Your voice was the soundtrack of my summer...

Yes, this is a music post. Sorry, not much else to report. Still applying for jobs, have a few part time job leads, but I don't want to discuss anything on here until all is confirmed. So, in the mean time, you get my music posts :)

Here are my favorite songs of the summer...broken into two categories.

Just because I liked them...

























Because they have a special meaning











I think I'm finished. Enjoy those tunes :)

all I know is that fear has got to go

Here's a little glimpse into the life of a 23 year old unemployed girl living with her parents.
-Wake up, apply for jobs for a few hours.
-Clean the kitchen and the family room, eat some lunch
-Go for a walk because since I'm not working I've made getting healthy a focus in my life
-Apply for more jobs
-Read/write/watch tv
-Make dinner
-lounge.

Isn't that exciting? Oh, and here's where it gets really good...it's only day two. I know people who go through this for months. I don't know how I will manage. I'm already looking up ways to keep busy while unemployed. I'd love to take a Spanish class, Zumba, and volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Only thing is that each of those require money...and a car. Niether of which I have.

I'm looking hard for jobs. I sent in about 15 or so applications/resumes over the past two days. I'm also trying to find a nanny or babysitting job for this little in between period so I can at least have some money coming in. I'm just a tad frustrated. People often tell me that great things are going to happen for me, and I appreciate it, but I don't know what else I can do for it to happen. And I'm always telling other people to go chase their dreams and now I'm the one that's stuck...I don't know how! I wish someone would just tell me what to do next, but no one can. It's all very frustrating and emotionally draining.

I do have to say I am completly overwhelmed by the support of my family/friends. So many people are on the lookout for me with potential jobs or nanny jobs. I love it and am very grateful!

Keep your fingers crossed for me and be good to yourselves. Love you all.

No matter how far I go my heart remains with you.

I had an absolutley amazing weekend. I know this because my back hurts, my feet are throbbing, and my abs are sore. I also know this because I have not stopped smiling since Friday night and I can literally feel the joy and happiness flowing through my viens.

Because we are the groom's family and out of town, we didn't know all the details of the wedding- which made it quite fun! Everything unfolded as a surprise. From the playbill wedding program to the different cakes on each table. Everything Jonathon and Sara did was their decision, unique, and wonderful. Sara's vintage dress was perfect, loved that she marched down the aisle to an instrumental version of a Fall Out Boy song, and REALLY appreciated that they decided to donate to the ONE Campaign in Laurence's name, giving each of their guests a ONE bracelet as our favors.

The ceremony itself was beautiful. It took place in the Columbia Club in Downtown Indianapolis. The minister had previously talked with my family about how much he admires my brother, which made all of us feel very proud. I also loved what he had to say during the ceremony about marriage. I felt myself smiling the entire time, watching my brother hold Sara's hands in his to calm her nerves, and listening to the beautiful message about how loving God means loving others.

After the ceremony and a few family photos, I headed upstairs with my mom and sister to mingle with family and friends. I was so happy to spend time with family that I rarely get to see! I discovered a table set up dedicated to Laurence, with some pieces he has written and pictures. Loved that! Soon we moved into the reception room for dinner. The speeches given by Sara's sister, my dad, and Sara's dad were beautiful. Sara and Jonathon danced to "If All Else Fails" by Matchbook Romance, one of my favorite songs ever. Soon it was time to hit the dance floor, and I feel confident in saying that Alex and myself kept the party going! We even performed No Air :) I seriously had so much fun on that dance floor jumping around. One of the most special moments was when "We Are Family" started playing, and members of both sides of my family joined together in a circle to dance. That may never happen again in my lifetime, and it was so very special. Another great moment was "Don't Stop Believing", which is Jonathon and Sara's song! EVERYONE loved that one.

After the reception ended (with Just Dance, thanks to Alex and I), 10 of us stomped around downtown Indianapolis to find something to eat. It was quite amusing and new friendships were formed :) We ended up at Steak and Shake (classy) and shared laughs and fun conversation. I will never forget this weekend and feel very blessed to be part of such an amazing family.

To Jonathon and Sara, I love you both deeply. It is very, very clear that you two are in love, and I could not be happier for you. Two amazing people who deserve each other. You are the best of friends and care so much for one another. I am ecstatic that I have been able to be a part of your lives. It is rare to witness something as special as the two of you have. Thank you for everything and know that I love you so much! Enjoy Flo-RIDA! :)

the perfect day

I had sort of forgotten what it felt like to be on summer vacation. Now I know. I mean, yes, it can be fun sitting around doing nothing, but for me it's getting aggravating. I know I just posted a blog about the power of changing an attiude, but I don't know what else to do. I've tried to keep myself occupied, but I have no motivation anymore for writing, which is one of my greatest downfalls. I think this is because I have nothing to report. Most of my friends live out of the area, I don't really have the money to go visit friends, I'm kind of just...stuck. Waiting for a job offer, an interview, anything. Okay, I'll stop complaining now and promise to change my attitude and find ways to keep myself busy.

One thing I did to occupy my time was go to the Lady Antebellum concert last night with Jess. She's home from Nashville for the week for two weddings, and asked if I would be interested in going with her. My answer? SIGN ME UP. I love them so much. If my counting is correct, last night was my fifth time seeing them live...which is crazy, because that's almost equal to bands I have loved for several years. However, this was my first time seeing them after they got all famous on us. You see, Jess and I discovered Lady A in 2007, when they opened for Martina. They captivated me. I was amazed by their energy and harmonies. That was back when they did not have an album out and only three songs on their myspace! Just a few months later, their first single came out, followed by their album, which has since gone platinum. Jess and I saw them a few times here and there during that year, but they were always opening for big names, and no one in the audience really knew them except they recognized "Love Don't Live Here". Fast forward to last night. By now, the band has had three number one hits and another album, which went double platinum. Their songs are not only popular in country music, but have hit the top 40 airwaves as well.

So, last night, I knew that it was going to be a different experience than how we usually see them when the exit off 75 was backed up at least 2 miles. Every seat was full, and everyone was there to see Lady Antebellum, headlining the show. What a concept to wrap my head around! When they came out on stage, people went nuts. Everyone in the audience was singing along to EVERY SONG, not just the first single! Oh man, my energy was so high just watching them up there. They opened the show with "Stars Tonight" and then continued to weave in songs from both albums- including my favorites "Run To You", "Hello World", and, my all time fave, "All We'd Ever Need". They even closed the show with "Run To You", which is just insane because the last time we saw them live, we also met them, and Jess REQUESTED that they sing "Run To You" because it was her favorite- now it's a number one hit and they closed the show with it!

One of my favorite parts of the night was when Charles said "I know a lot of you have to go to work tomorrow, and you've had a busy weekend. But tonight, just forget all about it and let yourself go".

He pretty much just summed up why I go to concerts. Some people may think I'm wasting my money, time and energy. Those people don't get it. Concerts are my escape. Some people go shopping, or to the spa, or go running, or take a long drive...my freedom is in the music. There is no better feeling to me than jumping around screaming songs out loud and completly forgetting about all the stress in my life. So thank you, Lady A, for allowing me to do that last night. I am so proud of this band and am sure that I will continue to support them. It was the perfect day :)

Sidenotes- I'm looking for a new project that will take up some of my time. Thoughts?

Love you all.

If I had $500,000, I'd buy you a smartboard.

On my first day of working at Detroit Cristo Rey as a Mercy Volunteer, I asked a group of freshmen what made them choose that school. Each of them had a unique response, but the one that hit me the hardest came from a student named Jamie, who said "I will be the first person to graduate from my family. I want Cristo Rey to be the school that make that possible." That's when I knew I was in the right spot.

What would you do with $500,000? That's not something we think about often, and our typical response is "pay off all my bills, give it to family in need, give to charity".

I know a school that could really use $500,000. I also know that right now, you can help make that happen. The school? Detroit Cristo Rey High School. Kohl's Cares is giving $500,000 to twenty schools. Cristo Rey needs your help to be one of those twenty. This faith-based high school is located in the heart of Southwest Detroit and serves low economy families. The school needs all the help it can get to provide resources for these well deserving students. It is currently funded by a work study program. By granting us $500,000 we would be able to provide more technology for the students as well as opportunites for field trips, additions to the curriciulum, and more resources in the athletic and art department. I know many people are hesitant to donate to a charity or an organization that they know nothing about. So, you can take my word for it, and trust that Cristo Rey is an amazing school that is changing the lives of Detroit teens, or you can continue to learn about it by visiting our website:

http://www.detroitcristorey.org/

Or by listening to Jasmine, a junior at the school.




Please help us out by adding a facebook application and voting for us.

http://apps.facebook.com/KohlsCares/school/1459211/detroit-cristo-rey-high-school?src=SchoolBitly

Book Reviews: Captivating and The Middle Place

My review of this book has nothing to do with the authors themselves- they are both strong writers with incredible compassion and understanding for people that shines through every word. However, I just could not connect with the book itself. I'm not sure what is to blame- perhaps because I am only in my 20's and still growing up. Maybe I have not had enough life experience to really grasp the message of this book. Whatever it was, I can say that I enjoyed reading, but struggled to pay close attention.

The main idea of this book is that women are created in God's image, and that means we are beautiful inside and out. The authors encourage readers to look past the fear, failures, disappointments, and heartbreaks to see the beauty that lies within them. It is indeed a strong message that each of us need to hear, and to put into practice. The authors make several strong points throughout the book, it just takes time to dig in and find those truths. Perhaps one day I will sit down and read Captivating over, with a more open heart, and find my life to be touched the same way many readers have.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their [...] <[...]> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <[...]> : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."


Second book-


This book has been high on my "to read" list forever, but none of my library branches had it in stock. Lucky for me, I picked it up at Barnes and Noble a few weeks ago at a discounted price at $1.50. What a deal!

The Middle Place is full of the ingredients for a perfect memoir- love, tears, honesty, laughter, and authenticity. Kelly Corrigan describes the middle place as the spot between childhood and adulthood. While managing this difficult life transition, Kelly is hit hard with the news that she has breast cancer. She intertwines stories of her childhood with the process of her journey with cancer. Kelly particularly hilights her father, whom she describes as someone who everyone falls in love with. The stories of her dad, nicknamed "Greenie", reminded me of my own father- a strong, compassionate man with a terrific sense of humor. Kelly pours her heart out to us and shares the real struggle of being a mom who is being treated for cancer, and a daughter of an amazing man with bladder cancer.

Although I cannot personally relate to Kelly, I felt as though I was reading a letter from a friend. By the end of the book she came to be a person I admire. I do not know how she got through those months of cancer treatment while rasing toddlers and caring for her aging father. That is true strength! I loved every minute of this book.

hello world

I know many of you aren't big fans of my music posts, but before you read the rest of this entry, you must listen to this song. There may or may not be a quiz at the end.



I've owned this album since it was released in February, and listened to every song multiple times. So why then, did this song just make a big mark on my heart when I heard it yesterday?

Well, it could be because I heard it as I was finishing a 3 mile walk. It came on my ipod as I was turning the last corner, and was no longer focusing on my legs or breath, but on the words to the song. I was on an adrenaline high and maybe would have loved any song I heard at that point.

But somehow, I think it's more than that. Although I am going through one of the biggest changes of my life, and unclear of what the future holds for me, I'm also extremly happy right now. I feel very...alive. Ready to take on the world. Anxious to make changes and live free. I'm not sure what brought on this new positive energy. In a strange way, I can sort of relate it back to the lives that have been lost recently. I know that sounds selfish and apathetic, but trust me that is not what I mean at all. I mean...losing Matt, losing Mr. Roble, and reflecting on Fred's battle has really opened my eyes to a whole new world. I have tried to wake up every morning with a positive outlook. I've learned that each day will be as we make it- if you set it in your mind that things are bad, then things will continue to be bad. Instead, you have to think "okay. Things are a little tough right now. How can I change that?". It amazes me how powerful our minds our when we give them a chance! Try taking a step back from your daily life and sitting in the quiet. You will learn things about yourself you never thought possible.

Lady Antebellum's song is about appreciating the little things in life. It's about finding ways to make you feel alive and keep going. Figuring out what makes you come out of the dark place that you've been hiding to say "hello world". So, friends, my challenge to you is to be confident in who you are and live a happy life...because it is in your hands.

Trust, let go, and love.

we'll be a dream

Hello. I'm alive, incase anyone was worried. Over the past few days I've been super busy unpacking, reorganizing, adjusting, transitioning, and several other "ing" words that have to do with change. Mix that in with a few days of not feeling well, and I've been kind of MIA. Don't have any news to report, other than asking for continued prayers for Fred Carter.

This summer I've been focusing on my walking, writing, and listening to music. I have been absolutley loving getting back into a regular walking routine. I think my body is loving it as well :)

Here's some music I've been digging that I think you should know about.

1. We The Kings. Love their album, but this is my favorite.



2. David Archuleta's new single, "Something Bout Love". Great pop song that you will be dancin around to!



3. We Are The Fallen. Their album is incredible and if you don't give it a listen, then I am sorry for you. I can't pick a favorite song, but this is just an example of how solid the album is.



4. Katy Perry- Not Like The Movies. I'm not a fan of Katy Perry, but I adore this song. I wish she would sing more like this!




Day 30: Letter to Self

Dear Megan,

Things certainly have been stressful lately. It's all came at you at once, and sometimes you don't know how to deal with it. These are the times you need to reach out- to friends, family, to God. Take small steps in dealing with these challenges. You can do this.

Change has come around once again and you always have a difficult time with that. But things are going to be okay. Take some deep breaths. You will find a job that is right for you, even though that is the hardest thing to believe right now. Try to enjoy these days. Work hard with the walking and eating right. Keep writing. Keep smiling.

Remember that you are a person with your own special talents and character traits. You have a lot to offer the world. Your worth is not measured by the attitude or opinion of others.

Be aware of your worth, your gifts and your strengths.

Be well and find happiness in all the good things that surround you,

Love, Megan