politics

Happy National Pizza-With-the-Works-Except-Anchovies Day!

Confession time:

I hate politics.

I hate needing to see the big picture, the small details, and the psychology of the entire world all at once. There are too many implications, too many relationships, and too many events for my little brain to handle. But at the same time, I love it. I love seeing the big picture, the small details, the psychology in life. I am fascinated with those areas, but for some reason the word "politics" is a major turn-off for me. I am enthralled with people, how & why we do what we do, where our problems lie, and what mistakes we keep making. I love analyzing situations and predicting the outcome of certain actions. I actually do love my government class that I am taking this semester, but the instant I see it in real time; when I hear a politician give an address, when I get a leaflet in the mail - I get a rush of emotions that are not that pretty.

I wonder if it is because politics aren't as romantic as I would like, or if it is because as a child I was surrounded with the general opinion that politics are icky.

On the romance side of it, I love intelligence. I love it when people are smart, when they can manipulate a situation to get a desired result, when they understand their peers well enough to find a connection. Not just a talent for kindness, but relations through intelligence. And in my ideal world, politicians are just that. Intelligent. And I'll admit, many are. But from there the romance stops. Their words seem empty and their charisma is too calculated. I sit here scratching my head, wondering how a system that is meant to be the heart and soul of America, our ability to have a say in our government, could be so terribly unattractive that from the time I can pronounce the silly word I already have the idea that it is something negative.

Now that I think about it, that is what I hate most. That something that is supposed to be revered, something that is meant to be a tool in our fight for freedom, is so casually abhorred and ridiculed. Even if it does get the respect it deserves, so many negative emotions are tied to politics. Anger, despair, resentment, pride - all are very powerful and very much laced within our political sphere.

I feel silly for blogging about politics, especially considering the fact that I know little to nothing. I guess I am just frustrated that I can't connect with something that has so many pieces that I love. As I said before, I love psychology, human relations, predicting and analyzing situations, etc. But in my head, politics are icky.

And it might stay that way for a while.

It helps when I see the regal side of politics - the genius that was required for the creation of our government, the skill used by those in positions of power to alter a society. But I am getting these juicy bits from a beginners' government course at the community college. Hopefully, after a time, I will be able to find an interest in today's politics.

I guess we'll see.

xoxo,
McCall

Happy National Pizza-With-the-Works-Except-Anchovies Day!

Confession time:

I hate politics.

I hate needing to see the big picture, the small details, and the psychology of the entire world all at once. There are too many implications, too many relationships, and too many events for my little brain to handle. But at the same time, I love it. I love seeing the big picture, the small details, the psychology in life. I am fascinated with those areas, but for some reason the word "politics" is a major turn-off for me. I am enthralled with people, how & why we do what we do, where our problems lie, and what mistakes we keep making. I love analyzing situations and predicting the outcome of certain actions. I actually do love my government class that I am taking this semester, but the instant I see it in real time; when I hear a politician give an address, when I get a leaflet in the mail - I get a rush of emotions that are not that pretty.

I wonder if it is because politics aren't as romantic as I would like, or if it is because as a child I was surrounded with the general opinion that politics are icky.

On the romance side of it, I love intelligence. I love it when people are smart, when they can manipulate a situation to get a desired result, when they understand their peers well enough to find a connection. Not just a talent for kindness, but relations through intelligence. And in my ideal world, politicians are just that. Intelligent. And I'll admit, many are. But from there the romance stops. Their words seem empty and their charisma is too calculated. I sit here scratching my head, wondering how a system that is meant to be the heart and soul of America, our ability to have a say in our government, could be so terribly unattractive that from the time I can pronounce the silly word I already have the idea that it is something negative.

Now that I think about it, that is what I hate most. That something that is supposed to be revered, something that is meant to be a tool in our fight for freedom, is so casually abhorred and ridiculed. Even if it does get the respect it deserves, so many negative emotions are tied to politics. Anger, despair, resentment, pride - all are very powerful and very much laced within our political sphere.

I feel silly for blogging about politics, especially considering the fact that I know little to nothing. I guess I am just frustrated that I can't connect with something that has so many pieces that I love. As I said before, I love psychology, human relations, predicting and analyzing situations, etc. But in my head, politics are icky.

And it might stay that way for a while.

It helps when I see the regal side of politics - the genius that was required for the creation of our government, the skill used by those in positions of power to alter a society. But I am getting these juicy bits from a beginners' government course at the community college. Hopefully, after a time, I will be able to find an interest in today's politics.

I guess we'll see.

xoxo,
McCall

three

Happy National Sundae Day!

There is a power in three. The three musketeers, the three branches of government, the three times I just left the computer in the last five minutes to eat chocolate. Three is a pretty awesome number, and so I think that I want to start doing some THREEs. I am going to share three pictures, some with stories, some without. It's just a way to give a sneak peek about more in my life, without as much effort on my part.

Because I am all about the shortcut :)

On the 30th of October, there was the most beautiful fall day I have ever been blessed to see in my ENTIRE LIFE. I'm obsessed with fog, and so this misty day was pure heaven.

After my second performance of Guys & Dolls, I had some sweet carnations from some very sweet people. If you know the musical, you know the significance of the flower ;)

And this is just an old picture of my darling sister (you know, my best friend)

xoxo,
McCall

Happy National Sundae Day!

There is a power in three. The three musketeers, the three branches of government, the three times I just left the computer in the last five minutes to eat chocolate. Three is a pretty awesome number, and so I think that I want to start doing some THREEs. I am going to share three pictures, some with stories, some without. It's just a way to give a sneak peek about more in my life, without as much effort on my part.

Because I am all about the shortcut :)

On the 30th of October, there was the most beautiful fall day I have ever been blessed to see in my ENTIRE LIFE. I'm obsessed with fog, and so this misty day was pure heaven.

After my second performance of Guys & Dolls, I had some sweet carnations from some very sweet people. If you know the musical, you know the significance of the flower ;)

And this is just an old picture of my darling sister (you know, my best friend)

xoxo,
McCall

my anthem

Post by Exposing Vine Thoughts.

Post by Exposing Vine Thoughts.

sister dates, part I

Happy National Feral Cat Day!

On Friday, I enjoyed Part I of my birthday present from Abby.

We...

Had...

A...

SISTER DATE!

Basically, we were having enough fun to warrant Little Saul and the Breakingham Palace Crew.

Which, if you are well versed in the Phineas and Ferb world, you understand that we had a LOT of fun.

Our itinerary included a picnic, froyo from Sweet Toppings (aka the yummiest of the froyos), a lonngggg drive along random roads (while pretending we were on a roller coaster), a trip to Whole Foods, a lovely little walk, and playtime at a random park.

A lot of this day could be labeled as spontaneous adventuring, such as trying to find the furthest park, the strangest road, the most hipster food item at the grocery store.

It was crazy good.

 One of the three parks we went to ^

 My beautiful gem of a sister ^

(WARNING: the following pictures may be blurred due to the fact that they are action shots)

I'm a professional ^ 

This picture came about when we realized how epic everything looked upside down ^

Aannnnddddd then cliche pictures of the BEAUTIFUL sky. Look at that gold ^ 

The best part about these pictures is that I am much too lazy to edit, and so they represent the true beauty of that day.

I can't wait for our future dates!

xoxo,

McCall

Happy National Feral Cat Day!

On Friday, I enjoyed Part I of my birthday present from Abby.

We...

Had...

A...

SISTER DATE!

Basically, we were having enough fun to warrant Little Saul and the Breakingham Palace Crew.

Which, if you are well versed in the Phineas and Ferb world, you understand that we had a LOT of fun.

Our itinerary included a picnic, froyo from Sweet Toppings (aka the yummiest of the froyos), a lonngggg drive along random roads (while pretending we were on a roller coaster), a trip to Whole Foods, a lovely little walk, and playtime at a random park.

A lot of this day could be labeled as spontaneous adventuring, such as trying to find the furthest park, the strangest road, the most hipster food item at the grocery store.

It was crazy good.

 One of the three parks we went to ^

 My beautiful gem of a sister ^

(WARNING: the following pictures may be blurred due to the fact that they are action shots)

I'm a professional ^ 

This picture came about when we realized how epic everything looked upside down ^

Aannnnddddd then cliche pictures of the BEAUTIFUL sky. Look at that gold ^ 

The best part about these pictures is that I am much too lazy to edit, and so they represent the true beauty of that day.

I can't wait for our future dates!

xoxo,

McCall

happy place

Happy National Noodle Day!

"Now here's a place that you can go that will make you happy. It's called a laughing place."

I'm not quite sure what my laughing place is. Phineas and Ferb cartoons? Pretending to throw things and my puppy running off to fetch them? Leaving a centimeter of milk in the carton for my mom to find?

It's the little things in life ^

But I do know where some of my happy places are.

I'm happy in my bed, right when my alarm goes off.

I'm happy when I can cuddle.

I'm happy when I can sing.

I'm happy when I am home alone and I can throw personal dance parties.

And strangely enough, I'm happy when I look at my tumblr.

I dunno why. It's something so insignificant, but I just get a happy bubble that envelops me in all kinds of warm fuzzies and uncontainable smiles.

I just like it a lot.

Kinda like chocolate.

I like chocolate a lot, too.

*cough, cough*

xoxo,
McCall

Happy National Noodle Day!

"Now here's a place that you can go that will make you happy. It's called a laughing place."

I'm not quite sure what my laughing place is. Phineas and Ferb cartoons? Pretending to throw things and my puppy running off to fetch them? Leaving a centimeter of milk in the carton for my mom to find?

It's the little things in life ^

But I do know where some of my happy places are.

I'm happy in my bed, right when my alarm goes off.

I'm happy when I can cuddle.

I'm happy when I can sing.

I'm happy when I am home alone and I can throw personal dance parties.

And strangely enough, I'm happy when I look at my tumblr.

I dunno why. It's something so insignificant, but I just get a happy bubble that envelops me in all kinds of warm fuzzies and uncontainable smiles.

I just like it a lot.

Kinda like chocolate.

I like chocolate a lot, too.

*cough, cough*

xoxo,
McCall

crazy good

Happy Do Something Nice Day!

I'm just uber happy right now.

This status is from a while back, but every time I look at it I feel a tug on the ole' heartstrings.

The story behind all of this revolves around my birthday (see previous post). After the celebrations, Marissa, Justin, and the two little kiddos had to leave, which was not cool. However, not even a week after their departure, I get a text from Marissa with some exciting news - my dearest brother-in-law had expressed interest in watching the remainder of the Harry Potter series! Several nights and one complete Blu-ray set later, they have completed the adventure and a new love for JK Rowling's magical world was born.

Is that crazy cool or what?

I feel so proud.

And now for other exciting ish in my life:

Today is General Conference!

For all of those who are unaware, General Conference is the best thing since sliced bread, more wonderful than Michelangelo, more fun than a day at ValleyFair. I absolutely LOVE it, and I don't know if I can pinpoint a single reason why.

So here is a list:

• I get two days of uninterrupted family time
• I don't need to change out of my pajamas
• My mom provides DELICIOUS breakfasts 
• I can listen to the Prophet and what is important for me to learn
• I get a warm fuzzy feeling the minute the first song starts
• I get answers to personal questions that I might be struggling with, and answers to questions that I didn't even realize I had
• I get a TON of motivation that makes feel like I can take on the world, do anything, and be anyone
• I feel loved

This is basically a condensed record of the many highlights of General Conference, although I promise there are more.

I also promise that if you watch General Conference, Mormon or not, you will feel uplifted afterwards.

Why not give it a shot?

xoxo,

McCall

Happy Do Something Nice Day!

I'm just uber happy right now.

This status is from a while back, but every time I look at it I feel a tug on the ole' heartstrings.

The story behind all of this revolves around my birthday (see previous post). After the celebrations, Marissa, Justin, and the two little kiddos had to leave, which was not cool. However, not even a week after their departure, I get a text from Marissa with some exciting news - my dearest brother-in-law had expressed interest in watching the remainder of the Harry Potter series! Several nights and one complete Blu-ray set later, they have completed the adventure and a new love for JK Rowling's magical world was born.

Is that crazy cool or what?

I feel so proud.

And now for other exciting ish in my life:

Today is General Conference!

For all of those who are unaware, General Conference is the best thing since sliced bread, more wonderful than Michelangelo, more fun than a day at ValleyFair. I absolutely LOVE it, and I don't know if I can pinpoint a single reason why.

So here is a list:

• I get two days of uninterrupted family time
• I don't need to change out of my pajamas
• My mom provides DELICIOUS breakfasts 
• I can listen to the Prophet and what is important for me to learn
• I get a warm fuzzy feeling the minute the first song starts
• I get answers to personal questions that I might be struggling with, and answers to questions that I didn't even realize I had
• I get a TON of motivation that makes feel like I can take on the world, do anything, and be anyone
• I feel loved

This is basically a condensed record of the many highlights of General Conference, although I promise there are more.

I also promise that if you watch General Conference, Mormon or not, you will feel uplifted afterwards.

Why not give it a shot?

xoxo,

McCall

best day ever

Happy Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day!

This must say a lot about my character that the only reason I am posting right now is because I was spoiled rotten this weekend.

But I don't care because basically I just had THE BEST BIRTHDAY EVER.

That's not to say that all my other birthdays weren't fantastic in their own fantastic way, but this one just hit me outta the park.

What do you get when you mix surprise, Harry Potter, turning 18, and awesome older siblings? A verrrryyyyy happy McCall.

I FINALLY get home after a wonderful (yet long) day of school, lunch date with my Daddy, work with my Daddy, and a football game. Now picture this: A very bubbly just-now-adult is let off in the driveway, told by her father dearest that she is supposed to gather the mail. Now, this wonderful young woman waltzes her way towards the mailbox, when the vehicle that had just carried her home screeches into the garage, and with a *BANG* the garage door closes. What is the cause of this? The beautiful barely-legal adult ponders. She opens the mailbox to find but one letter. Not just any letter. Her acceptance letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!

Oh the joy!

With her happiness meter at 394%, she whips out her phone to document the beautifully crafted letter, as this is the one piece of paper she has been waiting for her entire life.

She happily skips up to the front door, deducing from the odd behavior of her father that going in the garage entry would not be wise. With a smile upon her face, she opens the door to see that her home has been replaced with the outside of the Leaky Cauldron, and a fellow witch, or her awesome sister Abby, is there to help guide her through her the barrier into Diagon Alley.

McCall is led into the different shops, collecting items such as a cauldron, crystal phials, an owl, and of course, a wand. (Wand courtesy of her mother, who was filling in for Ollivander that evening.)

With her shopping complete, she is escorted to the Hogwarts Express, a proud Ford Freestyle, and they go on a journey to the nearby park where they pick up some additional passengers.

"Who?", might you ask?

HER SISTER MARISSA AND HER FAMILY!!!

Giddy with excitement and in awe that she is worthy of such a visit, the fledgling adult travels home with her additional companions. Once arrived, she is taken on a tour around Hogwarts, in areas such as the common rooms, the great hall, and the kitchens. They dine on the most exquisite fare, and McCall has a wonderfully full belly to go with her wonderfully full heart.

The next day, she is able to be sorted into her house, as well as her fellow classmates, and she is pleasantly not-surprised to find that she is in Slytherin. 

Following this, they all attend their classes, which include Potions (by none other than Professor Marissa), and Care of Magical Creatures (by Rubeus "Dad"rid). They watch Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone while sipping on butterbeer, and follow with gift opening and cake eating.

So there you have it.

The recipe to the best birthday a girl can have.

I was just so honored that my 18th birthday was occasion enough for Marissa & Justin to take their fledgling family on a trip across state borders - they can't even imagine how happy I am.

Thank you!

So many wonderful family members put so much time and effort into this party, and I am so grateful! Love you all <3

xoxo,

McCall

Happy Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day!

This must say a lot about my character that the only reason I am posting right now is because I was spoiled rotten this weekend.

But I don't care because basically I just had THE BEST BIRTHDAY EVER.

That's not to say that all my other birthdays weren't fantastic in their own fantastic way, but this one just hit me outta the park.

What do you get when you mix surprise, Harry Potter, turning 18, and awesome older siblings? A verrrryyyyy happy McCall.

I FINALLY get home after a wonderful (yet long) day of school, lunch date with my Daddy, work with my Daddy, and a football game. Now picture this: A very bubbly just-now-adult is let off in the driveway, told by her father dearest that she is supposed to gather the mail. Now, this wonderful young woman waltzes her way towards the mailbox, when the vehicle that had just carried her home screeches into the garage, and with a *BANG* the garage door closes. What is the cause of this? The beautiful barely-legal adult ponders. She opens the mailbox to find but one letter. Not just any letter. Her acceptance letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!

Oh the joy!

With her happiness meter at 394%, she whips out her phone to document the beautifully crafted letter, as this is the one piece of paper she has been waiting for her entire life.

She happily skips up to the front door, deducing from the odd behavior of her father that going in the garage entry would not be wise. With a smile upon her face, she opens the door to see that her home has been replaced with the outside of the Leaky Cauldron, and a fellow witch, or her awesome sister Abby, is there to help guide her through her the barrier into Diagon Alley.

McCall is led into the different shops, collecting items such as a cauldron, crystal phials, an owl, and of course, a wand. (Wand courtesy of her mother, who was filling in for Ollivander that evening.)

With her shopping complete, she is escorted to the Hogwarts Express, a proud Ford Freestyle, and they go on a journey to the nearby park where they pick up some additional passengers.

"Who?", might you ask?

HER SISTER MARISSA AND HER FAMILY!!!

Giddy with excitement and in awe that she is worthy of such a visit, the fledgling adult travels home with her additional companions. Once arrived, she is taken on a tour around Hogwarts, in areas such as the common rooms, the great hall, and the kitchens. They dine on the most exquisite fare, and McCall has a wonderfully full belly to go with her wonderfully full heart.

The next day, she is able to be sorted into her house, as well as her fellow classmates, and she is pleasantly not-surprised to find that she is in Slytherin. 

Following this, they all attend their classes, which include Potions (by none other than Professor Marissa), and Care of Magical Creatures (by Rubeus "Dad"rid). They watch Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone while sipping on butterbeer, and follow with gift opening and cake eating.

So there you have it.

The recipe to the best birthday a girl can have.

I was just so honored that my 18th birthday was occasion enough for Marissa & Justin to take their fledgling family on a trip across state borders - they can't even imagine how happy I am.

Thank you!

So many wonderful family members put so much time and effort into this party, and I am so grateful! Love you all <3

xoxo,

McCall