Last day at CMW until next July

"And remember, no matter where you go, there you are."
                                                    -Confucious


          We woke up nice and early to work on the finishing touches for the Arts and Crafts building and the trail to Halfway to Heaven. We did so much work on that place, we replaced about five doors, scraped windows (and needed lots of elbow grease), and cleaned out of the wazzoo! This morning, we're just finishing up the whitewashing for these rocks.
           Suddenly, it's already time for us to leave.. but we decided to stay a little longer so that we could take multiple pictures at Halfway to Heaven. After all that work, we had to use the trail at least one last time. ... Soon, we were in the car and on our way home.
            .... But what would a trip be without a healthy detour? We stopped in Alamogordo at an awesome playground! Ahhh I love the moments where I can embrace my inner child. Too bad I'm getting too old to do that for much longer.... NO! I will always be a child at heart, and when I'm old and wrinkly the little kids will look at me like I'm crazy because I'll be the only grandma still climbing up the playground steps, if my hips will let me, that is. ;)

The Final Touches

" Some people want it to happen, some wish it to happen, and others make it happen."
                                                                          -Michael Jordan


          For my project, we finished up the last few things. We whitewashed all of the rocks such that they would be very easy to see. I was planning on weed whacking the plants (with our newly donated weed whacker) in the new archery range, but we accidentally forgot the gas for it. It isn't that big of a deal that we didn't do it this time because it is something that will need to be done every year.
           After finishing the painting on my rock boarder, I helped Runner whitewash her trail. I didn't realize how long that trail was until I was holding a cup of paint in one hand and a paint brush in the other for what felt like forever. Soon, we got it finished (for the day), and then hiked up to my range to have a little fun. We placed the wooden pallets  (that were nicely donated as well) down, brought up all of the archery gear, and shot some arrows for a little while. In the future, I might need to add some sort of contraption behind the targets that would catch the arrows because behind the target line is huge fallen-over tree, we've lost a few arrows already. Which stinks because we just barely got them!
          Horrah! The work for my project is finished! Gold Award, you'll be mine very soon! :)

"On the road again.. I can't wait to get on the road again"

"Live for the moments you can't put into words"
                               -anonymous

       Finally, we get to go back to camp! Jazzy and I have been counting down (as always) until this day. I am so happy, we're back at CMW and we have two girls (new-ish to our troop) who have never been to CMW..... So, we went on a hike! A pretty long hike! We went up Escondido canyon, over the hill, and back down the other canyon. It did take a couple hours and much of it was spent taking amazing wildlife pictures and throwing mud clots across the small watering hole.
       Camp is always so amazing. One of my favorite parts about camp is spending time with the CMW alumni and learning old traditions from them. This time, however, it is just our troop trying to get as much work done as we can. We even get to sleep in the lodge with the fire going.  I can't wait to get back to work and finish our projects!

Going home, ALREADY!!

" The longer I live, the more my mind dwells upon the beauty and the wonder of the world."
                                                                   - John Burroughs   

        Wow, I do have to say that we had a very productive, labor filled weekend, over labor day weekend. (tee hee hee) Sorry, I am huge fan of puns. ... Anyway, today was filled with our usual cleaning up and getting ready to leave. We hiked up Runner's new and awesome trail, several times. Even though we missed the sunrise, it was amazing! The beauty here never fails to enlighten me.
        The drives back from camp are always a lot quieter than the drives up. I think it's because we're usually so exhausted that I just sleep most of the time. I'm so glad that I don't have to drive. I'll leave that up to Runner. Although, I do feel guilty that I did sleep and she was struggling to stay awake by herself. I'll make sure to keep her company next time. Well, I'm back home, and I already can't wait until we get to go back in a couple weeks. Man, Camp Mary White, why did you have to steal my heart such that I can't stand being away from you? It really makes life frustrating, and school hardly tolerable.

Just Clearing some dirt....

"A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.
                                         -Colin Powell

      The most difficult part of my project was done yesterday. Thank goodness, today is a lot more lax. I'm mostly just helping out with clearing out the Arts and Craft's building.

       On my project, I finished up the rock boarder and Ninja and I cleared a line of dirt (about 25 feet by 10 feet) so that it would be flat and the targets would be able to stand. It went by quickly. I used the branch cutters to get rid of the sharp plants. I'm basically done for now. I just need to do the finishing touches, later. 

Getting to work...and falling in love!

"Love comes from the most unexpected places" ;D
                                   -Jose Feliciano

         Today, I met my future coffin mate. Yes, I said coffin mate! I found the singularly most beautiful thing in the world and demand that I be buried with it. His name is Mr. Post-Popper. He is a wonderful contraption designed to pull rebars (among other things) out of the ground. And oh baby, does he work like magic! A job that I expected would take several hours of digging, pulling (the rebars... and my hair), and replacing dirt, only took about half an hour and about 10% of the effort. Thus, I met my new best friend, and finished the first part of my project. We (Rip and I) were showing him off to everyone, which made the job take even longer than it could have. 

          Then I went off, hunting for a location that would be the new archery range. Criteria that the location needed: slightly uphill; rectangular shape, long and wide; not too rocky or bumpy; and not too much plant life in the way. I checked out a couple different locations until I came across one that had the potential for perfection. I got a roll of crime scene tape and marked off where the range would be. I then cleared the area of all of the trash, which was so much more than I expected. Then we (my team and I) started collecting rocks, by the wheelbarrow full, and brought them back to the new range to make a rock boarder around the range. Today, we lined up over 100 feet of rocks.  Now, I am so tired, which is good because I'll fall right asleep. 

She'll be commin' round the mouta-..... wait, why aren't they here yet?

"Never take life too seriously, nobody gets out alive anyway."
                                                 -anonymous




       Finally, it's time to step out of reality and into the magical world of Camp Mary White. It's been so very long and we are all so anxious to arrive. I'm so happy that we can finally get there. I was beginning to think that it was going to be an impossiblity because of the rain issue, but I'm glad to say that God graced us with enough moisture to return to this second home of mine. I got a new camera (that can go underwater!), and I am so excited to take so many pictures!
      Mornings before camp are always hectic. As usual, I find myelf rushing out the door and then I still find myself at the destination with a whole list of things that I forgot to bring. After we loaded up all of the gear, furniture, and people into the vehicles, we were on our way. We (Ninja, Runner, and I) got magical rings of awesomeness and too much junk food which was masticated all to quickly.
      Soon, we were one our way, and incredibly (crazy and) excited to get to camp. We were gonna make it there with no trouble as we usually do, or so we thought. About five miles outside of Estancia, we blew a tire on the trailer that we were borrowing from a friend. You see, when Coach went to get the trailer at nine o'clock yesterday, she didn't realize the condition that the trailer was in. The tires were as bald as a bowling ball (except not really because they were tires). When we stopped to assess the damage, the tire was basically reduced to two walls and rim. So, Runner, DJ, and I went in Runner's car to Estancia. We found some mechanics, who fixed the tire (and did so much work) for only $40. They searched for a tire, and found one. It needed a little repairing, but was definitely still usable. They drove out to our trailer twice. Once to assess the damage, and the second, to fix the tire. One guy even drove out to Moriarty to borrow a lug nut wrench for the trailer. After that mishap was over, we were on a way again, and driving much slower. We were doing well....
       ....Until we saw the smoke... and the bits of rubber flying off of the back of the trailer (we were driving behind them so that we could watch for these possibilities). We called them so that we could tell them to pull over, or at least we tried. Because of the lack of cell service, we  were reduced to shouting at the top of our lungs, Runner honking on the horn obnoxiously, and rolling down the windows to wave our arms like maniacs. All of our attempts were rewarded with no success... until, we had driven into the other lane signaling to them with our awesome arm flailing that they needed to stop. We were about 6 miles outside of Carrizozo. This tire lasted until we got into the city, and since it was taking so long DJ decided that we would split. DJ and Coach went to find a mechanic and we went on to camp.
           Oh what a wonderfully magical drive it was, filled with singing, strange noises, and inside jokes. We finally made it to camp! When I stepped out of the car, I took a deep breath of the fresh air.... I was free. All of my stress, worry, negative emotions just went away with my exhaled carbon dioxide.... I am home.
           After unpacking and getting everything set up for bed, we went down to Muleshoe Ranch to eat and socialize with the others. It was so nice just eating (extremely delicious food) and sitting on the porch. Later on, Roadie wanted everyone learn the "Ninja Hug," which is a super exciting hug created by Ninja and I. It takes quite a bit of coordination for a wide range of reasons. You need to be able to balance on one leg, coordinate whose face is on the left and whose is on the right, start the hug at a reasonable distance such that you don't have to leap into the other's arms(which causes lots of falling over), and being able to move your head to the side far enough such that you don't hit your nose (or other facial parts) on the other person.... It really doesn't help that I'm so uncoordinated. I hit my nose on Ninja's shoulder and my eyes started watering.
         Soon, DJ and Coach arrived, dragging the terrible trailer behind them. Apparently, by the time they got to the mechanic, they blew another tire! The mechanics fixed the two tires, the axel, and the hitch... and only charged $40 (that's right, 40, again)! I think that somebody upstairs was supporting us on this journey, What with the presence of the number forty, twice; something really bad could have happened when those tires blew, but everyone is safe; and the fact that we were lead to two amazing humans that served as our mechanics.
          At the end of today I have two things to say: thank you for looking out for us, and some amazing mechanics are going to get some Girl Scout cookies in the mail. :)

Ahh CMW Reunion, you fresh breath of air, you!

"May life throw you a pleasant curve."
                                                                      - Fortune Cookie


     Even though we didn't get to spend a week at CMW, we did get to attend the annual CMW Reunion, which was in Cloudcroft! We stayed in a very nice cabin with a shower, flushing toilet, sink, microwave, refrigerator, etc., so we didn't get to experience the Camp Mary White experience through the lack of appliances. For me, one of the biggest and most influential parts of CMW is the amazing people you'll meet there. I love all of the older CMW alumni that are always so eager to share their traditions, jokes, and smiles with us. I am so grateful and lucky everyday to have them in any portion of my life!
     The reunion was at Sunspot, so we got to tour the grounds and see many awesome telescopes and astronomy related equipment. Later that night, we also had a guide who pointed the telescope at interesting stars for us to see. It was a wonderful experience. Unfortunately, I'm not a big astronomy geek, but I had a ball watching Sami jump around like a kid in a candy shop.
     As a part of the CMW reunions, they also have a special board meeting to talk about all kinds of new and developing issues. The other ladies in my troop and I attended this meeting (like all of the big kids), and I was very impressed, confused, and sleepy. When I was taking AP US History, whenever it got to the parts that even slightly mentioned government, my brain would happily switch off. At the meeting, they used so many terms that sounded so official, that, I must admit, almost put me to sleep. (Plus, it didn't help that I didn't get much sleep the night before because a certain Sami decided to sleep on top of me most of the night rather than next to me.) They had us stand up in front of the board and members of FCMW and explain our projects. Someone (the lovely Joker), suggested that I also make a unit for Archery like how Sami is doing with her project. I think that it's a good idea, and at this point, I'm hoping that I can add to my project even though I already started. Originally, I remember thinking of this, but I cut it out because I didn't want to make such a complicated project such that I wouldn't be able complete it. I do think that I will do a poster and add other information that will be very useful for the Archery Unit. No way will it ever be as exciting or extravagant as Sami's Astronomy Unit, but I honestly don't think that those girls would like to sit and listen to a lecture about the history of archery. The joy comes from the experience.
    We watched the sunset. It wasn't the same as halfway to heaven (a hill at CMW that we hike up to watch the sunrise and witness the world come to life through the singing birds and the buzzing insects), but it was enough to satisfy my CMW hunger, for now. At the reunion they talked about getting us up there for Labor Day weekend. Not exactly as I imagined it, but it's something! I still get to see CMW and I get to work on my project!

Rain, rain, don't go away ... I love you!!!

"Challenges make life interesting, however, overcoming them is what makes life meaningful."

                                                                      - Mark Twain

       Okay... be prepared to throw on your sad face because what I have to say is quite depressing. Remember how I was talking about getting rain? Well, we haven't been getting any, and now camp has officially be cancelled. I can't go to Camp Mary White this summer! Something that the other girls in my troop and I have been waiting for all year! Sami and I started counting off back when it was still at about 140 some days. I remember I would walk into class and Sami would ask me, "Guess what," with that goofy grin on her face, and she couldn't wait to shout out that we had 148 more days until camp. 

      I even paid for the plane ticket. Originally, I was supposed to go to church camp for a week in California, and leave on an early flight to get back to New Mexico and CMW on time. But, now CMW is cancelled and I paid for a $200 ticket that I don't need...I'm so bummed right now.... However, I will continue to hope for the best. 

     On another note, I previously sent out fifteen letters out to various Archery stores in New Mexico. I just recently got a couple of them back with, "return to sender" stamps on them. Unfortunately, I think I got some old addresses that are no longer valid. Oh well, I will hope for the best with my other little letters. ... To make my donation section a little more happy, I can say that I have gotten one donation, from my brother. He has an old recurve bow from when he was little and now he is about four times it's length. Pulling back on the string would be like snapping a rubber band to him now. 

      EVERYBODY, please pray, pray, pray for some rain! Camp Mary White needs it, and New Mexico needs it too! 

Bonne Nuit Haiti... Bonjour New Mexico...

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
                                                      - Dr. Seuss


     I barely got back home from Haiti, and I already miss the crazy, hectic, heartbreaking, uplifting, lazy, delightful Haiti life. I cried just about the whole way back from Dominican Republic to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (a good three hours), then, had another tearful goodbye as I parted with the rest of my new family in the Ft. Lauderdale terminal. I have never been to a place so beautiful and ugly at the same time. Pollution amounted to the ugliness that I saw, and the flora and fauna of the island took my breath away! Where else can you see mangoes and coconuts grow on trees! ... Okay, i admit, a lot of places, but it was the first time I got to see these massive trees tower over the little towns, swallowing them with vegetation Unfortunately, this trip is over but who knows, I might be able to go back next year. I'll definitely keep my hopes up.
    Now, I have to return to other responsibilities like summer homework (bleck!) and the Gold Award Project (woot, woot!). We decided to have a troop meeting soon after I got back. And what started as a meeting to officially start our Gold Award Projects (soon after finding out about their approvals!! Yee-hah!), ended up as a field trip to La Tienda (the Girl Scout store in New Mexico). Yay! Now I can officially get started.
     Now I get to write some letters, lick some stamps, seal some envelopes, ... and do a rain dance?... Yes, I did say rain dance! It's been quite dry in New Mexico (who would have guessed, dessert n' all). It's always dry this time of year, but usually we have more moisture abundant winters. This year however, we mostly got a super cold winter with some snowfall. Anyway, D.J., my Girl Scout troop leader, said that if we don't get more rain, then Camp Mary White would have to be closed due to fire dangers. ... I wont worry too much about it now, D.J. doesn't think it'll get closed, and she's had the privilege of attending CMW since she was a little girl.
     Ready, set, ... rain dance!

The Balloon Deflates.... thank goodness

"Take a breath in when you need it, an' let it go when you need to."
                                                                    - The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck


     Presentation!!! Today, we stood (okay, technically, sat in comfy chairs) in front of the board and presented our projects. After those last few stressful days of trying to get everything done, I sure am glad that all of the project proposal paperwork is done! (Golly Gee! Guess who can't wait for the final draft?)
     During the presentation, I was really nervous and my voice was a little shaky, but I kept going and I soon became more confident. I'd say I'm satisfied with how it went. We had a lot of questions which kind of made me nervous (sorry, I'm a worry wart, courtesy of my mother), but I still feel confident. I've just been somewhat freaking out after hearing some horror stories of other Girl Scouts that went before the board and left crying, twice!... But, after our presentation, I was feeling pretty good. (Well, at least there were no tears streaming down my face. In fact, I think I was smiling from a mix of nerves and joy.) Now, we have to wait a week before we hear the verdict as to whether we can start our projects.
      I can't wait to get started. I'm so glad that I'm going away from home for this next week because otherwise I know that I would drive myself crazy with worry. But no, I wont even be in the country. I'm off to Haiti for a service project on Friday. See you all in a week!
      Ready, intake a big breath...exhale... and cross your fingers. Here I go!

Makin' headway baby!!

"Mama exhorted her children at every opportunity to "jump at de sun." We might not land on the sun, but at least we would get off the ground." 
                                                                                   - Zora Neale Hurston


        Here I am on a Sunday, three days before I have to present my project to the Gold Award Committee and I've barely gotten started. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! We're all here working feverishly to get all of the massive amounts of paperwork finished. As I fill out one sheet and move onto the next, I've discovered that so many papers consist of slightly different questions and the exact same answers over and over again! This would be a lot easier if we could just type it out once.
         This year, like a crazy person, I decided that I should take four AP classes, an honors class, German, and Sports Medicine(which translates into required training hours after school). So, all year long I've been killing myself to keep my record of straight A's. School is about to end, so the stress is on! ... I wish that I started this project sooner, but with school and the many surprises that life seems to throw at you at the most inopportune moments (thank you), there's been a big stress monkey that wouldn't stop climbing on my shoulders and weighing me down.... That's right! I just said stress monkey! hehe
         But no matter how nervous and stress I feel, I am so motivated to get started, and when It's done I will have to satisfaction of knowing it was a success!
         On another light note, I've talked to Jerry Hudson aka "Rip" and she has agreed to be my Gold Award Advisor! Yay! Thank you so much Rip!... I'm so excited that this no-longer-procrastination fest is running along smoothly. A lot of the paperwork is pretty much done and just needs to be finalized.
         Oh and if you haven't already noticed, I'm kinda a quote guru, so if you're into that you can look forward to many more.
       

How it all began....

"Friendship defies age and ignores distance. It weathers the hard times and shares the good. Together we have found this. Our friendship has provided acceptance and understanding in a world that pushes people apart. But I will always remain with the memories of the times we have shared knowing how fortunate I am to be able to call you my friend."
                                                                               -Cindy Yrun

    In the 1920s, a woman named Miss Mary White had acquired, from her father, a large plot of land amounting to about 200 acres. Soon this plot of land high up in the Sacramento mountains of southern New Mexico became known as the home of Camp Mary White (CMW). This camp was the first Girl Scout camp on the western side of the Mississippi. Girls from states near and far came to CMW to experience its one of a kind atmosphere and unforgettable spirit. CMW served as a home away from home to the campers that attended it. Here, they participated in campfires, stargazing, hiking, backpacking, the wonder of making friends that they'd never forget, and so much more!
    Over the years, campers came and went, and over time, the camp had fallen to ruin and disuse. The structures began filling with eroding soil and animal waste, the trails became over grown from the lack of use,  facilities began to decay, and the only sounds that filled the lonely canyon were those of thunder and animal. This place, once filled with so much laughter and life, this place, that changed so many lives is the place that has captivated my heart from the tips of the towering pine trees, to the sweet stems of lemon grass along the forest floor. I have been to Camp Mary White for only two weeks total, and I can't imagine my life without it. So, this second home has become the focus of my Gold Award Project.
    One of the Camp Mary White traditions is that all of the girls have nicknames, and real names are not allowed to be used. My camp name is Quiver because I love archery. I love the brush of the feathers on the arrow... the feeling of the bow string taught behind my two first fingers... the vibrating jolt of the bow when the arrow is released... and the sound of the "thunk"  when the arrow hits the target and makes its mark.
     At CMW there is an archery range that is small and very close to the road and main building. When the camp had fallen to disuse as a girl scout camp, it was used for shooting game. The archery range now has multiple rebar poles sticking out of the ground that are hard to see and rather painful when you trip over them(go figure). So in my Gold Award Project, I want to move the archery range higher up the canyon to an area that is more fitting. This means that the archery range will be in a more distant location so that there wont be any stray arrow victims, the range is larger so that some of the girls can challenge themselves more, and restore the previous archery range to a nature site. Since CMW doesn't have any of the needed supplies for archery, I want to get donations from archery supply stores and other stores for needed materials like arrows, bows, targets, arm guards, etc..
     ... Here I go... Wish me luck! ... Also good luck ladies, meaning the other three ladies in my troop that are also going for the gold! We will be successful!