Hump Day

As in middle of the week...Wednesday equals "Hump Day". Usually, I dread Wednesdays, but today has actually been amazing. Want to know why? Well, two of my four classes are cancelled--ASL and Book of Mormon. So I haven't even had my first class yet. Happy day!

Good news moments that have happened since Sunday:

• Michaela and I went for a joyride to the Hindu temple where the Festival of Colors was held. Its actually very beautiful! There are also llamas and buffalo around...kinda weird haha. Then we drove around to find swing sets--these will be used whenever we have a bad moment and need to go back to childhood for a moment. 
• I didn't see BB in the gym...long story short, I'm over him and so not seeing him at all was perfect.
• I went to ASL Club and we learned church words. We also got our club shirts which are awesome! And the president is SUPER cute, so that's always a plus. 
• I finished my second draft for my paper with 11 minutes to spare.
• Michaela and I skyped her superrrr cute friend/her ex-boyfriend-turned bestie...yeah, so now me and the guy are friends too. And when Mich and I go up to her place this weekend, we're all gonna hang out. I'm excited.

Happy Hump Day! 

23 more days.

Thank Goodness the End is Near

So Friday guess who came to BYU?! MARK ZUCKERBERG AKA THE CREATOR OF FACEBOOK AND TIME MAGAZINE'S PERSON OF THE YEAR! Holy moly, talk about awesome! The senator was also there, but he clearly wasn't the reason why people went to the forum haha. Things I learned about Mark Zuckerberg:

1. He went to Harvard and dropped out
2. He's worth 13 billion
3. He's the youngest billionaire...ever.
4. When he was in high school/graduating, AOL and Microsoft wanted to hire him on the spot
5. BYU was his first forum EVER.

Basically, I'm in love with him. Or at least his qualities...my friends say it's because he's rich and that I'm a gold digger, but whatever. Smarts and ambition are very attractive and if that just so happens to get you rich, well more power to you haha. My favorite thing Mark said was, "people don't get put into roles--they create them for themselves".

What also happened on Friday was an intense urge to leave campus--so my aunt Vickie picked me up and I spent the night at her place. It was just what I needed! And I got to see my aunt Amy and cousin Brittany and Britt's new baby! He's adorable...

Viliami ani Teliasi afusipa Petelo

Saturday was the most chill day ever. I was supposed to go to the Festival of Colors, but events happened and by the end of it, Jonni, Alison and I found a car that had only 2 seats available, so I let them go. I'm bummed I didn't go, but I knew I'd go next year so it wasn't that bad staying behind.

Today is Sunday. Last Fast Sunday. Last Sunday of the month and now all I have to get through are General Conference (I'm actually looking forward to it) and two more regular church meetings. Then I spend Easter with the family in VA!

26 more days.

And Your Name Is Jonah

From professor: Your assignment is to analyze a piece of rhetoric (it can be whatever you want--a TV show, a speech, an article, a blog post, even the article you analyzed for your RA, whatever) and then attempt to make an OUTLINE of the piece--the intro, the main points, the conclusion, whether there are pathetic appeals, counterarguments, etc.  Good outlining!

Response: Let's analyze the movie, "And Your Name Is Jonah". It is about a deaf boy (Jonah) who was misdiagnosed as mentally challenged. Three years after living in a mental hospital (pretty sure that's what it was), he was correctly diagnosed as deaf, but was encouraged to learn to lip read and speak and eventually become "hearing". The speech therapists told them that this would help him belong in the world--because the world was meant for hearing people. After several failed speech therapy sessions and family drama, Jonah's mother decided to teach him American Sign Language--something that was a huge controversy at the time. Finally her son could communicate and could "say" everything he wanted to say and be "heard" in the hearing world. 


Introduction--

• talk about the views of deaf people from ignorant hearing people and how ASL was frowned upon
• talk about the controversy between learning to lip read/speak verses sign
• talk about how being deaf and signing does not make you less intelligent or less human

 Main points--

• address the times where communication failed
• misdiagnoses with Jonah's parents and the doctors
• Jonah's hearing aids only made noise louder, but not clear to where he could hear
• speech therapy failed
• when Jonah was being yelled at from a car to get out of the road--led to him falling off his bike
• when Jonah couldn't understand that Spiderman was a "good guy"--put his brother's Spiderman in the oven to get rid of him
• when Jonah's grandfather got a heart attack and died--Jonah didn't understand and searched for him after the funeral
• when Jonah got lost and was taken to a hospital by a police officer--the doctors and nurses thought he was dangerous and crazy
• address the times where communication succeeded
• when notes and interpreters were used to communicate between Jonah's mother (hearing) and her new deaf friends
• the deaf community discussing
• Jonah and his family finally learning to sign

Conclusion--

• Jonah was finally able to learn and communicate to his hearing family
• Jonah felt loved and accepted and thrived with his newfound way of speaking

Pathetic appeals--

• whenever Jonah was labeled as a freak show, crazy, not normal--makes the audience feel sad
• whenever Jonah doesn't understand his surroundings (his father leaving, his dead grandfather)--makes the audience feel sad
• whenever Jonah was accused of "not belonging" (on the streets, playing with other children, being taught to play baseball)--makes the audience feel sad for Jonah and angry at the people who are mean to him
• when Jonah learns sign and can talk to his family and finally tells them that he loves them--makes the audience thrilled and overjoyed (I actually cried at this part...haha)

Counterarguments

• that the world is actually meant for hearing people--to hear alarms, the phone ring, people yelling at you to get your attention from far away, to listen to music...
• in a desperate situation, communication would fail between a hearing person and a deaf person

There we go! I hope I did it correctly haha...but I definitely recommend this movie. It's definitely an eye-opener and very touching. 

Day 30

Day 30 - Who are you? I am Megan. I am a young woman trying to become a mature adult. I am a college student. I am a friend. I am kind. I am funny. I am smart. I am a person who is not a fan of this question. We shall leave it at that.  :]


So in human anatomy, guess what we learned about? The urinary and reproductive systems. Talk about awkward...everyone was laughing and trying to be serious. We failed at times haha. And we saw actual specimens. Just when you think you'll see that stuff for the first time on your wedding day, you are reminded that you are a human anatomy student and that you have to see it anyway. Awkwardly hilarious. 

Day 29

In this past month what have you learned? In this past month, I have learned that your best effort is all that matters, that I can survive on my own two feet, that I can talk to guys when I either have no interest in or are my friends but nothing past that, that I will choose sleep over food or friends, that I can do hard things, and that I have no "sexy" bone in my body. As you can tell, I have learned many life lessons haha.


So fun stuff! Yesterday, Michaela's family took me out to dinner...I got to meet her grandparents too. They were so sweet and it was so nice to have family time, even if they weren't related to me whatsoever. 


And one more month til I come home! Yay!  :]

Day 27 & 28

Day 27 - Why are you doing this 30 day challenge?


I am doing the challenge because I was tired of giving an update of my life...which I find boring, so who wants to read about a boring life? That's really it. Change was needed, and not the Obama kind.

Day 28 - A picture of you in the last year and now, how have you changed since then?

Last year...

Now...

Words that come to mind when I look at these pictures--I was very childish last year. I still am now, but I think it is more of a crazy childish if that makes sense. I'm definitely more responsible...I think you have to be to survive college. Being responsible really isn't an option. I look the same, but the inside is slightly different. I think my inside is still dealing with being away from home (I know, so lame, it's been almost a whole school year and I'm still not over it). I long for my family...its like my heart is always in this constant yearning. I also miss the diversity of home...I can't help but miss being one of the few Mormons where I lived (never knew I'd say that haha). But I've come to realize that I grow better in opposition. Opposition has made me fear falling away from the church and that fear made me so dependent on God. Some people sink in that kind of environment but the more I think about my life back home, the more I realized that I thrive in that environment. Not to say that I'm not at BYU, but I just miss that environment, shocking as that sounds.

These pictures captivate my physical being--the smiles, the squinty Asian eyes that are brought out when I smile too big or it's dark outside, the silly things I do like run through a monsoon or climb trees for the heck of it. But that's all these pictures tell. It doesn't tell you that I have been stretched beyond my limits, molded to a more responsible almost-adult (because I still don't really feel like one), and grown to be more appreciative of all the things that I have and have had in my life. 

Day 25 & 26

Since it's almost the next day, I decided I'd do both days. Double whammy. Enjoy! 


Day 25 - What I would find in your purse.

• Scriptures
• Journal
• Gum
• Keys
• ID card

Day 26 - What you think about your friends.


Obviously, I think good things. If I didn't, they wouldn't be my friends. I think they're absolutely wonderful. 


Really, who comes up with these "day" diaries?

Day 24

A letter to your parents.


Dear Mom and Dad,
I miss you like crazy. I regret those moments we had when it got towards the end of senior year--where I kept saying, "I'll be so glad when I leave". Because that's definitely not the case. College is hard, distance is harder. But thank you for having confidence in my abilities and always reminding me that you know I'm meant to be here...sometimes I lose sight of that. I love you both. You inspire me. I hope I can always make you proud. See you in a month and five days. <3


With Love,
Megan


Okay I have another Glee song obsession. I have been replaying this song over and over again like there's no tomorrow. It's got such a good message and it's very funny. If you haven't watched the recent episode, this song is an original song that was targeting Sue for all her bullying. Enjoy! :]

Loser Like Me by the Glee Cast

NEXT STOP: Day 25 - What I would find in your purse.

Day 23

Something you crave a lot.

• Peanut butter--if I ever become allergic, my food world will be over. 
• Chocolate
• Mangoes 
• Pineapple
• Watermelon
• CHIPOTLE--I will always have cravings for this food...why can't there be one in Provo?!
• Robeks
• Anything Asian--I love it all

Now for some extra tidbits...I got TWO letters from my friend who's on his mission in Uruguay! I was so happy! Like I honestly thought I wasn't going to get a letter...the mail system down there is apparently really bad and who knows, maybe there's no paper? But I got two and I was absolutely thrilled! The best part about the letters is that even though he's been gone for a couple of months, you can see a tremendous change in him. It's absolutely wonderful. He wrote something in one of the letters that really touched me (like to the point where I almost cried) and I'd like to leave you with what he said:

...That's the thing that I've come to learn. This life is not just a meaningless purpose. We are all here today because we want tot dry day by day to be like God. All other things in life don't matter. Trials are always for our growth and we will live after this life. It's the shortest time period in our existence but also the hardest. Just keep the eternal perspective and know that everything we have or will feel has been felt by our older Brother, Jesus Christ.

NEXT STOP: Day 24 - A letter to your parents.

Day 22

What makes you different from everyone else.


Ever since I can remember, my mom has always told me, "Megan, you don't have a jealous bone in your body," meaning, I don't get jealous. Period. I always tend to be happy for people's successes in life, regardless of how it effects me. There have been moments were people try to get me jealous...and they think they succeed, but they don't. They have jealousy mixed with a different emotion. Like, frustration with the person, for example haha. But overall, I have never really felt jealousy. I'm so glad. There are too many people who get jealous and it trips them up ALL THE TIME. Maybe I will experience at some point...like if I meet my future husband and actually feel something when he talks to another girl. Maybe. But I hope not. I feel pretty darn proud at this special something of mine.


NEXT STOP: Day 23 - Something you crave a lot.

Day 21

A picture of something that makes you happy.

I know it only said "A" picture, but I couldn't help it...I love flowers, temples, rainbows, babies and puppies.

Great news! I donated blood today for the first time! I really didn't want to do it, but my friends pulled the "your family in Japan needs this blood" card and the "cancer kids need blood" card and it worked. It took me forever to fill a whole bag though...because I didn't plan on donating blood, I didn't drink a lot of water. But I'm so glad. Apparently doing it was a lot more painful for those who were experienced, so I guess the next time I donate won't be so bad. I survived and I'm totally proud of my badge of honor--the red tape wrapped around my elbow. Yay! 

NEXT STOP: Day 22 - What makes you different from everyone else.

Day 20

Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future.


I see myself marrying someone who is...

• A worthy Priesthood holder (meaning he's Mormon, active, yadda-yadda)
• Taller than me
• Loves kids
• Is ambitious and driven
• Serves
• Is kind-hearted
• Loves to laugh (especially at my jokes)
• Witty 
• Wants to travel/has traveled
• Loves sports
• Has an appreciation for the arts

That's really it...like I can't think of anything super special or original. Fun stuff...  :]

PS: Michaela and Alison saw BB in the Cannon Center--his profile/body that is. They said he had a great body...but woman lips. I don't know how lips can be womanly...but dang itttt haha. 

NEXT STOP: Day 21 - A picture of something that makes you happy.

Day 19

Nicknames you have; why do you have them? 

• Meg--shortened version of my name
• Megara--Hercules + my friend Vanesa
• Megatron--Transformers + my friend Melissa
• Megbo--I call my friend, Melissa, "Kimbo" so she called me "Megbo". Doesn't sound as good, but then my friend, Jordan, found out, so he calls me that too.
• Meggie--little kid name
• Meggie Doodle Bug--little kid name + the fact that I loved to draw
• Megan Belle--I was obsessed with Taco Bell and Belle the Disney princess when I was a kid + my aunt, Vickie. 
• Mormon--kinda self explanatory
• Smiles--I'd always smile in basketball practice
• Bruiser--I'd always bruise people in basketball
• Dino--I went through a phase of hitting a volleyball like a dinosaur moves his arms
• Woman--from my loving bro family
• Miss--because I'm a lady and my friend, Ali, calls me that. 
• China--my friend, Grant, calls me that only because he knows that I'm Japanese and when it comes to Japan, I'm pro Japanese-power. 
• Bestie--my friend, Skelly, calls me that.
• Gypsy--my friend, Ilvis, calls me that.
• Barbie--thank you, last name.

These are the names I can remember...I can't think of any other ones. But I like all my nicknames. They're fun. :]


PS: Fun fact. Apparently to feel "happy", a person should get at least 8 hugs a day...that explains a lot. I've gotten from 0-1 hug per week. So sad. College students need more hugs (after I found that fact out, I got two hugs and I felt incredibly happier)!

NEXT STOP: Day 20 - Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future

Day 18

Plans/Dreams/Goals you have.


I plan on backpacking through Europe. I dream of having a happy ending. My goal is to get BB's number. I plan on serving a mission. I dream of growing old with my special someone. My goal is to look dang good for my family pictures this summer. I plan on having a crazy fun summer. I dream of home. My goal is to survive college. 


Today I went to the A Capella Jam with Alison...holy cow. I'm in love with BYU Vocal Point. So much fun! <3


NEXT STOP: Day 19 - Nicknames you have; why do you have them?

Issues Paper Background Sources/Day 17

1) History of the Olympics

Creating the Modern Olympic Games

http://history1900s.about.com/od/fadsfashion/a/olympicshistory.htm

2) POLITICAL INFLUENCE AND THE OLYMPIC FLAME

http://www.la84foundation.org/SportsLibrary/JOH/JOHv7n1/JOHv7n1f.pdf

3) Estimating the Cost and Benefit of Hosting Olympic Games: What Can Beijing Expect from Its 2008 Games?

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa4127/is_200510/ai_n15705690/

4) The true success of nations at recent Olympic Games: comparing actual versus expected medal success.

Works Cited

Halsey, Lewis G. "The true success of nations at recent Olympic Games: comparing actual versus expected medal success." Sport in Society 12.10 (2009): 1353-1368. SPORTDiscus. EBSCO. Web. 10 Mar. 2011.

5) North American Superiority

Works Cited

Vicki, Michaelis. "North American superiority." USA Today n.d.: Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 10 Mar. 2011.

For some reason, none of the sites wanted to get into the same font/size/color, so enjoy the chaos. Here are my five background sources for my paper. :]


Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why...who would I want to switch lives with? I've never really thought about this...maybe, "oh, they have such cool lives" or "oh, they do such cool things" but never "I want to switch lives with that person for one day!"...but here we go. Eh, heck, I'll just do a couple.

• Emma Watson/Hermione Granger--She's gorgeous and she plays a witch (wizard? I'm not obsessed like some people). That'd be pretty cool. And she's super smart, so if I was her, I could pretty much do ANYTHING I wanted to do...hehehe
• Sister Julie B. Beck--I'd just want to see a day in her everyday life. Seems super hectic and crazy, but fulfilling.
• Ryan Reynolds future girlfriend--Because I love Ryan Reynolds...well...maybe I wouldn't want to switch for just a day...okay never mind, scratch that one.
• Michelle Obama--Not because I love Obama, but just to be the First Lady. I'd totally abuse that title.
• Helen Keller--I want to know how the heck she did it all...
• The person who dresses up as Belle in Disney Land--Because everyone knows Belle is the best/smartest/selfless/coolest Disney princess ever created...and she's my favorite. Let's face it, who wouldn't want to be a Disney princess?
• A person with a photographic memory--I'd only want to be this if all the knowledge I learned that day stuck with me when I became "myself" again. I would spend the whole day just reading books/confidential documents/super-smart people only documents/the scriptures...I think I'd be set for LIFE then. 

NEXT STOP: Day 18 - Plans/Dreams/Goals you have.


PS: I don't know how to get rid of that GIANT red line...blast copy and paste. 

Day 16

Another picture of yourself...since my GNO/GNI pictures are the most recent of mine, I'm going to post cartoon drawings that I've gotten from my friends. Here we go...

Drawn by Miles W.

I'm the far left...Drawn by Cathy D.

Titled "A Girl: Surprised". Drawn by Taylor B. 

They look JUST like me, right? haha My friends are so talented...


Here's a song I absolutely love. I want to learn how to sing it. Such a beautiful song..."can I sail through the changing ocean tides, can I handle the seasons of my life?"

Landslide by Glee Cast

NEXT STOP: Day 17 - Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why.

Day 15

Put your iPod on shuffle; first 10 songs that play.

1. Condition of Desperation--Randy Porter
2. Telephone--Lady Gaga feat. Beyonce
3. If I Never See Your Face Again--Maroon 5
4. The Story of Us--Taylor Swift
5. Hot In Herre--Nelly (haha sooo old!)
6. If You Can Afford Me--Katy Perry (lame, I don't even listen to this song...)
7. Here's To You--Rascal Flatts
8. Canto Alla Vita--Josh Groban feat. The Corrs
9. Maybe This Time--Glee Cast
10. Leave (Get Out)--Jojo (omgsh, I want to sing like her...)

Wow, most of these songs I haven't listened to in ages. Oh well. Here's my list. Out of 562 artists (actually more because I have "unknown" artists) and 1812 items, these are the top ten. 

What I did today: class, met with English Professor, met with ASL TA, worked out, said "hi" to Ryan, went to ASL Club, studied. Yup. That's basically been my day. Super awesome, right?


From the GNO...or GNI. Here's a glimpse of a typical girl sleepover...

There are lots of laughs...

silly faces...

cool temperature pictures...

face distortions... 

smizing (smiling with your eyes. thanks Top Model)...

Such a good night.  :]

NEXT STOP: Day 16 - Another picture of yourself.

Day 14

Day 14 - A picture of you and your family.

The family is a haven in a heartless world.  ~Attributed to Christopher Lasch

My family--the greatest thing I've been given. I've always loved them, but I didn't really know just how priceless they are to me until I came to BYU. I will admit, I still struggle with homesickness. I wish I could see them every weekend like some of the girls in my hall. I love them so much and I'm so grateful for temples and that because my parents were married and sealed there, I can live with them for time and all eternity. They make me smile; they make me laugh; they make me hopeful. 46 more days until I finally get to go home. 

NEXT STOP: Day 15 - Put your iPod on shuffle; first 10 songs that play.