She does exist.

Erin tells me I need to update my blog, and she's right. Although to be honest, besides her, I'm not really sure who even reads this thing... but I guess that's not important. At least I have one adoring fan (thanks Erin!).

Here's the latest update, since it seems it's been six months (six months!!) since my last post:
- I quit my job at Sawyer working as the Executive Assistant to the CEO. "Quit?!" you say. Yes. Yes I did. Not the most well thought out decision I've ever made in my laugh, but I managed, thank goodness. Quite possibly one of the best things I've done so far this year. Not only do I work a normal 40 hours a week, but I've also gotten rid of the vibrating sensation I'd feel from having a Blackberry even if I did not have my Blackberry on me. It's nice not to twitch anymore.
- I was recently hired for a permanent position at MIT two weeks ago and I love it. Not only is it awesome to be in an academic environment again, but MIT is actually a pretty awesome employer. Benefits are great, perks are almost better, and I'll have the opportunity to take advantage of tuition reimbursement for my graduate degree. It doesn't get any sweeter than that.
- I will be relocating from Brighton to Cambridge by the end of the month. Things happened, words were exchanged and it was decided that my current roommate and I would not be living together after our lease expired the end of this month. After exploring the cyber classifieds Craigs List has to offer, I found a great room with really nice people in Central Square. It's closer to work, right in the middle of all the Cambridge coolness, and a couple T stops from downtown Boston. Not only that, the rent is cheaper. Maybe this will be a good year after all...
- And lastly I've embarked on a personal quest to explore all opportunities presented to me. To no longer dwell on the negative, but rather embrace the positive. I made a vow to myself shortly after my mother passed away that I would no longer take things for granted, but sadly have veered from my vow over the last couple years. I'm looking to find myself again, find the old Megan, but at the same time work to strengthen and solidify the many many lessons and revelations I've experienced as of late. Already I feel a change and it is good. Like I'm shaking off the dust and instead letting my inner light shine. Cheesy? Perhaps, but whatever it is, I don't mind it. :)

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The Grammys

Also, one last thing (as always) I'm watching The Grammys, something I don't ever recall doing before, and I've been so blown away with all the artist compilations they featured throughout the whole show. It's so amazing and it just reaffirms once again why I absolutely adore music and everything about it. I just want to dance!! And it made me really jealous of Justin Timberlake. Silly, yes, I won't deny that, but this guy is so young and successful. And that's all young and great, but what I'm most impressed with is how many amazing artists he has met and sung with. Tonight he got to sing with Smokey Robinson; later on in the show Paul McCartney and the guy from Foo Fighters sang together; then there was another performance with B.B. King, John Mayer, Keith Urban and some other guy that I should know, but wasn't paying attention when they introduced him. So many times I wanted to jump up and dance, and while I was able to control myself, I couldn't help but sing a long to the songs I knew. It makes me wish like crazy that I had some kind of musical talent, whether it be writing songs, lyrics, playing an instrument, managing a band, etc... I'm definitely in the wrong line of business.

I would post a clip, but there's nothing on YouTube yet, so you'll just have to take my word for it. I promise though that when I do become a famous back up guitar player, I will not forget all my peeps. You guys will all be at the show with me. :) I'm off now to have wonderful musical dreams. Goodnight!

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Age is a state of mind.

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about getting old, or getting older I should say. Just today my brother is celebrating his 25th birthday – he’s now a quarter of a century old. I feel like the 20s are sort of an extension of growing up, sort of like a free-for-all, maybe a more independent and adventurous extension of the teenage years. But when you think of it in terms of quarter centuries and decades, it’s a bit daunting. Even still, many of my close friends will be turning 25 as well, others 24, myself included.

Mentally, I still feel as though I’m still that pimply-faced, awkward teenager roaming my high school campus still trying to figure out who I am and what I want to do with my life. Granted I have more responsibility (imagine that) and a greater sense of independence, but I still have a hard time picturing myself as a college graduate and member of 9 to 5 work club. I still cannot believe that I pay my own rent, have my own place, and am paying my own utilities, providing my own health insurance… And Lord knows what’s coming next.

But with BJ’s birthday today and the realization that my 25th is not too far off in the future, I’ve been feeling a little old, a little crotchety, a little like I might not have done everything I could’ve done with the first 25 years of my life. That is, until I met a bright eyed 15 year old girl while at lunch today. Lola and I went to Panera for some hot soup and to catch up some neglected reading. It was terribly crowded, like any soup and sandwich shop would be at 1:00P on a Sunday afternoon and as a result, many people were left searching for a place to sit. We had one empty chair so Lola asked a young girl to sit with us. Of course we got to talking and learned that she was just 15 and a sophomore in high school. She was amazed to hear we had already been to and graduated from college and was so envious of our experiences and independence. She made me feel as though I had seen the world, and was so impressed because I had lived so many places and had an internship in DC. Her energy and spirit of adventure was contagious and while I still have a huge list of things I want to do in my life, she made me proud of what I have already accomplished and excited for what is to come in the future. She made me feel young again, which is such a funny thing to say at 23. But my goodness! I’m only 23! There’s no reason why I should be moping. I can still be a rockstar, travel the world, and write a best-selling novel.

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one more thing

You've probably already seen this since I've most likely passed it along to you in the form of an e-mail, Facebook post, etc. but this is my new favorite thing. I watched four times yesterday and each time I came to tears, I was laughing so hard.

Enjoy! David at the dentist...

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Recap.

It's not exactly Valentine's Day yet, but I figured that it would be a nice to change to spice up my blog and get back into the groove of posting, or at least the little bit of a groove that I had last year. So I found this really groovy blog layout; of course it's only good for another week or so, but it reminded me so much of how Valentine's Day used to be fun, like in elementary school with all the candy hearts and handcrafted Valentine's Day mailboxes and the biggest pressure was whether or not you give out Winnie the Pooh or Hello Kitty cards - 'twas fun. But alas! those days are gone. On to bigger and better things...

Let's see... how about a recap? Christmas was awesome. I got to spend it with my family. BJ came, Molly was there, and my aunt Arlene, too - it was so nice! It made me really wish that I lived closer to my family. The week went by too fast, but it was filled with so much laughter and fun, it was definitely what the doctor ordered. It's been really tough living in a new place and re-learning how to make new friends and so I have been a little lonely lately, but time with my family was food for my soul.

And then I made a spur of the moment decision to fly out west to Arizona to visit some more. Actually, it wasn't as spontaneous as I make it sound to be - I knew Erin and Katie would be home from South America and that January was the best time to go so that I could see both of them, so the idea was definitely in my head, but the trip came about so last minute that it was sort of a rush when it all happened. Ann was so generous and allowed me to use her last flight pass and before you know it, I was on a plan headed west. 10 days with sunshine and old friends and I felt like a whole new person. It was so good seeing everyone and spending time with E&K, I wanted to make it last longer. The network of friends and family I have was so wonderful and comforting; I'm always dumbfounded by the reception I've gotten each time I go home - it's absolutely amazing and while I'll never understand it, I've learned not to question things I treasure. The weather was awesome, too, and after getting stuck late one night on an icy hill in Boston for a couple hours, I was tempted to stay for the rest of the winter. But as much as I love Arizona, I knew that my place right now is in Boston. There's something about it that I just absolutley love and, while I'm still adjusting, I know that if I'm patient just a little while longer, things will start to fall into place. A perfect world for me would be to bring all the people I love from Arizona over to Boston, but until I can make that happen, I'll be happy to travel between the two. :)


Now it's February (oh my God! it's February already!) and I still haven't gotten used to writing "09" on checks, letters, etc. and probably won't until at least late April, but I'm feeling good about this year. And according to my Chinese horoscope (yes, a couple days ago, I did extensive research on Chinese astrology after reading an article on the Chinese New Year), this is going to be a good year. Now, I'm not a huge follower of horoscopes, fortune telling, etc. but I figure if it's coming from the Chinese, they're pretty smart so I figure it's a little more credible than other sources.

Last note: it was -8 degrees today when I came into work at 7:15A (what?!). All you Arizona people enjoy your amazing weather now, but just wait til summer when the tables are turned...

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Quiz time!!

It's late on a Thursday night and I'm still at work right now. Nights like these are rare (thank goodness!), but yet here we are! So instead of working on the project I have before me, I decided to take a mental break and participate in some quizzes I found online. Fun! Here are the results:

What Flower Are You?
You are a Sunflower. You are spirited and vivacious. Willing to do anything to help others be happy, and ask nothing in return. You always see the bright side of any situation and are the life of the party. It is impossible to feel down when you are around. -- Oh, how nice!

What Office Character Are You? (couldn't resist this one...)
You are Pam. You are sweet and likable, but your shyness makes it hard for you to express yourself sometimes. Regardless, you are always there for your friends and will usually come out of your shell to help anyone. -- I guess that fits...

Which Harry Potter Character Are You?
You are Fred and George. You're a joker at heart, but when push comes to shove, you know what's important.

What Beer Are You? (thought this one would be interesting for some reason...)
You are a Bud Light. You are fun, likable, and rowdy--and you can always be found wherever there's a party. You may be lacking a little in the sophistication department, but who cares, you are cheap and don't really worry about taste! -- not sure how I feel about that one...

Which Spice Girl Are You? (couldn't resist this one, I'm sorry)
You are Scary Spice. No one sets and achieves goals like you. Once you get your mind set on something there is no way you'll fail. You give 110% to all your relationships and to yourself as well. Most people get exhausted just by looking at your schedule, but keeping busy is what motivates you. You are always there for a friend and care deeply for those close to you.

What is your theme song?
Your theme song is "Soak Up the Sun" - Sheryl Crow. You are a very laid back person. You let life happen and just go with it. You are optimistic and think the rest of the world needs to "lighten up" and just take it how it's given to you.

Which Action Hero Are You? (ooooo!! this will be exciting!)
It's a tie!
You are part Chuck Norris. You fight for truth and justice with a custom truck and a never-ending supply of roundhouse kicks to the face! At the peak of your career you had your own cartoon, but what you'll be remembered for is a never ending supply of internet one-liners.
You are part Daniel Craig. Bond, James Bond. Keep up your suave style but don't forget to remain a bad ass. Money and romance is more your style, so don't get your hands too dirty. - hahahahah!!

Which Disney Villain Are You?
You are Lady Tremaine. You're the evil stepmother little girls have nightmares about. Hooray for you, who helped kids learn to love their birth parents and do everything possible to avoid stepparents. Next time, though, be careful not to get in between a girl and her dreams. -- interesting...

Which Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Character Are You?
You are Raphael. You have a sarcastic wit, but it can sometimes get you into trouble. -- big disappointment. Raphael is the worst of the four....

Ok, this is the last one. I have to get back to work...

Which Disney Pixar Character Are You?
It's a tie!
You are part Woody. You've got an overall well-rounded character, but your insecurity sticks out like a sore thumb. If you ever want to recapture your past stardom, you're going to have to accept that the game has changed and you'll need some help.
You are part Dory. You are naive and gullible. Wait, that's a good thing. Your ability to trust any stranger is a trait not many people have, but be more cautious next time a stranger offers to buy you lunch or you might find yourself in a fishy situation. -- ummm... I think I like the results?

Ok, for real, the last one:

What Instrument Will Lead You to Your Rockstar Dreams?
You should be a Pianist. You are relatively unassuming and tend not to attract attention to yourself. Level headed, you are the one who always comes up with a solution or compromise to a problem. With a massive amount of focused energy you are able to accomplish many goals with seemingly little effort. Your frequently annoying to others. -- hahah I'm annoying. How sad!

Hope you enjoyed that. I have to get back to work now...

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Fish are not Nature's most simple creature

Over the summer, we had some interns in our office to help with some demographic research our company was doing. While they were here, they decided to adopt a fish from the local pet store. They set him up with a cute little fish tank, some rocks, and a little groovy sea-tree and affectionately named him Schlomo, The Peace Fish. I feel like I've mentioned this before.... yes, I have. Ok, so moving right along... I have nothing against fish, however, this fish has caused me nothing but grief since the moment I got it. Actually that's not entirely true either. He's been pretty good to me, which less than I can say for how I've treated him. You see, a couple weeks ago, one of my co-workers got a McDonald's Happy Meal complete with a groovy little mini-Barbie. While observing Schlomo in his solitary existence within his little plastic fish bowl world, we decided it would be a good idea to give him some company, and what better company than a mini blonde bombshell? So we put her in there. Everything was fine for a couple weeks - Schlomo excitedly swam about her and Barbie's plastered grin never wavered, and all was good in the world. That is until one Monday morning I came into work only to notice that Schlomo's fish bowl was a decidely yucky colored green. Algae covered the walls and rocks - yuck. Something had to be done. And what could've caused this? Barbie. No doubt about it. I tell you, she fools you with her innocent all-American image; she's clearly up to no good. That said, I cleaned out the tank and it looked good as new. Barbie and Schlomo officially broke it off and so he was left again to swim along by himself.

Now that was about a week ago. And for some strange reason, the fish tank is back to that yucky colored green again. I don't know what it was this time, but I tell you one thing, marine biology is not my calling.

The picture doesn't really do it justice though - it seems worse in person...

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The Office

The Office is, hands down, my most favorite TV show. Ever. I'm sure I'm in the company of many others when I say this, but I can't help it, it's great! I could be the absolute worst mood ever, feeling down and dreary, and I put in an episode of The Office and it's like I completely forget myself. Erin, Katie, Ann and I used to do that when I was still living in Arizona. I had gotten all three seasons (there were only three seasons at that point) for Christmas from Lola and so we decided we had to watch all of them. So we did!! And it was so much fun. All the characters are so great, and most of them are quite lovable. My favorites of course are Jim and Dwight. From one of my favorite episodes, here is a picture of Jim dressing up and impersonating Dwight:


I've also decided to spread my Office enthusiasm to, in fact, my own office and purchase the 16 month wall calendar and desk calendar. I'm such a nerd that I'm writing about this, but it's the little things that I get excited about. :)

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