It's okay, I'm alive.

Phew. Nothing like an (unplanned) month off from blogging! Not that I was a super frequent blogger anyway.

The rain makes me feel at home. I'm missing Washington more as I realize how little time I have left to even visit. Life all of a sudden just gets so crazy busy being a married upperclassman. Weird, I never thought that would happen. 

However, because we are in Idaho and both avid skiiers I don't feel like I've gotten my fill of snow, spontaneous ski trips, hot chocolate, and feeling the calmness of a fresh layer of snow falling gently to the ground. Something about it is so peaceful, it takes the cake for my favorite weather. I hoped by the end of winter, we would have so much snow I would be sick of it and there would be snow up to my ears. Me and Derek used to joke that we wished there was so much snow that we couldn't walk out our front door and all the buildings would be 90% covered. But that certainly did not happen. And it's March already. So I guess I have to give it up and start thinking of the positives of spring, (and more importantly), summer. I feel like spring is just a transitional season, nothing too great or drastic, just time to kill before summer so we don't all get weather whiplash.

I am pleased to announce that my husband is now employed! We are so happy. This came earlier than expected when he received an email from a teacher saying there was an opening for a tutor to finish out the rest of this current semester. Now, we had been hoping for Derek to be a tutor next semester, but this offer for the next few weeks really was a blessing for us. Needless to say, he got the job and it seems to be going well! (granted today is his first day, but he is a smart cookie :) ) I feel like an official real-world couple now, with both of us working. It's kinda crazy to think people can add babies into this mix as well! No thanks, (for now). Now the trick is to stay frugal when it feels okay to splurge because we both have a source of income, despite it being (very) small. So far, so good!

We both registered for Spring semester classes recently as well. It went well, with the exception of one class I was waitlisted for but eventually got in (go upperclassmen! :) ) I am looking forward to (most) of my classes. I am a little apprehensive about a math class that is required since I: 1. suck at math in general and 2. haven't taken math for 3 semesters. But I am taking a volleyball class which I'm so pumped for! I haven't played legit volleyball since I was on my high school team freshman year! I dunno how 'legit' it will be since it is just a 1 credit class, but it will still be nice to get out and get the blood pumpin'. I've been lacking in the exercise department lately. Whoops. 

It's weird around this time of year prepping for more classes, when every other year at this time, I would be getting ready to pack up my stuff, live at mom and dad's house, and work my buns off. It's bittersweet. I am grateful I don't feel the impeding sense of doom I usually did from anxiety of working another sweaty summer in a greasy grill area next to an ex-convict, or having my summer mantra of "the customer is always right" (even when they are idiots and you question what the world is coming to with these types of people running around). But then again the sense of reward after 5 months straight of that and a pretty substantial savings account was soo nice. It kinda worries me that we (are hoping) to get by with both of us working around 10 hours a week with school. But I have confidence we will make it work! Even if it means eating top ramen every night until it comes out our noses. (My cousin, Melanie can do that on command. It's so cool.)

The bachelor is offically over! But I am however, changing tv obsessions now to Duck Dynasty. That show is freaking hilarious! But I don't even know what to do with myself on Monday nights. (uhh normal FHE, maybe?) That is one of me and Derek's goals, to have an actual lesson and activity each monday night. When it gets warmer out, we are looking forward to going on walks every night! Fitness and bonding all in one! However, we have been pretty awesome at going to the temple every week. (Is it because I have to do it for a project for one of my classes? Maybe. Are we still diligent anyway and reaping blessings from it? Yes maa'm.)

I have been working on cooking as well, I made southwest egg rolls earlier this week and they turned out pretty good! Except for the fact that I forget to portion control my recipes and ended up making freaking 48 of those things. So leftovers are our favorite thing now. And I made some of my Mother-in-Law's delicious "dump cake" (it's yummier than it sounds) and over-portioned that as well. And that one is loaded with fat and sugar so I'm pretty sure I can feel my triple chin coming in after trying to finish off that one. But it does give me more motivation to cook and try more new recipes when they actually work and turn out well! I was on a 'yucky food-cuz-you-suck-at-cooking' trip for a while there which when I did try something new and cool and it didn't turn out, I got frustrated and turned to frozen chicken nuggets and taquitos. Because in my mind, if it doesn't turn out right the first time, I seem to believe that I am not destined to cook at all and it's a little disheartening. However on the flip side, when I do try things that turn out, I get super excited and more ambitious to try more new things! Gladly, lately its been the latter.

Currently, I am enrolled in a self-defense class called R.A.D. (Rape and Aggression Defense) and it is seriously so awesome. I have learned so much on defending myself in hazardous situations and I am much more aware of my surroundings and have options if something were to happen to me. It makes me feel empowered to have this knowledge and practice it twice a week. (Seriously, all women should take it, just go here) Next week is the final week before we graduate and we are putting our skills to the test by having a simulated situation, and a campus police officer is going to attack us! Kinda nervous for that one, I'll post pictures after!




Can't wait for the Festival of Colors coming up soon and seeing my family in a few weeks! Woot woot!






p.s. I need a dog.

Birthday Birthday!

Random Tidbits:
-So I saw this guy singing his lungs out on the way to class, with no ipod or any sort of accompaniment,  without a care in the world. I wish we could all be that carefree! The world would be a better place if we were.

-It's snowing! I am so happy. If the weather is going to be butt- cold, it better at least snow. If not, warm up to 70 degrees please.

-Cake cookies are still amazing even though you have exhausted the crap outta them from making them 59 million times cuz they are so easy! (Cake mix, 1/4c. water, 1/4c. veggie oil, 1 egg. Mix, bake.) Cookies of the angels.

-I miss my fambly at holiday times like these

-I want a puppy please. Or a lamb.

-I love packages in the mail :)

-Taylor is just the funnest person to talk to for forever! Even if she thinks the Sign language interpreter signing at devotional to the hearing impaired is teaching them how to sign :) I love having a sister here at school!

-Visiting teaching is awesome. I did my teaching which was rad, and got taught in the same night!

It's mah burfday tomorrow! Woot woot! I can finally.....uh....well... nothing new comes with 21 but oh well, another year down! Seriously the past year has been the best. I started dating this guy I had a crush on, (on our first date I seriously sounded like this I was so nervous!) we started dating the day after Valentine's Day (cuz the day of was too much pressure to do something amazing even though it was our first date) and had our first kiss on my birthday last year! It was the best birthday present ever :) Then as they say, the rest is history. He proposed 5 months later, and after 5 months of engagement, we were sealed for time and all eternity! It was the best year ever. I can't wait to see what the future brings :)

First Picture together

Bacon roses for my birthday! He's a keeper

Our wiener dog-pig that we made from one of our first few dates. 

We made this fort and watched movies and ate ice cream in it-the first week we were dating. I knew then and there he was the one :)

ABC's with Morgan and Derek

This sounded fun, so I thought I would do it.

A. age: Morgan is 20 (almost 21!) and Derek is 22

B. bed color: light green and white sheets with matching comforter

C. chore you hate: Morgan hates cleaning the bathtub. Derek hates making the bed.

D. dogs: Morgan absolutely needs a dog. Asap. Please. Derek wants a dog that doesn't slobber or shed or disobey or bark. So basically a turtle. 

E. essential start to your day: Morgan has to have her ipod charged so she can jam whilst walking to class. Derek sets his alarm 10 minutes early so he can sleep longer after his alarm goes off the first time.

F. favorite color: Morgan's favorite colors are aqua blue and coral. Derek's favorite color is blue.

G. gold or silver: Morgan likes silver. Derek likes silver also.

H. height: Morgan is 5'1''. Derek is 5'8''. We hope our kids aren't 4'3'' their whole lives, but they may be doomed with our genes. 

I. instruments you play: Morgan plays piano. Derek used to play guitar.

J. job title: Morgan is a personal assistant for a teacher on campus.

K. kids: Morgan thinks some kids are cute and hopes hers turn out to be the cutest but doesn't want any until she graduates. And she wants to practice on a puppy first (cuz it's not as huge of a deal if you screw up). Derek thinks kids are cute and awesome when they are not fussing or whining. So basically a turtle again. 

L. live: Rexburg, Idaho. Yuck. 

M. married: Derek and Morgan have been married for almost 2 months and we love every minute!

N. nicknames: Mo, Mordan, Momo, Morgie, D-rock, D- money, Dewek, Polka Dot :)

O. overnight hospital stays: Nope

P. pet peeve: Morgan's pet peeves are stupid people, people that smack their food when they eat, attention whores, people that drive slower than the speed limit, stepping on wet floors in socks, unmade bed, dry knuckles, and extremely cold weather with no snow. Derek's pet peeves are sticky floors, stupid people, crappy drivers, know-it-alls, dirty homes, flat billed hats, slightly long nails, and he can't study with gubby teeth. 

Q. quote: Morgan: “The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache.” ― Marjorie Pay Hinckley (I just love her) Derek: "Big Gulps huh?..... Welp, see ya later"-- Dumb and Dumber

R. righty or lefty: Both are righty

S. siblings: Morgan has 3 younger sisters and Derek has 2 older brothers and 6 older sisters.

T. time you wake up: Morgan wakes up at 6:22am most days and Derek wakes up around 8:00am

U. university: Both at BYU-Idaho

V. vegetables you dislike: Morgan dislikes cooked carrots, eggplant, squash and cauliflower. Derek dislikes squash and cauliflower.

W. what makes you run late: Morgan takes a while to do her hair if she is really trying. And sometimes outfit choice takes a while. Derek isn't late very often. But shaving makes both of them late.

X. x-rays you've had: None for either of them. 

Y. yummy food: Morgan loves Original Pringles, tangy filled Twizzlers, Mexican food, calamari, and cheesecake. Derek likes steak, quesadillas, german pancakes, and bacon.

Z. zoo animal favorite: Morgan likes tigers and horses even though they aren't at the zoo. Derek likes venomous snakes (ew.) and monkeys.

P.S. Why does this happen? Bleh.

Have a great long weekend! 

It's Monday Again...

...which means it's Bachelor night! :D

And a week from today there is no school, which makes this week a little more bearable.

Y'know, I hate tests. Any and all. Even if I feel prepared. Why don't they just trust you know the information? I have a love-hate relationship with multiple choice tests. It just frustrates the heck out of me when I know I am staring straight at the answer, like it's gonna come out and bite me, but somehow, I sometimes still manage to get it wrong. I don't feel so dumb when I get fill-in-the-blank answers wrong cuz it wasn't RIGHT THERE.

I feel bad watching people trip or slip on ice. Or stairs. Or the ground. It's like, "I feel ya, I did that last week and it was embarrassing." When I get to the next life and I get to be an angel, I am designating myself as the "picker-upper angel" to lift people when they fall. Literally and figuratively.

This weekend was a much needed weekend. Friday I ate din din with some beloved friends and we chatted each other's ears off. I sometimes forget you still need friends even after you are married. So that was quite enjoyable. Then hubby and I tried to watch Hunger Games, but couldn't make it all the way through it cuz we were exhausted, so we paused it at the climax of the movie and slept (haha that's how tired we were! "NO RUE, DON'T DIE--zzzzzzzz"). Saturday was the best lazy day ever. We slept in later than we should have, we both had things to do, but it was a procrastinating sort of day. We finished Hunger Games, watched up to our ears in special features of the movie (ask me any question on the making of that movie and I could tell you. We're pretty much experts now.) And ate waay too many sugar cookies sent from my mommy. They were delicious. Derek even taught me how to flatulate properly. It was an eye-opener. We both got way hyper (not sure if correlated to the cookie consumption) and decided to go to Applebee's, where we proceeded to be slightly obnoxious and comment on a group of high school kids going to a formal dance. We both agreed we did not miss high school or dances and went through both our archives of past crushes and love interests up until we met each other. Looking back, I can't believe I put up with some people in relationships for so long and didn't know what I was missing until I met Derek. And I liked hearing about his past crushes a little too much, knowing that I had beat them all, haha. Then we watched Taken 2, which may or may not have caused me to be a little freaked out when we were going to bed, and it was dark, and the heater was making weird noises. Sunday was great, (but any day is great when you get to sleep in) we went to our friend's mission farewell, followed by a meal epiphany for me--Taco salad-- wait for it....IN DORITO BAGS! No dishes! So yummy and an ingenious idea. Wish I thought of it. So there will be many meals to come that are served in a chip bag, because I love chips and I love no dishes. Woot. So that was delish. And then home again, chillaxing and then D had to leave for volunteering, which is always a bummer, but especially when you had just spent 72 straight hours together. But I was rather productive while he was gone, and got some homework done. All in all it was a great weekend. And after today, it will be a great week as well. And Valentine's Day is this week! Tell people (and pets) you love them! My dog was the best valentine ever for the past few years of my life, so don't underestimate the power of love from things other than people! A carton of Ben and Jerry's or a fuzzy kitty can love just as wonderfully as a significant other. So find something to love and LOVE THE HECK OUT OF IT!

Happy Bachelor Day! :)

Commentary On [random] Things in Life

Hey folks.

I just bought my weight's worth in classical hymn music. I prefer most hymns without people singing it. There is something irritating about everyone singing together trying to impress everyone by trying to outdo one another's vibrato and sing louder than everyone else at church. *cough cough girl that sits in front of me in Relief Society*.  It kinda ruins it for me. Unless your name is Linda Rowberry. Then you bring me to tears with your voice. (Look her up on Itunes. Holy choirs of angels.)

However, this piano music is making me miss playing. A lot. I don't have the time or energy to go around campus and find a piano that's not either occupied, has squeaky overused pedals, or too close to a classroom and get 'shushed'. (It's happened to me before. 'Bah-humbug Hymns!') Maybe I'll get a nice Steinway for my birthday in a few weeks :) And we can keep it in the bathroom of our walk-in closet of an apartment. I'll serenade my husband with Mozart as he brushes his teeth before bed.

Y'know what's weird? When your favorite class from last semester is your worst favorite class this semester. Anat and Phys was nice to me last semester. Well, structured, outlined clearly, and lab quizzes that saved my grade. And this semester I'd rather not go to that class anymore. Disorganization, foggy guidelines on course structure, and doomsday lecture exams could make any dedicated student feel like changing to a basket-weaving major. But, today's lab was pretty cool. We got blood samples from ourselves to determine blood type, hematocrit levels, and lipid profiles. What I learned: If you want your finger pricked right, you have to do it yourself. And I'm O+ blood type :)

Speaking of, this quote is fairly relevant. "Whatever you do, give 100%. Unless you're donating blood."

My hubby is donating plasma currently so we can have money to buy milk. And I feel bad cuz I couldn't :(. Ah, the life of a poor college student. Nothing like donating your body for money.

So I saw this pretty girl flipping her hair around in front of the mirror in a bathroom on campus today. She kinda glared at me (I don't even know her) and I couldn't help but think of this. Haha Taylor showed me that vid, she is a plethora of funny youtube videos, so if you need a good laugh, contact her :)

Does anybody else save cute/funny texts from people in their phones? Well, I do. But, I do like to keep my text inbox clean with only those important texts from people and erase irrelevant ones. Well, in a fury of erasing an unimportant conversation, I accidentally erased ALL my texts received from Derek from before we were dating almost a year ago :( I about cried. I know they are just texts, but it was kinda like a journal and I loved to look through and see how our relationship had changed over time. Gaaah. I'm mad at myself for that. I guess I do have eternity to look forward to many more experiences together and I can write down in a safer place.

I think this year will be the first Valentine's Day I'm actually looking forward to because it's not Single-Awareness Day for me anymore! Somehow, I always managed to be single on valentine's day every year up to this one. So I'm quite excited for what this holiday will bring :) And to all you readers who are still single, I feel ya. It sucks, but you will all find someone perfect and then you can look forward to it! Promise :)

Did you know parking lots in Rexburg can spontaneously turn into an ice skating rink overnight? This morning I found that out. You couldn't even see the ice! I didn't trip with my huge backpack on, but I came dangerously close about 50 times. I had to hold onto trees and cars and grass and anything I could get my hands on to stay standing. I felt like this. No joke. But luckily it was an early class so not many other people were outside to see my idiocy.

The Bach is starting! So stoked! Happy Monday! :)

I suck at blogging

If you couldn't tell.

Sorry folks (all 3 readers haha).

Well, I don't need to blog about The Bach, cuz Emily does that already for me. :)

So you may be wondering why my url is so random? I'll explain.
MAT is my initials (Morgan Alyssa Titus)
DOT is his initials (Derek Oliver Titus)

The end. He hates it when I call him polka dot. He says it's too cute. Nonsense.

Some secrets from this week:
-I love living with a boy. Especially since I never have considering I grew up with all sisters. I don't even mind when he leaves the toilet seat up. (I know, you longer married couples are scoffing right now)
-I hope our 'newlywed' attitudes never wear off.
-I wish we had more movies. Nacho Libre and The Notebook are getting old.
-My love for skiing has recently been awakened. It's taking a lot in me to not drop out of school and become a ski bum. Just kidding. But not really.
-Cooking is a big, long mountain to climb. And I just passed the Entrance sign.
-Panini's (sort of) work on a George Foreman
-Not all Pinterest recipes work
-That being said, don't try pizzadillas. They're gross. Just have pizza. Or dillas.
-We're both really bad at eating healthy. Pringles scream at me to buy them when I go grocery shopping
-I hope I want kids in the next 20 years. It's not looking too bright right now.
-"I'll text you so we can hang out!" never happens
-Although being with the hubby 24/7 is great, being apart makes it that much harder
-Rexburg is a moisture sucker of a city
-We might graduate a year from this semester!
-I'm scared for the uncertainty of what will happen after that
-I want a puppy so so so so so so so so bad. Like so bad.
-How can you be sweaty and cold at the same time??
-Don't buy $0.99 chocolate cake.
-Farts are funny in Macy's
-And everywhere (we aren't mature enough to be parents haha)
-Sometimes a hug is all you need to make a day better
-I love this Gospel
-My husband says the cutest prayers. (Even if he does say 'skewl')
-New pet peeve: socks that fall down in boots after 5 steps.
-Walking all over campus with a heavy backpack actually counts as exercise
-Relief Society activities can be fun
-Sometimes I get claustrophobic in jeans
-I hate driving in snow. Or rain.
-I can't wait to get our wedding pictures back!

Mwah!

Because I Can

You want to know one of my favorite things about college, but also marriage? Doing whatever the freak I want! It's seriously so awesome.

Guess what I had for dinner? Twizzlers.
Why? Because I can!

I have homework to do. But I'm blogging first.
Why? Because I can!

I don't label any of my food anymore!
Why? Because I can!

Guess what food I buy more than anything else? Pringles!
Why? Because I can!

Why, do you ask, do I have a Periodic table shower curtain?
Because I can!

Why do I get in pajamas as soon as I get home from class? (even if it ends before noon?)
Because I can! (If being in your pj's before 7pm is wrong, then I don't want to be right.)

I love the freedom of running my own home, if you couldn't tell. And I can't wait when I have kids and they say, "Mom why do I have to eat vegetables and go to bed early?" And I can say the phrase that has so many times been said to me, "Because I'm the mom"and that constitutes as a valid enough answer for the first 18 years of their lives.

However. I did get a "because you can't" this week. I went to donate plasma to do a good deed (and get some ca$h) and I waited a whole 2 hours in line and got a finger prick and blood pressured and even urinated in a cup. And guess what? All that hulabaloo for nothing. Once the nurse lady asked me a bajilion questions about if I have traveled to Kenya or Djbouti or done injection drugs or had sex with a gay man before 1977 (what the random?) they asked about past blood disorders and-- BOOM. I was done for. So because I had wimpy blood when I was 12 and got cured and have been fine ever since, I am permanently labeled with sucky blood forever. So that was kind of a waste.

I only have one class tomorrow- HALLELUJAH! 'Cept because I am only taking 12 credits this semester (stupid online class won't add me off the waitlist -__-) I kinda feel like a leech on those tithe-payer's moneys on days like tomorrow :/

Things I learned today:
-There is such thing as a snow day in Rexburg (but it has to be -20 degrees and freeze all the power out of the city.)
-I feel B.A. when I walk around outside and its below 0. But then my ears about fall off and I can't put my hood up cuz it was a good hair-do day.
-Anat and Phys lab isn't as scary as I thought it was at 11:30 last night.
-I love D&C. Like alot. The class, the teacher, and the scrips.
-I suck at journaling. And remembering when to take out my laundry.
-Any day with no tests is a good day. Even if you slip on ice and *almost* fall on your bum. Multiple times. (Slipping is an accomplished art here in the burg. I would hope I would be good at it by now.)
-Ipod headphone wires freeze in funny shapes 3 seconds after going outside.
-It bugs me when people complain about the cold. Yes, its cold, captain obvious. No, nobody likes it. So stahp whining and put on your big girl panties.
-I'm on a massive Mexican food trip. I like burritos. Everyday. No, it hasn't gotten old yet. Maybe never will.
-It's not fun filling out name change forms
-The post man becomes Santa Claus when you are waiting for an online order :D
-My blog posts are so random. whoops.
-I'll try and get better at that.

I might make brownies tomorrow. Cuz I can.

P.S. I love this dapper young fellow. He makes my day.