Thank You, Honestly

I thought I'd have to lie to write this thank you note for the donor who provided money for my journalism scholarship. After all, the scholarship is supposed to go to someone interested in North Carolina culture and history. But as I wrote the note, I realized that none of it was a lie...

Dear [name removed],

I am so thankful to you for providing me with some of the money necessary to continue my education. You will be in my thoughts next semester as I sit through my journalism classes and gain the knowledge and understanding I need to be a contributing and impactful North Carolina resident, just as James Davis was.

To tell you a little bit about myself, I am currently finishing up my sophomore year at UNC, though I wish I was not already halfway through my college career. Coming to school in Chapel Hill from Cary has further increased my love of all things North Carolina. Although I am a transplanted Yankee, my roots are now firmly planted in the South.

Currently, I am most interested in learning about southern food. As a double major in American Studies focusing on American foodways, my appreciation for local foodways has developed into an obsession—visiting nearby farms, frequenting the Carrboro Farmer’s Market and eating cornbread like it’s my job. I’ve adopted the culture; and the culture so rich in that infamous southern hospitality has also adopted me.

With my education, I plan to fill my repertoire of experiences with visits to foreign countries and more familiar states, sharing conversation with anyone and everyone and learning through living. That’s what you have given me: the opportunity to live more fully without the fear of incurring debt.

I know that I will leave this place in two years with bittersweet feelings. But as a journalist, I recognize the importance of leaving in order to gain a new perspective, one I’m sure will eventually plant me back here where I belong.

Thanks again for your generosity,
Meghan

I never, ever expected to love North Carolina this much. (Chapel Hill, specifically.) But at this point, I'm rather addicted. Yes, I want to leave, to explore other places and other opportunities, but I think I'll always be pulled back here.

Sh-whoops

I was setting epic records for a while there, posting almost as often as I had a new thought. Apparently I have been focusing my thoughts on other topics, such as my many end-of-the-year papers. Whew.

March Madness is the most fitting excuse I can think of. And I'm not just referring to basketball.

Here is a rundown of the last month, with pictures:

We made our first meal of spring.

Slept in boxes during a rainstorm.

Celebrated Katie's 20th birthday.

Celebrated a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.

Celebrated JJ's presidential retirement.

Visited the Carrboro Farmer's Market, ate lots.

Held our last full SAIL meeting before commencement.

So, many celebrations occurred. Plus, today is Easter, so I will be elaborating on my life later.

Lagging with Updates, but Not Jet-Lagged

I'm baaaaaack!

I have so much to write, but I should probably sleep soon to once again regulate my schedule.

Expect Germany stories in installments throughout the week.

A picture preview:

A Celebration of Two Eves

Today marks the one year anniversary of Eve Carson's death.

Time has passed so quickly. Campus wounds are scabbing over. A few years from now, we'll carry the permanent scar. Healed, but with the ever-present memory.

That Eve still makes an impact from beyond says so much about her strength of character. She brought the campus together countless times as student body president. We're all together for her again.

She inspires me to be better. I know I'm not the only one.



On another note, I'm going to Germany tomorrow. It's the eve of my trip. And today was absolutely beautiful.

Her Morning Elegance

I love, love, love this song. It reminds me of The Beatles' "She's Leaving Home," except with more hope.

The video's not too shabby either.

In like a lion, as promised

March has really pulled through on fulfilling that old weather adage, "In like a lion, out like a lamb."

Well, actually, so far we've only got the former confirmed. But warm weather absolutely must arrive ASAP. Try as I might to summon up spring-and-summer feelings with bright clothes and optimism, my enthusiasm is fading fast. I need the real deal, real soon!

It rained all weekend, then gradually got colder, then culminated in an overnight snow flurry that covered campus Monday morning.

In my mind, the only purpose snow really serves is to get residents of the South out of unfavorable obligations. In this case, classes and work. But in typical Carolina tradition, everything operated on a normal schedule beginning at 10 a.m. Which is conveniently the time of my first class.

I would happily stay a second semester sophomore for quite awhile. Can that opportunity please, please come packaged with sunshine?

Two G's

Germany and Georgetown.

I'll be in the former in a little over a week and the latter in a little over three months.

I know I should live in the present and enjoy my life as it comes, but goodness. I have so much to look forward to!

A Lesson in Civility

I attended the ACC Leadership Conference this weekend at Virginia Tech, and while I'm not sure I took away the main points of the meeting, I really did learn something.

We had a case study involving Rwandan health issues, but I found a few other studies more interesting. A further study of people, for instance.

Specifically, the other ACC schools opened my eyes to a world outside the UNC bubble. I always forget that not everyone shares an experience similar to Carolina's. I feel enlightened after hearing the ways that other schools operate.

And I still like mine best :-)

I will have to elaborate on those thoughts later, however. A weekend devoted to leadership leaves little time to do actual coursework.

A love for weekends and a weekend of love

This weekend was especially enjoyable with all the Valentine's Day festivities. I didn't participate in anything too spontaneous or exciting, but I find that a combination of good food, good friends and a few favorite movies also do the trick.

Here's Katie snuggling in her festive red blanket-with-arms. I introduced her to the glory of Office Space on Friday night. And she looked so cute, an even better advertisement for snuggies than the television commercials, I just had to take a picture.

And these beauties are the absolutely delectable white chocolate cherry shortbread cookies I made to commemorate the holiday.

I ate a lot of really amazing food, which is crucial during this season. Eating is one of the most pleasurable experiences that exists. What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than to eat lots and lots?

Lin, Elly and I tried Fiesta Grill, a restaurant 5 miles past the middle of nowhere. The place was incredibly crowded and we waited about 45 minutes for a table. When my flautas fiesta arrived, however, I forgot all about the wait. My plate, appropriately, represented a whole party of textures, and tasted like one big piece of fried tortilla and meat heaven. Totally worth the drive, and absolutely worth the $10 price tag.

Naturally, gorging oneself on Mexican ought to be followed up with chocolate. Bliss, the new boutique bakery on West Franklin Street, made the sweetest ending. Chocolate cupcake topped with chocolate ganache? Yes, please. Chocolate-covered strawberry on the house? Bliss accomplished.

New February Resolutions

By this time of year, most people have given up on their New Year's resolutions. I mean, New Year's Eve is one of the most well-celebrated holidays of the year, and you're probably high off the endorphins, and God knows what else, when establishing those resolutions. Of course you're going to ditch any commitments you made in that altered, extra enthusiastic state of mind.

Thus, I am beginning a new tradition for myself. New February Resolutions will allow me to set and accomplish goals at an otherwise dismal time of year. Other than Valentine's Day, there are no holidays to get excited about until spring break rolls around. I, on the other hand, will get excited about checking items off my February resolution list.

Examples include learning to:

• listen as well as I talk.
• cook a wide variety of wholesome meals.
• confront people, period. I'll work on the actual method next year.
  
• not worry every five minutes.
• save money. Or spend it on practical things.

Five seems like a reasonable number of New February Resolutions to have, but I guess I get to make the rules up as I go along. I'll add and subtract as I see fit. Speaking of which, getting fit ought to be on there as well...