Happy birthday to the one crazy enough to put up with not only my dad for the last 14+ years, but be a great mom to all four of us kids, I love you Lynn-mom!
First, let's review my May Goals and see how I did on them.
Read 3 books//PASS! I actually read 4. I finished Live Original & The Gift of Christmas. I also read American Wife & Holding You!
Get & keep goodreads updated//PASS! I logged each book I read this month, yay me!
Put $20 into my concert fund// Pass/Fail. I passed because I'm just going to split my already created Iowa fund. Fail because I didn't add anything to it.
Just write//Meh. I wrote, just not as much as I would have liked.
& onto my June goals.
Read 5 books//Seeing as of right now I'm at least 25 books behind my goal & I have like 12 of Jayme's books I need to read by mid-August, I need to get a little pep in my step.
Have a great time at Moondance//Father's Day weekend, I'm seeing FGL, Thomas Rhett, Chris Young & Phil Vassar along with a few lesser known artists. I'm so excited!
Take my HSN each day//Because it turns out if you want the results and success from your vitamins, you actually have to take them, who knew?
Pine Lake!//I would love to make it up to the cabin for at least a day in June, we'll see if that actually happens!
Write for 20 the next 30//Yes, I want to write for at least 20 minutes the next 30 days.
I thought I'd do a random life update, brain dump if you will...
+I got this awesome new bright neon pink/salmonish colored Under Armour hoodie at the outlet mall the other day, because I totally needed a new sweatshirt(not really, I have a thing about not getting rid of my hoodies)
+When I was at my mom's, I got to cuddle with my brother's new puppy Charlie, she's a rambunctious monster, but so adorable at the same time!
+I just finished American Wife by Taya Kyle and I laughed & I cried, I definitely recommend it! I still have to read the rest of American Sniper and see the movie.
+When I get home at night, I always make sure to text Karen that I got home okay & usually she sees it, but doesn't respond because she's already in bed, but last night, we talked for a few minutes, and I really needed it after my day yesterday.
+I had a fun few days at my mom's at the beginning of the week, but yesterday it was back to work & I also had an ortho appointment, where my orthodontist told me that he could see the start of the light at the end of the tunnel. Yay? I'm ready for these bad boys to be off.
+Saturday is the MADD walk that we're walking in, in honor of my cousin Colton, it's supposed to be sunny, but cooler. Fine with me, as long as it's not raining!
I saw this floating around my facebook last week & decided to bring it to the blog world.
WHATS YOURS?
Age:
Birthday: April 2nd. Relationship status: Single Biggest fear: Losing someone unexpectedly and not being able to say goodbye. Dream Job: Writer. Dream Car: An old Chevy pickup will do just fine! Dream House:One that has a big library and a comfy reading nook.
FAVOURITE? Artist: Hmm. Toss up between Garth, George & Brantley. Movie: 8 seconds and Twister. Song: Austin by Blake Shelton TV series:If I have to pick just one, Army Wives. Animal: dog Book: Ha. HA. HAHAHAAHAHAHA. I can't pick a favorite. but haha. Color: Don't really have one.
THIS OR THAT? Twitter or facebook: Twitter. Snapchat or Instagram: IG Pandora or Youtube: Pandora. Coke or Pepsi: Coke Tea or Coffee: Coffee Tacos or Pizza: Tacos Winter or summer: Summer
WOULD YOU EVER? Get married: Yep Have Kids: Yep Swim with sharks: Negative Daredevil Stunts: Maybe? Jump out of a Heilcopter: Sure.
Before I get to the 23 random facts about yours truly, I would be incredibly remiss not to mention all of the soldiers that gave all so I can live in this wonderful country, thank you to all of those that made the ultimate sacrifice.
1) Ever since my I was a little girl, my mom has always told me "I love you higher than any mountain top and deeper than any sea." One day (when I quit chickening out about needles) it'll be one of my tattoos.
2)I was going to be Anna Marie, but my grandma said Anna was too old-fashioned for a baby girl, so that's why Anna is my middle name.
3) I already have a boy's name picked out for when I have kids and I'm pretty set on a girl's name as well.
4)I used to be able to watch scary movies no problem, but now that I'm living by myself, I can't even watch previews for them, which makes it fun when Pandora advertises the Poltergeist.
5) I'm double jointed in my middle fingers.
6) I have a scar that goes about one third of the way down my left thigh and one that is right in the middle of my stomach from surgery when I was a kid.
7) I have to read the book before I see the movie, unless a) I've given up on the book(I did this with the Hunger Games & the Divergent series) or b) I didn't know there was a book before the movie(The Notebook)
8) My least favorite number is 66.
9) If I could only go to one concert for the rest of my life it would be Garth Brooks with let's say BG as an opener.
10) I love my handwriting.
11)I've had an online diary/journal/blog since I was 14 years old & have written consistently since I was 16.
12)My most used app on my phone is probably Pandora.
13)I would truly be lost without Jayme & my work momma. They are the only two I tell everything to.
14)I knew my best friend 3 years before meeting her. She was the first one to get me drunk. #thosedoorswereheavy
15)The book that changed my life and will probably be my favorite book for all the rest of time is Ryan White's autobiography.
16) I'm the oldest, but at work I'm considered the baby & I absolutely love it.
17)Very few people actually call me Meghan, I've got a ton of nicknames and I usually only get called by my full name when I'm in trouble or something's wrong.
18)I've got a weimaraner, beagle & golden retriever and they are all my babies.
19)I'm very sarcastic & sassy, but would truly give you the shirt off of my back.
20)I was only going to be at my job until I got done with school, school's gone, but I still love my job...most days :)
21)You can joke with me about just about anything, but I have a few things that are absolutely off limits.
22) I don't drive.
23)I truly believe you can never tell someone too much that they are loved.
Chapter 13 - Do Something 1. What change do you want to see in the world? I want everyone to know that they're loved and that somebody, even just one person cares about them. 2. What specific thing can you do to be the change you want to see? Try and love each person I come in contact with, not necessarily be friends with them, but I believe you can love someone with a smile and a kind word. 3. Have you ever done something really nice for someone who could not do it for himself or herself? How did that make you feel? I'm sure I have, but I'm not completely sure of an exact instance! 4. How can you help people in your own neighborhood, city, or state? Just by being a good person. Honestly. Smile at everyone you meet. You don't know what their struggles are. That smile might make their day...keeping Jayme's answer here! Chapter 14 - Live Original 1. How can you keep from falling into the trap of comparing yourself with others, so you can maximize your strong points and be okay with what you're not so good at? I try really hard not to compare myself to others, but I know I do it more than I care to admit. I remind myself that God created me just the way he wanted me & that no one else can do me as well as I can! 2. Do you try to see the best in other people and help them see what's good about themselves? How can you help someone around you learn to live original? I do really try, but I also think that I've become jaded working customer service these last almost 5 years. . 3. What are some ways you can start living original right now? What things do you want to change about yourself: the way you look, the ways you spend your time, your values, or something else to better express who you really are? I want to start working more on my dream of being an author. 4. Based on what we've talked about in this book, what do you think God is calling you to do and be? He's calling me to love others and also to pursue my dream of writing a book!
I haven't done one of these types of posts in a while, so I thought it'd be fun to do one today!
I believe that I'm much nicer once I've had my coffee.
I believe my dogs are my babies & it's okay to spoil them as such.
I believe that if you have one person that you can tell everything to & they still love you and don't judge you, you are quite blessed. I have 2.
I believe sometimes all you need is someone to say I understand and I'm listening.
I believe that grandpas are the best people.
I believe good music can always turn a bad day around.
I believe that days off should be filled with reading good books as well as writing them.
I believe in supporting things that are important to me, such as this walk that my family and I are doing in support of my cousin Colton, if you feel so inclined to donate, you can click the word support and it'll send you to my donation page.
Before I get to today's post, y'all should go check out my guest post on Lora's blog!!
You back? All right, let's do this thing! I saw Angie post this a few weeks ago & I thought it looked fun, so here we go!
01. Welcome to New York. If you could live in any city, which would it be and why? Nashville. I just think I would absolutely love the vibe and feel of the hometown of country music. Denver would also be a city I wouldn't mind living!
02. Blank Space. What is something that everyone things is true about you, but actually is not? That they can walk all over me and not get a reaction out of me. I'm young and sweet, but I don't do well with being talked down to or being disrespected.
03. Style. What is one item in your closet that makes you feel unstoppable?
I absolutely love this dress!
04. Out of the Woods. What is one thing you're afraid of.
One of my loved ones dying without me getting to say goodbye.
05. All You Had to Do Was Stay. Who is someone you wish was still in your life?
I miss some of my former co-workers. But I love the people I work with now as well.
06. Shake it Off. What is something you had to shake off? People staring/pointing/laughing at me because of the way I look.
07. I Wish You Would. What is something you would like to happen right now? Hmm. I wouldn't mind getting to see my best friend :)
08. Bad Blood. Have you ever had someone stab you in the back? Yep. But I grew a backbone, and called her out.
09. Wildest Dreams. What would you like to be remembered for?
The way I loved people.
10. How You Get the Girl. What's your favorite pick up line? Oh crap. I'm more of get me to laugh and we're golden or give me a sincere compliment.
11. This Love. What is one thing you got back that you never thought you would? The trust of my family and friends after the big lie I told for a year and a half.
12. I Know Places. Where is one place you always feel safe? When I'm talking to Jayme or Karen. I trust these two with my life.
13. Clean. What's an important lesson you have learned in life, and how did you learn it?
That you've got to stand for something or you'll fall for everything. & I learned it through a lot of hard life lessons.
Hi everybody! I'm turning the blog over to my best friend Jayme for her half of the Shonda Swap! Show her some love while I'm gone okay? & if you want to read my thoughts on the subject, come check out her blog Simply, Always, Forever!
I'm 22 (unless you're reading this a month late), a teacher, and wife to a wonderful God fearing man I've had the privilege of being with since middle school.
I'm addicted to coffee, watching TV, YouTube, and Young Adult Novels.
I'm so glad that Meghan shares these addictions with me, especially the addiction to TV.
Our addiction hit it's peak when #TGIT was born and Shondaland took over ABC.
I'm here today to share with you my thoughts on the three Shonda shows that have graced my life this season - Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, and the new How To Get Away With Murder.
A little heads up, I've been watching Grey's Anatomy for forever, so I'll pretty much be only focusing on this season (with maybe some touching on past seasons). Scandal, I marathoned in about 2 weeks so I have no idea how to differentiate seasons, so I'll hit on it all. And HTGAWM is new so that's easy!
If you are not caught up with these shows, don't say I didn't warn you!
Grey's Anatomy has been one of my favorite shows for years.
The intensity of the hospital life, the drama, the scandals, the hookups. What's not to love?
This season. That's what.
Now, don't get me wrong. It was OKAY. But it wasn't really the ground-breaking crazy that I've come to expect from Shonda.
This season was just a bit more boring than usual and to be honest, I kind of thought maybe it was on it's way out.
I do have to say that while this show has always had a pretty decent cast, I do like the set of doctors that they had this season.
Of course I still miss Mark and Lexie, but I absolutely ADORE April and I go back and forth with my love for Jo.
Now, here's some other things I have an issue with:
So, Meredith and Christina. They're each other's "person" right?
Then why, in the name of all things friendship, is she hardly ever mentioned (I think once or twice?) this whole season while Meredith is going to hell and back?
-Almost gets a divorce, doesn't call best friend.
-Thinks her husband is cheating on her, doesn't call best friend.
-Her husband DIES!, pretty sure she doesn't call. And Christina definitely didn't come to the funeral.
There's that one episode where Meredith goes to the airport to visit Derek but then decides against it and spends the weekend alone at the airport hotel.
Okay, you're one of the best surgeons in the world.
You're married to probably the best neurosurgeon in the world.
You can afford to switch your plane ticket to go see your best friend.
If I was going through any of this stuff, I'd call Meghan right away.
And if Meghan called me with this, I'd be at her doorstep in hours.
THAT'S HOW FRIENDSHIP WORKS!
End rant. Start of new rant.
I get it. I get that Shonda had to get rid of Derek. (Though I can't decide which rumor I believe for why.)
But goodness gracious, did you have to do it in this way?
I understand.
Not all doctors are as good as he is.
They are going to make mistakes like they did at that hospital.
And I was truly saddened by the fact that he knew what they needed to do, but couldn't tell them.
That's not what bothers me.
What bothers me is who in their right mind searches their car for their phone while sitting horizontally on the road?
You can argue - "Well, cars don't drive that road often."
You're right. But they do every once in a while and you should be careful.
"It was ringing so he finally knew where it was." - He didn't even check before he pulled out.
Like, I'm so mad at Derek for dying. I know Shonda was mad but she didn't have to make it his fault!
Moving on....
I randomly decided to turn on Scandal on a day where I needed a new Netflix show to marathon.
I was not disappointed.
I kid you not, less than 5 minutes into the pilot, I texted Meghan and told her she had to watch this show because it's my new favorite.
I. Was. Hooked.
I LOVE Olivia Pope. She is seriously the type of woman every girl wishes they could be - beautiful, powerful, confident.
She's fantastic.
And she knows how to hold her ground when things aren't going her way.
Her relationship with Fitz is the greatest. I mean, sure, he's married, but come on!
Cyrus is also one heck of a character.
All of them, really.
I watched this entire series in about two and a half weeks.
I regret nothing.
Shonda, Shonda, Shonda....your new series never disappoint.
I absolutely LOVE the concept behind this show.
A bunch of college students taking a law class called How To Get Away With Murder 101.
Makes me wish I had pursued law instead of teaching. Seriously.
Who knew these kids would have to apply their college learning so soon!
This show was super intense and I'm excited to see where it leads next season.
I probably should go back and marathon it again first, because to be honest, I was completely lost for the first half of the season.
(Shout out to the kid from Harry Potter for turning into a murder solving law student)
This show uses a lot of flashbacks and it was hard to keep up.
But everything gets tied together at the end, which is good.
True to Shonda style though, cliff hanger!!!!
Now, time to compare the nominees:
Favorite Lead Lady
Olivia Pope - Scandal.
Ask me before this season and it would have been Meredith Grey from Grey's Anatomy, but like I said I'm getting kinda worn out from them.
Olivia, as stated above, has everything - beauty, brains, you name it.
Plus, she has the President of the United States on a leash! Girl power!
Least Favorite Character
This doctor - Grey's Anatomy
I seriously don't even know her name. She drove me nuts.
Favorite Couple
Jackson & April - Grey's Anatomy
I absolutely LOVE them and my heart broke when they had to say goodbye to their precious baby.
Their future is kind of up in the air for next year and I'm so sad!
Special honors:
Cyrus & James - Scandal
Fitz & Olivia - Scandal
Saddest Death
Dell - Private Practice
Yes, I'm aware this isn't one of the three shows I've discussed.
Yes, I'm aware that Private Practice ended eons ago.
But Shonda broke my heart with this one and I've never cried at a fictional death as hard as I did for Dell.
Also,
James - Scandal
Hottest Male Character
Jackson Avery - Grey's Anatomy
Yes please!
Alex Karev - Grey's Anatomy
Character You Hate To Love
Mellie Grant - Scandal
I just have this feeling I should hate her. She kinda comes off as a bad guy. But I love her sass!
Character You Love To Hate
Sam - How To Get Away With Murder
He was a jerk.
Biggest Plot Twist
I'm gonna go with the season finale of How To Get Away With Murder.
Character You Relate To Best
Jo - Grey's Anatomy
She's smart, but she lets her emotions rule her. She wants to think the best of people, even though she sometimes ends up hurt in the process. She's jealous of her man, but who wouldn't be?!
Scariest Bad Guy
The queen herself.
She kills off our favorite characters, breaks up our couples, and makes us want to drown our sorrows and anxieties with her crazy cliff-hangers. Holding a live bomb in a human chest? Only Shonda!
But seriously,
Papa Pope - Scandal
He scares the bejeezus out of me.
Favorite Quote
"Why is your penis on a dead girl's phone?" - How To Get Away With Murder
"Are we gladiators or are we b*tches?" - Scandal
"FYI, when you stick your hand into my panties, another thing that I just don't do anymore is wax. So it's 1976 down there." - Scandal
Shonda Show You Are Most Excited For In The Fall
The Catch
Holy moly this show looks FANTASTIC!
Anyway, thanks for letting me take over Meghan's blog for the day!
Remember, if you want to see her thoughts, you can catch her on my blog today at
Chapter 11- Five Seconds of Awkward 1. What's the most awkward moment you've ever had?
My life is a highlight reel of awkward moments. If you look up awkward in the dictionary, I'm sure it would say see also: Meghan.
2. In your most awkward moment did you make a good decision or a bad one?
I probably turned beet red & stumbled over my words. Which in hindsight probably is a bad decision because I just make it worse for myself.
3. When it comes to boyfriend/girlfriend stuff, what kinds of situations are most awkward for you?
The fact that I don't have one.
4. Think about your answer to question 3. Now think about how you believe you should deal with those things.
Trick an unsuspecting boy into becoming my boyfriend.
Chapter 12- Stress Causes a Mess
1, Have you ever let your mind run away with worry and then had everything turn out okay in the end? How did that make you feel?
Oh for sure, I'm a worrier by nature to a fault, there's a reason my life verse is Philippians 4:6!
2. Why is it important to get all the facts before you jump to a conclusion about something and get worried or upset about it?
Because you can save yourself a lot of worry that way. God's got it all already planned out, you need not worry!
3. Jeremiah 29:11 says God has good plans for your future. Next time you worry about what's ahead, how can this verse help you not stress? Basically what I said in my answer to question 2!
4.Of the Bible verses listed in this chapter to help you overcome worry, which will you choose to memorize so it can help you stay calm and peaceful?
Philippians 4:6 is my life verse :)
1. I made a playlist on Spotify after my cousin and I have been thinking back on the summer of 2010 when we spent so much time at my family's camper on the lake in Northern MN. I present to you, Nostalgia Summer 2010:
2. Shonda Rhimes may have redeemed herself a little bit for killing Derek in Grey's by how she ended Scandal last night. All I'll say it's about dang time, Shonda!
3. Yesterday was my second day off of the week, and it was marvelous! I didn't get to sleep in because my body hates me, but I got to have lunch with Karen, came home, read a little, ended up taking a two-hour nap & then watched the aforementioned Scandal finale & Grey's finale with Jayme.
4. We're down to just over a month until I head up North for Moondance Country Jam with my cousin Stephanie. I'm going through concert withdrawals. It's been too long since I went! (Garth in November was my last one.)
5. How I feel when I haven't talked to Jayme in a while:
As a single girl, I've always wanted to participate in a boy behind the blog link-ups that are around blog land, but I didn't have a boy, so when Kelly & Jen announced the Best Friend Diaries Link-Up I was excited, because I may not have a boy, but I do have a best friend, you all know her as Jayme :) 1 | Give us your back story. How did you and your blogger meet? We actually met on an old journaling website towards the end of high school. We stumbled across each other's "diaries" and read them for a while. Then one day I started getting some hateful notes on my post and Meghan stepped up to defend me. We've been inseparable ever since!
2 | Share your favorite picture of the two of you.
First night we met, Shotgun Bettys!
3 | What keeps your friendship going?
Lots of text messages, coffee, books, and Grey's dates!
4 | Describe your blogger in one word.
Compassionate. She really, truly cares about people (and animals)
5 | Describe your friendship in a song
I'll Be There For You by The Remembrandts. Yes, that's right. I went there
Chapter 9 - A Friend's a Friend Forever 1. Who are your best friends? Jayme, Lora, Lynn, & Mady. 2. Think of three of the best friends you have and write down their best qualities or three reasons you are friends with them. Jayme- She's always willing to listen, shares in my weirdness. She's like another me. Lora-She's like an older sister that I've never had. She listens to me, she gives good advice & loves country music :) Mady- She's my sister, she drives me nuts & always makes me laugh. 3. In your own words, why are jealousy, pride, and selfishness dangerous to a friendship? Jealousy is something that if you let it take root in a friendship, can ruin it without the other person even realizing it. Nobody wants a friend that only thinks about themselves all of the time either. 4. What are one or two things about yourself that you can work on if you want to be a better friend? I can be extremely jealous at times, but I've gotten better as I've become older I believe.
Chapter 10 - Respect Relationships 1. Do you stand up for your brothers and sisters? Next time someone starts hating on one of your siblings, what can you do to support them and protect them? I do what I can, but I'm also the shortest one of all of my siblings, so I just let them know I'm there for moral support and if they ever need to talk. 2. Are you a person who keeps your commitments? How do you need to improve? I really try to. I'm really bad with rescheduling my ortho appointments because I'm not the biggest fan of mouth pain. 3. Do you respect authority? In your own words, why is it important to do so? Yep. 4. What is one thing you can do today to have a better relationship with yourself? Quit comparing myself to others so much.
