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! 

Friday's at Jamberry

      This last Friday, the Support Department at Jamberry had an unexpectedly exciting day!
      Back at the beginning of July, Support had made a goal to resolve 28,000 tickets (in other words, 28.000 customer / consultant "issues"). We met our goal July 31st - just in time! Because we met our goal, some of our friends up in corporate surprised us with blow horns, confetti, balloons and piñatas...2 piñatas. I think it couldn't have come at a better time. It was a stressful day at work and I think most of us needed the moment where bat met piñata. During our "Piñata Party", I learned I still cannot play sports and when things are thrown at me, I will most likely hit the object in the a) wrong direction or b) at someone (aka: as the piñata was thrown to me, I hit it right into the camera man's face. Point for Meg. Good times, good times). Very fun, very fun. It was quite a hoot!

Pre-"Smashing the Piñata Into Johnny's Face" Picture

We thought it would be funny to put one of the blow horns under someone's desk chair who was still at lunch. We were so pumped. However, Aaron outsmarted all of us because when he came back, he sat down and didn't even flinch. Reflexes like a beast! I was impressed!

A couple hours later, we decided to have a Bubble Gum Contest with all the Double Bubble that came from the piñatas. We have some serious bubble blowers at Jamberry.

About 5 minutes after the Bubble Gum Contest, we began playing with Smarties. Jennie was teaching us how to place a Smartie on the outside of our lip and then get it into our mouth - no hands of course! I achieved this goal twice.

All in all, a girl just can't complain when she can hit a piñata and play with the candy afterwards. Now, it's back to reality and back to hard work. But I'm grateful I can spend most of my time with such great people!

Loves!

Reacquainted

Long time, no write! I accept full responsibility for my utter lack of blog maintenance over the last 5 months. As I'm working to "embrace" this new season of life, I will work on making blog updates more of a priority. I figure the best way to get reacquainted is to catch up on what I've been doing since February. I've come to learn through various avenues that people only read blogs for the pictures (*cough, cough - Taylor - cough, cough*), so I'll do my best to update via photographs.

The biggest event is, with no surprise, my graduation from Brigham Young University. I graduated April 24-25 with a Bachelor's Degree in Art History and Curatorial Studies.

A few nights ago, I was skimming some old journals and I was reminded of the numerous times I wanted to quit school; the countless excuses I came up with to justify my internal plea. I am so grateful for the countless people that helped me accept that diploma in April. It is an accomplishment I am thankful to have earned.

I turned 22 on May 15th. For my birthday, the favorites - Caroline, Landon, Taylor (and Hailey in spirit) - and I went paragliding on the point of the mountain. Whew - what a neat adventure that was! I thought I'd educate anyone who is considering going paragliding in the future:
1) Go to the Utah Paragliding Company. They were fabulous! And ask for the boss man to take you up. He was with me and we had a blast.
2) Take off is not jumping off the side of the mountain, as I originally believed. More like you just run (on firm, even ground) and then sort of just lift up. I imagine being "twinkled" will be something like that
3) When the instructor tells you it's time to come down, but he's going to do some tricks on the way, politely decline. You might get a little queasy and even revisit your lunch from 4 hours earlier. Just some friendly advice :)

This was the first time my entire family could be here for my birthday in many, many years. We visited the new Living Planet Aquarium. I think Jacob enjoyed the penguins and sharks most. The family and I went to Bombay House for my birthday dinner and then back to Melina's house for cupcakes. My day was pretty close to perfect. Thank you to all for making me feel so special.

About a month after graduating, I began working for Jamberry Nails in Lindon. My Aunt Sara has been working with them since Christmas time and helped get me my "in". Since I began in May, I've worked in 2 different departments. Now, I guess you could say my childhood "dream" has come true, as I have my own desk with the pictures frames and two computers and phone and blah, blah, blah. Grandma Dixie, I'm more than a secretary, but I certainly get to "play" out my childhood Saturday afternoons at the "office". I work with wonderful people and I feel very blessed. It's not teaching Art History to High School students like I hope to do in the future, but it's certainly something I enjoy doing and could see myself doing for many more years to come.

When I graduated, I moved into a cute little house in south Provo with my friend, Amelia. At the beginning of July, we had an unexpected house guest arrive. The owners were re-landscaping the front / back yard and a mouse landed its way into Amelia's bedroom. Here was my barricade for bedroom / mouse prevention:

Though it was not the reason, a couple days after our house guest arrived, I made the decision to move back home to Draper. If you know me well, you know that I've made waiting for the opportunity to get back to my "roots". While I've enjoyed my time at BYU and Provo, it's never been a place I've wanted to stay. After graduating, I believed the best place for me to be was still in Provo (I am still single after all...). It occurred to me, however, that I want to be where I'm most happy and where I'm going to feel and be my very best. That self wasn't necessarily in Provo. So, I am back as a Salt Lake County resident and overall, really enjoying it. I'm very thankful to have such supportive parents who love and support me. I'm also grateful Provo isn't too far away so I can still see my favorites :)

Loves to all!

 

To My Sweet

To My Sweet,
I need someone who understands my necessity to create a home, which yes, will probably be “feminine” and crafty and potentially girly, but will also be comfortable, safe, peaceful and a haven from the outside world. I need someone who will accept that I am anal about cleanliness and organization and my label maker and I WILL get mad when things aren’t as they should. I crave a calm life. I like Friday nights at home, but I also like to get dressed up and go to fancy restaurants like the Melting Pot or PF Changs or Bombay House. Sometimes I’m a brat and quick to judge other people for their faults, but I hate when people criticize me for mine. Trust me, I am working on this, but please be patient in the mean time. I need you to understand that I pay $5-$7 for each birthday or wedding card I purchase because I’m exceptionally picky. I eat cereal before I go to bed more often than I don’t. Sometimes I’m moody, with really no explanation why. When those days or nights arise, bear with me. It’s probably not your fault. I’m a nag. I recognize this. I’ll try to work on it. I guess you could say I’m high maintenance. I like nice things. I like going to nice places and staying in fancy hotels and wearing expensive shoes and blouses from Banana Republic or J.F. Crew or Nordstrom. With that said, I also like playing Disney Monopoly and eating kettle corn in my sweatpants. I hate the outdoors – I hate feeling dirty – but if it’s something you like, I want you to teach me how to enjoy it as much as you do and I promise I will give it a chance. I am quick to criticize myself and even quicker to question someone’s affections for me, especially in the beginning. Please remind me of your feelings often. I accept that men think differently than women and so you’re probably not thinking of me every minute of every day, but please tell me on occasion when you are because I need to hear it. And after 15 years of marriage, keep telling me you love me and I promise, I will forever keep loving you; every day, every hour, every minute. Even when I hate you, even when I don’t like you, I promise to keep loving you. I need you to understand that I am a perfectionist. It’s hard for me to accept help so sometimes you’ll just need to humor me. Either bump me out of the way and ignore my protests or just bite your tongue. I’ll make up for it later, I promise. I want to give my heart to you, but please don’t accept unless you promise to take care of it; if I’m giving it to you, it means I trust you. If I eat something salty, I’ll need something sweet. I suggest you plan accordingly for picnics. I come with a past, I come with baggage. I have long sense decided and vowed that my past would not dictate my present or future, but I am still a product of those mistakes and those decisions and those temptations and those burdens. I’m not asking you to like all of them, but I am asking you to understand who I am now. And why I live the way I do. I have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It will be a part of our home. I long, more so than I could ever wish to articulate anywhere, to walk out the doors of the temple with you, hand-in-hand. I believe He knows me and He knows you. He’ll get us where we need to be so we’ll find (or look up and SEE) one another. I believe He is a part of our lives and He will continue to be if we are faithful and obey His commandments set out to make us happy. I have a lot of goals on my bucket list and many include you. Some are really scary, in which I’ll need you to hold my hand. Others might require your patience as I drag you from museum to museum in Florence or Rome or Paris. But I’ll make you a deal right now: indulge me then and we’ll make up for it later! This I PROMISE. Virginia Woolfe said that every woman should have a space she can call her own. If it’s okay with you, I want a desk that I can sit at and write or read the latest art journals or study. I understand we’ll probably be poor at first, but maybe when we’re “rich and famous” one day, we can work something out. Take care of me. I will get the kids ready for school and make sure our house is clean and dinner is on the table. But kiss me before you leave for work and kiss me when you get home. Let our kids see that you love me and you love them. Say prayers with me every night. Tickle me. Make me laugh. Remind me you love me. I am not perfect and I have a very long way to go before I even reach that sphere, but I will do everything I can to make you happy and to build a glorious life with you. You're the prayer I say every day. 

Until we meet, I love you and I’m praying for you!

Love, me