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

Extra Terrestrial

Ok, So...kinda a random blog post. BUT I am reading this FABULOUS book and I just have to share it with everyone. I was skeptical to start it, but I decided to give it a try. Stephenie Meyer's "The Host" is just gripping. It is about aliens...yes...that take over earth. They come in the form of "souls" and are "inserted" into hosts on whichever planet they choose to reside. It all sounds kinda whacko and crazy, but it is actually a very interesting story. The 'souls' are very peaceful creatures and think that they are doing mankind a favor by taking over their entire civilization (as men are so vicious and violent to each other). Melanie is a human who refuses to fade away and stays in her body, along with Wanderer, a soul who was placed inside her. The story just really puts things into a very interesting perspective. It makes you ponder on crazy things...if you've got any extra time..I'd reccomend to pick it up. Boys Beware: there is romance in this fabulous find.

Spitfire.

hello friends.
So I haven't written for a while, but I have a lot of random thoughts that I would like to spit out. It has already been a month since I moved home from Logan. I wish that time didn't get lost so fast. One year down of college. I don't feel so mature and old! (oh wait, maybe that's because I'm not!) You have to be really careful or you'll lose days. It happens. Many days will go unnoticed. It seems to me that I find myself a little bit lost these days. Ever since my return from Peru I've been a little anti social. It's work all day and then close myself up in the basement in my room. I've started on this big project that I like to call "Simplify". I have just realized how much STUFF I have that I DO NOT need. Just last week I took FOUR garbage bags of clothes and over 50 shoes to the DI. It feels good to try and get rid of stuff. The African guys that were working at the DI claim center were pretty stinking cute too. They're reactions as they unloaded piles of stuff out of my car were...priceless. "Thank you Miss! Thank you. Thank you."


PERU. I want to try and explain my 2 week experience in South America. I don't think that you can really physically or mentally prepare yourself for something like that. The morning I left to the airport I still couldn't believe that I was going. It was all so fast. Only 3 days after I moved home from school and I was GONE. I think it was almost better that way. Don't get too settled..just start right in on the adventure.

The Jungle. We started out in the jungle. Hmm. Now that was something! We slept at this river lodge- right off of the amazon right in the heart of the jungle. Being that we only had 5 minutes in the airport to pack our backpack for 3 days in the jungle, I didn't pack ANY of the right clothes or supplies. I was off to a rough start. And I WOULD be roughing it the next few days. We went to this village and worked with the people all day for 2 days to get them started on this fish farm. Wow. Brute work. That's what it was. Digging holes, raking, in all that humidity. I couldn't believe how strong the local peruvian men were. They're like ants- can carry 10 times their body weight. We also experience two wild anacondas in the jungle. two of the villagers brought them out. Not my favorite moment. One of the guys was taunting them and got bit. luckily they're not poisonous!!!

The Big Bug. On our last night in the jungle I had a experience I would never forget...
me and ashlyn (my roommate every night) got shafted to this tiny bungalow for two..
we had just settled into bed after a cockroach and other misc. bugs had been sprayed or squashed. somehow we got stuck with the cabin that had MULTIPLE large holes in the netting that was supposed to keep these things out... ashlyn was under her mosquito netting and i was over in my bed with my headlamp writing in my journal.... ash told me to check up in the celing one last time, for any other creature friends.. I flipped over quickly and shined my light right on a.....TARANTULA! right above my head. OMG. it was massive too. it was 4 feet up there just chillin on the netting. what a wake up that was. i screamed bloody murder and jumped on ashlyn and immediately spooned her, grabbing onto her as if she could save my life from the big hairy monster.. I had a panic attack. For real. The boys came running to see what the commotion was. They grabbed a stick and they poked it until it got into a place they could squash it. me and ashlyn were freaking out this whole time. The thing was massive. Straight out of my nightmares. I think I slept 2 hours the rest of the night. I was laying there, unprotected, listening to all the jungle sounds. It was pretty much the worst night of my life. I accumulated about 25 bug bites just while in the jungle. I must have sweet blood.

The People. That was the highlight of my trip to peru. They are so amazing. I can't believe how humble they are. They have basically nothing...and yet they are so happy. Working side by side with the people and playing with the kids was so amazing. The language barrier was tough. If I ever do a trip like that again, I will make sure to memorize more phrases. It is so horrible to see the conditions that the people all live in. No matter where you go- even in the more higher class places that we visited- it was all still very unsanitary. It is a huge eye opener to be there first hand. After visting Belen- the most disgusting place that I have ever visited- I talked to Mom and I couldn't help but break down. It is heart breaking to see what these people survive in, day to day. The dogs in that city were either skeletons, or completely covered in fleas, being eaten alive. And there is hardly anything that anybody can do to change this.

The Children. There were multiple occasions, with multiple little boys that I wanted to kidnap bring back to the states with me. I just want a better life than what they have. There was this boy named Angelo who is 12 and works on the streets of Iquitos, shining shoes. His English was almost perfect and he was so charming. I saw him a few times while we were staying there. It amazes me what they do. There are tons of children who work on and live in the streets. There are gangs- that will establish different "working" areas. Drugs and violence are common. Pretty much "survival of the fittest". American kids take what they have for granted.

The Translators. Our two 5' tall translators were named Freddy and Julio. They are ages 26 and 30-something. These two men were so incredible. It was so neat to get to know them. They stayed with us the majority of our trip. They have both had really really hard lives but they have been resilient and are still really happy. Freddy left home at age 10 to work in the streets. His mother found him 2 years later and told him that she had cancer. An American man found Freddy a year later and took him under his wing. Did so much for him and sent him a hefty check from the United States every year. On Sept. 11 this man was killed in the tower attack. So sad. I just don't understand how some people are so blessed and others have hardly a chance at life. Freddy and Julio do so much good. Out of the 15 or so translators that Monty (leader of the Hope Alliance) has had- they are the only two that have lasted. The others got fired because of honesty issues. Freddy was really one of the highlights of my trip. He was hilarious. We all had so much fun together.

The Macchu Picchu. Hmm. Majestic? Wierd? Incredible? I don't know that this place can be described. The air is so thin and it seems like you're in a dream the whole time you're up there. It's so mind boggling to try and understand HOW the Incans built it or survived there. A little group of us just sat on the edge of this wall with a perfect bird's eye view of the whole place. We sat there for at least an hour. I think we were all on the same mind set - trying to take it all in. One of the seven wonders of the world.

The English Boys. So at the base city in the middle of the mountains where you stay before travelling to Macchu Picchu, I met some boys from England. Just graduated from High School. Travelling in South America for 4 months. No big deal...AH! Before the conversations that I had with them I thought "Oh yes! Some people who speak English! They're Just like me." Oh Ellen. So naive. We got to talking about a few things...Religion. School. Families.
They had never met a Mormon before. The first couple of questions that they asked me were 1. Do you "Mormon's" have Electricity? 2. Are you very..."liberal" with your women? WOW! Stupid boys. The classic misconceptions. I answered them with a laugh and a ,"Do I look Amish to you? Or in the styles of a Polygamist?" It was cool to answer them all their other questions. I'm glad taht they have now met a Mormon and know that we are...normal? To say the least. So next we got to talking about the home life and the schooling. They've all been to boarding school grades k through 12...seeing their families only once a year. What IS that? Why have kids?? It was very interesting to learn about their culture. Even they are so different.

The Sum Up. There was a lot more the whole Peru Experience. I can't type any more though. My poor fingers are tired now. As well as my body. I reccommend this kind of trip to any one who could work it out. It's pretty amazing. Some people never see what half of our world is like. There are billions of people living in 3rd world countries. I just feel so blessed.

Until Next Time,

Tell Me Something Good!!

Ellen