Hi everyone, I’m Morag Menzies and I’m going to join Oaks and Pines next! I can’t wait! My Dad and Step-Mum who is an Old Girl from O&P are so excited. Dad is an executive with a Big Oil Company so we have lived all sorts of places, and will keep moving around. My mother died in a car crash when I was four and I don’t remember her.

When I was ten (six years ago) and we lived in Aberdeen he met my step-mum (Margaret / Mags Anstruther from England). They got married quickly and I was the maid of honor. Cutesy but fun! She asks me to call her Mags/Mum since I had a first Mom. What a classy lady and friend! My very cool big bro is a senior at Carnegie Mellon.

We visited O&P a few months ago. Some of you saw me… I’m about 5 foot 4 (160 cm), athletic build, and weigh 8 stone 2 (52 kilos). I have coppery red hair and dark blue eyes people say are pretty. And freckles that make me look like an eight-year old. I wish they would just fall off!

I play soccer on my High School team here in Houston, and have muscular legs. I like dressing up and pretending I am a “girl boss” in a big company. People say I have a “business sense.” I’m good at things I am interested in. Math comes easily and I do well in anything tech-related. Like I said, I enjoy business and some science. Other subjects, I don’t do so well in. I get that good grades matter, and see the need for “applying myself,” which I think O&P will help me do.

Business is my favorite topic. Last year a cute guy I met in Cancun on holiday suggested a little import-export business that I ran out of my bedroom for two months. Some federal laws were broken (who knew?…cute guy said it was all legal.) The judge at the Federal Building was understanding, Mum less so. When we got home we had a “discussion” in my room, and I had to sleep on my tummy for the next two days! (Did I mention my daredevil streak?)

I really loved our visit to Montreux. So much to remember including meeting Miss Szabo, touring the grounds, seeing the animals, sitting in on classes. A highlight was having lunch (sans mère) in the dining hall. Thanks to all of you for sharing, and especially Magdalena from the hockey team (what an athlete!) MagsMum was a player when she was at O&P, and I hope I can join the team!

So yes I still get “it” occasionally. I’m pretty good, but sometimes I get smart, or lazy, or hurt my friends and Mum will send me to my room while she fetches the hairbrush. I hate getting spanked but have to admit that I usually deserve it.

At my school here in Texas the paddle is used, but not often. I almost got it once with some friends…long story (will share later if you like). I feel my knees shaking a little now as I think of what might happen at O&P, but as Mum and some of you said corporal punishment is just part of being an O&P girl.

So, see you all soon. The next term is on its way and I will be buying things, getting uniform, and all things like that. I’m really looking forward to being with you all!

Morag