#28 Given Technology a Break

Hello. My name is Morgan, and I am addicted to my cell phone. And my computer. And my Kindle. And Twitter. And Facebook. And to playing GodFinger on my phone. And to checking Twitter on my phone. And to taking pictures of my dog on my phone. Basically I'm a technology addict. And while, yes, I have technology to thank for a lot of the things in my life, (namely this very blog) I do wish I hadn't become so dependent on it. I know there are great advantages to being connected - I can google my questions and curiosities and have an instantaneous answer; I can find out what my friends are doing with the push of a button; I can connect to my readers in a way that would not have been possible years ago - but I also know that it comes with a price. I have a much shorter attention span than I would have if I didn't have this need to check every text that showed up on my phone the second it showed up. I'd forgotten how much I loved the touch and smell of a printed book until I bought one last week (and proceeded to become a hermit, finishing it in two days. Check out Where We Belong by Emily Giffin - great read). I have, many a time, wasted the day away watching Netflix. I could probably list things like this all day, but you get the picture. My point is, technology is ever-present in our lives, both to our aid and to our detriment.

What I propose on the matter is a break. A break from television, from your cell phone, from Facebook and Twitter. From all of it. Maybe just for a day, maybe even less. Just give yourself a break. There have been nights when I've put my phone on silent and left it in my room so that I don't pay any attention to it, and let me tell you, those are the best nights. Those are the nights when I reconnect with my mom and my sister and we just hang out. Those are the nights when my friends just show up unannounced and I'm surprised and happy to see them. Those are the nights.

Just recently I had to send thank you notes for graduation and it reminded me of how awesome hand-written sentiments are. There is nothing better than getting a written thank you or letter from someone else. I know I've talked about this before (see post #16), but it really is one of the best things in the world. Better than a Facebook post or a thank you text message.

Take a break from all your devices. I promise, it'll be okay. Everything will be there when you get back. Write a letter, read a book, hang out with your family. I can't guarantee that your friends will show up randomly, but here's hoping!

#27 Realized

To be honest, I have no excuse for my ridiculously long hiatus. Simply, I haven't been inspired by much of anything lately. I've never been particularly good at coming up with something at will. Everything I write is raw. It just kind of comes to me in the spur of the moment, and I run with it. There is no premeditation. If there was, I would probably go out and do the thing I would write about instead of deeming it a "thing I should've done." But recently, I realized that that's kind of how life works. You can plan all you want to, but things probably won't turn out how you want. Life is a series of real, raw moments that make you who you are, and you can't just come up with who you are in the blink of an eye.

I think part of my lack of inspiration has to do with the fact that my mind is completely taken over by thoughts of college. For the past year of my life, my impending departure to college has been an ever-present topic, and it's something that I have insane mixed emotions about. One minute I can't wait to live in a city where I can do whatever I want, and the next I'm freaking out about the change ahead and want nothing more than to freeze time and pretend like it's never going to happen. I won't lie, most of my feelings about going away are negative ones. I've never been a big fan of change, and I know this one is going to be one of the biggest changes I'll ever go through. I like routine, and I know leaving and creating a new routine will rock me to my core. More than anything, I'm scared. Absolutely scared out of my mind. I'm scared that I won't do well. I'm scared of being away from my home. I'm scared of being away from my friends, my family, and even my dog. I'm scared that I won't like it. I'm scared of letting go of the things I know. I'm just scared of college, and all I want to do is lay in my bed at home forever. But I'm not at all ashamed of my fear. I know a lot of people going through the post-high school/pre-college phase are beyond excited to go away - I'm just not one of them. I've accepted the fact that college will probably scare me until even after I start class in August. I know there's no use in pretending that I'm not a huge scaredy-cat. I've realized that it's a part of who I am, and there's no denying that.

I realize that this hasn't exactly been the most uplifting post, but I think I needed to do it for me. I guess I just needed to admit to myself that I am scared of what's ahead, and that it's okay to be that way. I suppose this moment of self-discovery was one of those raw moments that I was talking about earlier. This post was not at all pre-meditated or planned - it is the mere product of a moment of panic. I was finally inspired again. It may have taken awhile, but it happened. And I guess that's life.

#26 Forever Alone?

My best friend Souther is unique in every possible way. She's quirky; she's loud; she'll do anything you dare her to do; she loves hard, and she feels even harder. She's pretty much my polar opposite, but that's why I love her so much. I've always thought we compliment each other well. She's there to tell me not to freak out about school because it isn't the end of the world if I get a B, and I'm there to tell her not to freak out when she breaks up with a boyfriend because there are plenty of other fish in the sea. Trust me, there have been many times that this has happened - on both ends. I think the most important thing I've learned from Souther in the past six years I've known her is the importance of bouncing back from anything bad that happens to you. I've seen her go through many heartbreaks and disappointments, but she always manages to push through and be a better Souther when it's all said and done. No matter what happens, you can always bounce back. I asked her to write a piece for my blog about what she wishes she would've done - or I suppose in her case it would be what she wouldn't have done - and she came back with amazing words about being in a relationship. Like I said before, I've taken from Souther that it's important to bounce back, and I can tell you for certain that she's bounced back from all that she mentions below. Keep that in mind. Even if you feel like your world is coming to an end because your relationship is ending or because you haven't been in a relationship at all, you can always bounce back. And without further ado, meet Souther:


When I was asked to do a feature for this blog, I wasn't quite sure what to write about so I figured I'd write about the only thing I know. Relationships. 


In high school, people can sometimes feel the pressure to be in a relationship or at least be talking to someone. People settle for less than they deserve just because they think they need someone else to make them happy. Well to all the "forever alones" out there, let me just say I admire you. I admire you for not settling, for not giving in to the pressure, and for still being happy. 


I have gone through more pointless and ridiculous relationships than I can even count, and I regret most of them. I wish with all of my heart that I could say I've never been kissed or that I've never been on a date. I know now that I rushed into things way too young. Waiting for something is the best part. On an episode of How I Met Your Mother, one of the characters says that the lead up to a kiss is even better than the kiss itself. I think that's true, and I wish so badly that I could go back and tell my 12-year-old self not to kiss that boy at his front door. So, sticking with the things I should've done theme, here is my feature: the boys I shouldn't have dated. (I know all my friends are going to laugh at that one.)


1. The guy from the cruise ship. 
2. The guy in sixth grade who gave me a cool necklace. 
3. The guy I broke up with my first love for. 
4. The guy who played my dad in a musical.
5. The guy that wanted me to make out backstage during a musical.
6. The guy who was a senior who led me on when I was a freshman. (We never dated, but he took up most of my time anyway.)
7. The guy I met at church camp who lived six hours away. 
8. The guy I dated in band for two weeks. 
9. The guy who was my ex-boyfriend's best friend.
10. The guy I met at work who I thought I was in love with.


Not all of my ex-boyfriends are up there, and that's because I don't regret all of them. Some of my relationships meant something, and I will always look back on them fondly. But if I could go back and do it all again, I would. 


So who cares if you're a high school graduate and you've never been kissed? Who cares if you've never told a girl you like her? Don't rush it. Good things come to those who wait. So just wait for the right one. You could be 18, 25, or even 90 and have not met "the one" yet. But trust me, they're out there, so just hold on. And remember, you can't be loved unless you first love yourself. 

#25 VIPs

Staying with the graduation theme (even though I said I was pretty much done writing about high school), today's post will be about people that have been important to me over the years and the people that have been important to you all over the years. Normally on what I've dubbed input posts, I don't put names with quotes, but I feel that this occasion definitely calls for some recognition. To anyone reading this who doesn't know the people that will be talked about, I'm sorry! But then again it may just be wishful thinking for me to presume that I have readers outside of my friends! In any case, if you don't know these people, feel free to skip the post. Personally I've always enjoyed reading nice things people say about each other, regardless of whether or not I know them. I think it helps me see the best in people. This may not be my most popular post, but it's one that I would really like to do, so I'm just going to go for it, no holds barred. There are a lot of people who've been important to me over the years, like I said in my last post, but there is one person who sticks out in my mind. Granted, she is not the only one who's ever been there for me so my intention is not to offend anyone at all, but to celebrate. Juliana Longoria is a friend like no other. She tells really long, detailed stories; she braids hair like a champ; she has quite an evil laugh; she's the best Skype date ever; she'll call it like she sees it, but still manages to be nice; she'll do anything for anyone else, no questions asked; she shares in your pains; and most of all, she's always there. Juliana is the most loyal friend I know. I know that I can go to her with anything (and believe me, I have) and she'll still be my friend regardless of what I say. You know how there are those people in your life who just understand you? That's who she is in my life. She just gets me. I don't have to explain anything to her because she just knows. She has helped make me into who I am because she taught me that there's no shame in feeling what you feel. I've called/texted her plenty of times freaking out that I'm the worst person in the world or that I'm stupid and worthless, and of course, she's always there to tell me that I am being stupid - not because I'm actually stupid, but because I'm stupid for thinking that I'm stupid. I can't thank her enough for being exactly who she has been for me these past few years. Juli, I really don't know what I would've done without you. Now, I could go on for days about how wonderful of a friend she's been to me over the years, but then this post would be way too long. So tell me, who is someone who has made an impact on you or has been important to you in your high school years (and if you're not graduating yet, thus far)?

"My dad because he is the one who has taught me to not take everything so seriously. He taught me to take a step back every once in a while and breathe instead of always jumping in head first."
Kimberly D.


"Mr. Hickson because he is probably the weirdest person I've ever really known and the kindest person I've ever met. He had a way of getting me to believe in myself and to better myself in high school."
Amanda L.


"Many people have been a part of my high school experience and a few have made a big impact on my life but right now there's one person that comes to mind when I think about who has impacted it the most and that's him. I still haven't figured out why he came into my life but the thing is that he did, and he opened my eyes to a totally different world. I had always lived a certain way with a certain mindset that I thought no one could ever change, but he did. With him, I realized that there are many ways to enjoy life and that things aren't what they seem until you experience them. He also showed me the importance of emotions and how much they can alter a person's decisions. There's many ways to do things and the only things you can control are your actions, words, emotions, and thoughts - no one else's. I wonder what else he'll teach me in the future, that is if he does decide to teach me something else (even though I don't think he knows when he's doing it and what he's already done for me)."
Miriam H.

"Luis made an impact on me. He wasn't just my boyfriend - he was more my best friend. He taught me that it's important to do well in school and that I'm capable of accomplishing whatever I want. He made me happier too. Basically he brought out the best in me."

Sara D.

"Katia because I always knew she was the one person who legitimately had my back and wasn't just saying she did. She was my outlet - the person I vented to all the time. And there aren't very many people I feel comfortable venting to."
Elizabeth C.


"I would say my dad. He helped me with schoolwork, worked with me on basketball and baseball, and he was always there when I was stressed, angry, or sad. He always told me he believed in me and that made me believe in myself."
Harrison M. 


"The one person that was the most important through high school would be my sister, because without knowing it, she was always in the back of my mind inspiring me to make good choices and be the best I could throughout the years."
Juliana L.


"Hands down Mr. Hickson. He's been there for me through every mental breakdown. And there have been a lot."
Amanda H. 


"I have to say my godmother. She always pushed me to be my best (and still does) and she taught me to overcome whatever obstacle is placed in my path with poise. Always to be nice to people even if you hate them because you never know when you're going to need them in the future. She basically shaped who I am today and she would scold me when I did things wrong and rewarded me when I did well."
Nere F.


"I can't name just one person. Everyone I've become close to throughout high school at some point has impacted my life in some way, but I'd have to say that the greatest impact has been made by my best friends who've stuck with me until graduation, and who I know I'll keep for the rest of my life."
Andrea H. 


"No doubt my family for starters. They always have an impact on me. Although, I think the people who have the biggest impact are your friends. I was lucky to have some great friends (even if they may be older). As for someone specific, Brother George was an incredible person, teacher, and influence on me."
Daniel E.


"Ms. Hartwig made me see the world in a completely different way. She was always there to listen to my problems and always challenged me to be better. She definitely made a significant difference in how my high school career ended up."
Chelsey G.


"My little brother Chris. I'm a big influence on him and that fact makes me want to be a better person for his sake. I love him a lot and I want the best for him and sometimes I'm probably not the kind of big sister I should be. I hope be forgives me for not always being there for him."
Souther R.


"Coach Ben. He was my mentor from school to track to weight training and he was always willing to go out of his way to help me. He always had good advice from his experiences as an athlete, son, and worker. He trusted me with everything, and I trusted him with everything."
Andres C.


"I never really thought teachers would make a great impact on me. They come in and fly out of our lives since they're only there for four years or even less. There's one teacher though that I'm sure I'll always remember. Physics class two years ago. I'm a science hater and surprisingly this teacher intrigued me with the material. Without her knowing, she has been my inspiration for thriving in academics. She inspired me to thrive in other aspects of my life as well. I never let this person know how much she changed my personality. So if you ever read this blog, Ms. Stull, thanks for the unexpected inspiration."
Eugenia V.


"Clara because of everyone I know, she has the best heart and soul. I aspire to be like her, and that makes me a better person."
William S. 

Two points on the same line,

always together, never apart. 

You are forever in my heart. 

XO, Morgan

#24 Thanked You All

Even though my senior year has officially come to a close, I still don't believe it's over. It's hard for me to grasp the fact that my every day won't be spent at my high school. Yes, it is exciting that I'm finished with the high school chapter of my life, but it's a bittersweet feeling to say the least. I'm both happy and sad to leave. I have so much ahead of me, but there's so much that I'm leaving behind as well. I loved high school - everything about it. My friends, my classes (well, most of the time anyway), my lunch table, even my uniforms. And I will always look back on my days at the Academy with nostalgia. In all honesty, I think what made my high school experience so amazing were the people that surrounded me. I know for certain that it would not have been the same if they hadn't been there. Some I've been close to since I started school, and some were more recent additions, but all of them had an effect on me regardless of how long they've been friends of mine. This post will be short and sweet - kind of like high school. To all of my classmates, teachers, friends, and anyone else who has been with me throughout my high school years, thank you. Thank you for making me into the person that I am today. Thank you for being there whenever I needed you. Thank you for sharing yourselves with me. Thank you for making me laugh. Thank you for teaching me that I need to cherish every moment. Thank you for everything. I don't know about you all, but it's hard for me to imagine my days without my fellow Bloodhounds. I'd heard before that senior year flies by, but until now, I didn't realize how true it is. To all future seniors, don't let it fly by! It really is a special time, and I wish my senior year could've been longer. My time as a senior, and as a Bloodhound in general, was amazing, and I know that I'll always look back fondly, thanks in part to the people I spent the past six years with. I know this isn't the last I'll see of all of you, but until then, farewell.

And that, as they say, is all she wrote (about high school anyway; college is a whole other adventure to be had).

Congrats fellow grads! '12

#23 Stayed in Dance Class

There's no denying that there's something beautiful about ballet. The grace, poise, and understated human strength that dancers have is astounding to me. I used to take dance classes but stopped before I went to middle school. I remember always loving it when I did it. I'm not exactly sure why I quit, but this past weekend made me wish that I hadn't. Last Sunday, I went to my friend Miriam's dance recital. It was the ballet version of Alice in Wonderland, in which she starred as the Queen of Hearts. In my eyes, Miriam has always been a beautiful person. She is always happy, always kind, and always there when you need her - the ideal friend, basically. But when I saw her dance, she became even more beautiful. Through dance, she came alive while I sat in the audience in awe. Even though she was a villainous character, I saw the beautiful person she is. I think that's why dance is so magical. No matter what character you play, the skill involved in ballet makes the character beautiful. You hate the Queen of Hearts, but that doesn't make her any less of an amazing dancer. As I was sitting in the audience, I instantly regretted quitting dance because I realized that that could've been me. Well maybe not because I don't think I ever would've been as good as Miriam, but I could've been in one of those crazy costumes on the stage having the time of my life. I guess I didn't stay in dance class long enough to develop that drive that all dancers seem to have. They literally have to dance, and if they don't, they're lost. I have another dancer friend that comes to mind when I think about passion and drive. Her name is Griselda. Every year my school puts on a Style Show that the seniors star in. In it, the whole class is divided up into groups and all the groups learn a dance from different choreographers and model clothing from stores that are willing to lend their stuff. I was unlucky and lucky enough to be in a group with both Miriam and Gris. Unlucky because they're both amazing dancers and would make me look bad, and lucky because they helped me out more times than I could possibly count. It was Style Show that made me good friends with Gris because she spent so much time teaching me the routines that I should've already learned. She never failed to say yes to me any time I asked her to help me - regardless of what she was doing. She lives for dance, and she is always willing to help other people feel the magic from dance that she feels. She probably has more passion in one hair on her head than most people do in their entire bodies, and I'm always amazed by that. Dance brings out beautiful things in people. That I know because I know people like Miriam and Gris. It brings out grace, poise, strength, drive, passion, and, obviously, beauty. Those things make me wish I'd stayed. I may not have been very good at it, but I should've stayed so that I could've figured that out. Miriam and Gris stayed, and for that I will always admire them.

#22 Life Lesson

Let me start out by saying that I'm sorry I've been silent lately. I had such a great momentum there, but I've ruined it lately. I suppose it's a good thing that it's getting harder and harder for me to come up with things I should've done. It must mean I'm doing something right... right? In any case, there are still things I should've done - whether they be big or small. And although lately it seems to be taking me awhile to come up with them, they're still there. Again, I apologize for taking so long. I hope I can come close to compensating with this post. It probably won't be my best, but I'll try! Now, since my graduation from high school is quickly approaching, I've been trying to spend as much time with my friends as possible. And let me tell you, between choir practices and final projects and their busy schedules, it's a difficult thing to do. It's pretty much impossible to get my entire group of friends at the same place at the same time because we all do so much. But of course, I cherish the time that we do have together - whether or not all of us are there. I know for me personally, there have been several moments in my life when I've just zoned out and almost observed the scene in front of me as if I was an outsider. In these moments, I look at the people around me, laughing and smiling, and realize how lucky I am, how happy I am. In a way it reminds me of a theme song to a comedy-drama. You know, where there's a happy song playing and they show each member of the cast laughing or smiling or doing something cute. That's what's going on in my mind at these moments. This happened to me a couple weeks ago when I was at a friend's house watching a movie with a group. As I looked around at everyone singing "I'll Make a Man Out of You" from Disney's Mulan, (and actually that was my first time watching Mulan. I missed out on a lot of Disney movies as a kid, but more on that subject later) I saw how happy everyone was to be there with each other just watching a kiddy movie. Seeing everyone happy made me happy. It made me realize that I have to cherish the moments with the people I love the most before I won't be with them anymore. Sitting together watching Mulan garnered one of those out-of-body experiences for me. I looked on the scene with appreciation to every single person present. They are certainly some of my best friends because I've shared memories with each one of them. It's sad to think that I'll be without them in a few short months, but I would be silly not to take advantage of every moment with them now. I won't spend my time with them thinking about what it's going to be like without them. And this isn't specific to me and my friends. It applies to almost anyone and anything in life. We shouldn't spend our time thinking about what we don't have now or what we won't have it the future because it's a waste. Life lesson for the day: cherish what you have in the present. I'm sure you've heard it before, but it's worth saying time and time again. To close, I want to say thank you to my friends who forced me to watch Mulan. You gave me both a childhood re-do and a lifelong memory. It may have seemed like nothing, but it meant the world to me, so thank you all. Now that I look back on this post, it's not really something I should've done, but I guess I'll just go with it anyway!