That's right folks, it's No Shave November! The Urban Dictionary says it's "the month in which you don't shave any hair on your body, but instead you grow more bestial, brutish, and manly." In other words, it's yet another chance for boys to be utterly disgusting.
I like to think there are three types of men in this world. Welcome to the stage bachelor #1: he's tall, dark and handsome, and he think's he's in this for the long run. A week from now we will discover that he really is what we like to call a "tool", and will shave that stubble because it's blocking his douche bag moves. Bachelor #2: He's probably a math major. He will, in fact, last the whole month, but it doesn't really matter because his Halo buddies haven't seemed to notice that in addition to not shaving, he hasn't been showering either. Bachelor #3: This man is a Viking among Vikings. Not only will he have his cake and eat it too, but he will have the beard...and the ladies.

Peace out,

Megan

Like We Used To - A Rocket To The Moon

As the days of October are quickly drawing to a close, I try to savor every last moment I can. The apple cider, color changing leaves, and the ever wonderful cardigan days. But as Halloween approaches, I've been thinking that maybe October isn't the only time of change.

Obviously we experienced lots of "Change" with President Obama, but what about the little things? We change our hair style, our clothing, our vocabulary, our diet, our friends, our lifestyle... Is Halloween really the only time of year that we are something we're not?

Everyone has had their mother tell them to "be themselves", and at the time I remember thinking "who else would I possibly be?"

In high school we are limited to our personalities. You get labeled from the beginning, and it was hard to change that stereotype.

At college, things are a little different. You have a fresh start to decide who and what we want to be. However, there seems to be two trends among girls my age: they are one stereotype, and they have boyfriends.

They're all "go green"...and they have a boyfriend.

They're super fashionable...and they have a boyfriend.

They out going...and they have a boyfriend.

And then there's me. I recycle, am sometimes fashionable, and can be out going...

This really isn't my struggle. During Fall Break, I had many laughs with my style guru Hannah about how awful it is to be above this desire for our lives. For once, it would be nice to be irresponsible and have a flirty friend boy!

Perhaps I am getting a little off topic. The point really was to say, that the other thing these girls have in common is that they all changed for these boys. They became something they thought would be wanted and desired, instead of waiting for the real deal. And although it's pretty awful to always dance with Erin at parties, and to be rejected more times in three months than I did in three years, I can't say I'm not content.

So Happy Friday, and Happy Halloween.

"This is my shocked face"

10 Café Pickup Tricks

Waiting in line for coffee is a great way to meet people in college. Since it is the essence of our existence, it's a great conversation starter! Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Ask the right question. Is “Coffee, tea or me?” the right question? No! “It’s shocking how much I overhear people saying this — and with a straight face,” says Brandy Marshall, a coffee jock in Phoenix, AZ. “So far, it hasn’t worked.” The truth is, clichés never work, so don’t use them. If you can’t think of something original to say, just ask a normal question like, “What are you having?” or “Which do you like better?” These are much less cheesy and provide easy introductions into cozy conversations.

2. Find common ground(s). “People meet all the time because they either like the same weird combination drink or one is fascinated by the other’s order,” says Tony Snipes, a barista in Raleigh, NC. “You won’t get anywhere saying, ‘Wow, you like hot chocolate, too?’, he notes. “But if you have slightly oddball tastes, you could have an in. Or, frankly, if you just like plain old black coffee, that’s odd enough these days to make the grade, too.”

3. Ask for some expert advice. “I’m always amazed at the vast array of options available at my local coffee and tea joint,” says Seattle-based Virginia Burroughs. “I couldn’t decide what to get the last time I was there, so I asked the cute guy behind me in line what he recommended. I didn’t care for his suggestion, so he offered to buy me another drink. We have our first date this weekend.”

4. Try sharing. Coffee houses get crowded, but use that to your advantage. Ask if you can share a table. It worked for Jay Baldwin of Spokane, WA, who shared with two women. “As we began drinking our coffee, I commented on the Body Shop shopping bags that they both had and asked, ‘whatcha buy?’ They both started pulling out scented candles and hand lotions for me to smell and try out. The married girlfriend went home, and the other one and I had a great time shopping (a little) and going to a movie afterward.”

5. Do the java jive. What’s a coffee house without a soundtrack? “I’m always jamming to the music, and a few people have asked me who the band is or something,” says Austin-based Trina Nash. “It’s a nonthreatening way to start talking, and if I like the person, there’s plenty else to talk about.”

6. Make your introductions. “Behind the counter, we’re always getting to know our regulars,” says Constance Ruiz of Denver, CO. “But they don’t often get to know each other.” If there’s someone you see at your local café on a regular basis, introduce yourself. “I see you here a lot. I’m...” is an easy, straightforward way to start chatting. And even if you don’t date, this new friend could introduce you to your true match.

7. Make ’em laugh. “I’m not the most suave guy on the block, so I have to try harder,” admits Robert Vass of Boston, MA. “I often say something funny like, ‘Can I buy you that tea or would your rather just have the cash?’ My success rate isn’t 100 percent, but it’s actually better than I thought. Chicks dig humor.”

8. Read it and reap. “I love reading, so if I see someone with a book I’ve read, or one I’d like to, I’ll use that as an excuse to make contact,” says Cheryl Donley of Oxford, MS. Since you’re interrupting them, begin by saying something like, “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I’m dying to read that book — how is it?” or “Pardon me, but I think you’ll love that book — I did.”

9. Do your market research. New in town or simply looking for a new place to try? Ask the hottie in line with you to recommend other hangouts or coffee bars you might like. This is great for two reasons: 1) It’s an innocent conversation starter and 2) It’s a natural lead into getting together. “I like it here, but where else do you go for a good cup?” is a fine way to phrase it. If it goes well, the next (obvious) line is, “Would you like to go there together?”

10. Walk on the wild side. Maybe you’re the sort who’d like to win points for being bold. If so, consider this story: “My back was facing a table of girls and guys sitting down,” recalls Alisa Davis of San Francisco, CA. “One of the guys touched my shoulder and said, “We’ve reached a consensus at this table that you look great from where we’re sitting!” I couldn’t help but laugh and ended up sitting down with the people at the table and talking to that guy for hours.”

Website Wednesday: Operation Beautiful

My fabulous friend Hannah sent me this website the second week of college when I was having a difficult day. She always knows the right thing to say, and is so supportive when I need her. College is the perfect place for something like Operation Beautiful! The mission from their website gives you a little idea of what they're all about!

The goal of the Operation Beautiful website is to end negative self-talk or “Fat Talk.” If this little blog only does one productive thing, I hope it helps readers realize how truly toxic negative self-talk is — it hurts you emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

Through my own experiences fighting Fat Talk, I’ve realized the power behind an anonymous act such as Operation Beautiful. When I post a note, I’m saying, “I CHOOSE to be positive!”

I began Operation Beautiful by leaving positive messages on the mirrors of public restrooms — at work, at the gym, at the grocery store. I scribble down whatever comes to mind — "You are beautiful!" or "You are amazing just the way you are!" My personal goal is to leave as many Operation Beautiful notes as I can. Maybe some people read them and just smile, but I bet some people are truly touched by the effort of a random stranger.

Now go spread some love! <3

4 year plan!

This isn't Summer 2010, and I don't have a Tour Schedule, but I felt that Steve Moakler's drawing was equally relevant in my life.

Well, what can I say? The worst has happened. The one thing I swore to myself I wouldn't do...I have done. I stopped blogging! (gasp!) I haven't had a real post since August, and this really is appalling.

I don't mean to presume that anyone cares whether or not I have fallen off the face of the earth, but in the off chance that a couple of you do, here is an update.

School is awesome. Awesome, awesome, awesome!

From my roommates, to my classes, to the massive amounts of mac n cheese, it's awesome.

The first month of college has flown by, but I'm loving every minute of it. I'm finally all settled into my dorm room, and I'm quite happy with my Liberty of London bedding.

My roommate, Erin, is pretty much amazing. She is constantly surprising me with her love of musicals and rap music. She is the glue that holds the 4204 suite family together, and we are applying to live together next year as well. Liz and I had a great time at the K-State game together over Labor Day, and an awesome road trip back to school. Hannah is the peanut butter to my Oreos. Literally. She pushes me at the gym, but always knows when it's time to get serious and break out the ice cream. We've started a quote book, and it's difficult not to write down everything that is said. I won the roommate lottery with these girls!

My class schedule isn't too bad, and I get along great with all the other students. I have a music class every day at 8:30, which keeps me feeling exhausted. Besides that, I'm taking French, a Book Discuss class, Master Piano Class, Piano Accompanying class, Chorus, and piano lessons. My suitemate Hannah and I are stumbling through French class together. Our professor is very animated, and it makes me miss the Frechet's very, very much.

The Kite Runner was the selection for my Book Discuss class, which was taught by my advisor. I really enjoyed having a class where everyone had enough time to share there thoughts and ideas without being judged. When it was my day to lead the discussion, I brought peanut chicken skewers, which were a huge hit!

There are 4 Megans in my music class, so I am Megan Augusta. Being a music major is a love hate relationship. On the one hand, I was ecstatic over getting a key to the Piano Major practice room, and when I walk into the performance hall in the music building, I suddenly realize that my entire well being rests on preforming on that stage. On the other hand, I am constantly drained. On Tuesdays, I am only in my dorm room for one hour between 8:30am and 8:30pm. I cry over melodic dictation, and want to scream at the people who call my major "cute". But alas, c'est la vie!

Despite my mother's fear of malnutrition, I'm eating more than I ever could have imagined possible. Mac n Cheese has become my new best friend, and thanks to Matthew Riordan, I frequently make peanut butter and jelly waffles.

My roommates and I all went through Rush, and I am now an Alpha Gamma Delta! I love being able to call Erin my sister, along with 40 other freshman girls. We are social butterflies, attending every party and philanthropy event possible. My pledge mom's name is April, which just proves that God knows how important it is for me to always have one in my life. She even calls me "babycakes"!

I had a great time with my mother on family day. She didn't let go of me for more than five minutes, but I missed all her love. I was impressed that she waited until the other parents left before she started cleaning, unlike Erin's mom, who made her bed in the first two minutes.

This weekend I popped over to St. Louis for the ever wonderful pastime that my family is obsessed with: hockey! I was amazed at how quickly I fell back into the routine of jackets and blankets, Starbucks and fast food, and not to mention that ever distinctive smell.

It's bittersweet to leave for my St. Joe home, yet return to my new home here. I miss everyone dearly, but am somehow consoled by the fact that Tuesday classes continued after graduation.

I adore getting mail, weather it be tea bags or colored pictures (they are all hung on my wall!)

West Campus Suites 4204

215 W. Normal Street

Kirksville, MO 63501

Bonne journée mes chéries,

~Megan

p.s. Check back soon for a tour of my room/ Kite Runner review/ a story of Starbucks!

And if you managed to make it all the way to the bottom, I will be home for Fall Break October 21-24. I post a tea invite as soon as the details are worked out!