meggan amalie

Blizzard Walter...seems like a disappointment

2011-01-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving was supposed to bring Utah the worst blizzard it had ever seen. It was all over the news. Schools, malls, roads, and movie theaters closed early. Grocery stores were selling out of bottled water and batteries. Personally, I had a few 12 packs of diet coke and a huge bag of Swedish Fish, so I figured I was ok for a few days.

A friend and I decided that a blizzard of this magnitude needed a name. We texted back and forth for the better part of 24 hours, with the names starting with the standard and escalating to....the sublime. I still get the giggles reading these, so I thought I'd share. Enjoy!

Snowpocalypse
Snowmageddon
Coldtastrophe
Snowtorious BIG
Snow-MG
Usher's "Nice n' Snow"
"We do it right we get blizzard"
Sled Zeppelin
Sledmau5
Blame it on the Rain-deer
Michael Jackson's "Sleet It"
Frost bitten, twice shy
Sleetwood Mac
Ghostface Chiller
Jurassic Parka
The Walking Sled
Snow-nan
Buried Potter
Backsleet Boys
New Kids on the Ice-Block
Vampire Snow Tire-ies
9021-Snow
Two and a Half Snowmen
Snow You Think You Can Dance
The Off-Ice
Angelina Snow-lie
Snoow-kie
Pauly Ski
Snowflake Lively
Snowbias Funke
Rage Against the Fake Snow Machine
Snowbie Won Kinobi
K-Ci and Snow Snow
Miike Snow
Coolio
98 degrees below zero
Kim Kar-dashing through the snow
Freeze Winterspoon
Ice Skate Hudson
Courtney Glove
Snow Jonas
Blizz Lemon
Blizzaro Jerry
Yuletide Brenner
New York Stocking Exchange
Jennifer Snow-pez
Menorah-ity Report
Lindsey Snow-han
Silent Night Shyamalan
Snowflake Gyllenhall
Justin Timber-flake
Sleigh-ton Meester
Gingerbread Spice
Justin Bie-Brrrrr
Scarf-face
Chris-tmas Brown
New Year's Eve 6
"I'm in the north pole, trick"
Danity Candy Kane
Sled Dog Millionaire
High School Musi-cold
Frost/Nixon
Robert DeNir-O Holy Night
LudaKris Kringle
MistleTony Danza
O Holy Night of the Conchords
It's getting cold, put another Snoop Loggy Log on the fire.
Kings of NOEL
Jingle Bells Fargo
Little Joe Strummer Boy
Michael Jackson's "Do You December the Time"
Master Winter and TMNT
Red Hot Chilly Peppers
Yogi Brrrr
"Icicle! Icicle!" (as sung by Queen)
ChristmasDrinks.Nogspot.com
All of the LED Christmas Lights
Kanye West by NorthWesterly Arctic Blast
Chestnuts roasting on Joey McIntire
Snow-prah
Maroon 5 Golden Rings
I'm dreaming of a Betty White Christmas
Owl City of Jerusalem
Paula Ab-Yule
Uncle Nutcracker
Black Ice Peas
Axel Froze
Christmas Eva Mendes
Gary Coldman
All I want for Christmas is my two front Keith Urban
Have yourself a Mary J Blige Christmas
We three Kings of Convenience
Silent Suge Night
Joy Behar to the world
Deck the Arsenio Halls
Jingle Kristen Bell
Happy Gilmore New Year
Joaquin Phoenix in a Winter Wonderland

26, baby. It's going to be my year!

2010-12-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

Music Monday

2010-11-22T16:17:00.001-07:00

I've been racking my brain trying to come up with an appropriate Thanksgiving playlist. Oddly enough, it turns out there aren't all that many songs about turkeys or pumpkin pie or having awkward conversations about your dating life. Weird.

So I got to thinking. We're celebrating the pilgrims, who came over on ships (or Columbus day, but that doesn't really work for me right now so I'm going to ignore it).....so really, what more appropriate way to celebrate Thanksgiving than with a little Yacht Rock?? Enjoy.

Track 1
Track 2
Track 3 (I've shared this before, but it's just too darn good not to include)

Track 9 (with EXCELLENT modern remakes of the same song here and here)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Music Monday

2010-11-08T14:07:00.001-07:00

It's a gloriously rainy day and I wish I was curled up in a cozy blanket, taking numerous cat naps while I watch some Lifetime original movie or something. But since I can't be dreaming right now, the next best thing is a little modern dream pop playlist.

(This playlist is also largely inspired by my current obsession with SVIIB...ergo tracks 1-3.)

Track 1
Track 2
Track 3
Track 4
Track 5
Track 6

Music.....Wednesday

2010-11-03T13:35:00.001-06:00

I was ready to give up on the Music Monday program, but I started getting complaints. So I'm back....for the benefit of all 3 of my loyal readers.

Now that I have a car that fits more than two people in it, I've been driving a bit on group outings. There are two very important aspects of the chauffeur role:

the actual driving,
the music in your car

...and not necessarily in that order. I have compiled what I consider to be an excellent vehicular playlist. Very pop-py, fun to sing along to, and fantastic to car dance to (one of my favorite past times, taught to me by my wonderfully graceful mother). Some might call these "guilty pleasure" songs, but not me...ain't no shame in my game!

Faaaaaaaaaavorite song to sing along to right now: click here
She's gross, but I love her mu$ic: click here
Get slizzered: click here
LL + Bill Withers: click here
Let's get it poppin, whoa: click here
Glad to see Enrique back in the music scene: click here
Any song that is on a Step Up movie is good enough for me: click here
I can't listen to this song without pretending I'm this kid: click here

Music Monday

2010-10-18T12:00:00.000-06:00

I finally bit the bullet and bought a car this weekend, and I am now the proud owner of a Subaru Outback. Though commonly thought of as a lesbian car, I just like to think of myself as "outdoorsy with a hint of soccer mom." (Although I've never been one to turn down the opportunity for a good laugh, and consequently have been the one making most of the jokes.) Also, I feel like this car fits my "liberal hippie" persona that I so enjoy elaborating on whenever my father is within earshot. So without further ado, I present to you: Subee Songs

Track 10 (I had to)

Music Monday

2010-10-11T16:21:00.001-06:00

This car business has really started to take its toll on me. Why I can't find the perfect car in the perfect condition for the perfect price is beyond me. Anyway, I've been battling my moodiness with more calm and soothing tunes than I usually listen to. So without further ado, I present....Mellow Music.

Track 1
Track 2
Track 3

note to readers: I don't really believe in blogs as a forum to whine and complain. My ramblings are 10% accurate and 90% overly-dramatic. I'm fine.

Music Monday

2010-10-04T14:46:00.000-06:00

I have been hoping, waiting, and praying for it to be fall for weeks now. This Seattle-bred gal likes her rainy days. So you can imagine my delight when I woke up to see the following forecast:

Beautiful, glorious, wonderfully cloudy, drizzly days alllllllll week long. To celebrate the arrival of rain boots, scarves, and "sweatah weathah," I present this week's music monday: Songs for Singing in the Rain

The classics: here and here.

The classic rock: here.

In a huge Fleetwood Mac phase right now (perhaps a clue to an upcoming Music Monday theme?) Rain-related Stevie Nicks here

The classic 80s pop: here.

The classic 90s grunge pop: here.

And some newer jams: here here and here

And for those of you who are fans of the Italian rap genre (who isn't, right?), I present a very special track here. "Piove" is the Italian word for rain.

Music Monday

2010-09-27T23:19:00.001-06:00

A lot of people spend all week waiting for the weekend to come. I, however, count down the days until Thursday, the night that Jersey Shore is on. I like to call it....Jersday.

And I know it's obnoxious and silly when people say that they liked something way before it was trendy.....but seriously guys, I was obsessed with New Jersey loooooong before these eight treasures appeared on our televisions. And ever since I saw the 2003 episode of MTV True Life: "I have a Summer Share" (not to be confused with the later, though equally spectacular, 2004 episode "True Life: I'm a Jersey Shore Girl"), I've loved the world of guidos, Jersey accents, and....techno music. So allow me to pretend to be DJ Pauly D for a moment here as I present this week's Music Monday: Jersey Shore Inspired Jams.

This playlist was inspired by a fantastic video (click here). Download the track here and dance to it over and over and over again...

And the jams keep on coming!

Track 9 (and please please please do yourself a favor and watch this video)

Music Monday

2010-09-20T22:38:00.001-06:00

It is with a heavy heart that I present today's music monday. Yesterday was the day that many people who know me have been waiting for....the day that my poor car died. She wasn't pretty, but that old Acura and I had a zillion memories together-- learning the meaning of "left turn yield on green" when I was 14 and driving through downtown Coeur d'Alene with a concerned father riding shotgun, a roadtrip to Seattle with two friends when we were seniors in high school and feeling very grown up, a solo roadtrip to California, a fourth of July Patriotism tour through Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore, and being pulled over at least 14 times and only getting one ticket. She was a champ.

Today I found out that I had lost my dear friend. Time of death, 11:47am. So I am abandoning my original playlist and instead mourning through this musical eulogy.

Track 1
Track 2
Track 3
Track 4

And as the grand finale......my living will insists that this song is played at my own funeral (preferably by the great Sir Elton himself), but it feels beyond fitting for and occasion such as this.

(download here)

Music Monday

2010-09-13T10:27:00.000-06:00

Remember that roadtrip to Boise that I made a few weeks ago? Well the whole reason for it was to celebrate my Dad's birthday by going to a concert....a Ted Nugent concert. Because sometimes I like to put on a flannel shirt, ripped jeans, and pretend like I am an extra in Dazed and Confused.

Presenting Other music that I'm too young to listen to: Dad Edition.

A couple of summers ago, Dad and I went to see Stephen Stills in concert, and I still maintain it was one of the best shows I've ever been to. Three of my favorite jams involve Mr. Stills: Here, here, and here.
Also excellent vintage jams: here, here, and here.
This is the ringtone that I have for when my dad calls me. Those who know him will know how true it is.

Fall TV Lineup

2010-09-08T13:47:00.000-06:00

Great news, friends. All my shows are back!

Download the calendar here.

Music Monday

2010-09-07T10:38:00.000-06:00

(one day late because of Labor Day)

Today I caught a glimpse of myself and realized that I looked like my mom circa 1989-- leggings, flats, a button up denim shirt, tortoise shell ray bans, and a shoulder bag. Which, in turn, reminded me of my roadtrip to Boise last weekend-- I put my ipod on shuffle, but skipped through most of the songs until I landed on music that I'm probably too young to enjoy as much as I do.

This week I bring you Vintage Favorites: Mom Edition (next week: Dad Edition)

Two favorites from the aforementioned concert: Here and here.

Why WOULDN'T you dance here?

This is from his band album, but I enjoy his solo stuff just as much.

Picking my favorite song from this duo was like Sophie's Choice for me.

And my number one absolute favorite Mom Jam ever. EVER. If you were to sort my itunes library by play count, you'd see this little number at the tippy top.

Happy 9/02/10 Day!

2010-09-02T16:51:00.001-06:00

Music Monday

2010-08-30T23:24:00.000-06:00

Last week I alluded to this week's theme with California Soul. I discovered said song while watching a Mad Men marathon a couple of years ago-- AMC was using the song to promote the new season of the show. Thank heavens for Shazam. Which is exactly what the following songs have in common: Songs That I Shazammed off of TV/Movies.

I've seen both of the Disney Earth Day specials the day they were released, which is due in part to the phenomenal songs they used in their trailers: Earth and Oceans.
I watch a lot of tv, and a lot of those tv shows have great songs (especially anything that Josh Schwartz or Rob Thomas have ever worked on). Examples found here, here, and here.
I also watch a lot of sappy romantic comedies, and two of the worst ones I've ever watched have introduced two phenomenal songs to my library: This one and this one. (You don't really think I'd really divulge WHICH bad movies they were, did you?)
Lastly...have you seen the trailer for the new Reese Witherspoon movie? That song isn't too bad either...

Music Monday

2010-08-23T14:56:00.000-06:00

My flight back from Boise left at 6am this morning, and I drove straight from the airport into work. Needless to say, I am feeling more than a little tired. So in honor of my groggy demeanor, the theme of today's Music Monday is: Songs I Listen to When I Get Ready in the Morning (it's a long list this week...editing isn't one of my talents)

Shooting Stars
Alone
Long Distance Call
Little Secrets
Fader
Half Mast
Rich Girls
The Sound

Genre-wise, this last song doesn't fit into this virtual mix-tape at ALL, but it's one of my absolute favorites. It's all about variety, people. I've been known to crank this up and put it on repeat while I put on my makeup and pretend that I live in a David Hockney painting. This song is also a bridge to next week's theme...
California Soul

(ps: Apparently there was a tiny bit of confusion last week...we're all aware of the fact that when you follow these links to stream the songs, there is also an extremely useful button in the upper right corner so that you can add them to your own personal library...right? )

This is Why I'm Fat: Fair Food Edition

2010-08-23T10:56:00.000-06:00

I went home to Boise this weekend to watch my sister and her horse compete in the fair. More on that later (after I get the pictures from Karen). First, I would like to discuss the best part of the fair: the food!

Main Courses

The Twisted Spud.....a spiral cut potato on a stick....deep fried, of course.

Sweet. Potato. Tots. Amaaaaaaazing!

A little sampler buffet we put together: sweet potato tots, nachos, Hawaiian noodles, an onion blossom. Not pictured: Corn dogs, cheese fries, frozen lemonade.

Desserts

Elephant Ear. An old fair classic with a modern twist: Maple frosting. It was basically a giant donut.

A Bluth Banana.

Deep Fried Twinkie.

An Idaho specialty: The Ice Cream Potato. A spud-shaped ball of ice cream, rolled in cocoa powder, topped with whipped cream, nuts, and oreos.

Music Monday

2010-08-16T11:16:00.000-06:00

In an effort to make my blog more interesting, I am adding a few new features. First up: Music Monday.

I'm going to try to keep a theme running, but sometimes I'm just going to post songs that I love at the moment. It will be like a regularly updated mix tape, from me to you. This week's theme: Mellow Remakes. It's like your favorite songs took a Xanax and a Sunday nap. Enjoy!

Whatever You Like

Umbrella

Less Than 100 Problems

Just Dance

Concert Season

2010-08-15T23:53:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite things about the summer is the wealth of concert opportunities it offers. Unfortunately, I'm the world's worst photographer, so I don't have any pics from a lot of them....but there are a few:

Backstreet Boys

Kings of Leon

Temper Trap

I wish I had taken pictures at any of the summer concert series shows in downtown SLC. Modest Mouse, Girl Talk, New Pornographers, Beirut...all so much fun! Still to come before the summer is done: Chromeo, Big Boi, She & Him. And maybe a super secret surprise that I'll reveal later...

Going Zen

2010-08-12T05:33:00.000-06:00

Clearly it's been a long time since I've even visited my blog....I came to post a slew of goodies, but felt like this old page needed some sprucing up first. I don't know wtf is up with the kind folks at blogger headquarters, but this new template design business is beyond silly, and what should have been a simple change has ended up as a complete design overhaul. Which is why my cute little bloggy is in plain jane "zen mode" right now.

Don't worry, I find it just as hideous as you do. Changes will be made just as soon as I can stop staring blankly at the screen while I mutter (ok, yell) obscenities. Stay tuned.

The Legend of the Monte Cristo

2010-08-12T05:28:00.001-06:00

Once upon a time, on a weekend trip to St George (which I mentioned almost 3 months ago), a car full of ladies stopped at the fine and fancy Timberline Restaurant. One member of the party informed the party that she had happened upon said restaurant a while back and was introduced to the most marvelous sandwich ever created.

The sandwich was known by the name of Monte Cristo, and is rumored to exist outside of the kingdom of Beaver. It consists of a ham, turkey, and cheese sandwich...dipped in its entirety in egg batter and deep fried. It is then dusted with powdered sugar and served with a side of whipped cream and strawberries. I can honestly say that it is a treat to be treasured. So far, I have managed to exercise enough self control to not research out more local venues for the regular consumption of Monte Cristos....although I can't make any promises regarding my long term future.

Sunshine Therapy

2010-05-22T00:49:00.000-06:00

Spending the weekend poolside in St. George. I'm so relaxed, I feel like I'm in one of those Corona ads.

Olé!

2010-05-21T23:31:00.000-06:00

Summer Meggan does crazy things like co-host big bashes for Mexican holidays. And when we throw a party, it looks a little something like this:

Steeeee-Rike!

2010-05-21T23:28:00.000-06:00

(Let's just go ahead and skip the whole "it's been a while, I'll be better, blah blah blah," shall we? Great.)

A while ago I went with some friends to the opening of this new bowling alley/bar in Park City. In addition to hanging out with the most petite man in the world, Apolo Anton Ohno, this night marked the debut of my new alter ego: Summer Meggan.

Summer Meggan has longer and lighter hair (heeeeey, new weave) and is a much more fun, easy going, carefree, and adventurous version of Original Meggan. She does have her faults though, which include choosing to wear incredibly unflattering shirts to bowling alleys. Ergo, the above-waist crop on these photos. And my decision to require myself to go to the gym for an hour and a half everyday before I'm allowed to watch tv.

But the hair looks great though, right?

Don't Pretend Like You Don't Sing Along To Ke$ha...

2010-05-05T15:18:00.000-06:00

MIA

2010-04-10T01:12:00.000-06:00

I've had a very full calendar lately, and I'm not so sure how I feel about it. I'm staying up later, I'm leaving the house more, and I'm falling behind on several tv shows. On the other hand, I've been living a life that exists beyond my office and sleep, so I suppose it's an ok thing. Here's a little snapshot of the things I've done that don't involve wearing sweatpants and eating Nerds Jellybeans (seriously, my new favorite candy).

I went to dinner with a massive amount of gal pals to celebrate Katherine's birthday

I seduced waiter at said birthday bash, who goes by the name Enrique. Through the course of dinner, we met, fell in love, hit a rough patch, and then decided to go our separate ways.

I attends several films with aforementioned gal pals and wondered why on earth 3D movies are such a "thing" nowadays. Hasn't this technology been around for decades now? Captian EO premiered 24 years ago, for heaven's sake.

I rejoiced in the fact that she was able to talk mother and the two tiny sibs to visit for part of spring break. And where better to rejoice than at legendary Provo hotspot Fat Cats?

Mavie and Me

2010-03-22T17:30:00.000-06:00

I miss this pup. Don't talk to me about it or I'll cry.

Wedding Crashers

2010-03-15T11:38:00.000-06:00

Every so often, the stars align and the universe presents the Pingree family with a reason to get together. A couple of weeks ago, that reason was the wedding of my cousin Justin. Did I mention that my Grandpa became an ordained reverend for the occasion?

Followers of the Pingree family may be excited to know that Sydney has officially outgrown her former goth phase and has now moved into a grey area between teen punk and Jenny Humphrey. I'll take it!

I enjoy hanging out with a younger crowd.

Maids of Honor, which are typically only allowed from Thanksgiving until New Years, were provided by Nanna Babs. So the cousins and I parked ourselves at a table right next to the platter and ate our weight in Maids and washed it down with peach punch that she smuggled across the Canadian border (true story).

~~Santa Claus~~ Dad and I declared a (temporary) truce from discussing politics, global warming, and my marital status...which resulted in three whole days of no arguments. I'm a lady, so I'm not going to tell you what joke he told between frames one and two of the picture above...

Sing us a song, you’re the piano man

2010-02-22T16:47:00.000-07:00

I fulfilled a lifelong dream on Friday night and saw Billy Joel and Elton John in concert. Yes, I was so excited I could hardly breathe. Yes, it was everything I hoped and more. Yes, I wanted to cry when it was over. And yes, I frequently enjoy hanging out in stadiums full of people more than twice my age.

(I only had my iphone to capture pictures with, but please enjoy this little treat that I found on youtube. Whoever filmed it must have been sitting right next to us.)

Woooo!

2010-02-19T14:44:00.000-07:00

Great News. Those of you who enjoy my tv updates will be thrilled to know that I have a new blog (this blog will remain for the purpose of sharing details of my personal life, which will mostly be pictures of my new "As Seen on TV" purchases) . Come join me and my co-author Steven as we talk about the greatest love of our lives: television programming.

www.tvstalker.blogspot.com

Bookmark it.

Important Superbowl Notes

2010-02-08T13:56:00.000-07:00

(and ps: how silver-foxy is Sean Payton? Just saying...)

Life Just Got 1000 Times Easier.

2010-02-01T16:47:00.000-07:00

...and 1000 times more fun!

TV Update

2010-01-28T14:40:00.000-07:00

As much as I love the Olympics, I am devastated that they are causing me to go without my regularly scheduled programming. However, since I am sure you all loved my last tv post so much, I am going to take this break to give everyone an update on all of the tv shows (ongoing, recently finished, or upcoming) that I hold near and dear to my heart. Day by day:

mon

Watching

How I Met Your Mother: This show is legen...wait for it...dary. Please refer to my favorite clip from the season: here

The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love: This show is mortifying and, frankly, I don't even know why I watch it. But I do. Let it be known that I am rooting for the villan, Vienna. Just because.

Chuck: Welcome back! Such a great show, season 3 just started back up in January.

Waiting For

Gossip Girl: Won't be back until March 8 :( Until then, might I suggest that you get your Blair Waldorf fix here. Llllloooooovvvveeee it.

Kell on Earth: Starts February 1. Finally someone got smart enough to give Kelly Cutrone her own show.

Rachel Zoe Project: It's been picked up for season 3, but no word yet on when it will air. Love the Zoe and the Brad, but my heart is broken that Tay has left the team :(

tue

Watching

Bad Girls Club: I was skeptical when I first started to watch this show two seasons ago, but was pleased to realize that it's everything I want the Real World to be, and then some. Well done, Oxygen!

Millionaire Matchmaker: Lindsay tweets "Millionaire matchmaker is brilliant. Patti can fix anyone who is willing to listen."

Waiting For

90210: Returns March 9 (Yes, I watch this. And I love it.)

Melrose Place: Returns March 9 (Yes, I also watch this. And I love it, too.)

Lost: Returns for the final season February 2 and OMG I am so excited I can hardly bear it. I'm having a season 5 marathon this weekend to brush up.

Glee: Returns April 13 (although I'd like to request more "Don't Stop Believin"s and fewer "Gold Digger"s. Ok? Thanks)

Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood: Returns April 5 (don't judge me)

The Hills: Only sort of missing this. Mostly I am fascinated with Heidi's plastic surgery at this point

The City: Love me some Erin. And Whitney's hair.

wed

Watching

Modern Family: Funniest show on tv

Cougar Town: I mean....it's a pretty good way to spend 30 minutes.

Friday Night Lights: (only on Direct TV right now)

Toddlers and Tiaras: I LIVE for this show. Spray tans + flippers + hair pieces = see you on the Jersey Shore in a few years, girls!

The Real World:DC: I shouldn't watch this, but I just can't give up on it. Letting go of the Real World would be like letting go of a piece of me.

Waiting For

America's Next Top Model: Returns March 3. Oh, Tyra...

Real World/Road Rules Challenge: Now THIS is a show I can get behind.

Top Chef: Did anyone else have a huge crush on Michael Voltaggio from last season?

thurs

Watching

The Office:

30 Rock: Sooooooomebody briiiing me some...........HAM!!!

Project Runway: Although, is anyone else getting kind of bored with the show? I blame Lifetime

Waiting For

Jersey Shore: I'm a bartender, I do great things. GTL forever

Survivor: Returns February 11. Heroes vs. Villians. I can't wait to see what Russell does next.

Real Housewives of NYC: Returns sometime in March. Also can't wait for Atlanta and New Jersey to return

fri

Watching

The Soup: Remember when I met Joel?

sat

Watching

SNL: John Hamm and Michael Buble this week?? Swoon.

sun

Watching

Giuliana and Bill: Just started this show, and I have to say that they are surprisingly not that annoying.

Keeping up with the Kardashians: Is anyone else on team Scott? I find him hilarious.

Awards Shows: Grammys, Emmys, Oscars...you name it

Waiting for

Celebrity Apprentice 3: March 14 (Rod Blagojevich and Bret Michaels in one show???)

Amazing Race: Returns February 14, and features this youtube phenomenon.

Mad Men: I miss Don and Betty every day. Seriously. EVERY day.

daily

Watching

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: I honestly LOL at this every night.

Chelsea Lately I record this every night and watch it in the morning when I get ready for work. Because I think it's important to start every day by brushing up on current events. I'm an informed citizen.

Missing :(

Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien: I'm not embarrassed to admit that I got teary when I saw his farewell speech. I'm with Coco.

...Oh, and I'm still not interested in watching:

American Idol

Vampire Diaries

True Blood

Biggest Loser

Ugly Betty

Greys Anatomy/Private Practice

Where Have I Been?

2010-01-19T16:54:00.000-07:00

Funkytown.

Population:1

...though it's not as great as that old disco hit would have you believe. I've got a major case of the blahs, and I just can't shake it.

Maybe it's because all of my Christmas decorations are down and it wasn't until I was taking the last box down to our storage unit that I realized that I hadn't taken a single picture of my cute little halls all decked.

Maybe it's because 2 weeks of not working only reminded me how much I'd love to not work.

I'm working on getting over it. Mostly by shopping way too much online (which is the best therapy I know of), but also by getting organized at home and at work, getting lots of sleep, and risking my life by picking up a certain downhill winter sport that I haven't participated in since high school. Pictures soon.

Playing Tour Guide

2009-12-11T20:27:00.000-07:00

I took these fine gentleman and their parents through the Mirror Mirror exhibit yesterday. So, so much fun. Kids are the best museum partners ever, they are so curious and imaginative-- I would rather look at an exhibition with a group of kids than a group of grad students any day.

Get Your Vote On

2009-12-08T16:39:00.000-07:00

Phase one of my little project at the BYU Art Museum is now complete, which means that it is time for everyone else to play along. We have collected all of the viewer portrait submissions and placed them online for you all to vote on. At the end of the voting period, we will tally up the results and display the winning portraits in the museum. So, click here and get your vote on. Voting is open to everyone in the whole wide world, and you can vote as much as you want....so do me a solid and spread the word, won't you?

Mirror Mirror is also still on display, and it is an absolute must-see. The best show I've ever seen at the MOA, no joke.

Back to Business

2009-12-04T22:01:00.001-07:00

In addition to cheaper car insurance, my 25 birthday gave me two of the most magnificent gifts ever (and I promise I'm not overselling these):

1. Jersey Shore
I've said it before and I'll say it a thousand times again: I. LOVE. JERSEY. Ever since I saw MTV's True Life: I Have a Summer Share (not to be confused with the equally great True Life: I'm a Jersey Shore Girl), I have been obsessed with the world of fake tans, excessive hair products, skintight cheap clothing, and house music. What is there not to love? This the only, and I repeat ONLY, demographic that should be wearing Ed Hardy and trucker hats. And they wear it proudly.
Honest to goodness, the names: Jolie, J-woww, Snookie, Sammi, DJ Pauly D, Ronnie, Vinny, and (my personal favorite) "The Situation." I don't want to ruin the 2-hour premiere for those of you who haven't caught it yet, so all I will say is get ready for hot tub action, "guidos" and "guidettes," club hookups, "fist pumping," a love triangle, secret piercings, an awesome summer job at a tshirt store, projectile drunken vomiting, and....well, you can just imagine. BEST SHOW ON TV.

2. Dominick the Donkey
I have been rocking out to the Christmas jams on Cozy 106.5 for weeks now. And I love singing my heart out to a silly little holiday ditty as I cruise around town to do all of my Christmas shopping. But when I was driving yesterday, little number came on that I had never heard before, and it has literally changed my life. This is quite possibly my new favorite song. Ever. Please add it to your holiday playlist asap, you won't regret it. Click here to download.

East Coast Italian-Americans on tv + Italian Christmas jams = everything I could ever want my December to be

Becember Fird

2009-12-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

Hello, mid-twenties.

Sometimes I have days where I feel like the whole world is shaking its fist at me...

2009-11-30T09:55:00.001-07:00

...and then I run into this and I know it's true.

Already counting down the days until the weekend.
(Photo taken by moi in the big city-- a wee bit of research has revealed that Meggs is actually a graffiti artist. Just FYI)

Concrete jungle where dreams are made of

2009-11-24T01:36:00.000-07:00

Couldn't have asked for a better trip. The weather was gorgeous (60 and sunny? In November? Yes, please!) and I took my little self out on the town for a week of work and play until I collapsed on the airplane ride home five days later.

Contemporary museum of art. I love a museum that's a work of art on the outside and the inside. (And I love any place that decides to write "Hell, Yes!" in giant, permanent, light-up, rainbow lettering).

Visual over-stimulation=Mood Fabrics. Could have spent DAYS in the garment district. Can't wait to get crafty with some of my finds.

And how does the solo traveler spend her time at the end of a trip when she still wants to see so much but has feet that are threatening to disconnect themselves from her body if she takes another step? Why, she makes her way to the famed Circle Line boat tours (I pretended I was hanging out with George and Michelle on the set of One Fine Day) and takes the 2 hour tour: daylight down the Hudson, sunset at the Statue of Liberty, dusk up the East River, and then nighttime as we made our way back. Highly recommended.

In the words of my dear friend Nicole, "There it is, the big city."

(No camera? No problem-- there's an app for that. And fake polaroids do an excellent job of disguising poor photo quality.)

Boo

2009-11-12T09:30:00.000-07:00

I am going to blame my lack of posting on my broken camera situation. (The above picture is not my actual camera, but rather the one that I think I need to purchase to replace it.How cool would I be pulling that little honey out of my purse?) Not that I really have anything that I could take a picture of and blog about, but still...it seems like a viable excuse, no? I am more than a little ticked off because I just barely bought this camera in March and now I have to fork over money for a new one not even a year later. Also, I am leaving for New York on Saturday and what if I happen to encounter a celebrity or something? I will have nothing to document that besides my crappy iPhone camera.

BTW, if you're looking for a hilarious read, might I suggest a google search for ways to fix a nikon coolpix with a lens error message? Solutions include dropping it on a tile floor, pushing in the lens until you hear a crack, hitting it with the spine of a hardback book....http://bit.ly/3pV6aj

Sushi, Baby.

2009-11-01T20:49:00.000-07:00

I don't particularly enjoy All Hallow's Eve, but I do think it's fun for kids. And since my Goddaughter's 6 month birthday just so happened to fall a week before Halloween, I decided to make her a little costume. Presenting....baby sushi.

(A slice of fish, a seaweed belt, and a ginger and wasabi headband.)

Look how excited she is! We got girlfriend all gussied up and took her out to lunch at Happy Sumo. (This was a daytime costume, Mom and Dad had a change of dress for her to sport in the evening.)

Oh Snap!

2009-10-26T13:54:00.001-06:00

Now that the exhibit is open, I need to ask for a little help. Part of my involvement at the museum has included the creation of an interactive, online component. I am so excited about this project and the opportunity to make the museum more accessible to the public. You can participate in just 4 easy steps:

1. Create a portrait. The fun thing about this exhibit is that it's contemporary portraiture, so it doesn't have to be a traditional head shot and it doesn't have to be a self portrait-- it can be anything that represents the concept identity. Make a sculpture of your mother's hands. Take a picture of a child. Paint yourself. Visit the Mirror, Mirror exhibition for inspiration. We are looking for works from everyone-- children, students, professionals, amateurs, you name it. The more diverse the entries, the more fun this project will be!

2. Submit your work. The only requirement is that it has to be submitted digitally, but it doesn't have to be a "digital" work...so take a photo of your sculpture, scan your painting, etc. Email your final work to byusnap@gmail.com anytime between now and midnight on December 9th, 2009. (Official rules found here)

3. Vote! On December 9-January 19, go back to the MOA website to vote on your favorite works. Voting is completely anonymous and the works will not include the artist's name, so don't be shy!

4. The Results Show. On January 21, there will be a panel discussion at the Museum (featuring yours truly--yikes!) and the winners will be displayed.

Thanks!
questions can be sent to me at meggan{dot}pingree{at}gmail{dot}com

Mirror, Mirror

2009-10-21T11:16:00.000-06:00

The exhibition I have been working on all summer is opening tomorrow! There is a big party at the museum tomorrow with music, food, and a few of the artists, and it is free and open to the public...please stop by! If you can't make it to the opening, the show will be up until April, which gives you plenty of time to go take a peek.

Whoops

2009-10-11T23:57:00.000-06:00

Sincerest apologies to the 5 of you who read my blog. Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while...I'm in a bit of a funk. And the best way to beat a funk? A little sun and fun with these buddies:This trip should provide material for at least a few upcoming blog posts. Mostly because I was promised that my visit would include a dance party inspired by this amazing bit of video footage. O.M.G.

I <3 Alan

2009-09-21T18:12:00.000-06:00

Today I got a package in the mail from my dear friend Alan. When I opened it, I let out a shriek of delight-- a package of Ed Hardy tattoos and a handmade tshirt with a dragon and a rhinestone skull and crossbones!!
Fun Fact: Alan attends University of Virgina, which is widely recognized as one of the snobbiest universities in America. The only person that loves this little factoid more than Al is moi, which is why I chose to pair his gift with pearls.

As seen on TV, part two

2009-09-04T20:01:00.000-06:00

A tweet from gal pal Emmy reminded me that I needed to blog about my other favorite "as seen on tv" item. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you.....the one and only Bumpit.

For those of you who don't know, the Bumpit is a handy little device that was created to give your hair volume and srtucture, when simple teasing just isn't enough. These little honeys are super popular in the land of ratting your hair, aka Utah county. So, if you can't beat 'em...

One package of Bumpits contains three inserts in different sizes. The big one is great for that bouffant-like volume at the crown:

...and the tiniest one is great for pulling your hair back into what my sister Sydney has informed me the kids at Eagle High School are referring to as a "slut bump." (Kids these days...)Big shout out to bff and hairstylist Lindsay, who actually gave me these little gems. My hair will never be flat ever again!

Fall Lineup

2009-09-03T00:08:00.000-06:00

Disclaimer: This is going to be a lengthy post. Go ahead and stop reading/start skimming now if you can't handle it.

I've really been looking forward to the return of some of my best friends, aka tv shows. I decided to really get organized, and I thought I might as well share it with my loyal 3 blog readers.

First of all, most shows are starting back up this month. Below you will see a calendar of those premiere dates (I somewhat borrowed this from here, so if you think some shows missing from my version then you might want to check it out).

(click to enlarge)

There are a lot of old reliable shows coming back, a lot of shows I refuse to watch, a lot of new shows starting, and a number of shows that I am thisclose to aborting.

Glee: caught the first episode of this as a free download on iTunes and fell in LOVE. Normally the choir-type folks kind of make me uncomfortable, but this show is so funny and so well done that I was able to overcome my singaphobia.
Melrose Place: never watched the original, but I love the new 90210 (in the way that you love a lifetime original movie)...so why not? Interested to see Ashley Simpson back on the television (remember when she was in 7th Heaven?). Also, they use a Britney song on their promo ad and have the skankiest slogans ever ("Menage a Tues"? "Tuesday's the new humpday"? I mean....come on!), which means I'm totally on board.
The Beautiful Life: Mostly I'm excited to see what Marissa Cooper's been up to lately
Community: Joel McHale? Sold. Nothing more needs to be said.
Modern Family: Don't know a ton about this show, but the preview made me laugh hysterically.
Cougar Town: First of all, I love anything having to do with Cougars and I can't wait until I become one. And also I love Courtney Cox Arquette.

These don't need a huge description. Mad Men is AMAZING; I wish I could compete on the Amazing Race; Entourage is great this season; Gossip Girl is AMAZING; HIMYM is hysterical; I die over Rachel Zoe; 90210, ANTM, and The City are mindless fun; excited that SYTYCD is now on in the fall; Toddlers & Tiaras is horrifying and amazing; I have never been bored watching an episode of RW/RR Challenge; SNL, Weekend Update, and The Office make for great quotes throughout the following week; 30 Rock is one of the funiest shows ever made; PR is back after a much too long break; The Soup is genius; and I watch late night talk shows every night when I fall asleep. Also, I love basically anything that E! (Denise Richards, Girls Next Door, Kardashians) and Bravo (Top Chef, Top Design, Real Housewives, Millionaire Matchmaker, etc.) come out with.

I haven't given these up...yet. I will probably record them, save them up, and watch them all on a particularly boring Saturday morning or something. And then I'll eventually lose interest and give up.
Desperate Housewives: The plot is far fetched and predictable, but they're still playing themselves off as a legitimate drama. I've watched this show religiously but last season I left the season finale on my dvr and still haven't watched it.
Parks and Recreation: I love everyone in this show, but I watched the first two episodes and just couldn't get into it. I'm giving it one more shot this season.
Dancing with the Stars: I've started to watch like three seasons, but never made it all the way through. I just feel like I need to watch just to know what all of the celeb magazines are talking about.
Hell's Kitchen: Used to watch, didn't watch last season, but I just might try it out again this year.
The Hills: Over Speidi, over Audrina, already over Kristen...but I still love Lo. I'm torn.
Real World Cancun: I have been a RW die hard since I was a mere tween and had to secretly record the show and watch it when my mom was gone. But the drunken, silly antics are just getting...boring. Is this what it means to grow up?
VH1 Dating Shows: is EVERY show on vh1 some sort of a dating show spin off? Loved Flav, loved NY, loved Bret Michaels...but there are just way too many now. I'm over it.

Weeds: just barely ended this season, and I am seriously dying for the next one to start already. GREAT show, and I pass on grass.
FNL: watched seasons 1-3 over the summer and can't wait to be reunited with Lila and Tim. I miss my Texan friends.
Chuck: this show is delightfully silly, and I am really interested to see how they shake up this next season.
LOST: I mean, do I need to say anything? This show confuses me in ways I've never been confused before. How's it going to end???
Kardashians: I'm sort of getting my fix of these Armenian beauties via "Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami," but I still miss Kris and Bruce and the rest of the gang.
FOTC: To be honest, I mostly watch this on dvd. But still...
Bravo/MTV Series: Does anyone know if "16 and Pregnant" is coming back for another season?

It may not seem like I would ever turn down a tv show, but there are actually a few that I just can't do. I have my reasons.
Grey's: I watched religiously for the first three seasons. But then Izzy went loco and Merideth and McDreamy were back and forth and back and forth and blah blah blah...hate it now.
Private Practice: A Grey's spinoff? No thanks. How is this even still on the air?
True Blood, Vampire Diaries: I saw the first two episodes of TB and literally almost threw up. GROSS. I very well might be the only female in America who is not on board with this whole vampire trend. I don't get it...they are creepy and scary and I don't find the slightest bit of sex appeal in the whole fang look.
Fringe: also freaks me out. Sorry, JJ Abrams. Normally I'm such a fan.
American Idol: also I think I'm the only person in America who doesn't like this show. You know, amature people singing in public....pass.
Family Guy: Ugly animation, and I don't really think that it's appropriate to laugh and encourage that much sass from a baby. IMHO
Ugly Betty: Is it just me, or does that America chick seem like a real beyotch? Also, how did they manage to make an entire series based on the first half hour of "The Devil Wears Prada"?
Californication: I saw the pilot, and I'm sorry, but I am not buying that the nerd from Xfiles is now a super-stud manwhore. Were there no other available actors for this show?

So that's pretty much it. I'm beyond thrilled about having a show to watch every night. For a daily breakdown of what I'll be watching:

Koozies Galore

2009-09-01T16:21:00.000-06:00

It's official-- I have a koozie collection. In California, my aunt Andrea came home from this store with this little delight, which proved to be both hilarious as well as functional:

And on Sunday, I was presented with this little gem, which was brought all the way back from a truck stop outside of Vegas by my aunt Lisa and uncle Dave. Can Koozie + Ed Hardy = a dream come true. I can practically see it in the hands of a skeezy UNLV frat boy. Party on!

And in case you're wondering....yes, I use them at work. Every day.

Babysitters Club

2009-08-31T10:58:00.000-06:00

Auntie Meggan and Baby Poppy had some quality one-on-one time this weekend while Aaron and Lindsay were partying it up in the Vegas. Fans of Arrested Development (the show, not the band) will appreciate Pop Tart's custom made onesie that she was sporting when I showed up. Lindsay is a genius.

We spent the weekend watching Nickelodeon and Bravo (both her choice, I swear), and I taught Poppy many useful things that she will need to know in the future, like how to not swear around her parents and how to order delicious drinks at Sonic Happy Hour.

We had a grand old time and I managed to survive playing mom for a couple of days (or rather, Poppy survived me playing mom). And then I came home to a quiet, spit-up free house and realized that I like taking care of (some) other people's babies much more than I like the idea of taking care of my own.

(yes, those are seahorses on her outfit. I'd prefer not to talk about it.)

Olan Mills called...

2009-08-29T21:54:00.000-06:00

On the very first day of freshman orientation at BYU, I met Steven. We have been bff ever since, and this month he broke up with me and moved to Texas to get a fancy-schmancy phd in genetics. Down side: my tv/shopping/movies/eating/everything buddy has left me, but the plus side: he moved to Dallas (home of Neiman Marcus as well as a Sprinkles cupcake shop, so visiting might not be so bad), and his departure gave us an excuse to have an "Adios, Partner!" party with the Catanos. What does such a party entail? Dinner at Texas Roadhouse, western wear......and photos at the Wal Mart portrait center. O.M.G.

I don't even know where to start. Yes, these photos were taken at WalMart by a photog named....wait for it...Angel. Yes, I am tan as can be (this was two days after I got back from my week long vacay in California). Yes, Poppy is wearing a custom made onesie that Lindsay made with the state of Texas that says "I Love" and then a picture of Steven's face. And yes, we laughed to the point of tears all through the entire session, all through dinner, and when I picked up the prints and took them to Lindsay's birthday dinner.

Sister, Sister

2009-08-29T21:19:00.000-06:00

Last week was full of shopping, eating, and watching chick flicks. A perfect week to have before heading into the stresses and strains of being a high school sophomore.

Sydney flew in on Sunday, where we made a chocolate silk pie to celebrate her 15th birthday (which was the Wednesday before).
The next day, after some shopping in Salt Lake, we went out for Thai food (a first for Syd, but a weekly occurance for me). The verdict? Bangkok Grill gets two thumbs up!
The next day we explored the world of sushi at Happy Sumo. Earlier this summer, my friend Katie (or is is Kate? I'm confused what to refer to you as now...) had her younger sister visit and noted "All my little sis wants to do is take pics and post them on Facebook. " Truer words have never been blogged...

The might before she left, I took Sydney up the canyon to Sundance for a little art project. If you sketch at night time, all you can see are silouettes and you end up with a cool abstract-ish line drawing.

Sydney sees the signs as a good place to take a cool facebook picture. I see them as a great way to push my green agenda and further disappoint my conservative parents. Everybody wins.
We were having a blasty blast until some crazy bat decided to swoop a little too closely (multiple times), causing us to run to the car waving our arms and shreiking. Boo.
We were up way too late that night and had to go to the airport way too early the next morning. Good news is that since she is under 18, I got to get a super cool security pass to go wait at the gate and people watch with Sydney until she got on the plane to go home.

...and now it is quiet and lonely at my apartment. Who is coming to visit next??

Woot!

2009-08-24T08:26:00.000-06:00

Little sister Sydney is in town this week for some sisterly bonding and back to school shopping. Detailed photo journal coming soon...but for now, a little old school:

As seen on TV, part one

2009-08-19T14:12:00.000-06:00

Chilly in the office? Might I suggest something from the Snuggie brand, which now comes in designer colors and prints. I opted for the leopard version, naturally. Apparently our office AC is set in global warming mode, and the only thing that is preventing frostbite is this little fleece wonder. (Also, it's a great conversation piece.) Accept no impostors: please note the brand tag on the sleeve. Too legit to quit...
(Also please note the can cozy in the bottom left corner. You can take the girl out of the vacation, but you can't take the vacation out of the girl....)

Update: Snuggie-inspired conversation found here. And add ShaLyse's blog to your list, she is a must-read! xoxo

Art Appreciation

2009-08-14T10:56:00.000-06:00

Remember episode 108 of Arrested Development where the Bluths attend the Living Classics pageant and Tobias ruins Michelangelo's "The Creation of Adam" with his denim cut off shorts? Well, that was nothing compared to these skills....Presenting:

"The Scream"

"American Gothic"
also please note Andrea and Maddy in the background with a perfectly executed photo sneak. Bravo, ladies!

...and then we went to the store and found even more art on candy packaging. How cultural, right?

Also, please tell me you have seen and made fun of all of the cars driving around with stickers on the back depicting their family. wtf? I am especially fond of the ones that get creative-- a car just down the street from us had skull and crossbone family members (the girls had pink bows, naturally). Well, we didn't want to shell out the cash, so we made our own, full-color versions out of puff paint. And to be honest, I like them better. Etsy shop coming soon (kidding).

CA Highlights: Surf Camp

2009-08-12T23:58:00.000-06:00

After a very last minute, very late night change of plans; a bag that was the exact weight limit; and getting upgraded to first class...I made it to San Diego.Right after I flew in, I went to the Del Mar Beach to watch some of my cousins at their last day of surf camp.

This is the famous "Board Walk," where everyone in the camp lines up their boards and each person gets a chance to run across them.

CA Highlights: Life's a Beach

2009-08-12T23:57:00.000-06:00

The week was spent at the beach house in Oceanside. The daily routine was: wake up, eat breakfast on the porch, change into swimsuits, hag out on the beach, shower, change into sweats, eat dinner, sleep, and repeat. It was amazing.

"Hang Twenty"

I got a lesson on how to boogie board from some of the best teachers on the seas. I was...well, I was ok. MOstly I was concerned about the amount of sand that was getting in my swimsuit.
...Then I tried skim boarding. Once. And my knee is still healing.

Lessons learned: I am much better at sitting on the beach, reading fine literature, and getting the world's best tan.

CA Highlights: A Street Fair, A Dance Party, and Overall Silliness

2009-08-12T23:55:00.000-06:00

There are so many pictures to post, so I've grouped together a few little collages. Click to enlarge, if you're really that interested...

Oceanside Sunset Street Fair

Silly Action Shots

Cornrows/Afros for the Boys

Rave on the Beach

This is Why I'm Fat: California Edition

2009-08-12T23:50:00.000-06:00

A week in California offered plenty of fattening opportunities!

1. Sprinkles Cupcakes
It took a bit of a roadtrip, but it was absolutely worth it. These little treats are absolutely, without a doubt, the best cupcakes I have ever had. Better than Baked and Wired, better than Georgetown Cupcake, better than Magnolia, better than Sweet Tooth Fairy (this sentence is further evidence of why I'm fat...)

2. Root Beer Float Night
I had to resurrect one of my signature "this is why my cousins think I'm fun" treats. Ice cream, root beer, cookie straw.

3. Pizza Cookie
...and then the next night, I made my other "this is why my cousins think I'm fun" treat. We made three: original, M&M, and Princess (complete with Disney sprinkles). And maybe one of the participants was crying about an upset stomach afterward...

4. Oceanside Street Fair
a. Custom Cookies
I didn't even know a red velvet cookie existed. And then they drizzled my german chocolate cookie with frosting

b. Danky's Donuts
A.MAZ.ING. They had a teeny tiny deep fryer conveyor belt (Lil' Orbitz, in case you don't know what to get me for Christmas this year). These little dreams come in glazed, powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate.

5. Del Mar Fair Reenactment
The fried delights are legendary...Elise blogged about them recently, and my cousin Sam told me all about his sampling of the chocolate covered bacon. So we decided to DIY.

...and in case you are curious, the consensus was not that good, not that bad.

6. Potato Shack
The day we checked out of the beach house, we went to brunch at the Potato Shack in Encinitas. Their pancakes are legendary, partly because of their gargantuan size and partly because of their unfortunate name. Being the well-mannered and ladylike flower that I am, I have to say that I found this name incredibly offensive and didn't make a single inapporpriate joke during the meal. Or on the way there. Or afterwards...

...and then I came home and threw away my bathroom scale and skinny jeans.

CA Highlights: Family Pictures

2009-08-12T23:45:00.001-06:00

The whole beach crew: Andrea, Seth, Sarah, Scott, David, Lisa, me, Sam, Jackson, Susan, Tess, Maddy, Dane, Relish, Grandad, and Sandra

The Tureks

The Coopers

The Harts, sans parents

Sailors

Probably one of my favorite pictures ever. Grandad never saw us coming, and yes I really am that much shorter than everyone.

Until next year.... The End

KH

2009-08-10T00:32:00.000-06:00

Pictures of the beach are on their way, but until then.....a little treat for the Cooper/Turek/Hart readers.

...and in case you doubt the validity, please go to twitter.com/kylehunter. I am speechless and only wish that we could have shared the special moment that was me receiving this glorious little tweet.

OOF

2009-07-31T00:56:00.000-06:00

(which stands for "out of office")

I am taking the next week off for a much-needed little extended-family reunion. In case you need a visual, I will be tweeting/blogging from here:

Lake of Bears

2009-07-27T11:38:00.000-06:00

The Pingree family used the 50th birthdays of my mom and my uncle Jim as an excuse to spend a weekend together at Bear Lake. We used to go to Bear Lake for family reunions a lot when I was younger, but it had been 8 years since our last trip and everyone was beyond excited to go back.

(I am awful at remembering to take pictures when I am on vacation, so most of these photos are stolen from my mom-- if you are friends with her on facebook, then you've probably seen them already. And if you AREN'T friends with her on fb....well, you should be. Add Karen HERE.)

Bear Lake by the Numbers

Travel
162: Miles from Provo to Logan
1: number of tickets I got out of on the way there
5: number of vehicle related incidents in the family before we even got to the lake

People
29.5: number of Pingrees attending (one is preggo)
7.5: number of Pingrees missing (another preggo)

10: number of Pingrees under the age of 18
95: percent of the time we all acted like we were under the age of 18

Entertainment
6: number of people on a water weenie

75: percent of people whose skim boarding skills provided endless amusement
0: number of devices Logan used besides his bare hands to catch a fish
11: how much this grossed me out on a scale of 1-10

Food
30: pounds of buffalo wings we consumed on the first night's dinner
2: number of raspberry shakes I had from Le Beaus over the weekend
2: number of Old Ephraim pizzas ordered
2: maximum number of slices of Old Ephraim able to be consumed in one sitting

This Is Why We'll ALWAYS Be Fat

2009-07-07T16:21:00.000-06:00

Fourth of July= Freedom Festival in downtown Provo= street vendors, snowcones, and delicious fried goods. Presenting....the deep fried oreo:
There were four of us (minus one, because Poppy's mom wouldn't let her partake), four cookies, and Steven decided to help himself to the extra. So I marched him right to the 1776 Freedom Village and taught him a lesson.

Brother/Sister Bonding Week: Day One

2009-07-04T21:55:00.000-06:00

I brought my brother back to Utah with me. Logan and I spent four days playing in the mountains, going to museums, going to Transformers 2, and eating burgers and hot dogs. It was so much fun to act like a 12 year old!

Our first meal in Provo was a J Dog. Logan thought that the special sauce was heaven sent, and I can't say that I disagree.

Then we went for a walk around BYU. We went to the art museum and then walked across campus to meet Steven at work, where he gave us a tour of the fish and turtle tanks downstairs. Ewwwww...
That evening we went to go watch cousin Jackson play a baseball game. After the game, I made the very bold decision to take Jackson, Relish, and Logan back to my place for a slumber party. We watched Bolt, had popcorn and rootbeer floats, and I am pretty sure that I went to bed before they did AND woke up after them.

Brother/Sister Bonding Week: Day Two

2009-07-04T21:50:00.000-06:00

Tuesday was our outdoorsy day. We went up to Park City and met Natalie for lunch and a little alpine coaster action.

On our drive back to Provo, Logan and I stopped at Sundance to take a little ride on the chairlift and look at the mountains where his dad used to be a ski instructor. Logan was more interested in squirting all of the squirrels with his water bottle (OK, maybe I laughed at that too. More than I'd like to admit).

Our next stop in Provo Canyon was Bridal Veil Falls, where our Mom and Dad got engaged. Logan loved climbing on the rocks and I stayed at the bottom with my feet in the cold water, calculating how long it would take to drive to the hospital when he fell and cracked his head open.

After all of this we were both exhausted, so we went home, ordered a pizza, and fell asleep in front of the tv.

Brother/Sister Bonding Week: Day Three

2009-07-04T21:47:00.000-06:00

I had to work on Wednesday, so Logan went to Seven Peaks with his cousins. That evening, we went to a bbq with family and then off to Transformers 2, but in between all of that we went to the Bean Museum.

Logan took the "Do Not Touch" signs very seriously, and was very concerned with my lack of respect for the museum. But then I took a silly picture with one of the signs and he felt peer pressured to do the same. That's what big sisters are for...

Our sister Sydney thinks ducks are disgusting, so Logan was super excited to see a whole wall of stuffed ducks. Because that's what little brothers are for...

Despite growing up in a conservative household, Logan has learned a thing or two from me. Like the fact that our carelessness has lead to global warming, which has led to the melting of the polar ice caps, which is causing the polar bears to drown. I like to think that I'm leaving my mark on future generations.

{Please NO comments on me wearing a baseball hat. Spending a week with a 12 year old boy apparently made me think it is ok to dress like one.}

Brother/Sister Bonding Week: Final Day

2009-07-04T21:46:00.000-06:00

On our last day together, we went to lunch at Marley's, which has the best sliders and fries ever.

I also introduced Logan to one of Utah's favorite art forms: small scale replicas of famous stone structures.

There's mini-Stoneghenge in Orem...

...and mini-Rushmore in Liberty Land....

...and a mini-Sphinx with the face of Joseph Smith. Gilgal Garden, ladies and gents. Run, don't walk.

Then we went to Temple Square, mostly because I felt like my mother would kill me if the only LDS culture I exposed my impressionable young brother was the JS Sphinx.

(Logan loves geneology, and the doors to the Salt Lake Temple were designed by a Pingree relative-- an "I don't know how many greats" grandfather)

And then we were off to the airport. Such a fun weekend-- come back soon, Logan!!!

Dad Day

2009-06-21T00:35:00.000-06:00

....Also, I am home because this weekend is a two-for-one deal:

Happy Father's Day!

Me and Dad

Casual Dad

Fancy Dad (heeeeeey, yellow tux!)

Fifty is Nifty

2009-06-20T00:22:00.000-06:00

I am home in Idaho celebrating my favorite Mom's birthday (...and scanning the entire Pingree family photo archives, get ready for a whole lotta vintage).

Things that are also 50:

The Day the Music Died
Susanna Hoffs
Alaska
John McEnroe
The Japanese 10 yen coin
Barbie
The anniversary of Frank Lloyd Wright's death
Flavor Flav
The Prime Minister of Norway
Perry Farrell
Ben Hur
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in NYC
Disney's Sleeping Beauty
Robert Smith
The HIV virus
Ryan Stiles
The Twilight Zone tv series
Eliot Spitzer
Burl Ives' "Best Supporting Actor" Oscar

This Is Why We're Fat

2009-06-16T16:38:00.000-06:00

If you haven't already, please take a few moments to visit one of the best websites ever, www.thisiswhyyourefat.com. This site is a favorite around my office-- we love to crowd around a computer and scroll through the pictures, commenting on which ones are the most revolting and which ones look downright delicious.

This last saturday, I was on my way to the farmers market when I got a series of emails from Natalie. The emails were as follows:

Subject: This is why Em's fat

Subject: This is why Michael is fat

(no subject)

So I responded with my own images of food related debauchery...

Subject: This is why Steven is fat

Subject: This is why I'm fat
sidenote: the Provo Farmer's Market now carries a local version of the Bluth Banana! I prefer mine with milk chocolate and sprinkles

Friday night tivo comes to life...

2009-06-14T22:14:00.000-06:00

The magnificent Joel McHale came to SLC this weekend and it was amazing.

I got a shirt with Spaghetti Cat on it (it was a difficult choice between that and "creepy flesh colored beard")
...and then Joel signed the aforementioned shirt (please note the number of Gs in my name)

He also signed this guys Ed Hardy shirt with the phrase "Douche Cape by Joel McHale"

I also met him and got the blurriest picture ever taken. Way to go, designated picture taker...

Dear Readers

2009-06-05T17:13:00.000-06:00

I have much to blog about but am too hurt that no one had ANYthing to say about my mummies. That was some of my best material, people. And nothing is more offensive than someone not thinking I'm funny (seriously, I'm hilarious), so in the words of my dear friends Twisted Sister, I'm "not going to take it anymore."

Loves it.

2009-05-24T22:50:00.000-06:00

I started off my Saturday with the Farmer's Market in Provo. The market was pretty small, but there were some great vendors and I am making it a part of my weekly summer routine. Steven and I wandered through the tents, sampling yummy food and eating so much cotton candy that we made ourselves sick.

Saturday evening I had a little one on one time with my gal pal Poppy. Her parents went out to dinner and we spent a delightful evening together, just the two of us.

Curses! Part Deux

2009-05-24T00:24:00.000-06:00

Remember my fear of ancient Egypt? (Please see Curses! Part One) Apparently the Nile is a popular vacation spot....my dear friends the Kennedys just embarked on a middle eastern jaunt and returned bearing gifts. Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present the miniature sarcophagus and mummy tchotchke:Yeah, so you slide off the top and inside there is a tiny little mummy all wrapped in gauze. wtf. Continuing the "Curses! Part One" tradition, please comment and leave your favorite creepy scenario involving this treasure:

1. I wake up in the morning, roll over in bed, and look at the sarcophagus sitting on my desk. The lid has slid off and the mummy is sitting upright, looking straight at me.
2. I hear a strange tapping noise which appears to be comming from the coffin, and when I remove the lid, a strange smoke comes out and the mummy is missing. This is followed by a series of events not unlike the biblical 10 Plagues of Egypt (which is especially threatening because the tenth plague, as we all know, is the death of the firstborn, aka: yours truly).
3. I come home from work to see the mummy out of his box and sitting on the couch watching television.
4. Other

Note:

2009-05-22T00:21:00.000-06:00

{My extensions have been in since January. It's not that much longer, but it is twice as thick...a difference that no one really notices but me. I like to think that it is a good sign that no one can tell a difference...the phrase "Oh, you must have extensions" is not necessarily a compliment. For examples, please turn on VH1 and view the latest episode of Rock of Love...}

Why I Love Hair Extensions

2009-05-18T22:19:00.000-06:00

The good Lord has seen fit to endow me with a ...."less than desirable" head of hair. It's thin, it grows at a rate similar to that of continental drift, and every day I get 17-38 new grey hairs (which show up beautifully against a dark brown backdrop). And the thing I hate most is that I don't have a cute ponytail. What I have, instead, is a pitiful little cluster of scraggly hairs that has been the same length since I was 6. The ONE brightside to this is that it has provided me with a countless amount of humorous comparisons, which I have neatly compiled together in this handy little collage (one is me pre-ext, betcha can't pick me out!):
The good news is that with the magic of a wonderful hairstylist, a little glue, and a few strands of hair harvested from the head of a middle eastern woman (I like to think that I'm helping these women by providing them with income from their own personal renewable resource), I now have locks past the shoulders AND a ponytail that doesn't make my own mother, the woman who is supposed to love you unconditionally, laugh in my face and go "what is THAT??" (True story, Christmas 2009). The end.

Happiness is:

2009-05-12T10:48:00.001-06:00

Sonic drink
Real Housewives of NYC marathon
Laptop for internet shopping
Sweat pants (not pictured)

I was going to go home for Mother's Day weekend....

2009-05-11T12:09:00.000-06:00

...but Mommy Dearest decided to take a weekend-long motorcycle licensing workshop instead. Because Pingrees are cool like that.

Oh, and she totally passed. I'm so proud/mortified. You go girl. Woo!

get me out of here

2009-05-06T13:00:00.000-06:00

I don't know if it's the spring weather or the fact that I've been watching too much of the Amazing Race or the long, stressful workdays I've been having lately, but I have got a severe itch to go somewhere. Anywhere. So far, my options:

San Diego
Pros: I can stay with family, nice weather, lots of friends in the general area to meet up with
Cons: Not at all ready for swimsuit season

Las Vegas
Pros: Close and easy to get to, more great weather, driving instead of flying=more flexibility
Cons: Not the best city if I do a solo vacay, which I am 83% sure this will be

Chicago
Pros: lots of art and architecture, chance to see a lot of things I missed the first time around (I went a few years ago and have really wanted to go back ever since)
Cons: I tentatively have a mommy daughter trip scheduled there and it might not make sense to go now and then go again in a couple of months

New York
Pros: dying to go back since my trip in November, great city to do solo
Cons: my secret great-location-cheap-rooms hotel has now tripled their price, there is a good chance that going back will remind me how badly I want to move there and I will return depressed

...Or maybe I should just save my pennies for a bigger trip this fall? I am dying to go here:
...but do I dare travel abroad by myself?

Someone please make this decision for me.

Mommy Dearest

2009-05-04T23:09:00.000-06:00

Normally these are my cousins:
...But when I spend the weekend babysitting, they look more like this:

Saturday and Sunday were spent eating delicious treats (the root beer float with the cookie straw was a new favorite, causing one of the kids to look up at me and say "These taste adorable!"), watching all the kids shows that I've been secretly wanting to see (Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar 2, and Yo Gabba Gabba), and....having a breakdancing/meditation party on the deck in the great spring weather.

2 cylindrical containers = 1 square meal

2009-05-04T23:01:00.000-06:00

The other day, a coworker passed me as I was eating my breakfast at my desk and exclaimed "Wow, look at you with your healthy breakfast!" without the slightest hint of sarcasm. Dead serious. THIS is what I was consuming:
Either this is healthy compared to what I normally have (diet beverage minus the yogurt), or it is considered healthy based upon their own personal frame of reference. Both are sad.

I am choosing to believe the latter.

Night at the Museum

2009-04-27T22:43:00.000-06:00

In an effort to keep myself even more busy, I have now officially started volunteering at the BYU Museum of Art. I am working with the Education department on a contemporary portraiture exhibition that will show this fall. A lot of what I am doing is an exciting online, viewer-curated portion based on a recent exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum of Art called "Click!" Stay tuned for more info!
(One of my favorite artists who will be featured in the exhibition is Mark Khaisman, his work is beautiful!)

My New BFF

2009-04-23T14:30:00.000-06:00

She's Here!!!

This is Poppy and she is my favorite little gal in the whole wide world. I met her today and she is an absolute dream, she is gorgeous and slept the entire time except for briefly opening her eyes to look around before going back to sleep. I don't really get what it means when people say that babies look like their parents (to me they just look like a baby), but she is mellow like her mommy, friendly like her daddy, and likes diet coke and television just like her Aunt Meggan (trust me, I can already tell).

Poppy was born on Earth Day, which I have decided makes her eco-friendly and thus a liberal. Please note one of my gifts to her in the background of the picture-- a children's book about Barack Obama. I also gave her a book about polar bears to remind her that the ice caps are melting. I wrapped these little presents up all fancy-like, got some dvds for mom to watch while she is recovering, and then decided not to leave out dad....so we got Aaron a graduation card, put a shabby dollar bill inside, and then messed up the card with a few stains and rips. Gosh I'm funny....
The thought of myself having a kid is absolutely horrifying, but I have been doing a lot of thinking about how little Poppy will impact my life, and I've gotta say that I don't see a single downside to this situation:
1. I can play with her when she's cute and then pass her off as soon as she gets fussy
2. Taking a stroller places means I finally have a carrier for my purse and my fountain drink when I'm shopping
3. I can buy cute little clothes and such without being that sad single gal who buys things and then stores them away for the future
4. I have an excuse to "stay in" (not that I've ever needed one before)
5. I finally have a legitimate reason to watch You Gabba Gabba

Celebrating 10 Years with Britney Spears

2009-04-15T12:53:00.000-06:00

I have loved Britney since she put on a schoolgirl uniform and shimmied her way into my heart in late 1998. Last night she came to SLC and it was AMAZING, probably one of the top five (ok, 2. Maybe even THE top) experiences of my entire life. Our seats were the bomb, the Pussycat Dolls were fantastic, and Britney was perfect in every way. Below, some of my favorite pics from the night.

....and this is only a small sample of the photos that I took. I'm just sad now because I know that nothing else in my life will ever be as great as this night. Sigh.

More Blurry Pictures!

2009-04-10T14:12:00.000-06:00

I realize it's maybe not that fun to look at blurry pictures taken in weird lighting, but I like these...also you will notice that they are taken at a very close range because there was no one in front of me-- front row, bay-bay! Thursday night's concert special was a personal favorite of mine, The Ting Tings, and the night was a range of emotions: I was annoyed/ready to pistol-whip the girls next to us (I've seriously never been so close to punching someone in the throat), horrified at the opening act (I don't even want to mention them by name for fear of promoting them. Let's just say leopard spandex+muffin tops+camel toes+the worst BO I've ever witnessed=a BAD idea), and absolutely obsessed with the main event. They sounded amazing and put on a great show, and honest to blog, I swear the drummer and I are in a relationship now...

Girl Crush

2009-04-09T10:07:00.000-06:00

Lily Allen graced Salt Lake City with her presence and what a show it was. My pics aren't the greatest, but are concert photos ever really that great??

Homegirl originally came out in what appeared to be boxer shorts and a sweatshirt, which was incredibly disappointing...but then the sweater came off and I was relieved to see her in a cute little shorts romper (and an engagement ring?). Also I think I might take up smoking, she had a cigarette in her hand for the entire show and it's never looked so cool. (note: didn't affect her singing one bit, she sounded fantastic).

...Oh, and she finished with Womanizer, but in the first verse she changed the lyrics to "Mormonizer." Ha.

Found these on my computer...

2009-04-07T16:35:00.000-06:00

As great as it is to live in the Rocky Mountains, I still think that Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains make for the most gorgeous scenery. Time to plan a Seattle trip!

Why I've been waiting for April...

2009-04-01T09:13:00.000-06:00

April 3: The next installment of the Fast and the Furious (or as I like to call it, 4Fast 4Furious) comes out. Haven't really cared about this since the first one came out (geez was Paul Walker dreamy...), but for some reason I am loving that they are coming out with a 4th. It's kinda like Rocky or A Land Before Time...how many sequesl can there be?? For those interested, there will be a FF 1-3 marathon at my place before hand. You know, a refresher on the complex storyline.

April 6: The Hills comes back. I don't even really like this show anymore, but it is always nice to see an old friend return.

April 8: The Real World/Road Rules challenge starts. I love this show and I am not ashamed to admit it.

April 8: Lilly Allen in concert.

April 9: Ting Tings in concert.

April 10: Glasvegas in concert.

April 11: The Presets in concert.

April 14: Britney Spears in concert. I am taking the day off work and will be waiting in line first thing in the morning.

April 15: Dooce book signing.

April 15: Lupe Fiasco and Girl Talk in concert.

April 17-19: Coachella (still not sure if I am actually doing this or not...)

April 21: Franz Ferdinand in concert

April 22: Earth Day and the premiere of the Disney movie Earth

April 28: Poppy's due date! Can't wait to meet this little lady...

Silly Goose

2009-03-25T10:42:00.000-06:00

I was online chatting with a friend just now when this made me LOL:
Which made me think of my favorite text ever, which happens to be from the same person:
Which gave me the urge go through my text archives to retrieve a few highlights:

Get Baked

2009-03-25T10:04:00.001-06:00

My mom read my blog recently and told me that I made it look like all I did in DC was the Segway tour. Well, I did other things. Like go to the most magical place on earth, Baked and Wired.
I have always loved bakeries, but this place...ahem...takes the cake. I went three (yes, three) times over the weekend, because when you're on vacation you can't gain weight. Please note the cupcakes entitled "pretty bitchin," which I purchased for that reason alone. Also highly recommended: birthday cake, strawberry shortcake, and red velvet.

So when my one year work anniversary rolled around, I decided to take my inspiration from b&w and get a little craftier in the kitchen. (And yes, am that self-congratulatory that I celebrated a one year work anniversary. I walked around to each person's desk and said "Happy one year of getting to work with me!"). The result: red velvet cupcakes with vanilla bean cream cheese frosting. The cake part still needs some fine-tuning, but that frosting is to die for (I even bought real vanilla beans, which made me feel très fancy). I'm drooling on my keyboard.
So to respond to my mother: yes, I did more than ride Segways. I also ate cupcakes.

I'm so uncomfortable right now...

2009-03-19T11:20:00.000-06:00

There seems to be this new trend in the local Italian eateries of wandering singers. Like, you'll be sitting there and some dame will saunter over and stare deeply into your soul and belt out "That's Amore" while you're trying to eat your bowtie pasta (sidenote: BEST pasta shape).

Now, before I offend anyone, let me say that my uneasy feelings regarding singers are likely due to the fact that I can't sing and somewhere, deep down, I feel insecure. I get that. But I really get uncomfortable when people perform musically in somewhat-intimate settings. Concerts? Fine. But if I'm on a date and the guy whips out his guitar (what BYU girl hasn't been on that date?)....shoot, if I even see a couple engaged in one-on-one serenading....I have a mini panic attack. I don't know where to look (in his eyes? at the microphone? pensively into the distance ?), I don't know what to say (bravo? I've always loved Cat Stevens too? wow, you can't even tell you're self taught?)....I am actually at the beginning of one of the aforementioned panic attacks just envisioning the scenario in my head.

So anyways. I'm at date night with the Catanos and all of a sudden this songstress appears, weaving in and out of the tables and even sitting down with a small group of diners. We start to freak-- after all, there is an empty chair at our table, and right on the aisle! We tried all sorts of avoidance options....putting purses in the empty chair, talking really loudly when she walked by, setting a pitcher of water right next to the edge of the table so we could knock it over onto her if the situation got desperate....and then I came up with this:
They give you crayons and a table cloth made out of paper for a reason, right? Worked like a charm.

twitted? tweeted? twote?

2009-03-18T16:12:00.000-06:00

I don't like to feel left out, so I am trying out this thing that all the kids are talking about. My twitter updates are in a new little box to the left, and if you tweet (which is what wikipedia has informed me is the proper verb to use) please follow me and I will follow you...apparently I will only get the hang of it once I have a lot of people on there and I'm not too proud to beg for internet friends.

Segs and The City

2009-03-06T11:44:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time I was introduced to a man named Gob Bluth, who taught me that the coolest mode of personal transportation was a vehicle known as the Segway. Ever since, I have been obsessed with these little fellas...there is a guy who rides one all around Provo, and every time I see him I almost get into a car accident.

So last weekend I took a little vacation to our nation's capital, and I thought, "what better way to experience the heart of America than from a Segway?" So yup, we took a scoot around town and it was the funnest time EVER.

My reccommendation: do it. There were definately good parts and bad parts (we were more interested in playing then actually seeing the sights, so we really didn't need a tour guide telling us silly stories about presidential parties on the ellipse), but it was a great time and I am now saving up for my very own scooter.

Tom Selleck called...

2009-02-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

Please prepare yourselves for photographic evidence of the ugliest night ever. Plus side(s) to being completely and totally hideous:
1. You don't have to worry if that picture you took was cute because they're ALL disgusting
2. Being cool takes a lot of energy. Being ugly, as it turns out, comes quite naturally to me
3. Ugly pictures are the funniest thing in the world and I haven't been able to stop looking and laughing at these for the last 8 hours (because that is when I finally got home...TOTALLY worth 4 hours of sleep)

Are we human? Or are we roomba?

2009-02-05T13:44:00.000-07:00

I am proud to announce the newest member of my family. Readers, meet Roomba.

Reasons why Roomba is better than kids/pets:
1. I only had to pay for it once.
2. It takes care of its self when I am away
3. It makes a little "ta-da!" noise when you turn it on
4. It is technically considered a robot. A ROBOT. Do you realize how cool that is? I'm practically a Jetson. The specific term is a domestic robot, or as I like to call it, DoRo.
5. Not only does it clean up after itself, it cleans up after ME

I honestly have never been more excited. In exploring the Roomba fan sites (yup, you read correctly. FAN sites), I realize that mine is a very basic model, but it has been unpacked for less than 24 hours and it is already worth every penny. Please feel free to stop by to say hello. Video to be posted soon!

...and don't forget your booties, because it's coooolllldddd out there!

2009-02-02T10:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Groundhog Day!

Apparently we're in for 6 more weeks of winter. Has old Punxsutawney Phil ever predicted an early spring?

Who's Hungry?

2009-01-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

It's science fair time! My cousin Jackson and I have been slaving away to make the most amazing presentation board ever. If he doesn't win first prize I am going to give that judge's panel a piece of my mind, because this thing is perfect. Jackson was tired of getting hungry between breakfast and lunch, so he decided to see which cereal keeps you full for the longest. The winner? Oatmeal. The loser? Cap'n Crunch.

In addition to learning about cereals, I learned that the only thing harder than getting a 10 year old boy to focus is getting that kid to take a normal picture. I won't post any of the other 300 hideous photos, but I have saved them to pass on to his parents for future embarrassment opportunities.

2008 Introspective

2009-01-26T16:55:00.000-07:00

I stole this from the blog of brown. Shout out for for the blog idea!

What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Saw Mt Rushmore, went to NYC, went on vacay solo, left a job that I was perfectly happy with.

Who’s new in 2008?
Miley Curus and the Jo Bros. (they're everywhere and I still know nothing about them). Is that what the question is asking?

Did anyone close to you pass away?
Luckily, no.

What countries did you visit?
None. Sad for me.

What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A savings account.

What was your biggest personal achievement of the year?
No more school! and getting my first grown-up job

Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nope. I'm strong as an ox.

What was the best thing you bought?
LAMB bag, LAMB pumps, Marc Jacobs mouse flats (black and silver), turquoise Tory Burch flats, green Tory Burch pumps, Chanel necklace, furniture for the apartment, black forever 21 jacket (I wish I was kidding. That jacket is the best $24 I ever spent...)

Who did you have the most fun with?
Steven, Mandi, and Nat are my go-to pals. Don't believe me? watch this:

ps: to all you wii owners: get Wario Smooth Moves. NOW

Where did most of your money go?
Rent. College debt. Target. Going out to eat.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Buying my Britney Spears tickets. Seriously.

What song will always remind you of 2008?
Womanizer by B Spears, Untouched by the Veronicas, Viva la Vida by Coldplay, American Boy by Estelle

What do you wish you'd done less of?
Eating. Ye-ikes.

What was your favorite TV program?
Gossip Girl, the Amazing Race, 90210, American Gladiators, Pushing Daisies, Celebrity Apprentice, Celebrity Circus, Desperate Housewives, Rock of Love, America's Next Top Model, 30 Rock, The Office, Entourage, Weeds, Flight of the Conchords, LA Ink, Project Runway, Top Chef, Top Design, Janice Dickenson Modeling Agency, Blush, Bad Girls Club, Deadliest Catch, So You Think You Can Dance, Real Housewives of New York, Real Housewives of Atlanta, Rachel Zoe Project, I Love Money, Double Shot of Love, Real World, RW/RR Challenge, Bromance, The Hills, The City, Keeping up with the Kardashians, Girls Next Door, Denise Richards: It's Complicated, The Soup, and I'm sure there's more.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hate is a really strong word, but there are definitely people who I have purposefully left out of my life. Ne need to be catty and list them here (...but if you really want to know, I'll totally tell you. jk. kind of.)

What was the best book you read?
Awakening the Buddha Within. And I re-read The Truth About Diamonds by Nicole Ritchie, always a good read.

What was your favorite film of this year?
Forgetting Sarah Marshall

What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
I turned 2-freaking-4 and I hated it. Kept it low key and had dinner with the friends.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
It started out as "the flashier the better" (sequins, stilettos, and more bracelets than you can shake a stick at), transitioned into "business chic" (BR slacks and cardigans), and has now become...well, dresses with leggings and boots. I know, I'm so ashamed.

What kept you sane?
TV.

When you think about 2008 what sticks out in your mind?
Quarter life crisis.

2009-01-26T16:34:00.000-07:00

I'll admit it. I use StatCounter, and I love it more that I love actually blogging. I love seeing people from all over the world who look at my site, and if I don't know them I don't care because I am always on the quest to have more people like me. The other day at work we were talking about goals in life and I said that my goal was to have fans. As in, people who like me who I've never met. So stalkers, please feel free to spend as much time as you'd like perusing this little site. I don't even care if you comment or not. I'll never go private and I will always love seeing more dots appear on my map (every continent except Antarctica, woo woo!).
In examining that stats of how people find my blog, I noticed a large number of folks coming from smjgreg.blogspot.com/, a private blog that I'm locked out of. Dear smjgreg, thanks for all of the referrals! I'd love to check out your blog, send me an invite meggan{dot}pingree{at}gmail{dot}com. Even if you're just making fun of me in your blog, I have a great sense of humor and I swear I can take it. Gracias!