Christmas 2007

Merry Christmas! This was the year for the family picture. All 15 of us squeezed into the studio at the local JCPenneys for a professional portrait. Afterwards, we headed over to Wings etc. to celebrate Chuck's 20th birthday. Then, it was over to grandma and papa's house to open presents.

Oldest(eldest?) brother Scott and mom.

2nd oldest brother Doug, me, nephew.

Christmas Tree

nieces.

sleeping brothers (Scott and Sean)

Max chillin' by the fire.

Scott and nephew.

I wasn't able to get all of the pictures to fit, I'm missing some pics of one nephew and all of my sisters-in-laws, at least you get the idea. Merry Christmas to you and yours!!

Attention: Expect delays

image credit

I received a call from the store that my bedding was in. I went to the store and stood in line at the catalog order desk. The man in front of me was picking up his order as well. When the lady came out with his package he opened it, and instead of an electric blanket he ordered as a Christmas gift, it was a sports bra. I couldn't help but laugh. Needless to say, he was not a happy camper. I picked up my order (2 boxes) and carried them to the car (at this point I noticed how heavy the boxes were; tears were coming down my face) went home and opened them up. First box, the comforter set that I ordered. Second box, an orange 2 piece luggage set. "What the heck? it's supposed to be a sheet set." No wonder it was so heavy. Serves me right for laughing at other people. I went back later that night, stood in line again. The teenager who was helping me and another lady was talking to his 'bros and I so wanted to call them out on it, but I restrained myself (improvement in anger management, one point for me) the teenager ended up not being able to help me and I ended up with the lady who saw me earlier in the day. After I explained to her what happened she gave me a sincere "I'm sorry" and then started reprocessing my order. 55 minutes later I was out of there.

My Christmas Shoes

Today my boss brought in a pair of dansko shoes. She had bought them on eBay but they were two sizes too big for her. Instead of sending them back, she gave them to me. They are really quite comfortable and after a long day of work my feet didn't hurt at all. It took some effort to adjust to them as early in the day I was having trouble balancing myself.

I was wearing green scrubs at the time so I looked liked a walking Christmas display. I wonder if I click them together three times if they'll take me home?

7 things...

I've noticed a lot of bloggers listing 7 things about themselves. Also called MEME. I want to jump in on the fun.

• I'm an introvert. I did manage to perform in two productions in high school and college. Although, that was because I was the stage manager and knew all the lines anyway, not because I'm a good actor.


• When I am stressed I grind my teeth when I sleep. (no, I don't realize I'm doing it. The sound has been described to me as a freight train tearing through the house.)


• I love reading anything I can get my hands on. Sidenote: when I was younger my parents would punish me by sending me to my room ; it never did any good I just read my books until I was allowed to come out.


• I got the chicken pox when I was 10. At the time and it still is, rare for anyone over the age of 7 not to have already had them. To make me feel better my parents bought me Garfield underwear. ( I was into Garfield at the time)


• I've only been on a plane once (when I was 9).


• I originally wanted to be an astronaut, then a professional basketball player, doctor, and finally a scientist. I don't know what I want to be after this...hmm...


• I am named after the character Meghann from the book The Thornbirds. After the red hair and family of brothers our similarities come to a screeching stop.

Meg & Jordan's Incredible Inedible Lard Adventure

This weekend, Meghan Kelly celebrated her 26th birthday by serving a meal at the Salvation Army downtown. We had an incredible time dicing tomatoes, cooking beans, managing the serving line, and washing dishes. One of the unspoken duties was to empty the remnants of the fried beef into the "inedible oil bin". Now this was not just clean, clear oil. This was the thick muck that forms the base of the grease that houses the lard that traps the fly and "I don't know why..."---- you know the rest. Needless to say, this was not a pretty job. With three full buckets and one large metal bin, we (Meg and Jordan) transported this lard into the bin actually designated with written plaque: "inedible cooking oil". Enjoy the pictures of our experience...

Gave us a whole new appreciation for the Lunch Lady...

Mmm MMMM Mmmm Mmmmm ... Tasted like chicken - Get in my belly!

The inner bowels of the "inedible cooking oil" container...quite literally took our breath away.

Elevator Laws

• If there is an escalator that goes from the 1st floor to the 2nd floor and you are able-bodied and can maintain your balance, spare the rest of us from an unnecessary stop and use the escalator.
• No more than 8 people on the elevator. I don't want to suffocate and neither should you. There are three escalators, I'm sure another one will open up shortly.
• Move to the back of the elevator when you get on. You're not so important that you can't make room for others.
• Pay attention to the arrows. When the arrow points up, the elevator is going up, when the arrow points down, the elevator is going down.
• Allow the people that are getting off the elevator to get off before you try to get on. No need for pushing and shoving.
• Pushing the buttons multiple times does not make the elevator operate any faster. Stop doing it.

Dear fellow driver,
The next time that you decide to make a right turn onto the street using the merge lane, please do not stop. The purpose of this lane is to keep traffic moving. When you stop to wait for the light to change you negate the purpose of this lane and the millions of dollars that were spent to construct it. So, next time either use the lane as it was meant to be used or find another way home. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Fellow motorist

Meet Phil

I feel like I should start carrying around spare lighters or matchbooks. The last few days I've gone on walks during lunch and people have asked me if I have a light for them. One lady even yelled at me from across the parking lot. I should just start referring them to the penguin.

This is Phil, (I named him myself) and although he reminds everyone that there is "no puffin" allowed, nobody listens.

'Tis the season...

...for a Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha The first of the season. Okay, maybe the sixth, but oh how each one tastes as good as the first. Pure bliss.

(I wanted to put a picture up but my computer insists on being stupid today)

Thanksgiving

Let us come before His presence with Thanksgiving. Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. Psalm 95:2

This year I'm thankful for:

• my family- parents, brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews- for the countless laughs, conversations (no matter how strange), arguments, and precious moments together.
• my friends-they keep me grounded, in check and covered in a cloak of love.
• my job-it's an absolute joy to go to work everyday and to really, truly love the work that I do.
• my church- the freedom to pray and worship without the fear of persecution.
• my health
• the ability to provide for/love others-whether by time, food, or skills.
• people who believe in helping others earn a college education.
• people who believe in other people's dreams.
• the lessons I've learned.

Smarter than a 5th grader

Mmm chicken

At work we have three vending machines in the lounge. There is your typical candy/junk food vending machine, the cold sodas vending machine and then this one

Here you have a myriad of choices ranging from bean burritos, lunchables, ramen noodles, a cinnabon with cream cheese, white castle, beef steak subs, and monterey chicken sandwiches. There is also a spatter of milk and fruit cups (those are on the top and bottom shelves out of the line of sight of the unsuspecting consumer) My favorite of all of these is C3.

It's not my favorite because of what it tastes like (I'm afraid to eat anything out of this machine) but rather the name, Big Az Chicken. Need I say more?

Crooked Smile

Went to the dentist today to have a cavity filled. While she was at it she fixed a small chip on my front tooth. You'd think that I'd be ecstatic about it, but the fact is, she didn't ask if I wanted it done. She just assumed that I would want it fixed. To me, the chip added character and it had a story. Fourteen years ago I was roller blading with my dog(I know, bad idea) and I tripped on an uneven part of the sidewalk. Two of my baby teeth were knocked out, the left side my face was scraped off and my front tooth was chipped off. I vividly remember my dad taking me to a neighbor who was a dentist to see if anything could be done. Later that night when mom came home from work, dad greeted mom at the door and told her "it's not as bad as it looks." Off to the ER we went where I got patched back up. That same night we went to the Lions festival where the only ride I was able to go on was the Ferris wheel with my little brother. It's worth mentioning that my teacher thought that I had had my face painted, when in face it was the result of being dragged by my dog; boy did she feel bad.

Oh well, I am sure I'll learn to like my new smile, even though I am a little melancholy about loosing my chipped tooth.

Lab Lesson: Any and all imperfections have a story behind them and tell a story of the person wearing them.

Moving

This past week I house sat for some friends while they were on their honeymoon and had a taste of freedom. After living with the parents for 22 years (I lived on campus my first year of college) I don't think living by myself would be much fun, in fact it's pretty lonely. Maybe it was because I was at a house that wasn't mine, sleeping in an unfamiliar place, etc. I've decided that I would at least need something to look at. (At one point I almost bought a blow up doll.) After a few days I started to get used to things and settled into a routine. Now I'm confident that I would be able to survive living on my own. Come May the boxes are going to be packed and I'll take a giant leap out into the world.

My View

I've got a pretty great view from my lab bench at work. When the sun is out, my area is the only place in the lab above 62 degrees, no joke. Often times when the day is dragging out I'll people watch. Sometimes I'll even make up pretend conversations between people on the street.

A Lost Art

I was driving through the country on my way home and I was taking in all the colors of the leaves and broad color spectrum that inhabits the Midwest. What caught my attention was a sign in front of a farmhouse advertising commercial property for sale. I've always had a place in my heart for farms and the families who earn their living caring for livestock and harvest. I never experienced life on the farm, but I still, at 23 listen with amazement as my dad describes the chores that were his around my grandparents farm. I have a deep respect for the families that today continue the tradition of caring for the family farm. I am sadden whenever I see a "For Sale" sign in front of a farmhouse. I understand the reasons why, yet at the same time I don't. This land is not only fertile with nutrients for gardens, and livestock, but also with stories that have been passed down from generation to generation, it holds the lessons of hard work and commitment, the importance of family, truth and value. This vital property is far too often grazed, covered with cement and becomes nothing more than an erection of drywall and vinyl that offers what we already had: quiet peace, contentment, and appreciation. In the process we loose what we need most: tangible life lessons.

The End of a Streak

I have an impressive track record of catching bouquets at wedding receptions. This dates back to March of 2005. Alas this weekend the streak came to an end. After five successful catches, "the curse" as my mom calls it, has been broken. I've caught the bouquets from bounce-offs off of chandelier's (which resulted in a black eye and a finger prick), the lackadaisical swipe in the air, and even the occasional tug-of-war. My approach consists of standing in front of the group of bachelorettes since most brides throw the bouquet with what I call "fluff". Because of this "fluff" the bouquet doesn't go very far in terms of distance. If anything, it goes high. (at which point I have time to do a quick check of the area around me to look for possible saboteurs) Last night I didn't take into account of the physics of the bouquet being tossed off of a balcony, along with the fact that I was jinxed beforehand. I'll just have to alter my game plan for the next toss. I'll be ready for sure.

Blah...

That's how I feel. Just blah... and then some. I really need to do something crazy and unlike me, like hitchhiking or getting myself into a drunken stupor. Wait, that might have happened before...

Work is in the process of getting ridiculously busy. For the next 12 weeks there are going to be 5 different studies going on. For one of the studies, the lab has to be on call since the patients can come in whenever they need to. For two of the studies, labs are being drawn at 0200. The other two studies I am sure will be during "normal business hours." I am excited about being so busy(and the overtime) I am also scared out of my mind what the next at least two months have the potential of being. I think I might like the change of pace these studies will bring. As of now, my schedule is very mundane and predictable. I go to work, come home, take a nap, eat dinner, read, watch a t.v. show, go to bed, repeat. What to do what to do?

Ow, quit it.

24 hrs. post donating

What I get for trying to do something good. On Monday I went to donate blood. This is what I got in return. Really, I wouldn't call it donating. They took the needle out 3 minutes after it was put in because the blood was not coming out fast enough. I say the tech went through the vein. I got a call on Thursday from the blood center asking how I was doing and if I had a bruise. Uh, yeah. The lady said to put a warm washcloth on it to 'get the blood moving.' I don't know, I kinda like my war wound.

72 hrs. post donating

Burnt Moss

Last week I went out with some girlfriends to a place where you can make your own pottery. Better, it was Death by Chocolate Night. (don't worry, I didn't die, as evidence by this post) I prefer glazing to actual painting so on this night I picked out a mug and glazed it with "Burnt Moss". Here's out it turned out.

I'm happy with the way it looks. I did think that it would be more 'burnt' than 'moss' but I still like it.

Not so sweet dreams

I have been having some really really strange dreams. I usually have weird dreams anyway, but this last week takes the cake.
Dream #1: I have a baby girl, I don't know how I got it but I did. I don't have a nursery, clothes, bottles, diapers, nothing. Not that any of that matters because in my dream I can't remember how to take care of a baby.
Dream #2: Riding in a van with my boss as the driver and we're driving the wrong direction on the street and my boss is driving in between cars and taking wrong turns.
Dream #3: I'm a victim of a robbery/hostage. This one was the worst because my all my friends were in it. Sorry friends. Don't worry, I woke up before anything really happened.
Dream #4: My house is on fire.
By now you're wondering what the heck is going on. I don't know!!

Naturally, I looked up the meanings of these dream from Dream Moods Dictionary.
Dream #1: The baby represents innocence, warmth, and new beginnings. Okay, I can see that with the new job and all. It also represents a part of myself that is vulnerable and helpless.
Dream #2: The boss represents the bossy, authoritative side of my own personality. It also reveals self-confidence and assertive aspect of myself. OR it could be over involvement and obsession with work. I don't like the word bossy, maybe "firm" or "delegates" but not bossy.
Dream #3: The robbery represents an identity crisis OR that someone has stolen my success or taken credit for what I've done. The hostage aspect represents being victimized, powerless, OR there is a part of myself that is not fully expressed. Uh oh...
Dream #4: Burning house says that I need to undergo some transformation OR this highlights passion and the love of those around you. I like love. I choose that one.
It cracks me up that there are two alternative translations for dreams. Like there is a better outcome of sorts yet you have no idea what it could possibly be. It's like "Now what?"
Patient: Well, what is it Doctor?
Dr.: Well, Mr. Smith it could be inoperable brain cancer OR it could be nothing.
Patient: Uhhh......?
I don't read in to the dream translations. Every once in a while it's interesting to look them up. I just hope there is an improvement this week. I would like some happy dreams.

#1 Ant

A piece of original artwork from my neice. My heart warmed.

Fall

Today, I hiked through the woods at a nearby park. It was an absolutely gorgeous fall day. I felt really good at the end of the hike yet oddly unsettling at the same time. I am trying to prepare my mind and heart for the week ahead; something I haven't been able to do for some time now. It was a nice day to "just be" and to not rush just to rush around.


I brought my dog, Max along with me for the hike. Here he is taking a break. I think he'll sleep pretty well tonight.

Necessities

Scrumptious snacks for the times when I can't get away from the lab. Clif Bars, trail mix, tea and an assortment of other edibles to nosh on.

Walk this way

Part of getting to work in the morning is a 10 minute trek from the parking garage to the hospital. Here is what I don't understand: People rushing. At this time in the morning, many Dr's, nurses, students, etc. are also coming to work/school and what have you. We all congregate at the crosswalk and wait for the hand to flash up so that we can cross the street. I like to stroll and take my time walking. I know that I will not be outside again for the next 10-12 hours and I want to enjoy what time I have being outside. For whatever reason, everyone acts like its the day after Thanksgiving sale and they all power walk or even run to the doors. I am not sure if it is the herd mentality "since everyone else is walking really fast, I guess I will too" or if people are really anxious to start their day. I love my job, but still. Or, are these people running late? (how do you arrive late every single day?) Or, is there some coffee special where you can get 128oz for the price of a 12oz? I don't know what the reasoning is. As for me, I will continue to take my sweet time breathing in fresh, non-recirculated air during my commute. I will walk on the right side so that those who call out "on your left!" can bypass me, but I refuse to join this particular herd.

Warning

Whoo hoo!!!! I figured out how to send a picture from my phone to my e-mail, save and upload it for all to see!!! I took this picture while walking through the mall parking garage. There is a stroller rack and you pay a $1.50 or something to borrow a stroller to keep the kiddos with you. This is what was on the back of the stroller. The thing is, someone would have actually had to put thier child in the bag in order for the manfacturer to put such a warning.

The Most Important Meal of the Day

On days that I have to be at work pre-sun hours, I like to grab a chocolate chip oatmeal cookie (or any other handy dandy on-the -go-item) this breakfast cookie is the best "breakfast" since sliced bread, promise. I eat that on the way to work then when I have a break I'll go down to the cafeteria and get a real breakfast. Where else can you get 3 slices of bacon, eggs, biscuits, and gravy for $2.19? Granted, some mornings the eggs are a little too runny for my taste, in which case I'll just have the bacon and biscuits and gravy. The nice thing is the breakfast fills me up pretty good. Although I am not sure if it's from all the grease and other "nutrients" or if it's because I'm eating at 8:30am. I'd prefer the latter.

"The Test"

This has been in draft form for about three weeks. Now you have some idea just how thrilled I am about it. The GRE test is in February and I have absolutely zero motivation to study. I don't know what I want to be when I grow up and I have no motivation to find out. This is not like me, I usually have a detailed idea, a plan of sorts. Now, I am idea-less and plan-less. I don't want to be one of those people that just settles. I think that is one of my biggest fears, settling, feeling like I could have been better, gone further, worked harder and then having to accept that I did what I could with what I had. It's amazing what one test can do to the human psyche. I guess I'll go study.

I don't know what happened. Everything was going just fine until 1:15pm. Then it all came tumbling down. This week was going perfectly, but alas all good things must come to an end. I have been working on a project for sometime now and with the deadline coming up I needed some help recruiting people. I made a call and instead of help I got the run around on three different topics that had nothing to do with the problem at hand. They kept telling me that everything was going to be alright and not to worry about it too much. What?! Don't tell me everything is going to be fine when it's not going to be fine. I am at the point of exploding on the next poor soul that so much as looks at me.

Survival

We had a meeting today at corporate hq. Since this was my first one, I wasn't really sure what to expect. Everyone told me that it would be the worst hour of my life and that I would want to gouge my eyes out with my pencil. I hate to say it, but I actually enjoyed it. We were broken into teams and each team had the same scenario. Our plane had crashed somewhere in Arizona, the pilots had died and we had different items such as a parachute, flashlight, compass, water, etc. and had to rank them in order of importance first individually, then as a team. Coming up with a plan of action and discussing the rank order of items, while at the same time being observed on how you talk and interact with each other was kind of cool. At the end we added our scores and based on our scores we were able to tell how well we are able to handle ourselves in a stressful situation, or in this case life or death. The lower your score the better. You may be asking yourself "well what was your score Meghan" I scored a 46 and compared with the other 20 people in the room who scored a 65 or above. Looks like if you're ever in a dire situation you want me on your team. Of course, I didn't share my strategy with my team, they would probably just end up killing me like in Lord of the Flies.

Busy Bee

Not a whole lot to catch up on. This past weekend was really busy. My friends Kelly and Rich tied the knot on Saturday. It was a really great day, everything went smoothly and the weather was perfect. On Sunday I worked in the a.m., went to church and then saw the musical Aida with friends. The show was pretty good, you could definitely tell that Elton John did the music. Afterwards, I was so tired from everything that went on the past 72hrs, I don't think I said 5 words to anyone. (when I get quiet, it's either because I am tired or hungry, so either put me to bed or feed me). I had dinner with my parents Sunday night and mom made the thickest stew ever! It was the good kind that sticks to your ribs. Mmmmm tasty!
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At work, we're finishing up on a study and getting ready for three more that are going to run simultaneously with each other. It will probably be stressful and people will probably be biting each others heads off. Let the games begin! The silver lining: I am looking forward to having my weekends open again. As I end my ramblings, did you see this article from Yahoo! ? It's about the mishandeling of germs in labs. Interesting...

All I Really Need to Know I Learned from Teaching

After graduating from college and not really having a firm grasp on what I wanted to do or having a job lined up to support myself I decided that signing on as a permanent substitute teacher would be a good short term solution. My thought process was that while teaching, I would still continue to look for employment in my field of science/research. I knew that I didn't want to make a career out of teaching, so this idea was a bright one. Little did I know that while I may have been the teacher, I was also the student. Here is some of what I learned while teaching high school freshman.

• Don't be afraid to share. Students and people in general are usually genuinely interested in knowing who you are and what you've done. Many hold back for fear of what others might think of them. I found that especially with students, they are looking for someone to relate to, someone with similar interests. (This makes class discussions a lot less painful)
• Demand respect-'nuff said
• Be flexible. There were times when I had the day planned out like a military operation and inevitably a fire drill or convocation would throw my plans right out the window. Knowing that I can't control everything and that I did what I could under the circumstances kept me in check.
• Don't assume anything. Easier said then done, I know. Just because someone looks, acts, or dresses a certain way doesn't mean that's who they are. Yes, first impressions are important, but take the time to go to know the person before you start passing judgments.
• If you don't know the answer, be honest and say so. You'll gain respect for not pretending to act like you're a know-it-all. When I was teaching I thought that I was supposed to have the answers for everything. After all, I was the teacher. If you don't know the answer, say so, but always take the time to look it up and share it with the person who asked.
• If you did or said something wrong-apologize. You wouldn't believe how many students looked at me like I had three heads when I said "I'm sorry." I guess they didn't expect it from an adult. It goes back to respect.
• Every once in a while go out on a limb for someone. Not only does it show the person that you care and believe in them, it also strengthens your relationship. I once talked to the asst. principal out of suspending a student for behavior issues. I followed that kid like a dog making sure that he got to class on time and completed his work. Ultimately his behavior improved and so did his grades.

This is just scratching the surface of what my students taught me. It was good going back to high school for a year. College, and the adult life take things so seriously. Yeah, I know that life is serious and so is education and that you only have this one life, yada, yada, yada. Yet on the flip side, it's good to be reminded that life is so much more then syllabi's, lectures, and tests.

Back that thang up

Typically, I am at work around 6:30am. The other morning I pulled up to the parking garage and swiped my parking permit. The screen said "invalid card" What?! I swiped it again and again "invalid card". I look over at the car beside me and he is having the same problem. We both look behind us and there are about 20 cars with sleepy and now frustrated drivers are behind us. The only way to get out is to back up. So, I along with 20 other drivers proceed to back up into the street. I go to the parking garage next door and the same thing happens again: swipe, invalid card, back up. It's now 6:45 am and I think to myself "screw this" and I park in the "A" lot for doctors, professors and other important people. I write a note (lest the parking police try to ticket me for being an invalid) with the date, time and issue with my card. I then hurriedly walk to the hospital (because I am 20 minutes "Late"). On the elevator ride up I tell a co-worker about my morning and the conversation is something like this

Meghan

I wasn't able to use my card this morning, it said it was invalid

Co-worker

Oh, next time that happens just park in the gargae attached to the hospital and get your ticket validated. Where did you park?

Meghan

In the "A" lot behind the dental school

Co-worker

You may want to move it

Meghan

Well I wrote a note

Co-worker

looking at me weird

you still might wat to move it

Meghan

o.k

so I get up to the lab, drop off my stuff, get back on the elevator meander through the hospital, back to the "A" lot, move my car, walk back, get my ticket validated and feel somewhat relieved that the parking police cannot get me now. Later on I tell another co-worker what happen

Co-worker #2

When you left Sat. night did you leave through the open gate?

Meghan

Yeah

Co-worker #2

well if you don't swipe out, the computer thinks you're still here, so if you swipe in you have to swipe out.

Crap.

so I go play musical cars again and go to my garage, take a ticket and then when I leave, I swipe out. Halluiegeh! All is good with the world again!

Lesson learned: Being "invalid" stinks, but during that time you can learn a lot of things.

Here at Last

After much deliberation (weeks actually) I've gone ahead and decided to join with the rest of the world and dive into technology. This is a huge step for me in that I have never kept a journal/diary/ or any record of my thoughts or ideas. I've always kept them in my little brain safe from the criticisms of this harsh world. This is no more. Here I will write about my life, family and lessons learned in the lab. Stay tuned.