It was such an adventure. I really needed it. I have a lot of great stories from it. Should I tell you some?

We drove a lot. Stopped in Vegas for a while. When we got to California, we checked into our hotel and decided we would race the sun to the beach. It didn't work. We couldn't find it? We used a GPS system to get around (for some reason the GPS nickname is Gina?) and she got us lost. But it was cool. When ever she would hassle us for taking a wrong turn, we replied in unison with, "Shut up, Gina!" We just ate some In & Out and called it a night.

The next morning we tried to get last minute tickets to Ellen DeGeneres. No luck. I was pretty sad. (Next time, next time.) We went to Hollywood (I'll tell you right now, that place is a JOKE. Like Las Vegas except less strippers and more lame.) where Caley SWEARS she saw Nicole Richie walking down the street. (She didn't.)

We also saw the LA temple. Which is MASSIVE.

Cool nature.

Then? Then we went to the beach. And my passionate love affair with the ocean was awakened. I love it there. Everyone loves the ocean. Why? I'm still trying to figure that out. But I know why I love the ocean.

So we were driving. Saw these. On the beach. Pulled over.

It's because it makes me feel good. It's peaceful. And happy. And it plays with all my senses. And whales live in it. Also, sea turtles and sharks and fishies and and... dolphins and... cool stuff. I want to see a whale someday. I'm still totally obsessed with them. It makes no sense.

I'm afraid of seagulls. I'll tell you why. When I was in grade school we went on a field trip and stopped at a park for lunch. I was terrorized by seagulls. They ate my lunch and pooped on me. It was horrifying and scarring. Can't say I ever really got over it. Caley peer pressured me into facing my fears. The result? Well, I'll let you watch for yourselves. In my defense, THEY WERE GOING TO EAT ME. I title this video "Megan vs. Satan Seagulls". Enjoy.



Caley wanted to go to Hearst Castle. And me? Well, I didn't care because I had no idea what it was or why it was supposed to be cool. So we went there but missed the last tour of the day. I was glad because I didn't want to pay 20 bucks just to walk around some rich guys house. Caley wanted to take a look around the gift store and learn more so I looked at books about whales and elephant seals. The following conversation we had is sure to bring a smile.

Caley: Holy crap, Meg. This castle is huge. It's ridiculous that he felt the need to build something this crazy.
Megan: Well, maybe he had a big family. Gotta put 'em all somewhere, right?
C: He didn't have any family.
M: How do YOU know?
C: Megan, do you even know who William Hearst is?
M: William Hearst... Wait a sec. WILLIAM HEARST? As in, Pulitzer and Hearst?
C: Yes. I thought you knew that.
M: As in, "Pulitzer and Hearst they think they got us, do they got us? No!"?
C: Duh.
M: We need to leave... NOW.
C: Why?
M: We're ENCOURAGING him.
C: He's dead!
M: He still knows we're here! He's probably watching all these people paying money to look at his stuff and cackling at his evil success. (Shaking my fist at the ceiling) Not me, Hearst! Not me! (To Caley) Don't even think about buying that book!

Side note: Yes, I realize that I formed an opinion about this man purely on a 1992 Disney movie. A musical no less. I'm totally okay with that.

Then we went to San Francisco. Where we saw more seals. AWESOME. And looked around, shopped at the pier and China Town and Ghirardelli square. We saw many great things.

This is China Town.

BABY BUM!

There was a bum playing his guitar and singing things like "My name's Eddie, wanna go steady? Gimme a penny so I can buy me some spaghetti!" or "My name's Joe, gimme some dough!" It made me laugh really loud. Caley wasn't very amused. Not sure why. Maybe I'm just easily entertained. I love people.

Oakland.

That's about it. The drive home was long but we entertained ourselves.

I went to the Draper Temple Open House yesterday.

We drove around it a few times to take some pictures.

What shade of blue would you say the sky was? My opinion: Glorious Blue. Coming soon to a Crayola box near you. (ha?)

Seriously, the weather lately has been splendid. As long as the sun is out, I'm happy.


I was so excited to see it. I can't even describe it. It was breathtakingly beautiful. If you're in the area, I suggest going to see it.


In certain rooms there are hand painted murals on the walls. They reminded me of Grandpa Ross. Made me think of some of his paintings I've seen. Which sent me into a whirlwind of thoughts and memories. I have a memory of going to church with Gpa Ross and Gma Lyn. (Maybe a cousin's mission farewell/homecoming? Not sure. It's fuzzy.) I remember sitting next to my wonderful grandparents. Grandpa had doodled on the program. Trees, mountains, rivers, bears, deer. I remember watching the way he held the pen and let it outline the figures. Easily guiding it to create beauty. I sat in awe at how quickly and gracefully he created a landscape. If you asked me who my favorite artist is, my answer would most likely be Ross Davis.



Thinking about him made me think of Lyn. (Well, that or the fact that I was wearing her shoes.) How much I miss her. All my memories of her are from my childhood and early teen years. I wish I could know her and see her through my new "big kid" lenses. But as I was walking through those rooms with handcrafted furniture and original artwork, I felt her smiling down on me. I felt her arms wrap me up into a tight, warm hug. That's special to me.

On the way back, we stopped at the store. And by "we" I mean me, the boy, and the china man.

Side note: the china man=one of the coolest persons I've ever met. We found cool sunglasses and decided to take pictures.

The end.

A lot has happened within the past little while. I'll tell the story after I say this.

I've been thinking lately about the things I post on this blog and why I leave some parts of my life out. A part of me believes that there are certain things in life that are just too personal to share with other people and that those other people might not want to hear that part. I still believe that, but on the other hand I've come to the conclusion that whoever doesn't want to hear it, doesn't have to read. "It", in this context, is defined as everything that goes on in my life that I have something to say about, yet I leave it out of the blog. Main topics that fall under this category are my dating life and my spiritual and church life. So from now on, I Go There. If I feel like writing about those things (or anything else for that matter) I will. If I don't feel like it, I wont. The end. =)

So here is the story. I'm sick. Don't know what it is yet, therefore don't know how to fix it yet. Because of this, teaching in China is being postponed until we know what's going on and I get back on my feet. Making that decision is at the top of my list of hardest things I've ever had to do in my life this far. Right up there next to saying goodbye to Sam. (OH MY GOSH I SAID HIS NAME ON THE INTERNET. =) Hahaha!) Where was I? Oh yeah. China is postponed until future notice. Overall, I'm okay with that. (Although, I'm sure you'll hear me whining about this soon enough.)

School is on hold too. I withdrew from classes yesterday. So, for now, I'm omitting all stress from my life, and focusing on getting healthy. I'm keeping my part-time job. The plan is, as I get better I'll ease into life again. Whether it's China, college, massage therapy school, cello lessons, or Hogwarts. Seriously, the possibilities are endless. And I'm looking at ALL the possibilities. =)

I'm taking this time, not only to heal, but to also:

• enjoy the cherished company of my lovely family
• laugh hysterically with my crazy awesome friends
• learn what it is I was put in this world to do and figure out how to do it
• help out with the high school lacrosse team I started last year (Ran into Coach T today. And by "ran into" I mean that I went to the high school to see her. She doesn't have an assistant coach yet and wants me. I'm thinking, why not? If I'm feeling up to it, it will make me feel like less of a loser. I love lacrosse.)
  
• listen to the music note residing on my heart and do what it tells me to do
• the possibilities are endless... =) any ideas? (That means comment on this post, please.)

I wrote this last night, "Question for thought... Today I did some of the hardest things I've ever had to do, withdrawing from school and deciding to postpone China, so why is it that I'm happier right now than I have been in days? Weeks even?"

Could it be the stress relief? The empowering love and support I've received from family and friends? Actually making progress in some direction instead of just spinning wheels? Gratitude? Hope? I think it's a mixture of all.

Dear Family,

Thank you.

Love, Megan

To do list:

1. Pick a program: check.
2. Pick a country: check.
3. Apply online: check.
4. Get academic reference: check.
5. Get character reference: check.
   
6. Go to interview: check.
   
7. Apply for passport: check.
   
8. Get accepted: will know next week.
   

In high school, there was this bench. It was right outside of the cafeteria. "The Bench" is where I spent my lunch hour every day during my junior year. It was more than just a bench. We formed friendships and memories there.

I remember one day, after school, we sat on the bench and talked for a few. We all ended up on the floor, unable to stop laughing. I can't remember why.

This is the last of The Benchers. Missions are wonderful, but I already miss those friends.

Caley, Cam, Laney, Megan, Bridget, Dave, Sam, Mike (not a bencher, but still awesome)

Every once in a while, The Benchers get together and have a cereal party. A cereal party is usually on a Saturday morning or a holiday, such as today. It consists of unlimited supply of cereal, cartoons, movies, video games, friends, laughter, and silliness. Pajamas are required. It wasn't quite the same with out this guy today. He left in early August.

This kid is bangarang.

Surprise! The festivities started early with six close besties and this, on Friday afternoon.

"My name is Optimus Prime. We are autonomous robotic organisms from the planet Cybertron."

New boyfriend? Perhaps. Oh, who am I kidding? How can you resist those guns? (Haha! Get it?!)

Pinata! Pinata! Pinata!

I wish I had taken a picture of all who were there. My friend from Layton drove all the way here just for me. I'm loved.

Saturday was a happy birthday! It started with a delicious breakfast with Laney and Caley. Got distracted on the way home and went for a test drive.

Sasha.

The sky looks cool through the mirror.

Then I saw it again. I will never tire from that movie. Ever.

I will never ever ever grow up.

A friend of a friend was having a back to school party. That's where I met the teeter totter. Also where I met a new friend. From Australia. With an accent. Yep, that just happened. I wish I could talk like that. Or maybe I just wish I could hear people talk like that all the time.

One of my favorite birthdays. Throughout the day I said many things like, "Can you drive? It's my birthday." or "You should let me eat some of your french fries. Why? Because it's my birthday."

I got two other surprises here and here. Thank you! =)

And one of my best friends sent me this.

Yep. It fits.

Song of the day. -- OH MY AWESWOME!

My friend came home from college. For good. I'm so happy. I didn't realize how much I missed her until I saw her again. She's my home girl. Friday we filled our tummys, had a sparkling conversation, and saw this. She hadn't seen it yet so of course we had to go. I loved it the second time too. We laughed so hard. And then when I saw her next, I stood and yelled, "Will ya look at what the tide brought in?" And then we giggled.

One of my dear friends came for a visit on Saturday. We (him, me, other friend) went to all night bowling. They turned the lights out and put on those funky ones that make everything glow. I'm a terrible bowler. But I did win two glow sticks during the little game by getting two strikes. It was the first time I've enjoyed bowling in a long time. We chatted and reminisced. Missed our best friend together. (It's been eight months, only sixteen left. Not that I'm counting or anything....) He misses him more than he shows. I can tell by the way he talks about him. I wonder if I use the same tone when his name is brought up. If my face has the same expression. I try not to show it if I'm sad.

I decided that bowling shoes are the bee's knees.

And today. Was just splendid. It was wonderful and uplifting. I was so thirsty for spirit and warmth. I'm filled to the brim.

Song of the day. - That sweater! Goodness.

I went to MAMMA MIA! with my Mamma Mia. I couldn't really stop laughing. And I didn't want to. It was that good. Of course, it doesn't take much to entertain me. I mean, I'm the girl who can tell her favorite joke repeatedly and still think it's the funniest thing ever. What's my favorite joke? I'll tell you.

Me: Okay, okay. Ask me if I'm an orange.
You: Are you an orange?
Me: (Fit of ab working laughter, ferocious shake of the head) No!

Can I live in Greece? I fell in love. The way the sun shined off the water. The aged hotel. Everything was so white. Mixed with blue. Art. Simply Beautiful.

I decided this song will forever be able to put me in a good mood when I'm feeling down. And this one. Oh, boy.

My favorite part about the movie? It started a conversation about music, family, and life lessons that made my heart smile.

Other things I did today:

• Went to a volunteer meeting for this.
• Bought a shirt and a swimsuit.
• Gave my spleen to food poisoning. On a date. The most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to me. And I'm not easily embarrassed.

Song of the day.

Six of us went long boarding/scootering down Provo canyon tonight. Oh, the beauty. There was a fire at Bridal Veil. (Don't worry, we didn't start from that far up.) Made me miss my brother.

We decided to form ourselves into a gang. The long board/scooter gang of Provo canyon. We pretty much owned that mountain tonight.

We seemed to just glide down the paved path at a comfortable speed. Fast enough for the feeling of freedom to sink in. Slow enough to look around and really see my surroundings.

Rain. The only thing that could have made it better. Just one of those light sprinkles that lightly mist your face and make the rocks smell like summer. There's something different about the world on summer nights. It makes my brain ponder. It makes my heart race. It makes my soul feel connected to something bigger. Nature.

Sprinklers. We found some. She and I ran through them while the others watched in hidden envy.

• listened to this song (hello, hello. HOLA!)
• looked at pictures
• wished I could fly-for numerous reasons
  
• learned more about this fantastic inspiration
  
• went to Juice Press
• received a "special assignment"
  
• went on a mobile stakeout for sprinklers
• ran through them
  
• giggled with friends
  
• updated my iPod
• giggled some more
• took pictures
• ate two string cheeses... let's make that three
  
• pondered about summer, the love I have for all my friends (including you, yes, you), and music
• wondered what my 20-year-old face will look like
• 30-year-old?
• 40?
• washed it

"Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart." ~William Wordsworth

I think it's TOTALLY AWESOME that his last name is WORDSworth, don't you?

Song of the day. Lyrics.

What I accomplished today:

I washed my car and vacuumed it out. I've never seen her look so beautiful. Seriously. She looks gooood. Like, way good. Like, that car that you see driving up the road in the picture? Yeah, totally checking her out. Hot.

See? Look at her shiny curves glisten in the light of the sunset. Attractive.

Washing my car got me in a cleaning frenzy. I went crazy. I cleaned my room and it looks and smells great.

I organized the bookshelf next to my bed. Just in case you were wondering, I have two book shelves. The one by my bed is smaller and I only keep the books I'm currently reading on it.

Ten points goes to whoever knows what the thin white book is.

These books? Yeah, I've been reading some of them since December. I just have so many I want to read. So I get distracted. And i.just.want.to.read.them.all.ok? Okay? OKAY?!!

No, I was not snarling just then. Okay, maybe I was. I'm just really passionate about books. And when I can't read them all I get frazzled and depressed and maybe a little bit Insane.

Deal with it.

I decided to organize them in a rainbow-ish order. I think it will serve as an offering to the Sun Gods to help me get into summer reading mode and finish them. Maybe?

As I was cleaning my room, I found a project that I started a few weeks ago and just never finished. So when I completed the organization my bookshelf, I finished it. It feels good to finish things. I like the feeling of finished.

It's called Giant Journaling, this project of mine. I'm almost proud of this one. I mean, it's not as ugly as others I've attempted to create. I kinda like it.

Whoa, people. WHOA. I'm not proud enough to post a picture of it. You think I'm that comfortable with myself?

Well, maybe I am. But just not this one. I'll make another one soon and post a picture. But only if you really want. Deal? And the way I'll know if you really, truly, deeply want to see a picture of it is if you comment that you want to see it. But that's the only way I can know. Sound good? Good.

And what else will I do today? I don't know. I've been having trouble sleeping lately. But now I figure, if I'm going to be awake, I might as well be doing something relatively productive. I already feel a lot better about myself. You know, creating things instead of sitting there, staring at the wall. Thoughts?

I'm sitting on the floor right now. I've been sitting on the floor since I began organizing my bookshelf. Which was approximately... an hour ago. Time for bed.

Song of the day.


P.S. Want to know how big of a Disney nerd I am? I put my iPod on shuffle and got really, really excited when this song came on. I mean, the fact that it's on my iPod should be enough evidence. But then I just got so.excited.

My Independence Day was spent at the Stadium of Fire in Provo. Blue Man Group and Miley Cyrus performed. It was so cool. Blue Man Group was kind of weird. But I love weird. So it was great! And I like Miley. I'm not ashamed to admit it. But my highlight of the night were these.




It was so entrancing. I love fireworks. I felt my hear go POP POP POP along with them. Like I was watching a band play, feeling my heart pulse to the drummers rhythm. Beating in unison. My heart popped with the fireworks. Wonderful.

So, how did you spend your 4th.

Song of the day. It's pretty catchy. Silly.

At first she was against the idea. Because she was tired and feeling lazy. She just wanted to drive there. Pff... How square is that? Cool kids don't go with the norm. I explained how much fun it would be. The wind in our hair, the sunshine, the laughter, not to mention saving on gas. And by some sort of miracle... she agreed to it.

Take a moment and try to imagine my excitement... You can't. Sorry.

We quickly changed our clothes and threw sunglasses, a towel, and tanning lotion into two light backpacks. We dug up a pair of bikes and then we rode them to the public pool. I felt like I was in this movie. When they put a radio in the handlebar basket and sing as they ride.

We hooked my iPod up to speakers and hung them outside of her backpack. We snickered and sang. All the while, wondering how we came to be so fabulous. It was an adventure to say the least.

I love this picture. I love it. I love it. I love it. Not sure why.

At one point one of us said, "I love how we're graduated so we can do things like this and it makes us cool. Not lame." I know, Right?!

I wasn't aware she was taking this picture. Not bad.

Later, I rode over to her house. She sent me a text when I got there.

L: Come in through my window.
M: What?
L: Come in through my window.
M: Okay.

Didn't see a single bug. Phew!

And then! Then we went to a friends house. And played shuffle board. I kid you not, my friends. Shuffle Board. It was fantastic. My team lost. Miserably.

After, we went to a BIRTHDAY PARTY! "We're going to a party. It's a birthday party. It's your birthday party. Happy birthday, Darling. We love you very, very, very, very, very, very, very much." (Did I not tell you that my brain is a jukebox? Oh. Well, it is.)

We ate yummy cake and ice cream. And played scum. One girl was President the entire time. Except the very.last.round. When I dethrowned her. (Yes, I know that's not a word.) But Ha!

And there you have it. My very adventurous, summer day. There are many many more to come...

Song of the day.

We wanted to go to the National Music Museum yesterday, but it had closed. So we stopped for the night and went this morning.

Buildings like this intimidate me.

They had headphones and a hand-held player so you could hear what the different instruments sound like in every gallery of the museum. It was beautiful. And fantastic.

Absolutely gorgeous.

Looking at those pianos, my fingers itched to touch. I wanted to sit and let my fingers dance along, playing some unknown melody. I bit my lip instead.

I wanted to hug it and smell it and play it. Simultaneously.

This was awesome. The colors, the patterns, the turns.

Doo-doo-DOO! Doo-da-doo.

And this. Well. This just made my Friday the 13th.

All you need is love.

Then we were driving, and billboards taunted us every couple of miles. Clever. Using phrases like, "Prepare to be a-maiz-ed!" and "You're almost ear!". We couldn't resist. We just couldn't!

Corn. Corn corn corn.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you the world's only corn palace. All those pictures are made out of CORN.

CORN.IS.EVERYWHERE.

Did I mention corn? No? Huh. Well, CORN.

Naturally, we followed them.

They led to this.

If I knew anything about photoshop, my sister's heads would be in the two empty holes.

And a store at which I bought the coolest ring ever. And earrings. Awesome.

What a charmer. His name is Zack.

Somewhere between the Corn Palace and where we've stopped for the night, I was thinking about this trip. I wondered why I was enjoying this so much. I mean, most people wouldn't be too thrilled about driving across the country with their mom. Especially at my age. So what's so special about this? I was racking my brain for a reason why this is so fulfilling. So inspiring. So meaningful. I came to a few conclusions.

Firstly, Mom and I are connected on this super-natural-mind-reading level. This has made this trip highly enjoyable. We want the same things out of it. Spontaneity. Adventure. Experience.

I want to travel. See the world. This shouldn't be news to any of you. But as I was reading this book, I realized that before I can try to experience other countries and their cultures, I need to experience my own. I grew a desire to see this country. And here I am. Seeing it. Experiencing it. This is so awesome for me because it's the beginning. This is where it all starts. And I am inspired. And bursting with excitement.

Beautiful country.

Song of the day.

P.S. I got invited to this today. Do you hear that? ... Sounds like a woot train. ... WOOT WOOT! =)