tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86081059632662407852012-01-23T13:22:45.884-05:00Love and Cooking- Approach both with Reckless Abandon!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.comBlogger6441100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-17678421451011184422012-01-09T10:55:00.001-05:002012-01-09T11:09:14.854-05:00

This weekend bought public restroom toilet paper. Ugh. Yes, terrible mistake. This is what happens when you aren't paying attention in the grocery store. Single ply.  Tragedy.  Now I have 8 rolls to get through, like I'm in a gas station restroom. At least I'll save the last soft rolls for the guest bathroom and spare my guests the sandpaper! In some fun news for the weekend, I went out to

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-48291045115777987112012-01-05T15:49:00.000-05:002012-01-05T15:49:50.957-05:00

Well I let the holidays come and go without a peep over here. Yet no one yelled at me! Hooray! That likely just means that you all know not to check over here very frequently anymore, and I'm sad to say I'm not sure things will get much better. I do have fun news to share, along with info about my Christmas vacation at home. I'll post pictures this week. In the meantime, I should share the

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-76525687271963781592011-12-03T08:05:00.000-05:002011-12-03T08:16:23.821-05:00

Well I enjoyed this Thanksgiving with some new friends in the area. We started the morning by running the Arlington Turkey Trot 5K. Having not run or trained in any way for this race, I was wary of how I would perform, but I actually did decent, running it in 28:15. Not terrible, and my muscles were killing me from a leg workout two days before. So I spent that afternoon with my friend Angela

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-1210277565012059382011-11-16T12:42:00.001-05:002012-01-09T11:10:35.972-05:00

For Veterans day Angela and I went out to Big Meadows campground in the Shenandoah to escape from the city! We left Arlington on Friday morning after hitting the grocery store and buying enough food for an entire week! After leaving town we hit a Dick's Sporting Goods for last minute supplies and made it to the park around 1, with free admission for Veterans Day, which was

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-10131363437972750522011-11-06T22:31:00.001-05:002011-11-07T09:21:38.911-05:00

This weekend went quickly. I worked from home on Friday as usual, and enjoyed a night out with my great friend Brooke.  We wandered up to Rockville, MD, which took forever because it was Friday night.  I got home late and up early to hang out with my friend Angela.  We had planned to go for a long bike ride, but when she came over at 8 am it was still 34 degrees F outside.  As we waited for the

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-73937565339176053452011-11-01T09:22:00.001-04:002011-11-01T09:27:14.334-04:00

I had a small dinner get together on Saturday night with a few of my girlfriends and Dad's college pal Ted Wilson. Dinner was salmon chowder which was a hit, and the conversation was flowing. The girls enjoyed listening to Dad and Ted recollect fun stories of their younger years! The next morning Dad joined me for cooking at Carpenter's Shelter! He made some great pancakes and had fun

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-12645954641619927192011-10-30T11:30:00.000-04:002011-10-30T12:12:05.311-04:00

Dad came to town on Thursday night and we enjoyed staying up late and watching the 7th World Series game, which was quite thrilling. We woke up on Friday morning and enjoyed a pancake breakfast and late start so dad could adjust to the time zone change, and then headed out to Gettysburg PA.  We arrive after noon and checked out the museum and Cyclorama, and then purchased one of the car audio

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-70209982895024478182011-10-24T09:38:00.000-04:002011-10-24T09:39:05.321-04:00

Last week I had a wonderful birthday treat from Jeanette in OKC. She treated us to pampering with very nice pedicures, and then took me out to steak dinner!! Yum.During the week our classmates all came out to Mexican food dinner on Wed. Night to celebrate with me.

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-7541840618329952292011-10-19T16:41:00.001-04:002011-10-19T16:41:42.991-04:00

This past Wednesday the first Whole Foods opened in OKC! It was quite an event that drew throngs of people to the store! There was no lack of amazing produce, tasty samples and overwhelming organic choices.Jeanette and I spent nearly 2 hours tasting the goodies, taking in the eye candy, (waiting in the longest line- honestly), and enjoying the refreshing change from the Walmartians we've become

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-23811404327128645022011-10-15T12:49:00.001-04:002011-10-15T12:49:49.143-04:00

Jeanette and I followed up the horse show last weekend by checking out a gun show nearby on the fairgrounds. With lots of gun toting okies, we enjoyed browsing the merchandise, chatting about similar interests, and taking in the overall scene!Jeanette is a wonderful gal that I've become quick friends with out here! She lives and works as a controller in Seattle, and we have so much in common, I

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-70254210508143867732011-10-15T12:42:00.001-04:002011-10-15T12:42:32.944-04:00

Last weekend Jeanette and I went to the Morgan horse show that's in town all week. This is the World Championship for Morgan horses and there were all sorts of events. Everything from English and Western riding, to drawn carts and featured geldings, mares and more. Since neither of us had been to a showlike this previously, it was a wholenew world and opened our eyes to the amazing culture,

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-4140376464529512452011-10-08T11:15:00.000-04:002011-10-08T11:16:05.575-04:00

Last night I went to dinner with some classmates in OKC and we ate at Iron Starr BBQ. The food was great and two ladies and I shared two combo plates, so we got to try roasted chicken, pulled pork, pork ribs and beef brisket. We agreed that the brisket was the best, followed by pulled pork and the rib. Chicken was great too, but we were rankin on BBQ- and the sauce was fantastic. We actually went

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-42787507033529092342011-10-05T08:10:00.000-04:002011-10-05T08:11:13.962-04:00

This is the book we have to go through for my class over the next 2 weeks.Ugh.

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-82737399696192670782011-10-03T15:17:00.001-04:002011-10-03T15:17:18.676-04:00

I attempted yet another loaf of bread this week before I left town. I used my sourdough starter and just sorta threw the loaf together based on several previously used recipes.It rose well, and on the second rise I mixed in a bunch of sunflower, chia, flax, poppy, sesame and caraway seeds, and fresh chopped rosemary. I think I kneaded it slightly too long, but it still rose well on the second

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-69708670435707848172011-10-03T15:07:00.001-04:002011-10-03T15:07:22.112-04:00

A sweet treat at Dallas Ft Worth airport. My layover en route to Oklahoma City.

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-67631153055513550782011-09-09T18:48:00.001-04:002011-09-09T18:48:34.259-04:00

Homemade Miso Soup! Great one-pot meal with wakami (seaweed), fresh Alaskan black bass, white miso, a splash of sesame oil, tamari and mirin, finished with garden green onions and toasted sesame seeds!Yum.Inspired by Heidi Swanson, 101cookbooks.com

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-90330433357753350352011-09-09T13:27:00.001-04:002011-09-09T13:27:53.641-04:00

This just became my favorite local bakery! I've web baking bread here an there for several years. I've always ended up with alright loaves of pretty dense bread, that never quite fill my interest!So I called Best Buns today and asks about buying a portion of their starter so I could try a nice baguette. Not only was the manager willing to give me starter for free, he shared his knowledge of

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-75540030126344617002011-09-05T22:44:00.000-04:002011-09-05T22:44:06.998-04:00

After fishing over the weekend and Monday, I got together with Michelle and Keith and spent several days in Wasilla relaxing with them and spending time with their adorable daughters!! One of the toughest parts of this vacation was the fact that nearly every single plan that I made for the week ended up falling through due to unforeseen circumstances, or trying to accommodate different schedules

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-52885776737776413872011-08-30T10:15:00.000-04:002011-09-05T22:35:48.340-04:00

Fishing with Bill, Cindy, Jose and his daughter Natalia on Monday was another success! After getting confirmation on the spot where Trudy had limited with friends the day before, we headed to Killer and Safety Bay. The fish were in and the catching was consistent, and we limited on 21 Silvers (with proxys) by 10am, then we hit a halibut spot and came into a couple black bass while trying for

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-4807402979245812612011-08-21T19:25:00.001-04:002011-08-23T15:20:48.616-04:00

I'm down in Seward with friends from work when I was with lockheed I'm fishing with Jose (the Freakin 'Rican), and Bill and his wife Cindy, and a bunch of their friends. Their boat is Top Priority.Yesterday the weather was real ugly. The seas were very rough, it rained the entire day, and was pretty cold. I also ended up very sea-sick once we left the bay and hit the choppy rolling water. We also

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-14208273770565684982011-08-20T19:46:00.000-04:002011-08-20T20:03:23.158-04:00

Get a convertible and order perfect weather! Yay.

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-53218407695446238542011-08-16T22:28:00.000-04:002011-08-16T22:29:00.467-04:00

With my bestie in Cali! Luv ya Candice!!

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-10216825869735069762011-08-16T19:44:00.001-04:002011-08-16T19:44:44.478-04:00

Convertible.The only way to travel in Cali!

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-80868867808737386772011-08-16T18:51:00.001-04:002011-08-16T18:51:54.751-04:00

My little man yelps for me at the gate- and of course I come! I already miss him like crazy. I cried when I left, but I know he's going to have fun with the other pups!

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-62577031295817765002011-08-14T10:00:00.000-04:002011-08-14T10:03:51.615-04:00

Headed Home to meet the family!!

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-10757291715932019462011-08-08T22:32:00.000-04:002011-08-08T22:33:01.861-04:00

Screen on the green tonight with Angela and Edita! The movie was Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Another fun night, and Triton learned to walk on his leash!

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-7335310794404386722011-08-07T22:12:00.002-04:002011-08-07T22:19:47.400-04:00

Well, I've stayed busy over the past two weeks with the new pup.  After Screen on the Green last Monday, I went with my girlfriend Edita to a DC Young Republicans happy hour at a DC bar called Local 16.  We had a good time chatting with a few young boys there, but didn't find many other handsome interests... tho that wasn't the only reason we went. I went salsa dance last Friday night at

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-91729457658044996932011-07-25T20:24:00.000-04:002011-07-25T20:25:11.883-04:00

So this weekend I brought home the new addition to my family. Well, I guess he makes us a family! Ha. Meet Triton!

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-28469687343833607072011-07-21T02:23:00.001-04:002011-07-21T02:23:47.395-04:00

6 AM reentry. Hour drive. 3 hour prep time margin. 2:21 now. 85 degrees outside w sick humidity. Ugly hot.A morning I'll remember.I love this job!

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-49026398479734317752011-07-17T20:55:00.001-04:002011-07-17T20:55:23.119-04:00

One Mitchell and a clan of Ellis'.

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-62579725948101739372011-07-16T12:40:00.000-04:002011-07-16T12:41:00.528-04:00

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-61455346318516720052011-07-16T12:16:00.002-04:002011-07-16T12:39:30.414-04:00

Checkin out Detroit river with my cousins!

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-4608406320446666632011-07-15T15:26:00.001-04:002011-07-15T15:26:47.489-04:00

We just looked at the set up for tue jazz festival on Sunday, and ate a great lunch at Mitchell's Fish Market. So appropriate right!?

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-27989069223895379432011-07-13T22:25:00.005-04:002011-07-13T22:34:54.761-04:00

My girlfriend Nilendri came to town over the 4th of July weekend and we enjoyed time seeing all the sites. On our first day together (Friday) I took her down onto the mall, and we rode the DC bikeshare bikes around all the memorials, and then checked out 2011 Folklife Festival that was happening on the mall.  It was put on by the Peace Corps, and featured lots of artisans from Columbia and other

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-32494011356546869792011-07-10T10:14:00.000-04:002011-07-10T10:14:26.108-04:00

I've been enjoying lots of local farmers markets this summer. I love all the fresh produce, local baked goods, coffee and handmade goods.  Here's a view of some items at local markets I've been enjoying.  One of my favorite fruits. I've been gorging myself on strawberries!

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-55608541872744466542011-07-01T12:41:00.001-04:002011-07-01T12:41:59.142-04:00

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-33450835420313337482011-07-01T12:06:00.000-04:002011-07-01T12:26:30.800-04:00

Checking out the national mall w Nilendri! Gorgeous day in DC! Such fun. Riding the DC bikeshare bikes!

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-30019679192275712812011-06-28T11:34:00.003-04:002011-06-28T11:47:13.345-04:00

Well, it's been over 2 weeks since the competition and I've been enjoying getting back into the swing of "normal" life.  I've been eating lots of healthy, tasty, fresh foods, spending time with friends, and training at my leisure.  I had a smashing housewarming the weekend after the competition, with nearly 20 friends and lots of great food and drinks. Everyone complimented my new home and folks

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-41744044314748815302011-06-15T13:27:00.003-04:002011-06-15T13:40:21.815-04:00

 I had fresh salad with roasted beets, fresh strawberries and blueberries, with some crumbled yummy goat cheese, prosciutto, sunflower seeds and homemade fig vinaigrette. Delicious~

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-51075175500775251752011-06-14T23:03:00.001-04:002011-06-14T23:22:08.577-04:00

Well, the NGA Annapolis Cup was on Sunday. I woke up early to do my hair and make-up. I arrived out in Annapolis by 9AM when the doors opened and I was allowed into the venue (tho they were actually running late and we didn't get into the HS auditorium until 9:30).  Come to find out, they only accept cash for the NGA card, which I had to buy, and the polygraph test I had to take. Drive quickly

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-80992624252341986032011-06-07T15:33:00.003-04:002011-06-07T15:56:00.882-04:00

So on Saturday I went down to the Mall early to meet up with all these great folks who were walking in the Global Race for the Cure, with Brooke.  They also got to enjoy all the oaties. I had to opt out of the walk and merely donate, because of the uncertainty with all my training at this point, but I was glad to get out there early and send them all off with a sweet energy bite! As for

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-6842574429747982792011-06-03T21:33:00.000-04:002011-06-03T21:33:36.385-04:00

So I made these to take out for Brooke and friends walking in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure tomorrow morning.  I'm looking forward to sending everyone off with a sweet bite, since most are walking, and this should be a nice energy bite, or something they can pocket for later!  Inspired by Heather Eats Almond Butter (HEAB) Original Maple Nut Oaties 2 cups toasted raw oats 1/2 cup Peanut

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-13162227659605729552011-05-31T09:55:00.001-04:002011-05-31T12:33:04.960-04:00

So I stayed busy this memorial day weekend!! Friday night I enjoyed a good workout followed by relaxing at home, and Saturday morning I woke up early for 8am spin class with a friend.  We then enjoyed coffee and I went home and cleaned my house from top-bottom.  I took a nap, cooked, and then browsed some cookbooks and went to sleep at a decent hour. I woke up early Sunday morning to cook at

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-4417041150708537652011-05-26T15:39:00.001-04:002011-05-26T15:42:30.141-04:00

12.51% 12.20% 11.62% 11.17% 10.72% That's my percentage of body fat as it drops over the last 2 months.  Measurements started on March 21st, and my lean mass and fat mass have been decreasing steadily since!   Body fat %   Lean Mass      Fat Mass  12.51%         120.38 lbs       17.22 lbs  12.20%         119.23 lbs       16.57 lbs  11.62%         117.81 lbs       15.49 lbs  11.17%        

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-78397333777531287422011-05-24T07:50:00.002-04:002011-05-24T09:20:03.354-04:00

As you know, I visited NYC about a month ago when my mom and aunt flew out there for a getaway.  We had a fantastic weekend together, and I got to spend time with my mom and Aunt Darlene (step-dad's sister in law) that I cherished.  I don't know my aunt as well as my mother's sister, so this was a wonderful time to get to know one another better, and I'm so glad I had the chance to spend quality

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-7636374884262961942011-05-23T11:52:00.001-04:002011-05-23T14:06:51.317-04:00

So I know I mentioned the Spring Jam Festival on the blog a few weeks ago, and how I was participating as the Lead Volunteer Coordinator (or more precisely the Executive Operations Director, according to the Festival rider).  So the event was a huge effort, bringing together more than 150 volunteers and coordinating the event from 10am to 10pm.  Unfortunately the event drew fewer than 500 people,

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-68048275893321389172011-05-23T09:47:00.002-04:002011-05-23T09:51:31.161-04:00

This is the last bit of fish from Alaska that I had in the freezer.  I have been plowing through all of the salmon and halibut with my training, because one meal a day consists of 4oz of fish.  So of course, I was enjoying top quality fillets, and I have yet to buy fish from a store since I moved here from Alaska, over 2 years ago.  That's what happens when you have GREAT friends who fish, and

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-53874529671590899432011-05-19T22:43:00.001-04:002011-05-19T22:43:16.863-04:00

This is my last meal for the night, and it's tasty!Spinach I sautéd with mustard seeds, cumin, garlic, and shallot, topped with some toasted coconut. The patties an equal mix of tuna and canned chicken, with two egg whites and lots of Mrs. Dash, drizzled with a splash of Mike's Red Hot (wing sauce)!Yum.

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-25979193259097829512011-05-11T09:14:00.001-04:002011-05-11T09:14:44.940-04:00

I enjoyed a leisurely Saturday free of commitments, riding my bike into Clarendon and to my gym. The weather was beautiful, and I was happy to ride around and avoid driving.Unfortunately at the end of the day I busted my bike chain, after having caught it badly in the gears and wrestling it free.I decide to get a "chain tool" and new chain, and learn to fix it myself. I took a bike maintenance

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-42719085950764135542011-05-10T15:58:00.000-04:002011-05-10T15:58:09.480-04:00

I promised to post more... and then I disappear! Ugh, I know. In my defense I wanted to share info on what's been eating my lunch for the past 2 weeks.  Aside from training, and eating, and cooking and cooking... I signed up to lead a volunteer effort at my church. So I haven't written much about my church on here, but it's Amazing.  I attend this fantastic little community church called

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-61132001323181646012011-05-04T23:29:00.001-04:002011-05-04T23:29:39.772-04:00

With mom and aunt Darlene!Life is crazy right now. More pics and news soon!!

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-26566822123316566902011-05-04T23:28:00.001-04:002011-05-04T23:28:33.897-04:00

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-57198586359002073542011-05-04T23:27:00.000-04:002011-05-04T23:28:05.286-04:00

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-59123631793184248272011-04-25T17:11:00.001-04:002011-04-25T17:11:21.214-04:00

I don't talk much when I first wake up- this is the product of living aloneBreakfast is my favorite meal of the dayI don't like change very muchI love spontaneity- if my schedule allows itI talk too loudlyWhen my cat meows too much, it frustrates meI don't like walking barefootI floss every nightI cannot stand chipped toe/finger nail polishI am learning that it is ok for me to enjoy being active,

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-91198640278864191652011-04-22T14:26:00.002-04:002011-04-22T14:51:09.270-04:00

Trees like this scream EASTER to me, they look like fluffy marshmallow sprayed branches, covered in peeps and asking for someone to eat them.  Strange? Nah... I'm just craving marshmallows! So this weekend is a bit of a letdown after I was told yesterday by my office that a last minute trip I was being sent on was cancelled.  That trip was to head to Cali for meetings in Mojave, and I was going

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-68358834267063614372011-04-20T16:44:00.001-04:002011-04-20T16:44:36.235-04:00

Loving the flowers everywhere in the spring, and the colors are beautiful!

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-27630930738322881072011-04-19T22:27:00.002-04:002011-04-19T22:42:42.504-04:00

Yesterday I discovered the glory of roasted peppers, which are on my food list as a veggie sub.  I made them in the oven while I was baking a bunch of yams... below in the foil.The peppers have a hint of grilled char that is overwhelmed by the soft sweetness that comes out of the peppers once they are cooked.  They are simply amazing and full of flavor that I've been so desperately missing. I

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-60455511429070382312011-04-15T14:03:00.000-04:002011-04-15T14:03:51.945-04:00

It was time to get out of town last weekend, so I enjoyed a great time with friends out at Lake of the Woods, about 90 minutes south of Arlington.  We were lucky to enjoy the luxury of a friends' family home on the lake, with all the amenities.  The house had 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, ping pong table, flat screen TV, dock on the lake where we fished, jacuzzi, great wrap around porch and

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-19184065152269532992011-04-07T15:07:00.000-04:002011-04-07T15:08:18.585-04:00

I really never do this.But I bought this great little shamrock plant for my cube a few weeks ago.It needed some sunshine so I set it in a window in the office.

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-71202077150586866912011-04-06T12:47:00.001-04:002011-04-06T12:48:10.250-04:00

Well this past weekend wasn't very eventful.  I did spend some time with my pal Josh on Friday night and he taught me how to tie a fishing fly. We made a wooly bugger.  Here are the two I successfully tied.  There were no unsuccessful flies come to think of it.  But after about 15 minutes on each of these little guys (and these are actually very large in the fly community, I was feeling nauseated

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-74282289743568309372011-04-01T14:04:00.000-04:002011-04-01T14:04:50.321-04:00

Well the competition diet is getting harder by the day.  My calorie consumption on this diet is extremely low, along with my strenuous workouts, at the end of each night I'm wasted tired and dead on my feet. To make matters worse, I can't even read my great food magazines or browse my favorite blogs without hunger pains and resentment.  I shouldn't complain so much, since I signed myself up for

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-63402379290847001852011-03-30T13:51:00.000-04:002011-03-30T13:51:20.166-04:00

Well, this past weekend was a challenging mix of cooking to keep up with my mandatory meals, and training to meet my goals for this competition.  I was happy with my gains on the diet front, as I'm quickly dropping body fat, but my training caught up with me on Monday when I woke up extremely tired and irritable.  My mood didn't change throughout the day and I realized that some of my attitude

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-78936202032423223892011-03-25T12:43:00.000-04:002011-03-25T12:43:47.964-04:00

Well, I guess I can share with you few folks who read the blog, since that means Allen, Jose, a few random friends and Dad.  Since Dad and Trudy know, I might as well start blogging about my experience, because I'm training for a figure competition. Yup, it's true.  I've poo-poohed the idea for years, although I train like a body builder most of the time, and eat like one as well.  Since my last

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-75937636667040674912011-03-24T10:26:00.001-04:002011-03-24T10:31:21.064-04:00

On Sunday I spent some time with Danya, and enjoyed the great weather outside.  We had a light lunch at the house before walking over to Shirlington, wandering through my favorite shop Le Village Marche, and then walked back up the trail for a while.  These yellow bushes covered in flowers are just amazing right now.  Spring is here, although we seem to have April showers. Yesterday and today are

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-25126571145083048742011-03-19T00:02:00.002-04:002011-03-24T10:28:46.309-04:00

This evening was beautiful. The weather was in the high 60s, so I sat outside on a bench on my grassy knoll and read and enjoyed the sunset. Then I talked Jennie into a quick and hard workout before I went to Mexican food with her and John Paul. The food was great and we had fun chatting and hanging out!

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-62323294638910895592011-03-17T14:30:00.000-04:002011-03-17T14:30:21.865-04:00

A picture I came across a few days ago. This was after breakfast on the last day of our conference in Prague.  This is also the day that we held our very successful panel, hit the bed exhausted and got to zip off to enjoy beautiful Prague for the weekend before jetting home.  On the left you see Dr. George Nield, the Associate Administrator for our office. John Sloan to his right is my "program

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-75319997136687551762011-03-15T11:55:00.009-04:002011-03-15T12:03:34.991-04:00

On Sunday after Church a friend caught me and asked if I was interested in heading to Great Falls for a hike, to enjoy our spectacular weather.  After fixing a quick breakfast tostada we hit the park and found the water in the river raging! Heading up the river the trail disappeared into the overflowing waters that you see in the lower picture.  The sign indicates where the trail should be, and

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-83415980855785864342011-03-10T12:12:00.004-05:002011-03-24T10:27:59.683-04:00

I know you're thinking that this sounds gross, but OMG, it was amazing!! These brown rice bowls are available from Trader Joes, along with the Tuna in Green Curry. I was very skeptical, but tried mixing half the rice with the tuna packet and it was fantastic. You don't even taste tuna because it's drowned in the loud and amazing flavors of green curry with lemongrass, kefir lime, spicy

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-67046956757810261912011-03-08T22:22:00.000-05:002011-03-08T22:22:43.147-05:00

Well about 3 weeks ago Trudy visited DC and we had a great time together. Our first evening we had great mexican food and margaritas at a place down the street from my new house.  The next few days were filled with shopping and girl time, catching up, going out a bit and also relaxing.  We visited Mount Vernon and Arlington Cemetery where we watched the changing of the guard and saw the Arlington

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-9966871118343627232011-03-07T16:10:00.000-05:002011-03-07T16:10:32.322-05:00

Where on Earth does the time go?  Well... maybe that statement should be when does time go? This past week I stayed busy with friends and then enjoyed a relaxing weekend on my own.  I met up with a guy I know from Australia, who is getting his Master's at MIT, for a bite of dinner and some drinks on Thursday night.  We met at a conference in Florida actually, 2 years ago, and then crossed paths

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-89881434423037716942011-02-28T20:55:00.003-05:002011-03-01T11:08:26.998-05:00

 So this past weekend I found out about a "Barn Crawl" in a few great barns that carry fantastic antiques in Maryland and Virginia.  So I woke up early on Saturday morning, left the house at 7:30 and made t to the neat barn you see below, about 20 minutes before it opened.  The barn crawl is occurs when several of these shops open for a weekend sale, which only happens possibly every 3 months.  A

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-75717921998965749252011-02-25T15:39:00.000-05:002011-02-25T15:40:11.941-05:00

Tigget was very sad...

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-60704005350801355452011-02-24T11:26:00.001-05:002011-02-28T20:54:55.844-05:00

The place is coming together. Trudy and I picked up this beautiful screen door that is from a 1900s era home and I hung it above the couch. I absolutely adore it, but it's not for scratch and sniff, or licking- since the paint is likely lead based! Oops! ;) I also found the little side table and lamp for cheap and love how they look next to the couch. Just a few more pieces and I'll be truly

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-16728538158478275972011-02-22T22:42:00.002-05:002011-02-24T11:21:55.362-05:00

Scenes from Mt Vernon yesterday. Trudy and I arrived there around 2pm to throngs of people. We made our way through all of the people to the ticket area, only to find out that our tour time wouldn't begin until 4:55.As we wandered around the property lamenting our I'll timing, an older gentleman walked up and offered us two extra tickets he had for 2:30!!!We couldn't believe our luck and happily

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-4161226502128382542011-02-22T16:15:00.001-05:002011-02-24T11:22:40.747-05:00

At Lè Creperie on Sunday morning...

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-90510132711720431802011-02-20T12:14:00.002-05:002011-02-24T11:23:01.041-05:00

Trudy showing the tall Heff at the Bier garden!Isn't she so cute??

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-73773912665553117822011-02-20T12:12:00.002-05:002011-02-24T11:21:34.409-05:00

Last night Trudy and I joined a few of my girlfriends in DC. While we didn't end up at a fun club dancing like I hoped, we did check out a neat beer place in Dupont and enjoyed a little bite and nice company.

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-56251835332995706792011-02-20T11:58:00.001-05:002011-02-20T11:58:25.977-05:00

Having a great time with my bestie from Alaska!

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-44906881462486312922011-02-18T10:14:00.002-05:002011-02-24T11:23:24.158-05:00

This morning from the front of my building.

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-49132758482646770182011-02-17T22:09:00.003-05:002011-02-17T22:18:57.838-05:00

So I miss this guy.Yup, DAD!These are just a few shots from Christmas, when I got to enjoy time with family in Cali.I have more of time in SoCal, and some from last weekend in Tampa with Jennie.So I've made a new resolution to myself. I stated this blog in 2007- I think... is that right?Anyway, I started the blog to share my life in Alaska with my family in Cali, and I've found that it's a

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-82580679937770618182011-02-06T20:51:00.001-05:002011-02-06T20:51:37.536-05:00

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-17072903745869231722011-01-31T12:06:00.000-05:002011-01-31T12:08:34.704-05:00

Thank you Lolo!! She sent me beautiful early Valentine's day flowers!! Love them, and they smell fantastic!!I'm totally telling people in my that a duke fell in love with me over the weekend. Ya know- it happens!

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-88696151337390302522011-01-26T13:56:00.001-05:002011-01-26T13:56:44.277-05:00

A new bake shop opened in my old neighborhood and I popped on this morning for a coffee and grabbed a cupcake for a mid afternoon treat. The cupcake is called the chocolate bababoey! It was a chocolate cupcake filled with peanut butter creamCheese frosting and iced with chocolate and pb cream cheese frosting, rolled in mini pb chips! OMG delicious. The cake is super moist and the flavors are

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-51117916169478472132011-01-24T21:45:00.001-05:002011-01-24T21:45:53.405-05:00

My little girl comfy in the new house...

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-76344535413336325742011-01-19T11:03:00.002-05:002011-01-19T11:13:26.167-05:00

Last night it dawned on me that I didn't remember putting my new mail keys on a key ring when I organized my many other keys two nights ago after moving in. Upon closing I received several small envelopes with all my keys for the house, building, storage unit, fobs, etc. What I consequently realized is that I had thrown all of the envelopes out the next morning, and I feared the worst. I

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-38414165396387913812011-01-16T08:32:00.001-05:002011-01-16T08:32:56.219-05:00

The first prepared meal in the new house. My favorite- breakfast.My tea is steeping and I'm going to get ready for church. Another long day of unpacking ahead, but I'm excited. The kitchen is basically done.

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-26139882795325157022011-01-14T09:37:00.000-05:002011-01-14T09:38:27.679-05:00

Hectic and exciting!!!!

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-76638906511767013842011-01-08T13:28:00.001-05:002011-01-08T13:28:55.794-05:00

View from my sunroom, and a peek from the living room.

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-28042337952190156142011-01-07T15:28:00.001-05:002011-01-07T15:28:37.971-05:00

My new kitchen! I move next week, an I'm nearly all packed up, so I can't wait!

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-13362520203676688452010-12-23T14:46:00.000-05:002010-12-23T14:59:06.761-05:00

Union Station

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-16208864809372969642010-12-22T18:53:00.001-05:002010-12-22T18:53:33.541-05:00

The weather in Cali is crazy. 4 straight days!

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-43493788210777615872010-12-22T17:31:00.000-05:002010-12-22T17:34:35.302-05:00

Can someone please tell me how long I can park here?

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-85083667390840718472010-12-22T15:25:00.001-05:002010-12-22T15:25:55.138-05:00

Lunch at California Chicken Cafe- one of my favorite restaurants in LA!!!

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-91021286337933160182010-12-17T15:26:00.000-05:002010-12-17T15:28:00.039-05:00

From a great ski trip in Telluride Colorado with Dad and Lolo. Guessing I was about 14.Time flies

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-45703468403935083602010-12-16T13:23:00.001-05:002010-12-16T13:23:37.225-05:00

Our small work lunch party. No elves or Santa, but still a good time!

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-47331684743932763902010-12-10T12:58:00.000-05:002010-12-10T12:59:04.064-05:00

Of the latest fight... This can be found on my stomach, back and thighs too! The doctor believes I reacted to something from surgery, but my body continues to overreact and hasn't "turned off the hives message" yet. Apparently this could last days, weeks or months... The meds will help me though!Yippee for new drugs.

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-79406576782389948332010-12-10T12:54:00.001-05:002010-12-10T12:54:13.606-05:00

New hives a month after surgery, a visit to the allergist, 7 vials of blood and a prognosis.Chronic idiopathic urticaria.Meaning chronic hives and we don't know why.Well, I will fill some new prescriptions and hopefully start fighting my hives off again!This has been a long road, but chatting with my great allergist this morning, who specialized and researched in hives, there is hope for me!!!I'm

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-38542545005715154362010-12-01T13:05:00.002-05:002010-12-01T13:08:38.036-05:00

Dave and I went to Harper's Ferry on Sunday to get out of the house! It's a nice drive a little over an hour from Arlington, and the weather was perfect. About 60 degrees and clear blue skies! We ate lunch at a little cafe and then wandered through town and a few shops.This monument is the location of the original arsenal fire building where John Brown and his men fought of local militia in their

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-39428830833812065662010-12-01T12:56:00.002-05:002010-12-01T13:07:24.968-05:00

Dave and I out the night he flew in.The Thanksgiving crew.

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608105963266240785.post-42699155169900506972010-12-01T12:55:00.001-05:002010-12-01T13:09:45.318-05:00

Well, I had a very pleasant Thanksgiving with friends! My best pal Dave came in from Anchorage- keeping our tradition from last year! I also got to host Brooke and two of her friends who were in town to visit, along with a girlfriend from work!We enjoyed a great turkey that I brined and was rather pleased with! ;)Along with mom's great stuffing recipe and the rest of the fixins, it was a feast!

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14210129841379766884noreply@blogger.com1