Author Archives: megpatten

About megpatten

Living life one day at a time.

Live Blog to the Winter Meetings

A few of the NYU Tisch Center students and I were recently chosen to represent NYU at the 2013 MLB Winter Meetings in Florida. After prepping for our trip, printing out resumes, ordering business cards, and my favorite part, shopping for suits and dresses, we were on our way to Orlando. As with most trips, I once again decided to live blog my trip, this time however, beginning with my shopping journey with Katie.

Saturday December 7^th, 2013

12:43 PM – Leave apartment in yoga pants and Northface shell. Pick up a hot chocolate on 2^nd and 9^th and proceed to walk down to Houston and Broadway to meet Katie. I severely underestimated the wind as it whips across my face and flushes my cheeks.

1:00PM – Meet Katie on the corner of Houston and Broadway and begin our shopping adventure into SoHo. We were both a little crunched for time, so we map out our shopping adventure and plan to hit Zara, Mango, Gap and J. Crew.

1:37PM – In line at Zara to try on a number of dresses. Everything here looks so cute and comfortable, but I must resist the temptation and focus on the mission ahead of us.

1: 41PM – Realize that every dress is too short for my 5’10” and probably mildly inappropriate for the Winter Meetings. I pick out a cute black dress and proceed to check out.

3:11PM – Arrive at J. Crew after walking two blocks past it. I bask in the beauty of the preppy prints and

3:24 – Proceed to try on every business like dress. Decide on a cute grayish frock, content with my purchase.

3:42PM – Phone dies as I begin to walk back home. I enjoy the calmness that ensues in my walk home. As I type away, I realize that calmness and quietness are only relative. New York is never calm.

4:00PM – Home sweet home. Quickly charge phone, put my slippers on, make some tea and catch some of the Mizzou v. Auburn pregame show.

6:15PM – Leave apartment to print out resumes at Staples.

6:34PM – Arrive in Union Square and try to avoid getting trampled by tourists wandering through the Holiday Market.

7:03 PM – Leave Staples with resumes in hand and head to Anthropologie to see if they have any cute business dresses to finish out my wardrobe.

7:29PM – Head to J. Crew, buy a cute blue tank on sale. My bargain hunting skills are polished after a day in SoHo – I pay a third of the original price. Go me?!

7:31PM – Eye an adorable bluish-purple dress on my way out of the store. Try it on and decide that it’s the perfect pair to the rest of my outfits.

8:10PM – Leave J. Crew for the third and final time for the day. To say that I’m in love with their style would be an understatement.

8:39PM – Arrive back home at the apartment with resumes, some new make up, a Christmas gift, and my new purchases. There’s nothing like a shopping day.

10:24PM – Face Time my friend, Ryan, to catch up on all the latest. He offers to help pack (after about 20 minutes of begging) and promises to head over to the East Village.

11:33PM – Ryan arrives and laughs at my lack of packing ability.

11:40PM – Dance party with Erin and Ryan. Begin The Devil Wears Prada and continue to pack, drink tea, and finish some left over ice cream.

3:30AM – Ryan heads home after a night of giving heartfelt advice and being a great friend.

Sunday December 8^th, 2013

10:00 AM – Wake up. Brush teeth. Get dressed. Repack bag and stuff running shoes into suitcase. Realize that I probably won’t have time to run but stuff them in anyways.

10:51 AM – Leave apartment with my Ryan’s garment bag, backpack and purse in tote, and catch the nearest taxi. I get the sudden feeling that I’m growing up and realize I’m graduating in less than a year. YIKES.

11:09 AM – Arrive at Lafayette, where Katie lives, and head to the airport. Though we are hours early, I didn’t want to take any chances considering my tract record.

11:34AM – Arrive at JFK for our 3:30PM flight. Proceed to sit down and attempt to relax in the slightly uncomfortable vinyl airport seats.

1:17PM – Meet up with two other Tisch Center students, Mike and James. Mike is a huge Rangers fan and all-around superstar. James is a fellow NYU student-athlete who runs Cross Country. We went to Indianapolis for the NCAA Career in Sports Forum two years ago. Both guys are baseball studs and are on the NYU Diamond Dollars Championship winning team.

1:32PM – Meet up with Professor McDonnell and Dan (a grad student on the trip). Check in; drop off our bags and head towards security.

2:25PM – After getting through security, we proceed to the food court for a quick lunch. It’s great to be meeting and hanging out with a completely different group of people than I’m used to.

3:01PM – Arrive at Gate 16 for our flight to Florida. After a few minutes, another grad student comes up and says hello to our professor. He’s attending the meetings as well. Truly shows how small of a world it is.

3:30PM – Depart from gate. I’m sitting next to Katie towards the back of the plane.

4:30PM – Explain to the 6’6” guy sitting next to me why Katie is clapping her hands and quietly screaming at the TV… Typical Pats -they’re down by 5. Let’s see if they make a comeback.

4:37PM – Katie has a (mini) freak out because the Pats just scored a touchdown. Pshh, Boston fans. They won.

5:12PM – UCLA wins NCAA Soccer Championship. It was a great game that went into OT. Quite honestly I think the better team won!

6:08PM – Land in Orlando 20 minutes early.

We’re here! I’ll continue to update the blog throughout the week – can’t wait to get started.

Rhythm

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I lost my rhythm a long time ago, and no I’m not referencing my inability to dance – that’s another story in itself. For those of you who know me, you know that I enjoy the rush of being busy and the stress of a demanding workload. This semester was no different, my approach, however, was of a completely different nature. Instead of getting worked up about being a few minutes late to work because the trains were running late or stressing out over a huge assignment, I took on the mentality that life happens, either you can relish in the beautiful, twisted complexity of it or be angry over something you don’t have control of anyways. Although some may mistake this for a nonchalant-don’t care- attitude, it truly was a blessing in disguise.

“Some things in life are out of your control. You can make it a party or a tragedy.” – Nora Roberts

It’s a rainy Friday night and I’m sitting in my apartment, sipping on Earl Grey tea (my favorite), in my worn out running tights. A wave of nostalgia washes over me, as the rain taps lightly against my bedroom window, bringing me back to the rainy days spent at a café in Madrid. A sudden urge to write forces me to exit the Hulu show that I was only half-watching, and I open up a blank Microsoft Word canvas. It stares back at me for a few seconds before I find my rhythm again.

Inspiration has been lacking and fleeting this past semester, too many late nights spent studying and not enough mornings filled with a warm cup of tea and my laptop. An unacceptable excuse, but an excuse nonetheless. I’ve struggled to maintain balance and rhythm and my writing isn’t the only thing that shows it.

Soccer recently ended and as most seasons go, there was an end of season meeting to cap off the year and see what areas I need to improve on before next August. To say that I had a sub par season would be an understatement, but that again is a sorry excuse for what really happened. I came in unprepared and as a result didn’t to play my potential. Though I was upset and confused the entire season, and projected my problems on the field onto other parts of my life, I ended up realizing at the end of the season that what I was truly missing was balance. I was unable to work and play my best because I lost my rhythm, both on and off the field.

Though I was upset at the time, this season has been a lesson in perseverance and the artistry of being a good teammate. What I have come to realize is that the little things are what makes a team so great. Yes, the goal scoring is exciting and the exhilaration of stopping a shot in the upper 90 of the goal compares to nothing else in the world, but the truly beautiful thing about being on this team, are the bus rides to away games and team dinners in cramped apartments and the funny Snapchats we send to each other as we sit in hotel rooms hundreds of miles away from home but only feet away from our second family. What I’ve learned is that when you have rhythm, you become unstoppable.

I’m learning how to dance again, find my rhythm, if you may. I’m determined to make life a celebration, not a catastrophe, and relish in the positivity of it all, because I’ve learned that some things are truly out of my control.

We’re Back!

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We’re approaching day 22 of preseason, but the grueling long set of two a days are only just beginning. Our ten days in the UK proved to be one of the greatest experiences of my young life, but then again, what more could a girl ask for in a trip? Soccer, travel, and surrounded by your best friends and teammates. Here’s a (relatively) quick recap of our trip.

A map of our trip

Panorama of London

DAY 1

The return to my “homeland” was everything I expected and more. We began our trip in London and spent the entire first day on our feet , walking from our Hotel at County Hall, across the bridge to Westminster Abby, along the River Thames, then back to Buckingham Palace. Though we were exhausted from our red eye from New York, we mustered enough energy to tour the city that day to allow for more free time in London during the trip.

NYUWS all smiles on the River Thames after a grueling long tour and flight

DAY 2

After a solid night’s rest and the most wonderful breakfast buffet ever (thank you County Hall Marriott!), we set out to explore the London Underground with a trip to the Tower of London, followed by some free time. The Tower of London proved to be an incredibly educational experience, but an even better photo opportunity with the Tower Bridge ( more commonly known by its misnomer, London Bridge). From the Tower Of London, Phebe and I ventured to Harrods then Picadilly Circus, but had to figure out the Tube to do so.

After successfully mastering the Tube, we walked back to the hotel and took a quick nap before we left for our game that night. That night we traveled outside the city to face off against Watford Ladies. We ended with a 2-1 loss, but the overall experience was very eye opening. I think what we all realized was how lucky we are, despite the numerous difficulties we face as NYU soccer players. What surprised us most, that despite England being a soccer powerhouse, the female professional teams, have subpar facilities, treatment, and access. It really set a fire deep in my soul, that made me want to do something.

NYUWS & Watford Ladies Prematch

DAY 3

Our last day in London began with a walking tour from NYU London’s own Director for Student Affairs, Nigel Freeman. We walked through Convent Gardens, through the British Musem to NYU London. It’s been really an incredible experience to have set foot in 3 different NYU campuses in Europe just this past year. Though NYU Madrid will forever hold a special place in my heart, NYU London was stunning. If I had more time to study abroad, I would definitely go back to the UK! After the walking tour, we boarded a bus and headed out to Teviot Rangers FC’s home field for a soccer clinic. I think this was definitely one of the highlights of the trip, considering the fact that we got play soccer with little kids with adorable british accents. The sad part however, was that the club didn’t have enough girls to start a girls team to compete – illustrating once again gender inequality in women’s “football” in the UK – something I was familiar with from my time in Spain.

Teviot Rangers Clinic

Highlight of the Trip

DAY 4

We continued our trip in England with a half day stop in Stratford-Upon-Avon, more commonly known as Shakespeare’s birth place. We were on our own, so Phebe and I set out with our guide, Jack and walked along the river, where we saw numerous rowers practicing. A side note: Jack told us that Stratford-Upon-Avon has one of the best crew clubs in England and has produced many Olympians. We strolled around, basked in the beauty around us, and ended our halfway with a visit to Shakespeare’s grave and lovely French restaurant, where I indulged in my favorite French dish, Croque Madame.

After lunch we hopped on our lovely coach (“bus” for all us Americans) and headed to a professional soccer match. West Bromwich played Bologna in an international friendly with a final score of 2-0 in favor of West Brom. Though it was my first EPL match, it didn’t even begin to compare to the other soccer games I have been to, including El Clásico in February. Following the game, we ventured North to Wales to retreat for the night.

Bologna vs. West Brom

Stratford Upon Avon

DAY 5

Though we were based in Wales, the majority of Days 5&6 were spent in Chester, England. We spent the morning learning about the ancient Roman, Anglo-Saxon (Mercian), Norman, & Parliamentarian history of sieges and warfare built into the walls of the city of Chester. It was a very beautiful city, considering the age. My favorite part was being able to walk around the entire city outskirts on the raised fortress walls.

That afternoon we faced off against Manchester City Women’s team. Though we didn’t play their full squad, the game was more than competitive. Man City was a great, feisty, physical opponent that will definitely be a benchmark for the rest of the season. Though we didn’t come away with a W, there were many lessons to be learned from that match.

After the game, we made a surprise pit stop at Old Trafford, home to Manchester United. Even though we couldn’t go inside, it was so cool to see the stadium, the Munich memorial, and statues of old players.

Corner against Manchester City

Man City and NYUWS Pregame Photo

NYUWS at Old Trafford

DAY 6

After two quick days in Wales, we were back on the road to Scotland, home to our guide, Jack. Although I wasn’t initially excited about making the trip up to Glasgow and Edinburgh, the anticipation continued to grow because I didn’t know what to expect. Jack continued to build up my excitement throughout the bus ride before we made one last final stop in Carlisle, England at the second most famous wall in the World: Hadrian’s Wall. On the way, we made an impromptu stop at Lanercost Priory because our education guide, Angie, recommended it from past visits. The priory was gorgeous and if I were to ever get married in England, I would definitely consider that as a location – it’s stunning. Check out some photos here! We spent the majority of our afternoon however in Carlisle, exploring the ruins of Hadrian’s Wall. It’s incredible to think that these ruins have been around for over 1800 years!

We finally made our way into Scotland by dusk, settling into our hotel in Glasgow. We ate a quick dinner before most of us went out to work out and then to sleep.

English Countryside

Hadrian’s Wall

DAY 7

We were up bright and early on Tuesday to head into Edinburgh to see the Edinburgh Castle and get a local walking tour. The views from the top of the castle were like none other and the city itself was bustling with tourists – I had no idea it’d be so full. After our walking tour, we were given a few hours to explore the city on our own. I had no idea where to start, but Phebe and I just started walking around the city. I would return to Edinburgh in a heart beat, I feel like I left so much undiscovered.

After a full day in Edinburgh, we boarded the bus back to Glasgow and immediately threw on some soccer gear for our training session at St. Mirren park. We ended up practicing at an indoor facility, which was a new experience for me – I really liked it, except the small field boundaries.

At the top of Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK 2013

DAY 8

Time seemed to pass by so slow over the course of our trip, that I had begun to feel like I had been in the UK for weeks – I loved it. We began one of our last days with a trip to Loch Lamond, which is at the foot of the Scottish Highlands. We walked around part of the massive lake, and then took a boat tour, where we got to see some old castles along the coastline.

Later that day, we laced up our cleats for a final match against the Hamilton Accies. Though it was a pretty even match, the Accies came out on top.

Castle on Loch Lamond

NYUWS on a ferry at Loch Lamond

DAY 9

The final full day of our trip will forever hold a special place in my heart and soul. Part of our trip included giving back to the community, and we did so by volunteering at a soccer clinic as well as visiting a Children’s Hospital in Yorkhill Scotland. Though the hospital and our coaches warned us that we might get emotional, nothing could prepare us for the pang of mixed feelings that I felt.

I had the distinct opportunity to meet six year old Euan. He’s an adorable Scottish lad with a debilitating auto-immune disorder that has left him in the hospital for his past three birthdays and on the bone marrow transplant list for quite some time. Even though he didn’t want to wear a hat or talk to us, I just sat there until he got really excited and wanted to show me his robot. Euan and I sat together for no longer than 30 minutes, but he had a profound impact on my life – teaching me that despite the odds, you can find purpose in the work you do – just like his robot.

As we left the hospital, I couldn’t help but tear up. We met tons of children with disease, disabilities, and sicknesses that we were so fortunate to have avoided. It brought me satisfaction that we were able to cheer them up, even if it was just for a little bit. What’s even better is that all the funds that SAAC raises this year through special events is going directly back to the Yorkhill Foundation

Here’s a video that we presented to the children, which showcases our first couple of days in the UK: NYU Video for Yorkhill Hospital

After our time at the Hospital, we had enough time to venture back to Edinburgh. We were on our own for four hours, so Phebe and I walked up this giant hill to these ruins with views of Scotland – simply stunning. We then returned down the hill, walked on the opposite side of the castle through cute little shops. I picked my Dad up a Scottish rugby jersey and I found some Trinity Shaped earrings I’ve been dying to get before we headed back to Glasgow for our final night in the UK.

DAY 10

This trip passed by quicker than ever, and I caught myself wishing that we could just stay in the UK for an extended period of time. My extreme case of wanderlust has hit me hard and I can only dream about the next time I set foot on an airplane.

Our final half day in the UK was spent exploring Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Museum, which had an array of old paintings, sculptures and displays. It wasn’t before long that we were headed to the airport to head back to London then NY. This trip was a blast and I cannot even begin to thank the numerous people who made this all possible including my parents, coaches, athletic department and of course my team!

London, UK 2013

For more photos and coverage of our trip visit: http://teamnyuglobal.tumblr.com

Until next time!

Back to Basics

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We are approaching Day 5 of pre-UK training and it’s finally beginning to sink in: less than one week till we touch down in London town and we cannot be more excited. Our days have been filled with two practice sessions and an education component in the middle to supplement our trip to the UK. Our daily schedule is not set, but it usually consists of a 10AM practice, 1:45 PM education and a 7PM practice. Sometimes our evening practices are substituted with a strength and conditioning session in the early afternoon, so we get more rest time for the following day. Our education lessons are taught by a 5^th year Ph.D. student, Angela, who is absolutely amazing. She knows so much about England and the UK – her enthusiasm about the topic is definitely contagious!

On the field, we are looking strong and coming together as a team. After a semester abroad in Spain, it felt great to finally get back on the field with my teammates. The passes are crisp, the shots are stronger, and our chemistry off the field is evident in the way we play – it’s almost as if we can read each other’s mind and where we want the ball to go. If we’re looking like this now, I cannot wait for how we will be playing come September.

As the turf burns find their places below our knees and the blisters begin to form underneath our toes, we are subtly reminded that we are home again, not only on the field, but also as a team. I feel so incredibly blessed to not only be spending part of my summer training with them but also traveling abroad with them.

Until next time.

Live Blogging My Way Back To New York

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Nothing is better than some play-by-play action of my flights back to New York, not that my Twitter feed isn’t interesting or anything, right?

Have Suitcase, Will Travel

3:33 PM – So I’m already 3 minutes later than I would like to be on my journey back to the Big Apple, but hey, it happens. Just said goodbye to Sibel, Jesse, Jenni, John, Kenta, Shelby, Nani, Petey, and the family and am now off to the airport.

4:05 PM – Just checked into the commuter terminal to LAX and GUESS WHAT? MY BAGS ARE UNDER 50LBS! I really do think this goes down in the record books as an achievement as Meg the Packing Princess usually is over by 25 pounds.

4:17 PM – Bags are checked, just said goodbye to mom, and now through security. Love the commuter terminal – no lines, no hassle and the sweetest people ever. I got my seat moved up to the Bulkhead on my next flight and am pretty stoked about that, as well.

4:58 PM– Commence texting everybody in my phone about how much I miss them. Yikes, this is what happens when you put your emotions out there?

5:11 PM – Time to board the plane. We are flying a tiny 30-seater plane and we take off in about 20 minutes. It was actually pretty cool to walk out on the tarmac to the plane and I just sort of twirled around and took in the beauty of everything around me for the last time: the radiating sun, the fresh smell of the salt-water bay, the picturesque palm trees bouncing in the light wind, the booming noises of the airplanes around me. So this is what living in paradise is like.

5:52 PM – Just landed in LA. Well, that was quick! Can’t really argue with a 27-minute flight, can you? Have to go pick up my bag off the tarmac and transfer to the main terminal and chill out for the next couple of hours. YIPEE.

6:19 PM – Picked up Anthony and Cleopatra. I think I was supposed to read that for soccer, but does buying it count for anything?

6:38 PM – Time for dinner and the only thing in this terminal is a Sammy’s Wood Fired Grill? Guess I will have to settle, so I grab a seat at the bar because lord knows ordering a table for one is just incredibly depressing and reminds me that I am all alone again.

6:41 PM – Commence creepy server guy commenting on my “Legs of Steel” and how they would be awesome at skull crushing. SAY WHAT? I’m all for making new friends but, eww, get away from me.

6:43 PM – I order a grilled chicken with kalamata olive and grilled pepper pesto wrap. Yum (I hope).

6:52 PM – I scarf down my wrap because for some strange reason I am hungry beyond belief.

7:10 PM – Pay for my food and head to the magazine rack. Flip through some issues of Shape and Men’s Health and reminisce of my times at FQ10. Begin to get emotional, slap myself with a slice of pizza (just kidding) and head over to the seating area. TWO HOURS UNTIL BOARDING. UGHH.

7:19 PM – Begin to fill out paperwork for soccer, register for health insurance for London, and as my old boss used to say, GSD.

7:31 PM – Walk around the terminal to find a working outlet. None to be found. What is wrong with this place?

7:51 PM – Grab a Veinte iced coffee from Starbucks because lord knows I need one before getting on a red eye. NOT.

8:00 PM – Plop down on a chair, open my laptop and begin to put thoughts on paper because that is the only thing that seems relieving at the moment. I still can’t believe I won’t be back until December. Am I ready for this right now?

8:58 PM – Pack my bag up as they begin to call first class for AA Flight 10 from LAX to JFK.

9:01 PM – Board the plane and find out that I’m sitting next to this awesome girl and her dog named Rupert.

9:04 PM – Begin to chat with aforementioned seat-mate and begin to fall in love with Rupert.

9:11 PM – Rupert farts. No joke. WOULD I LIE TO YOU?

9:30 PM – Flight begins to taxi away from the terminal. Goodbye California.

9:44 PM – Pull out laptop again and commence writing my life away. Typical right?

12:14AM (PST) – Computer has 7% battery and I begin to realize I might want to sleep before getting to New York. Damn it I shouldn’t have had that huge coffee.

4:58 AM(EST) – Wake up as the plane begins to descend over Long Island. A rolling fog clouds my view but I don’t seem to care because I’m finally back.

5:14 AM – AA flight 10 lands safely and taxis to terminal 8.

5:52 AM – My bag is the last to come out of the belly of the plane but the thought of not knowing where to go makes it all okay. I contemplate telling the taxi driver where to go.

6:08 AM – Hop in a cab and stutter for a quick sec where to go. The 8 months I spent away from my city is obvious. I can’t seem to remember my cross streets or which bridge I prefer to go over or even my favorite radio station. Is it Mercer and Bleeker or Mercer and Houston? Welp. This is embarrassing.

6:31 AM – Arrive at 181 Mercer Street. Realize the gym doesn’t open for another hour. Plopped myself down outside the door.

7:03 AM – Realize that it is in fact Sunday and the gym doesn’t open until 9AM. Contemplate getting THINK COFFEE and then realize that they don’t open for another hour either.

7:15 AM – Two awesome NYU security guards let me into Coles and carry my stuff to the couches. Oh the perks of making friends with the guards.

And with that Meg is back in Manhattan!

Chilling Outside Coles

If all else fails, follow your heart

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If you know me well enough, you probably already know that I’m not very good with feelings or making monumental life decisions or even just saying goodbye. I deal with feelings by storing emotions in the deep dark, pit of my soul, slap on a smile, and wait until the very last moment to be true to myself and to those around me, almost to the point where the feelings themselves become irrelevant. Instead of wearing emotions on my sleeve, I bear a big toothy grin as if it’s the only thing my face knows how to wear. I don’t know if it’s some innate thing I’ve just done because I am a “people pleaser” or what, but it’s been something I’ve been working on for awhile, and slowly but surely I’m getting better at being honest with my feelings and myself. I’ve been learning how to feel again and quite honestly it’s been harder than I thought. This past summer, however, something changed; my friends and coworkers taught me that when all else fails, when my emotions overwhelm you, to just follow my heart. Ignore the warning flags, just go for what your heart desires, and LIVE.

Living in, arguably, two of the most materialistic and superficial states in the U.S., I am used to measuring my success on the amount of money in my bank account, how many friends I had, and the amount of likes I would get on any particular social media post. I had complete disregard for my feelings and only focused on reaching the next milestone in my athletic and academic career. Old Meg didn’t care about her feelings, much less for other’s either. I was a train wreck waiting to happen. I figure it was only a matter of time before I fell into a crashing flood of emotions and had to take a break from everything. So I decided to follow my heart, because my determined self was not about to about to let “all else fail”.

Since this massive realization, I’ve come to accept that it’s best to just follow your heart even if it does make you vulnerable. I know I am not good at asking for help, much less being the vulnerable one, but it’s something worth working on. On the flip side of following my heart, I know I’m happiest surrounded by high energy, goal-oriented, young-at-heart people who have a passion for living their life to the fullest. I’ve learned that life is better spent laughing over spilt milk, rather than crying over it. And I’ve learned to love my flaws, the mistakes I’ve made and every single quirky thing I do, because if you can’t accept them yourself, no one else will.

This past weekend, I had to say goodbye to the people who helped me realize that I had to follow my heart to do anything worthwhile, and I couldn’t help but get emotional. To put it in Meg terms, vulnerable. This summer, I learned to follow my heart and be true to those around me. I learned to tell people I loved them, to actually tell people how I felt, and began to find my passion in the sports world. I know that if I continue to follow my heart, our paths will cross again but I couldn’t help but tear up as I boarded the 777 to JFK this evening.

My journey is far from over, but this is to learning how to follow my heart and living life to the fullest (with every ounce of emotion worn across my face).

My Fitspiration

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It comes as no surprise to me that my time at Fitness Quest 10 flew by quicker than you can bust out 10 burpees, but hey, time flies when you’re getting fit right? The competitive yet family like culture, sheer positive energy radiating from the facility and the beaming trainers, employees and clients are just a few of the many reasons why my internship this summer rocked so much.

I’ve learned so much during the course of my internship, like how to deal with high profile clients, and how to explain my fitness journey to people, but perhaps the most helpful thing I’ve come to learn is the importance of the people whom you surround yourself with.

It’s not everyday when you’re get up at 5:30, work out at 6, work for 8 hours, and you still want to hang out with the people you’ve just spent 12 hours with. There is something to be said about the people I had the incredible opportunity to work with at Fitness Quest 10 these past few months. I looked forward to going to work each and every morning, not because I loved what I did (which I really did!), but because of the people who greeted me with a huge smile at 6AM in the morning and gave me gigantic hugs each night as I left completely drenched with sweat. These trainers, clients, and staff transformed my life in so many ways; I couldn’t even begin to list how much I will miss them. Though the employees at the gym were absolutely incredible, this post is dedicated to my FITSPIRATION, all the interns who I had the distinct opportunity to get know on a more personal basis.

Amanda – My fellow marketing intern! Your go-with-the-flow personality and contagious smile made coming to work that much easier. I was ecstatic upon finding out that you would be my fellow marketing intern and am so glad I got to know you better. You taught me so much using the cameras and I really enjoyed being partners in crime with you and grabbing Starbucks (and Chez) with you. Best of luck at Oregon, I know we’ll keep in touch.

Emma – Do your feet hurt from kicking so much ass? Girl, you’re running the world and you don’t even know it yet. I loved coming into the gym and yelling your name because I knew I would get an equally loud response, followed by an epic hug. Keep your head up and working hard because it will pay off.

Elliott – Pretty Boy, I miss your awesome hugs already. Let me tell you how inspiring you are to us all. Your love for your family, desire to be the best and big smile on your face is truly encouraging, especially during a grueling workout. Though we didn’t get to hang out as much as I wanted, I know we will hang in the near future. Much love my fellow San Diegan.

Sibel – DUDE! You’ve made an impact on my life, left footprints on my heart, and have forever changed my outlook on everything, especially food. Your passion for nutrition and fitness is inspiring and even though I vehemently make fun of your Paleo lifestyle (PALEO OR DIE), please note that it is because I love you and am jealous I don’t have the will power to do that.

Sam – I wish I could convey how incredibly cerebral and passionate you are, but I know my words do you no justice. Just trust me guys, he’s really intelligent! I loved our DMS sessions and learning about anatomy and just hanging with you and Britt. I don’t think I’ve ever met anybody as laidback and as we say here in California, “Chill”. You are making a huge splash in the fitness industry and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Ryan – Let’s make it known that I lost every single bet I ever made against Ryan. Whether it was a throwing contest or a basketball contest or just Friday Game Day with the kids in the gym, you treated me like a younger sister, and I can’t even begin to explain how much that meant to me. Thanks for putting me in my place when I needed it and pushing me to my limits in the weight room. I look forward to you kicking butt on the football field, but watch out because I’m going to be winning this next bet (I just haven’t decided what it is yet). Check out this video of Ryan doing a Men’s Health Challenge. P.S. It’s about to go down.

Zach (with Traps) – Oh boy! Where do I start with you? At first I thought you were some crazy intense trainer who wouldn’t talk to a lowly marketing intern like myself, but you opened up and I’m so glad to call you my friend. Even though you have your tough exterior, you are so incredibly kind and are an awesome fried chicken cook (nom nom nom). Thanks for “keeping it real” with me and reminding me to stay hungry and humble in all aspects of my life.

Justin – Mr. Just Go Fitness. You really are just GO GO GO and I LOVE it. I thought you would get sick of me by summer’s end but you never said “NO” and I think that’s pretty rad. Your encapsulating hugs, the no-look fist bumps, and Jeff King/Old Spice Man impersonations always put a huge smile on my face. I know you’re going to rock as a Personal Trainer and I can’t wait to be making the big bucks to hire you. Check out Justin’s Webpage here to see what he’s been up to!

Jesse – I don’t even know where to start with you Jes. I feel like you’re a little kid in an adult’s body and you keep me young at heart. You are so incredibly genuine and I don’t think I have met anybody else (or a hockey fan) who would OR could tolerate me bashing your beloved Penguins on an almost daily basis. Though you may root for Pittsburgh, say some words funny (Carnegie ahemm!), and messed up a very famous Steeler’s coach’s name, I love you to death and am so glad I got to meet you this summer. Keep your head up, keep making videos with Amanda, and stay forever young. You can check out Jesse’s awesome blog here!

Jenni – JENNAYYYYY! My snuggle buddy. My new older sister. My new best friend. You keep me humble and have rekindled my confidence in our generation. Your passion for life, your incredible faith, and incredible work ethic is OUT OF THIS WORLD. You have taught me so much, given me a ton of advice on EVERYTHING, and shown me how to lead a life worth living. I can’t believe we only got to spend 6 weeks together, but it’s been something I wouldn’t trade for the world. You’ve been through so much but your strength is unreal and just being around you makes me want to be a better person. I love you so much.

The interns on the 4th of July

I love you guys to the moon and back and hope you realize that this summer was something incredibly special. I expect you all to stay in touch and come visit in New York because I already miss you tons.

Here’s some videos of the interns dancing, because hey who doesn’t love dancing interns?

Keep an eye out for these guys. Next thing you know, they will be on the cover of Men’s Health or on a huge billboard in Times Square. Their future is bright, their smiles brighter, and their hearts full of gold.

Until next time!

Meg

What’s New My Friends?

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It’s been awhile, and to say that I’ve missed blogging would certainly be an understatement. I’d like to say that I’ve been busier than usual, but that would be a lie, especially considering my life in New York, but I’ve been busy nonetheless, so here’s an update on everything in my life.

I came back to sunny San Diego on May 18th and have loved every second of it. A few days after getting back, complete with jet lag and all, I started my internship at Fitness Quest 10 – one of the top gyms in the country, home to multiple IDEA and ACE Trainers of the Year. I’ve been on the marketing side of things which includes making videos, shooting photos, editing social media posts and aiding in the editing of monthly newsletters which is definitely up my alley. I love the environment, the people, and culture of the gym, but what I’ve learned so far is that I definitely NEED an active environment when I grow up. This internship has also REAFFIRMED my love for wearing athletic gear in the workplace.

I’ve also been practicing with a semi-professional team since coming home, the WPSL San Diego Sealions. The practices are super-intense, fitness-filled, butt-kicking workouts. I don’t think I’ve ever run so much in my life, but I know it will all pay off come July 28th, when I head back to New York for preseason. The team is incredible though, the girls, although some are almost 12 years older than me, are so fast and skilled and dedicated – it really gives me something to look up to as a collegiate athlete. These girls not only have time for jobs, but practices and fitness sessions and family – it truly is INCREDIBLY INSPIRING. Tonight, they are playing in their final game before nationals.

Since I’ve been home, the weekends have seemed to literally slip through my fingers like sand at the beach. Last weekend was my Mom’s birthday and we went to the Fleetwood Mac concert with some friends then I drove her and Dad and Twist down to the airport a mere few hours later so they could go to Portland, OR and Seattle, WA to see a soccer game and her sister. The weekend before I was in Parker and the previous weekend I was in Huntington Beach channeling my inner-beach bum with Lauren – twas an amazing fun-filled weekend. As I write this post, I glance at the calendar and begin to wonder how the past six weeks have flown by.

This weekend has been one for the books. On Friday I went to Baked Bear with some of the interns. Saturday was filled with Bootcamp and a beach day with Jesse, Justin and their cousins, picked up my BFF, Kate, from the airport, and hanging with my mom for her bar crawl. Today, I came home to the group of interns surprising me at the house for a goodbye party. I immediately burst into tears, stunned at the gesture. I cannot even begin to put into words how much these people have impacted my life in the past 6 weeks. They’ve taught me to love, and be compassionate,and above all, taught me to follow my heart. I love them dearly, and leaving San Diego this week is going to be that much harder because I had 9 beautiful people come into my life this summer.

It’s national ice cream day so I’m off to nom on some ice cream and watch Batman: Dark Knight Rises.

Until next time

One Year

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It’s hard to believe that it’s already been one full year since I began documenting my adventures around San Diego, New York and Europe. So much has happened in such a small amount of time and I just wanted to say thank you to everybody who has helped me get to this point in my life. At twenty years old I cannot even begin to describe how lucky and thankful I am to have been afforded the opportunities given to me. THANK YOU.

That being said, I know I could have finished my “Twenty’s List” if I had a better attitude and stopped making excuses like “I’m too tired” or “I don’t have enough time”, so I made a promise to myself since coming home from Spain: my mantra/saying/motto/whatever you want to call it is now:

“Say YES, even though you don’t want to.”

This extends so much further beyond the invitations I receive to go hang with friends; it relates to the extra workouts for preseason, family events, doing chores, and just being a better person in general. “Yes” is my word of summer and I’m challenging to make myself a more well-rounded twenty-something.

Here’s to the extra fitness, the early wake ups and to the 79 days left until the first game of the 2013 season.

“De Perdido al Río”

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“Vivo en Sol.” The words slip from my slightly chapped lips as I explain to the cab driver how to get home on my last day in Madrid. It’s a natural phrase, uttered without hesitation, reflecting my years of practice and months of living in this city. A recited and practiced line, I guess you could say, but more or less a string of words smushed together haphazardly, indicating that I call this place my home. I live in Sol.

“Derecho en Calle Mayor y para antes la iglesia.” Sentences begin to flow effortlessly, a sudden click between brain and tongue, a feeling of near fluency. A sense of accomplishment washes over me, but then the sudden realization that I will be on a plane a mere twenty-four hours later brings me down from cloud nine.The ping of my inbox, alerting me to check in to my flight, brings with it a flood of emotions, regrets, memories, question; an almost self-loathing and pity all combined into one.

I watch the minutes tick away, yet I cannot bring myself to terms with leaving this place which had just provided me with a treasure chest full of experiences. Laying in my tiny twin bed for the last time, I set the alarm for 9 AM, early by our Madrid standards. Insomnia strikes again, surely a result of the conflicting emotions pitted in the depths of my stomach, thought I’m sure the cup of green tea an hour earlier wasn’t helping either. I shoot my family a quick “24 hours” text, send a Snapchat to my favorites and browse through the photos on my iPhone one last time before slipping into a light sleep. I wake no less than seven hours later to the blaring of my alarm, but instead of getting up, I silence it and enjoy the fleeting moments in my bed for the last time in our tiny Calle de la Villa apartment.

I rub the sleepies from my eyes, and look up from my bed towards the charcoal painting above my bed for the last time. The portrait of an old man, arms crossed, with a disappointing look strewn across his slightly wrinkled face, almost resembling my gather, looks down upon me and my questionable decisions for the last time. I look to my right and see three bags filled with a semesters’ worth of clothes and souvenirs, sitting neatly ready for their next adventure.I muster all my of my strength and plop myself up and quickly throw on my clothes and hastily pack away the last of my belongings. It plays back in my head; a surreal moment, frozen forever in time.

I creep down the hall into Erin’s room and see her struggling with her overpacked suitcases. I proceed to zip them shut in a “sitting and pulling” fashion, learned from my reign as Packing Princess of the Patten household. The clock hits 9:27 and we wake up our other two roommates to say our final goodbyes. The routine is all too familiar, from weeks of traveling together, yet the baggage, both physical and emotional, is much more to bear. A final group hug, a huddle, if you may, and we drag our belongings up the stairs from Bajo Izquerida for the last time and hail a taxi down.

After squishing into a cab, we wind our way through Sol and head eastward to the airport, past Puerta del sol, through Plaza de la Cibeles, by the Prado, and turn left at the Atocha railway. The cab driver asks us if we’re Americans and he reacts eagerly to ask more about our stay once we’re from Chicago and California. He asks if we mind if he smokes a drag, and though it’d normally bother the hell out of me, the smell and smoke in my face is almost welcome, a subtle reminder of my time in Europe. We continue on, past Plaza de las Ventas and my normally subdued emotions take form as a singular teardrop out of the corner of my left eye. It was beginning to hit me. The only thing holding the flood of tears back was the conversation with the cab driver about the Copa del Rey final the night before.

We struggle through the airport, it feels as if our feet our chained together, the city unwilling to let us out of her grip. Erin and I part ways, and promise to meet up after security, and sure enough, we do. My luck of running into people still proving to be as relentless as ever. What seems like an hour later, we are saying goodbye for real this time. She goes through yet another security check point and disappears into the growing crowd beyond the fence. I find my place among the remaining empty seats at gate U60, and find myself thinking of the number of people who have sat in that exact seat after a semester abroad.

I flash back to reality when fellow NYU students sit next to me, all hungover, clearly already missing our new city, regretting getting drunk the night before an 11 hour flight. I guess they really did grow accustomed to this Madrileño lifestyle. Twenty minutes later, I’m sitting in seat 27H, next to one of my teammate’s freshman year roommates – as a matter of fact, the same one who comforted my sobbing self when I missed my flight home on my official visit, three years prior. This world really is getting smaller. We break into conversation, reminiscing of our days abroad, her adventures in Italy, and mine in Spain. The familiar pang of nervousness washes over me as the captain announces we are delayed because we cannot take off in tail winds.

My basic flight training flashes before my eyes, and I reason it is because our 767 is way too heavy to do so. My intuition is rewarded when thirty minutes later, the captain explains that cargo is going to be taken off to lighten the load. An hour and a half late, we’re finally in the air – my true home away from home. I double-check my ticket from DFW to SAN and realize my original two-hour layover is compromised. Instead of my normally fretting and stressing, I repeat my favorite spanish phrase, “De perdido al río,” over and over in my head (translated meaning, “from lost to the river”). I accept the fact that I might not make it home tonight. I figure, a typical megventure is not complete without a missed flight, so I just go with it. That’s what the phrase essentially means, so…

de perdido al río

Meg Patten

Creative Project Manager. Sports Marketer. Event Specialist.

Author Archives: megpatten

About megpatten

Live Blog to the Winter Meetings

Rhythm

We’re Back!

Back to Basics

Live Blogging My Way Back To New York

If all else fails, follow your heart

My Fitspiration

What’s New My Friends?

One Year

“De Perdido al Río”