Showing posts with label fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fun. Show all posts

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Bohemian Crazy Busy...

I know it has been a long time since I last posted an official blog entry. But the truth is, I have been a very busy bohemian lately. I got a part time job at Guido's Pizza... well, more officially, a Guido's Pizza that offers gluten-free food options! No joke!  It's so cool.  (You can check out the website for our gluten-free stuff here: Guido's Gluten-Free)  In addition to that, I have still been writing (a little), performing with the amazing band The Sunset Club at a lot of gigs, working on Guys & Dolls with the Holt/Dimondale Community Players, having crazy fun nights with friends, donating plasma, etc.


I also did the March for Babies (for the March of Dimes) and as always, it was a great time.  I didn't raise three hundred dollars (my goal amount), but I did raise $95, so I feel good to have contributed.  Thanks again to everyone who donated!

But back to the artsy stuff. hehe Like I said, I've been performing with The Sunset Club, and I have to say, it is a thrilling experience to sing harmonies with such an epic & powerful band! For real.  And singing with Jory (the lead singer) is a dream come true, because he has so much emotion and expression in his voice.  It's so beautiful!  So yeah... I'm loving it!

But at the same time, I still want to get my own stuff going too.  So as much fun as I have with them, they can't get all my musical focus.  I'm actually playing a gig in June or July that will be just me and my ukulele, so that's pretty crazy!  I've been working on a lot of stuff to get ready (and get better!) and so far, I have 5 original songs on the uke to work with, 3 of which you can hear rough cuts of here, and I am pretty good at the following covers:


"Rhythm of Love" -Plain White Ts
"Hey Soul Sister" -Train
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow" -Glee Version

"Down on the Corner" -Creedence Clearwater Revival
"Pricetag" -Jessie J
"I'm Yours" -Jason Mraz
"Let it Be" -The Beatles
"I Will Follow Him" -Little Peggy March
"Get Together" -The Youngbloods
"In My Life" -The Beatles
"Marry Me" -Train

But there's still lots of work to be done.  I have lots of songs I wrote on piano too that I would like to get recorded.  So hopefully, I'll be able to do a little of that this summer.

Water for ElephantsWhat else is there to tell you?  Oh yes, for Mother's Day, my mom, sister, and I went to see "Water for Elephants."  It was really great!  Will's mom says the book is amazing too, so now, especially after seeing the movie, I really want to read the book.  You can buy it for me here: Water for Elephants (Or... you could buy it for yourself I suppose! haha) Has anyone else seen this or read this already?  If so, tell me what your thoughts.

If there's more I forgot to tell you (and I'm sure there is) I will try to get it up in the next few days. For now, I'm outty. :)

Peace & Love to ALL,
Meagan

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

My Homemade Halloween Costume

Take some old clothes, rip them up some more, apply red paint and smear with hands, take outside and rub in the dirt, shake out, dirty them up more with some bronzer, and then put them on.  And do wild hair and "make up."  And then you have my costume. That is pretty much exactly how it came together.  The idea was zombie, but it definitely turned into Zombie Killer.  I looked pretty badass.  I think. haha  What do you think?


 Too bad that I didn't have The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead (I have a friend who has it.  Reads it.  Maybe even lives
by it! haha) But from the looks of me, I didn't need it.  I was definitely channeling the "kick-butt chick" in the movies who gets battered and bruised and beat up and abused... and comes out stronger and deadlier than she started.
I liked the power of it.  Makes me want to keep working out! haha


Did anyone else make some homemade costumes or dress up at all for Halloween?  Please share if you did!

Peace and Love,
Meagan
The Zombie Killer

Sunday, August 29, 2010

What has PonchoMeg: The Modern Bohemian been up to?

Okay, Okay... I know it has been ages, but I am ready to write regularly again.  My computer is at least operational, my schedule is slowing down (a little...haha), and I just really miss my online community.

So the question is... what has the modern bohemian been up to?

Well, I had my birthday back on June 2.  It was amazing fun.  Friends came over, we went out, and Cloud Magic played a special birthday song just for me. :)  Then, a few days later, we had a celebration for Will's birthday as well.  I got him a big bag of assorted goodies, including a bunch of "bad kung-fu movies" which = amazingly fun movies.  We had a bunch of friends over for that as well, and just had a great time.  Everyone signed a board for Will and left special messages.  It was cool to read them all when the night was over.

After all the celebrations with friends were over, our birthday celebration was not over.  Will made the "birthday season" even more special by surprising me with tickets to see Adam Lambert at Common Ground in Lansing.  It was AMAZING!!  I love Adam and how he desires to entertain, spread peace, love, and positivity, and just have fun!  Plus his voice is one of the best voices that has ever been.  Ever.


Since the concert, I've spent most of my time working out, being domestic, looking for jobs, and looking for a new place to live.

The working out has had great effects.  Now that I actually can lose weight (thanks to being gluten-free and healthy), working out is doing wonders.
I've mostly been doing Pilates and Jillian's 30 Day Shred.  It feels amazing, but it definitely kicks my butt! So yes... the working out has been going well.

Being "domestic" as I like to say has been beneficial as well.  I feel like I am connecting more with the Earth, and the natural flow of life.  Housework, cooking, running errands, making things, and taking care of the people and animals in the houses I live in is rewarding.  I like it.

In looking for new jobs, I have had all sorts of adventures, but I'll come back to that in a minute.

Because I need to talk about finding a new house.  I tell you, getting a house to rent was trickier than I thought it would be.  Sometimes the rent was just completely unreasonable, sometimes the neighborhoods where we could afford a place were not so good, and sometimes my credit (it's bad) interfered with the "deal."  But finally, I found a place and moved into it with Will, and two new roomies A.D.W. and Tum (and Ava and Gumby of course).

Not long after we moved in, I got a chance to go to a casting call for a movie being filmed in Grand Rapids.  I jumped on the opportunity and went to a hotel casting call for RealStyle.  Tum came with me, and we had to wait in line, fill out some paperwork, get some pictures taken, and then we were sent on our way.  But the cool thing is, I heard back from them.  And now, here I am, able to say that I have worked on a major motion picture.  No kidding.  I have been to three days of filming on a movie called "30 Minutes or Less."  And for one of the days, I got to do some driving for the background in one of the scenes and it was so much fun.

The best part about it all is that I got to meet so many cool people.  I made some new friends, shared a lot of stories (and heard a lot of stories), and really had a great time with the other extras and the crew.  Plus, I did get to see some movie stars and even talked to one. (Of course... I didn't realize it right away.  It was my first day of filming and I was so excited and nervous that I was just saying hello and good morning to everyone! haha)

So yeah... that's been pretty amazing.

Also on the job front, I applied for a job with a church, and even if I don't get the job, I have to say, my experience with the people of this church has been amazing.  The community that they have is open, compassionate, and kind.  The pastor is an amazing guy who gives sermons that don't make me angry (as many have in the past) and I have really enjoyed each of my visits to the church.  Especially the one where I got to direct the choir.

Anyway... what else?

Well, I got to go to my very first Tigers game at Comerica Park!  I had never been to a professional baseball game before.  I had always just watched them on TV.  But A. took Will and me when he took his nephew and I had such a blast!  Kenny Loggins sang the Star Spangled Banner, and the Tigers won!  I got to see Inge up close and that was cool too.  Paws even pointed at me.


What else, what else??

Ah yes, me, Will, our friend J.W. and Tum went to GR one Friday for "Electronic Music Night."  That was a pretty fun time.  It was cool to see a diverse group of people there.  It was like several countercultures all came together to be one counterculture for the night. haha  Hippies, Punks, Emo kids, the "Alternative" crowd, Bohemians, Stoners, Ravers... all sorts of people of all walks of life were there... and that to me is groovy.
 I have to say, I also really enjoy House music and other forms of electronic music.
If you are interested in some sweet electronic music, I recommend you check out:

Daft Punk
Deadmau5
Wilhuff
Fedde le Grand

And enjoy.

Besides all that, I have also been trying to work on music.  It's been a struggle, and I am not sure why.  I am trying to work with my friend Jeff, trying to work with Will, and even auditioned for a band.  And we may start our own band here at the house.  But it's rough...
On the plus side, I got a ukulele and have been learning to play that.  It's challenging to get it all right and make it sound it's best, but learning the basics wasn't so bad. (Thank you Music Education degree.  I'm glad you're good for something.)  Maybe if I get good enough, I'll post a video.  Maybe...

I also went on a big trip with my mom to the U.P. and to Mackinaw City.  It was such a good trip, that I am going to create something online that gives all of the trip info. in case anyone else wants to experience some of the same things we did.  It will either be a blog post or an article, but I will make sure to get you all a link to it.

It actually is inspiring me to make another blog... all based on Michigan tourism, arts and entertainment, and local lifestyles.  I think it could be something great.  It will take a lot of work, but look for it soon. :)

What else?  What else?  Well... A. and K. have some new roomies as me, Will, and our other roomie C. all moved out, but it's still fun to go visit the old place.  The new roommates are cool too it seems which is always nice.  I like meeting new, cool people.
Will, A.D.W., and Tum are all going to be heading to school, so I will be having a lot of time to myself at home.  That's alright though, I've been painting and doing photography and soon I'll get back to work on the book.  But I do still want to get out sometimes though. haha  I'm hoping to get booked as an extra for more movies.  It's fun to do, and getting paid to be on a movie set to me is crazy and like a dream come true!
I also may need to get a "real" job.  We'll see... I'm not sure I'm cracked up for the daily grind.  In fact... I'm sure I'm not.
So... I just gotta keep my options, my eyes, my mind, and my heart open.  And opportunities will come.

I hope you feel up to date.  I'm sure that there are things I forgot to tell you, but such is the life of a modern bohemian... even when you're "up to date" there's still so much mystery. ;)  And I like it that way.

I hope you're all doing well.  Keep checking back for updates.  The Bohemian is Back!

Peace and Love,
Meagan

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Gluten-Free: Not Just an Annoying Dietary Demand

So I have been almost 100% gluten-free since the end of 2009 due to health problems and gluten intolerance, and now that I am in 2010, I am trying hard to avoid all contamination and be gluten-free, healthy, and happy.  In addition, I have been wanting to be more active, lose weight, and tone up before my sister's wedding in November.  Luckily, these two things have gone hand in hand.  Since being gluten-free and becoming more active, I have lost 29 lbs!!! Yes!  Amazing!

The most important thing I feel like I have gotten out of all of this though, is the true appreciation for healthy eating.  Basically, eating things that make your body feel good as well as look good.  I have always loved organic food, veggies, fruit, things like that, but now I am coming up with so many more uses for my favorites, as well as introducing new foods I hadn't really eaten before (Quinoa, polenta) and loving it.
Another added bonus: just cooking gluten-free, healthy meals for me and my house family and friends.  I love to cook, and I am an experimental cook anyway (meaning, I rarely make the same thing twice because  I never really follow recipes and I just go with what feels cool) so it has been exciting to make up new dishes and new methods for cooking certain dishes.

Some of my favorite things to do:

Southwest casserole (Rice based)
Steak and veggie kabobs (peppers, squash, onions, etc.)
Summer Salad (Fresh greens, veggies, and a light olive oil dressing... with asiago cheese)
Drizzle Dream (a yummy dessert)
Soup/Chili (Easy, fun, and experimental. haha)
Oven baked lemon/butter/garlic Tilapia
Green beans in garlic and olive oil
Tacos
Beans and Rice

And so much more.  It's just fun.

And a little less work now that I am 29 lbs lighter... :) haha

If anyone out there wants any more information on gluten intolerance, celiac disease, gluten-free living, or going gluten-free as a method of weight loss, please let me know.  Leave a comment or send an e-mail to ponchomeg@yahoo.com and I will tell you more about my personal experience and direct you to some fantastic resources.  Just put "Gluten-Free Questions" in the subject line.

Peace and Love,
Meagan

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

The March for Babies

This past weekend, I did the March for Babies in downtown Lansing with my team: Baby Steps for Change.  The team consists of me, my sister and my cousin Nicole., but we were joined for the walk on Saturday by Nicole's darling baby boy L., and my sister's groom-to-be, B.  Among us, we raised over $300.00 for The March of Dimes.  I am so proud of that.  I didn't quite reach my $200.00 individual goal, but I did make $135.00 and there's always next year!


If you don't know a lot about the March for Babies or the March of Dimes, visit:
The March of Dimes
The March for Babies
Baby Steps for Change

Awww!!! Look at little L.!  He is learning to take his first steps ever, as we take the first steps to help save other babies.

I love babies.  I can't believe that there are people who DON'T love babies.  But if you are like me and DO love babies, check out The March of Dimes and the March for Babies.  This was my fourth year, but I'm not stopping anytime soon, so next year... join me!

Alright, I'll get off my high horse now.  Really though, the walk really was just a nice time too.  I got to exercise, hang out with L. and play with him, catch up with my sissy, cousin, and future bro-in-law, and enjoy the outdoors.  All while saving babies!  I had a blast!

Afterwards I came home and did some amazing grilling outside. Yummy!  So, next year, if you want to come to the walk, we'll have a big cookout afterward then too! (If I am homeless by then, we'll still do it... we'll do it in the woods, campfire style!! haha)

Anyway... more to come.  Stay tuned.
Peace and Love,
Meagan


Monday, February 22, 2010

PonchoMeg: The Modern Bohemian Loves the Olympics!

I like the Olympics because it is a time when the whole world comes together, even as everyone competes against one another.  The Olympics are great because they show us that there are people all around the world with stories we can relate to, dreams we can remember ourselves, and the drive to win that seems to be in us all. Plus, the sports are fun to watch.  We have been supporting Shaun White of course  (With his amazing hair, his friendly personality, and his kick-ass skills... how could you NOT root for Shaun White?!?) and we have been watching a LOT of curling.  (Partly because A. has a thing for Madeleine Dupont, but also because curling is sweet!)  There have been lots of amazing moments already (Evan Lysacek anybody?) and I think that there will be even more to come.  I am excited!
At school, we are doing a big lesson on Wednesday that ties in with the Olympics.  We will be sending the kids to different "stations" throughout their time with us in the gym, and at my station, I am going to be showing them flags of different countries and playing them the different national anthems.  I'm pretty excited.
Speaking of national anthems, nothing quite fills me with more American pride than hearing the Star Spangled Banner during the Olympics.  I think it's because it represents a whole country.  But more importantly, it represents a dream that was actually realized for someone who is kind of like me.  Those Americans on the podium, those few talented and lucky people, prove that dreams can come true for us.  Dreams come true.
That's why I really love the Olympics.  I like to believe in the power of dreams.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Children

Whitney had it right. "I believe the children are our future... teach them well, and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside." So true.
Children are beautiful. They imagine, wonder, question, learn, play, and feel everything so strongly. They are curious, loving, funny, and inspiring.
As a teacher, one of my favorite things is when a student asks me a question that I never thought that they would ask. I actually like being surprised by abstract thoughts and ideas or just things that I never considered. The children are our future, so we must teach them well like Whitney said, but more importantly... I think we must remember all that they teach us.
They inspire us to be more humble, kind, compassionate, empathetic, curious, aware, and fun.
We were outside the other day and one of my roommates, K., said that she liked to revert to childish activities like coloring with sidewalk chalk and playing games like 4 square. I feel her. I like to "revert" sometimes too. It comes from the life lessons I've learned from the students; relax, have fun, leave responsibility behind and "revert." But I do wonder... why is it "reverting?" Why can't adults just enjoy the things that they enjoyed as kids? What's so wrong with that?
Here's something I loved as a kid and still love very much: The Land Before Time. I used to watch that movie every day in kindergarten. It's amazing. And yes, maybe I love it so much now because I loved it then, but that's okay. It still moves me. And yes... it is a children's movie. So what?
As I watched it again recently, I was humbled and I felt so much emotion. At one pivotal moment involving the main character's mom (a brontosaurus by the way) I was moved to tears. Laugh if you want, but I was emotionally stirred. I texted my mother. I said "I'm watching the Land Before Time and it made me miss my mommy. I love you mom." I'm a cheeseball... but I meant it.
Amazing how childish things bring you back to center. My mom and I disagree a lot. Sometimes we get a little tense towards one another. But the thing is... she's my mom, and I love her, and she did a lot for me. So no matter what... I will always come back. I have to. My mom is a part of me.
"I believe the children are the future, teach them well and let them lead the way..."
Well, I am not a parent yet, but I am my mother's child, which means that I am the future, and I will lead the way. I'll lead the way home; I'll lead the way to the playground; I'll lead the way to the sidewalk where K. and I are drawing cats, peace signs, and other fun things; I'll lead the way to innocence, to learning, to hope, to magic, love, and miracles. I'll lead the way. I hope you follow, at least until you too can lead...

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

A Little Break

Well, you may have noticed that I haven't been around much. This is because I went on a little trip. My boyfriend Will and I went to the U.P. for a week. The U.P. (for anyone NOT from Michigan out there) is the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It was amazing! Beautiful, relaxing, fun... we had a great time. We went to lighthouses, the Soo Locks, an amazing fish fry at a local restaurant, and spent lots of time walking the beach, reading, playing cards with his parents (who were in the U.P. as well), and even got a chance to visit one of my uncles. It was amazing.
I will have to share more about my life with you all later, but before I go for now, I must mention this: Read "Ishmael" by Daniel Quinn. I read it in the U.P. and I am telling you, it has to be one of the most amazing books ever written, and it really gets the mind working...
More later... 

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Astrology.com Fun!


Having fun at Astrology.com
Because why not?
PonchoMeg: The Modern Bohemian is a Gemini
My 2009 Horoscope:
As a Gemini, you possess an amazing ability to see dualities -- the pros and cons of situations as change approaches -- and to quickly and efficiently think them through before making any decisions. In 2009, you dare to look deeply into your desires, regenerate self-awareness and recognize psychological ambiguities. This will bring balance into your home and family life. Pay attention to the details as you bring your inner and outer life into harmony. And be sure to enjoy the changes occurring within you!
As you come to terms with yourself, you are able to see a more fulfilling purpose in life, and your field of experience broadens. Focus on matters that affect you most deeply and, like magic, your life will become easier and things will seem to take care of themselves. You have all the necessary resources and motivation to make tangible changes and achieve results this year.
Toward the end of the year, you'll have time to enjoy yourself, and to bask in a great sense of accomplishment. With the expansive and idealistic energy flowing throughout 2009, Gemini is very comfortable in this age of new awareness and high-mindedness.

My Daily Tarot for June 24, 2009:
The Nine of Pentacles card suggests that my power today lies in gratification. The fruits of my labor already exist in my values. My garden of purpose is perennial and forever in need of tending but I am surrounded by the results I have intended to create. I am empowered by the splendor that is m life and my asset is personal validation.

Nine of Pentacles