This blog is moving. I repeat. "Meg's Rants, Raves, and Randomness" is moving.
WHAA???
In the best interests of this blog, I have decided to make the big move over to Tumblr. Why? Because not only has Tumblr become wildly popular, it is also more accessible to a wider audience. I hope that if you do take the time to read this, that you will follow me on over to the NEW blog, which will have the following:
*A new layout.
*A new name.
*New posts and a more regular update schedule.
*Quote of the Day
*A new attitude.
*More jam packed awesomeness courtesy of yours truly. :)
So what are you waiting for? Hop on over to Daydreams in the Key of Awesome and follow me there! :)
ONE MORE THING!!!
I will be keeping this blog up (mostly for the "archive" factor. Everyone loves nostalgia, right?), but I will not be updating it. If you want the updates, you have to go to the new one!
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Sunday, February 17, 2013
How Temple Run 2 Ruined My Life
Six months ago, I posted the following to my Twitter page:
"I've finally fallen into the trap that is Words With Friends. If I ever get a smartphone, I'll know that I am finally doomed."
Well, 2 months ago I became the proud owner of a brand new Android, and let's just say that I really, truly am doomed...
It all started about 2 weeks ago when I picked my niece up from the bus stop and hung out with her until my sister came home from work.
Caitlin: "Aunt Meg, have you ever played Temple Run 2?"
Me: "No, I haven't."
Caitlin: "Can I download it to your phone?"
Me: "Sure. I can give it a shot."
I wasn't quite sure what I was setting myself up for when I let Caitlin hijack my phone and download Temple Run 2, but okay. I opened the game up, played through the tutorial, got a few tips and hints from Caiti, and was well on my way to running away from a monster that looked like a cross between an aardvark, a gorilla, and a bear. Of course, I didn't play for long at first, but once I got home, after having my usual Songpop war with my roommate, I decided to dive back into it and try it again. I started beating objectives, and making my character run bigger distances. I earned enough coins to upgrade my characters abilities. Unlock NEW characters. Unlock NEW abilities.
Holy. Crap. It's time for me to crash for the night. I'm really tired.
But do I sleep that night? No! I toss. I turn. I look over at my nightstand and see my phone laying there in front of my alarm clock. Sigh. I wonder if I can beat that one elusive objective and finally level up. So what do I do? Do I resist the urge, roll back over and finally fall asleep?
No. I grab my phone, open up Temple Run 2, and pick right back up where I left off. I can't sleep, because I'm too busy getting into the game, until I finally do realize that yes, I really am tired and I really do need to go to sleep. It only gets worse when I actually wake up in the morning too. Wake up, grab phone, play Temple Run 2.
I put off trips to check on job applications because I got caught up playing and lost track of time. Woops!
I *almost* ran late picking Caitlin up from the bus because I got caught up playing and lost track of time. Woops!
My roommate had trouble trying to hold a conversation with me because I got caught up playing and couldn't pay attention to both her and the game. Woops!
Sitting in the waiting room before therapy? Better break out Temple Run 2!
This actually went on for about a week and a half. Just a few days ago I finally decided to start giving it a rest. I'm glad I did. It was getting pretty crazy. My roommate still gives me 10 kinds of crap about it from time to time, but it's not near as bad as it was. At least I didn't need a 12 step program to get off of it...
I'll be the first to admit that while I don't really have an addictive personality for the most part, video games tend to be my weakness. I just get so into them because my mindset goes from zero to "OH MY GOD I'VE GOT TO ACCOMPLISH EVERYTHING!!! I CANNOT LIVE UNTIL I HAVE DEFEATED THIS!!!"
Then I get bored and move on to something else, or my responsible side kicks in and I remember that I have priorities that come before gaming. This is something I've dealt with off and on for quite a long time, more than likely since I was 9 and got a Super Nintendo for Christmas that year. And over the years it's grown to other consoles, the computer (Bejeweled, Mahjong, the random bubble games I tend to play on Facebook, Chuzzle) and of course, other games on my phone (Songpop, Fruit Ninja, which I might add I use as the excuse of "But I'm practicing so I can get an awesome high score on the 42 in. touch screen at the arcade!!!", and of course.... ahem... Angry Birds.). While my gaming habits may get obsessive at times, I can assure you, they could be worse. Trust me. I was married to a prime example of that for 3 years.
Luckily for me, I have other hobbies. I have my music, reading, writing poetry (I've written a couple of new poems that are pretty good, one being inspired by Tundra and his demanding personality), crochet (which reminds me, I need to get back on that hat I started last fall that's supposed to match the scarf I made last winter...), my classic car admiration, and this blog, just to name a few. And just because of that, I know that no game will ever kill my social life or totally take precedence over anything else in my life.
Well, at least until something else comes along and hooks me.
"I've finally fallen into the trap that is Words With Friends. If I ever get a smartphone, I'll know that I am finally doomed."
Well, 2 months ago I became the proud owner of a brand new Android, and let's just say that I really, truly am doomed...
It all started about 2 weeks ago when I picked my niece up from the bus stop and hung out with her until my sister came home from work.
Caitlin: "Aunt Meg, have you ever played Temple Run 2?"
Me: "No, I haven't."
Caitlin: "Can I download it to your phone?"
Me: "Sure. I can give it a shot."
I wasn't quite sure what I was setting myself up for when I let Caitlin hijack my phone and download Temple Run 2, but okay. I opened the game up, played through the tutorial, got a few tips and hints from Caiti, and was well on my way to running away from a monster that looked like a cross between an aardvark, a gorilla, and a bear. Of course, I didn't play for long at first, but once I got home, after having my usual Songpop war with my roommate, I decided to dive back into it and try it again. I started beating objectives, and making my character run bigger distances. I earned enough coins to upgrade my characters abilities. Unlock NEW characters. Unlock NEW abilities.
Holy. Crap. It's time for me to crash for the night. I'm really tired.
But do I sleep that night? No! I toss. I turn. I look over at my nightstand and see my phone laying there in front of my alarm clock. Sigh. I wonder if I can beat that one elusive objective and finally level up. So what do I do? Do I resist the urge, roll back over and finally fall asleep?
No. I grab my phone, open up Temple Run 2, and pick right back up where I left off. I can't sleep, because I'm too busy getting into the game, until I finally do realize that yes, I really am tired and I really do need to go to sleep. It only gets worse when I actually wake up in the morning too. Wake up, grab phone, play Temple Run 2.
I put off trips to check on job applications because I got caught up playing and lost track of time. Woops!
I *almost* ran late picking Caitlin up from the bus because I got caught up playing and lost track of time. Woops!
My roommate had trouble trying to hold a conversation with me because I got caught up playing and couldn't pay attention to both her and the game. Woops!
Sitting in the waiting room before therapy? Better break out Temple Run 2!
This actually went on for about a week and a half. Just a few days ago I finally decided to start giving it a rest. I'm glad I did. It was getting pretty crazy. My roommate still gives me 10 kinds of crap about it from time to time, but it's not near as bad as it was. At least I didn't need a 12 step program to get off of it...
I'll be the first to admit that while I don't really have an addictive personality for the most part, video games tend to be my weakness. I just get so into them because my mindset goes from zero to "OH MY GOD I'VE GOT TO ACCOMPLISH EVERYTHING!!! I CANNOT LIVE UNTIL I HAVE DEFEATED THIS!!!"
Then I get bored and move on to something else, or my responsible side kicks in and I remember that I have priorities that come before gaming. This is something I've dealt with off and on for quite a long time, more than likely since I was 9 and got a Super Nintendo for Christmas that year. And over the years it's grown to other consoles, the computer (Bejeweled, Mahjong, the random bubble games I tend to play on Facebook, Chuzzle) and of course, other games on my phone (Songpop, Fruit Ninja, which I might add I use as the excuse of "But I'm practicing so I can get an awesome high score on the 42 in. touch screen at the arcade!!!", and of course.... ahem... Angry Birds.). While my gaming habits may get obsessive at times, I can assure you, they could be worse. Trust me. I was married to a prime example of that for 3 years.
Luckily for me, I have other hobbies. I have my music, reading, writing poetry (I've written a couple of new poems that are pretty good, one being inspired by Tundra and his demanding personality), crochet (which reminds me, I need to get back on that hat I started last fall that's supposed to match the scarf I made last winter...), my classic car admiration, and this blog, just to name a few. And just because of that, I know that no game will ever kill my social life or totally take precedence over anything else in my life.
Well, at least until something else comes along and hooks me.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
I Interrupt This Blog to Bring You...
Hey you. Yeah, you. You there. The one sitting in front of the computer reading this blog. You know what you should be doing right now? You should be checking out an awesome band called Of Course Not. Yep, that's definitely what you should be doing right now. Never heard of them? They're a "local" band (they're based out of Joplin, MO, which is about 60-ish miles from where I live) but I do believe they are destined for great things soon.
Why do I think this? Is it because I'm friends with one of the members? Well, yeah, of course I'm going to be a little biased, but that is not necessarily the case. Is it because they just released their very first album Friday? Definitely yes. "Pushing Pencils" is the name of their album, and you should check it out. You won't be disappointed. From the a capella intro "The Moon" to the closing track "Stranded", it is definitely a gem worth playing over and over again. However, the main reason I say they are destined for great things is because Luke, Torey, Chris and Craig are all incredibly talented and have a style that is fun and very difficult to NOT want to rock out to. In fact, I went to their album release party last night, and their live show is equally fun! They have awesome stage presence and really get the crowd going with their energy.
So where can you get in on this? You can check them out by listening to the entirety of "Pushing Pencils" here. Do eet. You know you want to. You won't regret it. Just click the link! :)
I now return you to your regularly scheduled blog reading. :)
(Don't forget: Of Course Not!)
Why do I think this? Is it because I'm friends with one of the members? Well, yeah, of course I'm going to be a little biased, but that is not necessarily the case. Is it because they just released their very first album Friday? Definitely yes. "Pushing Pencils" is the name of their album, and you should check it out. You won't be disappointed. From the a capella intro "The Moon" to the closing track "Stranded", it is definitely a gem worth playing over and over again. However, the main reason I say they are destined for great things is because Luke, Torey, Chris and Craig are all incredibly talented and have a style that is fun and very difficult to NOT want to rock out to. In fact, I went to their album release party last night, and their live show is equally fun! They have awesome stage presence and really get the crowd going with their energy.
So where can you get in on this? You can check them out by listening to the entirety of "Pushing Pencils" here. Do eet. You know you want to. You won't regret it. Just click the link! :)
I now return you to your regularly scheduled blog reading. :)
(Don't forget: Of Course Not!)
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Some Days Are Better Than Others...
I'm really not sure as to how I'm feeling today. I'm sure by the time I sign off on this post, however, I'll know.
And yep, remember how this blog is a collection of my rants, raves, and randomness? It's rant time, people. Boy howdy, is it rant time...
So as always, when someone just royally pisses me off and I decide to blog, I will not point fingers and put the specific person on blast. Unfortunately, I'm going through a rough time. Why? Well for one, I'm getting a divorce.
And for two, sometimes... life just sucks. However, am I going to let this get me down? Nope! Well, at least I'm going to try not to. However, it's been a rather bittersweet 3 months, and it's been very hard to hold everything in. Unhealthy, I know, but I can't stand blathering about super personal things online. Especially on Facebook. Don't let me get started on that ridiculousness.
Anywhoo, my marriage starting falling down the tubes in October. In my opinion it had been on a downward spiral for awhile. "But Meg, you and Josh were doing so well! You were soooo happy, why are you getting a divorce? You're so perfect for each other!!!" No. Josh and I were keeping up appearances. It was a facade to keep people from noticing that things just weren't okay with us anymore. In fact, we'd been on shaky ground since before we got married. The problem? I fell out of love. I'm a flighty person by nature, and after awhile I just didn't feel the way I felt when we first got together. I didn't even see a future for our relationship. But I tried to keep things going for Josh's sake. It was exhausting, and I was miserable. After several fights, we finally agreed to just call it quits, and we've been separated for about a month now. The separation wasn't supposed to come until after the first of the year, but things were bad enough that we didn't make it to Christmas. Ah well. Can't win 'em all. It's a cold reality, but it's reality nonetheless.
I often fear for when I start dating again. I have already made it perfectly clear that I won't ever get married again. I feel like getting married in the first place was a huge mistake on my part. I have several worries, the two main ones being 1) I feel like no one is ever going to want to be with me (which I know isn't true but the fact is I am incredibly picky when it comes to finding a partner: I can be a lot to handle at times and I need someone who can stand up and be strong with me, rather than having a weak/strong relationship or vice versa.) and 2) When I do get to be with someone great, and things go super well, I'm going to lose interest thanks to my flighty attitude and wind up hurting them. Either way, it's going to be awhile before I start dating again. Not because "Oh I'm hurt and I'll never date again, blah blah whine whine snore," but because in the last 7 (almost 8!) years, I've been single for a grand total of a month. When I broke up with my ex, I immediately dived into my relationship with Josh a month later, and even still during that month, I was talking to someone online in Minnesota. Not a good thing. Because of this, I've more or less lost sight of who I am, and it's time for me to reacquaint myself with Meg. I need to make sure that I'm standing on solid ground before I can be solid with anyone else. I'm a work in progress, and I'm slowly getting there, but it's all about the baby steps. Slow forward progress is better than none at all. So I'm going to focus on getting back on my feet, enjoy my family and friends, take care of my fur babies and just get my life lined back out.
Which brings me to another depressing note:
I am taking this spring semester off from school.
It sucks, but I need to focus on getting a job so that I am able to afford my bills and get back on my feet. I also need to focus my attention on the divorce. I also have holds to remove from my accounts at both LCC and Pitt State, holds that should have been taken care of months ago and weren't due to bad judgment on my part.
Wait, no. "It sucks" doesn't even begin to cover it. I am DEVASTATED. BROKEN HEARTED. TORN UP. I was seriously looking forward to this semester, and seeing my new friends again, and all sorts of stuff. Unfortunately, life happens sometimes. I feel crushed by the fact that I had to make such a hard decision, and it feels like I'm totally giving up on my dream. Which I'm not giving up on my dream, but it's hard for me to not see it that way. I'm hoping that my positive mindset will return and I'll be able to see the situation for what it is: not giving up on my dream, just temporarily putting it on hold due to extenuating circumstances. If any of my Pitt buddies read this, I want you all to know that I will be back in the fall, and I will hopefully get to keep in touch with/see you all really soon.
Needless to say, I've been tempted to just curl up in a little ball and cry my eyes out. I haven't cried yet, surprisingly, but I probably should. I might feel a little better.
For the most part, I do okay though. I have an awesome roommate living with me (one of my best friends) and she's been an immense source of support for me in this difficult time. I try to hold my head high and not let all the negativity get the best of me. In fact, I've been doing well enough that at my last therapy appointment, my meds were adjusted to an as-needed basis, and I haven't really needed them. My lows haven't really gotten too low. But just in case, I am keeping them handy in case things really get to me. I'm hoping that once the divorce is over, my depression will start to dissipate. We shall soon see though...
So now, I'll close this feeling a little more sure of myself, a little less bogged down, and ready to send out positive energy to each and every one of you who reads this. :)
Until next time... :)
And yep, remember how this blog is a collection of my rants, raves, and randomness? It's rant time, people. Boy howdy, is it rant time...
So as always, when someone just royally pisses me off and I decide to blog, I will not point fingers and put the specific person on blast. Unfortunately, I'm going through a rough time. Why? Well for one, I'm getting a divorce.
And for two, sometimes... life just sucks. However, am I going to let this get me down? Nope! Well, at least I'm going to try not to. However, it's been a rather bittersweet 3 months, and it's been very hard to hold everything in. Unhealthy, I know, but I can't stand blathering about super personal things online. Especially on Facebook. Don't let me get started on that ridiculousness.
Anywhoo, my marriage starting falling down the tubes in October. In my opinion it had been on a downward spiral for awhile. "But Meg, you and Josh were doing so well! You were soooo happy, why are you getting a divorce? You're so perfect for each other!!!" No. Josh and I were keeping up appearances. It was a facade to keep people from noticing that things just weren't okay with us anymore. In fact, we'd been on shaky ground since before we got married. The problem? I fell out of love. I'm a flighty person by nature, and after awhile I just didn't feel the way I felt when we first got together. I didn't even see a future for our relationship. But I tried to keep things going for Josh's sake. It was exhausting, and I was miserable. After several fights, we finally agreed to just call it quits, and we've been separated for about a month now. The separation wasn't supposed to come until after the first of the year, but things were bad enough that we didn't make it to Christmas. Ah well. Can't win 'em all. It's a cold reality, but it's reality nonetheless.
I often fear for when I start dating again. I have already made it perfectly clear that I won't ever get married again. I feel like getting married in the first place was a huge mistake on my part. I have several worries, the two main ones being 1) I feel like no one is ever going to want to be with me (which I know isn't true but the fact is I am incredibly picky when it comes to finding a partner: I can be a lot to handle at times and I need someone who can stand up and be strong with me, rather than having a weak/strong relationship or vice versa.) and 2) When I do get to be with someone great, and things go super well, I'm going to lose interest thanks to my flighty attitude and wind up hurting them. Either way, it's going to be awhile before I start dating again. Not because "Oh I'm hurt and I'll never date again, blah blah whine whine snore," but because in the last 7 (almost 8!) years, I've been single for a grand total of a month. When I broke up with my ex, I immediately dived into my relationship with Josh a month later, and even still during that month, I was talking to someone online in Minnesota. Not a good thing. Because of this, I've more or less lost sight of who I am, and it's time for me to reacquaint myself with Meg. I need to make sure that I'm standing on solid ground before I can be solid with anyone else. I'm a work in progress, and I'm slowly getting there, but it's all about the baby steps. Slow forward progress is better than none at all. So I'm going to focus on getting back on my feet, enjoy my family and friends, take care of my fur babies and just get my life lined back out.
Which brings me to another depressing note:
I am taking this spring semester off from school.
It sucks, but I need to focus on getting a job so that I am able to afford my bills and get back on my feet. I also need to focus my attention on the divorce. I also have holds to remove from my accounts at both LCC and Pitt State, holds that should have been taken care of months ago and weren't due to bad judgment on my part.
Wait, no. "It sucks" doesn't even begin to cover it. I am DEVASTATED. BROKEN HEARTED. TORN UP. I was seriously looking forward to this semester, and seeing my new friends again, and all sorts of stuff. Unfortunately, life happens sometimes. I feel crushed by the fact that I had to make such a hard decision, and it feels like I'm totally giving up on my dream. Which I'm not giving up on my dream, but it's hard for me to not see it that way. I'm hoping that my positive mindset will return and I'll be able to see the situation for what it is: not giving up on my dream, just temporarily putting it on hold due to extenuating circumstances. If any of my Pitt buddies read this, I want you all to know that I will be back in the fall, and I will hopefully get to keep in touch with/see you all really soon.
Needless to say, I've been tempted to just curl up in a little ball and cry my eyes out. I haven't cried yet, surprisingly, but I probably should. I might feel a little better.
For the most part, I do okay though. I have an awesome roommate living with me (one of my best friends) and she's been an immense source of support for me in this difficult time. I try to hold my head high and not let all the negativity get the best of me. In fact, I've been doing well enough that at my last therapy appointment, my meds were adjusted to an as-needed basis, and I haven't really needed them. My lows haven't really gotten too low. But just in case, I am keeping them handy in case things really get to me. I'm hoping that once the divorce is over, my depression will start to dissipate. We shall soon see though...
So now, I'll close this feeling a little more sure of myself, a little less bogged down, and ready to send out positive energy to each and every one of you who reads this. :)
Until next time... :)
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