Election Night

Tonight I realized I had an assignment due at ten, and I had to go up to campus to turn it in. Well, I finally finished it around seven and went to turn it in. I loved getting to park in teacher parking because it was so late. There was a problem though. When I went to turn it in I realized I had no idea where to go. I never go to my Stats lab and that is in the building where I had to turn it in. So, I walked into the building and was instantly lost. I finally found stairs which I needed to go up a floor, and found the room fairly easily. There was another problem. I found the room and turned in my homework, but how in the heck was I supposed to get out of this building? None of the math nerds were in the building so I was on my own. After a few minutes of sheer panicked searching for a way out, I found the door. All is well in the world. That is, all was well until I got home. You see, it is election night. My stress level is soaring. Today in my class we rated ourselves on whether or not we had a feeling of impending doom. I rated myself very low. Well, now that rating would be through the roof. My comfort foods have been broken out, but you can only eat so much popcorn and drink so much chocolate milk. I know members all over the country are praying for the best man to be president whomever they think they may be. Everything will work out. I did my duty as an American citizen, and I voted. I just have to remember to stay calm and breathe. Well, he may not have won, but Mitt still has my vote! Also, just because who I voted for did not win does not mean I am not going to support and pray for President Obama. The next four years should be fun.

It is obvious wisdom comes with age...

Thanksgiving Time

     Please forgive this amazingly long blog post, but I have learned a lot over the past couple of days. Much has changed, and I feel so much lighter than I did even Saturday morning. I learned a lot about others, but I learned the most about myself. Some of this is just for fun, some will make you feel good all over like nothing else, and some I just felt like I needed to share.
     I was doing some scripture study the other day... Mosiah 4:15 says: But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve on another. So, I have been working to serve and love others. Between BYUSA, friends, and school work, my schedule and just life in general has been insane. Then, I came to Mosiah 4:27 which says: And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. I was running too fast for my own good, and that is going to change. I am putting my life in Christ's hands which is hard for me considering my level of independence. This is a very literal "Jesus take the wheel" moment.
     I have heard a lot of funny and just memorable quotes lately...
-You're only as close to your answer as your knees are close to the floor.
-As sovereigns  choosing to yield to the Highest Sovereign is our highest act of choice. It is the only surrender which is also a victory! The putting off of the natural man makes possible the putting on of the whole armour of God, which would not fully fit before.
- If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.
     Everyone is doing the one-a-day thankful posts. Well, I do not have time for that so I am just going to do a really long one with thirty things on it right now.
1. I am thankful for my testimony. I do not know where I would be today without it.
2. I am thankful for the power of prayer. I am constantly reminded of it, and it amazes me each and every time.
3. I am thankful for crunchy leaves. There is no day so bad that crunchy leaves cannot make it better.
4. I am thankful for sunshine. I love the feeling of the sun on my face and how it reflects off my hair. Being blonde, I feel like a have a little sunshine with me wherever I go.
5. I am thankful for the best friends I could ever ask for. They are awesome, and I love having fun with them.
6. I am thankful for the most wonderful family ever. Their love and support get me through.
7. I am thankful for teachers with a sense of humor. They make my day so much better.
8. I am thankful for seasons. We do not have them at home, but I love the changing colors and weather.
9. I am thankful for uplifting music. I love music. It just makes me happy.
10. I am thankful for dogs. This applies mainly to my dog and the spotted dog I love so much, but dogs are great in general.
11. I am thankful for the majestic mountains all around me. They make me feel safe and secure. They are also just beautiful, and remind me there is so much more out there than the small area BYU takes up. Heavenly Father created some of the most amazing things, and they are out there for me to explore.
12. I am thankful for movies. There is something comforting about curling up in a blanket and watching a movie.
13. I am thankful for tests. I know that sounds crazy, but I learn more from the tests I take than I do from the multiple hours I spend in class.
14. I am thankful for sweaters, jackets, and coats. I hate being cold, and I love to layer so it all works out.
15. I am thankful for nicknames. I love the sense of belonging I get when someone uses one of my nicknames, and I love hearing the meaning behind some of them.
16. I am thankful for convertible cars. I love my car, and I love the sense of freedom it gives me when the wind blows through my hair. I love just laughing when my hair is attacking my face, and I love getting to blast my music without a care in the world.
17. I am thankful for minivans. Enough said.
18. I am thankful for mail. I love getting the mail out of the mailbox and getting letters from friends and family. I always know someone out there loves me.
19. I am thankful for the opportunity I have to be at BYU and be a part of BYUSA. I am learning and growing so much.
20. I am thankful for my planner. I don't necessarily like every moment of my life planned out, but there is something about being able to cross things off the list of things I have to do that just makes me happy.
21. I am thankful for the fact that I have my cousin Becca here. Through the good, the bad, and the ugly, she is always there, and frankly I just love having fun with her.
22. I am thankful for my patriarchal blessing. Sometimes everything around you in in an uproar of how bad things are and how much worse they are going to be, but my patriarchal blessing gives me hope in the future.
23. I am thankful for eyes. You can see the true emotion and intent behind what people are saying through their eyes. You can see what kind of person they are. Also, some eyes are just gorgeous.
24. I am thankful for food. Good, tasty food is just wonderful... Oh, and so is chocolate.
25. I am thankful for smiles. When someone smiles at me, even if it is a stranger, it kind of makes my day.
26. I am thankful for art. I love not only looking at beautiful art people have created, but I love creating it.
27. I am thankful for the fact that I actually know people on campus. Seeing a friend in the masses of each passing period is just amazing, and I love it.
28. I am thankful for disasters. All of these things will be for my good and give me experience.
29.  I am thankful for dreams. Sometimes dreaming of things to come is one of the few things that make me think everything will be all right in the end.
30.  I am thankful for Christmas. I am so excited to not only celebrate the season, but see the lights, eat the treats, and be with my family.

Superb Weekend

My weeks are long. I work so hard every day, fighting to get through. The daily minutiae that I so frequently get caught up in wears me out. The thing is, I have wonderful people that help me make unforgettable memories which makes it all worth it. I had a fantastic day yesterday. I decided I was going to make it a good day, so I did. I just had fun. Sitting outside with the beautiful colors of autumn all around me, the crisp fall air, and the sun shining on my face and hair. I love it. It was the perfect temperature, the perfect activity, the perfect day. 

Do you know what made my day even better? I got a front row spot at Walmart. That never happens, especially on a Friday night. I got a quiet buggy at Walmart. That really never happens at Walmart. I got to talk to my momma. I realized today healthy food is a lot cheaper than other food. Way to go, Megan. New diet! Then off to Ihop with one of my roommates, Hairspray, and a little fun. Seriously a great day! Today I drove up to a canyon I did not even know existed with a friend. I was terrified before I went thinking it would not go well, but it was fine. I now kind of know where I have to drive on Friday... It is going to be fun.

I also found some pictures of when I got to say goodbye to my cousin Aleah before she went on a mission. Becca and I got to spend some time with her before she left. I have been writing her. It is funny how much you miss someone when you know you won't see them again for eighteen months. I love these girls though. 

Then, I was feeling kind of sad, and I was wishing I could be at home to see my family. So, I read my text messages from my mom, dad, and little brother. I was instantly feeling better, and then I came across this picture. I seriously have the cutest dog ever. I cannot wait to see him and hold him and let him fall asleep in my arms while I watch a movie. 

Halloween

So, I will be the first one to admit I am not a huge fan of Halloween. I mean, I like candy... but the costumes, masks, haunted activities, and other creepy happenings make it altogether uncomfortable for me. This year was different. When I finally walked on to campus, I saw this guy. 

How can you not smile? Then, I went to class and my teacher was not dressed up like he said he would be. Now, I was rather disappointed until he took off his suit coat and started humming. What was he up to? Next thing I knew he was putting on a bright red sweater and singing the Mr. Rogers song. Oh my gosh yes!!! Day made. When class was over I went home to change into my costume. I put everything on but the tutu. So, I walked around campus with a Thor shirt and a pencil skirt all day. Things got crazier as my day went on. BYUSA, the volleyball event (which was an epic  failure), and watching "Psycho" with the old roomies and a couple of FHE brothers. I will say our costumes looked super cute, and I had fun seeing friends at the party. I just wish the party had gone the way we planned it. Athletics kind of ruined it when we handed it off to them. No big deal. I will get over it... Eventually. Psycho was not a scary movie, but it creeped me out if that makes sense. Not scary, creepy. :) Fun night even if it was Halloween. 

 

I am really excited to go home. My little brother and I used to always watch the Halloweentown movies on television every year, and he said he would save them for me. Am I going to be watching Halloween movies on my Christmas break? You betcha! Also, in honor of my costume I told him we have to add "Thor" to the list of movies we have to watch while I am home so now we have Halloweentown, Thor, The Hobbit, the new Batmans, and maybe the new James Bond if it is still in theaters along with all of the Christmas movies we adore. I cannot wait!

Crazy Weekend

This weekend has been wonderful, marvelous, exciting! Friday night consisted of making my tutu for Halloween and watching movies with Emilee and Kaitlyn. I seriously love being around them. When we finished our tutus we were all kind of hungry because none of us had eaten dinner. So, at 10:30 we went to The Chocolate and each got our own cazookie. The waiter did not think we could eat our own. You could see it on his face. Every time he passed us he would check on us to see how much we had eaten. Guess what? I ate ALL of mine. Emilee was a few bites away, and Kaitlyn ate about half. On like the second bite, I told Emilee we were probably going to regret it. That prophecy came true rather quickly when we were done. None of us felt great after. I went to sleep that night moaning and groaning. 

I went to sleep between two and three and had to get up early the next morning for my 5K. I was going to run it as fast as I could, but I did not feel well still. Also, Devon did not stretch so he was having a rough time. We walked most of the way. It was nice. When I got home I had to run to change out of my sweaty clothes (I know I walked, but I had so many layers on I still got hot) and actually do my hair. 

Then, I was running again to the evaluation retreat. We went to the Red Barn. I did not really want pictures taken of me, but that was not going to happen with Angela around and Eric encouraging her taking pictures of me. I feel like this retreat consisted of a lot of flirting. Eric would do things just to make me laugh (like all the time; I felt like that was his main goal at this retreat), he started calling me "Ma" because he said I am already like a mom with our team and in real life, he picks me up first, he drops me off last, he holds doors open for me, and he always makes sure I get inside before he drives away. I still had fun even with the confusion once again mounting up. It wasn't just him though., just so you know. When we got there we got some ice cream and looked around the little store they have in the barn. We then went on a hayride and went to the pumpkin patch. There was a giant slide we went on that was so much fun! Kennedy, Angela, and I made a train and went on it together. I loved it. Then, we went through a maze, and we played around on all of the things they had set up for us to play on and finally picked pumpkins. When we got back we went back to the store. When everyone was done shopping we went to a little sandwich place. I did not get anything because I still was not feeling great, but I was in good company. Not only was there a lot of flirting going on, but there was a lot of talk about the future. Well, not the future in general but mine and Eric's futures. I swear the world is out to get me. He talked about how he did not even know if things were going to work out between him and Maddie. Someone said that if things didn't work out then he probably wouldn't get married for another year. He said if he had worked with them for a while then it wouldn't be that long. Oh dear. The picture of him and me on the hayride with me looking away is me trying to not freak out. I am fine though. I am going on other dates, and I am not even spending time with him outside of BYUSA so I am doing so much better! When I got home I cleaned and got ready for bed even though it was only four or five. I spent the rest of the day just resting and watching movies. 

 Today I got up early for church because I just could not sleep last night. I wore one of my mom's old dresses, and I felt super cute and warm. There has been a lot going on so when we sang "Where Can I Turn for Peace?" in Relief Society, I got goose bumps and let relief flood through me. It has been a fun weekend.

                      

Fairy Tales, Winter, Choir, and Comedy

I have always longed for a fairy tale. Love at first sight, boys throwing rocks at your window, them sweeping you off your feet, and all of those other precious things that come with fairy tales make me smile inside and out. The thing about fairy tales, not every princess has this story. Belle had to live with a beast. Some princesses kiss frogs and others are cursed. I do not know what princess I am yet, but I do know this sudden change of events scares me. I have gotten so used to not being asked out on dates that now that I am being asked, guys walk me home, and some even come to my apartment just to say hi even though they live all the way across campus and beyond, I do not know what to do. The flirting, phone calls and dates scare me. My fairy tale is beginning. I am just going to have to figure out what kind of princess I am. I may not be willing to kiss a frog before I can have my prince. I guess without a little trouble, there would be no story. I will say I am a sucker for a boy in a sweater. So, this is my season.

On a completely different topic, you would think I would have a rough day when it snows. I woke up to a white blanket covering everything. The thing is, after making homemade pancakes, hot chocolate, and syrup and bundled up in as many layers as I could, I was a happy girl. I went to Honor Choir and had so much fun even though there is no way I will ever hit the high note in the song we are singing. I went to my Family Processes class after. You know you are in a good class when you watch Bill Crosby, Who's On First, and pieces of Star Wars and connect them to theories you are learning about. 

Tis the Season

I am in such a cheerful mood. I cannot stop smiling. I am one of those weird people that bursts out in a contagious smile as you walk by them. I know it may be a bit early, but I am in a Christmas mood. I have even been listening to Christmas music. That along with my Ke$ha and Taylor Swift makes a weird mix, but that is how I feel right now. I am so happy. Today I got up to go to class, opened the door, saw that it had snowed on the mountains and it was raining, and I promptly shut the door. My classes were optional today since I have so many tests coming up, and it is just not going to happen today. So, I studied, listened to Christmas music, made myself look decent, and bundled up. As the clouds come down the mountain and get closer and closer to me it makes me wonder what this winter is going to be like. Is this the winter everyone warned me about last year that we never had? Am I in for a load of trouble? I do not know. I do know that I am counting down the days until I can go home and see my family. I have a lot to do until then (I counted over thirty assignments and I have meetings, tests, and projects to do as well), but the time is coming.