Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Back in Duluth

So, I'm back in Duluth and back in school. Working two jobs and being in school full time is a great reminder to oneself about how much flexibility is not really an option in times like these. There have been other times in my life when I have totally been this busy, but I do believe it has been a while. I have to say although backpacking in western North Dakota gave me a new appreciation for the plains and grasslands in this country, I still don't like driving through them. They are dull and completely unimpressive to this midwestern, northwoods girl. The end.
Hawk Ridge has been just wonderful and the staff this year are quite fantastic if I do say so myself. Here's a cudos heading your way Debbie Waters! I am also liking most of my classes. Now that things are getting started, I am starting to get into the "grove" again and starting to at least feel educated in some of the subjects. So far biology is my fave, but that's just because I get a kick out of learning about how things work and why they are the way they are. I always liked biology.
Other than that, I'm still not moved back in to my room and the first thought I had when I actually looked at what was in my room was, "What the hell do I have all this shit for!?" I don't think there is an answer to that question, but here's hoping that by the end of the month, that "shit" will be long gone. Here's hoping at least.
My good friend Aaron Mertes was up from N. Carolina this week and the old roomie gang had dinner at our place and went out for some brews. It was a great time and I am really thankful that I had the opportunity to spend the time tonight with him. Thanks Mertes!
Well, bio lecture waits for no one and it will not wait for me tomorrow so to bed go I. Dream sweetly my friends!

Friday, September 7, 2007

Homeward bound

Apparently, I didn't write much for August, but it was a whirlwind of activity. I was really pensive for most of the month because of the idea of things changing and thinking about what those changes held for me and where they would take me. There was a lot of journaling that happened at those times. Needless to say, I did a lot of bouldering after the Outdoor Retailer's show at the beginning of the month. I purchased a crash pad so that when I do fall off the rock, I won't hurt myself too badly. I took that new and comfortable piece of equipment out many times to Parowan Gap, Parowan Canyon, and also over by Panguich Lake. There was some great bouldering to be had and I enjoyed the physical challenges very much.
Then came the time when people started to head their separate ways. Shelly and Alex left first and a week before I did. It was wierd to have them leave so soon and also for me to still be there while they were not. The last week of August my parents, aunt Sharon, and her friend Dan came out to camp and play for a week. I had a couple days off to spend with them. We went hiking in Zion and it was surprisingly cool that day. We hiked up to the Emerald Pools and then took the shuttle up the rest of the canyon area. The Narrows were closed due to flash flooding and the Virgin River looked almost black. I heard a ranger say that it was probably due to the fires this summer washing off into the river. We'd had a lot of rain before that, so I don't think that's the sole reason why the river looked black.
I had to then go back to work for my last three days, clean the apartment, pack up my stuff and be ready to head home on the 31st. Emily is still there in Utah sporting her green and grey uniform and the crazy hat. I hope she is well. I haven't been able to contact her since I left. Cell phone service is hazy at best up there.
I drove back to Duluth then with a small stop in Bozeman to see my dear, yet gimpy, friend Ginger. It was a great time, but too short as always. We talked alot about many things which is something that I always enjoy about spending time with her is just talking about and through stuff in our lives.
After driving through Montana and North Dakota in 2 days-I couldn't do the whole thing myself in one shot-I finally made it back to Duluth. And here I am writing from that very place.