Now I can bike fast!

So, I've been looking at new bikes for a few months now, and I finally caved in. As of Saturday, I am the proud new owner of a Jamis Venture Sport. It's a roadbike, so that means that I can get more bang for the buck (I go a little farther with each pedal stroke). So exciting....my new and shiny bike is so....new....and shiny! Can't wait to get it out on the road some more.

In a Nutshell

Roadtrip? Successful.

Tuesday. We wanted to go camping again before leaving Missoula, as the last time had been when we all went to Glacier last September. Crazy to think that it has been cold since then! Becca, Lindsay, Julia, and I headed up to Seeley Lake (about an hour northeast of Missoula) to find a camping spot. The car was packed and we were ready for adventure! After arriving in Seeley Lake (the town), we were on a search for firewood. After stopping at the grocery store (no firewood there), we headed to Rovero’s, which is the gas station/convenience store/Ace Hardware/pizza shop/deli for the town. Nice. We were sad when we found out that there was again a lack of firewood. Getting ready to leave the parking lot, we noticed a pickup truck across the way with about fifteen pieces of firewood in the back. Firewood! It was a sign from a higher being who wanted us to be warm that night. After slightly arguing over who would go talk to the people in the truck, Becca and Julia received the honor since they were holders of the front seats. Therefore, they had easier access to getting out of the car. Becca and Julia strolled up to the passenger side of the mysterious pickup truck (the driver was inside) and they came across a 12-year-old, smoking a cigarette, with a 2-year-old in his lap. Next to him, in the middle, was a smaller child. The conversation apparently went like this.

Becca (as they get closer to the truck): “You talk, you talk, you talk!”
Julia: “Uh, are your parents here?”
Kid: “My brother’s in the store. I’ll call him.”
Kid (on his hot-pink cell phone, just like mine): “Dude, get out here. Quick.”
The big brother comes out of the store—cutoff sleeveless shirt, athletic shorts…a big boy.
Julia: “We were wondering if we could buy some of your firewood. We’d like $5.00 worth.”
Big Brother (who is oddly playing with his firefighter helmet): “You can have it all if you want.”
Julia: “No, we’ll pay you for it. And we won’t take it all.”
Becca (as the two start gathering pieces out of the back of the truck): “Wow, did you cut this all yourself?” Nice, Becca.

The gals got the firewood we needed, and we headed out to find a campsite. After deciding on Big Larch Campground (the only one open year-round in the area), we found a campsite. Ironically, as we drove into the site we selected, we noticed the huge pile of firewood right next to the fireplace. NICE. We had more than enough. Oh well, we used most of it that night anyways! It was so great, being able to sit around the campfire and not having to worry about homework or anything else. It was so fantastic to just be able to have friend-time and appreciate how much fun we all have. Such great friends. We went on a short hike, where I again became very aware of my fear of bears after we found a deer carcass that was completely mutilated (fur everywhere…). Anyways, we made a nice dinner of spaghetti (Lindsay was the cook) and moved onto S’mores with Reeses Peanut Butter Cups for dessert. This was all while playing a rigorous game of Catchphrase around the fire. A much needed night. We all went to bed around 10:00 and the rain began at about 10:15, lasting through the morning. We would have liked to stay longer and to enjoy breakfast, but we were all cold and wet and therefore headed home towards Missoula. Such a great time. Check out the pictures.

Wednesday. After arriving back from camping, I did a load of laundry while Lindsay went to sell her car (a Yukon that would have cost oodles of money to drive across country). We then picked up the U-Haul and spent the rest of the day packing, packing, packing. I went over to Erin’s for her regular Wednesday evening dinner, and we had such a great time. Friends, friends, friends. The evening turned into a bit of a going-away party though, but it’s all good. I had my last Montana bison burger, made a pyramid with the cohort, and danced my heart out. So great.

Thursday. I packed up the final pieces of my apartment and headed over the Lindsay’s with Jenna (the Jetta). After getting the rest of Lindsay’s stuff packed up, we literally had NO room left in the U-Haul. Irma the U-Haul (dubbed later in the week) was so intricately packed that there was nothing more that could go in. Thank goodness, because we fit everything we needed. Shwoo. Anyways, after picking up coffee (tea for me, but saying “coffee” is just easier) and getting everything packed, we stopped by the second-hand store to drop off unwanted items, the car place to drop off the second key to Lindsay’s former Yukon, and REI to return my darn Chaco’s to get a different size. We finally hit the road around 11:15 AM (only 1.25 hour beyond target time, which is pretty darn good for Missoula-time). Our first day consisted of nine hours of driving (according to Mapquest). However, Jenna was not too happy to be pulling a heavy trailer over a mountain pass. Therefore, our trip on Thursday consisted of at least twelve hours of driving. We arrived in Custer State Park (South Dakota) at midnight-ish, after passing literally over a hundred deer in the ditches on the way into the park. Their eyes glared at us as we drove by. Because Custer’s campgrounds were fully opening on the 16th (and Thursday was the 15th), we really didn’t know where to do. After driving a mile back (Jenna was SO loud, still angry from the mountain pass), we discovered a “Campground Closed” sign. Nice. We headed back to the main road and found a different campground to explore. Thank goodness there was a site open there. We set up my (NEW) tent and got our stuff settled. As my back was killing me (like the last two months or so), Lindsay went to the car to try to find her Aleve. Jenna was pissed. Apparently, her lock sucked in the key like a magnet, and the key got stuck in the driver’s side door. When keys are held down in VWs, all of the windows open. It seemed a bit haunted. Unfortunately, since my back window is broken, I was not happy (because the window dropped down and refused to come up). After getting the key unstuck from the door, I found my Leatherman and tried to use the pliers to fix the window. This was a great idea; however, my pliers were not strong enough and bits of glass began to chip off. Nice. So, we decided to leave the window for the morning. But new dilemma—we had food in the car, but the window was open. Solution (thanks to Lindsay)—we stored our food in the bathroom for the evening. Nice. Don’t worry, we aired it out in the morning before leaving the campsite. Anyways, after getting in the tent (we decided not to put the rainfly on), we began to get a bit creeped out and definitely psyched ourselves out. We kept thinking we were hearing noises in the woods, and we definitely thought someone was “out there”. After much whispering, Lindsay said loudly, “Good thing we have our knives…”. I replied with, “Yeahhhh, good thing.” And then we went to bed. We both almost froze to death from not putting on the rainfly, but we survived. From then until 5:10, when the sun started to shine, I think I probably got about 10 minutes of sleep—or that’s what it felt like at least. We both went back to sleep until about 8:00 and then packed up our campsite. After that night, I’ve decided that I absolutely love my new tent.

Friday. We hit breakfast in Custer State Park (delicious) and then drove the Wildlife Loop. I was SO looking forward to seeing tons of burros, but we really only saw a ton of buffalo (with oodles of calves), antelopes, and a few deer. Sad. Oh well. It was great.
Our next stop on Friday was at Wall Drug. Lindsay had never been there and I thought it was definitely a place that she needed to see. How could anyone not? Ha, such a good time. Basically, we were only there for a half-hour, and we enjoyed some ice cream and bought some fudge to bring to Reid’s.

After Wall Drug, we trekked to Reid’s place in Mission, South Dakota, on the Rosebud Reservation. Reid is a seventh-grade teacher for the school there (he teaches for Teach for America). The reservation was so interesting, and the social problems that exist are ridiculous. Reid said that in his class this past year (keep in mind, seventh grade), there have been five girls that were pregnant. FIVE! That’s a high number, if you couldn’t tell. Just a small picture of the poverty, alcoholism, lack of economic opportunities, etc. that have been basically caused by White people. Great job, United States of America.

Anyways, we had a great time with Reid. We went to Nebraska for the evening (just over the border) and did some hiking and then had dinner and went out with friends to play some competitive Shuffleboard. When I asked for PBR at Bobby’s Bunkhouse (the bar), I basically got laughed at by the owner. What?!?! Ridiculous! I want me some PBR, let’s be real!

Saturday. We wanted to get going somewhat early, so we walked to breakfast (there aren’t many choices for breakfast in this town…no joke). We hit the “Snack Shop” and started ordering before finally asking if they had a breakfast menu. The guy gave us a look like, “Oh yeah…” and switched up our menus. We still enjoyed some milkshakes for breakfast, though, and Reid had some good ol’ nachos. Me, French Toast Sticks straight out of the freezer and Lindsay, a nice breakfast of eggs and toast. Afterwards, we hit the road and made our way to the Corn Palace. What a surprise! I love surprise stops on roadtrips. So great. We continued on and found ourselves in Minnesota, where apparently they don’t pay taxes, as evidenced by the conditions of the roads. Horrible. By this time, our safety chains on the U-Haul had broken about three times. Apparently they were dragging so badly that sparks were appearing behind the U-Haul. We literally had a civilian arrest going on when a woman pulled us off the interstate to tell us about it. We again rigged up the dragging chains with another one of my carabineer keychains, and off we went! Saturday night we spent the night at Grandma’s in Madison. We were so fortunate—Grandma even whipped up some cheese dip and chocolate krispie cookies before we got there (with only three hours notice!). Amazing. It was a great time and good to see her.

Sunday. Sunday morning, we went out to breakfast with Grandma (we tried to buy in appreciation for letting us stay the night, but it was a failed attempt) at Perkins. Lindsay and I hit the road and found ourselves in mucho-backed-up traffic in Chicago. We arrived at her apartment (amazing neighborhood…literally a block from great Mexican food!) and the apartment was great. We were all troopers and got Lindsay’s stuff unpacked from the U-Haul within an hour or two. So great. We spent that night at a potluck with a bunch of Lindsay’s friends. Oh, I love the city.

Monday. Breakfast with Lindsay, and then I hit the road north for Wisconsin! I-94 was under construction literally from Chicago to the state line. It was a bit ridiculous. After going through Milwaukee, I realized that I didn’t really want to get home, so I did some retail therapy at Target and tried to stall. Finally I realized that that method would get very expensive, and I headed home. I got everything unloaded within an hour and returned the U-Haul. Jenna is not too happy after that long drive with Irma. One of her shocks may be busted. We’ll see what they say! Anyways, Monday night I got to have dinner with my dad and Janet (a buffalo burger at the Charcoal Grill….unfortunately I do not think it was “fresh” buffalo). But I got to see Eric, Clarissa, and the twins afterwards, which was really great.

Roadtrip Pictures HERE.

Tuesday. I spent the day running errands around town, going to the gym, and unpacking. Tuesday night, I thought I should socialize, so I decided to go to a softball and volleyball game with Alison. It was not good. Not only was it freezing cold, but I have never seen so much anger in one area. It was a bunch of stupid, Midwestern, “I’m so macho”, “I don’t know how to control my anger”, “I take it out on everyone else”, “I don’t know how to have fun at a not-serious-softball-game” men (no offense to anyone). I literally have never seen so much anger pent up in one location. I was so frustrated. That is not how I choose to live my life, and therefore I will not endorse it anymore. I don’t think it’s funny, and I don’t think it’s healthy. It makes me wonder…if this is a group of people that can’t even control their tempers (why do people even need tempers anyways???), what really goes on when something that is actually bad happens? Uh, I was frustrated with everything. I feel out of place and alone. I went home and made macaroni and cheese, tea, and red wine (well, I didn’t make the wine…just drank it). Frustrating. I even cried a bit. This may be a long summer. Alas.

Wednesday. Amy and Adam had their baby (on Tuesday)!!!!! Congratulations!!!! Audrey Jo Weber was 7 pounds, 7 ounces, and she is oh-so-cute. I was able to visit the family on Wednesday at the Appleton Medical Center on my way up to the cottage. She is adorable! Great work, Amy and Adam. Way to put your genes together for the betterment of society J. Love it, and it was so great to see Amy and Adam as well. Afterwards, I headed up north with Derby, Jenna, and Bertha (the bike rack) and have been hanging out since. My mom, Alison, Scott, and Kim are all coming up tonight for a fantastic weekend.

Thursday. On a bike ride that was only going to be 10-15 miles, I biked exactly 50 miles roundtrip from St. Germain to Boulder Junction. My knee is pretty sore today, so I think I will head home and throw some ice on it. Other than that, Derby and I have just been enjoying some time together and hanging out. I finished The OC Season 3 as well! I’ll be mailing it to Lindsay to watch next. The OC, so good.

Sorry this post has been somewhat disorganized, rambling, and LONG. Oops. My bad. Love to all.

Zero to Sixty in 1.5. Minutes.

So, just an update that I have made it to the midwest safe and sound. Lindsay and I reached Chicago on Sunday and unloaded our trailer in record time. I came home to Manitowoc on Monday - yay! More on the roadtrip later, as right now, I am SO busy (you know, when not being busy at all makes you feel like you don't have time to do anything...). Love to all.

Additions to the Outline

So, I am still in Missoula and doing well. Happy Mother's Day to all you moms, grandmas, aunts, teachers, and all those spectacular women out there that serve as moms in some sense! After this semester's hugabaloo, how nice it is to have an entire Sunday to do whatever I want! No schoolwork, no deadlines, no appointments. So nice. I promised yesterday that I would let you all know what I am up to, and thank goodness I survived our bear attack last night! More on that later.

May 1st - SURPRISE! New and unexpected homework assignment...
Last Thursday, we were all abuzz and in great moods to celebrate our last day of class for the semester! Well, we still had one more "class" during finals week that involved people giving presentations of their papers for the semester (since I presented at the Graduate Research Conference, I was exempt from the paper...), but for the most part, classes were done. Thank goodness. Classes and work were done, that is, until our professor gave us an 8-page paper to do as a final on the last day of class! Our response, clearly, was, "What? Uh...no, you can't give us a paper to do on the last day of class." Unfortunately, since there was a small notice about some sort of final exam (last semester in the same class, it was a small discussion) and since we had been completing our evaluations of the program and somewhat complaining that we have not been challenged nearly enough, our teacher thought it would be a great idea to challenge us on the last day of class. It was one big "Hah!" at the end. Well, not appreciated! We all, however, bit it and got it done. Julia and I did an impeccable job (we worked in partners) on designing programs for a Brazilian neighborhood that we've never been to, never researched, and where we don't know a soul. Great "real-life" exercise. Hah.

May 2nd - IYFD Retreat

Last week Friday, we had our IYFD retreat at Granite Hot Springs in the Bitterroot. It was amazing. We all had the chance to get together and appreciate our faculty and each other. We had a gigantic potluck with so much great food that we were not even close to finishing it. Our accommodations for the evening were a cute little cabin alongside a creek that ran through the property. We had a sleepover!!!!! The next morning, those of us who were still around went on a great hike and picked up tons of ticks! Yuck.....even after checking over each other a few times and shaking out our clothes, Kendra still picked one off my neck as I was driving. Gross. Check out the pictures. Also, for faculty appreciation, we split into groups and each got a different faculty member. Our group got to appreciate Otto, and we decided to spell out his name, snap a picture, and frame an 8 x 10. The picture turned out amazing!

May 2nd - May 11th - REI Sale - wahooooo
Yay! Because I heart REI and because their sale began, I bought a new tent, a pair of Chaco's, a backpack cover, a pack towel, etc. Good times. Now I am just waiting for it all to arrive in the Missoula store. It better get here before Wednesday!!! I feel so outdoorsy, and somewhat more prepared for the Philippines, as I will bring all of it with me - yay!

May 8th - Finals done!

So, this past Thursday marked the last last last day of class...for real. No more surprise assignments, deadlines, or presentations. (Well, besides my professional project, but let's just pretend that there are no deadlines for that.....). We were so sad. Okay, really, we were not sad to be done with classes.

May 8th - Last cohort night

So, Thursday night in celebration of classes being done with, we went out to celebrate some great friendships. Kendra and Matthew left on a two-week roadtrip the day after, and since Lindsay and I are leaving for the midwest this week, it was the last time our cohort will be together! So sad. Considering the absolutely amazing friendships I have made here, I am so sad that it will be awhile before we're all together again...if we are. Anyways, Thursday night we had a splendid evening. We all dressed up (like, dressed up.....not Missoula-style dressed up) and went out to the Kettlehouse, the Red Bird, Biga Pizza, and Al's & Vic's. Some of our favorites! Feel free to check out the pictures if you dare. They get a little rowdy at the end. Such great friends.

May 10th - Farmer's market, 406 shirt, Joshua's birthday party

Saturday morning was just a fantastic morning in Missoula. Since Lindsay and I are leaving on Thursday, we wanted to make sure to hit the Farmer's Market one last time (and for the first time this season, unfortunately). So sad, because summer in Missoula is amazing. It's just the winter that sucks! Good to know, for any of you who might ever visit Missoula. Anyways, no purchases at the farmer's market besides a lovely Chai Tea (might as well treat myself). The market was crazy though because of graduation weekend (everyone's parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, friends, etc. were in town - no joke!). I bet the population of Missoula doubled for the weekend. After, we headed to the Artisan's Market two blocks down to check out the goods. Good thing, because Lindsay and I were able to purchase our matching 406 shirts to wear on the roadtrip home. For those of you who don't know, 406 is the area code for the entire state of Montana. That's right, ladies and gentlemen. All that land is covered simply by one area code. This is because less people live in the entire state of Montana (957,861) than in the metropolitan area of Milwaukee (about 1.1 million). So, now we have 406 shirts to wear on the roadtrip! Wahoo! Saturday evening, we were invited to camp in the Rattlesnake in celebration of Joshua's 30th birthday. As we were all tired (Julia, Lindsay, and I), we decided not to camp but to hike up there anyways. So, we headed to the Rattlesnake trailhead and hiked the three miles to the campsite. As I am slightly afraid of darkness (outside), bears, and walking through the woods....it would make sense that I would be scared out of my mind of being attacked by bears as we walked through the woods in the dark. Well, after spending some time at the campfire eating Rice Krispie treats, we decided that we better get back to the car (it was 10:30, so as you can imagine, it was pretty darn dark out. Eeeeeek. The good news is that there were no bear encounters or attacks. However, there was one point where we were walking past an open field, and I turned to shine the headlamp, and there were reflections of little beady eyes looking back at us. There must have been at least ten pair of eyes. I have no clue what they were - perhaps deer? Who knows? But, we made it back safely, thank goodness. We also had a great time celebrating Joshua's birthday!

May 11th (today!)- Happy Mother's Day and Happy Birthday to Alison!

Miscellaneous - GUTS! and AmeriCorps hours done (Helloooooo, $1000!). MAC volunteering done. Potlucks, potlucks, potlucks.
Yes, I have finished my AmeriCorps hours at the YWCA, completing a total of about 305 hours throughout the year in the GUTS! program and the Pathways program as a children's advocate. As soon as the paperwork is finished, I will be awarded my $1000 education award that I'll be able to use toward future tuition and/or loan payments. Nice. Community service pays off in more ways than one. For the closing of my service, I was required to write a "Great Story" for AmeriCorps that explains what my year of service was all about. Check it out at the end of this posting. I've also finished my hours at Missoula AIDS Council. All in all, I completed more than 90 hours. Wow, and it was amazing experience. I absolutely loved it. Annnnd, finally, more potlucks! All the time, more potlucks. My dad is worried that I'll go through potluck withdrawal once I leave Montana. It may be true.

The upcoming week.

Today and tomorrow, I am trying to get my life in order before taking off on Thursday. We've rented a U-Haul to be pulled behind Jenna the Jetta. Hopefully she will be able to do the work! We'll be planning our itinerary for the way home tomorrow, so then we'll know more about what we'll be doing, where we're going, etc. Tuesday night, we'll head up to Seeley Lake to go camping for the evening. I've heard it's beautiful - don't worry, I'll take pictures. Wednesday, we'll return and pack up our lives, hang out with people one last time, and ya know, maybe cry a little. Thursday, I'll head over to Lindsay's with the car and U-Haul and we'll pack up her belongings. Cross your fingers that there will be enough room! So, that's what it looks like! Eek. Sad. But I can't wait to see ya'll in Wisconsin.

Great Story

“Are you a children’s advocate?” The little face popped out from the doorway as I entered the shelter. The smile across his face was beautiful, and it was clear that he was ready for some play time.

“Mayyyyyybe,” I replied, returning a big smile. By his smirk, it was obvious that he knew what I was there for—fun, games, movies, walking, going to the park, or anything that is supposed to constitute and be part of a typical childhood.

With that, he replaced his glasses on his face—glasses that were attached to a fake large nose and bushy mustache. “Look at me!”

“Where’d you go? I don’t see you anymore? Has anyone seen him?” I teased.

“I’m right here!!! We went to the dollar store today, and mom bought me this mask!” he said confidently.

“Wow, it’s really cool! Can I try them on?” With a reassuring look, he handed over the glasses. Once I had them on, I could not stop his giggles.

My time spent at the YWCA at Missoula has been split between working as a children’s advocate at the Pathways Shelter for abused women and children and as a co-facilitator for a middle school GUTS! (Girls Using Their Strengths!) group at Washington Middle School. Through both programs, I have seen significant changes in the kids that I have worked with. In GUTS!, I have formed relationships with girls in the program who may not have other female mentors or examples of female success within their own lives. I have helped the girls to identify their own strengths and values, set goals, and accept challenges. Through working with two other amazing co-facilitators, I have learned the value of teamwork and collaboration to truly relate to each girl within the group. Guiltily, I may have learned more through my GUTS! experience than our sixth-grade girls did, but I graciously realize that ultimately it is these activities that they participate in now that will truly make a difference later in their lives.

As a children’s advocate, I have done weekly “Circle of Peace” groups that are open to any child who has experienced domestic violence or abuse within the Missoula community. I have also conducted weekly “Movie Nights” at the YWCA shelter, where women and their children may reside for up to 60 days. While giving up my Friday nights was at first daunting, it helped me to see into the window of families and women who do not plan their week based on their social events, who are striving each day to find a job and provide for their children, and who truly love their children but sometimes just do not have any experience in successful parenting. Through working in both the children’s groups and at the shelter, I have learned about the drastic affects of domestic violence on both children and abused partners. As my heart reaches out to these children each week, I have learned a lot about myself as well. Through working with those who have experienced domestic violence, I have gained an awareness, but not an understanding, of an issue that is so complex and confusing from an outsider’s perspective.

It is this awareness and care that has kept me coming back each week to watch movies, play games, and simply hang out with the children. I love when they have a new mask to show me, or a new game to play, or a movie that they really want to see. They keep me grounded and show me what is truly important in life.

Alas. I am here.

Blogging by Lynn will occur tomorrow. To make sure I am covering everything I want to, here is a short outline:

1. May 1st - SURPRISE! New and unexpected homework assignment...
2. May 2nd - IYFD Retreat
3. May 2nd - May 11th - REI Sale - wahooooo
4. May 8th - Finals done!
5. May 8th - Last cohort night
6. May 10th - Farmer's market, 406 shirt, Joshua's birthday party
7. May 11th (tomorrow....blog day) - Happy Mother's Day and Happy Birthday to Alison!
8. Miscellaneous - GUTS! and AmeriCorps hours done (Helloooooo, $1000!). MAC volunteering done. Potlucks, potlucks, potlucks.
9. The upcoming week.