Yeah so it has been a month and a half since I posted

It probably has something to do with the fact that my life has been really busy. Wedding plans were driving me crazy for awhile, and holidays are always hectic. My apologies to any devoted readers (I do not think there are many of you, so it is okay).

Christmas is tomorrow. Well, Christmas with the Nadalets, that is. We are having turkey dinner and opening gifts. I am pretty excited about it. But trying to keep out any preconceived notions of Christmas out. My family is rampant with traditions, way more than the average family. So anything less than that is hard for me. But I know these changes are a good thing, as Matthew and I make our new life together. Next year we plan on starting our own traditions, it will be easier once we are living together. So, tomorrow will be great.

On another note, we may have found an apartment. I mean, this place is great and only 850 a month, near downtown Redlands. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms. But a dozen people have seen the place already, so we have no idea where we stand in the matter. Please join us in praying that we can get this place!

I have always said I love earthquakes. I just think they are cool. I think I need to make an addendum to that statement. I love earthquakes that are not life threatening, and not when i am in the top bunk! haha Last night there was a tiny earthquake that woke me up. And I laid in bed thinking, okay was that it, or is there more to come?? Because I know that the aftershocks are worse (I don't think this one was even big enough to have aftershocks). I had a plan in mind, if there are more quakes, jump down onto lindsey's bed and wake her up (this would require actually jumping on her and maybe slapping her in the face haha) and then get in the doorway. If D doesn't get out, then open her door and yell. Thankfully there were no more vibrations and I fell back asleep.

Lastly, if it wasn't bad enough that Britney was a mom, she is now an aunt. Her 16 year old sister is having a baby. Sixteen! I mean, I was talking to people last weekend about how girls as young as 13 or 14 are getting pregnant now. But it is usually girls from low income families who have not learned about birth control. No one can tell me that Jamie Lynn is low income, and how could she not have learned about birth control. One good thing, since she has gone public about it, I doubt she will abort it. Usually people don't make headlines about a baby if they are aborting it. The article says she plans on raising it. I think she should give it up for adoption, but who am I to tell her what to do? If she keeps this baby, I doubt her career will go anywhere. That or her 16 year old boyfriend will be famous, for being her baby's daddy. (kevin federline anyone?) And don't you have to be 18 to have sex, legally? Just a thought. (I mean, how do they prosecute that, both were underage and consenting)

I found Nemo

haha I thought that was rather funny. Anyways, tonight I will be re-donning the mermaid costume. Hard to believe, I know. It has been almost 3 years since I last wore the lovely skirt. i was trying to find pictures online, but thankfully there are none around, since facebook was after that! haha anyways, I have revamped the costume (a few layers of green sequins) and am wearing a green tank top instead of the blue bikini. For some reason I just did not feel like that was appropriate for Halloween Happenin at the church. haha My booth is going to be Toss nemo. Kids will throw Nemo (and friends) into a fishtank and get candy! yay! Maybe more pictures to come later!

A Life of Faith

That is what my grandfather lived. Papa was a man that so many people looked to for wisdom and guidance. And his funeral showed just that. There were 300 to 400 people at his funeral, and many of them under 50. This is a lot for someone who died at 78. By the time most older people are buried, only a few of their friends are left, and family. So they have rather small funerals. But I think the sheer amount of people that came to give condolences shows the great man that my Papa was. He gave up so much of his time and money to others, that I do not know how he managed to raise such a wonderful family. It seems like something should have fallen to the wayside, family, friends, work, extra stuff. But it did not. Five different people shared about ways that Warren lived his life. He practically built the Oakland Zoo. He was on the board at Bethany College for many years. He was dedicated to his work and had more integrity and respect than anyone I know. He gave up many hours to his church and spent many years teaching a Sunday School class, he let the men in Teen Challenge know that they could change and be a new creation. But most of all, he loved his family. He left us a legacy of faith that not many people have. Three children and their spouses, 7 grandchildren and three fiances, and his beautiful wife. We all have a faith that is real, a relationship with the Lord that is everlasting.

The service on Monday was a true inspiration. Papa was a man that lived well. I want to be able to honor him and live my life that well. To inspire so many people. And to touch so many lives. To hear his nephew cry about how he sent money to get him books for college (with no strings attached) was so incredibly touching. In a society where we are so stingy with money and want to make ourselves the best, he gave fully to others. And still provided for his family and had a beautiful house! i want to know how he balanced it.

One thing my Papa did that Matthew and I have been doing for the past year or so is nightly prayer. Every night we pray before one of us (whoever goes to bed sooner) goes to sleep. When we get married I plan on continuing that. But also, starting my day with prayer, just as Papa and Mama did. I know that no matter what was going on, I had at least one prayer going up for me daily. That is what makes a marriage work and starts a day off right

in love with ebay

I have just found the plethora of wedding supplies. and for less! tulle, petals, tiaras, you name it! Many of my bridesmaids have found there dresses there (I am totally down for it, I felt kinda bad because I picked an expensive dress anyways). But yeah, ebay has vendors with estores, and I can get stuff for so cheap. I am now excited, because it looks affordable! haha

The Office

So I am very excited about the new season of the Office. Matthew and I watched the new episodes with Allison and Monet last night. The first 2 episodes were great, and elicted lots of great reactions. WARNING HERE, I will discuss what happened... so stop reading if you haven't watched it.

So when Michael hit Meredith we all gasped, then rewound the tivo to watch it again. haha

When Pam pulled over, hid, and let Jim in the car and they kissed... Allison and I screamed a little shout of joy. So happy!

At the end of episode 1, Monet said, to make Allison and I upset about the Jim/Jan thing... "Guys, it is not going to work.. What happened to Dawson and Joey (I didn't like them anyways)? Didn't work out. What about Buffy and Angel? didn't work out because he started killing everyone she loved" Emily eloquently said what I wanted to... check out emilyatwood.com/blog

"Dear NBC/the Office Writers,

As a fairly new die-hard fan of The Office, I have but one request. Please don’t let Jim and Pam’s relationship suffer the same fate at Dawson and Joey. You see, the following seasons of that show no longer had the necessary plot tension and intrigue to make it interesting. Well, interesting to buy beyond the DVDs beyond season three. I hope to, in the future, be buying a boxed set of The Office DVDs that puts the Friends DVDs to shame.

Your eternal fan,
Emily"

I'm engaged

For reals this time. and it feels great! Many of you want to know the story... so here it is!

Matt and I were supposed to go to Disneyland last night, so he was picking me up from work at 4. Around 3 45 he text messages me and says he is running late and it has been "one of those days". I say okay and for him just to call me when he gets here. He does, only 5 minutes late, but looks at me and says "You will not believe this, I lost my Disneyland pass." I just laughed and told him i had it in my purse, where he left it. He seemed releived. But then opened the center console to get his wallet out and realized he left it at home. At this point I am just kinda laughing and realizing we probably won't make it to disneyland. About halfway to his house, he says "I am so stressed, today was just terrible, I need to go sit and breathe, we are going to a park." I agree and just sit in the car and wait for him to calm down as we get to prospect park. He opens my door and gets me out, where i see the in n out and picnic things in his toolbox! that sneaky guy! I look at him and say "We aren't going to disneyland, are we?" He laughs and says no. As we sit down on the picnic blanket, he gives me a book that he made for me. It was pictures of us from before we dated, all through our relationship, and the next to last page was pictures of us at prospect park. I turn the page to read "Megan, will you marry me?" I look at him and start crying, as he is on one knee with the ring. Of course I agreed. After we spent some time together, and finally got to say i love you, we made the phone calls. Then we showed up at Praxis, right at the end, and I went to the mic and said "I have one more announcement, and it's this..." and pointed at the ring. Everyone cheered and was way stoked for us. Then Mark prayed for us. All in all, a wonderful day & night!

Photos:

Getting the camera a few minutes after... so happy!

Me and the Ring!

The happy couple!

Finally uncorking the Champagne

Deutsch 101

Ring Ring.

Hallo?
Hello this is the LA Times
Die Zeitung? Hast du die Zeitung auf Deutsch?
Um maam do you speak english?
Nein! Ich bin Deutsch
Is there anyone in your house the speaks English?
Nein! Wir komme nach Deutschland und wir sprecht only Deutsch
Do you under stand me?
Nein. No
You speak a little English Maam
Nein.

Hang up the phone. That was the conversation between me and the lady with the LA Times. We get almost daily calls from them trying to get us to sign up for the paper. My new tactic... speak German. Because you know they will find someone who can speak Spanish to me. So now I have a new way to treat telemarketers... bring it on!

Oh and Matthew was around when this happened and could not stop laughing! Well, he could not stop laughing once I told him what I was saying later. He thought I was talking to my mom.

Boyfriend!

Now that you opened this, you have to answer completely and honestly.

1. Where did you meet your boyfriend/ girlfriend/husband/wife?
Stress Reduction Night, March 16, 2005.

2. What was the first thought that went through your head when you met ?
Um he's Christian, and cute, I should give him my number (I did)...

3. Do you remember what you or they were wearing?
jeans and a shirt. I was wearing some shirt about being Irish and jeans.

4. Where was the first time you kissed this person?
Um 2 months into our relationship... my apt probably? *matt says at my apt at the of r on the couch by the door... he's better at this than me!

5. How did they ask you out ( or you ask them out )?
By putting "my amazing bf" into my phone... at Kevin's parents. haha

6. Where did you go for your first date?
After we started dating? Dinner at in n out or route 66...

7. How long did you know this person before you became a couple?
A year and a half

8. Has this person ever proposed to you?
No

9. Do you and this person have kids together?
No, we aren't married

10. Have you ever broken the law with this person?
Speeding?

11. When was the first time you realized that you loved this person?
Um, when he dropped me off at the airport in july 2006... well,yeah

12. Who said I love you first?
N/A

13. Do you get along with any of the ex's of your boyfriend/girlfriends?
I live with one of them. So fine. And the other is cool, don't know the rest

14. Do you trust this person 100%?
Yup

15.You get along with the in-laws?
THey are not inlaws, but yet. They took us kayaking

16. What is the best thing this person ever gave you?
So far... happiness and support
but something physical... butterscotch the stuffed puppy

17. What is the most expensive thing this person bought for you?
butterscotch? haha

18. What is the one thing this person does that gets on your nerves?
um nothing? haha

19. What is the thing you do that gets on their nerves?
i get clingy sometimes. haha

20. Where do you see each other in 15 years from now?
married? kids? don't know

Needing to Vent

I am a girl (duh) which means I let things get bottled up for a few hours or days and then need to get them out. These are the things on my mind right now.

1. Poverty. Why do we have so much money in America and yet there are so many poor places that need help. I want to save up money to paint my truck, but then I think, that 20 dollars a week could be feeding a family of 4 for a month (on the streets). And then do not get me started about other countries... Africa, anyone? I mean, there is a lot that is being done. but what are YOU doing? I am going to look into ways to invest in others. Whether it is making 500 shoeboxes of Christmas presents for kids in Mexico (that I am organizing) or building a lofthouse in Mexico (going this weekend hopefully) or supporting a child in another country, or doing something right here in the Inland Empire. I think I am going to contact a shelter and see if they can take a constant canned food donation. and get people excited. I hate that wealth is so unequally spread. (yet there is a part of me that wants a house and a car... I need to find the right balance).

2. Love and Grace. I know God has it for me, in abundance. I just cannot figure out how to drink of his Love. I want to overflow His love to others, but feel like it has all been drained out of me. I wish God's love was a fruit I could pick, and just eat of it whenever I needed replenishing. So you can pray for me, that I would listen to God and receive his Love.

3. Patience. I am very anxious about things that are in the near future. But I know I need to be patient and let things unfold on their own.

4. High Schoolers. I am starting to lead a discipleship group with the high school group of Trinity. Last night was our first meeting and it was lots of fun. I was with the Seniors, but we do not know if that is going to continue (they may need me with freshman and sophmores). However, I do not feel much older than them. I mean, I am four years older. But it does not feel that way. I always feel very young in comparison to others. Unless they are acting really immature, the I get really fed up. But I am excited to see what God is going to do this year with that.

5. MIND GAMES. This is my final thing to rant about. This one and the first are the only ones that I am really frustrated with. The other three are just on my mind. Okay. Let's stop playing mind games, people. Do you really have nothing better to do than lie to me about stupid things that do not matter? And am I to blame for being a caring person and thinking that people would not lie to me? I guess so. Pooh pooh on you Megan, way to give people the benefit of the doubt and trust them. Okay but seriously, stop telling me you are going to be late to something when you are right outside, that's stupid and upsets me. (at least Matthew, my wonderful boyfriend, knows this angers me and does not do this, thank you Matty)

8 random facts

Happy Monday! I was tagged by my friend Krista, so here it is!

The Rules:
1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their 8 things) and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.


8 Random Facts/Habits about Me:
1. This was Krista's last, but creepily I am the same exact way: I have an obsession with blankets. Whether it is 50 degrees or 90 degrees outside I want a blanket on me. I know, strange.
2. I broke my ankle in February and it is still swollen.
3. I can knit, crochet, and sew/quilt.
4. Cooking dinner makes me feel like an adult.
5. Sometimes I imagine my life as a tv show or movie and can hear the soundtrack playing and visualize things cinematographically.
6. I love the show Ace of Cakes and secretly want to open a bakery.
7. I'm scared of eternity because I cannot understand it.
8. I still sleep with my blanky from when I was a baby and the puppy that Matt got me for Valentines Day (it's wearing a red silk negligee... haha)


I tag: Emily and Elise

pumpkin spice latte

I had one of those on my way to work on Friday. As a treat, because I knew I had to be up for 18 hours (oh broomball). But as I drove to work and sipped on the latte, I felt Fall. I mean, in Redlands we do not see much of a change in season besides a 10 degree temperature drop. But tasting the fall-ish drink made me feel all warm inside and like the air was crisp outside. My favorite fall drink is the caramel apple cider. However it has no caffiene, so it is no good in the morning! But I know that when I taste that I will be brought back to the Dublin Starbucks and my first ever discipleship group in high school. The group was me and Melissa Bowen. Such a long time ago, so much has changed. But with each new season comes great and wonderful things. And some crappy things. But it's all about the... Seasons of Love

One year

and two days. (or three if you go by day of the week and not date of the year). That is how long Matthew and I have been together. A huge feat for me as my last relationship lasted 3 months. I took the day off work, as did he, so we could spend the day together. He had a whole day and night planned with Disneyland all day and then a really nice dinner... BUT it would our first week back on campus with praxis and so Mark really wanted us there. So we just kinda spent the day lounging around together. Had a great breakfast at Mimi's, rented a movie, and then a late lunch at Elephant Bar. We also put major plans on hold because we are trying to save money. But all in all, it was a good day and I am so happy to have Matthew in my life. He is wonderful and amazing

I have been on campus at the U of R all week. Yes, I am that kid. That does not leave college. BUT... I have a purpose. And a reason for being on campus a lot. Some of us at Praxis have decided to be a lot more purposeful with how we are on campus and want to make an impact. Even though I am no longer a student, my heart still goes out to college students. So we have been giving out otter pops just so that people get to know us and realize we are not a cult. (I actually said that on Sunday. "Um so what is this praxis?" me- "well we are not a cult (big sign of relief from the girl) we are the college ministry of trinity church" "Ooohh" haha)

But today would be my first day of classes back at the U. Last semester I showed up 30 minutes late for a class because I read the schedule wrong. oh well. At least the teacher and I are tight. haha But my heart is still confused. It wants to go to class. I want to be sitting in with 20 other students and learning. But I am stuck in an office working. 17 years of professional learning and now it is over. I will have to find other ways to learn (msn news and cnn are great!). my goal for the year is to look at a person and figure out how much electricity they use. So I can split up bills fairly. Because many people waste electricity. (I am guilty sometimes).

No longer a student

After 17 years of school. I am no longer a student. (until a year or so from now). It sunk in last night. Some of us from Praxis went to the U of R to pray for the school and I realized it was freshmen move in day. Exactly 4 years to the day had gone by since I started college. I saw all of the freshies walking down ad hill after screaming the Och Tamale. Then as I approached the Chapel I saw all of the tables from dinenr being taken down. It is a dinner with your freshman seminar and your parents. It was just surreal that I am not going there anymore. I called my dad and we got a little nostalgic.

Then I called Lisa. The girl who I met 4 years ago to the day and who has become a great friend. We talked about how much things had changed and how much we have all grown up. Looking back at that first day, I remember feeling anxious. I liked my roommates and hoped they liked me. And a little sad that my parents were leaving. And I met people who would change my life. Lisa and I thought we would be closer to Kell in the end, but really, it is Lisa and I who bonded and will continue to keep in touch. We do not talk all that often. But our weekly phoen calls keep us up to date, and I love hearing about her busy life. (she really is in the real world, being staffed at a huge company). Last night we talked about things such as health insurance, other benefits, and 401K plans. Something I had no idea about 4 years ago.

I guess this all goes to say it is weird to be done with school. But I am so glad I had this amazing experience. AND I think I will get to see some old friends come October for Centennial!

so sore

that is what I am. Kayaking is rough stuff. Matt and I went to Belmont shores with his family on Saturday. It was a very trying experience both physically and emotionally. I am so used to family vacations with my family that anything else is weird. And I think I am one of those kids who gets all cranky when the routine is changed. (I nannyed a kid like that). Because I was all cranky and I could not figure out why. (well pms could have been a minor factor). But I am used to the laid back hang loose style of my dad, and Matt's fam is not like that. It is not bad or good, it just is. So I needed to get used to not splashing people. Whereas with my dad, he would have been the one trying to tip people's kayaks over. Althought the girls did get into the spirit when they brought a water gun (I thought it was funny) and I finally splashed them enough (Matt let's go faster, I need to get Caity) that they were allowed to splash back. haha It was fun though. And I got a major workout.

Matt also learned what happens when we make Megan do things she does not want to do. He made me play ultimate and got rammed into by my head. Needless to say he was shocked, and I got a good laugh out of people.

I also realized this weekend that I need to be a)more patient and b)more vocal in expressing my hurts. Like I had a few people hurt me this weekend, when I actually talked to them about it, it made it a lot better. I like to be non-confrontational so that I do not create waves. However I also like to create drama and get it all out. I am either too shy or way too much of a bitch. There is this part of me that just wants to yell at some people and call them out and go crazy on them. But I bite my tongue. For the most part. Then I make some underhanded remark, which Matt inevitable hears and tells me to be more Christlike. Last night my response to that was that Jesus called people out on stuff. Matt pointed out that Jesus was perfect. Eh, minor details. haha So I am trying to understand why people are the way they are and what that means for me. Matt says I need to be the bigger person. I know I do. It is just frustrating, because I just want to smack people and get them to see what they are doing to themselves and others. Ugh.

My apartment is killing me. It is never clean. Maybe that will change. Maybe I just need to accept it and move on... ugh

"Love is a many splendored thing (yes), it lifts us up where we belong(correct, it can), All we need is love(wrongo)." Hold the phone. that is wrong. Love in itself is not all we need. We need Jesus and his love. Otherwise we would die forever.

But that is not the point of this blog. Love is overused. It is a sacred word that so many people throw around like sliced bread. (I don't know how you throw around sliced bread, but you get my drift). But people, that gushy feeling in your stomach, that makes you want to kiss your significant other. That, my friends, is not love. That is lust. Or infatuation. Love is not just a feeling. It is an action. How you treat someone. Granted. The way you treat them and how they treat you will bring up feelings of tenderness and affection. But that is not all that love is. I am just tired of hearing people say they are in love after dating for 2 months. Is that a long enough time? Do you really want to go around saying you love people that you are not married to (in that passionate romantic way)? Will that not take away from your marriage? Kind of like why I am against having sex before marriage. That and that whole sex being God-designed for marriage thing. Anyways, I know I need to change my attitude, because my friends are not going to stop saying they love each other. (I'm okay with saying you love your friends in a friendship way, it is the marriage and relationship one that I think is overused). That is pretty much all I wanted to say, let's put the sacredness back into love. If you have any opinions on the matter, let me know!

So Emily send me this photo of a cute little puppy.



I think it is adorable, Matt (West, the fiance, not the boyfriend) thinks it is ugly. What do you think?

car wrecker

That is my Dad's new nickname for me. Great.

If only my stupid apartment complex gave us three spots instead of two. if only the uncovered parking spots were more than 2 feet wide. If only I hadn't gotten a littl too close to that pole. if only I remembered that even once you clear the sideview mirror, you still have a bumper to get past the pole.

Oh well. I finally told my Dad about the dent. (Dad, it's been 2 weeks, I was a little wary of letting you know). And he is just making jokes about it now. Probably because he is giving me the pink slip on monday and knows I have to pay to fix it myself. Ah well.

At least I have a boyfriend with connections to a dealership (um 100 bucks to fix the dent) who also happens to paint cars for a living. How sweet life is.

And I am going to repaint the whole truck (it will set me back about 200 dollars) and then sell it. It is a 2000, so I can get about 6 thousand for it. Anyone looking for a wonderful Dodge Dakota? I want a sporty car that gets good gas mileage (is that possible), that I can get for under 6, so I do not have to pay off any loans!

lemonade

Remember those days of selling lemonade in your front yard? Emliy and Davis and I (and sometimes neighborhood friends) can look back fondly on those days. With a lemon tree in the front yard, we always knew we could make a quick buck by selling some lemonade. One of my favorite memories is when the firefighters stopped by, they had just put out a fire and were thirsty, so they stopped by our stand. We gave them big servings with lots of ice, because we were in awe that a real fire truck had stopped in front of OUR house for lemonade. One of our neighbors ran down the street with freshly made jam (we are talking so fresh she had to wear oven mitts to carry it down the street) for them. They gave us a five as they left and we were shocked. That day of childhood wonder will always remain dear to me.

I also remember using 10 or 12 ounce paper cups and selling the lemonade in them for about 25 cents. Apparently those days are long gone. I saw some girls, about twelve years old, selling "crystal light and soda" outside their house the other day. I pulled over to get some and realized they were charging a dollar. Seriously? A whole dollar? It was good if we made a few of those in a day. But by pulling over I had committed and did not want to leave without buying some. So I got a up of Crystal Light. When they handed me the cup I was shocked, there was about 6 ounces in that little plastic cup. I swallowed it in a matter of seconds. At least it was cold.

On another subject. I was looking through Magnum's photos that changed the world and came across a feature on Taiwanese brides. What is interesting about these brides is that they have these things called wedding albums. They will take hundreds of pictures in multiple wedding dresses, with their fiances, months before the wedding. They then create and album for the house and have great pictures to show off at the wedding. But the biggest thing is a HUGE picture above the couples' marriage bed. These photos become and obsession and parents will spend thousands so that their daughter will have the best album. In this collection of photos, I found this intersting picture. Which showcases another aspect of Taiwanese weddings, the city will put on group weddings so multiple people can get married at once. Weird, right? Well they spent all of their money on pictures, so they cannot pay for a wedding! haha But this picture is a bride who is seasick on her group wedding aboard a boat. How sad. I am not sure who took the picture, but it check out Magnum photos. Here is the one I liked:

amusement parks, part 2

it is official, the girl's feet were amputated. a cable whipped up and pulled them off her legs and the ride was broken. The park employees found her feet and sent them to the hospital with her. She is undergoing surgery, but no other details will be released, as she is a minor (age 13). I cannot imagine having my feet ripped off my body. Breaking an ankle was enough, but to look down and have no feet. They better have numbed her up real quick. Hopefully she will make a full recovery, or at least get good prosthetics. So sad though. You go to a theme park to have fun with your family and end up with your feet being pulled off of your body. Tragic. Puts my life into perspective. All of a sudden a messy roommate does not seem as bad, you know?

amusement park rides

Are lethal. I just heard a story on the radio about a girl who got her feet chopped off on a ride at a Six Flags back east. So scary. However, I have searched for the article and have not found it. But I did find a listing of all theme park injuries for the year 2004. I was happy to find that about 90% were from Carnival or Fair rides. Which is why I usually stay away from those! I have always been scared of the teetering metal rides at the fair. It just does not seem safe to have a ride which you can fold up and drive away in a few hours. i have always been a little wary about rides, but this just ups it for me.

However I heard this from the same radio station that told me yesterday that a woman had fallen into a cement mixer, was poured, and lived. I thought it was funny, and even shared the story at the bid opening that I was at. They did not believe me. That is when I began to doubt this news source(KFROG radio station). Thankfully, I found the article today! Let me know what you think about the drunken Russian woman falling into the cement mixer.

tap water

I grew up drinking tap water daily. There was no such thing as a brita filter in my house, or anyone i was related to, for that matter. Some people in San Leandro had the filtered water in their fridge, but it was mostly for ice and the cold factor. I loved EBMUD (East Bay Municipal Utilities District) water, apparently it is one of the best quality waters in... umm... everywhere!? I also drank the water at the University of Redlands. While it was not fantastic, I was not a sucker who used Brita pitchers and paid high bucks for bottles (unless using debit dollars, because then it was practically free). But last night I got a nice glass of tap from the bathroom sink, drank about half of it, and then spat out the disgusting taste in my mouth. Redlands water on this side of town is disgusting. I am now a Brita user (mostly because D bought a Brita) and I greatly miss San Leandro water. Stupid Redlands.


Matt came to visit the bay, and the good tap water, a few weekends ago. Here are a few pictures. First is our best impression of a seal face, while watching the seals off of Pier 39.



Next we have a lovely display of taffy love, I still have a few pieces left, which get me through the workday and remind me of my beautiful city by the bay.



And lastly a funny picture of us as we walked down from the presidio viewpoint of the Golden Gate

My baklava kicks baklabutt...

That's right. Today was my first successful step into the art of Greek cuisine. Well second, if you count the amazing Greek salad that I made last night, with homemade red wine vinegarette! woo! After watching Giada in Paradise: Santorini on the Food Network, I decided that I wanted to remember my days in Greece by the food. So I found some recipes for baklava (actually I combined the one on the show with a few others to create my own), fried cheese (my absolute FAVORITE Greek food of all time, well maybe next to Eva's tsatziki), Greek Salad, Feta and Spinach puffs (the baklava sparked an interest in phyllo dough inspired food), and Tsatziki to finish it off. The baklava took forever (about 30 minutes to chop the toasted nuts alone) and I was not sure if I would get it right, because I had made my own recipe. Which is pretty adventurous for a first time with a dish. But it came out of the oven golden brown (I used my brain and tented foil over it until the last 10 minutes) and crispy. I poured the sugary sweet and lemony sauce over it and let it set for about 20 minutes. This whole process was about 2 hours. haha The girls in my bible study ate it and said it was great! I served it with some French Vanilla ice cream. I feel as though I have redeemed my kitchen skills. While I may not be able to cook chicken, I am able to make some great baklava. Oh and an awesome Greek salad. And the chicken salad with avocado that I had for dinner was great. The nice thing about being unmarried is the ability to have a salad and call it dinner. When I have a husband, a salad will not suffice. There will need to be red meat and potatoes. haha not really, but more than just a salad, even if it is very filling. Guys have it in their minds that salad is not a meal.

On other subjects, I saw pirates 3 and was quite dissappointed. I cannot count the times that I turned to Matt during the movie and made the "what the heck is going on" face. And the end, which apparently most women do not like was fine. In fact I liked it because it ended story lines, at least for Will and Elizabeth. No idea what it will do for Captain Barbosa and Jack though. And for those who stayed after credits... does this mean the next movie happens 10 years later? Or are they going to pretend that did not happen? Because I know this is not the end of the series. Sadly. Thoughts?

When I get bored...

Megology:

MOUTHOLOGY

Q. What is your salad dressing of choice?
A. Thousand Island. No, Goddess Dressing.

Q. What is your favorite fast food restaurant?
A. In N Out!

Q. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
A. Olive Garden. No, Bubba Gumps. No, Napoli. Wait, okay too many

Q. On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant?
A. Ask Matt. haha jk about 15%

Q. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?
A. Taffy! haha jk that would make me sick after a couple hours. Probably Salad (lots of variety in salad)

Q. What are your pizza toppings of choice?
A. Pepperoni. Or honey mustard dressing with bacno and pineapple and ham and noodles...

Q. What do you like to put on your toast?
A. Butta!

TECHNOLOGY

Q. What is your wallpaper on your computer?
A. Mac: Me & Matt (camera on top). PC: Salzy. Work PC: Blue, should change that

Q. How many televisions are in your house?
A. 3, in my apartment

BIOLOGY

Q. Are you right-handed or left-handed?
A. right

Q. What’s your best feature?
A. My bootay. No, legs. No, I'm pretty sure it is my eyes! and my heart!

Q. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
A. Wisdom teeth and part of my ankle, replaced with screws

Q. Which of your five senses do you think is keenest?
A. Smell? Touch?

Q. When was the last time you had a cavity?
A. I had 8 when i first went to the dentist. Probably like 4 or 5 in my mouth now, but last time one found and filled? 2 years ago (cavities don't go away people, they are filled with metally stuff)

Q. What is the last heavy item you lifted?
A. Tried to put the futon up. didn't work

Q. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
A. probably

BULL[CRAP]OLOGY

Q. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
A. Nope

Q. Is love for real?
A. I am pretty sure. At least, real love is. I'm tired of people confusing love with lust. ugh

Q. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
A. I love my name. But I wish I got my uniue name that my parents thought of, Leisl.

Q. What color do you think looks best on you?
A. blue, or pink

Q. Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?
A. I think I ate ants as a child. But I never swallowed 15 Barbie doll heads like the guy on Grey's

Q. Have you ever saved someone’s life?
A. I don't know.

Q. Has someone ever saved yours?
A. Jesus did.

Q. What were you doing last night?
A. Trying to unpack and watching Jeopardy (who knew it repeats at 10?)

DAREOLOGY

Q. Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100?
A. About 2 years ago, yes. Now, nope

Q. Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000
A. No.

Q. Would you never blog again for $50,000?
A. That is a lot of money. Yes

Q. Would you pose naked in a magazine for $250,000?
A. No. My body is mine. And eventually my husband's. I don't want the world to see it

Q. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
A. Yeah. That's 1/18th of my college loans!

Q. Would you, without fear of punishment, take a human life for $1,000,000?
A. No way

DUMBOLOGY

Q: What is in your left pocket?
A: No pockets on this skirt

Q: Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie?
A: Yup. haha

Q: Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house?
A: MOstly carpet. The laminate stuff ripples in the bathroom. ugh

Q: Do you sit or stand in the shower?
A: Stand, although I went through a sitting on the bathroom floor and using no rinse soap and shampoo phase when i was in a cast and couldn't get in the shower

Q: Could you live with roommates?
A: I am. It is really challenging at times

Q: How many pairs of flip flops do you own?
A: probably 7 or 8 pairs. haha

Q: Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
A: No idea.

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A: following Jesus. And a wife and mom.

LASTOLOGY

Q: Friend you talked to?
A: the M@. (Boyfriends are friends too!)

Q: Last person who called you?
A: Matt. haha

Q: Person you hugged?
A: Matt... I need to get out more. haha

FAVORITOLOGY

Q: Number?
A: 18

Q: Color?
A: pink!

Q: Season?
A: Summer, but may become Spring after a summer in redlands

CURRENTOLOGY

Q: Missing someone?
A: My Mom and Dad (in Norcal.)

Q: Mood?
A: happy

Q: Listening to?
A: Good Directions by Billy Currington. And the fax machine next to my desk

Q: Watching?
A. nothing

Q: Worrying about?
A: Matthew being sick. Cuz i would have a lot to do at praxis. haha

RANDOMOLOGY

Q: First place you went this morning?
A: the Bathroom. Then the closet. The kitchen. Then work...

Q: What can you not wait to do?
A: eat lunch

Q: What’s the last movie you saw?
A: Pirates 1

Q: Do you smile often?
A: I think so

Q: Are you a friendly person?
A: Yes

pictures!!

The wonderful and amazing Daniel Medina is now into photography. Matthew and I were the objects of choice during the Ducks game on Monday night... here are some of the results...

in 2.0 hours

I will be done with Res Life. For ever! So glad! Well, maybe not forever (I may go crazy and think I miss it and sign up for a job at a NEW school). But I am done at the u of r at least. haha So happy about that

And I have gotten into hockey. I found myself reading an article about Pronger being suspended from tonight's game (apparently elbows to the face are bad... it's not his fault that his elbows are so much higher than everyone else's) and then texting him about it. As much as I talk through the game, I actually like watching it. And live games are so much fun! Anyone else like hockey? I know it's not A's baseball. But it is not our fault that the Sharks are not very good. haha

Look it is me in front of Fairmont... the end... haha

I got a new computer. It has cool new thingies. Like I can make comics. How to upload them here, I have no idea, but this is a shot...

Quirky facts about chemistry

These are my favorite 3 of the 7 listed "facts" about chemistry in a msn online article. They are about dating, so each number corresponds to a way that you and your partner would interact or something....

[1. Like go-get-’em types? Look for a long fourth finger. Here’s why: If your date’s ring finger is longer than his or her index finger, it’s an indication that he or she was exposed to higher than average amounts of testosterone in the womb, says Dr. John T. Manning of Rutgers University in his book Digit Ratio. This correlates to a personality which tends to be logical, decisive, and ambitious. If these traits tickle your fancy, stick around. ]

I have this trait. Is this why I am manly? I refer back to my freshman year nickname of Mangan... and Joe Nervis used to call me Megaman... punk. But I wonder how true this really is? Check your ring and index finger to see if you fit this. Let me know if this is or is not true for you.


[4. Don’t let your married friends weigh in on your love life. Think your hitched pals can help you detect good chemistry with a date? Um, no… Science has revealed that your married friends are clueless when they try to give you dating advice. In one study, psychologist Frank Bernieri asked 168 subjects to watch video clips of couples and rate how in love they were. Subjects who were in relationships guessed wrong again and again compared to their single peers. So the next time your friend with the rock on her finger waxes poetic on the intricacies of your love life, smile serenely and then get a second opinion. ]

Not sure if I agree with this... my plan was to ask married couples for their advice...


[5. There’s such a thing as “Pill goggles.” Consider these the first cousin to beer goggles—if you’re taking the birth-control pill, ladies, your taste in men may take a turn. That’s because birth control pills affect women’s hormone levels and to whom they are attracted. In one study, researcher Tony Little showed women different images of men and asked them to make their picks. Results show that women on birth control pills tended to choose men with more pronounced masculine features than those who weren’t on the Pill. The downside here? These manly traits are linked to high testosterone levels, aggressive behavior, and even higher divorce rates. So if you’re on the Pill, don’t turn a blind eye to those red flags… your contraception could cloud your judgment and lead you to fall for a less-than-wonderful guy.]

I really makes me laugh that they coined the phrase "pill goggles." This is not something that I learned in human sexuality. However I did learn that when women were menstruating or ovulating they were attracted to more masculine men. The "scientific" reason for this is that those men would have superior genes and their offspring would be more likely to be successful. And women are always subconsciously trying to find the best genes for their children. (see men can shoot out as much sperm as they want, but women have to wait about 9 months for the child.... so men can impregnante whoever they want to get a really good chance of having lots of offspring, but women need to be more selective because they actually have to carry and birth the baby... make any sense at all?) I have been on birth control for about 3 years, because of acne, but I have not noticed a strong preference for masculine men. Although, I have never had a thing for skinny guys, my men need to have muscles. And Matt, well he does have a pronounced jawline which is a strong trait of masculine men... although I do not think he is move aggressive than the next guy, and he will not be getting a divorce. I need to call him and discuss this new finding of pill goggles with him. haha

I hate Grey's Anatomy

Stupid season finale. I do not think I want to watch the show anymore. And "Private Practice," what a lame runoff name. I am so mad at Burke. For so long he fought for Christina and declared how much he loved her and wanted her to commit, then he leaves her at the altar? Granted, what he said made sense. He doens't love her, he loves who he wants her to become. Although, maybe that is who she is now. And he left. HE LEFT! Jerk. And then Meredith left Derek? For so long she was so torn up over him and so hurt, and now it is over? Stupid show. Anyone? Thoughts?

On another note, I read this verse during my bible study today and thought it was good. (Totally switching from the adulterous and sex filled life that is Grey's). So today you get a verse instead of a picture.

1 Peter 1:13-16
"Therefore prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy'."

Matt proposed!!!!

To Emily that is... her boyfriend Matt. Not mine. This is the mean practical joke that I played for about 5 hours and tricked about 20 people. Oh I love the world of facebook and instant messenger. Although I felt like a jerk once I got tons of congratulations (for the future, you say best wishes to the bride, congrats to the groom). But yes. I did trick some people. But someday, I am pretty sure I will be able to say Matt proposed and be talking about mine. And then life will be confusing, 2 Matts in the family! It is a good thing I call mine Matthew, half of the time. Matt #1 (in order of appearance, only) goes by Matt all the time. Mine can go back and forth. haha But trying to split checks at a restaurant is confusing too. They have to write their full names, because Matt does not suffice.

In all, I am really excited for Emily. And she tried to tell my mom that her wedding colors would be bright yellow and green. So the dresses could double as A's attire. Mean Emily, very mean. haha

Oh! Picture... this is an angry baby Megan. And yes, I look kinda like a boy in this picture. Deal

I'm graduating

I really cannot believe it. 19 days and I can check the "college graduate with a BA" box in surveys. Wonders never cease.

And I am moving out.

Contracts get signed on Friday. Move in a week after. Sleep on the floor on airmattresses for a few weeks after that. (until I go home on June 11th for Jury duty. haha)

Those are the top two news feeds for me.

Oh and everyone should stop bugging Matt about weddings, and stop pushing him to propose. Let us take our own time in doing things.

Things are much better now... I should remember not to post when I am upset! But I did not know what else to do, I wanted to write out a muted version of what was going on in my head. I ended up calling Sarah, my best friend from high school, now a good friend, and we talked for an hour. We spent a long time discussing everything in her life before talking about me, and I felt good about it. I did not feel used or underappreciated, like I did earlier. Sarah and I talked about how we are similar in the best friends area. But that people change and their lives move on. So it is inevitable that you do not stay best friends forever. It is just weird because I saw others (Lisa, Kelley, Brenna) stay really close with friends from home, and I never had that. But I am becoming more okay with that. I have a bunch of friends who I could call at a moment's notice and they would have my back. I am okay with that too, I like having different groups of friends and different people to call at different times. I realized I have one best friend though, Matt. And that is what he should be, boyfriend and best friend. If everyone else in the world bailed on me and dissappointed me, I know he is there. I do like that a lot. He is wonderful... and here is another picture.... How wonderful is my Matthew? He will make a good Dad someday to some lucky kids...

So I am pretty sure that the reason I cannot keep close friends is not them... but me. I am a screw up. I do not know why, but basically, I do not have best friends. I get close to someone for 6 months or so, but then we slowly stop hanging out as much. I am not sure if there is anyone who would call me one of their really close friends (Em you are the exception)... like I can think of 4 or 5 people to include in my wedding party... but who would choose me? sad to think about. Em, you are still my maid (or Matron) of honor... whenever i get married.

Ugh. A depressing post needs to end with a good picture.

the language of women

My friend bulletined this on her myspace, I thought it was funny..

What women really mean:
1.) FINE: This is the word women use to end an argument when they're right, and you need to shut up.
2.) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means half anhour. Five Minutes is only five minutes if you have just been givenfive more minutes to watch the game before helping around thehouse.
3.) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This meanssomething, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with "Nothing" usually end with "Fine" (see #1).
4.) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!
5.) Loud Sigh: This is not actually a word but a non-verbal statement, often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of "Nothing.")
6.) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. "That's okay" means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
7.) Thanks: A woman is thanking you - do not question or faint. Just say you're welcome.
8.) Whatever: Is a women's way of saying "F*CK YOU!"
9.) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has asked a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking "what's wrong" - for the woman's response refer to #3.

Not the best gramtically, but some of it is pretty funny... i personally liked the response to whatever and don't worry about it... those are totally my things. I ask Matt to do something like 5 times and he doens't. When I start to do it (i.e. dishes at his house) he tried to help, I say "don't worry about it, I got it" but I am thinking "What the heck are you doing watching the stupid ducks game when you should be helping me, I will just do it and you will pay later..." haha But as a side note, this does not happen often, Matt is usually very good about helping me out with stuff

it feels the same

a month left of college.... a month left of high school. i feel very very similar to what I felt then... ready to move on. And without my friends. This weekend was a big reminder of that. All of my friends spent the whole weekend in Laughlin wasted... I lounged by the pool, had the occasional drink, and went to bed relatively early (okay, 10 the first night and 1 the second). It makes me sad, that I am just kind of done with it. But at the same time, I am ready for the "real world." To work and live on my own and save money (that is going to be hard with rent tho) to buy a house, someday.

And then I am sad because some of my friends seem like they have these wonderful jobs lined up for right after college, we are talking $60 thousand a year. I will hopefully make a third of that, unless I get a raise. But yeah, it just makes me feel like I really do not have that much to look forward to, except being in an office from 7 to 4 and going to bed at 10 every night. Well, I am sure it will all work out.

Have you ever felt like you were just ready to be done with something and your friends were all stuck in the past? (let's be real, it's not my freshman year of college, it is time to take some responsibility for our lives...)

Oh and here are some pictures from my "surprise" birthday party last weekend. Me and my Matthew. And then my good friend Jenna and me.

this picture

is just for you, Lauren. It is also the only reason that I updated tonight. Finals are driving me crazy, and I do not have much time to post, but I am trying to be more interactive for my audience (right, Em?) haha

And for anyone else, I would like to point out that Lauren isn't actually using her crutches, I had to! haha

it's been awhile

but nobody seems to read my blog. So does it really matter? haha I am still not sure, but I liked getting out my thoughts on the page, so I will continue. Or maybe, restart.

So what I have been thinking about is my job. For so long I ran away from construction. I never wanted to be stressed out and upset like my mom. She always seemed to have a tough time in the construction world, not because she was not good, but because small business construction is very hard. Well now I am working in the estimating department at Matich and actually liking it. My boss wants to prepare me so that I can go on and do this in the future, maybe for McNely, but I am still a little wary. And I always look down on people who stay in Redlands after graduation. Well not everyone, but the people who stay on campus and just do not want to leave. Guess who is staying in Redlands now? haha God is slowly teaching me humility. And I was going to leave praxis the second I was done with college... guess who is staying in Praxis on leadership? haha

Another thing, I never knew how much working at McNely would train me for the real world. Here are some of the things I did while there: record retention (throwing away a lot of old junk), shredding (tons and tons, we are talking 8 large trash bags a week), scanning and printing plan sets, delivering plans. And here I have started a little shredding (mostly when the grandson hasn't come in recently). And yesterday, I did some plan copying. Their machine is very very old (okay like 5 years is old for plan scanners) compared to the one at MCC. But I was laughing as I looked copied the plans, because I thought I had gotten away from that too.

To end this post I will begin pictures of the day... again.... or maybe just a few pictures for today! haha

Easter 2007...

Photos taken by Emily Atwood, best cuzzo ever