If push comes to shove...

I went to The Facebook cause I'm bored, but expecting nothing. However, I had a nice little message from Jill to this effect:

Haha...you really need to update this, girlfriend. I mean, your only friends are me and that dang bear.

So, I suppose I shall. It must stink...the fact that one of my only 2 friends is rubbing my friendlessness in my face. I have to go. Time to cry.

To the Power of 10

So, I'm moving in 10 days!!! I can't believe it.
In the spirit of 10, read!

Things I'm looking forward to...
1. Having my stuff organized for the move...and keeping it that way
2. Meeting awesome new friends
3. Other colleges/banks not knowing where to send their endless mountain of junk mail
4. Going the the career seminars that I have worked into my schedule during dead week
5. Buying a spiffy yoga outfit
6. Comet Camp!
7. Having a beautifully-coordinated pink-and-yellow bathroom
8. Being the only one in the area (esp my apartment) with a "281" area code
9. Fantasizing about how well I'm going to do academically
10. Using the "Key Shirts" that I bought at Claire's on my keychain

Things I'm NOT looking forward to...
1. Deciding which things to take, and which to leave behind
2. Taking my ID picture
3. Waiting 2 extra weeks to get my scholarship check, since I declined direct deposit
4. The knowledge that 18 hours is quite a load...something I have yet to accept
5. The feelings of home-sickness that will undoubtedly commence after about 4 hours alone
6. See #9 above...yeah...it's never as good as I initially hope
7. Not having people around who are used to killing/evicting the creatures that sneak into my personal space (ie, roaches, spiders, crickets, small wandering gnomes)
8. See #3 above...I hope my family & friends don't forget my address!!! I'll be the Houston girl exiled!
9. The meager teen population at the Dallas church (but there are lots of young adults, I hear)
10. Not having a private violin teacher lined up!!!!!!!!! Aaaaaaaaah! I need a teeeeeacherrrrrr!!!

I talked to another one of my roommates earlier this week. She's awesome too! I've been very blessed, I do believe.

Roomies

YAY!! I got my housing assignment in the mail on Monday. I had been getting worried, because I am moving in 2 weeks! I have only talked to one of my roommates, but she sounds really nice. I'm so excited!

Road Trip-o!

Mom & I went to Austin on Friday, and the weekend was quite interesting. When we arrived at the hotel (aka, hole in the wall shanty) they claimed to be booked. But, on the phone they had lots of rooms. So we went to another place, while Dad booked the first place online. Then we came back. They gave us a room...which we found (upon opening the door) that it was half-occupied.
Me: I guess they said we can have the room at night & the other people get it during the day
Mom: Yeah, we got the "hour room"
Then there was some talk about gigalos, and the fact that stating that one is male is simply redundant. We went to church, and tried to go see a movie Saturday night, but it was too late. They closed without us. Sunday we hiked at Bull Creek, and came home. At a gas station, I was pumping gas while Mom was inside, and a guy asked if I had a hot boyfriend. I acted like I couldn't understand him...for he was quite creepy. I then resolved to never wear my bathing suit to a gas station again.

Leaving!

This about sums it up!

me: I'm leaving in 1 minute to go to austin!
me: and it's POURING!!!
nate: Wow. That's crazy.
me: ive decided that in the teton spirit, ill be hiking
me: :-p
nate: ;-)

Thief!

I went to Franklin Covey in the mall yesterday to buy a planner that I had seen over a month ago. They still had it. AND the sales person asked "Are you in college?" Emphasis on the college. So, I suppose i DO look my age...at times. I was then led to a display of blah-looking organizers...and I hid my disappointment. I said, "This one was colorful and pretty!" So they showed me the high school ones, saying "A lot of people like these...even if they aren't 14-18."

When I got home, I discovered that someone greedily stole one of my "Assignment Due" stickers. I was saddened by this act of crime, and I intend to find the culprit.

Doofus

After church on Saturday, Josh & I left to come back to my house. We had practiced at the church hall, and planned to practice at home as well. However, we ended up not practicing at home, and I didn't notice until the next day that I had LEFT MY VIOLIN at the church hall. So I don't have it all week. And there is nothing like not having something to make you miss it. So I miss my poor violin.

I wonder what it is up to right now...sitting alone in a dark room, with only a piano, dry erase board, and some educational children's charts to keep it company. Is it thinking of me...my calloused fingertips weakening as each day comes and goes?

On Sunday, we were going to practice again. But, no violin. So, I used my sister's. I'm so excited...she is getting a new violin! Of course, I'm sad because the one she has now is the 2nd one that I owned. But, we grow up and move on to bigger and better things.

In sooo many ways.

My life seems to be taking on a surprising turn for the better...

She'll Be Comin' Around the Mountain

Well, folks, I have returned from Challenger Camp in the Tetons. This year's experience was better than ever, and I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to grow - in relationships, my spiritual life, mentally, and physically (I gained weight but lost inches!) once again. Here, a brief recap of these eleven fun-filled days.

Monday
We left the house at 6 am for Cameron's flight. I went too, though my flight wasn't until 11:30. After Cameron checked in, Mom, Juliane and I wantered around the terminal. I was pleasantly surprised that Mom was allowed to go through security with me, as I am no longer a mere adolecent girl, but a legal adult, quite capable of walking herself through security and hopping on a plane. So we ate breakfast, had fake massages from chairs, and took pictures of incorrect boarding signs and funny foreign men with feet. (Pictures should be forthcoming.) In Denver, I saw Kristin at my gate. I did not know that she would be attending Tetons, so that was cool. There were 2 other camper-types on our flight - Danielle and Chris. Landing in Jackson Hole is odd, as it is a definate valley and you feel like you're falling. Danielle and I had a thrill, but knew it was normal. A couple sitting behind us was clearly worried, and the lovers held hands across the aisle during our descent. It must be fun to be that in love. At the airport in Jackson, Kristin's luggage was reported to be missing, but they found it after we left. Thankfully. Lack of luggage while camping is no fun. I speak from lack of experience, for I lack the experience of having a lack of luggage when there is a lack of indoors.

Tuesday
We went to Jackson Hole for half a day. I hung out with Shannon a lot, and we found Mom a wooden bear for the fireplace. I should clarify - not to place in the fireplace...that would be very expensive firewood. But for it's decoration. End of clarification. Dan & I had our "first date" walking to the bathroom. After the trip to Jackson, my team (the Green Team) had hiking training while the Blue Team had training for rock climbing and the Challenge Hike/Problem-Solving Course. We learned much in training - how to evade lightning, to bring lots of layers, we might encounter record amounts of snow...also, if you get a blister, you might die...if you get a burn (non-sunburn), you might die...if you see a bear, you might die. That's the short version...but really, all of these things are factual, believe it or not. We took a bath in the lake, and it was not nearly as cold as previous years. Probably 60 degrees.

Wednesday
The Green Team left on the 3-day hike. The plan was as follows:
Day 1 - start at Death Canyon Trailhead and hike to Fox Creek Pass (10-11 miles)
Day 2 - Fox Creek Pass to the Alaskan Basin (7 miles)
Day 3 - Alaskan Basin to Jenny Lake (14 miles)
We took along pick-axes in case of monsterous snow drifts. I was scared at the prospect of needing them, as walking along steep snow drifts is a huge fear of mine. At one point, Jeremy, Kristin, Chris and I lost the group, and were hiking alone. At least "bears like 1 and 2 course meals...nothing 3 or more" so I wasn't worried. Close to Fox Creek Pass, we hiked the final 3/4 mile steep switchback trail which takes about an hour. At the top is the infamous and always-present snow bank, which requires crossing. I crossed it. I was so scared, and it was bigger than ever, but I did it. And I didn't let them take my 40 lb. pack (I never have...don't intend to now.) Kristin and I slept in our tent...we carried it up, and I decided to use everything I brought. It gets HEAVY!!! Went to bed at around 8:30. I slept in:
2 pair of socks
3 layers on bottom
5 layers on top
2 hats
1 pair of gloves
I was comfy during the night, but was hot by morning.

Thursday
The Alaskan Basin was snowed in...and officials (which had previously suggested that we not go) were being a little more insistant. So instead, we hiked to a peak across a valley. Most of it was either snow drifts or a boulder scree. Much fun. On the way down, people started sleding down the snow, and though I was a bit afraid, I joined. Did you ever think that I would be one to slide on snow in cotton shorts and a t-shirt? I didn't, but I did. Toward the bottom, we came across one slope that was classified as a "black", and I chanted "ooooh no...no no no" to the others. But I went down with one of my counselors, and everyone was proud. I certainly was. But I got a snow burn on the back of my leg from the friction. Afterwards, I decided to hike back up the slope and slide down again...it's the "get back on the horse" mentality that drove me to it...the first time, I basically had no choice. I needed to prove to myself that I could make myself do it, even when not required by circumstances. One of the hiking staff got it on video. Later he was showing everyone, and saying "If you listen, you can hear the scream!" That night, we put our shoes by the fire that Ryan and Jeremy built so as to dry them out. Then Kristin and I talked to Chris about his desire to move to Texas, although he lives in Michigan. He wears a cowboy hat all the time. Fun stuff. Then bedtime.

Friday
Hiked down. Many people think that hiking downhill is easier than hiking uphill. In a way it is, in that you aren't expending quite as much energy. But you also have to be very careful to take care of your knees and toes. Plus, you're still towing 40 pounds, and you are still hiking. And parts of it are still uphill. And there are rocks to dodge, and slowing yourself down can be difficult. I almost did several faceplants, but then again, didn't we all. During a 2 mile stretch, I caught up with Josh. He didn't talk to me much, as he was rushing. But I determined to keep up with him, though it took 3 of my steps to equal 2 of his, and I often found myself running the uphill parts. Toward the end of that part though, we were talking, and both felt so energized that we "could hike another mile" before breaking. At lunch (where we breaked) Jeff and Doug found a marmot, which they took upon themselves to tame by feeding it peanut butter crackers and beef-stick. Then, the infamous last 3 miles, consisting of 1 mile rocky switchbacks in direct sun (very hard on the way up), 1 mile uphill switchbacks in direct sun (where we stopped at each shady place, and almost died) to Phelps Lake, and 1 mile downhill to the trailhead. At the lake, I stopped for a couple of minutes, but wanted to hurry down in order to keep my legs from turning to Jello. I couldn't go alone (buddy system), so the other Josh came with me. It was great...we ran most of the way. He started in front, and I kept up with him, then we switched places, etc. That evening, the Green Team got SHOWERS!!! I had not had a real shower since Sunday night. Much bathing occurred, and much cleanliness resulted. However, I was very sunburned despite my liberal use of sunscreen, and some of the dirt would not come off. Back at Base Camp, we got to hang out with the Blue Team again.

Saturday
Slept in till 8 o'clock. Yes! We had church, then the official camp picture, then Bible study and fellowship. I wore a denim skirt, a pink top, pink jewelry from prom, and pink shoes. My top was sleeveless, so I wore a sheer white shirt over it, which I tied in front. It was quite cute, says me and others. I forgot what else happened.

Sunday
RAIN!!! At least it was a training day, so we had no strenuous activities planned. It was cold anyway, and the rain chills you to the bone. I was glad that I had decided to bring my wool sweater. I got even more wet when I returned to my tent, and found that water had collected on the top. I pulled from outside and others pushed up on the inside, and I got wet. But, in the end, the water was removed from our abode. Which was good...we didn't need it collapsing on someone during the frigid night. We had training in:
wilderness medicine - by the doctor who kindly came to camp
rock climbing
challenge hike/problem-solving course - new this year

Monday
Rock climbing in Cascade Canyon. I spent all day on Open Book, going on balet (sp?) 9 times. That took the entire day. Each time, I climbed 2 or 3 times, but only made it about 20 feet. It's ok though...I just wanted to do my best. Jeff, Doug, and I spent a long time trying. After Jeff made it, he asked "You going up again?" and I said yeah. He responded with "Wow, you're a beast" which made me feel better. I got lots of tiny cuts on my knees, which coupled with my sunburn and soreness, hurt quite a bit. While going to the "bathroom", 3 girls found themselves being studied by a couple of adolescent guys. It was disgusting. I felt bad for them...the girls, not the pervs. I have very little tolerance for "curious guys". The way I see it, if a guy is curious about a girl, he should go read anatomy books. Leave girls alone, and quit USING them for the fulfillment of your disgusting curiousity. Grow an ethical spine. Couth is good too. Remember that. End of rant.

Tuesday
Rock climbing at Blacktail Butte. I didn't climb much. My knees hurt like none other, and my toe (which I broke last May and still can't bend past 15 degrees) had swollen up the day before. Rock climbing shoes are supposed to be worn 1 1/2 to 2 sizes small. That results in pain. But, no pain, no gain. I attempted Mucho Guano, but I climbed it last time, so I didn't feel a huge need to do it again. I did rappel, which I did last time, but it's still scary. When you have to lay back over a 60 ft cliff, seeing the entire town of Jackson Hole and the Grand Teton behind you, standing at the same altitude as a plane that just flew by, it's scary. But it makes for an awesome picture! At the bottom I sat with Andrew ("Mr. B" since he's staff) and we talked for a while as others came down the rappel. Then I went back up. Two people sprained their ankles on Easy on the Eyes, both of whom were on my Challenge Hike team. So we were down to three. Not good. They ended up re-assigning the teams, so all teams had 4. I wish they both could have gone though.

Wednesday
Challenge Hike/Problem-Solving Course. Not only was this the last day, so we were dead tired, but it was also the hottest and probably the most strenuous. It was 8 miles in the mountains. You are given a topographical map, with a path drawn onto it, and you use a compass mainly to find your way. Each team was followed by a counselor (along for the scenery) and a rock-climbing staff member (to make sure you don't walk off a cliff, and to score your problem-solving). Both were silent observers, and so we had to make all the decisions. We were the 2nd team launched southbound. They used code names for each team. We were "Myself", and the first team launched southbound was "Me". The teams launched northbound were "I" and "You". It was funny, because we went really fast for the first mile or so, and were required to stop in a fly-infested area while Me got farther ahead. We finally told our observer that we had seen Me in the distance. He told the base that "Myself has said that it spotted Me. I underestimated how in-shape Myself is, because it is running off an leaving myself (meaning himself)." We also found that the counselor who had been joining us, as well as the man running the camera (who also organized the course) got lost. Instead of turning off the path, they went to Hidden Falls, so we didnt have to wait for them. A bit later, I started having problems. I've been in high altitudes before, and have only gotten altitude sickness once (when I was 8 and skiing). I told the observer that I had been drinking water a lot, but he said it didn't matter necessarily. I got very dizzy and had a bad headache, but I told them I wouln't go back. Giving up stinks. The observer said he wouldn't report it, because they might force me to go back down. Instead, he had me take my pulse, and I had gone into "oxygen debt" and "anaerobic threshold", where your brain doesn't get enough oxygen. Basically, my heart rate was too high, and the air was thin, so my blood pressure was weird and my brain was freaking out. That was mainly during the 1200 ft ascent. Then we had half of our lunch break, before heading across the boulder scree. That took forever, and it was kinda scary. But Ryan was supportive and stayed with me for support. We FINALLY found the "tree surrounded by boulders" that was supposed to be just a little off north. Then we hiked through a dense field without a trial (well, there were animal trails) and I got a SPLINTER! I hate splinters. I never let anyone pick at them...just let them fall out. But Ryan worked to get it out, while the other 2 talked to me. I was so upset, but everyone was so proud of me for letting Ryan pick at it. He was only able to get part of it out though, so I put a Band-Aid on it. The observer said that by letting the team help, we earned some credit toward our score. That was awesome. When we got to the creek, we had to build a rope traverse across. We were given 20 minutes to build it, and then timed (for scoring) from the time we started building to the time the last person was across. Ryan went first, and left his walking stick behind...a "sacrifice for the team" which earned us points. Then Shannon, then me, then Dawn. When I crossed, the strap from the caribeaner to my harness twisted, which I didn't notice until I had gone about 15 feet. It tried to twist me around the other way, but then I wouldn't have been able to pull myself across. The staff (there for safety) was smiling, and I yelled "You knew it!" and they laughed. Going down a steep switchback section, I fell a couple of times, but no injuries resulted. It's dirt. Anyway, my eye started hurting very badly, so I put contact drops in it. About a mile from the end, we came across a stream. The observer said it was funny to watch us drop our packs and run for the water. We laid down and put our faces in, though drinking the water could result in gardia (not cool) so closed mouths were a must. We made it! When we got to the place where we were to be picked up, I burst into tears, and the staff (more at that point since we'd reached the picnic area) got worried because of my face and eyes. Plus, I started hyperventilating. Part of it was due to physical stuff, but part of it was sheer relief. When they took me to sit down, I fell, and they had me take my pulse again. The observer told them about my heart rate on the mountain. After a while, I was feeling somewhat better. I spent 30 minutes trying to get my left contact out, but then the nurse discovered that it was on the side of my eye. So she got it out. Chris sat behind me in the van back to camp, and pulled on my braids as I tried to sleep. So I learned his middle name. Very little connection there. I'm tired. My team "won" with the most points, but it wasn't a competition except against yourself. We did, however, have the fastest time for the traverse out of all the teams...21 minutes & 30 seconds total. And my splinter was mentioned. The observer told everyone how funny he thought it was, but that it showed teamwork. At Christian Living, they announced my personal victory with the snow sliding. That night, we stayed up until almost 1 am, several of us sitting by the fire. It got really hot though, when a couple of guys put a huge log on the fire. It went way out of the ring, and Kristin & I jumped up and stepped away. I slept well.

Thursday
Saying goodbye is tough. I met so many new people, and saw several that I hadn't seen in years. There were 6 of us on my flight out to Denver, and we were the last to leave base camp (at 2:30). Cameron was leaving at 1 pm, but then their flight (there were 4 or 5 of them to Salt Lake City) was cancelled, and then fixed or something. I sat with Kristin and Danielle on the plane. In Denver, we walked Kristin to her gate and waited for a while until I had to go to my flight. I got to Houston at about 10:30, and home around midnight. Mom & Dad opened the bear which had arrived the day before, and I gave them presents.
Mom - moose earings (2 pair...but one I'm gonna wear)
Dad - t-shirt that has a moose head and "Grand Tetons" on the front and a moose booty on the back
Juliane - t-shirt with a bear embroidered on the front...I hope to borrow it cause it's cute

Well, that's what I remember of the basics right now. So much happened, and I can't wait to tell the stories. I hope to have my scrapbook done soon. I took 324 pictures. I should have some online soon too. And I can't wait for everyone to see! I'm still so excited from camp.

Burns and Tetons and Bears, oh my!

When getting my clothes out of the dryer this morning, I guess I didn't wait for them to cool or something. For when I reached in, expecting warm, soft clothes, I grabbed a pair of jean shorts by the snap. About 3 1/2 seconds later, I realized, "Wow, this is very very hot...perhaps I should let go." So I did. Too late though. BURN!!! On my left 3rd finger (for you violinists out there). I now have a blister on my fingertip...which wouldn't be so bad, but it hurts like junk!

Tomorrow I leave for Teton Challenger Camp. I'm very excited. I'm not in as good of shape as I was the past 2 times that I went, but I'm determined to do well anyway. My flight leaves at 11:30, but Cameron's leaves at 8:00. (That's what happens when you apply to camp more than a month after your brother, so his flight is filled.) So, I leave my home sweet home at 6 I believe. Eleven days in the Teton Mountains, camping, hiking, rock climbing, bathing in a cold lake....It's the life. I'm gonna miss my family and home, but I'll be sad when I leave camp too.

I look forward to writing about all of my Camp Adventures. Wish me luck in keeping from being mauled by a bear! Unless you hate me...then I guess you'd be happy if I was mauled. But I'll assume that those reading my daily rantings don't hate me. So yeah...no maulings, please. Thanks.