Merry Christmas!

1. I got home safely. The worst Jillian and I hit was fog. She also helps me drive, which I enjoy.
2. When we got home Mom, Dad, and Stephen were gone. Good one.-Also, we are very loud when we get together after awhile.
3. Favorite quote so far, I said something and then said "Fo' shizzle." My dad responds-"Fo' shizzle, that sounds Jewish!"
4. In an attempt to encourage my mom to do here exercising I went with her on her daily walk. It happened to be a rainstorm so I put a poncho that Jillian, Stephen and Dad picked up earlier this year at Niagra Falls. It said "maid of the mist" on it. Jillian also joined us in a red poncho. Quite a sight.
5. Got to go skiing again at Mt. Spokane. My dad is awesome for taking us all and dealing with all the crap we give him. I am semi decent at skiing. If I could go more I would get better.
6. Sleeping in my own bed is amazing-also realized now may be a good time to clean out my closet.
7. Saw lots of people delivering the yearly mormon/neighbor goodies fest. Usually I hate doing this but this year it was me and Jillian. We visited with the Sasser's who are an older couple in the ward and are hilarious. I mentioned how it's hard living with engaged people and Lyle pipes in "It's hard living with married people."! Lyle and Sonjia met when they were really young, he used to tease her on the bus going home from school. They are retired, work at the temple one day a week, and see their grandkids. I want to be just like them when I get old.
8. Coming home is good, I remember why I love my family. I also remember why we don't do this all year round.
9. We drove all the way up to Spokane so we could watch the BYU Vegas Bowl on ESPN (we don't have cable) in a hotel room. (Not really, it was mostly to pick up my sister. But it's still funny).
10. Got lots of good stuff for Christmas. It's interesting to see family members pick things that are their perceptions of what I like or what my style is. Jillian got me a coupon for Jamba Juice. I think I am most excited for that.
11. I taught my family how to play the Ninja game. They tried. That's all I can say.
12. We better split up tomorrow or we might kill each other.

I had a great Christmas. I am sad to see the season end. It's not quite as built up and magical as it was when I was little. I blame part of this on school. I love Christmas movies, Christmas music, decorations and how it makes everyone happy. When I was little I used to get sad when my mom had to take the tree down, how it made the room seem so bare and boring. I felt like there was nothing as exciting to look forward to. I still feel this way a little bit. But life marches on each day and it is up to us to pack it full of everything. "Faith is for the Future"-Elder Holland. The picture below is from the Christmas classic "It's a Wonderful Life." It's about a man named George Bailey who spends a lot of his life missing out on things he planned on doing and seeing. He has some problems in his life but then is able to look back and see how things would be different if he had never been born. The picture is when he rushes home to see his kids and wife, that's all he wants. George does have a loving family, and later the whole town shows up at his house and make it full of friends who come to return the favor of all the help he has given them. It is a beautiful story. I am grateful for the birth of Jesus Christ, His life, and all that He accomplished in it. I feel His love and support of my own personal life. With Him I can accomplish anything and everthing. I'm not quite sure what's up next for me in life, but hopefully it's something good. I hope you all had wonderful Christmases full of love and happiness.

Merry Christmas,
Love,
Meagan

I hate Oregon

I get to drive through pure terror this weekend to make it home for Christmas. Don't believe me? Check this. My brother has always driven this stretch but now he lives in NY and gets to fly his self home. I am kind of stressed out about it. I got my oil in my car changed today but still need to buy chains. Also the guy told me my battery is on it's way out. Not good. Pray for good weather!

Exciting...well I think so anyway

1. I bought tickets to Michael Buble. He comes to the E Center on March 31, 2010. Jillian and Pendleton are coming with me. I tried to see him about four years ago but ended up breaking my femur two weeks before. It does, however, make me kind of angry when I see the ticket prices. I got online today to buy the cheapest ones but they had already been sold out. I had to get the more expensive ones. It irks me because other independent ticket sellers buy them up in bulk and sell them for double or triple the price. Tip-when going to a concert try to purchase from the official ticket seller, ie. ticketmaster, or smithstix. That way you won't get ripped off. Anyway, so pumped to see Michael and listen to his new songs!

2. I am going with Pendleton, Rachelle and Jason to their work party tonight. There will be tons of food and Beatles Rockband. It has been one of my greatest desires to play Beatles rockband. I hope it will be fun

3. My ghetto tv works again. Before, I couldn't watch regular cable for some reason. Last night I turned it on and magically it worked! Then, fortuitiously, Ace of Cakes was on and I got to watch my favorite show. Now I just need some ANTM in my life.

I'm not even done yet...

but I miss BYU already. I had my last class this evening. As I walked toward the wilk I thought, "that is my last class at BYU ever..." and it made me really sad. I sat in the terrace eating my favorite L&T wrap thinking about all the things I'll miss about BYU. I'm not ready to go through them now, but let's just say I cried for about five minutes hoping no one saw me. I'm going to miss EVERYTHING about this place, I'm not ready to be done. I still have finals though so I can be a "student" for one more week. Let's hope I keep it together until then.

bad monday

1. It snowed. I hate snow. It is difficult to live with. It has not stopped snowing. At this rate we will be snowed in by the end of the week and I won't be able to go home for Christmas.
     1. sub A-I have to drive home for Christmas this year. I am freaked out. Last year was so scary both ways. I am afraid I will spin out or roll over. I also have to buy chains and get my oil changed spending money I don't have.

2. After 4 years with no problems whatsoever, I accidentally downloaded a trojan virus onto my laptop. It was totally my fault and I feel so stupid. My virus protection wasn't on or something so now it's at the repair shop waiting in line to be looked at. It will cost at least $65 and won't be done until the end of the week or early next week. This is problematic because a) it's the last week of school and finals are coming and b) worst case scenario they can't fix it and my entire hard drive is lost with me losing 4 years of my life. I don't want to spend money on it and now I won't have a computer at home.

3. My job ends this week. No more money. School ends this week. No more life. Health insurance ends this year. No more teeth, eyes, ears or-heaven help me-another broken bone.

I just want to crawl in my bed and watch Christmas movies until the worst is over. Oh wait, I can't. My computer is at computer hospital. THEY BETTER FIX IT.

funny, ha ha

I was looking at a random website last night with some peeps and ran across this saying-

"After Monday, and Tuesday, the week spells WTF."

I never noticed that before. I think it's hilarious.

Homework irony

This semester I am taking a Shakespeare class. For midterms we were assigned to write two four-page papers on a topic of our choice. For the first paper, I started a few days early, thought really hard about original ideas and thought I did a decent job. I got a B+. For the second paper I put it off until the night before, threw random crap together, barely read through it once or twice and handed it in. I got an A. Go figure.

Happy Thanksgiving, back

That's a line from "You've Got Mail" that I say every year around Thanksgiving time. I am thankful for many things this year. The regular things-family, home, faith, and other random things like dental floss, Hulu.com, and BYU. I love this "Mormon Messages" about being thankful. My favorite is the guy who is thankful for future opportunities. That is what I am trying to feel right now in my life.

My Thanksgiving traditions include watching the Macy's parade, eating a huge dinner and being with family. The St. Jude commercials with the sick children made me cry this year. Also the float in the parade with Andrea Boccelli singing "White Christmas" and Emily Hughes ice skating to it. It was very nostalgic of my childhood and Andrea sings beautifully. I am getting ready to head up to my Aunt's house where my parents will be waiting to have a Thanksgiving feast with my whole side of the family. I love Thanksgiving and this time of year. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Love, Meagan

I am thankful for-faith, family, food, good roommates, BYU, graduating, my car, sunshine, coworkers, hulu, the internet, the BOM, President Monson, flowers, shoes, clothes, music, my health, examples of others, pranks, ward members, old friends and new and opportunites to learn new things. (I will keep adding later!). Happy Thanksgiving, back.

"I will love her horribly!"

So I'm taking a Shakespeare class this semester. I don't really like the teacher but I like the fact that I've been reading plays, being literary and being cultured. So far my favorites are Macbeth, A Midsummer Night's Dream, As You Like It, and Henry V. I am a little sad that we didn't read one of my favorites ever, Much Ado About Nothing. I'm not even sure if I've actually read this play, or if it's just because I've seen the movie. It is so stinking hilarious. I think they could make a modern day adaptation and we would relate to it even more.

I want to link you to a youtube video of one of the funniest parts of the play. If you haven't read it: Benedict is a woman-hating army man who takes pride in the fact that he hates women and will be a batchelor forever. Beatrice is a man-hating woman who sticks up for herself and makes witty stabs and combacks. Everyone else thinks they are perfect for each other and tries to get them together. They have to trick them into it though. Benedict overhears his buddies chat about how Beatrice loves him but would rather die than admit it. Beatrice overhears her sister say that Benedict loves her but is too ashamed to tell. Funny things ensue. Watch the whole play to see what happens, but this scene is pretty funny. Kenneth Braunagh plays Benedict, Denzel Washington plays his companion, and Emma Thompson plays Beatrice. The title is something Benedict says when talking about whether he loves Beatrice or not. Kind of like the line from Elf-"I'm in love, I'm in love, and I don't care who knows it!"

Top nine places to eat at BYU

I'm graduating soon. I've gone to BYU for 4 + years and experienced a lot so I thought I'd share my good finds and secret tips with y'all. I've got some good ones. Trust me. For my first post I will share my top nine places to eat at BYU, what's good there or why I like it.

9. Creamery on 9th, Sugar & Spice-BYU ice cream. The end

8. BYU Vending-we all use it, always gone on Sunday nights in the dorms. The best/widest selection is in the JFSB basement

7. Blue Line Deli-hot sandwiches, so large you can't eat it all

6. Scoreboard Grill-service is always slow, but I love the french fries

5. Legends Grille-savory sandwiches, personal pizza, even steak

4. Jamba Juice-sooo good. I miss it when I go home. I love the Razzmataz
3. Cannon Center-All you can eat, chicken cordon bleu and creamery ice cream on Sundays, cereal, now it's all fancy, so many memories-the cup game, theme days, and did I mention it's all you can eat?

2. L & T, I never went here as a freshman, but I really like the BBQ Chicken wrap, so tasty

and...drumroll....

1. The Pendulum Court-located in the Eyring Science Center, provided by the dietetics majors and only open for three hours during lunch. They have the best food-they make it fresh and it's so tasty. My favorite is the beef taco salad. It's available every day. In order to control the crowd they make you do a reservation online, but it's so worth it. My sister, Jillian, and I made it on the last day it is going to be open this semester. It was broadway themed so the place was decorated and they had showtunes playing the whole time. The food is so filling I almost didn't need dinner. I highly recommend it to everyone. I am hungry just thinking about it.

Jillian got the New York pizza

scrumptous food

I love eating at the Pendulum Court!

Pirate Island

I couldn't handle the white. I need color in my life. If you read my blog a long time ago it was orange before I found out about blog templates and started doing all that jazz. Also I googled the three column layout (gracias miss Jenn) and I am very satisfied with it. I hope to come up with other interesting things to put on my blog.

The other weekend my besties from back home (Kameron, Kira and Austin) and I went to Pirate Island. What is Pirate Island you ask? Only the best dinning experience ever invented. It is a pirate themed restaurant known for its pizza. Everthing that could be pirate is. I was wanting to go for about 4 months ever since it opened. We finally had time to go together. I was most pleased that it wasn't too expensive either. I'm not sure what my favorite part was, the pirate hats, balloon animals, or the fact that we actually ran into a guy dressed up like a pirate. We proved you don't have to be six to enjoy that place.

We met a pirate in the mall.

animal balloons

They almost didn't let us have the hats, but we got them anyway. I love Pirate Island!

New style

So I figured out how to do some things and I made some changes to my blog. And yes, it's kind of a boring white but that's how I could get things to work. And over on the right hand side, =>, is a widget where you can make a Jackson Pollock painting. I found it while I was at work. The picture above is me as a baby! I still want my blog to have a three column layout, so let me know if you know. Probably something with HTML, but I am not knowing any of this. I have officially wasted 45 minutes doing this. The end.

New Music!

So two of my favs have recently come out with new music. Michael Buble has a new cd called "Crazy Love." The single is "Haven't Met You Yet." Also, James Morrison (who I met) has a new single called "Get To You." Both are very good. (I'm also secretly tempted to get the music from the show GLEE, it's good stuff. Check out Puck's rendition of "Sweet Caroline", a musical tribute to a Jewish icon.) Anyway, I hope your halloween was good. I went ice skating and dance partying at seven peaks. Good times.

The Finer Things

This semester I am in a floral design class. It is so much fun. The teacher is hilarious. And my sis is in the class. Basically we just provide side commentary for each other the entire time. Almost every week we have lab and get to make something with flowers. I am getting mad skillz. Here are my attempts so far:

basic arrangement

gift basket with small bud vase

boutinieres

fall flowers in cube vase

This is seriously one of my most favorite classes at BYU. I highly recommend it. If you have any floral needs contact me and I'll hook you up. I promise my skills are getting better!

Deep Breath

I'm about to go hand in an application for a "big girl" job. It would be really great if I got it. But, I heard that if there is even one thing filled out wrong on your application they throw it out. And I won't technically graduate until December. But it doesn't hurt to try. Here I goooo!

Given the chance, I'm gonna be somebody

Inspiring isn't it? Thank you Kings of Leon. So I took my big test and graduation looks oh so much nearer after taking it. I started working on my "professional" resume tonight, putting in my graduation date, credentials and internship info. Now I am starting to freak out about my future. For the immediate future all I really want is a job I can go to right after I graduate where I can get paid enough to live on and possibly get medical insurance. How do I make this happen? I've tried to better myself in any way so that I look more marketable, but the job situation is so hard right now. Plus my dad has already started "reminding me." As if I don't know. It's kind of scary, I could move to Alaska if I wanted. I joke about traveling, going to Harry Potter World, the 2010 Olympics, taking up karate, but one needs moulah for these things.

As for the long term plans, I could see myself going to grad school (for who knows what), but I haven't been working towards it so that option is a little further off. I think I have a lot of potential but it's all about the education and experience level. I have grandiose dreams but I'm not quite sure of how to make them happen let alone provide for my own day to day existence. Anyways, it's kind of hitting me right now and so I'm feeling a little stressed.

Related side story: I was on the phone with Jenn last night and she said it was weird that I didn't know what I was doing after graduation. I replied, "Yes, I know. I'm not married. People do it all the time." (That would be convenient. Not that I want to be right now.)

Just keep your ears open for me, pray that I can find a job, and motivate me. Thanks.

I totally called it

So one of my BBFs got engaged yesterday and I would just like to say that I called this way back in June. As proof of this I will type word for word a document that I have on my jump drive entitled "Prediction."

June 22, 2009

I, Meagan, predict that Marissa Roberts and Anthony Wadsworth will get married in the future. Marissa claims that she won't get married in the winter but I predict that they will become engaged sometime in the fall and then want to get married in the winter because they don't want to wait until April/May. Also, I predict they will get married in Utah because it will be a convenient place for all. Which will make Marissa getting married around the 18th/19th of December in Utah. I am writing this so I can say I called it. Thank you.

Meagan Carr

Marissa and Anthony will be getting married in the St. George temple on December 22, 2009! (Another one bites the dust.) I am really excited for both of them and they will be great for each other. Now I will enter my mourning period as I do for all of my besties because they are lost to me forever. But I will throw an amazing bachelorette party/be the wedding DJ and it will all be good. And we've all promised that when we're old we will be those old ladies who get together for Women's Conference at BYU for REUNION. I can't wait.

Me, Marissa and Anthony

Again, thank you.

PS. I love all my friends' husbands. They pick good ones.

Today during lunch

with one of my BFFs talking about exciting upcoming events, a butterfly landed on my backpack. It was orange with black spots (but not a monarch), I thought it was lovely and then it flew away. I felt like Meg Ryan in "You've Got Mail" when she tells Tom Hanks about a butterfly following her on the subway. It was a lovely afternoon moment in the warm sun.

Instead of studying...

I am surfing the internet and blogging. Waste of time? I think not. I'm supposed to be studying for my huge/important/hard/$265 that I paid for/up at the U/will help me in life exam. But sometimes it is so boring. And I'm fighting a cold right now so I am, as Meryl Streep said in Devil Wears Prada, an "incubus of viral plague."

While avoiding my studying I decided to pop in a DVD of The Office and watch an episode-great because they are only 20 minutes long and you don't waste a lot of time. I watched "Booze Cruise" from season 2 and it reminded me why we all love The Office so much. (Season 6 is not doing it for me). The best line was when Jim was asked if the boat were sinking who he would save-"I would save the receptionist." (girly sigh)

Now back to work.

Ps. Norah Jones is great music to study to.

Best of Summer

A tad late, I know. But here's to Summer and why I love it so much-2009 edition.

outdoor concerts-ice cream-slurpee runs-swimming-sandals-summer dresses-bare feet-fireworks-rodeos-lightning-rainier cherries-sunshine-Harry Potter-Moab-GNOs-camping-smores-reading-everybody's gettin' married-setting things on fire-cosmic catch-brownie batter blizzards-Truman-Museum of Art-grass-homemade pizza and grilled nectarines-not ever needing a coat or jacket-Eric Hutchinson-bubbles-hiking-sparklers-4th of July-BBQs-hot air balloons-Kings of Leon-ice blocking-pool games-flashlight tag in the wilderness-kyaking-the emptiness of Provo-people more relaxed-no homework-no snow on the mountains-ER episodes

Also, I did almost everything on my Summer To Do list, even go to see Eric Hutchinson which I never thought would happen. (Can you tell the cold is getting to me and that I am missing Summer?). Farewell Summer, you were good to me.

Oh Snap!

So, I am unrighteous and didn't watch the Relief Society broadcast on Saturday. Instead I went to the BYU football game and yelled my lungs out. But that's why they put it online, right? Well, I watched Julie Beck's talk on the purpose of Relief Society and man, that woman is awesome. I enjoyed her comment on the Priesthood being able to call upon the RS in any occasion because we have the capacity to do a great work. I also like how she stressed the importance of attending what are now all called "relief society meetings" because they help build up the kingdom/enrich our homes/teach us skills/fellowship others=brings us closer to Christ. It's not just 50 minutes a week. How are we supposed to do all that in one lesson at church? Therefore all meetings are going to be called RS meetings because they are of the same purpose. Her comment on visiting teaching was phenomenal. "If the sole purpose of visiting teaching was to hear the message then we would save time and just read it over the pulpit in Sacrament meeting." Wow. Tell that to my visiting teachers who came over for seven whole minutes last night.

Basically, I love these women. I used to think RS was kind of sissy/for old ladies but since I have been a part of it I have really started to learn what it's all about. We have a great power for change and influence. The sisters of the RS General Presidency are strong and smart women who are great leaders. They are such an example to me.

PS. I am STOKED for General Conference in 2 days!

My family

No not my real one. But it's close enough. I heart my FHE family. All the people are nice, hilarious and willing to do absurd things for activities. This makes me like them all. Four of the boys have a horse shaped cake pan and like to whip it out for any occasion they can. Last week we had a pot luck complete with horse cornbread and horse brownies. My FHE dad has a bullhorn which he uses all the time. And we end every FHE with a cheer.The activities so far have been great! The first week we played "would you rather", unga bunga, and then the winners of those two games had to drink a gross combination of freshly juiced vegetables. (I think Dusty secretly just wanted to use his juicer). Also, no one was forced to drink the nasty concoction. They all did it of their own free will. The second week we had a dodgeball fight with flour filled socks and tonight we played a commando game on BYU campus. Did I mention that I enjoy that everyone is up for doing weird things? Anyway, I really, really enjoy my family. Here are some pics from the flour fight.

Audrey got a lot of flour on her

Me and Rachelle doing "Fierce"

The FHE crew (minus a few)

Genius

I saw this on a commercial today. It's a new camera from Samsung where they have a screen on the front of the camera. When you do the thing where you hold the camera out in front of a group that you are in to get a picture, you can see if you are even in the picture. I think it's genius. (Although I like the quirkyness you get when you can't see what you're shooting. It's always a fun surprise.)

GLEE

Ok, so there's this new tv show called "Glee" that I'm kind of into. Now, I'm not necessarily recommending it because I don't think everyone will like it, but there are some funny one-liners. The premise of the show is about a high school show choir full of nerds who are trying to make themselves respectable. (Essentially it's like High School Musical only not for 12-year olds). The show this week featured Josh Groban. Here are some quotes I thought were hilarious.

"Who is Josh Groban?!!....Kill yourself! He is an angel sent from heaven to deliver platinum records unto us. And if he were here right now I would club you to death with his critic's choice award."

"Screaming teenage girls can't do it for this pop star. Josh Groban loves a lousy alcoholic."-Josh Groban

Thank you.

Labor Day Weekend

So rare is a three day weekend at BYU that I decided to make the most of it and take a trip home to Washington. I know it was only a week after school started, but you've got to take what you can get. I took my friend, Marissa, my sister, Jillian, and her friend, Sam. On the way home I was doing 85 in Idaho, got pulled over and got my first ticket. Way to go. Usually Idaho is where we speed because no one lives there, the roads are usally good, and they don't patrol at all. I did not think that since it was a holiday weekend that there would be more patrols out. WRONG. Also, I used to think that the first time I got pulled over I would cry and have an emotional breakdown. In reality I was like, "no biggie." I am proud of myself.

When we arrived my mom fed us stuffed shells. Glorious. I then got to sleep in my own bed in my own room. I haven't slept that well since Marissa and I spent the weekend with Jessica and stayed at her house.

On Saturday we headed up to Seattle! (There's not really that much to do in the TC). I was worried that it would rain all day and be miserable but it only rained once for like ten minutes. It was overcast though which is too bad because it is gorgeous when it is sunny. There was a tad confusion over directions but we got there safely. I was a bit paranoid about getting towed but I think I did the pay parking lot correctly. (I am so not a city girl). We first visited Pike's Place Market. It's the third time I've been there in less than two years but it's a must in Seattle. I love the flower vendors the most. Huge boquets that go on forever. So colorful. Also they have plenty of vegetables and fruit, jams, oils and vinegars. Tons of things to try. It was packed because it was Saturday, but still fun. I didn't get mini-doughnuts becasue there was a mile long line. We did see the first ever starbucks, the restaurant used in the movie "Sleepless in Seattle," and the guys that throw the fish.

Me and Marissa at Pike's Place

Then we headed over to the Space Needle for Bumbershoot. I wasn't really sure what it would be like exactly but being Seattle I kind of knew what to expect. It was billed as a music and arts festival. I told the other girls that it would be the most hippie time of their lives. And it was. On the way in I saw a bumb selling bongs. Only in Seattle. There were a lot of vendors and things to look at. Jillian described it as "you know when you see things and you wonder where people get things like that?...well this is it." So true. Lot's of eccentric hippie/grunge attire. There was a fountain in the middle of the park where there were people interpretive dancing. Only in Seattle.

Jillian and Sam by the fountain

The real reason we (I) went was to see Eric Hutchinson. (You may know his song Rock & Roll.) It was in front of an outdoor stage that was standing only. I wish I had 9 inch platform shoes so that I could actually see at events like this, but I did ok. There were no old men bobbing up and down in front of me this time (James Morrison/Adele). I LOVED the concert! Eric's music is so fun and catchy. He is a great singer live and the arrangements were different than the cd which made it even better. During the show he made up a song on the spot about Seattle and how we almost had to watch the concert with our ponchos on. He was so good at ad-libbing. I had tons-o-fun and think the others did too. Afterward he came out for a meet and greet to do autographs. Never in my life have I been squished by so many people. Random people were touching me and I did not enjoy that. When we finally got to Eric there was a table in between for safety purposes so that's why the picture looks awkward. Then we left for home.

Eric Hutchinson

Me, Eric and Jillian

Sidenote-Bumbershoot is actually a big thing. Other singers they had included Jason Mraz, Sheryl Crow and the Black Eyed Peas. Jason was on Sunday otherwise I would have see him too.

Side story-The night before my dad was asking about Bumbershoot and seeing if we were going to go listen to grunge music. (Grunge music a.k.a. Nirvana started in Seattle). I explained that grunge is not a big thing anymore. Then trying to act like he knew something my dad said, "Yeah, isn't the singer like...Keith Cobain?" I started laughing. So close. It's Kurt Cobain.

On Sunday I went to my wonderful home ward where they are newly wed or nearly dead. Sooo many babies in church! Too loud. But my mom taught Sunday School so that was fun. After church Jillian and I took Sam and Marissa to all the TC high points. The Columbia River Temple, Richland High School, and the Columbia River. Not much, but I loved it and it's my home.

Sidenote-I would just like to say that my childhood is now nonexistent. Everything I once knew is now gone. My park has new toys, my elementary school has been torn down and rebuilt, my high school has been remodeled and don't recognize anything, and the library I used for 17+ years of my life has also been remodeled. I guess it's progress but it's changing what I know.

Monday we drove home. My car gets great gas milage. Then we all had to play catch up for school. But I'm glad I finally got to take Marissa to Washington!

Me and the Columbia River

Today I'd rather

sleep in than wake up

be outdoors than indoors

read my book than do homework

eat cafe rio than make dinner

drive my car to work than ride my bike

watch tv than be at work

be in Washington than Utah

work on my skills than use my skills at work

Here's to the second week of school. Only 14 more to go!

Last First Day of School

Today was my last first day of school. How do I feel about that? Kind of sad, no more classes and learning and being around people my age. Kind of excited because that means no more homework and I get to earn money and hopefully contribute to society. Here are few of my thoughts about today.

1. I LOVE seeing people on campus. It's been months or longer since I've seen some of these people and it's so exciting to see them.

2. People really need to walk faster, you can't just mosey along. I have somewhere to be and you and your cute little girlfriend are holding up traffic. Also, use the proper door and side of the sidewalk. Even if there is no one coming out the out-door, don't use it. You just cause problems thinking you are cool by going in the out-door.

3. Saying that you are applying to a major is not as legit as actually being in that major. So saying that you are a "pre-communications" major is not actually a major. Sorry. Let me know when you get in.

4. The freshman get smaller and younger looking every year. Seriously.

5. In my Shakespeare class everyone had to introduce themselves and say what their favorite book was. I was amused when everyone picked hard core classics like Jane Eyre and 1984. Then it got to the point where people would pick their favorite classic and then not so classic such as a fantasy book. It was like they were trying to impress the teacher by saying they read hard books. When it was my turn I was honest and said that I like to read Harry Potter. I'm not ashamed to admit it. That got a laugh.

6. I ALWAYS see someone I know in the textbook floor of the bookstore. Always. Although this year they didn't have free candy. Or notebooks. I blame the economy. I hope this doesn't affect the free BBQs they always do.

7. I might actually stay awake in my drugs and behavior class. This is a first for me.

I think I really will miss BYU...

Ridiculous

Everyone's getting married. Before you think I'm exaggerating look at this list I made. In order to keep track I had to write them all down. What followes is a list of 44 people I know that either got married or engaged from April 24-August 31st 2009. Usually it's only 4 or 5 people in the summer. It's kind of ridiculous.
1. Mandy Turner
2. Ashley Ha
3. Josh Perry
4. Kyle MacLean
5. Seth Dickson
6. Rachel Sauerland
7. Nellie Liljenquist
8. Marcus Gilson
9. Chase Egbert
10. Kenny Rhoten
11. Rachael Christensen
12. Adam Jones
13. Travis Adams
14. Kammie Willis & Jeff Lee
15. Tommy Montoya
16. Natalie Jackson
17. Jon Guynn & Amy King
18. Kate Sadler
19. Mariana Costa
20. Stephanie Raleigh
21. Sarah Small
22. Stacie Van Giesen
23. Crystal
24. Julie Bonifay & Andrew Nieven
25. Ben Sparks & Megan Kirk
26. Sarah Black
27. Kirk Steele
28. Sunni Rogers
29. Tashina Lowry
30. Ashley Johnson
31. Jenee Johnson
32. Emily Heiner
33. Angela Green & Jared Smith
34. David Bass
35. Cameron Lee
36. Lucas Simplicio
37. Lexi Thompson
38. Lauren Magelby
39. Cortnie Prestwich
40. Bryce Schetschlaar
41. Lauren Inouye
42. Matt Vickery
43. Chase Ficklin
44. Emily Carr

See I'm not lying.

Quoted

"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are."-Kurt Cobain

I've been pondering this lately. Thanks Kurt.

"A" Positive

I was in kind of a bad mood this morning. My roommate's alarm kept going off and I was kind of feeling sorry for myself for various reasons. Then it came time for me to donate blood at work. I went, I pumped, I gave. It took me a long time, 14 minutes. I'm not really sure what type my blood is but I think I am A positive. The phlebotemists kept messing with the needle, adjusting it so my blood would come out faster. Then my hand went numb. But that was just because the blood pressure cuff was too tight. Now I have a cool pink bandage around my arm. I saved three lives, possibly more depending on what kinds of experiments they do with my blood. And I felt better about myself and am in a much better mood because I helped someone out who will need my blood someday. I am "positve" (ha ha, blood pun).

Which brings me to my other thought for today. Organ donation. I am a big supporter of it. I don't have a family member that's needed one or some sad story like that, I just think it's a good idea. If there ever comes a time where I die, I'm not going to need those body parts anymore. So if they're still good, why not let someone else have them? In Washington you can choose to be an organ donor when you get your driver's license, they put a little red heart on it. I've got one on my license. Organs donated can include kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, pancreas and intestines. It's awesome. If you watch 30 Rock--Kidney Now!

Victory against The Man

I was bored today at work so I decided to check out my booklist for the upcoming semester. I had two books, one $105 and another $197 for a total of $302. That was outrageous. So I checked on amazon and half.com to see what they had. I ended up buying them for $21.50 and $93.93 including shipping, for a total of $115.43. Savings =$186.57.



I know the BYU bookstore is only a company trying to make a profit, but seriously? I always try to buy books online because they are usually cheaper. Sometimes it doesn't work as well because if you drop a class, you can't return it. Or you have to wait for it to come in the mail. But I've got three(ish) weeks until school, and I'm definitely keeping these two classes so it works great. I feel like I've won a battle against The Man.

Didgeridoo

I just like that word. It's fun to say. (Ha ha, that reminds me of the movie "ELF," Francisco!).

Let's start today with a joke.

Q: What did the breakfast lover say to the kidnappers who tried to take his pregnant wife?
A: Leggo my Preggo! (I just made that up myself).

I made pizza last night and it is GOOD.

Lately I've been getting a lot of questions as to my future plans after I graduate this December. I honestly don't know. I could move to Arkansas or something (I hope not). But I have a few ideas in case I don't get a job...

1. Become a ski bum
2. Work at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter-see this

3. Go to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, BC, Canada
4. Become a nomad

Any other ideas? My long term goal is to move between all my friends houses and stay there for free while I babysit their kids, but my friends have neither houses (except Jenna) nor kids so this plan is on hold.

Kind of starting to freak out about this graduating thing. I guess it really happens.

Happyness

I just read a story about the movie "Singin' in the Rain." When writers Betty Comden and Adolph Green showed the famous Gene Kelly dance to Leonard Bernstein he stated, "That scene is an affirmation of life."



Don't you just want to sing along? Gotta love Gene Kelly.

Cosmic Craziness

I played this game last night called "cosmic keep away." It's just "keep away" but more fun. The ball is electronic and you wear these things around your palm that have sensors in them. They are all a different color and when you catch the ball, it can tell which color touched it. When you start the game it tells you who is on which team by calling out the colors. There are also variations of the game. One is where you have to just keep it away from the other team for as many passes as possible within a certain amount of time. Another is the first team to get to 20 passes wins. Therefore the goal of the game is to steal the ball from the other team and make more passes before they do. The only downside is that there are only enough sensors for six players. I can see this game getting really rough so we shall limit the number of boys who get to play at one time. I also think this would be really fun to play in the pool. You can find it at Walmart for $25 by Nerf or Hasbro. They are both pretty much the same. I highly recommend this new game.

July 20th, 1969

40 years later and I am still awed that man walked on the moon. I think space is so facinating to learn about. Trivia: Who was the third man on the Apollo 11 mission?



Answer: Michael Collins. Everyone forgets him. They usually remember Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Man this makes me want to watch Apollo 13. Kevin Bacon. YES.

My Grandpa

My grandpa's name is Francis William Foster. He lived from 1913-2007 and died at the age of 94. He was pretty quiet when I knew him but I remember he liked black licorice, Victor Borgia, and doing crossword puzzles. He was probably one of the most intelligent people I've ever met; he even knew how to read Latin. Grandpa was short because his mother was given drugs either when she was pregnant or giving birth that stunted his growth. He was born in Vernal, UT and attended BYU, graduating valedictorian of his class of 1935. During his college days he climbed a tower where a bell was hanging and carved his initials in it. That bell is now known as the victory bell and hangs in front of the Marriott Center. Grandpa was also the first person to take pictures inside of Timpanogos Caves. He worked at Hill Air Force Base for many years. When he and my grandma met it was on an actual blind date. They each had friends that were blind that were set up so my grandparents assisted them on the date and that's how they met each other. On their honeymoon he tried to save my grandma from a spider, jumped on the bed and ended up getting folded up into the wall! He always liked his peanut butter spread to the edges of the bread for his sandwiches; because of him I make them this way too. I remember going mini golfing and Grandpa offering a quarter to whomever got a hole in one. He always had quarters. Grandpa loved his children and grandchildren a lot. I hope I can live as long and as good of life as my grandpa.

My aunt found this picture in a BYU Alumni magazine a few months after he passed away. We had no idea this picture existed so my family was pretty surprised to find out about it. It is on the steps of the Provo Library when my grandpa belonged to the press club at BYU. (He's the little guy in front).

Harry Potter and the Movie Premiere

Where were you last night at 12:01 AM? If you are cool you were watching Harry Potter 6. I attended the premiere at the SCERA theater in Orem. It was a modgepodge of people in my crew-Kira, Austin, and Erica from WA, Kim from the ticket office, and Rachelle, Chris and Taylor from the ward. I wore my new Harry Potter t-shirt to display my Harry Potter pride. 12:01 the previews started and I've got to say I was really annoyed when all the girls started screaming during the Twilight preview. It makes me want to watch those movies even less. On a scale of 1-10 it would be a negative 7. About an hour into the movie the power went out! The theater manager came out and said the theater would have to be evacuated if the power did not come back on within 10 minutes. I almost had a nervous breakdown. Thankfully the power came back on and we got to finish the movie.

Kim and Me

The movie was good. I wasn't as happy with it as I was after the 5th one. I have read the books a ton so it's hard for me not to compare them and be upset about what they left out. The movie on the whole felt really rushed to me, even though it was 2 1/2 hours! Altogether, it wasn't my favorite, but the did do a really good job.

Things I did not enjoy: Ginny hitting on Harry a lot, not seeing all the memories in the Pensive, not showing Snape teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts, they showed too much of what Malfoy was up to (in the book Harry doesn't really know), the death eater's attack on the Weasley's house at Christmas (not in the book), the way they showed Harry watching the death of Dumbledore, and not having a huge battle in Hogwarts/Snape running away without much of a fight.

TC Crew

Things I did enjoy: The Weasley Wizarding Wheezes, Luna Lovegood, Draco Malfoy, the young Tom Riddle (did you know that he is the nephew of Ralph Finnes, the guy who plays Voldemort?), when Ron eats the chocolates laced with love potion, when Harry drinks the Felix Felicis (hilarious), when Ron is poisoned and then says "Hermione" when he is unconscious, the quidditch game, the attack on Malfoy, and the wand tribute to Dumbledore after his death (also not in the book).

I also enjoy how they keep the same background characters because people like me will notice if they are not there. For example, Neville Longbottom. No lines really in the 6th movie, but he was still there. During the movie I was getting kind of drowzy towards the end. When the Inferi attacked Harry everyone in the theater screamed, which woke me up and made me scream. I missed a few things toward the end. So I'm planning on going again, but when I'm more awake.

What did you think of HP 6?

Thoughts of Today

Michael Jackson-May you rest in peace. He had a strange life but was a great entertainer. I wasn't particularly connected to him in any way, but I do appreciate the influence he had on music and the world in general. My favorite Michael Jackson memory is hearing my brother impersonate him and sing along to the song "You are not alone" with all the key changes. And all of the jokes people made about him dangling his son Prince Michael II (Aka Blanket) off a hotel balcony. My favorite songs include: "She's out of my life", "You are not alone", "Beat it", "The way you make me feel" and what would Halloween be without "Thriller"? I'm looking forward to the biographical movie or Lifetime original movie that is sure to come soon.

Social Security Number-Did you know that it is possible to predict your SSN? These guys developed software to predict it using your date and place of birth. It's pretty accurate. My SSN starts with a zero because I was born in Connecticut but I didn't get mine until I was three so it shouldn't be too predictable. As you go west across the US the first number increases. In Washington, all the kids I knew that were born there, their number's started with six. Cool huh?

Summer-I love it. I love being able to be outside until late because it's so warm. I love that I had FHE in the park and ran around in the grass barefoot. I love that it stays light outside until after eight o'clock. I love the produce that comes in season. I love having no school and not having to worry about doing homework. I love smaller wards, summer dresses and sandals. I love the sunshine on my shoulders and swimming. Summer is pretty much amazing!

Girls in my ward-Some girl, who is either mad at someone for not asking them out or mad at boys in general for not asking them out, decided to post flyers on all the guys door's in my ward. They included a quote from Elder Oak's famous talk about dating and told the guys they need to stop being boys and start being MEN by asking girls out on dates. There were two other quotes along the same line. I found out about this yesterday and I was embarassed for the girl and sorry for the guys. It kind of upset them. There are a lot of guys in my ward that have a lot to offer and any girl would be lucky to date them. If this note thing ruins things for anyone I will be upset. This girl needs to chill out, it's not all about dating (although we're told all the time that it is...).

Family-Dad, Stephen and Jillian are coming to visit in a few weeks on the way to take Stephen to school in New York. I am so excited.

The End.

PS. There is a young Australian guy who works where I work. I love his accent.

Happy 4th of July!

I had a great weekend, how was yours? I had Friday off of work so instead of sleeping in I went with Marissa to see the hot air balloon deal for Provo's Freedom Festival. It was pretty sweet. And we ran into Julia, Scott, and Maren from the old ward. We hung out and then went to get Kneader's all you can eat french toast for breakfast. Delicious! I then had a most relaxing day. I napped, made an awesome sandwich for lunch, strolled the freedom festival and saw some pretty cool stuff. Dinner was a BBQ in Bountiful for my cousin Eliza's birthday and then I went to my good friend Kira's birthday where we played the card game scum, I did a Happy Birthday interpretive dance with my bubble wand, we had bubble races, sparklers and set things on fire like flour and hand sanitizer. The only low point of the weekend was all of the crazy people camped out on University Ave the whole night. I don't get it, it's just a parade. These crazy people started saving spots at like noon the day before. You'd think they were giving away money or something. We also had two port-o-potties placed in front of my apartment complex. Lovely. Anyway, just having all those people outside made me nervous. Then I went to a rockin' dance party and went to sleep.

The next day I was awaken by cannon fire. Yep, it's true. Then I went out to watch the parade, and had a pretty good view. I didn't even camp out. I chilled some more, went swimming, did another BBQ where we played croquet, and then went to watch fireworks. Fireworks were a lot of fun but kind of lacking. Afterward, we had a ward bonding massage session and then I sat in traffic for awhile waiting to get home. Melanie kindly came with me and we rocked out to Beyonce and Hannah Montana (I cannot get enough of Beyonce's "Halo"). I also celebrated by watching the movie 1776 about the Declaration of Independence. It's rather corny but it does have a young Mr. Pheney from Boy Meets World portraying John Adams. I felt rather patriotic. After all of this, I still have 5 boxes of sparklers and one entire cake to use up.

I love the 4th of July! It's the middle of summer, BBQs are awesome, you can swim, or do anything to celebrate our nation's independence. My favorite part is fireworks. Here is my confession: It has long been my secret desire to watch fireworks with a boy. I think it would be one of the most romantical things ever. It hasn't happened yet but someday. There you have it.

I love being American and having the chance to live in this free country and all of the blessings that come with it. I am proud of the United States' heritage and that we get to celebrate!

Happy 4th!

Washington Girl

I am a true Washingtonian. Besides all the rain the state is also known for great agriculture. Apples, cherries, alfalfa, wheat, asparagus and probably more. Living so close to great food has affected my tastes. I am kind of a snob about apples. (PS. they stink in UT). And I am craving Rainier cherries. Last year my sister brought a huge bag home from work from a lady who lived on an orchard. It was like three pounds for free. I haven't seen any in the stores yet. Just the Bing variety-named for Bing Crosby, because he is from Spokane WA. Maybe a farmer's market will have them. Rainer cherries will be the perfect compliment to summertime!

Summertime

This has been waiting a long time to get put up. I should be asleep right now but I need to get this out there...

To do this summer:
Reading program at the Provo Library
Farmer's Market
Sunflower Market
Go to a rodeo
Watch fireworks
Color Me Mine
See Harry Potter at midnight
Watch ABDC
Write my play
Work on photography
Find a concert to go to-Shaun Barrowes/Truman. (Although I would love to go to Bumbershoot in Seattle Sept. 5 & 6 to see Eric Hutchinson and Jason Mraz.)
Go home/see Stephen before he goes to med school
Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house
Go iceblocking
See "Singing in the Rain" at Hale Center Theater
Go to the Hogle Zoo in SLC

To read this summer:
Sense and Sensibility-Jane Austen
Emma-Jane Austen
Northanger Abbey-Jane Austen
Persuasion-Jane Austen (I thought I'd finish all her books)
A New England Yankee in King Arthur's Court-Mark Twain
Everything is Illuminated-Jonathan Safran Foer
In a Gilded Cage-Rhys Bowen
A Royal Pain-Rhys Bowen
Royal Flush-Rhys Bowen
Murder on Waverly Place-Victoria Thompson
Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince-J.K. Rowling
An Unlikely Friendship-Ann Rinaldi
Serendipity-Louise Shaffer
Among the Mad-Jacquline Winspear
Birds of a Feather-Jacquline Winspear

To see this summer:
Center Stage 2
The Ballet Shoes
Iron Man
The Tale of Dexpereaux
Noah Wylie Librarian movie
Confessions of a Shopaholic
17 Again
Hannah Montana: The Movie
The Proposal
Night at the Museum II
Star Trek
Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince
500 Days of Summer
The Ugly Truth
Adam
Sherlock Holmes-(Doesn't come out until Christmas but has Jude Law as Watson).

Feel free to borrow any ideas or suggest some...I hope I get them all done, it would be a great summer!

Stay Tuned

Sometimes I get these random visions for party themes and then I have a great time organizing them. For example: Cookout-Freezout (this one didn't happen), Pi day (three years running), my 20th birthday dance party complete with zebra pinata, Salad Palooza, Cafe Rio party, 21st birthday Luau, Jenn's Bachelorette party, and 22nd birthday Pannini party.


Currently working on: garden party, Jenn's farewell party, and Harry Potter #6 Release party. Going to be out of control. I love planning.

Salad Palooza

20th B-day dance party

Monica's 20th b-day, I make good ambience

21st b-day Luau

"Pi" day 2008

Jenn's bachelorette party

22nd Paninni b-day