Morgan's Mind

Guten Tag.

A few things are coming up very soon that I’m really looking forward to. I’ll start with the one that’s happening second, because I’m so excited I can’t stand it! In a couple of days we start the countdown of 30 days until my sister comes home! I cannot begin to explain how anxious I am. I’m almost nervous, it’s weird. This is the longest I’ve ever been away from my sister. At some times, I hated it so much. And at other times, I didn’t love it, but deep down I knew she was happy in China, so there was no way I could be sad. I never thought it would be this hard having my sister away. I guess when there’s just two of you, it’s harder because now you’re the only child and have no one to stay up late with you and talk, or be home after school. I won’t get too sappy, let’s just say I’m really, really, REALLY excited for the day I get to drive to the airport and pick up Ash! I know she will have great stories to tell and I can’t wait to hear all about her experience while living in China. 

The second exciting thing that’s coming up is happening this month. On May 26th, I fly to Germany with the college class at church. I’M SO EXCITED. It’s going to be such a fun trip! Everyone who’s going are older than me, but they’re all such fun people and I can’t wait to spend the with them! After the trip, my parents and I are sending the group back to Springfield and heading on to Amsterdam for a few more days. This trip is definitely going to be one I won’t forget. Not to bring up sad times again, but there will be one hard part to this trip, my sister won’t be going with us. This will be the first trip my sister won’t be going with us and it will definitely be different. 

This summer is just going to be lots of fun all around. I have two weddings, a trip to Boston, and I’m nannying a little girl named Mia this summer, too. There’s lots to look forward to! A perfect end to my senior year, if you ask me. 

Days like Today.

I loved today. Days that I run a lot of errands, go to church, and get my homework done, make me feel way accomplished. From the time school got out, I went to 7 different places before going to church. It was insane!

My day was going okay at school. Nothing terrible had happened, but nothing wonderful had either. By the time last block hit, I was lazy and tired, which is the usual. Then, I got a pass to go to my counselors office. I had told her earlier in the week I was freaking out about having all the classes/credits I need to graduate, so I figured she was just talking to me about that. When I walked in her office she said, “Congratulations! You’ve received the Dr. Sally Johnson scholarship!” My day instantly got better! I’m so, so happy and thankful! I feel like all the hard work I’ve put into this year has paid off. I’m very grateful for opportunities to receive money for college.

My day only got better. One of the stops after school was going with Brad to get fitted for his tuxedo for prom! It was so much fun. I know prom isn’t thaaaat big of a deal, but I’m so excited to go. I have the best group of friends (and date), and I won’t let anything go wrong next Friday night.

My senior year is coming to an end. It doesn’t seem right that I’m about to graduate. Ahhhh, I’m so ready, though! I’ve had a wonderful senior year! Lots of memories were made that I’ll never forget.

We are Chinese, if you Please.

In exactly 38 days my sister moves to China. It’s such a bittersweet feeling. I’m so excited for her, but I’m so sad, too. Luckily we have so many ways to communicate, I’m sure we’ll talk all the time. I’ve always known Ashley would go somewhere else to live once she got the chance, but in all honesty, I wasn’t expecting it to be China. It took me a few days to take it in when she told me the news. She’s such an independant girl, I have no fear of her living there. I do worry about the nights she gets homesick and all we can do is talk over Facebook and Skype, if that. Those nights wil be tough because I won’t be able to do anything about it.

It’s going to be quite a change being an only child. Some days will be harder than others. But, like I said before, we’ll keep in touch and I have a peace that everything is going to be fine. I know God has a perfect plan for my sister, and I don’t doubt for one second that she’s making a wrong decision by going. I can’t wait to learn some Chinnese when she gets back!  

Me, Myself, and I.

If I could change anything about myself, it would be how passionate I am about things. Sounds cheesy, I know. I’m so envious of the people who have one particular thing that they are really involved in, and they’ll do anything to make it happen. For me, it all boils down to laziness. The hard part wouldn’t be finding something I love, but actually making it happen. I get really distracted easily and never follow through with anything. Part of that is being a high school student. I’m naturally lazy like every other 17 year old.

I hate admitting that. It sounds terrible that I’m too lazy to have something to be passionate about. I’m hoping in the next couple of years I’ll grow out of the laziness stage and find that one thing that I love, and go crazy with it.

Hello, Fall.

Every year I wait and wait for fall. I love it so much. Last night I went to The Midwest Indies show with my BFF, Jessica. The show was at a bonfire and it was the best thing ever. I got to drink a hot Starbucks, sit by the fire, and enjoy some great tunes. It finally felt like fall! For some reason, being all bundled up made me so happy. Not to mention, Fall is the best time for good fashion. You get to wear boots, tights, dresses, and sweaters. What more could a girl ask for? :) Nothing. She could ask for nothing more. I’m happy the whole season. My smile never goes away. Seriously. 😄

Senior year is finally here. I can’t believe in 8 months I’ll be done with high school. It doesn’t seem possible. Just yesterday I was freaking out about my first day as a freshman. I think I’m ready? I’m not positive, though. There are so many pros and cons to growing up, and I’m not sure if I’m ready or not.

Pros: Making my own decisions. Doing things I never got to do as a “kid.” Having the ability and freedom to do more for others. Having a more flexible schedule.

Cons: Being separated from my friends. Having more responsibilities. Eating out all the time and gaining weight. Going to college…I already have enough knowledge.

I’ve definitely put myself out there this year. I have a crazy schedule and so much going on. Now that I think about it, I’m not sure if it was the smartest idea. Although, I am super stocked to be a part of everything I’m involved in. I’m so thankful for the opportunities that have been placed in my life for this year. I can’t wait to look back at the end of the year and see how much I’ve grown and how different things are. I’m so grateful for all of the seniors this year, too. I couldn’t ask for a better class to graduate with!

Bittersweet.

Unfortunately, today is the day that I leave the HTV Bus Tour and move on to my cruise. As excited as I am for the cruise, I am just as sad to leave the bus tour. This trip has been so great! I have learned so much over the past week. Now that I look back on the week I’ve spent traveling through the South, I realize how important those strict deadlines were. I’m so thankful that Coach and the producers pushed us so hard on this trip. I now realize that sleep can come later and it’s so important that I always put my all into the stories I do. But seriously, if it weren’t for Coach and the producers this trip wouldn’t have made it. I’m really thankful for their dedication and all the hard work they put into the staff and the stories. I know, it’s torture for college kids to have to be stuck on multiple bus rides with 18 students, but I think I speak for everyone when I say we are really grateful for them and everything they have put into this trip. 

Now, I also want to give a well deserved shout out to the HTV staff. I am so proud of everyone. We have such a talented group of kids and I couldn’t be more happy about working with such a great staff. Everyone has stepped up on this trip and given it their all. And for the newbies, I am especially proud of you guys! I can’t imagine how frightening and intimidating it was for you guys to come on this trip. You have all proved that you are wonderful at what you do! I am so excited about working with you guys next year and growing closer friendships with all of you!   

Oh, Happy Day.

Panama, Panama, Panama. You are so amazing. I have absolutely loved being at the beach. I can honestly say, there’s not many things that are better, or can even match walking on the beach at night. It’s so peaceful and relaxing. Tonight we had a barbecue on the beach and it was the best thing ever. Something about everyone eating outside on the beach together is just fun.

On the other hand, I had a really good day today! I got up bright and early to go do a shoot with Brad and Mehleena, which we didn’t end up doing until 3:00 this afternoon, so we got to go to the beach and have a blast until then. All I can say is…UHHMAZING. Brad and I’s story went really well. I would tell you all about it, but instead you should go to www.htvsouthernswing.com and see for yourself! You should also go give us feedback on our stories on the HTV Bus Tour Facebook page. Every group did a great job on their stories today! 

Tomorrow we head out to Charleston, South Carolina. I’m definitely looking forward to going. I’ve heard it’s an awesome place to visit. Now, one thing I’m not looking so forward to is the 10 hour bus ride to get there. Hopefully I will sleep some. It’s crazy how comfy you can actually get on a big bus. I can sleep for hours on that thing. I love it.