My New Favorite Thing

Full of Grace

I've heard of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals... but until last week I hadn't actually heard their music.  'Apologies' came on my Pandora channel, and I fell in love instantly.  Her voice made me stop what I was doing.  I fell into a trance.  It was raspy and sexy - a sound you don't hear anymore (Ke$ha) not to mention the great guitar and tambourine.  They use real instruments and have real talent (Ke$ha) - something you don't hear in this age of talentless technology (Ke$ha).  I looked up more songs, and now I'm hooked.  Whenever I listen to them, I can't help but sing.  And then I catch myself dancing - especially to 'Tiny Light' and 'Medicine'.  Look em up!

On top the amazing music... Grace rocks some pretty hot minidresses.  I'm inspired.  Time to show some stems.

(P.S. Keep up the great work Ke$ha... you're a fabulous guilty pleasure after a few drinks.)

Follow Me

What the Tweet?
The bossman says I should do twitter for work to get the word out there about Mueller events.  I created an account to practice on.  I'll play around with this one to get the hang of Twitter.  Once I get that down I'll have TWO accounts - one more Mueller and one for the Examiner.  I'll be a tweeting machine!!!

Follow me!!  FilmExaminerMeg

This Week

So Much Excitement

This week I will:

1. Have a family dinner :)
2. Celebrate Tuesday
3. Watch a great movie
4. Ride a motorcycle
5. Wear an ugLy sweater
6. Run 10 miles
7. See the Nutcracker
8. $$GET PAID$$
9. Buy my Christmas gift to myself (everyone should do the same)
10. Decorate My Christmas Tree

These are just the big planned things.  The small unexpected moments in between will only make life more exciting.

A Few Words

Have a little faith...

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.  Do everything in love."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14

A Thousand Words

Sometimes life is so beautiful

It's amazing how a moment like this can make you forget the stress, anger and heartache that bruised so much of your day.  Talk about powerful....

My Link

Write On!

Here is the link to my profile

You can view my articles directly through there, or you can go to the Examiner website and look under the entertainment section.  My article has been sent to the editor, so it won't be up yet, but in a day or two :)

Life Moving Forward

The Pursuit of Happiness...

As some of you already heard, I recently got a job writing for the Examiner, which is local publication.  I am SO excited to begin this journey as a film writer.  I originally began college as a journalism major, and decided to switch into film because I felt my passion was stronger there.  Two months ago, I got an email from good ole Monster.com saying that the Examiner was looking for new people.  I thought it would be a fun thing to do, but I had recently taken on a new job at Mueller, and I was still working at Applebee's, so I decided to hold off.

Recently, someone inspired me to go after it... They had no idea at the time, but they are the reason I looked into it again.  I realized that the hole that I have felt in my life was the lack of attention I was giving to my true passions.  I'm glad I looked into it.  They asked for a writing sample, and that sealed the deal for both of us.  As I wrote it, I felt alive again.  This blog has always been an outlet, but I felt like I finally had a purpose for my words as I wrote the article.  It felt amazing.

This is a paid gig, but that term is used lightly.  The more traffic my articles get, the more money.  I am not doing this for extra income, but for happiness.  It will also be a great way to build toward my goal of becoming an established, published writer.

I will be writing my first article tomorrow.  Once that is finished, I will send it to MY EDITOR (weird) and after reviewing it, it will be posted!  Once that happens I will have the link to my page, so you can view my latest articles.  

I am ecstatic.

Here's where I become cliche -- Go after your dreams.  Do what makes you happy.  It feels amazing.

Something to Think About

Marriage

When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.  Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly.  She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?

I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, "You are not a man!" That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!

With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company.  She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me, her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.

The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane.  When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.

In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.

Keep Pushing

Quote of the day:


Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.

Wise Words

Dad really does know best....

"Things happen for a reason I guess.  I don't know why, but they just do."

These words comforted everything that was awful about my day.  Even when he thinks he doesn't have an answer, he does.  He always knows just what to say.  

Thanks Dad.... I love you.

No Day But Today

"Life is too short to wake up with regrets.  So love the people who treat you right.  Love the ones who don't just because you can.  Believe everything happens for a reason.  If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.  If it changes your life, let it.  Kiss slowly.  Forgive quickly.  They never said life would be easy, but it will be worth it."

"Life is short" has become a song from a broken record, but it rings too true.  Life really is short - and you should live everyday doing things you love with the people you love.  We expect tomorrow to be waiting for us, but one day it won't be.

My heart breaks for my friend Erin and her husband Zach.  A week ago today, they welcomed their first little blessing into the world - a boy named Drew.  We watched him grow in his mommy's belly (I named him Applebaby... Erin hated it :) ).  There were some complications, but he was doing okay and we couldn't wait for him to heal so we could meet him.  On Wednesday, things digressed, and Erin and Zach held their little boy for the first and last time.

I can't fathom going through this.  I am amazed by them for dealing with it as gracefully as they have.  All of us at work admire them for their strength.  I am truly humbled.  We learned how fragile life truly is, and for us who are healthy and able, we should live life to the best of our abilities.

Please keep the Griffiths in your prayers.  We love you Erin and Zach.

Another Delicious Dish

Red Light, Green Light....

Our eager taste buds made cooking this meal seem like an eternity.  It smelled delicious the second the food hit the pans.  As we cooked, we were serenaded by the musical genius known as T.Swift.  She was the missing ingredient that helped make the meal all that it was.

Without further adieu, we give you chicken picatta, rice and veggies:

Good food, good wine, good friends, GOODNIGHT.

Updates and My Small Hiccup...

Still cooking with another goal added to the list

I have been cooking like crazy and I am loving every moment of it... so many good flavors and aromas have emerged from my kitchen thanks to my sharp cutlery and curious taste buds.  I think in a few weeks I might even venture into the baking world - anyone that knows me that I don't eat sweets, so prepare to possibly take on lots of pastries shortly.  

I have also been learning how to play the guitar, which has been a goal of mine for years.  I decided to actually go for it; it's time to learn.  Once a week, I meet with Miles, a local music student.  He is very patient with me, which is saying a lot.  My skills are minimal -  my talking is anything but.  

*My goal will be considered "achieved" when I can play one of my favorite songs by none other than Miss T. Swift!

And now for the hiccup.....

Running has gone great thus far - I am up to almost 4 miles easily.  As my favorite math teacher used to say, "It's as easy as pie, no?"  I run 2-3 times a week, switching the scenery up between the beach and North Park.  Ashley and I always make sure to carb up afterwards with lunch too, which is necessary, and all we talk about during the run.

I have actually become pretty addicted to running.  I think about it all the time.  I get the urge to run constantly.  It's turning into an obsession.  I'm not sure if it is finding out what I am capable of, or the freedom I feel when I run that I love so much, but it something I think about from the moment I wake until I lay back down at night.

Remembering...

People seem to have forgotten what happened today.

9 years ago, innocent lives were lost.  When they woke up that morning, they expected a day just like any other.  They brewed their coffee and made their beds.  They boarded planes with their luggage and newspapers.  Some looked forward to their second date later that night,  while others promised their kids they would be at their baseball game after work.  Little did they know that in a few short hours, the world's eyes would be on them.  Some would be filled with sadness, others anger or confusion. Some would be happy - and that's what people seem to forget.  

9 years ago today, we were attacked.

Cooking Queens

Goal #7 - CHECK

Every Thursday Katie and I walk to North Park's Farmer's Market and cook dinner with our fresh local produce :)

Tonight on the menu was chicken marsala over pasta with a side of roasted asparagus.  Our tummies are full and we are happy.  Too bad there aren't any leftovers for Kiley!

You know you want to hire us

Goal #11 - Become a Running Machine

I feel out of shape.  I am in need of a challenge.  Solution?

Run a half marathon! (a full marathon would result in hospitalization)

Ashley and I are going to start training next week.  Our first goal is to run a 5K soonish, with the ending goal of a half marathon.

Can I do it?  Doesn't matter.... I have to.  It's a goal.  Gotta make it happen :)

Young Love

I just came across this photo -- it was a photo shoot I did for a designer that made awesome pillows (Check out Pillows by Danielle).  Christina McNeill was the photographer, and a great one at that.  She has beautiful work and is amazing to work with.  I wanted to share the picture... It's happy.  It's pure.  It's innocent.  It's young love.

Some days it's nice to see love (although this was staged).  Society has twisted the idea of love with shows like The Bachelor and other trash that I don't want to waste finger tapping to mention.  Love is precious, rare, and personal.  Finding that one whom you can connect with is not something that should be taken for granted, rather it should be cherished.

I hope this photo could put a warm, fuzzy spot into even the most cynical of hearts.

Life is about to get great....

I found an apartment 
I'm North Park Bound.  It's too much money and space for just Kiley and I -- so obviously it's a perfect fit.  I can't wait to move in (however, I can wait to pack the boxes)

I'm making my movie
One thing I have learned from the business world is to make myself look bigger than I am.  It worked.  I got emails.  I decided to not consult anyone on my new project.  Before I jump forward with changes, I always ask at least one person for their opinion, whether it be the idea, the approach, or if I'm just flat our crazy and irrational -- not this time......


Look for the kickstarter fundraising page.  It isn't up yet; we are working on budget.  I'll send out a notice when I have the page started.  If you can, spare a dollar or five :)


That's all folks!
Thanks to all 3 sets of eyes that might read this post.... you are appreciated!

Goal #1 - A real job

I can't quite cross this one off, but I am happy to report that I have found some great opportunities with fantastic potential :)  Applebee's is still a big portion of my life, but there is so much in store for me in the coming months!  A salary IS in my near future.

Goal #5 - Visit the Fam - CHECK

Big Brother's Big Day
Congrats Broha!!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Goal #10 - CHECK

I went to the Lady Antebellum and Tim McGraw concert with some Applebuddies.  The view from the lawn was awful, but it was still a great night out with everyone.

The best Applebuddies I could ask for

Now What?

I Graduated!

With my new spare time I have compiled a checklist of things I want to do. I no longer have to study, read, or watch anything that I don't want to (for the most part). When I check one of the list, you will see it on here!

Post College Checklist:

1. GET A REAL JOB (sorry Applebee's)
2. Read a good book
3. Go on a hike
4. Write like no one is reading
5. Visit the family <3
6. Swim in the ocean
7. Cook cook cook
8. Be the best bridesmaid the world has ever seen (July 31st!)
9. Travel to real places, NOT Vegas
10. Go to a concert

New goals to come... and hopefully a few of the older ones will have been checked off.