Best of Summer

A tad late, I know. But here's to Summer and why I love it so much-2009 edition.

outdoor concerts-ice cream-slurpee runs-swimming-sandals-summer dresses-bare feet-fireworks-rodeos-lightning-rainier cherries-sunshine-Harry Potter-Moab-GNOs-camping-smores-reading-everybody's gettin' married-setting things on fire-cosmic catch-brownie batter blizzards-Truman-Museum of Art-grass-homemade pizza and grilled nectarines-not ever needing a coat or jacket-Eric Hutchinson-bubbles-hiking-sparklers-4th of July-BBQs-hot air balloons-Kings of Leon-ice blocking-pool games-flashlight tag in the wilderness-kyaking-the emptiness of Provo-people more relaxed-no homework-no snow on the mountains-ER episodes

Also, I did almost everything on my Summer To Do list, even go to see Eric Hutchinson which I never thought would happen. (Can you tell the cold is getting to me and that I am missing Summer?). Farewell Summer, you were good to me.

Oh Snap!

So, I am unrighteous and didn't watch the Relief Society broadcast on Saturday. Instead I went to the BYU football game and yelled my lungs out. But that's why they put it online, right? Well, I watched Julie Beck's talk on the purpose of Relief Society and man, that woman is awesome. I enjoyed her comment on the Priesthood being able to call upon the RS in any occasion because we have the capacity to do a great work. I also like how she stressed the importance of attending what are now all called "relief society meetings" because they help build up the kingdom/enrich our homes/teach us skills/fellowship others=brings us closer to Christ. It's not just 50 minutes a week. How are we supposed to do all that in one lesson at church? Therefore all meetings are going to be called RS meetings because they are of the same purpose. Her comment on visiting teaching was phenomenal. "If the sole purpose of visiting teaching was to hear the message then we would save time and just read it over the pulpit in Sacrament meeting." Wow. Tell that to my visiting teachers who came over for seven whole minutes last night.

Basically, I love these women. I used to think RS was kind of sissy/for old ladies but since I have been a part of it I have really started to learn what it's all about. We have a great power for change and influence. The sisters of the RS General Presidency are strong and smart women who are great leaders. They are such an example to me.

PS. I am STOKED for General Conference in 2 days!

My family

No not my real one. But it's close enough. I heart my FHE family. All the people are nice, hilarious and willing to do absurd things for activities. This makes me like them all. Four of the boys have a horse shaped cake pan and like to whip it out for any occasion they can. Last week we had a pot luck complete with horse cornbread and horse brownies. My FHE dad has a bullhorn which he uses all the time. And we end every FHE with a cheer.The activities so far have been great! The first week we played "would you rather", unga bunga, and then the winners of those two games had to drink a gross combination of freshly juiced vegetables. (I think Dusty secretly just wanted to use his juicer). Also, no one was forced to drink the nasty concoction. They all did it of their own free will. The second week we had a dodgeball fight with flour filled socks and tonight we played a commando game on BYU campus. Did I mention that I enjoy that everyone is up for doing weird things? Anyway, I really, really enjoy my family. Here are some pics from the flour fight.

Audrey got a lot of flour on her

Me and Rachelle doing "Fierce"

The FHE crew (minus a few)

Genius

I saw this on a commercial today. It's a new camera from Samsung where they have a screen on the front of the camera. When you do the thing where you hold the camera out in front of a group that you are in to get a picture, you can see if you are even in the picture. I think it's genius. (Although I like the quirkyness you get when you can't see what you're shooting. It's always a fun surprise.)

GLEE

Ok, so there's this new tv show called "Glee" that I'm kind of into. Now, I'm not necessarily recommending it because I don't think everyone will like it, but there are some funny one-liners. The premise of the show is about a high school show choir full of nerds who are trying to make themselves respectable. (Essentially it's like High School Musical only not for 12-year olds). The show this week featured Josh Groban. Here are some quotes I thought were hilarious.

"Who is Josh Groban?!!....Kill yourself! He is an angel sent from heaven to deliver platinum records unto us. And if he were here right now I would club you to death with his critic's choice award."

"Screaming teenage girls can't do it for this pop star. Josh Groban loves a lousy alcoholic."-Josh Groban

Thank you.

Labor Day Weekend

So rare is a three day weekend at BYU that I decided to make the most of it and take a trip home to Washington. I know it was only a week after school started, but you've got to take what you can get. I took my friend, Marissa, my sister, Jillian, and her friend, Sam. On the way home I was doing 85 in Idaho, got pulled over and got my first ticket. Way to go. Usually Idaho is where we speed because no one lives there, the roads are usally good, and they don't patrol at all. I did not think that since it was a holiday weekend that there would be more patrols out. WRONG. Also, I used to think that the first time I got pulled over I would cry and have an emotional breakdown. In reality I was like, "no biggie." I am proud of myself.

When we arrived my mom fed us stuffed shells. Glorious. I then got to sleep in my own bed in my own room. I haven't slept that well since Marissa and I spent the weekend with Jessica and stayed at her house.

On Saturday we headed up to Seattle! (There's not really that much to do in the TC). I was worried that it would rain all day and be miserable but it only rained once for like ten minutes. It was overcast though which is too bad because it is gorgeous when it is sunny. There was a tad confusion over directions but we got there safely. I was a bit paranoid about getting towed but I think I did the pay parking lot correctly. (I am so not a city girl). We first visited Pike's Place Market. It's the third time I've been there in less than two years but it's a must in Seattle. I love the flower vendors the most. Huge boquets that go on forever. So colorful. Also they have plenty of vegetables and fruit, jams, oils and vinegars. Tons of things to try. It was packed because it was Saturday, but still fun. I didn't get mini-doughnuts becasue there was a mile long line. We did see the first ever starbucks, the restaurant used in the movie "Sleepless in Seattle," and the guys that throw the fish.

Me and Marissa at Pike's Place

Then we headed over to the Space Needle for Bumbershoot. I wasn't really sure what it would be like exactly but being Seattle I kind of knew what to expect. It was billed as a music and arts festival. I told the other girls that it would be the most hippie time of their lives. And it was. On the way in I saw a bumb selling bongs. Only in Seattle. There were a lot of vendors and things to look at. Jillian described it as "you know when you see things and you wonder where people get things like that?...well this is it." So true. Lot's of eccentric hippie/grunge attire. There was a fountain in the middle of the park where there were people interpretive dancing. Only in Seattle.

Jillian and Sam by the fountain

The real reason we (I) went was to see Eric Hutchinson. (You may know his song Rock & Roll.) It was in front of an outdoor stage that was standing only. I wish I had 9 inch platform shoes so that I could actually see at events like this, but I did ok. There were no old men bobbing up and down in front of me this time (James Morrison/Adele). I LOVED the concert! Eric's music is so fun and catchy. He is a great singer live and the arrangements were different than the cd which made it even better. During the show he made up a song on the spot about Seattle and how we almost had to watch the concert with our ponchos on. He was so good at ad-libbing. I had tons-o-fun and think the others did too. Afterward he came out for a meet and greet to do autographs. Never in my life have I been squished by so many people. Random people were touching me and I did not enjoy that. When we finally got to Eric there was a table in between for safety purposes so that's why the picture looks awkward. Then we left for home.

Eric Hutchinson

Me, Eric and Jillian

Sidenote-Bumbershoot is actually a big thing. Other singers they had included Jason Mraz, Sheryl Crow and the Black Eyed Peas. Jason was on Sunday otherwise I would have see him too.

Side story-The night before my dad was asking about Bumbershoot and seeing if we were going to go listen to grunge music. (Grunge music a.k.a. Nirvana started in Seattle). I explained that grunge is not a big thing anymore. Then trying to act like he knew something my dad said, "Yeah, isn't the singer like...Keith Cobain?" I started laughing. So close. It's Kurt Cobain.

On Sunday I went to my wonderful home ward where they are newly wed or nearly dead. Sooo many babies in church! Too loud. But my mom taught Sunday School so that was fun. After church Jillian and I took Sam and Marissa to all the TC high points. The Columbia River Temple, Richland High School, and the Columbia River. Not much, but I loved it and it's my home.

Sidenote-I would just like to say that my childhood is now nonexistent. Everything I once knew is now gone. My park has new toys, my elementary school has been torn down and rebuilt, my high school has been remodeled and don't recognize anything, and the library I used for 17+ years of my life has also been remodeled. I guess it's progress but it's changing what I know.

Monday we drove home. My car gets great gas milage. Then we all had to play catch up for school. But I'm glad I finally got to take Marissa to Washington!

Me and the Columbia River

Today I'd rather

sleep in than wake up

be outdoors than indoors

read my book than do homework

eat cafe rio than make dinner

drive my car to work than ride my bike

watch tv than be at work

be in Washington than Utah

work on my skills than use my skills at work

Here's to the second week of school. Only 14 more to go!