Oh What A Night...

There are events in one's life that will seriously go down in your memory as one of the best nights ever!

5/28/2011

Will be one of those long-lasting memories!!

My lovely sister -inlaw Jenny, and her sweet mister, Bill got married on Saturday. It was seriously such a beautiful and fun event. I should have hired my mother in law as my event planner for our wedding... too bad we opted for a Vegas (location- not style) wedding. Although they were kind enough to have a little open-house/reception for the Tucson family and friends. Kristen did an amazing job on all the small details for the night.

(side note: Can I just take a moment to tell you that I pretty much have the most AMAZING Tucson family. I love them. I love my sister (in laws) and my sweet Mom (in law#2). They are great people and I am proud to be a Powell!!)

My in laws in Tucson have a GORGEOUS home and it is the perfect setting for a outside party! When the photographer posts the pictures, I will post some of them here just for all you to see.

Here are some of the pictures that we took at the "photobooth" and one I stole from John's cousin Facebook. It's of Jenn and Bill during the ceremony.

Jenn and bill.... doesn't she look amazing. I L.O.V.E that she wore a blue dress.

My hottie of a man. Rockin' a skinny tie and linen pants, he was really wanting to impress some of the older gals he got "down" with later on in the evening. Let's just say that Bill's mom, aunt, and the aunts friend got some serious booty-bumpin action with John later in the evening. I may not have ever laughed so hard in all my life.

John, me, Anna (cousin), and Anna's hubsband Reece.

Just us!




My nose looks a little plastic-surgery-ish right here... not sure why. I may have moved my head. But I promise I don't have a funky post surgery nose goin' on!



K, last but not least (I am a little proud)- I made Jenn's cake. The cake-topper was all JENN (again, these ladies are really talented and I should take lessons).

And last, but certainly not least, the couple... sealing the deal! Have fun in Greece Bill and Jenn! Love you guys.

Holiday Inn

I am in Yuma, Arizona for the night. Here for work... nothing exciting.
Since I am sitting in my hotel room solo (don't get dogs when you are first married. That way you can take trips and be more spontaneous without needing to figure out kennel arrangements) and started reading some of my favorite blogs. One of which is the Nie Nie Dialogs by Stephanie Nelson. Seriously, this gal inspires me to want to be a better member of my faith (which is LDS by the way... just in case you don't know me!) and better wife (c'mon married ladies- is she not just the sweetest thing to her mister. I mean seriously. You know they L.O.V.E each other.
Anyways, she always has these posts that ask what you are thinking about... so that's what this post will be about. Cause really, I have a lot of things to think about while I am sitting here. In Yuma. Solo.

Thinking:
1. I have some seriously amazing friends. Two of which I wish I could see (Brittany/Rebecca) and one that I see cause she is amazing and lets me stay with her when I am in Phoenix for work (Candice- you rock!)
2. I want people to stop saying insensitive things. I know they don't mean to (at least I hope not) but seriously, I wish people would stop and think for two seconds.
3. Water for Elephants was really good. Rob Patterson might have finally learned how to act. I actually saw a couple facial expressions in this movie.
4. I want my nieces, (future) daughters and every other young girl in the world to know that they don't need to dress older than they are. Wear more makeup than they should. And most definitely don't need to be given botox cause "they think they have wrinkles". Bah! Why do we make our girls grow up so soon? Hey parents- its OK to tell your kids "No, you are too young". or "hell, no. You are not participating in, wearing, acting like, saying, dressing like, etc." I plan to tell my kids all those things.
5. The info-mercial for "Insanity" give me a workout just watching it. I seriously sat here for 30 minutes watching it and thinking "um, no. Thats ok". haha. Lazy butt.

K- Its after 9 and I want should go to bed. :)

Nighty-night.

Busy. Crazy.

I need to look away from my email inbox, my to-do list, my online homework site, and my red-lit voicemail telling me to check my messages.

I am busy.

I love being busy. I do. Anyone who knows me, knows that I thrive on doing a million and one things at one time. But seriously, I just might have bit off more than I can chew. There just aren't enough hours in the day to work full time, teaching 4 classes, going to school, and trying to sleep. I might be losing my mind.

Yes, I think I am.

Love him...

Email exchange:

Me:Chapman is trying to be as amazing as me. But its cool… everyone knows he is BOGUS!

(note of context: Aroldis Chapman has supposedly broken the 105 fast ball record. I had previously notified John at one of out baseball game outings that I have secretly broken that record. I pitch at 106....)

John: The radar guns were off so he might not have even broke your record...still intact for all I know. Keep an eye out for him though he might legitimately hit 106 and you would then need to hit 107...can you do that?

Me:I secretly throw 108. I just didn’t want to brag. Keep it on the down low though- I would hate to receive all that media attention. It is such an invasion of my privacy.

John:Okay...I'll be sure to keep it on the hush. Maybe we should get 108 with a flaming baseball tattooed on your wrist.

Me:Hmmm…. I’ll consider it. BUT, what if I only get better? Don’t you remember Denis Quaid in the Rookie? If I only get faster I’ll be embarrassed by my previous low mark.

John: You make a valid point, but what if you never hit it again? Are you consistent at 108?

Me:Good point. Perhaps I should come out of the “amazing pitcher” closet. I would hate for this arm to not see its glory in the spotlight… but again, I might make Taylor feel bad. Cause really, I am a girl and can throw better than him.

John: Ha...perhaps.


And this is why I fell in love with him. You might not find this as funny as I do. But really, this made my morning.

My Journey

Not that I had a 120 pound journey... but I had a journey that was semi-similar to this. One day I woke up and realized I just didn't feel good. I wanted to be healthy and active. So I ran. With my dad. and my sister. Over and over again. I still hate running... but I found other activities that i love. Cycle. swimming. and teaching group fitness classes. I do it cause I love the way getting hot and sweaty makes me feel. It makes me happy! So here is a little clip that my friend Kim posted on Facebook this morning. Pretty much re-motivated me. Hopefully it will for you too (not that I am calling you fat or that you need to lose 120 pounds!)

Damn You Auto Correct!!

Ever have those moments... oh I have! On many occasions. My sweet friend Krystal posted this on Facebook. Since I have some Young Women and other more innocent viewers on Facebook, I decided to post it here. On my blog. Where there are no privacy settings and anyone who wants can read it! :) *Reader be warned... there may be some offensive language or content.* http://damnyouautocorrect.com/

Happy St. Patricks Day!

Ever have green eggs and ham?

I have!!
Thanks to Bob Dobbs (awesome pub by campus that isn't part of the "student scene"... which makes it THAT much more awesome)

Ever play Frisbee here (UA Old Main lawn)? With your co-workers and your Associate Dean (aka your boss) during lunch?

I have!!

Ever think this day rocks?

I have!!

Ever read this... haha

Now YOU have (... and ignore the arrow cursor stuck in the middle. I forgot to remove it and am TOO lazy to go back and redo it.) For some strange reason (completely unrelated to this GREEN holiday), I love this. I could get really cynical right now and explain why I love this but won't.

4th on the list!! If you don't know me very well, then you will know that I am totally LOVING (in the most cynical way) that Utah is 4th on this list.



Hope you all have a great day... and as its cheered in Gaelic "Slainte!!" (Good Health).

Life. Rocks.

... cause I have tomorrow off from work and its party preppin time for this weekend. Here are some random thoughts on why my life rocks...

Awesome hair day. My friend Debbie helped me create the subtle "melt" look with my hair that was previously highlighted. It rocks. I think I should do my own hair more often.

Milk is costing over $3 bucks a gallon ...{this will be the one and only time I use this acronym}

FML

See, I even made it smaller cause I am semi-ashamed that i said it. But on the flip side, it will have me rethink about that bowl of cereal for dinner.

I took a Step class last night... and was awful at it. But my legs are super tired today. Which means I worked something.

My husband will be done with school in ONE year. One year folks... sweeeeet!

I will be done with school in 1.5 years. Not as cool as my husband who will be finished a whole summer and fall semester before me, but still rockin.

My sister is having a baby. I figure now that she announced it via Facebook I am allowed to announce it to the bloggin world. That means that my little stinky monster Jaxson is going to be a big brother... and I will be an aunt for the 12th time. Yikes... Albert kids are well on our way to repopulating the earth (before you make a remark... please read my previous post. Many thanks).

and lastly... did I tell you John was turning 27... oh well let me tell you AGAIN!!

He doesn't like to make a "big deal" about his birthday. Actually he likes to make my life miserable around this time of year cause I LOVE to make a big deal about birthdays and he is a grump. I know, I know. The good, ever so kind wife would respect her husbands wishes and not go against what he is forever hating...

I unfortunately am not that wife.

So many things to say... so little time to say them.

I quit.

The 30 challenge that is... I have more important things to say.

Not really. I just am choosing to not do it anymore.

Things to come...

Applauding the select ladies from Oscars night who didn't have their breasts showing and slits up to their privates. Reassured me that living in modesty IS doable- and you don't need to look like a frumpy polygamist to do it (wow, I went there).

The crazy things my 5 year old CTR Primary class says.
Example: "Sister (blank look... since they haven't figured out my last name), did you know that doing drugs makes Jesus sad?" Another child chimes in "yeah, we aren't suppose to smoke cause it makes you SO sick that you will die. Then Jesus will be mad at you".

Duly noted- life lesson learned.

Reading Stephanie Nelson's blog makes me laugh, cry, and pretty much make me want to stop complaining about life.

If I knew how to "tag" or hyperlink anything than I would have you click "HERE" and it would take you to this blog. Unfortunately, my skills are not that savvy. So just look to the right- its there... called NIE NIE Dialogues.

Why I hate my hair so much and wish I could find a style that I like. When I get like this I want to chop it all the way off... unfortunately, its not a good look.

LDS culture

(cause really, its the only group of people who ask me relentlessly)
I L-O-V-E the Gospel and the great friendships I have developed through church.

But seriously, just cause I am 25 turning 26 in August- and NOT had a kid yet, doesn't make me less than you. Super duper that you started at 19 and will have teenagers when you are my age. As soon as I tell you when John and I are having unprotected sex is the day I let you know I am pregnant. Until then, its none of your beeswax. (PS: This includes family members who ask non-stop- Love ya!)

Capeesh?

Well used gift
We all have gifts that get well used. I received a gift when I turned 21 that I wore non-stop...
until now.

My Little friendy Ashley bought be some sandals that have become a staple during these HOT summer months of Las Vegas and Tucson. Sadly, these sandals have been worn SO much that I wore through the sole. :( They are now retired.
Thank you Ashely for 4.5 years of sandal heaven.

and lastly-

Fun filled birthday weekend ahead- even though birthday boy always throws a tantrum and can live up to the song "its my party and I'll cry if I want to". The party goes on. With or without his stubbornness to not celebrate one's own holiday.

(Editors Note: John turns 27!!)

Tha-tha-thats all folks.

Day 10: Theme Songs

I love theme songs. I have lists and lists of songs I like to listen to during my many mood swings. (happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad)


Happy- Typically a happy mood means a mixture of music. Beatles, Paramore, Carrie Underwood, and most any country music, and lastly Scissor Sisters. Don't Feel Like Dancing will get me happy any day of the week.

Sad- Is it bad that I have more "sad" mood songs than happy? Mazy Star, Brandy Carlisle, some of Ryan Adams softer stuff, Bethany Joy Galeotti (no making fun... I am an official OTH fan through and through. Haley James Scott- sing your heart out!), Fiona Apple (wow, stereotyping myself!)

Bored- With boredom typically comes into ipod shuffle on my "Meg's Fav" list. That would include A Fine Frenzy, Feist, Jason Mraz, John Legend, Kings of Leon, and a little Michael Jackson action.

Hyped- This means "what gets you working out". So mostly hip hop, dance, electronica music. But there are a few all time favorites that make the cut: Ozzy (yes, Mr. Osbourne and I have a working out relationship), Another Brick in the Wall (Korn edition), Kat Deluna, Fall Out Boy, Black Eye Peas, Benny Benassi, Rogue Traders, and Rihanna. Love them all... and use them on a regular basis. :)
Mad- this is by far, my favorite play list... ha! #1 on the list Tool. Oh I was sadly converted to this group years ago and to this group I stay faithful.

Mad- Typically if I am mad I go with my "sad" music or I turn to Tool. I was a Tool convert many years ago and it still proves to be music I enjoy!

Can we say I am all over the spectrum here? Happy Wednesday people. Half way through the week.

My Proud Moment

Dang, I must be slacking cause I can't really think of anything that I should feel "proud" about. I "cooked" rice yesterday. I am proud about that (side note: cooking rice is AKA for putting it in the rice cooker and turinging it on).
I am proud that I have managed to get some system going with all the added stuff in my life. I have a routine of checking my online class each day to make sure I am staying on top of all my work. So there. I am proud of that.

Happy Wednesday!

Day 8: goals!!

Alright... I am back on track.

Monday starts with day 8: February Goals

This is kind of perfect actually. I was thinking back to my 2010 goals and I pretty much completed all of them. *gasp* That never happens. So let me just recap-

1. Start group fitness teaching again- that meant to get my national certification and recert my CPR/AED. Guess what CHECK! I did it.

2. Be better at my callings... well I kind of did this. (Can I get a half-check??) I found a happy medium. I got a new calling in primary (Sunday only calling! HOORAY) and can devote the energy into that!

3. Time to get Savvy... Technology Savvy! Learn to work the blog... CHECK!
I am not super great at it... but I can change the background without calling john.

4. To be... or not to be a GRADUATE STUDENT! CHECK!
Graduate student, I am. I started taking a class this spring. I am in the Higher Educational Leadership program. (mouthful for: You can earn a little bit more doing what you already do!)

5. Happy Home... FHE???
No check here... yikes. Heck, how much more can we fit in our schedule. C'mon.

4/5 not bad right?

February 2011 goals:

1. Cook! I want to take a few hours on Saturday or Sunday and most of our meals for the week. That way its easy to heat up and eat. With how crazy our schedules have been, cooking has been on the back burner. Well not any longer!
2. De-junk! We have SO MUCH CRAP. Seriously, its crap. I want to simplify my life. Which means throw out the million pairs of shoes I have (and don't wear) and the clothes I have (and don't wear).
3. Early AM for scriptures! I was doing really good about reading my scriptures in the morning while I ate breakfast. The last few months I have been going to bed late (totally blame John) and then I get out of bed late and scramble to get to work. Bah- I hate being rushed. I need to go to bed on time... get up on time... and have my morning routine BACK!
4. Walk Rebel Monday/ Wednesday/Saturday/Sunday. ha, silly I know. But Tues/Thurs I get home too late and I don't want to set myself up for failure. We have a poor little cow dog/lab mix and it is down right WRONG that we don't give her more exercise. We get mad when she chews and digs but guess what?! We don't ever take her out. It's amazing she isn't more of a naughty dog. I love her and need to be a better master.
5. Take a day to be selfish. Bottom line, do what I want to do... when I want to do it. Even if I have to do it alone.

Day 5 & 6

Sorry folks... crappy weekend = not thinking about (nor time to) blog.
WARNING: Negative blogger ahead. Crappy weekend = crappy mood (and no it doesn't have to do with who won the Superbowl, the fact that Christina sucked singing the national anthem, and that the BEP's were awful during the half time show). Lets just say no heat and no electricity (in part of the house) makes Meghan a grumpy girl.


Day 5: Super Hero


No idea.


But here is who I wish I could have been that was of the fictitious-genre:

Strawberry Shortcake

Why, you may ask? Pretty much for this reason... she is awesome. Named after the yummiest treat known to man, always happy (probably cause who could be sad/mean with a name like that) and has dolls named after her.

I am sure if I can remember any of the TV shows I would have a stronger moral reason for why I would choose to be her. But unfortunately, I just remembered loving her.

Day 6: Who has had the biggest impact??

These two ladies. My sister Mimi and my mom. My sister is my best friend. We talk daily and I love her with all my heart. My mom pretty much rocks. She reminds me to be nicer, better, and more patient than I am ...daily. I have a pretty amazing family. We aren't perfect but we stick together (and love each other through it all).

Place(s)...

I love to travel. Most of my traveling has been in the US but still... it's something I could do full time if the funds allowed it.

One of my most FAVORITE trips was with a group of friends to Guatemala and Belize. It was absolutely amazing. We didn't stay in fancy places or travel the typical touristy fashion. We stayed in hostels, grass huts, and cheap hotels. It was a trip that I will never forget!

Tikal- We went to the city of Tikal and did an early hike (4am!) to watch the sunrise on the temple pyramids. It was amazing. As the sun was coming up we started hearing these dinosaur-type roars coming from the rain forest. They were Howler monkeys. Their roar was crazy loud. This is the view on top of one temple, watching the sunrise, and seeing the other temples peak through the tree line.

This was actually our last stop. We stayed in Antigua for our last two days. We decided to take a long, wet hike up to an active volcano. Luckily, they don't have the same restrictions as the US. We were able to get as close as we could stand to the lava. I still remember my legs BURNING as I was trying to take this picture! ahhh- so fun.

Belize!! The city of Belize is actually a very gross and unfriendly place. Everyone warned me about how dangerous Guatemala city was... uh, ya right. That place was like Disneyland compared to how creepy and uncomfortable we all were in Belize. So needless to say, we decided not to stay in the actual city but took an hour water taxi out to Cay Caulker island. SO WORTH IT. I would go back in a heart beat.

White sand beaches, small island, snorkeling, beach stands of grilled sea food and fresh squeezed juices... oh to be back.

This picture is taken right outside our hotel door. Two seconds on the beach.


This trip will forever be one of the best times of my life.

Perfection...or not.

One habit I wish I didn't have would be lack of cleanliness. I would love to be more organized and clean... oh well. At least I have a life. :)

Day 3: Friends

“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.”

I have some pretty great friends. Friends from high school, friends from college, friends from church, and friends from work. All these friends, at one time or another, have been lifesavers. I love them all and feel very fortunate to have these people in my life.

Here are just some of those friends...

Me and B Hewitt (AKA: Midge)- the best of friends that grew out of a very random situation!! Love her forever.

Me and Candice- Friends from High School.... still friends today! I even moved States just to be closer to her. :)

Becca-boo. She is my lifesaver. I wouldn't have been able to get through some rough times without this wonderful lady dragging me through.

New friends!! The one challenging thing from moving to Tucson is learning to make some new friends. But I have some great ones. These are just a few that got together to run Bisbee last October. Its a bonding experience. I look forward to doing it again this year!

Yo, what's ya name!?

... what's ya number?? ... I did a little Zumba last night and I have a few hip hop songs in my head!



There is absolutely nothing original about the name of our blog. We are the Powell's. John Powell is my husband and I (Meghan) am his wife. The End.



Since I didn't post a "recent" picture of myself yesterday, I will do it today.

This is the most recent picture of me... that's decent. :) This was taken at my friend Rebecca's wedding.

Day 1: Fifteen Things About Me!

So 15 things about me...

1. I graduated from the University of Las Vegas, Nevada with a Bachelors in Psychology and a minor in Human Services Counseling and Counseling Education (mouthful... pretty much I learned all about dealing with people's problems and without being certified to actually do it.)
2. I love group fitness classes. I got really into group fitness classes at the gym I went to my first year of college. After a while, I got certified to teach. I taught for almost 4 year before I moved to Tucson. After a year off, I am back to teaching and LOVE it. If I could make a living doing it full time (and have the stamina to do it full time) I would. I brings out a different personality in me than I usually am.
3. I am a pianist... at heart. I took piano lessons when I was from 8 - 12 years old. I stopped taking lessons and practicing. Now that I am older, I wish I had stuck with it. My parents gave me their piano when I got married and I am determined to go back to taking lessons (when we can afford it).
4. I am the youngest of 5 siblings. I have two brothers and two sisters. We all span the age range from 42(Oldest sister Bekki) - 25 (me). We are spread out across the country but am happy to have my oldest sister Bekki live less than an two hours away!
5. Book Nerd! I read. I read. I read. I read when I know I should be doing other things... I love reading.
6. I am a sun goddess. I live for summers where I can lay out of spend some time outside to get a killer tan. Now that I work full-time, those long summer days are spent a little differently. However, since we live in Tucson, AZ, I was able to spend a wonderful January afternoon laying out this past weekend. Wonderful!
7. I have favorites amongst my nieces and nephews. Rude, I know. I love them all (and I really LOVE them) but there are a few that I have a special place in my heart for.
8. I am a Mess. I hate cleaning. I wish I were better at it. Maybe if I had more time in my day... I hope to kick this poor habit... eventually.
9. I love SciFi. I am a science fiction nerd... both in movie and in book. My husband teases me about it, but it is one of my favorite genre's.
10. I love Mexican food and Italian food. I would have a difficult time choosing between the two if given the choice. I could eat both all day every day!
11. I want to do good. I always wanted to work in the health profession because I wanted to "do good" with my life. Although my career path changed, I still find myself wanted to be involved with the helping profession. To help students, adults, kids, etc. I just want to do good!
12. I wish I were an actor/singer/dancer. I am so envious of people who have those talents. I don't and wish I did. Especially singing and dancing. I can watch people dance (lyrical/ballet) and it will make me cry. I find it completely inspirational.
13. Speaking of crying... I do it a lot. If I get mad- I cry. If I get happy- I cry. If I get sad- I cry.
14. I traveled (more like backpacked) to Guatemala and Belize when I was 21. I would love to do a trip like that again. It made me appreciate all that I have.
15. Sam. I have this boy in my life named Sam. I met him when he was only a year old and became his nanny. He was my best buddy until I got married and moved away. The things I learned from taking care of him (and his crazy sister Maddie and monster of a little brother, Max) will be part of me when I become a mom. I loved those kids with all my heart and Sam was really special to me. We had a little bond. I was his friend and he was mine. He and his family are a major part of who I am.

30 days

I saw this post on yet another persons blog (remember my blog-stalking habit!?!) and I am going to give it a try. This will actually give me something to write about each day!

The thirty day blog challenge...

day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
day 2- the meaning behind your blog name
day 3- a picture of you and your friends
day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have
day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been to
day 6- favorite super hero and why
day 7- a picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
day 8- short term goals for this month and why
day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days
day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad

day 11- another picture of you and your friends
day 12- how you found out about blogger and why you have one
day 13- a letter to someone
day 14- a picture of you and your family
day 15- put your ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play
day 16- another picture of yourself
day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have
day 19- nicknames you have and why you have them
day 20- someone you love

day 21- a picture of something that makes you happy
day 22- what makes you different from everyone else
day 23- something you crave for a lot
day 24- your last five facebook status'
day 25- what I would find in your bag
day 26- what do you think about your friends
day 27- why are you doing this 30 day challenge
day 28- a picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then?
day 29- in this past month, what have you learned
day 30- your favorite song

Stalk MUCH!?

We all blog stalk... don't you deny it!!

Today, I blog stalked and saw the BEST thing ever and I am here to tell you all about it. I won't lie either- the stalked blog in mention is on like 3 of my friends blogs from Vegas. So if you any of you friends want to tell YOUR friend that I am a creeper, go ahead!

So this stalked blogger is pregnant and her husband (yes ladies, HER HUSBAND!) created these super cute "pregnancy cards" for her. She listed like 25 funny things on these pregnancy cards for her when she felt like she needed to "pull the P card".
These cards are the cutest things ever! What man thinks to do that...

Here is a few samples of what she has listed on her "cards": Taken from her blog...
"-Bending over puts too much pressure on my baby. Will you pick up?
-Growing a baby is wearing me out, I need a nap!
-I'm so sick of our son. It's your turn!
-Cleaning isn't good for the baby. I think you should do it!
-The heat in the kitchen worries me, could you make dinner?
-This card is good for one food craving late night grocery store trip.
-The soapy water makes me sick, will you do the dishes?
He said the cards are reusable and don't expire until a month after I have the baby."

Awesome. Simply awesome.