Today marks one year since I started Sunscreen. And although this blog has proved to be invaluable to myself and the process of redefining my life, it's time for it to come to an end. Although I considered myself to be rehabilitated awhile back, I decided to keep going. Physical therapy per se, but the time has come to bask in the warmth that life has to offer.
Don't fret my fellow sun bathers. I have decided to start a new blog, specifically for the new chapter in my life. The name of which I took from one of my favorite Five for Fighting songs.
Thanks to all of you who stuck with me this year, and here's to another!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
Penny for Your Thoughts
This weekend I had a lot of time to myself. Saturday, I got up and went for a run. Just like the first run of the season to show you just how out of shape you are. Although, in my defense, I do live in a hole, so it literally is uphill, both ways.
Anywho. On my way back, I decided to take a detour and ran into the neighbor next to mind that has a direct trail down into the lofts. I climbed down the hill, and started walking down the nature paths. I then sat upon a rock that borders river and just sat. I was thinking about my past year, what is going on now and the fact that soon I am going to have to bunker down and make a major decision. This truly is the turning point of my life. While I was out there, Sarah S. called and I told her what I was up, we discussed it for a while. Then, as if my brain had sent out some cosmic message, my mother called.
I discussed with her the same things that were bothering me. Then, she went into freak out mode. Then, once more, I had to explain to her that things are different. There is a major generation gap between she and I. I told her to not compare her life to mine. When she was my age, she had been married for eight years and had two children. I had to explain to her that people are starting their lives later now, and not that I am acting adolescent or refusing to take the steps forward, but that I am still young. I have only been living out on my own for 7 years. Life takes a while to get use to before you can just jump in and take the reigns.
After getting off the phone with her, I scaled the cliff that is out on the trail. While I was up there, I happened to look down and found a penny. It seems someone else was thinking about me too.
Anywho. On my way back, I decided to take a detour and ran into the neighbor next to mind that has a direct trail down into the lofts. I climbed down the hill, and started walking down the nature paths. I then sat upon a rock that borders river and just sat. I was thinking about my past year, what is going on now and the fact that soon I am going to have to bunker down and make a major decision. This truly is the turning point of my life. While I was out there, Sarah S. called and I told her what I was up, we discussed it for a while. Then, as if my brain had sent out some cosmic message, my mother called.
I discussed with her the same things that were bothering me. Then, she went into freak out mode. Then, once more, I had to explain to her that things are different. There is a major generation gap between she and I. I told her to not compare her life to mine. When she was my age, she had been married for eight years and had two children. I had to explain to her that people are starting their lives later now, and not that I am acting adolescent or refusing to take the steps forward, but that I am still young. I have only been living out on my own for 7 years. Life takes a while to get use to before you can just jump in and take the reigns.
After getting off the phone with her, I scaled the cliff that is out on the trail. While I was up there, I happened to look down and found a penny. It seems someone else was thinking about me too.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
A Year With Me
Happy anniversary to myself! This weekend marks the weekend that I became free. I may not have noticed it nor wanted it at the time, but I am so thankful that it happened.
Today marks the day that I turned away and kept going. I can't lie and say that I didn't look back from time to time, specifically recalling the happier moments, but I always knew that I was better off. I didn't let a bad situation get the best of me and I certainly didn't let it hold me back.
I want to say thanks to everyone over the past year for their support, encouragement, and most importantly their friendship. This past summer would have been truly difficult without you all. The trips to the lake, Harry Potter, the pool, numerous baseball games, sushi, etc.
I needed to start putting myself first, for once, and I have.
Here's to another great year!
Today marks the day that I turned away and kept going. I can't lie and say that I didn't look back from time to time, specifically recalling the happier moments, but I always knew that I was better off. I didn't let a bad situation get the best of me and I certainly didn't let it hold me back.
I want to say thanks to everyone over the past year for their support, encouragement, and most importantly their friendship. This past summer would have been truly difficult without you all. The trips to the lake, Harry Potter, the pool, numerous baseball games, sushi, etc.
I needed to start putting myself first, for once, and I have.
Here's to another great year!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
What's that noise?
I was the first in the in office this morning, or at least up stairs anyhow. As I am putting my key into the door, I hear this loud buzzing. "What is that?" As I open the door, the alarm is going off. Here's the really odd part... we don't have an alarm! [pause for reaction]
So, I come in, place my things down on my desk, buzz Jacki, and then stare at the little square device that has never, never been activated since I have been here. I start pressing buttons like nothing else. Then Jacki starts pressing buttons like no one else, then I yank the damn thing off the wall. I then grab a screwdriver... don't worry, I didn't do it. I thought about it though, but the idea of death by electrocution stopped me.
Finally our maintenance man, Josh, came in. Flipped the breaker, after finding the right one. Then he left. About a few minutes later, I asked Christine when he was going to turn it off. "It is off."
"Then what is that noise?" After coming to my side of the desk, she heard it too. It sounds exactly like the alarm. Josh came back, heard it, and explained that it was the lights. He couldn't believe that I could hear it, and then I had to inform him of my unusual ears.
I have an odd sense of deafness. There are certain frequencies that I cannot hear. If you whisper around me or talk in a low voice, I won't know what you are saying. However, high pitches are my specialty.
When I was a kid, and of course growing up in the country, we had a lot of those "plug in" pests things. They make a high pitch sound that drive mice and other critters away. I could here them. I am not kidding. I was in the kitchen one day with my mom, and I asked her what that noise was. She had no idea of what I was talking about. So, I got up and started walking around the room trying to locate the source of my sound. Bingo, pests "plug in." She took me to the doctor the next day.
So, I come in, place my things down on my desk, buzz Jacki, and then stare at the little square device that has never, never been activated since I have been here. I start pressing buttons like nothing else. Then Jacki starts pressing buttons like no one else, then I yank the damn thing off the wall. I then grab a screwdriver... don't worry, I didn't do it. I thought about it though, but the idea of death by electrocution stopped me.
Finally our maintenance man, Josh, came in. Flipped the breaker, after finding the right one. Then he left. About a few minutes later, I asked Christine when he was going to turn it off. "It is off."
"Then what is that noise?" After coming to my side of the desk, she heard it too. It sounds exactly like the alarm. Josh came back, heard it, and explained that it was the lights. He couldn't believe that I could hear it, and then I had to inform him of my unusual ears.
I have an odd sense of deafness. There are certain frequencies that I cannot hear. If you whisper around me or talk in a low voice, I won't know what you are saying. However, high pitches are my specialty.
When I was a kid, and of course growing up in the country, we had a lot of those "plug in" pests things. They make a high pitch sound that drive mice and other critters away. I could here them. I am not kidding. I was in the kitchen one day with my mom, and I asked her what that noise was. She had no idea of what I was talking about. So, I got up and started walking around the room trying to locate the source of my sound. Bingo, pests "plug in." She took me to the doctor the next day.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Ending on a high note
Last night was the first time in a while that I stayed at the gym for a full hour and did a complete workout. Cardio and all. My schedule has just been so busy lately. Plus, the added bonus that I am still sleep deprived and lacking some serious energy.
I got to the gym, learned that Wednesday is by far the busiest day there, and had to search high and low for a locker. Finally, a girl standing on the other side from me said, "There's one here." I rushed over there and thanked her. It always shocks me when someone does something nice for complete strangers.
Moving on. I changed, grabbed my stuff, refilled my water bottle and hopped on the first treadmill I came to. Following warm up, the aerobic room was jam packed, but I found a floor matt and went for it. Unfortunately all the 12 pound medicine balls were taken, so I was forced to grab the 15 lb. medicine ball. I was actually impressed with myself, and I will probably continue to use it in the future.
Then I did a portion of the workout that my trainer and I had done together last Friday. I hurt, but not nearly as bad as I had that day. Then I jumped on the elliptical for 30 minutes with the cross ramp at its max. All my old favs came on pandora. The best part, my favorite song came on as I was running my last two minutes. Great night, if I say so myself. Although, it did nothing for the fact that I am still beat from this weekend.
For this upcoming weekend, my top priority is sleep.
I got to the gym, learned that Wednesday is by far the busiest day there, and had to search high and low for a locker. Finally, a girl standing on the other side from me said, "There's one here." I rushed over there and thanked her. It always shocks me when someone does something nice for complete strangers.
Moving on. I changed, grabbed my stuff, refilled my water bottle and hopped on the first treadmill I came to. Following warm up, the aerobic room was jam packed, but I found a floor matt and went for it. Unfortunately all the 12 pound medicine balls were taken, so I was forced to grab the 15 lb. medicine ball. I was actually impressed with myself, and I will probably continue to use it in the future.
Then I did a portion of the workout that my trainer and I had done together last Friday. I hurt, but not nearly as bad as I had that day. Then I jumped on the elliptical for 30 minutes with the cross ramp at its max. All my old favs came on pandora. The best part, my favorite song came on as I was running my last two minutes. Great night, if I say so myself. Although, it did nothing for the fact that I am still beat from this weekend.
For this upcoming weekend, my top priority is sleep.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Officially Monday
Last night was probably the best sleep that I have gotten in a long, long while. Apparently the secret is to get absolutely no sleep on Saturday night, get a 30 minute nap on Sunday afternoon, and pound your alarm 60 times the following morning. Needless to say, I dragged my butt into work this morning.
Saturday, Billy came over around 2:00. We had lunch, got our items, purchased probane for the grill, and then sat on the wall by the river drinking Corona while the burgers marinated. How can you beat that? It was an awesome way to spend an afternoon if you ask me.
Five rolled around and people started to show up. I had Sarah N., Sarah S. and Nhut in the kitchen cutting and seasoning potato wedges, and Darrin on the grill with the burgers and hot dogs. If you come to my house, expect to work. No free rides here.
Anywho. After that Mel, Billy, Darrin and I, decided to hit up down town. First stop of the night, Buddha. I had to get my bomb, had to, and it was delicious. Then we went over to 9d's since no one other than me had been there. They played songs that I had; (1) not thought of in forever; and (2) shockingly remembered all the words to. Then we headed over to see Hugh, who apparently doesn't work there anymore!?! I asked Paul what happened and he said that Hugh and his wife had split and that she still comes in the bar. Awkward to say the least.
After an afternoon of the Hangover, relaxing and a nap, Darrin had to make his drive home. (Insert sad face). Then Billy and Dustin came over, had their Burger King, which I may have gotten a few fries from, and then I went to bed while Billy crashed on the couch. This morning, I couldn't get him to budge. So I left him the key and, again, dragged myself to work. I still got here early though. As an added bonus, the Girl Scout cookies that I order from my boss were on my desk. Yum!
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| I had completely forgotten about this picture until Mel sent it. Cheese! |
So, what happened this weekend? Cookout!
We decided to have a cookout for one of Billy's friends. It was her birthday the weekend before, and she had not celebrated it. So, Billy asked if they could stay, and I granted his request. Friday, they were suppose to come into town, but didn't. So, I went along and had my personal training session (which I am still in pain from), went to Wal-mart for some items including pillows for my guest, and then went home and finished cleaning. Later that night, I got a text from Billy...Maria wasn't coming. Too bad, on with the party!
Saturday, Billy came over around 2:00. We had lunch, got our items, purchased probane for the grill, and then sat on the wall by the river drinking Corona while the burgers marinated. How can you beat that? It was an awesome way to spend an afternoon if you ask me.
Five rolled around and people started to show up. I had Sarah N., Sarah S. and Nhut in the kitchen cutting and seasoning potato wedges, and Darrin on the grill with the burgers and hot dogs. If you come to my house, expect to work. No free rides here.
After we ate, and had some of Melanie's muffins that she made for us (I love that woman!) we all grabbed chairs and sat out by the river drinking and shooting the breeze. Then Chris (Melaine's husband) came out to walk their new Dalmatian puppy. The girls went nuts and ran over there and played with her. Ena, the pup, got scared and hid. Poor little girl. The funny thing is that she and Mo have made great friends. They actually play together. It is the cutest thing.
Oh well, off to 8e's. It was a great time there. We danced, and danced, and danced some more. Then, Darrin and I couldn't find Billy, and apparently because he had snuck off the bar next door to use the restroom and ran into Junior. So, we headed over there and visited with him for a bit.
Finally, it was time to grab a cab. That was an interesting ride. The girl sitting in the front seat was telling guys off walking down the street. Two girls in the back seat sitting next to Billy passed out. All the girls had dropped and lost their phones under the seats, so we were using our phones and a flashlight to dig them out.
Finally we made it home where Chandler came and picked up Billy, because apparently their night wasn't over yet. The next morning though, Darrin and I picked him up at Dustin's, which I don't think Billy really remembers how he got over there. Dustin, Billy, Darrin and I then headed over to Transmet for a little pizza and topped it off with yogurt from Yoguri. In there they have little factoids on the wall and I had no idea that you could use yogurt rather than mayo. Learn something new everyday.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Methodical Me
While in class, our professor constantly pushes the importance of being methodical when taking cases on. From the initial interview and throughout the entire litigation process.
Now, this professor I have had for several classes. I originally couldn't stand her. I first took her legal research class. She scared me to death! I would spend hours, hours on end in the library following class trying to complete the assignments. This was a night class mind you, so I wouldn't get home until about 10 or 11. She would usually, and still does, put me on the spot because I work at a firm. She would ask me questions, and I would usually give the correct response. However, one particular comment has stuck in my mind for the last year or so, even though we have kind of, sort of bonded. "Yes, Meredith, that is correct, but your approach is completely backwards."
This feedback rang true just a few weeks ago. We were discussing the initial client interview and she was explaining the importance of the funnel method. Ask open ended questions, and slowly, and methodically, fine tune them down the funnel. However, my brain works, as she said, completely backwards. That's right, instead of a funnel, I have a cone. I'd rather ask specific questions, determine whether there is a valid claim, and then elaborate more for the "narrative" of the situation.
My brain is methodical in that I can see the end result that I want, but rather I work backwards to eventually find out what my first steps should be. Does anyone else have this problem, or is it really just me?
Now, this professor I have had for several classes. I originally couldn't stand her. I first took her legal research class. She scared me to death! I would spend hours, hours on end in the library following class trying to complete the assignments. This was a night class mind you, so I wouldn't get home until about 10 or 11. She would usually, and still does, put me on the spot because I work at a firm. She would ask me questions, and I would usually give the correct response. However, one particular comment has stuck in my mind for the last year or so, even though we have kind of, sort of bonded. "Yes, Meredith, that is correct, but your approach is completely backwards."
This feedback rang true just a few weeks ago. We were discussing the initial client interview and she was explaining the importance of the funnel method. Ask open ended questions, and slowly, and methodically, fine tune them down the funnel. However, my brain works, as she said, completely backwards. That's right, instead of a funnel, I have a cone. I'd rather ask specific questions, determine whether there is a valid claim, and then elaborate more for the "narrative" of the situation.
My brain is methodical in that I can see the end result that I want, but rather I work backwards to eventually find out what my first steps should be. Does anyone else have this problem, or is it really just me?
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