Thanks for writing and existing and being my friends. It means so much to me. It is Monday, June 4th. I've been in Lancaster, Pennsylvania for sixteen days. It feels like a bit more than that, because of buzz of activity that surrounds transition, but it's been mostly simple and enjoyable.
Aurelija was here for about a week. That was awesome. That woman is a wonder, I do declare. She's encouraging, compassionate and cheerful. I'd never had a friend from college come and stay with me before, and it was very rich! The unimaginable circumstance of returning home with someone from both of my semesters continually shocked and delighted me throughout those days.We did a lot of exploring of Lancaster and Philadelphia, on bikes and on feet. This had many highlights and was an exceptionally patriotic experience. Aurelija studied Benjamin Franklin this past term and thought it was cool that his name and legacy are printed all over the city of Philadelphia. Then we met up with my family at my grandparents' in southern NJ for Memorial Day. Something that you should know about my family is that we LOVE Memorial day. This is some of us at the ice cream stand, Hudock's- sorry it's blurry.
On top: Maggie. Then, me and Eliza. Then, Aurelija, William and Katie. On the bottom: Uncle Thomas, Ben, Dad, Mom. (That's right, my dad is wearing a bucket hat in this photo. And about three minutes ago he was carrying our small dog, Star, around in his hoodie so that it looked like he had two heads).
I was blessed by being with Aurelija for sure. My time here has indeed been mostly pleasant, but I've had a few really hard days, still dealing with the break-up and depressing thoughts. Aurelija was always so uplifting and such a godsend. And as I've started working and have been relatively busy, I have been able to feel ok. But working through stuff will just have to be a part of the summer, I guess. I appreciate your prayers! Please pray specifically for patience and forgiveness.
My occupation this summer is spending three days a week with a girl and a boy who are nine and seven. I am their babysitter. They rock. I have learned at least three important babysitting lessons already: avoid 'The Game of Life" at all costs; seek out animals to spend time with; don't touch the animals. On the days that I don't explore, read, cook, eat, and run around with them, I'll be working on projects, which will be a lot of... reading, cooking, eating, and running around. Oh!- and Music! Also, I'm currently painting my room yellow. Scattered, but content. Family, friends.
To kick-start the summer, Lancaster has The Red Rose Run. It is a five-mile loop in the hot sun on a Saturday morning, complete with a rock band and boxes of oranges. I didn't register because I am a cheapskate, but I ran it, and gosh was it miserable! But, of course, it was awesome as well. Several friends and relatives ran it as well, which made it very sweet. This is a simply b-e-a-u-tiful photo of me and my little brother, close to death and not talking, as we stumbled toward the finish line, which was a few blocks away.
Sorry if that scarred you for life! This is WAY COOLER:
I couldn't end a post without noting my personal excitement as to the music world: there is a new Tallest Man on Earth single, heralding his upcoming June album. Also, there is a new mewithoutyou album coming out, and this is a song from it.
I miss you all, friends. It will be extraordinarily lovely to be in your presences again soon. Until then, be well. Thanks for reading!
Yours,
Hannah B.
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