Why Not?

You can thank me later. :)

Stop This Train!!

I would (or should) apologize for another post on the topic of dating, but I'm single. So if you're morally opposed to reading about dating, I'm clearly not the blog friend for you.

My thoughts are pretty scattered and they're floating all around in my head....

When you get to be my age (not that I consider myself terribly old) you tend to have a rather extensive dating history. It's a natural result of living in a dating-oriented society. I don't feel bad for having A LOT of dating history. However, I do start to wonder if I should feel bad about some of the feedback I get from members of the opposite gender. After years I'm still hearing some of the same comments from boys. There were two, in particular, in the last two days that have spurred my current train of thoughts. However, if you care to read on, you'll find that I'm clearly not at fault for my dating experiences gone awry. 

Let me start by informing the world (because I'm sure the whole world reads my blog) that facebook chat or any other form of chat, for that matter, does not qualify as actual, legitimate communication with members of the opposite gender that you may have interest in! No! It does not ever, ever, ever count! Come on boys... stop being a bunch of pansies. And while I'm on the subject, don't EVER ask a girl out via text message. Don't "chat" with her via text message to "get to know her." Pick up the dang phone, dial the seven digits (more in some cases), ask the girl on a date, be sure to use the word "DATE", PLAN something, pick her up, talk to her in person to get to know her, wash, rinse, and repeat. Seriously though... come on. When did we become a generation of socially inept individuals?! Okay... now that I've got that off my chest...

A boy was "chatting" with me online yesterday via facebook chat during a break at work. This boy and I have been in the same ward for some time. We chat every now and then in person and chat once in a while on facebook when we're both pretending to work. After a stimulating conversation about mullets or something along those lines he throws out the line, "You know, it's your sarcasm that's prevented me from asking you out." No boy, I didn't know that. But thank you for typing that to me via facebook during the middle of my work day. And in case you were wondering, I never in a million years would have guessed that you were even remotely interested in going out with me. And if that conversation was your last ditch effort to get me to go out with you.... you failed. Miserably.

a) Why are we having this conversation online?

b) Why was this conversation so long in the making?

c) My sarcasm is one of my traits that I happen to be most fond of. Plus it's genetic (passed from my dad). So you might as well make fun of my other traits that I can't do a darn thing about. How about my shoe size... care to take a stab at that? 

Next came my favorite part of the conversation... I was accused of running away from boys as soon as I sense that they might be interested in asking me out. I didn't know what to say to him about this and I still don't. If I do this, it's purely subconscious. My subconscious obviously doesn't want to go out with whatever boy triggers this act. 

Fast forward to this afternoon, at work, also on facebook. A boy that I've known for a couple of years through mutual friends had the audacity to ask me why I'm still single. Obviously I don't know or I would fix the problem and no longer be single. Boys... 

Then this boy tells me that I have what he called a fear of "Dating Buyer's Remorse." Naturally I had to inquire as to what that was just in case it's contagious. He said that I don't settle on or "buy" a boy to date because I'm afraid I will have feelings similar to buyer's remorse once I settle on one boy. I'm not sure, but I think he accused me of always wanting the bigger and better thing. Then he said I'm probably single because I haven't found the right lawyer, doctor, professional athlete yet. Yep, pretty sure he accused me of being shallow as well. And finally, the icing on the cake... he had the audacity to joke around about the two of us dating. You know what they say about boys who joke...

Later tonight came the coup de grace! I was at a Dessert Night get-together tonight with a couple of my friends. This Dessert Night is put on a few times a month by a group of boys who live in a house together. They used to host these parties about two years ago when I initially met them and they have just started hosting them again. I have known the boys who put these on for years now (in case you can't do the math). One of them tonight inquired as to whether or not I was dating someone. I informed him that I recently broke up with someone and he said he'd done the same. I guess that conversation must have had some hidden meaning that I'm not aware of because as soon as we both pronounced our single state, his tone changed. He was warmer, flirty, and suddenly felt the need to put his hand on the small of my back while talking to me. I have known him for years! Why now? Did he wake up this morning and decide, "I think I'll like Megan today"? Honestly. Then he informed me that a while ago (which was actually years ago) he had tried to TEXT me to ask me out. Can you believe it? A text. He told me that I was really rude to him. And I was kind enough to tell him that he deserved it. Keep in mind that he's not your 21-year-old that just returned from a mission and lacks social skills. He's 30 and he's very social. I sincerely hope that he does not text me a date invitation again... he does not know what he'll have coming.

All of these enlightening experiences have happened within a 30 hour period. Sadly, it's par for the course. Just imagine how lucky I am to do this day after day, year after year. Boys don't realize that I've been around a while; I have some idea of what I'm doing. None of this mediocre dating crap is going to fly with me. I pity the foo who asks me out via text message!!

Farewell to Four Pounds

You may recall a post from a few weeks ago about a fitness competition that I was joining with a girl from work, Farewell to Fat. Well tonight was the final weigh-in. Let me preface if by telling you... I haven't worked out in over 10 days (I've been sick), I cheat almost daily on my new no-sugar challenge, I've been lethargic and sick, and I can't remember a vegetable that I've purposely eaten in the last 12 days. Needless to say I was dreading the final weigh-in. 

HOWEVER, I came up 4 pound lighter than the last weigh-in two weeks ago.  My team won 2nd place in total pounds lost and first place in points (keeping food journals, exercising, following nutrition challenges, etc.).

Moral of the story: eat whatever the heck you want, exercise when you can and just pray for the flu before you have to weigh yourself. 

Ill Intentions & An Identity Crisis

So I have had every intention of blogging over the course of the last month-ish. But life got crazy somehow. I attribute the craziness to the following factors:

1. Break up

2. Bad hair month 

3. Crazy women who refuse to retire and make all our lives easier

4. The curse of living or possibly working on land that was once an ancient Indian burial ground

5. Beets. Bears. Battlestar Gallactica.

6. Communicable diseases

7. October 31st and the squares on the calendar that precede it.

1-Break up? Yeah, I did that. Turns out I'm getting better and better at them. I'm actually thinking of possibly writing a book, creating a support group, or becoming a professional trainer on break up how-tos. I can break up in my sleep ... with one had tied behind my back. Man, this one was different though. It was definitely not cut and dry; something that is still on my mind. Sometimes I hate thinking.

2- Bad hair month. I wonder if there's any correlation between break ups, stress at work, and the amount of hair that falls out of my head each time I wash my hair. I think the only solution is to stop washing my hair.  Think of all the time and money I'll save!

3- Crazy woman who won't retire... referenced above in "stress at work." Bless her heart...

4- Ancient Indian burial ground. I don't make the rules, I just deal with them. Everyone around me is sick and afflicted in some way lately. I can ONLY attribute this to the fact that we are either living or working on ground that was once an ancient Indian burial ground. Just ask Michael, he knows what I'm talking about.

5- Which bear is best?

6- Communicable diseases. Today is Wednesday, almost Thursday. One week ago today I came from work with a fever and aches which I fought viciously for the next 3 days. They were followed by dizziness and cold-like symptoms on Sunday and a sinus infection, pink eyes (yes, both eyes), and a bronchial infection on Monday. Needless to say I'm rather behind at work and can't stand the sight of the ceiling in my room.

7- October 31st. Halloween is my most favorite of holidays. Not that I don't love Christmas. I mean, I have a heart so I enjoy the holiday. But you certainly don't get to wear a costume and dance around to loud music while eating sugar-based sweets. Think about it.

It is actually item #7 on my list of factors that lead to my identity crisis this Halloween season. See photos below:

Princess Lea sewn by my sister, Hollie. 

Reused from a previous Halloween.

The Friday before Halloween.

Matching flappers sewn by my mom (maybe Hollie). 

Used from the old high school dance days (Remember Marcie?)

The Saturday before Halloween.

The Cowardly Lion. Sweats purchased at Target. 

Idea from a previous year. 

Hair curled by Marcie.

The Monday before Halloween.

And presenting my actual 2008 Halloween costume....

Sewn by my very talented sister, Hollie! 

This was by far my favorite costume yet! 

She did such a great job. I was complimented on the dress countless times.

"Ketchup"

"Ketchup" was a term I used in my classroom for the times in the school day's schedule when we could catch up on any and everything that needed catching up on. This post is a "Ketchup" post because I have a medley of events to catch up on as far as blogging goes.

First thing's first.... I think everyone in cyberspace needs to know... I won the Guitar Hero Competition at work last week. It's a shame you can't see my fake tattoos in this picture. 

Oh! And I convinced the rest of my department to put fake tattoos on as well. I happen to have a rather large supply of fake tattoos. 

On an unrelated note, if any of you happen to come across any super cool or cheesy fake tattoos, please let me know.

Tonight one of my best friends and I had the opportunity to have dinner with former students of ours who happen to be brother and sister. Their mom called us to arrange the dinner and we showed up as the surprise guests of honor.  I have to say, I felt a little like a celebrity when five kids came running into the front yard to greet us, screaming our names. My former student, Christian, was one of the few boys in my class last year that wasn't too cool to give his teacher a hug. He was always so sweet to me and laughed at all the jokes I told, even when they weren't funny (which only happened like once).  It was such a fun night! But I have to admit I'm exhausted from being mauled by five small children non-stop for three hours. (How did I ever teach school?)

A couple of weeks ago, I needed to make a treat for a game night with some friends. I handed the job over to a few of my nephews just to see how it would come together. It was the cutest thing... there were marshmallows and Golden Grahams all over! The oldest of the bunch took the job very seriously while the other two snacked on the ingredients that were spilled on the counter. I didn't have the heart to tell my friends that three darling children had either touched or slobbered on each piece of the treat. 

One of my nephews turned 6 last week! Here are some super cute photos of some super cute kids at the birthday party.

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I have had a weird couple of days and haven't felt like writing. I'm hoping this writing "exercise" will clear my head so I can get back to my usual blog banter.

i

I am... ten minutes late to everything!

I want... to have a family of my own someday.

I have... a tension headache that didn't go away after getting a massage yesterday (yikes).

I wish... I managed my time better.

I could... manage my time better (man, the guilt set in fast).

I hate... watching people treat each other unkindly. There's never any reason for that.

I fear... SPIDERS. And failure; which explains why I'm hesitant to try new things.

I hear... Norm snoring down the hall. Which brings up a really good point about me needing/wanting to move out of my parents house (bless their hearts).

I search... through brain research and educational studies at work for the most effective way to write curriculum.

I don't think... I will ever cut my hair shorter than shoulder length again. 

I regret... rushing through college only to get finished and enter the adult world while most of my friends were still enjoying college.

I love... my nieces and nephews more than anything in this entire world! I have the cutest, most intelligent nieces and nephews and I would rather be with them than do anything else.

I ache for... finding a best friend that I can't wait to spend all of eternity with.

I always cry... about once a year... and it usually has something to do with old people, small children, or animals.

I am not... a fan of chick flicks and romance novels.

I dance... while driving my car just to make the passengers a little uneasy. I get the best results from my mom. :)

I sing... as long as there is no one that sings better than me within earshot. 

I never... go to bed before midnight.

I rarely... wake up without hitting snooze.

I cry when... there is just a really, really good reason for crying and there is no option of expressing my emotions verbally.

I watch... "The Office" faithfully every Thursday night and the History channel while I work on projects; that's it.

I am not always... sarcastic or joking?

I hate that... any time I decide to wash my car, I happen to park near some rogue sprinkler that attacks my car with hard water.

I am confused about... why things sometimes work out the way they do.

I need... a hug. Oh, and a million dollars (see: " I hear").

I should... brush my teeth before I go to bed. Maybe I will... nah, probably not.

Farewell to Fat

My friend Natalie that I work with invited me to join her and some family members for a Farewell to Fat challenge sponsored by the Clearfield Aquatic Center. Our team's main goal is to make ourselves more aware of what we're putting in our bodies and try to create healthier habits (and a little weight loss wouldn't hurt our feelings). There is a different nutritional challenge each week, along with a weigh-in. Our challenge this week is to drink over 64 ounces of water a day.... needless to say, I am really getting to know the bathroom here at work! And anyone who knows me knows how hard this is because I only use public/shared restrooms on a NEED TO basis. :) 

We have been tracking our meals on this free, government sponsored website: mypyramid.gov

"My Pyramid Menu Planner" is a wonderful way to track caloric intake, see that you're eating balanced meals, and train yourself to pay attention to what you're eating. Check it out!