It's not candy.

When I was in elementary school, we had a lot of motivational speakers and activists speak at my elementary school and do assemblies. They were supposed to be life changing. And most of them were, in one way or another. There was one that was particularly life changing.

The speaker starts the speech asking “Who’s a fan of M & M?”

And my hand shoots up into the hair because who isn’t a fan of the brightly colored candy that doesn’t melt in your hand and comes in several varieties, including peanut, almond, and pretzel? Not to mention those are my initials, which makes them especially important in my life.

But then the speaker starts going on about how M & M is a misogynist who raps about killing his wife and doing terrible things to women. How dare we worship this awful person who is morally corrupting our society!

I was pretty confused. I thought she was talking about yummy candy. I don’t even think I knew what rapping was or what it sounded like.

My life was great and I was pretty innocent and untainted before I learned that Eminem is not a candy. I don’t know why that lady had to come in and ruin all of that for me.

I guess adults really like to lecture kids they don’t know because it’s easier to do that then talk to congress, or marketers, or whatever. And maybe there were some kids in that gym who really needed to hear about evil Eminem, I don’t know.

Looking back, I would have appreciated learning how to identify sexism in elementary school. But one assembly by one random person (who was making pop culture references way over my head) probably wasn’t the way to do it.

Love the lights

It's still really weird for me that I'm actually getting married. I am uber happy, of course, but some days it just doesn't feel real, and it feels really far away. It's so odd that so many people would do all this stuff for me and help me plan this huge celebration called a wedding. Really, for me? So many friends and family are excited for me, but I can't help but wonder why.

I guess I am usually giddy about weddings, but I just don't expect other people to be, too. And it's so odd to think that's its my wedding -- our wedding, really -- not my cousin's, not one out of a magazine, not one in a movie. It's ours.

My wedding colors are cream, beige, sage and olive greens, and a wee bit of plum.

Sam's been more involved than I think most grooms are. This is good, because I can't stand being parted from him for long.

Anyway,

Today was one of those days where I can't decide if it's a good day or a bad day. I can't find my student ID card, but one of my classes was cancelled. My computer is working again, so I can blog and do homework better. I've also been really grumpy and slightly emotional. But you know, I'm a girl. It's what we do.



In other news,

I'm obsessed with this song. You should listen to it a few times, and then listen to the other remixes. I hardly ever post music on my blog, so you know this is good.

-Meg

Simply having a wonderful Christmas time

You know, Christmas. That time of year that is busy but beautiful, cold but cozy, expensive but exciting. In the past two weeks, I have made two kinds of cupcakes.

Vanilla on vanilla,

...and Gingerbread. (Recipe found here)

Except I used my favorite cream cheese frosting recipee. (We've been spelling it like that at our house recently. Don't ask)

Sam and I learned a duet on the piano, and it was so much fun. I loved playing and practicing with him. We make a good team. And it was one of my favorite songs, "Angels We Have Heard on High," except I always sing the words to "Angels from their Realms of Glory," except I only know the first line of that. But it's just so cool!

Anyway, I was secondo as usual. I like it because the player on the bottom pedals, and I like using the pedal because it makes me feel powerful. The hard part about the bottom is it's all in F clef, which I'm far less skilled at reading. But it is good practice for me.

I received many wonderful things, like a crockpot, luggage, clothes, and a watch. Sam gave me some wonderful pictures, and he got a large framed print of our favorite one.

But I do love giving people presents, like zebra print sheets for my sister Lindsey who's obsessed with all things zebra. And I gave Adriana a gift certificate to Color Me Mine, so she can go make some cool pottery.

In other news, I have been running and working out because a) I have time, b) I'm going to get fat from all the goodies and treats that the holidays bring, and c) I have new running clothes and watch.

Well, time to bring on the new year. And the new semester. Yay!

Sadness...

I now appreciate Steve Jobs' contribution to technology more than ever now that my iPod is gone. It was stolen today.

It was by my own folly and I took it relatively well I think. My iPod's name was Dr. Who.

I hope whoever has my beloved Dr. Who is enjoying my insanely lofty Pocket Frogs level and my mildly accomplished Angry Birds status.

Before he or she sells it on Ebay, I hope they utilize the dictionary app. to fill a crossword puzzle. I hope he or she plays some Scrabble, too.

I bet he or she finds enjoyment in Tetris and Robot Unicorn attack and reads a poem or two from my Poetry App.

And I'm certain that if he or she takes a gander at my music, he or she will be impressed at the variety and oddity of my collection. It is random and beautiful, and it took a long time to build up.

When I get a new one (notice it's WHEN not IF), I'm going to get a bigger one (Dr. Who was only an 8g). That's a plus. 

No one usually reads this blog, but I got an insane amount of traffic from a few sketchy sources. So if you're out there, iPod stealer, know this. That was an object I loved. Treat it well.

And those headphones? They were awesome. Appreciate those awesome headphones.

-Meg

Othering, buttoning and gerunding

How did Thursday happen? Where did my Spring Break go?

It went to my super secret origami project, syntax, letter writing, letter reading, facebooking, blogstalking, hairdoing, refining my Pandora "Mumford & Sons" station and other forms of delicious othering. The night is still young. I can still get so much done.

I know I'm totally not a legit blogger. I'm kind of a wannabe cool blogger. And since I have so much homework, I decided to procrastinate by making a button for my blog. The best instructions on how to do this are found {here}. That is what I call amazing technical writing. Easy to follow instructions make my heart glow. Thank you! So easy peasy!

You don't have to take the button. Really, you don't have to. You can wait until I have a published novel and 1,000 followers. But then you could say you followed me before it was cool to follow me... right?

But I remind myself why I blog. It's kind of like a journal, and a way to get my thoughts out. It's mostly for me and my own benefit. Writing has never failed to help me feel better. Ranting, praising, thanking, and in general just figuring out life. Writing is a great way to think.

I have a notebook I carry around with me almost everywhere. Some pages just have grocery lists. Other pages have little poems, or little lost thoughts. I love my little words.

Now for some homeworking!

-Meg

RedFest '10

Every year the U has a concert for students. Last year I didn't care for the bands, but this year, the line up was so exciting, I just knew I couldn't miss it! And I invited one of my best friends ever to come with me.

Ben Lee, who was slightly awkward, but pretty adorable. In a weird way.

Nate, the lead singer in fun. Oh, how I adore fun. They just make me so happy.

Do you know who else makes me happy? Lexi! Yay for friends!

-MEG

(Oh and go Utes! Sorry BYU, better luck next time...)

Count Your Blessings!

Hola! I have the urge to write in Spanish, but I'm not even close to being competent enough.

Today is a happy Tuesday! My classes were alright. Choir was fantastic, as usual. That always ends too quickly.

Right now I'm working at The Chronicle. So ya, that's a hint to check it out. We're pretty much the best student paper out there. But I'm not bragging or anything.

I ran on the indoor track today at the field house. It was so refreshing to just run and run and run until I could hardly go any longer! I didn't keep track of time or distance. I was simply running because I can. I am lucky to have a body that can be mobile and working. That is a blessing I don't want to take for granted.

Another blessing: I will be able to pay my tuition bill all by myself. No student loans, and only a little scholarship. I'm proud of myself. All that hard work really paid off!

Another blessing: Institute is so uplifting. I'm taking two classes, and I don't regret that for a second. My LDS history class is so inspiration and informative I just might retake it! And Book of Mormon is just a classic feel-good class.

Anyway, today I feel especially blessed, and I just had to share with the world! Life is good! The good Lord loves me! And He loves you too!

-Meg

All sorts of exciting

Holy Whoa! I deem the first week of school a success.

Looks like working at the Chronicle is going to consume my existence, but I'm alright with that.

I love copy editing, but it's grueling mental work. The trick is to not necessarily know ever grammar rule, but to be attentive to spot where there could be an error, and to know where to find the answer. But anyway, I don't want to bore you with the subtle nuances of editing.

On the other side of the coin, page designing is a taxing session of creative gymnastics and larger-than-life tetris. I justify playing tetris now by saying I'm practicing for page designing. Heck yes.

Syntax and phonology blow my mind, although we're in the slow beginning stages were we have to define everything, and that's getting old. I'm ready to jump into the thick of things!

Choir is going to be sublime at the very least. To be singing again feels wonderful.

I received Elder Hill's last letter from the missionary training center! He's off to the land of Fiji. He's so excited, and so am I. I'm nervous for him, actually, but I know things will be great.

And tomorrow... I see the LION KING! My childhood fantasy is about to be fulfilled.

-Meg

12:25 a.m.

I am done! But I don't feel like it. I don't even have time to adjust to any changes. I don't like change. I started a new job, and I am taking summer classes. I'm not having a summer; that's alright though, at least I'll graduate sooner.

What's in store for the summer?

Nutrition (this will probably make me go crazy about my eating habits), Cross-culture communication (this should be thrilling, especially since the Tim James affair), English 2600 online (this will be interesting... I just want to get it out of the way though) and International Children's literature.

I can't wait for the fall, though.

Syntax, phonology, creative writing, Spanish and probably choir! I think I need to take a math class or something... so much language! (I never thought I'd say that).

I would usually write a post about how I've learned so much this year, and all that jazz, but I don't feel like it. Now I'm just rambling on about life instead of going to bed. My schedule is getting way out of whack... I am no longer a freshman, which is nice, but I never really was one to begin with.

Mr. Hill turned 19. Whooo hoo! He can go on his mission to Fiji now. 48 days. Not like I'm counting. He has to go to Israel first though. He is singing there with the University of Utah singers.

Alright, enough rambling. Good night folks.

-Meg

P.S. my buddy missi started a blog. If you feel like laughing, click here. If you want to remain in a somber mood, then don't bother. :D

19!

I've begun my last year as a teenager. Wow! I can hardly fathom that I've made it this far. Heck, I remember when I went to kindergarden and I thought I was SO grown-up.

The highlights of my teenage years (I stole this idea from Laura btw- check out her blog here.)

13- I was in 7th grade, trying to figure out the big scary new Jr. High. It really was new- it was West Point Jr. High's maiden voyage. I got contacts. I was in Brigadoon (with the above-mentioned Laura).

14-8th grade. Didn't do the musical, but I did mock trial! I didn't do much this year- not sure why.

15-9th grade. Had my first crush, and first lead in the musical (those stories are very connected). I did NAL, and found my inner nerdom. Pretty much a crazy busy year, but very worth it. I dyed my hair for the first time.

16- Sophomore. I got lost in Cleafield High. I did the musical ( I was a wine glass and a bar maid). Had more crushes, met more people, and started driving. Dates slowly started happening, and I had fun, even though I got super nervous. I started hanging out with guys instead of girls. I thought I wanted to go into medicine.

17-Junior. Slowly got over the nerves for dating. I helped start a new school, Syracuse High. I was the editor of the yearbook, even though I had no experience. I did choir and the musical, and more AP classes. Took an online Spanish Course (?). I realized that the best thing I could do with my life is write and edit. I learned how to kiss.

18-Senior. This year was fun. I got to know all the teachers, got away with tons of stuff, ruled SHS as the first graduating class. We didn't have seniors the year before, so it was exciting to be the top dogs. Twice. Kept singing in madrigals. Did an internship with the Standard Examiner and still did yearbook. Really got obsessed with grammar. Concluded I was born to do something with the language arts. Ended a relationship with a guy I'd dated for a while. He was cool, but it was over.

19- Freshman. At the bottom of the totem pole at the University of Utah studying Linguistics instead of English as planned. Dated a really cute guy for a while, got dumped, and survived relatively happy. Met people from all over the world.

I can't wait to see what else is in store for me.

-ME

Semester 2, sans Choir

Two days of my second semester of college: complete. They were pretty painless and easy going, I’m really grateful.

But something is missing—and it’s a big deal. I’m not in choir.

This is not my choice; in fact, I would do anything to have it. Well, I guess not anything. My major just conflicts with music. Music isn’t my top priority, but it’s up there. It keeps me alive.
My Linguistics 3510 class conflicts with not only Women’s Chorus, but with A Capella as well, which is the choir a level higher, but still something I could handle. I can’t do either one. I can’t do Institute Singers either, because they meet at the same time.

I can’t even be in my Ward Choir, because that meets the same time as mission preparation, and as part of my calling I have to go.

Ever since about 5th grade, I’ve been in some type of choir. There was a break in 7th grade, but I was taking voice lessons at that point so I was still singing.

I love writing, but the process of it is quite solitary. It is the path I have chosen, but there is no choir of writers to shelter me or welcome me into their loving arms. There is no bond, no family of people united in a common love. There is no one to make me lift me and assure me I am needed. Writers don’t do that. We wander alone with our notepads, trying to make life an understandable fantasy. We explain things, we make up stories, and we imagine things and record them. It is a beautiful art because it is one of communication. But we are not together. We need one another only so one can read another’s work.

I will miss choir, but I intend to do it again. I’ll be surviving without singing, or playing piano.

Side note: I promise I’ll stop complaining, but this is weird. I have two classes that seem almost identical in my head and it makes me confused! Linguistics 3510 and Writing 2010. We even use the same textbook! This makes me even more enraged because I don’t need the linguistics class if my writing class is teaching me the same things…
Anyway, I love school and I love college. I was really meant to be here, and I realize that even more now that I’m here.

With love,

-M

PS- Like the new backdrop of the blog? I hope so!

PPS- I watched "Doubt" recently. Amazing show, the intensity and power makes me shiver with delight. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

Shuffle

So I had my iTunes on shuffle the other day. I was jamming to “Life in Technicolor” by Coldplay one moment and then suddenly I was listening to “Endangered Love” from the VeggieTales 10th anniversary soundtrack. I had a fleeting notion to quickly change the song, because my roommate was in the there and it is a little weird that I was listening to a children’s show soundtrack.

Then I realized--

I don’t care!

VeggieTales makes me happy, and the songs are pretty funny. My sisters and I spent endless hours watching the videos and singing along with the music. We even had Jonah: a VeggieTales movie memorized. No joke, we could recite it word for word.

Ana and I do listen to a pretty varied music selection so I shouldn’t have been surprised when she didn’t poke her head in from the bathroom and exclaim: “What are you listening to?” Nope.

She just kept doing her thing. I love that strange music doesn’t faze us.
After all, you get everything when you listen to musicals, and we’re musical kind of people.


Examples:

Rap-- “In the Heights”

Opera--“Phantom of the Opera”

Pop--“Wicked”

Big Band-- "Hairspray"

The term "musical" is pretty open. There isn't just one type of music in musical theatre.


We recently discovered iTunes Home share. Amazing. We’re practically family so we didn’t feel guilty about exchanging our eclectic selections over the wireless network. Now I can jam to all sorts of random music and so can she. Because besides musicals, I'm into all sorts of other stuff like folk, classical piano, choral, random alternative from obscure bands, and even a sprinkling of techno. And of course--VeggieTales.

Why listen to top 40 when there is so much out there?

-M

Change

This weekend has been a busy one for sure. Theme of the weekend: the only thing constant is change (and God). I’ve decided that change is something that must be embraced. Change should not be dwelt upon. The best thing to do is to keep moving forward and live in the moment.

Like tonight. My roommate, our adopted roommate Daphne, and I made turkeys out of construction paper by tracing our hands. That was so much better than homework, or dwelling on the fact that my life feels like an endlessly rotating kaleidoscope.

Earlier this evening I performed with my beloved Women’s Chorus of the University of Utah. I wasn’t too thrilled about having a show on a Sunday, but it was unavoidable. However, the music was very uplifting. There is nothing quite like singing in a choir. How is it that on stage I can focus impeccably but not in yoga? Maybe it’s the bright lights and the pressure of the audience in the dark expanse beyond--but I think that it’s the music.

My favorite song tonight? (or perhaps EVER) Weep No More by David Childs. The text is taken from the first stanza of a poem by John Keats.

Shed no tear--O shed no tear!
The flower will bloom another year.
Weep no more—O weep no more!
Young buds sleep in the root’s white core.
Dry your eyes—O dry your eyes,
For I was taught in Paradise
To ease my breast of melodies—
Shed no tear

I love my girls in Women’s Chorus! There is nothing like participating in inspiring music with amazing people. (Like Katie, the amazing accent girl!)

-Just Little Old Me(g)

Forget and Not Slow Down

A few weeks ago I did something I rarely do: buy an entire album on iTunes. I'm the kind of person that likes to just pick and choose my songs. But when I heard that Relient K had come out with a new album, and I knew I could rely on their music, I caved and bought it.

Forget and Not Slow Down

Relient K

I loved it. I'm a poor college student, and let me tell you that $11 was well spent. I walk around campus with my headphones stuck in my ears, and it was so refreshing to be serenaded with the fresh sounds of the classic band. They've matured a lot since last I heard them. My favorite song on the album? "Candlelight."

This album really made my whole week. (And it continues to make my weeks.) If you buy it, remember to listen to the songs in the numerical track order first. After that, just listen on shuffle with the rest of your tunes.