Little Drummer Boy

My favorite Christmas song is "The little Drummer Boy".
Anytime I hear this song it makes me tear up. I can not listen to these words without thinking how much I feel like the drummer boy who doesn't have anything great and wonderful to give sometimes except the most simpliest of gestures.

When the Holiday season rolls around, I am gently reminded of all I have been blessed with and how much John and I have to be grateful for. We eat (probably a bit too much if you ask me) :), we have a nice place to live, we both have great jobs, and most of all wonderful families!

Growing up my parents did a great job of teaching us all about the spirit of Christmas. It wasn't always about presents and treats. It was about the birth of our Savior and what we do for one another to continue to spread the Spirit during this holiday season.

My parents taught us through example by adopting families for Christmas even if the budget was already tight and taking breakfast to the homeless early Christmas morning.

To me that is what Christmas is about... its those simple gestures.

Like the Drummer Boy; I dont have a lot to offer, but what I do have, I can do "my best for Him"!

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.

Bahhumbug to you!!!

I need to vent... not a better place to vent in this world than on a blog that hopefully more people will see and learn a bit of a lesson from!

BE KIND AND POLITE!!!

(*Note: I will be the first to admit my own weakness... I am impatient and definitely can lose my temper. John has experienced many melt-downs of mine over the almost two years of being together and the short 6.5 months we have been married! I am not a perfect tempered person!)

However, my parents raised me to respect my elders and those around me. I take responsibility for my actions and to be polite and courteous when I am out in public, talking to someone, at the dinner table, at a restaurant, at a grocery store, etc.

My father still comments on our table manners even now that we are all adults! And you better believe if I, or anyone else for that matter, were to talk to anyone within ear range and be disrespectful or impolite that he would call us out ( in front of everyone ) on it!

With this being said... was no one else raised the same way? Or has majority of people forgotten common courtesy and manners!?!

I have days of rude students who feel that they deserve the world to be served to them on a silver platter, bib already tied around their neck, and don't forget the spoon feeding! Talking to those in my staff, including me, like we are nothing but to bend over backwards for their every want and request. Uh, nope! Welcome to the real world kiddos. Universities have whats called policies and procedures. Sorry you dont like them and feel that they inconvience you. You dont like your teacher? You didn't turn in your homework so your failing? Didn't pass your tests or quizzes so your failing? Your teacher doesn't grade on a curve so your not getting the grade you think you deserve? You missed the deadline so no one is accepting your request form? (oh this list can go on and on) Well kiddo, life isn't fair and take some responsibility...

Oh wait, its my fault? I didn't do your homework? I didn't register for the class? I didn't take advantage of study groups, go to class, or even talk to the teacher themselves, I neglected to turn something in on time... ha! Nope. I managed to graduate with my own degree and wont be accepting any of your excuses why this world is out to get just you!

Can I mention a student who came rushing through the door, ran straight into me, and not turn around to say "excuse me" or "sorry"? When I offered up the first of apologies for being in his way and his response... "..."! Yes he looked at me and said nothing!
That just pushed me over the edge! I looked at him and said "EXCUSE ME!". It didn't phase him. He just started walking away as he said over his shoulder, "excuse me".

SERIOUSLY!!

Another example brings me at Trader Joe's. I love love love Trader Joe's. My reasons for loving it could be a topic of another post at some point. My example is as follows:
I am walking in the fruit section to look for the awesome fruit platters they use to sell (*side note: They don't anymore) and I happen to find myself in their pre-made sandwich section. Since I hadn't already eaten I figured a sandwich would taste yummy! So I reached in and grabbed a sandwich! I started reading the label when the lady next to me (who had been in that same spot since my search for the no-longer-available-fruit-platters and my decision making process for which sandwich to grab) turns to me, folds her arms, and HEAVILY sighs. I look at her, look at the cart that is not even in the same refrigerator section about 5 feet away, and look back at her. "Sorry am I in your way?" I offer up and move back a few steps...

Sure enough she walks past me in front, to her cart, and walks off... HAVING SAID NOTHING!!

I not-so-politely respond to her passiveness with a "well Merry Christmas to you to!o"

SERIOUSLY!!!!!!!!

Look I love man-kind! I love my spiritual brothers and sisters no matter where you live, what color you are, what gender you dig, what you do for a living! I have absolutely no need to judge you and the person you are based on any of that... BUT when you treat others and myself like we are nothing more than just annoyances to you, I don't care who the heck you are, you have been judge in my book and I will no longer stand by!

People show respect, show love, and try to show patience. Its hard... its freaking hard sometimes. But I read way too much of the news that shows me how sad and hurtful people are to one another out in this world.

Kindness has to start somewhere!! Kindness has to start from someone!

This is my new goal... to be kinder and more patient. I cant expect those around me to act the way I want if I dont act the same.

I am no better then someone else who is walking through the same door, driving down the same road, and in search of the same grocery ingredients. My priorities are just as important to me as they are to someone who has their priorities on their minds!

With that being said, have a very Merry Christmas and please be kind!!

Close Encounter

As many of you know, John and I moved to Tucson, Arizona a little over 4 months ago. Its been a great move for the two of us and has provided lots of interesting moments.
Tucson definitely is not on short supply when it comes to wildlife. In fact, I would say that I probably attract more wildlife than any other person living in this city!
I have experienced 30+ scorpions in my apartment, snakes of all kinds while I am running or biking, and now for my second time seen a group of Havalinas. For some, this isn't that big of a deal. For me, its major!
My post will specifically discuss my experience with the Havalinas as of last night.
It was around 7pm on a Sunday evening and I was walking back from our Clubhouse in our apartment complex.
It was dark outside and the path I walk on isn't very bright (to be honest nothing in Tucson is very bright. They avoid whats called "light pollution". So everything is kept fairly dim). I was listening to my headphones and not really paying attention when all the sudden I am face to face with a Havalina... not a little one either. So I back up a few steps and try to bypass this ugly pig when to my left I see a second one! (CRAP!) They both immediately go into strike mode and I can hear them starting to grunt/whine/yelp/moan or whatever it is they do. Feeling a little panicky, I back track my steps to original position when I see a THIRD pig to my right. (HOLY #$!&)
I begin walking backwards at this point. Grabbing a hold of my trusty cell, I call my husband.... TWICE! Not answering. I call my mother for final words... NOT ANSWERING. I have given up to dying alone at the mouths of these wild pigs.
Then my mind starts working up for my emergency exit routes. I could try running through one of the two pigs or I could hide behind the pillar I am already hiding behind, OR I can try maneuvering over to the set of stairs that lead up to a family who we know and hide out by their door til they leave. As my mind is going through possible plans, I notice the group is now coming towards me. Eyes still on me... hair still standing up!
I realize I needed to act quick! I immediately turn around and walk briskly back the way I came.
As soon as I saw the break in the building and fence I RUN FOR IT!!! I run all the way back to our apartment and rush inside.
I am hoping to find my husband doing something that justifies not answering his phone while his wife was potentially getting attacked by wild animals. Nope, he was just consumed by the never ending pass time of ESPN! SERIOUSLY!!!!!
So I not so patiently say, "John! I was about to be attacked and you didn't answer your phone!" Confusion clouds his face so I begin to explain the last few terrifying minutes.
What do you think his response was??? Oh if you thought it was any sort of sympathy, asking if I was OK, or even go out and check the area.... ha your thinking of your husband. Not mine!
He starts laughing at me!!! Yes ladies... laughing!
A look on my face probably tells him that laughing is not the best way to handle this situation so he gives a few last attempts of asking about my mental status and if there was ever a death caused by Havalinas (I am sure there is!!).
I am about to let this all past by when I start to wonder something...
"John, how long would I have to be missing before you would think to come looking for me?" I ask, his response
"I don't know, three hours maybe."
Words are not able to form!
"Three HOURS! John we live in TUCSON! I would be killed, stuffed, and over the Mexican border in three hours."
Ugh...
I hope you all had a great Sunday!

Happy Times!!

Last weekend I met my parents up in Phoenix! We joined up with my sister Rebekah who lives there with her family. We were able to go to the Mesa temple before it closed for the next 6 weeks. It was such a great occasion. I love going to the temple but its even better having family there with you. Made me think what a great experience it will be when ALL my family can be there together!
We also had the special oppritunity to take my sweet soon-to-be-a-teen neice to the mall to get her some makeup for her 13th birthday. Cant believe she is going to be a teenager and am so proud of what a good girl she is. Haley is such a great daughter and sister! I just love her!!

After the mall I returned to Tucson and my parent followed the Sunday morning just in time to hear me speak in our ward for our first time. YAY! :)
We had a great time for the rest of their stay. Lots of things to see and places to eat. We loved having them for the weekend and cant wait to be back in Vegas for Thanksgiving!!
Here are some other pictures from my trip to Phoenix. Just playing around with my nephews and neice before bedtime!

Good New Minute!!

So after two LONG and emotional months of trying to get a position with the University of Arizona, I have finally succeeded.
I (Meghan) and the new Coordinator of High School Programs for College of Engineering with the UA! I am thrilled and nervous all at the same time. This position is EVERYTHING I was looking for after finishing with UNLV. Looks like things are finally starting to come together! I hope all is well with our family and friends. We miss you all terribly but are looking forward to this adventure that lies ahead.

Powell Life

So, we have both received callings and I gave a talk already last week!! We love our ward family, they go out of their way to befriend us. We have a ward BBQ this Friday, and we are having smoked turkey! We have made some friends and I have found a few that like the UFC so I think we will survive. Meghan is still cooking a lot, and making me fat!! It's like being at my aunt Kathy's house; there is fresh bread products everywhere! Anyways life is good, we are surviving.

Betty Crocker!

Being a stay at home wife has given our little family (meaning JUST John and I) only a few benefits. Those benefits include me learning how to cook! My favorite thing to do is to look up (or call my ever so patient sister Marian) some recipe's and give the cooking skills a test run.

Today's accomplishment is a loaf of Wheat Bread (currently baking in our little bread maker).

Loaf of Banana Bread (which was given a very good review from my ever so picky husband John)

and lastly... soon to be grilled Lemon Marinated Pepper Chicken and Rice.

Needless to say... I'm proud! HA!!!

Powells take it to the mountains!

John and I decided that we were not going to sit and spend our entire Saturday inside. Instead we ventured outdoors and up to Mt. Lemmon. John and His dad have decided to train to hike to Base Camp at Mount Everest so this was a beginners trail!
Above 8,000 feet our endurance was a little more challenged then it would have been hiking in Las Vegas. We both were huffing and puffing a bit. The weather was beautiful and the scenery was picture perfect!

We had to keep things a little silly...

It was like something out of Jerassic Park! We kept thinking maybe some raptors would be coming out of the ferns.

Oh and yes John is really wearing a Head Band. Apparently his hair is long and it will get all sweaty in his face. He keeps things very stylish! :)

Overall our hike deserves a double thumbs up! There was a small waterfall that we passed hiking down. It was beautiful. We were able to make it back to our car right before the afternoon monsoon started.

Recovering from the weekend!

Hope everyone had a great FOURTH of JULY! John and I made our way up to Phoenix for the weekend. We had a two night stay voucher for Marriott that we decided to take advantage of. We took the oppritunity to go to the Mesa Temple which I have not been to since we moved from phoenix ten years ago. It was amazing. We were very excited to go.
We also decided to go check out IKEA. Once it again the store never seems to fail me. Simply the best thing ever. We bought some awsome office furniture and day dreamed about our kitchen, bathrooms, and other rooms in an imagenary house we some day might build.
After our shopping adventures we headed out to Gilbert to see my sweet oldest sister and her family. We enjoyed some ymmy food, cute kiddies, and some video games for john and a sweet game of GO FISH for me and my nephews!
Once we wore out our welcome at Bek's we decided to head down to Town Lake in Tempe. Now they had just started building this lake right before I left so I have yet to experience this man made lake! BOOOO!!! Yes it does have a "pretty" factor about it however it has made the humidity (which was nonexsistant before it was made) skyrocket. When your dealing with on avg 105-120 heat, the last thing you want to deal with is HUMIDITY! So gross!
So we parked, walked a gazillion miles, paid to get into the "celebration" and promptly left ten minutes later. Too crowded, too hot, and too thirsty. We left and found some comfort food and drink at Gordon Birsche. YUM YUM!
Luckily our hotel was wonderful. I am a firm believer in Marriotts. It was the best bed Ive ever slept in. The bed ranked with our hotel at the Palms and Im sure if we paid for it it would have cost half the price. :)
Well anyways-
We came back to Tucson and set up our furniture as well as picked up our lovely kitchen table! Yay everything is complete. As soon as I get things organized and clean I will take some pictures!
Love you all! Hope you had a great weekend!

Happy Fourth of July!

Yes I am aware that I am making a 4th of July post two days early. However I have been watching the history channel all day and they are kicking the celebration into early gear. Which means I am allowed to do so as well!

I just love this time of summer. Its hot, rainy (here in Tucson Monsoon season has offically began), and full of patriotism! BBQ's, Yummy food, and family... nothing gets better then these.

Pictures are coming!!!

I know that I need to start posting pictures of our new little place. As soon as I can figure out how to connect my camera to my labtop I will!! As for now, appreciate the two pictures I managed to get on today. I feel as though my day has been productive.
So John and I finally got our couch and love seat. Nice to finally have a place to sit! As for our kitchen table that we ordered last week, well we found out that it would get in until July 4th. So looks like we will be having more dinners around our lovely coffee table.
Hope you all are doing great!!

New Beginnings!!

Let the Blogging begin! John and I are now (sort of) settled in Tucson, Arizona! Five Scorpions later we are starting to feel very welcomed in our little apartment community. Our new ward is very friendly and welcoming. We are very excited to be starting this new life together and feel very blessed to have our family and friends supporting us.
As I progress in my blogging skills I will make sure to add some pictures and give more detail on our crazy life!
We love our family! We miss them and our friends as well. We hope to have some visitors soon! :)