Summer Fun

OK, so my summer is about half way over and I've had quite a few adventures (or misadventures) that I feel remiss in not having shared to date.

I went home for about a week to hang out with the folks and friends and to take a mini vacation before I started work. Mom, Matt and I went up to Estes Park, Colorado and stayed at the World Famous Stanley Hotel.

Why is it world famous? Because Stephen King wrote "The Shining" after one night here, and it's haunted as hell (see Ghost Hunters Halloween Live Extravaganza)

It's really a very pretty place, see?

Anyway, we also spent time in picturesque Rocky Mountain National Park. Sort of a funny twist considering I'm a paid employee of the National Park Service....

After hiking a bit, we all went to the Estes Park brewery and had some mucho delicious beers. WEll, except Matt who can't drink because he ain't old enough.

It was a good trip. I got home and visited with some of the home peeps. Basically I got caught up on the gossip and drank my weight in beer.

On returning to Tennessee, I moved into my house. THat's right, I have a house.

I have windows on my house, don't worry. And, my garden is huge now. I have Evening Primrose in my garden. THey are very pretty, but they only bloom at night, which is sort of disappointing. My stoop is pretty much obliterated by my flowers and the big tall weeds that I'm afraid to pull because they might not be weeds. Thank God for google.

I'm a park ranger now.

I love my job. I get to talk to people, teach people, make fun of people. i love the people I work with too. I love the volunteers. Granted, there are quite a few people who get on my nerves, but I'll get over it. Such is the way of life. For the first month or so, I lived in the house by myself. About two weeks ago, I got a roomie. SHe's married, but hubby is staying in Ohio....except for this week when he's visiting. Awkward doesn't begin to cover it. But I live in a house, I have my own bedroom. I have cable.

I Can Hide.

There's one super annoying kid I work with. I try to avoid him, but I also try to be nice to him. We all know that karma likes to come around and bitch slap me. So I'm playing nice until otherwise prodded.

SOmetimes I feel weird. I'm the youngest person at the park outside the super annoying kid. I'm the freakin' baby of the group! I'm also the only non-history type major. Can you say "Outsider?" because I sure can. I don't mind it, but when they're condescening about stuff, it really starts to get on my nerves. Dude, like, I'm 22...you're almost 30. Give me a freakin' break here.

About a month ago (yegads has it been that long?) I went to the Georgia Renniassance Festival. I was made an honorary handmaiden to Queen Katherine.

I spent way too much money while at the fair. But, I got new artwork, a bodice knife, a new blouse and new rugby socks.

Pretty, shiny and sharp. Just the way I like it. And, it matches my corset, so even better!

Of course, my day at the Georgia fair was preceded by a day of shooting the cannon.

That's right bitches, I'm a certified cannonneer. All shall bow and fear me!

I can load, aim, and shoot the cannon. I am the only newbie to have gotten certified on all seven (yes, seven) positions on the cannon crew. There are some old timers that can't even say that. AND I aced the written test. To say that I kicked ass is an understatment. I am the cannon mistress. DOn't fuck with me, I know where the cannon (plural) are parked and how to work them.

Part of my job experience this summer is to go out and work with the other groups on property. Last week I went out with natural resources (the plant dudes). They are a fun group. I really enjoyed being with them, even if I felt like a total bump on a log becasue I couldn't help with much since I couldn't spray chemicals. Oh well...I've never been so eaten up by chiggers in my life, but that's what I get for playing in the tall grass with archeologists and plant dudes. Next week I get to play with maintenance. Won't that be a trip?

All in all it's been an eventful month and a half/two months. I've time travelled, I've learned new skills, I'm living in a house....And yet I don't know if I'm happy. I feel as if I've 'grown up' too quickly. I'm having my midlife crisis. I'm going to die early! I'm sort of mopey. I don't even really know why.

Maybe my trip up to RIchmond will lift my spirits this week. There are only so many hours in a day and I am only doing so much travelling. I'm only going to be up there for a day and a half, so if you're in Richmond, and you don't see me, don't get pissy. You're on the long list and probably in elite company.

WEll, I've gotta be up early to work. I'm on from 8:30 to 5 and the commute is a bitch. All 300 ft of it.....

Smooches kiddos, have a great night!