Mendall

Anything but boring

2011-11-23T11:29:00.001-07:00

In my last post, (over 6 months ago-yikes!) I complained about a boring life. Maybe I shouldn't have said that. Because the life of Megan and Kendall (Mendall, as some like to call us) has been anything but boring as of late. Here are a few things that have been going on.

Be sure to read all of it because there is some exciting news at the end. And because I know you may be thinking it... no, it has nothing to do with a baby.

1. We celebrated two years of this happy marriage in June. It seems a little weird that it's been this long but at the same time, I feel like I've known Kendall forever. I'm so lucky and so blessed.

2. I'm just finishing up yoga teacher training at D'ana Baptiste's Inbody Academy. (For anyone thinking of teaching yoga, this is the best of the best. D'ana is one of the most amazing people I have ever met and she is an incredible and inspiring teacher.) I have some finals to take and a lot of practice teaching hours but I'm almost (ish) done!

3. And since we put in our 30 day notice yesterday, I figured it's time to let our friends know that we are moving back to Pleasant Grove. (woooo! party!) But not for long because...

4. This coming summer Mendall will be living a very special dream. (Oh, dear. Could I get any cheesier? Also, maybe I should cool it on the parentheses a bit...) This summer we are moving to...

(I always feel like I need a drum roll when I tell people this because it's just!so!exciting!)

Taiwan!

Here is how this came about: One morning in the summer, Kendall reconnected on facebook with a friend who is now living in Taiwan with his wife. They are teaching English and going to school. For a few minutes we were jealous saying things like, "If they can do it, why can't we?" So we did our research, asked a lot of questions, and officially decided this is what we are going to do.

The plan as of right now is to move to Pleasant Grove (we can't continue living in student housing when Kendall is no longer a student), save money, get teaching jobs, all that good stuff and then get out there. We are so very excited. This is something we have been planning for and trying to figure out for a very a long time. We just never thought it was actually doable until now. We've both been hoping to go to China or Taiwan before we even met and now we are finally going! Kendall will have the opportunity to get his Chinese skills closer to his goal and I will be able to teach English, yoga, and learn Chinese as well. Seriously, a dream come true.

I hope to be able to find extra time to post about our plans as we get closer to the big move but looking at my track record, I don't think I should make any promises. So for now I will leave you with all of the Chinese I know right now.

Have a great day!

heaven save this blog.

2011-05-02T21:19:00.000-07:00

maybe I want to have a safe place for my memories, thoughts, and happenings.

maybe I want to be a "blogger" again.

or maybe, just maybe, I want to be cool like this silly boy. who has just started his own blog about training for his first marathon. (really. my husband is a cool guy.)

so i have this problem...

every time i sit down to write a post... complete blank. i don't know what to post about.

does anyone have ideas for a boring little girl such as myself?
please help me.
please save this blog.
hummm.....

signed,
girl with a monotonous life.

Last post October 21?

2011-04-04T21:24:00.000-07:00

Maybe I should post something.

I know that it has been a terribly long time and I don't know if anyone will still read it. Everything here is going great right now. We've got lots of big dreams and goals and are working hard to achieve them. We stay really busy but I'd like to use this to update family and friends on different things going on in life and things we enjoy. Will I ever stick to blogging again? I don't know.

In the meantime, enjoy this very stupid video that makes me laugh every time. I'm sorry in advance.

Maybe I should say you're welcome?

this completely turned my day around.

2010-10-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

I hope it does the same for you. Enjoy!!

32 days...

2010-10-18T18:54:00.000-07:00

I really hope they don't ruin it.

Some Angels Wear Denim

2010-10-01T08:03:00.003-07:00

Several weeks ago while addressing the congregation on a Sunday morning, my Bishop said something that struck me. He said, "As His children, Heavenly Father has promised us that he will send his angels to minister to us. What we seldom realize is that some angels wear denim."

On September 9, Kendall and I went to the doctor to hear our baby's heartbeat. Every night that week I had dreamed we lost our baby. My worst fears were confirmed with an ultrasound that showed no heartbeat and a baby that had stopped growing weeks ago. We left the clinic overcome with so many different emotions. I didn't know which one to feel first. Heartache, sadness, confusion, fear, anger...

We told our family and close friends which made it a little more real and a little easier to handle. Telling them, actually saying the words out loud, it was like someone else was in my body using my mouth. It was like a really bad dream.

This experience has been traumatizing but it has taught me to accept help from others. Those angels in denim have been hanging around and let me just say, we have felt the love. The doc went above and beyond what any doctor would or really should do. Family, neighbors, and friends all stepped in and took care of us. Cards, flowers, baked goods, phone calls, just being here... everything meant so much to me. All of it helped so much. I feel like I can't sufficiently express my gratitude.
Lately I've been contemplating whether or not to write about this. Part of me thinks it's a good idea, the other part doesn't want to deal with concerned eyes and worried comments. (I'm really okay.) I have a few reasons for posting about this but I think most of all I want to reach out to other women who are going through the same thing. That's what helped me the most. I guess I'm hoping that someone going through this will stumble upon this blog and be comforted somehow.

I am not alone. This is something that has been drilled into my head since birth but I know that there are people in this world who feel alone. Occasionally I feel that way too. Also, I'm so loved. We are so loved. To anyone reading this and going through a hard time, You are not alone and you are so loved.

Miscarriages are really common. The fact that it's common really isn't comforting at all. It's actually really sad to me that something this hard is so common. If you have a miscarriage everyone will tell you how common it is. It's interesting, I think, that there are so many books, manuals, websites about pregnancy and how to have a baby. There's no handbook on dealing with loss.

Anyways. I don't really know where this little journal entry of mine is going. The positive ending to this is that physically, I feel like me again. Emotionally, I have more good days than bad. Life is so good. The sun is still shining. And I've got a family and many friends who are my "angels in denim" and I know I am loved. Also, Kendall is a hero.

P.S. To any hopefuls waiting for a new niece/nephew/granchild/whatever, I apologize but any desire I once had to have a child is gone. For now at least. Right now I just want new shoes, a beach, and to train for a 5k.

Life in plastic, it's fantastic.

2010-07-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

I realized today that I have just over two weeks to train for the Cooper's Run 5K that I'll be running on the 31st. And... when was the last time I went running? Before today...

too long.

And that very short baby-sized mile run from this morning was way harder than it should have been.

What's that you say, Body? I CAN'T just get up on the morning of the race and be able to run a little over 3 miles?

I used to be able to run several miles whenever I wanted. And now when I have to prove it, my body resists. I can already tell this is going to be a rough two weeks getting ready.

Unless, of course, someone wanted to just take my place? Can you do that? Have someone else run in your name? Because I don't think TMJ will let me do this very easily. Every time I run for longer than 30 seconds my jaw tenses up and it feels like it's filling up with fluid. I think I've overestimated my abilities. Help.

On a brighter note, my very old iPod (which I thought was dead and had every song I've ever loved and then some on it) still works! I couldn't be happier about this! And my wonderful playlists are back in my life. And from this I've learned that even though I'm not in Jr. High anymore, this very terrible song still makes me want to dance and sing while I run.

I'm almost ashamed.

Year 1

2010-06-29T08:09:00.003-07:00

This post is very late. This is what we did to celebrate our first year of marriage...

K rode the tracks downtown and met me at work. We then walked to the Gateway for dinner and a show.

love me some edamame.

so awesome. That Jaden Smith is the cutest thing in showbiz. Fershur.

The next day our little village had a bake sale for the MS foundation. So awesome. We bought some treats, chatted with the neighbors and played summer games. We had a piggy back race. Girls carried boys. We won. Sort of.

Then we went to the library and I finally got a library card. Kendall met a Chinese guy. We looked around at some shops. BTW the SLC library is totally legit. love it.

and then we had some yummy food with Nick/Kadee & Bob/Holly. Nick and Kadee are house sitting. Here's a nice view from the deck.

great 1st anniversary. I'm lucky enough to be married to my best friend. How did that happen? We're looking forward to what the future has in store for us. It's kind of funny to think that at about this time last year I was thinking, "uhh... did I seriously get married? what was i thinking?" that thought was probably just cold feet coming a bit too late because this truly was the best decision i ever made. proof that this was a good decision? see post below... He may be cheesy and weird, but he's my kind of cheesy and weird. I think I'll keep him another year. :)

Greatest Year EVER!!

2010-06-25T15:18:00.005-07:00

Mendall being silly at the Gateway

Wow... wow. It's been a great year. We've had the ability to do a lot of stuff, and learn and grow together. I find it hard to believe that we fit everything into that last year. We were able to go to Cancun for our honeymoon, work our butts off for the summer before we spent time visiting Australia. The Faces of Melbourne, Australia, and Flinder's Street Station in back.

Sydney, morning breakfast

Made it through part time work at a sandwich shop, 2 1/2 semesters of school, moving to Salt Lake and learning a new city, meeting many new friends, and best of all is being with our BEST friend 365 nights during the year. Many of you know that I haven't ever had the blessing of having any sisters. This made the transition from all boys to just Megan and I an interesting one. But, I think I've been able to learn a lot, and change some of my actions to make Megan happier.

I've had this past year to express my love for Megan, and I'm sure she knows that I love her and that I think she's VURY pretty. Now it's time for me to share some of the things I love about Megan. Thumbs up if you agree Megan.She wants a dryer this big SO BAD!

I laugh with her when she's tired and all she can do is say "Kendall... I'm broken."
I'm glad that her bad days end with nice cuddles.
I love that she supports me in all I do.
I enjoy our weekends together instead of me going to work at 5:30am.
Megan's laugh is music to my ears, and her smile is like the Sun on a cloudy day.
I love holding her hand in public.
I admire her ability to do what is right even when it's difficult.
I love that we are making memories that will last a lifetime.
It's funny when I say something and Megan says, "STOP READING MY MIND!" ;)
I love hearing her sing and play the piano (I really do Megan).
I like that Megan seems to be the only one that gets all of my corny jokes and laughs at.... well, most of them.

The list goes on as you could imagine. But I want to also look forward into our future, and see what lies ahead. So, here are some of the things that I am EXCITED for.

I'm excited for Graduation, which leads to Megan getting one of the things she longs for, her own house!
I'm excited to see how we grow closer together, because it's hard to see how this is possible.
I'm excited to be able to work M-F 9-5, and for Megan to have the same schedule.
(DON'T READ TOO MUCH INTO THIS ONE MOM'S) I'm excited for starting a family, to be able to work with Megan on teaching our children.

Finally, I'd like to thank everyone for making this marriage what it is. First, thanks to Megan and her patience , she's had a good year to practice it too. Next is family. We've seen a lot of things that our families have done right, and we wish that if we could only be 1/2 of what they are then we'd think we were successful. They have been there for the good and the bad, turning the good into great and the bad into good. Struggles have been easier because they simply loved us, and this also goes for our friends. We are lucky to have friends that will always be by our side.

Looking back on this wonderful year, I'm truly awe struck. We've accomplished so much. I hope that we can become great people to emulate the lives of those before us, and pass that legacy on.

This warms my heart...

2010-06-24T22:04:00.000-07:00

It's like MK & A Olsen! Except Chinese!

TWICE!!

Bountiful

2010-06-19T07:48:00.001-07:00

I'm trying to get better about this blog thing. Mostly because I like to look back and remember the little things. So here's and update...

I really love my job. I like the people I work with and I like to be busy. I haven't had many jobs like this. It usually makes my day better. Like the other day when I locked myself out of my apartment and had to walk half a mile to get a spare key and then back again. I was extremely late for work but everyone was understanding and by noon my day had turned around. Awesome.

I got my first bountiful basket today. This is a huge win.

I got all of this for under $20. (www.bountifulbaskets.org) I don't know if the two of us can eat all of this in one week. I'm not sure if I will sign up for it next week or not. I'm so excited to eat this!

There's a little boy who lives a few doors down from me and he looks just like Rayder. Sometimes I have to do a double-take.

Happy weekend!!

No. 1 reason the Celtics should win the NBA Finals

2010-06-17T18:35:00.000-07:00

Let's just put aside the fact that Rajon Rondo, Paul Peirce, Glen Davis, and Kevin Garnett are superheroes. The number one reason the Celtics should win tonight is because The Lakers have a sasquatch on their team. Pretty sure there's some rule against letting a caveman play basketball.

Separated at birth...

... gag me

How to annoy me...

2010-06-03T18:18:00.001-07:00

Try to make someone feel better by saying the following: "I'll try really hard to come to your party." or "We'll pray really hard about it." Like the "harder" you pray the better results you'll get. ??
Make every other letter in your typing capital. lIkE tHiS!!!
State the obvious. Along these same lines is asking me a question and then repeating my answer in the form of a question. Example: "How are you?" "I'm good." "Oh, you're good, huh?"
When someone sends you a private message on Facebook that they also sent to 50 other people, reply to that message so that your message is then sent to everyone who got that message in the first place. Especially when it's your address so you can get an invitation to a wedding.

Lessons learned while running

2010-05-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

Lately I've had several questions bouncing around my head. Mostly about which direction I should go in life.

I was at work the other day when one of the owners of the building was in town bossing people around. As I printed his boarding pass before he left for the airport he asked me what I wanted to do in life. A bit off guard I replied, clueless, "I dunno". He laughed and wished me well with whatever that was.

I felt childish. He wouldn't stop laughing! As if my reply was the most adorable thing he'd heard and he could just squeeze my little cheeks.

Naturally, minutes after he left I thought of the real answer.

It doesn't matter what I do in life or even where I go. As long these things three things are true:

1. Whatever I'm doing brings me happiness and joy.
2. I'm continually progressing, and improving myself as a wife, daughter, sister, etc.
3. I'm able to have a family of my own someday.

I realize that if I had said that while he was there I probably would have gotten a golden awkward moment out of it, complete with confused faces and "good for you..."s. So I guess it's better I answered the way I did and let him laugh.

I pondered all of this and figured it out on my run this morning. And since I'm such an avid list-maker, here are other things I learned on my run:

When I think I'm done for the day and too tired to keep going, I still have another mile and a half in me.
There is a beautiful neighborhood close by with green grass, houses that don't look the same, and the sweetest trees I've ever smelled.
I might be a little allergic to grass. Which is sad because it's one of my favorite things about spring and summer.
Let it be. There will be an answer. Let it be.

I love finding crap like this.

2010-04-02T09:38:00.001-07:00

This was on a bike path that runs along foothill drive right before sunnyside. Found on my run this morning. I'm a bit out of shape: 1 mile=over 13 mins. Lacrosse coaches would be dissappointed in me. Wait, I'm a lacrosse coach. I'm disappointed.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

more adventurous

2010-03-31T10:03:00.002-07:00

We're slowly but surely getting settled here. I'm still in the process of unpacking and finding a home for everything. I'll have to get tricky with the kitchen and bathroom as there is very limited storage in both. In the bathroom there is the mirror that opens to a small medicine cabinet and that's ALL of the storage room for the bathroom. But I have a feeling we're going to love it here.

I found out that I got this temp job downtown doing paperwork/receptionist work for a property management company. I'm very excited about that. It will start once the woman I'm covering for goes into labor. Any day now...

I'll post pics of the apartment as soon as there aren't boxes everywhere.

A wonderful thing about spending hours unpacking is that I've rediscovered some music that I love. I love Jenny Lewis. Here's a taste of what I've been listening to...

(the sound and picture don't match but this is still great)

And it's only doubts that we're counting
On fingers broken long ago
I read with every broken heart we should become
More adventurous
And if you banish me from your profits
And if I get banished from the kingdom up above
I'd sacrifice money and heaven all for love
Let me be loved, let me be loved

And if my brain quits, well I guess then that's just it
And if my hands stop working you can call me lazy
And if I get pregnant, I guess I'll just have the baby
Let it be loved, let me be loved

I've been trying to nod my head, but it's like I've got a broken neck
Wanting to say I will as my last testament
For me to be saved and you to be brave
We don't have to walk down that aisle
'Cause if marriage ain't enough
Well at least we'll be loved

I felt the wind on my cheek coming down from the east
And thought about how we are all as numerous as leaves on trees
And maybe ours is the cause of all mankind
Give love to make more, try to stay alive

2010-03-08T07:26:00.002-07:00

Well, It's been some time since I've been able to update the blog. I feel lazy, but honestly... it doesn't bother me.

Things are going well. I work for the US Census. I am at a call center in Sandy, and I am a Chinese agent. It's been good, and my Chinese has improved greatly, specifically my reading skills, because every question has a scripted answer that we must read verbatim. It's difficult at times, especially when they change the script on you. I'm really excited to get a higher call volume of Chinese calls. It's been predominantly English calls. And to help the Census save money, I ask that everyone fill out their Questionnaire, or call in to the call center and ask them to take your information over the phone. There.

I hope that all of you know that I will be starting school soon, and I'm really excited to finally be studying something that is relevant to me. I'm starting up at the University of Utah this Summer studying Chinese, and possibly business... We'll see how it goes. At the end of this month, we will be moving from our Orem basement to the married student housing on campus. We're both excited because there will be Washer and Dryer hookups. FINALLY!! Well, that's all for now.

things i'm loving

2010-02-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

crazy.

the weepies

hello

2010-01-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

I'm really sorry that this blog is so boring. Maybe I'll try a little harder. Here's an update...

Kendall got accepted to the University of Utah! He's going to start this summer. We're very excited. Especially Kendall. He's so passionate about everything Chinese. This will be good for him. He only has a few more generals to get out of the way and then it's all Chinese and Asian studies!

We aren't sure what we're going to do given that we live in Orem and Kendall will be going to school in SLC and I work in Springville. We're still doing the math on commutes so we can know where to move when our contract runs up in March. But for now it looks like we'll move a little bit north so Kendall can take the trax to school and I won't have a friggen looong commute. If you hear of any open apartments (as long as they have washer/dryer hookups) please let us know!

That's about all the news I can think of. We're pretty boring.

OH! My best friend Caley got engaged a few weeks ago and she asked me to be her maid of honor. I'm so excited. Weddings are MUCH more fun when you're not the one making all the decisions! I'm so happy for her. :)

PS Kendall and I helped set the scene so Jesse could propose to Caley. We hid in the bushes and took pics. This is what I looked like the whole time. I'm a fool.

i do what i want

2010-01-11T21:36:00.000-07:00

I was playing on photoshop tonight. Hope Kendall doesn't mind the flower. Even if he does, I do what I want! I don't know if it will last. I think the pictures look squishy. Meh.

validate me.

2009-12-29T19:00:00.001-07:00

For the past couple years the thought of going into massage therapy has bounced around my head.

I've been thinking about it a lot lately. It's something I really want to do.

I need some feedback.

Do I wait it out and see how I feel later even though I feel like that's what I've been doing all along?

Or do I throw caution to the wind and go for it?

These are my thoughts.

Why I want to go for it:

I think I would like it. Whenever I get a massage, I feel so much better after. Even though this person's elbow made my eyes leak moments ago, I'm so grateful to her for having this skill to loosen my muscles and help me feel better. I'd like to help other people feel better and more relaxed.
I think I'll be good at it.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but generally massages are pricey. I'd rather be GETTING 60 bones per 1/2 hour than GIVING it. :)
It's better to do something like this now instead a few years down the road when there may or may not be a child in the picture.
Maybe I want to be a little bit like my Auntie Dana. :) Miss that lady.

My reservations:

Money. Grants would cover some of it, but some would also come out of pocket or from a student loan. Which I qualify for. But the thought of debt makes my stomach hurt. Is this necessary debt?
School isn't easy. I'd be taking night classes. Late. Bluh. What if I fail?
It will be busy. I'll probably only get to hang out with Kendall on weekends.

Well, there you have it.

Unless I get some negative feedback that changes my mind, I might just have to go for it. The pros outweigh the cons.

Plus that little pitter patter in my heart at the thought of clicking "publish post" is sending some kind of message.

Let me know what you think. I need some outside perspective. Either shoot me down, tell me it won't be worth it, or validate me. You choose. Be honest.

PS benefits for you: massage therapist in the fam. hello?!

12 Ways to keep Christ in Christmas

2009-12-08T16:03:00.005-07:00

So, recently I've thought a lot about Christmas, and the way it is celebrated. I wondered if there was a way to keep all of our fun traditions, and still keep Christ as the main focus of the season. I have come up with a list, twelve 5-10 minute activities that we can do individually, or as a family each night to keep Christ at the forefront of our minds. So, here's a list with links of things that we can do. Please feel free to comment back, I would like to make this a tradition in my Family, and would like to make sure that all is good. I am open to suggestions on how it could be better, what to add, like such as. Thank you for any help. This will bless you if you do it. Italicized portions are to be used for FHE lesson supplements.

Dec 13, 2009 Read “Christ, Names of” in the Bible Dictionary p. 633
Dec 14, 2009 Watch Councelor’s Messages
Dec 15, 2009 Watch
Dec 16, 2009 Watch
Dec 17, 2009 Watch
Dec 18, 2009 READ
Dec 19, 2009 Watch
Dec 20, 2009 Vatch
Dec 21, 2009 Watch President Monson’s Message
Dec 22, 2009 Read
Dec 23, 2009 Read “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles"
Dec 24, 2009 Read Luke 2
Dec 25, 2009 Book of Mormon Alma 7: 1-13

tired post

2009-11-10T21:50:00.002-07:00

This is what's been up lately.

I started this semester very positive and excited. Now I'm just going through the motions because I made a commitment and I stick to those things. Oh, and I'm also complaining about it. Because right now I'm a Journalism major? Yeah, after taking one class relating to my major I found out that I hate it. A lot. I don't care if I pass the class. I also don't care if my slacking makes the final group project lame. Because me? No motivation. Just hatred.
But I do love Chinese. All of it. Wait, except when discussion goes off topic to Poland (what the...) and alcohol. Seriously? People can be really annoying. But I love some of the people in class. Mostly because they're awkward and we laugh at them. (Is that bad?)
And I'm still enjoying English. Poetry exam this Friday. And on to (Sing it with me, k?) Drama.
Oh, and my health class? No sweat. I'm reading a lot of health articles for work so you can either say I'm taking a class to enhance my work knowledge, OR I'm getting paid to study for my test. Because it's pretty much the same material. Which brings me to...
Whole foods. Seriously people. I've learned a lot the past few weeks about health and nutrition. This is what it's all about: If you don't eat fruits, veggies, and whole grains, if you don't exercise regularly, if you don't stay away from harmful things (tobacco, alcohol, drugs, too many sweets...) If you don't do these things, you aren't giving your body what it needs to stay healthy. I'm beginning to really understand these things and incorporate them into my life and it's great. I cannot seem to get enough of the wonderful tasting vegetables. For a few weeks I was obsessed with squash. Now, I think it's asparagus. (Which might be bad because it's sort of expensive right now.)
part A: Raise your hand if you love Community!

part B: Raise your hand if you love The Biggest Loser!

I think I've come to the conclusion that I now like everyone who is still at the ranch. Minus the granny who just bugs. Who's with me?

So I suck at school. Maybe I'll just be Jillian Michaels when I grow up. I like her because she can totally get away with standing on someones back while the do push-ups. Wait, that prob requires school too. Dang.

The end.

P.S. If you're thinking "what's up with the random words being bigger/smaller?" all I have to say is, I'm tired. and, I felt like it. If you like it, I'll keep doing it because it was kind of fun and I think it makes the bloge fun. Meant to add the e.

bye.

china or bust

2009-10-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Megan,
Move to China tomorrow, or you die.
Love,
This Youtube Video

oz

2009-10-15T19:16:00.002-07:00

pictures from australia. whatevs. :)

School

2009-09-04T10:12:00.000-07:00

Since Kendall is posting school updates, I thought I would post a bit from my point of view. I have four classes.

Chinese is hard but super fun! We are learning how to describe people and things. Kendall and I will walk around campus saying, "Ta hen pang", "Ta hen qiangzhuang", and "Ni hen shuai".

Reporting for the Mass Media is good too. One of our assignments is to start a blog and post a weekly response to a news article we read. This class is still in the kick off stage but I'm pretty sure I will like it.

I'm taking an American literature class. It's my favorite class right now. It's a lot of reading. And I mean A LOT. But it's awesome! Like last night I read "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins. I think I finished it in 5 seconds. If you care you can read it here, it's pretty short. It's totally creepy and awesome! I won't say more or I'll ruin the adventure that it is to read this story.

My other class is called Personal Health and Wellness. Just a general but I think it will be good. It's a Saturday class so I've only been once.

That's it. I'm excited for Aussieland! A little worried about how I'll work things out with being away from school for so long, but I really think it'll be worth it! Weeeeeee!

1 Week!!!

2009-09-03T14:42:00.004-07:00

Ok everybody, I'm going to post some excitement that needs to be released somehow. But don't think I'm just gonna talk your ear off with AUSTRALIA,AUSTRALIA,AUSTRALIA,AUSTRALIA,AUSTRALIA,AUSTRALIAAUSTRALIAAUSTRALIAAUSTRALIAAUSTRALIA...

First off, school has started!!!
School is awesome, it seems to be keeping me away from my job. I feel like I'm due for a bit of a break after that CRAZY summer. In fact, it may be a HUGE break depending on weather or not they'll need me, and even if they do, I'm probably going to cut down my hours dramatically. We'll have to see. I'm currently in 4 classes. In the morning it's Chinese 1010. It's pretty basic for me, but I feel like it is helping me with the part of Chinese that I have always struggled with. My fluidity in speaking has always lacked, and I seemed to stumble over words all the time. But with this basic foundation of Chinese, I now have a chance to slow down and repair the damage caused by my lack of patience. In the Afternoon, I'm taking Chinese 3050. This class seems to be just like a class that Chinese High Schoolers would take. We have a Teacher's Assistant from Da Lian China who teaches us, and has High expectations for us. The first few days were a struggle, but I'm getting more of a grasp as we go on. My language listening skills seem to be ever enhancing, and i'm excited to hear my Chinese after this semester. After Chinese, I'm off to Math 1050. It's a repeat class that I didn't pass last semester, and my teacher is great. I feel a lot more confident than I did last time. Aftermath is the worst part of the day. I think that for everyone it is, because as soon as I walk from the crowded noisy halls into the dead silent room located at LA 113, I can tell that no one is happy. It's strange how even all the noise from the outside seems to not make it's way into the room. It seriously feels like someone had just got into a horrible accident, and no one knows what to say or how to say it. I dare not break the silence, because I'd feel like I just offended the victim of this horrible disaster that didn't ever occur. The feeling doesn't vanish as the class starts, because our wonderful teacher is pale, and prefers to write over speaking. She told us that yesterday, and boy does it show. The only glimmers of light in that class is knowing that one of my cousins, Aubrey Pixton, and a fellow Viking from the class of '05 are in that class. My drive in that class is to pass, thus making this the LAST English class I will have to take (as far as my eye can see). I won't have to follow no MLA format, jump through hoops that my teacher defines to site a source, follow hidden rules that are not written on the assignment description, or right about topics that have no connection with my future career.

Enough of my Soap Box, and Sorry if I offended you, that's my opinion on English classes.

Ok, Now to the AUSSIE part of the post! I've been slowly contacting friends in Australia and they seem to be making this trip go from AWESOME to unforgettable. I am amazed about how quick this is coming up. ONE WEEK AND I'M THERE! *****Just called Jerry and told him a few things about the trip**** I'm getting really excited. I wish I could convey that with words, but even the best of writers would fall short of portraying my excitement.

Well, I'd better work on English so I don't fail! Off to work....

first day=best day

2009-08-23T11:15:00.004-07:00

Here is a video of a compiled bunch of pics from June 25, 2009. And a few random pictures at the end. There was some song left over to fill. I'll post more when get the ones the photographer took. Enjoy.

We both seem to agree that this was the best day of our lives. Thanks to all of you for making it so magical. We love you.

Just bragging...

2009-08-12T20:31:00.005-07:00

During the summer months my brother, Austin, spends most of his time in the mountains fighting fires. His family back home spends time missing him, sending him thoughts of love and hoping he is safe.

He's the lurp in the front.

This morning I got a text from my mom saying Austin had called early this morning to tell her that he had been promoted to act as the lead EMT for this fire. He was detached from his unit, moved into management camp and given charge over the health/well being of several hundred men.

Front row, second from left.

Mostly I just think this is really cool. I'm so proud of you, Austie B!

SWEET AS MATE!

2009-07-30T20:55:00.007-07:00

41 DAYS!!! THAT'S RIGHT MATE!!! We're headed outta the US of A to go to see AUSTRALIA! I hope you know how excited I really am to be back there. I think Megan will like it for two reasons. 1) it's Australia 2)She'll see a piece of my heart that she's only got a glimpse at in the past. Words cannot describe my excitement for the 15 hour flight to Sydney, the 10 hour drive to Melbourne, and then sitting in church for 3 hours seeing the greatest people I may ever meet. The Jupi's crazy kids, the Bulfin Family, the Trumans, the Moore family, the Tsang family, Li, He, Yao. I'm getting trunky. My bags will be packed soon. Well, here are some things that make me happy as.

Oh Geee!

2009-07-30T20:29:00.007-07:00

I'm going to pretend it hasn't been almost a month since we've posted. Uh... sorry. Mostly it's Kendall's fault. We'll try to get better at this.

On Monday we hiked the "G" in Pleasant Grove. I love that mountain. The view is great. Here are some photos.

We're both happy that school will be starting soon. We both love the summer, but we're excited for Chinese classes and libraries. Mostly Megan on the library part. Kendall just told me, "Speak for yourself." Meh. He thinks he'll spend a total of two hours in the library during the next semester. I think I'll spend two thousand.

Have a Happy Friday!

Honeymoon

2009-07-04T07:53:00.021-07:00

We went to Cancun. It was so much fun! The first day there, we rode the bus down to Walmart (seriously? In Mexico?) and got this:

Then we walked out the back of our hotel and saw this...

No Photoshop. Yeah...

We got an activity package of three different activities to do. The first was called a Jungle Tour. A group of people rode waverunner-things through the "jungle" out to the coral reef. Then we snorkeled. It was incredible!

The next activity was a day trip to Isla Mujeres (Island of the Women). This tiny island is about 5 miles long and 1/2 a mile wide and so beautiful.

The tour guides were pretty great. We were on this double deck boat and they pretty much played loud music and gave people lots beer and tequila the whole time. We had coke and fanta. We were entertained to say the least. They danced and sang to us too. We think their strategy is get people drunk and act really silly and they will give you all their money for tips. Wanna see a video?

When we got to the island, we rented a golf cart and drove around. We stopped at a lighthouse. This is the view from the top.

Then we swam with a shark. A SHARK. It was so cool! Here are some pictures and a video of me totally freaking out! And Kendall having a blast.

Before you watch the video... In my defense, the shark guy was mean. He knew I was a little nervous and then just made it worse. He was very convincing. Now you may listen to my whining voice.

This was on the beach. Just sitting there. Kind of creepy...

He walked into the girls bathroom! I got a good laugh out of that one.

Our last activity was the Sky Rider. Which is basically parasailing but there's a two man chair. You sit in the chair and hold on. There was no strap or belt. When I voiced my concern, the man on the boat said, "Don't worry, Miss. It is very safety." How reassuring.

Right after the parasailing, we rushed back to the hotel, grabbed our bags and left for the airport. We had so much fun but we are so happy to be back with friends and family in America. We missed you guys!

You probably want to see wedding pictures. I promise they are coming! In the meantime, look at these bridals.

Spring is here

2009-05-09T14:14:00.008-07:00

About once a week, Kendall and I whip up some sandwiches and eat lunch at Neilson's Grove Park where our reception will be. It's been nice out and we've enjoyed the sunny weather and all things that come along with it.

Friday we went to the park for lunch. It was a windy day and we remembered the two kites we bought the night we got engaged and never got a chance to fly them. We're pretty cool.

Can you guess whose is whose?

UP to the highest height.

Happy boy.

We felt like the littlest kids there, with our cheesy grins and squeals of excitement. Then Kendall's kite crashed. It was looking pretty grim for a while and we almost lost it.

This was just moments before he crawled onto the top (Spiderman style) to get the string loose.

You can't really see it stuck up there but it was on top of the pavilion. We eventually got it down. And by we I mean him. I was busy laughing and taking pictures while trying to safely land my kite. I ended up tangling the string. Not sure how?

It was a beautiful afternoon with many more to come. Life is good.

30 Years

2009-04-28T11:26:00.002-07:00

Congratulations to Jerry and Laurie Duclos, my parents. Today is their 30th anniversary. I'm happy to be part of their happiness, even though I also cause a lot of stress.

Next line of business, it's been hard to keep up on our blog, but each day someone says to Megan and I, "OH! I love your blog, I've been keeping tabs on you two. You are SO cute together." So I'm working on keeping this updated. Luckily, with school nearly finished, I'm finding some free time. Unfortunately, it won't be long until something else fills the void time of mine. But, here's an update for our avid readers, and more.

Last week a lot of big steps were taken in preparation of the big day. I showed up to Megan's Lacrosse game, and her parents Craig and Whitney were there, they told me that they had just reserved Nielson's Grove for us. This is a big park that Megan and I had looked at just days before, and we fell in love with it. Good on Craig for not letting another second slip by. Our previous efforts in finding such a venue were obviously without a positive outcome. SO, up until this point. We've got a Temple date, we registered for gifts, and we now have a beautiful reception center booked. The next big things on the list include a Wedding dress, and a place to stay. I'll let Megan tell you all about the dress in her own due time. She may email you depending on her mood. I think it's cute that she wants to be "old fashioned" and not let me see the dress until the wedding day. But her and her sisters and Whitney went dress shopping the other day, and from what I here, Megan has found a dress for her, but would like some other opinions. So, even if I had seen the dress, I doubt I'd be able to describe it for you. I can tell you exactly what I'd say even if I had seen it. I'd say something like, "It's white, and Megan will look Beautiful in it." So there you have it. The most recent miracle that happened starts with Texas. My older brother, Bob, was the one that got me interested in Texas. He and his wife have been planning this for quite sometime. Well Bob and Holly also have an amazingly cute little girl named Brooke. They had a basement apartment in Orem just off of 1600 North, and knew they were leaving to Texas this summer. The decided that even though that apartment was really nice, that having a baby there wasn't the most ideal situation. So they plan to not come back. The apartment is a 2 bed 1 Bathroom minus the bath (inconvenient for a baby). They payed $600 monthly, utilities and internet are included. So we went and talked to the Landlord and his wife. They gave us an application, and I turned it in yesterday. He told me that he'd write up a contract, and we'd need to pay the deposit, and 1 months rent.

That was a long paragraph.... So with that, we have Temple, Reception, Dress (pending), and a place to live. It's time for Megan and I to get planning the details now, but hey, We've got the essentials, and guess what, It's going to happen. No more moving the date, I promise, WE promise. Update completed. We'll try and make posting a regular event, but realize that we may be busy. Love ya heaps!!

School's Ending for summer

2009-04-21T08:24:00.003-07:00

So, on Sunday, I spoke with Karlene's mother on the phone. She told me that she loved reading our blog. I immediately felt bad for neglecting it so much. Well, my excuse is that life is busy, but that's probably the worst excuse ever. SO, lets fill you in on how things are going for us anyways, especially since there have been a few changes lately. 1) I'm not going to Texas, and I just got a new job that I like a lot. If you want more details on my job, you can ask me personally. 2) We moved our marriage date forward if you didn't already figure out by our countdown -> 3) My face lump is gone! WOO, my hopes are that it is never to return again. 4) I've been doing EXCELLENT work in my English class, even though I've struggled with English, and related courses since I was 3 years old. My last two papers I got higher than 90/100, and I wrote the paper the morning it was due! (Previous study and preparation had been completed previously). But on the flip side, I have disregarded my math class, and put that off as a less important class, because I "get" it. Due to the lack of practice, my math skills have been weakening, and unless I ace the final, then I will have to take the course again. But honestly, it may be better for me to take it again, since I am planning on becoming an engineer in the future. I may take it in the Summer.

Ok, now on to the happy stuff. Megan and I are doing great! We're really excited (as you may have guessed), and we're looking at moving into my older brothers place, since he will be leaving for the Summer. Things seem to be working out great for us, the monthly rent there is quite cheap, especially for a 2 bedroom apartment. Bob and Holly don't want to live there when they come back, because of some inconveniences of having a 1 year old baby. As for us, no kids, therefore, no problems. As you can see, we are moving along with Wedding plans, and have recently registered as Megan has just recently mentioned. More importantly, she also added something that we weren't able to scan with our scanner at Target, or Bed, Bath, Linen, Beyond, Bodyworks, and Things. Make sure you check the new item out! That would make us quite happy... P.S. Don't judge! ;-) We've also recently been looking at places for an outdoor reception. The AF ampitheater is unavailable, and has been since Jan, 23, 2009. Way to plan ahead! There's also a park in Orem that we're really excited about, and would love to have a party there with all of our friends. We're calling on that.

Friends and family, we appreciate your support, and love. It sure is needed at a time like this. There's a lot to do, and it seems overwhelming for us at times. Thanks for being there.

Register

2009-04-19T22:23:00.002-07:00

The other day we registered at Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond. It was pretty fun and we got excited for the future. But some of the items the stores suggested we register for, were silly. Honestly, if all we got as a gift were a couple of these, we'd be set.

Change

2009-04-16T11:15:00.004-07:00

Remember how we told you all we were getting married on September 19?

Just kidding! Man, we really had you going.

Long story short, there were some scheduling conflicts and we changed the date. New date: June 25. Yeah, SOON. Really soon. 7 weeks soon. This will be an adventure! =)

In other news, Kendall's face is healing up quite nicely. I've been playing doctor the last couple days and I guess I did a good job because he's moved from a huge patch that takes up half his face to a small band-aid on his cheek.

Last night I was helping him change the patch and replace the absorbing ribbon in the infection. Sometimes it's painful so I was trying to be careful but then he scrunched up his face and pretended like it hurt a lot just to make me feel bad. Then he couldn't stop laughing about it. In fact, he's probably laughing as he reads this now. Chump. I hope people next to you in the library think you're crazy.

Updates

2009-04-09T10:47:00.004-07:00

Ok, to get started with this quick updates, I've got to let you know that I have another thing on my face. But I'm thinking of ways to prevent this now. I have reason to believe that razors are the cause, so, I may have a bit of scruff for a while. It's for medical reasons, and not because I like it. But I must say that I am a bit excited to not shave for a while.

Next update... I've got a job with a set schedule now! I'm excited, I had my interview today at 10 am, and I start today at 2:30 pm. I guess they like what they see! I'm excited for things to work out. OK, now I need to change, eat, and get to Chinese class. After class, WORK!!
BYE!

Engaged

2009-03-29T22:29:00.003-07:00

Megan's sister took these photos for us. She's great. It was a chilly morning, and we were cold. Our feet almost froze right off, but the pictures turned out more than perfect. Click here for the link... I'm done writing now.

The beginning

2009-03-27T13:25:00.008-07:00

Kendall said to tell my point of view. I didn't want to at first because trying to remember all the details makes my brain hurt. Also, I don't want to bore whoever reads this because it's a long story. Brace yourselves. Your minds are about to be blown.

My side of the story starts before Kendall and I even met. It was my first semester of college and I was thirsty for knowledge. I wanted to explore everything. Everywhere. I wanted to travel but not as a tourist. I wanted to live in foreign countries and really learn the culture and maybe even a language or two. I was ambitious and in way over my head. And I loved every minute of it.

I made plans to travel to China with a volunteer program that sends college students to various countries teach kids English for a semester. This was exactly what I wanted to do. (Still is.) I was drenched in anticipation.

Then I went to the doctor for a check up and I soon learned that something just wasn't right. During the next few weeks I had several blood tests and a cat scan. All normal. I saw a specialist. He ran more blood tests and sent me to another specialist. As doctors asked me questions I realized that I had more symptoms than I thought I did. Terrible headaches that never seemed to go away, chronic fatigue, and several others. I was horrified.

Still not knowing exactly what was wrong, I made the decision to drop out of the fall semester of school and to withdraw from the volunteer program. I was heartbroken and no one around me seemed to understand how I felt. I had failed. Not to mention the fact that I had convinced myself I had a rare form of cancer that would slowly steal everything in life that made me happy, beginning with China. (Don't ask, my imagination just goes there.)

Sometime during the tests and specialists, I met Kendall. He was funny. Cute. A breath of fresh air. And why he seemed genuinly interested in me even though I was a complete train wreck who could burst into tears because there wasn't anymore string cheese in the fridge was beyond me. But I liked it. I think. Those weeks leading up to actually finding out what was wrong with me are kind of a blur. But I do remember feeling like someone else had taken over my body. I did NOT want to date. I just wasn't interested. At all. No interest. But something took over and said hello to him when I saw him in the counseling office after I had tearfully dropped my classes. And a few days after that, added him as a facebook friend AND wrote on his wall. And a few weeks later, sat right next to him at a church activity.

Pretty soon I learned I had TMJ Disorder. It explained all of my symptoms plus some I didn't realize I had. Treatment would take about 6 months. Check. No cancer, good to go. Then the other doctor told me I had Mono. And if I also had TMJ disorder, then NO WONDER I felt the way I did. SURPRISE!

No school, no China. What was I going to do with my life now? A conversation with my sister got me thinking long and hard about this question. I didn't want to do anything until I was on a plane. But I knew that wouldn't be happening anytime soon. I didn't want to go to work, or go out with friends. I didn't even want to date. No way. But my sister saw right through that act and asked me questions that really got me thinking about my life.

The next day, Kendall Duclos asked me out on a date. It was filled with great conversation and much laughter. Never a dull moment. He was sweet and charming. Every day became a new adventure. Each day we learned something new about the other. As Taco Tuesdays continued along with Kelly Rock-outs, I found myself simply twitterpated by Kendall's existence. The teasing from my family didn't seem to matter. Everyone except for us seemed to know it was only a matter of time.

I couldn't have asked for someone better than this guy. I feel like the world shifted so our paths could cross. I feel like Kendall is the reason my plans to go to China fell through. And I couldn't be happier. Plus, he can speak Chinese. Fluently. Enough said.