Adult Fun Weekend 2013

I have fond memories of camping as a kid. Okay, most of them include a traumatic memory of some sort. Still, I would not call myself the outdoorsy kind at all. And yet, I am a GS Troop Leader and our Troop will probably eventually want to go camping.

With all that in mind several weeks ago I decided that I wanted to go to Adult Fun Weekend that our Council was hosting at a local GS Camp. The bonus part was that this year they were letting the adults bring their kids. The kids would be in their own program and parents would not have to see them all weekend long. The adults could take class sessions or do nothing at all. Whatever they wanted. Awesome since it was the first weekend after Cookie Season ended. Lots of Leaders/Parents needed the get away. Plus, what better way to meet new people, network, and learn?

My Passport

Anyone who knows me knows I was both excited and worried about this weekend. Worried? Why? My oldest daughter, Bridge, has absolutely not problem ditching me. Never has. My youngest, Meg, not so much. She is a complete Mama's Girl. She's the baby and she knows it. She is mostly fine when I leave her but the moment she sees me she's is ready to high tail it muy pronto. Both girls were looking forward to a weekend camp experience but Meg was worried what would happen if they(she) needed me. Then there was the cabin sleeping and the pit latrine that had me worried about how Meg would react. So ya see? It really could have been a potentially ugly situation, even though their program was going to keep them so busy they didn't have time to think.

I don't know much of what the girls did, yet. I do know they went on a hike, tye dyed shirts w/sharpies and rubbing alcohol, and made butterflies. The first night of camp it got down to 27 degrees Celsius, so they earned their Polar Bear Patch. That's something that's earned by any girl who camps and it's under 32 degrees Celsius.  And Bridge learned a  new song she can't seem to remember. That's a first. That girl knows every song she's ever learned at a GS Camp/Event. Every. One.

The Butterflies. Why 3? No idea. Don't even know which is whose. 

I forgot to take a picture of their shirts before washing. I let them air dry from the time we got home til mid morning. I don't know if I should have waited longer or not. Or if drying them in the dryer was a good idea or not.

Meghan's Shirt 

Bridgette's Shirt (not the one I labeled craft shrt)

What did I do?

I slept in the Farm House by a quirky computer accident. Pretty sure that's luxury compared to the cabins. Still, it was cool (ish) in there. My bed, was 2 cabin bunk mattresses on the floor stacked. My son's sleeping bag and a blanket and pillow from home. I had the choice to move to the cabins but didn't cause I had already put my stuff where they told me I was bunking. Didn't seem to make since to move to the cabins that night. Nor did it make sense to do so the next day. Way too much other stuff going on.

Friday night was eat your sack dinner, play games, socialize, etc...

Saturday was Flag Ceremony (raising the US Flag on the Flag Pole), breakfast, Session 1, Session 2, lunch, Session 3, Session 4 (Flag Retirement)/Free Time, Free Time, Flag Ceremony (lowering the Flag and putting it away), dinner, Camp Fire, games/socializing in the Lodge if you wanted or bed.

Sunday was breakfast, clean up cabins, load up, auction to benefit the buying of A.E.D. for the camp, then a Scouts Own Ceremony and go home.

Phew!

I took Ceremonies for my Session 1. Found out I knew more about Ceremonies than I thought. Did learn about Flag Ceremony. And by some accident (or on purpose) those of us in the Ceremonies Session ended up doing the closing Flag Ceremony. That was intense! We were in the same position as we were in class. That meant I was right behind the Flag Bearer. Meaning I was one of two helping to hold the flag while the Flag Bearer was taking it off the cord. Folding went well unit it got to our end where me and the lady across from me discovered there was no flap to tuck and so we momentarily furiously whispered "there's no flap to tuck" so we faked it and carried on. Inside the flag was unfolded and refolded correctly. Turns out, the fold got messed up in the middle.

Letterboxing was my Session 2. That was a lot of fun. We made our own stamps, booklets, and then went to find 3 boxes hidden around the camp. When you found the box you took the stamp and stamp pad from the box and stamped your booklet with it. Then you stamped the booklet in the box. My group was lame. We started as 5 and ended as 2. After the second clue the other 3 thought they were going to miss lunch and it was too far to Clue 3. Me and another lady decided to finish the hunt. So glad we did. Turns out her daughter and my Bridgette are now BFFs. They exchanged butterflies they made. So at the end of camp after this lady picked up her daughter she brought her to me and I asked her if she'd like to have our address so she and Bridgette could stay in touch. OMG! You'd think I was the most awesome person in the world by the way this girl was shining. It was an amazing feeling. AND what better way for these girls to stay in touch? Mine isn't allowed to email or text, yet. So they get to learn and appreciate the old art of letter writing.

My Stamp and Booklet. Yes, I forgot to make the P backwards and that is a kola bear, I think.

Troop Management was my Session 3. I am not sure what we learned as some of our classmates kind of derailed the class and the teacher. BUT I did learn about the forms and how to plan a meeting if you are clueless or at the last minute realize you forgot to plan it.

I did attend the Flag Retirement and participated. If I thought the Flag Ceremony was intense, this was off the charts intense. I could not explain the way it made me feel or what it made me think. It was almost overwhelming. I later received a grommet from one of the Flags. I think, I am supposed to bury it. (I thought I lost it. I found it when I was folding up my cargo bag to put it away.)

Grommet from Flag Retiremnet.

The campfire was awesome and fun. I volunteered to participate in a skit, cause apparently I lost my mind oh wait.....Never mind.

My skit was the Three Little Pigs. I was Practical Pig and had to do it in the character of cheerleader. I was the mascot for our Varsity Squad my Senior Year. The first pig was in the character of cowgirl or something like that. The second pig was in the character of Elvis. So glad it was too dark for photos....I hope.

Afterwards I stayed at the Lodge to play games. I learned I am bad at the can game, which is like the cup, or was it a can?,  try out from the movie Pitch Perfect. I nearly peed my pants laughing so hard I had to run to the bathroom. Then we played a hand game. No idea what this one is called but it goes like this:

You raise your left arm over your head then place it on the table stretched to your left. Raise your right arm over your head and stretch it out to your right side and place it over the person's left arm. Palms are flat, or as flat as you can, to the table. One person starts by tapping the table once. The next hand to the right goes and so on and so forth. If you mess up and tap your hand when you're not supposed to that hand is out and removed from the table. Once you go around like this a few times, you introduce that a double tap reverses the direction to the left or to the right depending on what direction you're going. Do this successfully for a couple rounds and you then introduce that a fist means the next hand in line is skipped. The last person with a hand or hands on the table wins.

Then we played black magic and I have no idea how to play it. Why? Because to know how to play you have to know the secret. People who know how to play cannot tell others the secret. It starts with a caller and a person who knows how to play.  The caller says to the group what is the game called? Group says black magic. The caller asks one of the people who knows how to play to close their eyes. The caller the asks a person in the group to pick an item in the room and point to it. Once it's picked and confirmed silently the caller asks the person to open their eyes. The caller then points to items and asks is this the item. They keep going til the item picked is said yes to.  Then it starts over with a new eyes closed person. So yeah, no idea the secret. Darn it.

While waiting for the auction we were once again learning songs and singing. Then it was decided we'd sing rounds. We apparently learned nothing from doing this at the campfire. I was volunteered to lead a section in the round. I suddenly could not remember the words and my poor group was lost. I was asked to sit and someone made the comment that the cheerleader was fired. I laughed and said, "Yep I was."

Then the auction of items which was intense at times. I came home with a bath product basket and a pampered chef basket. I bided furiously on a walking stick and had to quit when it got up to $96. It would have made an awesome gift for my Sean who just Crossed-Over to Boy Scouts from Cub Scouts.

I met some awesome people, learned some new things, had fun, and will be returning to Adult Fun Weekend again.

When I picked up the girls Meg ran straight to me and hugged me and hung on like a monkey asking why I left her. Then she proceeded to tell me she had fun, got a boo boo, and on and on. All while she was taking me to Bridge and their things. Bridge was just like, "Hey Mom."

By the way, would very much not recommend you break in new outdoor/hiking shoes at camp. On the up side, my shoes are now broke in.

My Shirt

The Shoes

*Updated Late afternoon March 4, 2013

I Will Not Be Defeated

I had planned to work on the next topic of The List. But all I can think about is sharing my story.

It started last Sunday in my Bible Study class and has not let loose. We were asked to share our story of our journey and belief in Christ. It may not have been worded exactly like that but that's what it is. Basically our testimony. It is not something we were told we had to do. That would really defeat the purpose.

Now, I'm rather new to accepting, is that the right word?, my faith and living it. After all I have been through it's easy to see how I lost my way. Lucky for me God never gives up on us. We each have our journey and our testimony. My story is not completely known by many I go to church with. This is not the church I attended all those years ago. I've only been attending this church for maybe 2 yrs. I feel this is where I belong. But anyways, on to my dilemma. I find am finding it hard to put into words my testimony, as it were.

I know, crazy, right? I mean I have outlined most of it here on my blog. Why then do I find writing something for my Bible Study Class and Church so hard? Is it because I am scared of their reactions? The fact that I sort of know them? I have told all in sundry via this blog my story. My BFF has known since forever or at lest the day we knew we were more than just friends. Few of my family members know. So why? Surely it would help someone. It is the reason I believe there is a God. In a world like we live in today that is saying a lot. Or at least I think so.

I have prayed for the right words to come. Days later I am still staring at a blank page with tear drops on it. Tears that signify how I still vividly recall those days. Those feelings. The utter fear that my life was doomed and I might as well have died with my Mom in 1978. The loneliness. And yet, hope and knowledge it did not stay that way and never will. That is something to grasp.

I cannot let this defeat me. I must find a way to tell my complete story with out getting the point lost. It's not like I have not told anyone ever.

Maybe I am struggling with it being called my testimony. To me, a testimony is something that a person very strong in their faith and wanting to share it does. That person, is not me. For all intents and purposes I am like a new believer. I was raised in church then walked away from it and God for years. Yet looking back I can see where He was always watching over me and protecting me, even from myself.

I am sure this reads like a hot mess. That's the way I feel all my thoughts on this are. A hot mess. But my story needs to be told. I feel compelled to keep sharing it and keep telling it to any and all that will listen. Sharing it has never been easy. Does it ever get easier? I don't know. The pain of the memories is nearly consuming me. Maybe because some in my life choose to forget it ever happened. Wonder why I say such awful things about people. Maybe my fear is Satan, yes I do believe he influences whether we know it or not, is trying to make me stop.

Whatever it is, I know I must do this. I will not be defeated. So, any positive thoughts or prayers from any or all of my readers would be nice.

Early Musings on my Zumba

I had another idea but it went bye bye as soon as I decided to type. I have no actual idea why I thought y'all should know. I guess I'm just the sharing type.

So, a couple of weeks ago I started Zumba. It's only 2 nights a week  (Tues/Thurs) for an hour. My thought process was something like this:

• Well I'd like to move a bit more. 
• I like the idea of getting out of my house for an hr in the evening twice a week.
• It's almost as good as a Girls Night Out.
• Okay, maybe not as good as a GNO but it's certainly up there. HELLO! I'm getting out of the house! Always a plus!
• Is it Zum like Sum or Zum like Zoom? 
• Why is it called Zumba?
• WHO CARES! I'll be getting out of the house! I will be doing a good thing for my body!

So I went not really knowing what to expect but that I had nothing to lose as the first class was complimentary. What I discovered is that I had a good time even though I was lost and all over the place. Or, maybe I wasn't and I'm being overly critical of myself. It helped that the class is new and small. That I was put at ease by being told if I get lost just keep moving and fake it til ya get back in sync, or something like that. I thought that first class was never gonna end. When the last song played and it was some mix up of (I've Had the) Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing I thought what kind of sick joke is that? Really I was only half trying as I was desperately trying to keep up. After class my old High School friend that talked bout the class on FB was like the 2nd class is easier. Really?! How can that possibly be so.

Second class comes round. I'm still not looking anything like the instructor who makes it all look effortless BUT I am following along a bit better. I'm astounded by the confidence I feel. Like hey, they were right it does get easier. And after the class I noticed I was a little more sore and was sweating more. Yeah! I might actually be doing some good. And even though my legs feel like jelly I totally feel like I could take on the world. On the way home I'm thinking, OMG! This class could totally end up being HS Reunion like. I found out about this class from an old HS friend who talked bout it on FB. This night another girl we went to school with was there. (she will only be at Thurs class but still)

Third class comes around. I am back to being lost. Thinking to myself WTF happened? I had this last class. Instructor is talking bout how well we are doing and one of the, is it dances or routines?, she thinks we can add in the 2nd half. SAY WHAT?! And then we'll take this or that out and add this. I am totally smiling and nodding like I live for these things. Inside I'm freaking out cause I know I don't have it. I don't know the steps we are doing now. This class for some reason my arms and legs refused to work together. Meaning, I could do the arm movements or the leg/steps but not both at the same time. Then I was totally concerned with the way my body wasn't moving. I know I am over thinking this and I wish I knew how to deactivate it.

Then it occurred to me that next week the studio is closed for Thanksgiving. Class 5 is gonna be a hoot! I mean I have a whole week for lose everything I think I've learned and for my body to forget what it feels like during and after a class. I am just now adjusting to it and coming out of the it's totally kicking my rear feeling.

That makes me realize that I wish I knew how to shake it like the instructor does without looking like a spaz. (No I have no idea when the last time I used that word is, maybe in Jr High.) I have no butt to speak of so I am pretty sure that is why it doesn't shake independently of the rest of me. Also, my breasts, pretty sure they are meant to stay confined. Otherwise someone could get hurt. Aside from being able to shake it which I am not certain is necessary for the class I wish I could get the steps down. I have no dancing ability in me at all.

I was talking to MIL who is of Latin descent (look at me being all PC) and telling her she'd love this class and would probably excel at it as she has the rhythm I lack. Out dancing, I am that girl with a drink in her hand/has downed at least 2 drinks totally faking it. I really lived for the slow dances, wink wink. OR so it was once upon a long time ago before I had kids. MIL then proceeds to tell me that her butt isn't shaking it's the way she's moving that makes it seem so. Then there was something about the knees. This was after telling her I get confused when the instructor says things like salsa. I know she's doing it and saying it and we are supposed to follow. My brain tells me this. The problem is my brain is also busy trying to process what is salsa step? Instead of just following along.

After class, like I said my legs are like jelly. The next day I am sore almost all over. Does this mean I am doing something right or am I doing it all wrong and hurting unnecessarily?

I am no expert on Zumba, I know. I also know that 3 classes will not make me so. Tomorrow is my 4th class. I am sure I will once again be like Oh I got this, even though we are learning new things we will forget over Thanksgiving. I'm also pretty sure that soon I will not even know what class number I am on. By then, I hope to be able to say I can follow along with the best of em. Also, I will sooner rather than later move from over thinking it to just go with it. Once I can get my brain to disengage from that I am pretty sure I find that I will find the class is more fun and I will be doing better. It's not rocket science for crying out loud.

Hopefully the next time I decide to blog on this it will be better. Better how? I'm not sure.

I Need To Get Over Myself

So last week I went to the dentist. I had one wisdom tooth extracted. I am still in pain from it. Why? No idea but it is starting to wear thin. I feel the need to spill my guts here. I hope to do so in a manner that makes sense but it may not.

My hubs and I are blessed enough to have some really good friends. One of these friends graciously offered to help get my teeth taken care of. Due the cost of dental care we haven't been able to go. I have (or had) 2 wisdom teeth and a split tooth that bug me. The split tooth is rather new and bothered me for like a month or so. The wisdom teeth would bother me for like a week here or there and then go away to bother me another day.

So, when the offer came to have it taken care of I was over joyed and very. very thankful. Then came stupidity. I never like to feel that I am taking advantage of peoples generosity. That and the lack of sleep we've been experiencing lately led me to only having the tooth that was bothering me the most taken care of. I also, misunderstood, I thought once tooth was all I was there for. Seems silly to look back and know I thought that. At the time it was only the lower right wisdom tooth. The split tooth was really more of a nuisance. Now, the upper right wisdom tooth is bothering me a bit. It's hard to say cause where the one was extracted is still moderately painful.

Yesterday hubs was talking to our friends and they were like, "Why did she only have the one removed?" and "Why hasn't she called our office to say anything?" I was all like, cause I really don't want to complain or take advantage of their generosity. Y'all are probably given the screen the same incredulous stare hubs gave me and our friends gave the phone when hubs was talking to them. I just really had no idea what all hubs and they had discussed prior to my visit. I also still overwhelmed that someone was being so nice to us.

So, I guess the other reason I said nothing was I really have no idea how long an extracted wisdom tooth hurts. I was guessing at least a week since that's how much pain medicine was filled, a weeks worth.

I just feel incredibly stupid now. Of course, multiple visits cost more than one visit and could be seen as taking advantage. Also, I am still trying to figure out why I thought I was only going to be able to have one tooth taken care of. A little misunderstanding along the way, I think. I didn't feel right asking to have 2 wisdom teeth removed and what can we do bout the split tooth, doc? Also, when it comes to my needs, I'm not that assertive. I suffer no such issues when getting my kids taken care of. Strange, no? Maybe not.

Putting this in words on a screen isn't easy. Doing so makes me wonder what the hell is wrong with me. *sigh* I don't know. Other than I am in some crazy pain. To add the craziness, I think it's nearing that time of month again, lovely. (Sorry for the TMI but you ladies will totally get it)

I guess I don't do well with others being so generous. Literally, the dental visit wasn't costing us a thing. Only payment expected, hubs to grill for our friends. I am humbled and incredibly blessed to know such people. As I am sure hubs is, too.

The lack of sleep I believe led to some of this confusion, I hope it's stabilizing. Sean has finally seen our family dr and meds are being adjusted. The girls, I hope are hitting an even kiel. This last week has been nothing but kids drama left and right. Though, I suspect that's another post. The Sean thing, I'm still trying to find words for. The girls, well not so much. They're just having sinus/allergy issues complicated by a run of bad dreams.

I think, I'll get with hubs and our friends and see about one last dental visit and not be afraid of asking to have all wisdom teeth taken care of, I know the left sides are nearly as bad as the right ones, and ask about the split tooth. Like I said, the spilt one really isn't in pain it's just a nuisance. I realize, I should've said something to the dentist sooner. I just have to get over myself, I guess. That's hard for me to say, but it's true.

Apologies if this post is a bit discombobulated. I'm finding it difficult to talk about this dental thing. Not cause of the dental part so much as trying to talk about our friends without giving too much info, ya know? I hope this post made some sort of sense. I hope I can have the rest of my dental needs taken care of and not feel like I'm taking advantage of people.

Someday, I hope to be able to give just as much to help someone else out. There still is some good left in the world. It's nice to know that in this day and age. Nice to know that those kinds of people are out there, and have kids who have been taught this. With that, I close this post.