Inspiring

The Rocket Summer is one of my all time favorite bands...
Bryce Avary leads them out and he is the most amazing blonde haired, blue eyed artist I've ever known.
His song "Do You Feel" is all about the problems in the world that we all want to help solve..somehow...but don't know what we can do.
My good friend Kelly put this link up on her blog for the new video that just came out.

Definitely worth seeing...

ch-ch- check it out!

http://www.friendsorenemies.com/web/foe/users/therocketsummer/

oh the joys of college.

Hi all. Welcome to another session of me, ellen genevieve larson, rambling about my goings on in life. It is such a sad occasion for summer to end....but I am actually really excited and happy to be at school. I was done slaving away at emigration every day.. i needed that break. (and can i just tell you how bad scooping ice cream sucks! never again!) SLC serves me well but let me tell ya, Logan is pretty freakin sweet. I'm glad to be back. I hope to aptly describe to you my experiences in the last week of summer and the first week of SOPHOMORE YEAR USU.

One of the last saturdays of the summer some of the girls packed up and headed to lagoon. what a great place. but FORTY BUCKS for a day pass...that is freakin ridiculous. It's not six flags standard, or even DISNEYLAND for that matter but it's all we got and people will pay the price. we all did. we hit all the major rides (wicked of course the favorite) and i also loved the bat. that'll jiggle your brains.

me, liza, and jeff enjoyed icees at one of the overpriced stands. YUM!


Ali and I headed down to Orem for one of our friend's weddings. Well sorta a friend of a friend. We were sent on a wild goose chase to this massive house in highland/alpine with a great backyard. we saw our friend mckay who just recently returned from the Australia mission (he has a hilarious accent!). Reunions are such fun.


On Friday, Aug. 22 I came up to logan for a big occasion. Go utah state for having ISHMAEL BEAH come to speak to all the freshmen. If you haven't already read his book "A Long Way Gone". It is harsh and really hard to read but he is an amazing writer. (he attributes his skill to his culture being a "storytelling" one and the fact that many things he translated directly to English from his native tongue Mende which is very poetic.
Background Information: He was born Nov. 23, 1980. At 13 years old he was a child soldier for 2 years. In 1996 he was rescued by UNICEF and taken to a rehabilitation camp. In 1998 he won a contest to come speak in America and came to NYC. He graduated from Oberlin College and is now 26 years old. He is so cute!!


As an avid fan of this African writer- I wasn't going to miss it. (however I was 20 min. too late for the book signing friday night dang! I was so excited to meet the man himself). Saturday morning he gave a convocation speech to tons of freshmen and a few lucky community members/older students. They stuck us on the last 3 rows in the Kent Concert Hall. That was frustrating as I got there early to try and snag a seat. The speech was amazing. So inspirational. This man has had the hardest go at life...he really is lucky just to be alive. He told all the kids that they should be SO grateful for their life in the Western World and for their opportunity to gain such a good education. He said that one of the first times he ever cried was when he got his college diploma. It was finally something taht nobody could take from him. He said that one of the things that was really hard for him when he came to the U.S. was the way that Africa is portrayed as "hopeless- a lost generation. there is nothing we can do." He was upset that people thought of Africa as a war-ridden country always. When he came around to writing a book his main goal was to portray the strength of the human spirit. For people to feel the exhaustion of going day to day fearing for your life. He felt the responsibility to put a human face on the whole experience...

EDUCATION:
He said it changed his life. I told you about the way that graduating from college hit him so hard emotionally. He said "All you people are the luckiest in the world to have access to higher education. Imagine having thoughts and feelings and not being able to write them down. Education is a self-discovery process. Never forget those less fortunate than you. Think about places outside of SLC, UT. Learn about other cultures before they become war-ridden. Exercise respect for all humanity. I miss the human connection in Sierra Leone. I miss the food! American food is .... bad."

I felt so lucky to have caught word of this thing that was happening. After reading the book I went to youtube and watched Beah read some excerpts form his book. How lucky I was to hear him speak. A LOT of people came out for the event and the book signing.

Ok I'm done with talking about that. Next- my classes. I LOVE my classes. I am taking all interior design classes and nothing else. I'm hitting the program hard. I'm taking an AUTOCAD class, Graphics, Computers&Art, Interior Design Seminar, Spinning (P.E.), Gospel&World Religions, and Doctrines of the Gospel. I have lucked out. I've got fabulous professors in every class and I'm going to love my homework this semester. It's going to be really tough- as I have heard- but very worth it.

The apartment: Oakridge- 25 apartment buildings with 24 students per building: hmm. SOCIAL. There is lots of fun people here. I love the ward and all the people that live in my building. My room mates names are Debbie and Whitney. They're really nice girls. Our personalities get along because we are all very clean. Such a plus. Debbie provided the 34'' flatscreen, Whitney provided the Xbox/guitar hero, and I did the decorating. Yes. We are happy. I love having an actual kitchen this semester. The shuttle picks up right in front of our building and I can get to campus in 5 minutes. WE have a swimming pool, a hot tub. and unlimited laundry. Yes, I'm happy. Now- the only thing we need is wireless internet. I HATE having to plug my mac into the wall. Quite annoying.
The Kitchen

Room




Whitney Playing Hero


It's only been a week and...I've already had tons of fun and met a lot of new people. I love to make new friends. Thursday was "movie on teh quad" basically hundreds of poeple showed up to wrap up in blankets and watch Ironman on a huge projector. Good fun. After that me and Andrea hung out with some really fun boys. In all the excitement they dropped me off to my car in a random gravel parking lot down the street. They drove off and I realized...that there were caution signs taped all over the car. I HAD GOTTEN BOOTED! dang. $70.00 fee to get the big ugly metal boots off. I didn't think the tiny gravel apt. was permit only. Oh joys.

Next day: I fork over 70 bucks to get the boot off and 20 minutes later i'm pulled over off main street by a po-po. The registration was expired on Mom's Infiniti. Oh wow. What a lucky day for ellen. After that whole ordeal I felt like staying in the rest of the afternoon. That was Friday. AT 7 that night I headed up to Bear Lake to meet the fam for a little labor day cabin time. We had a lot of fun. Me, Mom, and Aunt Mary, oh and neighbor Penelope (such a name!) went on the BL Parade of Homes and saw many ridiculously beastly cabins throughout the BL valley. It was a good time. Fun to see brother Graham for the 2nd time the whole summer. HE is glad to be home from Puerto Rico. Done with the Del Sol thing.

Well that's all I have for now! Until next time.

Elle.

Feelings in the MiXeR.

GO PHELPS!!! Just watching right now, and he just grabbed his eight gold. WHOO EEEE! So exciting.
So I have had a fabulous summer and I really couldn't be happier. I've got a absolutely darling nephew Ririe who I'm just in love with. He is growing up fast, learning a lot of new words and getting close to taking those first steps. He has been a constant entertainment for all of us at family reunions and even just sunday get togethers.
Hat's off to my boy...Ririe...And...to his absolutely adoring parents.



I had an awesome week with the Warners at Bear Lake. We spent some good time at the beach, on the jetskis, at the campground, eating good meals, and of course boating...I have to admit Ry and I looked killer on the kneeboard. ALSO- while on the boat that week one of favorite up and coming bands (THE MAINE!) made their debut on the radio. What an exciting thing to see them make it big. Rose and I have met them countless times...really nice guys. Not to mention...talented.




After my week with the Warners it was the RIRIE REUNION followed directly by the Larson crew and Berry Days. Bear Lake (could be my second home) came alive with these two events. There is nothing quite like the Ririe crew uniting and all the crazy aunts. I seriously love them all. They each define "flavor" in their own personal way.



Me and mother headed down Bear Lake Blvd. to set up camp for the parade. I had a lawn chair, an umbrella, Breaking Dawn, a diet coke, cooper at my side, and tons of crazy cute cousins competing for amounts of candy. I was so happy with that moment in time I thought I'd share it with you...


P.S. BREAKING DAWN is just wonderful. Truly wonderful.

A personal horseback ride (me mom preston) up the logan canyon was just to die for. My horse, Captain, leading the way...it felt so good. There is a real part inside of me that wishes she were a cowgirl. I've always loved horses. Me and cousin Rachel used to go to horsecamp every summer. It was a beautiful green day and I got splashed soaking wet from the water off of freshly sprinkled trees.





How great is Archuleta's new single "crush". He is so cute and has got that voice...oh man. I'm just another adoring fan.

sudden addiction

SO what is it about the olympics that gets everybody buzzing. I'm not sure...but I have a few ideas. The greatest athletes from all over the world (basically the closest thing we have to superheroes) come together for a couple of weeks to compete. Suddenly everyone has something buzz about- and a common ground. I think EVERYONE has that place in their heart for the olympics. It's just so...thrilling. What with Phelps, a record breaking greatest athlete of all time, and a 41 year old medalist...USA has a lot to cheer for. EVERY night that I sit down in front of the tube, I find myself addicted, swept in, unable to move for the next few hours till the night ends at midnight or so. At least I know that I'm not the only one in this predicament... :) ...

the livin's easy.

I have no complaints. Not one to bore you with. This summer has been perfect. I have been able to find the balance between work and play. Important things and foolish behavior. There's always got to be a balance between them...otherwise life can get dull or out of control. Thus far I have been on quite a few memorable trips, spent some time with quality friends, had a missionary come home, earned a lot of money, and gotten a sweet tan. What more could I ask for...honestly?

This last weekend was jam packed with awesome things, sights, people, and events. I will try to recap everything that happened. One of my very bestest friends Kelly (Rose) came down to Salt Lake from Boise for a weekend packed with fun.
FRIDAY
On friday before Rose arrived- I took a trip to Best Buy to buy an ipod mini. I am so happy with my purchase. It just makes going to the gym so convenient. Cause I need some tune-age to work out. So anyway at about 5 I went down to Salt Lake Comm. College to see Rose compete in a Feis Festival.
Feis Competition: Traditional Irish/Celtic dancing and singing.
It was quite the experience. A round of applause for Rose she sang very well. It was fun to experience something new. Every girl that was competing wore big (i mean HUGE) curly wigs and rather large dresses. Very fun.
From there we met Spencer (another utah state friend) for some quick dinner before goign to see Wall-E with his friends. Before we went far from his house I had him take me down the street to see DAVID ARCHULETA'S humble...(or not so) home. Just ask these friends....I was pretty excited about it. I'm like a twelve year old with my celebrity crushes. The movie Wall-E was just fabulous. I loved every second of it. It was funny, witty, sort of an eye opener, and sort of political. (all of that in a kids movie!) So yes. I reccomend it to everybody.
SATURDAY
This was the day we had long awaited. WARPED TOUR. What a day. It was so intense. Hot, sweaty, tiring. and above all else- AWESOME. The bands we saw play were; We the kings, forever the sickest kids, the maine, Angels & Airwaves. say anything, the color fred, and the family force five. Quite some names eh? Well they are all great....but the highlight of the day was an acoustic set from Forever The Sickest Kids. By far our favorite. We love these guys and their power pop. It was a huge day. Almost 9 hrs. of nonstop partying withs ome of our favorite bands in the entire world. It was such a scene down at the Utah state fairpark. Tons of people and hundreds of merchandise booths. We all purchased a couple "band shirts'. At the end of the night we finished with some Molca Salsa (at rose's request) and a bunch of picture sharing.
SUNDAY
What a great day. We went to our friend Spencer's farewell out in Murray. He gave a great talk filled with a lot of scriptural doctorine. He's a smart kid and he'll be a great missionary. I met his friend ELLEN LARSEN. Wierd! Same. but not. She is not Ellen Genevieve LarsOn. Like me. :D It was cool to meet her though. haha.
The whole fam came over for dinner. Rose and Riley were there with me too. We all hung out and had some good conversation at the kid table covering a wide variety of topics. We had some good laughs making fun of Katie's super wide eyes when telling a story. Me Rose and Ry hit up the last couple hours of the arts festival (thanks to g-ma ririe for the tickets!!). I was so glad we could make it down there. It was such a big professional operation. I was impressed. We saw some awesome artwork, wierd bands, funny old people dancing, and some crazy artsy people. The set up behind the library was smart. I had never been back there. Gorgeous. When we got home we ended the night with THE AUNT MELINDA SHOW (so great) and some guitar hero. Poor Riley having to drive back to Orem so late. The long distance thing is hard!
MONDAY
A very long day. I worked from 7 to 2 and then rushed home to get some final quality time in with Rose. We went to Desert book downtown to pick something up for her and then just about missed her plane home. Quite stressful! She was just a great house guest. I love people that are easy to please.

Anyway...it was a jam packed weekend. This summer has been pretty jam packed.

I'm not excited for it to end. I can't even THINK about school. It makes me depressed.

There are a couple real exciting things coming up...can't wait!

Until next time...

ellen

Strolling Down Memory Lane

Sunday is a day for visits. Tonight me, mom, and pres decided to head up the avenues to Gma and Gpa Ririe's. Both of us were pretty stoked on going because a trip to their home is always an adventure. Their modern piece of art is located right next to Ensign Peak with an indescribable view of the entire Salt Lake Valley. (When walking out, I told my mom that I'd love to own it someday). Their home is just a patchwork of artwork/pieces from literally, ALL over the world. As empty nesters, Rhees and Shirley took adventures to every continent. It is just a known fact that these Grandparents of mine are so...HIP. Grandma has ownership over a very prestigious modern dance company called "RirieWoodbury". Grandpa is a very accomplished woodworker (his pieces are incredible.) These two have always "had it". Everything. I always enjoy when we start storytelling with these two. Tonight I heard quite a few notable stories from the two. They just always have something interesting to say. I talked to them about Peru and the 3rd world living conditions. They have seen the WORST 3rd world country locations in the far east. I love love LOVE hearing about their lives. So much adventure, so much life in the two of them. I'm such a lucky girl to have been born into the Larson/Ririe family. It's a good one.

That's all for now...
Lake Powell this Wednesday...I'm SO ready for some sun, boating, and relaxation.

A Quick Update

Hi Fellowmen.

Even though my life is pretty much boring, I thought I'd publish a quick update. Summer, hmm...usually when it comes to mind I think: "a little work, lots of pool times, and many nights out with friends"...however this has not been the case for Ellen Summer of 08'. Ever since my adventure to Peru all I have been doing is working...and pretty much nothing else. I am too beat to ever do anything nights that I get home, or i have to wake up super early. Not the ideal life. At least I'm averaging $22/hour some weeks at the restaurant. Hey...I'll take that.
Emmigration Market- waitressing and working in the coffee/ice cream shop. That is one of my jobs...and i've also started working at Doctor Bill's dental office. Doing assisting, filing charts, etc. Man, that can be intense. The other week I helped Doctor Scott (brother) extract some wisdom teeth...no big deal. I thought I'd get queasy, but i didn't! I actually kinda enjoyed it. Kinda cool. I feel pretty important in a lab coat and medical gloves. Doctor Ellen. Sounds cool. This is as far as I'll ever go with medicine though, I just don't have it in me to go through all the classes it would require. I'll stick with my interior design..
We've got a couple trips coming up, Lake Powell and then Seattle the 2nd and 3rd weeks in this month. I'm pretty excited for both. Powell has always been one of my favorite spots in the world and I'm really pumped to get up to the northwest and check out all of the places Graham worked in for 2 yrs. We are going to visit some of the "Twilight" places, like La Push and Forks. Pretty excited for that. Maybe we'll spot a vampire...hahah.
I just finished "the host" by Stephenie Meyer. WWWOW. Incredible book. All you Meyer fans out there...I highly reccommend it. It was...to say the least...delicious. I love a good read. Takes you to a different, sometimes more interesting, world.

Well, till next time.

x