12/9/10

Zach Galifinakis

Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis: Sean Penn from Between Two Ferns


One of the many reasons I love Zach Galifianakis. Need I say more?

12/6/10

Cheap Home Remedy

I love anything and everything all natural, holistic and well let's be honest, cheap. For some reason, I've had weird bumps/acne on my chin for awhile now. It's not very noticeable but still so annoying to not have a clear face. I went to the dermatologist but the face wash they prescribed me was so expensive that I would have to ration my face wash for a year or sell my left arm. And, I like avoiding taking any kind of medication at all. That's another fun fact about me that I didn't put on my 100 things. My sister-in-law thinks I'm crazy but in my head it makes sense. Anywayssss....

I was at the nail place and my nail lady was so cute and talkative! I love when you go to get your nails done and they always say, "you need eyebrow wax?" Um, no I don't but thanks for noticing! Atleast they don't say something like, "you need lip wax?" That would be where I would draw the line and not think it's cute/funny that they notice my flaws. Ok, back on track. So, my nail lady willingly started addressing the irritation and bumps on my skin. According to her, if you puncture a clear Vitamin E pill and put the clear gel from the pill on your face, then it will clear up your skin. I have done this remedy for only two nights and it has proven true! I can't believe it is starting to clear up my skin that I've been trying to fix for so long now. It is also supposed to clear up scars that you might have on your face or anywhere else, too.

$5 vitamin E pills vs. $200 face wash

Meagan 1 Face Wash Company 0

Stickittothemandiosis.

11/24/10

Mother-in-Law

I love working in a restaurant. There is literally never a dull moment. Ever. This new job has only proven my point to be more true and I love it! My managers are great because they create a laid back environment that isn't stressful. I don't do very well with stress which is why I own a snow cone stand. Only a few people get mean in a snow cone line and to those people I say, "really?"

Apparently, last week I unknowingly got a tattoo on my forehead that says: You should try to set me up with your son/I would make an awesome daughter-in-law. Not one, not two but three customers have made a comment about their sons. One of my favorite couples actually brought their son in, knowing that I would be working! Hilarious. This couple is really sweet and their son was a great sport about the whole thing. It was to say the least very funny and luckily we were both able to laugh it off. Their son is my age and seems really nice so I might hang out with him and his friends in the future. I have some funny stories of how I have met friends, but that one will definitely take the cake if we become friends. Another customer was asking me if I was single and wanted to know when I was working the week of Thanksgiving so she could send in her two single sons (26 and 31) to meet me. I think the words, "take your pick" were used. I have no idea what my thing is with mother's but they love me! Nothing like a backhanded confidence booster from mom's looking out for their sons. It's flattering and extremely entertaining for my manager's and co-workers. win win.

In other restaurant news, I waited on Robert Horry Monday night. It was crazy! He sat down and I knew he looked familiar but I had no idea if I was just making it up in my head. He was SO nice and tipped well so that was exciting to meet a professional basketball player! Go Spurs Go.


Tomorrow is Thanksgiving...yay! Someone was saying how they don't like Thanksgiving...what in the world? Who doesn't like to eat a ton of food, hang out with your family, take naps and watch football? I usually don't eat the turkey because I want to save room for all of the sides. haha My mom's potato casserole is well, divine. Potatoes, cheese, butter and corn flakes. I'm going to attempt to make a pecan pie from scratch. Wish me luck! I hope you have a wonderful holiday full of love and calories. Oh and don't forget your "thanksgiving pants!!!"

11/21/10

awkward

I just saw a super cute blog that does an "awesome and awkward" list once a week and so I think I'm going to do it, too. But probably not once a week considering I post about once every two weeks. Oh and my reaction to things that aren't that great (i.e. my wallet getting stolen) is usually "awesome" in a sarcastic tone so if some of my awesome's don't make sense, that's probably why.

Awesome
-my ability to procrastinate...I should seriously be able to put it on my resume next to my impressive microsoft suite skills (microsoft word? pfff I'm basically a pro. why did I have a hard time finding a job?)
-the fact that my brother has never made a resume and he's almost 29
-texas actually winning a football game
-those thick black leggings you wear with boots and baggy t-shirts/sweaters...life changing moment. it's like you're not wearing pants well I guess because you aren't wearing pants but seriously, way more comfortable than my jeans and a t-shirt. so now i'm kind of trendy but SO comfortable. win win.
-forgetting to buy toilet paper...and realizing it just as you wake up
-my manager giving me the day before and after thanksgiving off
-2 stepping at a Josh Abbott concert with the really cute guy you made eye contact with earlier in the night
-shopping at forever 21...is 3 times in one week too much? maybe.


Awkward
-when older women wear those black leggings with a shirt that doesn't cover their butt
-people clapping in church at in opportune times
-a co-worker wearing a shirt that says "I support single moms" with an outline of a stripper
-abilene/monroe commercials
-ushers at church wearing vests
-soccer mom rolling down her window and yelling at the guy that cut her off then having to witness her tailing the guy through a parking lot.
-trying to communicate with spanish speaking bus boys. i can't tell if i'm talking to them like they're deaf.
-4 way stops when I'm running...are they letting me go? i can't tell, and i don't want to get hit by that car. oh, i think they're letting me go, oh nope! just kidding. i'll just stand here and act like i just got a text.
-when i tell people i went to acu and they ask me if i know someone. awkward because i kind of only know people that were in club...more like "embarrassed" because i didn't branch out.
-negative political ads. yeeesh. can't we all just get along?

11/18/10

Quick Update

Here a few quick updates about my life lately.

-I moved to San Antonio last week and really like it! I am living with Jessica Jennings in Alamo Heights which is the equivalent to Tarry Town in Austin. Super cute old charming houses. Ugh, I love it!

-I have started running almost everyday since I got here. One day I jogged 5.5 miles straight...no stopping! This is a huge personal best for me. Like I said earlier, I have always hated running but I'm really starting to like it. We will see how much I like it when it's 40 degrees outside. Yesterday I mapped out a run through the really nice houses so I'm excited to do that today. Maybe I will take pictures of some of the houses without being super creepy. (not when I'm running but just randomly one day haha)

-I started a new job last week at a nice restaurant called Barbaresco. All of the server's are older and mostly men so you know what that means! Not a lot of drama...it's awesome.

-Last night, I met up with some friends and we went to the Alamo Drafthouse and watched the Wedding Singer. If you have never been to a drafthouse, they have a table in front of your chairs so you can eat and drink while watching the movie. The Wedding Singer was a quote and sing-a-long night so they would have the lyrics on the screen to sing with Adam Sandler. Oh and right before the scene where the old lady pays him in meatballs, they passed out meatballs to everyone in the theater and we had to eat it with our hands. haha It was so fun!

-Last week while working at a bat mizvah, I was helping the event planner get ready for the party and we figured out her sister ran cross country at ACU! We talked for awhile and she told me about how she does corporate Christmas decorating for companies and she asked me to help her out so I am going this Saturday for my first job. This will be a great way to make some extra cash on the side. I'm excited to see how she runs her business!

These pictures have something to do with my to-do list today.



11/11/10

100 Things

Here are 100 fun facts about me. Enjoy!

1. An authentic record player is a MUST when I get my own home and family.


2. I loved troll dolls as a kid.

3. I want to eventually learn how to re-upholster furniture really well because my grandmother knew how to re-upholster.

4. The scientist by coldplay is the only song that makes me sad about a past relationship. "Nobody said it was easy, it's such a shame for us to part."

5. Cowboy boots make me swoon. Like, SWOON.

6. One of my all-time favorite places in the world is Aaron's farm house porch, listening to the record player and talking about life.

7. I'm abnormally paranoid.

8. I can't stand having lotion on my body!

9. I use all natural deodorant, toothpaste, mouth wash and soap and hope to eventually use all natural face wash, shampoo and laundry detergent. When I say all-natural, I mean I know the lady who makes it at her house.

10. I'm a hell bent 100% Texan 'til I die.

11. I'm in a Pat Green music video.

12. I did ballet, tap and jazz when I was little and loved it!

13. The only fast food I crave is Chick-fil-A. What the heck do they put in those fries???

14. Grey is my absolute new favorite color...for design that is.

15. My 9th grade boyfriend told me, "you're really cute but your arms are kind of fat" so ever since then I've HATED my arms.

16. I rarely ever drink cokes. I'm an ice water kind of girl.

17. I like Elizabeth on The View.

18. I think me and Amy on the Bobby Bones show would be besties.

19. I can't wait to have a house of my own to decorate.

20. I've never lived outside of Texas.

21. I once waited on Cory Morrow and his girl friend at Janie and Jack.

22. My favorite job has been at a golf course in Round Rock as the cart girl. Driving a golf cart around listening to music on my ipod making great money = best job ever.

23. I was a vegetarian for a month but couldn't give up bar-b-q.

24. After going to Africa, I decided I never wanted to drive a luxury car. Not that I judge people who do, but I just feel like it's a completely unnecessary expense.

25. I've coached 2 elementary and 1 junior high volleyball team.

26. The older I get, the more precious my friends become. I love my friends!

27. I sometimes get social anxiety in big groups.

28. Anytime my throat feels sore, I go to Jamba Juice and get "boosts" in my smoothie. Works every time...I guarantee it.

29. I want to live a simple life.

30. I have no interest in politics.

31. I don't have cable and hardly watch tv because I watched it SO MUCH in college.

32. I love Bobby Flay....especially "throw down with Bobby Flay."

33. Patrick Dempsy's hair is so dreamy/sexy.

34. Whoever invented truck nuts should be kicked well...in the nuts.

35. I have grown more in the past year and half than I have in the past 6 years.

36. I love my perfume, Chance Chanel.

37. I really liked having a short "bob" haircut and always got a lot of compliments in college but I like curling my hair so it's long for now.

38. I was the captain of my volleyball team in high school.

39. My austin sports and social sand volleyball team won the league last year.

40. I lalalalove decorating blogs, photography websites and wedding blogs. Oncewed, design sponge and little green notebook..yes, please.

41. I loved tweety bird as a kid.

42. I want to learn how to sew.

43. If I could be any character in any movie it would be Reese Witherspoon in Walk the Line OR Allie in The Notebook. I can't decide.

44. If you ever want me to completely write you off wear affliction, man jewelry and visors. Automatic N-O.

45. Visors, seriously one of my biggest pet peeves.

46. I don't really like dogs...at all. haha The main reason I don't like them is when they smell bad or jump on you.

47. I have had SO many lunch dates at Jason's Deli.

48. I grew up going to my grandparents house in the country. I love the simplicity of the farm life.

49. Another must for when I have a family is to have my own garden and peach tree in my back yard.

50. I'm not very domestic but I would love to be a stay at home mom. I have a lot of learning to do!

51. Sometimes if I'm feeling crazy, I will order an Arnold Palmer instead of a water.

52. I rate restaurants on how good their bread is. Johnny Carino's A+

53. I co-own a snow cone stand with my brother and absolutely love it.

54. I want my kids to have really southern names like Stetson or Rhett.

55. I love being the baby girl in the family.

56. I'm so lucky to have extremely supportive and helpful parents who love me to death!

57. Large, expensive, obnoxious church building's make me really uncomfortable.

58. Donald Miller is my favorite author.

59. I'm learning that God wants a relationship not a religious, ritualistic church-goer.

60. I hate when people aren't real and honest. Please don't try to act like you have it all together because you aren't fooling me!

61. When I was little, I thought midgets lived in stop lights and controlled the lights manually.

62. The best song to work out to is A-Punk by Vampire Weekend. I seriously start pumping my arms in the air and bob my head side to side. HEY HEY HEY!

63. My brother Aaron and I have countless inside jokes. We sometimes converse in inside jokes/movie quotes.

64. I love Austin Stone and the way it has changed the way I look at church.

65. 2 stepping is so fun, but I'm horrible at it!!

66. I've danced the night away with friends about 5 or 6 different times in the past few months.

67. I love my life right now and I'm really trying to soak in/cherish all the freedom and time I have for myself.

68. Having kids is a terrifying thought.

69. Was the summer of '69 really the best days of your life?

70. I'm going to be late to my funeral with a sign on the casket that says "I'll be there in 2 seconds!!"

71. My nephew is cooler than your nephew.

72. I'm on the search for a good looking guy who loves the Lord who sometimes wears cowboy boots who wants a stay at home housewife who will love him like crazy. Is that so much to ask?

73. I can't even watch movies with affairs in them...it breaks my heart too much!

74. I have never understood why women smoke cigarettes, it ages you SO fast!!

75. I have white water rafted down the Nile River.

76. Running has always been such a pain to me until recently, I'm starting to kind of like it.

77. A green apple and peanut butter = perfection

78. I overuse exclamation points!!!

79. I love anything and everything from J. Crew. So classy....

80. I never watch the news because it's so depressing.

81. If I could have one song playing in my head ALL the time it would be sweet disposition by Temper Trap. It used to be beautiful day by U2.

82. I hate disappointing people, I'm a total people pleaser.

83. It's always sunny in philadelphia is a hilarious show but entirely too inappropriate.

84. Is the hokey pokey what it's all about?

85. When someone cries, I automatically start crying. I'm such a softy like my dad and mom for that matter.

86. I love naps and probably spent half of my freshman year in college napping.

87. Everyone in my family has an entrepreneurial spirit.

88.George Strait's song, Amarillo by Morning describes my life perfectly. "I ain't got a dime, but what I got is mine. I ain't rich, but Lord I'm free."

89. I bleed burnt orange (even when they're sucking). Hook 'em!!!

90. My nickname in high school was Hiney.

91. I had a solo my senior year in Les Miserables.

92. The role I was playing in Les Miserables was lovely lady #1 which is the private school way of saying prostitute #1.

93. I was born in Amarillo.

94. I've never broken a bone or been stung by a bee.

95. If I could eat pizza everyday, I seriously would.

96. I love foot massages.

97. I dislike Dallas for multiple reasons.

98. My friends say I sleep like a vampire. Arms crossed, on my back, with the covers all the way to my chin.

99. Creamy jalapeno from Chuy's is divine.

100. I have received 4 warning tickets in the past year and a half. Batting my eyes at the officer with a sweet smile and apology does the trick apparently..."I'm SO sorry!"

11/6/10

Born in the U.S.A.

I have been feeling extra patriotic the past week or so for two reasons.

Patriotism #1: I was Wendy Peffercorn for Halloween. One of the most classic American movies centered around America's favorite past time.

Patriotism #2: I attended Rick Perry's election watch party at a ranch wearing cowboy boots. I love Texas.

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures to prove it but I was definitely there. Oh and I don't know anything about politics but I went because I was invited and I'm glad I went because it was fun! Now go listen to Born in the U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen...you won't regret it.

11/1/10

Halloween Monsters

In honor of Halloween, I involuntarily signed up to babysit monsters residing in the 6th grade in Austin, Texas. Friday (the 29th) was my first sub job of the year and to say that it was eventful is, well, a HUGE understatement. Let me just start from the beginning.

When I mapquested the location of the school, I quickly realized I might be in for more of a challenge than I thought. I have heard many people say that it can be difficult dealing with children from extremely low income areas because they have behavior issues due to their inattentive home life. Of course, that's not the case with every child but it's hard when the children aren't getting attention or support from home and they aren't held accountable for their behavior. So, this is when it gets fun. I got to the school in the morning and had to have the janitor open up my classroom door for me. As we were walking to the classroom, the janitor laughed and said, "you have the 6th graders? oh, they are going to be horrible!" Or something to that effect. Hoping it was just a crazy janitor talking, I blew it off as not a big deal. Then, the teacher whose portable was connected to mine came over and told me the class was absolutely horrible and that I was going to have a really difficult day. Awesome, I thought. This is going to be interesting. Then, I went to go pick up the monsters from the cafeteria and as we were waiting a teacher pulled me aside and told me the same thing. This class is absolutely horrible and tried to give me a few pointers but basically just said, "good luck!" with a smile. THEN during the assembly, the principal calls out the 6th grade class and tells them that if she hears any bad reports from me that she would be extremely upset. A shout out/threat...from the principal...in front of the entire school...about how bad they are. I mean, how bad could could it possibly be? I'm sure these people are just burnt out and are being dramatic. HA!

Here I was, a young, blond substitute about to enter the wrath of 11 year old monsters.

I made a fool of myself from the very beginning trying to call role. If you ever sub, make sure you go over the role before you are saying it in front of the class. There was a lot of literal spelling that sounds like it looks. You know how you get frustrated with spelling rules when you are young and you wished everything was spelled like it looks? Well, these parents rebelled against ALL spelling rules and regulations. Trynadei pronounced Trinity...yes.

I had been forewarned about one particular child and the beginning of the class was rough but not terrible. Unfortunately, one of the other boys started taunting him so he decided to start flicking him and the whole class off, threatening to beat him up and using extremely colorful language. During the first test (she left 4 tests...who knows), the adjoining teacher next to me told me to let the 2 little girls who couldn't speak a lick of english get on the computer to play games. I thought for sure they'd be playing educational games to help them learn english. Nope, just games...for 3 hours. Oh and during the reading test, the really really really bad kid is at a 1st grade reading level so they let him skip the test and play games, too. But of course instead of playing games he got on youtube and was looking at inappropriate rap videos with half naked women. Really?

All day the kids were talking, throwing things, getting up out of their seat and doing whatever the heck they felt like doing. When a kid doesn't blink at the idea of having to go to the office, what am I supposed to do/say to make him stop? Luckily, the day slowly came to the end and they were on their way to "specials" when one of the other boys decided to call 9-1-1 from our classroom. All of these things were happening just as I would turn around after getting onto other children who were misbehaving. Obviously I'm not letting children watch rap videos and call people with me standing there witnessing it. For the first time in my life, I was summoned to the principal's office and the principal was literally interrogating the child and using military tactics to make him confess. "I DO NOT LIKE LIARS!!! YOU BETTER NOT BE LYING TO ME!!!!!" She acted like a drill sergeant and I ws so uncomfortable.

I really never raised my voice or got stressed out all day because it made me sad to think that these kids are most likely getting yelled at at home, too. I know there is a better way to reach a child but it's hard when there are 20 other kids acting up as well. It made me realize there is a HUGE need for children to having mentors and role models especially in that environment. Most of those kids only have one parent at home and aren't taught a lot of things that should be taught to children. Overall, it was a crazyyyy day but I survived (!) and now I see every other sub job as extremely easy.

Who knew Halloween was going to come 2 days early?

10/19/10

Sigma Theta Chi

*****Disclaimer*****
If the thought of Sigma Theta makes you sick, don't keep reading.

I did something very symbolic tonight. It's a story for another blog but the guy I was dating this summer (homeslice and fredricksburg man) is no longer the person I'm dating but a good guy friend instead. It's a pretty sweet set-up if you ask me...we are still friends and we still hang out. He is awesome! For many, many reason's but especially awesome tonight. First, he came to my elementary volleyball game and then we hung out after our community group from church. When we dated, I always joked about how I needed to take off the EOX from the back of my car. He would jokingly reply with how we needed to have a ceremony or a formal dismissing of my past college memories. He realized that getting rid of something permanent like that needs a formal good bye. He was half joking of course but the other half was kind of serious because I think he knew there was a reason I still had my EOX sticker there. So, tonight he surprised me after Amy's ice cream with a razor and goo gone to officially get rid of my Siggie sticker and take a big girl step into the real world. =)

It's not that I purposefully kept it on there so I could live in the past but I subtly never made an effort to take it off. As much mess as I talk about that silly club, I love it. Tonight in the car ride home, I found myself reflecting back on Siggies and remembering all of the sweet memories I made with some people that I have grown to really love and respect.

I'll never (ever) forget the day in chapel that I nervously awaited for 30 minutes to slowly creep by so I could take the long and painful walk from Moody to the campus center to pick up my "packet." In the packet, there was a piece of paper that would forever change my college experience, the way I looked at the color yellow and the way I viewed my friends. After weeks of rushing, waiting, hoping and wishing I finally found out that I would get the chance to one day become an official member of Sigma Theta Chi.

But not so fast.

We first had to go through 6 weeks of panty hose wearing, sing song loving, siggie star performing initiation to appreciate the yellow and white pride. If it wasn't for those 6 weeks, I wouldn't be sitting here writing to you with a full heart about all those great times in club. Wearing the jersey for the first time in school, singing the secret song at the pass the key, placing the EOX sticker on your car and hearing the phrase "the women of sigma theta chi" at sing song wouldn't have been nearly as fun if we didn't have to first go through all of the traditions of being a pledge.

Thinking back on all of the friends I made because of Siggies is overwhelming. What would my college experience been like had I not done club? Being able to trace back those friendships specifically through Siggies makes me love the color yellow even more. I'm not afraid to admit that I loved Siggies more than I led people to believe. I'm sad to see the sticker go but I feel like the cheesy formal good bye (aka singing all of the songs to myself on the way home) was a very necessary process in the growing up phase of my life. This past year has been a year of growth, appreciation, love, trials, disappointments and happiness and I'm so glad that I have my siggie "sister's" on the other end of the phone supporting me 100% of the way no matter what!


"Our love will stay strong in this club we belong, Sigma Theta Chi."

10/18/10

Darndest Things

Yesterday, I rode with my friend to pick up her sweet little nephew in Dallas so he could stay with her for a week. This kid was nothing short of absolutely adorable. His name is Parker and he had a little comb over and was wearing loafers, a blue oxford button up and khacki's. Anyways, being with Parker for 3 hours in the car was very fun and entertaining. Sometimes I get really stressed thinking about possibly having a child of my own but being with Parker made me kind of excited about maybe having children. He didn't really stop talking so of course, a few funny things came out of his mouth.


At dinner, I made him laugh and he tooted kind of loud and he looked at me and said, "Hey! You made me toot..." We laughed and I thought man how awesome would that be if I accidentally tooted in public and I blamed it on someone and everyone giggled and thought it was cute. It just isn't as cute when you're old.

"I got my sperry's on!" A little boy after my own heart...

I told my friend how my nephew loves "all the single ladies" and Parker chimed in and sang the chorus and ended with..."now put your hands up!"

Parker said he was going to marry one of the Jonas brothers. Luckily, he has a 6 year old sister who says the exact same thing so it's funny not concerning.

His dad went to a&m and is hard core so I (of course) took the prime opportunity to teach Parker the eyes of Texas song. Am I evil?? Maybe...but I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for him to go back to Arkansas singing the eyes of Texas.

I saw Elena's niece the other night so I was asking her what she was going to do after our volleyball games. She told me she was going over to her parents house to have dinner with people who don't like Christians. ha! Kids are seriously hilarious...her parents have a ministry where they invite their non-Christian friends over for dinner and I guess that's how her niece had interpreted the situation.

My nephew heard a song on the radio with the word weave in it so he asked my sister-in-law what a weave was. She said it was extra hair that black girls put on their head when they needed more hair. So, Luke naturally followed up with the awesome statement... "Daddy needs a weave!!!" (my brother is bald).

Kids really do say the darndest things.

10/13/10

Gamers

My brother and I are cleaning out the house that we live in. Aaron and I both probably have a hoarding problem. Mild, of course, but still a problem. We justify everything. "But I might need to use this Larry Bird jersery some day if I decide to be Larry Bird for halloween." Seriously, every item has a but I might... added at the end of it.

Aaron still has his trophies from his elementary soccer teams. I have nothing else to say after that statement except for the fact that I made him throw them away and he's still kind of pissed about it. I am just helping out his wife so she can thank me later.

We sorted through our old ninetendo and N64 games last night and decided that Aaron should take them to a pawn shop to try to get some cash.

This is a text I got from Aaron...

Aaron: I'm trading my gamesystems right now. Kinda sad.

Me: Probably something you should do before your 30th birthday

Aaron: Sweet. I'm bringing them home then. I'm only 28!!!!

Literally never a dull moment. And this is why I am able to live and own a business with my brother.

10/7/10

ACL


Text from last night.

Jessica: I have some reallyyyy exciting news!!!!

no response (I was making a snow cone)

Jessica: I got a 3 day pass for you!!!!

me: EEEEEE!!!!!

In other words, I'm going to Austin City Limits! There are a lot of people coming in town, the weather is gorgeous and I have one life to live. Why not?? I was worried about paying too much but then I started looking at all the bands who will be playing and I immediately justified the cost. Not to mention all the fun people who will be there to share the experience with. This is my first official ACL weekend. Of course I will take plenty of pictures to share with the 3 of you.



Annnnnnndddd there's a group of fun people going 2 stepping tomorrow night! The month of October is panning out to be a great month.

Here is a list of everyone I am excited to see this weekend:
The Black Keys, The Strokes, Pat Green, Vampire Weekend, Amos Lee, Pete Yorn, M.I.A., Muse, Speak, Switchfoot, Robert Earl Keen, Norah Jones, Band of Horses and the stinking Eagles on Sunday night to end the weekend. I'm soooo excited! Can you tell?

10/4/10

Rumors

Both of my trips to San Antonio have been spontaneous/last minute and both trips have gone way beyond my expectations. This time it consisted of UT football, betting on horses at the races, more dancing, a Sunday morning walk, chips and salsa, Luby's and shopping. What more could a girl ask for?

Anyways, I heard a rumor about myself that was...awesome. An awesome rumor you say? I thought rumors were bad?

Not this time, my friend, not this time.

When I was in San Antonio this weekend, one of my lovely guy friends proceeds to say to me...

"Someone told me you were dating Jordan Shipley."

Two things about this rumor humor me.

1. There's someone in this world that actually believes I'm dating Jordan.

2. There's someone out there that is freely passing along this information to others.

I need to know who this person is so I can shake their hand/give them a kiss. Thank you for not doing your research and recklessly talking about my non-existent love life with Jordan Shipley. I applaud you.

(for the record, I think Jordan Shipley is ridiculously handsome since you weren't there to see my reaction when my guy friend told me about this infamous rumor. lot's of giggling, smiling and blushing!)

10/1/10

It's about time.




Tights with shorts, riding boots with skinny jeans, colorful scarves and striped shirts*. Yes, please.

*one day while in the bean, a very cute older moonie approached me while I was wearing a striped shirt and said, "I thought girls weren't supposed to wear stripes because it makes them look fat." I should probably go ahead and start making a post for stupid things people say. "What does grape taste like?" will also be included in that blog.

Pictures taken from: Madewell, J.Crew and Piperlime

9/28/10

Classy Not Trashy

I went to San Antonio a few weekends ago for my junior high volleyball tournament. We won our first two games to take us to the championship on Saturday night. We lost and got second but I was still very proud of my girls!! They did awesome! Elena and I taught them the "I've got confidence" sing song melody so they can sing it before games. The girls absolutely love that song now! It's hilarious but cool to hear them sing about their confidence that Jesus loves them no matter what. Here is a picture after the championship. Clearly #2 was not happy. I would categorize this picture as "priceless."


After our tournament I stayed Saturday night and watched the game with some old ACU alum to cheer on Texas against Texas Tech! Afterwards we danced the night away to put it simply. So so fun!!! It is night's like those that make me very thankful for the season of life that I am in right now.


This picture isn't from San Antonio but it's a result of a pretty crazy weekend that I had (long story). I got a free highlight but it was only if I let them do whatever they wanted to it sooo...here's my new hair color! I really love the lighter blonde but the red I could live without. Can you see the red on the bottom part!? Sorry the picture is so myspace-ish, I just wanted a picture to showcase my new color(s). One of my little 5th graders saw my red hair AND found out that I used to have a nose ring and her response to me was, "why keep it trashy when you can keep it classy?" Neveradullmoment.

9/24/10

Donald Miller...check!

I am reading a book by Jim Palmer that has affected me in the same way Donald Miller has affected me in the past. If you don't know me very well, you should know that I LOVE Donald Miller. So much so, that one of my best friend's called me and said, "Meagan. You will never believe who I met today. There was a very attractive guy (check) on the dart with me. We started talking and he was from ACU (not really a check but whatever). He has been to Africa (check) working for the peace corps and he was wearing cowboy boots (check times 10). And then after we finished talking he pulled out a Donald Miller book!!!" Can I just say that I was so happy when my girl friend felt like it was fate when he pulled out a DM book. DM = more checks than cowboy boots mainly b/c cowboy boots unfortunately don't make you a southern, God fearing gentleman like my little brain wants me to believe.

That last sentence is just a whole other blog in itself.


Anyways, Jim Palmer is real, raw, honest and I like it. He goes against what everyone else seems to follow when it comes to church and religion. I like it when people step outside the norm and question if that's how Jesus intended for His followers to be. The idea of his book is "shedding religion to find God." Basically, how he encountered and grew closer to God through divine nobodies; a hip hop artist, Denny's waitress, a disabled child and tire salesman. Without further ado here are a few quotes from Jim's book, Divine Nobodies.

“It’s a little curious that the ‘sinners’ in the Bible were much more responsive to Jesus and ready to receive the kingdom of God than religious people. The same sun melts wax and hardens clay, and the same Jesus melted and hardened people’s hearts, but maybe there’s a hidden message in who was melted (prostitutes) and who was hardened (priests). Doesn’t God want folks either passionately in love with him (hot) or flipping him the bird (cold) rather than the halfhearted mediocrity of religious compliance?


It’s clear from the hot/cold Scripture in Revelation that the video nauseating God is not categorically the hip-hop one, but the one where we come to church masking our brokenness, out of touch with the truth about ourselves while pointing our fingers of condemnation at others.


In reference to the Denny’s waitress he befriended…


She talked about how over the years Christians were often her worst customers. They would come in all cheery and blessed after Sunday morning service, running her unmercifully with a table of 8 and leaving loose change for a tip on a large bill. For years, I prided myself on having right theology, but Wanda got me thinking about whether any theology can be “right” if it doesn’t motivate you to treat people with love and respect. Let’s just hope on Judgment Day that God doesn’t leave it in the hands of waitresses, cashiers, and all the other invisible people in our world who are on the receiving end of what’s truly in our hearts.”

9/20/10

Filter

This is my tip of the day. I hope it helps my three followers.


If you're married, please don't go on and on...and on about how you're SO glad you aren't single. Especially when there's only one single person in the conversation among other married girls. And don't use phrases like, "I'm so blessed to have found (insert dreamy rich guy here). Ugh, that's so terrible I would just hate to be single! Glad that phase of my life is over!!"

Umm...what?

Moving on.

My grandmother (ohhhh Janney Bee) is a hoot to say the least. My brother and I went to go visit her today. She told us about how a lady busts in her door and tells her to go to hell! Huh, I thought. That's strange. Ten minutes later my grandmother tells us a story about how she told one of her friends the reason she takes a lot of medicine is because she was so mean. Huh, I thought. Maybe that's why you have people telling you to go to hell.

"I'm such a smart ass." -Janney Bee Hines

9/17/10

Louisiana Loves

I can't wait to kiss these sweet cheeks in a few weeks!!!



9/12/10

Labor Day Getaway

There are many joys of being single after college but there is one thing that isn't so fun: finding normal people to hang out with. It seems like a simple task but oh no, it couldn't be more difficult. When my sister-in-law told me about her best friend's cousin who lived in Austin, I was interested. I trust Karen and she said that this infamou girl seemed really cool.

So, like any normal person would do, I stalked her on facebook. And from my facebook deductive reasoning, I concluded that she indeed seemed nice, normal and fun. Stacy is one of those people that I instantly felt like I had been friends with for years. She's a funny, free spirit, interior designin', laid back, beard & musician loving Austinite that is so much fun!

When she invited me to come with her on a camping trip where she only knew one person and I knew none, I was totally in! Camping with 20 people you have never met in the middle of Texas sounded like an adventure for surrrrreee. And oh, was it an adventure!


The best part of the whole trip was right before we arrived on the ranch. We were instructed to close the gate behind us so when we came upon a ranch that seemed to fit the description, we drove up and shut the gate. As we drove down the gravel road we didn't see any cars at the house and decided we were on the wrong property! We quickly turned around and stopped to call the guy who was in charge. While sitting in Stacy's brand new car, some of the horses from the ranch started getting really close to the car but we didn't think anything of it. While Stacy was on the phone we heard this really loud scratch noise and we looked at each other with big eyes afraid of what we would see when we turned around. The horse was eating her spoiler!!!! We literally laughed for a solid 2 minutes...it was hilarious and luckily the horse didn't hurt her car too bad! Who knew horses like to bite cars so beware!!

Among hungry horses our weekend also included canoes, rope swings, rivers, smores, camp fires and...

RIFLES! Don't mess with Texas, especially their women!

9/8/10

Preach on, Sir Francis

I'm not usually one for poems, never have been but this one caught my eye and convicted my heart. Enjoy.


Disturb us, Lord, when
We are too pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord, when
with the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heaven to dim.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wilder seas
Where storms will show Your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.

We ask you to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push back the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.

This we ask in the name of our Captain,
Who is Jesus Christ.


Sir Francis Drake


9/4/10

Random!

Here are a few random things happening all at once...

1. I'm super excited, I mean PUMPED about college football. This is me being extremely excited/cheesy sporting my Texas jersey with a "rock-a-billy's" sunset in the background. Never gets old.


p.s. don't you love the christmas lights? they look so great when it's dark!

2. This family that I know took professional pictures at the snow cone stand a few weeks ago without knowing Aaron and I owned it! How random is that? Here a couple of photos mainly so my (3) blog followers can see where I work every day.


You can't see that much of our place but you get my drift. Old cars and an airstream and cute kids in fedora hats...you know, the usual. (I took these pictures from her blog)

3. My adorable nephew is on a football team. He's 4 years old. They refer to his league as the "wee" league and my brother got suckered into being the coach. His only victory in football was when he won his fantasy football league 2 years ago. The other teams have been having 4 practices a week. Oh and he had a dad call him telling him how good his kid is and how his son should only be a tight end or something outrageous like that. All of these things are brewing a perfect crazy parent storm. Needless to say, I can't WAIT to go to a game.

4. My awesome dates have continued including a wonderful trip to homeslice on south congress. This place is a must if you come to Austin for the weekend! We also have been to Woodland on south congress (it's my fav part of Austin) and we also went to an improv comedy show where a man did a skit about abortion and apparently we were supposed to be laughing? I didn't laugh nor clap and at the end I leaned into my date's ear and said, "abortion's hilarious!" He wasn't laughing either. But besides that the comedy club was surprisingly very entertaining!

5. Elena and I are coaching two volleyball teams at Brentwood. I feel like that statement is enough to cover so many bases of hilariousness/randomness/irresponsibility that is to come.

9/1/10

Did she say chuck wagon?

I went to visit my small town southern man (aka my grandpa) in his town of about 500 people this past weekend. I have compiled a "top ten" list in honor of this eventful visit but first, I have to tell you about the most white trash divorce dispute. Pardon me for my harsh words but after reading this blog you will most likely agree.


I decided while I was in town that I would shadow both of my uncles at their respective jobs. One uncle is a history teacher and my other uncle is a judge. Before being judge, he was the district attorney and would tell us crazy....I mean, crazyyyyy stories about what goes on in these small towns. Drug trafficking being one of the main problems that he deals with everyday. But on this particular Monday my uncle was listening to a couple's argument of who gets to keep what after the divorce settlement.

They start out by saying there is a dispute over a few pieces of property that they can't come to an agreement on.

1. land that has a rodeo arena on it
2. 5 bedroom 3 bath double wide
3. tractor from the 1960's
4. A CHUCK WAGON.

Who on earth owns a chuck wagon??? Needless to say I had to have some serious self control in that court room because I was so thrown off by the chuck wagon argument. After 30 minutes of back and forth bickering I leaned over to my dad and said, "I'm never getting married" to which he replied, "You can get married, just don't marry someone who owns a chuck wagon!"

Touche.

8/27/10

Friday Fun Lunch

Happy Weekend! In college, every Friday we would try to get together with our friends for lunch so naturally we named it, "Friday fun lunch." How fun would that be to eat Sharky's at this quaint little table after chapel. I mean, this picture looks like it was taken in Abilene, right!?


"Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life!" -anonymous

Enjoy your beautiful day wherever you may be!

photography taken from Smitten Design

8/25/10

Ikat

Before I discovered a number of fabulous blogs about design, I had no idea what "ikat" was and honestly when I first saw it, I didn't like it at all but it's actually really growing on me. So much so, that I just bought some ikat fabric today to re-upholster a chair.

The people at this particular fabric store probably think I'm really weird because I go in every couple of weeks and spend about an hour looking at all the fabric and never purchase anything. Finally, today I made my first purchase! After much debate in my mind of course. I took a really long time mainly because my intuition tells me one thing and then I doubt myself. I just need to be confident in my initial thought of what I like and what I think other people would like.


One of the main reasons why I like ikat is because it's funky and has a sort of organic feel to it. I think a lot of people in Austin would be drawn to the ikat look. Do you think ikat will be timeless or do you think it is on it's "way out" of style like design sponge said?


8/23/10

40 Million

After Aaron and I worked together at the snow cone stand yesterday we split up the tips and each had 50 cents left over because there was an extra dollar that we had to divide. Aaron suggested we go buy a lottery ticket and I thought it was a grand idea. The amount is for something ridiculous and the actual cash value is 80 million so if we win, we will both be proud owners of 40 million dollars.

So, naturally we went to Chuy's and discussed what we would do with that money over some creamy jalapeno. What would you buy if you won 40 million dollars? First thing I would do is call every company I owed money to and pay off my debt. It's not a lot, but it would be nice to have nothing hanging over my head. Next, I would go on a serious shopping spree and invite my 10 closest friends. Hmm, scratch that...5 closest friends. As far as modes of transportation I would buy my dream car.
This car is glorious. It reminds me of my 1989 Jeep Cherokee I drove the morning of my 16th birthday. I LOVE old cars, especially the feel of old SUV's. Even though I love Roxy, my Jeep will forever be my favorite car.

Oh, and a very classy trip to this fabulous place on earth with some of my closest friends of course. (this trip is bucket list worthy)


After a few hearty shopping sprees, I would definitely invest in a lot of things and give like crazy! It's just fun to think about what you would do if you won the lottery...one could only hope! I like to believe that I would still lead a pretty simple, normal life because just like the Zac Brown Band puts it so well:

"It's funny how the little things in life that mean the most. Not where you live, the car you drive or the price tag on your clothes. There's no dollar sign on a peace of mind this I've come to know."

Cheesy, but so true. Speaking of little things in life, this past week was wonderful! I went on a date AND a surprise road trip to Fredricksburg! Any guy that willingly plans a surprise trip to Fredricksburg is a ok in my book. =) Especially when he says, "We can go anywhere you want! I'm used to going shopping with my mom and sister." Those are glorious words that any girl wants to hear, right!? Not only did we have a near perfect day in a fun town, we came back that afternoon only to get ready for the Austin Fashion Show after party. I know you're probably thinking Meagan and fashion show have never been used in the same sentence but I was invited by default! haha The infamous boy I went on a date with was in charge of making sure the after party didn't ruin his company's office downtown so I was invited to join in the fun! There was a girl from season 6 project runway which was kind of neat. D-list celebrities are only slightly fun to see mainly because when you have to have someone explain to you who they are, it kind of takes away from the mystery. Needless to say, it was one of the most fun day's I have had a really long time. We topped off the night with a little dancing in the boom boom room. The name speaks for itself.

Not to mention going to blues on the green the Wednesday before that and a pool party on Thursday. I was seriously having the best week ever. I'm surprised Vh1 didn't call me...

No, but seriously I woke up this morning with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and thanksgiving to God for everything He has blessed me with. Do you know how awesome America is!? Sometimes I forget but am gently reminded and it is incredible the sacrifices people have made just for our freedom. Wow! And my friends...ugh they're amazing! Ok, enough of my random thoughts.

I'll keep you posted on the 40 mil but until then enjoy your beautiful day.

5/23/10

The House That Built Me

It's past midnight and I can't go to sleep. It's the last night that I will ever sleep in the house that I grew up in. I never thought selling your house was ever this hard. I can think of so many memories for each room. Aaron and I used to share bunk beds when we were little because I was always too scared to stay in my own room. He would always play video games before we went to bed. We found the cutest poster that my brothers made before I came home from the hospital 24 years ago. They cut out anything and everything that represented girls or babies from 1986 magazines. It was hilarious! We used to play roller hockey in the half cove outside of our street and I was always one of the only girls if not the only girl with all of the boys. We had a trampoline in the backyard until one day Ashton and all of his friends started jumping on it and it ripped all the way around! It didn't bother me anyways because trampolines stressed me out. You can probably imagine me as a small child being paranoid about breaking my neck. That's seriously why I never did gymnastics...way to risky. haha Oh, and we had this dog named Daisy that I couldn't stand. She is the sole reason for why I can't stand dogs. We had a poodle puppy named Easton that got lost when Aaron and I came in for a drink one day. We both plopped down on his bed and started crying b/c we felt so bad for losing our brand new puppy.


Oh and the ultimate story for this house. When I was 3, I decided to take a nap...some things never change. I decided to take a nap on the couch w/all of my other baby dolls. Well, apparently I was really tired and I looked like a baby doll because my family searched and searched and couldn't find me. They literally had cops and the whole neighborhood looking for me b/c it had been a few hours and my parents got really worried. Luckily, someone accidentally sat on me and I will NEVER forget a lot of people outside in our front yard and someone brought me out to my mom and my mom was just holding me crying and saying "my baby, my baby!" She was kind of worried about me...if you ask any of our old neighbors they remember that day like it was yesterday!

Where are we going to eat monkey bread next year at Christmas? How am I going to tell someone where my parents live without a distinct landmark like "three trees in the driveway." How will I show my kids the house that built me?

Luckily, all of the people who made this house a home are still alive and well and of course that's all that really matters. My parents will buy a new house and we will start our own traditions there with our families but it just won't be the same. I love this house and will always remember the memories that it so generously gave me. Good bye 8301 Priest River Drive, it's been a great 21 years!

4/18/10

Wasted

You know when you have heard a song for years but then something happens in your life and it completely changes the way you hear the lyrics? Well, that happened to me today as I was on my way to work. I was running late (shocker) and this song by Carrie Underwood came on the radio. As I was listening to the first part of the song, I just had goosebumps the whole time. It is actually making me want to go see Carrie Underwood in concert so I can hear this song live. Anybody with me?? And by the way, Carrie Underwood is so stinking hot. what.the.heck.

Click here for the video...it's a must see if you ask me.

3/8/10

Stuff White People Like

I'm sure you have already heard of this book called Stuff White People Like but I wanted to share with you one of my all-time favorites. It makes me laugh every time mainly because every one and their new puppy at ACU sported a North Face jacket (myself included).

#87 Outdoor Performance Clothes

As white people get older, they like to make clear boundaries between their professional and personal lives. They don’t mind talking about their personal life at work, but they hate talking about their work life when they are enjoying a weekend or vacation. But with blackberries and laptops, white people could be working anywhere, at any time. So how do you know when they are off the clock? It’s easy, check their clothes.

When white people aren’t working, they generally like to wear Outdoor Performance Clothes. The top suppliers of these garments and accessories include North Face, REI, Mountain Equipment Co-Op, Columbia Sportswear, and Patagonia.

When you see white people wearing these, it is important that you do not discuss business matters. Instead you should say things like “where did you get that fleece?” and “what’s that thing holding your keys to your shorts?” White people will be more than happy to talk to you about their sustainably produced possessions.

The main reason why white people like these clothes is that it allows them to believe that at any moment they could find themselves with a Thule rack on top of their car headed to a national park. It could be 4:00 p.m. on a Saturday when they might get a call “hey man, you know what we need to do? Kayak then camping, right now. I’m on my way to get you, there is no time to change clothes.”

Though it is unlikely that they will receive this call, White people hate the idea of missing an opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities because they weren’t wearing the right clothes.

If you plan on spending part of your weekend with a white person, it is strongly recommended that you purchase a jacket or some sort of “high performance” t-shirt, which is like a regular shirt but just a lot more expensive.

For more entertaining observations click here. Some more of my favorites include #49 vintage, # 106 facebook, # 112 hummus and last but definitely not least...# 124 hating people who wear Ed Hardy.

3/6/10

"Murder in the City"

Two friends have randomly brought up The Avett Brothers in the past couple of weeks so I thought I would share with yall my love for their music. I have seen them in concert and it was awesome! They have one song in particular that I always make my friends listen to because it is so sweet. Two of the guys in the band are brothers (hints the name) and I think they wrote this together. The first two verses are slow, but the last verse is incredible. Just stick it out to the last line of the song and you will be glad that you did. It makes me so thankful for my sweet family.

"...always remember there was nothing worth sharing like the love that let us share our name."




Hope you are enjoying your beautiful day with those you love!

3/3/10

I'm Baaaack.

Did you notice my completely new format and awesome yellow damask design? Probably not because you haven't looked at my blog in six months but you can thank Marie for my awesome layout! If you need help spicing up your blog, I know Marie would love to help you.

Sometimes it's scary to think about what I've been doing with my life the past few months because there's always that fear of not being able to think of something cool or significant. Luckily, I don't feel that way at all. Let's see, here are a few things that are worth mentioning: read Donald Miller's new book (highly recommended), started a temporary job that ended up being not so temporary and came out with some good friends, went to Canton w/Marie, became an Aunt to a precious little girl, read The Alchemist (another highly recommended book), moved to South Austin, rang in the new year in a fun party dress downtown (& a kiss at midnight!), cheered on UT in the National Championship on 6th street, attended a wig and mustache party while wearing a hot pink wig, started waiting tables again and so many other things. Do you feel like I've been blogging about all of these things for the past six months because I kind of do.

The last thing I mentioned was that I am waiting tables again. Through my 4 day training, I came to realize why America is so freaking fat. We are highly encouraged after every item that a customer orders to offer their steak/sides to be smothered or loaded. Smothered=adding mushrooms, onions and cheese. Loaded=butter, sour cream, bacon and cheese. People "load" their mashed potatoes. And their fries. Oh and after we offer an extra 500 calories to the already grossly huge portion sizes, we are encouraged to offer shrimp drowning in a butter lemon sauce for only $1.99 more. If you're on a diet...please don't come and visit me. I might try to pressure you to smother your applesauce. I'm just saying...

One glorious day my life was forever changed when I discovered the little green notebook. Jenny is the author...we're on a first name basis mainly because I feel like I know her and I'm pretty sure we would be friends. She is an interior decorator and she is so great at finding awesome, cheap items and turning them into fabulous, valuable pieces. A girl after my own heart. Did I mention she gives a step by step tutorial on how to conquer those big DIY projects. The picture below is not her design but I took it from her website. Grey, you had me from hello. I can't get enough of you!!!


Speaking of grey and yellow, I really want to buy this wallpaper and then figure out a way to use it later. I'm sure I could decoupage it to something...

I'm so glad I have made my appearance in the blogosphere after a 6 month hiatus. I have found a lot of really cool blogs and websites which I anticipate on sharing with the three of you who read my blog. (I might be flattering myself with that big #3)

Snow? Rain? Sunshine? It could be all three in one day. No matter what the forecast, enjoy your beautiful day!