Category: Missouri Life

A Night In My Hometown

Posted on by Meredith Rines, MBA, CFP®

A Night in my Hometown

I live in a small town outside of my college town and some times when I venture into town I see things/people that I don’t like or understand, but it’s my hometown.

 I’m going to tell you a story of my Friday night, well part of it that it is.  It all started when I tried to be a good fiance to J who had already clocked a 14 hour day with no end it sight.  So, I thought food.  That’s the way to any man’s heart, right?  I mean that’s what I was always told by family and it always seem to work.  It’s funny because the way to my heart is chocolate and that’s technically food, so I guess that’s the way to anyone’s heart – their favorite food.  

Anyway back to my hometown story…

My hometown doesn’t offer too many options for good food, so, I ordered some wings for J at a local pizza joint.  I went to pick them up and they weren’t ready so I grabbed a seat to wait.  In walks this man, I instantly got a weird vibe from him and hoped that he wouldn’t sit next to me to wait for his order.  Now, let me say that I am never that person.  I really can talk to anyone, but some people give me the creeps and this man was no exception.

He sat down and said hello.  I said hello back.  Then he starts making fun of one of the workers.  I wasn’t a fan of that so I just sat there nodding, which I guess that opened the door to more free conversation.  The next topic he decided to talk about was boobs.  Other women’s boobs …for about five minutes.  All I kept thinking was really, seriously?

Seriously?!?  Do I look like I am open to that type of conversation?  I don’t want to hear about how five years ago you got to see a girl who was probably 15 at the time that had ginormous boobs.

I just sat there with my fingers crossed and hoped that my order would be up and I could hear that magically words, “Meredith To Go.”  I may or may not have jumped up so fast that I almost face planted into the counter.

Oh it’s just another night in my hometown.  Got to love it!

Cheers!

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Wacky Springtime

Posted on by Meredith Rines, MBA, CFP®

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It’s finally springtime in Missouri … well at least it is today. It was in the 80s earlier this week and then snowing on Friday. So, we don’t know how long this weather is going to last. When we do get a burst of nice weather the dogs have eaten every second of it up.  Well, J & I have soaked up using our new grill a lot too… I’m not complaining!
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Cheers!

January 9 – Happy Birthday

Posted on by Meredith Rines, MBA, CFP®

Meet Tiny! Mine and J's new puppy saved from the highway in #PoplarBluff. #saveastray #dog #petadoption

Meet Tiny Dodger! The newest addition to mine and J’s family.

#dogloveMaggie watching over her new sister, Tiny. #dog
Tiny got her name from the fact that she dodges traffic like a pro. So here I was driving home from my hometown back to Springfield on Wednesday I spot this little pup jumping through the tall grass in between two lanes of traffic along the highway. Knowing that I just could not leave her, I turned around. Picture this: me running along the side of a highway in muddy grass chasing a dog. It was pretty hilarious for drivers passing by.
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Tiny is absolute skin and bones. I have to say J and I were thrilled when she took her first bite, which was after she watched Maggie take a bite. The vet thinks that she is about 7-8 weeks old and she currently weighs 3.7 pounds. Crazy!

Not knowing when her actually birthday is – I’ve decided that January 9 (the day I spotted her on the highway) is her birthday.  She has hit the jackpot with J and I!

Cheers!

Posted on by Meredith Rines, MBA, CFP®

Photo on 2012-12-13 at 14.52 #2

Life is a ride. Simple phrase that explains so much.

I graduated from college with my Masters. Celebrated Christmas with my family and J’s family. Traveled over 8 hours in a car in less than 36 hours. Rang in the New Year with J and some great friends. Started living on my own again. survived what felt like a plague that lasted way too long.

I plan on sharing my New Year’s Resolutions with you in the next few days and to blog a bit more consistently in 2013.

Here’s to hoping and trying to develop better habits, spend more time laughing and less time stressing this year.

Cheers!

10 Things I’m Thankful For

Posted on by Meredith Rines, MBA, CFP®

B&W #roadtrip

Happy Thanksgiving! I’ve decided that since it was Thanksgiving and all that it would be a good time to write down what I’m Thankful for this year.

1. My family. After this afternoon’s FaceTime session with them I realize that they are quite unlike any other family I know and for that I’m truly thankful.

2. J. It has been a wonderful year with him and I am grateful every day that we met sitting in Steak-N-Shake late one night.  It’s great having a guy that is so supportive of my ideas, my dreams, and everything going on in my life.

3. My friends. The first text I received this morning was from friends wishing me a Happy Thanksgiving. It’s great to remember all the fun times we’ve shared in 2012: a cruise, a haunted house, road trips, weekends at the lake, ‘family’ dinners, and so many more.

4. Work. This year has been quite a departure for me from the past several.  I started an amazing journey as a Weight Watcher Leader and have met so many amazing, supportive people since that time.  I’ve also been blessed with a job at a local law firm that has supported me through my school with a flexible schedule and has always been a place to go when I need an extra quiet study room at midnight.  Finally, I recently started a job as a Sales Associate at a retail store and cannot wait for my future with such a bright company.

5. Maggie.  We all know how obsessed I am with that pup so it’s no surprise that I can’t even make it half-way through my list without mentioning her.  Maggie and I have had quite a life together these past years.   I am thankful that she picked me that cold, rainy day in a hospital parking lot.

6. Graduate School.  Though I complain about it.  I am grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to further my education.  In less than 25 days I will be walking across the stage at Missouri State receiving my Masters in Business Administration degree.  Alright, so I actually won’t be getting my diploma that day, but I will be receiving an empty leather holder that symbolizes all the hard work and late nights I have put in these past 2 years.

7. My parents.  I know that I mentioned family as number 1, but the more I thought about it I really think my folks deserve their own number.  My Mom and Dad are awesome.  Seriously, I have the best parents around.  They support one another as they support their two kids.  I cannot say thank you enough to the two people who brought me into this world, guided me, and taught me to be an independent, educated, young adult.

8. J’s family.  They have welcomed me into their lives this past year and I’m grateful.  J’s family is absolutely wonderful and knows how to have a good time.

9. My Grandmas.  I’m lucky to have two amazing Grandmothers that have taught me a lot as I’ve grown up.  Still to this day the sound of wind chimes puts a smile on my face thanks to my Grandma D. who always had them on her front porch.  Grandma W.’s sandtart cookies are my all-time favorite and each Christmas I look forward to them.

10. Creativity.  I like that I can think out of the box (most days) and have a passion for creating.  There are so many ways to reduce stress out there and I’m glad that the one that helps me calm down the most is just so simple.

Okay, I know this post was a bit long.  Sorry.  Happy Thanksgiving and may your day be filled with happiness!

a day in the park

Posted on by Meredith Rines, MBA, CFP®

This past weekend was the Apple Butter Festival in Kimmswick, MO. But before we made our way to fried-food heaven, J and I took the pup to the park and had some pictures taken by SMR Photography.

Check Marks for Fall

Posted on by Meredith Rines, MBA, CFP®

fall

Now that it is finally starting to feel like fall around the heartland I can create my fall to do list.  Here are a few of the things that I cannot wait to cross off with my favorite season of the year.

1) Ghost Tour of the historic Pythian Castle here in Springfield.

2) Carve a pumpkin.

3) Host a ‘family’ Thanksgiving dinner with J and the pup.  Since are families live 3 hours apart it will be hard to spend time together on the actual day, so we have hopes of celebrating together – just our little family.

4) Update my wardrobe with a few new chunky cardigans and eye catching scarves.

5) Spend some time reading something out of enjoyment and not necessity.  First up – Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.

6) Complete a few crafts that I have been putting off, including my new nail polish display rack.

7) Start researching a new home to rent this coming Spring.

8) Become a bit more organized with my budgeting.

9) Drive to my absolute favorite in the world Apple Butter Festival in Kimmswick, MO

10) Develop some new post ideas and tutorials.

Now that fall has officially arrived, what are your plans?

twirly, twirly, twirly

Posted on by Meredith Rines, MBA, CFP®

When I was a little girl my favorite game to play was dress-up.  My mom would save what I called “twirly dresses” where I could spin and spin in them.  I dreamt of this life where I would be able to wear fancy dresses on a regular basis, have my hair beautified.

I was the little girl who would play in my Mom’s makeup collection.  I would step away with makeup caked on, mascara all over my eyes and the brightest lipstick shade that I could find.

Years later, I’m still that same little girl when it comes to getting dressed up.  Well, minus the mascara all over my face.  I have a little bit more skill in applying makeup these days.  Although, I find that I still like the bright lipstick from time to time.

J and I went out for a night on the town a few weeks ago for a red carpet night at a local bar.  It was nice getting all dolled up and meeting up with friends for a good stiff drink.

Fall is here

Posted on by Meredith Rines, MBA, CFP®

Morning cuddle buddy #dog
J and I are fighting off colds and have spent most of the weekend wrapped up in blankets watching football.

Headed to the park for a walk. Look who's excited!

We did get up and out yesterday. Took the pup for a walk at the park. She was in 7th heaven, struttin’ her stuff.

I will spend the rest of today in a nice comfy chair wrapped up in my oversized fleece blanket working on a 20-page paper that is due tomorrow. Sometimes I surprise myself on how easily I can knock out a 20-page paper…something I never thought was possible pre-grad school.

I guess that’s something I can put on my future resume:
fast-paced essay writer about topics that are not interesting to me.

yea… that’ll get me the job.

Happy first Sunday of Fall!

Falling

Posted on by Meredith Rines, MBA, CFP®

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Today, I am sitting on the couch with a box of tissues next to me with a sniffling nose watching Home Improvement reruns.  It reminds that fall is finally here.  Weird reminder, I know.  That’s how my brain works.

I love, love, love fall (that’s a lot of love right there) and couldn’t be more happy that it’s finally feeling like fall around here. I’ve busted out my boots, some scarves and my most comfortable sweaters.

This fall I’ve decided to make a pact of creating new fall-inspired foods. So far, I’ve made my first apple pie and pulled pork tacos. That was just one day. I was a bit zealous!

Here are my favorites about fall: carving pumpkins, richer coolers outside, layering clothes, walks in the park with the dog and boy, cooking healthy delicious comfort foods, and blah, blah, blah.

I could go on and on, but there is one drawback to fall weather. Allergies. They are the worst. Absolute worst.

What is your favorite season?