The Break I Call Christmas

Happy Christmas my wonderful friends and family! It’s been such a fun holiday break and I’ve enjoyed spending much needed time with my family.

I’m delighted to finally get the go ahead to tell the exciting news: I am officially going to be an aunt! Yes, Mark and Elise are expecting their first little addition to their family. Baby is due July 6th, 2012. The pair just glow when the topic of baby comes up. I’m so happy for them. They will make terrific parents and raise a tremendously happy and faithful family. Unfortunately, Leesie has confirmed the Clegg girl’s fears of being terribly sick while pregnant. Mark and Elise spent the week before Christmas with our family and she was pretty sick. I admire my brother in law as he sat with her day after day, massaging her feet and holding her hand. Baby is roughly the size of a prune yet he/she received more Christmas gifts this year than we did. They’re going to be one spoiled baby, but I couldn’t be happier. I’m eager to meet the new addition to my family this summer!




Upon arriving home from school, I walked upstairs to my bedroom and found a roughly 5 foot tall Christmas tree decorated in white and blue lights and BYU ornaments. I love it! Thanks mama smurf!! The best surprise came a few days later when mom told me I get to keep it. Woot woot! Mom and I stopped at one of her favorite stores called “Wood Connection” and picked up some crafts to do over the holiday. Yes, I’m truly my mother’s daughter. Our enthusiasm for creativity was magnified greatly when dad let mom and I paint the kitchen / family room. Talk about being eager and thrilled on my part! We’ve painted the walls a deep red and light brown. Our once green hutch is now black. We’ve put our couches, TV, entertainment center, etc. on KSL and we’re energized to hit the Salt Lake RC Willey for a flat screen and leather lazy-boys.



Over the break, I had the chance to walk through Salt Lake's Temple Square with my friend, Miles. We went to a restaurant called the "Blue Lemon" (I'd never heard of it before, but I highly recommend it. Very tasty!). Then we crossed the street and walked Temple Square. It never ceases to amaze me how beautiful that building is. It's my own personal castle and I can't wait for the time when I get to walk inside.








I've attempted to live my life with the perspective of the glass half full. As I’ve grown into adulthood, that perception has been tried and tested by many of the obstacles life brings. Still, it’s a goal I’m always pushing myself to meet.
On Christmas Eve, our family not only celebrated the festivities that Christmas brings, but were also reminded of the 3 month anniversary of the death of our sweet Brenda. No father, mother, or sibling should have to bury a loved one at such a young age. How could anyone find a “brightside” to a tragedy mirrored of this? In contrast, I think I’ve found one at best. Over the last 3 months, my new home away from home has been not in Provo or Draper, but in Orem at my aunt and uncle’s home. What first was an invitation for Sunday dinner has now turned into at least a once a week visit to see my ever so cute cousins Maddy and Portyr and chill with Jim and Sara. Here are 10 of some of the plain and simple truths I’ve learned from them over the last few months. First, upon having a bad day, go to Jim and ask for an egg nog shake. Holy crap – there are no words to how much I love that drink! Second, when in doubt, go to Kohl’s with Sara and she’ll get you a discount on clothes you’d pay more for without her. Third, if you want lots of extra Olive Garden mints, flirt with the waiter (regardless if they are of the same sex as you. Works every time!) Fourth, the game of life can be a challenge. Keep your head up and keep going (darn tomatoes!!) Fifth, choppers are not helicopters. Sixth, there’s always time for a scary movie and seventh The Human Centipede and Saw trilogy will one day be worth the wait. Eighth, Portyr is by far the best 7 year old big brother I’ve met in too long. Ninth, coloring at any age is not a crime and nothing to be ashamed of. Finally, tenth, root beer freezes are God’s gift to humanity. If you need to reach me, most likely I’ll be playing with them or sleeping on their couch. If you really don’t believe me, check your Google Latitude (yes, I have said app now because an iPhone was a Christmas present to myself this year) and I’m watching Tangled with the kiddos.

I’m so very blessed to have such a wonderful family, enjoyable friends and a life that allows me to do what so many will only dream of.
Merry Christmas everyone! And a pleasant 2012!

Loves!


Gingerbread house making! Yay!




Mark made a BYU inspired gingerbread man. We were all extremely impressed.





Yes, I'm still a "daddy's girl".


When we sat down for Christmas dinner, I insisted on taking a picture of Mark and Elise who were sitting opposite me. As I had an empty seat next to me, I decided to take a picture with my one day "significant other". With technology the way it is, we can photo-shop him in later, right?

Happy Birthday, My Sweet Caroline!

Last year, some girls living on my dorm floor decided that we’d celebrate birthdays by buying cupcakes at one of our favorite shops, Cocoa Bean. If a particular birthday did not fall during the fall/winter semesters, we’d simply celebrate their half-birthday. I remember one of those girls, quite loudly, saying “Gosh this is so STUPID! My birthday and half birthday fall on two occasions when we’re not together!” The girl to which I’m referring to is none other than Miss Caroline. Happy 20th sweetheart!
There’s much to be said for Caroline. She’s incredible intelligent. I’d dare say she’s one of the smartest friends I have. She views the world in a much higher degree of thinking than I’ll ever hope of reaching. We’re in good hands with this girl. She’s passionate. Whether it’s passion towards a recycling debate or the difference between classy black heels and trashy black heels, she has a fiery passion and zest for things she knows and cares about. Although some would think her life is perfect from the outside, upon getting to know her, she struggles with the same sort of things we all do. However, she has an incredible strength to overcome the difficulties in her life. She is vastly independent, a characteristic I both love and hate about her, which allows her to take the problems at hand and push through them headstrong. She devotes time and money for the people most loyal to her. From what I see and hear, she’s a devoted daughter and faithful sister. She’s a delightful friend. She lights up a room and puts a smile on your face when she laughs. She’s been a part of me for over a year and she’s made momentous waves on my attitude and life. Through her generosity, laugh and kindness, she’s been one of many to shape the person I am becoming. Thank you so much, my dear sweet Caroline! Happy Birthday! I can’t wait to see you again.

Loves!

Happy Anniversary!

December 21, 2011
First I best be apologizing. I realize I haven’t written on my blog in a while. Sowwy…another thing to apologize for - I wrote this blog post on Sunday. Yes, I realize it is now Wednesday, but I've had a wee bit of trouble with my internet connection since being home. Oops! So while you read this, pretend it's actually last Sunday, not 3 days later.
I’d like to wish my parents a great, big, giant Happy 30th Anniversary! 30 years ago today, Scott Clegg took LuAnn Moldenhaurer to the Logan temple to be sealed for time and all eternity. I can think of no better experience than marrying your best friend, your hero and your greatest support. Here’s to 30 more years of exhilaration and ecstasy. Mom and dad, I love you so much. Thank you for making our home centered on Jesus Christ. Thank you for working so hard every day so I can enjoy the nice home and possessions I do. I’m grateful I can receive a spectacular education at BYU and it is only through you that I could have made it this far. I’m thankful for your individual examples of faith, loyalty and hard work. I know that I can always come home to parents who love me without question or hesitation.
I’m thrilled to report that our family is all together once again to celebrate Christmas. Mark towered over his first semester at the University of Colorado pharmacy school and performed admirably on his finals. Great job, bro! Mark and Elise are happy to be home for the holidays and we are equally delighted to see them again. They’ll be spending the week before Christmas through Christmas morning with our family. Then they will drive to Ogden to spend Christmas dinner through New Year’s with the Berning family. Melina is working hard at the hospital doing the Christ-like work she knows and loves best. I’m looking forward to spending lots of time with her in the next little while.
It’s crazy how fast another semester has come and gone. It’s almost scary when I think how quickly life passes. One of my roommates, Kelsey, stopped by my parent’s house to give me her Christmas gift and we talked how starkly things have changed in only a year. If things can change this rapidly, where will we be this time next year? As scary and frustrating as it can be, I’m happy to be in the stage of life I am (I know…shocking hearing those words come out of my mouth). I’ve been given opportunities some will only dream about. From here, I can go anywhere. What a feeling?! It’s incredible. Terrifying, yes, but equally incredible.
I love this time of year! I love Christmas. Yes, I am indeed one of those people who love to lay by the Christmas tree with a fire blazing closely nearby. I love corny Christmas music and I don’t think I’ll ever tire of watching "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". I enjoy making chocolate covered pretzels and delivering neighbor gifts via caroling. I love to come home and find new brightly wrapped packages under the tree. I love how everyone seems to try a little harder to be a little happier. I’m grateful for the emphasis on service and charity. This is an excellent time of year to reflect on the things God’s given you and realize how blessed you truly are. I’m grateful for my Savior. I know that He lives. I look forward to the day when I get to kneel at His feet once again.
Merry Christmas everyone! Loves!

P.S. I'm not silly enough to think that people read blogs for the words. I get it; you like the pictures best. Here's a few from this past Thanksgiving. Enjoy!




We girls spent Friday afternoon (after we'd slept off "Black Friday" exhaustion) making candy decorations for mom's work.

"11:11" Wishes

I’m a believer in the “11:11” wish. Being as it is 11/11/11 and we’re only mere hours away before the 11:11 p.m. clock strikes, I thought I’d put some thoughts down about what some of my wishes were. Some would say that by sharing them out loud, they won’t come true. I've found that if you keep all of your wishes hidden, many times they will never have the chance to start. I go without saying names now, but here are some of the things I wish for and on this “lucky day” where lots of wishes are being thought and spoken, perhaps a few of them will come true for the very luckiest and the ones who need it most.

There’s something about today that’s got me in a “love coma”. Although this may seem unsurprising to those who know me best, I haven’t been able to get roses, kisses in the rain, and snuggles out of my mind. Some people would call me high maintenance, a “hi-ma” as dad would call it. I’d agree. Others would call me pretty average. I’d agree with them too. I like going out to nice restaurants. I want a nice home with nice things. Being treated like a princess when you go on vacation has its luxurious perks. To many, that’s what you see when you get to know me; the typical “hi-ma” girl. On the other hand, others would say this about me: I’m loud, I say the wrong thing most of the time, I ramble on and on about subjects most could care less about, I’m impatient, I’m OCD about cleanliness, I care too much about things I shouldn’t, I stress out easily, I fist pump when I get excited, I love Twilight (yes, I do indeed have opening night midnight tickets with my mother and sister for Breaking Dawn next weekend). I cry in the shower. I laugh until it hurts. I eat whipped cream from the can. I drink out of the milk carton. I believe in fairy tales and “happily ever after”, I decorate for holidays, and for fun on Friday nights, I snuggle up with the latest Harry Potter movie release. I’m hard to handle and I come with a lot of baggage. I’m also a lover of people. I care about people. I care about my relationships. I learn something new from everyone I’m in. At the end of the day, some would still say I’m pretty average. I’m average because what I wish for is what I think the general public wants: someone to make them feel safe and appreciated and loved. I wish for that someone who will hold my hand. I wish for that someone who will stay up all night just to talk. I wish for that someone who will take my breath away. I wish for that someone to hold me. I wish for that someone to be on speed dial when I’m bitterly mad at a roommate or upset over a not so perfect score on a stats test. I wish for that someone who’d rather be alone than without me. I wish for that someone who will talk “30 Rock” with my dad and helps my mom clean up the dishes. I wish for that someone who will stay long enough to get to the side of me which makes me vulnerable. I long for that day when I’m dancing in white and the man of my dreams is holding me with our friends and family by our side. I wish that 20 years from now, my husband and I are still madly in love. I wish for the butterflies. I wish for the moment when you realize you’re in love. Yes, you could call me high maintenance because I love to stay in suites when I go to Las Vegas, but at the end of the day, I want what just about everyone wants: to love and be loved.

An interesting thought crossed my mind earlier this week. Knowing everything that I do now, if I had the chance to go back to the very first day I moved out of my home and stepped into Chipman Hall, would I? When I asked my roommates this question, they all answered no, with sheer disgust in their tone. Yes, having to redo well over a year’s worth of time sounds dreadful. As many of you know, my freshman year of college was far from easy. But knowing the things I do now, a part of me sometimes wishes I could. If I had the chance to go back, I’d spend a little more time with my dear aunt Brenda instead of taking for granted the time I did have with her. I’d keep promises I broke. I’d have another crack at American Heritage and I’d spend more time in the library than lying on the dorm floor with my friends. I’d react to situations differently. I’d appreciate experiences more fully. I’d give more people the benefit of the doubt. I’d stop myself from making decisions that would have consequences the rest of my life. I’d enjoy the moments more. I’d spend more time with the people I’ve grown to miss so much since. I’m not necessarily saying another wish is to go back in time. For one thing, I know it’s impossible. But second, the way we deal with the things that come into our lives are the ways in which we as individuals grow. It’s more of a lesson to learn from than anything else. I wish I could take back some of the things I said and did or things I should have said or done, but I’m happy that the future is still a white canvas and I can control what I do next; at least, how I react to it.

I wish I knew God’s plan for me and I didn't have to feel so blinded. At this stage of life, it sometimes feels as though you’re walking down a large staircase completely in the dark and you don’t know where you’re going. Just when you feel like you've made it to the bottom safely, you realize you missed a step and you stumble to the floor and struggle to get up again. Thankfully a banister has been put in place for us to hold to and so long as we continue to grip it tightly, we’ll eventually get where we need to go. Such is how faith works. However, sometimes I wish a candle could be lit on the wall or someone could whisper in my ear as to where I was going. Originally, I sat down and wrote a huge list of “wishes” I had. Some sounded like “I wish illnesses on no man, woman or child”, “I wish nights weren't so lonely and going to bed wasn’t so scary”, and “I wish missions weren't so long”. While all of them appear at first glance to be extremely valid and fair wishes, I began to reflect on some of the wishes that were more specific and personal to me and I realized that it was in those terribly difficult times were when I learned and grew most. I wouldn't wish anyone to have to deal with daily nausea. I wouldn't wish someone to see their future limited after mistakes of the past. I wouldn't wish anyone to feel doubt, fear, inadequacy, and helplessness. I realize now that it was in those darkest moments, those moments when I had to embrace such experiences, that I so gratefully appreciate now. No one wants to hurt. No one wishes trials and adversities on anyone. It’s the ways in which we react to them that I wish people could learn from; so much is dependent on our attitude and our faith. I wish the latter on everyone; to have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and to remember that He is always mindful of each of us personally.

Finally, I want to make a wishful plea to some I care most for. Above all, I wish my family and extended family can find the strength within us to carry on without our long lost sister, daughter and friend, Brenda Godfrey. I wish my parents never ending happiness and pride as they see their daughters growing up and making choices of their own, based on the spectacular foundation they were raised upon. I wish my sisters joy as they pursue their individual dreams and live their lives. I wish to find the strength within myself to act on courage and carry on as young single adulthood takes its course. I wish for the health and strength of my family and friends. I wish for cures to cancer, cerebral palsy, diabetes, and broken hearts. I wish for the friendship I once and still do cherish with all my heart. I wish on every “11:11” that others can find it in their hearts to forgive while I search through my own to do the same. I wish for peace; peace in the lives of those I love and care for most; and for those I haven’t met yet and those I never will. Above all, I’m grateful that one day all my wishes will indeed come true. I’m so thankful that I know the day will come when I won’t have to wish anymore because I’ll have anything and everything I could ever possibly dream of. I wish and look forward to that day when my Savior will come again.

I always end my “11:11” wishes with an air kiss. So [insert air kiss here]. I wish for love. I wish for second chances. I wish for peace. I wish for faith.

To everyone, I love you so much. May you all be happy and do the things which put a smile on your face.

Loves!

Happy Birthday Sissy!

You’ve had a birthday shout hooray! We want to sing to you today! One year older and wiser too! Happy Birthday to you!

My big sister Elise turned 23 today. Fortunately for her, she gets to spend it with her sweet husband, Mark, in Colorado. Unfortunately for my family and I, we don’t get to celebrate with them. I love you, Leesie. Here’s a little birthday gift from your little sis!

Up until the family moved to Utah in 2001, Elise and I shared a bedroom. Elise will tell you that there were times she wanted to wring my neck…that statement would be accurate. Being the active little 9 year old that I was, I enjoyed tagging along with my big sis. Although many of my memories of Oregon are beginning to dim, there are many I feel will permanently stay with me forever; many of which include afternoons spent with Elise in our room. Elise and I would sing and dance to our different CD’s, most notably, “Disney Classics”, Steps, and Celine Dion’s Christmas album in December. Elise would even indulge my pleas to put in my favorite childhood group: S Club 7. I sometimes wonder if this next game was actually suggested by my mother as I’m not sure how it ever got started. I had trouble learning how to read and write when I was younger (thankfully that went away after 3^rd grade). Anywho, I remember my mom making me read books every night and practice writing (I wasn’t always too thrilled in the activity). Oddly enough, however, Elise and I made up this game we called “Blockbuster”. In essence, we’d copy down the bios off of movies we owned and had “customers” call in wanting to buy them. We’d use the many telephones my toy box held and played “manager and secretary”. Guess who each played each role? (Yes, grandma, I’ve been playing secretary all my life) We loved that game and spent hours upon hours playing it. I remember playing pirates on our deck. Most of those memories have dimmed, but I do remember always getting out a jump rope, the tire pressure thingy, and the squirt guns…and I think my Barbie bouncy ball (we are very creative girls – even then). I remember our nightly “goodnight” routine. It went something like this:

Elise: Goodnight

Megan: Goodnight

Elise: I love you

Megan: I love you too

Elise: Sleep tight…

Megan: Don’t let the bed bugs bite

As the little sister, I must put this plug in because it still annoys me to this day. Elise would always have to be the one to start it. In fact, she wouldn’t respond if I tried. The perks of being the big sister…I remember the rules we each put in place when one of us got scared in the middle of the night. We could crawl into bed with each other, but we had to wake the other before doing so. While we lived in Oregon, I remember (too often mom and dad would care to know) when we’d wake up in the middle of the night and “sneak” into our family room and fall asleep watching Disney channel together. I remember watching “Mama’s Family” and “Saved by the Bell” in the mornings before school. I remember seeing Elise with her friends on the playground and wanting to be just like her one day. I remember her holding my hand as we drove away from the only home I knew of in Oregon. I remember the first few nights living in Utah and being afraid of sleeping in my own room alone. I remember many times “sneaking” past my parents room, quietly opening her door, and waking her up so I could crawl in bed with her. I remember going into her room while she did homework and wishing I had some to do with her. As we got older, I remember her driving me to school each day. It was on one of those mornings that she introduced me to “Dream Big” by Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band and “You Gotta Be” by Des’ree. It was those two songs that often got us through many difficult times in both of our teenage experiences. Elise was my go to person when I felt upset or self-conscious during junior high – which if I’m being honest here, was QUITE often. I remember going to girl’s camp and feeling comforted knowing she was there when I needed her – which again, was often. I remember when she left for college and how scared I was because she wouldn’t be down the hall anymore; she’d be 2 ½ hours away in Logan. I remember being upset at how our relationship slowly changed as we both grew up without being together. I remember getting the phone call in quilted bear telling me she was engaged. I remember going wedding dress shopping and seeing the excitement in her eyes as she tried on the many dresses in which she’s spend her special day in. I remember the look in her eyes when she talked about how much she loved her fiancé. I know how much she loves him. I know how much she loves being a wife. I know how much she loves our family – despite its quarks. I know she’s a good friend. I know she’s a tremendous sister. I know I wouldn’t be the same without her. Although the latter is somewhat of a cliché statement, the statement is entirely true. She helped make my childhood memorable, she held my hand when my little life changed at age 9, she made me smile when I felt lonely in junior high, she offered advice when I felt discouraged in high school, and she believes in who I am today. She sees the good in me. She sees who I have the potential to become. She encourages me to do what I want, despite the obstacles that come into the picture. She indulges me when I’m frazzled. She listens to me when I cry. She cheers me on when I succeed. Elise and I are different people in different life stages with different goals and ideas. Not all of her dreams are mine and vice versa. However, we’re each other’s advocates; we’re friends; we’re sisters. We’re a part of a family that’s working together to make each other better and stronger. I’m thankful to her. I’m thankful she’s added more to our little family by marrying Mark. Mark, we all love you and above all, love the way you treat our daughter and sister.

Elise, I love you. Believe in yourself and what you can do. Remember your family loves you and prays for you. Eat something extremely unhealthy today and be proud of it...and always wear a helmet.

Happy Birthday and Cheers to the Loving Sisters!

Loves!

Brenda

On Saturday September 24, 2011, my sassy and loveable Aunt Brenda passed away in a motorcycle accident. It was quite the shock for everyone that had the privilege of knowing her. In the difficult weeks that followed, I observed the strength of my family as we came together to mourn and grieve. I was allotted the chance to see the miraculous effect she’d made on the lives of her friends, clients, neighbors and yes, even puppies. Although the weekend we buried our Brenda was terribly difficult, I was greatly privileged to be among magnificent souls and caring individuals who paid their respects as we said goodbye to a long lost treasure in all of our lives.

To my family – how much I love you! Once again I’m struck with awe at the faith my parents, specifically my dad; who in situations such as these that could test your faith, have never wavered. I admire your testimony. I respect your courage when you say goodbye, but surely know it’s not the end. I marvel at my grandparents who proudly stood in behalf of their daughter and graciously accepted condolences and warm-wishes despite the pain so clearly visible in their eyes. I look up to both their examples and vigor. To my terrific uncle and devoted aunts that are left to carry on without their beloved sister, you all will be okay. While the pain and heartache seem unimaginable at times, may you remember that it’s not the end and soon enough, we will all be reunited with our Brenda. The valor in which each of you hold have helped and continue to help each member of the family in ways which are indescribable. To my own beautiful sisters – Melina and Elise – I love you both! Life goes by so quickly. May each of us remember to take the time to always be included in each other’s lives. You never know when the time will come that God wants one of us back with Him. I’m so thankful that families are forever. I couldn’t imagine spending an ounce of eternity without one of you! It wouldn’t be the same without grandma and grandpa’s hugs, Wayne’s humor, Lori’s stories, Shauna’s smile, Jenny’s unconditional love, Connie’s devotion, and Sara’s loyalty. Most importantly right now, it wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t get to hear Brenda’s laugh every day. While being separated hurts now, it renews my testimony of eternal families.

For those of you, who never knew my aunt, let me tell some things about her. Brenda loved life! She had the most jolly and cheerful laugh; probably the most infectious laughter I’d ever heard. She was fiercely independent. She had vigor for life that is uncommon to find. She was passionate. She was giving; she gave even when she had nothing to give. She opened her home to anyone in need. She truly loved her neighbor as herself. She added her own spice to life and never let the many obstacles and trials that came into it affect her. Her attitude she carried throughout her life is one I hope to develop as I push forward on my own path.

Brenda taught me many things; some only handy for a fun Saturday night and others that will be valuable my entire life. Many of these lessons were learned while she was alive, but many were also learned after her death. She taught me how to gamble on a slot machine. She taught me how to burn CD’s from a computer. She taught me that in order to be a perfect Halloween witch; you must have the perfect cackle. She taught me that despite what any “Clegg Family Christmas Gift Chart” said, you give presents to your favorite nieces (aka myself and sissy’s). J She taught me that however long or short a trip is I will always wear a helmet. She taught me that it’s okay to cry. She taught me how to stay positive in a situation that looks bleak. She taught me what it means to be faithful to your family. Although she didn’t always agree with the decisions of others, she supported them without fail. She taught me it’s okay to work on projects. She taught me how to have fun. After seeing the tremendous effect she had on the lives of her friends, she taught me what it means to not only be a friend, but be a good one too. The value she placed on friendship is one of the greatest lessons she’s left behind for me to follow. I was so touched by how loved and missed she was by her friends at the funeral and memorial BBQ held in her honor at her home. It takes somebody very special to get a motorcycle procession at her funeral and compel one’s friends to drive 3-5 hours to a small town Idaho funeral. Life is short and therefore I must take every second and live it to the fullest. This is probably the biggest lesson I’ve learned from Brenda thus far. When she wanted to do something, she went right along and did it. She lived her life. She worked hard, played harder, and loved hardest.

I heard it once said that for every person you meet on earth, you have double the people cheering you on on the other side. I was promised that “angels would be my companions” as I walked my path through mortality. It gives me great strength and hope to know that Brenda is now one of those angels holding my hand and cheering me on. She was a huge supporter while she lived with me on Earth; I can only imagine how that’s grown now that she’s reached the other side. Lately, I’ve found myself thinking “I wonder what Aunt Brenda is saying right now...I bet she’s laughing” or she’s saying “I know it hurts, but get up and deal with it anyways” or “eat that Oreo – it’ll make you feel better!” That’s the kind of person Brenda was: determined, courageous, fun, and full of laughs & giggles. She lived in the “now” and was overall, happy.

Though Brenda had many fine qualities, she was far from perfect (as all of us are). She made mistakes too. What made the difference is she learned from them. She led a hard life, but walked it with a smile on her face. Brenda Godfrey is therefore one of my many heroes. It takes a person of incredible audacity to live as she did.

As life “moves on” without Brenda, I hope the lessons and example she left behind will be remembered. I know I will cherish my memories with her. I anxiously look forward to when I get to hear that laugh again. I know she is watching over me and our family and she’s exactly where she needs to be. I hope through my actions I make her proud. Like her, I am not perfect. I’ve made and make mistakes a lot. Too often it takes multiple lessons for me to learn what God has intended. Still, like my Aunt, you take it one step at a time, one day at a time, and never forget to wear your smile. As Brenda grew, people saw her change of heart. I hope that as I continue to grow up, those important to me can see my growth. My prayer is to develop the same love and zest for life that Brenda had. I pray I can be the kind of friend she was – even when I make mistakes. I pray to be the kind of sister she was; a sister who could always be depended on. I love you, Brenda. And as they say, “God be with you ‘til we meet again”

Loves!

Sometimes I Wish I Lived in a TV Show

This morning I was sitting in the Eyring Science Center waiting for my New Testament class to start. As I have a break between my Stats class and New Testament, I sit at a table upstairs in front of the windows. This is done for two reasons: I find myself feeling smarter when I sit among the brilliant science major students and it’s an excellent place to people-watch as students enter and exit the building and walk outside on campus. Naturally, I was looking for some particular friends and I got to thinking of one of my favorite TV shows called One Tree Hill. I love that show! I own nearly all the seasons and can quote some specific episodes directly because I’ve watched them so much. Anywho, I thought of a particular scene between two characters. After having a fight the previous night, Haley is sitting at a lunch table doing homework when Nathan comes up behind her, sits down, and begins talking to her. Things don’t get 100 percent resolved, but the point is he goes to her; he wants to try to work things out. They talk freely, honestly, without get mad, but appreciating the other’s point of view. As I watched the people outside and played with my highlighter, I couldn’t help, but wish the same experience would happen to me right then. These thoughts lead me to another one I care to share. Sometimes I wish I lived in a TV show. Episode after episode, example after example help to make my point. In TV show land, things aren’t perfect, but sure seem a heck of a lot easier than real-life land.

Here lie some examples for you to consider:

When you live in a TV show, episodes are typically 46 minutes long without commercials. When less than positive things happen, they span over 1 to 3 episodes; 5 if your producers are really pushing the suspense. This means that when you breakup with someone, get in a fight, land yourself in the hospital, you don’t have to deal with the pain and discomfort for days, weeks, and sometimes months. No, you get recovered within 46 and 138 minutes; or at most, 230 minutes. Um, recovery time cut drastically…who WOULDN’T want that? Exactly. TV shows rock.

I wish I could commentate my life like a TV episode. Wake up and end the day with how I feel with just the right mood music playing in the back ground. Take Grey’s Anatomy commentary, for example; pretty darn good if you ask me. It could be like walking to an AM radio station of yourself throughout the day. Although, it could be annoying, it might be something worth getting used to.

I call this next example the “It’s a Wonderful Life moment”. Relating again to One Tree Hill, it’s a reoccurring plot line to have a specific character land in the hospital with unconscious, near death injuries. As their loved ones mourn, hurt character is escorted by some sort of “angel” to see how people are dealing with the trauma. I would be lying if I said I haven’t thought multiple times what people’s reaction would be if I went unconscious. How would people react? Who would come to the hospital? Who would stay at the hospital? After looking at the present, character and angel take a look at what life would be like if said individual never existed or died. This gives the person a chance to see what sort of difference they make in the lives of family members and friends. This leads me to think, who would be affected the most? Have I made any real difference to anyone or would the lives of those I interact with be pretty much unaffected? Questions I so desperately want answered, but feel only will truly happen if I lived in a TV show.

Have we noticed how men on TV shows are pretty close to perfect? They know all the right things to say and make you feel like the most beautiful girl on Earth. They still put rose petals on your bed even when you’ve been married 7 years (again, taken from One Tree Hill). They’re constantly doing things to take your breath away. They also just seem much easier to read. I know there are men out here in real-life land like that, but I have yet to meet one that isn’t currently attached. I’m waiting for my Lucas, Nathan, Seth, Leo, Ricky, Junior, or McDreamy still…

A favorite show of mine is called Charmed. It’s based on 3 modern day sisters who are turned into witches. Obviously, each sister gets a power. Piper gets the power to freeze time. I would LOVE that power! Think about it: you’re running on the sidewalk, a strange man attacks you; you freeze him, run away and watch from safer ground at his confusion as to where you went. Hysterical! Living in Charmed would be fun.

Another “perk” of being a witch is having lots of spells to use. One such spell the girls use is called the “truth telling spell”. How much I would love to use that! The questions and misunderstandings that could be truly resolved…one day…

In order to keep the TV show going, there has to be drama. Unfortunately, that is inevitable. In life, there are setbacks. There are things that make you hurt. Whether they come via boyfriend, best friend, family member, whomever, it happens. When you watch a TV show, friends will get into a fight and say things will never be the same. Then all of a sudden something really awful happens that brings the two back together and makes their friendship bigger and better than ever. Is it so awful of me to say that I want something like a creepy stalker to come over to my home (One Tree Hill), not get into a specific college (The O.C.) or nearly die falling into a freezing lake and can’t get out (Grey’s Anatomy) for such issues to be resolved? In TV land, the best friends always become friends again. The “meant to be” couple always gets together in the end. Things typically work out pretty well at the end of the hour. That sounds blissful!

TV shows can be annoying, but I think they have their perks! Friendships stay firm. Relationships last. Funny things are publically and permanently documented. Stupidity is generally accepted. There’s usually some sort of conclusion at the end of your 60 minute hour. And if there isn’t, the next episode will fix it for you! That’s only a mere 92 minutes later (remember we’re not counting commercials here). The bad guy is eventually exposed. The good guy eventually wins. The right music plays at the right time. Things work out. Yes, sometimes I wish I lived in a TV show.

To all in real-people land,

Loves!

My New Home!

Our new home away from home ~ The 306!

Family Room
Personal Pantry
Kitchen
Bathroom Closet (Yes, the two packed shelves are mine)
Bathroom (I share with Miss Shelly)
Double door closet
Very spacious desk space
We all have our own rooms :)
Hall way to my room
Washer and dryer