Out with the old and in with the new..

Well ladies and gents - it's that time of year again, also known as December, 31 2010 the end of the year.  2010 has brought so much.  I don't even know where to begin.  I have met some of the greatest people this year, have had tons of opportunities for growth and development, have excelled in academics and my job (scratch that since you probably don't care), and have plenty of wild and crazy stories to add to my life list.

I don't have one word to describe 2010 but so far I have: exhilarating, crazy, fun, tough, amazing, eye-opening, and much more.. If anything it taught me how to live my life to the fullest.  Maintain relationships.  Be organized.  Achieve my goals.  And make new friends.  

All I hope is that 2011 is bigger and better - even though it's going to be hard to top this year off.  But let's hope for more stories and embarrassing moments (since I always have at least one of those a day).

Last thing - I was going to make these chocolate raspberry tarts to take to the party tonight but then decided that a classy bottle of champagne was much more appropriate.  And then forgot to take a picture of it - sorry folks, I'll make it later this year for a special occasion.

Oh, and I accepted an offer for an internship this summer, I'm excited about it.  I mean who doesn't get excited at $18/hr, all expenses paid!

I want to wish you all a very safe and happy new year's!  

I am off to go party for the evening and celebrate the greatness of 2010 with some of my favorites.... I'm sure there'll be plenty of stories to tell in 2011.
 
... & then I found five dollars.

Rain, rain go away that's what all my haters say..

So even though its a torrential downpour outside this day has been fabulous!  I am running on 6 hours of sleep for the past three days - but so full of energy somehow.  Just finished a phone interview with Amway - god I want that job so bad!  And then I cleaned the entire apartment while Waka Flocka blared through the speakers.  And just made dinner Southwestern Pizza.

Watching some TV, since I don't do that often and chilling for the rest of the day..

Moving to fast..

I look away for one second and everything seems to be moving entirely too fast.  This post is going to probably be a bunch of bullshit that no one wants to read -- more like venting -- than anything.  But honestly, as I am sitting here in front of an empty fountain in the middle of campus, I think to myself why can't things just go right for one time in my life.  Everything goes right for all of two weeks, if that.  And then once you get comfortable, life throws you one major curve ball.  Seriously I feel like I've been cursed since Sophomore year of High School.  I'm convinced.  I know that no one is perfect and that life isn't easy - but I feel like I need a break from life.  I need a break from controversy, accidents, deaths, liars, cheaters, and backstabbers.  I am about to crack.  I know it just makes me stronger in the end, but the ultimate question is - does that strength have concrete foundation or are there cracks beginning to form?  

I just wish people would be straight with me - that's all I ask.  And that things slowly wind down and someone throws me a damn fastball, rather than a change-up or curve.  Just throw me a true pitch.  Baseball runs in the family and I guess it's slowly catching on to me, with all my references to the game and all.

I attended the Women's Leadership Conference this past weekend, which I helped plan.  And I am no feminist, but I am so thankful for the leadership qualities evident in my life.  Without student council, UAB, WILD, LeaderShape, etc.. I would not be the person I am today.  I am so thankful that it has brought me this far, but  I just wish I could be met halfway.  I am sick and tired of having to deal with all of this pile of poop (to have proper French) whether it is school, relationships, family, work, etc. 

Earlier this weekend, while babysitting -- I thought what if I just started a family and built a new life for myself.  I can see myself cooking, cleaning, taking care of a few kids - but then I thought I have too much going for myself.  I have four interviews lined up this week and a kick ass (if I do say so myself) Marketing portfolio. 

I don't know maybe it's mother nature playing games with my emotions and what not, but that's how I've been feeling lately.


... & then I found five dollars.

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice...

Since it's fall season, its about that time again to get excited about everything halloween pumpkin spiced! I am obsessed with pumpkin muffins, pumpkin-spiced lattes (especially from Biggby or Starbucks), had a pumpkin donut at Uncle John's this past weekend (Long's Family Farm and Orchard in Commerce is WAY better - maybe I'm biased since I worked there for two years), and just bought pumpkin-spiced coffee beans!  Mildly obsessed, just how I'm mildly obsessed with everything basketball (GO CELTICS & LAKERS!  - just sayin'). 

For the past day or two couple of days I have made Spinach Salad for dinner.  Or bowtie pasta with three-cheese marniara sauce - the only downside is I totally didn't take pictures, that's my bad.  I just got so into basketball the past couple of nights that I've even put my life classes/homework to the side - but I MUST get back on track no matter how much Paul Pierce distracts me from my studies.

I am going to try ice Underwater Hockey tonight with some friends.  It shall be interesting since I have no idea what I'm getting myself into.  I am going to a psychological study here in about 15 minutes - and yes I am blogging to procrastinate from my homework - fail.


... & then I found five dollars.

And so it begins..

Today marks the day of eating healthy once again.. since my new job as Director of Spirit & Traditions I go out to eat a lot with the office and have stuffed my face with junk food.  That is no more. 

Some ground rules:
No more eating out, unless it's a salad or something light
I can only purchase one Biggby coffee a week
I have to start drinking green tea religiously again and tons of high quality H2O
Veggies and fruits will once again consume my lifestyle
and I will NOT make excuses to work out.. especially since Homecoming Week is over.

So for lunch I biked back to the apartment to make some Spinach Salad with parmesean cheese, carrots, red onion, cucumbers, and honey mustard dressing with a hefty cup of green tea. 

...& then I found five dollars.

It's beginning to get cold outside..

So I better make some Turkey Black Bean Chili.  And that's exactly what I did today.  I came home after class and after going to the grocery store and I made some hearty all-natural chili.  After finding out that they revoked my Bridge Card because I forgot to change my address, who has time for that shit anyways?  I mean hello, I was just in charge of Homecoming Week and that has occupied all of my time since June 2010.  And it's now October 2010.  Seriously people. 

Anyways, all in all it was a long day.  Had a four hour meeting and then I came home to have a delicious cup of hot chocolate.  I would've made a mocha, but then I'd be up all night so just plain hot chocolate will have to suffice.  But Homecoming Week went fabulous.  I am on the Big Ten Network look for the Big Ten Tailgate: Michigan State University!  I am on for the first 15 minutes.. Pretty pumped about that. Also went on the field this past weekend and my banner that I made for the football team was on ESPN.  And the Planetarium event was a hit!  I could just go on and on.. anyways well I'm going back to sipping on my hot chocolate.

... & then I found five dollars

Vodka.

So I realized that cooking is a good way for me to relieve stress.  So this week I am going to be cooking every night and from now on.  And that way I can dodge the "going-out" spending money all the time, especially since my credit card is maxed about to be maxed out within $100 dollars. 

Tonight I tried a new recipe: Pasta Alla Vodka with Whole Wheat Penne & Homemade Grilled Garlic Bread.







P.S. One thought that is on my mind -- this may be a little inappropriate.  But damn, I love being single.  Seriously got more than three "calls" last night, and I just laughed.

Chop Chop..

Tonight I made Chop-Chop Chicken Lettuce Wraps. 

I felt like I was eating at PF Changs at my kitchen table.  It was much needed after a very long day - God I have missed cooking.  I am so glad that I've taken it back up again... Seriously.

... and then I found five dollars.

Already Taken.

.. So I realized that I haven't updated this in the longest time.

A lot has happened since I've last posted on this bad boy here is a list of occurring events to bring you all up to speed:

1) I ate like a hippo, as I've once said.
2) I turned 20 - MOST EPIC TWO WEEKS OF SUMMER, hands down.  Ask anyone who was in attendance
3) Went to Something Corporate Concert with Jill and ventured around Downtown Detroit
4) Moved into my Hummer for a few days, successfully.  Moved into the new apartment.
5) Attended a Rugby Game
6) Director of Spirit and Traditions took off - three very successful events right in a row (Bingo, U-fest, and Sparticipation)
7) Got down with my good bad self a lot.
8) Classes started and I'm actually semi-paying attention
9) I'm broke
10) I started running again.. which is making me feel much better

Not that anyone really cares, but ever since my birthday,  I have been eating like a hippo.  So today officially marked my healthy cooking/eating/semi-dieting routine once again that I started at the beginning of the summer.

So here we go. Well, it is the start of a new college school year so I thought I'd make myself a special lunch: Turkey and Spinach in a Sun-dried Tomato Wrap.  


.. and then I found five dollars.

Post Office

Ventured to the post office the other day and got some goodies in the mail! Went to and forth Comcast with the roommate to get the cable/internet situation settled - went there twice in one day. And got the day off work. However, cable service from hell Comcast made me wait three and a half hours to set up the internet, so we went to IM West and worked out instead. Finally got the internet situated this morning, first thing. 

And last night I made dinner for my roommate Brittany and I - Shrimp & Avacado Rice Bowls.  They were so good that we ate it all and then had to go work out because we felt too full.. But they were only 300 calories each...

& then I found five dollars.

Extra-Coffee Caramel Frappuccino..

Mmm Starbucks was the answer to my needs today.. Especially on this fine gross-weather Hump Day. It turned out nice though with 25 60 mph winds. Needless to say I was pedaling forward on my bike nearest the Stadium on my way to work, but yet I was going the right way backwards. I guess mother nature was trying to tell me something.. "Meaghen, you do not need to go into work today" - Well at least that's what I got out of it. At least the sun decided to come out once I was in the comfort of the apartment and in dry clothes after being soaked from a monsoon outside.. But life is good.

And got to come home early from work, yet again and tried out Coconut-Curry Cashew Chicken. It was pretty delish.

Then got to go to Starbucks to listen to some live jazz music played by no one other than Mr. Royce and ordered a you guessed it, Extra-Coffee Caramel Frappuccino. I mean it was Happy Hour - so I just couldn't say no... And now I get to enjoy it while watching the Drake documentary. All-in-all it turned out to be a terrific Hump Day....

& then I found five dollars.

It's all about passion..

Passions really encompass who you are.  They are specific things that you live for, strive for, believe in, etc.  I strongly believe in passions, maybe it's just because I'm a passionate person, in general?  I feel like I'm just ranting now, but some of my strongest passions include: making a difference (who would've thought..), dancing, cooking, my younger brothers, Invisible Children, TWLOHA, Post Secret, my family, reading, being creative, including others.. And then I found five dollars

But why I bring up passions is because I have always loved to cook, this is probably going to make me sound like a big fat tubby. But the greatest part about all these recipes and making-of things, is that they're all organic and low calorie... Who would've guessed?

However, living on my own has allowed me to cook whatever I want. I have been experimenting lately with different recipes, trying out new things.

Today's latest special was: Greek Quinoa with Avocados - it's different but really good.

Yesterday consisted of making Organic Chocolate Chip Cookies, which are gone by the way. The roommates loved them. They were gone within five hours minutes, no joke. Cookie dough making chocolate chip cookies after getting off of work early, was desperately needed.

Sunday was sweets baking day.  Made cupcakes for my Dad in the morning, before heading back to the EL for work.  Then came home from work and decided to try out a new recipe.  Usually I don't like fish, only in sushi, but I really enjoyed Honey-soy Glazed Salmon with Asparagus. It was supposed to be with spinach and red bell peppers, but I improvised by slabbing some asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper and throwing it in the oven for a few minutes.  

And for the record -- I am not trying to copy Julie & Julia.  I just thought it'd be fun not only to share my embarassing moments.  But to share my cookings, as well. Can't think of anything embarrassing at the moment to share, so that just means that I probably will later this evening.

Who knows what tonight will bring..

& then I found five dollars

Every Girl Is Precious.

In contrast to my previous embarrassing entries, I recently finished reading the novel Push by Sapphire and watched its accompanying film, Precious.  The book and the movie both inspired made me think about my life and the lives of others and really value the life that I do lead, today.  It's heartbreaking to realize that there are people out there in the world who aren't loved.  And love is not defined by abuse, threatening remarks, and hatred.  It is caring, genuine support, always being there for one another, wanting to be around one another (friends or family), showing true affection, etc.  We all have our own definitions of love, and not to be cliché - but it really does make the world go around..

Anyways, both the movie and book are eyeopeners to what goes on in the world.  Especially if we're not used to being exposed to it in the first place.  This book (among other things) is one of the reasons why I want to take initiatives and be a leader and really make a difference in the world.  Everyone should have a chance at life - no matter their background or circumstances.  It just tears me apart that people really do experience this on a day-to-day basis, even though the book and movie were completely fictitious.

This is something that just has been on my mind lately... and this is precisely why my favorite quote of all times goes a little something like this, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." -Ghandi


......& then I found five dollars.

I don't mean to toot any horns, but

... you should all check out The Postman's blog he is one of my very best friends & he will never fail to make you laugh with all of his witty comments!  And I'm positively absolutely sure it'll be sweet saucy at the same time, with a hint of Morgan Freeman's wisdom all tied into one entertaining fabulous blog.


& then I found five dollars.

Someone should honestly take away my..

Honestly, someone should take away my license, well my bike - more like it.  On my way to work yesterday afternoon I may or may not have hit, gently bumped, alright fine I full on ran into a businessman with my bike nearest the bus stop on the busiest street downtown.  I swear it was a complete accident.  I can't help that there was a sea group of four people absolutely taking up the entire sidewalk and the business man just happened to step out in front of me - I mean hello, you clearly saw me coming.  Why on earth would you step out in front of me and stare at me like a deer in headlights?  Honestly.

But I am so very thankful that I was not the guy who got hit by a car on his way to class.  I was riding my bike, yet again, on my way back to the apartment from class and I witnessed watched this boy on his bike- thinking that he could outsmart the man driving the little town car and pass right in front of him, when in fact it was a green light.  I'm not entirely sure, but maybe he thought that since the light was green it meant that he could go too?  Needless to say, his entire front wheel was completely obliterated within a second by the little car - you couldn't even call it slightly round anymore.  I felt absolutely horrible for this poor little man, but at the same time thinking "thank god that wasn't me". And yes I did ask if he was okay or needed help, but I think he was too embarrassed to admit anything, he just looked at me and said flat out, no.

So I learned a few things within the last twenty-four hours..

1) When riding on a busy sidewalk, if someone poses an obstacle or blocks your right of passage yell either "excuse me" or if that doesn't work just shout "MOVE" and hopefully they'll get the picture, if not they'll have a hefty set of skid marks, as a reminder to move next time.

2) Never by any means believe that you can outsmart the traffic signals and/or oncoming cars - you'll never win (if you still think so, please see the blurb above & maybe you'll rethink your strategies)

....and then I found five dollars.

Ellipitical Machines & Busty Biceps

So with finals week being way behind, I stepped on the scale today and decided that I need to up my workout.  Went to the gym this morning after a hefty cup of joe - and hopped on an elliptical with VH1's Top 20 Countdown on in front of my face, of course.  I soon came to learn that you shouldn't position yourself facing the downstairs area of all of the boys working on sculpting their muscles, very distracting.  Hence why I turned on music videos.  But sometimes music videos aren't enough to keep me one, from staring.  Of course at this point in my workout the resistance decided to change from 10 to 5 - which I was unaware of since I was so distracted by all of the arm muscles below - and may or may not have lost my balance and proceeded hit my face on the machine before falling completely off.  Needless to say, I was mortified embarrassed, but was convinced that no one witnessed my fall until one of the guys working out beneath me came up to ask if I was okay and that I took quite the fall.  All-in-all I have learned my lesson to face the wall at all times while working out... And then I found five dollars.