Pampering your man

Do you know that guys like to be pampered just as much as girls do? (If not MORE!) I really do think that by showing some extra love to your man, it lets them know how much you adore and appreciate them. Here's a short NONSEXUAL list (because everyone knows how to please their man behind closed doors. However, if this list leads to amazing s - e - x then you are welcome!) ((I spaced out the s - e - x because I don't want people typing that in google and coming upon my blog!)):

• Fixing their plate for dinner. I do this every night..one night I was so hungry that I just sat down and started eating, and David thought something was wrong. It isn't "woman in kitchen-cook meal" type of thing.. I fix his plate because he appreciates it every time I do it..and that makes me smile.
• Clip his toenails. (After he showers of course!) This one may seem gross to some, but I don't think there is a greater joy than a man laying on the couch getting his toes "did". After I clip them, I rub some of my lotion on them and give him a quick foot massage--which he loves. He would NEVER go to a spa like I would, so this is his own little spa. Put the yummy smelling lotion on them..he wont notice and you'll smile knowing he smells a little fruity :)
• Back massages. Lotion or massage oil works great. If you don't have time for that, or just don't want to use either-just rub your fingers over his back-it'll make him go to sleep like a baby.
  
• Cheer him on. I'm sure he's got a PS2, PS3, Wii, xbox..something! He probably spends a decent amount of time in front of it. David plays a football game on the PS3 usually every night (which is the reason I am glad we have 2 TVs) but sometimes I'll sit on the couch and watch him play acting like his own personal cheerleader..Even though I think the game is dumb, I am taking interest in something he likes.
• Pray for him. This is perhaps the most important. I prayed for him before I ever met him, and I still pray for him, our marriage, our future.
• Don't criticize or contradict him around others. People don't want to see you two bickering. Save it for behind closed doors. It could blow up a lot bigger than it should if you make him embarrassed around people, just bite your tongue and save it for later.
• Take care of yourself. Put some makeup on, get your hair done (if you can't afford the salon, fix it nice yourself!), exercise a couple of times a week...those things probably don't matter to your husband because he'll love you no matter what but he will notice the extra pep in your step.
• Help him shave. For Dave, hair is gross. (Which is FINE by me!! I am not a fan of chest hair) So occasionally he'll ask me to touch up his back. Which makes his muscles look bigger :0)
  
• Tell him you love him. Every.Single.Day.
  

So Many Things.

As I settle into the next three days of work..I look back at our First Christmas as our own family with a huge smile on my face. On Christmas we went to see a movie..and deemed that our Christmas day tradition. We have the others as well, making cookies from scratch, a big family dinner, and making a gingerbread house..but I really liked going to the movies as one of our traditions. I think when the movie comes out I will buy it..and the next years and all the other years too.

Our First Christmas: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

I had tears just streaming down my face for a majority of the movie.. and I am not entirely sure why. I will blame it on PMS. It was a really great movie, so I urge you all to see it too! (Just bring some tissues just in case you wind up like me and have to wipe your face with the same napkin you wiped your greasy popcorn hands on!) When the movie ended as David & I were rushing out of there we noticed everyone was hugging..so I think the majority of the crowd really got touched by the movie.

I'll miss you when you're gone!

"When they saw the star, they were overjoyed."
Matthew 2:10

There's something about sitting in a room with only the Christmas lights on with my favorite drink from Starbucks that is incredibly soothing. I need to figure out how to keep my Christmas lights up all year round without looking like one of those people.

Naughty or Nice?

Tonight I made brownies for my hubby's 2nd work party tomorrow.



Do you think we should inform people that I made them wearing only these:

:)

Making food while looking sexy makes it taste so much better.

On the brain..

I talk in my sleep. Sometimes yell, sometimes with my eyes open (which I imagine can be kind of freaky!) I have done it since I was in diapers, making noises throughout the night and causing my mother to get less sleep as she had to check on me to make sure I was okay.

Lately, I have been talking about photography. How do I know this? Well, David will tell me in the morning what I talked about the night before and BAM! I remember exactly what my dream was and go on to explain it.

Yesterday morning David said, "You kept screaming, 'I need my telephoto lens Quick, I need it, Carrie Underwood is coming!' " I am not sure how Carrie Underwood popped in my dream, but oh yes, she was there. I knew how much David loved her and I was trying to get a good shot of her for him, and I needed my telephoto lens for that.

Here are a couple conclusions:
I am thinking A LOT (maybe too much) about photography these days. But that's okay :)
Shouldn't David be the one to dream about Carrie Underwood? Not me?

Cutest kids..

Here are some of my favorite pictures from a photoshoot this weekend.

Wedding Blues

Where do I begin? We aren't going to have a wedding ceremony. In a sense it shouldn't matter because we're already married, but I really longed for one. I mean, it's every girls dream right? So now you may be wondering why we aren't having one..it's because my parents were supposed to pay for it, told us they were going to pay for it, but apparently my dad lied about having extra money. He owes me $12500 right now, and he told me recently a "deal" went through and he would have the money back to me and we could talk about setting up a wedding account. He also got my mothers hopes up through this, that she could resume the life she was used to.

My parents aren't poor, (just for informational purposes here) they own a vineyard (but but didn't produce crop this year, resulting in money loss) plant tobacco, own apartments, 7 houses (some to rent out and some to fix and sell) and a few lots. Their bills are paid for, but as you can see from the list they rack up a lot of bills, so there isn't a lot of extra money right now.

Remember how us getting married was like a secret to everyone but my parents? (because we didn't want to just move in together and my parents would have died if we did) I guess now we will just tell people we're going to the courthouse.

I am trying not to be upset about it. We could pay for a wedding, but since 6 months have gone by since I was supposed to have the money back that I gave Dad, I will have a little bit of college loans coming up to be paid, and we're saving for a house..my dream wedding isn't in the picture.

I do have my wedding dress. My beautiful wedding dress. I am thinking I may go ahead and have it altered and have David rent a tux and us have someone take photos..so we can have pictures.

Anyways, I just needed to get all of that off my chest.. I know this isn't a happy post, but I am happy that I have the love of my life by my side forever..ceremony or not, what we have is real.

Purple & Gold

David's work party was so.much.fun
we did a Chinese gift exchange
I opened a GIANT universal remote & there was another present attached
a candy bra.
I could have DIED. Everyone laughed and my face got so red.
It probably would have been a lot more embarrassing if I had not had a couple glasses of wine in my belly, and everyone would have been slightly more embarrassed hoot and holler at Dave about that gift if they had not too had a few drinks.
So I did what anyone would do..
I traded that for the Crown Royal gift set (mmmm!)
The best part is that I was one of the last ones to pick a gift..so no one made me switch with them!

Friday Fill-In

1. Friends make like fun.

2. Good health; it's what will help keep you in the nursing home.

3. I'm ready for Christmas, Snow, and Sleep.

4. Ralph Lauren Polo Sport is one of my favorite perfumes or aftershaves or smells. (No really, it makes me weak in the knees)

5. The oldest ornament I have is a couple weeks old.

6. Take some frozen strawberries, vanilla yogurt, a banana, a splash of OJ, mix it all together and you have a yummy & healthy strawberry smoothie.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to being done with an exam & baking brownies, tomorrow my plans include photo shoots & David's work Christmas party and Sunday, I want to take another exam, more photo shoots, and cuddling with David!

Want to join in on the fun?

My Loves

Linda @ The Random Memorandum gave me this:

Upon receiving an award I too (like Linda, again) usually just say "thank you" ..but her post made me laugh (like many of her posts) so I thought I too would join in.
Of course I love God, David, My family, Friends, and all of you wonderful bloggers! But the next 5 things have really touched a special place in my heart recently: (and because everyone would mention the same five things I did..except for David..I should be the only one who loves him enough to let him enter my top 5 list)

1. My new camera & alllll of its wonderful accessories:

2. Stove Top Stuffing. I cannot get enough. I would rather eat this stuff than my families secret recipe. Sorry great great great great great great great grandmother, you should have thought of this instead. And then we'd be rich. 3. Cheetos Twisted. Seriously Heaven in my mouth. And they get stuck to my teeth so I get to enjoy them even after I finish eating them ;)

4. My down comforter. And my bed in general. It is so cozy..I'm in love.5. Pilot gel Pens. Seriously.."I Die" They are the greatest ever. I will purposely write things over so that I can use these pens more. They make my handwriting so pretty.
..Name 5 Things you Love

Ugh..

Every time I get sick I say "I have never been this sick" ...but this time it is so true. I am not a good sick person, I whine and feel like I am in my last day of living.

and before I crash again on my bed..let me ask you this..why is it so hard for my furbaby to behave while I am sick..dogs sense things..she probably knows how bad I feel. This is how it went down today:

Sadie sees dead mouse
within one second it's in her mouth
I scream
which hurt.
really bad.
she wouldn't "drop it"
so I had to get it
I had to touch a dead mouse.

Wonderful :0)

What a fun weekend we had :0) On Friday evening we watched a few episodes of The Office Season 3 that I was able to snag on Black Friday for only $13!! And enjoyed a wonderfully healthy meal of Pizza Hut Pizza.. (mmmm!)

Saturday went like this:
I didn't get up until 11.
(I'm so good in bed, I could sleep for days!)
Ate some pizza leftover from the night before
Back to bed for another two hours.
(It was wonderful)
Got up more groggy than before
showered & made myself presentable
went to David's Brother & SIL's for a cookout
followed by all of us going to
remember what this season is REALLY about
and "walked-through" Bethlehem
at a local church.
That was a lot of fun, and reminded me of why I love Christmas so much.

Stopped by Walmart to pick up the essentials for making:
a Gingerbread House!
David & I each picked our own sides to decorate
since we couldn't agree how to do it
Here is the finished product:

(above is Davids, Below is Mine)
I like mine better.
I even put a Christmas tree out my front door

Sunday was FUN.
I had my first official photo shoot
since declaring I was
"Megan Garrison Photography"
Here are two of my favorites:

(if you'd like to keep up with me
here's my link..become a follower)

I am looking forward to the next few weekends being just as much fun.

What did YOU do this weekend?

Judging

My Utmost for His Highest
December 5

"..most of us are much more severe in our judgment of others than we are in judging ourselves. We make excuses for things in ourselves, while we condemn things in the lives of others.."

I read that today and it really hit home with me..so I thought I would share. :0)

Have a great weekend!

Holiday Fun

1.
Wrapping paper or gift bags? It depends on the item, but I mostly use wrapping paper.


2.
Real tree or Artificial? This year, Real, but after Christmas we're buying a fake one (cause they'll be cheap!)


3.
When do you put up the tree? We put it up a week before Thanksgiving.

4.
When do you take the tree down? Probably New Years.

5.
Do you like Egg Nog? No. Gross.

6.
Favorite gift received as a child? Furby. Oh man I wanted that thing so bad..and got it!

7.
Hardest person to buy for? David. He's picky.

8.
Easiest person to buy for? My mom.


9.
Do you have a nativity scene? Yes. Davids mom gave us one :)

10.
Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail.

11.
Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I don't think I've gotten a bad gift.

12.
Favorite Christmas Movie? Oh there is so many!! I cannot possibly be forced to pick one..

13.
When do you start shopping for Christmas? Whenever I see something that would be nice for someone.

14.
Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Nope.

15.
Favorite thing to eat at Christmas and favorite Christmas dessert? Everything.

16.
Lights on the tree? Clear lights, Only.

17.
Favorite Christmas song? Again, I CANNOT pick one.

18.
Travel at Christmas or stay home? Visit both families.


19.
Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Comet, Dixon, Dasher, Prancer, Dasher, and that's all I can think of..are those even right??

20.
Angel on the tree top or a star? You know I love my stars!

21.
Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Open one present on Christmas Eve the rest in the morning.


22.
Most annoying thing about this time of the year? There's nothing annoying about this time of the year.

23.
Favorite ornament theme or color? This year we have Red & Silver, I like to mix it up every year!

24.
Handmade ornaments or store bought? When we have kids, it will be handmade..for now, it's store bought.

25.
What do you want for Christmas this year? Camera accessories. Simple enough, Right?

Now it's YOUR turn to answer these questions..especially if you couldn't think of a post for today!

Letter..

Dear Lady Across The Street,
Firstly, you have the second cutest dog in the world..behind my Sadie of course. I noticed that when you take your dog out you don't carry bags. I can't think of anything more gross than stepping in a pile of your dogs steaming poo. In fact, I am sure that I have. Twice. Now, I know there are other people here and a lot of them do not carry bags either..but I don't know where they live. Please forgive me in advance if one day you open your door and step in a big pile of poo. Gross, isn't it? I would have done it by now if I could stay up after most people go to sleep. You're lucky. And Gross.

Love is in the air..

Liz shot photos for David & I this past weekend. (Thank youu!!) I promise I didn't harass her for the originals since I was so excited about seeing them..(Glad she's such a good friend of mine!) Ohhh I cannot wait until they are all edited & pretty! :0) I must be a good girl & be patient and wait.

Here is one of my favorites from the "originals" pile:

This is going to be a busy day & even busier week.
If I don't get a chance to comment to all of you, I'm sorry!

Beyond Thankful

Firstly, Thank you to Mamarazzi for hosting a favorite things swap! And a special thanks to Emilie for sending me some awesome stuff! (Please forgive the horrible picture, I had to use my laptop because I have yet to charge my camera!) I was squeeling the whole way through opening all of this. Among some of the amazing things I got were: Lindor chocolates (mmm!!), cookie cutters, snowmen ornaments, cookie recipe magazine, Sense & Sensibility, Christmas measuring cups, Christmas cooking spatulas, Hello Kitty stickers, and lipgloss, shower gells, hair cream, and body butter!!! Emilie, you totally outdid yourself and I am so thankful to of been your swap partner!

As a continuation of my Thanksgiving week post.. This Thanksgiving I am beyond thankful for David. I knew what I was looking for in a relationship, basically everything my previous one wasn't. I wont even get into how bad the previous relationship was because this post isn't about him, it's about David. Anyways, when David and I met we had an instant connection. It would be safe to say that I "liked" him the night we met.
My last first kiss..
I would have kissed him that first night we met, but he was a perfect gentlemen and so that didn't happen. I believe we saw each other the next day or the day after, but we didn't kiss that night either. The next time we went out (which just happened to be the next day--I told you there was a connection!) we had walked back to the outside of my building, and I know the evening was going to end without a kiss (again!!) so as he was babbling away I leaned in and planted one on him. Then of course I was embarrassed because I totally was not lady-like, and so I began to talk like nothing had happened and he interrupted my talk with another kiss.
And they lived happily ever after..
After that night we had our first kiss we saw each other every day and were constantly sending texts throughout the day. Our relationship grew deeper everyday. He made me laugh harder and smile more often than I have in my entire life. I knew within a few short weeks of our first kiss that I never wanted to have another first kiss. You're probably thinking, "this is infatuation, it wont last!" Well friends, here we are having been married for almost four months and loving every second of it. It certainly was not love at first sight, but we both fell in love shortly after. He truly is everything that I have ever looked for in a man, and a husband. He loves me, and he reminds me of it every day. I cannot wait for us to have children because I know he is going to be just as amazing as a father as he is as a husband.

Thankful Humor

Found this while browsing the internet, thought it would fit nicely into my week of Thanksgiving posts..

I AM THANKFUL...

• For the taxes I pay, because it means that I am employed.
• For the mess to clean after a party, because it means that I have been surrounded by friends.
• For the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means I have enough to eat.
• For my shadow that watches me work, because it means I am out in the sunshine.
• For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.
• For all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means that we have freedom of speech.
• For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking, and that I have been blessed with transportation.
• For my huge heating bill, because it means I am warm.
• For the lady behind me in my place of worship when she sings off key, because it means that I can hear.
• For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear.
• For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been capable of working hard.
• For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means that I am alive.

After reading this list..I realize I have complained about ALL of these things..and instead of complaining I should have done what the end of each point did.. found a blessing in it all. Today, I am so very thankful to have a roof over my head, a job to pay the bills, and clothes on my back!

As a side note, Happy Birthday to my best friend, my Mother! (isn't that cute how my Fathers birthday is one day before my Moms..even though he's a bit older!) I wont tell you how old she is..because a lady never shares such a thing..but I will say that she looks DARN good for being her age!!

Thankful

Instead of cramming everything I am thankful for into one post I am going to spread it out throughout a few posts this week.

I am thankful for my family.

David says he loves my parents because "they look out for our marriage" I am thankful for their continuing support in my choices, their guidance, and their love.
My oldest sister, Kirsten (my Fathers daughter--biological father). She is definitely one of a kind. So funny that one is. She is easy to talk to and although we don't see each other as often as we like, I am so thankful to have her as an older sister.


Even though I already mentioned my parents, I have to mention my Mom again. She is my best friend. I couldn't imagine a day without her. We talk on the phone at least once a day. A couple weeks ago I posted how I was going to stuff her when she passed..She laughs when I tell her that, but wait and see.
My second oldest sister, my "dads" daughter. (By dad I mean stepdad) We have had some ups and downs, but have been there for each other when it counts.
My youngest sister. She's my babydoll. (And too freaking cute!) She has a great head on her shoulders and I believe she has learned from all of my mistakes..which is good-I would hate for her to have to go through some of the things I did. She is a funny girl, and has a love of photography just like myself and my oldest sister.

My only brother. (Man, this picture is so old..I couldn't find a more recent one!) He is married to a wonderful girl and even though his wife & him are trying to have a baby and he wants to steal the name I picked out for my first boy (In honor of our father) I still love him. And i'm praying that they have a girl. Twin girls in fact, so they wont have more for a while.
The newest addition to our family, David. I am so so so thankful for him. I am going to do a whole post on him so I wont ruin it here.Today is my Fathers birthday. I have spent many years looking up at the nights sky picking out a star for him. He would have been 61 years old today..that's crazy. He has been gone too long. I am so thankful to know that he loved me. I am thankful that after he passed my mother was able to remarry and not have to raise three young kids on her own.

Happy Birthday Daddy.
I miss & love you.

Pajama Program

Blog friends, we are very blessed! I am sitting here now in cozy PJs sipping on hot chocolate and thinking of all of the things I am thankful for. (and writing them down for my upcoming 'Thanksgiving' post.) I realize that from now until after Christmas things are going to be pretty hectic around blogland and more importantly in our real lives, but I want to do something..I want to make a difference.

Pajama Program serves children who have been abused or neglected, and many of them have spent YEARS in foster care. They provide them with a pair of pajamas to call their own so that they do not have to wear either the same clothes they wore that day or no clothes at all. I am not going to make my words sound cute and tug at your heart strings, but I would LOVEEE to get a big box of PJ's together to send off to them so that I (and I hope 'WE') can help a child in need.

The only real "rule" of this is to buy brand new clothes, not used. I know Christmas is coming up and money is probably tight, but I think we can all shell out a little money to buy help those less fortunate than us.

If you would like to join me in making a child's day (and night!) e-mail me at megchidATgmailDOTcom or leave your e-mail address and I will contact you. I would like for the PJ's from any of you to be postmarked by the 10th of December so that I can receive them and get them where they need to go before Christmas. (That's almost 3 weeks! Should be enough time to scrape together a couple dollars to buy PJs!)

I promise..

This will be the last time I change the background/header...for at least a week. :0)

YOU have GOT to see THIS!

Check out this site. Seriously, do it..no questions asked. I totally was tearing up--it is the sweetest and cutest story..

Liz blogged about it, but you probably wouldn't know that because it's TOO hard to get to her blog (she's the one who had the cool giveaway about decorating tips recently..go harass her and tell her to come to blogspot.)

Blast from the Past

Here is proof that I have always been cute. :0)
Just kidding girls (and maybe the occasional guy)..
but really, here are some photos of me I came across recently

This last one is one of my favorites of all time. Minus my mothers hair..that's absolutely god awful. That's okay, I still love her.

Sadie Baby

Bloggy friends: Meet Sadie.

Saturday we took a trip to the local SPCA
and fell in LOVE with this sweet baby!

About Sadie:

• She is mainly white, with the cutest chocolate markings (even though the picture makes her look like she has black markings)
• She is 2 years old
• 15lbs, which is as big as she will get.
• She has been very good in the house and using the bathroom outside.

:D :D

See the new background??
I MADE IT!
..now I have ONE more addiction!

I still have a lot to do to make it look better, but at least I know I can do it!

Friday Fill-In

1. Please feel free to be honest with me in all situations.
2. When Dave leaves for the day, I switch our pillows so I can still have him with me, and I can't help sniffing it occasionally.
3. My favorite thing to cook is perogies! (mmmm).
4. Reading is something I can't get enough of.
5. That's the thing I love most about reading, it allows your mind to wander and be somewhere else for a little while.
6. Drivers always makes me think to myself, what the heck?
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to knocking out some tests, tomorrow my plans include sleeping in and Sunday, I want to go to church!

Do you want to do it too?

Thanks Melissa for my award! :0)

Check this out. [giveaway]

**If you don't want to read about my day..just scroll down to the end of this post to check out the AWESOME giveaway**

So..My wonderful hopes of having a great girls night was slammed to a quick hault after lunch yesterday when I all of a sudden got really hot, a big lump in my throat, and spent the next hour either hugging the toilet or laying on our bathroom floor. Yes, at work. To make a LONG story short I didn't want to stay up there, when I am sick I want to be in my bed. So I changed my train ticket from today to yesterday and passed out on the train ride from DC back to Richmond. Home. At last. Today, I feel very drained, and hurt all over, but I can't sleep anymore and dont want to just lay in bed...so I brought my laptop over to keep me company. I couldn't miss the opportunity to tell you about the amazing giveaway though..

My bessssst friend Liz is having an amazing giveaway. You all are so creative, and she needs you to get your creative juices flowing! One person will be randomly selected for a $20GC to starbucks JUST for entering, the other will receive a $30GC to Target for the best advice. What are you waiting for??? GO OVER THERE! (Mention you're there from MY blog..I am just curious how many of you are going from me--that isn't required though, i'm just being nosey)

It's all about ME

Who finished getting their favorite things together for the swap that Mamarazzi is hosting?

That would be me!!
Don't let the size of the box full you..
is it PACKED full with amazing things.
There are things in there that David said, "Can't we just keep that for ourselves??"
No, Silly Boy, We Can't.
Don't you wish you were my swap partner??

Who has already decorated their bathroom for the Christmas Season??

That would be ME!!
It makes me happy to go in there.
More pictures will be posted of my decorations later.
I have only decorated the bathroom..
I am trying to wait a few more weeks to decorate everything else.



Who went coupon crazy at CVS today??

That would be ME!!
This totally MADE my day.
Here is the run down:
I spent $30.55
I saved $36.54
Sounds like a GREAT deal to me!!
After I took this picture, I realized a few of the items I bought were missing..but I was too lazy to grab them and take another picture, so to not make them feel left out, that total also included tampons, another glass glade air freshner (can you spot the glass air freshner?? where is it??), and soap. I think I did PRETTY darn good shopping. It's always good to save more than you spend.

Tomorrow, I travel to DC to make an in office visit. I am going to spend the night with some of my favorite girls of the city, and probably be too tipsy to get on the computer. (at least i'm honest right?!) I will return Thursday evening. :0)

Making some changes..

Since learning last week about how I now have to pay special attention to my cholesterol and do what I can to lower it.. I am determined that at my checkup 3 months from now to have a much better score. The doctors orders were to increase fiber, exercise more, and lower fat intake. In all honesty, those suggestions shouldn't be just for those needing to lower their cholesterol.

I never really thought twice about grabbing something from McDonald's, or plopping down in front of the TV instead of exercising. I am making the change. (ok, it isn't like I would eat McDonald's all the time either..but probably more than I should!! It's SOO good though!!)

Meet the new additions to our home:

I am sure you are thinking "Oh Gross!!" BUT.. all of these things in the picture are actually realllllly good. The first time I had the pancakes I didn't LOVE them, but that's because I was worried about what the fiber would do and I was convinced I could taste a huge difference. The truth is, you can't taste a difference and the added fiber didn't seem to change anything. In fact, the pop tarts actually taste better than the regular cinammon ones, you can actually taste the cinammon more with the Fiber One brand. I really think you should look into this!

Tips for Adding Fiber in your Diet:
Scan for Bran
Look for “bran,” “whole grain” and “whole wheat” on product packages and ingredient labels. These ingredients can help boost fiber intake.
Grab the Whole Food
Munch on a whole piece of fruit, in place of drinking a glass of juice. You’ll get the nutrients and the fiber too.
Savor the Skins
Eat fruit and vegetables with the skin on. Eating the skin helps to bump up the fiber, plus it provides texture and a bonus of other nutrients.
Screen for Beans
Replace your typical side dishes with high-fiber dried peas and beans, such as kidney, pinto, lentils or black-eyed peas. These fiber-packed legumes make it easier to meet daily fiber goals. Go Nuts
Jazz up salads, vegetables, snacks and desserts with almonds, sunflower seeds or soy nuts. Nuts and seeds add fiber and fun-to-chew crunch to foods.
Be Berry Wild
Choose raspberries, blackberries and boysenberries to add variety to your cereals. These berries have twice the fiber of many other fruit selections.
Bring on the Brown
Use brown rice instead of white. Switch to whole-wheat pasta, whole-wheat flour whole-wheat breads and whole-grain crackers instead of regular white versions.
Skip the Chips
Select snacks that are a good source of fiber. Instead of potato chips, go for low-fat popcorn, whole-grain pretzels or oven-crisped whole-wheat pita triangles.
Drink Up
Water is a healthy beverage choice—especially as you up the fiber. Your body needs more water to help process the added fiber you eat.

I've got some explaining to do..

In a recent pose where I bolded the things I have done..there were a few questions that arose. A question about my tattoos and a question about how I saved a life..

How I saved a life. I was a lifeguard when I was younger at the county pool. I sat in a chair for 8 hours every day--It was only me and one other lifeguard so one week I would work four days and be off three, and would switch that out the following week. Nothing really ever happened at the pool, remember I am from a small town (no stop lights) Instead of going to the pool most people are tending to their farms so many days I was there alone. There were very few times when the pool was "full" and one of these "full" days a lady came with her three kids. Two older ones and one young one who couldn't walk very well. She sits down to hear all of the small town gossip while the older two went ahead and got in the pool. The youngest who I guess was supposed to just sit by the Mom decided after a little while to go in too. I was across the pool but saw her going towards the deep in which automatically made me nervous. Little kids and pools do not mesh well together. She fell in. I was watching her so I was in the pool the same time if not right before she was. I had gotten to her, and gotten her out before her mother even noticed she wasn't there. I wanted to scream at her mother. Had I been looking somewhere else (say the shallow in where most people are) it could have been a lot worse. Luckily she was okay, a little shooken up, but okay.

Now, on to my tattoos. I have three, but technically two.

I got my first tattoo when I had just turned 16. The lowest star. My mother did not know about it. (I was a badddd kid) It wasn't done very well (as you can see in the picture) but I still love it very much. I could only get one star at the time because if I had gotten more she would have seen it. Stars are extremely important to me. When my father died I knew Heaven was "up there" so I would pick a star out every night and imagine that one was my father. I would tell "him" about my day and just chat like he was right beside me. That is why I was so glad to get out of DC and to a smaller town where I could see the stars again, I missed them. When I turned 18 I wanted to finish the stars, so I added two more-- so that it a total of three stars: one for my brother, my little sister, and myself.
My second tattoo was to symbolize my independence. I have always always always loved the quote "Live, Laugh, Love" so when I moved to DC I wanted to get one to remember my experience up there. It is pretty small, so it is somewhat hard to see. It is also important because that tattoo is in my handwriting.

So, there you have it.
Do YOU have any Tattoos??

Also, ...wearing mascara is having a giveaway.
Please do NOT go here and enter to win FABULOUS makeup!!
I really want to win this one....

List of things..

Things that suck:
-VIRGINIA.
-Getting a call from the doctor about your blood work. The conversation went like this:
Hi, this is Megan & I am returning your call concerning my blood work.
"Hi Megan, looking at your bloodwork we have some bad news..you have diabetes."
I was like Oh mY GoDDdd.
"Hold on a second, I am looking at the wrong chart. You DO NOT have diabetes, but you do have high cholesterol."
How does one in their early twenties have high cholesterol? Yeah, I have no idea either. I don't eat that bad, and I exercise regularly. (Although now I am going to exercise every day) I was pretty bummed about that, in fact I even cried. A big part of it is hereditary, and it runs wild in my family. Looks like I better stock up on the Cheerios. So far they aren't putting me on medicine, but I do have to go back in three months.
-My Car. Today, when I was driving I went to come to a nice stop and the car made a really loud noise and stopped immediately. It did that twice, it was very weird.

Because this isn't a pity party..here are some good things:
1- It wasn't diabetes. I think that is way harder to control than high cholesterol.
2- At least I have a car. Even though I want a new one..it still gets me to the bank to cash my check.