Tuesday, June 30, 2009

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?

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