That Time I Moved In On Valentines Day

Valentines Day also happens to be the 1 year anniversary of the man and I living together. Sounds cliche but it just happened to work out that way.  I can't believe that this time last year I officially became a live-in girlfriend.  

I remember my brain was swarming with different emotions.  I can't quote myself exactly but my thoughts went a little like this...

"OMG, OMG, OMG, I'm so excited."

"Naked parties, 24/7.  Oh yeaaa" (Sorry Mom & Dad, earmuffs).

"I'm actually moving in with a guy."

"Meg, what the eff you've only known this guy for 5 months."

"He's the one though, so it's okay."

"My mom told me to test it out before committing, she's smart."

"This is a day I don't want to forget."

"This could make or break us."

"I'm going to do a happy dance right now."

"God I can't even focus at work on my last day because guess what bitches I'm moving in with a guy."

"If it doesn't work out, I'll pack up the little belongings I have and move back home, not a big deal."

"The nerves are getting the best of me right now."

"He's going to know that girls actually fart."

“I’m super happy right now.”

“This just feels right.”

So anyways you get the point, I was excited, nervous, happy and everything in between. 

The 13^th was officially my last day at work so on Friday I had all day to prepare for the day.  I was used to cooking for myself but I was not used to cooking for the guy that has the world’s plainest taste buds.  I’m a portabella spinach and pine nut pizza gal and he’s a meet and potato kind of guy.  Needless to say I was a little nervous about making him our first dinner in our home.  I ended up going with chicken, green beans, baked potatoes and baguette bread.  Oh ya and I can’t forget the wine!  You can’t go wrong with chicken right?  These were all of his favorite things. 

When he got home from work he came in with flowers on.  We were both just so excited to be sharing our first meal together in the house that we were now sharing. I'm not sure why but we exchanged gifts at my apartment at a later time. Not a friggin clue why but I got him new cologne so he would remember me every time he put it on, I know ewww. I received a picture of the human body with an arrow pointing to the heart saying "You are here." And it's honestly one of my favorite gifts ever. 

The first few months I would call an adjustment period.  We both have never lived with the opposite sex and it does have its challenges sometime.  He was used to having his own space and then I barged moved in with all my girly stuff.  But we really do live well together.

He’s clean and I’m OCD organized, which are two completely different things might I add.  I like to spend hours organizing everything and everything has a spot.   I organize my closet by colors and item of clothing, as in sleeveless, short sleeves, long sleeves, sweaters, pants, skirts and dresses.  He likes everything to appear clean, aka he stuffs everything in drawers and closets.  I kill the spiders and he well screams. I sleep in and he wakes up and deals with the dogs.  I’m used to falling asleep with Law and Order SVU and he likes the sound of the fan.  I grew up liberal he grew up conservative.  We are way different from each other, which is one of the reasons why I love him so much.  I hear opposites attract, just what I’ve heard. It’s working out for us.  What he doesn't excel in I’m strong and where I’m weak he shines.  So really it’s just a match made online.   If you don’t get this let me fill you in quickly, me met on match.com. 

My favorite part about living together is coming home to not only my boyfriend but my best friend.  He’s there when I have a crappy day, when I’m sad because I miss my family and friends, when I need life advice or guidance,  when I try to make some crazy out of his comfort food and eats it anyways, or when I just need a snuggle day.  I don’t know how he does it but he always manages to put a smile on my face every day.  And I hope I do the same for him. 

We’re building a pretty great relationship and home together.  We just work.  There's no other way to put it.  Living together has had so many memorable moments; actually some of my favorite memories have happened right at home.  From throwing our first annual Friendsgiving to blasting the music and dancing around the house like mad people to not leaving the house (except for work) to watch the entire Sopranos for three straight weeks to watching our dogs and laughing because they are beyond funny to redecorating and picking out items to make it ours.  I could go on but I’ll stop.  Here’s to building many more memories in our home together.

I guess I can’t forget to mention the V word.  I love Valentine ’s Day because I love the man that I am with.  I don’t need chocolates or presents to know that he loves me.  So you know what we are going to do tonight?  I’m going to cook chicken, green beans, and baked potatoes, crack open a bottle of bubbly and stay at home with my man.  I want to just enjoying being together and watch House of Cards because the new season came out on Netflix, FINALLYYYYY.  We may even get crazy and take the dogs for a walk. 

Wishing everyone a very happy love day, even if it’s loving your dog. Oh and thanks for dealing with all my mushiness you can officially call me a mush lush.   

"The Only Bad Workout Is The One That You Didn't Do"

I’ve been struggling lately with all things health related.  My motivation is not in existence.  I would like to know where it went.  Maybe it’s because of the cold.  Maybe it’s because of my hypothyroidism and have zero energy.  Maybe it’s because I would rather be snuggling with my pups.  Maybe it’s because I spend 2 hours in the car everyday commuting and just want to get home.   Anyways, it’s gone and I want it back. 

Honestly, I’ve been lazy. My excuses have just gotten out of hand. I don’t want to make any more excuses why I haven’t gone to the grocery to get fruits and veggies or why I didn’t go to boot camp class.  Because there really is no good excuse.  For the past year or so I’ve been struggling with my weight which in turn has made me feel uncomfortable in my own skin. Sometimes I look at myself and don’t even recognize the girl looking back at me.  After finding out that there was a reason for most of my weight gain, I was relieved because I had been working out hard and seeing minimal results.  The hard part in all of this is that I will probably struggle my whole life with weight and have to work that much harder, do to my stupid hormones. Fuck you hormones!! I swear, I know it's not the most prettiest thing ever but anyways I needed to get that off my chest. 

Now that I know this, I have to except it and make some changes.  More than anything I just want to be healthy.  I want to make sure my body is getting all the goodness it needs.    But I mean I also want to look good and feel happier with my body.  Having a positive outlook also contributes to being healthier.  I want to challenge myself physically and actually have muscles.  I want to be the best version of myself. 

I want to commit my self to stay hydrated, have all my work day meals cooked and prepared in my kitchen and workout at least 4 times a week.  I think those things are a great starting point to get me to where I want to be and eventually expand on this list.  

Hopefully some of the quotes and pictures below will inspire myself and your's to make a change.  They may not be what tickles your pickle but hopefully they can provide you with some inspiration and that extra kick to get you off the couch.  I am also in the process of getting together a motivational board to hang up in my house.  Stay tuned.  

I already can feel some of my motivation coming back.  'Bout flippin time.  Well friends, here goes nothing.  Feel free to e-mail, snap chat, text or whatever form of communication you prefer some tips, encouraging words, happy thoughts, funny jokes, cheers to get me through this.  And same applies if you need some cheering as well.  :)

Unplanned Weekends

I tend to be a planner.  I like to know what I am doing and have everything scheduled.  Sometimes when I over plan and get supper hyped up I feel like I am setting myself up for immediate failure.  You just get so excited and set the bar high that it’s just going to be the best time ever.  Then you’re worried about making everyone else happy and you just have such high expectations.  I’m so guilty of this and then I’m like ehh wasn’t as fun as I thought. 

There’s just something about unplanned weekends.  You have zero expectations, other than you think all you are doing is sitting on the couch watching Trueblood.  They're the best and that’s exactly what this weekend was.  These are the times that end up being memorable.  Sometimes I need to take a chill pill and just let life happen and enjoy it. 

When I got home from the office, the bf was like we’re going to a HS basketball game.  I was of course like hell no, I think I’ll just curl up on the couch because it is so miserably cold out.  But, apparently my bf is good.  He ended up getting me to come out to get dinner with friends.  Put a mango margarita and some Mexican in front of me and I’m just the happiest girl ever.  Before I left the office I had tweeted, "Holy Guacamole!  It’s finally the weekend.  Let’s get some chips and start dippin.”  Could I get any cheesier?  Probably.  Anyways, Mexican was clearly on my mind and my bf knows me all too well and how to get me out of sweats. 

He even got me to go to the game, which I watched zero of.  I blame this on the grande margarita because I was chit chatting the whole time.  We all went for drinks at a local bar, we didn’t end up staying long because unfortunately you can smoke in bars here and my lungs were starting to hurt. What is this 1999?

With my friend Linds aka One Shot

Saturday we went to the grocery, which I saved 14 bucks thanks to my mperks and stopped over at Hobby Lobby.  Scrapbooking paper was on sale and this girl is trying to get stocked up on all things scrap booking so I can start getting mine together.  I’m beginning to realize that this is going to be an expensive hoppy.  And because I was on a Mexican kick I made some hooo-made guacamole and chowed down while watching Trueblood.  

We headed 45 minutes North to this amazing farm to fork restaurant, Joseph Dequis.  I’ve talked about this place before.  It’s one of those this is a special date night place and we don’t come often because you will easily spend 200 bucks on just appetizers and drinks.  There special was a $95 steak.  Yea it's that kind of place.  We sat at the bar and enjoyed our unplugged time and chatting with the bartender.  While we were sipping on coffee and liquor drinks a few people showed up from our town that we know.  We ended up staying longer sipping on bourbons, whiskeys and scotchs and somewhere during that time invited them over for breakfast.  One of the guys actually lives in a Frank Lloyed Wright house and he said to just to bring everything over and cook it there.  Sure dude, sounds good to me. 

When we got back home, We did a lot of this...

Stay warm, drive safe and drink a glass of wine.  Also, don't judge. Yes, that is a snuggie.

Because You Can't Just Have One

For as long as I can remember, I have loved tattoo's.  I think they are a great outlet for expression.  They tell stories about peoples lives or reminders to keep going.  They're inspiring.  They're beautiful. They're conversation starters. They're art.  

At 20 I got inked for the first time.  The best part was getting to do it with my best friend and pledge sister, Tori.  Who needs best friend bracelets when you can get matching tattoos?  Tori and I met freshman year and instantly clicked.  We pledged a sorority together and the symbol of our sorority is an anchor.  At the end of my sophomore year I decided to transfer to another college in New York.  So we chose the anchor as a symbol to be forever connected.  But my tattoo actually has duel meanings.  My father is a Tugboat Captain, so was my grandfather and my uncle.  My dad and three brothers all have anchor tattoos.  So it also represents family.  It's a very special tattoo to me and I'm in love with it.  

Tattoos are no joke though.  They hurt.  I don't know if you can tell by the picture. I also could look like I'm having trouble on the toilet.  Haha but no worries, it's just me getting a tattoo. 

At 22 I got inked for the second time.  I fell in love with the quote "Without struggle there is no progress."  Things have never come easy for me.  I've encountered many bumps in the road but it's part of who I am today and has made me a stronger person.  

I didn't have as much success with this tattoo and I was not pleased with the outcome. It straight up looks like crap.  It's so hard to read and it's not in the writing I wanted at all.   Here's my advice, research your tattoo artist and be super picky.  This is on you for life.  Once I get some money saved up, I'm going to meet with a new tattoo artist to see what they can do to fix it.  Cross your fingers that there's hope!

 

Below are the tattoos that I am crazy about. 

1 - Dream catchers are a symbol of unity and for children is used to catch the bad dreams and thoughts.  Growing up I always had a dream catcher hanging by my bed.  It reminds me of my childhood.  To me I also relate it to keeping happy thoughts and not focusing on the negative.  
2 - The Elephant represent a lot for me.  For one thing, my blog is Chasing Elephants. It means to follow my dreams, not give up and to remember what it is that I love.  It means strength, peace and family.  Elephants with their trunk up is good luck.  
3,4, 5 & 6 - I could sit outside for hours just looking at nature like things and have a big old dorky smile on my face.  Just ask my IRL best friend Erin.  My degree is in Outdoor Recreation and so obviously I like outdoor things.  I love hiking, backpacking, canoeing, skiing and just being outside in general.  Lately I haven't been enjoying the outdoors like I should/want to.  I can't forget to keep enjoying the things that I love.

7 & 8 - If you can't tell, I love to travel and it's the thing in life that makes me feel so alive and gives me that rush.  It reminds me how much beauty there is on this earth.  It's what I am most passionate about, besides family of course.  I think it somewhat defines me even.  Compasses also means protection and guidance.  

9 - "An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward, so when life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means that it is going to launch you into something great.  So just focus, and keep aiming."  I found this on Pinterest somewhere and it just sums up the arrow so perfectly.  

What I love about tattoos is the meaning behind them.  Every tattoo is a story. And every one has a story to tell.  Each of these tattoos would remind me to keep going, enjoy life and to stay true to myself.  Not to mention I think they are sexy.  As you can see it is going to be hard to pick my next tattoo.  What are your favorites?

My Dogs Like to Play Dress Up

Why is it Monday already?  I swear I feel like I was just at work.  So yes I’m sad it’s Monday and I would much rather be running around getting into shenanigans with the bf.  And can we talk about how pathetic that game was last night.  Good thing I only watched the commercials. 

After work on Friday, Philly and I went out for drinks and dinner.  It was extra special because we were unplugged and really had some good conversations.  We have been including unplugged every day.  Usually, it’s at bed time but as long as we make a conscious effort, I’m totally good with it. Catch up here about going unplugged.

We reflected on the year and that we are happy it’s over.  It was a roller coaster of a year.  It was amazing but it was also a year of change and growing for the both of us.  Last January Philly took over the family businesses as President. When we met he was transitioning into the roll.  With that comes a lot of stress.  So sure there were times that it was hard on our relationship but I am so glad I was by his side through all of it.  I feel that if we made it so early on in our relationship during a stressful time that we can get through anything together. It made us stronger both individually and in our relationship.  

After three glasses of wine, we were heading out the door and then ran into a couple that we sort of, errr, I had no idea who they were.  Two extra glasses of wine later and my voice increasing, it was time to get home.  I’m loud to begin with but add a few glasses of wine and I’m pretty sure the whole town can hear what I am saying. 

Saturday morning, I forced myself to clean up the house.  I’ve been neglecting it big time and feel like the worst girlfriend ever.  Thankfully, the bf helped me too and with a hangover.  He gets bonus points for sure.  The parts came in for our washing machine and the repair men came early to fix it.  I now, no longer have to wear dirty clothes.  “Ya filthy animal”!  Just kidding I wasn’t wearing dirty filthy clothes but I do love that movie, it’s probably one of my favorite scenes.  

At lunch time, we drove down to Indianapolis.  Whenever we head down to Indy we stop at the Midland Antique Mall.  I can’t count how many times we have been there, yet haven’t purchased a single thing.  Except of course, this beauty.  I mean, I couldn’t resist. I can't wait to put this in my family room.   It just simply speaks for itself.  

I’m totally kidding.  I had you going though, didn’t I?   So many questions.  Are Elvis lamps a thing and do people actually have these in their house? Please say no.

We drove up to the mall and did some shopping.  I had some gift cards and wanted to use them up.  I am now the new owner of this fabulous trench coat, 4 new pairs of underwear, and 2 VS bras that actually fit me.  I have been wearing the wrong bra size for years and can’t tell you how much better it is to have a bra where you don’t have side boob.  Cause it’s not cute.

We stopped for appetizers and drinks at Cheesecake factory.  They make the best Pineapple Mojito , go try it like now if you haven’t.  We caught the 5:15 showing of American Hustle, which I honestly wasn’t that impressed with.  It was good but it was slow.  I didn’t feel like there were any huge big exciting parts.  Also, I didn’t think Christian Bale could ever look ugly but guess what? He totally can.  The comb over?  Really dude.  But I did think he played the part really well. 

And yes, if you follow me on instragram you learned that I played dress up with my dogs on Sunday.  I don’t think I am normal.  I was getting a kick out of it though so it’s a win. 

Dragon in a black and white 3/4 length sleeve dress.

Mouse wearing the perfect shirt/dress for Summer.  See the Summer Catalog for prices and sizes.  

Then I wasted the rest of the afternoon looking at tattoos while the bf was trying to recover from his hangover from Friday!  Can you tell we are getting old?

We brought Dragon over to our friends’ house late Sunday to watch the super bowl game and consume a lot of food.  Mouse isn’t a social butterfly like Dragon so we kept her home.  Dragon and her friend Bella had a tiny disagreement about who was going to play with this one particular bone.  Of course there were 9 other bones they could play with.  Dragon hasn’t quite learned to share yet and Bella wanted to nibble on the bone for a little while.  This wasn’t going to happen.  A few battle wounds and a 15 minute time out later, neither one of them were allowed toys.  Hopefully they both learned their lesson to share.  Can’t let a stupid fight over a toy ruin a friendship.  Hopefully a walk with these two and they will be back to being playful, wild biffles!

Anyways, that’s my weekend in a nut shell.   Oh yea and Happy February!