2006 June « A Gypsy and her life

EDIT: I can totally see every pic on here, but apparently no one else can, so here is a link to the photos
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/coventina_dark/album?.dir=/56f9&.src=ph&.tok=phUqwDFBo82_Yssi

06-15-06
Today I set off for my first trip/vacation on my own. Usually I feel so dependant on boyfriends, family and close friends for comfort and company that I tend to miss out on not only great oppourtunities but also ways to form my own character. I drove to an unfamiliar place miles from my home and I feel so free. Even more so than when I pass the giant white cross on 95.

So I had to stop for food, but the fruit stand was closed. I drove until I saw the sign for Bimbo's. I ate there purely for the name. The waitress fucked up my order and brought my health food freak ass process chicken. She apparently didnt know there was a difference between "real chicken breast filet" and "processed chicken filet" even though I had asked her before making my order. I forgave her ignorance because she had lovely pudgy red cheeks, a bright smile, and she called me "honey". I am leaving her a big tip for those reasons alone, well and because she refilled my hot water for tea.

I took the "sayings of Buddah" book that Erik suggested I read. I cant wait to develdge into that.

Now I sit in this restruant and I am afraid of all the social activities that may come and I realize I ordered way too much food.

6-16-06 9:35pm

I arrived feeling refreshed and nice, and was met by some great energy. I immediately attended an educational program concerning Search and Rescue Dogs. Actually the first person I met, I have me before at least some soul like him. His name was Tony. I forget names easily and so realizing that I would need to remember at least one person's name for ally purposes, I chanted in my head, "his name is tony, he is my friend" over and over, until I had it down. Upon seeing the room of girls I was to room with I was terrified, they were all good close travelling companions due to service with Americorps, and I ofcourse was the outsider. I always do tend to feel a bit of nervousness around groups like that. "weird-little-antisocial-reject-girl" But they were all very nice once I broke the ice. I just made it a point to hit up on everyone and introduce myself, firm handshakes and all, and even to the unapprochable. They all seem to be quite nice and for the most part down to earth.

We then all went out for drinks to a place called couch's. Yes, couch's. Were we were served by the tiniest lady with big fake boobs, who insisted we all use koosies. I enjoyed chatting it up with all the folks. I will not forget that experiance anytime soon.

Today on the trail a girl got stung by a bee and was allergic, but didnt know it. She went into shock, and everyone pulled together to get this girl out of there. They put her on the streacher and took turns switching out, and drinking water, and got her first down this crazy hill with no trail, and back up the other side of the creek bed. It easy was an 45 minute to hour(if walking slowly) hike, but they made it up in 45 minutes. Everyone just seemed to snap into save mode. And they saved this girls life. It was probably one of the most moving experiances I have ever had.

The trail work was hard. Much harder than I expected. I actually barely did any real work today, but hiked for at least three hours(which was pretty nice) It made me feel pretty pathetic though. Last winter I remember beingall all bundled up in January and having a laod of trees and heavy logs in the back of the truck. I unloaded the entiere thing by myself. I woruld carry 5 gallons of water on my shoulder with no problem. Now I cant seem to hike for 30 minutes (downhill even) without gasping for air. I havent climbed in over a month, and I stopped running regularly. Moving out of the homestead for a few months -wow- I find it a curse for what it took away, but a blessing because I now know how to appreciate it.

I did spend some good time by myself today. Walking around picking up some items, a rock and a daisy. put my feet in the water. ect.

6-18-06 Post Trail info

On Friday night, spent some good time talking and beers with Matt, Tony, and Brendan. There were some other folks down there at the dock, but those three were key.

So the last day was pretty good. I just worked slow and steady. It felt good to be in the sun, working hard and at my own pace. The hike both down and up, felt great. It felt really awesome to walk back around and to see the finished product. I really didnt do much of it, but still it was awesome to know that I helped to create this thing that will go down in history. This thing that Trent will be able to tell his friends his mom was there. … Its just an awesome feeling.

I did get away from the group for a few minutes when I had to take care of some poo. I came across the most awesome spot. It was like those places in India where there is a shrine, or like temple in the rocks. This was such a speical place. I had to stop and be thankful and relish in the moment and luckily got a photo.

The last night, Brendan let me use his pin to Riverbend, and so Will, Brendan, Matt, and Steve (who was hilariously wonderful) set out for an evening with the Allman Brothers.
Yes I took this photo

I was exstatic. Now being that from the very first time I saw Brenden, I thought "this kid is full of water and he and I are going to get along" It didnt surprise me that we got on very well. I did later find out that he was indeed a pieces. Damn pieces boys always confusing me. Anyhow, we all had a grand time, but Brenden and I got seperated from the group, I never knew that so much fun and good wholesome times could be had with boys. But he proved that it could indeed exist. There were lovely handholding, waterystep climbing, running through the street, hippie bus luving, dancing like crazies, christian hippie food luvin, times. I am grateful so much to have met such an awesome and fun person. I do hope to see him again some day.

So now the fun is all over. And the only regret I have is not getting contact info for Tony and Brenden. Those were awesome people. Tony I actually may see again at some point, but the other probably never again. Oh well.