I was blessed. This did not stop people from making fun of and bullying me for most of that time. I was very different from nearly everyone at the school. My choosing to study paganism led to a lot of pain on my end. It was tough. I entertained thoughts of suicide on numerous occasions. Luckily I am too much of a wimp to go through with anything and I had one friend in particular that understood what I was going through and helped keep me sane, because she had been there too.<br />
All of this has made me a much stronger person today. And as a mother it has prepared me for what I may face with my children one day. I am very blessed to have made it this far and discovered what I have.<br />
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Not everyone is so lucky. There are so many people out there suffering in silence. Some even suffering out loud that still feel utterly alone. Too many people do not have the resources and support they think they need to make it out the other end.<br />
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September 8th through the 12th is National Suicide Prevention Week. As part of an effort to reach out to those who may think they have no other choice, I am going to participate in the campaign started by the non-profit organization "To Write Love On Her Arm" (TWLOHA) for this year. The theme, as you can see, is "No One Else Can Play Your Part." As part of this I am going to find a reason I am special for each day of this week, I challenge you to do the same! Why can no one else be you? What is your reason for staying?<br />
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I also want to encourage everyone to follow TWLOHA on Facebook and/or Twitter. Each day they post someone else's statement along with posts from their blog. They also give people resources and ways to help others. No matter what your connection to depression and suicide is, they will point you in the direction you need.<br />
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Maybe together we can help the growing number of people who battle depression find a safe place they can turn to. Those of us that have the ability to stand up need to do so for those that can't. Put a smile on your face when you go out because maybe it will brighten up someone's day enough to make it to tomorrow. Stop your harsh words before they are said because you don't know the battle that person has been facing up to that point. Open your mind to the possibility that diversity is a blessing, not something to single someone out on belittle them for. And always remember that no one can play your part, not in your story of the story of others. Make that part memorable and beautiful!<br />
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<b>Resources and Links -</b><br />
<b><a href="http://twloha.com/home">To Write Love On Her Arm</a></b><br />
<a href="http://twloha.com/blog">TWLOHA Blog</a><br />
<a href="http://twloha.com/find-help">Find Help</a><br />
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<i>Why TWLOHA?</i><br />
I use this particular group because they offered help when I needed it. I have "OneLove" tattooed on my arm because of them, but with my own personal take. There are, however, many more groups out there. I encourage those that need it to find the group that will help them most with their struggle. All that is important is finding the support you need!<br />
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<b>Monday - </b><br />
<i>No One Else Can Play My Part</i> because no one else can understand them like I can!<br />
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<b>Tuesday - </b><i>No One Else Can Play My Part</i> because I think I give the kids I watch something special. There have been many and they have all been great! These are my current ones: Landen and Hunter.<br />
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<b>Wednesday -</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-85541686594141843772014-08-27T08:52:00.001-07:002014-08-27T09:19:51.511-07:00ALS - Ice Bucket Challenge<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, by now you must have seen a ton of videos of everyone doing the Ice Bucket Challenge, and if not, wow, where have you been? Everyone from random strangers in their pool or back yard to big name celebrities such as Bill Gates, Sir Patrick Stewart, and Misha Collins have partaken in this event of epic proportions. Whole casts of shows to sports teams to families! We spent an hour clicking from one YouTube video to another watching all our favorite actors and big names getting doused with buckets of ice water.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But do you know why? I knew it was for ALS but was unsure of what that was exactly. Then I heard Lou Gehrig's Disease and I was a little less unsure, but still in the dark. Jareth had no clue what it was about. So we sat down to find out what this was all for. Let me share what we found out:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What is ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease)?</b><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.920000076293945px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">A</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">myotrophic </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.920000076293945px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">l</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">ateral </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.920000076293945px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">s</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">clerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">(Straight from the <a href="http://www.alsa.org/about-als/what-is-als.html">ALSA.org</a> website.)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">Need a visual to go with this explination? The following link is one man's challenge video. It starts out silly and fun, but soon takes a more serious turn. I agree with everyone who says this one video may be all you need to see to understand not only the reasons behind the Ice Bucket Challenge but the disease behind it.It is being called <a href="http://www.upworthy.com/the-last-ice-bucket-challenge-you-need-to-see-and-you-really-should-see-it?g=7">The last Ice Bucket Challenge video you need to see</a>. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">Other stories, testimonies, realities of those that live with ALS can be found on the ALSA.org site under <a href="http://www.alsa.org/about-als/aam-2014/stories/">See The Faces of ALS</a>.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><b>Why the Ice Bucket Challenge?</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">So, from what I have gathered, here is the origin story, more or less. (Please note that if you know any of my information to be incorrect you can comment and I will make sure it is changed! Thank you!) </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">The Ice Bucket Challenge has a very ambiguous beginning. However it seems to have stepped to the forefront in mid-2013 as a way for participants to raise awareness and donations for cancer charities. However,on June 30 of this year </span></span><i style="color: #333333; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">Morning Drive</i><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"> hosted the first on air challenge, attributing the event to golfers as it began to spread throughout that community. Suddenly former Boston College baseball player Pete Frates, who has ALS began to take to Twitter to get the word out. With his connections not only through sports but the organization itself, Frates gave the challenge a face for people to rally behind. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">Soon the challenge began gaining ground as people began to revel in the thought of watching others partake in this shivvering event! Bigger names began to be tossed into the mix; even President Obama was challenged, although he declined, instead giving money.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><b>How does it help ALS?</b></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">That answer is two-fold. The rules of the challenge state that participants have two choices: They can take the challenge and challenge others or they can donate $100 to ALS charities. Most participants choose to do both, most simply giving a smaller donation once they have been doused in water. (Us for example could only give $20, but we gave.) So either way, the cause is receiving much needed funds. </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">This challenge is also raising awareness. As I stated, I did not know what ALS was in the beginning. Not only do I now know, my son does, and my stepmom, and my husband, and my sister. Hopefully the gamers my son challenged now know, along with their YouTube followers. Many of my friends have partaken in this, challenging their friends and family. The pastor at our Cowboy church joked about the challenge at a Sunday baptism because the water was so cold. He was challenged within the week and posted the video to the church's Facebook page, now the congregation knows.</span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">By no means was ALS a secret before all this! However, with the average number of cases in the US only being around 30,000, not enough people seem to be effected by the reality of it to bring it the attention it needs. This disease slowly eats away at the host, leading to paralysis over the years. And yet there is only one medication out there to modestly slow the progress. That is not enough! </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><b>Does the challenge work?</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">Last year $2.6 million dollars were raised over the course of time that the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has brought in new donors this year. It may seem like a lot but it is nothing compared to what needs to be done to help research and development of medicines. How much has been raised this year? In the same amount of time? Due to the publicity of the Ice Bucket Challenge?:</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">$88.5 Million</i> (number as of Aug. 26th)</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">1.9 million NEW donors have given to the cause. That means that between last year and this 1.9 million people have been informed and convinced to donate to the cause. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">Let that sink in for a moment.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><b>It's not just ALS!</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">I must also say that this is not all about ALS. There have been numerous people that have taken the challenge and given to charities that mean more to them. As I said, ALS does not effect everyone. </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">ALS does not effect my family. Do you know what does? Parkinson's. My grandmother has been diagnosed and dealt with it for many years now. My father's hands shake more than may be normal. I will one day be tested and may have to watch my children develop signs as they get old. So why did I give to ALS? Because Parkinson's has some big names in their ranks who make it a point to give a lot to the cause. Many advances have been made in the years since Michael J. Fox stepped up and showed people what this disease was. (Much like the Ice bucket Challenge is doing now!) ALS is also a neurodegenerative disease, as is Parkinson's, which means that any advances in discovering how it acts could potentially aid those studying Parkinson's. This sounds like a win/win to me. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><b>How do you help?</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">You don't have to wait to be challenged! Step up and dump your own bucket of ice on yourself and call out 3 friends! Or just donate! Go to <a href="http://alsa.org/">ALSA.org</a> and find out what you need to know and do what you need to do! Every bit helps! Get the ball rolling!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">Or make the turn and bring another cause to the forefront! Who says that ALS should be the only cause we call out. I think it would be absolutely wonderful if as all the hype dies down we pick another insanely fun thing to do (people complain but stepping into ice water in this Texas heat was refreshing for Jareth) for another cause! Get out there and be the one that says "This effects me and this is what I want to do about it!" </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><b>Our Challenges:</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;">As I said, my stepmother took the challenge from a friend. She called out my son! Here is her video. That's my Dad taking too much pleasure from dousing her!</span></span></span><br />
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And so Jareth did it. He challenged two gamers that he follows on YouTube and Twitter as well as my sister, Amanda! And boy did he have fun!<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><b>Further Links:</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><b><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/matthewherper/2014/08/19/think-the-ice-bucket-challenge-is-stupid-youre-wrong/">Forbes Talks About Why it's not Stupid</a></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 17.920000076293945px;"><a href="http://www.alsa.org/news/media/press-releases/ice-bucket-challenge-082614.html">The Numbers by ALSA.org</a></span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_Bucket_Challenge"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">More Info from Wiki</span></a><br />
<a href="http://parade.condenast.com/331625/jerylbrunner/48-more-als-ice-bucket-celebrity-challenges/3/"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Some other Ice bucket challenges</span></a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-77953198951382750082014-08-09T12:10:00.000-07:002014-08-09T12:54:52.593-07:00GISHWESOk, so this year we did the Summer List, trying to tackle a ton of items for family fun over the course of the summer. With only two weeks to go we know we are not going to be making it as far as we had hoped. This does not, however, stop us from looking for new and exciting things to do to fill next summer. Maybe we will try and finish the list, we are not sure yet. But what we do know is that next August we are going to be partaking in a week of awesome!<br />
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GISHWES - or The Greatest International Scavenger Hunt the World Has Ever Seen<br />
It was started in 2010 by Misha Collins, an actor and founder of Random Acts, a non-profit that encourages people to perform small and large acts of kindness around the world to improve it. Taking place over several days in the beginning of August, GISHWES encourages people to do crazy, random, exciting things to beat the boredom and discover new things. Like any other scavenger hunt each item on the list, that Collins works on throughout the year, has a point value. The team, made of 15 people, with the most points at the end gets a prize; past winners have gone to Rome, a haunted castle in Scotland, and British Columbia, with this years winners going on a trip to King's Island in Croatia to ride on a pirate ship captained by Misha himself.<br />
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With items as simple as performing a socket puppet show at a children's hospital to pool cleaning as a Storm Trooper next to a sunbather, this hunt provides items for people of all ages and levels of crazy! This is right up our alley!<br />
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This year we decided to hold back due to our own Summer List and hopes that we had held onto for life changes. We took this time to watch other GISHERs post their photos at the end of the week, watch who on our own Twitter posted their ideas toward helping, and basically just seeing what everything was about before we decided to take the plunge with two kids! And about a day into it, after getting a look at the list this year, we were set on joining for 2015! So we are going to be taking up the challenge next year, and we wanted to give everyone a heads up of plenty of time! I am going to be probably spending the next year convincing as many people as I can to join us in the fun.<br />
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Right now I have the list of items for this year. It is a long one, so I am posting it at the end of the post for those that want to take the time to read through it. I don't believe I will be posting pictures or videos of this year's participants to the page, since I didn't take them, but I will leave a link to the page where they will put them up in the testimonies. Please, take a minute, go look at the page, and mark your calendar for next year! This is said to change people's lives! Wouldn't it be nice to change the world!<br />
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LINKS -<br />
<a href="https://www.gishwhes.com/index.php">GISHWES</a><br />
<a href="http://www.therandomact.org/">Random Acts</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/mishacollins">Misha Collins</a><br />
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GISHWES 2014 List<br />
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the elderly love mud wrestling, but they must do it in private because I never
see it! Let’s fix this. Catch your grandparents or great grandparents in a
mud-wrestling match.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">61
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO (20 seconds).
You (and a friend if you wish) enlist with a local volunteer organization and
have yourself filmed doing one of the following: planting a tree, working at a
food bank or soup-kitchen, collecting trash, or helping out at a retirement
facility. You must be wearing something that shows you seriously know how to
party.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">51 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. It’s “me
time.” Spoil, pamper and be decadent to yourself like you never have before.
Oh, and P.S., you’re dressed as a Stormtrooper.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">48 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO or IMAGE.
Clearly your bicycle is underwhelming you with its current performance. Convert
your bicycle into a warp-speed spacecraft. Ride it.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">41 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. You and your
four friends are a five-headed monster with all of your heads poking out of one
collar of a giant shirt. Now do yard work.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">32 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE or VIDEO. As
GISHWHES certainly isn’t all about dog-eat-dog competition, find someone on
another GISHWHES team and surprise them with an act of thoughtful generosity.
Make us tear up. We must see the team name or Username of the individual you
are helping.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">66
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Find an object
that you’re holding onto for all the wrong reasons. Destroy it mightily.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">17 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. A lot of
politicians oppose minimum wage laws. Let’s expand their horizons: pay an
elected official less than minimum wage to do at least 1 hour of yard work for
you.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">42 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO (time-lapse 20
seconds). Assemble a puzzle with a minimum of 50 pieces in one sitting. The
video must show the box with more than 50 pieces and then you putting the puzzle
together. For ease of assembly you must be wearing wool mittens or gloves
throughout the assembly of the puzzle.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">28 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">10.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Go through a
drive-through at a fast food restaurant in your invisible car. Order, among
other things, a Diet Water. You must have a passenger in your invisible car,
and you both must be “seated.”</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">36
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">11.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO (slow motion).
Set to opera music, stage a water balloon fight between 10 or more participants
all wearing business suits.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">44
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">12.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. GISHWHES has
taken its toll this year. You deserve a break. Hit the hot tub with a couple of
friends… wearing hats made of ice cream.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">37 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">13.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Time flies
like a Wooster gone wild. There’s someone in your life - an older family member
or an older friend - that will someday be gone. There’s something you used to
do with them that you enjoyed or have been meaning to do with them, but never
have. Do it now, before it’s too late.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">31 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">14.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. File a Freedom
of Information Act request for any available government files on your parents.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">19 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">15.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Have an
elderly person teach you an “old-school” skill now considered obsolete. For
example, how to operate a telegraph or a mechanical typewriter (those examples
are now off-limits). - Jennifer Kristiansen.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">33 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">16.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. A family of at
least four enjoying a formal dinner. All of the place settings, serving
utensils, dishes - basically every non-food item above the tablecloth - must be
made from Legos.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">63
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">17.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. You are off to
a most elegant formal evening gala. Disaster strikes! Your outfit is ruined!
Dress yourself in an outfit fit for such an evening, using only items found in
your bathroom. -Hutchinson</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">49
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">18.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. As you well
know, all the actors who work on the CW network collect hand-painted
paper-mache models of their own heads. Get one of these actors to post a photo
on Twitter or FB of them holding your team’s painted paper-mache creation of
their likeness. (I understand that what I just wrote was grammatically cumbersome.
If you have a hard time understanding what I just wrote, don’t be hard on
yourself, you’re not the only one. Join a support group. Just to be clear the
image with the celebrity is the GISHWHES item here, not the support group. The
support group is just for you.)</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">65
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">19.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO (8 seconds).
Stand in front of a recognizable landmark or monument, wear something
magnificent, and in whatever your native language is, complete the following
sentence: “Gishwhes makes me feel_____”</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">28 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">20.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Based on the
Internet, which is always super reliable and never wrong, each year almost
100,000 people are saved by out-of-hospital CPR in the US alone… from
everything from choking on food to heart attacks. Get an online or offline CPR
certification. It only takes an hour or two to do it online (Internet search
for “online CPR certification”); however, the Interwebs say it’s more thorough
if you go into an actual class (among many other organizations, the Red Cross
and YMCA’s host classes). Your choice. Submit an image of you holding up your
Certificate. Bonus points if you do it with a friend.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">80 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">21.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO (20 seconds).
Get everyone on a subway, bus or train car to sing “Over the River and Through
the Woods.” There must be at least 8 passengers and it must not be staged (i.e.
this must be a random collection of commuters, not your friends).</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">77 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">22.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO (20 seconds).
Because of our subversive influence, most governments have declared GISHWHES to
be a national security threat. Have a uniformed officer explain to a unit of
servicemen how to neutralize a hostile GISHER.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">26 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">23.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Facts: (1)
Orlando Jones’s father played for the Philadelphia Phillies, (2) Orlando’s
first acting experiences involved playing a werewolf in a haunted house, and
(3) Orlando is currently starring in “Sleepy Hollow”. Let’s see you, dressed as
a werewolf baseball player, riding a horse while holding a sign that reads, “We
are all Orlando!”</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">36
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">24.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Challenge a
professional athlete to a game of hopscotch and win. The image must include
both of you hopscotching and the professional athlete’s name.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">72 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">25.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Get all of the
checkout employees at a supermarket to wear “Mishacolypse” masks as they ring
up customers. They all must be working their individual registers when you take
the picture. There must be a minimum of four checkout workers. The more
cashiers, the more points.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">46
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">26.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE (two images
edited side-by-side). Table Mountain, South Africa; Mount Snowdon Wales; Mount
Sinai, Egypt; Mt. Fuji, Japan; and Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania are epic peaks.
Climb one of them. You must submit two images side by side, one of you in front
of the mountain, and the second, with you at the summit, wearing the same
clothes, holding up a sign that says: “Everything is easy when you GISHWHES!”</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">147 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">27.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO (20 seconds).
Surprise a soldier stationed in a remote location. While you’re Skyping with
them, surprise them by having one or more of their close friends or family
members that they haven’t seen since deployment, pop up behind you.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">64 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">28.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Stage a
mini-newspaper boat regatta in a public fountain with at least four competing
vessels. We must see intense competitiveness and gambling.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">23 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">29.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. If you’re like
me, you’re sick of the go-to barista foam-art. If I have to sip at another
latte adorned with a fern or clover shape, I’m going to cry. Let’s see the
Elopus professionally recreated in the foam of a café’s hot drink.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">24 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">30.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Aisha Tyler is
a formidable thumb wrestler. Get a WWE or WWF Wrestler (former or current) to
publicly challenge her to a thumb war. Triple points if the match-up actually
happens. -Jess Richardson</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">48
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">31.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Get married.
If you’re married, renew your vows. For this ceremony, the marital partners
must be adorned in this season’s hottest, stunning and elegant… kitchenware.
Make sure your ceremony is well attended and set outside in a stunning location
befitting such a momentous occasion. The officiant must be a ship’s captain.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">82 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">32.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO (20 seconds).
Get one of the 2014 Gishwhes items you accomplish mentioned and/or shown on a
TV news station.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">108
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">33.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Batman or
another superhero playing bingo at a crowded recreation center.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">71 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">34.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Well done!
You’ve just managed to catch a rare “Popcorn Child Monster” on camera.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">27 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">35.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Suck blood
from a doughnut.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">36.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. You at the
beach, pool or on a boat, wearing a homemade, 99% edible, candy bathing suit.
(The remaining 1% can be inedible thread or wire, but we don’t want to see it.)</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">53 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">37.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. “When I grow
up, I want to be…” Have a child dress up as what they want to be when they grow
up (lawyer, doctor, ballerina, dragon-slayer, etc.). Then stage the photo in
the environment they would be working in.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">61 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">38.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO or IMAGE. It’s
time the Internet’s bourgeoning Culinary Master was recognized… or panned.
Prepare West Collins’ “Pasta with Jam Sauce” (</span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90tZUltzRBc" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90tZUltzRBc</span></a><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) and have a noted food critic review it. It must be a
qualified, published critic. If they’re not a published critic, don’t submit.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">102 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">39.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Use climbing
gear - grappling hooks, ropes, and carabiners - to summit the mighty ascent of
the sidewalk of Filbert between Leavenworth and Hyde.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">33 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">40.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Collect 100
clusters of dandelion fluff balls, and with the help of friends, blow them all
clean within 8 seconds. While you’re at it, you might as well wish for world
peace.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">21 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">41.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO or IMAGE. Go
through a TSA (or your country’s equivalent) checkpoint dressed for snorkeling.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">71 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">42.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE or VIDEO. Some
regions have legendary monsters like the Loch Ness Monster in Loch Ness,
Scotland or the Abominable Snowman in… well, wherever that creature lurks.
Catch the mystery monster on camera that haunts your hometown.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">41 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">43.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Let’s see a
flattering mosaic of one of Misha’s crushes: Dilma Rousseff, Michelle Obama or
Sarah Palin, on the window of an office-supply store. The mosaic is made from
multi-colored Post-Its.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">38
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">44.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Two people
kissing across the Russia/Ukraine Boarder.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">112 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">45.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO (up to 30
seconds). Create a Rube Goldberg machine that includes “Eye of the Tiger”, an
image of John Travolta, a toilet plunger, and acorns, among other things. -
Inspired by Presley and Mike</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">91
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">46.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO (up to 30
seconds). Let’s hear “Carry on My Wayward Son” on a giant pipe organ (antique
preferred) in a cathedral or church, played by someone wearing a sock monkey
hat. - April Carpenter-McVay</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">41
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">47.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Cavemen get a
bad rap, but really, they’re no different from you and me. They like to dine at
fine restaurants just like us!</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">53
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">48.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Four people
use their bodies to form a table. Enjoy an elegant dinner for two at this body
table. -Carianne Steinman</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">29
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">49.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Make a 5-foot
in diameter bird’s nest on a sidewalk in an upscale neighborhood. Nest in it.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">47 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">50.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Perform a
competing “Shakespeare in the Park” in Central Park, right before the real
show.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">33 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">51.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Create the
next hip facial hair look or hipster accessory.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">14 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">52.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Someone ranked
on IMDb’s Starmeter in the top 2,000 wearing a t-shirt with your team name and
“GISHWHES 2014” written on it.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">66
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">53.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Not to throw
around big words, but “Hirsute” means “goat-like or hairy.” Shave a
recognizable corporate logo onto a hirsute man’s back or chest hair. Bonus
points if the man is holding a product emblazoned with the same logo.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">23 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">54.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Covering your
unmentionables with something you deem appropriate, how many clothespins can
you fit (pinched) on the rest of your body? We know; it hurts. We’re sorry, but
no pain, no gain!</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">32
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">55.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE or VIDEO.
Create the famous “Spider-hair-knot.” Eight long-haired people lying on their
backs with their hair tied all together in one big beautiful weave or a nasty
knot. Photograph from above.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">41
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">56.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE (two images
edited side-by-side). Find someone with the exact same name as you who lives in
another state, province, or country. We must see two photos together: the two
faces and two ID cards with all private/contact information blacked out except
for your names and birth dates.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">18
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">57.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Capture the
elusive NASCAR with a pink unicorn decal on camera. Must be a bonafide NASCAR.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">61 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">58.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Register to be
a bone marrow donor: you could save a child’s life or someone’s mom’s life. As
a sign of solidarity on this item, I (Misha) pledge to register to be a
bone-marrow donor myself during the week of the hunt. This item requires you
filling out a form, receiving a “cheek swab test” in the mail, and mailing it
back in. The registration process cannot be completed in just one week, but if
you show us the photo of your online registration confirmation or email, you
will qualify for points on this item. ONLY do this item if you’re serious about
going through with the whole process. There are certain requirements, which you
must meet (for example, if you are too overweight or have certain health or
psychological issues, you cannot be a donor). Also, before proceeding, you
should know that the process is much more involved than donating blood. So, if
you choose to do this item, don’t lie about your weight, health or willingness
to follow through. If, in the future, you do get selected as a donor match (a
very very very slim chance - on average less than 1/2 of 1%), and you turn it down,
you will be incurring terrible karma and may be harming someone and their
family. Even though we consider this one of the more valuable items on the list
we are assigning a low point value to it. Really this item is not about points,
it’s about trying to help a stranger. We need to see a screenshot of your
application. Each application will be worth 3 points. If you edit several
screenshots into one image of you and your teammate’s applications, we will
grant 3 points for each application for up to 10 applications making this item
worth between 3 and 30 points.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">59.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Fograt,
Wooster, Elopus or Marge Simpson tummy-art. The “tummy” canvas in question must
be that of a woman who is at least 7 months pregnant.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">43 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">60.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Reenact the
dramatic death of the Dyerville Giant. You must be standing next to or in front
of the real Dyerville Giant.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">27
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">61.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Go to your
local animal shelter/rescue and hold a photo shoot for one of its residents.
Make an adoption flyer promoting the animal using the photos you’ve taken and
post them on telephone poles. Prove that your campaign was successful. (It can
be multiple images photoshopped into one submission).</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">52 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">62.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Office art.
The boss is away. Take this treasured time to create a beautiful, museum-worthy
sculpture in your cubical comprised entirely of company office supplies. If the
artist in you feels it is imperative to use a coworker as a base or as an
integral part of the piece of work, go ahead and indulge. The world deserves
it.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">39 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">63.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. A brass band
quartet performing “Carry On My Wayward Son” from a median strip, while
commuter cars are stuck in terrible traffic.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">59 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">64.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Pose for a
multigenerational, gender-swapping Sears-style family portrait. Take it
seriously.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">27
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">65.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Let’s see The
Flash stuck behind commuters on an escalator. Quintuple points if your Flash is
portrayed by Grant Gustin himself.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">49 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">66.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Four human
heads (alive!) popping out of the sand - each expressing a different emotion.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">31 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">67.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. On a pool or
billiards table, sink at least 4 balls with one shot. So we know it’s you doing
it, wear a t-shirt displaying your GISHWHES team name. The more balls that go
in, the more points.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">39
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">68.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE (two images
edited side-by-side). In Washington State, USA there is a woman whose legal
name is “Life Has Meaning.” Another woman has legally renamed herself, “Table.”
Find someone whose name is a noun, verb or a phrase, and take a photo with him
or her and his or her driver’s license with everything blacked out except for
his or her name.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">28
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">69.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE (one image with
15 images edited into it). An image of each of the members of your team in
Brady-Bunch style grid format. Photos should be mug-shot style with each team
member holding a black and white sign stating their city and country of
residence.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">72
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">70.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. You know how
at Starbucks they ask your name and write it on the cup so that when your latte
is done, they can say, “Misha, skinny decaf grande latte - extra foam, extra
hot, lightly sweet!” When they ask for your name, give the most ridiculous name
you can think of when you order your Starbucks beverage. The video is of the
barrista announcing your drink and your absurd name.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">40 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">71.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Let’s see what
a fighter jet passenger or pilot POV looks like. The video must be shot during
a flight and the aircraft must do a complete “roll” during the video. After
completing the roll, you or the pilot must hold up a hand or arm on which is
written, “GISHWHES does Mach 2”, “I flip for GISHWHES,” or a similar phrase.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">169 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">72.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Smoke and
mirrors. Awe us.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">17
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">73.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Throw someone
a surprise party with friends they haven’t seen in more than 10 years. Film the
first moment of their surprise re-encounter.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">72 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">74.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Be the messiah
you were always meant to be. Walk on water (must be a lake or pool). We must
not see anything under your feet except for water. Not that we need to say
this, but: no photoshopping!</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">56
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">75.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Create a
magnificent piece of GISHWHES or Elopus-related art and have it displayed in a
gallery art show. The video should show the gallery space, patrons attending
the show and viewing the piece. It must be a real art gallery - not your living
room attended by friends. - Shannon Vincent</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">57 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">76.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. In case the
show needs cast replacements, dress up two barnyard animals like SPN characters
(you may not harm the animals).</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">43
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">77.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. It’s August
and in much of the world we’re sweating right now. In a region with plentiful
water, let’s see gleeful children and firemen playing in an elaborate,
temporary water park built by your town’s firemen using fire department
equipment.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">52
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">78.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Get a previously
published Sci-Fi author to write an original story (140 words max) about Misha,
the Queen of England and an Elopus. -Annie Houston</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">59 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">79.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Visit an
orphanage, a children’s hospital or a juvenile detention center dressed as
Cookie Monster and distribute cookies to the children living there. - Voldie
Quirell</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">68
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">80.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Supernatural
nail art. With Glitter. On hairy toes. - Natalie Springhart</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">19 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">81.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Erect a
tribute to Horris Packard, the inventor of Rubber Gloves.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">14 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">82.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. As you know,
William Shatner loves horses and clocks. Modify a cuckoo clock so that when the
hour strikes, instead of a bird appearing, a tiny Captain Kirk on a horse pops
out.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">36 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">83.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. The writers
and producers of the TV series, “Supernatural”, sometimes pretend they don’t
like the limelight. Of course this is false-modesty. Immortalize one of them
with a stately portrait done in sidewalk chalk art.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">18 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">84.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE (two images
edited side-by-side). Send a military care package. One image is the box with
all the items in it; the other image is you delivering it to the post office.
(Here’s an example of but one link that can help you find out how to do this:</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://www.military.com/spouse/military-life/military-resources/how-to-support-our-troops.html." target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.military.com/spouse/military-life/military-resources/how-to-support-our-troops.html.</span></a><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) - Leah Plath & Lisa Allen</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">27 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">85.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO (up to 20
seconds). Ask a senior citizen for their “bucket list.” Help them achieve one
of the items on their bucket list.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">48 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">86.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Catch a fish,
with a fish while dressed as a fish. - Lisa Boals</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">44 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">87.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Have
attendants at a professional sporting event hold up signs spelling out a
message. Each sign is one letter. The message must not be sports-related and
must be something inspirational and kind. Get your group on the arena’s
jumbo-tron holding up the sign.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">101
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">88.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Make a mosaic
Elopus, 2 meters in diameter, made entirely of natural objects (i.e. no
plastic, human-made materials, only leaves, rocks, dirt, flowers, wood, etc).</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">27 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">89.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO (20 seconds).
Create an Oscar-worthy love scene between William Shatner and Larry King using
creative editing of existing footage of each of them.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">21 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">90.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Gingerbread
Villages are always so cute and quaint. Make a gingerbread village that shows
urban blight: needle exchanges, prostitution, heavy police presence, etc.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">97 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">91.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Using public
transportation, commute to work wearing only the trash your household produced
the previous day. (Note: recyclables do not count as trash.)</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">62 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">92.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Forgive
someone with whom you have been holding a grudge against.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">18 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">93.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Give one of
your favorite and most valued objects to a homeless person.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">31 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">94.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Make a tiny
adorable mouse from boogers. Must be constructed from real, bonafide boogers.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">29 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">95.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Which is
faster: a baby learning to crawl or a turtle? Let’s see a race.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">26 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">96.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Many people go
their whole lives without really getting to know their neighbors. Find a
neighbor you’ve never met and offer to sweep their patio, mow their lawn or help
them with some other task they have to do.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">27 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">97.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO (30 seconds,
edited). Have the proprietor of a crowded sports bar turn off all the
televisions. Then, you must serenade the patrons with a song accompanied by an
acoustic guitar. The video must show the proprietor turning off the TVs, and
the patrons’ reactions as you (and a friend if you wish) sing the song.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">74 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">98.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Act/dress like
a mannequin, shrub or a trashcan in a shopping center. Suddenly come to life
and scare a passing consumer by shouting, “GISHWHES!”</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">56 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">99.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Zombies need
to buy toilet paper too, right? What does that transaction look like?</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">67 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">100.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Provide visual evidence that unicorns really do fart
rainbows. No photoshopping! - Jennifer Cates.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">49 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">101.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Submit a TRUE story (less than 50 words) of something
nice a stranger did for you to</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="https://podio.com/webforms/8915166/658998." target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">https://podio.com/webforms/8915166/658998.</span></a><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Screenshot
the form preview after you submit.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">16 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">102.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Do a maypole dance in a bus station (pilgrim attire
and flower garlands required).</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">49
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">103.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Using charcoal or chalk, stencil the term “D2N” on
the exterior of a factory. (The “2” must be backwards, but I can’t figure out
how to do that on this keyboard.)</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">27 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">104.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Create a geoglyphic sock monkey in a public space at
least 15 meters across. - Frances Mills</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">101 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">105.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. You’ve heard of Ronald Reagan’s “Trickle-down
Economics”? The idea is that when rich people get richer, they spend more money
doing things like getting their nails done and having their Porches waxed, and
that in turn creates more jobs for pedicurist and car washers and other lower
income families. Show us what trickle-down ice-cream-onomics looks like: One
person on top, messily eating an enormous, melting Sunday, with two people on
the floor below, trying to catch the drippings in their mouths as they fall.
This needs to be a real mess.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">38
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">106.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Let’s see a fully dressed, face-painted geisha mowing
the lawn. - Anni Kauniskangas</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">62
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">107.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Install an official-looking velvet rope on a sidewalk
(roping the sidewalk closed). When people approach, prove that chivalry is not
dead by graciously holding the stanchion open for them. Note: in the absence of
a stanchion you can use a doorway that you installed in the middle of the
sidewalk with an operable door, which you politely open.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">52 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">108.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Get NASA (@NASA), the CIA (@CIA), or the official twitter
feed of another nation or any country’s large federal agency to show their “fun
side” in a twitter reply to you that mentions your twitter handle and
#GISHWHES.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">53
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">109.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Obviously, everyone’s favorite Captain of the USS
Enterprise was Jean-Luc Picard. Create a heroic Captain Picard using condiments
(mustard, relish, ketchup, etc.) for paint.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">19 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">110.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO (20 seconds). The NSA is watching us. They’re reading
our texts and emails and listening to our phone calls. The post office is just
another branch of the government, so we can’t trust them either. There is
really only one truly secure way to send messages these days… carrier pigeon.
Using a carrier pigeon, send a GISHWHES shopping list with your team name on it
from one location to another. We must see the pigeon arriving at its
destination with the shopping list and see the list unfurled.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">114 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">111.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. There is a retirement home in Baltimore, MD called
Rolland Park Place. My grandmother lives there. Bring flowers, chocolate or
funny homemade or store-bought cards for some of the residents. Since this is a
bit nepotistic, if Rolland Park Place is out-of-the-way for you, do the same at
another retirement home. You must interact with the residents.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">68 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">112.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Outside in nature, read “Huck Finn” by the light of a
lantern made entirely from lightning bugs.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">59 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">113.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Pressure wash something you really shouldn’t pressure
wash. -Cassidy Johnson</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">33
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">114.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE or VIDEO. You’ve heard of Crop Circles. Let’s see a “Crop
Elopus” or “Crop Wooster” or “Crop Fograt” or the word, “GISHWHES” cut into a
field of corn or wheat or another crop. The artwork must be at least 1 acre
across and should be photographed from an aircraft or from a point of high
elevation.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">178
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">115.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO (.WAV FILE). Get NPR to do a story that’s NOT super
boring on “All Things Considered” or “Morning Edition” or “Weekend Edition.”
The story must mention your team or your name to prove that you inspired the
story.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">148 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">116.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Food trucks are all the rage, but I think they tend
to be a bit speciesist. Get a food truck to sell cat food. It must be on the
menu and we must see a cat placing the order.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">28 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">117.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE (three edited side-by-side-by-side images). Collect
fruit from a tree on from which the fruit hangs over a public sidewalk. Make
jam from the fruit. Eat it. (Provide 3 photos edited into one image).</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">38 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">118.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. More Youtube videos should be close-captioned. Using
YouTube’s close-captioning, close-caption one of the videos you submitted for
another item. It must have significant dialogue in it. - Kim Palmer</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">26 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">119.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. “Jump the shark”. You will be penalized if you are
bitten or eaten by a shark, so plan accordingly. (Liberal interpretations of
this item are encouraged.)</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">21
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">120.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Feed your demons. You are not permitted to submit an
image of you eating desert.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">22
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">121.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE (edited side-by-side image). Challenge a movie theater
employee: If you beat them in an arm-wrestling competition, they have to give
you a free ticket. If they beat you, you’ll buy one. Either way, you get to see
a movie. The images should be of you arm-wrestling across the counter and then
you enjoying your movie.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">40
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">122.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Create a piece of furniture that hasn’t been created
yet but would be very useful. Demonstrate its use. - Alex white</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">34 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">123.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Some things should be broken. Let’s see if we can
crash williamshatner.com: get all your friends to visit the site at precisely
9:02 AM PST, Monday August 4th. You must show a screencap of the ensuing error
message including the URL in the URL bar. (Hint: Don’t visit the site before
that exact time, as it will give the servers time to take on the load.)</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">65 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">124.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. If Jensen Ackles, Jared Padelecki, Misha Collins, or
Mark Sheppard were part man/part animal, what would it look like and what would
its name be? Example: “Jensen Catkles” would be ½ cat, ½ Jensen. Tweet the
image with the twitter handle of the actor your hybridizing and the hashtag:
#GISHWHESspecieshybridization. You only have to amalgamate one of the
aforementioned men. Edit the tweet and photo into one image.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">31 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">125.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Sing a harmonized duet rendition of “Eye of the
Tiger” with someone standing 30 yards away from you. The camera should be
centered between the two singers and we should be able to see both in the
frame. -Stefanie Bumbaru</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">26
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">126.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO (time-lapse up to 20 seconds). Watch grass grow as you
work on GISHWHES items on your lawn. We want to see it in time-lapse: grass
must visibly grow. Hint: make sure your camera is positioned in exactly the
same place over time and that we can see both you working on the item and the
grass, otherwise this won’t work. If we don’t see the grass getting longer
you’ll get no points.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">89
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">127.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Have an image of Pope Francis permanently tattooed on
yourself.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">64
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">128.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Bite Luiz Suarez, Gently.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">103 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">129.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Improve my (Misha Collins’) Erdős number. Hint: it’s
currently lower than 1000.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">29
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">130.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. An angel made from feminine hygiene products - Rachel
Shelby</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">31 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">131.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Convenience stores need much more oversight. Give Red
Cards to customers in a convenience store while dressed as a referee. You must
explain their infraction after handing them the card. Whistle optional.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">40 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">132.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Launch a protest outside a McDonalds claiming the
superiority of post-and-lintels to arches.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">39 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">133.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Draw a New-Yorker-style cartoon for the caption “I
told them he was half-elephant!”</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">19
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">134.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. You or your pet, in period costume, seated on a Game
of Thrones-style kale throne. Make it so good that GOT producers would want it
as a marketing poster.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">62
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">135.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Choreograph and perform The Dance of the Acyclic
Graph.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">34 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">136.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. The NSA staff has been outed as sharing inappropriate
photos discovered during Internet surveillance. Submit the photo you think is
most likely to have come from Misha’s computer.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">26 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">137.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Lots of new Internet shorthand has evolved: “LOL,”
“IMHO,” “OMFG” Come up with the meaning for the Internet abbreviation “IDGHP”
and use it in social media. If you get it to catch on, extra points.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">31 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">138.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. It turns out that jellyfish will be big winners in
global warming. Create a PSA to help the humans prepare for a future with
jellyfish overlords.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">23
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">139.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Play “Carry On My Wayward Son” on acorn tops. - Ana
Kauniskangas</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">31
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">140.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Build a miniature fairy house in Kensington Gardens.
It must be constructed entirely from natural objects found in the park, no
synthetic materials. If you build next to another team’s fairy house, extra
points.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">18
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">141.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. A museum-quality installation exhibition of the
dishware in your cupboard. Artist Statement is NOT optional.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">27 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">142.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Develop a parallel algorithm for efficiently
inverting a trillion-by-trillion matrix.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">14 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">143.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Sing “Dust in the Wind” in a dust storm.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">47 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">144.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Find an odd integer other than 1, that is the sum of
its divisors (e.g., 6 = 1+2+3 and (1,2,3) are the divisors of 6).</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">24 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">145.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. (Time-lapse). Dress as a Matryoshka doll then strip
layers off.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">51
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">146.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Create an image of the Elopus and Wooster in an epic
battle for mascot supremacy.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">23
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">147.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. It’s summertime and everyone loves a lemonade stand.
But then again, every Tom, Dick and Harry is setting up a lemonade stand in the
summertime and the market is flooded. Respond to consumer demand and carve out
your own niche. Let’s see two children manning a “Hot Pasta With Jam Sauce”
stand.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">43 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">148.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. GISHWHES rock band album cover including one, some or
all of your teammates.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">25
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">149.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Shoot a potted plant off a fence post with a potato
canon. Not a potato gun, a potato canon.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">50 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">150.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Tweed Porn. Let’s see it with an appropriate porn
sound track played on a lone kazoo. (No nudity required.)</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">23 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">151.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Larry King started his career by doing interviews on
a morning show at Pumpernik’s Restaurant in Miami Beach where he would
interview random customers and staff. Interview Larry King at a diner about his
incredible journey since Pumpernik’s.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">192 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">152.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Make a children’s Pop-Up book about the CROATOAN
Virus ending the world.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">43
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">153.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Last year on the GISHWHES winner’s trip, we met some
very cheerful members of the Duncan Toyota sales team, around a bonfire.
Michael, perhaps the manager of the place (I don’t remember as I was still in a
post-Ouija-board-séance fog) is a big fan of Easter eggs. Deliver a dozen
decorated eggs to an employee at Duncan Toyota on Vancouver Island, British
Columbia, Canada with one of the eggs displaying one of your Usernames.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">29 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">154.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Sculpt John Barrowman’s head from duct tape.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">41 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">155.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Get a legitimate Term Sheet from a
professionally-listed venture capital firm (with their contact information on
their official letterhead) detailing their investment in your startup app
called “Granny-Grinder” - Grinder for seniors. We will be confirming with the
VC firm that the Term Sheet is legitimate.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">69 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">156.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Recreate a scene from the cinematic masterpiece
“Stonehenge Apocalypse” in miniature - measured to the HO Scale, 1:87 ratio
(humans should be around 2cm/20mm tall). Use whatever materials you desire but
YOU MUST make everything yourself - No store-brought Stonehenge kits! -Kristy
Louise Gibbs</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">71
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">157.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Get photos of each of your team members printed on
microfilm.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">53
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">158.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE or VIDEO. A novel life form.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">42 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">159.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Get “GISHWHES” and something identifying your team,
captured in Google street view. Edit the exact coordinates of the street-view
image over your screen cap.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">64
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">160.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Use a 3-D printer to make a quill pen. Write, “Buy
new toner cartridge” with your new pen. We must see the pen being printed and
the note being written with it.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">57
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">161.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO (20 seconds). The most popular Youtube videos are of
cute animals, people falling unexpectedly, twerking, drunken debauchery,
politicians doing embarrassing things, the Harlem Shake, video games, and
cooking. It stands to reason that if you were to create a video with all of
these elements, it would be a viral phenomenon.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">26 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">162.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. This or any past year’s GISHWHES mascot recognizable
in topiary.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">99
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">163.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. A cheerleading team cheering for the employees of a
car wash.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">65
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">164.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Your friend is in bed, not feeling well. Feed them a
big bowl of warm (not hot) chicken noodle soup. One caveat: instead of feeding
them with a spoon, use a leaf-blower.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">73 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">165.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. On Sunday, August 3rd, at 12:00 PST, someone from
your team or a representative of your team, go to Miller Community Center (</span><a href="http://www.seattle.gov/parks/centers/miller.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.seattle.gov/parks/centers/miller.htm</span></a><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) 330 19th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112. You must follow
the directions for this event posted on our UPDATES page. Submit an image here
for your team that Misha directs you to at the event.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">89 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">166.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Time-lapse: Re-enact the 1980’s “Pepsi Challenge”
with a twist. Take two human molars and put each in a glass. Pour Pepsi into
one glass and coke into the other and allow them to sit for 72 hours. Remove.
Which is better for discoloring/dissolving teeth? Coke or Pepsi?</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">32 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">167.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. If GISHWHES were a destination vacation, what would
the brochure look like? - Misty Figueiredo</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">35 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">168.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Photograph an Israeli and a Palestinian holding hands
and their country’s respective flags (or drawings of their flags).</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">56 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">169.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Jared Padelecki does not love Excel Documents. Post
one to him on twitter that might change his opinion of Excel.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">41 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">170.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Trolling for fish is when you drag your line slowly
through the water hoping to fool a fish into snatching your bait. On your
favorite social media site, create a new user. Your profile avatar will be a
photo or drawing of Orlando Jones. Your user name will be evocative of “Orlando
Jones.” Now, masquerading as Orlando Jones, troll for—and hook—at least 400
followers.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">53
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">171.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. You know the expression, “spice up your sex life?”
Let’s see how hot sauce can bring a little fire back into a relationship. P.S.,
the couple in question must be in their 80s or older.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">69 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">172.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. One of my big pet peeves is that parades only seem to
happen on certain designated holidays or for special events. Obviously, it is
our god-given right to have a parade anytime we want. Build a Mardi Gras-style
parade float and drive it down main street. We must see something related to
GISHWHES on the float (a mascot, an item, etc.).</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">108 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">173.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. You see people holding up signs from time to time
that say “free hugs.” I have always been wary of those people. I don’t know
what it is they’re after. Are they trying to cop a feel? Get me to buy a
timeshare? I avoid them. But your “free hugs” sign won’t leave any doubt in the
readers’ minds… Wearing a bathing suit, cover every inch of your exposed skin
with honey, peanut butter, syrup or jam. Hold a sign on a busy public sidewalk
that reads, “Free Hugs.” Enthusiastically attempt to recruit hug-victims.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">98 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">174.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Find 19 year-old Alex Wedow and have him make you a
“Mega Ice Cream Sundae.” He’ll know what you mean. Then eat the whole thing.
Photo must show you holding your empty mega Sunday dish in one hand while Alex
holds your hand over your heads as if you were the victor, he’s the referee and
the empty dish is the trophy.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">39
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">175.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO or IMAGE. Rollerblade through a museum - Steve Martin
style - but wearing a sock monkey hat.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">64 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">176.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Try to make yourself look exactly like an iconic
local statue (in every detail) and stand next to it. - Gina Cardazone</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">62 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">177.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. A NYT best-selling author or Tony-award winning actor
or actress doing a dramatic reading of a section of this:</span><a href="http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/right_of_way.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/right_of_way.htm</span></a><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">112 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">178.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. Birds have style too. Create an
architecturally-significant GISHWHESESQUE birdhouse. Hang it on a tree in a
public park. On the photo, write the name of the park and the city and country
in which it is installed.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">45
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">179.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO. Ride an in-line bicycle-built-for-4.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">47 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">180.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. This is an item, the outcome of which, will rear its
head later and you may have an opportunity to participate in something very
strange and wonderful: complete workable architectural drawings for a
beautiful, 9 foot by 9 foot, post and beam, open-air teahouse of redwood
construction. The teahouse is to be built on an existing 9’X9’ concrete pad.
The structure must be designed to be comfortable and accessible to humans, must
require no plumbing or electrical, have no doors (just an open entrance), and
instead of windows, just openings. Design must call for no nails or screws,
only mortises, tenons and pegs (with steel bolts to tie it to the slab).</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">115 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">181.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO (20 seconds). The 1980s were great for break-dancing
and neon clothing. Remember the “backspin?” Have a junker car do a “backspin”
(upside down) on a piece of cardboard set to 1980s rap. The car must have some
neon decoration.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">167
POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">182.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMAGE. What do Lake Baikal, Lake O’Higgins-San Martin, Lake
Hornindalsvatnet, Lake Toba, and Lake Mjosa all have in common? They are all
wet and they are part of the “Top 10 Deepest Lakes in the World” list. Float on
a raft completely covered in flowers on one of the world’s top 10 deepest lakes
near an identifying marker of the lake.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">82 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">183.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VIDEO or IMAGE. Last year, NASA used their official twitter
account to politely ask us to stop bothering the astronauts on the space
station. NASA has undoubtedly spent the past 12 months regretting this
hastily-made decision, so we are giving them a second chance to get in on the
fun… Get “GISHWHES conquers space” or “GISHWHES [insert other clever phrase]”
written on or in something orbiting in space. 400 points if an astronaut poses
with the inscription. No photoshopping allowed! A couple of teams cheated last
year on the space item and were disqualified.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">289 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Misha Collins and the Queen of England. You may not use existing altered media
images. It must be drawn or painted (digitally painted is acceptable). - Jenn
Kirschner.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">62
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effect of lit and unlit office windows in a skyscraper. We must be able to clearly
see the word and it must span at least 30 stories.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">291 POINTSSubmit</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-74811298152500904422014-07-15T08:44:00.000-07:002014-07-15T08:44:42.450-07:00All Day Harry Potter Marathon<h3>
List Items - #14, #16, #26, #29, #28, #33, and #77</h3>
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Item #14 - Have breakfast in bed</h4>
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With DH having to work nights we don't often all wake up at the same time. But due to an over-crowded schedule the day before, we were able to plan it so that the day started early for everyone. We were all still up in stages, but close enough that we could actually eat breakfast together! But we wanted to get started on the movies so we made a giant bed in the middle of the living room on which to have breakfast! I made homemade donuts and we sat down to the movie!</div>
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Combined Items #16 - Have a scavenger hunt AND #26 - Have a movie series marathon</h4>
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We have been trying all summer to find a movie series that we could get our hands on without having to shell out a ton of money and that we could all agree on. It was a hard one! Finally we came across Harry Potter! Jareth had not yet seen them all but was willing to since he had liked the first one and my sister happened to have all of them! But then we decided to take it a step further, give him something to focus on for each movie, and have a little fun with them. So we did a scavenger hunt, making him "unlock" each movie with something to find! He loved it! Here are the movies we were able to make it through.</div>
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<b>[NOTE: I do not recommend long series with younger kids, they get antsy. As you will see we went outdoors and did something to stretch between each movie and therefore did not finish the series.]</b></div>
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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone</h4>
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I know the "stone" is the wrong color, but we used only items we already had in the house! This is my quartz crystal.</div>
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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets</h4>
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The only problem with this one was of course Jareth wanted to read my journal to find out what it said! But we distracted him with the movie!</div>
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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban</h4>
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We had to give him a couple of clues since he had no idea yet what a time turner was, but it was still great fun!</div>
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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire</h4>
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While this object was in plain sight, as they all were, it was high up and hard to reach. We gave him a lot of help with it!</div>
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And that was as far as we got since the in between activities took up time. But the kids sure crashed hard when it was time for sleep.</div>
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Item #77 - Go to the park</h4>
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During the first movie we had a lot of things go on with breakfast and a friend coming to stay the day with us so I took the kids over to the park for a little play time just as they were sorting the students. When we got back they were more than ready to sit down and enjoy the first movie.</div>
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Item #29 - Play Frisbee</h4>
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After the first movie the the kids needed to get out again, so we went downstairs to play a little frisbee! It was fun, got the kids running, and was still not too hot! But we came back in wanting water and rest! Perfect for the next movie!</div>
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Item # 28 - Have a picnic</h4>
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A perfect way to get away after movie number two was lunch, and with the heat starting to take over we decided to take it outside. DH was tired so we left him at home with the infant I was watching and I took the other kids to an open area of grass. But the heat had us hightailing it back home to lay the younger ones down for a nap and start the next movie!</div>
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Item #33 - Blow Bubbles</h4>
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With movie number 3 done the little ones began waking up from their naps and one of them was about to go home, so we stepped out onto the porch for a little fun! We have an old bubble-sax that we obtained in a garage sale, so we poured in the liquid and made a little music, with each of the kids getting a turn.</div>
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And after the last movie we took the kids (our two and the lovely miss Jayden who is practically ours) over to the pool for a little sunset swim. The water was warm and a little high since it had just rained, but it wasn't too hot outside. So we enjoyed some family time there. (Sorry no pictures because we were not sure if we were going to get caught in rain!)</div>
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All in all it was a great day! We checked off a lot of items and got to enjoy the company of a friend who we don't get to see as often anymore. And then there is the joy of sharing something you love so much with your kids. I found myself watching Jareth more often than the movies to see his reaction to things. Maybe in a few years when Livia is old enough to get the movies we will have another marathon! I look forward to that as much as I did to this day that was 2 weeks in the planning.</div>
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Have you had a movie series marathon with your little ones? Or are you looking forward to sharing some particular fandom that you love and can't wait to get them caught up in? It will be Lord of The Rings for us next year! It's so much fun!</div>
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<b>[Note: We will be finishing the series over the next few days, Jareth and I since DH has work. I will post another blog on Sat about the last four hunt items and Jareth's final take on the series!]</b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-39382197808293546712014-07-05T19:33:00.001-07:002014-07-05T19:33:48.965-07:004th of July Celebration<h3>
List Items #2 and #81</h3>
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(Unforunately DH was unable to attend due to work. Our first family event without him :( )</h4>
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Every year we gather at my parents' house in the country, located on 2+ acres of land outside of city limits it is the perfect place to have a 4th of July party! There are always plenty of people gathered, a lot of laughter, and the fireworks are always interesting (usually accompanied by at least one small "incident" to keep us on our toes and give us something to talk about until the next holiday involving explosives!) This year however plans were changed due to unfortunate events, and so we decided to move the party to a local festival. So after having dinner with my Dad and Stepmom, we packed the kids up and trekked out to Tioga for some fun. </div>
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List Item #81 - Attend a festival</h4>
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With some booths set up, donations for the local Fire Department, and an awesome live band, we were glad to be able to attend this festival. We took blankets and chairs to set out a spot to watch the fireworks, and spent the time talking to friends and letting the kids run themselves ragged! They were so happy that NaNa got them glow sticks!</div>
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And with the place growing increasingly crowded, Jareth discovered a new friend when the girl next to us got her own light stick and joined in the chase! Over the next hour or so as we waited for dark, Jareth and the little girl (whose name I failed to catch) discovered more things they had in common between rounds of tag. And when the fireworks did start, they were eager to share a blanket and talk about the night.</div>
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Item # 2- Watch the fireworks</h4>
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Livia and I cuddle on the blanket and watched the fireworks going off nearly above our heads. It was a wonderful display that seemed to go on forever in beautiful colors that lit of the sky. I loved watching Livia point to the sky as her favorite went off and hearing Jareth and his new friend talking about the just behind me. A memory that will forever stay with me is the sound of little voices talking as the little girl commented :"This has been the best day." And Jareth replied with "Yeah, for me too."</div>
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It was an amazing night and the kids had such a blast! I hope everyone of you had a wonderful night as well! Can I ask, did anyone else tear up at the festivities? Maybe it is coming from Texas with a strong since of loyalty to state that made me so gushy, but I couldn't help shedding a few tears as they sang the national anthem and the fireworks began. Maybe I am of a dying breed of Americans that feels a strong sense of pride as the fireworks go off and I can't help letting my overactive imagination drift to thoughts of the war we fought for freedoms we all seem to take for granted. Whatever it is, last night was one of those nights that touches my heart every year, and I hope I am not the only one! </div>
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So I will leave you with a few pictures of fireworks that won't do the show justice. Feel free to share yours, or your feelings about this time of the year. Just remember, keep it sweet! Love you all! And a Happy Independence Day to you!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-57369069785941158132014-06-29T08:26:00.003-07:002014-06-29T08:26:38.153-07:00Great American Backyard Campout Fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Item #44 - Do a backyard campout</h4>
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This was one list item that we were not sure we were going to be able to do at the beginning of the summer. Living in an apartment complex, we thought this was going to be something we would have to do when we moved, which could be as far away as next March. Would it be something we couldn't cross off the list? </div>
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Well then I was told about the Great American Backyard Campout, a nationwide event that gets people into nature and appreciating the wildlife around them, whether at a camp ground or even in their own back yard! And every pledge to participate was $2 that went toward the National Wildlife Federation's fund. That's a pretty good cause! So we dared ask if we could set up a tent on the grassy area in front of our building and management gave us more: We could set up next to the front office and invite everyone else in the complex to join us!</div>
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With the pool and grills right next to us, it was an awesome camp site! Unfortunately no one else decided to join us for the night, but that didn't stop our kids from having all kinds of fun! We made our usual hotdogs and s'mores until it got dark, at which point we tried a new experiment: glow sticks and bubbles!</div>
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The couple that hosts the events here at our apartment complex came down to see us for a little while with their adorable son, so we were really hoping this would work out and be some great fun for the kids. We cut the top off the glowing sticks and added the goo to the bubble solution, hoping to get glow in the dark bubbles. While the mixture glowed, it was only at the bottom as the glow liquid sank and didn't mix in very well. As the two began to mix the glow began to diminish, so we counted this as a fail. However, giving up is not our style! We will try this one again with different methods! Does anyone out there have any ideas? We were thinking of using the glow liquid as the base for a homemade bubble solution and seeing if that worked a little better. If anyone has any ideas, please let us know!</div>
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Despite the failed attempt at nighttime entertainment, the kids had tons of fun running around blowing bubbles and getting to do their usual campout fun! The night itself can be counted as a success in our book! Plus, we discovered a new activity to partake in each year, because you know we will be pledging and joining in on the fun again next year!</div>
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Did anyone else make the pledge and campout? Tell us how your night went! We hope everyone had as much fun as we did!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-47087995880577299962014-06-24T15:24:00.002-07:002014-06-24T15:28:30.038-07:00Homemade treats! And one epic fail!<h3>
Items #6, #60 - Homemade Goodies!</h3>
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Two days of special desserts took place on our 2 days off this week! Both were on the list but the recipes I found on Facebook were what really inspired these fun activities!</div>
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#6 - Make Homemade Popsicles</h4>
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A friend of ours gave us popsicle molds last year and we had tons of fun using them for Kool-Aid popsicles. This year, however, we decided to branch out, looking for more unique recipes, and we found one!</div>
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The recipe we found suggested Sprite, but we prefer Sierra Mist (Ok, truthfully, Mommy prefers it so they must all deal!) </div>
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We filled the molds to the top with the gummy bears. Not shoving them down, but making sure there were plenty! The hubby was shocked by how many I got down in there, but I loved the flavor so many gave it! (The lonely bear fell into the one mold that no longer had a stick.)</div>
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Top it off to the brim, very carefully, with the soda, and put the sticks in. Pop them in the freezer in a safe spot. We started this at around 10 in the morning and enjoyed the treats after dinner, so they had plenty of time to freeze, but we also had to watch out when we took things out! </div>
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A tip: Run hot water over the outsides of the mold when you are ready to eat them. It helps loosen them enough to slide right out.</div>
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They were a hit! The bears were frozen so they were a bit hard to chew, but they gave the soda a great flavor! And they were fun! </div>
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#60 - Make Homemade Icecream</h4>
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Ingredients:</h4>
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Lots of Ice</div>
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Combine the milk and sugar in the large baggie. We added vanilla to one and cocoa to a second one so that we could try both flavors. Using syrups would give you a lot more flavor options, but for this first try we stuck to the basics.</div>
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In the smaller baggie place the ice and salt.</div>
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Put the small baggie in the large one and shake for a good 10 minutes!</div>
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In the future, and for you, we would suggest that you switch the baggies around. With the ice being on the inside we were forced to scrape the ice cream off the ice bag. When I did this sort of thing in school we put the milk on the inside and wrapped the whole thing in a towel to keep our hands from freezing.</div>
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Whichever way you decide to do it, the ice cream comes out great!</div>
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There was just not much! Each baggie made about a serving for a small child. (Yes, I would probably make more for me!) But that was perfect for us before we went wasting a whole gallon of milk on it! We now have a recipe that we enjoy and we can multiply it to make a large batch for the kids to shake while we make dinner!</div>
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This was a hit!</div>
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Now for our fail! =(</h4>
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A long time ago I found a blurb on someone's Facebook or Pinterest about turning a Mountain Dew into a glow stick. This was years ago! And I guess I didn't really think we would ever get the chance to really do it, because I didn't write the recipe down in full. (My note read: 1/4 bottle Mountain Dew, Baking Soda, and 2 capfulls of Peroxide)</div>
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Well, we got the chance to try it! Using the ice tubes from some tea jugs, we divided a can between the two, doled out the peroxide, guessed on the baking soda.</div>
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And when they didn't glow we began experimenting, adding more peroxide to one and more baking soda to the other. Epic fail is a good term!</div>
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We were shocked to discover that when we came back to them this morning the Mountain Dew had been drained of all its color!</div>
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Anyway, while we have failed, we would love to know if anybody knows how to do this! So if you have the recipe on how to PROPERLY do this little trick, please let us know! We would love to do it again for this weekend's Great American Backyard Campout!</div>
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And let us know if you try the popsicles or ice cream, and let us know what you think of them! </div>
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Have an awesome week, and get ready to hear about our awesome backyard camping fun on Sunday!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-38430382878198244002014-06-16T06:34:00.000-07:002014-06-16T06:34:32.214-07:00Great American Backyard Campout<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This year is the 10th annual national campout, and me and the kids will be participating! Unfortunately the hubby will be unable to join us due to work, so instead I have invited the whole apartment complex! We will all be setting up our tents around the office building and having a group campout to support the National Wildlife Federation.<br />
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For everyone that pledges to take part in the campout, the Board of Directors for the NWF and their friends has agreed to donate $2 to the wildlife conservation work. This may not seem like much to you, but when people all over the country join in and pledge the money adds up! You get a night under the stars and help a great cause at the same time!<br />
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If you can't make it on the 28th, that's ok. You can still pledge and just camp out at any point over the summer. Just remember to take pictures and send them in of you memorable night in nature!<br />
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We look forward to getting the chance to spend the night with friends, and hope that everyone takes the challenge as well! So go to <a href="http://backyardcampout.org/">BackYardCampOut</a> and pledge! And let us know that you did! We will post more on the day of the event!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-9028183726816911702014-06-15T15:38:00.001-07:002014-06-15T18:55:12.766-07:00Going for a hike! And a Father's Day project!<h3>
List Items - #23, #57, #96 </h3>
We had a special guest for our Saturday afternoon. A little girl I watched for a while got to stay the night with us. So we wanted to have tons of fun while she was here! First we loaded everyone up in the van and made our way over to Isle Du Boise once more. While a hike was not her idea of fun, the results sure made her smile!<br />
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#23 - Go for a hike </h4>
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We decided that finding a trail at the State Park would be perfect for what we wanted to do. After arriving we choose to stop just inside the gate and walk the Lost Pines Trail since Brewster was still having a bit of trouble dealing with the car. We walked the trail until it reached the lake where we found rocks and shells perfect for what we wanted to do! Bringing the rocks home the wind began to pick up and we decided to take advantage of it as soon as we got home!</div>
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#96 - Go Fly a Kite</h4>
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Livia shared her kite with Jayden, letting her friend help get the kite into the sky and take a turn at holding the string. Then of course they began to chase each other around while watching the kite fly high.<br />
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We flew the kites overhead until we ran out light to really see them. It caught the attention of some of the people at the pool, which was right behind us, and some watched until we finally pulled them down. The had so much fun, and the wind was pretty gusty while we were out there! Finally we went back home and finished up the day!</div>
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#57 - Paint Rocks</h4>
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Call me crazy but I let the kids sit down and paint their finds once I had cleaned them off. They weren't exactly clean about it, but we use Crayola paints which wash off easily. What's fun without a little mess every now and then!<br />
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Once they were done we let the rocks dry over night. They were each beautiful in their own special way!</div>
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Once dry I got out my gold metallic marker and wrote a special note on the rocks. We sent Jayden's home with her to give to her father, and we presented Daddy with his when he woke up this morning. And it made for a very special Father's Day gift!</div>
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We had so much fun and this whole trip cost us absolutely nothing, and we were still able to cross off 3 more items off the summer list! We were so glad that we were able to have Jayden over while we did some of these things, especially with her being practically a member of our family. Another successful fun day!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-79458484069592503522014-06-12T08:54:00.001-07:002014-06-12T08:54:23.375-07:00PB&J Theme NightI have an amazing friend with an amazing mom, and when they last went berry picking they spent the day making jams! They were then kind enough to send me some! Planning for a PB&J testing night began. Finally we did it, picking a movie, and discovered all the new flavors!<br />
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We had 6 different flavors! StrawberryRaspberry, StrawberryPeach, Strawberry, Peach Marmalade, Apple Marmalade, and Cranberry Marmalade.</h4>
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One each of the sandwiches. We wanted just a taste of each so that we could figure out which ones we liked! </h4>
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Cut them in quarters so they are bite sized samples and add some Cheetos (or Cheez-Its in Jareth's case) to help cleanse the pallet in between flavors!</h4>
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We watched this cute movie about a high school junior that discovers that he has the super power to create food from his hands. </h4>
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It turned into a fun little night! And my picky eaters discovered some new flavors they like. Jareth just loved the StrawberryRaspberry and plain Strawberry Jams and he liked the Apple but was not a huge fan of it. We both discovered we are not Peach or Cranberry fans. And while I don't particularly like apples unless they are whole, I am now a fan of the Apple Marmalade! </div>
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This was a great chance for us to discover new things, including a cute movie! And it was all thanks to some wonderful friends! I encourage everyone to try something like this! When given a lot of choices the kids were more comfortable with trying new things because they knew that it was ok to not like one thing. And now I have knew things I can feed the kids once more!</div>
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Another Theme Night success!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-60761055072187894872014-06-09T07:36:00.000-07:002014-06-09T07:36:49.865-07:00Blanket Fort takes over the living room!<h3>
List Item #7 - Build a blanket fort</h3>
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After a long day at A-Kon we decided to have some family fun time at home! With snack foods for dinner and an afternoon of Fairy Tale to end our Anime day, we knew just the item to knock off our Summer List! Blanket Fort!</div>
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I don't know what the rules are for a blanket fort, but Gary and I decided early on that since it needed to be big we would need a little help. We got the supporting poles for our tent out and used those to create the structure. Draping a sheet over most of it we had plenty of room for the whole family, yes Brewster was included, to sit, eat, and enjoy some of Natsu and Lucy's adventures! We are proud of our large creation as it held together through the night and all of Livia's antics! And the kids loved being able to chill on the floor with Mommy and Daddy under the canopy. It was a great ending to this wonderful day! Here are the pics!</div>
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This adventure was definitely worth the hassle it took to get it just right! And it is another item off the list! Tell us, have you ever built a blanket fort? What did you use? Maybe we can do this again with your ideas! Have an awesome summer!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2385348670019837950.post-89693376509150923112014-06-08T18:08:00.000-07:002014-06-09T07:26:00.743-07:00A-Kon Dallas: Random Nerdy Fun!So friends of ours own this cool little comic shop, <a href="http://wwww.supervillaincomics.com/">SuperVillain Comics</a>, and they decided to set up a booth at A-Kon, one of the most awesome Anime Conventions, which was celebrating their 25th year. We decided to go see them and take the kids on their first nerdy adventure. The whole day turned into so much awesome it was hard to contain! We saw people from all our favorite animes as well as some other fandoms! Even my father, a nerd at heart but an old fashioned kind of one, had some great fun seeing the costumes and some characters he recognized. We also came away with some awesome goodies! Here is a look:<br />
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Right off the bat we got to see Spirit, Toad, and Mouse from Soul Eater! Right in front of our booth!</h4>
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NoFace, from Spirited Away, was walking around with a handfull of gold just trying to make friends.</h4>
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We found a cute little hat shop! Too bad these cutties were too small for the beautiful creations. Maybe next time!</h4>
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We were very impressed with Maka and Soul from Soul Eater! She was very beautiful and very sweet. This was when we began to really see people and feel confident about asking for pictures.</h4>
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The hubby was very happy to see Madara Uchiha from Naruto: Shippuden.</h4>
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Other fandoms were welcomed too! The boys were terrified of this very awesome Dalek from Dr. Who!</h4>
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Death the Kid! This Soul Eater character was very nicely done and impressed Jareth.</h4>
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<h4>
Natsu and Grey may fight a ton on Fairy Tale, but they were more than nice when it came time to take a picture with Happy and Jareth!</h4>
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<h4>
With Sailor Moon making a comeback next month, I was so excited to see this excellent costume! And love it when the people are as nice as the characters!</h4>
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<h4>
PawPaw, who was a bit out of his element, was all grins when he saw someone he recognized. The man dressed as Snake Blisskin was glad to take a picture with him!</h4>
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<h4>
PawPaw found more things to be excited about, although I thought he looked a bit sinister!</h4>
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<h4>
Another surprise! Legolas and Gimli really made Jareth smile, nerds all around!</h4>
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<h4>
Luffy from OnePiece was seen in a booth with some awesome items, but he stopped his looking long enough for a quick picture with a fan.</h4>
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<h4>
I think this Ash was a little suprised to find a Pokemon fan that was so young! But Jareth couldn't be more excited to get a picture with her and Pikachu!</h4>
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<h4>
A very impressive costume for this Halo soldier. He was spotted many times without a helmet, though, with it being so hot! But he was nice enough to put it back on for our picture!</h4>
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<h4>
Another very impressive costume from Silent Hill. He had a very large crowd just waiting for pictures in awe!</h4>
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<h4>
We were on our way out when we finally found a Kirito! With Sword Art Online coming out with a season 2 next month, Jareth was eagerly looking everywhere for this particular character. His day ended on a high note!</h4>
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<h4>
A bit of adorable advertising! Liv walked around with a SuperVillains Comics monkey in her hands! And she was not letting go!</h4>
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<h4>
While it may not look like it, Jareth was excited about his new Power Rangers shirt!</h4>
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<h4>
Our loot! I am thuroughly in love with my new Asuna (Sword Art Online) wallet! And our new book marks will come in handy as we take on the Summer Reading Program!</h4>
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<h4>
And of course we had to try something new. As lovers of Pocky, we could not pass up the green tea flavor, and it was amazing! These little sodas were a big hit since you have to push a glass marble down into the jar to open it. I think Ramune is our new favorite drink!</h4>
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Over all we had such an amazing time walking around seeing everything! All the booths and people were so incredible! Definitely a great first experience in our geeky convention adventures! We can't wait until the next opportunity to show the kids around the nerdy world! Have you been to a convention? What was your experience like? To what geeky fandoms do you belong? Let us know so we can share fan tales! And have an awesome time at your next convention!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10977673475337611123noreply@blogger.com0