year in review |

A Year in Review

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Megan

Instead of posting my normal Year in Review list I’ve decided to be a bit more long-winded. Humor me, okay?

This past year was almost like a reset for me. In the best sense of the word.

I moved to Austin in late October of 2011 and adjusted to married life – which I LOVE, but I never realized uprooting and acclimating to a new city would take so long.

I had gotten in a funk when we first moved here. I was adjusting (poorly) to working from home and was resentful for a few months that I had been “forced” to move to Longhorn Country.

Living in Adam’s old bachelor pad apartment didn’t help. I’ve told many friends that it felt like a hotel and not a home, I never felt settled. Luckily, we were able to buy our first house and that is what I consider the catalyst to my “reset”.

Once we got settled in our house, it was like a light bulb went off in my head. I could either learn to love this new awesome city I was living in (minus the university just down the road) or be a curmudgeon.I had never been a curmudgeon before – in fact I was usually the exact opposite – so why did I let myself get to that place now?

I learned it took more effort to be unhappy and find negativity in situations and it wasn’t necessarily the most healthy way to go about my day. I was FINALLY married to the love of my life, but I was punishing him because I was being a curmudgeon.

I started doing little things to brighten my day – things I used to love to do. I planted flowers around our yard. I learned to make homemade tortillas. I re-joined Jazzercise. I joined a stitching/fiber arts/knitting group. I hosted parties. I watched the Oscars.

Slowly, I began to feel like my old self and I was happy. Why had I let myself get that dark place when I’m having so much more fun now?

Adam, bless his heart, was amazing. He was patient for this entire year letting me find my place in Austin and our life together. He never became exasperated with my negativity and would force me on occasion to get outside or meet him for lunch. He was truly my saving grace.

This year helped me prioritize my life and my interests. I learned to drop the baggage of unhappiness and find the sun everyday. I learned a smile is the best way to change my attitude and I thank God everyday that I have a husband who can make me belly laugh for hours.

I can be awesome, everyday, and I owe that to myself and to those around me.

Year in Review

Posted on April 6, 2012 by Megan

Well, it’s that time of year again. Time for my annual year in review post. Let’s see what’s changed in my life in the past year, shall we?

You may see previous year in review posts here: 2011 | 2010

2011: I’m sooo over drivers who drive slower than the posted speed. 10 in a 30 is not ok, but thanks for finally getting out of my way.
2012: I’m not adjusted to the CRAZY traffic in Austin. Between the rush hour parking lots and the folks who don’t know how to drive it’s annoying.
2011: I’m obsessed with the gorgeous clipart from pugly pixel! You’ll find that a lot of them are used throughout my blog 🙂
2012: Still obsessed. But as I was planning my wedding, I found out about Wedding Chicks and their free downloads. Ummmm….lifesaver! I used several of them to design my own paper details for our big day.
2011: I received an iPad for Christmas (Thanks, Adam!). I now drift off into dreamland playing Mahjong.
2012: I received a nice upgrade to my work computer this year. It’s made my life sooooo much better. Who knew Captivate could actually run without crashing?
2011: What [American Idol] season is it this year?
2012: Idol is old news. I’m counting down the weeks until the premiere of a new season of “So You Think You Can Dance”.
2011: Ellen never fails to make me laugh, then cry, then laugh again as I watch her talk show.
2012: Thanks to Ellen, I am now enamored by adorable little Sophia Grace Brownlee:

[youtube:http://youtu.be/0gmmRUqgsg4%5D

2011: Umm, “OMG” was just added to the Oxford Dictionary. I feel like everything I learned in English class was a lie.
2012: This year, in dispute with everything I ever learned in English class, the Oxford comma was dropped. I feel like my whole life has been a lie. This poster summarizes exactly why this is so wrong:

2011: Does anyone else see something wrong with Jim and Alexis’ relationship or is it just me? So. Wrong. Give her a voice and get your own dang orange juice, puh-lease.
2012: Why can’t I convince Adam that the Real Housewives franchise is a legitimate television series?
2011: In a little over 6.5 months we will be married! And living in the same zipcode – yet to be determined.
2012: Our zipcode was determined. I became an inhabitant of Texas. Lesson? Never say never when love is involved.
2011: The iPad is the single greatest invention ever. It’s practically attached to my hip when I’m at home. Is there anything it can’t do?
2012: The App “Paper” is incredible, it’s literally like having an easel at your fingertips.
2011: In case you haven’t noticed, I’m obsessed with Jazzercise so much that it’s been mentioned on my blog at least 7 times. I will stop you in the street and tell you about it, if you’ll let me. LOVE. IT!
2012: Honestly? I haven’t been to a Jazzercise class since January. The traffic to the nearest studio is so crazy that my drive time is just as long as my class time, which ends up equalling around 2 hrs. Instead, I’ve found a new exercise regimen in Yoga. I’ve developed a bit of a home practice and on occasion Adam and I will catch a Vinyasa class at Black Swan downtown.
2011: Try as I might to not get sucked into the addiction that is Twitter, I’ve failed. And I sometimes clog my followers feeds with senseless live tweets for pageants, award shows and documentaries about ferrets. Truly sorry, y’all!
2012: For some reason, I’ve kinda fallen off the Twitter world in the past month. I desperately want to get back in – I feel so disconnected – but something about only so many hours in the day…
2011: The Social Network was the best movie of the last year hands down. I wonder how many of the applications and games Zuckerberg uses on his profile and if he’s one of those every 5 minute updaters?
2012: The Hunger Games was incredible and ended up being a great date night movie. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that we saw it at Alamo Drafthouse. I think any movie seen there ends up being incredible.
2011: Gelato for ZAZA makes me happy, especially Honey Yogurt.
2012: I long for ZAZA. At least once a week Adam and I crave their salads, but alas an 8 hour drive keeps us from giving into our craving. Of course, after I move they develop the gelato I suggested: Nutella.
2011: Why have I not seen “Gone with the Wind”? <—Still true
2012: Who cares? Thanks to Netflix I’ve developed quite the interest in documentary films. Some of my favorites? The Cove and Bill Cunningham New York. I’m also looking forward to seeing Girl Model when it comes out.
2011: A day without Jazzercise most often leads to a less perky version of myself. Need. It.
2012: Well, I’ve had many days without Jazzercise and, while I think this is true to an extent, Yoga has helped me maintain a perky disposition.
2011: Still true, but I’m basking in my solo life since it will soon be coming to an end. Then I get to annoy Adam every. single. day. with my perkiness, random thoughts, and Bravo reality shows!! I know he’s excited.
2012: No longer single, but instead happily married and I’m living the dream as stated above. Life is wonderful!
2011: Did you hear? Fanny packs are coming back. Which reminds me of the neon green one I wore on family vacations in the early 90s. I think it had “Marlboro” or some other brand of cigarette written across the front. My dad was a grocer and I was the walking underage billboard for cigarettes. [No one in my family smokes]
2012: In just under 2 weeks we’ll be going to DISNEY WORLD!!! I looked high and low for a bag that in no way resembled a fanny pack for this trip. Lucky for me I found the perfect cross-body purse, it’s by pure coincidence that it’s green.
2011: Did I mention I’m getting MARRIED in October?!?! CAN. NOT. WAIT!
2012: October came and went with a wedding. A wonderful celebration with family and friends followed by a perfect honeymoon full of wine and relaxation. I’m so incredibly blessed!

Year in Review

Posted on March 26, 2011 by Megan

Last year around this time, I wrote a year in review post full of random observations and comparisons about my life. What better time than a rainy, dreary Saturday to write the 2011 version? Plus, after 2 Jazzercise classes this morning – umm, Ballet Body is no joke! – and trying to make a substantial dent in my DVR, which is happily sitting at 92% full right now, I figure I could use a little mental and creative stimulation!

I now present 2010 vs. 2011 (thus far)…

2010: Cars with random sayings written on their back window should be taken off the road. Today’s quote? “Porno Country” written in white shoe polish.
2011: I’m sooo over drivers who drive slower than the posted speed. 10 in a 30 is not ok, but thanks for finally getting out of my way.
2010: I dabbled in designing my own stationery this year. I had 5 clients.
2011: I’m obsessed with the gorgeous clipart from pugly pixel! You’ll find that a lot of them are used throughout my blog 🙂
2010: Watching Food Network in bed is the best way to unwind and head to dreamland.
2011: I received an iPad for Christmas (Thanks, Adam!). I now drift off into dreamland playing Mahjong.
2010: Season 9 of American Idol was horribly over-hyped. Can we just go ahead and give Crystal Bowersox the title?
2011: What season is it this year?
2010: Ellen DeGeneres is the newest American Idol judge. Watch out, she’s about to take over the World.
2011: Ellen never fails to make me laugh, then cry, then laugh again as I watch her talk show.
2010: Using “tweet” as a verb is acceptable, so is using “tweep” as a noun.
2011: Umm, “OMG” was just added to the Oxford Dictionary. I feel like everything I learned in English class was a lie.
2010: Watching crazy housewives act like high school mean girls [or mafia members] all season and then meet up for a reunion long after the filming has wrapped is good television.
2011: Does anyone else see something wrong with Jim and Alexis’ relationship or is it just me? So. Wrong. Give her a voice and get your own dang orange juice, puh-lease.
2010: Long, late night phone calls/video chats with your boyfriend, who moved 8 hours away last May, are my favorite way to end a long day.
2011: Ditto, but in a little over 6.5 months we will be married! And living in the same zipcode – yet to be determined.
2010: My iPhone is my single greatest investment ever. How did I survive without it? [see also: Words with Friends]
2011: The iPad is the single greatest invention ever. It’s practically attached to my hip when I’m at home. Is there anything it can’t do?
2010: Despite hearing how cheesy it is or remembering the unfortunate neon leotards from the 80′s that many still [wrongly] associate with it, Jazzercise is the single best workout I’ve ever done, not to mention the only one I’ve stuck with for over 4 months without complaint. I? LOVE. IT!
2011: In case you haven’t noticed, I’m obsessed with Jazzercise so much that it’s been mentioned on my blog at least 7 times. I will stop you in the street and tell you about it, if you’ll let me. LOVE. IT!
2010: Twitter is how I make it through my work day.
2011: Try as I might to not get sucked into the addiction that is Twitter, I’ve failed. And I sometimes clog my followers feeds with senseless live tweets for pageants, award shows and documentaries about ferrets. Truly sorry, y’all!
2010: Since when did Facebook become the place for High School “spirit weeks”. I don’t care about the color of your underwear, your birthplace, or the celebrity you most resemble. What happened to original status updates??
2011: The Social Network was the best movie of the last year hands down. I wonder how many of the applications and games Zuckerberg uses on his profile and if he’s one of those every 5 minute updaters?
2010: Cupcakes from Cupcakes on Kavanaugh are a delectable treat.
2011: Gelato for ZAZA makes me happy, especially Honey Yogurt.
2010: Why have I not seen “This Is It”? <—- Still true, one year later.
2011: Why have I not seen “Gone with the Wind”?
2010: Jazzercise is my new [and hopefully permanent] stress relief.
2011: A day without Jazzercise most often leads to a less perky version of myself. Need. It.
2010: Girls’ nights, with friends you can be truly yourself around, are few and far between.
2011: Still true, but I’m basking in my solo life since it will soon be coming to an end. Then I get to annoy Adam every. single. day. with my perkiness, random thoughts, and Bravo reality shows!! I know he’s excited.
2010: Despite how much of a mistake they were in the 90′s, Hammer Pants are back. Did we not learn anything?
2011: Did you hear? Fanny packs are coming back. Which reminds me of the neon green one I wore on family vacations in the early 90s. I think it had “Marlboro” or some other brand of cigarette written across the front. My dad was a grocer and I was the walking underage billboard for cigarettes. [No one in my family smokes]
2010: Did I mention I’m going to my favorite beach this summer?!?!?!
2011: Did I mention I’m getting MARRIED in October?!?! CAN. NOT. WAIT!

Year in Review

Posted on March 24, 2010 by Megan

It’s that time of year again. The time of year where I reflect over the last 365ish days of my life and post my observations. For your reading pleasure, I present 2009 vs. 2010 (thus far):

2009: Strangers who think flirting while driving is attractive are wrong, extremely.
2010: Cars with random sayings written on their back window should be taken off the road. Today’s quote? “Porno Country” written in white shoe polish.
2009: One of the best feelings in the world is getting mail that is not a) a bill, b) junk, or c) expected, especially when said mail is on handmade stationery. That is quite possibly the most heartwarming envelope to open.
2010: Speaking of handmade stationery, I began designing my own stationery this year. You should check it out 🙂
2009: Reading in bed until late at night can be quite relaxing.
2010: Watching Food Network in bed is the best way to unwind and head to dreamland.
2009: Season 8 of American Idol was not hyped up enough.
2010: Season 9 of American Idol was horribly over-hyped. Can we just go ahead an give Crystal Bowersox the title?
2009: Ellen DeGeneres is the new Oprah. If you don’t believe me Google their ratings.
2010: Ellen DeGeneres is the newest American Idol judge. Watch out, she’s about to take over the World.
20o9: Using Facebook as a verb is acceptable.
2010: Using “tweet” as a verb is acceptable, so is using “tweep” as a noun.
2009: Watching a wannabe model have a nervous breakdown because ANTM or Make Me a Supermodel wants to chop her hair off is good television, no matter how bad you feel for her.
2010: Watching crazy housewives act like high school mean girls [or mafia members] all season and then meet up for a reunion long after the filming has wrapped is good television.
2009: Long late night phone calls with your boyfriend who lives 30 minutes away are a great way to relax.
2010: Long late night phone calls/video chats with your boyfriend, who moved 8 hours away last May, are my favorite way to end a long day.
2009: My iPod is one of my proudest investments. Every song it plays is either “my jam”, “my favorite song ever”, or a song “I LOVE”. I’m not ashamed.
2010: My iPhone is my single greatest investment ever. How did I survive without it? [see also: Words with Friends]
2009: Despite looking like you could break your back doing the workout, Afro-Latin is one of the most fun workouts I have ever done…despite being a sweaty mess afterwards.
2010: Despite hearing how cheesy it is or remembering the unfortunate neon leotards from 80’s that many still [wrongly] associate with it, Jazzercise is the single best workout I’ve ever done, not to mention the only one I’ve stuck with for over 4 months without complaint. I? LOVE. IT!
2009: Twitter is overrated, sort of.
2010: Twitter is how I make it through my work day.
2009: Facebook is overrated.
2010: Since when did Facebook become the place for High School “spirit weeks”. I don’t care about the color of your underwear, your birthplace, or the celebrity you most resemble. What happened to original status updates??
2009: Mini watermelons from Fresh Market are a seasonal yet delectable treat.
2010: Cupcakes from Cupcakes on Kavanaugh are a delectable treat.
2009: Why have I not seen “Princess Bride”?
2010: Why have I not seen “This Is It”?
2009: Cooking/Baking is my new stress relief.
2010: Jazzercise is my new [and hopefully permanent] stress relief.
2009: Girls’ nights will teach you more about your friends that you would know otherwise.
2010: Girls’ nights, with friends you can be truly yourself around, are few and far between.
2009: Despite how silly you look while doing it, the Masala Bhangra workout really does work.
2010: Despite how much of a mistake they were in the 90’s, Hammer Pants are back. did we not learn anything?
2009: Did I mention I’m going to see Billy Joel? In concert? With Elton John?
2010: Did I mention I’m going to my favorite beach this summer?!?!?!