I haven’t written in forever and it really bums me out.
However, I don’t feel compelled to write any extensive stories at the moment
and would rather just share some highlights of the summer. To set the mood, I’m
listening to a playlist called “Dream Baby – Soft Lullabies for Baby - Calm
Baby Sleep, Lullabies for Newborn, Chilled Sounds” because why the heck not. I
followed this playlist for nap time (not my nap time, sadly), and it’s speaking
to me right now.
Granite
A few weeks ago (maybe June 22nd?) I finally went
to Granite Point! This is a spot by the river that basically everyone in Moscow
has been to besides me. You can swim there, but it’s highly known for its cliff
jumping. I only agreed to go after being reassured that you can swim there
WITHOUT jumping off a cliff. Anyway, it was finally a relatively hot summer
day, so Rachel, Emily, Sarah, Anna and I hopped into our cars and began the
45-minute drive. I don’t even remember which direction we went; all I know is
it was BEAUTIFUL. Don’t get me wrong, I still appreciate how beautiful the
Palouse is that surrounds Moscow and the beautiful peaks of Moscow Mountain
that I get to see every day as I drive to work. But its jaw-dropping-shock-factor
has since worn down for me after living here two years. HOWEVER, the drive was
amazing. We went down a winding, steady grade with hills rising sharply on
either side. The grass was bright and lush and there were these rocks and
just…oh man. I really shouldn’t try to describe it. Let’s just say that my
steering was not the best because my attention was being dragged elsewhere.
I was relieved (and very impressed) that my car made it all
the way there. It was the longest drive I’ve ever put ole Cob through. We found
a nice flat spot to set up our cute little picnic and bask in the sunshine.
After much eating and laughing, we set out to test the water. Rachel showed me
the two jumping spots, the high and low. After seeing the low, I unexpectedly
decided that I really wanted to jump off it. I have no idea what got into me
and made me feel so frisky, but my mind was set. The other girls began climbing
down the rocks to the water while Rachel and I tried to muster the courage to
actually jump. She had already jumped both cliffs before, but for some reason
was really psyching herself out over it. I wanted her to jump first because I
was so scared. But after waiting for so long, I became impatient and said I
would go first. My nerves got the best of me and we ended up switching back and
forth, back and forth, trying to decide who would be the brave one. After much
waiting, I finally said screw it and ran off the cliff. It was terrifying. Once
you start running, you have this moment of panic where you realize there is no
going back, and once your feet leave the rock, it’s instant regret. Or at least
that’s how it was for me. I’m typically not the type to feel thrilled and
buzzed off fear. Anyway, I was happy I did it once I landed in the water. It
was absolutely freezing, and I felt a few moments of shock where I couldn’t
even speak. I started shouting for Rachel and she eventually jumped in with me.
The shock hit her harder than expected, she could barely speak, and she quickly
climbed out to warm up in the sun.
The rest was pretty relaxing. My body eventually adjusted to
the bitter temperature (or...became numb to it). Before long, the other three girls were in
the water with me and we swam around, goofing off and causing a ruckus. Emily
found us an entire tree trunk to hold onto and play games on. We honed our
synchronized swimming skills and competed to see who could stay on the log the
longest. It was overall a grand time. Eventually we were too numb to stay any longer,
so we climbed out and returned to our picnic spot. By this time, the rockface
was crowded with rowdy college students, playing their loud music and smoking
pot. I had to get home anyways so I could talk to Levi, so Rachel and I headed
home once we were dry and warm. It was a perfect day and the drive back was
just as beautiful.
June 25th
It was a fairly busy but normal
day. I was house/dog sitting and Hannah and Rachel had slept over the night
before. We slept in and went to Bucer’s in the late morning. Rachel and I were
going to finally spend time together (this is actually the second time we
intentionally hung out, the first being Granite. Maybe this is just a “Hanging
Out with Rachel this Summer” blogpost XD) so we decided to go do some
thrifting. We went to the Hope Center and both found cute shirts, and I found
an ugly (but cute in my mind) rug for the new apartment. Then we went to Old
Navy (I know, not a thrift store) to pick up some essential items (shoes and
sports bras). Lastly, we went to Goodwill and then it was time for Rachel to
get back to the grind. I proceeded with my usual routine, gym, shower, lunch,
Bible, and cleaning. This takes longer than it seems, but finally I was done
cleaning up the pizza explosion we made the night before. Around 5:30 I sat
down to breathe. I put on a show (it’s a treat staying at a house with
cable…aka trashy reality shows) and began working on one of my sewing projects.
When I was about halfway done,
around 7:00, Levi texted me. He was finally home from work and able to talk for
the evening. He asked about my day and I told him how tired I was and about
everything I had gotten done.
He then responded “Nice! Well, I
have something that will cheer you up.”
Me: “What?”
Him: “Step outside” (At this point I’m thinking he sent
flowers)
Me: “What are you talking about?”
Him: “Just do it!”
Me: “I’m at Riley’s house.” “There is nothing there. Do I need to go to
the apartment?”
Him: “Oh shoot! I got a packaged
delivered and had Froh set it up for you outside your door, guess you’ll have
to see it when you get there.”
Me: “Should I got there now?”
Him: “Don’t worry, it’ll
keep.” (Now I’m thinking…not flowers.
What the heck could he have possibly sent?)
Me: “Well it’s gonna drive me
crazy not knowing what it is”
Him: “Ahhahahae”
Me: “Uggghhy okay I’m gonna drive
there now. That also reminds me, I got a letter from you today but I haven’t
read it yet. Also, did you mail your tuition check?”
I hopped in my car and started
booking it over there. Before I even made a second turn out of the
neighborhood, I saw a truck turn the corner and park on the opposite side of
the street. The sun was shining on it so I couldn’t see the color, but I sighed
and thought to myself “that’s Leaf’s truck” in a wistful “that’s the same model
as his truck” kind of way. Then suddenly, a guy hopped out of the truck and ran
in the middle of the road holding flowers. My jaw literally dropped, and I let
out a gasp. I pulled over so quickly and started getting out, I almost forgot
to put my car in park. I jumped out and hugged him so so hard. I was in shock.
I kept asking how this was possible and if it was actually real. It didn’t feel
real. We hugged and kissed in the middle of the road for awhile before we
reluctantly parted and drove our vehicles back to the house. We got to spend
the entire evening together and he slept over so we could spend time together
in the morning. It went by all too fast but meant so so much to both of us. I
never imagined I would have someone who loved me enough to drive 14 hours to
see me for one night and then drive 14 hours back to work 12 hours the next
day. He is truly amazing. He is so hardworking and admirable. I love him to
pieces and I’m so incredibly thankful for him. Only 24 days until we see each
other again, and 31 until we are married! ^_^
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