Summer "Madness"

May 29, 2012

When I think about how the plans for this summer unfolded, I am still bewildered as to how it all worked out. I look forward to the challenges, the new experiences, and the faces of long lost friends. A nervous excitement arrises as I step into all that is before me. With so many things uncertain when I return back to NC, the feelings are somewhat magnified as I think about August and beyond. I reassure myself that all has worked out in the past, so I can rest in the confidence that all will be provided for in the future. 

Some might question my sanity as I leave all of my possessions behind and live off of what I can carry on my back. However, sanity is often determined by comparison. The world is full of people who have done much more with even less. 


I can't help that the fibers of my being crave adventure from time to time. With me, the window of opportunity doesn't have to open very much in order for my to dive through.


And so the summer "madness" begins tomorrow, and here is the plan...... 

May 30 - Head to Grantham, PA. Helping a friend run an art camp June 4 - 7. Time Zone: Eastern

June 12 - Board a plane in Harrisburg, PA to Denver, CO. I am staying with a friend from Arkansas days and hoping to see cousins I haven't seen in years. Time Zone: Mountain

June 14 - Catch another flight from Denver to Bozeman, MT. Training for my summer job with VISIONS Service Adventures (http://www.visionsserviceadventures.com/teen-summer-camp-programs/alaska/program-map.html#body) starts on the 15th. Time Zone: Mountain

June 18 - Fly from Bozeman, MT to Anchorage, AK. Final Destination: Tanacross, Alaska (my station for VISIONS. See link above for details). Time Zone: AKDT (4 hours behind EST)

July 28 - Airborn once more from Anchorage, AK to San Jose, CA. Final Destinations: Santa Cruz area and San Jose. Visiting two former roommates and decompressing from the rest of the summer. Time Zone: Pacific

August 6 - Last flight from San Jose, CA to Raleigh/Durham, NC. 

The Last Chapter

May 20, 2012

The what seemed impossible list of 91 books that I decided to read two years ago has slowly been trimmed down to 12 books. The final 12 in my Newbery Winner Challenge are:

 



After this last chapter, I will only have to read one book a year to keep up with the list. I think I can handle that!

England in the Spring

April 19 – May 6, 2012

The majority of my trips to England to visit the family have been conducted around the holiday season (Thanksgiving and Christmas). A bit weary of the cold weather, I decided it was time to experience England during a different season. With tickets during the summer costing a ridiculous amount, spring was just going to have to do. Hilary has always told me that the weather in England is best in April. So I booked my ticket for April. Well, in the end, I am glad that England was able to lift the drought label. However, rain almost every day was a little much. Still, the moments of sunshine were pleasant and we did our best to get out and enjoy them whenever the clouds parted to let the light through.

As always, I had a great time hanging with family. My niece and nephew are growing up so quickly. I think Casey grew in height in the two weeks that I was there!

Although the trip started with the disappointment of our Mt. Snowdon Summit being postponed, it was still full of fun memories, including:

Trips to the Park

Puzzles with Lois

IKEA Outings

Nature Adventures

Exploring the Sea Life Center in Birmingham

Fine Cuisine

And the appearance of Clark Kent

Sisters

Of course, I am very happy to report that no hospital visits were required; a vast improvement from last time!