Confessions {01/14}

-I may or may not have created a twitter account just so I can enter giveaways since apparently living in 2015 without a twitter account makes you a decrepit asshole.

-I won as runner up for the giveaway I created those accounts for, so it was totally worth it.  I'm still not over the fact that I actually won something.

-I only follow dog sighthound people and real life friends on instagram because I don't like shit clogging up my feeds.

-When I was applying for work, I created and used a different email address than my personal email.  I figured that a smart HR person would be able to use my personal email and find stuff about me, where as if they were searching for stuff on an email that only ever existed to do job applications then I was safe.  I also changed my FB name so I wasn't searchable.  BOOM, all that privacy!

-I still haven't deleted the emails from my new company (that sounds so sweet in my head) from December when they offered me the job and sent me the official offer letter.  They make me smile so hard every time I look at them.

-I start work on the 20th, which is sooo far away!  They sent me an email confirming my start date and asked me to fill out some forms.  I was able to fill out all the forms on my computer without printing any of them out and having to scan them to send them back.  WINNNNN.  Thank you Adobe Reader for your features and VX-1 for my needing to take a photo of my signature to sign forms.

-I started a post for Monday last week, but failed at updating and posting it since we've been so busy on vacation.

-I survived Russian Christmas with Mr. Scrooge's family.  This involved drinking wine and shots of vodka and eating gelatinous pigs feet with Russian spicy mustard and opening presents, a visit to the park, more shots of vodka, sliding down a concrete slide, a swing with a back while star-gazing, walking to the bar, an excursion to get pizza, and a sleepover at Mr. Scrooge's grandmother's house.  Yay for middle of the night cups of water to fight off what would have been a crippling hangover.

-I may or may not have peed in a public park in San Francisco Saturday night.  It was a necessity.

-Mr. Scrooge doubted my ability to ski after I had to be towed down a blue square mountain by ski patrol on a sled.  I spent the rest of the day on the bunny hill and the other "easy" hill enjoying myself much, much more than dealing with a panic attack and a probable concussion at the top of a blue square mountain.

-I was relieved and disappointed we didn't go skiing on the 2nd day in (almost) Tahoe.  Sad I didn't get to go skiing again, glad because holy crap I was sore.

-Mr. Scrooge's Mom spoiled me by doing our laundry.  When we came back from skiing, there was clean laundry on the bed ready for us to pack.  She's the best, really.

-We leave CA tomorrow to head back to SC... I have to admit that I was the grouchy one before we left for the airport to get to SC.  I realized that I was being a bitch and apologized.  There were still some testy times for Mr. Scrooge, but I let it go.

-I miss my puppies every time I go on vacation and they aren't with me.  I'm super happy Teh SC House Finder and her family have been sending me photos of my furbabies on the regular.

-Mr. Scrooge's Mom got me this AWESOME striped sweater for Christmas and I loooooovvveee it.  I'm wearing it today, despite it not being washed, because it's so freakin' adorable.  She also bought a dress for me at Kohl's that I was going to get for myself during my splurge, but it was $40 so I put it back.  I assisted with the purchase by providing $20 in Kohl's cash and we got a 15% discount, otherwise I wouldn't have let her get it for me.  Did I mention how awesome she is?

-I'm ready for vacation to end (so I can start work) and I'm not ready (because Mr. Scrooge's family is great and Mr. Scrooge is more relaxed when he's at home) at the same time.

-I saved the best for last:
I get to see Teh MD Roomies and Teh Afternoon Kid and Teh Afternoon Kid's Mom on the 19th when they are driving back to MD from Disney World!  I'm soooooooo excited!!!  I have a special pile of stuff to be delivered to them..  Did I mention lately how much I miss them?

Four More Things: Day 2

"Sometimes I forget that I can hurt you. That you are capable of being hurt." - Tobias

"I'm a damsel.  I'm in distress.  I can handle this.  Have a nice day." - Megara

"Mrs. Darcy.  Mrs. Darcy.  Mrs. Darcy." - Mr. Darcy

"Maybe you have to know the darkness before you can appreciate the light.” - Madeleine L'Engle, A Ring of Endless Light

“And that's the thing about people who mean everything they say. They think everyone else does too.” - Khaled Hosseini, The Kite Runner

Five on Friday #40

UNO

Being in CA in relaxing in a way that always surprises me.  It's just like being here is more laid back than anywhere else we travel to.  It's strange.  Additionally, Mr. Scrooge's Mom gets me.  We went shopping yesterday and since we both have shopping ADD, there were no problems.  She even gave me some coupons when we got home from our shopping adventure yesterday.  Woman after my own heart.

DOS

Mr. Scrooge fell out of a tree (from the almost very top) yesterday while trimming the tree and after I helped patch him up, he went back outside and got right back up in that tree.  When I saw him do a little shimmy dance move to switch feet on a branch, my heart dropped.  It kinda surprised me how (over)protective I felt.  I didn't mention that to him.

TRES

There is an orange tree in the yard.  How California is that?  I've not had one yet, but I will.

QUATRO

The allergy king and queen are in a house where 1 dog and 3 cats live inside (there are 3 more cats that live in the garage/outside).  Let's just say we can't OD on allergy meds this week, but this definitely made me feel bad and giggle at the same time:

The flash is really bright on my phone, so the glare was permitted.

CINCO

When we landed in Sacramento, I had a voicemail from the company that I interviewed with in October.  They have a position open now and the manager of the position was wondering if I was still interested.  Honestly, not really, but kinda?  I was definitely interested in October and November and December.. and then the company I signed with (gave me the best Christmas present of the year.  My interviewers described the office as having a good work/life balance and as a fun environment.  I'm not sure that even with more money, it would be worth switching companies.  I left a message with the guy and he hasn't called me back yet.  We'll see what happens, but I think I'll be staying with the company I signed with just because I feel like I made the best decision already, despite them being the first company that offered me a position.

Happy Friday, Gentle Readers.
Linking up with these ladies since it's FFFFRRRRRRIIIIIIDDDDAAAAYYYY!!!!!!!!!

http://meetatthebarre.blogspot.ca/ | http://www.thelaurenelizabeth.com/ | http://farmerbell.blogspot.com

Confessions {01/07}

I'm not really sure if I can top my last confession session, but it's the first official week that confessions are game on, so how 'bout we get this confessions session on like a Catholic before their First Communion... PS, It's been 2 weeks since my last confessions, so get comfortable.

CONFESSIONS!

-Today is the first day of our CA vacation and Mr. Scrooge is an extremely shitty traveler and I'm hoping that we get to CA smoothly and with no screaming kids on our flights and no delays and significantly less grouchiness than Mr. Scrooge has exhibited during our previous travels.  Wish me luck.

-I do not let people pick their nickname for Teh Blog.  Teh Nicknames are usually based on first impressions, specific memories, or specific traits about that person.

-I've been quiet on the blog lately because I have some personal issues going on that don't need to be aired in public.  I want so badly to write, but I know that when I do it will all be on the wrong venue and to the wrong persons.

-We got stood up for our NYE's gathering.  While I was super disappointed, I was extremely pleased that I didn't have to clean the house for company to come over.  So instead of drinking and playing Cards Against Humanity, Mr. Scrooge drank and watched TV while I puzzled.

-I was disappointed about the fact that I was the only one in the house awake at midnight and Mr. Scrooge was going to sleep on the couch (since I'm assuming he was quite comfortable with Meri sprawled out across him) until I said, "Happy New Year," the most disappointed voice ever.  It even surprised me how sad I sounded.

-I'm still not used to using Mr. Scrooge instead of Mr. Mystery.  I think Mr. Mystery might be muscle ingrained, so be prreeeepppaaarrreeee (you're welcome) for some Mr. Scrooge/Mystery mix-ups.

-I'm pretty sure one of the guys at Target was trying to give me a sincere goodbye, to include a hug, because he was sad that he'd never see me again.  Before you get concerned, he's gay.  I blame the Navy, but I'm a pro at goodbyes and I just kept doing what I was doing and said I might see him again in the future since I'll probably (hahah) still shop there and walked away since I was in the middle of working.

-If you read Phil and Meri's New Year's Goals you will understand this.  I found the furminator.  It had fallen behind the wrapping paper container and when I was going through the container and purging stuff that I'm not going to use (yay for friends who will adopt my unnecessary Christmas stuffs!) I happened to find it.  Sorry Philbo, you lose this year.  Sorry, Mr. Scrooge, for your efforts of getting me the replacement one that was on my Amazon Wishlist being wasted.

The get rid of donate pile.
The furminator was found in that back corner of the closet, where it had been cunningly hiding since October.

-I got Mr. Scrooge an iPod Touch for Christmas and he hasn't even opened it.  I'm unbearably disappointed about this, but I'm trying hard not to be since he's not a techie really.. But still.  He unwrapped it and didn't even open the container.  I told him that I could just return it and give him $200 if he'd prefer that.

-Mr. Scrooge's iPod Touch would be the 4th iPod I've purchased.

-I found SEVEN earplugs in various piles of Meri poop in the yard when I scooped last week.  That would account for the 6 that went missing from the headboard that I use at night (because I'm an overly-light sleeper and it's obnoxious) and 1 of Mr. Scrooge's foamies (what the Navy/aviation community calls the orange/green earplugs they use) that he'd acquired from work.  This is amusing to me because I had assumed that Meri had eaten them, but I didn't want to immediately incriminate her, so I asked Mr. Scrooge if he'd been stealing my earplugs (to go ride the motorcycle).  He admitted to stealing one pair.  I had pulled out a new pair several nights in a row during one week!  Apparently, Meri has a taste for inner ear.

-I told myself I was going to only buy ONE new outfit for work.  Bahahhahaha.  Yeah, I lied to myself and everyone else.  I ended up with a few new outfits, but I shouldn't have to buy anything except for a few pairs of slacks and a few pairs of shoes for a bit.

-I sent a photo of every outfit I tried on to Teh MD Roomies for their assessment while I was trying on all the clothes I had picked out at Kohl's.

I'm not really sure why they couldn't have put some hooks on the freakin' wall.  Even in the handicapped stall.
Grrr.  Whatevs.  This was all I tried on.  Less than half of it came home with me!

-I was sad to put back some of the clothes I had found.  But, I was trying to be reasonable and I knew that one day I'd have more dollas and the budget wouldn't be so tight.  I tried to keep the dresses in the $20-30 range.  I did splurge on one Chaps dress that is amazing and I have deemed it my first day dress.

-My interview outfit wasn't the traditional navy or black suit like the asshats at TAP class suggested.  Teh MD Adult Roomie and I discussed how red must be my power color because the portfolio I bought was also red.  My first day of work dress is red and black.  Boom, full circle.

-I'd really also like to buy desk stuffs since I know I'll have a desk of my own, but I'm not really sure what they are going to supply/what I will need, so I've been holding off on that... or trying to.  I did by myself ONE desk related thing though... mustache tacks.  SO.MUCH.WIN.

-Mr. Scrooge asked me last week who was keeping the dogs while we were in CA and I was all:

Fortunately, Teh Sister and Teh SC House Finder were both willing when I asked them later.  Woo!

-I've been trying to get back on the workin' out wagon and I'm just shitty at it.  Seriously though, these 10 lbs need to go.  They aren't attractive and I miss the way my pants were fitting.  Additionally, if I could stop being such a shitty eater, that'd help a lot too.  Lookin' at you overflowing snack basket with delicious noms.

-Finding women's pants with pockets (that aren't jeans) is an incredible feat.  Fortunately, I've got some pretty awesome women I'm friends with on FB who came to my rescue when I was lamenting this fact after my shopping spree.  They gave me several suggestions of name brands that I could try to find something that I would like that had pockets.  NO POCKETS IN WOMEN'S PANS IS SEXUAL DISCRIMINATION ASSHOLES!!!!  Just because some women carry a purse doesn't mean we all want to!!!  I don't always need that kind of baggage.... unless I'm sneakin' food into the movie theater.

-One day, I'd like to make the commitment to watch all 3 Hobbit movies followed by all 3 Lord of the Rings movies.  I bet so many things would be so much clearer.. Or I could read the books.. hahahaha. #dontjudgeme

-I hate when people hashtag fail and put in punctuation.  I judge them harshly.

-Finding the Disney playlist on Spotify opened up A Whole New World for me.. bahahah, get it?

-I've started using grocery shopping apps that give you money back when you buy certain products.  Ibotta (if you sign up using that link I get dollas) has been awesome since we drink so much milk.  Yes, it's only $0.25 per gallon back, but that's better than NOT getting 25¢ back.  If we drink 4 gallons of milk a month, that $12 a year... which means I can buy one more thing of PB for the dogs.
I'm also using:
Shopmium (where you can get a free Lindt bar if you sign up!  Use my referral code and I get dollas: KKHHGCGZ)
Checkout51
Snap by Groupon (if you sign up using that link I get dollas)
(PS.  I didn't get paid to tell you that.. I just really like to share the word about saving dollas.)

-I loathe the fact that the TV has to be on when Mr. Scrooge is awake and at home.  I get ZERO things done when the TV is on.  This post alone was made possible by the fact that Mr. Scrooge went to bed SUPER early, meaning the TV has been off for several hours.

-When Emmy emailed me to tell me I was the runner-up winner of the 2014 Review Extravaganza, I was roasting marshmallows over a burner on the stove while my new menstrual cup was boiling away on the next eye.  I'm not even making any of that up.  If this is any indication at how 2015 is going to go, I'm PUMPED.

-Apparently, I had a lot to confess.  YYYYYAAAYYYY Melissa!!!!!!!

Four More Things: Day 1

I've had this prompt in my drafts for a while and I figured now was the perfect time to finally complete some of those blank blog drafts.  HERE VE GOOOOO!!!!!




The happiest iguana in GTMO.
Taken between dives.  This guy was really excited about Cheese-Its.

L: Bahrain Financial Building
C: Al Fateh Grand Mosque
R: Bahrain World Trade Center

After 2 years of being overseas, I couldn't get enough leaves.
Teh Megan + Fall 4eva

Disney World with Teh Sister, Magic (ears) equipped.
There's really nothing quite like telling Snow White you came to DW as a break-up celebration.

Weekend Review {01/05}

THURSDAY

Since Thursday was technically a holiday, we can start there.  It was New Year's Day and not nursing a hangover meant that I was bored.  Since we weren't feeling overly motivated, we decided to go see the matinee of Hobbit 3 (my official name for it).  I enjoyed it, despite my wanting the first Hobbit movie to be the ENTIRE book.  But thanks for that disappointment Mr. I-Make-Tolkien-Movies-Unbearably-Long-and-Drawn-Out-and-You-Will-Like-It Man.  Also, can I please ride around on a giant moose?  And also, I'd like some of those dwarves with the singing abilities as friends.  Plskthx.

It wasn't raining after the movie, Mr. Scrooge decided to go out on a motorcycle ride.  This provided me with even more bored time and since I had been ignoring the nasty floors for a week, I figured it was finally time to clean.

First, I sorted and started the laundry since Mr. Scrooge indicated that it needed to be done since the hamper was full after my shopping spree.  Then, I started on the guest room, putting Christmas decorations away and going through my wrapping box and purging stuff that I just needed to not keep anymore.  After finally getting the wrapping box in order, I put away all the Christmas containers (not boxes, because I finally replaced those bitches!) in the closet and I was done in the guest room, except for washing the sheets, which I'll do when we know someone is coming since the dogs often decide that bed is theirs and like to put their muddy paws ALL.OVER.THE.EVERYTHINGS.

It's good they are cute.

Then I decided to start on the floors.  I picked everything up and put the dog toys away and beat out the rugs and then I looked outside on the back porch to see that there was dead grass EVERYWHERE.  Sooooo, I "squirrel-ed!" and decided to sweep off the back porch.  Then I realized that it hadn't rained in a few days and I should probably scoop poop while it was still daylight.  At some point during all that, Mr. Scrooge came home.  He decided to take the dogs on a walk while I continued my scoopin'.  After 2 full grocery bags full, I was finally able to come inside and start the floors.

Since I'm an excellent multi-tasker, I had already preheated the oven for pizza dinner.  Mr. Scrooge decorated (as in, added the extra cheese and toppings) the pizza and put it in the oven, while I continued my vacuuming and swiffering frenzy.

I paused for dinner, then picked back up where I left off after I was finished eating.  I also finished up the laundry.  I was in crazy productive mode and it was awesome, but since I had to be at work the next morning, I went to bed at a reasonable time.

FRIDAY

I had to be at Target at 0630, but Mr. Scrooge was off, lucky bastard.  After being at work until 11, my head was hurting and my back and feet were hurting and I was generally done with being in the backroom since the lady I was working with was a royal b.  Fortunately, 1030 was the time I could go home, so at 11, I did.  I came home and Mr. Scrooge was definitely having an "I'm not motivated to get off the couch" day, which I have no judgement on, so I was lazy as well.  After doing a bit of puzzle, I decided a nap was in order, since Mr. Scrooge and the dogs had been napping throughout the day.

When I got up from my nap, I made Megan-Nachos, which is the less spicy, homemade version of normal nachos.  I was considerate enough to buy some jalapenos for Mr. Scrooge, which I put on half of the nachos.  See, I can be a nice person!  We watched The Other Guys which I found slightly amusing, but not as hilarious as Mr. Scrooge expected me to think it was.  I don't really think over-the-top movies are all that funny.  Yes, there were some funny parts, but I really like cheesy, punny types of funny.  Additionally, Will Ferrell's bottom front teeth just absolutely slay me.  I have a thing about teeth, I'm aware of it.

Mr. Scrooge decided to go to bed early.. like way early.. like before 8pm early, and I stayed up late writing blogs and perusing pinterest for wayyyyy too long.  I blame nap-fueled insomnia.

SATURDAY

I woke up with my alarms on Sat morning, but opted not to go to Target.  I reasoned it out that this was the one of the last opportunities of the week that I was going to have to stay in bed and snuggle with Mr. Scrooge since he has to work Monday and Tuesday and we'll both be getting up early on Wednesday to catch our flight to CA and once we're in CA, who knows our sleeping times.  My efforts for snuggles turned out to be in vein, but the $30ish still wasn't a good enough trade off for getting to go back to sleep for a few more hours, so I still feel like I made the right choice.  What with Monday being my last day, I had ZERO fucks to give about Target, especially knowing that I was supposed to work in the backroom and I didn't want to be stuck with that miserable lady again.  Yes, you are right, it really is good that no one at Target knows about this blog.  Moving on.

Since Mr. Scrooge and I couldn't decided on a joint plan of action, I decided to go to the gym and get my burn on.  These flabby parts are now extra flabby and they need to go.  This isn't even a new year's resolution, this is just a, "wow my pants are tight and I really don't want to buy new ones."  After hitting up the gym, I came home and bullied Mr. Scrooge into going on a dog walk.  He actually got super motivated while we were out and walked Meri an extra 1.5ish miles, which wore her little butt OUT.  Phil was done way before that and so was I, what with not eating up to that point in the day and having very little water during my workout, so we went home when Mr. Scrooge announced that he wanted to do some exploring of the neighborhood across the street from ours.  Phil and I headed back home while Mr. Scrooge and Meri were Lewis and Clarkin' it.

The Gentle Leader changed my life... and saved my shoulder from Meri.

Any house around a sign like this wouldn't be a house I would live in, kthxbye.

Mr. Scrooge and I found the "front door" to be quite amusing.. since it just lead to the porch.

Philbo was pooped after 2.3 miles.

After a shower and some ramen (super healthy choice after 6 miles of movin' it), I couldn't shake my headache, so I laid down and took a nap.  Since it was Saturday, we were having our weekly gathering at Teh Architect and Teh SC House Finder's house.  Teh SC House Finder made carnitas for dinner, which is a meal after my own belly heart.  After some socializing and football watching, Cards Against Humanity was played for a bit.  After the dogs were beyond exhausted, and so were the humans, we headed home.

Teh SC House Finder was extremely disappointed to discover that someTHING had taken a bite out of almost the entire stack of tortillas.  

we couldn't discern if it was mice or a human.. but no one owned up to it, so we decided not to eat those.

Meri loves her ears being rubbed.

Phil has obviously found his SC replacement family for me.  Jerk dog.

SUNDAY

I finally got to go to the church I've been trying to attend for over a month and I was... disappointed.  I think the church I went to in Pax River really spoiled me.  Like, really, really.  I kept praying that there wouldn't be more singing..... because it was just... no.  Also, I'm 1/2 yankee, so sometimes I get very uncomfortable in extremely southern situations.  For instance, the 5 minutes of the service after the announcements where everyone walks around greeting each other and shaking hands.  This is fine if you know other people there, but when you came to the service by yourself and you know no one, please don't make me.  It's just uncomfortable for me to walk around saying hello and shaking stranger's hands.  Just leave me alone in my little bubble.

The most important and one part of the service that I did enjoy was the sermon.  The pastor is a (large) woman who talked about how sometimes you pray and pray and pray for something and you have these expectations of what you're praying for and then God's all, "here's what you asked for," and it looks nothing like those expectations you've built up in your head, but it's the answer God gave you, and you will deal with it.  It was a theme that resonated with me what with the new job and some relationship issues that I'm dealing with.

If I could take the music of the first SC church and the pastor of this 2nd SC church, I'd be perfect.  For now, I think I'm going to try the 1st church again and see how they do, then maybe try the 2nd church again and make a decision.  Church is hard.  Additionally, these congregations are really small and OLD.  I'm used to a variety of ages, not just mostly retired people.  It's hard to be a 20-something in a sea of 45+ers.

Right before church started, Teh Monopoly messaged me and strongly hinted that I should meet her and the fam in Columbia for a meal since they were driving through SC.  Happy to oblige, I informed Mr. Scrooge of the afternoon plans and invited him along.  At some point in my life, it became acceptable to drive almost 2 hours to meet friends for a meal.  I don't even mind one bit.

Mr. Scrooge and I had sushi for lunch and met Teh Monoply and Mr. Kilt and baby in Columbia for early dinner.  It was fun catching up and getting to hear a few horror stories that I've gotten to miss out on since I've been gone.  I also got in some quality baby time, which serves to fight that biological clock tick-tocking that I hear very faintly on occasion.

Selfies with a baby!

 After getting back home and dealing with the beasts who were obviously never fed in their entire lives, ever, it was time to get ready for Monday.  Bleh.

Today holds great things though.... MY LAST DAY AT TARGET!!!
And I'll be returning some pocketless pants to Kohl's.
And I'll do some laundry and maybe pull out a suitcase or two.
And I'll snuggle extra with Meri and Phil, both of whom I will miss greatly while we are in CA.

Linking up with these ladies:
Weekend Recap w/ Bella and the City | Weekending w/ B Loved Boston