the good, the bad, the ugly

the good:

It has been three months, and I still really LOVE my job. (The crazy hours are a bit of a con, but I love the work)

Hostess is officially back, and the hubs is dying to get his hands on the new Twinkies.

Since I have been working the graveyard shift, I have had time to update my Sephora and Amazon wish lists on my phone...(wink, wink hubs...my birthday is in three months...)

We're going to the dentist this week, which I am way more excited about than my husband is.

In case you missed it, my absolute favorite fictional 90's band reunited on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.  Check it out.



the bad:

Because we're both working all the time, we have about two weeks worth of laundry sitting on our couch...that'll be fun when I'm off this weekend.

Every time I try to put an outfit together, I feel like I have no clothes that look remotely attractive on me and feel like Dorothy from the Golden Girls.

The other day I felt like an absolute horrible dog mommy because I put Morgan outside in his kennel early in the morning when I got home from work.  I slept all day to prepare for another night shift, only to wake up and find it had been raining and my baby was wet because he refused to seek refuge in his covered dog house.

I cannot find my favorite curling iron, therefore my life has no meaning right now.

the ugly:

The bags under my eyes are no longer carry-on size and leading me to question all of my life choices.  Therefore, I'm open to any/all remedies anyone out there in blog land might have to fix the bags and dark circles that are occupying my eye space.  If you know of a product or something I should be doing, hit me up.

My hair is frizz central right now...curse you increase in humidity...

Last weekend was this HUGE music festival thing in the tiny town we live in(kind of like a Coachella for people who like to visit the mid-west).  In other news, watch out for hung-over people and broken beer bottles this week.

I took a quiz online and the Sorting Hat put me in Slytherin.  Seriously, I don't even know how to emotionally process that.  

what i wish i'd known

Me, circa April 2007, 15 years old

Me, circa July 2013, 20 years old 

(P.S. any selfie I take front on doing a normal smile, makes me look like I have "crazy eyes"...so, I am forced to take awkward looking picture of me making weird faces...ah, such trials)

Dear Teenage Megan,

I know you're 15 and you feel like your world is all about getting yourself into college now that you're in high school.  You're running around between theatre, choir, solos, concerts, auditions, college applications and scholarships, planning your future out meticulously.

Stop.  Breathe.  Whew...doesn't that feel better?

There's so much I wish I could tell you...I mean, you're only 5 1/2 years younger than I am and you may think not much will happen in the next 5 years.  You couldn't be more wrong.

In about a year, you're going to go on the absolute worst date of your life.  Don't worry about it and keep being nice to him, he needs the confidence boost.  However, don't go on a date with him again.  Just, don't.

You know how in your 10 year plan you have?  Just don't worry about sticking to that...you've got a road ahead of you that is 198745024332x better than anything you can imagine right now.

Stop worrying about pleasing the people around you.  It's going to get exhausting at some point.

Don't be afraid to take risks.  The next few years are going to be full of risky decisions you'll have to make.  I guarantee, the risk will be well worth the rewards that you're going to get later.

People keep telling you that these are the "best years of your life."  Yeah, they're wrong.  They are the most "responsibility free" years of your life.  They are the years that help you figure out how you really are.  They are really, really fun years.  They are also really emotional and complicated years.  These years will not define you, but they will shape you into the adult you need to be.  They're good years, however, they are definitely not the "best" years.

The braces will come off someday.  Just be patient.

You're going to get glasses at some point in your life while you have braces, and it will feel like the absolute worst thing in the world.  Not to worry, that is why contacts exist.

I wish I could give you the same good news about acne, but you're a Potter, therefore you will have acne forever.  However, you'll eventually get better equipped to handle it. P.S. start using all natural face products now and save yourself a lot of trial and error with chemicals and sensitive skin.

 You're not fat and ugly.  You just aren't comfortable in your skin yet and that's okay.  You'll get there eventually, but stop hating yourself.

DO NOT EVER STOP WATCHING THE OFFICE.  Seriously, no matter what your friends say about how lame it is, stay true to yourself baby.

People will tell you that you'll never see people from high school again.  This will be true for about 98% of your classmates.  However your best friends, the 2% ,will be with you much, much longer.  And they're the only ones that really matter.

Not only will some of you classmates be your best friends, but some of your teachers too.  Seriously, you're going to have a few teachers who will become like family and they will support you and stand by you for longer than you can imagine.

Most importantly, just give yourself some time to have fun.  I know, you're a perfectionist and a planner.  You can't fathom doing something that doesn't directly correlate with getting you scholarships for college.  While it is SUPER important for you to focus on scholarships and college, you also need time to just be a teenager.  Relax and let loose every once in awhile, it'll make a huge difference.

Sincerely,
Future Megan

Have you ever wished there was advice you could give the younger version of yourself?  What advice would you have loved to tell yourself?

guest blogging for nugget on a budget

You know, I've heard some people say that feeling trusted is the absolute most frightening thing of their lives.  Yeah, they're right.  Today I am both honored and petrified that my dear blog friend, Kera, has trusted her blog to me today.  I'm guest blogging for her!  Hopefully I do her amazing blog justice and perhaps bring some new members over here today as well.  I'm writing about 6 Easy Ways to Live Like Newlyweds today for Kera.  She's great, her blog is great, her little nugget is adorable and her little nugget on the way is sure to be just as precious.  I'm just super honored and star struck to be blogging for her today.  So, be sure to check it out today! 

As for me, I'm going to be sleeping the day away to prepare for my first graveyard shift at work tonight.  Yeah, it's gonna be a long night.  I can already feel it.  However, once I've got one night under my belt, I bet they'll get easier.  So, have fun doing what you're doing today and be sure to check out my guest blog post for Kera @ Nugget on A Budget today!

Loves and Hugs while I sleep and sleep,
Megan

P.S. Here is a pictures of my adorable little fur baby.  Morgan is the cutest black labrador mix you'll ever meet.  I guarantee it. 

awkward questions and how to deal with them

Let's be real here for a minute...when you get married people ask you TONS of inappropriate, random and sometimes insulting questions.  Because, you're married, therefore it is suddenly socially acceptable to ask about your sex life (I wish I was kidding), your fertility and how you plan on raising children.

Here's a few (note, just a few) of the awkward, strange and inappropriate questions The Hubs and I have been asked:

• So, when are you going to have a baby? (this is actually common, and I suppose not super inappropriate, however, it shoots lots of judgment no mater what the answer.  Too soon, and you're immature.  Too long, and you're unappreciative of the years of a fertile womb.  Trust me, there is no winning this answer)

• What positions have you used? (yeah...."those" positions.  Granted, this was a doctor that asked me this question, so I give a little bit of leniency.  However, still SUPER awkward to talk to the doctor, WHO YOU GO TO CHURCH WITH, WHO YOU SEE EVERY SUNDAY about sexual positions.)

• Have you thought about a fertility test?  You're not getting any younger (Well, I'm twenty and have only been married a year.  So, I think I'm good for now....but thanks)

• You have a motherly glow and it looks like you've put on some weight.  Are you pregnant? (No, I'm not.  But thanks for pointing out that my skin is getting oily and I'm getting fat)

• How's the sex? (Great, and I'm not talking about this with you)

Now, do you feel sufficiently awkward? Good.

Here's a few tips on how to deal with the crazy people who choose to ask you ridiculous things:

• You will never please everyone.  Don't go trying to please people with the answers you give.

• Don't be afraid to tell them that makes you uncomfortable and that you don't want to talk with them about that topic.  More often than not, people just don't know or understand what they're saying.

• Be confident.  Regardless of your answer, don't be hesitant.  Don't be half-hearted.  Say what you mean and mean what you say. 

• Remember, it is your personal life.  Don't divulge more than you want to.  Really and truly, everything is only between you, your husband and whatever divine being you may/may not believe in.  Nobody else's opinion matters. 

Remember ladies, regardless of the awkwardness you may feel and the inappropriateness of the situation, be true to yourself and if they really say anything sassy back to you, just imagine yourself as Holly from Dance Moms.

(Linking this post up with Kisses and Croissants and the Friday Funnies Linky Party)

under construction

So, if you may or may not have noticed, we're under construction here at Being The Mrs.  Regular Posting is to resume today.  However, the blog is a little bit of an HTML mess while I'm figuring all of this coding stuff out.  Hang tight, it'll be back to cuteness soon!

Thanks for holding out for me!

Loves and Hugs, Megan

getting healthy....sucks

So this one time, I decided I'd go running.  I mean, I played tennis for a year, I took gym, I was in theatre and dance, I could totally run.  Fun fact: If you haven't been running in, oh I don't know, 4 years, don't do it.  Just, don't.

After about 10 minutes into my run, I found myself feeling like this...

(via)

Luckily I had the hubs and our dog were with me to keep me motivated and to help me jog/walk the rest of the way.  I guess I shouldn't expect to be able to do a run at a speed I was able to do when I was a teenager...but seriously,  is this my body really this out of shape?  Am I really so run down in my twenties?  

Needless to say, I basically had an existential crisis as I pondered these things. (Who am I? Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught in a landslide, no escape fr-....wait, that's Queen....Whoops...) I mean, seriously, I'm a twenty year old woman, why in heaven's name can't I have the same body and be in the same shape I was in high school?!  I mean, I've always had a little bit of fluff. (As my girl Ashton over at A Fluffy Girl says, have you read her blog? Because she's seriously the sweetest gal you will ever meet.)  But, I distinctly remember not having this much fluff and being able to run for 10 minutes without wanting to die.  

When I was in high school, I first noticed my emotional eating habits, although they've been happening for as long as I can actually remember.  No date for the weekend? Ben and Jerry's, bam, perfect date night.  But, seriously, I had a lot of emotional issues I didn't know how to deal with.  So, I ate.  For some reason, food was my comfort.  And I was more than willing to let it "solve my problems."  I was looking at my body and absolutely hating myself.  And I wasn't willing to do anything to change it.  

Thankfully, God blessed me with the absolute sweetest man who never fails to make me feel beautiful and amazing.  Seriously, everyday, multiple times the hubs tells me how beautiful I am, he praises me, he loves all of my curves and basically makes me feel...sexy.  After a conversation with him, I feel like Ellen Degeneres on an particularly good hair day.

(via)

However, a few months ago I came to the realization that I needed to get to the bottom of this issue and break it.  So, I started reading through the twelve step program.  And I felt so much peace.  Seriously, it was like everything suddenly made sense.  My body isn't ugly or awful, it is beautiful and strong.  However, I certainly haven't taken care of my body as I should be.  So, began the journey of health and wellness.

Now, I have a goal to walk everyday with my doggie and the hubs.  I do Zumba 3 times a week (in the privacy of my own home, ain't nobody got time to actually go flaunt themselves at a gym).  I drink the recommended amount of water everyday.  I'm staying away from things I'm allergic to.  I'm making small but profound improvements in my life so that I'm not crash dieting to merely lose temporary weight.  I'm making lifestyle changes at a gradual rate, so that I will be able to feel healthy (and, hey, if I happen to lose a couple of pounds in the process, score).

Hopefully as I continue to make these little lifestyle changes, someday I'll run more than 10 minutes without wanting to die.

Fingers crossed.

inspiring

Today, I got a super, amazing surprise from my absolutely lovely blog friend, Kera, who blogs over at Nugget on a Budget.  Seriously, you should totally check her out.  She's awesome.  Kera nominated me for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award!  How awesome, right?!  Basically I am bursting with excitement and happiness (also, I am bursting because I'll be guest blogging over at Nugget on a Budget later this month.  Details coming soon). 

A few easy rules for accepting this award:

1 // Display award logo on your blog. - Done.

2 // State 7 things about yourself. - Sweet, more random facts about me that you may/may not know!

3 // Nominate 15 bloggers for this award and link back to them. - Yeah...I'm gonna go with 5, because I can't think of 15. 

Seven things about me:

1 // Pink is my absolute favorite color.  Seriously, if it is pink I almost instantly want it.  My wedding dress was even a blush pink color with white lace on top, with a matching pink veil.  Needless to say, I'm in love with pink.

2 // It's true, I work for the government.  I'm a State of Wyoming Port of Entry Highway Patrol Officer.  Basically, I have a badge and authority to write tickets, issue permits and put drivers our of service, etc for commercial vehicles only, but I don't carry a gun.  Which I am totally okay with.

3 // I am obsessed with having things put up on the walls in my home.  I don't think a room is complete without a wall COVERED in art, pictures, vinyl, whatever else.  I just think it is so cheery and so happy looking to have your walls filled with beautiful things.

4 // I am a reality TV junkie.  It's bad, you guys.  Dance Moms, Real Housewives, Pretty Wicked Moms, all of it.  It's so horrible, yet so addicting.  And it makes me feel 19879832x better about my life choices. 

5 // I love to travel.  Road trips are the best, but flying is also fun.  Well, I think flying is fun, I don't think the hubs agrees with me.  We have a goal of trying to see all 50 states.

6 // I use the term "Bam Shotgun" far more often than I probably should.  It's used as an exclamation like "WOW!" or "AWESOME!" or "NEATO!"...However, it can also be used as a substitute for naughty words...P.S. It is my friend, Kenna, who started this phrase.

7 // I'm LOVE Ellen Degeneres and Melissa McCarthy.  Both are such amazing role models, activists for loving your body and, they're both incredibly hilarious.

(If you don't laugh at this clip, you're wrong)

I Nominate {for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award}:

Annie @ Pretty, Witty and Cheerful

Patricia @ Kisses and Croissants

Ashley @ Wasn't Quilt In A Day

Megan @ and here's to you Mrs. Robinson

McKinli @ Makeover with McKi

Thanks for tuning in.

Loves and Hugs,

Megan

little purple pansies

First off, I appreciate all of the love and support after my last post.  Ya'll in the blogging community sure know how to make a girl feel 10000x better!  Thanks so much!  Now, onto tonight's thoughts...

There is something completely invigorating about having fresh flowers in your home.  I firmly believe is having fresh flowers in the home at all times.  The hubs never understood this when we first were hitched, probably still doesn't understand it today, but he puts up with it and has accepted his wife is crazy sometimes.  It's cool...



The latest beauties in the kitchen, all decked out for the Fourth of July.

"The earth laughs in flowers." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

What things are must haves in your homes?  Do you share the love of the floral or is there something else you have that brightens your day whenever you see it?

real life and the 4th of july

Everyday I feel like I am bombarded with images of fit and trim wives who also have a million kids and full time jobs.  They have pristine homes, children who are always dressed in matching clothes and they always take the time to work out and look fantastic.  I read posts in my bloglovin' feed (have you switched readers now that Google Reader kicked the bucket?  Bloglovin' is by far my favorite.  You should totes try it out)  with titles such as "How to be a better wife" or "Looking hot for your man" or "Why my life is put together and why yours never will be" (okay, the last one may be a bit of an exaggeration....but still.)  I look to these women for inspiration, for an uplifting read and for help to become a better person.  But lately I've just been feeling...inadequate.

I mean, seriously, these women can keep it all together while working, having a husband AND having babies?!  I can barely keep myself upright long enough to finish my school work and a shift at work.  I'll admit, my husband cleans our little apartment dwelling far more than he should have to.  I'll admit, I don't put together adorably photograph-able outfits everyday.  I'll admit, I don't always throw cute parties when we want to have friends over.  But guess what?

That doesn't make me a bad student, employee, wife or person.  

All it means is that, I'm human.  I have limits.  It is a blessing to recognize limits so you don't overwork yourself.  I'll do my best to be happy-go-lucky and come up with cute ideas for this blog.  But, please understand when I don't.

Now that is off my chest, let's get onto the fun stuff...FOURTH OF JULY.  We had a lovely little low key celebration with my parents and a couple friends.  I made pasta, jello, potato and fruit salads (but not all together...seperate salads...together would be gross) and prepped food to be BBQ'd by my daddy.  He is the grill master.  We played tons of games such as Apples to Apples and Bananagrams.  Then, of course, we set off some fireworks in our yard.  Because nothing says I'm proud to be an American like explosives.  Enjoy some pictures of our perfectly imperfect 4th celebrations.

Thanks for tuning in.

Loves and Hugs,
Megan

Linking up this week with Nugget on a Budget and Dawn's Disaster (two of my absolute favorite bloggers!)

 

Daddy Potter, always all smiles

 



Rebecca, Andy, Momma Potter and JD playing Bananagrams

 



This is my "let's just go play with sparklers" face. 

 



Centerpieces for the table.  Is there anything more American than sunflowers and the American Flag?

And of course the tablescape.