Goals Update: March

I can't believe it's the end of March already.  I barely feel like I've accomplished anything so far this 2012 and it's already a quarter over.

Here's my goals update:

1. WORK ON MY 101 IN 1,001 LIST - I've been doing pretty well with this so far.  There are a few more things I want to accomplish during the summer.  Plus, I know as soon as I move into my own place here in Chicago, I will be able to work on a few other things.

2. SAY "YES" MORE OFTEN - I think I've been doing pretty well with this... all things considered.  I've been more flexible with my time (which is a HUGE accomplishment for me) and I am looking forward to more things as the year goes on.

3. SAVE, SAVE, SAVE - This has stayed the same since my move.  I had to use a portion of my savings to pay for my month of health insurance (man, is that expensive).  Also, I know that I will have to pay a large chunk to move my things to IL when I find my own place.  I'm trying really hard to not use that money and put more into it.  Selling my house would be a BIG help!  Also, my new job relies a lot on my spending my money when I am traveling and submitting for reimbursement.  In the end, it's all fine, but I haven't had the luxury of having that extra money (I've been living pretty tightly), so this will be an adjustment for me.  Hopefully, I can get some things lined up, develop my own budget and go from there.


So far, 2012 has been pretty successful for me goal-wise.

A Dog's Life

He's clearly having a hard time adjusting....

Wednesday Rambling

*I'm posting this photo only because I love you blog peeps!

Yesterday was candlelight yoga.  When I came home I noticed a little something different....

Magenta arm pits.  Note to self: Remember to pre-wash new workout clothes (especially bright colored ones) BEFORE you sweat in them!

Two showers later and there is still a hint of pink in my armpits.

Also, my mom is spoiling Samson.  She bought him Frosty Paws at the grocery store yesterday.  This is the longest I could get him to look away from the treat.  Notice his posture.  Very protective and won't use his paws to grip the treat.  He just dips his nose down into it.

Ballet and Yoga and Sculpt - Oh My!!

Last week I wrote about my need to get my butt in gear as far as my weight and staying in shape.  I've noticed that doing NOTHING does not work for me.  I'm not willing to cut out foods from my diet completely (I love food) so I have to continue to exercise.  Last week I realized that I gained almost all the weight back that I lost last year.  BOO!

So this past weekend, I signed up for a new client intro period at this gym near my parents house.  It's a "girly" gym that has spin classes, yoga classes, and ballet-inspired classes.

On Saturday morning, I went to my first class - Ballet Boot Camp.

Two things.

First, it kicked my ASS!  Seriously, I was struggling.  I know a lot of people had said that ballet was a great form of exercise and it's really great for getting your body in shape.  I totally get that now.  I was struggling during the class.  It was fun, but hard.

Second, I do NOT have a dancers body.  All the other girls in class were thin little things.  I have muscles.... leg muscles, arm muscles.  I have an athlete body that worked for me for volleyball.  Not dancing.

Last night, my mom and I went to a yoga-sculpt class.  It was fun.  A bit more intense than a regular sculpt class.  I was still pretty sore from the boot camp class, so it was nice to get a good stretching class in.

Tonight, we are trying Candlelight yoga.  Which I'm going to guess is much more relaxing and slow paced than the yoga class we went to yesterday.

May the Odds be Ever in Your Favor

This past weekend was supposed to be more low-key than my two previous weekend in town.  And it was... for the most part.

Friday evening I did nothing, which was nice.  Brendan and I watched "Friends with Benefits"  which was surprisingly entertaining and WAY better than "No Strings Attached".  Considering they are essentially the exact same story, I was surprised by how different they were.  FWB definitely played up the humor aspect more than NSA did.

On Saturday, I wanted to get out and just hang out with some friends.  Something low key.  So I dragged Brendan with me and we headed down to the Gold Coast neighborhood to grab dinner and drinks. My wardrobe is not prepared for evenings out, even the relaxing kind.... this was the best I could do.

Sorry the photos are dark, I didn't turn the lights on in my room.  *Jeans - Express, Jacket - H&M (Seriously... this jacket has already earned its money's worth), shirt - Nordstrom, shoes - Nine West

We met Brooke, her friend Ravi, Sprangers, Kate and their friend Ryan.  Brendan's friend, Devon, showed up shortly after we finished eating.

Sprangers, Kate and Ryan left after dinner because they were running in the Shamrock Shuffle the next morning, so the rest of us headed back up to the Wrigleyville area to meet up with a few more people.  I had a lot of fun and made it home (without Brendan) around 1am.

Sunday, Melissa, my mom and I went to see Hunger Games.  I read the book a year ago after my coworker, Cindy, convinced me to read it.  I FLEW through all three books.  When the first started promoting the movie, I was really excited.

Given how much I was looking forward to the movie, it did not disappoint.  I was actually happy with how much they stuck to the book and felt they covered a lot in the 2.5 hours.  I'm looking forward to seeing how they handle the next two books.  Might have to reread them soon since it's been a year and who knows when the next movie is coming out.

#51 - Move to another City

*Full disclosure: Some of the items on my 101 list were added because I knew that I intended to accomplish them.  Cheating?  Maybe a little... but it was a good check to make sure they happened!  Like this one...

While I technically moved to Illinois almost three full weeks ago, today is the day I am marking it official.

Why?

Because I got this....

Yep, officially a recognized Illinois resident!

Also, ladies, a friendly reminder, CHIN DOWN.  Wish I remembered that this morning.  :)

Progress on the 101

I keep saying in my monthly goal updates that I am going to make progress on my 101 things list.  And I fully intend to.

Here is a list of the few things I want to try to tackle in the next month.

• Find my signature cocktail - this should be fairly easy, right?  Who wants to help? :)
• Find my make up must haves and clean out the old - this is basically done.  I just need to actually post about it.
• Develop a skincare routine - Also basically done.  I would like to really have one set routine done before my birthday, so a one month target is good.
• Get a facial - I think this is self explanatory.
• Move to another city - technically already done, but am just waiting on "official" proof to document it. :)
• Make my list of 10 places to see before I die - easy-peasy....

Some additional ones that would be great to check off if possible:

• Own a real vintage dress - with my trip to Palm Springs coming up, Amanda has already informed me that we will be going vintage shopping.  A successful shopping excursion would be nice!
• Finish a coloring book - this is a stress reducer.  I might pick one up on my next trip to Target
• Visit the aquarium - because why not?

It is still March right?

It's been 75-80 each day this week.  As much as I LOVE this weather, I hadn't really unpacked my warmer weather stuff (and my body isn't ready for it).  I had really only unpacked what I thought I needed so that I could not be overloaded with stuff while at my parents house.

I'm debating digging a few things out, but of course, that would jinx it and the next day it would be back down to 40s.

So I'll just take it a day at a time.

*top - Limited, skirt - Jcrew Factory, shoes - Nine west,  earrings & bracelet - baublebar, nailpolish - Color club (from my March birchbox)

Weight Watch 2012

I think you remember last year when I posted about my weight loss and exercising and eating healthier.  Yeah... remember that?

That has NOT been happening.  Ever since I was living in my house, travelling back and forth and eating off paper plates, all of that went away.  And I'm feeling the effects of it.

I had full intention of getting back into gear, I signed up for the Summerfest half marathon again.  I was good to go.  Then I had to move, so I took a week and a half off to get everything done.  Then I got to Chicago and found out I couldn't run the marathon because I had a work conflict.  There went all my excuses to HAVE to run to stay on schedule.

I went shopping on Sunday with my mom and felt terrible.  I can't be one of those people that yo-yo back and forth.

So this week, I am getting back on the wagon.  I'm putting together a work out schedule and getting a grip on my eating.  I will probably read that "eating raw" book I have on my nook again.  To refresh my mind with good eating tips.

It needs to happen - NOW - so I'm putting it on the blog.  It makes me accountable.

I will be in good shape and feeling better before my birthday - July 17!

Outfit Monday

Today will be the 7th consecutive day of 70-80 degree weather in Chicago.  In March.

I am trying to enjoy every second of it before we get that burst of cold that will last until May (maybe if I say it, it won't happen?).

*skirt - Ruche, tee & sweater - JCrew, belt - Target, shoes - Nine West

Weekend wrap up

As much as I love having people to see and things to do during the weekend, it certainly makes the weekend go by quickly!

Friday, I had a half day at work, so I thought I would use that opportunity to get over to the DMV and take care of that business.  To make a long story short, I had no problems getting my title and registration taken care of.  I hopped over to the driver's license section, waited my turn, only to find out that the state of Virginia had a hold on my license and I needed to contact them.  Come to find out, they never received notification that I had moved to Maryland back in 2009, so they had suspended my "non-existent" VA license because I did not have the minimum car insurance in Dec. 2, 2009.  Seriously???  So as long as I can prove to them I had valid insurance on that date, they will waive the $500 fee!!!! and only charge me the $85 necessary to reinstate my VA license (that I haven't had since 2009) so that I can use my MD license to get my new IL license.  Yep, take a second to digest that.

State of Virginia, that sure is a sham you are running to increase revenue.

Needless to say, I checked what was required of me to make sure that the state of Maryland knows I moved so I don't have to deal with this again.

After that, I made a few appetizers and headed to one of my friends house to hang out and have a few drinks.   It was a small gathering of the girls I was friends with back in grade school.  We had a blast and decided that we needed to plan something once a month.  Looks like April might be a group trip to see American Reunion and grad a bite to eat.  Should be fun!

On Saturday, I spent the day at the United Center with Brooke.  She had an extra ticket to the Budweiser Court of Dreams activity.  We watched a group of the attendees play a scrimmage on the court (coached by Bill Wennington and Stacy King), got a few pictures and jokes in and then headed up to have a few drinks and dinner.  The night was capped off by seats behind the basket for the game.  TONS of fun!  Here are a few photos I snagged.

 * excuse the pose... it's difficult to look nice standing in the middle of a giant basketball court.

 Bill Wennington

Stacy King  (guy is LARGE and HILARIOUS!)

Head Shots Day

Of course... on the day I have my head shots and video shoot, I can't get my hair to do what I want.

It's mediocre at best.  At least it has a bit of body, so it's not so flat.

*Jeans - Rock & Republic, shoes - Steven, tank - Express, cardigan - Jcrew

Also, I'm wearing fake eyelashes... to work.  At least it's not giant falsies on the beach a la Snookie and the Jersey Shore gals!

Curly Hair Update

For those of you that care.... here is what my hair looks like right now (2pm CT).

I have to say, it was pretty curly still until about 2 hours ago when it got really warm in my office.  I sent Lauren a text picture at 11am that had good curl left.

I think with some more products and a bit more time spent on it, it will last longer.

A tease of Spring

Spring like weather in March in Chicago seems outrageous.  It's becoming increasingly difficult to convince myself that this is just short lived and to be prepared for the onslaught of cold weather again soon.

(Maybe if I an negative about it, I will be wrong?? :)  Worth a shot right?)

I LOVE my outfit today.  Can't say that happens very often.

*Another outfit by JCrew (they should be paying me to endorse them at this point...), shoes - Nine West

Also, curly hair?!!!  It's only been an hour (by the time I'm writing this) and the curls are already wearing down.  I'm going to have to play around with some more products.

Curling was done using my straightener.

I'm glad I tested this, because I might throw more product in and do this tomorrow for my photo/video shoot at work.  Kind of wishing I had saved this outfit for tomorrow.  Hindsight.

Sleepy Sleepy

Is anyone else dragging this week with daylight savings time, or is it just me?

It's making it difficult to focus at work.  Plus, I'm in that weird stage where I know there is a TON to do, but I don't know enough to do it yet....

I have to keep reminding myself, "baby steps, Megan.... baby steps."

Tomorrow I have a meeting with my boss to discuss my suggestions for re-organizing my department.

This should be interesting.

Weekend Wrap up

After a full first week here, I managed to see some more of my family over the weekend.

Justin, Melissa, Kayla, Brendan and I went to the Cheesecake Factory on Friday for dinner.  Poor Kayla threw up in the car on the way there so it took her a bit of time to feel better.  As usual, she was such a ham and make friends with all the servers.

On Saturday, Brendan and I drove up to Kenosha to meeting MEM at the outlet mall.  We had a good time walking around (even though Brendan couldn't find a new pair of shoes).  Then we had lunch before we left.  Of course, one of the pairs of running shorts I got were on the wrong size hanger, so I'll be heading back up there on Wednesday to meet MEM, Terri and Karen so I can exchange them.

Sunday, Brendan, Samson and I got in the car and headed out to Glen Ellyn.  We met Justin, Melissa, Kayla and Lauren there.  Lindy and Makala were able to stop over too so we had some sandwiches and took a walk over to the park.  

By the time we got home at 7pm, I was officially tired.  It was so nice to see everyone, but I'm used to not really doing much on weekends.  It seemed to FLY by!

This week I will probably get more integrated into work and actually have to have head shots and a video taken on Thursday.  

The weather is supposed to be in the 60s all week.  I'm celebrating by trying to bust out some appropriate spring colors.

*skirt - NEW from JCrew Factory, tank & sweater - Jcrew (old), shoes - Target

First week impressions

After my first full week at the new job, it's been an eye-opening experience.  This is the first time I have been the "new guy" in over six years.  That was a bit scary.  I was extremely comfortable at my old job.  I knew a lot of what was going on.  I had the historical knowledge to easily make decisions.  And I had made good friends with some of my colleagues.

I know I mentioned it before, but it was tough to leave.

So this new office is different.  There are only 12 staffers at my new place.  Everyone knows everyone.  And I am definitely the new guy.  Also, being on the contractor side of things is different.  I think I'm going to like it though.  They really are throwing me right in there.  My first day they put me on a conference call with one of the associations.

Also, working at a privately owned company is DIFFERENT.  It's much more laid back than my last office (to the point where sometimes I hear myself thinking "really?")  On Tuesday around 4pm, my boss (the president) declared it "Wine Tuesday" and anyone that wanted to could gather in the kitchen, have some wine and just talk.  Kind of awesome.

They also do parties, hosted by one of the departments, every month.  Next week is the "Shamrock shakedown" complete with corned beef and a Chicago bartender to make special drinks!  Honestly?  So awesome.

Aside from the fun stuff that the staff does together, I really think I am going to like what my job responsibilities are.  I'm excited to gain more knowledge and really get my hands dirty.

Da Bulls

Last night Brooke invited me to the Bulls game with her.  She has one an incentive for work and received two tickets to the Legends Lounge for last night's game.

Taking aside the coolness of the lounge and the VIP treatment, it was awesome getting to spend time with Brooke... on a weeknight....like it was a totally normal thing.  And no one had to take time off work for it to happen.

I think I'm really going to like being in Chicago (as if I needed the additional reasoning)!

Here's a semi-crappy photo I caught last night before the game was over.

Jeans on a Thursday...

New blazer from H&M....  I'm debating on wearing this top half of the outfit again next week when we have to have headshots taken and video done.

What do you think?

*jacket - H&M, t-shirt - Jcrew, jeans - Express, boots & necklace - Old Navy

Also, heading to the Bulls game tonight with Brooke.  I'm looking forward to that!

#2

The best things about living in Chicago...

#2 - Portillo's ANYTIME I want it!

So maybe it's not worthy of the #2 slot, but it's definitely one of the best things!

Day Three ....  

I am starting to feel more comfortable at work.  And that's resulting in my weird transition of outfits for the week.

I'm glad I tried to wear this jacket with this dress.  It's the first time I wore it together and it made me like this dress again.

*jacket & dress - Jcrew (old), shoes - Nine West, scarf - Old Navy

The best things....

I am thinking I want to start a list.  A list of the best things about being back in Chicago.

Ready....  (Hopefully this will be an ongoing thing)

#1

Being back with my family....

and friends....

Day Two

I'm up before my alarm and have enough time before I leave to write a quick post.  I'd say I'm still trying to work out my best schedule.

Here's my outfit for today.  I've been dying to wear this chambray shirt since I got it at the JCrew Factory sale. Also, it's super windy here and the walk to my car is a bit chilly.  I couldn't do tights for a second day in a row.  I'm hit or miss on this outfit really.

*Sweater - Express, shirt - JCrew Factory, pants - Macys, shoes - Nine West

Though, aren't my new earrings from baublebar adorable?  I'm starting to get into the neon thing.  (Sorry the photo is blurry.  I couldn't get them to stop swinging enough to take the picture.)

The First Day

This week is going to blow me away, so I apologize in advance if the posting is sporadic at best.

A few things.

1. Here is what I wore to work on my first day (I was borderline over dressed).

*sweater & tights - Target, skirt - JCrew, shoes - Steven (old)

2. Here is photos of my office.... It needs a little sprucing up for sure.

 view from my desk

view from the front of my desk

view from the door

3.  I think I am going to LOVE this place.

4.  Text messages during the day from my old coworkers/friends was the best.  As well as the good luck texts from friends and family.  It was awesome.

Last day....

Today is my last day... in DC and at my office.

It feels very bittersweet.  I am so excited to head out to Chicago, start a new job and finally get to restart my life.  But I am really going to miss the people I have met in DC and many of my coworkers in my office.

Yesterday was Sara's last day in the office for the week, so she came by to say good bye before she left.  To be honest, I'm glad she's not here today because it would be harder.  I'm also thankful that Mel is not in the office.  It's much easier to leave knowing that the people I'm closest to don't have to do the difficult goodbye today.

I know my boss is on a mission today to make me cry.  He's already sending me emails about what the office will miss in my absence.  Today, we are going to lunch (with a handful of other colleagues).  Today, my "office husband" as I often jokingly call him, will be parking himself and his laptop in my office so he can get a full 9 hours of unbridled harassment in.  I wouldn't have expected anything less.

As I write this now (at 7:15am), it still doesn't really feel like my last day.  But I know that will change as the hours get later in the day.  I'm already removed my access cards and keys from my key rings.  I turned in my company credit card two days ago.  But it doesn't really feel real.

Then again, neither does that fact that when I leave DC tomorrow morning, who knows when I will be coming back.  And most likely, if I do make a return it will not be to my house.  The house that I have owned for three years.

I spent more time at my company than I ever expected to (this was not the first time - or the second time - that I looked for another job during my 6 years here).  Six years at one company seems to be a long time for someone my age in today's economy.

Today will be difficult for me, but I find a bit of comfort knowing that those that I am close to will still have opportunities to visit and that we will stay in touch.

Goals Update: February

2012 is already flying by at a crazy past pace.  If this continues, it will be my birthday before I'm ready.

Here's my goals update:

1. WORK ON MY 101 IN 1,001 LIST - Yes and Yes.  I know with my upcoming move, some more of them will be checked off in the next couple of months.

2. SAY "YES" MORE OFTEN - Well, I overbooked myself with goodbye gatherings all week... but it was totally worth it.  This one is going to be fun to push myself with when I move.

3. SAVE, SAVE, SAVE - The return from my 2011 taxes and the upcoming payout of my PTO time is really going to help this one.  I'm trying to do my best to save as much as I can during this transition, but the "up in the air" status of the house sell is majorly cramping my style!

Pretty good so far.  Looking forward to seeing what March brings!

March?!

Sweet Jesus, it's March already???

I'll write my goals update this afternoon (sorry, it totally slipped my mind).

Here's my final Thursday outfit for work.  Final Thursday... I can't really believe it.

*sweater - Express, skirt - JCrew, belt - Target, shoes - Nine West, necklace - F21