June 30, 2009

So, where did June go? That's my question. The summer is 1/3 over already. Wow. Last year at this time, I was just getting back from my ward trek at Mosida, and gearing up for girls camp at the end of July. I wish I was doing girls camp again this year. I'm quite bummed I am not going this year. I love girls camp, and both my old ward and new ward went to (or are going to) the Heber Valley Girls Camp, and I really wanted to go up there. But, it was not meant to be this year. I'm ok with that. I know I will get plenty more opportunities to go. (I hope!)

This year, my June consisted of taking off work, a lot of work. I took off almost three weeks. Crazy, I know, but I loved it. It was perfect timing for lots of reasons, but the main reason I did it was to help out my grandpa. On top of that, though, it was just nice to have a break. I was thinking about it, and I have worked a full-time job every day for the last 11 years. (Of course I took vacations and days off, but not an extended, just-stay-home time off sort of deal.) So, I figured a break was warranted. And, the work flow at PDC was pretty darn slow this month, so I was doing my part by not going to work therefore leaving more work for the other people to do.

And what did I do with my time off? I had high hopes of doing all kinds of things. I did not check off every item on my list, but I feel good about what I did accomplish. I took pictures of things I have made, I still need to post them here. I made several books, got back in my creative groove a bit. I read, A LOT. I love the library. I have been a voracious reader lately, reading lots of books, mostly LDS fiction. I am currently reading a book called American Bloomsbury, about Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, among others. It is quite interesting so far. I didn't know they were all contemporaries, living in the same neighborhood in Concord, Massachusetts.

I also hiked to Timp Cave with my sister Rachelle about 5 times. Am I crazy? Probably. But, it is great exercise, and it's beautiful, and cooler than down here in the valley.

I went to the Utah Arts Festival, once again with Rachelle. Only spent money on food, getting in, and parking, but still had a great time. I like to just look at all the amazing things artists can do.

My parents were here for a few days, and we took my Subaru on a drive from Big Cottonwood Canyon up over the top, down into Park City. The drive was beautiful. It was raining, unfortunately, so we didn't get out anywhere. And, as an added bonus, we ran into the Wasatch Back Relay Race, drove along the road with the runners for a few miles. I was very intrigued and amazed that these people sign up, pay money, to run 189 miles with their team. It was quite entertaining.

I have watched my little garden grow, and not grow. My zucchini is doing well, and I will hopefully get some cucumbers and a few beets. But, no beans at all came up. And my pepper plants aren't doing well at all. I think two of them are dead. One might survive, but it is doubtful. So, maybe I'm not meant to be a farmer. Or maybe, it's my first garden and this is a learning experience.

I participated in a singles conference in Orem. Not a lot, but I did go on a hike with them, and went to the fireside on Sunday night.

My cute sister Kaylynn brought three of her girls to spend the night here last weekend. We had a great time at the Lehi Parade, and playing in my craft room. Her girls are so cute. I wish we lived closer so I could see them more.

I got quite used to not working. It was an adjustment for me to go back this week. I liked sleeping in a bit, and exercising for an hour. I liked having a smoothie for lunch. I liked getting my hair cut at 10 am and not having to worry about getting back to work. I just liked being home all day, relaxing.

So, now it's almost July. July will bring a trip to Idaho to see Capri get blessed. And Waite Family Fun Days in Logan at the end of July. My niece Hailey is in a play at the Hale Center Theatre, so I'm going to try to go see her. And hopefully, more exercising, maybe more hiking to the cave, go check out some festivals and boutiques around the valley, go up Little Cottonwood Canyon to see the wildflowers in bloom. I'm also looking forward to the Jon Schmidt concert in September. And, I want to plan a trip with my mom, either to San Francisco in October or to Boston sometime this fall. I also might try to squeeze in a trip to Arizona to see my cute sister Sharon who decided not to move up here after all.

People keep asking if I have any big plans for the summer. I really don't. But, I'm ok with that. I like to just be laid back and relaxed in the summer.

Do you have any big plans?

Oh what do you do in the summertime?

I like to play in the creek with my cute nieces and nephew. I don't like it when one of them falls off the rope swing, though.

I love the warm summer nights.

I love sitting on the porch reading a good book.

I love being able to grab my purse, slip on some flip flops and run out the door.

I love the fresh fruits and veggies of this season.

I love going to the library and finding some great reads. (This isn't really a summer activity, but I just did it today and it was so fun.)

I love seeing my garden growing. I'm likely going to get tons of squash (of course) and maybe a little of the other things i planted.

I don't really like pulling weeds. Not my favorite activity.

I like eating salads for dinner.

I like hiking to Timp Cave with my sister in the morning.

This summer, I've been enjoying my extended time off.

I like it when the sun comes out after the rain. I do like rain, and thunderstorms, but not really for 3 weeks straight.

I like not being tied to the tv, since there isn't much on in the summer.

I love the smell of fresh cut grass.

I love going on drives through the beautiful canyons around here. On Saturday, we went up Big Cottonwood Canyon and ended up in Park City. Pretty cool. I'd never been on that road. We ran into the Wasatch Back Relay up there, which was fascinating to watch the runners and support people.

I love that it stays light outside until 9 o'clock. And it is light early in the morning. Sunshine makes me happy.

I love summer festivals, farmers markets, arts festivals, etc.

I love the 4th of July, and I'm pretty excited to be in Idaho Falls this year.

Random Thoughts for June First

Yes, I know, it's been awhile. Life has been crazy.

• My grandpa, whom I live with, fell down while taking a walk around the block on April 24. He was in ICU at the hospital for a day, and spent another couple of days in the cardiac unit. He has been home for a month now, getting better every day, but still needing lots of attention and care. My mom was here for the few days he was in the hospital, then her sister came for 3 weeks to help out. When she left, my other aunt who lives in Rhode Island came for two weeks. She just went home yesterday, and now it is back to just me and him. We have lots of visitors during the day, which I appreciate. It has been an all-consuming thing, dealing with him, his doctors, etc. We probably have a few more months of craziness with him, then hopefully he can drive again and get back to all he was doing before his fall. Lately he has been telling people that he tried to "erase his face". I think that's a funny visual. He did fall on his face, broke his nose and several other bones in his face, but you wouldn't know it for how he looks now. He has healed amazingly fast for an 87-year-old guy.
• We have had some awesome summer storms the last few days. We had one tonight that kept knocking our power out. (ok, only twice, but that's enough, don't you think?) These are the kind of storms that make me want to go back to Taylorview Lane, get my doll out, and a lawn chair, on the porch so I don't get too wet, and watch the storm. I did go sit outside for a minute tonight. I love the smell. I love how everything looks green and fresh after the rain. I love watching the puddles form. I love watching the rain hit so hard that it is bouncing off the road. I don't love driving in it. My aunt and I went to Sweet Tomatoes on Saturday night, and we had one of these crazy storms on our way home. It was a mite bit scary driving home - couldn't really see anything, felt like I was hydroplaning. So, I like to be home during these crazy summer storms.
• I planted a garden a few weeks ago. I helped my mom in the garden when I was growing up, but this is the first time I have actually planted my own garden. So, I've been watching it every day, getting so excited when the first little sprouts came up. My zucchini plants are doing great, and so are the cucumbers. I planted beets for my grandpa, those might produce a little bit. But my beans are looking kind of sad. I only have a few sprouts coming up. I planted some pepper plants just the other day, I think they will be ok. And my aunt planted a tomato for my grandpa. So, we should have some good veggies in a few months. My grandpa also has some fruit trees in the backyard, so we will hopefully feasting on pears, apples, peaches and apricots, too! Can't wait!
• I went to The Homestead in Midway, UT, last weekend with my cool family, thanks to my very generous sister Jeanette. We had a great time swimming, hanging out, and eating yummy food. It was beautiful up there.
• I became an aunt again on Friday. My little sister Julie had her fourth child, first girl on Friday in Idaho Falls. Capri Jasmine is a cutie! I can't wait to go visit her sometime soon.

I guess that's all the randomness in my head tonight. It is 8:40, and lately that has been when I'm getting tired and going to bed. I must be getting old.