Fitness and Diet

Well folks, I have been on a pretty strict regimen lately, trying to lose those unwanted pounds from my meds.

Two bits of good news! 

1.  The meds are going to gone forever soon.  So I hope.  I can't wait!!!
2. The diet/fitness plan are working

I have been taking a lot of meds for my condition, and it just kills me each day.  The pain, the side effects, etc. This time around, I haven't had as much pain/side effects.  The side effects I can "see".  The ones I can't see, bone loss, etc..worry me.   I talked to my doc, and he suggested I stop cold turkey!

I also started Medifast and Orange Theory Fitness.  OMG..I can't stop raving about both.  Medifast has been amazing.  Delicious food, fast results, no cravings.  Just pure awesome.  Orange Theory just opened up somewhat close to me, and I joined.  I just did the "freebie" classes before the official opening.  Awesome.  Just pure awesome.  Not only are you motivated for the whole hour, but the results are in your face.  And they email them to you.  What is not to love?!  I was going to do unlimited for a month, but lets face it, I don't have that kind of time.  I changed my membership to 4 sessions a month, which is much more manageable.  Hello Saturday am workout!!

What are your fitness goals?! 

Lionel Richie - All Night Long (All Night) (+playlist)

Every time I hear this song, I want to dance.  All.  Night.  Long. 

Busy Month Ahead

Well folks..May is going to be a busy month for me.  Work, sea, travel.  Wish I had beer+wine+fun in there.  Sad face.

If I am not posting as much...I apologize, but I promise to have amazing photos and stories when I get back! 

A post inspired by: Freedom

Many people think of this word, and always have something that comes to mind. 

When I think of freedom, I think of DC.  I think of the war memorials.  I think of my friends, my shipmates, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. 

There are many brave heroes in the history of our nation that have given their life for freedom, for their country. 

Here are a few photos that describe freedom for me.

WWII Memorial, Washington D.C. 2011

WWII Memorial, Washington D.C. 2011

Korea War Memorial.  Washington D.C. 2011

Korean War Memorial, Washington D.C 2011

My promotion ceremony, June 2008 Boston, Massachusetts

New Navy Recruits, US Cellular Field Chicago, IL 2011

Lone Sailor, Washington D.C. March 2011

USS Farragut, Menorca Spain, July 4, 2012

USS Iwo Jima, New Orleans, LA 2005

Sunset at Sea.  Best place to watch sunrises and sunsets-hands down.

Bella Update

Well folks, I have good news and bad news.

The good news is my miss Bella is cancer free!  The vet got all of it with the tumor, and she should be healed up soon.

I got that news last night.

Then I checked up on her today.  She was ok, and ready to go home.

Fast forward to an hour later, when my fiancé emailed me at work, saying she had to have emergency surgery.  What?!!?

Turns out someone left her "E-collar" off where she stays.  She chewed out all of her staples.  So she had to have surgery today to suture her paw back up.  Poor thing.  I rushed from work and had to see her.  My little girl was so out of it, and just super sedated.  I can't wait to spoil her with snuggles tomorrow!!  She has to stay the night so they can make sure she is ok. 

Wedding Wednesday: Travel Advice/Sites

So the inevitable is coming up-planning the honeymoon.

There are a lot of factors that are going into this: time off, $, destination, time of year, and how long the trip can be...

I am not getting a lot of time off for the wedding in a traditional sense.  I am a bit worried about planning at this point, even though I shouldn't be.  But hey, as a perfectionist..that is why I struggle! 

Any of you have any great ideas on how to plan a honeymoon?  We really want to go to Ireland, and make the most of our time there.  Amazing how I have never been there.  Or NYC..but let's not start on the random places I haven't been;) 

Emanuel on weekend violence: "Enough"

Emanuel on weekend violence: "Enough": Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel discusses shootings over the holiday weekend that left nine dead.

I love my city.  I think it is one of the greatest in the world, but holy smokes, this is only April, and we have 9 people killed over Easter weekend?!?  It is true; it is all about values.  It is about right and wrong.  I fear for the littles in the city, for the workers, for everyone..because of senseless acts like these that plague our city. 

Pray that it will get better.  Pray that the nonsense will cease.  We can blame this, that, or the other-but all in all; it takes a lot to get through to those who feel like this is the only option.  I really hope that they hire more cops, put more money into helping develop the youth.  I was in one of those programs-and it helped employ me over the summer each year.  I loved my job and the program-known as Gallery 37. 

Praying for Chicago..

Case of the Mondays...

via

So today was just one of those Mondays..one you wish would just, end..so you can go home, get on your couch, and grab some wine.

I felt like everywhere I turned, I was being taken advantage of at work. It really pissed me off.  To the point I just wanted to walk out.  That is when I thought of the above quote.  I told my boss, who I have been filling in for-for the past 2 weeks; that I don't need to be taken advantage of.  My kindness definitely does not mean I am weak-that is for damn sure. 

Here is hoping to a better tomorrow, and that people pull their heads out of their booties...because angry and disappointed Megan-is one Megan they don't want to see.

Toto - Africa (+playlist)

Between Notre Dame's "The Backer", and going to Africa on cruise..can't get enough TOTO!

Friends

via

 

I am one lucky lady.  I have met many friends throughout my life, and the ones who have stuck by my side, through all of the good times and bad-those are the ones I cherish.

 

Life has its ups and downs.  You go through high school and college, and it is amazing that what you see as a crisis back then, was so trivial now.  How we all grow, blossom, thrive.  I see the ladies who I keep close, and some days I wonder how we all do it.  How we get up every day, and kick ass.  Take names.  Go through struggles, but still somehow wake up each day and own it.  I am proud of my ladies.  I get strength from them, and I am glad to call them friends.  

 

40 Bags in 40 Days Update

So every year during Lent, I do 40 Bags in 40 Days.  This year I am behind, but as my fiancé is calling it, the "great purge of 2014" is underway.  He has done well at this task..getting rid of most of the 1990s that somehow stayed in his closet for all of these years.  Now if I can only get rid of that velour track suit...if only!

I am slowly but surely getting rid of the clutter, and will continue to keep myself honest. 

I just donated 3 bags of clothes, shoes, and purses to Goodwill.  Things that I haven't used in 1+ years, usually doesn't make the cut in my closet.  I have it paired down quite a bit, and I also have an area of clothes to sell.  Standby for the next great Ebay extravaganza.  Some lucky lady got a JCREW coat for the cheap last time! 

I am also a binder girl.  Yup.  I said it.  Binders.  Everywhere.  Work, Home, School.  Binders. 

I have one for recipes, one for the wedding, one for finances...you get the picture.  Supa dupa organized.  Have to be in this crazy world. 

What made me cry this week...

I am definitely not an emotional person.   Ok.  Maybe I am.  But...I just found out my little puppy has cancer.  Sux.  She is an awesome dog, and I hope that even though I am not around, the vet can take care of her while I am gone for work. 

Yes, I cried when the vet told me:(  Who wouldn't?! 

Please keep my baby girl in your thoughts and prayers!

Enjoying time at the dog park!

Wedding Wednesday

Well folks, It is that time to mail out the Save the Dates.  I just sent them in the mail, and I felt so behind.  Who knew that gathering addresses, picking out the perfect magnet, etc would take up so much time?!?

The Mr. and I chose this one. I picked navy blue as the color, and they came out perfectly.  I was worried about the picture quality, etc-but it looks amazing!  I also had the option to add the password to my website.  That was key, as I know so many people like to "stalk" other people's wedding websites.  Sorry folks, no open page for you! 

I used one of our fav engagement photos, and I hope our guests love the Save the Dates as much as we do! 

Boston Strong

It has been 1 year since the Boston Marathon bombings, and I found this article on www.runnersworld.com . 

This article is amazing.  I don't know what it was about that day.  I cringed when I saw it on real time on tv, while at the vet with Bella and my love.  I immediately texted all of my brothers.  My middle brother is a runner.  I was so impressed and moved how the city of Boston rallied together, prayed together, and found the suspects who changed so many lives that day.

Just 3 days before, my friend took this pic of me and my brother at O'Hare.  He covets that jacket, such a milestone in the life of a runner-the Boston Marathon. 

 
Keep praying for Boston, and those who are running this year on April 21st.  Many of those who are running and those who were injured.  They are also running for those who died. 

Boston Strong.

Say Say Say by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson (+playlist)

Oldie but a goodie.  Love me some Paul McCartney!

Bad News

Well folks, I have been under the weather for the past few days, and I slept a lot on Thursday and Friday. 

While resting up for a big week at work, I got a call from the vet.  My poor little Bella has skin cancer, and we hope to get her surgery next week.  She is such a sweet baby.  Please send hugs, prayers, and snorts this way! 

Bella in Rhode Island 2012.

What Inspired Me to Start Blogging

August of 2010 was a great month for me.  I had just started dating a new guy, loved living in Chicago, and was training for a half marathon with my brother. 

I got sick the last week of August, just as I had started a fundraising campaign, grad school-you name it.  I struggled that week, and was in and out of the VA, and other doctors offices.

My oldest brother just had a hunch, and told me to get to the nearest civilian ER to my house.  Fortunately for me, I had many to choose from.  I took a cab two blocks to the ER, because I was that sick.  The cabbie kind of laughed at me..and I gave him the "Go F*%$ yourself" look.  Just a few short hours later, I was in emergency surgery to remove my appendix.  Apparently I had a terrible infection that all the doctors had missed until that point. 

I woke up after surgery, called my youngest brother, and slept.  When I woke up, my guy was sitting next to me in the hospital.  I stayed there for a few days, and I started the blog as I stayed at home for two months fighting off the infection.   Needless to say, the half marathon didn't happen for me.  So instead, I watched a lot of Food Network, and read a lot. 

I wanted this blog to remember my experiences throughout my many adventures.  In the past 4 years, I have moved from Chicago to Virginia to Rhode Island to Florida, I have deployed, I have made new friends, and now, started my next adventure as a newly engaged lady to a sexy, and incredible Chicago Cop!

I can't wait for what the next adventure holds, and I can't wait to take each day as it comes.  I had a good friend in college who always went by Carpe Diem, and I can't say enough that should be everyone's motto! 

Wedding Wednesday: Engagement Photos

We took our engagement photos with a Navy photographer on the beach on base.  The jetties are so beautiful!

Hiring an up and coming photographer, definitely worked out for us.  We saved a ton of money, and I love the results!

Say Yes...to the Dress!

Well folks...it was one of those weekends where I went to Chicago for all but 48 blissful hours.

I had some amazing Italian take out with my guy, and caught up.  Just having that first night with just the two of us, is just perfect! 

The next morning, I took the train downtown to meet my bridesmaids for some dress shopping!  I haven't gone at all, and I booked an appointment at BHLDN a few months ago.  Yes.  Months ago.  It was quite the experience.  Their dresses are gorgeous, and so affordable!  We got there when they opened, picked out two more dresses in addition to the two I had already wanted to try on.  Well...I went with my first pick!  It was so perfect, that I knew it was the one.  45 minutes and only 1 stop, and boom...I had a dress.  I don't know if it was luck, or that it was because I knew what I wanted??  But...it was awesome! 

Toasting to finding the perfect dress!

We then went to lunch at the location of my bachelorette party, to peruse..er taste the food.  It was incredible, and we just chatted away the entire afternoon.

Sunday I went on a bridal walk with my future MIL..and I won money towards a sweet table at the wedding.  So fun! 

We also had a great lunch with my Misters parents...it was such a beautiful day.  I can't wait to go back!!!

Mall near our house...a former Naval Base!

Awful selfie..but still a selfie:)

AVICII & RICK ASTLEY - Never Gonna Wake Me Up

Saw this on the FB.  Had to share!

11 inches!

Some of you may have read my previous post about my weight loss. 

Well folks, I weighed in, got measured, and did the BMI machine. 

Total lost, 11 inches.  Just upper body..11 inches.  Holy amazing.  I have lost 11 pounds, and 11 inches.  Of just fat, and NOT muscle. 

If you want any other info on this diet, and or live in Jacksonville, Florida, I can definitely give you the best referral and deal for Medifast! 

So excited:) 

40 bags in 40 days

I have followed Sarah's blog for quite some time, and she has motivated me to do 40 bags in 40 days.  I do this each year during Lent, as well as the time leading up to a big move.

How easy is it to just go after 1 thing a day, and get your house pared down to just the essentials?  I have found so many clothes to donate, magazines to toss, and expired Benadryl.  Don't we all have these things...aka..gremlins in our homes? 

I have taken all of my old tee shirts to mail off and make a blanket with project repat.  30 old tee shirts just lying around in my drawers.  30 shirts I never wear anymore.  Wowsa.  I have probably moved with these tees about 10 times.  Thank goodness for repurposing things in life! 

I have also started selling old clothes I don't wear on ebay.  I figure if I buy new things, sell the old things that are still in good condition, and make some money back. 

Off to binge and purge my friends!

Food Hacks

I saw this post, and was pretty amazed at how easy some of things are for the kitchen!

I make the salads in this post for lunch at work all the time!