I first started blogging at the age of twenty- two as an exercise for a web based college class before blogger had even been taken over by google, muchless google reader. While many blogs sprouted from the program with flourish and died just as quickly, I found love for the craft of words not based on news leads and quotes. It was a breath of fresh air, and it allowed my friend(s) back home to see what I was upto.

A few years later I switched to a myspace blog format and rather than simply write about what I did that week, I started dabbling in writing story telling and unloading emotions via posts. It was in 2006 that I started again with blogger, and after a few months of writing for my friends, when idly surfing the Internet one day I came across Steph at MuchAdo About Sumthing. She shared hilarious tales and triumphs and heartbreak and we all waited with baited breath for the next post. It was a place where people all commented and corresponded and  actual blog friendships formed and I pressed my nose against the glass of her blog and took it all in.

Later that year I found comments starting to creep up on my blog and I formed relationships with some of the bloggers I still find dearest and whom I have truly  never thanked for introducing me to 20SB. So Maxie, Chelsea, Paula, and Jamie thank you. As the 595(approx) member at the time I fell down the rabbit hole and embraced the community. I created blog flirtations, and blog crushes, I have seen people go from 100 followers to fame, I have learned about people I thought I knew, and read about people I wish to know. I have had teared up over blogger friends happiness and sadness, and had real friendships form off of these pages. I have started a sentance with, “My blogger friend _______, has a story about that!….” more times than I can count.

So maybe it’s something in my eye, but I’d be lying if I said I’m not a little choked up to say goodbye. I don’t have it in me anymore to keep up; the drive, the passion, or even the stories. I figure it’s best to have a post with a proper goodbye, rather than just fading out.I thought of just writing for myself, but the truth is that if I don’t have time to comment, or the will, it’s really just keeping up a half assed friendship on my part.

In the nine years I have been blogging, I have changed. In the last 3 years I have been blogging regularly I have changed exponentially. You have seen me in my darkest hours, during my silliest times and during the highest of highs. I have gone through relationships, flings, career changes, and home changes. I have gained a pet, lost love, gained friendships and faced my fears all on these pages. Hell, I stopped fighting being awkward and took getting nominated as ‘Most Awkward Blogger’ as a badge of pride. This blog has become a scrapbook, a diary, and a yearbook for my twenties.

With all that being said, the time is here to close the door. I’m not saying I’m going away forever, hell I may miss blogging and come back in a couple months. But for right now I feel I have posted the stories I have to share, and absorbed the friendships you all have so dearly provided. As I am closing the door to my twenties, I am not scared, I am content with what I know and what I can only hope to learn with each passing year. Am I where I thought I would be at 30? Hell no, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I just know that I’m ready for it, and can’t help but think blogging has something to do with that. 

Blogging has helped to give me confidence in myself, my choices, my writing and allowed me an emotional catharsis. It allowed me an outlet to be my most honest self. Flawed, silly, but always me.I can only thank all of those who have read over the years, and encouraged me. Your comments, emails, friendships and more have made my sides split from laughter and my eyes well up with tears. I wrote for me, but I continued, and grew because of you.

So with that, all I can say is thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’m leaving this community with my head held high, and a lot of friendships in my heart. And pants.

Hugs and kisses,

Meghan

Kamloops, B.C.

P.S. Off topic, but through Random.org, my best friend Leanne won the book ‘Texts From Last Night’. Yes, I made her enter the contest like everyone else, and no I didn’t plan on her winning.

Alright, so I haven’t seen a lot of the movies, I don’t give a damn about who won and I watched it in my pj’s with soup not champagne, but I know if I know anything about the Oscars it’s about the fashion and the flubs, so the blog must go on!

Sarah Jessica Parker… nice dress, botox needed, whats with the baby bangs/stray aways. Get some Frizz-Ease woman! You know better.

I used to get insulted by men that said it would be better if some beautiful women didn’t speak. Then I saw Cameron Diaz.

I love Neil Patrick Harris and will one day have his babies (this is not fantasy, simply fact). I just didn’t love his Oscar opening.

Helen Mirren is a goddess. I wish I looked as good as her at 29 as she does a 65.

Anna Kendrick is as cute as a button.Anna,  if you’re reading my blog, lets hang out and get ice cream and talk boys and braid each others hair, asap please.

Doncha hate when the dress looks way better on that hanger than on the person. Cough*Vera Farmiga*Cough.

Ryan Reynolds, I have an Oscar for you. In my vagina. Take time with the speech.

Amanda Seyfrield shows you can recycle wedding dresses without a Ruin That Dress photoshoot.

Up won for Best Animated Film. Good thing or the Academy would have hell to pay. Meaning shaking a fist at the tv.

Miley Cyrus is looking hot for a thirty-two year old.

I have to say I like Robert Downey Juniors cute bowtie phase better than his black tar heroin phase. Lets see more of this please.

How have I not seen Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink? Must rent soon! RIP John Hughes,I will forever thank Ferris Bueller for showing me skipping is not all bad.

Redhead lady pulling the Kanye* was seriously intense. I wonder if she’s that intense about all subject matters. Opinions of pudding…..go!

Charlize Theron finally shows you can wear a flattering dress without having to focus on the chest.

Queen Latifah looks gorgeous in her dress. Almost gorgeous enough for me to forget her guest stint on Fresh Prince of Belair.

Dudes, Keanu Reeves is there! Excellent!

When I win the lottery I’m going to pay Morgan Freeman to follow me and provide commentary and impromtu monologues in my life.

Did anyone else hope Sandra Bullock would start playing the glasses when presenting on stage, ala Miss Congeniality?

Wow, the recession must still be happening in the states cause they merged The Oscars with So You Think You Can Dance.

The Cove won Best Documentary. Score one for the dolphins and environmentalists.

Gabourey Sidibe crying when Oprah compared her to Meryl Streep, was indeed Precious. 

I loved Sandra Bullock’s speech.

But I loved that Katherine Bigelow won for Hurt Locker even more. James Cameron has so many Oscars that he’d have to put it in his attic.

And on the overall Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin get a B for their hosting skills. Some good, some funny, some forced chuckles, but not a bad collaberation.

*Kanye isn’t worth bolding his name. Yeah I went there. Burrrrrn.

*note for some reason the tv channels killed my Oscar broadcast 3/4 of the way through for about 25 min so I am going off the end notes by my cliffnotes. aka www.people.com

*all pictures shanked from www.msn.ca . Please don’t sue me.

• I went back to Vacouver for the Olympics this weekend for a very quick trip at the urging of my best friend/facebook wife Leanne. Pictures will be posted tomorrow.
• Beer was drank, free food was consumed. Ben ,you should be happy that I spent 4 hours at the Atlantic Canada house consuming pitcher after pitcher of O’Keefes and Moosehead beer and dining on the East Coasts finest. If Halifax is anything like the Pavillion, I’m moving there by next week.
• I take better drunk pictures than sober ones. I didn’t need a Degree in Journalism to figure that out.
• Multiculturalism is ending up getting interviewed by New Zealand’s Sky TV while hammered, trying to convince a man from Norway to give me his passport to get into the Heiniken House for free(it didn’t work), trying to bribe an Atlantic security guard to let me into a house with free chocolate (it did’t work), trying to convince a lovely Chinese man to give me his ticket to the Men’s USA/Canada hockey game he scored for the low, low price of 6000$ (it didn’t work) and trying to convince a German man who didn’t understand NO to making out very well that I was a lesbian (that worked).
• I started with 2 pins at the Olympic games and with savvy trading ended up with 7.
• Making it back for the hockey game meant getting up at 8:00am after partying half the night to speed back to Kamloops while extremely hungover and not stopping to pee despite the urge to make it to the pub with exactly 7 minutes to spare before it started.
• Despite the hangover from hell, all the sirens, noisemakers, screaming crowds, and the desire to nap under the table watching the game at On The Rocks with the lovely Amber was not only worth it, but pure on the edge of your seat excitment. When we won the noise was deafening. People were crying, hugging, screaming. It was Canadian pride at its finest. I have to say, as much as Canadians kicked ass and took named the U.S. team made us work hard for it and put up a great game.
• 17 days. 14 Gold Medals. New World Record.
• I was in bed by 9pm last night
• And yet my brain is still mush today.

Right now to explain the madness which is Vancouver is a severe understatement. My voice is gone, I lack sleep and want to weep when I see coffee as cheap as 2 dollars once again. (as compared to the 4.50$ water in the Olympic Village). But still it was worth every second, dollar and line up. I’ve been to Havana market in the peak hour, Disney World during American spring break, L.A. during rush hour and a concert weekend which was estimated at 60,000. But none of these compare to the crowds I saw this weekend. Needless to say I think the pics are going to have to speak for themselves.

The Dome Formerly known as Science World (Now the Sochi House/Russian Pavillion)

The Olympic Village during the day

The Maison du Quebec and Saskatchewan Pavillion

Inukshuks were everywhere along the seawall

At first I thought this was the Spring Pavillion from Stringtopia, but it turns out it was the Ontario Pavillion. Obviously.

The Molson Canadian Hockey House. The good news-when you get inside drinks and food are free. The bad news-tickets are upto 1000$ to get in, as well as a 2 hr waitline.

Eating Crispy Fries and Olympic Ice Wine at the Ontario Pavillion

While eating I looked and it turns out Wayne Gretzky had been sitting at my spot at the bar the day before and signed the spot. It was everything not to kiss the bar counter.

Whoever said there's crowds in Vancouver is obviously lying.

Canadians know that bigger is better

Posing with a shiny rock art statue

Lanterns on Granville Street

That's not a statue

People ziplining across Robson Street

Gathering with friends and other bloggers.

 Me, Christine, Nick, Melissa and Trevor

As close as we could get to the flame in the madness

Meeting up with fellow blogger/Jschool alumni Karina at Edgewater Casino (or as we called it the Three Dollar Pint House)

 Meeting up with Wanderlust for pints of beer. Mmm, Canadian beer.

The Olympic Village at night

This sight was common on Granville. I also ran into Batman, a Canadian teletubbie, a space cowboy and more. I didn't bother to ask if he was cold.

So that’s all I have, know that I waited in line ups, drank beer like water and sang Oh Canada at the top of my lungs ( which I suspect could have something to do with the voice) and ran around like a Carebear on speed just so that I could do a thorough investigative report for all the bloggers out there of Van 2010.  I didn’t steal any medals, makeout with any Olympians or get arrested, but note there’s over a week left and I have more exploring to do.

The things I do for you guys. Now excuse me while I go pass out beneath my desk.

Since I’m the Thompson-Okanagan region of B.C. (about 3 hrs north of Vancouver, where the Olympics are currently getting held) when I was approached about 2 months ago to do a giveawayof the brand new book courtesy of  Texts From Last Night, I was elated considering I wrote a post a few months back describing how the website is seriously a hilarious way to kill time at work  get a daily laugh.

And let me tell you after looking through the book it is even more hilarious than I could imagine. Don’t read it in any public place for fear of being that person laughing randomly with tears running down their face. Unless of course that’s your thing.

Then to my dismay I started seeing a few giveaways around the blogosphere for the exact same book. But being that the shipping time took awhile (I blame Canada.) those contests have come and gone and you if you didn’t win you have the opportunity all over again right here on my blog. Cause I’m nothing if not giving.(I can’t give you anything better than this. My virginity died years ago, take what you can get.)

So here’s your chance to win a SHINY, FREE copy of the

Text From Last Night: All The Texts No One Remembers Sending   By Lauren Leto and Ben Bator

How to Enter, you ask? Excellent question.

One comment: One entry

Tweet about the contest and link back as a comment: Another Entry

Post any  from the Text From Last Night website as a comment: Third Entry

Giving you three, yes THREE chances to win a free copy of the funniest book you’re yet to buy. Contest closes Friday Feb 19th, so get to it while the gettings good (that’s what she said.)

Please. Sit down and stay awhile. Can I get you something to drink or a pig in a blanket? I’m just getting settled into this new place and learning the ropes so don’t mind if I start testing things out (hey…what does this button do? The red one? I’m gonna go push it….)

But you’re going to want to update your sitefeed/resubscribe  to:

http://piratemeghan.com/feed

And thanks to Lilu at LivitLuvit for the awesome design. You, my friend, are a rock star, and the pickled bean in my caesar. Seriously, I feel like those girls on What Not to Wear post makeover. If any of you are looking for a blog makeover, you definately need to send her an email. You won’t be disappointed.

Me, ” Do they know what caused your heart attack?”

Dad, “No, but it happened right after your mom went to Costco and I saw the receipt. I think its safe to say I know the reason.”

* * *
Me, “Since you have to eat healthy, I’ll get mom to send me the buttertarts that are in the freezer so you won’t have the temptation. It’s for your own good.”

Dad, “You’re too kind. No, really.”

* * *
Mom, “Well he’s up and complaining about hospital food. It’s always a good sign when people are well enough to complain.”

Me, “That’s right. We’re a family that likes to celebrate success with sarcasm and complaining.”

Mom, “Exactly!”

* * *
Mom,” Your dad now has heart medication, aspirin, blood pressure medication, sleeping pills, and..”

Me, “Think he’ll share the sleeping pills?”

Mom, “Ohhhhh, good thinkin.”

* * *
Me, ” What all are you doing during the day, Dad? You know you’re supposed to relax and take it easy.”

Dad, “Yeah, I checked my email earlier. It was pretty hardcore. Now I’m going to keep on sitting. I may even stand but lets not get too crazy.”

Yep. Things are getting better.

There are no words to express the emotions I have had running through my mind and body the last few days. And that’s why I have been staring at a blank page for the better part of an hour.

What words can I use to tell you that while I was celebrating Superbowl with friends, drinking beer and dealing with the drama of a fight that broke out at the pub (testosterone and beer aren’t always a good mix), my parents were on their way to the hospital, sixteen hours away. What words can I use to tell you that while the police were taking my information outside of the pub to make a statement I got a foreboding text to call my parents right away. What words will explain the feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you hear the words,

“Your Dad just had a heart attack. He was rushed to the hospital. He’s in stable condition. I’ll let you know information as I find it out.”

What words can describe the following twenty four hours as I waited to hear the news that he was going to be alright. This was a warning, and a wake up call. He’s now going to be on heart medication. He’s going to be in the hospital and off work for awhile. He’s going to have to change his lifestyle drastically. He’s going to have to change everything dramatically.

What words can describe the anger I felt that he placed himself in this situation. Years of smoking and gravy and bacon and rye. All of it leading towards a moment, a call, a situation that although devastating was not entirely unexpected. The long hours and stressful days that could have lead up to it. The anger of remembering the conversations where I pleaded to get a side salad rather than fries and gravy.

What words can describe the guilt I feel. Lectures about smoking while secretly keeping a stash in my purse sleeve. Late night milkshake runs knowing he is supposed to watch his cholesterol. Questioning his career choices in the economy rather than supporting. Not understanding the burden of his stress.

What words can describe the thanks I have to a God I am not certain exists, that my Dad was in a center where there is an actual medical facility not a mining camp. That my mom was able to see the symptoms and react quickly. That the cardiologist happened to be on shift. That he gave my Dad a warning, rather than making him an example. I have wept to God more in the last two days than I can remember.

What words can I use to describe that right now I am scared and terrified. I am angry, and I am guiltridden , but most of all I am thankful that he has been given a second chance. I am emotionally raw, and the nerve endings are exposed. I feel like a small girl that just wants to go and be hugged by her Dad cause I know that Dad’s hugs make everything better. But knowing full well that I need to be the strong one right now. Because my Dad’s heart needs to heal, even when my heart feels like its breaking.

After doing a wrap up for the 2009 VMA’s its only fitting to do a recap of the 2010 Grammy Awards of course. If you haven’t seen it, it’s okay you’ll get the gist with these highlights.

Some people carry pepper spray on them. Lady GaGa ups the ante.

• The oldest Jonas brother seems to smile more since he’s gotten laid. Don’t worry little brothers, you’ll get your chance one day. Until they keep Blue Steeling.
• Green Day weren’t relevant at the VMA’s. They still aren’t here. No seriously. They aren’t.

• Beyonces outfit was clearly designed by her mother. That wasn’t a compliment. Although her ability to crotch grab and headbang in a dress is seriously impressive.

• Rihanna- I’m glad you made it here despite all the shit you went through at this time last year. But get counselling for your problems. The doves on your outfit didn’t deserve it.

No, seriously. What did they do to you?

I have no idea who this woman is but have now dubbed her ‘Double D Tits McGee’

• Taylor Swift is precious. Like if the Easter Bunny and Mother Teresa had sex and out popped a faberge egg and it hatched Taylor Swift. Yeah, that precious.
• Is it possible to be scared of/turned on by someone at the same time? Yes. Her name is Pink. And it would be worth the risk.

• Miley Cyrus and Black Eyed Peas are bearable if you put the tv on mute. And turn away from it.

• Who is Lady Antebellum, and how do I not know about them? This rock sure is cozy and provides great shade.

• Alice Cooper, you will always make me wanna tease my hair, rim my eyes with black and dance on tables to ‘Poison’. Thank you for that. Katy Perry, you can die now. And take Russell Brand with you. EDIT. I just saw this on twitter and Russell has since redeemed himself. Rusty Rockets -Grammies? Is that how much coke you need to stay awake through em? LoooooooooOOOOOOOOOoooooong. Well played Russell, well played.

• I’m sure the Zac Brown band is lovely. So if they could nicely give the Best New Award artist to The Ting Tings it would be greatly appreciated, thankyouverymuch.

• A legion of people shed a tear during the Michael Jackson tribute for not keeping their 3D glasses from Avatar.

• ‘Living on a Prayer’ is known to cause incessant air guitar, hip shaking, and singing into any object near by. There is no known cure.

• Dave Matthews Band are fantastically mellow. Unfortunately that translates to kinda boring when not baked. Yeah, hate me but I went there.

• Quentin Tarentino sounds like a WWE announcer. But Eminem, Drake and Travis Barker all together is a supergroup I can get behind. Or underneath. What?

Thanks for tuning in to my recap of the 2010 Grammy report and don’t fret about your need to upcoming celebrity observations and judgement. The Oscars are right around the corner!…

*All photos are shanked from www.msn.ca Please don’t sue me.