I love mittens...

...but the worst part about them is that you can't give anyone the finger in them.

peace and love,
m

tipsy mentionings

• My parents are visiting my neurotic cat and me tomorrow!
• Speaking of my neurotic cat, Tux got his head stuck in the handle of a paper bag tonight, but by the time I got the camera, he had ripped the bag off.
• I need something to wear to a hippie-themed commitment ceremony on January 3rd [and I have to look good, you know what I mean?].
• It is cold here!
• I was in on a liver-kidney transplant today. It was amazing.
• Bulletpoints rock.
• Lovin' Ingrid Michaelson right now.

peace and love,
m

wednesday [saturday] picks

Well.

I have been very neglectful of my Saturday picks for the last, oh, let's say...8 months? Just a guess :) And since I have a few extra minutes this morning seeing as I actually got up when my alarm went off and didn't hit snooze 4 times [that 40 minutes really adds up, haha], I decided that I should do a Wednesday [Saturday] picks.

Book: The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. I bought this in DC for the plane ride home, but after a 3 hour layover in Altanta I didn't want to read anymore; plus when you upgrade to business class on Air Tran, they give you complimentary drinks, and let's just say after 2 glasses of wine I wasn't in a state to read :)

So this book has been on the bestseller list, and has been featured on the lovely [snark] morning "news" shows. Normally I try to steer clear of the "live your life, it's the only one you've got" books because they're just so damn cheesy, but this one is good [also liked Eat, Pray, Love if you're looking for recommendations in this category]! He writes in an easy-going, funny, conversational style, which is probably because he is writing with a journalist; the chapters are short and engaging; it's sprinkled with photos; and best of all, he really seems genuine.

Music: Yo-Yo Ma and Friends Songs of Joy and Peace. One of the worst things about the holiday season is the AWFUL Christmas music that some radio stations insist on playing from November 1st to December 25th [I love December 26th for this reason alone: these stations go back to their regularly programmed John Tesh and Delilah shows, which, although are terrible in their own right, are infinitely better than listening to Madonna sing "Santa Baby" 38 times a day]. Now don't get me wrong, I love Christmas music. To be specific, good Christmas music: anything sung by a choir, Bing Crosby, or Josh Groban; anything by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and "Feliz Navidad" from Sesame Street. I am naturally skeptical of holiday albums, so when I saw this at Target, I had to reason with myself that a) it's Yo-Yo Ma, and b) no pop stars were listed as "friends."

Verdict: excellent choice! The music ranges from a cover of "Happy XMas (War is Over)" to improvisations on "Dona Nobis Pacem." Guests, from the bluegrass queen Alison Krauss to trumpeter Chris Botti, put their own spin on traditional and not-so-traditional Christmas songs. Plus, Yo-Yo Ma and his cello intertwine with Spanish guitars, Celtic jigs, and African-American spirituals to create a perfect background for putting up the tree, baking goodies, and wrapping gifts [don't you think I could write reviews?].

Covet: this fab update on the LBD...in a gorgeous pink silk! I think I need to have a Holidazzle party in my apartment...perfect opportunity to splurge on a new dress!

Okeydokey, time to save some lives. Off to work I go.

peace and love,

m

yum...or the height of laziness?

I ate ice cream, straight from the carton, for dinner tonight.

It was delicious.

peace and love,
m

overtime...

Must keep repeating: makes for a nice paycheck, makes for a nice paycheck...


BUT SERIOUSLY! On the same day that we are warned that our productivity is low [read: 90%] and too many people are sitting in the lounges [read: 1st shift is filled with lazy arses], I had to stay almost 2 hours past the end of my shift! Plus, the only reason I got fed today is because the 2nd person I was supposed to get out for lunch declined it, and I used that 30 minutes to feed myself.

Bollocks.

peace and love,
m

being thankful 2008

Well, in true Megan fashion, I'm a little late with this, but better late than not at all! Recent experiences have made me remember that I am a very lucky person with a lot to be thankful for [and what better way to express this than with a list...I love lists...hehe].

My number one thing I am thankful for is my AMAZING family. I know I keep saying that they are AMAZING, but that's the only way to describe them. My parents are always there for me, and support me no matter what I do. My aunts and uncles are willing to take me in when I need a place to stay. My cousins make me laugh and we always have a good time doing anything. My grandma is kind and caring and always thinking of others.

I'm also thankful for my great friends, especially Jenn. Even though we don't get to see each other very often, I can always count on her, whether I need to vent, cry, laugh, or shop :)

My job. In these tough economic times, I have to be thankful for having a job. And really, as much as I complain about it, I do like my job. I know I'm good at it, the majority of my coworkers are good people, and I like knowing that I am helping people.

Mr. Tux is the best furry, four-legged pal I could ask for. He waits up for me when I get called in, he's always up for a snuggle and bellyrub, and even though he breaks things [the latest was the mini-blinds in the bedroom], he's always sorry :) Plus, he's just plain neurotic, and everyone loves a neurotic cat!

President-elect Barack Obama, who I believe will turn this country around. He is set to inherit a host of SNAFUs from Iraq to Social Security to the financial crisis to state-endorsed torture to infringed civil liberties, but I can't think of another person who I would rather see sitting in the Oval Office.

And now, the lighter side of my thankful list.

-Chocolate and coffee, for being the ultimate quick pick-me-up.
-Pandora.com, for having great free music, and 88.9 Radio Milwaukee, for always playing the coolest music.
-Being carded by the kids younger than me at the liquor store, and then them being shocked at my age!
-Getting free extra espresso shots at Starbucks.
-Monkey cards. Actually, monkeys in general.
-http://www.icanhazcheezburger.com/
-National Geographic Picture of the Day.
-The funny things people say under the effects of Versed...it's good that they usually don't remember!
-Christmas lights and good Christmas music [Trans Siberian Orchestra, Sinatra-Martin-Crosby-etc, Josh Groban singing anything but especially O Holy Night...].
-Finding pants that are short enough for me [this is very rare].
-Good books, cozy blankets, and hot cocoa. I really like the salted caramel hot chocolate from Starbucks. Gasp, that's the 2nd Starbucks mention on this list, and I don't even really like Starbucks coffee!
-Alterra coffee. Now that's good coffee. I mean, Starbucks is easy to go to for me, being just down the street, but if I want really good coffee and to feel good about it [buy local!], I go to Alterra on the Lake. In fact, I only buy Alterra beans and happen to be drinking some Alterra Organic Second Harvest right now! Mmm, French press...one of my best investments...
-Have you noticed I really like coffee?
-People being kind to each other.
-Campfires and smores.
-Good, dark beer.

What are you thankful for?