Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
A Dream Is Wish Your Hungry Stomach Makes...
I have never had a problem remembering my dreams. Most, in fact, are so realistic that I have to ask myself if they actually happened.
My latest recurring dream has been my high school class reunion. I'm right in the middle of planning it so l think about it randomly throughout the day and often before I go to sleep. So I halfway expect the dreams. But they're so weird.
Let's back up a bit. I have school-related dreams quite often and there are two that I have had at least 100 times. In both cases I wasn't present when the real event happened.
For instance, at the end of my junior year I ran for senior class president. After the first election there was a run-off between me and another classmate. If I remember correctly, I left right after my speech to go on an out-of-town college visit so I found out I'd won by a call on my gigantor cell phone. To this day I still have the dream that I'm running for class president (how embarrassing) and I have to make a big speech in front of 500 classmates. I always wake up before I find out if I win.
In college I skipped class. A lot. My brother and I figured out that I skipped more classes in one week than he did his entire four years. In my dream it's halfway through the semester and I'm about to have a midterm in a class, only to find out I've never even gone to that class. The teacher has no idea who I am. And I have no idea what the class is about. Thank the Lord, I always wake up before I find out how that one ends.
Alright, back to my reunion dreams. Most are pretty normal but the past two have taken place in our neighborhood grocery store. It is the most bizarre thing. And what makes it even stranger is the reunion is a HUGE hit. People are having a blast and I'm walking up and down the aisles with a big grin on my face. In one of the dreams I'm in charge of the assorted cheese section. As some of my friends pointed out, what's not to love? All of the food and beverage your heart desires--nothing beats that! But it does make me wonder why the heck my dream's location can't be somewhere cooler. I'm such a nerd.
So we'll see how it goes. 4 more months before the real reunion is here and I hope everyone has as much fun at this one as they had in the bread aisle.
And if not, I know what to do in 2020.
My latest recurring dream has been my high school class reunion. I'm right in the middle of planning it so l think about it randomly throughout the day and often before I go to sleep. So I halfway expect the dreams. But they're so weird.
Let's back up a bit. I have school-related dreams quite often and there are two that I have had at least 100 times. In both cases I wasn't present when the real event happened.
For instance, at the end of my junior year I ran for senior class president. After the first election there was a run-off between me and another classmate. If I remember correctly, I left right after my speech to go on an out-of-town college visit so I found out I'd won by a call on my gigantor cell phone. To this day I still have the dream that I'm running for class president (how embarrassing) and I have to make a big speech in front of 500 classmates. I always wake up before I find out if I win.
In college I skipped class. A lot. My brother and I figured out that I skipped more classes in one week than he did his entire four years. In my dream it's halfway through the semester and I'm about to have a midterm in a class, only to find out I've never even gone to that class. The teacher has no idea who I am. And I have no idea what the class is about. Thank the Lord, I always wake up before I find out how that one ends.
Alright, back to my reunion dreams. Most are pretty normal but the past two have taken place in our neighborhood grocery store. It is the most bizarre thing. And what makes it even stranger is the reunion is a HUGE hit. People are having a blast and I'm walking up and down the aisles with a big grin on my face. In one of the dreams I'm in charge of the assorted cheese section. As some of my friends pointed out, what's not to love? All of the food and beverage your heart desires--nothing beats that! But it does make me wonder why the heck my dream's location can't be somewhere cooler. I'm such a nerd.
So we'll see how it goes. 4 more months before the real reunion is here and I hope everyone has as much fun at this one as they had in the bread aisle.
And if not, I know what to do in 2020.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Five Golden (Er... Brightly Colored) Rings!
It's that time again--the time where I spend several continuous hours on a couch watching very talented and in-shape people do pretty spectacular things. During past Olympics there was always a brief moment where I thought, "If I start training now, maybe I can be there in four years." Now, at the ripe old age of 27, I have succumbed to the fact that it's never going to happen. My only medals are the result of science fairs and honors programs.
Since this has taken up so much of my time, I'd like to share a few thoughts with you.
Commercials. I am a sensitive soul, I am. When they first ran the mom commercials I teared up and felt all mushy. Then I saw them 84 times in one hour and now I'm all, "Hey mom, let your kid go already. Yeesh."
Jeans. This is apparently the fashion trend of the 2010 Olympics. Whether they're real jeans, faux jeans, or man jeggings, they're everywhere. And I think it's weird.
...But not as weird as pink tassles or nude tops on men. Michael and I were watching couples figure skating the other day and the girl was wearing a tiara (sidenote: not a fan of tiaras). So in a high pitched voice I squealed, "I'm a PRINCESS!" And then my funny husband replied in a very low voice, "Me toooooo." Sure enough, it was quite obvious the couple consisted of not one but two very pretty princesses.
Sean White is freaking amazing.
I know it's dorky, but whenever I watch the Olympics it's just another reminder of how proud I am to be an American (where at least I know I'm free). We live in a pretty great place, ya know? Pink tassles, man jeggings, body suits stamped with way too many stars, the whole bit. I love it. And even if it's ridiculously ironic how a huge group of athletic people can cause me to be a complete couch potato for two weeks, I think that's alright.
(And you know I can't wait to scream, "Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, get on up, it's bobsled time! Cool Runniiiiiiings!!")
Since this has taken up so much of my time, I'd like to share a few thoughts with you.
Commercials. I am a sensitive soul, I am. When they first ran the mom commercials I teared up and felt all mushy. Then I saw them 84 times in one hour and now I'm all, "Hey mom, let your kid go already. Yeesh."
Jeans. This is apparently the fashion trend of the 2010 Olympics. Whether they're real jeans, faux jeans, or man jeggings, they're everywhere. And I think it's weird.
...But not as weird as pink tassles or nude tops on men. Michael and I were watching couples figure skating the other day and the girl was wearing a tiara (sidenote: not a fan of tiaras). So in a high pitched voice I squealed, "I'm a PRINCESS!" And then my funny husband replied in a very low voice, "Me toooooo." Sure enough, it was quite obvious the couple consisted of not one but two very pretty princesses.
Sean White is freaking amazing.
I know it's dorky, but whenever I watch the Olympics it's just another reminder of how proud I am to be an American (where at least I know I'm free). We live in a pretty great place, ya know? Pink tassles, man jeggings, body suits stamped with way too many stars, the whole bit. I love it. And even if it's ridiculously ironic how a huge group of athletic people can cause me to be a complete couch potato for two weeks, I think that's alright.
(And you know I can't wait to scream, "Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, get on up, it's bobsled time! Cool Runniiiiiiings!!")
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Bigfoot Called.... He Wants His Shoes Back
Over the past five years Michael's feet have been the subject of much discussion and ridicule. They are, oh how do I put it? SO BIG. In his defense, everyone in my family has pretty small feet so that's all I've ever known. My mom's are so small that she sometimes has trouble balancing (at least that's what we blame it on) and I usually wear a 7, which I've been told is pretty wee for someone 5'7. But Michael's feet enter a room a good 8 seconds before the rest of him.
And I love nothing more than to make fun of those poor, innocent feet. For instance, he has a pair of bright red shoes and every time he wears them I take a cue from McDonalds and sing, "You'll always have a friend wearing big red shoooooooes!" I also love the fact that he uses a shoehorn so whenever I witness the act I loudly proclaim, "Foghorn Shoehorn!" He halfway laughed the first 12 times. Now he just shakes his head.
(My inspiration: Foghorn Leghorn)
I'm also a little scared of his feet because they have caused me much anxiety and pain. It takes only two of his shoes to crowd a doorway and I never look down when I walk. I've taken many, MANY tumbles due to his heavy footwear. Shoes: 15 Meredith: 0
So it only makes sense that his Valentine's Day gift was a new pair of shoes. You might not find that romantic, but it's the closest thing to a peace offering I could give. They're from one of our favorite stores in Dallas and he wears them as often as he can. Thanks to this crappy weather they've been sitting in our closet but I know they will make their appearance again soon enough. And for the perceptive type, you are right, Valentine's Day is not until tomorrow and I mentioned he's already worn them quite a bit. We continued our tradition of opening gifts early--I'm just thrilled we made it all the way to February. Baby steps, people. (FYI: One step of Michael's is equivalent to 43 baby steps.)
And I'm done making fun of my darling husband's feet. At least... for today. :)
Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
And I love nothing more than to make fun of those poor, innocent feet. For instance, he has a pair of bright red shoes and every time he wears them I take a cue from McDonalds and sing, "You'll always have a friend wearing big red shoooooooes!" I also love the fact that he uses a shoehorn so whenever I witness the act I loudly proclaim, "Foghorn Shoehorn!" He halfway laughed the first 12 times. Now he just shakes his head.
(My inspiration: Foghorn Leghorn)I'm also a little scared of his feet because they have caused me much anxiety and pain. It takes only two of his shoes to crowd a doorway and I never look down when I walk. I've taken many, MANY tumbles due to his heavy footwear. Shoes: 15 Meredith: 0
So it only makes sense that his Valentine's Day gift was a new pair of shoes. You might not find that romantic, but it's the closest thing to a peace offering I could give. They're from one of our favorite stores in Dallas and he wears them as often as he can. Thanks to this crappy weather they've been sitting in our closet but I know they will make their appearance again soon enough. And for the perceptive type, you are right, Valentine's Day is not until tomorrow and I mentioned he's already worn them quite a bit. We continued our tradition of opening gifts early--I'm just thrilled we made it all the way to February. Baby steps, people. (FYI: One step of Michael's is equivalent to 43 baby steps.)
And I'm done making fun of my darling husband's feet. At least... for today. :)
Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Good Talk
Those of you who've been with me from the beginning (bless your hearts) know a few things about me.
1. I'm happily married and have a daughter (cat) whose BMI is off the charts.
2. I love cheese. And a good pun.
3. I'm not afraid to make fun of myself. (Mostly because it's so easy.)
Something I hope you know about me is that I'm a Christian with unbreakable faith. I don't talk about it much on here because it's personal to me and I'm not one to broadcast such things. Is that a cop-out? Maybe so. But today is different.
I grew up going to church--attended most Sunday and Wednesday services. One thing I've never really experienced, however, is hearing God's voice. Some of my friends hear God telling them to go to the bathroom (slight exaggeration) but usually the voice I hear is what I consider my conscience talking. "Meredith, don't buy those jeans, they'll make your butt look big." Or perhaps that is God and if so, I'm glad to know he has a sense of humor. :)
Last night I was lying in bed listening to Thumbs snore and was praying about some issues that have been bothering me lately. Nothing I care to get into and nothing particularly interesting, but issues nonetheless. And for the first time that I can remember, I heard him.
"Cling to me."
Three simple words that formed one simple statement that led to two simple tears.
"Cling to me."
I said it to myself several times before I realized this command would literally and figuratively bring me closer to the One I so desperately want to hear. After all, how can you learn from someone if you're nowhere near them?
"Cling to me."
Not "hold on to me." Not "stand next to me." But CLING to me--something you do when you lack all strength and don't trust yourself to stand alone.
I went to bed with a calm heart, understanding I could always find comfort and stability in him. It doesn't mean these issues will disappear. And you know what? They might get worse. But knowing that I don't have to go at it alone is powerful. And for that... and for him... I am so grateful.
1. I'm happily married and have a daughter (cat) whose BMI is off the charts.
2. I love cheese. And a good pun.
3. I'm not afraid to make fun of myself. (Mostly because it's so easy.)
Something I hope you know about me is that I'm a Christian with unbreakable faith. I don't talk about it much on here because it's personal to me and I'm not one to broadcast such things. Is that a cop-out? Maybe so. But today is different.
I grew up going to church--attended most Sunday and Wednesday services. One thing I've never really experienced, however, is hearing God's voice. Some of my friends hear God telling them to go to the bathroom (slight exaggeration) but usually the voice I hear is what I consider my conscience talking. "Meredith, don't buy those jeans, they'll make your butt look big." Or perhaps that is God and if so, I'm glad to know he has a sense of humor. :)
Last night I was lying in bed listening to Thumbs snore and was praying about some issues that have been bothering me lately. Nothing I care to get into and nothing particularly interesting, but issues nonetheless. And for the first time that I can remember, I heard him.
"Cling to me."
Three simple words that formed one simple statement that led to two simple tears.
"Cling to me."
I said it to myself several times before I realized this command would literally and figuratively bring me closer to the One I so desperately want to hear. After all, how can you learn from someone if you're nowhere near them?
"Cling to me."
Not "hold on to me." Not "stand next to me." But CLING to me--something you do when you lack all strength and don't trust yourself to stand alone.
I went to bed with a calm heart, understanding I could always find comfort and stability in him. It doesn't mean these issues will disappear. And you know what? They might get worse. But knowing that I don't have to go at it alone is powerful. And for that... and for him... I am so grateful.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Gosh I Love These Things...
1. What is your name and do you have any nicknames? Meredith Leigh (pronounced “Mewadiff Wee” until I was about 8—there is a cassette tape to prove it). Merd, Merdi, Mere.
2. What color are your socks right now? Not wearing socks (but I only own white)
3. What are you listening to right now? Someone making coffee.
4. What was the last thing that you ate? Cilantro dip and chips. At 9:30a in the morning. Hey, if you don’t grab it fast, that stuff is GONE.
5. Can you drive a stick shift? I’m quite the pro--my first car was a stick shift. And yes, that makes me cooler than you.
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Anna!
7. Last place you went on vacation? I guess if we’re talking about a TRUE vacation, it would have been Sanibel Island last July.
8. What Hobbies do you have? Reading. Does blogging count? Does watching TV count? When I actually make an effort to run I enjoy it.
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Now that I understand it, I actually like football. But my limit is one game.
10. What is your favorite drink? Coca-Cola. Pepsi can take a hike.
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? Unfortunately yes, which has resulted in an endless cycle of doom that’s lasted 10 years. My mom let me get highlights when I was on the homecoming court and I’ve never looked back.
12. Favorite food? Butter
13. What is the last movie you watched? Avatar (I know, I’m so original)
14. Favorite day of the year? I’ve answered this before. Any day that falls in the “summer” category.
15. How do you vent anger? I stew on it for a good 3 hours and then I either talk to Michael or call my mom.
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? Teddy Ruxpin (and Grubby!)
17. What is your favorite season? Read my answer to #14 and use your context clues.
18. Cherries or Blueberries? Blueberries. At one point we had fresh blueberries, blueberry breakfast bars, and blueberry cereal in our house. Michael hated life a little bit that week.
19. What is your occupation right now? CCIP/Underwriting Assistant. Yeah, me neither.
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? An author
21. What state do you live and what State or Country would you like to live some day? The great state of Texas. (I saw a car the other day that had three, yes THREE identical bumper stickers that proclaimed, “Don’t Mess with Texas.” I almost ran off the road from rolling my eyes.) I am actually very happy here and have no plans of moving anytime soon (or ever).
22. Living arrangements? Husband and a fat cat.
23. Do you have any pets? Thumbs Mageezer, the greatest cat in the world (world, world, world)
24. What is on the floor of your closet? Shoes and clothes
25. What are three of your favorite items at the moment? Our new bed, Michael’s glasses (so hot right now), and a new pair of pants that I plan on buying this weekend (foreshadowing if you will…)
26. What did you do last night? Read a book, ate Chipotle, and watched the Biggest Loser.
27. Any news you want to share? Hmm… Well… No, I guess not.
28. What do you like on your hamburgers? Cheese and mustard. Tis all.
29. Favorite dog breed? English bulldog! Named Mistah Dahcy or Harry Pottah (yes, I have thought this through)
30. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
31. How many states have you lived in? Three (Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas)
32. Diamonds or pearls? Yes
33. What is your favorite flower? I love tulips and calla lilies. And lately I’ve been a huge fan of peonies.
34. Favorite meal you have had at a restaurant and which restaurant was it? The pizza at some restaurant on our 37-day-trip-from-hell. None of us know if it was THAT good or if we were just really hungry.
35. What music are you currently listening to? NPR lately.
36. What is one fun thing you are looking forward to in the upcoming year? I am looking forward to our 10-year reunion and I am also looking forward to it being over. :)
2. What color are your socks right now? Not wearing socks (but I only own white)
3. What are you listening to right now? Someone making coffee.
4. What was the last thing that you ate? Cilantro dip and chips. At 9:30a in the morning. Hey, if you don’t grab it fast, that stuff is GONE.
5. Can you drive a stick shift? I’m quite the pro--my first car was a stick shift. And yes, that makes me cooler than you.
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Anna!
7. Last place you went on vacation? I guess if we’re talking about a TRUE vacation, it would have been Sanibel Island last July.
8. What Hobbies do you have? Reading. Does blogging count? Does watching TV count? When I actually make an effort to run I enjoy it.
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Now that I understand it, I actually like football. But my limit is one game.
10. What is your favorite drink? Coca-Cola. Pepsi can take a hike.
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? Unfortunately yes, which has resulted in an endless cycle of doom that’s lasted 10 years. My mom let me get highlights when I was on the homecoming court and I’ve never looked back.
12. Favorite food? Butter
13. What is the last movie you watched? Avatar (I know, I’m so original)
14. Favorite day of the year? I’ve answered this before. Any day that falls in the “summer” category.
15. How do you vent anger? I stew on it for a good 3 hours and then I either talk to Michael or call my mom.
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? Teddy Ruxpin (and Grubby!)
17. What is your favorite season? Read my answer to #14 and use your context clues.
18. Cherries or Blueberries? Blueberries. At one point we had fresh blueberries, blueberry breakfast bars, and blueberry cereal in our house. Michael hated life a little bit that week.
19. What is your occupation right now? CCIP/Underwriting Assistant. Yeah, me neither.
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? An author
21. What state do you live and what State or Country would you like to live some day? The great state of Texas. (I saw a car the other day that had three, yes THREE identical bumper stickers that proclaimed, “Don’t Mess with Texas.” I almost ran off the road from rolling my eyes.) I am actually very happy here and have no plans of moving anytime soon (or ever).
22. Living arrangements? Husband and a fat cat.
23. Do you have any pets? Thumbs Mageezer, the greatest cat in the world (world, world, world)
24. What is on the floor of your closet? Shoes and clothes
25. What are three of your favorite items at the moment? Our new bed, Michael’s glasses (so hot right now), and a new pair of pants that I plan on buying this weekend (foreshadowing if you will…)
26. What did you do last night? Read a book, ate Chipotle, and watched the Biggest Loser.
27. Any news you want to share? Hmm… Well… No, I guess not.
28. What do you like on your hamburgers? Cheese and mustard. Tis all.
29. Favorite dog breed? English bulldog! Named Mistah Dahcy or Harry Pottah (yes, I have thought this through)
30. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
31. How many states have you lived in? Three (Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas)
32. Diamonds or pearls? Yes
33. What is your favorite flower? I love tulips and calla lilies. And lately I’ve been a huge fan of peonies.
34. Favorite meal you have had at a restaurant and which restaurant was it? The pizza at some restaurant on our 37-day-trip-from-hell. None of us know if it was THAT good or if we were just really hungry.
35. What music are you currently listening to? NPR lately.
36. What is one fun thing you are looking forward to in the upcoming year? I am looking forward to our 10-year reunion and I am also looking forward to it being over. :)
Monday, February 1, 2010
Time To Catch Up!
Who's ready for a smorgasbord of information? No? Well.... tough.
I'd prepared a 14-page blog post on our weekend trip to Tulsa, which included detailed end notes and even a bibliography, but then I noticed my best friend Kait wrote her own Tulsa blog post and figured... heeeey, why don't I just reference hers? So for a Tulsa recap, please CLICK HERE. (Stupid bibliography.)
Last week was pretty crazy, I spent most of the week at a conference for our company and the other few days desperately trying to catch up. I'm also in the process of obtaining my CRIS certification so I spent a good portion of the weekend studying for that. Raise your hand if you're jealous. Oh come on, not one?
After a delicious dinner with Michael's parents to celebrate their 29th anniversary, Michael and I came home and watched a bit of the Grammy's. I have decided Taylor Swift needs to retire her voice and just stick to writing songs. Her performance fell flat. (Get it? Oh how I adore puns!) I still think she is talented and deserves everything this wonderful life has to give her, but I'm pretty confident 97.9% of America would consider her tone deaf.
And speaking of music... There is a song on the radio that makes me want to jump out of a moving car (or in my case, jump out of a car that moves approx 6 miles per hour due to Dallas traffic). I actually think the song is kind of catchy, but the lyrics. Oh my God the LYRICS. Let's take a look at the chorus.
You make me smile like the sun (Do suns smile? Whatev, we'll let this one slide.)
Fall out of bed, sing like bird (Fall out of bed? Where did that come from? It doesn't even make sense!)
Dizzy in my head, spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night (The only people I know who are crazy on a Sunday night are college freshmen.)
You make me dance like a fool (embarrassing)
Forget how to breathe (lame)
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee (Ok, this is where I literally shouted to the dashboard, "Buzz like a bee?! You've GOT to be KIDDING me!" What does this have to do with anything? And who shows their love by buzzing like a bee? I HATE BEES!)
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Ohh, you make me smile (Who can smile when there's a chance of bees? I HATE BEES!)
After hearing this song, I seriously considered quitting my third job (in one year) and becoming a lyricist. The only thing that could make this song worse is if Taylor Swift sang it live. GEESH.
One last thing. Right now on facebook the rage is to change your profile picture to a celebrity you've been told you look like. Here is the abridged version of "celebrities" Michael has been told he resembles...
And here is the extended version of "celebrities" I've been told I look like.
Life? Is not fair.
I'd prepared a 14-page blog post on our weekend trip to Tulsa, which included detailed end notes and even a bibliography, but then I noticed my best friend Kait wrote her own Tulsa blog post and figured... heeeey, why don't I just reference hers? So for a Tulsa recap, please CLICK HERE. (Stupid bibliography.)
Last week was pretty crazy, I spent most of the week at a conference for our company and the other few days desperately trying to catch up. I'm also in the process of obtaining my CRIS certification so I spent a good portion of the weekend studying for that. Raise your hand if you're jealous. Oh come on, not one?
After a delicious dinner with Michael's parents to celebrate their 29th anniversary, Michael and I came home and watched a bit of the Grammy's. I have decided Taylor Swift needs to retire her voice and just stick to writing songs. Her performance fell flat. (Get it? Oh how I adore puns!) I still think she is talented and deserves everything this wonderful life has to give her, but I'm pretty confident 97.9% of America would consider her tone deaf.
And speaking of music... There is a song on the radio that makes me want to jump out of a moving car (or in my case, jump out of a car that moves approx 6 miles per hour due to Dallas traffic). I actually think the song is kind of catchy, but the lyrics. Oh my God the LYRICS. Let's take a look at the chorus.
You make me smile like the sun (Do suns smile? Whatev, we'll let this one slide.)
Fall out of bed, sing like bird (Fall out of bed? Where did that come from? It doesn't even make sense!)
Dizzy in my head, spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night (The only people I know who are crazy on a Sunday night are college freshmen.)
You make me dance like a fool (embarrassing)
Forget how to breathe (lame)
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee (Ok, this is where I literally shouted to the dashboard, "Buzz like a bee?! You've GOT to be KIDDING me!" What does this have to do with anything? And who shows their love by buzzing like a bee? I HATE BEES!)
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Ohh, you make me smile (Who can smile when there's a chance of bees? I HATE BEES!)
After hearing this song, I seriously considered quitting my third job (in one year) and becoming a lyricist. The only thing that could make this song worse is if Taylor Swift sang it live. GEESH.
One last thing. Right now on facebook the rage is to change your profile picture to a celebrity you've been told you look like. Here is the abridged version of "celebrities" Michael has been told he resembles...
And here is the extended version of "celebrities" I've been told I look like.
Life? Is not fair.
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