Give it a shake

Somehow, we are in the last week of June already. I don't know how these things happen. I guess what they say is true–time flies when you're having fun and school is not slowly draining you of your will to live.

With the first full month of summer coming to a close, I felt an Instagram Recap was in order (something I apparently only do during the summer). My summer has been great so far–filled with trips home, meet-up planning, seeing movies,* hanging out with best friends and new friends, pranks on coworkers, rereading Harry Potter, and a few margaritas here and there.

In a few short weeks, I will be shepherding twelve bloggers around Austin. It's going to be an adventure, to say the least. It has been quite the undertaking, planning this meet-up, but everything is pretty much set now. Just a few minor details to iron out, and it will all be good to go! I can't wait to see everyone again (and a few for the first time).

How's your summer going?

-Maggie

* Go see This Is the End. It's ridiculous and inappropriate, but so hilarious. The ending of the movie alone is worth the price of admission.

MRMWII

Currently, I am sitting in the library with Kiera. She's being a good kid, taking notes in preparation for her test tomorrow. I am doing everything I can to continue to put off writing this paper, which includes but is not limited to checking my MySpace for the first time in three years and watching all the videos I've made. Anyway, I realized that I never posted the video from our spring break trip, so here you are! I must warn you though–we're incredibly obnoxious.

Now I must actually work on my paper before Kiera notices I'm blogging and yells at me again. She's pretty mean, guys.

-Maggie

P.S. Make sure you click the little HD button.

Happy Birthdays to Me

As I've mentioned before, last year my birthday was terrible. I believe that, as a general rule, that shouldn't be allowed. Birthdays should always be, at the very least, good days. Really, birthdays should be awesome. You've survived another year–you haven't been hit by a car or become victim of some previously unknown disease. You're not dead yet! That's a cause for celebration, people. But I digress.

My birthday this year definitely made up for last year. For starters, it lasted five days and as if that wasn't enough, I got to see my parents, went out with friends from work, and spent the bulk of that time in my favorite place.

My birthday was on Tuesday (the ninth, in case you want to mark your calendars for next year). My parents were on their way to Albuquerque for my dad's knee surgery, but they stopped in Lubbock to see their favorite child. Although they could only stay for lunch, I was very happy to spend a little time with them. They also brought me presents, which included glass tumblers and rainbow shot glasses. Parenting: You're doing it right.

Since I was leaving for Austin the next day, I hadn't planned to do anything else on my actual birthday aside from homework, but I soon abandoned that plan. Abby came over for a bit and we made sugar cookies, but since she is more responsible than me she eventually left to actually do her homework. I continued to decorate cookies. Then around eight o'clock I realized how incredibly sad it was that I was decorating cookies by myself on my 21st birthday.

(To preface this next part, I should bring you up to speed on a few things. There is a girl I work with, Kiera, who I've recently developed a huge friend crush on. The only problem is I don't know how to let someone know I want to be their friend without being incredibly creepy about it, which is a large part of why I have made no friends in Lubbock. Kiera and I had gone to IHOP a few days before, but at this point in time, I was still worried I was going to scare her off with my intensity. Okay, back to my birthday.) I knew that Kiera was working in the fuel station that night, so I called and asked, "How creepy would it be if I brought you a cookie?" For some reason, she didn't think it was creepy. I think she was just being nice.

Anyway, this all led to Kiera taking me and another coworker, Gabby, to a bar for my first official, legal drink. The three of us talked and laughed a lot, and it was really, really fun. I am quite proud of myself for making friends, which is a sad commentary on . . . me. Really, it's not that impressive considering I've worked at United for over a year now. Besides, this is something most people figure out in kindergarten. Come on, Maggie.

The next day, I flew to Austin. Yes, flew. My usual seven hour drive turned into a forty-five minute flight, and now I can never go back to my old ways (except, obviously, I have to as flying is expensive even when it is within the same state, which really makes no sense to me, but, again, I digress). Since I got to Austin before five instead of after ten like I usually do, Melany and I were able to see Two Door Cinema Club in concert. They were fabulous. They played every song I hoped they would, and it was such a fun concert. Concerts in general are just a good time.

Thursday night Melany, Michelle, Britny, and I went to a Clue Quote-Along at the Alamo Drafthouse, which was an absolute blast. It's always fun to be surrounded by people who love something just as much as (or more) than you do, and that was made even better by the delicious burgers and a specialty drink called the Mrs. Peacocktail.

Afterwards, we walked down to Peché, an absinthe bar I've wanted to try since our unsuccessful attempt to "casually bump into" Team StarKid two years ago. First I tried a gin drink with creme de mure, which was pretty good, but then I decided to try an absinthe drink and was severely disappointed. Something you should know about absinthe is that you will not like it unless you love–and I mean love–black licorice. The first sip is okay, but the more you drink it, the stronger the taste and smell of licorice become until it's unbearable. Then it just doesn't leave you. Once Melany and I got back to the apartment, we had to burn the taste out with copious amounts of Julio's salsa. I'm just warning you.

On Friday we went thrift shopping in hopes of finding furniture for our apartment, but were unsuccessful. We did get to meet one of the other Maggies from the Blogger Family though! We didn't get to hang out for very long and I'm sure mine and Melany's bickering probably scared her, but it was nice to finally meet her. Later that night, Melany and I went to an eighties dance party at Barbarella, which was, honestly, not as fun as it was supposed to be, but that was probably my fault. What was lacking Friday night was made up for on Saturday when Britny, Melany, and I marathoned all four Scream movies. It was a hilarious and incredibly chill way to wrap up a busy weekend.

In conclusion, I am incredibly spoiled and blessed and thankful for the people that made this birthday one worth writing a very long post about. It really was the best.

-Maggie

Mystical Road Trip of Magic and Wonder: Part II

The summer after we graduated from high school, my three best friends and I took a trip to my aunt and uncle's home in East Texas (a.k.a. Tackett's Dream). That was our first trip going anywhere by ourselves, so naturally what was supposed to be a four hour drive somehow turned into a nine hour drive. We must have hit a wormhole somewhere. Anyway, eventually we got there and had the absolute best time riding four-wheelers, tubing, fishing, and being gross (and making a truly terrible video with Melany's cheap camera that can be viewed here).

As part of our No Shitty Birthdays vow, we wanted to take a Spring Break trip to celebrate Husmann's birthday (which is on Tuesday), so we called up Aunt Kim. Kim and Lee are two of the coolest people, and seemed genuinely happy to have us there even though we're extremely obnoxious when we're together (and it was worse this weekend because the four of us hadn't been together since September).

We had a fantastic time–riding the Mule, skeet shooting, chopping down trees, watching movies, and eating a lot of food. It was so nice to be together again and away from the stress of school and work. We're extremely thankful that they let us use their home as an escape, and can't wait to go back.

Video coming soon. (Also, the Seattle video is actually close to being finished, so look forward to that as well.)

-Maggie

P.S. If you're interested, all of our Instagram pictures are tagged #MRMWII.

Melany Turns 21

This past weekend, KaCee and I made the drive to Austin to celebrate Melany's birthday. Last year, the four of us* had terrible birthdays, and vowed that that would not happen this year. Even though Husmann wasn't able to come this time, we still had a great weekend (and Husmann will definitely be there for the next trip because it is partially for her birthday).

When we got there Friday night, Melany was still out with her family, so we picked up Britny and went for our traditional meal at Magnolia's. Every time I go I get the Prima Dora omelette (avocado, cheese, covered in sour cream sauce) and a short stack of whole wheat chocolate chip pancakes, and every time I think it can't get better than last time but IT CAN. Magnolia's never disappoints.

Saturday morning we slept in, watched an awesome Alicia Silverstone movie called The Crush (go watch it–thank us later), ordered a pizza, and were lazy most of the afternoon. Eventually, we got dressed up to go to dinner and a comedy club called the Velveeta Room with Melany's sister, Michelle, and Britny. Afterwards, everyone headed back to Melany and her sister's apartment for a sleepover. It was a really great night involving Apples to Apples, cookies, and a lot of girl talk.

On Sunday, KaCee and I took our sweet time leaving Austin, as usual. It gets harder to leave every time. Good news is KaCee and Britny are officially getting an apartment together this summer, and I already know I'll be there in December. I get closer to home every day.

-Maggie

P.S. Listen to this song and be happy.

* Melany, KaCee, Husmann, and I

Seattle Trip of Dreams and Wonder, Part II: Blogger Family

I can now cross off number two on my Twenty Before Twenty-One list.

The Blogger Family met in Seattle last week. We are all crazy–spending hundreds of dollars and traveling thousands of miles to stay in hotel rooms with people we had never met prior to this. To answer the most pressing question: Was anyone a creepy old man with pedophiliac intentions? Only one, but we were able to outrun him, so everything turned out okay. (I'm kidding, Mom.)

My brain had a hard time rationalizing that I was actually in the same room as these people. It kept thinking But why aren't you in a computer? I had to keep reminding myself that they were really there in front of me. I think I may have poked a few of them.

The weirdest thing of all though was that it really wasn't weird. We were all prepared for it to be a little awkward since talking via Facebook or even over the phone is different than meeting face-to-face, but it wasn't. Everyone just clicked. It was as if we'd always known each other (and this feeling was only reinforced by Dillon's mom and the hotel concierge).

We managed to squeeze so much in the few days we had together. Dillon, the Seattle native, went above and beyond planning what we would do each day and ensuring we were having a good time. We enjoyed the beautiful weather, shopped (a lot. Probably too much) ate fabulous food (well, except that one time), explored different parts of the city, ran through fountains, took naps in parks, made s'mores (Nicola's first!), and took a million pictures. We even got to meet Sam! 

My favorite part of every day was the meals. We all passed our food and drinks around the table to be shared, and laughed and told stories and talked about "next time." One of the more idyllic concepts of "family," to me at least, is that of a group of people gathered around a table just like we were, so each time I looked around at everyone during a meal, my heart felt as though it could burst. Because that's exactly what we are–a family.

This trip was so much more than any of us were hoping for. It was one of the best weeks of my life. I knew there would probably be tears at the end of it, but I was not prepared for how difficult it really was. I cried more that last day than I have in a very long time. It feels like I've left a sizable chunk of my heart behind.

Luckily, as Nicola pointed out, it wasn't really a "goodbye." It was a "see you next year," and while a year still seems like much too long, it's better than a "see you never." We have the little things we gathered from this trip to help us through until the next. Any time I get too down in the coming months, I'll just remember the time Shelby stuck her foot in a public toilet.

Love you guys so much. See you in Austin.

-Maggie

April 22: Castellum Amicus

"You know what's going to be weird?" Colt said. "When I have a boyfriend to introduce to this group of people."

"I'm so excited for us to get boyfriends!" I said.

"Us three single gals," Melany said.

"I'm not gonna like that," Jacob said. "You see how much room is in this fort right now?!"

"But we'll be older then–" I said.

"We're still going to be doing the same stuff! Making forts in our apartment," Colt said.

"No, but we'll be older and we'll have bigger apartments and bigger forts," I said.

"And more sheets!" KaCee said. "Nicer sheets!"

"And we'll be into our careers and have like two hundred dollars to drop on fort-making supplies," Colt said.

-Maggie

April 21: Weekend of Buddies

-Maggie

P.S. We are making a fort right now. More on that tomorrow.

In which I am sentimental.

Soon two more of my favorite people will be living in Lubbock with me. KaCee and Jacob have been accepted into Tech and tomorrow they're moving into their new apartment that isn't very far from my grandparents' house.

I am so excited for them to live here, but the picture below made me sentimental and nostalgic. If you know me, then you know it doesn't take very much for me to feel this way, and the fact that I am under great stress from finals week probably isn't helping any, but there's nothing I can do about it now except write.

KaCee and Jacob moved in together last August. The income-based apartments on the Moran highway weren't the greatest, but it wasn't too shabby for a first apartment with your high school sweetheart. Soon enough, pictures were framed, curtains were hung, and little crafts by KaCee were placed all over, and the apartment was really theirs.

That August was right before Melany, KaCee, Husmann and I started our first year of college, so most of those last few weeks we had together were spent in that living room late at night, talking and laughing. Eventually, school forced us apart, but when everyone could make it home for a weekend, we would all meet at KaCee and Jacob's. It became a place of reunion, of retrouvailles.

Even though KaCee and Jacob only lived there for a little over a year, there are many memories attached to that tiny apartment. Jacob playing World of Warcraft, and Kaiser chasing Colt while he giggled like a schoolgirl. The Christmas party that we spent so much time preparing for, and playing a million rounds of Catch Phrase. Watching Rugrats, and ranting about annoying people we know (which is most of them). All of the talks, and the night we didn't end up leaving until five in the morning.

Mostly, a lot of late nights and a lot of laughter and a lot of love.

We've gotten to the point in our lives where the times that we'll all be in the same place at the same time are few and far between, so it's nice that we'll have these things to look back on. It's nice that, for a little while, we had this place to go where we knew that best friends would always be, and that if we weren't all together now, we would be soon.

-Maggie

This is the story of how I died.

Last week started off badly.

I noticed that I could feel a thumping behind my gas pedal when I was in second gear, so I asked D-Dad to check it out since I was driving seven hours to Austin on Friday. When he drove it, the thumping turned into shaking, so we took it to the shop. The first place we went to couldn't diagnosis it without taking the axle off or something like that, so D-Dad took it to another shop the next day. The second shop was able to figure out the problem and went to work on fixing it.

I asked my mom what I would do if my car didn't get fixed and she said that I probably wouldn't get to go because plane tickets were far too expensive now. Cue my breakdown.

The shop called Wednesday afternoon and said they had fixed the first problem, but found something else. At this point, I was searching for buses and figuring how long it would take to walk there. I was desperately searching for some means of transport while simultaneously trying to prepare myself what seemed to be an imminent defeat.

But there was no need. My car was fixed and running smoothly by the time my school day ended on Thursday. I am very thankful that I have grandparents and parents that realize when something is important to me even if they don't understand why. My grandfather worked very hard to make sure that they fixed my car before Friday while my mom and dad were trying to come up with alternative ways I could get to Austin just in case. They're the very best.

So on Friday, November 11th I packed, stopped to make an epic wish at 11:11am, and then drove the seven hours to Austin–saved once again by an audiobook lent by Andrew (this time it was Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire). I was driving into Austin by the time the sun had set, and met Britny and Melany at Chuy's.

After we ate, we went to this toy store called Toy Joy, which was magical and had Spock and Kirk nutcrackers. Then we went to play putt-putt and walked around downtown, and had no ulterior motives for doing so.

The next day we got in line for the S.P.A.C.E. Tour at about twelve-thirty, which was later than we'd intended, but we always get places later than we intend. We had picked up McDonald's, but I was too anxious to eat my Big Mac, so I made Melany put it in her purse. Then we had to deal with Grumpy Line Melany, which is my least favorite Melany.

Julia Albain walked by at one point and I was all weird and loud when I said hi. Nobody else really noticed her, and I was all SHE IS THE DIRECTOR OF THIS TOUR. SHOW SOME RESPECT. Then I saw Liam White of Liam's Got A Phone Call fame, but I wasn't sure if it was him when I first saw him, so I didn't say anything.

When we finally got inside, we got in the merch line where I spent all of my money and saw Corey Lubowich. I bought the S.P.A.C.E. Tour shirt, Jim and the Povolos shirt, their EP, and two StarKid buttons. Money well spent.

While in the merch line, we could see Team StarKid walking around upstairs, and I nearly died the first time I saw Joey (and every subsequent time). We got a spot in the back on the left side of the stage as per Natalie's suggestion for maximum Joey viewing, and stared up at the StarKids chatting amongst themselves while we waited for the concert to start.

Charlene Kaye was fabulous, and I am looking forward to buying her new CD. Dylan Saunders came out to sing "Dress & Tie" with her, and we all swooned because he has the voice of an angel. Later on, he came back out with Jaime Lyn Beatty to sing "Animal Love," and it was FANTASTIC. They pulled a girl up on stage who Charlene recognized from covers the girl had sent her and she got into it. It was the best part of Charlene's set.

Then we waited and stared some more, until Brian Holden's voice came out of the speakers requesting no flash photography or video and then they went into this bit that was just so something Team StarKid would do. I cannot convey to you how wonderful the show was. There are not enough positive adjectives in the world to properly describe it. I officially declared it as the best day of my life before the  show was even halfway over, and after the show Melany said, "I could walk into traffic and get hit by four cars and have no regrets now."

LITTLE DID WE KNOW WHAT WOULD HAPPEN NEXT.

So I found my friend Alissa (who I met at Darren Criss's San Antonio concert) outside after the show. We waited outside the doors with about ten other people and discussed the possibilities of polypolygamy. There was about thirty more people waiting across the street where the StarKids' trailer was, and we all stood there for the next hour watching them walk back and forth loading all their equipment. I was trying to gather the courage to ask Joey for a picture as he walked by, but couldn't do it.

Then all of them were standing by their trailer and some sort of signal was given that meant we could ask for pictures, so we ran across the street and I went straight for Joey. I kind of wedged my way to the right side of the crowd surrounding him, and then he turned to me and I don't know how I didn't throw up or faint, but I'm glad I didn't because then I introduced myself and got a picture with him.

No, I don't think you understand. I GOT A PICTURE WITH JOEY RICHTER. LIKE, I MET HIM AND HE SAID MY NAME. AND I LOVE HIM.

Anyway, I called Amy and fought my way back through the crowd to Joey. I told her to hold on just one second, called out to Joey, and heard her say, "JOEY RICHTER?" even though I was holding the phone away from me, which was really funny to me. After that, we made our way over to Joe who was trapped between a wall of a parking garage and a wall of fangirls, and then to Brian who is really tiny. Dylan and I bonded over the San Francisco Giants and he said his mom's name is Maggie, which I am taking as a sign that we'll be married soon, and Jaime said she liked my earrings.

I called Keren and she did not answer, so I called her twice more and she sounded flustered when she answered. She asked me if she could call me back in ten minutes and I told her to hurry as fast as she could and she said, "Okay, just two minutes. Let me get out of work." So she called me back and I said, "Sorry if I freaked you out, but I have someone here who needs to talk to you," and I handed the phone to Joe. I cannot remember exactly what Joe said, but this is the gist of it.

Joe: Hi, this is Joe.

Keren: . . .

Joe: This is Joseph Walker, and I'm here to tell you some bad news. We're all gonna die someday.

Keren: . . .

Joe: Well, you're taking it a lot better than I did when I found out.

Keren: . . .

Joe: If it makes you feel any better, you probably won't die for a long time. Don't die now or I'm going to feel really bad.

Keren: . . .

Joe: Okay, well, your friend just wanted me to say hi and please don't die. Here's your friend, okay, bye!

Then he handed the phone back to me and said he was so embarrassed and it was just really adorable. Also, we took two pictures with him because he made a weird face in the first one and said, "I don't think I look very–yeah, let's take that again." It was just funny.

In short, I am madly in love with every member of Team StarKid.

After they all boarded the bus, we walked down the street towards Melany's car, but ended up sitting on a bench across the street from it for a good fifteen minutes trying to take in what had just happened to us. Eventually, we got up to put our stuff in Melany's car and walked back down to Austin Java. I ordered a chicken sandwich, but couldn't eat because I was still reeling from everything that had happened and Britny said that I had "involuntary anorexia," which I think should actually be a thing if it isn't already.

So that's the story of how I died, and if any of you who are not in the blogging family caught that Doctor Who reference, then I love you.

Oh, and the wish I made on November 11, 2011 at 11:11am?

"I wish I could meet Joey Richter this weekend."

WISHES DO COME TRUE, KIDS.

-Maggie