Summer, Pt. 1

last book i've read: The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
music currently caressing my ears: the ocean, baby
general mood: cheerful
quote i just thought of: "Bungry bungry hippos," and "We'll blame it on the teradactyl."--Brandon, one of the prettiest Texan boys I've ever met

My favorite season, for reasons that include expensive travel, loads of freedom, and warmth. My summer began by going home, which eventually leads to boredom. Home is great - I am surrounded by people I love and who care for me, but somehow, when they're all at work, I find myself doing things I don't usually do while at school. Like watch TV, for example. So, with nothing to do around the house, I look to creating my own fun, as in gallavanting across the U.S. and Mexico too. So far, it's been busy.

My first big trip was to Cornerstone, a Christian music festival in Bushnell, Illinois that I always attend, except for last year. It's a weeklong camping/music/whatever you want it to be event that I can't bear to miss. I derive much pleasure from seeing my favorite bands live, discovering new ones, and even the food available on the grounds. This year my new friend from Lawrence, Megan Severson, decided to accompany me, which was truly a joy. She made camping fun, and even taught me a few tricks in camping that hadn't occurred to me as she is the more avid camper. We made turkey and celery wraps using flour tortillas, and I will never forget that one! Delicious. Also, our favorite neighbors were from Texas, who, being of the freshly graduated from high school crowd, proved not only immature, but highly entertaining and friendly. Not only was there hilarity in their actions (starting fires on their bodies, running and diving into shallow water), but in their numerous stories from Texas (teachers from h.s., work stories, I'll never forget Martin's "caught young'uns doing it behind the theater story). The only mature one of that group was Moby, 23, and proved to be the big teddy bear type of guy. Love those guys! Also, not to mention there was fabulous music going on that whole week, starting with these bands: Black Tie Suicides, The Evan Anthem, Ethan Durelle, Jars of Clay, Relient K, Roper, Mid-America, The Huntingtons, and many many more. Needless to say, I'm sure Megan would like to return to continue her education in the Christian music scene and also to delight in the wonderful community that Cornerstone never fails to attract.

Upon arriving at home, I still was left with little to do but wait until my next move. Which didn't take long. The family and I had been planning a trip to either Florida or Mexico before Michael leaves for the Marines, and finally decided on Cancun. A week after returning from C-stone, here I am, staring at the most wonderful sunset from my oceanside room, dreaming of things far away, of ocean spray on my face, and of the delicious restaurants we will surely visit. Yes, food is a big deal to us, and authentic Mexican is one of my favorites (can't help that!). I plan on indulging as much as I can, who knows when I'll be back. We have already swam in the Atlantic and gotten Yucatecan food for our first meal here in Cancun. We plan to visit Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, perhaps Merida (my mother's hometown). I am also happy I can relax, read a book, and still enjoy the sun. I'm very excited to be here - the week has only just begun. We will be returning July 18. Too soon!