Serendipity

Serendipity means a "happy accident" or "pleasant surprise"; specifically,the accident of finding something good or useful while not specifically searching for it. Some might say that Serendipity is no accident at all. The word has been voted one of the ten English words hardest to translate. 

 With the New Year coming up, I'm sure the question of "who will be my New Years kiss?" Is going through many people's minds.

That question used to roll through my mind when I was younger and if I wasn't dating anyone during that time of year. It still kind of rolls through my mind, but not in the way of just wanting to kiss some random stranger. But I guess in the way that maybe that stranger could be something so much more in the new year, something magical. Maybe it’s the time of year, or maybe its all the sappy love shows on during Christmas. 

It's like the moment in Serendipity when Jon and sarah finally find each other on that snowy day in the ice rink after searching for each other for 8 years with the sheer hope of What if? Maybe it's movies like that, that bring a little bit of magic in to peoples lives again. Or maybe it’s watching all the little ones believe in something greater than them selves. Magic is in the air and I am breathing it in. There is always that hope that you will find someone to hold or kiss at midnight, even if the clock is seconds a way from striking twelve. It's like this little piece of magic wondering what if, what if someone just shows up at the door.

As nice as it would be to have a little New Years Eve kiss. I think celebrating The New Year is about spending time with those we love, and enjoying memories of the past year and anticipating the memories of the New Year. I have no plans or big event or party I am going to for New Years Eve. I will probably be at my brother’s house holding my sweet nephew and enjoying my families company when the clock strikes midnight.

 

The New Years Eve song I have always loved, even though it sounds like a sad song, I think it is beautiful and it has always helped me to remember what is most important in my life. If you want to hear a few of the ones I love, just go ahead and click!  

Click Here & Click Here too!! <== I just think she has beautiful voice. :)  

 I didn't put the whole song below, just a few parts.

Auld Lang Syne by Robert Burns          Translation:

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,       Should old acquaintances be forgotten,

And never brought to mind?                   And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot        Should old acquaintances be forgotten,

And auld lang syne?                              And days of long ago?

Chorus:                                                Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear,                  For old long ago, my dear

For auld lang syne,                                For old long ago,

We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet                We will take a cup of kindness yet

For auld lang syne!                                For old long ago.

And there's a hand, my trusty fiere,         And there is a hand, my trusty friend,

And gie's a hand o' thine,                        And give us a hand of yours,

And we'll tak a right guid will.               And we will take a goodwill draught (of ale)

For auld lang syne!                                 For old long ago!

I wish you all a Happy New Year, and I hope that all of you will get what you have been hoping for.  Whether it's a "Happy accident" or Destiny or a loved one coming home from war or a long trip, or remembering the legacy of those we have lost, or being able to be in a warm home with your family and loved ones. I wish you all the absolute best and I hope that this new year brings you what you have been searching for. 

Day 1

I have been anticipating a very long awaited doctors appointment that I have been jumping through hoops to finally get. I was finally sitting in the waiting area, waiting for my name to be called; Thinking to myself "I'm finally here."


When I got called in, I sat there in that cold little room starring at the swivel circle chair the doctor sits on, with nerves running through me and hopes and doubts racing through ever inch of me. I had mixed emotions, I have been Hoping for this day for a long time but at the same time I wondered what if this isn't it, what if nothing will change, what if everything will change? I have been hoping for this for so long that I felt the need to cry, but wasn't sure if it was tears of joy or doubt.

The Doctor knocked and came in with his white coat on and greeted me with his very dainty and gentle hand shake and middle eastern accent. We started to go over every medical paper to ever have my name on it, Which could easy out do one of the Harry Potter books. Then words that Pierced right through me

"Megan, we are going to figure this out and get you back to normal life again."

I guess everyone has there own normal, but for me that normal means something so much more.

With a knot in my stomach of hoping with all my heart that this would finally be my answer. Dr. DoGood said the the word that I had been fearing but hoping for, the big T word that I have truthfully been scared of. "Treatment". With a very stiff but genuine smile, I said "Okay, let's do this!"

Day 1 was yesterday, and I am grateful, scared, hopeful and nervous about this treatment. But I know that all will be okay, I will conquer this once and for all and I will not let it control my life. Because I have way to much to live for.

New Perspective or Doomed

We all know what was supposed to happen on 12/21/12. But if you have been living in a cave that you carved out with a spoon in a remote part of the world. Then I shall give you a little Wikipedia answer... Pretty much according to the mayan calendar the world was supposed to end today... What many people don't know is that they have found more calendars all across the world from the Mayans that show dates for the distant future.

Back to The End of the World, I'm sure all of us have thought a little bit about 12/21/12 and thought What the H. If the world actually ended I would for sure be bummed, ha. I still have so much I want to do and be and accomplish in my life.

I don't know about you, but even though I knew volcanos wouldn't be popping up or earthquakes Quaken, or giant meteors rushing down through the earths atmosphere to wipe out human life. This date still made me take a step back in my life and think about what's important and what I regret or wish I would of done and what I am grateful for.

Today- (day before the world will end)jk
I woke up before the sun wasn't even warm to work out, clean my house and make sure all the laundry was done and packing was done before I drove up to Salt Lake to see my family for Christmas. I then went to a doctor's appointment then off to work for the day. As I was on my way home from work I stopped off at Harmon's to grab some cookies to give to my aunt and their family for Christmas.
Note; I didn't have time to bake, no shame in that. I proceeded home to get ready for one of my best friends bachelorette showers and for my cousins piano recital.
I then enjoyed my time with my aunts family and my dear friends company. As my get together with my friends was coming to a close, I headed home packed up the car and started driving to Cedar City with my friend Kenz and my brother in law. We finally got to my sisters house when Kenz and I had a craving for a taco, so we of course got one and headed back to my sisters for the night.

Ladies and gentlemen I was eating a taco when the world was supposed to end.

My point for explaining my entire day is that I wouldn't of done it any differently. I wouldn't of gone skydiving or traveled to hike machu pichu or found a guy to kiss underneath an umbrella.

Of course there are things I would want to do differently if the world was going to end, but it didn't end. I'm still going to try and live like tomorrow is my last. I'm not any more courageous or spontaneous than I was 24 hours ago, but I do have a little more perspective as I'm just about to fall sleep with the warmth of the fireplace next to me and the view of the sparkling christmas tree at my sisters place.


Thanks for my new perspective 12/21/12. Much obliged.

Late night catch up

Had a great talk with an old friend the other night. I haven't seen him in probably 3 years. Life happens right. We both moved places and didn't even keep in touch that much. But it was like old times seeing him, like we didn't even skip a beat.

We planned on just catching up for a half hour, since I had an early run but the half hour turned into 1 hr then 2 then 3 until the clock started winding into the am side.

I don't think I have laughed that hard in a while, it was great conversation about where we are in our lives and how far we have come and the good times we had. It was interesting thinking about where I was a few years ago and the person I was striving to become. I made some mistakes along the way and learned more about myself going through different trials. I'm grateful for everything I have been through. I'm a stronger and better person because of them. All in all, It was a great catch up with an old friend.

I guess it's true no matter where you go in life or how far away you live or how often you keep in touch. True friends just seem to come right back in to your life like it was yesterday.

Pinstriped Suit feller

Today was like any other sunday at church... Except I was trying to get up the courage to talk to a cute guy a.k.a the Pinstriped suit feller...

Now, if you know me you know I do one of two things when I'm interested in a guy. I either go for the guy and get his number or I play coy.

I know they are both polar opposites when it comes to showing interest, but I'm a complicated woman.

I Normally go for the guy, I personally just think its because I'm impatient, at the same time I would love a guy to just be straight forward if he is interested. I do know guys are just as nervous about talking to a girl as a girl talking to a guy. But hey atleast I dont just sit and wait. I also dont want to ask myself "What if?" But I did today.

Back to today, if there was a fail today mine was epic. I swear I had a several chances to talk to this Pinstriped suit fella and every time I either made an awkward smile or just looked at him. I couldnt even get out a simple "Hey". thinking to myself-"Really Megan! am I this challenged, aalllrighty theen."

My good friends, let's call them Cam and Mitchell (modern family) were luckily by my side making fun of my challenges, trying to push me to say something and then when I failed at that. Their reaction was like the Yankees losing to the Boston Red Sox; hands in the air with a bellowing "Come on!" Or "Fail!"

Side note- don't get me wrong I am a Red Sox fan all the way, I even have a sticker on my car. But the Yankees tend to eat us alive, not all the time. I still love my Boston Red Sox though! Side note over


Think about the moment in Sleepless in Seattle when Meg Ryan see's Tom Hanks across the street by the beach and almost gets hit by a truck. Tom just says "Hello" and she says "Hello" Then leaves... She leaves! what is with us women. Can't we just linger a little bit longer to finish the conversation or at least start one up.

Here is to the pinstriped fella...

Tis the season to the target stranger

As I was admiring the cute snow globes in the saint george target, a woman came up to my personal bubble and started telling me about how she snuck out of her house to shop and has over 1800 different nutcrackers and how they range from the giant blow up ones to the tiny pinky sized ornaments.

She then continued to tell me how she is so grateful for her 5 sons. but how one is just okay and how 3 of them are pretty good. Then continued on to her (favorite) son who takes care of her and how he pays for everything, all her medical bills and groceries and how he is always willing to help with anything. At the moment when I thought she was going to leave, she came back and said how grateful she is for her life and is grateful for the Christmas season and that she really does love all 5 of her sons and is grateful for them and how she has nothing to complain about.


She said "I live in sunny Saint George, I don't have to shovel snow or worry about being warm at night. I have a home, it may be messy and it may have a lot of things all over but I have a place to live and a loving family. I'm glad I'm not a lonely cat lady that will die alone, I am more blessed than most. That's what it's all about darlin, be grateful for the people in your life and make sure you enjoy Christmas this year! Make it special!"


As I was smiling and nodding I started to actually listen to this woman. I realized that she is one of the few who has it figured out. No matter her 1800 nutcrackers in her home or the pen that she had at the top of her head poking out like a unicorns horn. She got it. I saw the woman underneath everything and she understood what life is all about.

Tis the Season to be jolly or joyful as the woman at target showed.


Christmas is one of the most amazing times of year. It is not over-rated, it does not get old, Santa is timeless, it is The most Wonderful Time of the Year! The spirit of Christmas is real. Christmas brings those we love back together, it is magical and unforgettable.


I remember all the times my siblings and I played in the snow and were out in the cold so long all of our layers of clothes were wet. I remember perfect snowfalls and how everything seemed so perfect in life with just a white blanket of snow over the ground, I remember skiing and snowboarding and breaking bones from having too much fun, I remember helping my brother decorate our house with lights to win contests, I remember Christmas pajamas the elves brought and getting all dressed up with my cousins to do the nativity, and Christmas movies, hot cocoa, Temple square, the annual orange in the stocking, the classic extended family parties, perfect snowfalls, setting cookies out for Santa, sneaking downstairs to see if I could actually meet The white bearded jolly man and just the memories of the time spent with all those I hold dear.


Tis the season my friend. I hope that no matter how old we all get, that we will always remember the true spirit of Christmas.

Choose Joy

On this cold winter Christmassy sunday evening after spending a few hours with some of the most true and amazing people I know. I feel content in my life. I have no rush or unsettlement about who I am or what I'm doing. As the grinch would say; my heart grew two sizes bigger after spending time with them while I was laughing away at all the things we were talking about and the memories we have had.

I felt grateful for my life. I am very blessed, I have a very full life of people I love and things I care about and dreams, hopes, and fears of all kinds. The reason I mention fears, is that I am grateful for them. They push me to do hard things and to go out of my box to spread my wings and be all that I can be.

My fears have helped me run a race, they have helped me say "I love you" when I didn't know what would come from it. They have helped me to stand strong in the face of them, they have helped me to have faith that everything will be okay.

Every time I have faced my fears, I never regretted doing it. I always had a sense of pride and confidence in who I am.

I have a pillow my cute Grammy gave me, it says (Choose Joy) so every time I walk in to my bedroom I see that phrase to remind me of the attitude I strive to have.

I'm an optimist, I believe in the impossible and will always have hope in the darkest of days. I believe in true love, and that I will find that person that gets me. I believe that there is so much good in the world; you just have to find it, and in the goodness of others, it does not Matter who you are or where you have come from, I will always see greatness in you. It's just who I am. I have hope for a better tomorrow and knowing that today is just today and that soon the darkness will fade and the dawn will break.

It's okay to be sad and to be angry; it's an emotion and its okay to feel something. I forget who wrote this quote but I think it goes "today I'm sad and It's okay, I can be happy tomorrow". I love that, it's not about being depressed or that things will never change. When something happens, when your Hurt, when someone dear to you passes away, when your heart has been shattered, when everything seems to be piling in on you, and when you just need a moment to be. It's okay.

It's okay to remember the loved ones we have lost with an aching in the heart, it's okay to hold your heart together with super glue and band aids or (good company/shiny objects) to get through the day. It's okay to cry and to let it out and not be okay for a little bit.

But don't let it consume you and greatness with in you.

Life is too short to be anything but Happy. Laugh when you can, Live in each moment, Love the ordinary days, Get up when you fall, Take chances, Apologize when you should, Stand strong, Enjoy the Warmth of the summer air, and the snowfall of winter, Enjoy the simple act of serving another person, Enjoy the Funny moments with your friends, and the sweet moments of a heart to heart, Forgive quickly, Fall in Love with as many things as you can, Have faith, Open your heart to others and love them with all your might no matter their actions, Take chances, Realize the simple moments of enjoying another’s company, Follow your dreams, And Love with all your Heart. This above all; to your own self be true.

To cry or not to cry- ramble

The worst question to ask someone who has been crying... "Are you okay...?"

Of course I'm not okay crazy.

Oh no your right I'm totally great! My face is red and my make up is gone, because when I went in to the hall I actually tried to hold my breath to break a world record and then when I broke that world record I started crying with tears of joy. Better luck next time aye professor

Why! Why would some one say "are you okay?" when your obviously not. Can't they just come give you a hug or say hey here is an awesomely yummy vanilla cupcake or smoothie to make you feel better. Come on. I just got done crying. And now you brought on the tears again... The tears that if you say 3 little words they come rushing back... Really what is with it?!

Now don't get me wrong, I think anyone who is crying just needs a hug or the totally opposite. "Like if you touch me, you die!"

Don't know what's with those people... Killing is bad.

But I guess no one ever knows what to do. I mean you don't want some poor unsuspecting person to come give you a hug and then you punch their lights out, cause they totally invaded your space. On the other hand you don't want someone saying "Are you okay?" If you don't want to give them your whole life story and all of the things leading up to this momentous break down in the hall of FCS building on campus... What am I a woman? Yap, I am. At least I'm not an ugly cryer.

But there are those moments when that one person you need comes through, whether its that cute guy you like or a dear friend or even your darn professor. Just showing they care. Means the world.

Here is to the people who still care about others. We live in such a technological world that no one actually sees others any more. They don't actual look at the person they are speaking too.

What happened to gentlemen?
- guys who open your door or actually tell you that you are beautiful, guys who treat you like the amazing woman you are, guys who love you for your imperfections.

What happened to ladies?
Girls who respect themselves, girls who give the good guys a chance, and actually wear things that leave some mystery to the eye. Who actually treat guys good and not like their ex who threw paint on their car. (Word to the wise, not all guys are bad. There are some pretty great ones out their... I hope. At least mine better be)

What happened to good ol conversations, that last all night?
- you know the ones that start with the good bye date then linger to sitting on the steps then ends on the couch and finally ends laying on your stomach on the floor laughing and telling stories till the sun is rising.

What happened to a perfectly nice stranger letting you in, when there is lots of traffic?
- you know the nice drivers, the ones who don't live in utah most of the time, who aren't so focused on there lives that they actually see a cute, single, nice funny girl wanting to get in and they wave their nice little hand to welcome me to the road! Gee thanks stranger.


What happened to people. People are crazy.


Better head to bed. Hopefully this makes some type of sense, glad I got this off my mind...

Rambling ended.

Nothing better than a little bit of free time

The three most scrumptious things in my life at this exact moment while sitting on the floor in my family room are Jimmy Johns, my Runners World magazine and How I Met your Mother.

Now if you haven't ever had Jimmy Johns... Go! Go! It is yummy. I don't even need to give you a reason.

And if you haven't ever seen How I Met your Mother; stop what you are doing at this moment and go to your nearest I phone, I pad, I Mac or TV and watch it! Give yourself at least three episodes before making an opinion.. Oh how it is absolutely Legendary! Haha

Alright my Runners magazine is more my guilty pleasure. I just love all the insights of how to be better and new gear etc..

Yup, that is what consumes my heart and mind at this moment. Well for the next hour or so while Kenzie and I watch it. But still it is awesomely great!

Small an Simple but I'm grateful for it.

Nothing Better Than Being Fit

I went and volunteered at the Turkey Triathlon today in Saint George. I loved it! I guess I am one of those weird people who like working at the races and helping organize them. It's just such a great feeling to see each person cross the finish line. Thinking of how hard they worked and what they have accomplished. Thinking to myself  "I can't wait to do that." I just recently worked with my sister in-laws family in putting together the first Dixie Mud Run, and it was a blast. I can't wait to have even more responsibility with it next year.

 I have done 5k's and 10k's and run as much as I can. I haven't ever been able to do a half marathon/ Tri etc. I had some health issues and injured my back and have been working so hard on healing it and getting back in shape. I can't wait to do the STG Tri next year in may. My family has been doing it for the past few years and I can't wait to do it! There really is nothing better than being fit. I'm grateful to have the ability to run and be active.   

Some people ask me how I just go out and run and push myself to run longer and harder to my absolute limits. With it resulting in having to sit in an ice bath or wrap ice packs around my knees. But I love it! I love the wind in my face, I love the feeling I get when I push myself just a little bit further. 

Ya, there are times that it hurts and times when I just want to sit down and lay on the cement or just face plant right in to the front of the treadmill. But I keep going and let me tell ya, that moment you push yourself just a little bit longer, is the moment you get a little bit stronger and faster and better.

 I'm grateful for my life. I'm grateful for my ability to run! 

Kids, Kids, Kids

   I have been Nannying little munchkins all week, and I have always wanted a big family. I find myself saying; "I'm glad they only come out one at a time, hopefully." I seriously love my job! I love kids and I feel like I can understand mom's now when they are so beyond happy when their child finishes his/her food. I'm that same way now, Boy oh boy. I tend to come home to my poor roommate and tell her how Zak finished his macaroni and how Emma changed her clothes all by her self. etc.. I get the same look I used to give my friends who are moms... haha classic.

  Anyway I'm working a lot more this week, because my aunt is in haiti with Ordinary Hero. Probably already talked about that amazing service group in previous posts. This week has been pretty crazy, but believe me I love it! I love Being busy and on the go and having things planned.

  Now almost every time about 2/3 days before my aunt gets back. All of the kids get really momma sick and ornery. So today was pretty interesting with the 4 younger ones... I guess It's true, kids can drive ya nuts sometimes until they do something absolutely adorable. Like tonight tucking in cute Zak. I read him a book, scratched his back, kissed him goodnight, and said "I love you." To make everything worth it.. He said "I love you Megan" in his cute preschool voice. It really is the small things that end up being the big things. His sweet "I love you Megan" made my whole day perfect.

It's been too long...

It's been to long since I have written in my blog. I feel pretty guilty, I have missed this old thing. To much has happened for me to post about, so let's just get on with life and with my post. I just traveled from salt lake today from my sister in-laws baby shower. I am so excited for my first nephew, Baby Hudson. He is going to be so spoiled and loved. Gotta love em boys!

I had to drive my aunts big escalade back, since she was traveling to haiti with the group Ordinary Hero, to go serve and help villages. Okay when you are used to driving a 4 door sedan and suddenly drive a beast, you feel like every time you pass a car your going to crush it.. Now if you know me, you'll know that I would be pretty hilarius to watch driving my semi's with the beast.

Take a moment; close your eyes, sit back and imagine me driving at 9 am with my hands in full primanitis mode...(If you don't know what that is, I'm sorry) now imagine me driving by a semi, going eeepp but in a quite high pitched nervous tone, with my body very stiff. Then when I finally pass those monsters on a two lane high way, I relax.. Awhh. Although it did make me feel pretty powerful and awesome. It still was quite the interesting drive until I got out of the construction area.. (didn't realize you probably need to keep your eyes open to read the post.) My goal while I was on my drive home, was to stop in at a random church to go to sacrament meeting... Welp, I stopped in provo, forgot about daylight savings time and was an hour early.. So I stopped in cedar city at 1 on the dot, and there were no meetings going... Have I missed something.. Any way, hope the big man gives me props and blessings for at least trying. On top of that, I figured I would go to the fireside. They always start at 7pm unless other wise specified. So, I go and it started at 6pm.. E for effort today. Ramballing over.. I have been thinking a lot lately about my life and where I am at and what changes have been made and what changes are going to happen. A lot of deep thought. I guess a 3 hour drive will do that to ya. I am completely happy in my life! Honestly, I have never been in such a good place in my life. Yes, my life is not perfect but it is absolutely wonderful! It's interesting all my friends are getting married or having kids, and people keep asking how I am and if I am dating anyone serious or the best one, "don't worry you will find your guy" I wish I could just shake them and say "I'm So Happy with my life and am not sad or mad that I don't have my man, I'm beyond happy for my friends!" :) I'm not saying that I am bitter about marriage or don't want to get married. It's something that I for sure want and desire, but I want it at the right time. I'm not just going to get married to be the social norm of Utah.. haha But seriously.

I'm not one of those girls going to school to find my man. I'm actually going to school to get an education. Because I want one, and if my sweetheart comes along tomorrow in the grocery store of course I will be more than happy. It's for sure one of my greatest desires, I want to be a mom and a wife. I do. But I'm not one of those people that waits for events to define my happiness. Life is constantly changing, and we get to pick our attitude when trials are thrown at us.

When something begins, you generally have no idea how it’s going to end. The house you’re going to sell becomes your home, the roommates you were forced to take in become your family and the date that you were determined not to go on, becomes the love of your life. We spend our whole lives worrying about the future, planning for the future, trying to predict the future, as if figuring it out will somehow cushion the blow. But the future is always changing. The future is the home of our deepest fears and wildest hopes. But one thing is certain when it finally reveals itself. The future is never the way we imagined it. Change is constant. How we experience change, That's up to us. It can feel like death or it can feel like a second chance at life. If we open our fingers, loosen our grips, and go with it... It can feel like pure adrenaline. Like at any moment we can have another chance at life.... Like at any moment, we can start all over again. I have plans for my future, whether It's for this weekend or 50 years from now when my cute old and wrinkly husband and I are all retired (hopefully) and we just spoil our grandkids and enjoy driving jazzy's with mickey mouse hats on in Disneyland with them, but hopefully we wont need jazzys until age 97, I plan on being the oldest person running races. ;) What ever my future holds, it holds.. But I'm not going to wait for tragedies and try to cushion the blows of it, I'm going to live everyday like it is my last and with those I love. At the end of the day that truly is what is most important.

P.S. For 21 days of November- What I'm grateful for. I'm grateful for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It is the most important thing to me in my life. I will shout it to the roof tops. I am who I am today because of this amazing gospel. I have a true testimony of it and will never deny that. I love talking about it and I love hearing others gratitude for it and their knowledge if it. This gospel doesn't make things easy in life, it makes everything absolutely possible. I'm not ashamed to be Mormon.