An open letter to NaBloWriMo, again.

Dear NaBloWriMo,

I DID IT!!! Today is November 30th and I have officially blogged for every day of November. I definitely had fun, but blogging every day is not as easy as it sounds. Sometimes I just didn't have a good idea, but I still wrote the post- Even if I thought it was kinda lame. Some posts I had wanted to write for a long time and some popped in to my head at the last minute. Some posts I wrote early in the day or days in advance and some I wrote as the minutes counted down to midnight. But, I made it- 30 days and 30 blog posts.

I know that I will not keep blogging EVERY day after this, but I'll definitely blog more frequently (probably only when I ACTUALLY have something to say). Like most things in life, blogs need attention to thrive, writing needs attention to improve. I've started my habit and now I'll have to keep it up.

Congratulations to everyone else who completed NaBloWriMo!

Love, Megan

An open letter to my blog, again.

Dear blog,

Sigh. I'm trying my best. I swear. But, I had to get this post in before midnight and I just got barely got home from my parent's. I'm unpacking and decorating... I promise a great post tomorrow.

Love, Megan

An open letter to my Santa Claus

Dear Santa,

I haven't written to you in a long time. This letter is definitely different than previous letters to you. I hope all is well. :)

Anyway, I was just writing to say I'm done with my Christmas shopping. I'm done!! I started just a few days ago, braved savages in Kohl's and now I'm done!!!

That whole making a list, checking it twice thing really does work. How's your list coming?

Love, Megan

An open letter to everyone at Kohl's today

Dear fellow Kohl's shoppers,

I understand that today was Black Friday and that the doorbuster sales at Kohl's were AMAZING, but oh MY God. It was insanity in there. Insanity. I know I was there, too, but it was a fluke. Kohl's had something on a great sale that I needed. Ok, I know I'm totally making excuses, but those are my reasons. I'd love to hear everyone else's excuses.

Both lines literally stretched half way around the (very big) store and practically met in the middle. Everyone was bumping in to each other and cutting each other off. I can't figure out what was so amazing at that store.

I hope everyone got what they wanted and you can all rest easy that I got what I needed for the sale price. There would have been hell to pay if I hadn't.

Love, Megan

An open letter on Thanksgiving

Dear Everyone,

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone had a wonderful day. I had Thanksgiving with my family this year for the first time in years. It was fantastic. I've had some wonderful Thanksgiving holidays the last few years. The people that invited me into their homes when I couldn't make it to be with my family made me feel welcomed and loved. I have some AWESOME memories from those dinners (tofurkey and private planes, anyone?).

But, I gotta be honest... NOTHING beats family tradition. I couldn't have been happier today. It was so wonderful to be there. I don't plan on missing it again. ;)

Love, Megan

An open letter to my iPhone

Dear iPhone,

Thanks to you, I can blog really quick while I'm at a dive bar drinking beer with some of my favorite people. The band is covering Third Eye Blind and I'm not going to miss a day of NaBloWriMo. Awesome.

Love, Megan

An open letter to the jerk in the silver truck who was behind me on I-90 today

Dear Jerk,

I hate you. You didn't have to drive so close to me. I was going fast. A lot faster than I would like to admit to, and that just wasn't good enough for you, was it? It's not my fault that the truck next to us was keeping our pace. It was funny, but not my fault. It was really jerky when you finally got in front of me and slowed WAY down. I mean, really? I did my best to stay out of your way, but you were just ridiculous. I really, really, REALLY hope you got a ticket.

Love, Megan

An open letter to Bella Swan

Dear Bella,

You are in an emotionally abusive relationship. It's not healthy. YOU are not healthy. Run. Before he kills you.

I read all 4 Twilight books and saw the first movie. Then I read this article that claimed the relationship between you and Edward was unhealthy, even abusive. I laughed. It SO was not. These were just fantasy stories and you and Edward were star-crossed lovers. There's bound to be a little pain and suffering there, right? I mean, look at Romeo and Juliet!

Tonight, I saw New Moon. The woman who wrote that article was right. You sat in a chair, lost in a deep depression, for FIVE MONTHS. Over a boy. Look, I know the whole thing was epic, but wake up! He was cold (literally!), he messed with your head and still you wanted more? You risked your life just to hallucinate him! He left you vulnerable to someone who wanted to kill you!

All of this happens in the book, too, but it takes 563 pages for all of that to play out and Edward is barely in any of it. We're also in your head with you, Bella. We hear your thoughts, your rationale, your justifications. It was easy to get lost in the romance with you. Not this time. It took watching you act like a lunatic for two hours for me to realize this!

I wanted to root for you and Edward. I wanted it to be like Buffy and Angel all over again... But Edward is no Angel and you, Bella, are no Buffy. Buffy had her share of crazy, but even after she died and came back to life, she was always healthier than you.

Look, Bella, he's going to kill you. We all know this. Do yourself a favor and leave now. Or at least tell him to be nicer to you.

Love, Megan

An open letter to my apartment

Dear Apartment,

I'm leaving on Tuesday for a few days and coming back after the official start of the holiday season. You should be decorated by Friday night, but you won't be. To get a head start when I get back, I brought everything up from the basement and put up the tree (no lights or decorations yet). Next Monday after work, you will be decorated. ;)

Love, Megan

An open letter to NBC

Dear NBC,

I was on the phone with Abby last night when I saw an ad for your "People of the Year" special. I am completely disappointed. Kobe Bryant, Taylor Swift and the Octomom? Seriously? You have GOT to be kidding me. I'm not sure who else is on your list, but I don't agree. I'm making my own list. I haven't decided who's on there yet, but the Octomom definitely won't be. No offense to Taylor or Kobe, but I certainly don't think they did anything this year that warrants being added to a list like that.

People of the year. Ha.

Love, Megan

An open letter to the Holiday Season

Dear Holiday Season,

This was the sight in the downtown shopping area by my house:

Look, it's not time yet. It's not even Thanksgiving! Slow down. Wait for just 1 more week and then you can bring on the carols, decorations and lights.

Love, Megan

An open letter to Contessa Wine Cellars on #ThirstyThursday

Dear Contessa Wine Cellars,

Your Bianco Bello is my very first recommendation for #ThirstyThursday! I decided to write this to you tonight because I went to a friend's house tonight (to watch the season finale of Project Runway) and brought a bottle of your Bianco Bello (a semi-sweet white) with me. It was just cold enough, just sweet enough and practically perfect.

I went to your winery for the first time about a month and a half ago. It was the first weekend I lived here and I went with my Mom and Dad. We tried 6 of your wines and I bought 1 bottle of each. I was a total fan from the first sip. The whole experience there was awesome. I can't decide if I like your reds, whites or your blush better. If this is saying anything, I bought 7 bottles of your Prediletto Blush to bring home next week for Thanksgiving!

I guess I don't have the most sophisticated wine palate (I prefer sweet and cold to anything else), but I do know what I like. Wine should be smooth going down and not acid-y. Your wine totally fits the bill!

Love, Megan

P.S. Check out Contessa Wine Cellars' website for where you can buy it (unfortunately not outside of Michigan) http://www.contessawinecellars.com/

An open letter to PowerPoint

Dear PowerPoint,

In my job, I do a lot of design and image manipulation. I currently do NOT have the software that I need to do this, but I have this assignment to do that shows my boss' boss what I can do. That's where you stepped in, PowerPoint. You're crude, slow and a pain in the ass, but I managed to design some pretty awesome stuff. I literally could not have done it without you... and I never thought I would say that.

Love, Megan

An open letter to Seinfeld for #TVTuesday

It's #TVTuesday! And so the themes continue...

Dear Seinfeld (as in the show as a whole, not the person by
himself),

When you were originally on the air I hated you. No, really- I seriously hated you. I didn't find one thing redeeming about any of your characters and I thought most of the plots were stupid.

I haven't seen the show in years and I had no problem with that. Recently, I've been catching repeats in syndication on some channel or another here. It kills me to admit this, but I laugh out loud at least twice during every episode. Maybe I just didn't get it before, I don't know. I still think most of the characters are repulsive, but it's freakin' hysterical. I love the sarcasm and the guest stars. Almost all of them are famous now (even if they weren't then). Maybe you were on to something, Seinfeld.

The episode I just saw was the one where they're casting for a show based off of Jerry's life. Jeremy Piven auditioned for George and Mariska Hargitay auditioned for Elaine. I can't believe how hard I laughed, and I really can't believe I might actually be a Seinfeld fan, now.

Love, Megan

An open letter to Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova on #MusicMonday

I said I'd have themes... and here's the first one: #MusicMonday.

Dear Glen and Marketa,

Your music is incredible. I fell in love with you guys when I saw Once. I mean, didn't everyone? The beauty and simplicity of that story and the songs made it very easy to connect to you both. Cheesy, I know, but so true.

I immediately found as much of your music as I could get my hands on. I fell in love with Glen's band, The Frames, but it could never beat you both together. I've played the soundtrack for Once and The Swell Season's first album countless times. Just when I was ready for more, you guys release Strict Joy. Thank you.

I haven't decided what my favorite song is yet, but I love "Feeling the Pull," "High Horses," and "In These Arms." The whole album is sad, passionate, intense, beautiful music that goes perfectly with gray, cloudy fall days. It's a great mix of new songs and live recordings.

Just thought you might want to know how awesome you are. I think I'm going to go listen to the album now...

Love, Megan

P.S. For everyone else's listening (and viewing) enjoyment:
If you're reading this on Facebook and you're DYING to see the video clips (which you should be), you gotta go here: www.lovemegan.net



Oh, and my favorite from Once:

An open letter to my Blog

Dear Blog,

Is it super weird that I'm writing to you? Probably. But, I'm writing to tell you that you're not going to get a good entry today. I've got nothing. I spent all day today wracking my brain for something to write about... but I've got nothing. This National Blog Writing Month thing is harder than I thought.

I'm going to get a good night's sleep and then brainstorm some new ideas tomorrow. Sorry for the super lame cop out, but I've gotta hit all 30 days.

Love, Megan

An open letter to Archie (from the comic)

Dear Archie,

I used to read your comic books all the time. I believe I spent large portions of my allowance on them as a child. I thought they were great. Today, I was at this store by my house and I saw this:

Wow. So, you finally picked one. I have to admit, I'm disappointed. I always wanted you to pick Betty. I think you two make a much cuter couple. But, as my dad would say, "There's no accounting for personal taste." Ain't that the truth.

Love, Megan

An open letter to my Job

Dear Job,

I feel stressed out most days. I'm busy and tired and that's mainly your fault. But today, I sat in a studio while a professional video crew took my words and turned them into a reality. I hang out around cameras and lights and write and design for a living. That's awesome. So, I guess I'll take the stress (a little bit) as long as the good comes, too.

Love, Megan

NOTE: Oops... I wrote this last night and didn't hit Publish Post. Lame.

An open letter to Silver Beach Pizza

Dear Silver Beach Pizza,

Your pizza is amazing. Your staff is great. I just need you to know that, no matter how awesome they are, these are not Schooners:

Those are huge goblets of beer. THIS is a schooner:


Just sayin'.

Love, Megan

An open letter to Glee

Dear Glee,

You are my new favorite show. I watched your pilot months ago and couldn't wait for this season to start. Every episode makes me smile and giggle and, well, glee-full. :)

See, I watch a lot of shows that make me cry. I'm not sure why, but I just end up getting hooked on these dramas that leave me balling. But, you, Glee, are a breath of fresh air. I think the cast is phenomenal, the scripts are great and the songs are awesome.

Today, the episode touched on so many issues. It was almost like a really, really, not lame at all after school special. I loved every second of it. I was blown away when Artie started singing, touched by Puck's spiking of the cupcakes and shocked when Sue Sylvester's kindness turned out to be legit. The wheelchair choreography for and the performance of Proud Mary during the closing number was outstanding.

I don't like that Tina's stuttering was fake or that it looks like things might be rough for Kurt and his Dad, or how mean Quinn is to Finn... But, I suppose the bad is what makes the good even better.

Glee, you are an awesome show. Keep 'em coming, even if you make me cry sometimes.

Love, Megan

An open letter to Sleep

Dear Sleep,

I wish you would visit more quickly. Lately, I've been pretty stressed and I just can't seem to fall asleep when I want to. I'm trying my hardest- no caffeine before bed, little bit of stretching, chamomile tea... all the good stuff- but nothing works. I lay in bed waiting and waiting and waiting...

Once you finally come, you're impossible to shake- lingering through most of my morning. That's really lame, FYI. Really lame.

Anyway. I should be in bed right now... Are you waiting for me or will you make me wait for you?

Love, Megan

An open letter to Everyone that's kind of a cop-out because I'm traveling all day today...

Dear Everyone,

I'll be in the air all day today and probably won't get home until after midnight (or close to it). BUT, I'm taking this NaBloWriMo seriously and I couldn't give up now. So, even though this is short, it counts as blog post. :)

Things I'll be doing on the crappy plane ride back to St. Joe:

-Watching movies on my iPhone
-Reading magazines
-Writing
-NOT having a panic attack...

Should be SUPER fun. ;) Wish you could be there.

Love, Megan

An open letter to Serendipity 3

Dear Serendipity 3,

I have been fascinated with you since I saw the John Cusack movie, "Serendipity." I loved that movie and it made you seem like the most amazing place on earth. A few years ago, I was in New York City and tracked you down. I discovered that I am not the only person who thinks you're pretty cool- the wait was 4 hours long!! My friend wisely told me it was stupid to wait.

A little while ago, you opened a second location in Las Vegas at Ceasar's Palace. I wanted to go so bad, but never had the time while I lived here. Well, all that changed. As of tonight- I got my wish. I've eaten at your restaurant and I must say, it was worth the wait!

The location at Ceasar's looks completely different than the cozy, quaint NYC restaurant, but it's still really cute. It's like the inside of Barbie diner. Everything was pink and orange and totally girlie. I loved the Tiffany-esque shades on the ceiling light fixtures!

The food was pretty fantastic, too! I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup- but the sandwich was piled high with different kinds of cheese and the soup was SO good (it had goldfish crackers in it!!). You're famous for your Frrrrozen Hot Chocolate and I had to try it. I got the Peanut Butter Frozen Hot Chocolate. OH. MY. GOD. It was soo good. Cold and creamy and the perfect blend of chocolate and peanut butter. I'm SO glad I got it. It was big enough for two people (just like EVERYTHING was) and I couldn't finish it.

Everyone else had pretty good meals, too. Pizza, a chicken burger and an omelet with sweet potato fries. Yum. For dessert, my Aunt and Uncle ordered the Humble Pie, which tasted like peanut butter cheesecake. I'm pretty sure that slice of pie was as big as my head!! My parents got apple pie a la mode. It wasn't AS big as the Humble Pie, but it could definitely feed a small family. :)

All in all, dinner was pretty awesome. WAY too much food (hello, smaller portions??), but soo good. On the way out I had to get a souvenir- this completely awesome hot pink tote bag. Love it.

I'm so glad I've gotten to visit at least one of your locations, Serendipity 3. I do have a few suggestions though- Open another location in Chicago? And install the carry out window in NYC so we can avoid 4 hour waits for a Frrrrozen Hot Chocolate fix. :) Next time I'm in New York, I'll definitely be stopping in and I might just have the $1,000 Golden sundae. That's TOTALLY worth the money, right?

Love, Megan

An open letter to Red Rock Canyon

Dear Red Rock,

For 3 and half years I lived 20 minutes away from you. I've been hiking, climbing and scrambling at almost all of your various trails... but I wish I'd gone more. I haven't given you enough credit. You, Red Rock, are amazing, invigorating, exhilarating, challenging and a hell of a lot of fun.

My dad, brother and I went hiking along your Calico trail today. It was a blast. The weather was perfect- not too hot, not cold, sunny. We challenged ourselves, got a little scared, pushed ourselves past what I thought we could do and didn't fight for the entire 2 hours we were gone. :) That's a feat, Red Rock. Seriously. My brother and I argue like it's our job.

My body is sore. My muscles ache. I have rock burn on my butt (I'm a slider, what can I say?). Who cares though? I had so much fun. We could've stayed out for hours longer if I had the right shoes and we had more water. :)

Thanks, Red Rock, for an awesome morning.

Love, Megan

P.S. My dad took the picture of me and my brother (Brian). Mom, I promise it's not as scary as it looks. ;)

An open letter to my Mom on her Birthday

Dear Mom,

Happy Birthday. You have been so many things to so many people over the last 60 years. You were (and are) a wonderful teacher. I can't even imagine the size of room we would need to bring together all of the people you touched through your career. Then, to add in your friends, family and acquaintances- we'd need a stadium. I couldn't be more proud to be your daughter.

You've been there for me through everything. Good things, bad things... and that sounds so trite... but it's true. :)

I was thinking about your other birthdays, and the other day you mentioned your 44th- the "cow" themed birthday... Do you remember the picture we took? We were all dressed in denim and bandannas and I'm pretty sure Brian was holding the gun from our Nintendo... And all those cows in the front yard were AWESOME.

I hope this birthday is wonderful I'm so glad I could be with you to celebrate. I love you, Mom.

Love, Megan

An open letter to Las Vegas

Dear Vegas,

I wasn't sad to leave you. Sure, I made some really good friends there and learned a lot, but me and you- we never meshed. I hate gambling, you're too dry and the opportunities that I thought existed within you don't.

But, I'm on my way back... Don't get so excited, it's just for the weekend. If I'm on honest with myself, though, I'm kinda psyched. I miss the good things about you- sunshine, warmth, Abby, sushi and 3G on my iPhone. I will get my fill of all of these things while I'm with you, Vegas.

Just don't be shocked when I'm not sad to leave again.

Love, Megan

An open letter to Traveling

Dear Travel, (Note: I know, some of these "Dear So and So's are stretching it a bit... bear with me!)

You are one of my favorite things to do... I love going places, seeing new things, visiting friends and family... but there is just too much to do. I'm leaving on a trip tomorrow and these last few days I have been going crazy making lists, trying to make sure I haven't forgotten anything!

Today I packed my bag. I'm flying Continental and I have to pay extra to check any bags at all, so I have to fit everything for my 5 day trip to Vegas in a carry-on bag. Good thing it's warm there right now, not too many layers required! I still need to make sure I have everything in my laptop bag- computer, magazines, notepad, iPhone charger, all that good stuff. I decided to pick up travel sized toiletries once I get to Vegas since I'll probably use them all during the time I'm there.

Aside from the stuff I'm bringing with me, there's taking care of the stuff I've left behind: put my mail on hold, make a reservation for my cat at the cat hotel, arrange parking at the airport... It's kinda never ending.

BUT, it'll all be worth it. I can't wait to get to Vegas and see my family and celebrate my Mom's birthday. So, Travel, you might be a hassle, but I'll get over it. Anyway, I gotta go. I have a TON to do!

Love, Megan

An open letter to the Cold (as in temperature)

Dear Cold Temperatures,

I know, I know. It's November 3rd and I live in Michigan. It's gonna be cold, I get it. But I am SO not ready for it. At. All. I'm freezing. I've lived in Las Vegas for the last three years and I miss the warm.

Did I mention I'm freezing? My new apartment has radiators and I'm not exactly positive they're working all the time, but I turn the knob in the "on" direction and hope for the best.

My parents gave me a heater that looks like a little fireplace. I use it ALL the time.

It's 31 degrees out right now. 31!! I came home tonight and the apartment was freezing. I had to turn on the heater, put on long sweater, a scarf, socks and slippers! Then I wrapped up in the warmest blanket I own just to warm up. Sigh. I guess I'm a little warmer now... but my feet are still freezing. It's ridiculous. I swear.

So look, Cold Weather, I'm gonna be in Vegas this weekend and it's going to be warm and sunny there. When I get back, can you make your trip to this part of the country short this season? Maybe warm up in March instead of June? I know it's asking alot, but I can only take so many nights of bundling up like this.

Thanks for listening.

Love, Megan

An open letter to my Treadmill

Dear Treadmill,

Thank you. It's been too long since I walked, hiked, jogged and sprinted on your smooth track. Lately I've been feeling worn out, sad, stressed and blah in general. Leaving the daily sun of Vegas for the (almost) daily rain of St. Joe hasn't helped much either.

I almost forgot what makes me feel better! It's not clothes or chocolate or wine... It's definitely you, Treadmill. I joined a gym last week and finally made it there today. I haven't felt this good in a long time. I'm sore and tired, but I've earned it. Plus, I had extra energy to finish laundry, cook dinner, pack up for tomorrow and blog! Compare that to a normal evening of laying on the couch until I fall asleep and I'm super psyched.

So, thanks again, Treadmill. I missed you and I promise I'll keep coming back. I'd be an idiot not to.

Love, Megan

An open letter to NaBloWriMO

Dear NaBloWriMo,

Ok, honestly, I have nothing to say to you directly... You simply seemed like the logical addressee for my letter kicking of my particiapation in National Blog Writing Month.

My fantastically inspirational bestie, Jessy, mentioned NaBloWriMo (I mean really??) to me and we decided that we HAD to do it. Our mission? 1 entry every day of November. That'll be something that I probably forget about on November 2nd complete because I am all about accomplishing goals.

I think I'm going try to "theme" some of the days so it's easier on me to come up with topics more interesting for YOU (the reader). I haven't come up with the themes yet, so stay tuned for that...

Yay for new challenges!

Love, Megan

P.S. If your interested in participating, click on the NaBloWriMo banner at the top of the site.