The Last Weeks of Summer

Summer is over. Tomorrow school starts. It's been a long summer and I'm very excited for fall and for classes to commence. Here's a rundown of what I've been up to.

Thursday August 21: Iron & Wine Free Concert

Yes, free. It was brilliant. It was the first time I had been to a concert that I actually liked the band and knew the songs they played. Sam Beam, while not a classically handsome man (by most standards) captured our hearts. He has such a sweet, rugged voice. His lyrics are beautiful and his music charming. I love Iron & Wine. I am so happy I got to attend this concert. The Best Part?

Front Row, center. I was actually maybe 15 feet from him at this point. It was brilliant.

My favorite song.

The next day I flew back to Redding for a few days. I saw everyone (except my oldest friend Adrienne!) and was able to eat at all my favorite restaurants: In-N-Out, La Cabana, Thai Cafe, Damburger, etc. I got to swim in my pool at 9p when the water was warmer than the air. I got to visit with my Dad and Kristy and I learned a lot of family history, which really fascinates me, and every other Mormon.

This is a photo of my great-grandmother Nellie Myrtle Pewitt, and her two brothers Albert and Louis. Louis is pictured here with his eye poked out -yes all the way out.

Here is a photo of my great-grandmother when she was around my age. She was very beautiful.

I also had the opportunity to paint and utilize all of my mom's painting supplies. She had this giant 3x5 foot canvas that she let me paint on. Armed with a palate knife and paint I went to work and in an hour I had finished this painting:

I am so proud of myself. Even if it isn't perfect and could very well be scrutinized by someone much more knowledgeable and skilled than myself, I am pleased with it, and for me that is what matters.

Before I came home I painted this stormy landscape. It didn't fit my crayon colored house in Provo so I brought it home. I used my hands the most for this one. Advanced Finger Painting.

Here I am pictured with my giant painting- just for scale.

School starts tomorrow. I will be working 22 hours a week, and taking 5 three-credit classes. My new roommates are wonderful - and seemingly very clean, which helps my stress levels.

And as a final note. I miss Becky.

I never see her. She may have time to read my blog if nothing else, so I'll tell her here all the things I know I'll not have time to say. I know she's busy planning a wedding and working and being a grown up, but I miss her. I feel sad that she's not around (though things are much cleaner :] ) and I feel a little left behind. I'm not jealous (at least I'm not trying to be) that she's getting married. I'm very happy for her, and her happiness in no way detracts from my own, but things have changed. Travis is the most important person in her life and that is the way it should be. But she's moving on to a different stage in her life and we'll get there someday, but for now it feels she's leaving us behind for a bit. I'm not upset with her, and I hope she doesn't feel that I am. I hate that she never has minutes on her phone so I can never text her or anything. And I know in my heart that even though it's not the way we would all prefer, that even when the stress of the wedding slows down and everything returns to normal, that she will be Travis' and he hers and that is how its supposed to be, but I feel like I have to give her up and give her away. Not completely of course, I think she'd miss me too much ;). But I am giving up my entitlement to her and letting her be completely Trav's wife. I miss you Becky. But good luck with everything. I can't wait to have what you've found. I live for that day.

no money...

Somebody Loved

"Has anyone told you you're beautiful lately? And said it for a reason other than to make out with you? If not, I will. You´re beautiful, Lana. I love you and I hope you have a great week. You´re one of the best people I know."

Even when I feel completely disillusioned with dating and men or boys or whatever they are at my age, I am still somebody loved.

I miss Perry a lot sometimes.

The British Are Coming

It's been a long time, I know. I haven't had much to blog about. I've been working a ton. But somehow I still have no money. C'est la vie, n'est-ce pas?

Last week was brilliant though, because 5 friends from England we're in Provo, in three separate groups. Let me introduce you to my friends:

Sophronia:

I was at work one day when I saw her walk in. I wasn't sure if it was her, how could it be? How could Sophronia from London actually be eating lunch at Gloria's Little Italy in Provo? But sure enough it was she.

Andi, Darrel and Rex:

I knew Andi at the Brittania ward. He is such a laugh. He and his friend Darrel (and Rex)

are touring the western half of the United States. They were in Provo for a couple days and I had the pleasure of riding around in their convertible and showing them some of the sights in Provo.

I was constantly laughing with them. It's unbelievable how giddy and happy I got after hanging out with them. They made me smile so much. I miss British accents.

I took them to church with me on Sunday and they were a huge hit. When Andi offered a comment in sunday school, every head shot around to find the source of the British accent. My friends Chris and Hot Jeff were in love with them. They invited us all over for dinner after and we sat talking and laughing for a good long time. It was quite a time to be had.

The next morning they took Paige and myself out to breakfast at Kneaders. I think Paige summed it up best in her comment here:

"Riding in convertibles with hot British boys, *sigh* oh my goodness. "

David Perry:

Remember him? I sure have missed him. He was in town for a couple days as well, visiting family. I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon talking with him. Becky was home, for a change, and I was able to share him a bit with her. I have enjoyed sharing my British friends with my American friends the most out of this experience. It's so fun to see them revel in it the way I do. David Perry was excellent company. He was very excited about securing U2 tickets for the friday when he returned home. I baked him a lemon cake - it is his favorite.

It has most decidedly been and excellent week.

Oh, that I could be like [a tree], rooted to the ground but with my every hand raised up to God in praise!

Life of Pi p260

How can you forget your birthday?

I have been so busy at work this week (I'm working over 50 hours) that I COMPLETELY lost track of the dates.

Yesterday, August 6 was my birthday -kind of. It was the 4 year anniversary of me being baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

I cannot begin to express how thankful I am for this church. I can imagine my life without it, and I'm not happy with the picture. Everything that I have, and everything good that I am today is because of this church.

I love this Church and I'm so thankful to be a part of it. I'm thankful for everyone who has been a good example to me and encouraged me to learn more about this "freaky" religion. 

Man is the only animal that laughs and weeps, for he is the only animal that is struck with the difference between what things are and what they ought to be. 

- William Hazlitt