A Few Days Of Camp

On Thursday, we headed down to St. Charles, IL for a camping conference.  I always love getting out of the office, so I really can’t complain.  There were six of us from our camp and we joined about 1,000 more camp staff.

Everyone has a perception of camp staff.  Kind of silly, out-going, and smelly.  Seriously, people need to learn to take showers and wear shoes. 

We went to several different educational sessions, and because I have self-diagnosed my ADD, I find it very difficult to sit and listen for  1 1/2 hours.   But coming away from it, I did learn a few things that I hope will be valuable this summer in making our camp a safe and educational opportunity for our campers and staff. 

It’s all fine and dandy when you are there.  So many great ideas.  So much energy.  Everything happening so fast.   But, great, how do we implement it into our program.  That’s the challenge.  That’s way we have to take baby steps and start small. 

So, after it all sinks in, and we all get a good nights sleep (there were five of us in a room), then we will see what we can actually implement with our staff and campers.

Are You Serious?

As I am flipping through the channels on a boring Sunday night, I come across a show titled Mobile Home Disaster….hmmm…..

 In this episode, they are transforming a double-wide into an “upper east-side ” New York City apartment. 

 ”Lets not buy a rug that costs more than the entire house”

Only on CMT.

The Best of 2007

I’ve compiled a list of the highlights of my 2007 and what I am looking forward to in 2008!

New Zealand New Years  

Technically, it was 2006, but most of the fun happened in 2007.  Dean, his friend and I hit the town (Auckland)  with no agenda but just to ring in the new year.  We ended up having a blast, hanging out on the harbour, going to random clubs, dancing and ending our night at the casino.  We got home when the sun was coming over the ocean!

Saying Goodbye To Our Studio In Auckland

For four months, Dean and I lived in a nice little one room studio apartment.  Some may think this is strange, but it is a test in one’s relationship.  If you can share that type of space, a space where there were no doors and no privacy and no escaping each other, you are destined to be together forever!

 Last Minute Trip To India

I have already wanted to go to India, and it was my perfect chance while I was in New Zealand.  I jetted off and saw a part of the country, ate fab food, got travelers diarrhea, saw the Taj Mahal, and made me very grateful for everything that I have.  

Spending One Month with Deano in the Car 

On our quest to see as much of New Zealand as possible, led us to buy a car for $900 and traveled around.  We stayed in a different place every night.  We camped, bunked, hosteled, and crashed in friends spare rooms.  We saw magnificent scenery including the southern tip of New Zealand, a pristine, less traveled area.  I hiked on a glacier.  Went for a boat trip in Milford Sound.  And enjoyed our time together.  I learned that Dean should not plan trips as he tries to cram in so many things in so little time that it’s impossible to enjoy everything! 

A Few of My Summer Campers

I had some great summer campers this year.  And as my first year running the registration program from start to finish, I felt like I really knew most of my campers even if I couldn’t put a name to the face once they got here.  We had some adorable campers, some that were bad but made me laugh.  One girl looked like Annie from the musical, and she would sing for us and it made me laugh so hard I cried.  And after the associate director quit, I had even more responsibility.

Seeing my Aunt and Uncle for the first time in 10 years!

After a long summer, Dean and I headed down to Florida to visit my Aunt and Uncle.  It was great to visit with them, go to the beach, eat fried catfish and sushi, and enjoy their company.

Chicago With Adi

I rekindled a friendship with my buddy and we had some wild times down in Chicago.   Going out, having breakfast with random men, and overall, just having a good time.  It also made me realize how much I love the great city of Chicago and I am counting down the days until we can make the move down there.

Dominican Republic

My first all-inclusive experience.  After budget traveling for so many year, it too us both a while to get used to the fact that we could eat and drink as much as we wanted and it wouldn’t cost us anything extra.  We enjoyed a sailing lesson, pina coladas and steak.

Having A Place To Call Home

We are currently living in an apartment for longer than four months.  Its exciting to have a little normalcy  and consistency in our lives.  A place where we can call our own, decorate and start collecting items for our own condo at some point in the very near future.

What I am looking forward to in 2008:

1) Losing that weight, seriously, I need some motivation and dedication, but I think it’s going to be the year.  I am sick of it constantly being on my mind.

2)  Going to Peru with my dad.  I think it will be good for our relationship and I am looking forward to spending sometime in a new country.

3)  Purchase of my first home.

4)  A big move down to the city, hopefully part-timing it up in the LG too.

5)  Another trip by myself either to Morocco or Eastern Europe.  Traveling solo is one of the best feeling on earth, as long as you are safe in what you are doing.

Ear Infection, October, and Moving

I have been suffering from a congested head for the last week and went to the doctor today. She looked in my ears and said that I have an inner-ear infection. I feel really dizzy all the time. Like when you are drunk and shut your eyes and the room spins, well that is the way I feel anytime i get out of bed or stand up from my desk. So hopefully it will clear up before Saturday when we have to fly.

It’s October! September went by really fast….That’s exciting, I kinda like fall except when all the leaves come off the trees. then it is a little depressing.

I might move my blog over to wordpress as it looks more classy and many people have recommended it. more to follow