'wanderer, there is no path, the path is made by walking. we're all wanderers in life.' -spanish poet, antonio machado

Sunday, November 21, 2010

transitions aplenty


Yes, well, 'transition' seems to be the word of the year for me. In June I left Prague and moved back to Minneapolis to prepare for the wedding, while continuing to work as a freelance strategist for Bohemian Hostels. My gig was extended and I was hired to manage multiple projects for the group, including the official grand opening party for our investors and partners (which went very, very well). I apartment-hunted and job-searched in the midst of it all (while Tom wrote his 160-page research proposal and kicked booty in his oral exam)...and then moved into our new place one week before the wedding. We were blessed with the most beautiful weather on our big day (9 October) and we had SO much fun surrounded by all of our closest family and friends. Then, we took a quick honeymoon break to Galena, Illinois, where we had a wonderful time tasting wine at our friends' vineyard (Galena Cellars) and staying at our amazing Aunt and Uncle's cosy cabin. Not long after that I jumped on a plane and travelled back to Prague for the opening festivities, where I was (void of the new hubby) for two weeks as I wrapped up some work for them. In the meantime, I accepted a position with OLSONdenali. I returned to cold, wet (snowy and rainy) Minneapolis 1.5 weeks ago and tomorrow I will embark on a new journey, when I start my new gig. Phew.

I haven't had much time to reflect on any of these massive life changes, but I am grateful for each and every one of them. We have already been tested in so many ways, and I know there is a reason for this. As my mother so wisely stated during her speech at our wedding, if we can make it through 1.5 years of long distance, we can make it through anything. So, transition seems to be the word that defines our relationship thus far. I can honestly say I am looking forward to a bit of rest and relaxation and thankful the winter is upon us and will hopefully provide some much-needed nesting for us newlyweds. However, as I embark on this very large career transition in my life I am feeling a little anxiety...anxiety because change is never easy, but it is most often a good thing. I am excited for so many reasons. I am ready to learn, be challenged and experience a new work environment. Along with this excitement comes a little bit of sadness, though, as I say a more solid 'goodbye' to Prague, the group there and my experience...something I had been seeking out for such a large part of my life. It's done. But it's okay. Because I'll have more challenges, more excitement and more adventure with each new opportunity that comes my way. When I hung my pack up today (see picture) I surprised myself by shedding a few tears.

Thank you to all of you who followed my journey...though there are so many stories I have yet to tell on this blog, in a book, or in person. I'd love to share them with you someday. A very MASSIVE thank you to my amazing hubby, whose patience and support made it possible...along with my incredibly generous and loving parents. And, of course, all of my peeps in Prague and friends in Minneapolis too. What an experience. As you all know very well, I can go on and on and on about it, so I will stop myself now. But stay tuned for more stories and adventures...whether old or new. Who knows...perhaps a book will even make its way to shelves someday. Only time will tell.

Usmevy a slunce,

MEgan

Thursday, October 21, 2010

What is home?

This will just be a quick post, as I am running out of battery life, and about to fly out of JFK to Prague. As I head back to Prague, another "home" of mine, I reflect on what "home" exactly means to me. For so long I haven't had a stationary home...Wisconsin has been my home, Prague has been my home and Minnesota has been my home. But, for the first time in a long time, I have found my "home" - and this song, which was appropriately played as the first song our wedding party danced to - explains it pretty well:



Man-oh-man, you're my best friend...there aint nothin' please me more than you..home...let me go home...home is wherever I'm with you. Ahhhh, love it! Now that I'm a married chick, I've found my "home" in/with Tom...and it is pretty awesome. I love it and am so excited about our future together!

Stay tuned for pictures from the SuperWedding...they're coming very, very soon. In the meantime, head out to our website to see the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner snaps.

Love to you all and safe travels (with my blanky in tow),

MEgan

p.s. by the way, Tom is now obsessed with this song and plays it every chance he gets. ha.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Breaking the blog silence...WHOA!

(a sneak preview from the superwedding, by the fab cat norman)

I am sure you have all wondered, 'Will Megan ever blog again?' Well, I am here to tell you that, yes, I will indeed blog again (like it or not! :)). Life has been a chaotic-ally beautiful mess as of late between wedding planning, work (as a consultant for the Bohemian Hostels group), moving to a new place, finding a challenge to tackle in the future, etc. but now I am getting more of a chance to breathe. And, as I look back on the last few months, I realize more and more that the silence was quite necessary and purposeful.

On Thursday I will be heading back to Prague to manage the grand grand grand :) opening party for Mosaic House, continue to build out marketing materials for all properties and finish up that fancy-shmancy new Sir Toby's website! WOO-HOO! It's hard to believe that I've been back in the States for 4 months and equally hard to believe how much has been accomplished in those 4 months. I am starting to believe that my fiance...oops, I mean 'hubby' (still getting used to that) and I really are superheroes.

In the coming weeks I will detail my travel experiences as I return to a land I call 'home' (one of many) and reconnect with my team as well as some very special friends who I call my 'second family.' Then, I promise (you heard it here, folks) to take you through my planning process for the wedding and tell you all of the juicy details that I never would have dreamed of exposing prior to the wedding! SO many special surprises on the big day! We had a blast and are super-excited for this new leg of our journey together.

Oh happy day,

MEgan (suszynski!)

Thursday, July 15, 2010

1st month insights?! okay...

can't believe i've been back in the good ol' US of A for one month already! wow. time flies!

1st month insights?! okay...
1) i really missed burgers while in europe.
2) no working out in america = bad idea.
3) minnesota is really sunny.
4) everyone speaks english. yeah, duh, right?!
5) grocery stores = WAY too many options.
6) people have so much..."stuff".
7) along w/ #6 - i don't really care about "stuff".
8) i miss prague + the people gobs...and modry zub.
9) it's different here...not in a good or bad way...it just is.
10) i'm blessed in so many ways and thankful for so many reasons.

love,

me

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

ahhhhh....the lakes...

enjoying one of my most favourite parts of minneapolis - lake of the isles

this one's for lo and shannon, back in prague...the lakes send their love.

love,
me
(and the lakes)

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Day 7 of the 'změna' series - Barbara!

I adored this cafe.

Barbara and I enjoying trdlo...one of my fav. czech goodies!

Beautiful Barbara at Mirek's bar - Antre!

I love this town.


The window from our beautiful little writer's room at Krumlov House.

What a fab stay in my second home!

Day 7 of the 'změna' series is dedicated to a beautiful friend with a super-sweet soul, Barbara Bindasova! Last night I returned to Minneapolis to a beautiful mess of a package from Prague! The first I've received since I've been back.

It arrived tattered and torn (literally)...but with all of its splendid belongings i...ntact! Pico ballas, Nivea deodorant for Tom, Aloe Vera drink, and a gorgeous long letter from Barbara! SUCH a great surprise!

I had a chance to sneak in one last trip to Krumlov (my second home) at the end of May before the Mosaic House madness really ensued, and was blessed to have Barbara join me. We had a fabulous time in my favourite lil' fairytale town.

Thank you SO much, Barbara!

Love, Me

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Day 6 'změna' series dedication...my sweet Lucie!


Day 6 of the 'změna' series is dedicated to my very dear friend, Lucie Vanaskova, whom I admire more than words can describe. This chick is incredible and I am a better person because of her!

Lucie and I became close friends pretty quickly, and I had the honour of travelling with her to her cottage near Strakonice in Southern Bohemia a few times, where she made me the yummiest strawberry dumplings and her grandpa filled me up with Slivovice! Pure bliss! We also had the chance to travel to Berlin, Cesky Krumlov and Valencia....which were all memorable adventures.

Lucie is an amazing friend for so many reasons. I love you and miss you so much, Luc!


Love,

Me