Flowers

 

Verdict

This weekend I went on my first camping trip of any kind. I wasn't sure if I'd like it after hearing horror stories and reference to murder cases, but I consider myself an outdoorsy gal and a general good sport - so what's the worst that could happen? I can usually make the best of a situation. Right?

Yep, that's exactly right. The definitive answer when asked if I would ever go camping again is a solid, YES! While I will admit that I found camping to be a lot of work, I also found a lot of enjoyment in being off the grid and out of touch with the outside world. Camping is most successful with a great partner and friends who help round out the rough edges.

PS) Thanks Eric for being such a patient fishing instructor! (Wow, Eric and "patient" in the same sentence?) 

Rain

Today's camping adventure called for an all day boating and swimming excursion, but it rained the whole time. So what did we do? We went boating and swimming of course! If you're going to be wet, you might as well enjoy the reason behind it! Thanks to Jodi for letting me borrow a "suit" so I could happily get wet in the lake swimming, versus just being rained on!

 

Prep

This is what prepping for a first time (for me) camping trip looks like. Think I over did it? In addition to what I think was a two hour grocery shopping trip (by the way, I've never bought this many groceries in one sitting before in my LIFE!) I made camp-burrito breakfast burritos! Can't wait to get my camp on and taste them!

          

Go Fish

I bought this Sunday.

I'm using it tomorrow.

Can't wait!

Tuesday

Waking up to a sunshiny morning...

A Hawks Stanley Cup win...

And this little guy...

Friend-chips

A month later, here's what's on my mind...

Social media, or rather how people choose to use it, has shaken up the hierarchy of those closest to me and I'm finding out that as time goes on, I'm actually okay with this. While I was initially hurt (and still am quite frankly) by changes in people's behavior, I am letting the friend-chips "fall where they may" and am allowing the reorganization of relationships to happen as they will. 

Silence and inaction are deafening and hurtful beyond words. People who actively ignore parts of my life are sending a clear and loud message. By doing so, you're letting me know that you don't support me. Period. On the contrary, I appreciate those who may have differences of opinions, but still acknowledge all aspects of my life and more so, those who have taken the time to actually reach out and listen. You have been golden.

Life is hard, and it's harder when you feel judged for decisions made. I would bet that not one person reading this has gotten where they are today without some type of "controversy" in their life. Maybe during your decision making processes, people voiced their "dislikes" and for that I'm truly sorry you had to go through it. Maybe even I was on the wrong side of your support group. But what that, and this, has taught me is to keep an open mind and show love and support to the people in my life, unconditionally. Decisions can change in a blink of an eye, friendship and relationships shouldn't.