An open letter to Ahern Rentals

Dear Ahern,

I have worked for you for 3 years, 4 months and 24 days. Today, that all ends. At 5:oo PM in Las Vegas, I'll be done. I'll be gone. But what I gained from my time there won't be.

In the last three years, I've grown up in every way- personally and professionally. I can thank and blame you for most of that. Here's what I learned from my time at Ahern:

• Family can come from 10 people forced to work in the same small space.
• The best way to feel good about your job is to do a good job.
• Some people just suck for no reason at all.
• Not everyone will like you.
• Sometimes you want things that are bad for you.
• Learning Activities are a way of life.
• Document everything.
• Know why you're doing something.
• Call, don't email.
• Set goals.
• Set calendar reminders.
• Don't obsess over the little things.
• Don't micro-manage.
• Let people know when you appreciate them.
• Celebrate other people's success.
• Learn all the time.
• Value your education even if no one else does.
• Inexplicable stains are not deadly (at least, I don't think so).
• Ask an expert.
• Sociopaths are far more common than people think.
  
• Find your people, be there for them and hold on to them.
• A conversation with your best friend CAN be a meeting.
• Scissor lifts are awesome.
• Everything can change in an instant.

Thanks, Ahern, for 3 years full of frustration, success, growth, happiness, tears and adventure. There was never a dull moment and I'll always have a place in my heart for you.

Love, Megan

P.S. We're still Unbreakable:

An open letter apologizing to James Lipton

Dear James,

I've been watching the Actor's Studio for a LONG time... over a decade. Maybe even all 15 years. I've enjoyed almost every episode I've ever seen. I love learning about actors and their process, and I get a kick out of learning their favorite curse word. But, I have never, EVER liked you, ever. I'm sorry. I think you're arrogant, snobbish and mean. I think you talk down to people and, frankly, I think the rhythm of your speech is annoying.

But I caught an episode the other day that changed all that. You were interviewing Conan O'Brien, who I happen to really like. The majority of the show was pretty much like any other episode. I loved seeing Conan drop the character we see on his show and let the confidence that he clearly has come out. He was calm, eloquent and really interesting to listen to.

You were your normal self, James, until the last 4 minutes of the show. Rewriting "Thanks for the Memories" to honor Conan's 16 years hosting "Late Night" was beautiful. The group of students singing back up were fantastic. I loved the the funny lines ("Lofty Conan Hair" and "Max's Stony Stare") and was choked up by the time two girls sang "Go get 'em in L.A. in your own Conan way."

Yeah, that's right, Lipton. Choked up. I was blown away by how unbelievably sweet the whole thing was and then it got worse... Once the song ended and Conan shook everyone's hands, he walked over to you and placed his cheek against yours with a classic goofy-Conan look on his face. You reached up and patted his other cheek in the sweetest, most fatherly gesture I've ever seen.

Damn you, Lipton. It was so easy to dislike you, and it's NOT easy to admit when I'm wrong, BUT I'm starting to think you're not a jerk. So, I'm sorry. And, thanks. That was the best 4 minutes of television I've seen in a LONG time.

Love, Megan

P.S. For everyone's viewing pleasure:

An open letter about having a Saturday off

Dear Saturday,

I completely forgot how nice it was to have a Saturday off. So, thanks for that.

Oh, yeah... I could get used to that. So I think I'm going to do it all over again today. Where's my bathing suit?

Love, Megan