It's been a busy one!

If you're used to reading my blog, you know that I'm good at it for a few days, fall behind, and then take one post to update everybody about a month or so of my life. I'm in that last stage, so here it goes! This last month Drill went to State. We did pretty good, but because of difference in some interpretation of rules we didn't place. It was a really great experience and it was great to get some really good competition experience. Both the girls and the boys basketball teams went to state. The girls made it all the way to semi finals and the boys just finished up yesterday. We lost in a really close game (it was sad!) A cheerleader in the game right after us was killed in a car accident on the way home, and our prayers extend to her family and West High. I inherited a really beautiful mahogany hope chest this month that we have moved into my room. Right now, it is just holding bedding, but eventually I'll get my keepsakes in there! I was able to go see Young DanceMakers this month and Ririe Woodbury Modern Dance Co. and Vibe last month. I'm so lucky to live in a culture so conducive to dance. It's been really fun to rub shoulders with Benji Schwimmer again, and to see him perform. The most important thing that happened this month, though was Lauren's family's mission call. As many of you know, her dad has been called as a Mission President and they have been anxiously waiting to know where their French speaking mission would be. I was lucky enough to be there when they opened the call. They have been called to Tahiti (her dad will be returning there after serving his mission there!) While we're all going to miss her lots, it's going to be an amazing experience for her and her family!

A Play on Words....

I have a fabulous English teacher. I am convinced that she knows everything.... at least about British Lit and everything having anything to do with the English language. I had to share some of her insights, because I think they are brilliant, and they really get you thinking. We were talking about connotations and what emotions words seem to invoke in us. She said something like this, "How come we can have so many words for red: crimson; scarlet; ruby, And then there is only word for love, as powerful as it is. Love between brother and sister isn't the same as love between a married couple, so how do we think that we can cover it all in one word?" I kind of planned on writing about this on Valentine's, but then... well you'll know if you read it.
She brought up a very powerful point the other day, that actually helps in scripture study if you can believe it. She was talking about formal and informal forms of words and specifically brought up: thee, thou, and you. She asked us which one we thought was the more formal in biblical times. Obviously we voted for thee and thou. We stood corrected! You is the more formal. This is where it clicked. She said, "So when you pray, you are in a sense saying Daddy." I wonder if we really think about that when we consider our relationship with our Heavenly Father. I really love this way of thinking. Anyway, just some food for thought.

Happy Single's Awareness Day!

My friends and I have interesting and somewhat humorous conversations around the water cooler, and the same subject comes up on an annual basis.... Valentine's Day, or as many of my acquaintances and I have known it as: Single's Awareness Day. We'll talk about how obnoxious it is to walk the halls of the high school (or at least attempt to) in the masses of PDA and oversized stuffed animals. We also have a wide array of personalities in our group... some choose to dress up in an assortment of hearts, while others celebrate the day wearing black. (:You know who you are:) Upon the preparation for this great holiday, my mom gave me a book, because sadly, it reminded her of a few of my friends and I. It is entitled, "The UnValentine" by Sam Beeson. This is a poem combined with hilarious illustrations that tell the story of Lily. Lily does not believe in love, and is quite disgusted by the "holiday half-way through the frigid month of February." Upon reading this, I must admit that humor met reality. I thought back to a tradition in the YW of our ward. For the last few years, the leaders have made it a point to have a flower or small stuffed animal in the front office of the schools for all of the YW in our ward. The even sweeter thing about this is what is attatched to it: a quote, usually from the Prophet, reminding us of the Savior's love for us. As I thought back to this the other night, a light bulb struck me in the head. Who ever said that Valentine's Day is a day to solely celebrate the love between couples? How shallow would that be? The only difference is that this is the focus the world puts on the holiday, and in turn we faithfully follow the concrete word of what our televisions teach us. To me, Valentine's has become more than "Single's Awareness Day." It's a day to be grateful for the loving relationships we have with parents, siblings, dear friends, and most certainly the love that we share with our Savior and Heavenly Father. I can tell you that this change in perspective has made all the difference today. I don't have to be a mopey statistic who buys herself flowers and chocolate, because I have so much more at home and at school than that, and for that I am grateful.
Happy Valentine's Day! I love all of you!

Glenn Beck talks about President Hinckley

Hey guys.

It's clear that their has been a huge wave of love outpouring in the community for President Hinckley. While browsing around, I have found a number of touching tributes to him and thought I would share.
FM 100 put together a wonderful musical tribute that I can't upload yet, so I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you check it out on their website (FM100.com)
There is also a link to "The Cane Wave Tribute Blog" on my Friends and Family List.
Finally, Glenn Beck did this awesome piece on President Hinckley recently and I really wanted to share it with you. It's very emotional I must warn you, and it just goes to show how many people the Prophet touched in his lifetime. I am so excited for the new Presidency. Remember to keep them in your prayers!

XOXO: meg:)

p.s. Sorry about the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Remember to scroll down and and pause it on the ipod.