Sale = Happiness

I'm not the world's biggest shopper, but I too get really excited about a good deal every now and again. Last night my sister and I went up to Thanksgiving Point to benefit from this sale Downeast Outfitters was having. No, this was not just your regular sale. The whole barn was FILLED with J-Crew clothes all under $25. It was a shopping frenzy as people were sifting through boxes of expensive clothes that are finally cheap.

I scored big, getting a dress, a blazer, two sweaters, two leather belts, and 3 shirts for under $90. I won't need to go shopping again all winter! So, if I haven't convinced you enough that you need to be there -- GO! It ends tonight at 7. That's right, leave your computer now and shop away!

Hugs are Good, just not for computers.

For all of you friends of mine that lost sleep over my computer debacle, I thought I would put your mind at ease.

I went to Best Buy last night with a receipt to prove I bought it there. After asking one question of how it happened, the nice man at the desk just said "ok, sign here to prove you let us take your computer. It will be fixed within 2 weeks!"

It all happened so fast, and I am without my laptop for a bit, but oh well. Whatever it was that happened made me happy.

The end.

A Series of Unfortunate Events...

I write this sad tale from the desktop computer at my work.

Why would you do that, Camille? You have your own laptop! Well here's why:

Today I was leaving work and walking to class and ran into one of my favorite people in the world. She gives incredible bear-hugs. I guess she loves me so much that her squeeze broke my computer LCD screen. I didn't discover this till I open my computer in class and find a blank white screen with a big black spot that looks like ink. Tear.

So now I am in the market for a third party company that won't charge me an arm and a leg for repairs. I bought the computer on sale for $800 -- HP wants to charge me $700. YEAH RIGHT! So if you smart computer people have any recommendations you would be my new favorite person. A wanted position I know...

Love Is All You Need

This is a plaque my dear friend Rachel Young made me for my birthday. I love it. On it is a statement trite but true. I think those 4 guys in the 60's were on to something.

The world is crazy right now. With the crazy economic situation, presidential elections, and just modern living in general, it's easy to get caught up in the stress and forget what's important.

All I need in life is family. I need friends. I need days like today when I wake up and see blue sky, fresh snow on Timp, and the changing colors of the leaves. But most of all, all I need in life is LOVE. Love really is all you need.

An Adventuresome List

Wow, nothing like a blog break, eh?

Apparently school is busy... and I'm pretty sure I did NOT sign up for that this semester.

But life is good. I have been reminded of this fact so many times in the last 3 weeks. There really is someone looking out for me.

This is my last semester at BYU, and I am trying to take advantage of every little opportunity to make it the best semester ever. And you know what? I am. I have been having a BLAST. I have a mental checklist of things I want to do in Provo before I leave this next year. I have already done a few... Last night I hiked the Y again, just for old times sake, and last weekend I finally hiked Timp!!! It was a beast of a hike, I will be honest, but I am SO glad I did it. And plus, it just gave me another excuse to hang out with my sister. Now when I look at it out my window I can say "yup, I've been up there." What a cool feeling.

Here's a short list of some things I want to accomplish:

• Hike Y Mountain (no, not the Y, to the TOP of the mountain)
• Go to hobbit-ville
• Camp at Zions National Park
• Go backcountry skiing
• Hike Squaw Peak
  
• Go to Havasupai (finally)
• Learn how to play raquetball
• Go rockclimbing in Provo Canyon
  

I am up for more adventures to accomplish. And you are more than welcome to come along.

Oh Rise and Shout the Cougars are Out

There is only one word to describe yesterday's game against UCLA: AWESOME.

Honestly, I've never been one of those people who knows everything at games... I like to pretend though, as I throw in appropriately-timed "hoorahs!" and "go teams!" Yesterday was a different story, however. I was on the edge of my amazing seat (that's right--50 yard line 8 rows up). I even made it on TV!

Anyway, this is just a big shout out to my wonderful cougars. Way to beat those Bruins 59-0, and to give them the biggest shut out they have had in 75 years.

rah rah rah rah rah GOOOOOOO COUGARS!

A Friday Treasure

Halloween is always an exciting time for a kid. For us, it was not only because we got to dress up as a ballerina, vampire, or punk-rock star with really big bangs, but because we got to see our dad as a big, gray bunny rabbit.

9/11: 7 Years Later

It's September 11th.

Today I feel blessed to be a part of such an amazing country where I am free to think what I want to think. But days like today also remind me of the impending stress and pressure on our country.

7 years has passed since America received their big wake-up call. That day will live so vividly in every American's memory. I was walking out of seminary, and a girl shouted "the white house has been blown up!" This wasn't true, as we all know. As soon as I got to school a few minutes later there were projectors with CNN reporting the latest; I stood in shock as I watched the second plane hit the second tower. Wow. I will never forget that feeling.

It's important to remember. What were you doing when you found out?

No DMB for Me

It's official: The Dave Matthews Band concert in Utah is CANCELED. About two weeks ago the website informed me it was "postponed" because the funeral for Leroi Moore, the saxophone player who died suddenly, was on the same day. This is a dark day in the life of a Dave fan.

I am really sad inside, not just because I don't get to see my favorite band rock the stage, but because this is the first summer since freshman year that I will not see Dave. It's like the end of an era. College days are coming to a close! I officially hate growing up.

So, in remembrance of the many amazing times I have had at the FOUR Dave shows I have seen, here are some pics from the many blessed hours I spent waiting in the hot sun to get a good seat. Oh the life of a Dave fan...

Show #1 was at USANA with Brittney freshman year. I don't have any digital pics. No worries, though. It was my first Dave show, and therefore an absolutely incredible experience.

Show #2 at the Gorge with Emily and Amanda, sporting the new Dave-wear. I believe this is the show Jace and I showed up to the Gorge at 9:45 am. Sigh...
Show #3 at USANA with Emily. We were the second car in the parking lot. You may laugh, but we also got front row GA seats to witness the best playlist I ever experienced. Thanks again, Dave, for playing "Bartender" for me.
Show #4 at the Gorge with Jace and Cathy, still managing to have a good time while waiting in line. You meet some pretty cool people in these lines... Dave fans are like an extended family.
Proof that waiting in line is worth it.

Has it Been 18 Months Yet?

Tonight I went to a "Welcome Home" party for a friend who just got back from her mission in Japan (yay Natalie!) Now I am thinking only one thing -- I'm ready for Emily to come home! I miss that girl like a fat kid on a diet misses cake... or something?

At a football game during the first week of freshman year...

THE WHIZ KIDS. Bring back memories anyone??

Provo says "Hi Jace!"

It's September which means Provo is once again inundated by thousands of little cougars excited to start a new semester or begin college all together. One such freshman student is my brother: JACE GARRETT McLAWS!

That's right! All three McLaws' children (and Stu) are now living within 5 blocks of each other in Provo, Utah. I am so pumped to have Jace on campus with me for my last semester. We already bonded in the library today... this is going to be great.

Bringing Jace to Provo also meant a weekend with the 'rents! We had a blast. With Mom and Dad here, us four poor college students benefitted from the good food, some needed Wal-Mart and Target trips, and a fun trip to Park City. Thanks again for everything guys!

Some proud parents and a new cougar
Dad and his Daddy's Girl
She hates me taking pictures of her, but who can resist? She's too pretty.
This is how I feel about starting a new semester. Can anyone say senioritis??

It was a fun Labor Day weekend. Even though I am sad for my parents that they had to go home to a very quiet house, I feel lucky to be here with my siblings. This is going to be a great last year!

A Day of Thanks

I woke up today with an array of feelings inside--happy, anxious, excited, nervous, sad, scared, longing, and contentment. And then, as I was reading a friend's blog entry, I was hit by a ton of bricks. I have SO MUCH to be grateful for! So that's what I'm writing about... things that I am grateful for today.

The list, which is no where near complete and in no particular order, goes as follows:

- A sister who is honest with me, sincere in her advice, and willing to listen.
- Sunshine
- Music
- A good night's sleep
- Banana pancakes
- A new apartment, with new roommates, and new adventures just waiting to happen
- BYU, and the opportunity I have to be a student here
- My Dad and his wonderful example of what a father should be
- A clean room... finally
- My brother who is coming down to BYU tomorrow!
- Inspired words
- Diet Dr. Pepper
- A mom who always answers the phone in a cheery voice
- Trials, and the strength that comes from them
- Patience
- My new longboard
- Friends
- The church, and the peace I find through it.

In light of the fact that my friend Kayla's words were so eloquent and perfectly phrased, I will simply quote from her blog. Enjoy!

When I feel like life should be simple, as if one day my textbook will make sense, as if one day I can love again and be loved, as if one day I could dry my family's tears, as if one day I didn't think about the cost, or as if one day I can make a difference in the world...when I feel like life could be that simple, I realize the Maker's Hand and I understand everything, everything is greater than my all... there is a power beyond my best, a power above all the rest.

So when I am weak, when I am down, when I am ready to kiss the ground the Lord steps in. I can only understand so much in this life. Whether or not I call it fate, misguided hope, unrelenting desire...it will work out in the end. If I follow the Maker's Hand.

King's Peak!

First of all, I wanted to thank everyone for their comments to my last blog. Last week totally sucked, and being reminded of the amazing friends and family I have been blessed with is a huge comfort. I love you guys.

On that note, I just wanted to report on the awesome weekend I had!! I got to GET OUT and be out in NATURE... which is my most favorite thing in the world. Three friends and I made the 4 hour drive to the High Uintas to begin a 26 mile backpacking trip to the top of King's Peak--the highest point in Utah. (The picture to the right is a picture of the peak, but with snow on it. I didn't get one of the peak from far away, so you can thank google for that image).

I will be the first to admit that this hike was incredibly hard, at least for me. There's something about hiking with a 40+ pound pack and being above 10,000 feet that makes hiking a little hard. I thought I was going to die on the final hour to the top of the summit, which reached an astounding 13,528 feet. My stubborn self was not going to let the fatigue get to me! I MADE IT!!!!

Allie, me, Andrew, and Josh about half-way up to the summit. Almost dying.

A view from the top! This was the type of view I was surrounded by for 3 days. Ah-may-zing.

Proof we made it

Anyway, that was my weekend. It was hard, I am sunburnt, I can't lift my left leg higher than two inches off the ground, and I have a huge pack covered in dust that I still need to unpack...but it was SO WORTH IT.

Bitter Lemonade

We've all heard the saying that when life hands us lemons, we should make lemonade. Well friends, I've been trying... but apparently my lemons are a little too sour.

It's been one thing after another, and I'm just trying to figure out why. But, unfortunately, we don't always know why, now do we?

This string of bad luck started on Monday morning when I got a call from the Partner at PwC telling me that my peer mentor from my internship was killed in a serious car accident this weekend. When he said Chris's name, I just thought, "no... please not him. Chris was my best friend in the group!" Chris Gneiding was such a great guy -- he had an infectious laugh and an ability to make anyone feel comfortable. We also had a great bond due to our love of the Grateful Dead and all other jam bands. Believe me, those kind of bonds don't come every day! I know Chris is in a better place, but deaths always make you think twice about things. I always think "what if that was my brother or sister? what if that was me??" They are scary thoughts, but truly, life is so precious. I am reminded to try and live each day to the fullest not take another day for granted.

Five minutes after I got the call about Chris, my friend David informed me that a dam broke and flooded Havasupai, our weekend camping destination. Are you serious?? Those kind of things happen like once a century... and of course it was the weekend WE had been planning to go for over 4 months! We are trying to throw together a plan B real quick... I NEED this trip.

Yesterday I got back into Provo (YAHOO!) and was going to help out my boss on campus with the busy Education Week BYU is hosting. I drove STRAIGHT to campus from the airport, and stayed at work till 11:30 pm. I went home to an empty house that had no air conditioning, thus causing my sleep to be minimal to none. My alarm woke me up at 5:30 this morning to put me back in the money room by 6 am! Welcome home, Camille!

This morning a fellow Dave Matthews Band fan informed me Leroi Moore (the saxophonist) died last night. What is going on?! Leroi added such a unique sound and energy to the band. I am sad. I have tickets for a DMB concert next Wednesday night... it's going to be a very meloncholy event, that is to say if it isn't called off all together.

Anyway, I apologize for the venting. I know (or hope) things will get better soon, as for now I'm just not really enjoying this bitter lemonade.

Au Revoir!

The time has come, my friends. I am embarking on another adventure as I leave the wonderful bay area and make the 12 hour drive back to Provo for my LAST SEMESTER at BYU. I am really excited to get back to P-town, mostly because I miss my friends and family and the many adventures we often get ourselves in. I am leaving bright and early in the morning... and sitting here talking about this kind of makes me want to skip sleeping tonight and jump ship early.

But alas! I will miss San Francisco! I have made some REALLY good friends here, learned a lot about myself, my family, and life in general. It wasn't easy... there were some hard times, but I'm so glad I did it. This has definitely been one of those summers I will never forget.

Goodbye San Fran--I will miss you!

My week

So this week seemed like one of those weeks that would NEVER end. Yes it went on and on my friends. (Lambchop anyone?? Ignore that if you are confused... just a brief reference to a mid-90's childhood TV show.) I seriously feel like last Sunday was months ago. It was a super busy week which means I have a couple fun/exciting/noteworthy/what-have-you things to share.

You know how roadies and super fans follow their favorite bands around the country? Well wouldn't it be cool if the band followed YOU!? That HAPPENED to me this week! I am a huge fan of my brother in-law's band, Good Morning Maxfield, who came to San Francisco to play a show at Berkeley on Tuesday night. And then you know how after a show you always want to hang out with the band? Well I got to do that too!!! They even came and slept at my house. I was living the superfan's dream.

Caitlin and I waiting for the guys to go up

Next, Friday was my LAST DAY IN THE OFFICE!! Seriously I am pumped. I am not officially done till the 8th, but I am one week closer! I have loved my job at PwC this summer, but honestly, I'm totally over the whole "being an intern" thing.

And then Friday I got to go CAMPING, which happens to be one of my most favorite things in the world to do. My ward had a big campout at Big Basin State Park. I had a blast. Nothing beats mountain roads, sitting by a campfire, trees, star-gazing, going for a spontaneous hike at midnight, and waking up to the sound of crickets and a friendly deer having his breakfast. Fantastic.

Oh dear! Ha ha...

Jaymie, Anna, and I in the morning. Sorry, the camping look is never pretty.

After coming home and taking a much-needed nap, I woke up to my most adorable triplet cousins. They are just 3 out of the 6 children my aunt has under the age of 7. They are quite a handful, but probably the cutest kids I've ever seen. I have loved being able to see them often this summer--they could keep me entertained for hours!
Anyway, that was my week. Hope everyone is doing well. Love to all!

This is for Jessica

So last night I went to bed at 9:30. I am proud to admit that I turned off the lights hours before both of my grandparents I am living with did. How cool am I?

But this morning I woke up feeling great. I told my friend Jessica about it, and she called me a granny. Well what can I say? The granny life rocks.

A Triple Favorite

It's just one of those days, ya know? I needed something to boost my spirits... and honestly, nothing is better than music. Music never lets me down.

And so, my friends, this is one of my favorite musicians singing one of my favorite songs written by my favorite band ever. Could it get any better?!? I really don't think so.

Project Belize Follow Up

The purpose of this entry is to dispell any thoughts you may have that PwC sent me to Belize to lay on the beach for a week (see the entry from Friday, July 4th). I guess my HR representative nominated me or something, thus causing me and a few other interns to be filmed/interviews all week. And so you have it! I was famous for four days. Anyway, the promotional video was just released. Besides the few parts I speak or am filmed, it's really good... I promise.

Click on the picture to check it out

(user beware: there is sound)

Best Day Ever

What did I do today? I think the pictures will speak for themselves.

Boarding

Only one way out...

You've GOT to be kidding me!

"I'm jumping out of a plane..."

Free fallingPersonal FavoriteI can fly!

And out comes the parachute...

LAND!!Thank you, Dennis, for getting me home safely

Hope you enjoyed those Mom!