tonight is a beautiful night. its gorgeous outside, a beautiful weekend lies just ahead, and for once i kind of feel i am prepared for the evening. working nights has been a fantastic adventure, but still messes with the whole circadium rhythm...
This evening i spent with the one and only Hillary Johnson. I made talbot and mung beans for dinner--i don't know if theres even a reader out there who knows what either of those are ;). There is something to be said when you can for once enjoy the company of a good friend over homemade dinner and sip red wine. Maybe i am growing up and fully coming to appreciate the joys of becoming an adult (well some of it that is-there is that part where the gov't robs you of half your paycheck, but that is to be expected). It has been quite the transition over the past summer though-lots of new things to consider, many new things to learn, schedule adjustment, etc. All part of the "living and learning" process....
I can say its been awhile since i've had the chance to write. I had very good intentions yesterday, but i think i made it out of bed for close to 2 hrs. It was all due to the waterskiing and tubing all weekend up at tuttle lake. boy, its hard to say no to just "one more" lap around the lake, but your body sure does take a beating. probably the most fun full body workout ive done in quite sometime though :) I truly didnt feel bad about laying in bed all freakin day though, it actually felt fairly good. In the thoughts that came across my mind while i laid in bed was how nice it would be to share my house with a furry face. I started to browse petfinder.com (big mistake). there are far too many adorable animals that need some lovin. I was at Home Depot last week and bought myself a cactus. It made me so happy because this little plant was just so cheery looking. I brought him home, named him walter, and decided that if i can keep him alive for the next 6 months- i am ready for a dog. I even googled, "how to keep a cactus alive" and fully succeeded in doing so as of week one. So ultimately my reward for keeping Walter happy is a puppy. SCORE!
I am just 48 hrs shy of hitting the road with Joey to my native roots of the upper peninsula. Its in my blood and i honestly cant spend another weekend away from there. I can't wait to hear the frogs sing while ya sit in front of the campfire with the massive stars above you. Its truly God's country up there.
Alright well i must hit up the shower before i slap on scrubs and prepare myself for yet another night of saving lives. ya'll out there have a fabulous night and remember to smile as you lie in bed tonight- life's pretty sweet. Also, take a listen to this happy tune, it adds to the ambiance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDTZ7iX4vTQ&ob=av3e
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
somtimes i wonder why...
So i am currently relaxing in the dark with the fan blowing and soaking in the cool breeze of the lakefront air-- it may sound like i am just about winding down for the night, but that is not the case at all. Its my first night shift of saving hearts at St. Luke's. I am not entirely sure how anyone really prepares for this adjustment in their schedule, so i am just jumping head first in, plus its a GREAT excuse to grind and drink coffee at 10pm :)...
Its been both a weekend of good and bad. I finished a 6 day stretch of work days and was so excited to get home on Thurs. night at midnight in time to catch up on the stalking world of facebook and read a bit before flipped over and passed out. I slept amazing- with the thought in mind that the next day was payday and i would be heading north to yooperland with my mom to bike Michigan silly. I woke up, enjoyed a cool shower and attempted to start packing. I went down the block a bit to move my car closer to the Astor Cottege. I opened the front door and looked at the seat and thought to myself, "Why in the world is there glass shards on my front seat?" I then looked at the passenger side window to find a completely smashed in window with a big tangle of cords from my center console. Being oblivious, i just shrugged it off and put a sweat shirt down, sat on the seat, and went to start my car. All the robbers got was a broken GPS--really if you're going to steal, don't make it a 2003 Dodge Neon from a recent college grad, try the jaguar behind me. Plus, i wasn't going to let a smashed window ruin my 4 day weekend. I went to put the keys in the ignition and oh man confusion hit me big time. There was literally NO place to put my keys in. The milwaukee thieves broke my window, tried to hotwire my car, ripped my ignition to pieces, and stole my GPS. Thats when my naive world came crashing down.
After the waterworks subsided, i called the police. While i waited for them to show up, i called the man who knows best-my fasha. He's always so good at talking me thru anything. The two nicest policemen ever came to my front porch and said, "you must be miss Slattery." I said "every other day of the week yes, but right now i wish not." I went to show them the car and they wrote me the report. I attempted my best the whole time we were out there to have a good attitude and crack jokes cuz that's how i deal with stress best. One of the cops was trying to make small talk and asked me what I did for a living. I told him i was a cardiac nurse in south milwaukee. I never expected the response i got, but he replied with, "Holy shit, you're 22, an RN, and great sense of humor-you're quite the catch. Your husband or boyfriend is pretty lucky." hahaha. I told him, "Yah, i tell him that all the time- You're pretty lucky to be dating the coolest person alive."
I tried to do the responsible thing and put my ducks in a row. I called the insurance company and talked with them for quite some time. The plan after that was to get the car towed and taken to a repair shop. My mom called and said she's packing her bike to come down to Milwaukee for the weekend. Things started to look up.
She got here and we spent the evening sitting on the front porch drinking wine and eating dinner. I just adore that woman, she would drop anything to help out. We biked 30+miles in the humidity on Saturday and made the routine trip to Trader Joe's, and got Thai food. I was so proud of her b/c on Sunday we went to go see the Hangover II and she thought both I and II were hilarious. This afternoon we spent the entire afternoon strolling the lakefront and enjoying the weather. It was wonderful to be able to hang with the big mama despite the despressing start to the weekend. She's my one mom wolf-pack.
I think more than anything, it was truly a degrading situation because I felt so violated. I didn't do anything to anyone and I still had something not so good happen. On the other hand, it also made me realize how freakin thankful i am that is was just my car and not me. I can't even begin to think how awful it must feel to be an abuse or rape victim. My dad kinda set my straight in terms of thought process when he said, "Well, LJ its only your car, after the health news last year for you, this is nothing." Nicely put Joe Slattery. He's right. In light, I am still pretty dang fortunate to be where I am now. Things could be much much worse. So for that-i will continue to press on the rest of my evening. I also realize what great friends i am blessed with- I told my friend Holly and the first thing she said was, "when do you need me to pick u up for work?" Hillary called me on her way home from a long weekend away to see how things followed up when i saw her on Friday. My roomate has also been a big help. Like i said, a crappy situation that reflects greatness a few days out.
Weekends like this enlighten me-which sounds completely oxymoronic (big words make me sound more intellectual :)!) Why be mopey when it sucks?? Moral of my story.
So for all of you white-collared hooligans who work 1st shift out there just settling down for the evening and attempting to catch some shut eye, I am just about to begin another adventure to the night and save lives in the process (almost like batman- save people by night, hide in the batcave by day). sweet :)
just for some gigggles before bedtime.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWXIelRxyRs
Its been both a weekend of good and bad. I finished a 6 day stretch of work days and was so excited to get home on Thurs. night at midnight in time to catch up on the stalking world of facebook and read a bit before flipped over and passed out. I slept amazing- with the thought in mind that the next day was payday and i would be heading north to yooperland with my mom to bike Michigan silly. I woke up, enjoyed a cool shower and attempted to start packing. I went down the block a bit to move my car closer to the Astor Cottege. I opened the front door and looked at the seat and thought to myself, "Why in the world is there glass shards on my front seat?" I then looked at the passenger side window to find a completely smashed in window with a big tangle of cords from my center console. Being oblivious, i just shrugged it off and put a sweat shirt down, sat on the seat, and went to start my car. All the robbers got was a broken GPS--really if you're going to steal, don't make it a 2003 Dodge Neon from a recent college grad, try the jaguar behind me. Plus, i wasn't going to let a smashed window ruin my 4 day weekend. I went to put the keys in the ignition and oh man confusion hit me big time. There was literally NO place to put my keys in. The milwaukee thieves broke my window, tried to hotwire my car, ripped my ignition to pieces, and stole my GPS. Thats when my naive world came crashing down.
After the waterworks subsided, i called the police. While i waited for them to show up, i called the man who knows best-my fasha. He's always so good at talking me thru anything. The two nicest policemen ever came to my front porch and said, "you must be miss Slattery." I said "every other day of the week yes, but right now i wish not." I went to show them the car and they wrote me the report. I attempted my best the whole time we were out there to have a good attitude and crack jokes cuz that's how i deal with stress best. One of the cops was trying to make small talk and asked me what I did for a living. I told him i was a cardiac nurse in south milwaukee. I never expected the response i got, but he replied with, "Holy shit, you're 22, an RN, and great sense of humor-you're quite the catch. Your husband or boyfriend is pretty lucky." hahaha. I told him, "Yah, i tell him that all the time- You're pretty lucky to be dating the coolest person alive."
I tried to do the responsible thing and put my ducks in a row. I called the insurance company and talked with them for quite some time. The plan after that was to get the car towed and taken to a repair shop. My mom called and said she's packing her bike to come down to Milwaukee for the weekend. Things started to look up.
She got here and we spent the evening sitting on the front porch drinking wine and eating dinner. I just adore that woman, she would drop anything to help out. We biked 30+miles in the humidity on Saturday and made the routine trip to Trader Joe's, and got Thai food. I was so proud of her b/c on Sunday we went to go see the Hangover II and she thought both I and II were hilarious. This afternoon we spent the entire afternoon strolling the lakefront and enjoying the weather. It was wonderful to be able to hang with the big mama despite the despressing start to the weekend. She's my one mom wolf-pack.
I think more than anything, it was truly a degrading situation because I felt so violated. I didn't do anything to anyone and I still had something not so good happen. On the other hand, it also made me realize how freakin thankful i am that is was just my car and not me. I can't even begin to think how awful it must feel to be an abuse or rape victim. My dad kinda set my straight in terms of thought process when he said, "Well, LJ its only your car, after the health news last year for you, this is nothing." Nicely put Joe Slattery. He's right. In light, I am still pretty dang fortunate to be where I am now. Things could be much much worse. So for that-i will continue to press on the rest of my evening. I also realize what great friends i am blessed with- I told my friend Holly and the first thing she said was, "when do you need me to pick u up for work?" Hillary called me on her way home from a long weekend away to see how things followed up when i saw her on Friday. My roomate has also been a big help. Like i said, a crappy situation that reflects greatness a few days out.
Weekends like this enlighten me-which sounds completely oxymoronic (big words make me sound more intellectual :)!) Why be mopey when it sucks?? Moral of my story.
So for all of you white-collared hooligans who work 1st shift out there just settling down for the evening and attempting to catch some shut eye, I am just about to begin another adventure to the night and save lives in the process (almost like batman- save people by night, hide in the batcave by day). sweet :)
just for some gigggles before bedtime.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWXIelRxyRs
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
its days like today i feel pretty good about working for 9 or 10hrs because the AC at my apt vs. the AC at the hospital. I did at one point have one of my old lady patients dance because I "must've stuck my hands in a bucket of ice." hehe oops :)
Today was the first day in three I didnt hit up the beach. Joey, Reg, and I went to Sheboygan for all of Saturday to hit up the water and sand dunes. We set up the tent with the rain fly and used that to shelter ourselves from the overcast sky and nap for awhile. Reggie has progressively been getting better at swimming. Apparently like a month ago he would hardly go in the water and now he dives thru the waves to get the stick 50 ft out! So much fun. I think my personal fave had to be the sand dune diving. Start at the top of the dunes and sommersault and logroll your way down. Makes anyone dizzy enough feel drunk at the bottom--aaaaaannnnnddd every square inch of your body becomes impaled with sand. we all know everyone loves sand in their crack.
We met up with Joey's aunt and uncle and some of their friends for drinks on the lakefront. We met a guy who grew up near the chicago ghetto and told us stories of how he used to steal flowers from the cemetary for his girlfriend. hmm classy :) Also, he was out with a bunch of friends riding the bus and every stop the next friend would get off and tell the bus driver( as in paying for bus fare), "Ohh Crime's got it!" Next guy: "Crime will get it." Last guy: "Yeah, I'm Crime. but crime dont pay!" Oh boy. It truly was a great weekend.
Tonight i took the dog out to Lakeshore State Park. It was just the perfect ending to long day. It beat the heat and there was some sort of punk band playing at the Marcus Amphitheater. The atmosphere was just perfect. The pink sky painted out over a big city by the lake at dusk. Dang, God's good at creating stuff. It felt strange to me to think that I was in school 3 months ago with the biggest test I ever have taken still hanging over my head. Life changes in crazy rapid ways.
I also spent a better part of the evening on the phone. I talked with a good friend that I haven't spoken with in quite awhile. Its always awesome catching up with good friends. It also was a 45 min convo with the big mama and fasha. My mom will always be my best friend, but I will forever be a daddy's girl. My dad's been playing with some photography ideas and this was one of his most recent:
This just warmed my heart and made me smile huge. My family is such a great support. I don't know where I would be without them. The Psalms passage talks about hope....the PHenomenal hope to kick pulmonary hypertension where the sun don't shine. So for this evening, i am going to snuggle up next to a spoiled pooch and smile knowing that I am blessed.
"Breathe in knowing you're exactly where you're suppose to be and that its all happening for the best."
ahh :)
Today was the first day in three I didnt hit up the beach. Joey, Reg, and I went to Sheboygan for all of Saturday to hit up the water and sand dunes. We set up the tent with the rain fly and used that to shelter ourselves from the overcast sky and nap for awhile. Reggie has progressively been getting better at swimming. Apparently like a month ago he would hardly go in the water and now he dives thru the waves to get the stick 50 ft out! So much fun. I think my personal fave had to be the sand dune diving. Start at the top of the dunes and sommersault and logroll your way down. Makes anyone dizzy enough feel drunk at the bottom--aaaaaannnnnddd every square inch of your body becomes impaled with sand. we all know everyone loves sand in their crack.
We met up with Joey's aunt and uncle and some of their friends for drinks on the lakefront. We met a guy who grew up near the chicago ghetto and told us stories of how he used to steal flowers from the cemetary for his girlfriend. hmm classy :) Also, he was out with a bunch of friends riding the bus and every stop the next friend would get off and tell the bus driver( as in paying for bus fare), "Ohh Crime's got it!" Next guy: "Crime will get it." Last guy: "Yeah, I'm Crime. but crime dont pay!" Oh boy. It truly was a great weekend.
Tonight i took the dog out to Lakeshore State Park. It was just the perfect ending to long day. It beat the heat and there was some sort of punk band playing at the Marcus Amphitheater. The atmosphere was just perfect. The pink sky painted out over a big city by the lake at dusk. Dang, God's good at creating stuff. It felt strange to me to think that I was in school 3 months ago with the biggest test I ever have taken still hanging over my head. Life changes in crazy rapid ways.
I also spent a better part of the evening on the phone. I talked with a good friend that I haven't spoken with in quite awhile. Its always awesome catching up with good friends. It also was a 45 min convo with the big mama and fasha. My mom will always be my best friend, but I will forever be a daddy's girl. My dad's been playing with some photography ideas and this was one of his most recent:
This just warmed my heart and made me smile huge. My family is such a great support. I don't know where I would be without them. The Psalms passage talks about hope....the PHenomenal hope to kick pulmonary hypertension where the sun don't shine. So for this evening, i am going to snuggle up next to a spoiled pooch and smile knowing that I am blessed.
"Breathe in knowing you're exactly where you're suppose to be and that its all happening for the best."
ahh :)
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
to fathom---
so i lay in bed tonight finding myself fathoming many different things. My first and foremost is how is can honestly be so comfortable with just a fan in the window.... all of last week it was always a lot hotter in our 2nd story apt vs. the actual outside temp. i love wisconsin weather and our architexture for houses. Europe has this whole thing down. They dont have A.C. but they do build their houses out of cinderblocks to keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. i always say that america should just be europe... random idea-ling.
I also am fathoming how exhausting it is being on job orientation. I truly do really enjoy being a big girl nurse, but i come home and i am just. beat. I try not to get in the habit, but i come home sleep for 2 hrs, up for 2 hrs, and back to bed for the night. yikes. I guess it makes sense when you are constantly learning something every minute of the day. I hear this gets easier after about month three. I was discussing this with Joey and he mentioned that "don't worry you won't always be lame, theres hope for you becoming fun once again." oh man. love the support.
I also have been fathoming how sweet life really is right now. I had my follow up echo last friday. I brought my pride and joy, Holly Fish. We spent from around 8am-ish-1:30pm at St. Luke's (on my day off, i may add-just cant pull myself away i guess). By the end of my appt, doc said that my echo is the "best that she's ever seen it." She told me it took awhile to read it because my heart kept beating really fast, b/c i was so nervous. ha. talk about tears of joy. I feel like a totally free woman. There is no such better news in my book. Holly told me she would've waited all day to hear news like that. I am super byist, but i honestly don't think there is a better medical team out there. We hit up summerfest that night and it just reminded me of last summer at this very time because that is when i received the same type of news. summer's the time of healing. On a side note, irish rock concerts are a BLAST!
My last fathom is how time possibly flies as fast as it does. I walked to the local Whole Foods on Prospect Ave today and spent well over an hour in this store. It just blows my mind how interesting all the stuff is. I made the trek there to buy "wheat bulghur" b/c i wanted to make tabouli for lunch the rest of this week. It is such a blast to try concocting strange ethnic new dishes. Last week was buckwheat groats with italian sausage tofurkey. call me weird- and i'll correct you by saying adventuresome.
I need to head to sleep now, its going to be an early morning, but that also means i get to steal my brother and soon to be sister in law's dog for the week b/c they are going on vaca. Yay :) So until i have the chance to write again, i will leave you with this hilarious website that will keep you occupied and cause procrastination for a long long time. '
http://dearblankpleaseblank.com/
Peace out o wide world of internet stalkers :)
I also am fathoming how exhausting it is being on job orientation. I truly do really enjoy being a big girl nurse, but i come home and i am just. beat. I try not to get in the habit, but i come home sleep for 2 hrs, up for 2 hrs, and back to bed for the night. yikes. I guess it makes sense when you are constantly learning something every minute of the day. I hear this gets easier after about month three. I was discussing this with Joey and he mentioned that "don't worry you won't always be lame, theres hope for you becoming fun once again." oh man. love the support.
I also have been fathoming how sweet life really is right now. I had my follow up echo last friday. I brought my pride and joy, Holly Fish. We spent from around 8am-ish-1:30pm at St. Luke's (on my day off, i may add-just cant pull myself away i guess). By the end of my appt, doc said that my echo is the "best that she's ever seen it." She told me it took awhile to read it because my heart kept beating really fast, b/c i was so nervous. ha. talk about tears of joy. I feel like a totally free woman. There is no such better news in my book. Holly told me she would've waited all day to hear news like that. I am super byist, but i honestly don't think there is a better medical team out there. We hit up summerfest that night and it just reminded me of last summer at this very time because that is when i received the same type of news. summer's the time of healing. On a side note, irish rock concerts are a BLAST!
My last fathom is how time possibly flies as fast as it does. I walked to the local Whole Foods on Prospect Ave today and spent well over an hour in this store. It just blows my mind how interesting all the stuff is. I made the trek there to buy "wheat bulghur" b/c i wanted to make tabouli for lunch the rest of this week. It is such a blast to try concocting strange ethnic new dishes. Last week was buckwheat groats with italian sausage tofurkey. call me weird- and i'll correct you by saying adventuresome.
I need to head to sleep now, its going to be an early morning, but that also means i get to steal my brother and soon to be sister in law's dog for the week b/c they are going on vaca. Yay :) So until i have the chance to write again, i will leave you with this hilarious website that will keep you occupied and cause procrastination for a long long time. '
http://dearblankpleaseblank.com/
Peace out o wide world of internet stalkers :)
Friday, July 1, 2011
summer adoration
so i often times found myself wondering tonight, "hmm, what am i going to do with myself tomorrow morning??" now, this is a simple question- and thats just the thing. its simple. I have never been less stressed in my life. This is a slightly foreign feeling to me because i always have some sort of driven stress to make me accomplish things, but now its the healthy "eustress" that makes me smile and relax :)
In reflection of the last week, i would have to agree that my life rocks. I attended a wedding last weekend of two good friends. The company was phenomenal, the atmosphere was fabulous, and most importantly- the dancing was great. Ask any true wisconsinite: its impossible to dislike sippin on free spotted cow and singing bohemian rhapsody. Life's irony decided to strike it big and made Joey the catcher of the garder and myself the girl who caught the bouquet. I then had about 5 people come up to me and said they "called it." Of course.
This week has been one of my feelings. Today completed day 4 of being the nurse. I can honestly say that I adore it at this point- even though this may be the honeymoon stage. My lil old man told me today (after a major heart procedure) told me that the only activity he will be doing is "cuddling with his wife" after i told him he had to take it easy. Fifty-five years of marriage, how stinkin cute. I kinda wanted to pack this guy up and bring him home. Everything about my job is so exhilerating and refreshing.
I finally had a longly anticipated roomie date with Steph last night. I was in Canada canoeing for a week, and she was in Mexico beachin it for the next. i much prefer to live with someone than not- its so much better to have good company to just bounce comments off of. Note: then the neighbors don't think your insane for supposedly talking to yourself. We didn't even really do a whole lot, but its just the idea of companionship. Simple life fulfillment.
All I can really do is sit back in smile. I adore where life continues to take me.
In reflection of the last week, i would have to agree that my life rocks. I attended a wedding last weekend of two good friends. The company was phenomenal, the atmosphere was fabulous, and most importantly- the dancing was great. Ask any true wisconsinite: its impossible to dislike sippin on free spotted cow and singing bohemian rhapsody. Life's irony decided to strike it big and made Joey the catcher of the garder and myself the girl who caught the bouquet. I then had about 5 people come up to me and said they "called it." Of course.
This week has been one of my feelings. Today completed day 4 of being the nurse. I can honestly say that I adore it at this point- even though this may be the honeymoon stage. My lil old man told me today (after a major heart procedure) told me that the only activity he will be doing is "cuddling with his wife" after i told him he had to take it easy. Fifty-five years of marriage, how stinkin cute. I kinda wanted to pack this guy up and bring him home. Everything about my job is so exhilerating and refreshing.
I finally had a longly anticipated roomie date with Steph last night. I was in Canada canoeing for a week, and she was in Mexico beachin it for the next. i much prefer to live with someone than not- its so much better to have good company to just bounce comments off of. Note: then the neighbors don't think your insane for supposedly talking to yourself. We didn't even really do a whole lot, but its just the idea of companionship. Simple life fulfillment.
All I can really do is sit back in smile. I adore where life continues to take me.
Friday, June 24, 2011
deep canadian thoughtss
As many of you know, its been a rather large explosion of life in a very short amount of time for this girl. In a matter of 5 days, I took and passed my state nursing boards, moved into a new penthouse in downtown milwaukee, had a housewarming party, and left for a 7 day/7 night nature lovers dream getaway to the boundary waters/ Quiteco Canada trip. This was unlike any type of vacation that I have ever been on and thought it deserved its own column to reflect upon. I have decided instead of journaling everyday what happened, that I would compile a list of things I learned in a weeks time away from the real world. Let me begin by saying that i have been a lot of places in this world, but this was by far the most "exotic" trip I have ever been on.
So sit tight, enjoy the comments, and prepare yourself for a fun-filled reflective and educational occasion:
"Canadian Life Experiences 101 for Dummies"
1. You must be one with your "paddle buddy." Joey and I were paired together for the first part of the trip in a 70lbs wooden canoe. I hadn't been canoeing in over a year and was placed in the back side of the boat to steer. Instead of going straight, it was a constant battle to correct the zigzagging across every lake for the first 3 days. My inability to effectively steer combined with Joey's overcompensation in paddling made for a pretty frustrating mode of transportation. It wasn't until the third morning that I sat in the front and we were finally able to go where we anticipated. Although, I was inducted into "Tribe farting while walking" as "Scenic Lake Traveler" the one who saw all ends of beauty in every body of water.
2. Bodily functions are happily accepted by all and expelled with pride. You must burp as loudly as you can and use your flatulence to compete in games like "fart tag." Sam "Young Squat" Heely was overall champion of that game.
3. There is no room for wimpy kitty baby whiners on a 6-day canoe trip. This means your sore arms will get stronger, your wet clothes will dry, and you will get used to having 9847593847598437 layers of dirt under your fingers. You'll learn to get over it real fast, or you'll end up being eaten by a large fish.
4. The bigger the northern, the more ugly and slimy is becomes. These fish are prehistoric creepers that more than likely missed their calling to becoming extinct when the dinosaurs waved the earth goodbye. Luckily the one I caught never made it out of the water. Little tiny Mary Mode caught a 42incher and Danielle said it looked like a Shamu show from shore as she watched it splash and thrash.
5. You could offer me a diamond necklace on a 24 carat golden chain or a simple shower after an entire week in the Canadian wilderness and I would still choose the shower. I was amazed at how massively dirty a nurse can become and just not care when it comes to living in the wild. Handsanitizer was present on the trip, but only one small bottle for 9 campers to assist in hand cleansing after "bigger business" has taken place. ;) Danielle still wins award for the filthiest camper, she turned 4 facial wipes jetblack with her garbage hands.
6. Nothing tastes better than a simple PB&J after paddling and portaging 4 or 5 hours. Actually, we ate like kings the entire trip. Props to the Mode girls for planning and packing all the grub for 18 campers for an entire week. Who woulda thought you could eat walleye (caught 2 hours earlier), quinoa, and freshly baked gooey brownies for just one of the nights. I think we all reached our FDA acceptable mercury levels for the next decade with all the fresh fish we consumed. I ate more on this trip than i would in a typical 2 week span. There was even enough food packed to keep Joey's tapeworm, Edward, satisfied.
7. It was a constant educational experience. It was a definite vacation of "firsts." Never did i ever expect to learn so much in such a short amount of time. Just a few examples: how to fish properly, the most efficient way to squat, get my hands full of fish guts while learning to filet, it takes a LOT to tip a canoe, most effective way to portage as a team, etc. I now understand it takes a special group of humans to consider a canoe trip a "dream vacation." There is a lot of muscle, sweat, knowledge, and work to make it thru alive.
8. The term "gas station" is much different in Canada vs. America. When a camper states they are going to the "gas station," it is a planned process. First you must get a canoe, scoot yourself across the water to no mans land, grab the shovel, dig a hole, and __________ (if you are capable of reading this blog entry, you are capable of figuring out the next step.). We adopted the rule "drop a log, grab a log" to ensure that our woodpile was finely stocked. Also note, it is not acceptable to poop in the dining room.
9. The world without electronics is bliss. There is no cellphones, texting, internet, or connection with the outside. It forces people together through conversation, dry humor, and ridiculous antics. The only source of connection we had was "The Spot."This little device had a GPS tracking system that would let us check in online and allow people to track our progress back home. It also had an emergency *911* button in case that was necessary. I can honestly say that there were no major injuries minus the bass that bit off Nicole's finger and Steve slipping three times on the same rock while preparing to portage.
10. If Zeus can pump 20 tons of iron, Steve Mode can pump 90. This man puts Chuck Norris to shame He is into everything. He snorkels amongst the fercious fish of the sea, builds convection ovens from flat rocks, smiles and sings while doing 3/4 mile portages, and is truly fanatical about nature.
11. Sometimes sticks can fix things and other times they cannot. We used a lot of trees throughout the camping process: firewood, stability columns, etc. Tony was setting up his hammock on our 5th night and was so intelligently recommended to use a twig to help hold on of the knots. It wasn't more than 3 minutes when there was a massive *WHUMP* as Tony laid dazed and staring at the tree tops.
12. Everyone who goes on a Canadian adventure should bring a Sam Healy with them. This little twerp was always amusing in some way or another. He could undoubtedly be found climbing trees, saying ridiculous things, humming the Pirates of the Carribean song in a high pitched frequency, or eating pizza after arriving back in Ely from his Sierra Cup.
13. It is a huge honor to be inducted into the "Tribe Farting While Walking." (Aaron and Danielle, please excuse my inability to type with a British accent here!) Squatting Squirrel and Lady Lockin are king and queen of picking a special name for every new camper based upon their own personal experiences the first 4 days of the trip. The night of induction went a little like this: our camp marched into the other with 9 torches in the dark night of a full moon, we were named and tapped with the sacred stick, and arm motioned saying "how." Please look forward to Nicole (hawkeye snapper's) blog for a follow up of all the tribal names.
14. If there was some way to jar up loon noises and bring them home to the big city, i would be all over that business. The first night at about 4am, i heard these lil water birds call out- they are far more beautiful sounding than the putrid mourning of the doves outside your bedroom window at 5am. It was also amazing to see them on every lake that we passed, even to the point where they just pop out of the water by your canoe without ya really expecting it. Neat stuff.
15. When people fall, there is no use trying to hold back the laughter (granted you know they're ok not injured). This is going to chip off a little of Steve's pride, but our 5th day out paddling and portaging in the S-chain was the best. Steven attempting to roll the canoe onto his shoulders from the water: *WHAM*. Attempt number two while walking up the slippery granite rocks:*WHUMP* on his knees again. Attempt number three: *THUMP*. It was like watching cartoons where the character slips on the banana peel, except it was live and with a real human.
16. Crisco and koolaid. These were two of the major food groups on the trip. I can def say that I have consumed more of these two food stuffs in the last week than i have in my entire life. The lardy goodness is what made our filleted fish every night and the koolaid was an awesome idea to keep people from getting sick of pumping and drinking water all the time. Although, i will admit but not recommend, using the koolaid to brush my teeth a few of the nights. Kind of an oxymoron. I missed the last call for water. oops. But seriously, it cant get any better than minty grape.
17. You get very used to being wet quickly. During the 4-5hr paddle/portage sessions per day, it is very likely that at least 75% of your body is wet. This means that your socks, shoes, undies, pants, and everything below the waist is wet. You then have no choice but to paddle harder or you will become chilly rather quickly. Don't worry the pruny hands and feet only last until you get to camp and then you put on your other pair of wool socks that are covered in sticks, soot, and reek to high heaven. Its a win-win :)
18. Coffee tastes a crap ton better when it is perculated over a hot fire in the morning with breakfast than any starbucks out there. I am a rather large coffee connoisseur and worked at a Caribou for a year, and there is still nothing that tastes better than waking up to the fresh smell of woods and slowly crawling towards the fire pit to go get your morning cup o joy. Thank you "8'oclock coffee."
19. Mitch Hedberg and Patton Oswald are very useful companions to take along on an 8+hr car trip. There's no way around it, its a long car ride with 5 people in a Saturn VUE- these men help to distract and keep everyone's sense of humor fresh and light.
20. Nobody judges in Canada. Some of the friendliest people out there are those woodspeople you meet while portaging. We met a 65+yr old couple from Gainesville, FL who drove 2.5 days just to hit up the boundary waters, thats passion. Also, when you spend a week with the same 9 people nobody cares that your wear the same clothes everyday, reek to high heaven, or wash your hands in a lake before you eat dinner. You learn to embrace living in nature's bounty with one another. The best part about vacationing in Canada is that there are no drama queens or pimp daddy whiners. Just a bunch of friendly folk who love the woods and fishing.
This is about my best attempt to relive a week in Canada in educational list form. Its funny, because I still continue to see things that i learned last week be used into my reality life. I use TP more sparingly in the bathroom, flex my sporty looking paddling pipes, and find myself spending more time outside just because I miss nature in full fledge. Overall, it was an amazing trip that I will not forget. Joey and I would like to thank the Mode clan for the invite and incredible experience. Also, the Brus boys and Sam for adding to the good company and memories. The only thing i would change for next is that i learn to track a moose and then domesticate it for a practical house pet, but then again that is a big dream. Maybe next time :)
So sit tight, enjoy the comments, and prepare yourself for a fun-filled reflective and educational occasion:
"Canadian Life Experiences 101 for Dummies"
2. Bodily functions are happily accepted by all and expelled with pride. You must burp as loudly as you can and use your flatulence to compete in games like "fart tag." Sam "Young Squat" Heely was overall champion of that game.
3. There is no room for wimpy kitty baby whiners on a 6-day canoe trip. This means your sore arms will get stronger, your wet clothes will dry, and you will get used to having 9847593847598437 layers of dirt under your fingers. You'll learn to get over it real fast, or you'll end up being eaten by a large fish.
4. The bigger the northern, the more ugly and slimy is becomes. These fish are prehistoric creepers that more than likely missed their calling to becoming extinct when the dinosaurs waved the earth goodbye. Luckily the one I caught never made it out of the water. Little tiny Mary Mode caught a 42incher and Danielle said it looked like a Shamu show from shore as she watched it splash and thrash.
5. You could offer me a diamond necklace on a 24 carat golden chain or a simple shower after an entire week in the Canadian wilderness and I would still choose the shower. I was amazed at how massively dirty a nurse can become and just not care when it comes to living in the wild. Handsanitizer was present on the trip, but only one small bottle for 9 campers to assist in hand cleansing after "bigger business" has taken place. ;) Danielle still wins award for the filthiest camper, she turned 4 facial wipes jetblack with her garbage hands.
6. Nothing tastes better than a simple PB&J after paddling and portaging 4 or 5 hours. Actually, we ate like kings the entire trip. Props to the Mode girls for planning and packing all the grub for 18 campers for an entire week. Who woulda thought you could eat walleye (caught 2 hours earlier), quinoa, and freshly baked gooey brownies for just one of the nights. I think we all reached our FDA acceptable mercury levels for the next decade with all the fresh fish we consumed. I ate more on this trip than i would in a typical 2 week span. There was even enough food packed to keep Joey's tapeworm, Edward, satisfied.
7. It was a constant educational experience. It was a definite vacation of "firsts." Never did i ever expect to learn so much in such a short amount of time. Just a few examples: how to fish properly, the most efficient way to squat, get my hands full of fish guts while learning to filet, it takes a LOT to tip a canoe, most effective way to portage as a team, etc. I now understand it takes a special group of humans to consider a canoe trip a "dream vacation." There is a lot of muscle, sweat, knowledge, and work to make it thru alive.
8. The term "gas station" is much different in Canada vs. America. When a camper states they are going to the "gas station," it is a planned process. First you must get a canoe, scoot yourself across the water to no mans land, grab the shovel, dig a hole, and __________ (if you are capable of reading this blog entry, you are capable of figuring out the next step.). We adopted the rule "drop a log, grab a log" to ensure that our woodpile was finely stocked. Also note, it is not acceptable to poop in the dining room.9. The world without electronics is bliss. There is no cellphones, texting, internet, or connection with the outside. It forces people together through conversation, dry humor, and ridiculous antics. The only source of connection we had was "The Spot."This little device had a GPS tracking system that would let us check in online and allow people to track our progress back home. It also had an emergency *911* button in case that was necessary. I can honestly say that there were no major injuries minus the bass that bit off Nicole's finger and Steve slipping three times on the same rock while preparing to portage.
10. If Zeus can pump 20 tons of iron, Steve Mode can pump 90. This man puts Chuck Norris to shame He is into everything. He snorkels amongst the fercious fish of the sea, builds convection ovens from flat rocks, smiles and sings while doing 3/4 mile portages, and is truly fanatical about nature.
11. Sometimes sticks can fix things and other times they cannot. We used a lot of trees throughout the camping process: firewood, stability columns, etc. Tony was setting up his hammock on our 5th night and was so intelligently recommended to use a twig to help hold on of the knots. It wasn't more than 3 minutes when there was a massive *WHUMP* as Tony laid dazed and staring at the tree tops.
12. Everyone who goes on a Canadian adventure should bring a Sam Healy with them. This little twerp was always amusing in some way or another. He could undoubtedly be found climbing trees, saying ridiculous things, humming the Pirates of the Carribean song in a high pitched frequency, or eating pizza after arriving back in Ely from his Sierra Cup.
13. It is a huge honor to be inducted into the "Tribe Farting While Walking." (Aaron and Danielle, please excuse my inability to type with a British accent here!) Squatting Squirrel and Lady Lockin are king and queen of picking a special name for every new camper based upon their own personal experiences the first 4 days of the trip. The night of induction went a little like this: our camp marched into the other with 9 torches in the dark night of a full moon, we were named and tapped with the sacred stick, and arm motioned saying "how." Please look forward to Nicole (hawkeye snapper's) blog for a follow up of all the tribal names.
14. If there was some way to jar up loon noises and bring them home to the big city, i would be all over that business. The first night at about 4am, i heard these lil water birds call out- they are far more beautiful sounding than the putrid mourning of the doves outside your bedroom window at 5am. It was also amazing to see them on every lake that we passed, even to the point where they just pop out of the water by your canoe without ya really expecting it. Neat stuff.
15. When people fall, there is no use trying to hold back the laughter (granted you know they're ok not injured). This is going to chip off a little of Steve's pride, but our 5th day out paddling and portaging in the S-chain was the best. Steven attempting to roll the canoe onto his shoulders from the water: *WHAM*. Attempt number two while walking up the slippery granite rocks:*WHUMP* on his knees again. Attempt number three: *THUMP*. It was like watching cartoons where the character slips on the banana peel, except it was live and with a real human.
16. Crisco and koolaid. These were two of the major food groups on the trip. I can def say that I have consumed more of these two food stuffs in the last week than i have in my entire life. The lardy goodness is what made our filleted fish every night and the koolaid was an awesome idea to keep people from getting sick of pumping and drinking water all the time. Although, i will admit but not recommend, using the koolaid to brush my teeth a few of the nights. Kind of an oxymoron. I missed the last call for water. oops. But seriously, it cant get any better than minty grape.
18. Coffee tastes a crap ton better when it is perculated over a hot fire in the morning with breakfast than any starbucks out there. I am a rather large coffee connoisseur and worked at a Caribou for a year, and there is still nothing that tastes better than waking up to the fresh smell of woods and slowly crawling towards the fire pit to go get your morning cup o joy. Thank you "8'oclock coffee."
19. Mitch Hedberg and Patton Oswald are very useful companions to take along on an 8+hr car trip. There's no way around it, its a long car ride with 5 people in a Saturn VUE- these men help to distract and keep everyone's sense of humor fresh and light.20. Nobody judges in Canada. Some of the friendliest people out there are those woodspeople you meet while portaging. We met a 65+yr old couple from Gainesville, FL who drove 2.5 days just to hit up the boundary waters, thats passion. Also, when you spend a week with the same 9 people nobody cares that your wear the same clothes everyday, reek to high heaven, or wash your hands in a lake before you eat dinner. You learn to embrace living in nature's bounty with one another. The best part about vacationing in Canada is that there are no drama queens or pimp daddy whiners. Just a bunch of friendly folk who love the woods and fishing.
This is about my best attempt to relive a week in Canada in educational list form. Its funny, because I still continue to see things that i learned last week be used into my reality life. I use TP more sparingly in the bathroom, flex my sporty looking paddling pipes, and find myself spending more time outside just because I miss nature in full fledge. Overall, it was an amazing trip that I will not forget. Joey and I would like to thank the Mode clan for the invite and incredible experience. Also, the Brus boys and Sam for adding to the good company and memories. The only thing i would change for next is that i learn to track a moose and then domesticate it for a practical house pet, but then again that is a big dream. Maybe next time :)
Thursday, April 28, 2011
last evening of the betweener life...
I've always thought college was good for a few things.
1. education
2. meeting cool people
3. living that inbetween life. its that life where you aren't entirely responsible to a big kid and you still get free dental coverage under your parent's insurance. basically you can be irresponsible and still have pearly white. :D
its one of those nights i never gave much thought to, nor did i ever really think would approach it as fast as it did. The last night of my undergrad experience. This could be scary, but it is truly not. I have been very fortunate in all those scary things a person has to face after college is done. Job-taken care of. Place to live-check. More or less its something I have been ready for for a very long time. I haven't really been in school per say all of this year. I sat in class, but my heart has def been else where. I think its experience that takes truly guides where a person is at a given time. Its been a fun ride, but boy is this girl ready to spread her wings.
Life is pretty much a mystery everyday you wake up. I had no idea what i was going to fix for breakfast this morning, and i had no idea I would feel this accomplished after 4 years of college. see, mystery. so i guess wherever life wants to take me in the next step all i can do is trust that its exactly where I am suppose to be. with that i am content.
These gentlemen are brilliant and are singing my mind this evening....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6tV11acSRk
1. education
2. meeting cool people
3. living that inbetween life. its that life where you aren't entirely responsible to a big kid and you still get free dental coverage under your parent's insurance. basically you can be irresponsible and still have pearly white. :D
its one of those nights i never gave much thought to, nor did i ever really think would approach it as fast as it did. The last night of my undergrad experience. This could be scary, but it is truly not. I have been very fortunate in all those scary things a person has to face after college is done. Job-taken care of. Place to live-check. More or less its something I have been ready for for a very long time. I haven't really been in school per say all of this year. I sat in class, but my heart has def been else where. I think its experience that takes truly guides where a person is at a given time. Its been a fun ride, but boy is this girl ready to spread her wings.
Life is pretty much a mystery everyday you wake up. I had no idea what i was going to fix for breakfast this morning, and i had no idea I would feel this accomplished after 4 years of college. see, mystery. so i guess wherever life wants to take me in the next step all i can do is trust that its exactly where I am suppose to be. with that i am content.
These gentlemen are brilliant and are singing my mind this evening....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6tV11acSRk
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