The Life of Megan Claire

TV/Internet/Video Games Effects on Children

2014-11-10T09:41:00.001-08:00

TV/Internet/Video Games Effects on Children

Over the years, the internet has become a scary thing to parents with young children. When I think about the effects that different technologies have on children, my main concern is how isolated they become from the outside, or “real world.” School performance starts to decline and children become depressed. If a parent is doing their job and monitoring the child’s internet use, what sites they go to or who they are talking to, then worries about predators shouldn’t be an issue.

A very good family friend that I know had a son that was almost 17. He had never had a homecoming date, been to a high school party, went to a football game, or even had friends over. About 5 years ago, he committed suicide. His mother blamed herself for years thinking he was being bullied online and that it was her fault for not catching on to it. In my opinion, he secluded himself from the outside world and created his own world where he shut everything out and had his games to make him feel comfortable. He would lock himself in his room for hours to play these games and would lose track of time before he finally stopped playing. Ever since this has happened to someone close, I look at technology and the effects that TV, internet, and video games have on someone. This was a 17 year old so I can’t imagine the effects it can have on someone younger.

Internet is an undermining of today’s society. If used in an appropriate way, it can help aid children in healthy development. An article written by EU Kid Online states that “It has not been established that children under nine years old have the capacity to engage with the internet in a safe and beneficial manner in all circumstances, especially when it comes to this age group socializing online, either within age appropriate virtual worlds or as underage participants in sites intended for teenagers and adults (Facebook, You Tube etc.).”

When you start to think about the issue in today’s society with the internet, your mind tends to go wonder more and more about the time that is spend online and what it is really being used for. Most high school’s now require internet use for courses taken and books can mostly be accessed online. If you notice, most Elementary and Junior High Schools do not require this. The child is like a sponge and soaks up any and all knowledge that comes across them. The last thing an educator wants is that child to be on a website that is not safe. In most Junior High Schools, a computer course is required where they teach the children the “do’s and don’ts of technology use. According to the American Psychological Association, “time spent online is time not spent elsewhere.”

Arguments have been made when it comes to social networking and underage children. Although the social networking sites, Facebook and Twitter, are meant for teenagers from 16 and up, there is nothing keeping them from creating a site of their own. The arguments made are that these particular sites help keep communication between distant friends and family, and keep you up to date with current events. In all honesty, children should not be using social networking sites for anything, especially those that are underage.

In conclusion, the effects of TV, internet, and video games is an issue that we will continuously have to monitor and deal with. It is important for parents to make it known to children that the technology should be used for knowledgeable situations. Compromises will have to be made when it comes to time online and time spent outside or out with friends. It is also an issue that can be decreased with just a simple talk to get kids aware of the effects that it can have.

Citations

Jackson, L., Eye, A., & Biocca, F. (2014). Children and Internet Use: Social, Psychological and Academic Consequences for Low-income Children. 2-2. Retrieved November 8, 2014, from http://www.apa.org/science/about/psa/2003/12/jackson.aspx

Holloway, D., Green, L., & Livingstone, S. (2013, February 2). Zero to Eight: Young Children and Their Internet Use. Retrieved November 8, 2014, from http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/52630/1/Zero_to_eight.pdf

Norcia, A. (2014, January 1). The Impact of Video Games. Retrieved November 8, 2014, from http://www.pamf.org/parenting-teens/general/media-web/videogames.html

Midterm Paper

2014-10-09T08:19:00.001-07:00

Midterm Paper

Technology is a broad concept. It has been around for years making life easier every day. Technology ranges from assistive technology used for someone with a disability to transport technology used in cars and other forms of transportation. “The winners speak constantly of the Age of Information”, this quote meaning the more information we have, or are given, the more successful we will be. We will continue to pay for the better products because the bigger, the better. You pay more for the faster internet or the cable with more movie channels because you want more.

According to the Digital Divide Institute, “the digital divide is not simply about access to technology.” This quote going back to technological “losers” and “winners” beyond access. Technology can help people but it can also break people. You decide what you do with it, just make sure you are using it to your advantage and to its upmost potential.

I do believe that there are technological “losers” beyond basic access. The basic access, in my opinion, is the lack of access someone might have to the internet because of knowledge or finances. The true “losers” are those individuals who have the access and knowledge but don’t use it to their advantage. Technology has made an easier way of life for most and if it is there, use it. The winners of technology are people who use technology every day. For example, my sister sets reminders on her phone so he does not have to remember things on her own, depends on the calculator to solve her problems, and will text because she is shy and doesn’t have to talk face to face. As many would think that she probably over does it, she is using technology to its full purpose therefore she is winning. My dad on the other hand still writes things down but forgets where he put it or cannot find a pen at that exact moment. He is “losing” all of the advantages technology has to offer.

Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) is easily defined as communication used by means of computer technology. Opposite of face to face, computer mediated communication can be communication over a phone call, a picture shared, or even a quick text message. CMC takes away the personal feel that you can achieve with face to face communication. Humans communicate in different types of settings depends on not only the environment they are in, but it also includes the approach in which communication happens.

Flaming is a malicious interaction between two or more individuals using some sort of technology device; phones, iPads, laptops, etc. Most often the altercation involves the use of profanity. Flame wars attract many different users and usually starts with an original post and others start to comment. Take Facebook for example, I have seen many post here lately about gay marriage. Someone will post their opinion, whether they are for or against it, and others will start to comment with their own opinion even adding irrelevant information which can set someone over the edge. Some opinions are meant to be kept to yourself. Some people will try to diffuse the situation but once started, it is hard to contain. Hence the name, flame wars.

The printing press was an invention that helped change our society to a wider literate population. The impact of the printing press changed society in many ways. Individuals went from oral reading to silent reading. A major effect was that information was able to spread more quickly. Newspapers and books were being printed by the dozens and information was spreading like wildfire. One negative impact the printing press has was that it made it harder for the people of the church to monitor what was going into these books since this task was taken away from them. The printing press has not only one of the most important inventions created to this day, but it has helped mold the public’s opinion.

Thanks to modern technology, we generally live longer, healthier, cleaner, and physically easier lives than those individuals in the past. Yet we must acknowledge the problems caused by technology. A few include injuries or even deaths caused by transportation accidents, pollutions causing environment issues, medical technology and dilemmas, and confusion and frustration caused by unnecessarily complex consumer devices, to name but a few. Critics will continue to argue against technology because it is not perfect, nor will it ever be. It has made life easier, but some are just scared or not ready to make that change. You can be the smartest one at your company but if you are not willing to change when your company does, you could possibly find yourself unemployed.

The impact that e-books have had on today’s society is quite extraordinary. E-books are being used for not only personal use, but in schools as well. E-books, also known as electronic books, are just digital forms of books. While using e-books, you will find the more convenient it is to carry multiple books around while out running errands. Surprisingly, more books are being printed than the year before. E-books are coming to be a new trend in the world of information technologies. The amount of possibilities to teach and learn go beyond anything you can learn from a paper book. Although there is still lack in the advantages of e-books, there is more exploring that will be done.

References

Postman, Neil. "Five Things You Need to Know About Technological Change." (1998): n. pag. Web.

Steel, Melanie. "The Digital Dive: A Closer Look at Outcomes." (2013): 1-5. Print.

Winner vs. Losers of Technology

2014-09-16T09:28:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked to write a paper on a topic covered in my class for COMM For those who would like to know more about this topic...please read below.

Winners and Losers of Technology

Technology has been around for longer than some may think. I cannot recall a time when technology wasn’t in use and it continues to be in use because of how easy life has become for those who use it. There are “winners” and “losers” of technology. When most hear these terms, they might get a confused look on their face. The true losers are those individuals who have the access and knowledge but do not use it to their advantage. Winners of technology are individuals who have the access to the computer or other forms of technology and use it to its full capabilities and who use technology every day. For example, my sister sets reminders on her phone so she does not have to remember things on her own, depends on the calculator to solve her problems, and will text because she is shy and doesn’t have to talk face to face. As many would think that she probably over does it, she is using technology to its full purpose therefore she is winning. My dad on the other hand still writes things down but forgets where he put it or can’t find a pen at that exact moment. He is “losing” all of the advantages technology has to offer. Technology has made an easier way of life for most and if it is there, use it.

Another example of a “loser” in technology would be an individual who uses basic technology in the work place because it is required. Once the individual is away from work, technology is not used. Technology can make everyday life a little easier for everyone but you have to take the time to learn. By not learning, you are losing and making things harder on yourself.

There are many benefits that come with the use of technology. Schools have started to switch to online books and online courses. This helps school districts to save money on textbooks. College students are able to use the “e-books” to benefit by saving money each semester and are able to make notes just as easy, if not easier, on the computer-based textbooks and have the ability to erase anything highlighted. It has been argued before that too much exposure to technology can prevent unwanted behaviors in school-aged children. According to a survey completed in the Spring of 2000 “when children between the ages of 2 and 17 have access to computers and video games as well as television, they spend, on average, about 5 hours a day in front of some type of screen, over an hour more than children without such access.^”This would be an example of a “loser” of technology. Evidence has also been shown to link obesity with excessive television and video games during one sitting. Another benefit of using technology is speed and time saved. Just think of how long it would take to write a midterm paper versus if it was typed. It saves time and doubles your speed.

Educators who use technology based learning have a better outcome of the students learning the material than the educators who use technology less frequently. A survey was conducted and targeted educators in grades K-12 which consisted of 783 teachers and 274 administrators. The survey was aimed to see how many educators use technology in the classroom. The findings showed a great difference in the number of teachers who used technology in their classroom and those who did not. According to the survey, “new and experienced teachers were about as likely to be "frequent" users of technology in the classroom as they were to be "moderate," "sporadic," or "infrequent" users” (Nagel, 2010).

Technology is and always will be our future because it continues to grow. New and improved devices are created every day to make things simple. Applications are constantly having upgrades that need to be downloaded whether there is a bug to fix or something has been added. According to the Digital Divide Institute, “the digital divide is not simply about access to technology.” The digital divide goes beyond basic access meaning the lack of access someone might have to the internet because of knowledge or finances. Technology can help people but it can also break people. You decide what you do with it, just make sure you are using it to your advantage and to its upmost potential.

References:

Nagel, D. (2010, June 28). Teachers Report Educational Benefits of Frequent Technology Use -- THE Journal. Retrieved September 10, 2014.

Shields, M., & Behrman, R. (2000). Children and Computer Technology: Analysis and Recommendations. The Future of Children, 10(2), 4-4.

Bryant, B. (n.d.). Benefits of Technology in Business. Retrieved September 10, 2014, from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/benefits-technology-business-336.html

Digital Divide Institute (2010). Digital divide defined (hint: it’s not about access). Retrieved from http://www.digitaldivide.org/digitaldivide/digitaldividedefined/digitaldivide.html.

xoxo,

Megan Claire

Good Reads.

2014-02-23T08:29:00.000-08:00

Have you ever found that perfect book that was so hard to put down? That book that caused you to do absolutely nothing for 2 days? I have…and it was dangerous.

I have had a list of books that I have wanted to read for awhile now but after reading A Beautiful Disaster, I have to put that on the back burner until Summer.

This book is Dangerous. Addicting. and Intense. I pulled a little summary off of the internet incase you haven't heard of the book and want to give it a try.

Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby wants—and needs—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

Via GoodReads

Via Pinterest

You can find this book on iBooks for $3.99, Kindle for $3.99, or Nook for $3.99 as well. Get to reading my friends.

There is a second book called A Walking Disaster that is through the eyes of Travis Maddox. It explains a lot of why he is the way he is and his emotions. More on that next time.

Until next time,

xoxoxo

Megan Claire

Where do I start?

2012-12-02T15:09:00.000-08:00

Goodness. Where do I even start? I've been out of blogging for quite sometime but feel the need to get back into it. Seriously! Where do I start?

A friend of mine got married in August and it was so nice to have all of the girls together to celebrate.

I started a new job which I absolutely love! I work for an elementary school as a counselor's clerk. I've been able to help with the PALs program, assist in the food drive and toy drives, and many other things. It's a rewarding job and I honestly feel like I am making a difference.

Chris had surgery in August so I was able to hang out with the girls more often and mannnn have I had such a blast.

As I said before, Chris had surgery in August. We haven't been able to do much except go eat with friends a time or 2. I miss being able to drive like we used that this time of year or go to dinner. He is healing very well and we are hoping that within the next month he will be healed.

I started at UH this summer and have really enjoyed it. Not a fan of the drive (even though its only 20 minutes) or the surrounding area but other than that its GREAT! I've been to football games, gotten involved in Best Buddies, and have even made it a point to drink a beer before class with my friend from Michigan. Thanks Sam! I'm finally getting to feel how it is to be a college student.

The Houston Texans are 11-1. What more can you say about that?!?! Pretty awesome huh? This has been such a fun football season because I am in a fantasy league. Can you say addicting? Not going to lie but I am pretty amazing. I've beat Chris both times we have played. Love you babe! I'm currently in 3rd. Feels pretty good...

Christmas is coming up and that also means my birthday! I'll be 22...is that even exciting? I now feel like I am just getting old. Yay (insert frown). It just doesn't feel like Christmas to me. Even though everywhere I go Christmas music is playing, trees are up, and the Salvation Army people are out it still hasn't hit me. Hopefully once we get out tree up it will.

A friend of mine delivered a baby Friday and Chris's cousin had her baby today. This has definitely been a year of babies. Speaking of babies I absolutely adore this little chunk...don't look at me. Look at him.

In a nutshell, that's really all that has been going on. I know there is probably more but knowing my memory, I'll never remember.

XOXOXO
Megan Claire

2012-02-14T18:17:00.000-08:00

Today I had the privelege to deliver beautiful flowers to the ladies here in the office. I just love to see the faces on everyone when they look up and see a bouquets of colorful joy.

Although I don't like that Valentine's Day is the one day of the year when the man really has to try, I found someone who shows me love year round.

Chris got me the best gift I have ever received!! A dozen roses, a soft as a baby's but teddy bear, and a 3lb. bag of SWEETTARTS!!!

I couldn't have asked for a better gift..or Valentine.

I love you Christopher Jordan.

My amazing dad visited me at work today and brought me flowers and a card as well. He is the best dad and I always enjoy seeing him during the day. He is so sweet.

And those of you who are trying to figure out what I did for him...

I made a coupon book out of paint swatches and templates that I found online. The middle picture above is a deck of 52 cards with a label on each one telling a reason I love him. There are 52. There were more, I just didn't have enough cards. I came up with so many more than 52 and I try everyday to remind him just how much I love him.

My dear friend, Kristen, had a great idea to make the boys a homeade lunch since they all work together. The balloons were her idea and I hope the boys enjoyed it.

I hope everyone had an amazing day : )

xoxoxo

Megan Claire

Grammy Recap

2012-02-13T16:43:00.000-08:00

This year's Grammy's were worth watching. Even though I didn't stay up for all of it, I still enjoyed what was seen.

I had my favorites and I had my not-so-favorites.

I absolutely hated the Beach Boys' performance. I mean come on, everyone knows they are lip sinking..it's about time to be done. Are they expecting this to be their comeback? OK maybe that was a little harsh..but oh so true.

The reason I watched it this year was to hear Adele. She is absolutely amazing and proves that you don't have to be a size 0 to look beautiful.

She snagged up all 6 awards that she was nominated for and definitely deserved all 6! She is so powerful and you can really hear it in her music.

I loved Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson's perfomance, other than Jason's microphone going out in the end. I haven't ever really been a fan of Kelly Clarkson until now. She sounded great live! I understand that she came from American Idol but that was sooo long ago, she kind of faded off for awhile.

I also love love loved Katy Perry's performance, hair, and dress. I love how her performance made EVERYONE think the lights went out and then she appeared in a completely different outfit and in a different spot. I know the first girl wasn't her, but that was awesome!

We made a drinking game out of the Grammy's. Anytime we heard the words God or Whitney Houston...DRINK!

I only had one glass of wine and felt fine this morning, but I don't think I have laughed that hard in SOOO long.

xoxoxo

Megan Claire

A Special Gift (I Hope)

2012-02-07T16:43:00.000-08:00

So for Valentine's day this year I decided to do something different for Chris. He is always saying how Valentine's day is more of a holiday for girls. I won't argue.

I started doing what I do best, creeping Pinterest, and found an amazingly cute idea..the idea is inspired from the "52 Things I Love About You", but I decided to do "I Love You Because..."

1. I typed up 52 labels of things I love about Chris

Ex: You never forget important days

2. I then went out and bought a deck of 52 "playing cards". I tried to stay away from the ones with blue in them.

3. I put the labels in the center of the cards like the picture below

4. I found something to bind it with. I just found this at the house and decided it would work until I found some cute ribbon.

5. And last but not least, I went on to PICNIK and edited a little cover to use and voila.

Good thing he isn't much of a blog reader : )

xoxoxo

Megan Claire

High Five For Friday

2012-02-03T16:42:00.000-08:00

It's Friday so you know what that means!

Here are my top things from this past week.

Oh this day couldn't come fast enough even though this week has been pretty low key.

1. I am starting to make an adorable coupon book for Valentine's day for Chris. He keeps telling me now to spend money on him so I went with cheap. It's so cute and clever. I'll put my step by step post up on how I did it when Vday gets closer.

2. I have decided to start the "Fab-Ab-February" exercise routine for February. I am just a few days late but I am starting tonight. I bought a kettlebell a few weeks back and will some how work that in since I am a little behind. Wish me luck!!

3. I have had more time lately, since I'm in pretty easy classes this semester, to read my Nook. I started reading "One For The Money" last week and I am so close to being done. I can't wait to read the rest!

4. I found my weekend Pinterest craft. I am going to organize my keys. 'Bout time I do something with them. Chris is always giving me a hard time because all of my keys look the same. I just don't know which colors to use..

5. And last but not least..tonight is Hello Texas. One of my favorite nights of the year. It is a night where the talen of Deer Park HS gets to shine. It jsut keeps getting better & better every year.

I hope everyone is having a fabulous Friday : )

xoxoxo

Megan Claire

Product Of The Week

2012-02-01T17:12:00.000-08:00

For Christmas my mom got me the microdermabrasion set from Mary Kay. I've never been one to get excited about Mary Kay products like I do with other things, but I must say it is absolutely phenomenal. Every night I was my face using Lever 2000's bar soap, Clean & Clear Morning Burst Shines Control, and mousterize with Loreal's Futur E.

Every couple of nights, if I'm not too tired, I open up my cabinet and pull out that set and go to work.

There are 2 parts to the kit:

Step 1: Refine

Step 2: Replenish

(I use this as an around-the-eye cream instead of all over my face)

HERE is a link to Mary Kay's website incase you want to try it out. If you need a name of a consulatnt, I would be happy to help you out!

The good thing about this set is that you don't have to use it long to see results.

You're My Bestfriend

2012-02-01T16:47:00.000-08:00

For almost 2 years now, I have shared my life with not only my best friend but he is also my boyfriend. Today I couldn't help thinking about how blessed I am to have him in my life.

Christopher Jordan Roy,

I love you to the moon & back : )

xoxoxo

Megan Claire

Motivational Monday

2012-01-30T17:22:00.000-08:00

Is it the weekend yet?

Maybe this will put some pep in your step..if not, have a glass of wine.

Happy Monday

xoxoxo

Megan Claire

Invisalign

2012-01-25T17:53:00.000-08:00

So mostly everyone knows that I started wearing Invisalign about 6 weeks ago.

I absolutely love it..way more than I would have ever loved regualr braces at the age of 21.

When I first hear that I was going to have to have braces, I was terrified. All I could think about were my lips getting all cut up and when I would smile at someone, all they could see was metal.

I was NOT having that at all, so I settled for Invisalign which is NOT covered by my insurance.

I have the most amazing Orthodontist, Dr. May, who is absolutely incredible! He has worked with me in everyway possible and I appreciate him for that. He has an outstanding staff who I adore. I definetly recommend their office!

Here is what my mouth looked like at week 1.

Looks a little worse than it does up close..

Every 2 weeks, you switch your trays. Pretty easy to remember.

Here is tray 2

And I just finished tray 3 yesterday and started tray 4.

Not too much of a difference since I 1st started, but I am making progress.

For those of you who care, HERE is a link to the video of progress from beginning to end.

xoxoxo

Megan Claire

Motivational Monday

2012-01-23T11:03:00.000-08:00

It's Monday again.

I feel like this day is never going to end & it is only 1:00. That's sadddddd.

Here is a quote I found on Pinterest this morning that started my day off lovely : )

Happy Monday ladies!!

xoxoxo

Megan Claire

Brittney's Baby Shower

2012-01-21T14:55:00.000-08:00

Earlier this afternoon was my friend Brittney's baby shower. We were friends all through high school & now she is married..with a kid on the way. The shower was beautiful and I have never seen so much food before. I took a few pictures so I could post them on here..

So much clothes (this was just half of ONE gift)

Only half of the presents & I got stuck writing them all down.

The beautiful sign that her cousin Courtney made for the baby's room

The bedding she chose.

Wipes & diapers galore!!

The beautiful Mom-To-Be & myself.

Brittney,

I am so happy for what it is to come for you, Randy, & little Randy. May you embrace this time and enjoy the years to come. You guys deserve this happiness. Congratulations my love.

xoxoxo

Megan Claire

High Five For Friday

2012-01-20T22:38:00.000-08:00

This has been such a great week. I feel like I have been able to get a lot done.

Here are my top 5's from this past week : )

1. I got my W-2 today!

2. Ms. Norma Joy brought an amazing chocolate pie to work. Now those of you who know me, know that I really have to be "in the mood" for sweets. I can't sit there and eat a whole piece of cake or pie. There was something about this pie because I ate it all..plus some.

3. I started to feel a little crafty one day so I went to Hobby Lobby. We are redecorating our bedroom and decided to go with brighter colors. (More to come on this)

4. I got 2 of my books in for school this week. I will finally be able to start the semester! This is my last semester at San Jac then UH bound! I'm taking easy classes so this semester should be a breeze.

5. I have found my next project from Pinterest!

Have a LOVELY Friday ladies : )

xoxoxo

Megan Claire

Motivational Monday

2012-01-16T17:00:00.000-08:00

Every Monday I am planning to post a "Motivational Monday" post. If you are anything like me, Monday's are just not my day. It is hard for me to get out of bed, hard for me to focus on work, & now with school starting back up I probably won't be focusing on that either.

So I am taking it upon myself to motivate my readers (the very few that I have) and post little quotes to kind of start the day off right.

I'll start with the first : )

This is so true in many many ways. When you surround yourself with positive people, your life is positive. There are so many negative people out there, no one needs that on a Monday.

Happy Monday to all,

Megan

High Five for Friday!

2012-01-13T15:21:00.000-08:00

So being new to the blog world, I have never "linked up". I started following a blogger, Lauren, who kind of gave me the 411 on how to do this so that way I could join in her High Five for Friday post.

And here we are. Another Friday..2 days away from game day!

Here are a few of my favorite things from this past week:

1. My hometown team made it to the 2nd round in playoffs! I couldn't be more excited. All anyone has been able to talk about lately is "why not TJ Yates".

2. I discovered Polyvore, and now thanks to that I have another addiction to add on to Facebook, Pintrest, Blogging, and Instagram. Greeeeeat.

Borrowed from here.

3. I have been enjoying my last week off before I start back at school next week. Bummer. I have been coming home and getting right into my PJ's. I could really get used to that.

4. I absolutely love Whataburger's new spicy ketchup. And everything else about Whataburger.

5. I made it to 5 followers this week! Yahooooooooooo!!!

I hope everyone has an amazing weekend : )

xoxoxo...Megan

I'll take one of each. Please.

2012-01-11T20:52:00.000-08:00

I have recently become addicted to Polyvore. On Polyvore, you can create all kinds of things. It's a chance to bring out your inner...uniqueness?

Just take a look!

Outfit by msolliday1224 featuring backpack bags

My Top For 2011

2012-01-09T15:31:00.000-08:00

So as you already know, I obviously have a hard time keeping up with my blog. Shocker. I have decided that I probably won't try the "things I'm thankful for" blog posts again.

2011 was a fast paced year for me. Between work & school, I felt like the year flew by. The other night I was geting ready for bed and started to think back on things, that I could remember, from the past year. I laughed at all the memories and smiled about all the new friendships made.

In March, I celebrated 1 full year that Chris has put up with my crap. I've got to hand it to him because I know it wasn't easy. He is so amazing to me : )

Friends got married..

Friends got engaged..

Friends are having babies.

I gained new friends and strengthened my relationship with the old ones..

Bentley, Kaleb, Paige, & Addison turned one!

I went to my 1st UH game..GO COUGARS!

The Texans made it to the playoffs!!

I visited NYC for the 2nd time,

I also visited my favorite uncle in North Carolina.

And I turned 21!!!!!

2011, I'm sad to see you leave. But very excited to see what 2012 has planned for me : )

Day 4

2011-11-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

Day 4: Today I am thankful for my little sister, Maddy.

Maddy, you are such an amazing young girl. You will accomplish great things in your future. I am so happy to be your big sister and the one you look up to. Keep dreaming and dancing little pookie : )

I love you!

Until next time...xoxoxo

Megan

Day 3

2011-11-03T21:58:00.000-07:00

Day 3: Today I am thankful for my parents, John Solliday & Amy Deloach.

Thank you for everything you have done for me in my times of need. Everything I have learned, I have learned from you 2 and I will always be thankful for that.

Dad, not only are you my father, but my best friend as well. You are the one I tell everything too because you have the best advice, even if I don't follow it sometimes : ) Thank you for raising me into the young adult that I am. I have learned so much from you. You are the BEST dad in the world & I want everyone to know that!!

Mom, we have had our ups & we have had our downs. But our love and strong bond keep bringing us back together. I love you so much, don't ever forget that. You have helped me become the strong woman that I am today & you've taught me to not take crap from anyone. No matter what you say, you will the best mom award!!

I hope I have made y'all proud : )

Until next time...xoxoxo

Megan

Day 2

2011-11-02T22:22:00.000-07:00

Day 2: Today I am thankful for my amazing friends who keep me sane. & insane. I do not know what I would do without y'all in my life. You girls have helped me stick out the hard times and keep going strong.

Y'all are all amazing in your own ways..ways that I look up to. Being the baby in the group is the best thing for me because I learn from y'all and look up to y'all.

Thank you for putting up with me sometimes..I'm so thankful for y'all.

Day 3 tomorrow : )

Until then...xoxoxo

Megan

Day 1

2011-11-01T22:07:00.000-07:00

I am going to try something. I am going to try to do the 30 days of things I am thankful for. Hopefully I am able to keep this up, but you know how that goes.

Day 1: I am thankful for the love of my life & best friend, Mr. Christopher Jordan Roy. I love you more than anything & thank you for all that you do for me. You keep me laughing, smiling, and happy. I continue to get butterflies when I am with you. I continue to love you more & more everyday, you truly are the man of my dreams : )

I love you to the moon & back

Now lets see if I actually do Day 2..

Until then...xoxoxo

Megan

Bachelorette Parties & 1st Birthdays

2011-09-25T17:59:00.000-07:00

Ok so I already know the title is 2 random things that have absolutely nothing to do with each other, but I'm a little behind on my blogging.

Last weekend I attended my friend Whitney's bachelorette party down in Matagorda & had the best time EVER!! Carrie did such an amazing job decorating and putting it all together.

We had dinner at Spoon Bill's tehn headed put for a night of fun that none of us will forget..well we won't forget what we remember. Here we are all dolled up before heading out.

Left-Right: Jennifer, Carrie, Whitney, myself, & Amie

The night turned out amazing!!

Now switching to Aunt mode. Today was my best friend Jennifer's son's 1st birthday party! Everything turned out amazing & it was so good to see everyone who showed up. Jennifer worked so hard on everything & everyone enjoyed it.

The theme of the party was a construction zone..his cake was absolutely adorable & might I say delicious!!

Everything was set up so cute from the construction zone placemats to the tier of cupcakes.

Kaleb didn't quite understand the concept of a "smash cake" at first, but once he got some on his hands he dug in.

All in all, the past two weekends have been great!

They were spent with great friends, family, & great company.

I hope everyone enjoyed there's as much as I did mine.

Until then...xoxoxo

Megan