San Francisco

For the last couple years, Caroline and I have been talking about going on a "real" vacation together. Last week, we finally made our wish come true. The pair of us spent the better part of a week exploring San Francisco, California.

We made plans to fly out on Wednesday afternoon. Unfortunately, due to severe rain and wind in California, our flight had to be delayed by a few hours. However, I was reminded that being stuck at an airport isn't too bad. When we ultimately arrived in San Francisco, we gathered our bags and wits and took a taxi to the hotel. Our taxi driver was insane. Caroline consoled me with wise words of comfort: "just pet your purse, Meggy". Thanks, C! I guess lamb skin has the potential for curing passenger anxiety ;)  Our hotel was 2 blocks from Fisherman's Warf - one of my favorite piers to explore in San Francisco. Caroline and I quickly learned that Fisherman's Warf in the winter is considerably different than Fisherman's Warf in the summer. After grabbing a bite to eat on the deserted boardwalk, Caroline nearly stepped on someone's hand. We looked down and realized we were strolling the normally crowded street now completely occupied by homeless men and women making their beds for the night. With a look of determination (and a little apprehension) we rushed back to the comfort of our hotel.

Each morning, Caroline and I savored in a delightful Denny's breakfast and each meal was delicious in my belly. We spent Thursday exploring the shops and restaurants surrounding Fisherman's Warf. We were greeted by the welcoming committee of "San Francisco Birds Inc." and learned pigeons are not afraid of close proximity to humans.

Birds will swarm when presented with food. This we witnessed all in about 3 seconds

I think birds are dirty creatures. If you're willing to eat something out of a garbage can, I just can't take you seriously anymore...

Thursday afternoon, we took a boat ride to Sausalito. Sausalito is a unique, modest town, right off the water. While known for it's wealthy home owners, I loved the simplicity. Besides the houses spotting the large hills, there was only 1 main road, lined with art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. One of the two art galleries we explored housed an oil painting depicting the "Tree of Life". It stopped both Caroline and I in our tracks. It was breathtaking.

It was a tad chilly on the boat ride. Well worth the wind chill though :)

After returning to San Francisco, we went to the Waterfront Restaurant. The restaurant is located on the cusp of the water, with a beautiful view of Alcatraz, the bridge and water. The seafood is tempting. I had a bite of Caroline's lobster and even I would agree; it was yummy! Melina, I thought of you the whole time :)

 For all us left handed folks out there

Trish's Mini Donut's are my favorite (and only) doughnut's I will eat. They are so delicious!

Friday was our designated shopping day. Our first stop was Union Square. I had never been to Union Square before, but it was fun to explore. I had my first experience with Saks Fifth Avenue and I must say, I will dream of some of the shoes there, though, I will have to work a couple extra jobs in order to even dream of purchasing them. We went to a seven-story Macy's and I insisted on writing a letter to Santa Clause. I still believe that Christmas wishes come true.

After Union Square, we walked to Chinatown. Caroline wanted to sift through a couple stores and I was reminded of my last adventure to San Francisco with Melina and her friend, Seth. They both appreciated Chinatown as much as Caroline did. As the day was nearing its in, our feet began to hurt and our hands were filled with shopping bags. We hailed a cab and rode back to the hotel. For dinner, we went to Boudins, my favorite restaurant in San Francisco.  They are known for, in my opinion, the best sourdough bread. Mom, it only made me a tiny bit sick. Well worth it though :) I ordered a steak, garlic potatoes and asparagus. Moment of silence for my meal please...

On Saturday, we rented a car and drove to a stunning lookout point, capturing a breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge, the water and the city. On our drive over, we drove across the Golden Gate Bridge and I turned on the Full House theme song. I think Caroline is still mad at me, but I hold NO REGRETS! The lookout point was gorgeous and we were lucky enough to have the fog lift for a few moments of optimum picture taking. Caroline gave me a brief history lesson as we walked up to some World War II bunkers on the main hills overlooking the port.

In the afternoon, we drove to the Muir Woods. Exploring the woods was one of my favorite activities on our vacation...everyone, try to hold your gasps of shock. I had never heard of the Muir Woods prior to the trip, but they were alluring to me. The woods are a quiet place; a sound I had forgotten about. Being surrounded by green foliage and soft creeks reminded me of my childhood in Oregon and I felt close to Heavenly Father. I relished in the moments I could spend away from the hussle-and-bussle of "real life" - no cell phone service, no stressing about work, no to-do lists. We brought lunches with us for the walk. We ate next to a secluded creek and enjoyed the sounds of nature over Lunchables and Peanut Butter M&M's. What more could you ask for?

You really can never be too careful when posing in front of trees. Doing a little "once-over" before turning my back...

Because we had a car, we wanted to utilize our transportation as much as possible. Therefore, after the Muir Woods, we went for a drive through Sonoma and Napa Valley to take a peek at the unique vineyards. I am continually astonished with Heavenly Father's creativity. He has designed such a beautiful world for His children to live in.

The last big thing we did in San Francisco was meander through Ghirardelli Square. I have a love for Ghirardelli Square, as it's where many fond memories were created on my AP Art History trip with my fellow classmates my senior year of High School. I will never forget each of our expressions when we walked in and smelled the scent of warm chocolate.

I'm grateful I could get away and spend time in the lively city of San Francisco with my dear friend, Caroline. I'm grateful that despite our differences, we can and are still valuable to one another. Thanks for giving us a good trip, San Fran! I can't wait for next time.

Loves!

I'm Grateful

I have been so closely watched over and blessed in 2014. I want to share some of the beautiful tender mercies and blessings the Lord has shared with me this year: 

My mom has a sign hanging in one of the entrances of my parent's house that says "Remember: to the rest of the world, we're a nice, normal family". I am grateful for my nice, normal and "secretly" dysfunctional family. I am grateful for my "goodly parents"; for their examples, for their wisdom and advice and for their consistent love expressed to my sisters and I. I am grateful for Melina and her passion for life! As we speak, we're planning a trip to Hawaii for 2015 and while it is giving me grey hairs now, I'm hoping that'll all clear up once I'm drinking a pina colada in Maui :) In September, Miss Sarah Esther Berning smiled her way into each of our hearts. Being an auntie is a blessing I thank the Lord for each day. I love my sweet Jacob and Sarah and love their good parents, Mark and Elise. I am overjoyed that their family will be moving back to Draper in December. Once Elise moves back to Utah, we will all be within 30 minutes of each other. I am grateful to have extended family close by. My life has been so positively changed year after year from spending time with them. I am grateful that families can be together forever. I am grateful for the assurance of knowing that even when we don't like each other, we still love each other.  

My friends are individuals I thank Heavenly Father for each day because I firmly believe they were gift wrapped and sent priority mail from Heaven, just for me. I am grateful for my "Orem Family". I am grateful for all the times Taylor and Landon have let me fall asleep on their couch - if I'm good, Landon will even put a blanket over me :) I'm grateful for Sunday dinners when Landon cooks yummy steaks on the grill for each of his "3 wives" and for all the times Tay and I have exchanged "the look" when C and Lando start chatting politics. I am grateful for Caroline who seems to understand me better than most and is one of the few who can sincerely put a smile back on my face when I've had a rough day. I can't wait to go to San Francisco with her next week. Though she's far away now, I'm grateful Hailey has found her sweetheart and can be with him as he's serving our country in the Marines. Hailey, I miss you, but know you are certainly not forgotten and you are someone to be grateful for every day. I am fortunate enough to work with not only coworkers, but friends as well. Aubrie is my dear "work-wife" and how much I love that girl! I'm so grateful for our chats each day. I'm grateful for Ali and for all those times she's stayed late after work to talk to me. She is a strength I hope to be one day. 

After the Katy Perry concert with Caroline. Such a good show!

Ali and I spent our lunch break buying the new Taylor Swift album at Target

When I graduated from Brigham Young University in April, I did not realize I was entering what would become a difficult few months of what I like to call "Megan's mid-20's life crisis". Where was I going to work? How will I support myself? Do I stay in Provo? Do I move back to Salt Lake? My "plan" clearly stated I would be married by now. Aren't I supposed to have a partner to help me make all these decisions?? Suddenly I am a real adult?! AH! My sweet mother and friends heard all these thoughts and more repeatedly and what great sports they were. It did not occur to me right away that the Lord was shaping my path for something much bigger than I could ever expect. After spending the evening with my Aunt Sara and Uncle Jim, I asked Sara if she could help me get a job at Jamberry Nails, a company she was working for from home. Jamberry was simply to be a temporary job for the summer while I worked on my applications for teaching Art History in the fall. So beginning in May, I began to work 12-9 in their Shipping Department. Let's me be honest here for a minute: there were a lot of crying fits in those first few weeks. I was a college graduate working in the Shipping Department?! What the hell am I doing here (pardon my French)?? Silly me, thinking the Lord didn't have a plan in store. By July, I had transferred departments and was working within Customer Support with some phenomenal people and getting a real sense for what the company was all about. In September, I applied for one of two supervisor positions available. Much to my delight, I was offered the job. Now in November, I'm busy as a Customer Support Supervisor, helping to create a busy department with some of the best individuals out there. Jamberry has been by far the biggest unexpected tender mercy of 2014, but oh, how grateful I am for that company in Lindon, Utah. I enjoy my job and I enjoy the people and atmosphere I work in each day even more. What was supposed to be my "temporary summer job" has now turned into my life (let's be honest here, my life pretty much consists of Jamberry) and I'm not planning on walking away anytime soon. 

As previously mentioned, in April I graduated from Brigham Young University with my Bachelor's Degree in Art History and Curatorial Studies. As those who work with me can attest, I am very proud of this accomplishment. I was blessed with tremendous teachers, peers and experiences that have continued to shape my life. I am grateful to have traveled throughout Europe a couple years ago and the experiences learned that still impact me today. I am grateful for art and the messages conveyed in the stroke of a brush. 

In October, my best friend Taylor asked if I would be interested in moving into her apartment, as she and Landon were getting a bigger home. The apartment is part of a four-plex in Orem and just the right size for me: 2 bedrooms, bathroom/laundry room, kitchen and front room. After much prayer, I took Taylor up on her offer. It was a struggle to make the decision to move back to Utah County. As most could tell you, I am not a fan. However, I've learned through so many experiences this year that the Lord truly has a plan for me and when the Spirit is prompting me to go, it's probably for a good reason. Admittedly, it's been a blast to go furniture shopping, pick out my own curtains and book shelves and arrange my kitchen and bathroom the way I like. A few nights ago, I sat on my new couches, looked around and thought "wow - I made it". 

*Pictures to come later. It still needs a few touches before it's camera ready :)

Since I was a little girl, I wanted to "grow up". Now that I have, I catch myself wishing I could go back to the days of playing house on Saturday afternoons with my childhood best friend, Zoe. Still, I'm grateful for this stage of life. I'm grateful to be here. I have a job I love so much, where so many have neither. My family is near to me, while so many live far away from their loved ones. I have tremendous friends who care about me, while others have none. I may be sick a lot of the time, but I can generally function (most of the time), where I know so many cannot. I have a house I can call a home, where I can feel safe and comfortable, where so many have much less. Above all, I have the knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a relationship with my Heavenly Father. I know I am His daughter and I am not forgotten or ignored. I am grateful for His son, Jesus Christ. I am grateful He came to earth to live a perfect life and perform mighty miracles. I'm grateful He willingly died for me. Without such a selfless act, I would never stand a chance of kneeling before Him again. I am grateful for tender mercies. I know these blessings are real and poured upon each of us every day, whether we recognize them or not.  

I wouldn't be writing honestly if I didn't put in some of the more superficial things that I will openly admit to being enormously grateful for:

     I am grateful for pancakes, strawberries and Nutella on Saturday mornings, followed by hot showers with no where else to go.

        I am grateful for Netflix and the excellent way it allows me to unwind. Mindless Entertainment is such a blessing! Go Pretty Little Liars and Law and Order: SVU! 

        I am grateful for Pier One, RC Willey and IKEA who each helped turn my new house into a new home. 

     I am grateful for IBC Root Beer on my hard days, for Sprite on my sick days and for Dr. Pepper any day. 

       I am grateful for modern technology that lets me communicate with anyone; even, and perhaps most especially those who live too far away.

      I am grateful for my comfy bed that I collapse in each night and for my Pandora stations I fall asleep to.

        I am grateful for Pinterest. Period.

        I am grateful for my Criquet, which is turning all my college memories into lovely scrapbooks. 

      I am grateful for Excedrin, without which I could not hope to function throughout the day. On that note, I am also grateful for Advil, Tylenol, and Tums.

    I am grateful for the holiday season that has now officially started. Christmas is my most favoriteist, FAVORITEIST time of year. Bring on the snow, lights, "Grinch" and presents. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all! May we all find something to be grateful for today. 

Loves!  

    

The Clegg's "Boston Tea Party"

Last Thursday evening, Mom, Dad, Melina and I loaded the car and drove to the Salt Lake City Airport. I, who is known NOT to fly well, was well equipped with my Dramamine and headphones and off we flew to Boston, Massachusetts. My Grandma Dixie is currently serving an LDS mission at the Boston National Archives, scanning historic documents dating from the late 18th - early 19th century into the Family History website. Her birthday was the following Monday and we wanted to spend it with her. Melina and I were very excited to be taking a vacation with [NEARLY] our entire family (we'll get the Berning Bunch with us for the next road trip!) after so many years. Let the adventure begin!

We arrived late Friday morning - August 8th. After a 5 hour flight and trying to gain control of our jet lag, we decided on the most obvious choice: food. We found an iHop in Cambridge, near Harvard University. After eating, we walked around the campus. Holy BEAUTIFUL! I love the New England architecture. I love the tall, full trees that have witnessed so much of our nation's history. I love the spirit of intelligence and learning that exists among the students. What it would be to go to school in such an environment! 

Outside the Main Gates of Harvard University 

Mom sneaking pictures again....staring at the Harvard Library architecture 

After we couldn't stand it any longer, we drove to our hotel for some shut eye before meeting Grandma for dinner. Dad was our driver and somehow, I was deemed "designated navigator". Over the course of the trip, I fell completely in love with our rental car. If life goes my way, I will one day purchase a Black Chevrolet Equinox. We quickly learned that drivers in Boston are terrifying; to say the least. They sure are an...aggressive bunch.  Our hotel was strategically placed near a Target, which we utilized several times over our trip (Dr. Pepper, Diet Pepsi, Chocolate, Hair Spray...all necessary). After some much needed sleep, we met Grandma Dixie at her apartment. It was wonderful to see her after so long. I was so proud to see her wearing her black missionary name tag. We went to Panera Bakery for dinner. Very tasty - especially their M&M cookies.

Saturday, the 5 of us walked the Boston Freedom Trail. It was so delightful to take a "walk through history". Along the way, we visited Boston Commons, the Massachusetts State House, the King's Chapel, the site of the Boston Massacre, Faneuil Hall,  Paul Revere's home and grave site and the Old North Church. I firmly believe America came together from divine design. Throughout our walk, I was consistently reminded of how blessed I am to live in this great nation.
  

Papa Smurf LOVES Benjamin Franklin

Reading all about Faneuil Hall 

Faneuil Hall

I met my HERO along the way!

The site of the Boston Massacre 

The Declaration of Independence was first read to Bostonians on this balcony 

Only in Boston can you get a view like this

Paul Revere's Home  

The Old North Church

Members of the congregation would have needed to buy a "pew box" to attend church. Personally, I think this is something we should reconsider.... 

Look at those cuties! 

After dinner, we walked through Beacon Hill. Melina and I fell in love with this neighborhood. I'll take the home with the red door please!

I loved Sunday! After going to Grandma's ward, we drove to Salem, Massachusetts. I was beyond, jumping-in-my-seat, grinning-from-ear-to-ear, excited. My time had finally come to achieve my "Hocus Pocus" badge of honor and I was only to eager to begin. Salem is FASCINATING! I recommend it to everyone. 

 Melina and I had a little too much fun at the Hex: Old World Witchery Store 

 One of the Historic Homes from the Salem Witch Trial Era 

 The Witch Trials Memorial Site. There are 19 rock seats, 1 for each of the individuals killed during the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. Each of their names were engraved in the stone. The memorial is next to the Salem Graveyard. It was very moving.

Future "Mrs. Trophy Wives" hanging out with Samantha from Bewitched

Monday was MY day - Boston Museum Day! It was also Grandma's Birthday! The first thing we did was visit Grandma's "home-away-from home"; the Archives. We chatted with Sister Elmer, Grandma's missionary companion, and learned how they scan the images. 

Grandma Dixie and Sister Elmer

After the Archives, mom and Melina went to explore more of Boston. Grandma, Dad and I went to the Boston Museum. Oh, what wonder lies in art!

Mom's "Abstract Art" at the Dinner Table 

Grandma's birthday dinner was at the Atlantic Fish Company. I am not a "fish" person, but oh my goodness - one of the best meals ever. And our waiter...mmm, Melina and I agreed we'd move to Boston for him. He was...very enjoyable to have around ;) 

Boston was a wonderful trip! I'm so thankful we had the means to visit Grandma and spend her birthday together as a family. Cheers until next time, Boston!

Loves!