Happy new year!

I'm spending my evening in my cozy clothes, drinking pink champagne and watching movies. :)

2012 Goals

Since I do NOT do resolutions (honestly.... who really sticks to those), I figured that I would stick to the goals for 2012.  I'll also be updating the Goals page on the blog so that it shows 2012 and 2011.  You can still track the progress there.

2012 Goals:

1. WORK ON MY 101 IN 1,001 LIST - I made this list for a reason.  I will be trying to tackle as many things as possible in 2012.

2. SAY "YES" MORE OFTEN - This is a big one for me.  I tend to say "no" to less than comfortable situations for me.  I want to say YES more often, and really grow personally in 2012.

3. SAVE, SAVE, SAVE - This is the only goal that specifically carries for from 2011.  I want to save money in 2012.  

So there they are.  Hopefully, I will maintain my focus throughout the year.  Happy 2012 everyone!

2011 - The first "year of Megan"

In January, I started this blog as a way to express my feelings with what happened and to get a grip on what I was going to do next.  I can't lie and say that my plans for 2011 were completely thrown away when the break up happened.  I mean, 2011 was going to be full of wedding activities and moving.... and well.... none of that happened.  So I needed a plan.  Or at least a distraction.

I came up with my goals for the year as a way to help me with things to accomplish for the year.  I do well when I have something to attain (maybe it's the years of competitive sports).

While I wasn't regimented on accomplishing those goals, it did help me throughout the year.

Primarily, I moved on from my break up... and am ready to date again.  Now that's an accomplishment in my book.

Also, now that I am inching closer to 30, I feel confident that I am really identifying who I am.  I finally made the transition from post-college adult to full-fledged professional adult.  Sure, I still have some ways to go, but I do feel much about myself and where I am.  I have a good job (that I am good at).  I am identifying where I want to go with my career.  I have family and friends that I care about and care about me.  I am finally narrowing down what my personal style is and take more pride in my appearance (a still thing, but still important).

I am excited with where I have come in 2011 and am anxious to see what can unfold in 2012.

Goals Update: Year End Review

I seriously can not believe that 2011 is basically over.  I feel like it was just a short time ago that I was starting this blog as a way to get my thoughts out and deal with the sudden changes to my personal life and my plans for 2011... and boy, were those some big changes.

I created those three goals as a way to give me some thing to achieve instead of floundering around for the entire year trying to move on.  Overall, I think I did really well.  I'm going to post in a few days about my overall review of "the year of Megan", but so summarize on the goals specifically...



1. SAVE MONEY, REDUCE DEBT: This one started off really well, and thank goodness for that.  I managed to put over $1,000 in my savings.  Then, we put the house on the market and I had to pay for the title attorney AND a POD storage.  Bye bye savings account.  BUT, if I hadn't made this a goal in the first place, I would've really been stuck and would've had to rely on my parents for so much more than I had.  I plan to work really hard on getting back on track with the savings in 2012.  About the debt, that's still plugging away.  I've been really good about not spending on my cards and just making payments.  In 2012, I want to pay a little more than the minimums to try to cut them down faster.

2. GET BACK IN SHAPE:  Another up and down one.  I managed to lose close to 20 pounds (AWESOME), run my first ever half marathon (AWESOME) and gave myself some good workout at home.  The end of the year made this one really rough.  I struggled to keep doing things once my traveling schedule became really busy AND then I packed up all of my things.  I received an email the other week about the 2012 Summerfest half marathon and I'm seriously considering doing it.  I have to struggle through January with some travel but I would like to get back on track with working out.  I really felt good for a while and I want that back.

3. STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE:  This goal was really to make me do thing I'm not usually comfortable with.  It did work in some ways.  I made more effort on my appearance at work.  I tried new things with fashion and makeup.  I do my nails regularly now.  I know these are superficial things, but they are a big start for me.  If anything, this goal forced me to figure some things out about what I wanted for myself.  It felt really good.


I'm going to develop 3 goals for 2012 as well, because, well....  the Year of Megan is continuing and getting better!

Christmas lights

So we're driving home from Milwaukee, our day three of Christmas activities and I'm staring out the window at the Christmas lights.

For me, lights are a lot like fireworks... You see one that you are POSITIVE are your favorite... And then the next one comes up and WAIT! Now these are your favorites!! :)

So I may have multiple favorites... All the best favorites.

1 - The Favorite One & A MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I hope everyone is able to celebrate the holidays with their loved ones.  I know I am! :)

I'm wrapping up my Christmas Music Countdown with my all-time favorite Christmas song..... "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas".  It was difficult to choose which version to pick, but Michael Buble's is one of the best.

So please enjoy my favorite song, by my favorite artist, on my most favorite of days.....

And for an extra warm fuzzy, enjoy the studio clip.....

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

2 - The Holy Night One

I'm not going to lie..... I have probably enjoyed this Christmas countdown more than you all have..... and now I am down to two of my all-time favorites.

For today, a reverent and romantic song.  It seems funny to consider a very faithful Christmas hymn as "romantic" but I think it is.

There are a ton of version of this song that are really great, but this one is my favorite.  Something about the choral group singing along with him.

We interrupt your regularly scheduled program

This will be brief, because really...  why do I want to disrupt the Christmas programming I have going on right now? :)

Yesterday marked one year since I got the phone call that ended my relationship.  Last year's Christmas was terrible.  (Though I really thank Melissa, Justin, Dave and Jill for doing their best to make it as nice as possible)

Last night my sleep was riddled with nightmares.  I'm going to attribute the nightmares to the anniversary date considering he was a main player in the dreams.

To keep it short and sweet, let's just say I'm happy that it is December 23rd and I'm here with my family.  Plus, this year has been a rough year, but one of progress.  I'm kind of excited for 2011 to end and 2012 to begin.

3 - The Ultimate Christmas One

White Christmas.

Bing Crosby made it famous and others have tried to duplicate.  But you can never replace the original.  Sung in both "Holiday Inn" and "White Christmas".

Holiday Inn:

White Christmas:

Plus, BONUS..... a collaboration version from a TV Christmas special.  :)

Reminiscing

llllllll.0-pom  (this is from Kayla) :)  You can't have your computer open without her wanting to come over and press the keys.  She's so savvy she even has a facebook page now. :)

Anyways, sorry I haven't written much.  Samson and I headed out to Chicago last Saturday.  It was a rough trip compared to the others for some reason.  Within the first hour, I had to pull over four times.  Twice because Samson puked in my car (joy) and two other times because I thought he was going to puke again and I was being anticipatory.  Of course, I failed...  I'm just thankful that I had an extra blanket I stole from my last United flight that I could throw over the seat so he could still lay down.  After we got over that rough patch, it was fine... but what a way to start out.

I haven't been doing too much since then, just hanging out with family.  I am working on some first birthday party invitations for Miss Kayla and I baked dozens of cookies.  DOZENS.

Last night I drove out to the suburbs to go to a Christmas open house at my high school volleyball coach's house.  Every year she does this and invites all the alumns to come by.  I figured that there wouldn't be many girls my age there (I was right), but I actually went to school and was good friends with one of her twin daughters and I knew she would be there.  It was nice to see the few people I knew there.

One thing that it did make me think about...  what are your thoughts on bringing a "hostess gift" for a party?  Absolutely necessary?  A nice touch?  Not really?

Last night I brought some cookies that I made and a bottle of wine.  Definitely not super expensive and I was the only one that brought her anything.  I just couldn't arrive empty-handed, even when I knew she wouldn't expect anything.  So I guess I fall into the "you really shouldn't arrive empty-handed" group.

Today is another lounging day and then I am getting together tomorrow night with the girls from my grade school again.  And then it's Christmas. :)

4 - The Santa one?

" 'Zat You Santa Clause?" by Louis Armstrong

This song makes me laugh and I LOVE singing along with it.  I think you will too.

5 - The Twelve Days

I know people have mixed feelings about "The Twelve Days of Christmas".  It's repetitive and kind of annoying.

I have a distinct memory of listening to my mom's Christmas music at home and hearing this unique version sung by Frank Sinatra and his children.  Funny the things you remember.

So I searched and searched and finally found it on itunes last Christmas season.  My mom didn't even remember which song I was talking about.  Guess some things just stick with people.

6 - The Wishful One

If everyday was like Christmas....  could you imagine it?

I know Elvis wanted to.  I agree with him, completely.  Also, kudos to this person that made this pretty cool video.

7 - The Sassy One

What holiday would be complete without a sassy, seductive song?

I love Eartha Kitt's "Santa Baby".  In an effort of full disclosure, when this song comes up on my ipod while I'm out walking Samson, I get a little swing in my step.  :)

8 - The Christmas Song

I don't think anyone can sing "The Christmas Song" better than Nat "King" Cole.

And I challenge you to prove me otherwise. :)

9 - The Rudolph One

I have to admit, I'm not a HUGE fan of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer song.  I can't really explain why.  I just don't.

I do, however, enjoy the playfulness of the Bing Crosby version.  At least you can see they are having fun singing it.

Holiday Party

Surprisingly, this week had gone by much faster than last week.  I feared for the opposite since this is my last week in the office before heading home for Christmas.  I think it was the combination of watching ELF during the day on Wednesday with staff and now today is the Holiday lunch.  My office does not do a "party" which I am glad for.  We seem to enjoy the lunch and then early release so we have the afternoon to ourselves.

Yesterday was also my annual review.  Always nice to go through the year and know how much I am appreciated for what I do at work.  Plus, the small salary increase is ALWAYS helpful.

Anyways, back to the holiday lunch.  My office has a big divide between the individuals that feel it is a HOLIDAY party and thus, holiday appropriate attire should be worn (that would be me - it might be a lunch but it is still our holiday party).  The other end is the group that feels that it is a lunch... on a Friday... and I'm already dressing casually so I will dress casually for this.  It caused actually quite an issue last year so this year they tried to implement a "door prize" for individuals who dress in festive attire (also up for debate on what is included in that description).  So, I am wearing my festive party attire.... regardless of what anyone else is wearing.  And yes, it includes sequins.

 *Sweater and top - Express, skirt- Jcrew, belt - Target, shoes - DV, nylons - Victorias Secret

I actually wrapped my hair up in the "sock bun" while I was putting on my makeup to give it a bit more uuumph.  We'll see how long that lasts.

Also, to add a little vintage to my look, I'm wearing my seamed nylons.  I tried to take a picture, but it is really hard to take a picture of the back of yourself without looking like you are trying to take a pin-up photo. :)

Sorry the photos are kind of blurry today... I was rushed.

Also - This post (and the rest of the Christmas music posts that I already scheduled) makes this my 300th post!  I'm pretty proud of myself for posting that often.  Just wanted to note this since I will probably add more posts over the next two weeks and will then pass by this.  Happy Friday!

10 - The Mistletoe and Holly one

Frank Sinatra's Mistletoe and Holly was my ringtone for several years before I downloaded Ella.  If I hadn't lost the file in a computer transition, it probably still would be.

I started off this post fully intending to show a generic YouTube video for this song.... and then I found this gem.

You are welcome.  :)

Christmas Cards

Now that I think everyone has gotten my Christmas cards in the mail, I can show you all a picture.

Since I was given the Silhouette machine for my birthday, I was excited to use it for the development of my Christmas cards for this year.  While searching in their library, I found quite a few templates that I liked.  I couldn't narrow it down, so I settled on four different options.  I had PLENTY of paper at my house, so that was the easiest part.

In between moving and packing and cleaning, I was making Christmas cards.  I honestly think they were finished and ready for the little message inside by early October.  I was on the ball this year.

Here are the finished products.  Don't they look nice?  I learned some things about my machine in this project, so I will be better at using it next time.

Representing

Today, since I only have two work days left of this "Casual December", I wanted to take full advantage.  Tomorrow is our office lunch, so I will be dressing up... which meant today was casual day.

Also, I am representing....  brought out the letterman's sweater.  Only thing is I wish the bottom elastic wasn't so tight.  It won't sit right on my hips.

*Sweater - c/o Marquette Athletics, jeans - Bitten, shoes - Target

11 - The Snowy One

Bing Crosby - Let It Snow.  Enough said.

This song reminds me of the snow scene from White Christmas.  You know the one.  When they are on the train and build a snow scene out of napkins and things on their table.

I love that movie.

12 - The Soulful One

I love Louis Armstrong.  His gritty voice, his playful attitude and his trumpet playing.

I love his version of Winter Wonderland.  It's soulful and jazzy.  That is all. :)

4 more days

4 more days until I start my trek back out to Chicago again for the holidays.  This drive is starting to wear on me, but its for a good cause.

*sweater - Target, tank - Express, jeans - Gap, booties- Dillards (clearly a site visit purchase since there are no Dillards around here)

I was running a little late this morning because it took me so long to put my makeup on.  If this means I'm going to have to get up even earlier than I already do, I'm in big trouble.

13 - The Jingling One

It's Jingle Bells.  And it's Michael.... again.

Honestly, have you bought the song yet?  I've previewed at least half the album for you. :)

Honestly, with my love of Michael aside, this is one of the best versions of Jingle Bells out there. It's fun and playful. And, the Puppini Sisters are kind of awesome.

If you listen to his studio clip from the production of the song (yes, I follow Michael on YouTube), he says that he wanted to emulate his favorite version of the song, Bing Crosby with the Andrews Sisters.  Honestly.... that was my favorite version too!!!  I knew Michael and I were destined to be friends.

For those of you that don't know, here's an extra bonus song... the Bing Crosby version.  Can you hear the similarities?

14 - The Unknown One

I'm not sure how many people would know this song for today.  It's by a well known artist, Frank Sinatra, but it's not a very common song.

It is, however, one of my all time favorites (top 5 for sure).

"I wouldn't trade Christmas" by Frank Sinatra and his kids is a great holiday song.  It is my holiday anthem....  for all of those who love Christmas more than all the other holidays combined.

Also, for an extra bonus, you might enjoy this other less common song by Frank, Old Fashioned Christmas.

For all the single ladies

 found on pinterest

Christmas spirit

Since this week is my last week in the office until after Christmas, we have a few holiday activities taking place. In keeping up with the spirit, I have bright red nails.  And I LOVE them.

The red is a really old "Revlon Red" I had in my collection and the glitter on the tips is actually a glitter glue pen from Martha Stewart.  It's the perfect match and so easy to use on my nails.

 (sorry, the photo was pre-clean up.)

Also, I've been wearing the same winter coat (only one nice one) for over 7 years.  It's showing it's wear.  So when I got an email that said that outerwear was on sale at Jcrew AND I had a gift card, I couldn't resist browsing.  And wouldn't you know, my favorite coat was seriously on sale.  So I treated myself.  It came on Friday afternoon and I couldn't wait to try it on.

I wore the sock bun again today.  It seriously is the perfect go-to when you need your hair to look nice, but don't want to spend a ton of time on it.  My hair gets pretty curly in the ponytail at the end of the day, so I might mess around on Friday for the Holiday lunch.

*sweater, Jcrew, jeans - Gap, shoes - Nine West

15 - The coupley One

"The snow is flowing..."

I love "I've got my Love to Keep me Warm" by Dean Martin.  Sure, it's not specifically Christmas, but it's definitely holiday and wintery.

This is another song you can hear on just about every radio station during the holiday season.  I can't help but sing along with it!

16 - The One from the Claymation Movie

There's Santa Clause is coming to town and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and a few other Christmas specials all made in the 60s and 70s.  They are quintessential holiday movies.  Everyone knows them.  (Although, I found out at work the other day that there are adults that have never seen these before.... I'm not sure how that's possible.)

Burl Ives sings "A Holly Jolly Christmas" in Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.  My office watched this movie last week and it was hilarious.  It's so funny watching these movies as adults and seeing how they can be pretty inappropriate lessons for kids.  If you are different, you are a misfit?  Nice.  :)

At least the music and ultimate ending saves the day!

17 - The second favorite

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is my second favorite Christmas song.  (The first is coming later.)

Everyone that ever makes a Christmas album does a version of this song....  so how do I pick my favorite version?  There are a couple that I had a hard time choosing between.  My selection for today's post comes from Michael Buble.  (His third time on this countdown.)

He has such a cool voice that it makes this version seem traditional and modern at the same time.  That's possible right?

 

Half day

I'm only working from the office for half of the day today.  Which is good because the appraiser is coming to the house and that means we are one step closer to getting an answer from the bank.  It's bad because I had to drive all the way down here to turn around and drive back home 4 hours later.  Doesn't really seem worth it.

Oh well.... Happy Friday.

*sweater - Old Navy, jeans - Bitten (I don't even think this brand exists anymore), shoes - Target

Baby, it's cold outside....

For the last week or so, the DC area has been fairly warm weather-wise.  Sure, it rained for two days straight, but it was in the 60s.

This morning I woke up and it was 32.  For a Midwest native, I say FINALLY!  Now I can wear the great sweater I got last time I was in Chicago.  :)

*sweater - Express, shirt - Jcrew, pants, Express, boots - Old Navy

18 - The joyful one

I think there are about five Christmas songs that everyone knows.  I think "Happy Holidays" by Peggy Lee.  They play it on any radio station.  They play it in restaurants and in Starbucks.  Really, if they play it in Starbucks.... :)

I love her voice in this song and you can't help but feel excited when you hear it.  It's the perfect holiday song!

The Sock Bun

Ok, before I get into the main purpose of this post... an outfit photo.  I have lunch with a CVB today, so I wanted to be "dressy" casual.

*Shirt - JCrew, vest - Express, jeans - Gap, shoes - Nine West, Necklace - DIY

By the way, these jeans are the closest to trouser that I own right now.

NOW, the main thing I wanted to point out.... THE HAIR.  Back in October, when I was posting about sleeping in a headband to get "no heat curls", I had also seen this YouTube video about a "sock bun".

So, I checked it out.  Basically, you roll up a sock and roll your hair around the sock to create a fuller bun.  Perfect for the girl with super thin hair, right?

So finally, I got a dark colored sock and thought I would give it a try this morning.  The results.... well, AWESOME.

You can see in the photo above how it already looks fuller and more noticeable.  Here is a photo from the back.  You can't see the sock anywhere.

I finally found my easy, go-to hairstyle!!!!

19 - The New One

If you have learned anything about me while reading this blog, it's that I like the classics.  I like classic movies, classic music, classic clothes.  Everything about me screams classic.  Right?  You get that right??? :)

So it should be a little surprised that a brand new, not classic, Christmas song is on my list.  Of course, it is Michael Buble.... so it's not super far off base.

On his new CD (did you buy it yet???), he has an original song, Cold December Night, that I love!  Listen to this and tell me that you don't love it?

Casual day #2

It's rainy today with a high chance of rain for the rest of the day.  You know what that means.....

The perfect excuse to wear my hunter boots!

Sorry for the office bathroom photo.  I didn't put my boots on until walking out the door to my house, so no house photo.

Nothing like Hunter boots and a sequin tank on a rainy December day. :)

*sweater & jeggings (I hate this word) - Express, shirt - JCrew, boots, Hunter

20 - The Charlie Brown one

The Vince Guaraldi Trio IS the theme of Christmas.  You can't deny that.

Every single kid knows this song.  Every single adult can tell you exactly what this song is within the first couple of notes.

During the holidays, I set my alarm on my phone to "O Tannenbaum".  It's the BEST way to have to wake up by alarm.

Casual December

I realize it's been a while since my last outfit post.  I apologize.  I got busy... and well, sometimes inspiration is just lacking.  Plus, when you start to wear a regular rotation of outfits, it seems silly to continue to post pictures. :)

December is officially "casual" month in the office.  I find this more difficult than regular work attire since most of my wardrobe consists of "work appropriate attire" and "work out gear".  There are few items that fit the casual-but work appropriate category, but not enough for a month.  I guess I will be wearing business wear a couple days.

Anyways.... long story short, I hope to start taking more outfit pics again now.  First up, casual Monday.  This outfit could really use a great pair of trouser jeans - which I have yet to find and purchase.

*shirt & jacket - JCrew, jeans - Nordstrom, shoes - Nine west

Also,  I am not sure if I mentioned this before but I was asked by one of the associations I belong to to write a 100 word statement on why I am attending their upcoming conference in January and what I hope to achieve while I am there.  It is going to be printed in one of their daily newsletters while we are onsite.  In addition, they wanted a photo.  Yikes!  I have no professional head shot, because I never had a need for one.  So while home for Thanksgiving, I asked Melissa to take one for me.  

Turned out, she only needed to take two shots, and we both liked the first one.  With some editing on her part and a quick crop by me, we were ready to roll.  Isn't she turning into a good photographer?

21 - The Irish one

You can't have Christmas without the king of Christmas music, Bing Crosby.

So, of course, he is a repeat offender on my Christmas countdown.  Up first is a fun favorite.  Who doesn't love this Irish twist?

I can't help but sing along with this song.

22 - The Sad one

As awesome as the Christmas holiday is.  It can be kind of lonely when you are single.  Although, I'm not going to lie.... this holiday will be 10 times better than last year. Obviously.

So sometimes a sad song can be great.  Which brings me to today's song.

Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley

A little sad and yet lovely song.  Done only by Elvis.  (Michael Buble does a version on his new CD.  It's good, but doesn't hold a candle to Elvis.)

On dating... or lack thereof

Living out here alone gives you a lot of time to think.  A. Lot. Of. Time.

And a lot of time to reflect.

My relationship ended roughly a year ago.  If I honestly reflect on how things were, they were pretty rough the three months prior to the break up.  So, point being, it's been a while.  I've had a lot of time to get over the break and give myself some closure....  I saw give myself because I honestly feel that I was not going to get it from my ex, so I had to realize what I felt went wrong and make that closure myself.

Where am I going with this?

Well, it's been a year and I am ready now.  I am ready to move on and *gasp* ready to date again.

I consider the moving on stage a two fold process.  First, you become ready.  Check.  Then, you start dating.  

Um......

Yeah.  So.... I need to start working on the second step.  Actually dating.

But, I think (even though it took me a bit longer) that I am ready now.  And that will certainly make things easier.  Hopefully, moving to an area where I am closer to people and don't feel so secluded will help with the actual dating.

23 - The one Elf made popular

Elf is one of my favorite Christmas movies.  Not the most favorite, not even second, but it is way up there!

Why am I talking about this movie on my music festivities?  Because I would consider Elf to be the reason today's song is so recognizable.  Everyone knows the shower scene when he sings along with the girl he likes at the store.

So today, enjoy a fun, holiday duet.

Baby, it's cold outside by Dean Martin (my favorite version)

24 - The famous 90s one

I'm sure you all remember that original Christmas song "All I Want for Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey.  (I really hate this song btw.... okay, not so much the song, just her.... which is why I am only linking to the song.)

I have been waiting for the Michael Buble Christmas album to come out since the fall.  I pre-ordered it in September.  I love him.   Seriously.

So, when I finally got around to listening to the CD on my drive home from Chicago after Hawaii, I was a little worried when I saw this song on the playlist.  Of course, I gave it a shot.  Honestly, it's one of my favorite songs on the CD.  He makes the song enjoyable (and not just because I would love it if he sang the directions to program my DVR.)

So here is his version - my favorite version.  Also, as a heads up.... get used to seeing this image.  He comes up quite a few times on the list of 25. :)

And if you haven't already done so, BUY the CD.  It's awesome.

25 - The ringtone one

I'm starting off my Blog Christmas celebration with the one Christmas song that has been my holiday ringtone for the last few years.

Sleigh Ride by Ella Fitzgerald

It has a great jazzy beat and just makes me happy.  Which is exactly why I changed my ringtone in early November.... :)

December Advent Blog Celebration

It's Christmas season and I LOVE Christmas season....  no wait.....

I
LOVE
Christmas season!

I'm not kidding.  I freaking love it!  Even with what happened last year (which was the worst Christmas ever).....  I still love it.

I love the music and the festivities and the decorations and the general excitement.  I'm a little sad that I will not get to decorate my house this year (since it's all in the POD), but I know it's for the best.

I got an email a few weeks ago from the company that makes my cutting machine that they had a cool limited edition advent calendar (complete with templates for the boxes).

(Advent Calendar)

Since I don't have anyone to make an advent calendar for... and at this date, it would have to wait until next year anyways... I thought I would do something a little different.  So, I present to you.....

The BLOG CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN.

What is the Blog Christmas Countdown you ask?  Well, I'll tell you.  Starting tomorrow (December 1), I will countdown the 25 days until Christmas with one of my favorite Christmas songs each day.

It's going to be Christmas-palooza on this blog!  And I know I'm not the only one that's excited! :)

P.S.  There will still be regular blog posts throughout, but every day will have a special Christmas post.

A return surprise

I know I mentioned previously that I have most of my belongings safely stored in a POD storage unit in my parking lot.  It was holding up just fine there, but I knew I would have to move it eventually.  I guess I was just waiting to hear about the house before I had to move it.

Apparently, a neighbor of mine had a different idea.

I received a call from my realtor while I was driving home yesterday.  He said a neighbor called him (since his number is the only sale sign out from) to tell me that I was "fined" for my storage unit.  Thankful enough that my house wasn't broken into (which was my first concern), I was just angry.  I knew that my HOA does not make enough visits that they would've seen it.  So it HAD to have been a neighbor calling to complain.

Of course, when I finally got home, the POD had one of those "orange" violation stickers on it that they put on abandoned cars.  One with a notice that I have to move it within 48 hrs.  Honestly?

So thankfully, POD was able to come and pick it up on Wednesday (within the 48 hour window) and Jennifer and Rich were able to come and help me finish putting the last few things in the container.  Now, there are three rooms that are completely empty, one room that is mostly empty, and almost nothing in the kitchen as far as dishes and utensils go.  I'll be living like a college student until I hear what's going on with the house.  :)

Bring on the plastic silverware and take out!

Goals Update: November

Can you believe that November is essentially over already?  That's 11 months of the "year of megan".... that's just crazy.  Anyways, on with the update!




1. SAVE MONEY, REDUCE DEBT: Deja vu from October.  I seriously feel like I am hemorrhaging money right now, and it's not because I'm shopping.  I really hope things with the house work out so that I can stop paying so much money for this place... and get rid of the storage unit.  At least I am continuing to pay off debt without spending on it.  

2. GET BACK IN SHAPE:  I laugh at this one.  No excuses.... I need to get back on the horse.

3. STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE:  This is turning out to be a really tough one for me.  


I am struggling with these goals right now.    While these goals were helpful for me to begin the year, they are really uninspired right now.  One more month to try to make the most of it, and then I can reevaluate for 2012.

The Thanksgiving Wrap Up

Sorry, I didn't post yesterday.  I do have several things to update on now that my trip is almost over.

So, Wednesday night dinner with the girls I went to grade school with was amazing.  I had an absolute blast.  We are going to try to do another one over Christmas.  Here's a couple photos I managed to get.

First, my outfit for the night.  Ended up more rocker chic than I originally planned, but it works.

Sorry... took this at the only full length mirror in my parents house... inside the closet.

Here's a photo at the restaurant of all the girls.  It really was so nice to see everyone.

 From the left - Me, Meredith, Megan, Jes, Ellen, Nicole

A couple of the girls actually brought some things from grade school which for a hilarious start to our dinner. Jes brought a photo album and a folder covered in "inside jokes".  Megan brought these jeans that we wrote jokes all over AND her puffy headband in the uniform plaid.  We all had a good time passing it around and taking documentary photos.  I was going for the "8th grade photo" look.

Of course, we were there until they kicked us out just before 1am, so I had a late drive back.  And of course, a rough night of sleep before getting up early to prepare for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving dinner went great!  My turkey actually finished cooking early, so I let it rest for an hour (recommended by Alton Brown, my BFF).  Then, when everything else was done cooking, I put it back in the turned off oven for 10 minutes to warm it up again before my dad carved.  It was the juiciest turkey I have cooked.  We ended up only having a few leftovers.

Then yesterday (Friday), I drove back out to the suburbs to meet my favorite teacher from high school.  He gave me a tour of the new things at the school and then we grabbed lunch.  It was nice to catch up with him since I haven't gotten out to the school to see people in a while.  I usually try to get out to the school when I can so I can see the few teachers that remain there.  I guess that's the nice thing about small high schools.... it really was a "family" environment and it's nice to be remembered.

Today we will just be doing a lot of hanging out.  And then tomorrow is Kayla's baptism.  This is a little later than usual in the Catholic Church but Melissa and Justin wanted to wait until they were at their place they would be living for good.  She is getting baptized in the suburbs at the Church/school we all went to.  When I got here on Saturday, Melissa and Justin asked Brendan and I if we would be the godparents.  I, of course, am honored to have the responsibility.

Hopefully I'll have some more pictures to post when I get home next week.

The day before the feast

I did my nails last night.  Same colors as last week, but a different pattern.  I like it.

Today I am driving out the my old hometown to get dinner at a local hang out with a few girls I went to grade school with.  Yep, grade school.

There will be six of us.  The six of us that were the best of friends in grade school and did everything together.  It's been 15 years since we graduated from eighth grade and while some of us went to high school together, it's been a REALLY long time since we've all been together.  In fact, most of the girls I will see tonight I haven't seen since high school.

I'm really looking forward to it.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was never a big holiday on my radar when I was younger.  Sure, I remember plenty of times when my mom cooked, or we went to one of the grandparents house to eat.  Then in high school, we all started to become pretty busy.  In college, I was lucky to be home for Thanksgiving... that's what happens when you play college athletics.

It wasn't really until I was done with school and in the "real world" that I came to appreciate the holiday.  I LOVE spending time with my family.  And I actually REALLY enjoy cooking.  Yes, I love cooking in general, but I love cooking for Thanksgiving.

My Thanksgiving cooking experience has been on the smaller end (between 3-7 people).  This Thanksgiving I am cooking for 13-14.  Not a huge increase, but big enough.  Also, all four grandparents are coming.  I use a lot of my Grandma Markowski's recipes and this Thanksgiving will be the first Thanksgiving that she is not cooking in 58 years.  FIFTY-EIGHT YEARS!

I'll let that sink in for a moment.....

So yeah.... 58 years.... and I'm cooking, with her recipes.  I'm a tad nervous, but I've done these recipes for 5 years so I am confident I can pull everything off.  I just hope I have enough food. :)

Today I finished drying out the bread for the stuffing and started making my "ranch crackers" as a snack for the day.  I'm planning to eat around 4pm.  Keep your fingers crossed for me.  I'll report back afterwards.

The Long Drive

I am sure I have mentioned this before but the drive from DC to Chicago is looong... 12 hours long.  It is compounded by the fact that Samson is NOT a good traveler.  He is the antithesis of a good traveler.  He is a pain in the butt.

Some of it could've been from the first few trips he took when I tried to sedate him.  He fought it the entire trip and then was completely out of it for three days afterwards.  I stopped that practice a couple of years ago.  He just is antsy.  He gets nervous and shaky, he pants A LOT, and he can't seem to sit still.

He LOVES to stick his head out the window, which is fine in the summer, but in the winter - YIKES!  It's cold.

So on Saturday, I packed up the car on Friday night, set my alarm for 4:30am and was ready to go.  We were on the road by 5:15am.  I'm not going to lie.... it was MUCH better.  First, there was barely anyone on the road.  Just me and the hunters through MD and WV.  Then, I hit Columbus (the halfway point) by 11:30am.

We stopped once at 8:30am because we both had to go to the bathroom.  I filled what I needed to of gas, and we were back on the road.

This is how he spent the first 9.5 hours of our drive on Saturday.

And yes... that is his lips flapping in the wind because we were going 70.

Finally, around hour 10, he laid down.  This lasted maybe an hour.

Sigh.... it was good while it lasted though.

So, all in all, the trip was actually pretty good.  We arrived to my parents around 4:15pm and it was still light out!  I think when I drive back, I will leave that early again.

I am looking forward to the week with my family, LOTS of family.  I am cooking Thanksgiving dinner and all four grandparents will be joining us.  No pressure! :)

I missed this little stinker!

I'm alive

I swear, I am not dead.  I'm sorry for the radio silence.  I was really busy wrapping up work and then Samson and I drove 12 hours yesterday to get to Chicago.

I'm glad we made it, in exactly 12 hours.

Now that we are both recovered, I will post this week and I will promise to get back on schedule.

Ode to Chicago

I'm heading on the road to Houston tomorrow and Thursday, so I won't be able to post.  In preparation for my trip, I'm testing out my new nail polish color... OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark.  Shout out to my favorite town! :)

It's a beautiful rich purple/black color.  I have a feeling my nails will be appropriately adorned with this color next week for my trip home as well.

(Pay no attention to the polish on my fingers. I took this pre-clean up.)

Ring finger has Milani Jewel FX on top.  This is my first time trying out the new nail polish fade of a signature color/style on one nail.  I dig it. :)

Monday Night League

When I first moved out to DC, the only people I knew here were work people and my parents.  Oh, and also Justin (then my sister's boyfriend I had only met twice).

It didn't take long before Justin had introduced me a friend of his from school, someone who played in a volleyball league.  To make a long story short, I played two seasons with his team.  One as a sub and another and a full team member.  Then, I jumped onto another team... the team I'd played on ever since.

It was a great way for me to meet some people in DC (a city I find hard to develops friends).

Last night was officially my last night playing in this Monday Night League.  It had been harder the last year plus for me to play in the league.  The games are played in Virginia, so it is a full hour away from my house.  Work combined with taking care of Samson, that either meant I was driving back and forth to Virginia twice on Mondays or I was paying for someone else to walk and feed Samson.

Over the last few seasons, I had started traveling for work more... so I missed more games.  Then, at times, the schedule just became too difficult.  9:15pm games meant I was home by 11pm if I was lucky.  Then I had to take care of Samson before I showered and went to bed.  That was a rough way to start off the work week.

So after several seasons of hemming and hawing and emailing my teammate telling him I didn't think I was going to play the next season, I finally bit the bullet.  Last night was my last night playing in Monday league.  The season isn't technically over, but I will be out of town for the last couple of weeks and I didn't feel like I could commit to playing anymore.

It was a tough decision as much as I complained about that league sometimes.  Two of the guys on the team had been playing since I started.  That's five years of playing together - longer than people play together in high school and college.  They were really sweet and brought cupcakes.

Hopefully, I can play as a sub a week or two that works out in my schedule. And as sad as I was to let that go, I feel relief that I don't have to stress about it.  Because it WAS a huge stressor.

The Hawai'i Recap

This is going to be LONG.... you've been warned.

Also, I am going to try to include as many pictures as possible.  Most are mine, but some are stolen from the photographer of the family (Melissa).  View all of Melissa's photos on her SmugMug page.

Back to the recap....

Thursday morning was an early morning of everyone getting ready, and a full day of travel.  Kayla was a gem on the flights and we made it safely to the house around dinnertime.  We had a heck of a time picking rooms, but eventually every one settled in and we put Kayla to bed.  Justin, Brendan and my mom then went to Costco and to pick up my dad from the airport.  That left us girls to test out the pool and hot tub.  Here's a few shots of the house and of the view from the house.

On Friday, we didn't do much.  Brendan and my dad played golf; the rest of us spent some time outside by the pool.  It really was the perfect house.  Kayla LOVES the pool.

On Saturday and Sunday, we did more lying around (you should start to see a pattern here) and took a drive down to the town 3 miles away.  We walked around, grabbed lunch, and did some shopping.  It was a cute little touristy area.  We also had dinner with my dad's President and all of his family.  Kayla was a champ again and Brendan tried tofu for the first time.  :) 

Monday, we did more sunning and lying around.  We also had the luau, which was a lot of fun.  We took the family picture that I posted earlier.  The girls had a little hula lesson....

Melissa tested out a few silhouette shots and got a couple nice ones of the three of us....

We saw a nice sunset....

The luau show was great.  Melissa got some great shots of the fire dancer and I managed to catch some crappy shots of the dancers.

At this point, the days are starting to blur.  I know we did paddle boarding, but I can't remember if that was Monday or Tuesday.  It was really fun and I think a good prep for surfing lessons later in the week.

Wednesday, we took a two-hour drive out to the Volcano National Park.  On the way, we stopped at one of the black sand beaches.  This is the day I took most of my pictures.  A few of Melissa's are mixed in because obviously, I cannot take photos of myself from behind. :)

I love the black sand beaches..... 

 

Then we made it to one of the craters.  The volcano wasn't active so we wouldn't see any lava.  Instead, we had to settled for steaming craters.  Commence photos of steam....

Still cool though right?

I also found the clouds so puffy and amazing while we were there.

Then we drove down to the arch.  I know there is background story to this, but I can't remember it now.  Isn't it gorgeous though?

Then, on our way back up crater drive, we stopped to hike to the petroglyphs.  They said it was a .7 mile hike.  What they failed to mention was that there was no real "trail" and it was all on the hot lava rock.  OMG.  That was a rough .7 mile hike.  Luckily, my family enjoys joking around with each other, so we made it in one piece.

They had a boardwalk set up that you could walk around and see a bunch of them.  It was pretty cool.

Then, our final stop in the volcano park was to the lava tube.  Essentially a cave/tube made in the lava.

On the drive home, we decided we couldn't pass the "southern most point of the USA" without actually stopping.  So we drove... in a very questionable drive.... down there.  It was very pretty and they had cliff diving boards.  I don't know who does that cliff diving, because it was god-awful scary, but it was there.

That looks safe, right????

Thursday morning was the morning we did the surf lessons.  Then Lauren and I went to get our tattoos in the evening.  And Friday was our day of traveling home.  

I forgot to mention a couple things.  First, there was one evening that "the kids" went out to dinner to a place I was recommended from a guy I was talking to at O'Hare.  I didn't write about it because it was lame.  Lame, lame, lame.  Thankfully, we know how to have a good time together, so we had a few drinks and a bunch of laughs.

Second, we did manage to make a few friends while we were there.  Our inside friend, the tiny gecko that was living somewhere in the kitchen.  Isn't he cute?

And then the few sea turtles we managed to see outside the house.

That pretty much wraps up the trip.  I'm sure Melissa will post her own versions of the trip with more of her photos.