MR

5 Short Months

2010-10-03T18:54:00.002-06:00

Five months from now, I'll officially be in Fukuoka, Japan at the gorgeous Fukuoka temple with my mom, dad, and best friend.
Can't wait!

Back to the Future

2010-10-03T18:07:00.006-06:00

I've been out of the blog world for a long while now. Too long.

A lot's happened. But here's are just some quick highlights of the past few months.

* In June, I went to Anaheim for a Conference for work.
Angels v. Dodgers
- Diamond Club tickets: FREE
- Weaseling our way to VIP dinner seats on "The Deck": STEALTH
- Extra order of wings: THANK YOU
- "It's Goddzeerah!": HILARIOUS
- Rally Monkey v. Avatar video: CLASSIC
- 3 run Abreau bomb to tie & 2 out rally for the lead: UNFORGETTABLE

The next night we went for a trip to Huntington Beach and Balboa Island for good times and good food (best sushi I've ever had)!

* Took a quick few day trip to Vegas with some of my favorite people.

* Great fireworks show on the 24th of July.

* The BEST thing of the summer - Road tripped to Rock Springs, Wyoming (a.k.a. the butt crack of America) with Chudge to see Lifehouse play at the Wyoming State Fair.
- Classic sign

* Front row, right by the stage. Best show of my life.

* Caught a pick from him. Thanks Bryce! :)

* Won the Masters.

* Labor Day hike to Donut Falls with good people.

* Paint Capture the Flag

Samoa - Day 3

2010-07-08T12:52:00.004-06:00

Thursday, May 13, 2010

The heat was killer today. Even when we started going at 7 am. The container was finally ready to go. The first part of the morning was spent unloading it to get out the things we needed to deliver today. So hot and sweaty by 8 am.

Rasta (a.k.a. Dread lock) Dog at the container site

The first stop was Ah Mu Academy (an elementary school). We unloaded the things we had and were kindly given leis. Unfortunately, some of us had to leave for another appointment.

So half stayed at Ah Mu while the other half visited Little Sisters of the Poor (a senior citizen center). We arrived to find a TV crew waiting and about 30 elderly people sitting in a half circle around a fale. We were greeted by an elderly man, who happened to be LDS. Then Sam spoke about who he was, his parents, where he grew up, and who we were. We then sang five hymns and presented the gifts and got to go around and shake everyone’s hand. They all said, "Fa'afetai tele lava," which means thank you and, "palangi," which means white girl.

Then we were back to the container to load up some more goods and head to the National Hospital. This was an eye-opening and heart-wrenching experience.

The hospital was nothing like what I expected. Very dirty with sub-par care for everyone. We were in the pediatric ward to deliver stuffed animals and hygiene kits to children and families. They were there for things like pneumonia and fever. Things that are no big deal to us, but are detrimental for them hear because of poor health care. Another hard thing was to see the many families sitting outside of the hospital, waiting to get in for their children. They will wait for days and days just to have their children seen. And then wait for several more day. So the hygiene kits were very appreciated. And several kids were so excited about their stuffed animals.

After the emotional hospital visit, went to an open restaurant down by the ocean for lunch. Had a ham and cheese sandwich and fries (chips).
We had some down time to rest up before the Volleyball game tonight. The game was fun, but so hot. No AC inside the building. I don’t know how the team survived. We won all 5 sets though.
Supporting our team.

The best part of the night was after the game, when our team gave away all their gear to the Samoans. They were so appreciative and so excited about everything. Old sweaty shoes and kneepads to T-shirts and volleyballs. They were so excited. Many of them wanted our girls to autograph everything. Really neat experience. It’s was so good to give today. The most important thing I’ve learned today - giving is the most important. Giving of time. Giving of resources. Giving of love or even just a smile can make such a difference.

Samoa - Day 2

2010-07-08T12:18:00.005-06:00

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Since we weren’t staying with a host family, different families were assigned to bring us breakfast each day. This morning we woke up to fresh papaya, hard boiled eggs, and bread. I remember this moment so distinctly, with the food on the table and the sun shining more brightly than you can ever imagine. I remember that moment as thinking, “Ok, I fell asleep and woke up in a different country.” But I loved that feeling. I was so excited to be somewhere completely opposite of my real life.

That morning, Coach had to spend time getting the container (filled with donations for all our service efforts) cleared. Unfortunately, that was a really long process. So our service projects were delayed a bit. We went into town to shop and go to the flea market instead. Such a fun experience. Our first order of business was to buy a lava lava. Done. Headed to the flea market and took care of the second item of business - a fan!

We left the flea market and sat on a wall by the ocean for a while. I loved watching all the school kids and people wait for the public buses to come pick them up.

"Life Goes On..."

After lunch and our trip into town and still having issues with the container, Coach decided we shouldn’t waste anymore of our day. So we headed to the South side of the island to Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa, which Coach’s family members own. The drive alone, through the rain forest, was gorgeous. But Sinalei is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. They showed us all that had been rebuilt since the Tsunami’s destruction. We headed down to the beach, jumped off the pier, and swam for a while. It started to rain toward the end of the evening, but that just made it even more calm and peaceful. We went up to the fresh water pool to rinse off before leaving. As soon as we got in the pool, a waiter came over and offered us drinks. No one got anything, but I got water. He brought it poolside. I swam around with my deliciously refreshing glass of water. And returned it to him poolside. Ha it was cool.

Once night came, we left Sinalei and returned home to change and head to dinner. We went to a Chinese restaurant where we all ate family style. So good! Much fun had with the group.

Samoa - Day 1

2010-07-08T11:13:00.004-06:00

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

After our 3-ish hour flight that took us back in time a day, our plane landed in Apia, Samoa. We stepped out the door of the plane and literally hit a wall of humidity and heat outside. And we were pretty much hot, sweaty, and sticky for the rest of the week. We took a few pictures outside. We were all so happy and excited in Samoa.

Once we made it through security, customs, and baggage claim (which was a breeze compared to New Zealand), we were greeted by Uncle Sam (Coach’s uncle) who gave each of us gorgeous leis. Side note: I am now convinced that they wear leis like deodorant. Yep. Also, Coach’s son Sam, who is there serving his mission, greeted us at the airport.

After taking several pictures, we all piled into vans (with the same van groups of course) and headed to Uncle Sam’s house for a late night dinner.
It was pretty late (around 9 or 10pm) and very dark. So the 30 minute drive to Uncle Sam’s was pretty surreal. This is when it really hit me that I was in a different country, and a third-world one at that. We drove down dirt roads and all along the way were lit up fales (like houses without walls) and people sitting on the ground. We also passed several bingo houses were huge groups of people were playing bingo.

Once we arrived at Uncle Sam’s, which is directly across the street from the temple, pizza was waiting for us in the outdoor eating/gathering area we would come to know quite well. The pizza was ... different. Egg pizza. Spam pizza. Steak pizza. I just stuck to pepperoni.

After dinner, we met our host families. Well the girls I stayed with didn’t have a host family. We just got to stay in an empty house on the compound. The compound - completely owned by The Church. Within the compound is the LDS College at Pesega, the temple, the mission home, distribution center, and tons of housing for members. This is where we all stayed. It’s a gated community with 24 hr. a day security.

Before going to our house, the man who helped us took us to buy water at a grocery store. We drove through downtown Apia and past the ocean. Incredibly surreal. Very poor. I’m not really sure how else to describe it. Wild dogs everywhere.

Then we were off to our house, which was so nice! And air conditioned. Yes! And actually froze. I had to wear long pants, two jackets, and socks to bed every night because it got so cold. Great day! Excited to be in Samoa. Already the nicest, happiest people I’ve ever met.

New Zealand - Day 8

2010-07-08T04:03:00.003-06:00

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Today we packed up everything and left for Samoa. It was very sad and hard to leave.

I’m in love with New Zealand. It’s so gorgeous and I love the people. I love Temple View and our host families. I love the memories I have of New Zealand. The food. The accents. I really miss all of it.
The final goodbye.

The drive to the airport was long and rainy. I spent most of the drive looking out the window, trying to take in as much of New Zealand as I could.

We made it through the airport. Ate lunch. Relaxed at our gate for a bit. Used a bathroom that talked to me. And boarded a plane bound for Samoa. Then traveled back in time.

Meow

2010-07-08T04:00:00.003-06:00

Photo I found that I took of Trey right before he went on his mission.
We went surfing and he's wearing a silver and black zebra print cat suit.
I haven't laughed so hard in a while.

New Zealand - Day 7

2010-07-08T03:32:00.006-06:00

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

This morning we were off to the Hamilton New Zealand temple at 10 AM. The New Zealand temple is gorgeous. A little older and kind of like the LA temple, but its on a huge hill. So it can always been seen. I'm in love with it.
View of the temple from my host family's home. Temple View is amazing.

Being in the temple with Coach and all the girls was a really special experience.

Afterwards, we took a few group pictures outside of the temple, but we were all freezing. So we hurried back to our houses for a quick lunch. Then we were off to go shopping a few different places. The first place we went was SPI (South Pacific Institute). This was an English Second Language school and also a type of alternative school for high school kids. A person that worked there made and sold T-Shirts to help raise money to support the school. We had to wait a while for him to show up. While we waited, we learned and played the game “Sevens” with the kids at the school. This is a beat and rhythm game with 7 different patterns of clapping, snapping, etc. It was fun, but I’m terrible.

After a little while of shopping, it was time for the final volleyball match in New Zealand.
We walked over the game, which was at CCNZ (Church College New Zealand). The game started late because the other team showed up late. They were the New Zealand U18 team and we beat them in 4 sets.

After the match, we had a group potluck dinner with our whole group and all of our host families. One of the best nights! Both groups remarked on how fast time flew. It seemed like 5 minutes ago we were all just sitting in that room greeting each other. Then the host families and us took turns singing to each other. I especially loved when they sang in Maori. So incredible. Even though they were much better singers than us.
I love Kiwis.
Our whole group, including host families.

We walked back home with our host family. That night was really fun, and sad, because we really started to get comfortable with each other (especially their two sons). We ate ice cream and took some fun family pictures. They'll always be my New Zealand family. Love you Herberts!

New Zealand - Day 6

2010-07-08T02:14:00.006-06:00

Monday, May 10, 2010

One of the best days of the trip. So hold on, this could be a lengthy one.
Started with an early morning. I hurried down to the little corner convenience store to buy a calling card. I called my mom for mother’s day and talked to my family for about 10 min.

Then we were off for a long, busy day in Rotorua. The hour drive to Rotorua was absolutely gorgeous, through the most beautiful green hills, lakes, and sunshine.
NZ countryside on the way to Rotorua

The first thing on the agenda - Skyline Skyrides Luge Rides.
We hopped a gondola up to the top of the mountain. Again, gorgeous views.

“Roto-” means two and “-rua” means lake. Two lakes. So we had even more amazing views of more green hills and the two lakes once we reached the top of the mountain. At the top, it was time to strap on our helmets and head down the luge. The luges were small paths, kind of like streets, down the mountain. And our karts were small and we moved the handles forward to “go” and backwards to “stop”. Think MarioKart. A blast! The first time we all had to take the Scenic (read: easy/beginner) route. Then intermediate. But advanced was by far the best. The last few times, we all went together and raced each other. Seriously, real life MarioKart. A couple funny crashes and bumping people to stay in the lead.

One funny thing, on the ski lift on the way back to the top one time, I told the girl I was with that my helmet didn’t fit very good and that I couldn’t really see. She didn’t say anything. The next time around she realized I had put my helmet on backwards. So my face was in the back hole and the back of the helmet kept sliding over my face. Haha... pretty funny. And it was so obvious. Everyone was saying something to me.
Proof! Haha

After the luge rides, we were off to Te Puia, a Maori cultural experience. There we took a guided tour and learned about Maori culture. For example, that they used poi balls to swing around and increase their wrist strength and hand-eye coordination for using weapons. We saw the traditional greeting between a visiting tribe. Learned about weaving and carving. One interesting thing was that the reason they distort their figures in carvings was because they believe only God can create perfection. So they intentionally distort any figures to look imperfect as respect to God. We saw the Kiwi bird, the National bird of New Zealand. We saw natural mud pots and hot springs.
The group by the stinky hot springs

Another cool thing was the rock benches that were naturally heated by underground hot springs.

Once we left Te Puia, we needed to kill some time before our Maori cultural experience at the Tamaki Brothers Village. So we headed down by the lake for a bit. It happened to be sunset, which made for the most gorgeous backdrop for pictures. Some of the girls and I had a blast taking a bunch of jumping pictures by the pier. Some of my favorite pictures from the trip.

Then it was time for our big Maori cultural experience. We boarded buses, which they called a waka (means "boat" in Maori). To get going, we had to put our hands in the air like we were holding oars and bring them down, yelling, “Ya!”. The buses took us out into the forest to a (fake) Maori village. On the way there, Coach Sam Atoa, was elected to be our “chief” for the night. When we arrived at the village, we witnessed the traditional welcome, which included some hakas.
Warrior doing the haka.

Chief of the village.

Once inside the village, we were able to walk around and talk to different people to learn about their roles. There was a tatoo-er, the women who cooked, a weaver, warriors (who made us run through sticks as a test before we could take a picture with them), storytellers, and more.
Picture the warriors made us "earn"

After that, we went into a hall for a performance of different cultural songs and dances. My favorite was once with all beats and noises using sticks. Following the performance, it was time for a traditional Maori dinner which was cooked in the ground. Took some fun “Maori Warrior” pictures with our Pukana faces (tongues sticking out).
Our Pukana faces (tongues sticking out)

On the bus on the way back from the village, the bus had groups on the bus from each different country sing a song. There was USA, Great Britain, Austria, Austrailia, India. So entertaining. Of course our group was the loudest and we sang “Party In The USA” - Miley Cyrus (not my choice). And we didn’t stop singing the whole bus ride. Fun times.

That night we finally got back to our host familiy’s around 11:30 after a very long and exhausting, but amazing, day. Then it was time when I could finally call Trey (for Mother’s day). It took me about 45 min. to figure out how to call him with my calling card. Once I finally did get through, we talked for about an hour an a half. Perfect ending to a great day.

New Zealand - Day 5

2010-07-08T01:51:00.002-06:00

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Today was our first time to sleep in a little bit and it felt so good. Woke up to a great pancake breakfast with the Herberts.
Then we were off to church. We went to the only singles ward in New Zealand. It was held in the Library of the old Church College. And, man, was it freezing! One thing about New Zealand - very, very few places have central heating or air. So it was often colder in the houses and buildings than outside.

The team spoke and sang during Sacrament meeting. Relief Society was pretty fun too. The Bishop's wife taught and she had us all make crowns and wear them the whole lesson. We also got to get to know the other girls in the ward and introduce them as our sisters. Pretty fun.

After church there was a linger longer and we all tried a bunch of New Zealand food and tried to find some cute New Zealand boys. But we'll just stop there with that ;) Someone brought Doritos to the linger longer. Apparently Doritos are brand new to New Zealand. So everyone was going crazy over them. Haha we all got a kick out of that.

We rested for a bit after church. Then, as a group, headed up to the Hamilton New Zealand temple. We had fun taking pictures in front of the temple as a group.
The funniest thing (and probably one of the funniest things of the trip) was when we were trying to take a group picture, the senior missionary couples came out to help and take the pictures for us. It was so entertaining watching them try to figure out the technology. We were all laughing so hard. Some of them would look through the digital camera instead of at the screen or couldn’t figure out how to take the picture. On my camera, one old lady was pushing on the wrong side of the camera (where there isn't even a button) to try and take a picture. And one old man was trying to get all serious and knelt down to take the picture, but almost fell over and then he couldn’t get back up. Someone, somewhere has a picture of them taking the pictures. Pretty hilarious.
One of the pictures they tried to take.

After taking pictures, we went into the visitor’s center and learned about the first of the church in New Zealand by videos and one of the missionaries, whose parents were actually Maori pioneers of the church.

*One of my favorite things * On our way out of the Visitor’s Center there were a couple guys with guitar sitting playing. All the youth and single adults come every Sunday and play guitars, sing, and visit outside the temple. Such an amazing thing to do!
I'm in love with this temple.

After dinner with our host family, our host mom she asked us to watch Forgotten Carols with her. She lives with only boys and had been pretty excited about having girls around. But we all fell asleep. I’ll blame it on jet lag.

New Zealand - Day 4

2010-07-08T01:08:00.005-06:00

Saturday, May 8, 2010

We checked out of the hotel early this morning and packed everything up because it was time to move down to Hamilton. On the way, we stopped in downtown Auckland to exchange money. Queen St (kind of like the Broadway of Auckland). It reminded of New York a little - the smell mainly.

On the way to Hamilton, we went stopped at a very famous and popular outdoor flea market. It was a fun experience, but not quite what I was expecting. It was similar to flea markets in the US. And a lot of American stuff that you would never ever want. I bought a pair of green Maori spiral earrings.

After the flea market, we continued our hour drive to Hamilton. We arrived in Hamilton and came to a small suburb called Temple View. We went to the old LDS Church College (boarding high school) to meet our host families and the leaders here. This was the beginning of a very emotional few days. They spoke to us for a bit. The bishop gave a long introduction all in Maori, which is such an incredible and beautiful language.

My host family was the Herberts, John and Colleen. They have three boys Jordan (on a mission in Panama), Talmage, and Maury. They are awesome! Their house is a big triangle with 4 or 5 different levels and burrows everywhere. Very unique and really cool. Speaking of cool... they say “cool” so much, and in their New Zealand accents too. I just loved it!

Later that night we were in for a real New Zealand experience - a rugby game! Hamilton Chiefs vs. Waratahs. The Chiefs got killed, guess they’re not very good. It was fun trying to learn about rugby and watching those crazy athletes go at it. But mostly watching, listening, and being a part of the New Zealand fans was the best part. The Chiefs finally scored a couple at the very end of the game. And even though there was no chance of them getting back in it, the fans still went nuts. One thing I thought was pretty funny, was when someone got hurt, they sent the medic/trainer out, but didn’t stop playing at all (even if the injured person was close by where they were playing).

(Gotta love a good fight!)
(The Team - love these girls!)

Such a fun day and the beginning to the best parts of the trip! I don't have too many pictures of myself from this day (downside of being the photographer).

The New Baby

2010-06-16T01:03:00.004-06:00

2010 Nissan Sentra
So thrilled to have welcomed this beauty in my life on Saturday.

Official Soccer Announcement

2010-06-16T01:01:00.001-06:00

Ha This made my day!

Soccer Officially Announces It Is Gay

New Zealand - Day 3

2010-06-15T23:56:00.007-06:00

Friday, May 7, 2010

Worked a bit in the morning and helping get things rolling for the team’s blog (uvuvolleyball.blogspot.com).
Loaded up the vans. [Side note: take a look at THE best van - hilarious, lots of laughing, games (Big Booty, animal noise game, concentration, etc.), and great times!]

Took about an hour drive on windy roads through the most rain forest-y part of New Zealand we could get to. We stopped off at a regional park look-out and took tons of great pictures. So green. Gorgeous views of the ocean.

Drove a while further and headed to Piha Beach (Black Sand Beach). Stopped on the hill above Piha beach to take pictures. Gorgeous and the homes there were huge and beautiful as well.

Weather was slightly chilly, but overall nice. The beach was beautiful. Gray and blue and calm and fierce. Perfect. Walk around the beach for a few hours. Took tons of pictures. Wandered around the rocks. Saw starfish and crabs... gross. Love, love, loved the beach. Great fun.

Had lunch at a little shack called Blair’s on the Beach. I tried to branch out and try new things. So I got fish and chips for lunch. Yep that’s right. Pretty alright too. Definitely completed beach day. Learned that Kiwis have "Tomato Sauce" instead of ketchup and it pretty much tastes like sweet American tomato sauce.

Volleyball team had game two that night against the New Zealand Institute of Sport. Won in 5 sets. The NZIS students were selling candy for a fundraiser - Natural gummy worms and Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate. So good. I definitely ate more candy the week in New Zealand than I ever have before.

We got done with the game late and had dinner at a great Vietnamese place.
Another full and exhausting day.
One of the favorite days of the trip.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

2010-06-11T23:47:00.009-06:00

New Zealand - Day 2
Got to sleep in a little (thanks to an exhausting Day 1 and jetlag).
Then headed out to the Museum of Auckland. Found out that the World Rally Car Championships are in New Zealand this weekend and they’re actually doing practice runs around the museum today. Parking was an issue, but we met a nice cop and took some pictures with him. Don’t have any because I accidentally put the camera on self-timer and thought the battery was dead. Oops...Boo!
Walked up to the museum and got to see a bunch of rally cars to their test runs. So sweet!

The museum was all about the Maori people and New Zealand.

After the museum, we went to lunch at an asian food court type place and got all different types of asian food. Very good Thai! Loved it!
Then we went to Mount Eden, an extinct volcano in Auckland and one of the highest points in Auckland (I think). Very windy and cold, but fun.

Volleyball team had their first game and won. Awesome to see them all interact with the other team after the game. Joke, laugh, have a good time, and learn from each other. We asked the other team where they thought we should go to dinner. They recommended Wendy's or Denny's. Yep. Seriously.

But the match got over late and most restaurants were closed. So we were forced to go to a really exotic restaurant for dinner - McDonald's. Oooo! (Once again, almost falling asleep at dinner.)

Trip Around the World

2010-06-11T23:10:00.009-06:00

Excerpts from my travel journal.
Finally getting around to this. Enjoy! (I certainly did. And I'm going to enjoy reliving it.)

Monday, May 3, 2010
Today was crazy. After having only a few weeks notice, this was actually the day I was leaving for New Zealand and Samoa with the UVU Volleyball team. A little surreal, very nervous and anxious.
I got only a few hours of sleep. Literally, fell asleep on my suitcase while packing a 3 AM. And then was up at 6 AM to finish getting everything ready for the day. After running lots of errands, lunching (quickly) with mom at Cafe Rio, it was time to meet at Coach Sam Atoa’s house and leave for the airport. Lacee (Assistant Coach) gave everyone a huge bag of goodies and food to take on the planes. Yay!
Suitcase - Check
Purse - Check
Money - Check
Camera - Check
Passport - Double check
Off we were. The first flight from SLC to LAX, was only a 2 hr flight. Not bad. I tried to not sleep to save all my tiredness for the long flight - didn’t work.
We arrive at LAX, made our way to the right terminal checked in at the Air New Zealand counter (which is when I really got excited, talking to the employees with accents & all). Our flight was delayed an extra hour. We eventually left for New Zealand around 10:45 PM on Monday, May 3, 2010. 12 hour flight.
I fell asleep almost immediately on the plane. Woke up for dinner, which was surprisingly great for airplane food. Then crashed for the rest of the flight. Woke up again around 4:30 AM for breakfast... omelet and fruit. Also surprisingly good for airplane food. I stayed awake the rest of the flight.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Day Lost At Sea. Vanished while on the airplane.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010
New Zealand - Day 1
So excited to have finally made it!

Arrived in Auckland, New Zealand around 5:45 AM. Long trip through baggage claim and then customs. Loaded up two vans a headed to the hotel, Kingsgate in Parnell area of Auckland.
We couldn’t check into our hotel until later in the day. So we dropped of all our bags. Then, unfortunately, spent the whole day pretty gross feeling after the long plane ride & not having showered or changed our clothes in well over 24 hrs.

Before we headed out for the day, some of the team and I went to the rose garden across from our hotel and then down to a gorgeous view of the ocean and bay area with the sunrise.
Sunrise in Auckland

Once we left the hotel, we went to downtown Auckland to board the ferry to the small area called Devonport. It had a very small, old town, European type of feel to it. I loved it. Little shops and grocery stores, but fancy people and places. Interesting combination. We stopped at a small grocery store and Coach bought everyone fruit. Then we went across the street to a small bakery cafe and he bought everyone something. I had a meat pie and it was so good. The meat pies, everywhere, are something I loved about New Zealand. So tasty
Walking around Devonport

Later that morning we took a bus tour of Devonport, led by a Devonport native. We went to the top of two different extinct volcanoes and took some great pictures. Gorgeous views of the ocean and Auckland.
Devonport (Yes, it's gorgeous)

Playing Mario in Devonport

Atop the volcano in Devonport, downtown Auckland in the background

That afternoon we took a bunch of blankets, stuffed animals, and beanies to a national children’s hospital and spent about an hour with the kids there. One of the cutest was a boys named Capone. I’m not sure his story, but he was hooked up to an IV in his arm the whole time we were there. He was in so much pain too, but was so beautiful and had the best accent. The team also played Wii and sang songs with the kids.

Evening meant time for the team to practice. So we hurried through traffic to Avondale College (high school) where they practiced and played their two games in Auckland.
After practice, we went with everyone to a great Italian restaurant in Parnell. New Zealand style pizza....mmmm.... And we pretty much didn’t stop eating from that point on.
Side note: At this point, thinking jet lag is really lame. Was thisclose to falling asleep in my food at dinner.

Stanley Climbfall

2010-06-08T22:29:00.007-06:00

Perfect evening spent on a mountain at sunset with my favorite group of music-creating men serenading me.

I do NOT have more fun...

2010-05-27T00:33:00.002-06:00

As a blonde!

Got my hair done last week. For the first time in 4 years of going to the same guy (who I love), I had a bad bad experience.

Left with blonde, yep blonde, in my hair. Definitely not for me. It last less than 24 hrs. before I returned to all burnette. Ahh... so much better!

May

2010-05-27T00:04:00.006-06:00

May is my favorite month, for many reasons. And May 2010 has to be near the top of the best "May's" of my life. But in order to appreciate, it I have to look back at where I was in April (and the months prior).

That's really where my journey began.
---------------------
Flashback to the beginning of April 2010 -
UVU Athletic department service project.
Sam Atoa, the UVU Volleyball coach, invited me to join the team on their trip to New Zealand & Samoa in May (just a few weeks away). My first reaction - I didn't think he was serious. My second reaction - I was completely surprised. My third reaction (in my head) - Thanks, but no thanks. A few different reasons for #3, but all irrelevant to this story.
So with his continued persuasion. Some from a few of the players. A bit from family. And a tad from other people at work. Planning began. Much to do.
Countdown to May 3rd is on!
---------------------
With some reflection, I realized that the past year had been full of personal growth (which is a little harder to see). I took several risks. Some paid off. Others did not. And May would be the time to take, yet another, big risk. Which brought me right here...

This is my anthem.

The 16 days spent in New Zealand and Samoa have completely changed my life. I'm a different person than I was a few weeks ago. My perspective and perception of life and people (and myself) has been forever changed. And I'm proud of that.

(Consider this the beginning of the New Zealand/Samoa posts.)

The Voyage

2010-05-20T13:23:00.003-06:00

I returned Tuesday night from the most incredible trip to New Zealand and Samoa with the UVU Volleyball team. It was more than I could have ever imagined. And Being home is definitely bittersweet.

I grew in so many ways and am a much better and different person than I was a few weeks ago.

I'm in the process of catching up my journal from the trip. Several long, exhausting days and late nights got me a little behind. Plus, I feel an urgency to record every little detail I can remember. When I feel good about where I'm at with that, I'll share my journey with you (along with lots of pictures).

Til then...

PS - Don't worry. It won't be too long since all I think about or want to talk about is the trip. :)

Waiting for Thursday

2010-04-20T18:21:00.004-06:00

I've been meaning to blog about this one for a long time. And now that we're finally just 2 short days away, I figure I better put something on here.

I get E-Center newsletters every so often for buying No Doubt concert tickets last year. Good thing too. Back in January, I got on about Daughtry coming. I'm a Daughtry fan. So I probably would've gone anyway. But then I saw that they were coming with... Lifehouse. And it was over. Because you see, all thanks to a certain person (you know exactly who you are if you ever read this) I've discovered the greatness that is Lifehouse. I adore them.
So I worked my way around the pre-sale and bought tickets immediately.

And I've been waiting for April 22nd ever since.
Guaranteed to be epic.

Taking Over

2010-04-20T00:05:00.002-06:00

Because my wonderful mom is so busy working and trying to finish school, she's had a hard time keeping up with Trey's Mission Blog.

So she's turned Trey's Mission Blog updating responsibilities over to me.

I'll do my best to keep you all updated and share with you what pictures I get.

http://eldertreyrobinson.blogspot.com/

Dreamer

2010-04-19T23:22:00.003-06:00

Today for work, we did interviews with our three wrestlers that went to Nationals this year. It was incredible listening to them talk about their dreams and goals and how hard they had work to achieve certain things. Things like:
- Setting a big goal, but then making a plan to achieve it. And sticking to that plan.
- Be willing to work hard. Nothing will ever come without hard work.
- Don't ever be content with where you are. Always want more and expect more from yourself.
- Always have a goal. If you don't have a specific goal in mind, you have no purpose and nothing to work towards.
- Why not me? Just because someone may be more talented, or from a more prestigious program, that doesn't make them better than me. I'm better if I work hard, if I believe that I'm better, and if I compete to win.
- Don't let distractions and fear of failure stand in your of achieve your goals.
- Belief in yourself is the most important thing. That is what will drive you to achieve your dreams and goals. Know and believe in how good you are. Know you are good enough to get what you want through hard work.

Recently, I've lost sight of the dreams and goals I set for myself. I lost track of the plan I had in place to achieve them. Without these goals constantly on my mind, I've felt somewhat aimless lately.
This "pep talk" was exactly what I needed, though it was not really intended for me at all. I left with a renewed sense of direction. Remembering exactly all the goals and dreams I've set for myself. Excited at the challenge of making a plan to achieve them. Eager to work hard, to fight, and to do what it's going to take to succeed.
So watch out. Because I'm not meant for anything small.

(Not a Chris Brown fan. But I love this song.)

Voyage

2010-04-19T23:04:00.005-06:00

Big big news!

The UVU Volleyball team is traveling to New Zealand and Samoa in May to play a few games and do service. A couple weeks ago, the coach proposed (or I should say, insisted) that I join them on their journey. I was a little hesitant at first, with a lot to take into consideration. So he was pretty funny in how he tried to convince me.
- Every time he saw me he'd give me this goofy smile and say, "Meaaaagan."
- I received the followed text: "Hello Meagan, this is the spirit telling you to go on the trip. It is a trip of a lifetime. You are wanted.... :)"
- I called and left him a message. He immediately called back and said, "I was so excited you called that I didn't even listen to your message!"

So along with that, persuasion from a few of the Volleyball girls and my family, I decided this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up.

I leave May 3 for New Zealand. Will be there one week and will then travel to Samoa for one week. I'm really excited. This is truly a once in a lifetime trip and I'm really grateful to have been invited.

Tons of my own real pictures to come.

P.S. - This is my first time leaving the country. And therefore my first time flying over the ocean, which has me totally and completely freaked out. If you know me, you'll know why. I'm just saying, if I'm going to crash, I'd rather it be on land. Not into the ocean where the fishes could touch me. Haha... Yes, I do know how ridiculous that sounds.

Cage Side

2010-04-16T23:36:00.006-06:00

One of my employees is a former wrestler and now MMA star in the making. Last week he had a fight at UVU. And I got to be front row right next to the cage. So sweet! I lost my voice after from cheering so loud.

Oh ... and he won, of course! I don't employ losers. No, really.

It's All The Little Things

2010-04-14T22:59:00.007-06:00

Today was perfect. A much needed day off and I couldn't have asked for more.

Sunshine and warmth!

Woke up early. (Yes, I chose that on my day off. And it felt so good.)
Worked out.
Received some beyond excellent news.
Took care of some errands.
BYU Baseball game. I LOVE day games. Dad came over from work to watch the game with me.
Saw a few other great people at the game that I hadn't seen for ages.
Talked to friend about said excellent news.
Long drive. Windows down. Music.
Nap in my car.
Lu-nner with another friend that I hadn't seen for ages.
Chudger's game.
Laughs.
Smiles.
And now the Suns (and my Steve Nash) just beat the Jazz.
(The only thing that would've made it better was going to Salt Lake with J and A!)

Transfigurations Class

2010-03-30T10:11:00.002-06:00

This morning I transfigured my simple blow dryer into a "Heat Blowing Torch of Wisdom".
It provided with with a nugget of knowledge I've been waiting for for about 6 months.

I wish my magic skills were this on point everyday.

Confessions of a Migraine

2010-03-29T21:55:00.004-06:00

I'm about to go put this migraine to rest, but I thought getting some things out might help the brain situation. ha right...

So here we are.

Confession #1.
If you don't already know, I'm completely OCD about ironing. Seriously. No really. The set up iron/ironing board is almost a permanent fixture in my house. Right now it's in my kitchen. Don't ask.

But I iron everything. I hate wrinkles. I iron towels. I iron jeans. I iron t-shirts I wear to the gym. I iron tanks that I wear under other shirts that you don't even see. I used to spend I whole ton of time ironing all of my pillowcases and sheets and blankets, but have luckily gotten away from that.
I iron every. single. day. Multiple times a day usually. Yep. I don't necessarily love the actual ironing, I just don't like wrinkly things. So there you are.

Confession #2.
I'm ashamed of my iTunes bill lately. And it's only going to get worse. :)
I can't be a music thief.
Plus I love love love iTunes. It's so conveniently easy and good.

Confession #3.
I feel like the thoughts in my head are a playlist of varying lyrics... on repeat. Yet, I feel, If you compiled them all together, nothing would really make much sense.

Confession #4.
I feel back in love with No Doubt today. It felt so guilty-ily good. It all started with this one (Thank you shuffle!) And I'll admit...it just seemed perfect for me today. So here you are. Enjoy!

Love in the Air

2010-03-27T18:33:00.003-06:00

Last weekend I took a very brief trip to Arizona. My old roommate from New York and very good friend, Laura (see THIS post), got married. So I made a last-minute trip down for the wedding. Got to see, not only Laura and Spencer, but other good friends from NY, Patricia and Randy.

Apples

2010-03-07T23:24:00.003-07:00

I LOVE Apple. So much!

I just need to make that public.

I've been all Mac my whole life. Always will be. But Apple took my love affair to a whole new level this week.

My 7 month old iPhone died. Boo! But a trip to the Apple store and 10 minutes in and out - my broken iPhone had been replaced with a brand new one. No questions asked. I was amazed. Best customer service.

There is a certain pirate friend of mine that works at the Apple store. He helped me a few months back. I didn't see him this time. Darn. Oh well... good tip nonetheless.

This one goes out to...

2010-03-07T22:58:00.008-07:00

my homies.
Ha I'm way too white to even type something like that.

Great day.
Chudge-a-tron and I were both not feeling great today. So aside from dad's birthday festivities, we spent most of the day hanging out watching The Office and laughing...lots.

Spent the better part of an hour emailing back and forth with Trey. Needed that. Big time. He uses the funniest (most random) analogies. Hilarious. Quality time from the other side of the world.

Metamorphosis

2010-03-06T09:52:00.004-07:00

What I really feel like doing now is baring my soul (i.e. a million different thoughts, feelings, experience, etc.). That happens to me, well, never. So on one hand, I feel I should take advantage of this rare moment. However, big however, I only have a few minutes before I have to leave for work today. And I'm certain I would regret opening up that much later on (being the extremely private person that I am). So I'll spare you few you read this (and my dear blog itself) all my guts.

There are a few things I would like to share though...
1. For the past few months, I feel like my life has been stuck in fog. Confusing. Can't see too far in front of where I am now to where I'm going. Which doesn't really bode well for a person who is all about plans. And sticking to them.
But a few weeks ago, I finally had a breakthrough.
A nice Saturday morning, I was at the gym on the treadmill listening to new Lifehouse, Smoke & Mirrors. And it was the best, best, run I've had since I was in high school playing soccer and running everyday. And everything just kind of hit me at once. A whole change in perspective. The fog suddenly cleared up. I realized that I, me, am in absolute control of my life. I can control whether or not I succeed in my career or in life in general. But the other half, is that I have to let go of what I can't control. I've spent so much energy being stressed about things that are well being my control. It seems silly that something so simple what such a wake-up call to me. Boom! And it happened on a treadmill.

2. My life and the person I am has been going through some major changes, renovations, and updates lately. Told you it was coming. Love love love it!

3. I took a break from my 2 week Lifehouse purge this morning. And listened to some Bon Iver and Stars of Track and Field. I don't want to be selfish. Enjoy.

Perks

2010-02-20T09:57:00.002-07:00

This man is wearing a Ronnie Price T-Shirt given to the first 1,000 fans at Ronnie Price Hall of Fame Night a few weeks ago.

I feel good knowing that I clothed this man. Knowing that his shirt was once a Photoshop file on my computer. And before that an image in my brain.

(Forgive the blurriness. I took this picture while running. Not the best idea.)

Horseshoes, Roller Coasters, & Hearts

2010-02-14T23:38:00.005-07:00

The week leading up to the Super Bowl was so crazy that I didn't even get a chance to post my most favorite Super Bowl ad of ALL time. So here you are. I love love love it.

Terry Tate @ Yahoo! Video

Obviously, my Colts lost the Super Bowl. Heartbreaking doesn't even describe. Many, many tears were shed over that one. So let's not talk about it anymore.
I will say this, though. I'm still 110% in love with my Colts. And I'd still take Peyton Manning as my quarterback over anyone else.

I'm trying to cook more. To save money, for one. To be healthier, for another. I have one cookbook that my aunt & uncle gave me a few years ago. I started off with something easy. The cooking part was, indeed, quick and painless. But shopping for the ingredients was the hard part. I was so lost. Nevertheless, seemed worth it.
Turkey burgers with horseradish and cheddar cheese. Proof.

I saw a yellow taxi this week. In Orem, Utah. So strange to me.

The week certainly didn't end where it started. Now, in honor of Valentine's Day, I will leave you will a few things that will always have my heart.

I feel a change coming on.
(**Side Note: In part, I'm on the verge of a drastic hair change. Stay tuned.)

Double-Dose

2010-02-05T14:32:00.003-07:00

Looking back at past Super Bowl ads, It's hard to decide on just one.

Super Bowl - Bud Light: Fist Bump @ Yahoo! Video

Coca-Cola Happiness Factory @ Yahoo! Video

Super Bowl Ketchup

2010-02-04T22:27:00.003-07:00

I'm back to full consciousness. So it's time to catch up on my Super Bowl Ad Countdown.

Here's 3 of my favorites.

By far, my favorite ad from last year's Super Bowl.

Collection

2010-02-01T23:15:00.003-07:00

Item #1:
For the remainder of the week, I'll be posting my favorite Super Bowl ads of all time.
We'll start off with a classic. More to come. Stay tuned.

Item #2:
Facebook Doppelganger Week
Just for fun...
After the Olympics, several people told me I looked like Shawn. Gold medalist?? I'll take it.

Item #3:
Somehow, I rediscovered "Somewhere Only We Know" by Keane and its been on repeat. Then I found this cover.

Create

2010-01-17T18:32:00.005-07:00

A few things that have been on my mind lately...

1. It's unbelievable how quickly things in life can change.

2. So thankful for the beauty that is sports, specifically the NFL playoffs, for providing an escape.

3. Create

I thrive on inspiration and passion. I need to feel passion about all I do.

Lately I've found myself wondering, "What makes me tick?"

We all have things that set our souls and our minds on fire.

The other day I remembered one of those things that changed my soul permanently.

This ad.

First shown to me in my Media Planning class at BYU nearly 3 years ago. The story behind it... the pitch, the production, the placement. Indescribable. It left my soul burning to create. To be inspired. To feel passion.

I'm a total dreamer. Always have been. Always will be.

And this ad puts my head even more in the clouds.

Discovering and doing things that inspire our passion is unlike anything else.

So find your passions. Life is more "colorful" with them.

Improve.

Beautify.

Extend.

Smile.

Cultivate.

Develop.

Concrete Jungle Where Dreams are Made Of

2010-01-15T12:28:00.002-07:00

Today...I need New York.
Badly.

In New York,
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,
Theres nothing you can’t do,
Now you’re in New York,
These streets will make you feel brand new,
The lights will inspire you,

Music Has Magical Powers

2010-01-12T23:17:00.002-07:00

And here's what's been on my playlist today.

2009: At A Glance

2010-01-11T22:33:00.020-07:00

2009 was up there on one of the best years of all my 22. A lot of big changes. Overall transforming. I'm certainly not the same person I was one year ago.

Here are some highlights from 2009.

Cougs won a third Conference Championship in my third, and last, year with them.

Trey got his mission call: Fukuoka, Japan.

Sold out this 2,200 capacity park with 3,100 people on Friday, March 13th at the BYU Baseball game vs. Utah. By far, one of the best moments of my career. Major goal achieved.

Sent lil bro on a mission.

Graduated.

Retired from a successful career at BYU Athletics.

Witnessed these fabulous people live on my 22nd birthday!

Went back to the Big Apple. Fell in love with it all over again. Set foot in two of the most beautiful place in the world.
CitiField

New Yankee Stadium.

Woke up at the crack of dawn to try to see Rob Thomas. Failed. Went on a long, yet beautiful, walk through an empty, quiet Manhattan at 6 something in the AM through Midtown and Central Park. Saw Brad Paisley on Good Morning America. Don't like country, but it was pretty good.

Fell in love with a NINJA. You remember.

Took a job as Director of Marketing for UVU Athletics. Thus beginning my career and transition into real adulthood.

Started learning how to play the guitar a little. (This is on the major list for 2010).

Colts had a great season and Peyton got another MVP.

Got my own apartment. (Which is still in the process of being decorated.)

Went to Arizona to celebrate by grandparents 50th Anniversary will tons of family.

Saw my cousin, Todd (right), for the first time in years.

Rushed the field after BYU beat Utah in overtime.

Spent lots of time with family.

Looking forward to 2010. Should be a big one!

New Years

2010-01-11T22:16:00.005-07:00

I never do anything fun for New Years. So I kept to that tradition. Just a quiet night with family and friends. Watched some of the New Years Eve specials. Decided to give out a few awards.

Sean Kingston:
Officially the worst lip syncer I've ever seen.

Daughtry:
The best performance on television that night.

NIVEA:
My FAVORITE advertising of New Year's. Maybe of the whole year. Brilliant, brilliant media buy. (I wish I was in on it.)

Christmas

2010-01-11T22:02:00.003-07:00

This year was probably one of my favorite Christmas's. Lots of family. Some that I don't get to see often enough. Lots of little cousins. Lots of laughs and smiles.

By far, the best part of Christmas was Skype-ing this kid.

My baby on Christmas morning

I have the cutest cousins in the world. Serious.

Song of the Day

2009-12-18T13:28:00.001-07:00

House Arrest

2009-12-15T21:01:00.004-07:00

I've officially been without a car for one week. And as much fun as it's been having my boss pick me up for work everyday, I'm going INSANE!

Today I feel like a total hermit. I've been home from work sick. So not that I would have gone anywhere even if I had a car, but feeling stuck at home for the past week and all day today has driven me beyond my normal level or crazy.

My day:
- Slept in
- Read every Colts article on ESPN.com & read about ESPN's Top 25 Games of the Decade
- Caught up on The Office and Scrubs
- Worked on budgeting
- Cleaned a little
- Got in touch with my advertising side with the "Best of the 2000s" - Click HERE
- Napped
- Spent hours researching new cars

Here's what I learned. Turns out that cars are actually pretty expensive. And it's a bit depressing.

What I really want.

Reality.

私によっては私の兄弟が抜けている

2009-12-02T23:29:00.003-07:00

Japanese for: I miss my brother.

So happy.
He's happy.
I'm proud.
and happy.

But I do miss this punk. Only 23 more days til I get to talk to him. Countdown is on! I'm so excited.

Rivalry

2009-12-02T23:06:00.004-07:00

UVU Men's Basketball v. Northern New Mexico
It's a big deal.

BYU v. Utah
Kind of a big deal.

Last Saturday, UVU Men's Basketball easily handled Northern New Mexico. During a game that started one hour before the BYU v. Utah Football game.

After the Wolverines beat the...whoever they were, I cruised over to the Stadium about halfway through the 3rd Quarter. Just in time to watch the worst part of the game.

Utes come back to tie the game late in the 4th quarter.
Overtime.
I sport a rally cap.
Cougs win 26-23 in overtime.
Everyone rushes the field.
Another great BYU / Utah game to add to my collection of memories.

Respect the rally cap!

(Dang blurry iPhone camera pictures. I really need to start taking my camera with me places.)

When the game ended, emotions were high as we hurried to rush the field. I thought to myself, "Oh! Don't forget my blanket!" Grabbed the blanket. Rushed the field. Celebrated. THEN, realized I forgot my purse in the stands. How brilliant! Don't forget the blanket, but nevermind the purse with all of my livelihood. Went back to our seats, it wasn't there. Stress. Luckily, one of the event staffers grabbed it. Seriously, I'm super smart.

Good people celebrating on the field

Andrew, Me, Bill, Weston

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T21:26:00.003-07:00

There is tons to be thankful for today. Well, everyday for that matter.

But today specifically:
my apartment
nice weather
family
football
turkeys
hugs
pumpkin pie
mountain dew code red
excedrin migraine
good music

Now ending a great day with a movie I love.

HI HO Song

2009-11-25T15:19:00.002-07:00

I'm not sure why. But back in my BYU Athletics days, I'd listen to this song on repeat when I was working late nights at the office by myself.

Now, this song is still my "HI HO Get Work Done" Song.

I {heart} Weekends!

2009-11-24T22:52:00.007-07:00

Last weekend, something unexpected happened.
I went to watch one of my Marketing Assistants fight.
It was so much fun.
Serious.
I'm officially a fan.
I didn't think I'd enjoy it. I was just going to support.
But I had a blast and left loving it.
Don't judge.

Saturday I returned to watch the Cougs beat Air Force.
Third row. (Thanks Jon!) Freezing. Yelling. Cheering. Laughing. Smiling.
Good day.

Sunday we got some snow.
And somehow I don't mind the cold so much right now.
Maybe it's because it really isn't that cold.
Maybe because it's only November and not January.
Or maybe because I made a deal with someone that if I was going to take a job in Utah, I would need to be able to handle the cold better.
Either way, the snow did put me a little more in the "holiday spirit." So that's happy.

Ear Candy

2009-11-21T19:10:00.007-07:00

It's been a great weekend thus far. But I'll wait til all is said and done before I blog about the details.

Right now, I need to get some things out. I'm in love with this song.

** I just realized the irony that this song (Title specifically) is currently sitting right next to one of my favorite quotes. Contradiction?? Maybe...

Showdown

2009-11-19T14:49:00.004-07:00

It's back on!

And this is where I'll be tomorrow night.

Can't wait!

Picks

2009-11-18T21:19:00.007-07:00

1. Jergens Skin Smoothing
My favorite lotion. So so good.

2. MAC Lipstick in Brave Red
My latest obsession. When I needed to do something thrilling and out-of-the-ordinary, this came to me. It's a fun change.

3. Bath & Body Works Wallflowers in Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin
It makes me happy every time I walk into my apartment.

4. "Never Forgotten" - J.R. Richards
Love him.

A Pinball Post

2009-11-18T20:21:00.007-07:00

Oh blog... I have missed you. The last few weeks of work have been insane but a blast. Now I finally have a chance to catch up on things. I have lots of thoughts bouncing a around. This post kind of feels like a pinball machine.

1. I'm head over heels in love with my job.

2. Being a real, grown-up person is hard. Seriously, I had no idea things like insurance were so complicated.

3. I do not like going to the dentist. Remember this post.
As far as dentists go, though, I have a pretty good.
Today was too much though.
My day began and ended at the dentist's office.

4. This kid is amazing... as if you didn't know.

5. My week began the best possible way. The good guys (Colts...obviously) beat the bad guys (Patriots). In dramatic fashion.

6. A student that I work with is a fighter and I was so excited to go watch him fight Friday in the big show at the McKay Center. But the kid that he was supposed to fight got hurt (read "scared") and backed out. I'm so bummed.

7. I'm officially a COUGERINE

8. This song has been on repeat lately.

Confession

2009-11-09T21:21:00.003-07:00

When I was a freshman in high school, I became (for some reason that I do not remember) obsessed with Linkin Park.

I got the Hybrid Theory CD for a birthday present. I knew every word to every song on the whole CD.

Kat and I would call the radio station after school to try to get them to play "In The End". (Remember Kat?? haha)

I even remember singing "In The End" on a hike at a girls camp. Told you. Obsessed.

And I still love Linkin Park.
Sure. It's a bit dark and screamy, but it's so good. Seriously, the best angry driving music ever. It's so therapeutic. Try it.

Explosion

2009-11-09T21:02:00.002-07:00

Right now, I have so many thoughts, feelings, and emotions going on. I feel like I might explode.

Work is so busy. I love it, but it's stressful.
There aren't enough hours in the day for me to do everything I want/need to do.
Such as:
- errands
- keeping my apt clean everyday
- eating real food
- working out
- learning the guitar

So, once again, I'm on the verge of an emotional explosion. I've been so exposed with my emotions lately. Not like me. But some things I just can't hold in too long. I'm really super duper happy. Really. Yet, I feel slightly weighed down at the moment.

Here you are. A piece of my explosion...

Flurry

2009-11-06T18:40:00.004-07:00

Today has been a flurry.

I had a wonderful day off. (Thank you Nate!) Slept in. Lunch with a few of my favorite people. Retail therapy. And, of course, music.

These two have been on repeat all day.

(I so wish I could play the piano like this...)

Manning Confession

2009-11-01T21:14:00.005-07:00

This confession is two-fold.

1. I love Peyton Manning.
Obsessed.
Words cannot describe.
The Colts drafted him the year after we moved to Indiana. And I've loved him ever since.

2. Sometimes, when I'm bored, I go on YouTube and watch Peyton Manning commercials.
Guilty pleasure.
So enjoyable.

Today I found this one. Hahaha. Laughed so hard.

Editor's Picks

2009-11-01T16:52:00.012-07:00

Another new segment of my blog. Because guess what, it's my blog. So I can do that. This will be fun.

1. OPI Nail Lacquer in Black Onyx
I love OPI. I have so many. It's ridiculous. But, currently, my favorite is Black Onyx.

This will be on my nails for a while.
**Don't worry. I'm not turning gothic. I just like black. :)

2. "I'd Come For You" - Nickelback
Sorry, more music.
Lately, I feel like all my thoughts and feelings are expressed in the lyrics of a few songs. And I can't listen to this song enough.

(Chad -- You are so not good looking. But your voice is so heart-stoppingly attractive.)

Confessions of a Young Sub-Urban Professional

2009-10-31T10:23:00.012-06:00

Welcome to the newest segment of my blog.

Confession #1:
I do not like Halloween.

Confession #2:
The past few days I was having major creativity/marketer's block. As I sat at my computer trying to come up with some brilliant ideas for the upcoming basketball season (which starts on Tuesday, by the way), nothing was coming.

So frustrating.

Yesterday, I was over at BYU having lunch and decided to stop by the old office to say hi to everyone while I was there.

I confessed my lack of ideas to them. Being back at BYU was especially tough because I remember the feeling of living the vision and the atmosphere at basketball games. It's a bit challenging to go from that to where I am now. (Even though I love being at UVU and wouldn't go back.)

Luckily, I went to the right people.

Thanks to Jon & Aubrey for the hundreds of fresh, new songs and lots of talking and laughing!

My creativity is now sparked.

P.S. Jon-- We really need a newer picture. :)

Come Around

2009-10-30T20:26:00.001-06:00

Advertainment

2009-10-28T22:17:00.003-06:00

I'm a total advertising junkie. Check out this new website!

ADVERTAINMENT

New funny/unique/amazing ads posted everyday. Like this one.

Subscribe. Do it.

J.R.

2009-10-28T18:08:00.010-06:00

Last Friday was our "Pink With A Purpose" day for work. Everything went to benefit an adorable 9-year-old girl named Hannah, who has brain cancer.

The other night I went to a benefit concert that was for the same "Pink With A Purpose" cause.

J.R. Richards used to be in a band called Dishwalla, which I'd never heard of. But I did recognize this song from way back when.

Now he's solo and amazing. The show was cool. Just him, one guy from his band, a couple guitars, and a keyboard.

(Dang iPhone cameras and their lack of zoom)

I've always adored Chad Kroeger's voice. But now he has some competition. I'm in love with J.R. Richards' voice. Enjoy!

**Music obsessed lately. Told you.

Balloons

2009-10-27T17:37:00.008-06:00

It's one of those days. You know...where your mind is going a million miles a minute. It's a good day. But I have so many thoughts bouncing around in this little head of mine.

1. Today is a good day.

I left work at 5:30 -- don't even remember the last time I left that early.
It snowed. And I was remarkably not even bothered a tiny little bit. I know. Doesn't sound like me right? Told you it was a good day.

2. Loosening the reigns
... On my perfectionist side. I'll admit that I'm a major perfectionist.
Sometimes it's a good thing. Like with work. It makes me have to do things right and well all the time.
But sometimes the perfectionist in me causes unneeded stress.
Learning to let go of the things I cannot control or change is hard, but empowering.

3. I've been so completely, absolutely, head-over-heels music obsessed lately.
Also not like me. But I love it and I can't get enough of it.
I'm addicted to lyrics.
Like these.

(Probably no one ever listens to the songs I post. That's fine. It's more for me to get my thoughts and feelings out than anything.)

Somewhere In Between

2009-10-27T13:00:00.005-06:00

The past few days were a dream come true.

I went to Arizona to celebrate my grandparents 50th Anniversary with all my family. Dream. Come. True. Did I mention that already?

I love my family and I needed to be with them. It was so nice to let my mind be free for a while. Pure happiness. Yep...that's what it was. Lots and lots of hugs and squeezes. Lots of little girls running and jumping into my arms. Lots of smiles and laughs. (Sadly, I don't have a single picture. Tons were taken, but I didn't get any).

Arizona was a dream come true. And, yes, the sunshine and 85 degree weather definitely helped.

But coming back to reality has bit a tad interesting. The closer and closer we got back to Utah (and the more I watched the temperature drop) the more weird I started to feel.

I feel like my head is still in dream land, but my body is living reality.

I'm quite happy with my reality, don't get me wrong. I have an amazing job doing something I love. And lots of new and exciting things going on in my life.

But I'm a dreamer. Always have been. Probably always will be.

I realized something, though. Whether we want it to or not, tomorrow is going to come. We can let our minds live in the clouds, but we only get one today. Only once chance to make today great. I'm working on living in the present and enjoying the moment. Still dreaming about tomorrow, but loving today!

Side note: Here's the song that inspired the title of this post. It's a FAVorite.

Dear

2009-10-22T00:55:00.014-06:00

Dear Utah,

Thank you for weather this past weekend. Beautiful -- you are beautiful.
It reminded me of summer. I love summer. And I had a great one.

Fair-weather-fan,
Meagan

--------------

Dear Playoff Baseball,

I wish we could see more of each other.
You make me so happy. Why must you come and go so quickly? It hurts. Really.
Nevertheless, thank you. Thank you for your beauty. Thank you for being my escape.
You are so perfectly imperfect.

Obsessed,
Meagan

--------------

Dear Roland, the Guitar Center man,

I came in just before you closed on that cold, rainy night. You were compassionate on my guitar-ignorant self. Thank you for kindly explaining that it would take longer to re-string my guitar than the store was open. You shared your schedule with me and we planned a second rendezvous.

When we met again, you were waiting and I was excited to see you. You picked out new set of guitar strings for me. We chatted as I patiently watched you re-string my guitar for free. We bonded over having bad hair days with our long, flowing locks and kind-of being from Arizona.

You made me so happy with this beauty that I can't wait to learn how to play.

And although we may have little in common, you will always be my friend Roland, the Guitar Center man.

Peace (with a BIG smile),
Meagan

--------------

Dear Arizona,

I love you. Phew... there I said it. And I don't even care if you say it back.

You bring me so much joy. Thank you for your 90 degree weather and sunshine that will soon save my cold, October body.

Thank you for all my wonderful memories. For my childhood. For my future.

Your dry, desert heat and cacti and dirt and rocks-for-grass are pure beauty in my eyes.

Thank you for taking care of so many people that I love. They make me happy and I can't wait to laugh and smile and hug and love them.

I hate our long distance relationship. Let's change that someday. Please?! :)

Love always,
Meagan

--------------

Dear Song,

I may have stolen you away from someone else. That's ok.
You have captivated my soul.

Dreaming,
Meagan

Defining Me More

2009-10-19T22:15:00.005-06:00

Honesty:

Can be difficult for me ...not because I have a need to lie but because I don't want to be exposed

Passion:

Necessary & how I feel towards so many things

Trust:

Is something I struggle to do

Love:
Has many forms...thank goodness

Faith:

Is the one thing I will always have

Happiness:

Is the goal here...I make an effort everyday

I am happy

Strength:

Is something I pride myself on

Independent:

To a fault

Beauty:

Believe it exists in everyone and everything...even if it's hard to see

Perfect:

My expectations are high...probably to high

Peace:

Is something I have been taught how to find...although it can be tough

Sleep:
Necessary

My heart:

Is cautiously protected but has so much potential once it's opened

Expression:

Pieces of myself in many things

Hope:

What I cannot get through the day without

Music:

Has become crucial in my life.....so enjoy this little number

that I'm totally addicted to

Song for Trey

2009-10-19T22:03:00.008-06:00

Since I'm all being open and stuff lately, I thought I'd do something out of my character.

Normally, I would never ever do this. I'm so shy about playing the piano because I'm really not too great. I usually only play when I'm home alone or I know my family isn't actively listening or for special occasions for special people.

I do love playing, though, and it does make me happy. So enjoy this video I made for my brother.

Tales from Japan

2009-10-19T21:36:00.009-06:00

It's incredible how happy letters and emails from this kid make me.

He's grown so much. Every time I hear from him I think, "Who are you? This is not my brother?"
But he's doing so great and I'm so very proud of him.

This week:
- "Someone just got transferred to Okinawa and his name is TREY!"
- Trey got his wish (again!) and got transferred to Okinawa. I swear that boy gets everything he wants.
- Here's his story from the week. I have to share.

"The morning we left to go to the airport, we didnt have money to buy our plane tickets. I don't know what happened. The mission home didn't put it in our accounts. Then we were all... great well miss our flight. THENNNNNN RANDOMLY my FAVorite member ever.... the lady who gives me bread... sister senba came to the airport. She said, 'I don't know. I just had a strange feeling I needed to come to the airport. She had no idea what time our flight left or that I was even leaving. So we explained our problem and she looked in her purse and, lo and behold, she found a envelope in her purse with EXACTLY...EXACTLY the ammount we needed. Excactly 46000 yen. It was litterally amazing. So she paid for three of us to go to Okinawa out of her pocket. It was amazing. She cried. We cried. Then they rushed us on to the plane and now I'm her in Okinawa..... its BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

WOW! Miracle?? -- That's all I have to say about that.

I love my brother!

Small and Simple Things

2009-10-18T10:36:00.010-06:00

Sometimes, I use this blog as an outlet. I am a very private person and do not share my emotions with anyone often. But there are times when I just can't hold anymore in. So I use this blog to allow myself to express some of my thoughts and feelings (even if there are not seen or read by anyone but me).

The past few days have been extremely hard, some of the hardest I've ever experienced. I hurt worse and differently than I ever have before.

But I think these times are occasionally necessary, for me, to put things back into perspective. They moments allow be to think about and realize what's really important. Much of the last few days has been spent on my knees, well, because I have nowhere else to go. And from that, here are a couple things that I have been impressed to think about, ponder, and focus on lately.

These things bring me absolute, perfect, and genuine happiness despite the part of me that hurts.

----------------------

1. Elder Holland - April 2009 General Conference - "None Were With Him"
Elder Holland is my favorite for many reasons. When he initially gave this talk, I felt that it was directed right to me and I still feel that way.
Some main points that always come to my mind when I need them include:

- "My Easter-season message today is intended for everyone, but it is directed in a special way to those who are alone or feel alone or, worse yet, feel abandoned."
- "God is always faithful, that He never flees nor fails us."
- "Brothers and sisters, one of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said, 'I will not leave you comfortless. [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you].' "

2. President Eyring - October 2007 General Conference - "O Remember, Remember"
- “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch ME today?”
- "I became ever more certain that our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. I felt more gratitude for the softening and refining that come because of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. And I grew more confident that the Holy Ghost can bring all things to our remembrance—even things we did not notice or pay attention to when they happened."
- “Count your many blessings; name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”
- "It is the Holy Ghost who helps us see what God has done for us. It is the Holy Ghost who can help those we serve to see what God has done for them."
- "You might ask, 'But how does this process get started in someone who knows nothing about God and claims no memory of spiritual experiences at all?' Everyone has had spiritual experiences that they may not have recognized. Every person, upon entering the world, is given the Spirit of Christ. How that spirit works is described in the book of Moroni:

'For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.' "

- "I testify to you that the warm feelings you have had as you have listened to truth being spoken in this conference are from the Holy Ghost."

- "Tonight, and tomorrow night, you might pray and ponder, asking the questions: Did God send a message that was just for me? Did I see His hand in my life? I will do that. And then I will find a way to preserve that memory for the day that I will need to remember how much God loves us and how much we need Him. I testify that He loves us and blesses us, more than most of us have yet recognized."

----------------------

So in these hard, trying, and painfully times, I hold fast to these thing I know to be true. The past days have been spent living for those specific moments where I see God's hand in my life. And they are all very small things, such as:

- hugs from family and good friends (and even Cosmo haha) who care about me

- eating pizza (my favorite) and watching a baseball game (also my favorite)

- uncles offering to fix my car

- remembering how much I love playing the piano

- a trip to Salt Lake that, miraculously, made me feel like I was back in New York

I have truly learning to count my blessings. It's the little things that matter the most. And even though I'm still hurt and sad, in these small moments, I've found true, genuine happiness.

Man in the Mirror

2009-10-15T21:49:00.015-06:00

With all the big changes I've had recently in my life, I've kind of gotten lost a little bit. So I've spent the past couple days thinking about, spending time with, and getting to know ME again. It's been great! Here's what I've discovered...

I am Meagan. See - That's Me!

(Why are all these pictures blurry?? Grrr...)
I am 22.
I have brown hair, brown eyes, and have been the same size for as long as I can remember now.

I'm lucky because I'm not just from one place.
I've lived in Flagstaff, Arizona; Phoenix, Arizona; Las Vegas, Nevada; Petal, Mississippi; Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Muncie, Indiana; Allen, Texas; Spanish Fork, Utah; Provo, Utah; New York City, New York; and Orem, Utah.
Quite the list but I love it.

I love the sun and hot (not warm) weather.
My favorite season is summer - baseball, sun, pools, popsicles, 4th of July, warm rain, summer nights. Need I say more??

I do not love cold, winter, blizzards, cleaning snow off my car, etc.

I am terrified of fish, whales, dolphins, anything in the ocean - including the ocean itself.
BUT I love, love, love the beach. Figure that one out huh?

I LOVE sports. I'm so passionate about them.
Baseball is my favorite. I could watch any game, anywhere, anytime.

My favorite teams are:
- Arizona Diamondbacks (I'll always be a loyal fan, no matter how long they're terrible.)
- Indianapolis Colts
My favorite players are:
- Randy Johnson
- Peyton Manning
Sports I do not love - NBA, NASCAR, Poker (Is that really even a sport? Why is it on ESPN all the time??)

Like I said, I love sports. How I came to love them is a long story of no real importance. But I can confidently say that my love of sports did not happen by chance. It was meant to happen.

I love the work I do - sports marketing. It is so much fun and I'm so passionate about it. I'm still as much in love with this business as I was 6 years ago.

I currently work for UVU Athletic marketing. Again, no small chance that I am there. I know 100% that is where I'm supposed to be right now. And I love it. But I've recently realized that even though what I do is such a big part of my life, it is not who I am.

My favorite color is red. I love black and gray. I love black & white pictures.

I like dogs and bunners.

I love to read. My favorite book is To Kill A Mockingbird.

I'm extremely independent and actually enjoy being alone.

Girly parts of me include:
- I like spending a long time getting ready.
- I love doing my hair and putting on makeup.
- Sometimes I want to get dressed up really nice.
- I love super duper high heels. They make me feel empowered.
- One of my favorite TV shows and guiltiest pleasures - Gossip Girl. Phew...there, I said it.

Pet-peeves:
- when things are crooked (slightly OCD - See below section)
- arrogant people
- stupid people
- when people try to talk like they know sports and they actually don't

Slightly OCD:
- Crooked things (i.e. pictures, outlets, writing on a white board, etc.)
- It takes me an hour to put sheets and blankets on my bed because everything has to be perfectly even on each side.
- I have a very strict routine to how I get ready in the morning. It cannot be messed up.
- Have to, have to put my right shoe on before the left one.

Music:
- I love music. But I know nothing about it. I have no idea what's "cool" and I don't spend time listening to small, you've-never-heard-of-me artists.
- Favorite bands include: AC/DC, Van Halen, No Doubt
- Favorite songs: Always changing, but "Dreams" by Van Halen in a constant. (See previous post.)

Another guilty secret:
I love, love, love Gwen Stefani. Not in the obsessive, stalker way. But more like, she's so cool and I wish I could be her in another life type of way.

Oh and I'm LDS. It is too much a part of me to not include. And not just because I was born and raised LDS. I choose to be LDS. My religion is the number one thing in my world. If everything else failed me (which sometimes I feel like it might), I will always have that.

I love my family. They are second only to the gospel. And really, it's hard to separate one from the other, since they are so much intertwined. These are my 4 favorite people and I know I was meant to go through forever with them.

I'm extremely intrinsically motivated and am very driven. Especially in my career. I love doing things that people tell me can never do (i.e. New York).

I love to laugh and smile. I am generally a happy person. Though, I do have my moments. But doesn't everyone go through times like that?
Most of them are self-inflicted. I'm my own worst critic and can be very hard on myself.

I stress out. Because I'm a perfectionist. I don't want to give anything but my best. Ever. And also because I care too much about things.

I have a hard time not letting what people say get to me. It's something I'm constantly working to improve. Trust me, I'm much better than I used to be.

I'm flawed. I make mistakes -- so many mistakes. I make the same mistakes over and over again.

I have a lots to work on. Many ways I can be better.

But I love me. I'm so happy being who I am.

Sanctuary

2009-10-13T23:09:00.006-06:00

No matter how crazy life gets or what's on my mind, there is one place that always brings me solace.

And this song always turns my mood around.

I Graduated!

2009-08-30T19:49:00.006-06:00

In April...but here are pictures (finally).

All I was thinking -- "Don't fall."

I looked forward to this picture for a very long time.

Just missing my Trey.

Thanks Grandma & Grandpa Sorensen for coming!

Thanks Grandma & Grandpa Robinson for coming!

Where I sat for three years.

I'll always be a cougar.

My 3 favorite professors.

I'm going to miss going by my dad's office everyday.

Once Upon A Time...

2009-08-30T19:36:00.003-06:00

Yikes it's been a long time since I've posted anything. And truthfully, I'm not feeling very talkative right now. I woke up from a nap 3 hours ago, but am still not fully awake. (I'm worn out, ok? Don't judge.) So I'll make this brief.

NY was amazing. I will always be in love with it. But it was time to move on.
I flew back to Utah August 1st. I started working for Utah Valley University Athletics as their Assistant Director of Marketing on August 3rd. It's going great, but very different and a bit overwhelming. I'm so happy to be back in Athletics again though. It's truly my passion and it's what makes me so happy. I'm learning and growing so much in my new job. I love to being challenged and having to figure out how to do things new and different. It's definitely an adjustment -- working full time. I can't doing something all day everyday that I didn't love. I love my job!
I'm moving in a new apartment. Many much thanks to UVU Athletics and my wonderful boss. I have my OWN apartment in Wolverine Crossing, just across the freeway from UVU. It's a little 1 bedroom-1 bath apt, but it's awesome.
I can't wait to go to JAPAN. I've been so proud of Trey lately. He is very happy and doing so well over there. I miss his guts everyday, but I'm so proud of him. I'm lucky he's my brother and I'm so excited to go to Japan in a year and a half.

My missionary is funny

2009-07-27T13:10:00.004-06:00

I love my brother. Here's some of my favorite from his email this week.

"hey stay away from the creeps.... dont date creeps.... we need to hold tryouts for you... like shot at love with tila tequila.... except less sleezzy and less skanky.... yeah that's a good idea"

"week was good. baptisms amazing. i went to the zoo. i had some toast... all in all twas a good week :D"

He had some toast. Epic.

"Sent from NOT my iPhone"
(He added the "NOT")

I fell in love with a NINJA

2009-07-24T12:31:00.006-06:00

The other night for work we went to this a.w.e.s.o.m.e. restaurant called NINJA.

You walk in and go straight into an elevator. As you're going down the elevator, the lights get darker. When you get off the elevator, they take you down a long, dark passageway where NINJAs jump out at you.

Then you walk through the restaurant to your table. The whole restaurant looks like a Japanese NINJA castle. Each table has its own room. The waiters/servers/everyone are NINJAs. They act and talk like NINJAs too. (sounds cheesy but so cool)

The menu consists of regular dishes and NINJA Art Dishes. Most of us got the pre fixe with the Art Dishes.

Drinks: I asked for Dr. Pepper, but was swiftly informed that they only have NINJA Pepsi or NINJA Coke.
First course: I had to pull a huge NINJA sword out of a bell pepper, which then released the smoke (a.k.a. dry ice)
Second course: Floating Sushi (dry ice again)
Third course: Beef something covered in a huge Filo dough "fort." The server tells me I have to either NINJA headbutt it or NINJA chop it, but I had to scream either way. I chopped - Hieee Yah!
Fourth course: The biggest steak I've ever seen in my life. Someone else had lamb chops delivered with a "torch." NINJA juice was lit on fire. When asked what NINJA juice was, the server told us it was squeezed from real NINJAs.
Dessert: NINJA star and Rose (in dry ice) Chocolate

They also had a NINJA magician that came around after dinner.

This was easily one of my favorite things I've ever done in New York.
The pictures aren't very good because they were taken with my phone and the lighting was bad.

My Rose Chocolate dessert (can't really see it)

When I asked the waiter to take pictures with us, he said, "Wait! I need to get you NINJA swords." I'm examining my weapon.

Our good looking NINJA waiter

I didn't realize he was trying to NINJA kill me.

And he looks so NINJA happy about it.

Our whole NINJA group - awesome people!

Start your engines!

2009-07-24T11:42:00.005-06:00

Last night for work some vendors took us gokarting! So fun!

I wasn't expecting it to be so legit...jumpsuits, helmets, everything. We did 2 7 minute races to qualify for the final round.

I had to have a BOOSTER SEAT to drive my gokart. As if that isn't bad enough, they scooted my seat all the way forward, the break/gas pedals all the way back, and I still had to sit up in my chair to reach the steering wheel. Yes, I'm a small human.

Me & Ralph (Our manager)

Pre-race shot

Git yo game face on!

I was in #40, in the back, on this race.

Post-race shot on the podium

Tales of the NY Subway

2009-07-21T16:05:00.004-06:00

The other day I bought packing tape. On the subway. For $1.

People doing stuff for money on the subway is not unusual.
Typically they're asking for it.
Or selling candy.
Or singing.
Or playing some instrument.
Or dancing.

But selling office supplies?? Really?

I just wonder how much business that guy really gets selling packing tape.

A little...

2009-07-20T14:17:00.004-06:00

A.D.D.

I can't concentrate on one thing for too long.
I can't stay in one place for too long.
I can't keep my nails the same color for too long.
I can't let this blog stay the same way for too long.

This was all I could settle on to fit my mood today. A little less bright. Still happy. Colorful. A little duller. Sophisticated. Not too serious.

A New York Bucket List

2009-07-16T13:44:00.005-06:00

I'm leaving the city in a little more than 2 weeks. This is my 3rd summer here and I don't know when I'll be back or if I'll ever get the chance to live here again. So I'm trying to make sure I've done everything in NY that I've wanted to.

Yankee Stadium: many times. My favorite place to sit - Right field bleachers for roll call
__ NEW Yankee Stadium: not yet, but next week for sure
Shea Stadium: many times
CitiField: Mets vs. Reds - July 10, 2009
Empire State Building
Top of the Rock
Today Show
Rockefeller Center
Good Morning America Summer Concert
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
Eat pizza (& wait in line) at Grimaldi's
__ Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory Ice Cream: not yet
Eat real Chinese food from Chinatown
Statue of Liberty
Ellis Island
Metropolitan Museum of Art
__ Guggenheim: probably won't get to do that...sadly
Go to a concert: Foo Fighters, Counting Crows & Maroon 5 last summer; AC/DC July 31st!!
__ Eat Italian food in Little Italy
Dessert at Cafe Lalo
Broadway Show: Les Mis, The Little Mermaid, Wicked, Jersey Boys
Eat lots of NY pizza
The Apple Store of 5th Ave
Central Park: too many times to count
Riverside Park
Kayaking on the Hudson River
Outdoor movie in Bryant Park
Columbus Circle
Manhattan Temple
Shopping in Soho...dangerous :)
Dinner at a fancy-schmancy restaurant: Thank you Mindshare!
See a celebrity on the street: LAST NIGHT! Spotted...Nate Archibald (a.k.a. Chace Crawford) stepping into Butter
Cupcake from Magnolia Bakery
__ Cupcake from Crumbs
Dessert at the f.a.b.u.l.o.u.s. Max Brenner
__ Serendipity
Time Square...duh
Madison Square Garden...but never been inside
Shake Shack - scrumptious
Cheesecake from Junior's (and the original one in Brooklyn)
Coney Island & the 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest... hello, world record
The Beach...lots and lots
Museum of Natural History
__ Bronx Zoo - probably won't happen either
Eat food from a street cart: Halal food TODAY - actually so good
Mr. Softee
Grand Central... more times than I can count
The Chrysler Building
Trump Tower
The Nike Building...NikeID's July 30th!
Eat at a diner
Eat at the Seinfeld "Restaurant"
Went to the home run derby
Been to every borough - Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island
Taken the Staten Island Ferry
Ground Zero
Harbor Cruise
The Intrepid
__ The Late Show
__ SNL
Met lots of interesting people, made new friends, created memories
Every possible detail of the past 3 summers that I can't remember
Fulfilling my lifelong dream of living & working in New York City - 3 times!

An Announcement

2009-07-15T15:16:00.004-06:00

Finally. After lots of waiting, I'm finally able to officially announce that I have a new job. A job job job. A grown-up job. With benefits and stuff. Yes...I'm a big person now.

I'm going to be doing for Marketing Utah Valley University Athletics. That's right, I'm going to be a Wolverine. I start August 3rd and I really can't wait. It's a great opportunity AND I get to go back to sports. I'm thrilled and am looking forward to doing lots of good things to take UVU Athletics to the next level.

A Showdown in Chinatown

2009-07-11T07:06:00.005-06:00

A couple weeks ago my dad told me that Steve Nash was hosting a charity soccer event here in the city. And being the sports-loving, marketing-loving, Steve Nash-loving person I am, I went to check it out.

The event was for his charity, The Steve Nash Foundation. He got together a bunch of NBA-ers and professional soccer players to play a game at a park here in the city.

He walked right past me going into the game.

And said hi to me. I've l.o.v.e.d. Steve Nash ever since the first time I saw him and his longer hair playing on TV in Dallas. My favorite NBA-er and super nice guy.

Grant Hill, another NBA-er. And a soccer player (sad that I didn't know who any of them were).

Tony Parker

I got a really good spot to watch, as you can tell. Wrong! :)

A Conversion Story

2009-07-11T07:01:00.003-06:00

I worked for the BYU Baseball team for 3 years. This past season I had the incredible privilege of getting to know (a little bit) Marc Oslund. Seriously one of the best people I've ever met.

BYUTV and The Mormon Times recently did stories about his conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's a pretty cool story (maybe just because I know him).

You can click HERE to read the story. There's also a video piece on the right side of the screen. Enjoy!

A Bit of the Brit

2009-07-11T06:55:00.003-06:00

Whenever I think double-decker bus, I think England. I have no idea why--I've never even been there.

Anyway, I few weeks ago we went on a double-decker bus tour of the city for a ward activity. Lots of fun! Here are some of the highlights.

The famous Flatiron Building.

We drove past a movie set.

The original Macy's building. I think they said the current Macy's building is about 2.2 million square feet--the largest retail space in the world.

Many Much Moosen

2009-07-06T13:54:00.007-06:00

I had the day off work last Friday and wanted to have a fun day. It went something like this...

Woke up at 4 in the AM...waited f.o.r.e.v.e.r. for the subway.

Arrived early (but not early enough) to see him.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Instead, saw him.

Did this for a little while.

Then did this.

Tried (unsuccessfully) to get some of this from the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory.

Instead, walked across this.

Good day.

Preview

2009-07-06T13:48:00.005-06:00

If you haven't heard from another source yet, I have good news.

BUT info must be kept on the D.L. for a little while longer. Details will come in a week or so.

Til then...Here's a little preview of my exciting news.

"A Train Experience"

2009-06-29T09:38:00.004-06:00

I ride the subway...everyday.

Everyday, every stop there's a little message for you.

Sometimes it's an automated voice that says, "This is Times Square 42nd Street. Transfer is available to.... The next stop is 34th Street Penn Station."

Usually I get an actual person, the driver or someone, to deliver this information. That typically goes something like this... "This is 168th Street. 145th street will be next. DO NOT HOLD THE DOORS! LET THE PEOPLE OFF THE TRAIN BEFORE YOU GET ON!" You get the idea.

Buuuuut the other day I was on the train on my way to work. And it went something like this. "Gooooood morning ladies and gentlemen! This is the downtown A Train experience. The next stop...will be... 59th street. Have a glorious day and an unforgettable weekend!!"

It was cool.

Addict

2009-06-24T13:28:00.004-06:00

I L.O.V.E. me some

Followed by some

That is all.

A Baker's Dozen

2009-06-20T11:06:00.015-06:00

Goodness gracious it's been a long time! And so much has happened. Since it's a rainy, gloomy day here in the N.Y., I figured there was no better thing to do than update this sucker.

I've been very uninspired to blog lately so I decided it was time for a MAKEOVER! I'm thinking that maybe something more summery will make me want to get back into the blogging groove.

Like I said...A lot has happened.
So this is a long one. Don't hold your breath.

1. I turned 22.
And had a rockin birthday!
A Baseball BBQ Bash--perfect weather, so fun!
No Doubt concert = amazing!

(All birthday pictures are in Utah...sorry)

2. I moved back to New York City
I really do love it here. The city is such a fun place and you really can't fully understand what it's like until you come here. Always stuff to do. Right in the middle of everything. So much fun.

With that said though...New York is VERY far away from home.

3. I love these girls.

4. I'm back at work.
I work for an ad agency called MindShare. It's the same place I worked last summer with a lot of the same team (one of the main reasons I decided to come back).

The work is fun and different and I'm learning a lot. My client is Sprint. And well...here... you can have first-hand experience of what it is that I do.

Go to Google (or Yahoo or your search engine of choice).
Type in Sprint (or something else that interests you).
Now see there at the top where it say "Sponsored Links." Well that's what I do--buy those keywords and write those little blurbs.

5. I love this sassy little creature.

I got a lot of slack about deciding to bring her out here with me. But despite the fact that there's about 8 million people on this tiny island of Manhattan, New York can become a very lonely place. Which is why i love love love having this little munchkin here to keep me company.

The other day I took her to the park (Yes, I do have a leash for her & she's gotsta exercise). And this lady stopped and was staring at Bo for a long time. Then she said, "That's the weirdest looking dog I've ever seen!" Ha I just laughed.

Needless to say having a bunny on a leash...or just a bunny in general...attracts quite a bit of attention. It's weird I know. :)

6. I'm ready for summer to start.
I can count on 3 fingers the number of sunny days we've had since I've been here. It's just rain rain rain.

Also, I work in a freezer.

7. Some parts of my job I just L.O.V.E.
The other night some reps from Google were in town and they took us out for the night.

We went to this French restaurant for dinner. It was good, but it felt like walking into a nursing home to eat dinner.

Then we went to see the Broadway show Jersey Boys. It was so great. It's about Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons. I haven't seen too many shows but this one was by far my favorite. So good!

8. I'd love to be watching the U.S. Open right now.
Or FOX Saturday baseball.

In case you didn't know, I'm a major ESPN junkie. But I have no TV at my apartment here. I'm having serious withdraws.

Also...if you haven't seen UP--go see it or wait or it to come to RedBox. But whatever you do, see it! So so good!

9. Another thing I love about New York.
You meet the most awesome people everywhere/anywhere.

Last week I tried to go to the Guggenheim because it was free for a night. I wasn't able to get in. (Turns out about 1 million other New Yorkers had the same thought). So I hopped on a bus to head back home. It was very crowded and squished. Right next to me was a tiny, older Asian man.

He said, "I like your shoes." Ha and we just started talking.
He said, "You're not from New York are you? I can tell."
I said, "Nope. I'm from Utah."
Long story short...this guy went to Snow College. Seriously...what are the chances. THEN I found out that he's also Japanese. I told him my brother was there and he asked if he was a missionary. Right after that I had to hop off the bus to catch the subway home. But it was such a cool experience.

10. Another other thing I love about New York.
It can make you feel like you're not in America.

The neighborhood I live in is ALL Spanish, for one.

For two, my boss is Chinese and Fridays are slow at our office. So he decided to take us to Chinatown to get some real Chinese food for lunch. Serious outer body experience!! Everything you think you know about Chinese food...wrong!

The restaurant was one HUGE room and these old Chinese ladies would come around with carts of food and you just get what you want. No.one. spoke english. The food...chicken feet, cow stomach, etc. I just stuck to the egg rolls :)

11. My 16 year old brother is d.r.i.v.i.n.g.
Um...Enough said.

12. My 19 year old brother is on the other side of the world.
And seems to be loving it! We got his first email from Japan last week.
Check it out here.

13. Last but CERTAINLY not least.
I love my family! They are my four most favorite people in the whole universe!
I'm sad I have to be SO far away from all of them.

Too bad I'm not looking at the camera in this picture. But it's the only one I could find.

Senior Pictures

2009-05-20T12:38:00.005-06:00

Back to the Big Apple

2009-05-20T12:34:00.003-06:00

In case you haven't heard, I'm moving back to NEW YORK.

I'll be working at the same ad agency I did last summer, with all the same people. I'm excited.

The only thing different is that this time...I'm not sure if I'll be coming back. It is just and internship and just for the summer, but if I don't find another job I'll stay in NY for good.

I'm excited! And Bo gets to come with me. She's excited too!

(Something happened to my iPhoto and I lost ALL my pictures from 2 summers in NY. I'm so depressed about it. Thus, no picture for this post.)

My Baby

2009-05-20T12:25:00.005-06:00

I got a bunny about a month ago! Yay! I've literally wanted one for as long as I can remember.

I was getting some senior pictures taken and they had a rabbit at the photo place. They told me they were doing a drawing to give it away. So I called the next day to enter my name in the drawing. They said if I really wanted it, I could just have it. :)

Her name is Bo. I know...you're probably saying, "Meagan, Bo is not a girl's name." Well they told me she was a boy. So I was calling her a boy for 2 weeks before I went to the vet and found out she was actually a girl. Then I didn't want to changer her name. So BO it is.

My Baby :)

She's such a little diva!

Lexie is just so curious. She's a little scared of the bunny because she can't figure out what it is.

Hidden Messages

2009-04-01T12:11:00.003-06:00

Last Friday, I was about to get in the shower. I turned the water on and the bathroom was getting all steamy when I noticed something.

Written secretly on the big mirror in my bathroom was...

I LOVE U MEAGAN!
- TREY

The small mirror said...

TREY
"hearts"
MEGS

Yeah... I had a moment. I love my brother! :)

Ode to my Brother

2009-04-01T11:56:00.004-06:00

One week ago today my freaking amazing brother, TREY, went into the MTC. It was hard to say goodbye, but I'm so stinking proud of him. I can already tell them he's grown so much in just a week.

People of Japan -- Get yo-selves ready for the awesomeness that is Trey Robinson!

The wife of a friend of mine is Trey's Japanese teacher at the MTC. I saw her the other day and she said he is doing really well. But I guess he had gotten a small case of stage fright that day. She had them memorize something in Japanese and then say it in front of the class. When he got up, he got nervous and totally forget what he was supposed so say. Funny! :)

Some of my favorite one-liners from Trey's letter so far...

"So the crying room was fun huh?!" - referring to the goodbye room at the MTC

"There are so many idiots here it's not even funny." - telling Chudge why he needs to do good in school

"I love you more than Lexie (our dog) loves balls." - Haha :)

** Keep up with Trey's mission on his mission blog -- click here

The Climb

2009-03-23T02:43:00.005-06:00

I'm soooo not a Miley Cyrus fan. But I love this song. It reminds me...of me.

I can almost see it
That dream I'm dreaming but
There's a voice inside my head sayin,
You'll never reach it,
Every step I'm taking,
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking but I
Got to keep trying
Got to keep my head held high

There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm gonna to have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing,
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down but
No I'm not breaking
I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm going to remember most yeah
Just got to keep going
And I,
I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on, cause

There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm gonna to have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

Bitter!

2009-03-18T22:14:00.004-06:00

Urgh! Bitter...probably the only word to describe my current mood.

My capstone project is due Friday (Thank goodness!) but I haven't slept in 2 weeks. Bitter.
I'm so behind on all my other homework. Bitter.

I desperately need a vacation. Bitter.

My baseball team (BYU) is in sunny San Diego. I'm bitter.
Tomorrow, they face the best college pitcher in the country. I want to be there. I'm bitter.
Right now, at the very moment...my baseball team is at the World Baseball Classic game (which I've been totally obsessed with). SO bitter!

Now, I really do want to be in P-town this weekend since the lil bro leaves next week. And I'm excited to see all the familia this weekend. So excited!

Oh and...a month til graduation!! woo hoo! But still no word on jobs yet. Bitter.

:) I promise I'm really not in a bad mood.

In Honor of St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T19:14:00.002-06:00

One of the funniest things I've ever seen...Enjoy! :)

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

2009-03-15T21:03:00.006-06:00

I never thought it was possible to love something and hate something so much at the same time. But that's exactly how I feel about my job...mostly love, but certainly lots of hate. Love because I'm passionate about it. Hate because I'm passionate about.

I had 7 baseball games in the past week. So...please pardon the following brag moment.

After months of hard work and preparation for BYU Baseball's opening day event against Utah, I sold this place out!

And not just sold out...over 3000 in a 2200 capacity park! We were about 30 people away from the all time attendance record. I was so excited. It was such a fun night!

For now...I love my job! And because I'm so happy that this week is over, please enjoy the following pictures that make me smile. : )

6 years later...

2009-02-21T13:14:00.004-07:00

I got my braces off about 6 and a half years ago. I've had wear to my retainer every single day of those 6 and a half years because apparently my teeth think that staying in one place forever is just too boring. So Wednesday, I got a permanent retainer on my top teeth. After a 3 hour long appointment and more tooth pain than I've had in 6 years, my gap is gone forever. It will not be missed. I'm so happy!

I also decided that I would much rather go to the orthodontist than the dentist. Here's why...

Orthodontist: "Your teeth are so nice and straight and white. You do a great job of brushing and taking care of your teeth."

Dentist: "You suck at flossing and you have 7 cavities."

*There may have been some exaggeration. But still...

In other news, BASEBALL started yesterday! What a great day! It was probably the only time in my life ever I've craved a hot dog.
BYU won their first game against Manhattan College, but lost to No. 13 Oklahoma St. 17-14. Oh well...It's baseball season so it's impossible to not be happy.

What a week...

2009-02-16T23:08:00.005-07:00

Well, first and foremost, (though I'm sure everyone and their mom has heard by now...literally) my awesome, studly, funny, smart, wonderful brother TREY got his mission call - Fukuoka Japan! I'm so super duper proud and excited for him. He's going to be a great missionary, even though I'm going to miss his guts so stinkin much!

Second, I learned this week that stress really is not good for your health. I'm pretty sure that's why I feel like I've been sick for a month. I'm trying to work on it...

Third, I'm officially less than 2 and a half months away from being done with school! YAY!

Fourth, I got a new calling - enrichment leader. Um...could there be anything that's more not-me?? I don't think so. I'm pretty sure someone's trying to teach me a whole bunch of lessons before I go out into the real world.

Fifth, grrrrr...I'm so tired of winter. I'm just not a cold person. When it was snowing all day on Saturday, I just wanted to scream at the weather, "Don't you know we're supposed to be playing baseball here in 2 weeks?! Hurry up and get hot!"