On July 2nd our family got news we had always hoped we'd never receive. We got news that our very close family friend, Hillary, passed away at the very young age of 20. I knew the instant my mom walked into my room that morning around 7am that something was wrong. I could tell that she had been crying and I could see the look on her face like something had happened, even though it was still pitch dark in my room. I asked what was wrong and she said, "I have to break Hannah's heart today". My first thought was that something happened to Dan so I quickly asked for more detail. She told me that Hillary had passed away in her bed and that her mom, Deb, had found her. She had been gone for a while when Deb got there but the paramedics said she didn't suffer and that she just went to sleep. My mom and I then had to tell my sister which was even more heartbreaking. Hannah and Hillary have grown up together since they were born. They had been best friends for over 20 years. Hannah understood Hillary in a way that many didn't. We all knew Hillary was different but special in her own way. She was so young and the entire family took this news really hard. We all loved Hillary and she was part of our family. She will forever hold a special place in my heart.
I remember the last time Hillary and I hung out, just the two of us. We went to Shari's and had some breakfast at like 9pm or so, my treat. We both got french toast and milkshakes. We talked and had a great time. She was truly happy in that moment. I enjoyed being able to be someone she could look up to and go to with things. I tried to be there for her when she needed someone. I felt like she was my second little sister, I know I loved her like she was. I just hope she knew that. I know she does now but I wish I could have told her more often how much she meant to me.
I got a new tattoo (my second) while I was in Bend on the 25th of July. My friend Seth did it
for me for free cause he rocks! I have always wanted to do something for those I have loved and lost. I was inspired by a necklace that I bought to wear to Hillary's Celebration of Life. The dove represents the people that I have lost that I love and the peace sign reminding me that they're all at peace now. There's no more suffering and they're all in better hands up above. I know Hillary would love it too which makes it all the more special to me.On a very happy note, Hannah and Dan got engaged! He popped the question on top of Spencer's Butte on July 19th. Lauren (one of Hannah's best friends) and myself got to climb up and attempt to hide and take pictures of the whole thing. We were so excited we could hardly contain ourselves as we were waiting up on top. Hannah saw us pretty soon after they sat down on top and then she knew for the most part what was going on. It was great though, she still cried out of happiness & excitement. We got a TON of pictures too. Afterward the four of us hiked down to another surprise for Hannah, our family and Dan's waiting at the bottom. My mom had decorated Dan's truck with window paint, balloons and a bouquet of flowers. It was very cute. We then headed back to our house where we enjoyed a delicious steak dinner (compliments of Dan for buying & Dad for cooking) and a champagne toast. I even got the chance earlier that day to decorate the plastic champagne flutes with the date, their names, etc. They turned out very cute... I was very proud of myself! :) Hannah formally asked me to be her Maid of Honor that night during the champagne toasts. I am very excited and feel so blessed to have such a big role. Hannah has been very productive and has booked Shadow Hills Country Club for the venue on July 30th, 2011. They will be getting married on one of the fairways and having the reception in the ballroom. She has also found and ordered her dress, which is breathtaking on her! She is going to be an absolutely gorgeous bride. Dan... you're a very lucky guy! The dress is sooo Hannah and I can't imagine her in anything else. I love it on her! Can't wait to see all the reactions of everyone come wedding day!
I quit my job at Delta Environmental early July and moved back home with my parents. I wanted to enjoy some of my summer and not work for a little while. That was fun while it lasted but I didn't save up enough money to make it last much longer. I talked to my old manager at SELCO and got hired on as a temp for 6 weeks to help cover vacations. So I started back up there on the 2nd of August and basically just kicked some major butt (kidding!). Lenora missed me and decided to keep me on permanently... with a little convincing from myself as well. ;) Oh and they gave me a 50 cent raise too! haha!
I was planning on going back to school in the fall but that has proven to be more difficult than expected. I am pretty frustrated with Lane right now and their entire counseling department. I can't get cleared for advanced registration for the fall because of conflicts with work so I might just have to wait until Winter term. I'm hoping to at least get into a photography class but trying not to get my hopes up until I can actually register. Maybe it's for the best. It will give me some more time to focus on working and saving up some money before I dive into school full-time.
I got to go to my very first Oregon Jamboree July 30th through August 1st and boy was it memorable! We camped out for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights with my parents friends Marvin and Karen. We got to see all sorts of great country artists: The Band Perry, Keith Urban, Neil McCoy, Julianne Hough, Blake Shelton, Travis Tritt, & Miranda Lambert to name a few! :) Mom even won us tickets to meet Blake Shelton on Saturday night before he performed. Let me tell you... he is taller than I pictured and has gorgeous blue eyes! I think I was star struck! ;) The whole thing was a blast though. We had beautiful weather all weekend, even had a chance to lay out and tan some while listening to the music. Met a lot of fun people too! I still laugh when I picture Hannah and I standing in line with all the little kids waiting to get our face painted in the Kids Zone! The shuttle rides to and from the concert area were a blast too! It would often consist of a group of people, us included, singing some random country songs. The whole weekend was a blast! Hopefully next year isn't as great of a line-up cause we will be all about Wedding Day at that point... although Hannah did say if Garth Brooks came to the jamboree she might have to reschedule her wedding. ;)
So I think that's pretty much a summed up version of the last few months. Summer has been pretty good to me so far... I hope Fall is even better!
