Two Zero Zero Nine

I have become a bad blogger. Oh the SHAME. I had full plans of writing a lengthy and poetic post dedicated to 2009 and then I found something that would allow my creativity to be smashed once again. And of course I jumped right on that bandwagon.

(Here's to 2010 and better posts.)

(Thanks Rachel!)

1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Worked for three different companies (not at the same time—who do you think I am?)

2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I don’t make resolutions anymore due to my track record of keeping them.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Quite a few people actually! I’m terrified I might leave someone out so I’m just going to throw out a number and say 42 friends of mine adopted or gave birth in 2009. I might have rounded up a bit.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, but a few people close to my friends died, and that can be just as hard.

5. What countries did you visit?
I've come to realize that many people think Texas really is a country. And all this time I thought it was a funny joke.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you didn't have in 2009?
The same job. All 365 days. :)

7. What dates from 2009 will be etched upon your memory, and why?
A crappy day in March and a fabulous day in June. Done.

8. What was your biggest achievement of this year?
I learned how to paint a room!

9. What was your biggest failure?
Taking two months to get a job

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Actually no, which is fabulous

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Furniture for our living room!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Wow, did we just time travel to the 19th century? What a weirdly worded question. Anywho. I know this is cheesy and corny and “OMG does she have one ounce of creativity in her?” but I am so proud of Michael. He went through a lot this year and did it with dignity and grace (and hotness). He never once felt sorry for himself, never once put himself first, never once complained. I am humbled by my husband and thank God for him every day.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Jon and Kate (minus 8—their kiddos are still cute)

14. Where did most your money go?
Nordstrom (stupid discount!!!) (…I MISS YOU!)

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Moving to Dallas. We’d always thought we’d end up here eventually but when the decision was made I got pretty giddy. I miss Tulsa and my friends immensely and I also miss being two hours away from my parents, but I know this was the right decision and every time I start to doubt myself I visit Crate & Barrel and find my inner peace once again.

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
I love this question because I remember a lot of moments by songs that were popular at the time. Unfortunately, there isn’t anything that REALLY pops out this year. However.... I can’t hear Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” without wanting to dance or thinking about Kait’s wedding in January when I actually forced 8 other girls to dance just like me. Good Lord I’m a motivator when I want to be. I would also like to add that Kanye is a jerk and it was definitely NOT the best video of all time.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
Happier, haven’t stepped on the scale in ages but my clothes still fit so that’s good, and I’m not talking about our salaries on here (because it’s none of yo bidness). However, if we keep buying furniture (bedroom is next!) we will definitely be poorer. :)

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Cooking

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worrying

20. How did you spend Christmas?
In the Fort with my family! It was so wonderful to see everyone (pictures coming SOON!)

21. Did you fall in love with 2009?
Uh….

22. What was your favorite TV program?
30 Rock. I really want to meet Liz Lemmon because I think we could be life-long friends.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Ah hate, such a strong word. But no, I can’t really think of anyone.

24. What was the best book you read?
Harry Pottah—all seven of them. If only he looked and sparkled like Edward Cullen….

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
As in, me personally? Still nothing. But every time I watch Glee I want to pay someone big bucks to teach me how to sing and dance at the same time. One more plug for that fabulous show—you really should watch it. Oh and I’m still in love with that Taylor Swift/Coldplay piano mash-up.

26. What did you want and get?
Eh, this question bores me.

27. What did you want and not get?
A leather jacket from Ted Baker that costs more than my left arm (and that’s a fact--I did the math)

28. What was your favorite film of 2009?
This question stresses me out because I saw a lot of great movies and I’m afraid I’ll say one and then later remember another one that was BETTER. Oh well, I just saw Invictus so I’ll say it(and I guarantee I’m going to be thinking about this question 4 days from now…)

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
27 on May 12. My mom came up because it was the middle of the week and Michael was already in Dallas.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
No regrets. We’re both happy and healthy and I think if you have both of these things going for you you’re in pretty great shape.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2009?
Odd for sure. I wore work attire for 6 months, then I was introduced to the world of leggings (and, oh yes, jeggings), crazy tops, tall boots and fun jewelry for about 2 months, and now I’m back to work attire (with an edge—I couldn’t leave behind everything I learned at Nordstrom) :)
32. What kept you sane?
Thumbs. She has a way of making you realize your life could be so much worse.

33. What political issue stirred you the most?
Pretty pumped about our President right now.

34. Who did you miss?
Anyone that wasn't a short car-ride away.

35. Who was the best new person you met?
Katie Walker! :)

36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
I’m not going to quote the “Everything happens for a reason” mumbo jumbo, but I will say… Everything has a silver lining, but only if you’re willing to look hard for it. FIND IT. And if it takes awhile, Jack in the Box tacos are good company while you search.

37. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
“I wish we could open our eyes, to see in all directions at the same time. Oh what a beautiful view, if you were never aware of what was around you.” Death Cab

YESSSSS!

This just made me so freaking happy...

Anyone that loves Glee (and all of you should) will appreciate this!

All Seem To Say: Throw Cares Away

Helloooooo.

So I’ve been kind of busy the past few weeks. Started the new job (check!), painted our dining room (check!), almost died at a muscle flex class (che…holy-cow-I-hate-my-life…eck!), wrapped all of our Christmas presents (check!), found out that the place we were scheduled to have our reunion is closing in January and therefore had to find a new place (check!), and picked up the handbag I won a few months ago (cha-ching! I mean… check)!

I’ve been in bed by 9:30 every night because the job is pretty exhausting. I realize it’s always like that with a new job so I'm not worried (just sleepy). I love that there is plenty of work to keep me busy all of the time--I hate being bored so it works out nicely.

Keeping this short... I'm due for a long post after the holidays. Hope you each have a very merry Christmas! And I hate to stir up feelings of jealousy, but guess who gets to spend several days with this little man? Hehe.

Merry Christmas!!!

Keywords

*Editor's Note: I actually wrote this post a week ago. I haven't had much time/energy to write about present life so this is all I've got. My apologies.

I've seen this on several blogs (one I know personally) and always found it quite funny, so I decided I'd be a bit unoriginal and do it myself. Google analytics lists "keywords," which is what someone typed in the search bar that led them to my blog. If you were to search, "Meredith and Michael Haynes," chances are pretty good you'd find our blog immediately. But some of them? Wowzers. The "keywords" are in bold and my thoughts are italicized. If any of you found my blog through one of the following statements, please email me and we'll chat. :)

Cut it off rattail mom
Yes, please cut it off. Like... right now.

My braces, my husband, my baby
I have no idea what these three items have in common but I hope they were not put in preferential order.

Badly decorated Christmas tree disasters
I am highly, HIGHLY offended that our poor blog was one of the available options and even more disgusted you actually chose it. This is worse than Stacey, Clinton, and a huge camera crew showing up at my office.

Cat going for the gold
Whoever you are, I hope you saw the same potential in Thumbs that I most certainly did. And if you think your pet might be a fierce competitor, I have only one question: How many toes does YOUR cat have? That's what I thought.

Is anyone else obsessed with Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes?
Does an entire blog post dedicated to this lit'l bit o' perfection count?

Kate Beckett underwear
I'm not exactly sure what you are looking for but I can assure you it will not be found on my blog. I am, however, glad to know you enjoy Castle.

Let's play a game you write back to me do it now
Let's play a game where you learn how to use punctuation. Do it now.

Red flags of a serial killer
Do you really need to look this up on google? Is s/he in your house? Here's a hint, pick up the phone and dial 911.

Would you tell me about okra?
There are not enough words in the English language to sufficiently answer this question. All I can tell you is it'll change your life forever.

Completely Random Post

It has been one crazy week: last few days at the old job, first few days at the new job. I can't tell you how EXCITED I was to wake up this morning and realize (a) I did not have to work today (a Saturday) and (b) I will never have to work on a Saturday (at least for now) and (c) did I mention I did not have to work today, which just so happens to be a Saturday? AHHHH!!!!

With that in mind, I'm sure you'll understand why I told my husband "Absolutely not" when he asked if I wanted to run by the mall today. Instead we went to the Dallas aquarium, which is amazing. I highly recommend it if you've never been. We went several years ago but they've updated it quite a bit. I took some high quality pictures with my phone so here's a few of our favorite animals.

Honestly, I have no idea why this guy is at an aquarium but he sure is beautiful. He was asleep the entire time. I need to check his blood lines--my guess is he's Thumbs' big brother.

I adore flamingos. I'm not sure why but I think it's because I can relate to their legs. Anywho, I was telling Michael that I loved their coloring and he wondered if it was due to their diet (which includes shrimp). I said something to the tune of "psh, NO" and rolled my eyes. Then I read about them and turns out their coloring is 100% due to their diet. So um... yeah. Who knew? (Answer: Michael)


This little fella cracked us up. His shell was balanced on this branch and I have no idea how he got himself there. More importantly, I have no idea how he'll move. I really want a pet turtle but I've heard they smell. So.... I think I'll pass.


And the highlight of my day was, of course, the manatees. I tear up every time I see one, they're just so sweet. I'm pretty sure the larger one waved at me. I stared at them for a good ten minutes and Michael was nice enough to let me have my "alone time" with my big-boned friends.


Since I'm on a picture kick, I'll share some pictures of where I've been the past 2.5 months and where I am now. Dramatically different, don't you think?

Entrance to Nordstrom (at the Galleria). Handbags are directly to the left!

Ah yes, here we are.

Earl the Squirrel and Roberto the Reindeer
Katie, myself and Jordan

My new desk!

I have a window! We're on the 16th floor (you can see the overlap from the two pictures below)

The new job is fantastic so far. There's a lot to learn but I really enjoy everyone I've met and it's an amazing place. Hoping I'll feel more comfortable with everything in the upcoming weeks. I believe their motto is "We love food" because everything revolves around it. Hey, no complaints here.

And last but definitely not least, we finally had our other Peter Lik photograph framed! We are thrilled with how it turned out. This picture doesn't do it justice but I think it will look beautiful in the new living room.


The problem with having both framed is now we're anxious to purchase another print. We're hoping to travel to NYC in 2010 and guess who has not one but TWO galleries there? :)

(Below is the next photograph I want. I couldn't find Michael's favorite online...)

I Don't Get It...

Lately I've found myself shaking my head and muttering, "I don't get it." A lot. I realize this statement makes me sound like an idiot and I'm not going to completely reject that theory, but I figured I'd share some "I don't get it" moments and see if you agree with me.

1. If you're a fan of blinking Christmas lights, why must you also use the non-blinking lights on the same tree? It just looks weird. I want all or none to blink. This one-strand-blinking business just makes me think I'm having a mini-seizure. I don't get it.

2. Today I was driving to meet Michael for lunch and passed a guy advertising a certain illegal drug on his back windshield, complete with picture and local phone number. I also drove past a pretty bad car accident involving two women my age. What made both of these situations odd was that there were two police cars driving next to me the entire time, yet neither stopped for the wreck or pulled over drug paraphernalia dude. But I get a $217 speeding ticket. I don't get it.

3. How are all of the extremely young couples on House Hunters able to afford $750,000 homes? Makes for great television but... I don't get it.

4. Speaking of television, how is The View still on the air? And who the hell is Wendy Williams? I don't get it.

5. My stomach keeps growing and I'm not pregnant. I'm going to start featuring weekly "bump pictures" on the blog. Unfortunately, I don't have an expected due date so I'm not sure how to label them. It might look suspicious when I reach 47 weeks and am still growing. What's going on, stomach? I don't get it.

5. How am I 27-years-old and just now learning about gummy multi-vitamins for adults? Are they new? The way I see it, there is nothing better than taking two great things and throwing them together. Why yes I'll have my Vitamin C in gummy form, thank you! I'm glad I didn't know about these in college, I might have overdosed on vitamins after a long night out. But really, these things should have been created years ago. I don't get it.

So there's a small sampling of my latest "I don't get it" moments. I'm hoping at least one of you nodded in agreement with me, otherwise I really am an idiot. Yikes.

The Weather Outside = Frightful

Last night we went to my new company's Christmas party (even though I don't start until next Wednesday). The party was held at the Owner/CEO's house and Karen and Myers were kind enough to join us. I was mesmerized the entire evening. Karen had told me all about his house but statements such as, "They have a moat" and "Their closet is bigger than our bedroom," kind of flew right by me. And then I walked through the front door.

I always loved the part on Father of the Bride when George Stanley Banks visits the in-laws for the first time and thinks to himself, "All I could think about was the size of this place. We could have parked our whole house in the foyer." My thoughts exactly. They were nice enough to open their entire house to us so Karen gave us the grand tour (the party was held here two years ago as well). I won't go into many details, but I do have to bring up the master closet. It was indeed bigger than our bedroom and it wasn't long before I murmured, "I bet she has an incredible shoe shelf." (I have a slight addiction to shoe shelves.) I rounded the corner (seriously, who has CORNERS in their closets?) and there it was. I heard angels. From floor to 12-foot ceiling, gorgeous shoes called out to me. She had more Jimmy Choo's and Manolo Blahnik's than Nordstrom. Just as I started to hug the shelf Michael pulled me back, which was nice because I think hugging a shoe shelf might be considered a party foul.

The house was extremely modern but his wife likes to collect antiques so Michael was enamored by all of the small wooden boxes. He kept wanting to know what was in all of them. I found out later he meant, "Shouldn't at least one of these boxes hold a bunch of cigars and if so, why aren't we smoking them?"

I spent the rest of the night meeting future co-workers and hanging out with the few people I actually knew. All in all, fantastic time. I kept the drinking to a minimum because I figured being the new girl as well as the drunk girl at the holiday Christmas party didn't really add up to much.

Tonight we do it all over again at Michael's office Christmas party. I will be super disappointed if there isn't at least one moat to cross. :)

She's due in 2 weeks!! :)

Matt and Laura!

Santa's favorite fireplace.

Oh.... Christmas Tree.

It is 8:56 am and I've already had a bad day.

Alright, I'll cut the theatrics. You've all seen a movie/television show where the first scene is someone in the operating room and then it flashes to another scene as "3 days earlier" pops up on the screen. So consider, "It is 8:56 am and I've already had a bad day" my operating room and now we'll back up to Sunday when all was good and right with the world....

3 days earlier (Sunday)...
Michael and I picked out our Christmas tree! Sunday was one of the only days we were both free so we borrowed his dad's truck and made our way through the slight drizzle to find a tree for our home. Struck out at the first three places and then found her. She's quite the beaut. This is our first Christmas in our present home so we hadn't a clue where to put it. There wasn't much space in the newly decorated living room and neither of us wanted to lug a 9' Christmas tree upstairs. And so we picked the only logical place: our kitchen. Before you judge, please understand that we have a pretty large spot for a kitchen table we do not own. And we are both enormous fans of the Christmas tree so we wanted it to be highly visible. Seeing that we both have a great love for food, the kitchen only made sense. And up it went!

We are a great team when it comes to decorating for Christmas. And I don't mean that in the cue Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" with cute couple wearing matching Christmas sweaters, laughing and holding hands while they decorate the tree kind of way. No I mean we both have our strengths and our weaknesses. Bless his heart, Michael has no idea how to put lights on a tree. In his defense he might do a fine job, but us Besancons like our tree to be a beacon in the night for not only our street, but also the surrounding states (or in our case, Mexico). The first time I saw him flippantly drape lights on the tree I immediately gave him the job of separating the strands and checking for burnouts. Then it came time to put ornaments on the tree and I apparently stink at that. I would find a great spot for my ornament only to walk around two minutes later and see it had moved elsewhere. After my darling husband finally pointed at one of my selected spots and laughed, I gave it up and started taking the ornaments out of their boxes and let him do the rest. Like I said, great team. :)

Whew, this is getting long. Let's see if I can turn this into a 5-paragraph essay that'd make my senior English teacher proud. Last two days have been great, and then we woke up this morning at exactly 2:02 to a very, very, very, (VERY) loud crash. We both jumped out of bed as I thought, "Oh no, our skylight broke!" (This is the second time I've woken up thinking our small skylight broke and neither of us can figure out why.) Michael knew exactly what it was and quietly said, "Christmas tree." We made it to the kitchen and sure enough, one very large Christmas tree was now horizontal. The loud crash came from approx 15 ornaments that were now shattered on our floor.

Oh.

(And there goes my 5-paragraph essay). We spent the next 45 minutes cleaning up the water, the ornaments, and our broken spirits. It was a sad sight. We've come to the conclusion that we've outgrown our Christmas tree stand so we're off to find a new one today. We lost a lot of good men (er, ornaments) last night and it was quite the tragedy.

So now you understand why it's so early and I've already labeled it a bad day. I guess "sad" is a better word for it. Throw in the snow on our rooftops and I'm looking at a Christmas disaster. I moved to this great state with the high hopes I'd never see that crap again. :)

Our tree when it was doing as it was told...

The Christmas cat!

Dining table

:)

Our only Christmas decoration in the living room--ha!

This is the view when you walk through our front door. See? A Christmas tree in the kitchen is kind of cool, right?

The stockings were hung on the wine buffet with care...

My parents were given these apothecary jars as a wedding gift almost 40 years ago. Aren't they awesome?

Our few decorations upstairs.

And to all a good night....
(Especially us, we are both very tired this morning.)