Mumford & Sons

It's been a dang good week. 

Seeing the boys in November.

*sigh *scream *airpunch *jump

Fresh Start

I'm back... I think. I seemed to have forgotten this thing existed. Don't you hate it when life happens? 

Life has been all sorts of crazy. Please be patient as I get back into the groove of blogging. My life isn't all that exciting right now, but I will try my best to get this going. 

On a good note, SENIOR YEAR IS HERE! So extremely terrifying, it's going to be a great year.... 

Wrong Way to Hope

Life has been all sorts of hectic lately. I get too caught up in work and things that really aren't worth my stress, that I sometimes forget to appreciate the big things in life. My family, my health, my friends.

Today at work, I met with some folks from the office for a meeting. After having quite a stressful morning at my desk, I welcomed this short opportunity to go meet some new people and learn more about our wonderful foundation. I walked away from the meeting with a much greater attitude and sense of hope.

During our meeting we learned about a former Wish child and his current endeavors. It was such a powerful and beautiful message, I wanted to share it with you all!

Wrong Way to Hope - Film Trailer from Hands On Films on Vimeo.


Enjoy!

Thankful Journal #2

Thankful Journal #2
Today I am thankful for...


1. Google translator. It makes me feel super multilingual. And has been extremely helpful in translating this guy's letters for the past two years. 


2. To-Go packets of oatmeal. You have saved my starving self this week since I've been too lazy to wake up on time to make breakfast. 


3. The Blue Bunny guys that restocked our Blue Bunny ice cream freezer at work today. (Yes, we get all you can eat free Blue Bunny at work, hollaaa) 


4. The nice guy that flipped me off this morning because I cut you off. Well, I did cut you off, so I might have deserved that one.... I thank you for the nice chuckle you gave me tho, as I watched you so furiously scream at me. 


5. The mail room lady at work. We had a great chuckle today when I stood too close to the fan and all 50 page protectors I was holding took flight. Thanks for not making me feel like an idiot mail lady, it was a rough day.

Thankful Journal #1

When I was in 8th grade, my honors English teacher made us write in a thankful journal before we started class every single day. We had to write the things we were thankful for that day. Every. Single. Day. 


I hated it. 


I only saw it as a waste of time, when instead I could have been writing a juicy note to my bff. Or stealing Nick's gum from his backpack. (That poor kid, stealing his gum out of his backpack was almost a daily occurrence, sorry Nick!) 


Now looking back it, as a so-called "adult", I miss it. I love going back and reading that journal. Not only does it make me laugh incredibly hard for being thankful for ridiculous things. "Nick's curly red hair, because it gives something to stare at when we're learning about poems" or "Chelsea's bodacious backpack because we hide Nick's gum in there" (Oh, please take me back to being in 8th grade....) But, its also made me realize just how important it is to be thankful for everything in your life. 


I'm bringing the thankful journal fad back. And I promise you that even as an "adult", I will still be thankful for the most ridiculous things everyday. That's the whole point. Sometimes you need to remind yourself that no matter how sucky life is at the moment or how much you hate where you are, you still have a mailman that delivers your mail in this scorching heat. Oh, the little things in life. 


Thankful Journal #1
Today, I am thankful for....


1. The cleaning rag I've accidently left in my car for the past year or so. It has saved my hands from 3rd degree burns all summer. (AZ peeps, you understand)


2. MTV, although you no longer play music videos 24/7 and I can't memorize all of them anymore, you provide wonderful TV shows that always make me feel 100000x better about myself. 


3. Speaking of, I'm also thankful that I don't qualify for the majority of the MTV shows. Except Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory, someone help a sista out, I want on that show! jk....


4. The nice nerdy gentlemen I met tonight. You were so insanely awkward, I loved it. You at least provided me with some great laughter.


5. My brand new mattress. I love/hate you. You make it 100x harder to get up in the morning! 


What are you thankful for today?? 

My British Boyfriend

There has been a special man in my life recently. He's great with kids, cooks like a chef, and has the cutest British accent. We spend the afternoons together cooking and laughing at his hilarious cooking commentary. I just can't get enough. 


Everything is going great.


Except for the fact that he's a famous British chef, who lives in Essex, England. Oh, and he's married. Lame. 


My old housemates in England and I used to sit around the tv every afternoon and watch his 30 Minute Meals show. They introduced me to this lovely man. And they even gifted me one of Jamie's cookbooks when I left. 


Now, that I've been back in America for almost a year, my heart has been yearning for him. 
A couple of weeks ago I turned on BBC America (the closest I get to British tv) and Jamie's sweet face was on TV. I died. Ever since, I've been recording every episode of Jamie's 30 Minute Meals and becoming a professional chef. 


He's pure genius. He will NEVER let you down. I've been cooking my way through his cookbooks and every single recipe has been heaven. 

One of my favorite meals: ciabatta steak sandwich with roasted red peppers, stuffed portobello mushrooms, rosemary potatoes, and fresh cucumber and lemon water. 

I know what you're thinking.

"Maggie, can we share this wonderful British boyfriend?"

No.

 But you can get his book! You will fall in love too!

(my favorite two)

Untitled

Sometimes people hurt you. People that you love and trust. 

No, thanks. 

Moving on. 

Changes

There have been some recent changes in my life. Some great, some not so great. I have to keep reminding myself that it's all part of the plan, and to learn and grow from them all. It can be easier said than done most of the time, but it's a learning process. 

I began my internship at Make-A-Wish America this week. It has been a great learning experience. I'm already loving my position and really look forward to my time here. I was lucky enough to be picked from the best of the best across the nation and I'm very proud to work along some other great people! Everybody there has been extremely welcoming and patient with my lack of accounting skills (oops). 

This is already becoming a great summer. 

Current Jam

could not have said it better myself. Loving this song. 

just ignore the fact that Jason Mraz looks like Sideshow Bob....

100 Part Dos

I came across an old blog post from 2 years ago, and thought I would give it another go. It was quite interesting to see the changes in my thoughts and the things about me. I challenge you to do the same, record 100 facts/thoughts/feelings about yourself. You'll realize that there's a lot to learn about yourself that sometimes you're not even aware of. 

1. I'm still a huge procrastinator. I fully expect that to never change, and I'm okay with that. 

2. Over the past 2 years, I've learned hundreds of new ways of procrastinating, holla!

3. My friends are all getting married. They're dropping like flies.

4. I on the other hand, don't even have a social life. 70+ hr. work weeks, holla!

5. I quite enjoy working myself to the ground, it makes me feel achieved and legit.

6. 2 years ago, I had just begun working with America Reads. Now, I'm a Site Supervisor and still loving every second of my job. 

7. I am no longer crammed in a dorm, but instead living in a quite beautiful house with some friends. 

8. I expanded my cooking knowledge. I'm no longer constricted to just a microwave. Thank you Jamie Oliver!

9. I used to despise any and every domestic house chore. Now, I only despise cleaning, laundry, vacuuming and dusting. I guess not much has changed....Except I dig cooking now. 

10. I currently really dig cooking. Who would have ever guessed? 

11. I recently purchased a new 8" Chef Knife. It was the highlight of my month. Sad? Heck no. 

12. I've explored new parts of the world, and have hung on to every memory of my trips. 

13. So much, that I speak in British accent pretty frequently. As in, everyday....

14. I'm obsessed with everything British. 

15. My current Netflix addiction is Downton Abbey. Sooo good (Sophia Grace and Rosie reference)

16. 2 years later, still obsessed with The Office, there's probably not a day that I don't watch at least 1 episode...

17. Still obsessed with Nutella, obvi. Too legit to quit. 

18. RIP Grandpa Louise and Delilah (my bikes that were stolen on campus)

19. I beat my shopping obsession. Now, it's actually pretty hard to get me to go to the mall. Wtf happened?? Oh yeah, I'm a poor college student.

20. I hardly ever eat cereal now. Wow, I am growing up....

21. Netflix= my true love. 

22. I'm a senior in college and still suffering from high school senioritis, oops.

23. I'm terrified of graduating, yeah I said it. Graduating= real life. No, thank you.

24. Real life is scary. 

25. Confession, I still thoroughly enjoy watching stupid tv shows. Sue me.

26. I'm on the market for a new mattress. Mattress shopping is hard! 

27. Not to mention expensive.

28. I'm still as indecisive as a 16 year old girl in love. Lame sauce. 

29. When will I grow out of that? Ideas?

30. This is way harder than I thought, and I still have 20 to go..

31. I've been doing the Insanity workout. I hate everything about it. 

32. Slight exaggeration. The muscles in my body hate Insanity. I'm bleh about it.

33. Politics still make me very angry. Booooo.

34. I still hate doing dishes. 

35. But have somehow managed keeping a really clean house. Thank you roommates.

36. I'm no longer an English Lit major. I changed to Nonprofit Leadership Management. That's a mouthful, trust me. 

37. I don't like when people ask me what I'm studying. See post above.

38. I really dig my new major.

39. I plan on pursuing a career with non-profit agencies and organizations around the world.

40. I currently intern for the Make-A-Wish foundation. 

41. Blah blah blah.

42. Blah blah blah.

43. I still very much enjoy reading; however, it's harder to find time now.

44. I'm currently reading The Golden Notebook because an old teacher told me I had to read it to become a woman. 

45. I have not become a woman yet because I can't get through the dang book! I do not like it. 

46. I still can't concentrate even at 21(almost) years old.

47. I already lost interest in this.

48. I'm going to have to repeat history.

49. I will not finish this, I can't think of 50 more.

50. Doneso. 

Biggest Life Update

Excuse the long absence, I had been put away in an office and working way too much! But for now, I am free for a month and it's time to blog again! 

Enjoy my life recap for the past couple of months in pictures.

Reminder

A much needed reminder, enjoy!

Sweet, Sweet Revenge

If you recall, last year I got pranked extremely bad on April Fool's day. So badly, I actually cried. So this year, my one and only goal was to get revenge. 

It went pretty well. 

Egham Adventures: LA Edition

Elliot arrived on Tuesday, and much to my delight, his arrival included a trip for me to LA. After a brief scare at the airport where I thought I had lost him, we had a grand trip around LA!

( Don't mind the poster....it's an inside joke...)

Egham Adventures: Mesa Edition

Look who made their way across the pond to good ol' AZ. 

It's been a busy week so far. We've managed to cross off LA, Grand Canyon and Sedona off his bucket list so far. And eating massive amounts of food. We are looking forward to another week with this Brit, we have lots in store for him!

The British are Coming

Finally, something blog worthy happening in my life.

This crazy Brit boy will be touching down in good ol' America on Tuesday and will be partying it up with me for 2 whole weeks!

bffls reunited!

I have tons of fun filled activities during his stay. All which I'm hoping we'll be blog worthy and be able to spice this baby back up. 

Internship

It's embarrassing how bad of a blogger I've been lately....

Lets hope I don't continue this rut. 

I really wish I had some rad pictures of all the rad things I've been doing lately, but in all honesty.....I've been locked away in a cubicle all day.

Minus the tiny cubicle part.... I do have to say that I absolutely LOVE my internship. Now I realize that in most cases, you don't get love and internship in the same sentence... but with my sweet set up, I have no complaints. 

Let me back up. 

For those of you that aren't currently living in my brain or in a close vicinity to me.... I am currently interning for the City of Phoenix. 

Ready for the huge long explanation of my position that a very low number of you will even read?

I work under the Community and Economic Development department at City Hall. 

Even more specifically, I work under the International Relations Sector.

Even more specifically, I work under the non-profit, Phoenix Sister Cities.

Even MORE specifically, I specialize in the youth and education programs we provide.

Bored to death yet?

In short, my internship allows me to work with coordinating and implementing youth and education programs on an international level. 

So pretty much my all time dream job. 

Although I have been working insane hours lately, and sometimes I come home and pass out half laying on my bed, I could not be happier with my position. 

I am gaining an incredible amount of experience in the field that I'm so passionate about.

Plus, I am meeting some of the most genuine hard workers out in my field, and I'm loving every second of it!

I also can't complain about this view I get from our conference room....

Weekend

This has been one of the most exhausting weekends of my life. I worked a straight 28 hour shift Friday-Saturday.....but believe it or not, I loved every minute of it. My internship has been one of the coolest things I've ever done and I am learning some great things. Even though I sometimes work insane hours, I know that I am getting some of the best work experience out there. 

Luckily, I had this guy nurture me back to sanity, the poor kid had to hang out with me after 41 hours of no sleep.... I was quite delusional to say the least. 

Unfortunately, I don't get the day off today.... So even though more sleep would be greatly appreciated, I have to go to work :( 

Lovey Dovey

It's not my style to post lovey dovey stuff on this blog. But when a sweet boy surprises you with a candle lit dinner under the stars, I tend to forget why in the world I don't post these things! I wish I had a camera with me to document the awesome set up, but leave it to me to forget. Nevertheless, our candle lit Pita Jungle (my fav) dinner was the best. Thanks to everyone that helped my boy set everything up, you guys rock!

MIA

Work has consumed my life. Every. last. second. of. it. 

You will find me either passed out on the couch during my spare time, or smiling my life away with a certain someone. 

Life is fantastic right now. 

Alive

I'm alive! Just far too busy working to do anything with this blog! I'm sorry!

I'm putting in 60 hour weeks, and on the spare free hours I get, I've been spending them with good company!

I'll keep you posted, hope you guys are all having a great week!

Life Lately

I've been working long days, so my life hasn't been all that eventful. However, I've managed to capture a few shots here and there. 

The roomies and I took a trip to the "happiest place on earth". Which I refer to as Ikea. 

The girls and I at a YSA event last night. It was very interesting to say the least...

My newest creation....it only took me about 3 months to complete....

Soaking in the intern life lately. I do get fantastic views of Downtown Phoenix though!

We may or may not have spent 3 hours sitting on my couch playing this last night. As we sat next to each other the entire time. Technology will be the death of us!

Decisions

Lately, I've been consumed with a pretty big life decision. I'm going to pull one of those annoying blog quirks and keep this extremely vague for personal reasons, I apologize. 


Even though everyone has been telling me that I would be stupid to pass this opportunity up, I can't help but feel that it's not the right timing or that I'm not ready to leave. 


I was in church yesterday, reading through the program for this week's sacrament meeting. Sure enough, right there on the front of the page was something I needed to hear:

"When your heart is in the effort, you'll find a way to prevail against whatever may block your path. When your heart is in the effort, you'll be fully and effectively engaged every step of the way.

See, hear, feel and taste the end of the journey before you even begin. The more vividly you visualize and relate to the goal, the more energy you'll have to get there, Difficult as it may be, there is a path from here to there. Connect solidly with your purpose for going, and you'll surely complete the journey. " 

- Ralph Marston

Coincidently, I had the opportunity for someone to translate the French part of Ty's christmas video for me. I couldn't be more thankful for the wonderful advice he gave in those short minutes, it was yet again, something that I needed to hear and feel reassured.


Yesterday was one of those days, where you kinda desperately look out in the world for some sort of sign or answer to all your doubts. It was an amazing experience for me to realize that the answers are out there, sometimes on a church program and other times from the mouth of your best friends. But, it also helped me learn that I need to be patient, that not every answer comes to you in an instant. I am really looking forward to this process of making my decision. Although lately I have been feeling extremely overwhelmed about it, I know that my answer will come when I am ready. I love knowing that Heavenly Father is always out there helping us in some way or another to find our answers. Sometimes they don't come directly from Him, but I know that He always places the exact people in my life to help me get there. 

Oops

Well, what do you know, I've already fallen behind on blogging this year, million pardons. 

This week has been hectic to say the least. I've been in and out of meetings and trainings for work. Nonetheless, I survived the week, only to begin yet another crazy week. It will be my first week working 60+ hours.... and even though I am not too excited about that, it's only one more week till I get to see my kids! 

I also start my new internship tomorrow, and even though I am super excited, I am still wondering how in the world I am going to wake up at 6 am?! Wish me luck!

Work Work Work

Work has already been crazy this week. We are in the process of getting everything ready for the kiddos, so it's been a little hectic. However, yesterday when we were in training I was remembered on why I work these crazy hours, stay up late getting stuff done and spend hours painting and making things for those kids. I was remembered that I work with a community where 95% of the families are living under the poverty line. Where the average family of 4 is currently living off of a $25,000 a year income. 

I was remembered of the time that I was a kid, living in a rough neighborhood where I had people bend over backwards to help me get to where I am now. 

All of a sudden, I didn't mind one bit that I spent my day yesterday at work, or that I've been stuck doing paperwork, planning and writing countless agendas. 

And most of all, it made me miss my kiddos like crazy. It's been a month since I've seen them and January 24th can't come sooner! 

Diego's Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my favorite 6 year old! 

I cannot believe how fast time is going and how fast he is growing, but I sure do love this kid. 

One Year

A year ago today I was jetting across the Atlantic.

A year ago today I showed up on the doorsteps of 13 Hazel Close, only to be welcomed by the best people ever. 

I miss Egham more than anything, but I am so grateful that I was able to be there with such amazing people! I miss you guys more than anything! But luckily, Elliot will be making his way over here in March! 

Surprises

I got home yesterday and was welcomed with a lovely surprise in my room. 

A Christmas package from Elder Johnson. 

And I loved every bit of it.

Especially the lovely video he sent me. Even though I only understood half because my French has been slacking lately, sorry Ty. 

Tell me that wouldn't make your day??

2012

I might be a little late on this post. But I'm thinking it's never too late in the year to set resolutions, right?

I'm really digging 2012. It's only been 3 days into this new year, but I can already tell it's going to be amazing. I have so many things to look forward to this year, and I could not be more excited to see what else 2012 has in store for me. I've been thinking a lot about what to add to my resolutions this year, and I can only imagine the list will continue to grow as the year goes by. 

So without further ado, my 2012 resolutions:

1. Go to church every week.

Sounds simple enough, but lately I've been riding the struggle bus with this one lately. I am very excited though, and I know it will bring my many blessings!

2. Along the same lines, read my scriptures daily and attend the temple often. 

3. Make new friends, and cherish the old ones. 

4. Learn to be more forgiving and caring. I've heard my sarcastic humor doesn't settle with everyone, so I also need to be nicer!

5. Write my missionary friends often. 

6. Tell the people I love, how much I actually love and care for them.

7. Keep my room/house clean.... that will be a struggle but I seriously have to get better at this. 

8. Take more pictures. I set this every year and still struggle. But it's an amazing thing being able to look back on pictures and remember all the wonderful things you experienced.

9. Keep this blog flowing, and post more often!

10. Last but definitely not least, be happy! 

Looking back on 2011

Clearly my plan to go back and write about every month in 2011 went horribly wrong..... I apologize.

But I spent today really thinking about what the most important events of 2011 have been. And looking back on this past year, I realized that it wasn't all the trips I took that made it so great. It was the things I learned. 

2011 was a learning year for me. I learned an abundance of things this year that sometimes thinking about it can be extremely overwhelming. 

I began 2011 at my lowest I've ever been in my life. 

I was broken, confused, and out of control. 

Just 5 days into 2011, I was heading off to London, off to start a new life away from the chaos I had gotten myself in. I was running away from my problems, trying to find some way to escape and forget all about them. But little did I know, that I was actually off to experience some of the most helpful months of my life. Living in England, away from everything I knew, including my family, friends, and all the memories I have here was an indescribable experience. It was in these months that I came to learn so many things about myself that I had never even thought about. The experience opened me to so many new experiences that I will be eternally grateful for. 

Through all the new things I experienced I learned many great lessons. Some good, some bad, but now I realize that they were all necessary and part of the plan. 

Perhaps one of the most important things I learned (I should say re-learn) in 2011 was faith. While in England, I went back to attending church. Those Sundays I spent with my small ward in Staines, were some of the most special days I spent in England. I will never forget the feeling of serenity I felt those Sunday afternoons as I took walks around the park, those moments I spent alone reading my scriptures in the grass, and most importantly that feeling of peace finally coming back into my life. I learned about all the love that Heavenly Father gives us and that surrounds us on a daily basis, that I had clearly forgotten and pushed away. 

That knowledge that I gained continued to strengthen me and teach me even more things as 2011 continued. Even after my stay in London, and coming back to Arizona, the learning process continued. 

On August 16, 2011, I was baptized and became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ  of Latter-Day Saints. And once again, I learned so many new things that brought me closer to my Heavenly Father and those around me. But, in all honesty, I still struggled. And for the past couple of weeks, I've been stuck in this rut and slowly started deviating from that strait and narrow path. 

You see, for some reason, I was under the impression that my learning was finished. I kept thinking of 2011 as the year I learned the most important lessons in life, and that I was done. I had learned what I needed to learn. 

It wasn't until today when I went to church after being absent for several weeks, that I learned an important lesson. And what do you know, it's not 2011 anymore. 

Learning is infinite and never ending. And even though I feel like I learned more life lessons than the average person in 2011, I'm not done. I'm actually not even close. 

But I'm also not doing it alone anymore. 

In 2011, I learned the love that Heavenly Father has for me, and has had for me this entire time I was too blind to see it. I learned about the power of the Holy Ghost and the peace and serenity that it can bring to your life. I learned to trust, forgive, and be caring. 

I learned how to be happy.

2012 has already taught me something wonderful that I had started to already forget, and I can only imagine the rest of the year will be just as amazing.