This summer has been one to remember. I knew before May even came around that the months following would leave a 'sunburn'. When I was planning and registering and applying and getting excited for the empty boxes on a calendar, I thought I knew what I was getting myself into - but there really is no way to plan for personal growth and individual insight. Needless to say, it was a welcome development, and at the sunset of my Summer I can honestly state:
'No Regrets.'
Some things stayed the same: my height, constantly texting Ember, my corny sense of humor.
Some things changed: my room, my distaste for pizza, and most of all - ME...
Graduation
This stepping stone ceremony was the perfect way to start off the Summer months. It declared my independence from high school. I even took my last chance to rebel, and tried (unsuccessfully) to wear my lucky trusty converse across the stage.
At first I didn't want to go to graduation. I would have rather started my first camp on time, but mom insisted that I go to my only high school graduation. By the end of 12 years of school, I was convinced that this last pointless gathering wasn't going to be any different than all of the other time wasting assemblies. Despite my bad attitude, I went and I actually really enjoyed to do one last school thing with all my other senior friends. It capped off my elementary, middle, and high school years. I felt one chapter ending and the next page waiting to be turned to.
Muscular Dystrophy (MD) Camp
If anyone is looking for a life-changing opportunity -DO THIS CAMP!!!
Without my friend telling me I should do it and that I would love it, I probably wouldn't have - mostly because it was a 12 page application! (and I wouldn't have heard about it)
I got my packet after being accepted, and it had my camper's name! I called him and talked to him for a while. He told me about his cats, his sisters, his video-games, and Toy Story. I was in love! He was so cute on the phone! My very own little six year old boy for a week at camp.
Because of graduation, I went a day late and missed all the training and stuff, and got stuck with a top bunk in the cabin.
The week flew by. Every full, exhausting day was filled with love and care and fun! I got to know some really great kids who have had more medical issues in a month than I have had all my life. It wasn't just a week of service 24/7, it was a week of friendships, new adventures, learning, and experiencing l.i.f.e.in a new way. I LOVED this week and was positive that nothing could ever top it.
Girls Camp - Born To Be A Queen
I always have a great time at girls camp - and my last year did not disappoint! The theme was I was born to be a queen, and it focused on Queen Esther's story.
I left for girls' camp the day after I got back from MD camp, so I was already on the tired side.
This year was different than in years' past because I was a seventh year, so I just got to hang out with the fourth years. There's wasn't much required (ok maybe there was but we were used to responsibility by now so it didn't seem like a huge deal). The first day was canoeing - which was a lot of fun and I realized I really do love it! -despite bad experiences in the past.
The next day was boating and tubing with the fourth years. It was a lot of fun, but my body was rebelling because it was exhausted from a week of physical strain, plus canoeing.
I learned to love more friends, and I learned more about myself and my potential, and I got to spend all night working on a slideshow.
Throughout the years, I have trearured many fond memories at camp Ta-Ku-La, and after this week I have more to cherish.
Pre-School Teacher
One of the jobs I had this summer was being a pre-school teacher! I absolutely loved this! For the first few weeks I would help out in different classes, the baby class, three year olds, two year olds, two and a half year olds. My favorite was the babies and the two year olds. They were adorable and sweet and so curious.
On the days that I wasn't in a classroom, I would deliver snacks, water, take pictures, or help with any other odd job that needed to be done.
Then after the first couple weeks I was put in the two year old class for the rest of the summer. I got to know the kids really well and we created a special bond. I absolutely was amazed by their different distinct personalities! I loved getting to know these little people and be a part of their summer.
Bookstore
My other job that I have had for about three years now, is working at my favorite bookstore! I love all the perks, meeting new people, helping people, my co-workers, the books, and pretty much everything about it! It's a great job and I'm lucky to have it through my high school years.
Family Trip to Utah
I have been on many family trips before, but this one, this one was really cool.
We, of course, drove for a billion hours in the car, but we stopped at some cool places. We made a stop at the Glenn Canyon Dam, and made some pretty dam funny jokes! (just like this one) We went on a couple of gorgeous side hikes in Paige, Arizona, which just took my breath away. I can't get over how beautiful this world is. I especially loved hiking up a super secret slot canyon which was seriously beautiful!
We finally got to my Aunt and Uncle's house, and saw our cousins and the familiar smells and houses and streets - there's just no match for coming 'home'.
Stronger
This Summer has been wierd in the sense that I didn't have seminary every morning, didn't have sunday school or young womens on Sundays or young womens activities during the week, so I really felt a stronger urge to study and stay close to my Heavenly Father on my own terms. I was a 'sub' for primary this summer, so every Sunday I'd be in a different class trying to teach restless five year olds about being a peacemaker or obeying your mom, instead of being in class trying not to be restless. I went to institute Tuesdays after work and really enjoyed that.
This makes me feel more like an adult now that I am really in charge of making sure that I stay charged up, spiritually. My testimony has grown this summer and I feel like I have learned a lot more about myself.
This summer was also filled with other adventures that happened under that some hot summer sun...
friends leaving for college, missions, moving, extended trips, etc.
a new toothbrush
packing and repacking and cleaning for college
book after book after book
driving in different states
my new favorite band is He Is We
a venture to the singles ward
Leap Year is my new favorite movie!
I want to go to Greece and Ireland really really bad
volleyball with friends
playing Princess with unexpected people
bike rides to the park
letters
going out to lunch with old friends to new restaurants
sister rings then tutti frutti
discovering that I think I need to react more to negative situations
a deeper love and appreciation for my wonderful, super awesome, amazing, love 'em more than chocolate ice cream, could squeeze you to death, fantastic family!
All in all,I have learned a lot about myself and my goals and my strength this summer throughout these different activities that I participated in. I am one lucky girl!
