Wicked!

I've been thinking for the last couple days that I need to report on the fabulous production that I got to see in Salt Lake. I just couldn't figure out the right way to do it. I could go on about how Elphaba was amazing, the dancing, the set, costumes, and the fact that Glinda stole the show with her airheaded blonde comments; however, as I revisited the music I decided to list a few of the lyrics from different songs that I loved.

You really don't have to do that... I know, that's what makes me so nice.

Wishing only wounds the heart.

And if I'm flying solo, at least I'm flying free!

I believe I have been changed for the better. And because I knew you I have been changed for good.

So it was either quote everything, or only quote a few things so I'm going with the latter and not spoil it for you if you plan on seeing it sometime. It really was a blast to be able to go and see this with my family. Kudos to Lisa for getting us all together! Loved it :)

Rafting in Paradise

So I stole this title from a blog written by a bunch of river guides on the Snake River. When I first saw it I thought it was a bit of an exaggeration; however, after this past weekend I will admit that it is pure truth. This weekend I was able to go up to Jackson, Wyoming and have a weekend to remember. There are a few things that I learned from this trip. And who woulda thought I would share these things in a list? Hehe

First, the phrase "taking a trip down memory lane" was coined for this excursion. I took the same route that I took on my first voyage up to Jackson, and boy were there a lot of memories going through my head.

Not all cars are made for camping. My sister's Kia Sentra proved that.

It's ok to set up your tent a mere 15 feet away from the road as long as the road is dirt and it's in the mountains... right?

Having the right amount of food for a trip makes everyone happier.

Rafting in Paradise is something I want to make an annual thing. I didn't get to go on a rafting trip last summer and that made me realize that I love and miss it.

If you are sitting on the raft, about to go through a big wave and all you can think is "Man, I don't feel particularly stable in this particular spot" you should probably move so as to avoid being plunged into the water in Big Kahuna.

I am not one who enjoys cliff jumping. Found this out from the baby cliff that I jumped off of into the Snake River. I am not a fan of the free falling sensation. Everyone kept saying the climb was way worse than the jump. I would have taken the climb three times over instead of the jump.

It's amazing how much you can fall in love with a place. This trip made me realize that I miss Jackson a lot more than I thought I did.

I also re-learned that potentially awkward situations surround me daily.

So once again, Jackson has made my summer that much better :)

Yesterday was Plain Awful

Actually, it was Monday that was plain awful, but I had that song stuck in my head the whole day. And while Monday really was awful, what with incredibly rude adults from youth conferences, and kids I wanted to literally hang, the sun indeed came out the next day. Tuesday's group was fantastic. This group restored my faith in humanity. You might ask me why that is the case, and I will gladly answer. With a list.

First, Tuesday's group, the great group, got there about 15 minutes before I did. This gave me one of those mini-heart attacks because the group from Monday, the awful group, disrespectful group also arrived earlier than the facilitators. If my co-worker hadn't gotten there a little earlier than planned on Monday, I am fairly certain there would have been a thousand injuries; however, Tuesday's group was playing a round of Big Booty and politely waiting for us to arrive, instead of throwing rocks down the hole in the port-a-potty while the leaders talked on their phones.

Another reason Tuesdays group was so great? They listened. They had respect, even for just a 21 year-old-girl who, despite her size, really does know what she's doing.

In my mind the very best thing about this group was their enthusiasm. While explaining the commands for the high elements we instruct them to say "Belay" and then the belayers say "Belay On" and then "Climb" with the response of "Climb On" and then we said: "And then the climber says 'Rock' and the belayers say...?" This group answered with a resounding "PAPER!" I don't think I've ever laughed so hard at the ropes course. Rock, Paper...? We were expecting the phrase Rock On, which followed the pattern. So for the rest of the day we had a leader who, instead of yelling just "On" in response to "Rock," would yell "Paper, scissors, lizard, spock ON!" It made for a fantastic energy that made the whole day simply great.

So thanks goes out to Tuesdays group :) And even though yesterday was plain awful, the sun will come out.

In honor of Troy (the leader who thought the phrase was Rock Paper Scissors Lizard Spock)

Sometimes I'm Dumb

But really, I am. Remember that one time that I told myself that having two jobs during the summer meant little to no time for anything else? Like sleeping or breathing? Yeah, I did too; however, this summer I was like "Oh, I won't have school so it will be fine." But you know what is way worse than taking two classes in the summer while working two jobs? Planning four classes that you have to teach in the fall while working two jobs. I'm so dumb. I have proof telling myself that this was a dumb idea. I will never learn.

My Life is Awesome

Sometimes I just think that my life is awesome, and here are a few reasons why...

Yesterday was the epitome of a summer day: Slept in, made lunch with a friend, set up hammock and then hammocked for hours. Ate some amazing trail mix, and then watched one of my favorite movies... Megamind!

And then there was today. Today I woke up and looked up my grades. Who has two thumbs and a 4.0 this semester? This girl. (That will be the first and last time I will use that phrase, but I wanted to use it so don't judge). Then I got paid to play on the quad for four hours. I am now off to end it with dinner with another friend-- cause I have those! YES! Great summer. No more stress.

U-turns & Low-tech

So I lack the appropriate skills to fully document the trip I took with my siblings to Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington. Instead I'm going to recount the journey with some quotes.

Day 1 : Thursday, July 28th

"Is that close enough!?" -Megan

"YES" -Karen (aka the GPS)

"Did you know that they don't have sales tax in Oregon?"-Mindy

"Maybe it's the fish" -Megan

... Two minutes later

"Did I just say 'Maybe it's the fish'!?!"- Megan

That's all we remember from day one, but the drive at 2 am nearly reduced me to tears.

Day 2 : Friday, July 29th

"Hat drinks" -Megan

"Turn the air on. Turn it warm. And turn it towards my pants!" -Gavin

"The shadow of the necklace scared me..." -Mindy

"This is not an OK hill!" -Megan

"I thought there would be grass" -Mindy (in reference to a Portland festivity entitled "Flicks on the Bricks")

Day 3: Saturday, July 30th

"There's a kid in my ward named... From Bremerton" -Mindy

"That guy's shirt has a picture of a giraffe and it says 'Moo, I'm a goat'"- All of us

"I'll just make a square turn..."-Mindy

Saturday was a rough day, so we didn't have very many funny quotes...

Day 4 : Sunday, July 31st

"That train is going like 2 inches a mile" -Megan

"Squish fishing!" -Mindy

"Oh, it just blew away" -Megan (in reference to a bird)

Day 4: Monday, August 1st (The day of my birth, in case you were wondering)

"How would you reuse toilet paper?" -Megan

"How many presidents signed it?" -Megan

"That music helped keep me awake on the drive home."-Megan

"That music helped keep me asleep on the drive home." -Mindy

"I think a screaming pterodactyl would have helped keep you asleep" -Gavin

Day 5: Tuesday, August 2nd

This day was mostly sleeping or watching movies in the car; however, this is just the list of quotes we remembered/documented. Needless to say there were countless more that were forgotten from the sleep deprivation accompanied with the smoke of Seattle. If we remember more amendments will be made to this post. And the running gag of our trip? "If only we had a smart phone..."

Hope you enjoyed our montage of quotes from our trip. If you're dying for pictures, click here.

Dear UP House in Herriman, Utah

I want to see you so bad!

I love the Parade of Homes, and I wish I had been there the week it was open. Now I will just have to stalk this house the next time I am home. It even has the hose that Russel can't climb up, and the mail box that sparks the whole story. If only there was a squirrel somewhere, and Dug! Anyway, you are an adorable house and I think people are geniuses for this one act. Woot for the HBA (Home Builders Association) for putting this lovely house in Parade of Homes. Not to mention those who actually built you. My own personal pictures will follow ASAP :D

Stop. Drop. Gold. Black.

Yeah, the zip line is pretty cool.

I'm Missing...

The ability to breath through both nostrils at the same time. Who knew allergies could just spring up on you so quickly.

Air conditioning. I currently lack this in my car, my house, and one of my two jobs (mostly cause one is outside). I never knew how much I loved AC, but I do. Love and miss dearly.

Sleep. Because of the combination of the first two, I have had much less sleep. I've found that if I go to bed with an ice pack somewhere in my bed and a fan going full blast sleeping is much more doable; however, it took me over a week to figure this out so much sleep was lost.

Home. I have been a little homesick. Perhaps this is because I am dreaming of my bed in the cool basement, or the fact that I have the misconception that my allergies only affect me in Logan. Either way, I'm missing home.

Family. This goes hand in hand with being a little homesick, but I miss them especially.

Friends. I have friends from Salt Lake to Wyoming that I am surely missing.

I think this list has been great to think about, but I have also found a bunch of things that I have found.

I've Found...

A new respect for people with allergies. I'm not going to lie, I've always thought allergies were a lame excuse to not want to do anything or go outside. I have found the error of my way. Allergies are the worst. I have holed myself inside as much as possible if only to avoid the horrible floating white substance that blocks off my breathing and restricts my vision.

A great tan. As much as air conditioning is fabulous, within the heat of my job I've found I've gained an awesome farmers tan and an even better chaco tan line. I believe I currently hold the chaco tan line crown :) Snaps for me.

Great books. In the time that I haven't been able to sleep (usually from 1 in the morning to 5 in the morning) I have rediscovered great books. The Book of Mormon, The Red Pyramid etc etc.

Home away from home. I bought a hammock. This might sound weird as my "home away from home" but I braved two hours in my back yard with my new hammock, armed with allergy medicine and bug spray and thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was simply so relaxing that the only comparison that does it justice is my own home.

Friends. At the ropes course we are staffed solely by women, minus our head coordinator. This has been the greatest. I have found a friend in each one of the girls that I have worked with there, and I am so grateful to have a summer to spend with them. Hopefully there will be many more nights of Harry Potter and or Village Inn.

Roommates. This goes along with the previous one, but I have found great roommates. What are the odds of finding a roommate that is willing and prepared to encourage me to go to a ballet class? Slim to none, but I was lucky enough to find such a roommate. And we have enjoyed one ballet class and hopefully many more as the summer progresses.

I hope my lists of randomness haven't bored you to death!

Summer 2011

So far I'm not entirely sure how to go about describing my summer. I really wish I had access to all the pictures we have taken up to this point, but alas... I do not (BUT one of my goals is to get my own camera and document my adventures).

I already wrote a list about what I've learned (and yes Mindy, we learned how to put a helmet on properly so if you descend quickly and happen to land on your head, it actually does its job instead of sliding off for you to crack your head open). And the only other way I can think of is pictures... So my dear reader I think you will just have to wait and see.

Also, today I took my car into the shop. At approximately 10:00 am today I should have a car with a fully functioning driver's side door, AC, windows that roll down, a left front blinker, a rear-view mirror, and a host of other random small things. I am pretty freaking excited :)

Wobbly Log

Today was my first day on the course. Needless to say it was an adventure. Started off with rain (and I'll just tell you now that it ended with much more rain). Despite the rain, however, this was such a great day. In the last two days I have.... (bet you didn't think this was going to be a list. Guess again)

So in the last two days I have...

Gotten my food handlers permit

Been CPR/First Aid certified

Learned how to tie various knots (Partner, Barrel, Figure 8, Fisherman's, and Prussic)

Learned how to use a ATC, Figure 8, and Gri Gri as belay devices

Learned how to set up a zip line

Learned how to actually belay someone as they are in the harness/air

Learned how to put on a helmet

Learned how to put on a harness

Also learned how to check a helmet and harness to make sure it's safe

Been rained on, a lot

Frozen

Scribbled down at least four activities that I will use in my classroom someday

Wanted to rub it in other people's faces that my summer job is cool than their summer job

Been really tired

Read, a lot

Done homework

Finished my laundry

So it has been an exceptionally good day/two days. I'm excited for the rest of this summer. I will try to get pictures of adventures, but of course they pulled the cameras out right after I was done crossing the wobbly log. Oh well I suppose.

Careful What You Wish For....

Remember that one time that I was actually planning and hoping to work two jobs, take classes during the summer and still find time to breath? Yeah me too. I dunno what I was thinking, because that's exactly what I got for this summer, and it may kill me.

I Just Can't Resist

I know I talk a lot about my nieces and nephews on here, but I can't help it. They're pretty much the greatest. I was babysitting my sister's kids the other day and we were playing outside and the kiddies were on the swing set. The youngest, Mr. Lucas Jeffery proceeded to try to climb up onto the swing, without much success. So I put him on there and went back and sat down. I was seriously tired and couldn't seem to wake up properly, so I wasn't exactly jumping at the chance to get up and do much, but there are a few things I just can't resist:

A big hug.

A piece of chocolate.

And a two year old with the deepest blue eyes looking up at me and saying "Push me Meggie!" So I went over and started pushing. Another thing I can't resist "Higher Meggie!" Of course I push him as high as I think is safe and then comes the sugary sweet cherry on top. The biggest toothy grin and... "Thank you Meggie!"

And then repeat. For probably twenty minutes.

I really do love kids, and I've had so many opportunities to witness what little miracles they are.

If you didn't already know, I've been teaching swimming lessons to 3-10 year old kids. I gotta say that lately it's been trying my patience. A lot. But there are always brilliant shining moments that reminds me that I really do want to be a mom someday. I'll share one with you.

For kids that are three years old they have a half hour long class. There's usually three kids in the class and they are usually pretty good kids (there is always the occasionally crier, and there was even one little boy that threw a full on tantrum in the water... but that's another story) anyway, a couple days ago for one of my half hour classes we had a fourth student and it was her very first time swimming. She was not excited. She was so tiny for a three year old, and very vocal about the fact that she did not want to be in the pool. For these overly vocal students we pull out the big guns. Distraction. Water toys. So each kid got a toy and little Ashlynne (the screamer) calmed down. When we got to Holland's turn to go (a little girl that has attended swimming lessons for the entire summer- along with her cute siblings; I taught her older sister, anyway), she quickly hopped up, offered her toy to Ashlynne and proceeded to tell me how cute she thought Ashlynne was. When Holland's turn was over, she proceeded to tell Ashlynne herself what a cutie she thought Ashlynne was. I dunno why, but this almost made me cry. I've never wanted to hug one of my students so much. Holland has always been super sweet, but this was such an accurate display of that sweetness that I was blown away.

So in a nut shell, I guess I just can't resist these little kids. My running joke for the summer has been to say that hanging out with all these little kids is making me change my life plan. I think it's a true statement. It's made me want to be ready to have my own kids, and know how to take care of them and help them become as sweet as the kids I've gotten to play with this summer. It's also made me rethink the number of kids I want- haha the number went down instead of up in case you were wondering. Anyway, I do love kids and I'm glad I get to play with them for another couple weeks before I go back to the grown up world.

Megan's Fun-O-Meter

I think I have funny outlooks on things, and this is one that I've thought a lot about. I think you can guage how fun something was based on a few simple things.

First: how big of a freakout after said fun thing. Mostly this applies to little kids (but some adults do this as well). The more tears they cry, the harder they fight to stay and do whatever fun thing they're doing, the more fun the activity was.

For example: Parents tell kids it's time to go home from the park, the kids whine a little, but they go willingly to the car. Therefore the park wasn't that much fun. On the other hand, when parents say it's time to go home after a sweet awesome day of hanging out with their favorite aunt and they scream and cry and break down, this means It was an exceptionally great day.

Second: how good your chaco tan line is. Haha I think this one is just funny. It doesn't mean you need chacos to have fun, but it means that if you have them, and the tan line you have from playing outside in them is good then you've had a good time.

For example: Spending a weekend in Moab, Utah with my favorite person and going down the river means a better tan line, which means a ton of fun :)

Third: how well you sleep after a fun activity. If you hit the pillow and are out, this means you've had a great day.

For example: After a weekend of river rafting, laughing, eating, driving, and a little bit of swimming and you're out before you know what happens... this means a ridiculous amount of fun (not to mention happiness).

So far those are the only ones I have, but it's been fun to think about these. Now you know how to figure out if you've had a good day or not! Haha

Dear Jackson Hole, Wyoming...

I forgot how much I miss you!

So this past weekend was pretty great. I took a trip with 20 people, only two of which I really knew. I think one of the biggest reasons I had so much fun was because I was out of my comfort zone. I went and had a blast with a bunch of people that I didn't know at all, and I loved it. Usually I don't like being in a group with people I don't know, but this was different. I feel like I met people that I could be friends with, and not just for that one weekend of whitewater adventures.

Anyway, I love Wyoming and I think this was a growing experience for me (which is always a good thing) and Wyoming is never a disappointment. A fantastic weekend all around :)

Spring Break #2

Last year I wrote about Spring Break and how literate my immediate family is. For this post I will once again spotlight my family. I guess I'm pretty boring for not doing anything for yet another Spring Break, but at the same time I'm really happy that I got to go home and hang out with the family (especially the shorter ones in the family, and I don't just mean Heather hehe).

Anyway, I like my family. In all reality, I love my family. Each one has something to bring to the table and it makes life a wonderful meal, so to speak. This post, however, is a tribute to my niece and nephews (as if I don't gush about them enough, but I really can't over them!). These five children (soon to be SIX! Congrats Chelsea!) are amazing, in a nutshell.

So, here is to Jayna, Jacob, Logan, Cohen, and Lucas (and soon to be baby GIRL Leavitt!) I love them all so stinkin much :D

This is usually where I would put in an adorable picture of me and these kids, however I forgot to take one. So in your head imagine 5 crazy little kids and an ultrasound picture haha

Oh Daddy-O!

Here are a few pictures from my most recent adventure. I flew down to Texas to visit my dad who has been working there for nearly a year and a half. I needed a vacation and the very first thing that came to my mind was my dad in Lack Jackson, Texas.















I was thinking about it as my dad and I frantically tried to fit in every possible thing and I came to the conclusion that I have a ton of memories of my dad and I at zoos and galleries and other field-trip esque places. You might ask why. Well it's because I'm pretty sure my dad was there for 100% of my field trips from grade K-10. And it only goes to 10 because I didn't really go on field trips in high school - I went on tour and I bet my dad would have been to those in a heartbeat as well if finances had allowed. Anyway, my point being that my dad was always there. Perpetually. And I loved it. I never felt like he was overbearing and my friends generally felt comfortable around him (or at least they seemed to be, and they never said anything otherwise). What I'm trying to say is a great big thank you to my dad. For always being there pops. I love you.

Things that I have missed!

Here is a list of things that I have missed about my dad while he's been gone.

- The way he whistles no matter what he's doing
- His sneezes that you can hear from across the street
- The way he smells, its just good and comfortable
- His smile, and his fangs haha :)
- His witty, if not somewhat inappropriate remarks... which may or may not include profanity. Oops
- His easy-going-ness
- Basically anything and everything, but these things that I've listed in particular.

Things Left Unsaid

I find that I've been thinking a lot about this lately. I attended a funeral on Tuesday and it was beautiful, the flowers, the singing, and the spirit and I decided that I should not leave things unsaid. So this is me saying things I should have said a long time ago.

As I sat in the service for Kenna Smith I watched as her grandchildren stood up to sing a beautiful medley and felt a love so strong I couldn't help but cry. This family had unequivocally and irrevocably accepted me into the fold of this love at a time when I don't believe they knew how much I needed it. I sat there, almost floored at how unbelievably blessed I have been to have any association with this family, with this love, and this bond of friendship. There was a peace there that I could not describe and a love that was unmistakable. So this is for you.

To the Spencer family, the Smith family, the Bintz family, the Huntsman family. You have been the greatest friends and an awesome source of support and love in my life that could only be equaled or rivaled by my own sweet family. For a long time I could not understand how every one of you could accept me so fully and so completely into that fold of love and family, but learning more about the two that started this family it was easy to see why and how. I hope you all know that you have taught me the truest meaning of charity, that pure love of Christ who died for all of us. I hope with all my heart that I can share that in some way with every person I meet, and in my own family one day.

Shannon has always told me that no matter where life takes me she will always see me as one of her own, and I find it a privilege to be thought of as an honorary member of this family- and no matter where life takes me I know I will find love and friendship within this unit.

I guess in a nutshell I am thanking you for every moment that you have shared with me, and for the love and kindness that you continue to show me. You have been a shining example in my life. Thank you once again.

The Meaning and the Reason

There have been a few select questions on my mind lately, most of which I won't divulge here, but one in particular that I will.

Saturday was my 19th birthday, and it was a day full of family and friends. I had the opportunity to attend the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house, which I was very happy about seeing as it was the last day to do so.

I went with two of my best friends and literally hundreds of others. As we walked through towards the first flight of stairs my mind went to one of those questions. What is eternity? This question has been itching my brain for a while, and I've spent many an hour puzzling over this (usually while I'm at work and should be doing something productive). But this question came to me and I looked towards the myriad of people and a little girl cried out, and it echoed through the entrance. This drew me out of my reverie only to take a better look at the entire room filled to capacity with people from every walk of life, but what caught my attention most were the children.

And it clicked.

There was eternity. With each child born there comes the hope of moving forward. It seemed to me that there was an abundance of small children populating that particular session of the open house, and every one look more precious that any one thing the world could hold. There was eternity.

The realization of what eternity means to me (because by no means is this any sort of text book definition, just the ramblings of a teenager) was reaffirmed later that night.

My grandmother celebrated her 81st birthday in June and she came by to wish one of her dozen or so granddaughters a happy birthday. As she sat and visited with me and my family, she told us about the surprise visit she received from her oldest son (my dad's brother). she told us that each one of his children brought their own little family and how they had ten small children running around their yard. She laughed and said she couldn't quite believe it- Ten great grandchildren, and that was just from one of her three sons, not even to mention her two daughters, and it hit me again. There was eternity. It shone in the hope of a young child, and in the love of this beautifully aged woman.

So I guess eternity to me is family, and never seeing the end of that family. To me eternity is the young and the old and the journey it takes to get there.

The meaning is family, and the reason is Christ.

Needless to say I cannot wait until I have ten great grandchildren from just one child, therein lies eternity for me.