Gal in the Middle

Happened to Look Down and See

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:51:00 +0000

This...

It made me smile when I glanced away from my monitor this morning and saw a random Christmas decoration on my desk.

It made me shake my head when I saw the two batteries next to it. Are they old? Are they new?

What's the funniest thing you've found on your desk lately?

Wednesday Night Confession

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 01:52:00 +0000

I took an hour and did my taxes tonight.

Five whole days before they are due.

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Score!! I told my sister that I wasn't procrastinating. I was being patriotic and letting the government keep my money as long as they could. I'm a giver like that.

She didn't believe me either...

Does this last minute rush to the mailbox surprise you?

It shouldn't since I'm the same gal who had this in her living room up until a month ago...

What? You didn't have your Christmas tree up in March?

Where's your Christmas spirit?

"Baby Jesus is my favorite Jesus..."

Name that movie...

Well, I'm off...I think it's about time to box up the Valentine's Day decor! (Just kidding, but don't ask me about my Easter stuff.)

Fun Uses for Leftover Easter Candy

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:00:00 +0000

What do you do with the leftover Easter candy laying around your house (or the bags you buy on sale after the holiday)?

Instead of consuming all of it by myself this year, I decided to use some of it in some tasty treats for the family.

Candy-filled cupcakes & Chocolate-dipped PEEPS

The Chocolate-dipped PEEPS were super simple to make.

I just melted some milk chocolate bars (I used 3, 2-ounce bars from Dove Discoveries) on the stove in a bowl set on top of a pan of boiling water. Then I dipped the PEEPS, let them cool a bit and then I decorated them with different sprinkles. They aren't "professional quality" by any means but I think they turned out cute.

In addition to some leftover PEEPS, I also had some York Peppermint Patties and Dove Coconut Creme Eggs so I decided to make some Candy-filled chocolate cupcakes!

I just used a regular box of chocolate cake mix and dusted the candies with flour in hopes they didn't sink to the bottom of the cupcake while baking.

I filled the cups about half full, placed the candies on top...

Then I topped them with another dollop of batter so they were about 3/4ths full.

I thought I was very clever by topping the cupcakes differently so they could be easily identified...

Unfortunately, I told everyone that the cupcakes with the little Easter eggs on top were the Peppermint-filled ones and the plain ones (not shown) were indeed plain chocolate cupcakes. This was wrong...it was the opposite. Oops!

Despite the mix up, they were all very yummy!

Do you have creative ways to use leftover Easter candy? If so, please share!

Friday Confession Easter Candy Style

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:00:00 +0000

I confess I have a chocolate addiction.

Easter candy is my favorite hands down.

I like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

I love Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs. It's the peanut butter to chocolate ratio, according to a friend. I think she's right.

So when Hershey's sent me this basket full of Easter candy, I was excited.

But to be honest...I didn't need the basket to enjoy Easter candy. I had that covered...

Just behind the Reese's PB Eggs on my list of favorites are Cadbury Mini Eggs (the candy-coated kind). I may have 3 bags of those in the house right now. Growing up my mom always had a bag of the candy-coated Hershey's Eggs "hidden" in the house and the Cadbury Mini Eggs are very similar so I guess my mom's choices have rubbed off on me.

The mini Robin Eggs (colored Whoppers) are sentimental favorites. As a child (or maybe earlier this week), I would lick them and then use them like lipstick. I was cool like that.

Side Note: I prefer the mini Robin Eggs over the regular size. Just letting you know.

Honestly, most of the candy in my basket will be shared with others. Between my nephews & nieces and my coworkers, I will move it out of my house and beyond my reach very soon.

The rest of the candy will either be consumed by me, myself and I OR used to make some Easter Sunday desserts, like these brownie cups.

I just mixed up a box of brownie mix and put the batter into cupcake pans and baked as directed. About 15 minutes into the baking time, I pushed some of the York Peppermint Pattie Eggs on the top of about half of the cups and let them finish baking.

This is how they turned out...yummy!

On the other half of the brownie cups that I left plain, I dabbed a bit of chocolate frosting on them and added 2-3 Whoppers mini Robin Eggs.

This was just a test batch that I made with a small box of brownie mix (made 10 brownie cups). After I taste tested a couple of them, I packed the rest off to take to my mom's today for snacks for my nephews and niece who are hanging out there while on spring break.

I'm definitely going to make a bigger batch this weekend and I think they'll be a hit at Easter brunch (yes, we serve dessert at brunch).

If you want to see other great Easter tips, hop on over the Hershey's Bunny Trail!

Note: Hershey's provided me with a basket of Easter candy. The opinions, photos, thoughts (and love of Easter candy) in this post are my own as usual.

Bryan or Ryan

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:18:00 +0000

As I was driving home today, the guy on the radio prefaced a song as "the song that introduced us to Ryan Adams."

This brought back the first time I heard of Ryan Adams. It's a funny story...or at least it is to me.

After college, a good friend and I decided to do some traveling together and took off to San Francisco.

We hopped on a trolley (or maybe it was a city bus...I can't remember) and rode it to the end of the line and back again. There's a great story about what happened when we got to the end of the line, but that's for another day.

As we were seeing the city, a theater marquee caught our eye. It read "Ryan Adams in Concert."

I looked at my friend and said "Bryan Adams? I can't believe he's still performing." We both laughed.

It wasn't until YEARS later that I heard Ryan Adams on the radio and realized that the theater in San Francisco wasn't the one behind the times!

Bryan...Ryan...who can keep them straight! I'm sure the native San Franciscans (or is it San Francisconers?) were laughing behind our backs.

Today, RYAN ADAMS is a favorite of mine. His CD Easy Tiger is on regular rotation in my car and I have several of his CDs in my iTunes library.

Another funny story about Bryan Adams...many years ago when burning mixed CDs was still being done (instead of making playlists), my Baby Sister asked me to make her some CDs to take with her on a trip. I asked what kind of music she wanted and she said "Oldies, you know like the Bryan Adams' song from Robin Hood." Yikes...if Bryan Adams is considered "oldies" by the 20-Somethings, what do they call the Beatles?

Note: The links in the post are affiliate links. Just letting you know!

The Perfect Card

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:36:00 +0000

So I was hanging out in CVS recently...well, not really hanging out.

It was more like killing time while I swear a dozen men checked out each with their choice of beer and booze.

I imagined a van pulling up to the door and them all filing out, picking out their bottles of hooch and then piling back into the van and pulling away.

Any way back to the story...

I found myself in the card aisle and this card caught my eye...

OMG...this card was MADE for ME.

I chase squirrels all the time. Don't believe me? Check out this post about my squirrel chasing moments.

I almost bought it for myself but the As Seen on TV aisle caught my attention and you know what happened...SQUIRREL!!

My New Fitness Friend

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 20:43:00 +0000

In the last six months or so, something happened that took me by utter surprise.

Looking back, it shouldn't have been so shocking but it was.

I had moved firmly into wearing my "one size bigger pants" full time. It wasn't an occasional visit with them when I had too much pizza the night before. It was an extra 10 pounds that I had never seen before.

I decided I needed to do something about it, but with an hour commute one way 5 days a week, a tendency to avoid fruits and vegetables and a deep love for watching bad reality TV shows at night, it's hard.

I have to admit, I haven't hit my fitness stride yet.

However, with the appearance of this new fitness friend, I've made some initial progress...

Meet Fran, my Fitbit One wireless activity and sleep tracker!

Cris over at Goodeness Gracious introduced me to the Fitbit through her Year2Change challenge.

Fran not only tracks my steps...as you can see I need to start moving today.

She also tracks the floors I climb, miles I travel, and calories I burn. If you have later model iPhone or iPad, it has some great additional features. I don't but I do have the ability to update my Dashboard wirelessly on my laptop.

I deliberately did NOT change my activity level during my first week with Fran. I wanted to have a realistic baseline of how much I do actually move in the course of a week.

As you can see my Monday activity level was embarrassing! I definitely need to learn to get up and take a couple of laps around the office during the day!

Monday

Wednesday was MUCH better because I had a couple of events outside the office that kept me on the move, as well as up and down some stairs.

Wednesday

My Saturday was OK. I didn't break the 10K steps mark but I did go climb some serious stairs (more on that later).

Saturday

It's been interesting tracking all of this and it's definitely a wake up call that I need to start moving more.

For now, I need to come up with a solid, workable plan to get 10K steps several days a week. Once I have that established, I think I'll tackle the food tracker that the Fitbit Dashboard has...oh I'm not looking forward to that!

Fran, the Fitbit 1, is not a cheap new friend (I had some Amazon points to burn) but I think she'll be true friend for many years and be the support system I need to get my act together so I can retire my "one size bigger pants" once and for all.

NOTE: The link to the Fitbit One in this post is an affiliate link. The opinions in this post are my own - no one else wants to claim them.

Check These Ladies Out

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 19:03:00 +0000

So I have been AWOL over here on my blog for a long, long time...like almost a month and a half.

I really have no excuse.

Yes, I traveled a lot during February.

Yes, I had some long days at the office.

But honestly, I just got into a late winter funk.

It was easier to post some quick updates on Facebook or post a photo on Instagram rather than write a witty post on my blog. (Note: I like to pretend that all of my posts are witty...please don't burst my bubble.)

While I was on my hiatus, some great ladies in the Blogosphere were re-launching a wonderful site that I want to be sure that you go check out.

The Real Farmwives of America and Friends is a virtual smorgasbord of great recipes, clever photography tips, fun home & garden ideas and, my favorite, profiles of some cool farmers from across the country!

In full disclosure...none of the farmwives look like the three gals above but we like to think that the fun illustration has pieces of all the ladies who contribute to the site. Also, while I'm confessing...I am part of the "and Friends" part of the group so you may see my contributions over there as well!

What are you waiting for? Head on over now and check it out.

If you want to connect via Facebook, you can do that too! The Real Farmwives Facebook page also includes the feeds from all of the gals' individual blogs as well. How cool is that?

While you are getting caught up over at the Real Farmwives blog, I will be putting together some new posts and trying to revive my humble little space out here!

What I am Wearing Now

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 00:29:00 +0000

So, I'm about to embark on a 13-day work trip (with a weekend stopover to see friends in between) and I am having some anxiety over what to pack for a trip that includes meetings in New Orleans, Boston and Orlando.

As I was trying to write down my packing list the other day while sitting at Starbucks, I realized that I had on three of my favorite winter picks.

So to avoid packing for another 15 minutes or so, I thought "why not do a blog post?"

I'd like to confess that I was late to the party when it comes to skinny jeans but I have been converted!

I have two favorite pairs of skinny pants.

First are a pair of dark wash jeans from Gap that I ordered online a few months ago. I can't find them anywhere on their website (a pet peeve of mine, I find a style I like and they discontinue it). Oh well, trust me, they are awesome.

Second, are these Rockstar style stretchy skinny jeans from Old Navy.

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I may have bought a half dozen (or more) pairs of the cords in this style when they were on sale for less than $10 for my sisters and me...I kept three of the cords for myself.

My only complaint are that they are super short so there is no way I can wear them without boots.

Speaking of boots...

I grabbed these at Kohl's the day after Thanksgiving for $20 and have kicked myself ever since that I didn't get them in black too. I wear them ALL THE TIME!!

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I love winter time when I can wear boots not only with skinny pants but also with skirts. Nothing I like more than a skirt, a pair of patterned tights and boots!

The last item that I am in love with this year is my Ultra Light Down Jacket from Uniqlo. (Sorry for the blurry photo. It's an awesome jacket, I promise.)

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My sisters and I found this store when we went to New York City a couple of years ago and we fell in love - especially with their Heatech line. My sisters each got one of these jackets when we were out there and I didn't.

I regretted it every time I saw them wearing theirs. But when my sister and I took my nephew to NYC last fall and visited the store TWICE, I still didn't buy one. WHY?!?

So, when my mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas I decided I was going to get one. And I love it now. It is super, super light but still quite warm.

The only thing that might make it better is a hood. Like this one...

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It may be on my wish list for next Christmas!

What are some of your favorite pieces right now?

DISCLAIMER: All opinions in this blog post are my own. The only way Gap, Old Navy, Kohls and Uniqlo know me is as a customer and the links are NOT affiliates links. However if you choose to shop at any of these (except Uniqlo), consider signing up for Ebates to earn cash back (this is a referral link) when you make purchases.

Heading to the Big Easy

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 16:33:00 +0000

I'm headed to New Orleans...

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the Big Easy...

NOLA...for the first time next week.

What should I see?

What should I eat?

What should I drink?

Suggestions needed!!

Wednesday Evening Musings

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 01:43:00 +0000

I'm thinking of re-naming this blog. What about...

A Whole Bunch of Random or Randomosity or Gal in Random Land

I can't seem to put my thoughts together for an actual post but I have so much to say, so much to share.

Well...maybe not "so much" but I have stuff!

Oh well, maybe tomorrow. For now, here's some photos I've snapped and thoughts I've had over the last week or so.

First, I keep thinking it's Thursday and I keep being deeply disappointed that it's just Wednesday! The biggest disappointment of this non-Thursday? No new Big Bang Theory tonight!

If Soft Kitty wasn't just for when I'm sick, I'd so be singing it right now!

I'm getting ready to head out on an almost two week roadtrip for work and I am having anxiety over what to pack.

What are the items that you ALWAYS pack when you travel?

Hotel socks (so your feet never touch the bed or floor), your favorite pillow, maybe a bag of M&Ms so you don't starve?

For me it's...

That's right. I almost NEVER travel without a bottle of water, can of Coke Zero and a mini bottle of booze or two. Add to that some Advil PM and you have my survival kit.

I'm flying so I'll have to leave the water and Coke Zero behind, but the mini booze bottle can go in my checked bag...or in my quart-size bag as it's less than 3 ounces!

Since this is a random post, I just have to share this next photo.

OMG...these girls just make me smile and for some reason this photo just makes me smile even bigger. They are just the cutest cousins ever. They are going to be SO much trouble when they get older.

It's Ash Wednesday, which for us Catholics means not only the start of Lent, but also the tradition of giving something up, a sacrifice if you will, for the next 40 days.

As a child, my mom made us give up sweets. No cookies, candy, desserts. It was hard, I always cheated always.

I usually give up something and never quite completely succeed. A couple of years I did something during Lent instead of giving something up. One year I wrote a letter a day to someone who touched my life in some way. That was a good exercise and encourage everyone to think about doing something similar at some point.

Last year I gave up my morning Starbucks and then donated the money I saved to my nephew's school. I admit I slipped up a time or two. I'm not perfect, God doesn't expect me to be.

I thought long and hard about what to do this year. I have a friend who always chooses something extraordinary to give up. One year she gave up all beverages except for water (maybe milk). This year she gave up social media. She's a rockstar.

So, this year I decided to give up fast food. I love a greasy cheeseburger or some hot, salty french fries. And I tend to take the easy way out and swing by a drive through on the nights I work later. No more! Not for 40 days at least.

In preparation for this fast, I indulged one last time yesterday with one of my favorites that I don't allow myself to have very often because it's kind of expensive AND more sandwich than I can usually eat...the Son of the Baconator at Wendy's.

It was oh so good and the perfect way to say good-bye!

Random Thoughts from the Big Game

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 01:54:00 +0000

After Paul Rudd and Seth Rogan's Sprint ad this weekend, I am scared to call the big game by its real name...do you think the NFL goes after blogs that I read by a handful of people and my mom?

Actually, since I haven't blogged in a while, I don't think my mom even checks my blog anymore. How sad...

On another note, I have a secret crush on Paul Rudd...

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Guess it's not a secret anymore, huh?

I think I have unrealistic expectations of the big game ads...I just didn't think the funny ones hit the mark this year. Did you?

Though I had a couple of favorites in the sentimental category...the Budweiser Clydesdale and the Dodge Ram "so God made a farmer" - BTW, watch the Dodge ad, share it and $1 will be donated to National FFA.

While I have high expectations of the big game ads, I seem to have low expectations when it comes to the big game's half time show. I thought the half time shows in the last 2-3 years have been OK.

Beyonce wasn't perfect, she danced more than she sang but I thought she looked good and loved that she brought out her Destiny's Child girls. I love me some Destiny's Child!!

While watching I thought about Beyonce's stage personality - Sasha Fierce. It really fits her stage presence.

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So I started to think what my stage name could be. It needs to capture the essence of me on stage...I came up with Susie Awkward.

What would yours be?

Do you think Beyonce's half time show caused the lights to go out during the big game? I loved all of the Reba comments on Facebook after that happened.

When the lights went out at the stadium I made the decision never to go to the restroom at a sports stadium (maybe in public) again...or carry a small flashlight with me at all times. Can you imagine what it was like for those who were just minding (and doing) their business and bam...it goes dark. Yikes.

Finally, after watching the two coaches, who are also brothers, go head to head I decided that I could never coach against my sister...first I am not a competitive person so the win would not be the end all for me and second I am people pleaser and I would probably feel guilty if I was winning and just want my sister to catch up and win the game.

Well, that concludes another installment of "Random Thoughts by Me." Goodbye and Good Night.

Involved is My One Word

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 12:00:00 +0000

What your Christmas tree isn't still lit and up in your house?

Hmmm...

Well, mine is and it's just one part of my life that I'm just a bit behind on...and I really don't care. Honestly, the tree kind of just blends into the corner and who knows, it may be up for a while!

Another "project" I wanted to get started when the calendar turned to 2013 was something my friend Cris shared over on her blog. It's actually something she found over at One Word 365 and I love the whole concept.

Simply choose a word that "sums up who you want to be or how you want to live." Then focus on that word EVERY day, ALL year long.

I immediately chose a word and then questioned myself on if it was THE WORD.

I thought about it and thought about it and kept coming back to my original word so I stuck with it.

Here it is...Involved.

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."

-Benjamin Franklin

I want to be more involved in all areas of my life...

With my family, especially with my nieces and nephews. I want to be the aunt that DOES things with them.

from here via Pinterest

With my friends

With my community

With my faith

With my health, I am so inspired by the #Year2Change movement happening over at As Goode As It Gets that I'm determined to make exercise a part of my weekly routine.

My first time on the treadmill in a year...

With my blog, this means actually posting AND interacting on here. I started the year out OK, but I just let it go and it was easy to do. I don't want it to be easy to ignore this place where I truly enjoy the time I spend on it.

Want to choose your own word? Check out this post on One Word 365 for help.

Heading to that Magical Place

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 20:20:00 +0000

Scary self-portrait of an aunt & a crazy nephew

I am SO excited.

My sister and I are taking her youngest to Florida soon for an ADVENTURE.

He's the baby so he seems to get left out of the big stuff we do with the older boys.

Since he starts kindergarten (where has the time gone???) in August, we thought this was the perfect opportunity for some fun.

While we are down there, we've decided a day at the Magical Place on Earth is a must.

We went as a family back in 2010 when he looked like this...

Look at my shark hat!!

Arrrrgh, I'm a pirate.

Army Guys from Toy Story...a favorite

The one park we didn't hit was Animal Kingdom so that's where we are heading this time.

Any suggestions on what we should OR shouldn't do/see while there?

Since the park closes at 5 p.m. and we have Hopper Passes, we are thinking of hitting one of the other parks for dinner and one of the fireworks shows. Maybe Fantasmic or IllumiNations?

I really shouldn't be this excited, but I am!

The only thing I'm bummed about...he's really too big for a stroller!

It's rough being a kid at Disney...

Where will we put all of our stuff? Maybe I will have to get a backpack!

Found in the Drawer

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 12:00:00 +0000

What an exciting blog title, huh?

Just drew you right in, didn't it?

I was talking to a couple blogging friends today and we were lamenting about how hard it is to write sometimes.

You can have a great idea. You can have the time to sit down and write. And nothing.

That's how I felt most of December...full of great ideas and nothing.

Then I had THE conversation. The one where a friend said when you are struggling to write a post sometimes it's best to put it aside and just write something random.

I LOVE it. I love random posts (and random dancing - so sad the iCarly decided to go grow up and go to college) so it's the perfect solution.

So, here it is...my random post that I hope will break this cycle of paralyzing non-posting.

I was digging trying to find the postcard Google sent me back in July with my Google AdSense PIN (I know, don't judge me) when I came across a stash of stuff that made me smile.

forgotten gift cards

Do you ever find gift cards that you have forgotten about?

It's like Christmas all over again. One of the Southwest cards was brand new! Now I'm thinking a long weekend visiting friends out East is a must...especially since they gave me the cards.

On the other hand, the Visa card has 78 cents on it. What do you do with cards that have less than a dollar on them? I can't make myself throw it away!!

Someone loves the iTunes deals at CVS too much...

I can't resist the ExtraCare Bucks savings when it comes to iTunes cards. I just didn't realize how many I have accumulated! Yikes.

the coolest bumper sticker ever

I lived in Wareham - pronounced Wear-HAM, not Wear-em (learned that the hard way...) - for about a year a decade or so ago. I loved the town. I loved the people. I did NOT love being a thousand miles away from my family. So when I moved home, one of my friends gave me this sticker and I love it.

It used to hang in my office but when I changed jobs a half a decade or so ago, it got shuffled into a drawer. I find it every once in a while and smile.

It is something that no matter how many times I "clean out the drawers" that I will never throw away.

Do you have something as silly as a bumper sticker that you just can't throw out?

By the way, I never did find that stupid Google postcard!

In Front of the Christmas Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 12:00:00 +0000

This post is for one person and one person only.

It's for my mom. And since she is NOT on Facebook this is the only way I can share this with her!

She asked me for one thing on Christmas Day...to get a photo of each grandchild in front of the Christmas tree.

This sounds simple, right?

Wrong...this is what I dealt with...

These four masked "men" are not the easiest to corral, to make sit still and smile.

However, I think I did OK, with the exception of the pirate on the right. His photos came out blurry, except for this one...

He photo bombed me! Crazy red-headed kid...gotta love him.

I did capture the rest of the kiddos and here they are from oldest to youngest.

Aren't they the cutest? I may be biased but I think they are!

Here a few of my other favorite shots of the day...

gimme a kiss..

loving on the dolls in the high chair Papaw made

a working auger...cool!

Mom, I hope these were what you wanted. I do have them saved on a CD for you and maybe Little Sister will use them in the family calendar next year!

Are You There Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 01:51:00 +0000

Are You There Blog? It's Me, Megan...

I know you are probably soooo mad at me. It's been a long, long time since I've been around.

I don't have any excuses - or any good excuses.

I've been busy. I've been tired. I've been lazy.

See, no good excuses.

I've even had great ideas for blog posts. Ideas that have stemmed from conversations I've had, things I've seen, thoughts I've had (that's a scary post BTW). Still I have not blogged.

Well, it's a new day...a new year actually and I'm turning the page on the neglect of 2012.

I've been inspired by several posts of my blogging buddies over the last couple of days.

I AM going to start blogging again.

Well, I think I am.

No, I am.

Source: etsy.com via Megan on Pinterest

I am.

Being a Family

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 17:04:00 +0000

As my family prepares to celebrate Thanksgiving, I wanted to share this with you.

Source: seasidestyle.blogspot.com via Megan on Pinterest

Hope you are enjoying the holiday weekend.

C'mon Man Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 02:41:00 +0000

Inspired by the guys on ESPN's Monday Night Football show, I thought I would do a different take on my random posts (especially since Cris over at Goodeness Gracious did one of her fun random posts today and I don't want to look like I am copying her! :)

My car is attracted to curbs. I swear. Somehow it has hit two this week, one in front of the frozen yogurt shop. Oops.

Source: yes-butno.tumblr.com via Megan on Pinterest

C'mon Man!!

Staying on the car theme...have you ever seen anyone driving around with their coffee mug on top of the car or their purse on the trunk? Did you laugh?

That was me this week. I set my cup of water on the roof so I could open the door without spilling my coffee. I pulled out of the parking lot and drove about 100 yards before hearing something hit the car. I drove another 100 yards before I realized what it was.

C'mon Man!! Oh well, hopefully I made someone chuckle.

What is it with bloggers writing awesome posts lately?

From laugh-out-loud funny ones, like Jent's story about her boy with no pants and HIMYF's engagement ring shopping escapades, to posts that made me stop and think, like Leah's post that asks if we are all fat, uppity Americans.

C'mon Man!! I wish I could write posts like these.

And finally...I just found out that there will no more new iCarly shows. No more Random Dancing. No more Spencer setting their apartment on fire.

Source: bellatrixareforkids.tumblr.com via Megan on Pinterest

C'mon Man!! Wait a minute...what did you say? No, I am not a 12-year-old girl, but I love me some iCarly.

Be So Happy

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:44:00 +0000

As I sit listening to the rain (at least I hope it's still rain and not sleet or snow) on my window, I've decided to adopt this as my philosophy today.

Source: brownquilts4me.blogspot.com via Megan on Pinterest

Who's with me?

On another note, congrats to Laura F. who is the winner of the Tiny Prints Giveaway! Hope you have fun creating fun holiday photo cards or other fun photo gifts!

Uplifted by a Simple Hymn

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 02:26:00 +0000

I confess I am not a regular at my church each Sunday. Over the last year I have found myself going each Sunday for a month and then not going for the next two.

I'm not sure why I have slipped into this pattern.

My parents took my sisters and me to church every Sunday. I went to church during college (maybe not EVERY Sunday). When I moved away from home after school, I immediately found a church in my new town.

I feel better when I start my week off going to Mass. I suffer the crushing guilt most Catholics do when I do skip just because I can't seem to get myself out of bed on a Sunday morning.

However, I just haven't been able to find the motivation (or maybe inspiration) to get back in the pew regularly.

That was until this weekend. I went to Saturday evening Mass before a fundraiser at the church for my nephews' school. As I was sitting there with my hymnal in hand, the cantor announced that the board listing the numbers for the songs we would sing was wrong.

Instead of a hymn that I had never heard before, we were going to sing my all-time favorite hymn EVER.

The one that I continue to sing to myself for days after it's sung at church.

The one that I can sing because it doesn't have a lot of high notes.

The one that I think has a beautiful message, especially the chorus. It gives me goosebumps every time.

The one that inspires me to work at my faith more actively and go to church each weekend.

Which one is it? It's title is Here I am Lord. Have you heard it?

If not, I have included the lyrics below. If you want to hear it, just search for it on iTunes (or YouTube) for many different versions.

Here I am, Lord Hymn

I, the Lord of sea and sky,

I have heard my people cry.

All who dwell in dark and sin

My hand will save.

I who made the stars of night,

I will make their darkness bright.

Who will bear my light to them?

Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?

I have heard You calling in the night.

I will go, Lord, if You lead me.

I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain,

I have borne my people's pain.

I have wept for love of them.

They turn away.

I will break their hearts of stone,

Give them hearts for love alone.

I will speak my Word to them.

Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?

I have heard You calling in the night.

I will go, Lord, if You lead me.

I will hold your people in my heart.

I the Lord of wind and flame,

I will tend the poor and lame.

I will set a feast for them.

My hand will save.

Finest bread I will provide

Till their hearts be satisfied.

I will give my life to them.

Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?

I have heard You calling in the night.

I will go, Lord, if You lead me.

I will hold your people in my heart.

lyrics from here

My NYC Trip Food Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 12:00:00 +0000

As I was going through my photos from my recent trip to New York City, I realized that with the exception of shots of my nephew throughout the city I took a LOT of photos of the foods we sampled.

Like this Zucchini Pizza...yum!

Pizza Roma on Bleecker

Before I share some more of my favorite bites, I want to say that my heart goes out to those affected by Superstorm Sandy in NYC and beyond. We were lucky to visit just before the storm hit (flying out late the Sunday before Sandy arrived) and we watched in horror as some of the places we visited took some hard hits.

As life slowly returns to normal for those hit hardest by the storm, we need to remember that there are still many without power or worse without a home. Here's a link to an ABC News piece that has ways you can help Hurricane Sandy victims.

Now back to the food of NYC...

Each afternoon, my nephew would get a little surly. Too many photos to pose for. Too much mom and aunt time. How did we improve his mood...Chocolate in any form. Pastries, hot chocolate, and, of course, cookies.

Last year when we had our girls weekend in NYC (during the infamous Snowtober storm), we had the best of intentions of going to cool restaurants at night. However, after walking miles in the cold, wet weather, we didn't keep any of our reservations.

This year we did better, including an early dinner at Schiller's Liquor Bar (it IS family friendly, I promise). The best part? Since we ate so early, my sister and I took advantage of the Happy Hour specials and sampled their sliders and fries...yum!

Their selection of NY beer was most excellent.

While Starbucks is a daily stop when I'm at home, in NYC my sister has a rule of not eating anywhere we can at home so we sought out local bakeries and coffee shops for breakfast.

Almond Brioche Toast...heavenly

I actually found the recipe online here and it's from the Amy's Bread cookbook, which is the bakery we stopped at. I may have to try this for Christmas breakfast.

Sticky bun!!

We also hit up a couple of places tied to celebrity chefs, including Mario Batali's Otto Pizzeria, and Tom Colicchio's 'wichcraft in Rockefellar Center.

Roasted Pumpkin grilled cheese...wow!

We had so much other great food but I was too busy eating to take photos. I highly recommend the cookies from Levain Bakery...they are huge and gooey and heavenly! And if you are on the Upper Westside and craving a quick bite, check out Gray's Papaya and their hot dogs (2 hot dogs and a juice for less than $5). They are a great on-the-go snack.

We have decided to make our NYC trip an annual outing so if you have other suggestions of good places to grab a bite, please share.

Side Note: Until I uploaded the last photo, I thought the name of the restaurant was Witchcraft...I am very smart, I swear.

Picking Out Holiday Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Don't you think the above photo (sans the photographer) would make a cute Christmas card?

I do too!

We finally have the CD of our family photos we had taken a few weeks ago and now we are trying to figure out which ones to frame, which ones to put into a photo book and which ones to use for family Christmas cards!

Now, I am not planning to sending out photo holiday cards...not sure anything screams "I'm a single lady in my 30s" than a photo card featuring me, myself and I!

However, my mom really wants to send out a Christmas letter featuring photos of the family, especially her half dozen cute grandchildren. Instead of a letter printed out on her trusty (and not so crisp) printer, I am trying to convince her to use Tiny Prints to create her Christmas Photo Cards.

They have some great options in their 2012 Holiday Collection, including many styles featuring their new Premium DoubleThick™ Matte Paper. Check out this short video about the new paper.

As I was checking out their website, I picked out a few options for my mom AND my three sisters, who all have gorgeous families to show off on their Christmas cards.

For Mom...

I chose this great tri-fold card for Mom so she could feature a variety of photos of the family. She can choose between a matte or semi-gloss finish at no charge or for a bit more she can upgrade to a pearl white shimmer finish (fancy, fancy).

The best part of choosing this card? No need for a lengthy letter, the photos can tell the story!

For my older sister...

I love the colors of this card and it would go very nicely with the colors of our family photos. She has three boys so she can feature a photo of each of them and one of the entire family (or their dog Zoe).

If she wants to go with a more traditional photo card, I think this is a great option...

It's a bit less than the fancier square cards but just as attractive! If you are on a budget (aren't we all?), be sure to check out their Special Offers page.

For my younger sister...

She has two cuties so she can single each of them out and give a quick update on what they are up to and also feature a few other of the great family shots taken at the family photo shoot.

For my baby sister...

She has an only child so I think she needs to take advantage of that and feature JJ and her big blue eyes, gorgeous blond curls and impish smile front and center on her card.

I had such fun picking out cards for my mom and my sisters. Hopefully they will read this post and be inspired to create their own fun Christmas photo cards!!

Now for you, my dear readers, Tiny Prints would like for you to create your own cards and to get you started they are giving away $50 off your total order (expires 12/14/12)!! Just enter by clicking on the Rafflecopter widget below (it's within this blog post). Contest runs through November 11 and I'll post announce the winner here on November 12.

Good luck!!

BTW...Tiny Prints did sponsor this post/giveaway but the opinions (and choices of cards above) are my own like always!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Where in NYC is Gal in the Middle

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 03:27:00 +0000

My sister, oldest nephew and I visited New York City recently (more about our trip soon).

We took in Times Square our first night there...can you find us on the large screen that captures live video of visitors?

Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

Here's a hint...we may be circled below and I may or may not have a camera in front of my face!

As much as Times Square is so iconic to NYC, it's one of my sister's and my least favorite places there.

Way too many people in way too small of a space...if I wanted to be shoulder to shoulder with a bunch of strangers, I'd head to the subway!

Way too commercial...hopefully international visitors branch out from the Red Lobster, Applebee's and Olive Gardens located there to experience other unique NYC eateries. (Nothing wrong with those listed above but I can eat at those in Indy...I want something different when I'm in the big city!)

Way too easy to get turned around...my sister and I both had problems navigating within Times Square. I had trouble navigating the streets of NYC period but my sister was a wizard with the map and always got us to where we wanted to go, except in Times Square!

Way too everything!

Can't wait to share more about our trip...stay tuned!

Let Us Not Question Why

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 01:39:00 +0000

This has been one of those weeks.

One that I look back on and ask myself why?

Why am I so lucky?

Why am I the healthy one?

Why do I deserve to have a healthy, happy family when others are suffering?

Why do terrible, awful things happen to good (no, great) people?

I have to remind myself that it is not my job to question.

It's not my job to fix it.

It's my job to love them, to support them and to pray that they have the strength and faith they need weather the storm.

It's all any of us can do.

But it doesn't make it easier.