Day 2: Secrets, Pirates, and the Unknown

Today's question was much harder then yesterdays. I was thinking like "what is my favorite move?". I started going over like historical documentaries and whatnot, but then got to thinking although I really enjoy movies like Pride and Prejudice, they definitely aren't my favorite. I figured a favorite would be one that you can watch over and over and not get tired of. This also was hard because if you know me I don't really like to watch movies more than once. And then it struck me, I could watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy over and over! But on second thought, no way is that my "favorite" movie. After some more pondering I came to an conclusion. OK, I know a lot of people think this movie is stupid, and I would agree about the sequels, but I would have to say my number 1 sorta favorite movie would have to be Pirates of the Caribbean Curse of the Black Pearl. So there you have it, my secret is out and I hope it's not too shocking.

Day 1: Thunder, Light, and a Fro

Today was my first day of the Thirty Day Challenge, and it asked me what my favorite song is. This question wasn't to hard.
I woke up this morning to the sound of thunder. What a powerful noise, especially when it is right over you. It's just mind boggling to think of how God creates monstrous bangs by clashing clouds together. Clouds look so Innocent and fluffy. I couldn't get evaporated water to clash together if my life depended on it, let alone make electrical bolts at the same time.
So needless to say my favorite song (at least for right now) is MR. Blue Sky by ELO (electric light orchestra). I don't have the video, but if you do watch it they have some great fros and facial hair. But what else can you expect from the 70s?
I had some trouble with my playlist, so I'll just stick the song on the playlist on the bottom of my blog and you can listen to it if you want.

On the Road Again

Just about every day now when I do my blog rounds, I noticed that I haven't been posting enough. Unfortunately I've been monstrous (my new favorite adjective) uninspired lately. It seems like the blog world has been very slow lately too, and I've been enjoying reading Laurel's posts every day. So I decided to give the thirty day challenge a try. I hope I don't completely bore you all, but it is more for me (not in a selfish way) than for you anyway. I just think it will be neat to look back in a year or so time and see what my likes and some ideas were at that time. So here I go on my newest quest!

Day 1: A favorite song

Day 2: A favorite movie

Day 3: A favorite book

Day 4: A favorite television program
Day 5: A favorite quote

Day 6: A moment you wish you could relive

Day 7: Five things you couldn't possibly live without

Day 8: A thank you letter to someone who has changed your life

Day 9: A photo you took

Day 10: A photo of you taken over 10 years ago
Day 11: A photo of you taken recently

Day 12: A song you want played at your wedding (or was played)

Day 13: A guilty pleasure

Day 14: A vacation you would like to take

Day 15: A person you admire

Day 16: A song that makes you cry

Day 17: An art piece

Day 18: A time when you felt passionate and alive

Day 19: A talent of yours

Day 20: A hobby of yours

Day 21: Someting you know you do differently then most people

Day 22: A website

Day 23: A way in which you want to be remembered

Day 24: A movie no one would expect you to love

Day 25: A recipe

Day 26: A childhood memory

Day 27: A physical feature you love

Day 28: A scar you have and it's story

Day 29: Hopes, dreams, and plans you have for the next 365 days

Day 30: A motto or philosophy

"I'm sorry but you threw off the emperors groove"

Last night I was in a blissful state of felicity. I had recently delved into the romantic world of Sense and Sensibility and was finding it quite amiable. But then, all to sudden it was no more. At first I didn't know what it was but I soon realized that the inhuman shrieks where from coyotes. Ugg. The sound in between a siren and a woman crying in pain sent chills up my back and gave me goosebumps. I tried shutting my window but I could still hear them, only now they sounded more like a ghostly whine. I'm a routine girl and that totally threw off my groove. Eventually I fell asleep and dreamt that I had dark green eyes (whatever). But when I woke up I still felt off. There is no moral or point to this encounter, but I hadn't posted for a while, and it is still on my mind.

Life on the Middle Fork

I really wanted to wait until I had pictures of our rafting trip to post, but till then here is our our trip in a very large nutshell (plus my orientation).

Thursday I think was our most hectic day. We did most our packing Wednesday night, but on Thursday morning we still had to pack up all our food and some other stuff for camping. We left the house around 10ish I think to head to town. I had a doctors appointment and after that my college orientation. We got to the college on time and I signed in and they took my picture for a Id (ugg, I probably look really stressed, or just tired). After that mom left and I headed down stairs. They had me go into this really large room with around 40 other people. After a short wait, they had someone introduce some people and then talked a little. They then had us divide into four groups. I was in group one. A councelor then explained somethings to us and had us introduce each other. We then went back to the tables and listened to some more talking. Then they had us go back into our groups (notice a pattern here?) They said that one by one they would have us talk to a councelor about what classes we were going to take and so on. Well, after my compass test a while ago I talked to a advisor and had already figured out what I was going to do. A lady came by and said that if we had our classes to follow her. I asked the person next to me and she said that I should go. We took a quick tour of the campus and then went to a computer lab (I think) to officially sign up for classes. I soon figured out that I wasn't supposed to have gone with them. The people were pretty helpful and told me how to do it myself. After that I called my dad to come pick me up and he said he would leave work in about 15 minutes. Since I had some time to spare I walked over and said hi to Laurel and Ridge who I knew were there. Then I just walked around the campus until my dad got there and we left for the campground at Big Creek.

Big Creek

Friday was pretty calm. The boys (minus dad) all went rafting with Mr. McLean (A man from church) so we had a very quiet afternoon. That night the Underhills and Ridge got there. Hannah, Ridge, and I
Saturday I think was the best day. Mom, Eric and Mitch (my cousins), and I, left for rafting around 9:30. Mr.McLean and his brother were going down the middle fork again and said we could come. In the raft, besides who I already stated, was Daniel and Matthew (Mr.M's boys).
The rafting trip went really quick but was SO much fun. I loved how Mr.M was a thrill seeker like myself and was always trying to hit the biggest rapids possible. Once we hit this rock/rapid that was so steep that I thought for sure we had lost Mr.M and his brother off the back. Eric was practically in my lap, the boys both got hurt by flying paddles, and plus we all got even wetter than we already were (and we were really wet). Another time we almost lost Mitchell off the side but my mom grabbed him before he went over. We took a lunch break and the boys and I went exploring. I saw a good sized snake and asked Matt to catch it. He said he didn't know how and that they just always killed them. To my great surprise I ended up catching it! I don't think I have ever caught one before. I'm not afraid of them I just normally let my brother do the dirty work. Later we got back into the raft and completed our mission. At the bridge where we got off, Daniel and Eric jumped off the bridge into the river. I really wanted to but I wasn't in the right attire to swim in. Maybe next time. Later that night we went to Apgar village for ice cream (frizzy hair and all).

Sunday was tiring. We just packed up and came home. Then unpacked at home.
Sunday morning bumming around

So that's what I've been up to lately. Messing up orientation, relaxing in a hammock, and getting wet on the Middle Fork.

a ring around no mandrel

From the same book I wrote about in the previous post, there were instructions on how to make a wire ring. I'm not much of a ring person, and the ring they had in the book wasn't my style, but I decided to try it anyway. This was on Wednesday night. I made one and thought it turned out kinda neat. The next day I made seven more. On Friday when we went to town I decided to buy some more wire (I was almost out). I got blue and copper wire, and this board that's called a Thing-A-Ma-Jig. Last night I was playing with it and made a pair of earrings.

So, here are my attempts at wire wrapping. I didn't have a ring mandrel so I tried to find something that was the same size of my finger. It turned out my finger is the exact same size of a chap stick bottle.For a first attempt I think they turned out pretty well. I didn't have any silver left, so I used gold. Not quite my first choice in color, but it worked.

Getting all wired up for summer

Yesterday I was in a creative mood, so....

I've been wanting to make this sign for a while now, so I finally got around to it. I found my old wood burning kit and decided it would look nicer than painting it. I hadn't tried burning in so long I forgot how hard it is on your hands, and how easy it is to mess up. Afterwards I felt like I had been crocheting a hundred mph all day. These are not weeds, but it is my garden. I know they look small for this time of year, but it was just too cold to plant ant earlier.

The plants in the foreground are radishes.I got a jewelry making book from the library and it had instruction on making a wire bird nest necklace. I had everything to make it so I decided to give it a try. It went really quick and I like how it turned out. All I need now is a pair of bird earrings. Remember so long ago wen I planted some forgotten seeds in a old pot? Well it has been blooming really gorgeous flowers. Actually three different kinds.

A penny for your thoughts

I recently heard this song Goodbye, Goodnight, by Jars of Clay and it really intrigued me. I know if any of you are like me, posts that have song lyrics are, well, to be honest really boring. But not to fear like always my blogger won't let me copy and paste and I'm to lazy to do it manually. So I have it on my playlist on the bottom for you to listen to.

Besides just really liking the sound of the song (I love accordions) the words interested me. I had my idea of what they might mean, but I wanted to find out more. When I googled the meaning I found some very conflicting results.

The first one I found said that it was a song about the Titanic sinking from the perspective of the band.
"Strike up the band and play a song, and try hard not to cry, and fake a smile as we all say goodbye"

I hadn't expected that at all. Rereading the lyrics, it fit, and now seemed like a really sad song. I've always admired the band on the Titanic, how they stayed.

The second one said that it was about the saved leaving the unsaved. How sad it was that they don't know the truth, and are heading for hell, and the need for Christians to preach the gospel. This one fit very well too. Being by Jars of Clay I thought this one is more likely.

But reading more I came to think that it might be both. Using the story of the Titanic as an allegory about how Christians can be. It's sad but we do tend to be that way. Going about our lives, not caring about the unsaved unless they directly influence us. We can be so busy worrying about ourselves, or problems with other believers we forget about our true mission. I believe we can be missionaries just by going through our daily lives. But are we going through are daily lives trying to be a good example for Christ? I know I fall short of that more often than not, living to live, not living for God.

What do you think?

2010 the end of my high school education

On Saturday Hannah and I had our graduation party. It was so much fun! We couldn't have asked for a better day. The sun was shinning, a little breeze was blowing and it was the perfect temp for an outdoor party.Hannah and I made almost 200 cupcakes. All of which got eaten

(they were really yummy)Our fathers gave each of us our diplomas.Ridge, Hannah, Raydeemie, and RachelBeing our favorite outdoor game, we played lots of Badminton.I think the kids really enjoyed playing on our swing setThe guys played horseshoes. Hannah and I made a movie of our lifes and put together huge scapbooks of our schooling.

It was so much fun and I wish I could do it again, but for now I'm off to take the compass test (yuck)

I got my beach fix

Well, we got back from camping a few hours ago. I'm wrapped up in my fuzzy robe, my wet hair up in a clip, my legs smooth from a good, way over due shave, and my eyes tired from smoke burn.

We left for camping on Thursday. After a two hour drive to Lake Koocanusa and we finished setting up camp, we, actually I don't really remember what we did, but it most likely involved sitting around a fire, talking, maybe a bike ride to the lake, and roasting marshmallows.

Friday was the really fun. Because Koocanusa is so close to Eureka we have a girls day. Hannah, Mrs. Vestal, Rachel, my mom and I first went to a little thrift store. I got a really cute yellow summer dress (it will need modifications). Next we went to this woman's resale clothing store, and then to The Sunflower Moose. Lastly we went to the same wonderful place we went to last year for lunch. I think I had the best sandwich I've ever had, but then I think I said that last time.

Saturday was long. We drove a hour away to go to the Amish auction. For lack of seating reasons I was in Eric's truck with Mitch, Tara, and Eric. Like most trucks it really is only supposed to be for two, maybe three people. So needless to say we were very squished. The auction was smaller that usual, so we didn't stay long. On the way back we stopped at the swinging rope bridge. That is so much fun! If you know me I have a thing for heights. Most people are afraid of heights, I'm afraid of lowness. So of course I love rope bridges. Rachel and I climbed on rocks and even my 89 year old grandpa made it to the bridge, and it is a little bit of a hike. Christian, Lucy, Luke, and ShelbyMeRidge and HannahMrs. Vestal, my Grandpa, and Mom

Later that night Rachel and I rode our bikes down to the lake. Lake koocanusa's beach is so wonderful. It has fine sand so it's more like a beach than a lake. We did cartwheels, built sand castles, basically got our beach fix for the next year.

Even later we went canoeing across the lake, and even later than that went on a walk around the beach bare foot. Well, Rachel and I were barefoot. It felt so good to walk in the mud. Oh, that's another fact about me I love mud, if you didn't already know.

Eric, Tara, me, and Rachel

Today we picked up camp and came home. So wer'e back where I started, except my hair is a little dryer now.

a froth provoking experience

First I give you all permission to laugh at my ignorance.

Well, today I went to a coffee shop for the first time ever. My grandpa is staying with us for two and a half weeks while my grandma is in New York. He had a dermatologist appointment today because he had skin cancer on his face removed and went to have stitches out. When he was there they said that his glasses were leaking copper into his face and that they needed the nose part to be replaced. We took him over to fix his glasses (which they also sonically cleaned) and they said it would be about 20 minutes. My mom suggested walking over to City Brew across the street, so we went.
We walked in and it looked cool. Very what I would expect a coffee shop to look like. My mom and grandpa ordered just a coffee, but if you know me I'm more of the sweet type. My experience with coffee is limited to Costco Latte' Freeze, those Starbucks cold sweet things you can get at supermarkets, and embarrassingly McDonald's iced coffee. So I look at their board and feel overwhelmed. I know I want something sweet, but what is the difference between a cappuccino or a frappucino, and will it taste anything like what I'm used too?
I'm feeling on the spot, the nice looking girl is starting to look not quite so nice and the person behind me is getting impatient. I suck up my pride and ask her "what is the difference between a Latte' and a cappuccino?" She says something about frothed milk in the cappuccino, so I say I'll take that. She asks what name to call and my mom says "Megan". I ask why. Dumb question, let's just say I get um..... blonde in stressful situations. So we all go sit down and I'm seeing these people walking around with these really yummy looking coffee, whipped cream, very light and sugary looking goodness. I get kind of excited. Maybe it will be really good? The lady calls my name. I don't hear her, she starts walking over to the table, I see her and stand up to get it. Humm, it's in a foam cup not a clear plastic one. First clue. I open it up and see all this frothy stuff, of course being me I dip in my finger and try it. It taste like... nothing. I try again and it barely taste like milk. I put the lid back on and take a sip and burns my tongue. So, I let it cool, wondering about what it might taste like.
My mom asks to try mine and after taking a sip proclaims "It tastes like dirt". At this point I'm feeling protective of my cup of unwonderfullness, and tell mom that it does not taste like dirt and she just has to let it cool. We sit there awhile and then leave. I still really haven't tried it yet. By the time we get grandpa's glasses and head for the car it has finally cooled enough to drink. It tasted like coffee, not really the flavor I was looking for. I drank the cup but I am unimpressed (the flavor did resemble that of dirt).

Overall I went into my first coffee shop, had my first "real" coffee, and next time I think I will just ask for the sweetest thing they've got.

No we didn't skip church to do this.

So today around 1:00 we decided to go to Wayfarers Park for their kayaking day. It's where you can go and test out kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and some other neat things.

They have so many kayaks in different in sizes and colors, it's like a skittles bag exploded. Jack Gladstone and Sax man were there playing and singing.Luke went out on a paddle board and loved it. I tried it to, but didn't have quite the same feeling towards them.This was my favorite. You peddle these kayaks with a back and forth motion. I really liked how easy it was to direct which way to go.Luke didn't really like this one. I think his feet were really cold because they hung into the water.

The water was so cold.Mom and I Luke caring in his paddle board.My dad watched us get cold, and took pictures of us.

Overall it was mostly fun. I didn't have a blast or anything, but I got some neat pictures (always worth it right?) and did enjoy peddling.

My sanity is back!

Finally it feels like spring is upon us and summer is on it's way. I love warm weather, summer breezes, digging in my garden, a good old fashioned sunburn, and going through a day feeling like I accomplished something. Today was the day. After my piano lesson I was able to weed in my garden for a good while (not one of the things I like) and got my potatoes and onions planted. I hope it's not to late in the season, but it's only just gotten warm enough to plant. I would put on pictures but first; I didn't take any. Second; who wants to see pictures of dirt and me covered in dirt and sweat, and third; I don't want to put on pictures of me covered in sweat and dirt. So instead here is a picture I took just for your pleasure from our beds.

Stolen Craft

Like any good little crafter I save old wool sweaters for crafts. Although I've never actually done anything with them, I still kept them for "just in case I ever need them". I've found some cute patterns for pillows, gloves, and little animals, but I just never felt inspired to cut up a sweater to make anything.

Today I was doing my rounds (blogs, e-mail, and etsy) and I found this really cute video on etsy. here is the link. Finally, I could feel happy bubbles and stars exploding in my head. I asked mom, and she said it was fine so off I went. After I felted it, I began construction, or deconstruction. It went from a huge sweater, to a swing jacket, and then I finally decided to cut it to capelet size. At first I was hesitant but after a few good snips I went wild.

So here is my ending project.
Tell me what you think

Cute?

strange?

Or

only Megan would wear something like that?

The Hokey Poky

You no how you can have so much fun at something that you ride on a high for the next few days? Like last Christmas after the parade I had so much fun I wanted to do it again and again. Or after our Medieval costume party two years ago, I would go back and pour over the pictures trying relive that day. Well, on Saturday I had one of those moments in time that took me so far out of my comfort zone, off into the era of swing.

I thought I would do a post on the banquet, and maybe I will later. But you can see pictures at both Laurel's and Jillian's posts for now.

The following day after the banquet, There was a 40's swing dance. My mom and I carpooled with the Hawkins (Rachel, her mom, and brother). We got there a little early and I was amazed at the ballroom. It is located above Sassafrass on Main St. The room isn't too large, but it's plenty big for it's purpose. It has a really neat catwalk above it all and a room, which I'm not sure it's use. The ballroom is all wood, and must have been built a long time ago. You have to go up a stair case in the back to get there.

That's me in the middle twirling, and yes, *gasp* if you haven't completely shunned me forever I am dancing with a boy.

After an awkward beginning people really started getting into it. The girls out numbered the boys about 2 to 1, but at least most of the guys were willing to dance. Anyway the girls danced with girls often. I had a blast! It was so much fun I can't even comprehend it all. I danced in a contest and I think we unofficially came in second, although after about 15 minutes of dancing I had a "glow" as my mother put it and a few blisters. Rachel and I danced at the end together a lot and that was fun too, because we could actually get a little bit more wild then with the guys. Oh, and most the boys were so unadventurous, that the girls were asking the guys to dance, which I got used to quickly. We danced to of coarse 40's music, and did the hokey poky which was unusually fun.

Over all, it was a night to remember forever. I met some really nice people, learned some new dance steps, and drank lots of punch. Oh, and I got second place in a costume contest which I didn't want to enter.

sling shots

My brother and I were watching a Myth Busters on human sling shots so..... If you have ever watched that show you know how they always insist that you never try anything they do at home. Well, don't worry, Luke wasn't flying across our yard, but unfortunate Lego men were.

We built it using pencils, duct tape, tacks, yarn, and rubber bands.

Pretty isn't it? We were both amazed on how well it worked when we were done. The Lego men would actually go from our family room back wall all the way out the back door past the porch.

I tried to film my little stunt man in action. You can't really see him, but he goes past the table.

Death by Fudge

So last night I was making fudge. Harmless right? Wrong.

I was almost done pouring the fudge into the pan when I lost my grip on the handle. Boiling hot fudge poured over my fingers. I got it under cold water pretty quick, but not quick enough. On my right index and middle finger they are covered in second degree burns. They are both blistered, and pealing.

The pain was excruciating. My hand felt like it was on fire. We decided to go to the ER to get some silvadine and pain pills. I'm not normally one for doctors for external wounds, but this was a special circumstance. They bandaged my fingers up till I looked like a war victim, but the medicine really started working. It was a blessing because we were pretty much the only people there, and the nurses were really nice. We were in and out in 40 minutes! We also saw Mandy (from church).

Today the pain isn't bad and mom wrapped my fingers up again. I still look like I must have stuck my hand down the garbage disposal, but oh, well.

Lace and Logs

If you've ever been into my bedroom, you have most likely seen a half sewn log looking thing, and a unfinished crochet square doily sitting on my floor. You may have even seen them sitting there, seeming to never progress, for over a year. Well, for my sanity, accomplishing forgotten projects, and for general cuteness, I can finally say that I finished my two pillows! I love them both so much I don't know why I never got around to finishing them. The log pillow was made from a pattern I found online. It's cut out from felt and then hand sewed in place. Unless your an avid hand sewer, I would recommend doing it all my machine.

The lace pillow is from a Crochet Today magazine. I ran out of thread half way and had to switch to a different brand that was a little different in shade. When it was done I then tea-dyed it so it would become uniform in color, it ended up working out fine.

It's a jungle in here

Today has been one of those typical Montana days. You all know what I'm taking about, rain, snow, sun, more rain, and then more snow. AND IT'S APRIL!!! I don't really like snow or winter that much anyway, let alone when it infringes on Spring.

This is my bedroom window. If you can see past my jungle (yes, I do I have a thing for house plants) you can tell it's snowing out side. I'm trying to be content and be happy whatever circumstances (seasons) I'm in. So here is some things I do like about colder weather.

1. The clothing. It's fun to try to layer (although I stink at it) and accessorize (not that I do that much anyhow). But It's fun to "imagine" what outfits I could put together.

2. Doing crafts. I have a much better attitude about sewing when it's sunny, but I like to crochet when it snows.

3. Baking and cooking. We made a really yummy Stroganoff for dinner. I know fat and carbs, but it's good, okay!

4. Cuddling up on heater vents. I hope this isn't to weird, I just really like the warmth.

5. Thinking up really funny practical jokes with Hannah. We always seem to be at our funniest when our minds are the iciest (my room is always freezing).

Here is a pot holder I crocheted today (and last night). The colors are kinda weird, put I only had three choices for this size of thread. I got the pattern here. I was pleased with how it turned out, and how quick it went.

The Hunters

I hope everyone had a blessed Resurrection Sunday!
Because we didn't know what we were going to do on Sunday with our church we had people over for dinner Saturday night. It was really pleasant. My grandparents, brother James and wife Stacia, Underhills, and Vestals came over. Oh, and Rachel came too when we were outside. James and Mitchell, with air soft guns chased the boys (Luke, Matt, Christian) all around the house and surrounding woods. It was really funny to watch, and I think James and Mitch had a fun time stocking their prey. Later, Hannah and I took a walk to see our neighbors house they are building. We ended up walking all the way around to the road and then back down our driveway. So probably about a mile in all. We were both really cold when we got back and hoping the desert wasn't gone.

Overall it was a really wonderful evening of family, food, and fun; Celebrating that Christ is risen!