Anna Marie Hayes

::mood:: aunt-like
::iTunes:: Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley

My sister, Tonia and her husband, Charlie had their baby yesterday!!! I'm so excited for them. Not that you really care but, she was 7 lbs. 2 oz. and 20 inches long. She was born at 7:54 am. I think she's the most precious baby ever! I can't wait to see her in person!

Cutest baby ever!

My mom says she looks like a Brooks (her maiden name)

awww

My brother-in-law with Anna!

This is great! I'm totally going to be that aunt that shows way too many pictures. I apologize for this now!

A look back at 2007

::mood:: okay
::iTunes:: Hanging By a Moment by Lifehouse

1. what did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before? Lived in another state, worked full-time, went to LT, got a tattoo
2. did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I didn't make one...I think they're silly
3. did anyone close to you give birth? YES! TODAY (December 26th) my sister had her daughter Anna Marie. Also, Kristi Moore had Micah
4. did anyone close to you die? my dog
5. what countries did you visit? Just Canada
6. what would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007? My own apartment
7. what date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory? July 18th, May 19th, October 20th, December 26th, September 29th
8. what was your biggest achievement of the year? When I decided not to go to college and please God as well as make myself happier
9. what was your biggest failure? My relationship with some of my family members
10. did you suffer illness or injury? yes...Florida SB went to the hospital and was the sickest I've ever been.
11. what was the best thing you bought? I have no answer for this
12. whose behavior merited celebration? too many to name
13. whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? My generation
14. where did most of your money go? Gas and my laptop
15. what did you get really, really, really excited about? God, Evangelism, my future as a GCM staffer, my relationship with Troy
16. what song will always remind you of 2007? "Point of Difference" and "Umbrella" and "Africa"
17. compared to this time last year, are you:i. happier or sadder? more content. thinner or fatter? about same iii. richer or poorer? poorer
18. what do you wish you'd done more of? school work and evangelism
19. what do you wish you'd done less of? crying
20. how will you be spending Christmas? We spent it in Gaylord and Christmas night I played Euchre at the Warner residence
22. did you fall in love in 2007? that's not an awkward question.
24. what was your favourite TV program? Grey's Anatomy...don't watch it a lot though
25. do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? no
26. what was the best book you read? "Sex God" and 1 Timothy (re-read)
27. what was your greatest musical discovery? Sufjan Stevens
28. what did you want and get? A laptop, summer at LT, deep relationships
29. what did you want and not get? Closer approval from family members
30. what was your favourite film of this year? I honestly don't have one.
31. what did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 19. Troy took me to Mongolian BBQ and I got sweet 80's music.
32. what one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Seeing my niece in person.
33. how would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007? Casual. A lot of jeans. Cute jewelry, modesty!
34. what kept you sane? my really close friends and confiding in Troy, Susan, Laura Lund, Laura Lego, Holly, Sam...Their support. My parent's support.
35. which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I'm not interested in celebrity figures.
36. what political issue stirred you the most? none...sadly.
37. who did you miss? My sister
38. who was the best new person you met? Steph Miller and Vivian Wang (they were the most significant)
39. tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007: It's okay to have desires...God gives them to you and he would let you have them if it was wrong.
40. quote a song lyric that sums up your year: I might fill this in later...I don't have an answer now.

Goats

So, today is Christmas. It's been good mostly. We spent the first part of our day at my grandparents in Gaylord and then I got to hang out with my mom which was the best part of my day.

You may have noticed that this post is called, "Goats." Well, you are probably asking yourself why it's called that. I'll tell you!

Troy asked me what I wanted for a Christmas about a month ago and I asked him not to get me anything. The other day he said he had to buy my gift and I reminded him that he wasn't supposed to get me anything. On Sunday (at the Wallace family Christmas) Troy said he wanted to talk to me about my gift. Instead of buying me a gift he purchased a goat for a family so they can have the milk from Samaritan's Purse. I can honestly say that it was the best gift I've ever received...well, sort of received.

I guess there are two main reasons I loved it so much. Reason one: I don't need anything and didn't want anything but that family could really use the goat. Reason two: it showed me that Troy really knew me and knew that it would be something that I would really like and a great alternative to getting me something. It made me feel good :)

Happy Birthday Jesus! (sort of..)

ESFP- Entertainer/Creator

Self Analysis

::mood:: excited/hopeful/reflective
::iTunes:: This is the Countdown by Mae

Dear Megan,

Remember to figure out why you cry at the drop of a hat now-a-days. Think of things that you can resort to when you're feeling sad for no particular reason. Make something pretty. Write something encouraging to someone (warning: this might make you cry harder). Remember that God didn't need to give you grace but he chose to and that's what you really need to understand. It's good to recognize that you aren't worthy of it...but, just know that he thinks you are or he wouldn't have purchased your freedom through his son dying on the cross. When you're sad, just think: This is only temporary. Instead of dwelling on the fact that you don't deserve his grace, go share this news with someone who doesn't already know about it. It's a much better use of your time.

Also, remember that you hate shoveling. Apartment life is going to be great. That's something exciting to look forward to.

Also, you hate winter...don't lie. You have always said that you love winter. Well, just recognize that, that has changed this year.

Do spontaneous things because you like the feeling. Don't worry about having your life planned out, because those plans will probably change.

You really love people so don't be afraid to ask them to hang out...because they probably want to hang out too. Don't be insecure...your insecurities come from nothing but lies.

Call your mom. Tell her you love her. Ask her to spend time with you. Have deep conversations with her.

You like candles. Something inside of you is happier when there are candles around. Especially red ones. Tell Michelle "thank you" for that. Pictures make you happy too. When you get money print some off and decorate your room with them. Pay your bills first though.

You're a good person. You're fun. You like you. So does God. So do people. Allow yourself to make mistakes and forgive yourself for them. You're not supposed to judge. Even yourself. Let God judge you.

Yourself in Christ,
Megan

The windy city

::mood:: really good
::iTunes:: What the World Will Never Take by Hillsong United

So, I was on facebook not too long ago and there were at least 3 people that talked about going to chicago on their status. All of these people are completely unrelated and I'm pretty sure that they don't even know each other. I would like to be in Chicago right now. I think it would be a lot of fun.

Speaking of Chicago, Laura Lego and I hung out last night. It was awesome!! I planned on being at her apartment until midnight and at the last 1 am. Well, I left around 3 am. Oh my gosh. Honestly, it was SO needed. We were able to affirm each other and speak truth to one another. I really enjoyed it. We're pretty sure that we're going to get an apartment together next year which I'm so freakin' excited about. YAY!

I just sent in my application for my internship with GCM next year. It felt good to mail it and I'm really excited about it.

I miss people. Really, I do. It makes me sad when a lot of my friends aren't around. It's good though. I've been able to think about a lot of things and really focus on God and get my heart in the right place. YAY! I like my life.

Wait...I want to talk about my night the other night. Sam and I hung out with Annie which was good and afterward we went to Laura Lund's apartment and hung out with her, Lindsey Padlo and Amanda. It was interesting...we had a fun night.

Laura has been letting me practice driving on her car (it's a stick). I'm getting better. I can't wait until I'm fluent in stick-driving!

Temptations...

::mood:: really tired
::iTunes:: Give Up! by Sherwood

So, this semester I've been faced with a lot of temptation. More than usual I would say. I have fallen quite a lot and have been discouraged because of it.

Well, this semester I was tempted in an area that I've been pretty weak in lately. I happened to come across a blog where the person was talking about being tempted. She posted this verse"

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." -1 Corinthians 10:13

What was really weird was that it was by accident that I came across this blog. I had woken up way too early and couldn't fall back asleep. It's not one of my regular blogs that I usually read. It spoke to me at an opportune time and I couldn't believe that I was reading it when I was. It was perfect. I didn't fall today. It feels good.

P.S. you don't need to worry about me...it's not something serious.

This will be a lonely month

::mood:: discouraged
::iTunes:: Australia by The Shins

So, I really really need a job. I'm determined to be employed by this time next week. *Ceaseless prayer begins.*

This month is going to be pretty lonely...so many people aren't going to be around for awhile and that makes me sad. I'm really going to miss everyone for the rest of the month. But, the good news is that Sam lives here and HOLLY is coming home!!! I can't wait! It'll be so good to spend time with them over break. Also, maybe I'll get to see Amanda Sweet so that could be a good time!

Sam and I hung out last night. She told me she had a special treat for me and that when I got in her car the treat would be prepared. Well, it was the *NSYNC Christmas CD. I don't know what the song it called its glorious words are, "Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays." It was basically one of the best "treats" ever.

I have nothing great to say besides I miss my people.

I have nothing creative to say

::mood:: disappointed
::iTunes:: Get it Faster by Jimmy Eat World

Last night, Epic had their Christmas party. As I told you in an earlier post I had a really amazing white elephant gift to take for the gift exchange. Steph Miller ended up winning it. No one tried to steal it...which would have made my day but that's quite alright because I know it ended up with someone who will keep the picture in the frame. Here it is:


Laura and I sorta coordinated...on accident

I love Steve! We are going to be LT interns together

Friends!!!

Overall, last night was pretty good. It had it's ups and downs. Christine Brown was so great though. She told me so many things that just made me feel really great.

I like my friends :)

When the dog bites...when the bee stings

::mood:: excited for "faren/megan day"
::iTunes:: Never Ready to Leave by Sherwood

Every now and then I really like making of list of random things that make me happy. I like doing it because I can look at it when I'm sad and be happy. So, I decided to make another one on here and then I can update it when I think of other things. YAY!

1. Listening to favorite songs
2. A full gas tank
3. Playing a game with family or friends
4. Serving someone
5. Finishing an art project
6. Having a newly vacuumed car
7. Singing worship music
8. Writing a poem that I like
9. Those "wow" moments when I'm reading the bible and a verse hits me in a whole new way
10. Smoking cloves/cigars with friends
11. Listening to iTunes on shuffle when it comes to a song that I forgot I had
12. Making lists
13. seeing friends from LT
14. figuring out what is making me sad and fixing it
15. crying to someone and having them console me...vice-versa too
16. deep conversations with friends
17. events (Christmas party, birthday parties, etc.)
18. Dates with Troy :)
19. waking up really early and realizing you have a few more hours to sleep
20. Seeing pictures that my friends have taken that I haven't seen in awhile
21. Going to splash of color with friends to get piercings (on them or on me)
22. car rides with people I care about that last more than 15 minutes
23. Writing a discussion for LG
24. Long phone conversations with family and friends that live far away
25. Words of affirmation
26. Finishing a book
27. Having a gut laugh
28. Time with Susan
29. dancing at weddings (both fast and slow)
30. listening to the piano
31. finding money I didn't know I had
32. reading the bible with other people
33. recapping my day
34. dance parties
35. former roomie times with Sam, Faren and Steph
36. making people laugh
37. polka dots
38. petting kitty cats and doggies
39. pictures on my walls
40. playing pranks on people
41. making decisions
42. fresh laundry
43. when people give me bananas
44. getting real e-mails
45. when people show me they love me by their actions
46. loving people
47. making this list
48. Doing dumb things (i.e. sledding down the stairs, tubing on the back of a kayak, etc.)
49. getting to know someone so much that you understand what they're thinking before they verbalize it.
50. random voicemails

Januzzi is where we want to be...

::mood:: happy
::iTunes:: To Be Alone With You by Sufjan Stevens

I had to leave out watchmen in the title simply to make it rhyme.

Last night, after my LifeGroup (which ended at 8:30) Faren, Steph and I decided to take a mini road trip to a little place I like to call Ann Arbor. You might be asking yourself, "Why would they do that?" I'm glad you asked! So, we hit the highway at about 9:04 and sett our goal of getting to the Blind Pig by 10! Faren got her little radar detector out and we just went!

Troy and Dan are in a band called Januzzi Watchmen. They had a show last night in Ann Arbor and it was so much fun! We saw so many people there, it was great! We saw friends from LT, the staff (because they're having their moody classes this week in A2) and some other friends. It was good times. Free kept making comments similar to, "HEY, who's that hot guy singing?" It was my boyfriend. Not a big deal. HAHA! I enjoyed my time. We took pictures purely for your enjoyment


On our way! Before we left EL

Faren's radar detector so we can get there on time!
This is my "we're lost face" We just missed a turn. Steph's in mid cough!

LOOK! We saw some friends!

HAHAHA! Take one...oops!

WOW MOM! That's what it's supposed to say. These marks mean no alcohol.

YAY JESSICA! She chose the perfect shirt!

The Januzzi Watchmen

At the show!

For the ride home :)

Last night was very much needed and fantastic! We were just missing one crucial part: SAM!

We wish she could have been there :( Seriously Sam, we did talk about you being there and Free even said, "I feel like Sam should be here."

We had some good talks. We all got to share things we have really been struggling with and it was just so good to have time with them. It made me realize that they haven't been as big a part of my life as I want them to be...or as they should be. I love them :) YAY!

I told you that I was hanging out with Laura Lund and that ended up happening but, we also got to go pick Tony up and help him out with his car and take him to splash to get his piercing fixed. Laura got her tragi(u?)s pierced!!! YAY! I was so excited! I love those two!

That's all!

I like white elephants!!

::mood:: excited out of my mind
::iTunes:: Creep by TLC

Today is going to be the best day ever!

I'm hanging out with Laura Lund. We'll find great things to do.

My last LifeGroup of the semester.

Mini-road trip to Ann Arbor with Faren, Steph and maybe Susan!!! SWEET!

Januzzi Watchmen show...yay!!

I like Laura, Faren, Steph, Susan, and Troy.

Other people too!

This Saturday is the Epic Christmas party and we're having a white elephant gift exchange. I have the best gift ever for it!!! I'll post picture of it on here after the party.

Do I know you???

::mood:: relieved and painfully hungry
::iTunes:: Footloose by Kenny Loggins

So, I just finished my final english paper!!! It felt good...and it made me realize that I really enjoy writing papers. I wish that I had given myself a little more time than I did, because it could have been much better than it was, but I'm confident that it was still good.

I was checking out my ClustrMap which shows my visitors locations. I was excited to see that I had people looking at my blog from other countries. Then, I began to ask myself, "Do I know anyone in that country or that state?" Don't worry. I'm not creeped out by you visiting my blog...I'm excited for it. That's all. But, I do wonder: How did you come across my blog? Nevertheless, I hope you like reading it.

Today, I'm going to make my sister's Christmas/baby shower gift. Yes, I realize that her baby shower was exactly one month ago. But, I'm making it now. Sam's going to come over to hang out and do stuff.

I'm hungry...like really hungry. There is no obvious choice of what to eat at my house right now.

Please pray for me and my decision about school. After writing my paper, I thought to myself that I think I'd really like to be doing school stuff if it were focused on the bible or aspects of God. Maybe I'll get an associates at Great Lakes Christian College. Or maybe I'll still decide to be done with school.

That's all!!

My life is a question mark...and that's okay

::mood:: anxious
::iTunes:: Live For You by Hillsong United

Yesterday was a good day.

We made chicken tenders. We even put the bread crumbs on ourself and then fried them in the pan. Good credit card experience. Conclusions. Worshiping God. Loving people. Revealed my PostSecret. It felt good. I'm thankful.

It was great.

1 year in pictures

::mood:: super fantastic
::iTunes:: Accidentally In Love by Counting Crows

Annie Nelson gave me the best idea...and that is to create my year in pictures. So, this post I will have pictures from November 2006- November 2007. Also, I'll talk about significant events, fun memories, etc. that happened during these months. Get ready to have fun!

::November 2006::

Started getting really involved in Epic and Sam and I were getting a lot closer. Chaperoned a trip to Cleveland for Acquire the Fire for Sycamore Creek Church's Student Revolution. Spent Thanksgiving weekend in Ames, Iowa with Sarah McClanahan and her family. Seriously considered/prayed about lifelong singleness. Got my rook pierced.



Picture 1: We had an Epic scavenger hunt. These people were my team. We rocked. We lost. We brought a goldfish back.
Picture 2: Me with some of the girls that I chaperoned at Acquire the Fire

::December 2006::

Finished my first semester of college. Hated it. Cried on Christmas (twice). Shared my testimony at Epic. Sled down the stairs with Holly and Sam. Decorated 3 Christmas trees. Smoked a cigar for the first time. Tried the mentos/Diet Coke experiment. Tried to deep-fry gobstoppers. It was weird. Met Tony Sisiliano.



Picture 1: Sam, Holly and I decorated their Christmas tree and had fun with the decorations.
Picture 2: Sarah, Lindsey, Sam and I are at Yakely and Sarah's last night in Michigan.

::January 2007::

Went on Winter Retreat with Epic. Started my second semester of college. Hated it. Met Steph Miller. Loved her. Drove to EL during the Winter retreat...for showers. Didn't take a shower. Started apprentice leading a LifeGroup with Susan. Became close to Susan. Loved Susan. Brenton was introduced to my life.



Picture 1: The ladies at the Winter Retreat.
Picture 2: Our team for Catch Phrase.

::February 2007::

Played pranks on Troy with Sam and Brenton. Lucky Duck. Dr. Dew. Consumed a ridiculous amount of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Started to really like being in my LifeGroup. Was introduced to "Muffins." New Life opened their new building. Went to the building dedication.



Picture 1: Sam, Brenton and I went to the Union before Catalyst one day. Here's the proof.
Picture 2: Mallory, Faren and Steph at IHOP during LG. It was national free pancake day.

::March 2007::

Florida for Spring Break. Ended up in the emergency room. Busch Gardens. Got super jealous of a girl I met once. IJM Benefit Concert. Mae was my favorite band. Went to Mae's concert. Gave Mae a support letter for LT. Didn't get supported by them. Bartholomew. My iPod broke. My iPod started working again. Left Sycamore Creek for Riverview. Decided that I want to be married.



Picture 1: All of the Epic spring breakers (minus Colleen and the Moore's) at the church we stayed at in St. Petersburg.
Picture 2: Sam, Chelsea Mack, Bartholomew and myself at the IJM benefit concert.

::April 2007::

Got a tattoo in Ann Arbor. James 1:2-4. Stayed the night at Ben and Susan's house. Went to New Life service. Ran into Troy in another city. Steph Miller became one of my best friends. Finished raising support for LT. Sam turned 19. Baked a cake for 2 hours. Oops.



Picture 1: Here's me right after I got inked, yo!
Picture 2: Two of the best girls I know...we were in A2 for my tattoo...this picture is at the original Borders.

::May 2007::

Moved to Virginia Beach. LT. Started working at Food Lion. Finished my second semester of college. Hated it. Met Vivian Wang. Vivers, Steph and Faren became some of my best friends. Started sleeping next to Sam. Found out Tonia was pregnant. Said I didn't like Troy. Did like Troy. Started loving beach volleyball. Shared the bridge diagram for the first time. Believed I wasn't cut out for ministry. Believed I was unwise.



Picture 1: The ladies (students) of project (A)wesome on our first project day at the beach.
Picture 2: ROOMIES!!!!! I love this picture. The ladies of 16A plus Roxy.

::June 2007::

Loved LT. Loved Virginia Beach. Started working in the damn deli. Faren turned 20. Purity Week. Conversations with Laura Lego. Scavenger Hunt. Team 4. We rocked. We lost. Gained more self confidence than ever before. Developed a fashion sense. Mt. Trashmore with Beth Freeman and the kids. Forgave my family. Began building the ice cream wall.



Picture 1: I discovered that I really love U of M and its people. I even cheer for them when they aren't playing against MSU. This is me with some of my U of M friends at the Elvis Festival.
Picture 2: The ladies of 16A minus Gaia on Faren's birthday.

::July 2007::

Realized God lets us have desires. Brenton got baptized. My phone broke because of the crazy storm. Went into the ocean with a skirt on. Realized that I am wise. Realized that I am cut out for ministry. Steph Miller visited LT. Shared my testimony. Quit Food Lion. Troy asked me to date him. I said yes. Went on a double date with Faren and Dane. Changed my first diaper. LT ended. I cried. Moved back to Michigan. iPod broke.



Picture 1: We win LT. Dane, Faren, me and Troy at LT closing ceremonies.
Picture 2: Steph came to visit us! This is us on the Fourth of July watching fireworks.
Picture 3: Some of my best friends at closing ceremonies.

::August 2007::

Epic camping trip. Didn't get a job. Welcome week. Moved in freshmen. Ben and Kristie's wedding. Lake City with the Warner family. Happy. Content. Met Troy's parents. Holly moved away. I was sad. I don't know if I cried. I don't think I did. That's surprising. Began my third semester of college. Hated it. Started reading the old testament in chronological order. Went to Texas for Labor Day weekend. iPod started working again.



Picture 1: At the Japanese Gardens in Fort Worth, Texas with Tonia
Picture 2: Joe made Faren, Justin and me ghetto. That's right. Check it. Word.

::September 2007::

Fall Retreat. Shared my testimony in front of 250ish people. Seriously considered dropping out of college. Didn't get a job. Found out something that I didn't want to find out. It worked out well. Troy's birthday. Went to Midland. Had fun. Made a gift that I was insecure to give him. Jeremy and Kathy's wedding. Started leading a LifeGroup with Susan and Steph. Doubted my leadership skills. Believed that I was a burden to God and the people around me. Made the sweetest picture ever. Finally got something that I really wanted.



Picture 1: Bowling at the Union.
Picture 2: Annie, Laura and me at Jeremy and Kathy's wedding.

::October 2007::

Depression. Turned 19. Bought sweet 80's music. Made the decision to leave LCC. Discovered that I think God thinks I'm a disappointment. God thinks the opposite of this. Tonia came to visit. Got hired at the American Cancer Society. Corn maze. Uncle John's cider mill. Core retreat. Had a good car ride there and back. Shared the gospel with my mom.



Picture 1: Tony and me at the core retreat.
Picture 2: The ladies on Steph's birthday.

::November 2007::

Had a series of very similar dreams. Prayed to not have them anymore. It worked. Cried at work. Didn't know why. Quit American Cancer Society. Still depressed. Told I was a quitter. Hated it. Dog died. Had a lot of hope. Realized that I love my life. Read SexGod. Loved it. Went curling in Canada. Loved it. Got wasted. Not really. Annie that was for you. Read old blogs. Learned to crochet. Sent stuff to PostSecret.



Picture 1: The "Van Every" kids together in our theater.
Picture 2: Curling! Dan Davenport's stone is the white one in the center. Mine is the other white one. We rock. We won.

The 2 year old Vegan

::mood:: Touched
::iTunes:: Home by Hillsong

So, yesterday before I left for Epic I checked my e-mail. In my inbox I found an e-mail from Kristi Moore to Troy and me. It was called "Kyra's Prayer." This title intrigued me. She told us that yesterday she was walking past Kyra's room during her nap. So, she's supposed to be sleeping but Kristi heard her praying instead. She said that she heard Kyra praying for Troy and me. She said that she heard Kyra say, "I pray for Troy and Megan that they...ummm...." Kristi didn't catch the last part of the prayer. But, Kyra was praying for us! Is that not the cutest thing you've ever heard. I felt touched. When I was 2 I never prayed. I don't think I even knew what it was. She's pretty much the cutest 2 year old ever.

***In this post I said,"troy and me" twice. I chose not to say, "troy and I" because if Troy had not been in the picture then I would say, "Kristi Moore to me" not "Kristi Moore to I." Is that wrong? It makes sense to me...and I swear I learned it in school...but, I've gotten into debates before about it. What do you think?***

It's nice to get things done

::mood:: happy/ready to accomplish things
::iTunes:: Runaway by Cartel

This really isn't for you all to read (not that anybody really reads my posts anyway) but I need to make a list of things I need to get done:

1. Turn in applications to: Kellogg Center, Yankee Candle, Stillwater Grill, Starbucks (am I forgetting anything?)
2. Take clothes to 2nd Time Around to try and get some extra cash.
3. Clean up my room just a little/vacuum.
4. Clean/Vacuum my car out
*5. Finish English paper
6. Start Art History Paper
7. Pay credit card and dell bills
8. Take grape juice to Epic
9. Take Sydney on a run with me
10. Take a shower (ugh my least favorite thing on my to-do list)
11. Get my phone to work again...hopefully
12. Pray for the family's financial situation.

Sad...this list makes me want to take a nap. DON'T DO IT!

If there's going to be 5 guys it should be 5gether

::mood:: nostalgic/laughing
::iTunes:: Boston by Augustana

This past weekend my brother and I were talking about the "boy band" 2gether. Do you remember them? The were the fake boy band that MTV made up probably back in like 1999/2000. It's hilarious to think about how stupid that was.

Some of my favorite 2gether lyrics:

"Say it, don't spray it. I want the news, not the weather (ooo ooo)."

"I know my calculus. It's says U + Me = US"

"Girl I can't understand you; you're like reading a big fat book in Hebrew."

"The hardest part of breaking up is getting back your stuff."

Sam is cool

::mood:: content
::iTunes:: This is the Countdown by Mae

The more I read old stuff from high school the more I realize that Sam is cool and she made me cooler than I was. I think that she definitely made me become more spontaneous and crazy...

This is a good thing...

Thank you, Sam!

LiveJournal and Xanga

::mood:: very grateful
::iTunes:: Africa by Toto

It's only 1 PM and today is already such a good day. Here's why!

So, I found Annie's livejournal through Sam's blog and was really excited because I think it's sweet that she still uses livejournal. I thought it would be really good to check out my livejournal. The majority of my posts are from 2005. It was SO weird to read my old posts. I have changed SO much. Seriously, I'm a different person.

Some things I realized about myself:
1. I have gained so much wisdom in the past 2 years.
2. My taste in music used to really suck. I said that 2 of my favorite artists were Usher and Trickdaddy!! What was I thinking!!! The only 2 artists that I still like are Madonna (80's) and Oasis.
3. I am way more sensitive to the movies/tv shows I watch now. I used to not care about nudity in movies.
4. Apparently I've been passionate about Africa for a few years...but, now I care way more about spreading the gospel, before I cared only about meeting physical needs. I still do care about meeting physical needs but now I care more about meeting spiritual needs.
5. I swear a lot less now
6. I had a big heart for people then and now (that's not supposed to sound conceited).
7. My relationships with people were so unhealthy
8. I didn't care about dressing modestly back then.
9. I had 2 Christian friends out of a lot
10. This was about the time that I started hating school. I even said in one of my posts, "School has been depressing to me a lot this year...and it never has before." I still feel this way!!!

Altogether, reading the old posts just made me feel so good about how much my life has changed. It made me really grateful for the life I have now. My friends are really good and I always feel really blessed because of them. God has grown me so much in the past 2 years and it's exciting to keep on growing.

I have had a hard semester and that's ok. For some reason I think it makes me "unspiritual" because I'm not content with things in my life. I shouldn't feel bad about doing what I want to do...and that's to not go to school. I need stop being so hard on myself. God isn't disappointed in me.

That's all! I feel good.

Krispy Kreme doughnuts are fantastic

::mood:: really good
::book:: UnChristian

It feels really good to be able to say that my mood is "really good." I suppose I had a really good day.

I'm so excited for classes to be done. I still don't know exactly what I'm doing next semester, and that's ok. I'm either going to work a lot and become filthy rich or I'm going to go the Great Lakes Christian College. I would like to be filthy rich. Not really.

Speaking of filthy rich...Troy and I played the game of life today. Until tonight, I had never realized just how unrealistic that game is. We played twice. The second game, we were supposed to make decisions that were more similar to the decisions we would make in real life. So, I decided not to go to college and just begin my career. Oddly enough, I felt some of the same anxiety in the game. I got stuck with a $40,000 salary (which really isn't that bad) and ended up coming out with a lot less money than Troy (who went to college).

Ya know what makers of the game of life, money isn't everything! People decide not to get married, not to have kids and not to buy a house in real life...and not everyone wins a freakin Nobel Piece Prize!!! Plus, your stupid game doesn't make its players pay taxes enough! It just is so unrealistic. That's okay though, because it's a game...a fun game.

PostSecret

So, Riverview just got done with a series that was inspired by www.postsecret.blogspot.com.

I decided to send a secret to PostSecret...I hope it makes it onto the site.

Troy and I watched Ratatouille last night. It was a fun movie. The rat was so freakin cute...I couldn't get over his cuteness.

You might want to check it out. That's all.

I love to "google" myself!

Just now, I decided that I wanted to Google myself to see how many of the results actually are me. When I typed in "Megan Van Every" there were 11 results, and every single one was actually me! I don't know why that's so exciting for me! But, it is!

So, I've been having some really crazy dreams lately. Last night, I had a dream that I was at Jeremy and Kathy Borsos' wedding and at the beginning the whole wedding party (including Jeremy and Kathy) were on roller skates doing this choreographed dance. I just remember that Kathy's skates were high heals. It was so bizarre. The person that was sitting next to me kept changing back and forth from Troy to Sam and then my friend Aubree was supposed to be coming as Laura Lund's date (they don't even know each other). Oh, and I forgot to mention that Jeremy and Kathy totally didn't look like themselves at the beginning of the dream...but, i recognized them as themselves. SO WEIRD!!!

Last night, I also had a dream that it was the Saturday before LT 2008 was going to start down in Virginia Beach and I hadn't turned in my application for being an intern yet, nor had I started support raising...but, for some reason I had gone down with the staff and interns and was determined to make it work. I just remember feeling this overwhelming sense of urgency and anxiety and thinking, "why don't I just work at the Wyndham as a housekeeper like Faren did last summer, or I could go back to work at the deli." OH MY GOSH!!! It was so crazy.

My face was drenched with tears

I'll be honest, I was really looking forward to Thanksgiving, until yesterday. Some of my family members arrived yesterday and I shared with them a little bit of how much I really hate school right now. Basically, I ended up being called a "quitter" which probably is the very worst thing they could have said to me right then and then I told them that I might go back to school and they said, "yeah, right!" Wow! Seriously, this happened!

In a way I'm kind of glad it did happen because it got me thinking about why it was SO hard for me to hear that. First, it made me realize that there are certain people who I automatically put my fists up when I'm around them. What I mean is that I'm always ready to defend myself because I just assume that they are going to say something extremely hurtful. This leads to me thinking that they are giving off a particular vibe that they probably aren't. It's just a vicious cycle.

Then, I was able to realize that I'm so scared because I have this idea in my head that I'm going to be an awful staffer because I don't like school. I think to myself, "if you can't handle your own problems then how are you going to handle other people's problems?"

I went to LifeGroup last night and was able to share with them all these lies I'm believing and how bad I'm hurting. It was just Susan, Steph, Michelle and myself and it was so amazing to have them there. The LG that we had last night was the type of LG that I've been craving all semester. They had awesome input and had incredibly encouraging things to say.

Toward the end of LG, Troy came to Bailey and we saw him...he waved. So, after LG ended...and my face was drenched with tears I wanted to find him. I ended up talking to him a lot about what I was going through, too. He was also very encouraging. He asked me why I wanted to go on staff and I told him it was because of how passionate I am about the mission and how excited I am always to build into other women. Also, I feel like I could use my gifts in such an effective way and that is awesome. He told me that he thought I would be a really good staffer. It meant a lot because I could tell he wasn't just saying it to make me feel better, but he was saying it because he meant it.

I'm so thankful to have people in my life that I can cry to and share my struggles with. I have this insecurity that I'm a burden to everyone...including God. It's very deep seeded and it's been an ongoing battle for me. Last night, I didn't feel like a burden to these four people. They made me feel wanted and loved and just fed truth to me. It was so good!

I don't have a picture with Michelle in it...sadness!

Sex God

I just read Sex God by Rob Bell this past weekend. It started off with Faren and I reading one chapter together, sitting in her bed and then we ended up reading the whole second half of the book together. First, I just want to say that it was so good to get that time with Faren. I love her...it's as simple as that! Second, oh my gosh was this a great book. I took the book home with me and read the first half and finished it in like a day.

The way it is written is really interesting, I just felt like he was talking to me throughout the whole thing. It's really easy to read and it's amazing. I don't think I've ever recommended a book this much to anyone. I love it! He discusses how beautiful we are and how we need to act like humans, not animals or angels. He makes this comparison because he talks about the fact that so many people treat sex like animals treat it. Animals have sex as part of their life...there is no significance to them, it's just to reproduce. We are made differently. Animals are bodies without a soul. Also, people tend to go to opposite end and pretend that they aren't sexual at all. People choose not to talk to their kids about sex because they think that if they ignore it then it won't be a problem. They pretend that they don't struggle with lust or anything like that...just like Angels. Well, we were made differently. Angels are souls without a body. We, as humans have both a soul and a body and our sexuality is central to our being. Rob Bell explains sexuality in a different way then we've always been taught. Sexuality is our wanting to connect to the people around us.

He also talks about how some couples just make the world a better place. They are so great to be around and you can just tell that they love being around each other. That's what I desire in my marriage. Someone who is my friend and who I can share my problems with. Someone listens to me and is fighting right along side of me. Also, I desire to listen to them and be what they are to me, to them.

Everyone should go read Sex God! It's fantastic!

Curling!

Haha! I already have done a crappy job of keeping this updated. Here I go!

So, on Saturday I went to Canada to go curling. I mentioned that we were going to do that in my previous post. It was the best time ever! I seriously would go all the time if it were free and around here. I didn't fall at all...well, at least while I was standing up. I did fall over a few times when I was shooting but that's ok. Despite the fact that I was 19 and in Canada, I didn't get wasted. Are you surprised? I don't know, I may have had one beer if I was presented with the opportunity, but I wasn't. I recommend curling to ANYONE! It is so much fun. You should all go!

The white stone in the center is Dan's and the other white stone is mine...BOOYAKASHA!

Troy just shot and Colleen is getting ready to scrub! I'm probably not doing my job and taking this picture.

Action shot...it's a little blurry...oh well!

Apparently in Canada you put your cigarette butts in the Butt Stop!

Oh yea! I quit my job at the American Cancer Society. I know, I'd only been working there for 2 weeks...but, it was the right thing for me to do. Please pray that I find another job and quick! I had an interview at PetsMart the other day...or is it PetSmart? I'm not sure.

Tonight, Troy and I are having a double date with Dan and Colleen. I'm excited about it because I really like the Davenports and I obviously like Troy. It should be a good time.

I'll come back soon!