Couch Surfing

kouCHsərf verb:

To stay temporarily in a series of other people's homes. Aka my life for the past few weeks.

In Limbo

When I moved out of the dorm, I went straight to my Great Aunt Mary's house, only a few minutes from campus. It was so strange being halfway into my new phase of life, but still part of the old. I was able to spend time with Anna, Colette, Annemarie, Kylie, Katie, and Paige, but I wasn't a part of their ward or hall. My new household was my aunt, uncle, and their grumpy, but adorable, cat named Puff. It took some adjustment to go from the busy atmosphere of the dorm to quiet afternoon teas and episodes of the Victorian Farm (please watch it if you're in the mood for charming animals and British accents).

Even though I wasn't living with them anymore, I had adventures going to the tulip festival with friends. Anna and I watched The Light in the Piazza (my favorite musical) at the Hale Center Theatre. I finished off my internship and had a great time with my supervisor. I read books- for fun! It was an awkward in-between stage, but I loved every second of it.

"She made up her mind and laced up her shoes"

After two weeks of Provo, I took the shuttle to St. George and stayed with my grandparents. I went to my grandma's exercise dance class and was the worst dancer there, out of the 60+ year-olds. She also took me to a relief society activity where we did "laughter yoga." From an outside perspective, you would see old ladies and me fake laughing, until it turned into real laughing because it was so ridiculous, and doing weird poses. It was the weirdest thing I have ever been a part of.

Then I took another shuttle to Las Vegas for a few days. While there my sister flew in and I saw one of my favorite singers, Phoebe Bridgers. There is something so magical about live music that adds new insight to songs you've heard hundreds of times before. The highlight was the part in "I Know the End" where everyone screamed together and Phoebe was shredding on guitar. It was incredible.

Deep in the Heart of Texas

Now I've been back in El Paso for less than a day and I am already so happy to be home. I have spent every spare second with my siblings playing games and eating good food. I went to the YSA ward with Karli, and we saw how empty the ward felt without our friends. Curse you, Matt, Natalie, and Anne for leaving us! Regardless, I am so happy to be home and I feel really content.

I loved your post, Bethany. I really miss you all. I even came to miss our cubicle-sized dorm and the Cannon. But I'm glad that we can all keep in touch this way through the blog. :)