Are you there blogosphere? It's me Megan.

It has been so long since I posted on here that I am not sure if anyone is actually going to read this! Oh well. I think it is important to continue sharing what has been going on. Life is finally settling down, so maybe I can get back to posting on a semi-frequent basis.
First thing first, we left our beloved Athens, GA. Kyle applied for a position at the University of Virginia back in November of 2013. At the time I was seven months pregnant and not entirely excited about the idea of relocating, but he said he would regret not applying so I supported him. Thankfully the process lasted four months and he officially accepted the position in late March. I was so proud of him and happy to move back to Virginia. Charalottesville is two hours from my parents and to say they were excited their grandson would be so close is an understatement.

Then in June I accepted a position at U.Va. What a miracle! I was nervous after Kyle accepted his position about what I would do. I was trying to remain positive and looked at positions in Charlottesville, and also in Richmond, even though the idea of commuting hours a day seemed HORRIBLE. This wonderful position posted on the U.Va. website for an Athletic Academic Coordinator. In grad school I did an internship with academic support for student athletes and absolutely loved it. Working in athletics has always been an interest of mine, so this job was a little like a dream come true. And the process went fast. I applied and was hired all in two months. I was so focused on closing up shop in Athens, finding a place to live in Charlottesville, finding a daycare in Charlottesville, and temporarily living at my parents that I wasn't obsessing over my job future. Luckily it all worked out and I am so thankful. I started my job a month ago and we officially put down or roots in Charlottesville July 4th weekend, after living on grounds in temporary housing (insert: one bedroom, one bathroom hotel room with a five month old for two weeks, kill me now).
I grew up in VA, but in the 10 years I lived here I never once went to Charlottesville. When we told friends we were moving to Charlottesville they said it was like Athens, but classy. So far, so good. We are loving our new college town. Even though I will admit I put JSD in UGA pajamas last night and started missing Athens and my friends. Athens was so great for our family, I feel like I grew up there. it will always have a special place in my heart.

Currently....

Currently I am.....

Reading Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, I want to see what the hype is about.

Watching The OC. Kyle has the whole box set. We are also in the middle of West Wing on Netflix and Kyle started Once Upon a Time on Netflix too.

Listening to Lorde. Yes her single Royals is catchy and addictive, but her whole album just came out Tuesday and I love it all.

Obsessing over my townhouse. We need to do some major work; buy a dining set, take down wallpaper/ paint, hang stuff on walls and finish unpacking books. I am overwhelmed.

Shopping for nursery things. We have our big trip to purchase furniture this weekend. I am still trying to come up with a nursery theme/concept. My mom suggest red, white and blue plaid, which is actually very much Kyle's style. We have finalized our registry, and I am not going to touch it anymore.

Wearing maternity clothes. I am getting uncomfortable when I try to wear pre pregnancy pants/skirts with my BeBand. I am most comfortable in dresses without zippers/waists or maternity pants. I can tell I am going to get real frustrated soon if I don't pick up some other stuff. I HATE feeling like I am in a clothing rut. On another clothing note, I asked Kyle how I looked this morning and he told me my dress was wrinkled and droopy (whatever that means). All I was looking for was, "fine." I then proceeded to take 15 more minutes looking for another outfit and 10 minutes eating breakfast. I made him late to work and I don't care one bit.

Learning patience. This is a constant struggle. I just want everything to happen NOW and I want my to do list finished NOW and I want to eat ice cream NOW. NOW!

Bothered by the lady in line at the stadium this weekend that ask how far along I was. When I said 21 weeks, she told me I looked as big as she did at 8 months. Thanks lady!

Eating baked pumpkin oatmeal. Delish! I will share recipe later.

Drinking lots and lots of water. Staying hydrated had been a priority for me during pregnancy.

Loving that an Ulta opened in Athens! We went on Sunday. And yes, my husband spent more money in Ulta than I did. I got dry shampoo, he got a pore minimizer, eye cream and moisturizer.

Praying for my brother. He is in the middle of Naval Aviation School in FL and has two tests a week that he HAS TO PASS. So much pressure, but I am so proud of him!

Working on knocking out some baby to do list things. We picked the daycare, pediatrician and have signed up for some classes at the hospital I am delivering at. I might be slacking on the nursery, but I am definitely making progress everywhere else!
In my work life, I am actually really excited about a committee I am working on. It is for our whole division and we are reviewing the learning objectives that departments are supposed to use when working with students/student programming/student services. I think it is fun to get to work with colleagues from across the division, this institution is so large there is hardly ever time to meet people.

Looking forward to THANKSGIVING. My parents called this week and said they were coming to spend the holiday with us and help with baby prep. THANK GOD, I need their help! Even though I will be in VA/DC/MD at the end of the month, I really need help here.

Sunday Supper

Have I ever mentioned how great it is to have a husband that loves to cook?! Kyle decided he wanted to make shrimp and grits on Sunday. And it was DELICIOUS!

 



This is the recipe he used. It is the same one mom my used when we were in DC over Labor Day.

 

The little kitchen helper:

 

So.... the last four months.....

To be 100% honest I haven't opened blogger since I wrote my last post in April. A lot has happened in the last four months.

1. Kyle and I took a vacation to Colorado in May! We visited friends of ours that are stationed there. Kyle hates, hates, hates flying. So I was surprised when he said he wanted to go to the other side of the country for vacation. I'm glad we did. It was a great trip. 

 

 

2. I went to Rhode Island to see my brother graduate from Naval Officer Candidate School. And I am so proud of him. Newport is a super cute town, and time with the family was just what the doctor ordered. I hadn't seen my brother since Christmas. 

I could watch this video EVERYDAY!

 

3. I attended the National Housing Training Institute. This institute is actually hosted by my department for the Association of College and University Housing Officers- International. It is a great opportunity to work one on one with some awesome housing professionals and really focus on your goals. I am going to write a specific post about my experience, because there are things I want to reflect on, but the time I spent with my cluster and cluster leader was so valuable and transformative, this was definitely a highlight of my summer.

 

4. I got a new job! Funny story, the position I interviewed for in December actually opened up again, I applied again and interviewed again. This time I was offered and accepted the position. I started in July and have been busy ever since. My new responsibilities include coordinating the search process for professional staff and we have had some turnover the last couple of weeks that has had me busy, but I couldn't be happier.

5. We moved!! So, when I accepted my new position it meant that we needed to move off campus. Thus began the house hunt. we looked at apartments, townhouses and homes. On the east side, west side and in the center of town. It was exhausting. I have lived in Athens for four years, but never actually thought about living in the community. I was most worried about commuting to work, I know that sounds silly, but I have never actually had to do it before. We ended up finding a wonderful townhouse that is close to campus in a great part of town. I love it. And my wonderful sister-in-law came to Athens to help us move. I don't know what we would have done without her.

It wouldn't be a complete blog post without a picture of Gigi.

 

6. I found out I am pregnant!!! It was actually in the beginning of June, the night I got home from NHTI. I was in shock. I couldn't believe it. I took two tests. Kyle was so excited. We called our families immediately. My mom didn't believe me, she made me send a picture of the tests. It wasn't until we heard the baby's heartbeat at our first appointment that it really sunk in for me. And my second appointment the baby moved on the ultrasound, which was probably the coolest thing I have ever witnessed. I am so excited for this journey.

 

All in all this summer has really been a blur. And I haven't really thought about baby related things yet, which is fine because it is still early. But my attention has just been pulled in so many directions. Classes at the university started this week, so I am ready for things to get in a routine. I feel so blessed for all the wonderful things that have happened over the last couple of months and for having such a wonderful summer!

Weekend Recap

Saturday we went to the Georgia Theater Rooftop bar and had some drinks 

I ended the evening with some Ben and Jerry's of course.

Sunday we cleaned all day, but the weather was so great I went for a run, and passed these rocks by the old Navy School.

It's a short week for me. I am off Thursday and Friday, going to see some of my best friends in VA. Can't wait!!

Figuring it out.

Marrying someone in the exact same career as you is sort of a rarity, at least it is in my circle. I can't think of any friends or family that have a spouse or partner that work at the same office or in the same field. When I married a fellow student affairs professional I knew figuring out our career futures would be tricky. When Kyle and I talked about our careers we discussed supporting each other when looking for career advancement and acknowledged that at some points one partner might have to take the lead with the other's blessing and support. Which sounds so easy when you aren't faced with big career decisions, or when you think YOU will be the one taking the lead.

Kyle had a wonderful opportunity in January to apply to a position in student conduct at the institution we currently work at. Knowing this was a promotion for him, and something that he was passionate about I fully supported him applying. When he was offered the job I was in full support of him accepting it, knowing that we would be staying in Athens for a little while longer. Now, as I sit behind the same desk I have been at for four years (in a position thought I would only be in for three) I am faced with the reality of what my career options are for the future and what supporting my spouse in his new role really looks like.

It is hard for me to not to automatically feel limited in my options for my career future. In grad school I found my calling in residence life. I have loved my positions in housing and have envisioned making the step from entry level to mid manager in housing. But positions in my current department at the next level are few. I've begun thinking that in order to move up, I might have to move out of housing and into another functional area at my institution. That is scary. I feel like housing is what know, it is what I love. Would I be happy doing something else? Would I fit in somewhere else? Would I be able to contribute? Another option would be to look at another institution in the vicinity and commute to work (something I have never actually had to do). I have had the luxury of a 20 foot commute since grad school in 2007. Do I want to commute over three hours a day to and from Atlanta? I have also started thinking about going back to school full time for my PhD. That is a serious commitment and not something I would do just because I don't know what else to do. Can I write a dissertation? Do I remember how to be a student? OR I could just stay where I am and keep learning and growing within supervising, advising and advocating. When I went to RELI the faculty focused on enjoying the PRESENT and being PRESENT. And I think that is where I might need to be right now. Present in my current job, and not worrying about I am going to do next. I need to be open to opportunities and think outside this box I have potentially put my career in. The one thing I have learned in this field is that everyone's path is a little different.

I am also finding supporting my spouse is easier said than done. My mother is an excellent example of support. She supported my father's military career for 20+ years, then at the age of 40 started her career and in the last 15 years has had a rich experience and accomplished so much, like getting her JD and passing the Bar exam. My mom taught me you don't need to have it all figured out, planned or decided in your twenties, and that so much can happen later in life. I would be lying if I said I wasn't jealous of Kyle, or any of my friends that are currently job searching. But I shouldn't let that jealousy and envy get in the way of showing support to Kyle or my friends.

I don't have it figured out right now. I don't have all the answers. And I am okay with that.

Welcome back!

I have not posted to my blog since November 30th. That is a long time. I had many many commitments and priorities much bigger than this blog during the month of December, including a two week vacay to see family.But I am going to share something, I am actually struggling over the blog. I feel in a blog rut. Lacking my own creativity and originality. And I was asking myself, why blog at all? I have also struggled with this blog content being all been about positive life things or shallow things. But I think the lack of posting happened because I don't want to lack authenticity. Sharing struggles is just as important as sharing celebrations. So I am going to recap the last month and a half in quick bullet points.

• End of November/ beginning of December I applied and interviewed for a new position at my current institution. The position was a promotion and a shift in responsibilities. I let myself get really excited about this new opportunity. And then, I didn't get the offer. I was upset and frustrated. The fall semester was really draining for me for some reason and I have no idea why. I just felt so tired from work and a little bored of some of the things I was doing. I thought the new opportunity would help pull me out of the funk, and then I didn't get it. I was feeling even more down in December after that.  

The part of my job I never stop loving... working with these wonderful ladies!

• But then my brother and sister in law got Kyle and I a joint birthday present: a nights stay plus meals at the Cheateau Elan resort in North Georgia. This break couldn't have come at a better time. We booked a couples message, enjoyed a wine tasting and great food. One of the best birthday present s ever.
• Kyle and I left mid- December to go stay with my family for a week and then his family for a week. I was really excited about being away from work and recharging my batteries. Highlights:
• Spending time with my parents, brother and sister in law
• Getting to spend some time with great friends
• Christmas traditions

Dad's homemade cinnamon buns, Christmas morning tradition.

New family photo!

• Gigi's wagon from my parents for Christmas

My dad pimpped Gigi's ride

• Gigi seeing snow for the first time
• Spending time with the in laws 
• Going to the Allentown Farmer's Market and eating a kiffel
• Quality time with our nieces

Peeps Festival

• After all the driving from our break (30+ hours) I returned to Athens still tired and not ready to go back to work. It was a short first week, but PACKED with a conference, training and then Saturday I was at state wide officer training for Zeta. I just felt like I wasn't ready to return. Then last Sunday I watched a Gilmore Girls marathon (I got the full box set as a Christmas gift for Kyle) and ate Chinese take out and magically it fixed everything. Well not everything, but returning to work Monday didn't feel as bad. I have established a routine this week and feel more like my self.

So excited to work with this amazing group of students!

• Finally, January will mark the one year mark of Kyle and I trying to start a family. Kate from The Small Things Blog posted yesterday her own struggle and when I read it I felt like she was speaking for me. I have had so much anger over this and I just need to let go. I know being angry or frustrated is definitely not helping the situation. And I need to stop thinking of it as "trying." My type A personality and control freak tendencies need to settle down. I don't know what the future holds, but letting go and not obsessing over this one aspect is freeing and that is how I want to move forward. 

So there is the recap. I know, it's a lot. But life has ups and downs and I feel like I should be able to share it all. So here is to REAL blogging in 2013!

Weekend Recap

What a wonderful weekend! We started off Friday night by cleaning out the kitchen (I know, super exciting). We needed to distract Gigi for like an hour, enter the famous 2 liter bottle toy! I honestly don't know why we spend any money on toys when she LOVE chewing up empty 2 liter bottles.

Saturday morning we woke up and Gigi and I had a mini photo shoot. Check out those armpit rolls! Ha!

Kyle made me pumpkin pancakes! I LOVE this mix from Trader Joe's! So good!

Then I decided to bake. Tis' the season for all things pumpkin.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

Saturday night, Kyle's friend Rich came to Athens to visit! We of course took him to Pauleys.

Then to All Good.

I was smart and put a Pumpkin French Toast Bake in the fridge the night before, so all I had to do Sunday morning when we woke up was throw it in the oven. It came out GREAT!

Delicious!

Gigi loved spending time with Rich.

Gigi had her first obedience class Sunday. She is the second youngest and the second smallest. I really like the class. I think she has sit down, but we are working on laying down now. She did pretty good in the play group before class, but in the play group after class she was much more outgoing.

Making new friends!

Man puppy class will ware you out!

Weekend Wrap Up

What a weekend! I did not let the high temperatures keep me from celebrating my one year anniversary on Saturday! Kyle planned a great day for us, even if he had to modify his plans due to heat. We had breakfast at our favorite brunch spot Five Star Day. Then went to the Georgia Museum of Art, which is located on campus. We had never been before. Then we went back downtown for some shopping. Call us crazy but we walked downtown for awhile in the HEAT. It got pretty bad. I feel like whenever I shop with purpose I never can find anything I like. I did pick up a couple of things:

Print of the ZTA house by a local artist.

Love the coral and turquoise.

My new "D" bangle.

For our anniversary I got Kyle tickets to see comedian Louis CK in Athens in November and "tattoo credit." I realized that every milestone we have had in our relationship he has celebrated by getting a tattoo. He got two new ones, a ship and an eagle.

We went to dinner at the same restaurant we had our first date at. And then were home early to go to bed. I had a wonderful anniversary!

Sorry for the BRIGHT pic.

Saturday night I will admit I was a little distracted. It was the final night of Zeta Tau Alpha's Convention and the time for Silver Awards! Among the silver awards the top seven collegiate chapters are recognized, the last award is the Helen Margaret Harrison award for the most outstanding number one chapter in the country. Gamma Pi has been working towards this award for the last two years. Our tech savvy International Office runs social media VERY effectively and set up #SilverAwards to live tweet the ceremony. I was refreshing my feed every TWO SECONDS! Then it happened....

Picture sent to me from convention, you can't see the GIANT beautiful silver platter, but it is under there!

I am so proud of the women I advise. Everyone has worked so hard for this! I can't wait for them to all get back from summer break, I think this upcoming year is going to be WONDERFUL!

Sunday we ran errands. We went to the mall and I picked up a new dress and tanks from Gap.

All in all a WONDERFUL weekend on so many fronts. Hopefully after the storms we had last night it  will cool down, but "cool" is a relative term at this point. Stay "cool" friends!

Happy One Year Anniversary To Us!

Today is our one year anniversary! This year has gone so fast, I can't believe it. It feels like yesterday I was in VA celebrating this new chapter in my life! I feel so fortunate to have married such a wonderful partner.

Kyle, thank you for being so understanding and supportive. You know how to keep perspective and have amazing patience. You make me happy everyday and challenge me to be better. This first year of marriage has been so wonderful. Here is to many many more happy years!

Weekend Wrap Up!

This was the first weekend all year that I have not been scheduled to do something. It was so great to not have to BE somewhere and HAVE TO DO something. Friday night we ran to WalMart to stock up on essentials, and then stayed in the rest of the night watching movies and eating popcorn.

Saturday morning I SLEPT IN! So wonderful. And then we went downtown to get something to eat. Sometimes I forget how great/ beautiful our town is.

We ate at The Grill. Yummy diner food!

I was craving a chocolate malt! Yum!

Holy cheese fries!

After brunch, it was off to the tattoo shop of course! Kyle wanted some new ink.

Final product: tattoo #14

After sitting in a tattoo parlor my entire Saturday afternoon, I got to pick what we did Sunday. So shopping it was. I picked up this skirt, sweater and belt from J.Crew.

And this top from Gap.

Pretty successful shopping trip. REALLY GREAT WEEKEND.