Shots and Christmas

Thursday keeps getting closer. Only two days away now, and for whatever reason I don't feel very stressed about it. Still no place to live, but I definitely have options to check out when I arrive in Asheville. And on a positive note, things seems to be getting accomplished. But will I be ready by the time Thursday comes around? Doubt it. However as I was sitting in the doctors office this morning (don't worry we will revisit this topic shortly) I found myself with a few minutes and pulled out my book. SIDE NOTE: I believe one should always carry a book with them because when most of us are presented with a few moments to spare what is the typical solution? Technology. Now I'm not putting myself on a pedestal, I, more times than not, am guilty of this too. But I find it so much more rewarding when I have a book than scrolling through Facebook. SIDE NOTE OVER. Just as before I am reading "All the Places To Go" by John Ortberg and once again something stood out that seems relevant: "The truth is you don't know what you can do until you actually do it. 'Ready' comes faster if you're already moving. If you wait until you're fully ready; you'll wait until you die. Jesus doesn't say, 'Go; you're ready.' He says, 'Go; I'll go with you.'" Oh, ok. Wait, what?! Oh man, talk about a reassurance. That isn't saying that Jesus doesn't want me to do everything that I can to prepare myself, but I am walking into an open door that I don't entirely know what is on the other side. But good news: I'm not going alone. 

Back to the doctor office. As mentioned, I am getting things done. Today I got a shot. And was confirmed that I had another shot some time ago that still is good and preventing bad things. I clearly was listening carefully. I also learned that I have excellent blood pressure as well as a great resting heart rate. Then it took two bottles of water and I managed to pee in a cup, which will soon tell the doctors I don't do drugs and then they can fax my paper work down so I am one step closer being cleared to work! I took two lolly pops, one for todays' shot and one for the one I had awhile back. 

And then off to REI because I was still in need of a couple things for my new lifestyle. Then REI came to me! Via the mail. As did my wonderful sister-in-law, Kendra! 

As you can see my stuff is growing (many items not pictured). I am so excited to be able to use my new Gregory Deva 60L pack, in the stylish Egyptian Blue. I also highly recommend REI's Sahara Roll-Up pants. The material is light, breathable and basically feels like a tougher form of yoga pants, a definite plus in my book. Patagonia makes an appearance in the form of a Capilene long sleeve shirt: Black, obviously. The tag said it was made with a fabric that prevents odor... I'll let you know if it works after 8 days hiking and sweating in the woods. Probably my absolute favorite item in the picture are my La Sportiva hiking boots. These babies mean business! Complete with Gore-Tex and Vibram, these are by far the most comfortable hiking boots I have ever owned. Drop the pretty penny for them, you won't regret it! I want to thank Kendra for the Marmot rain pants. I am so excited to NOT GET WET wearing them! Black Diamond makes great products, they are the makers of my head lamp and also (not pictured) my climbing harness. The North Face contributes to the pile in form of sleeping bag: Wasatch 20 degree down bag and rain coat. Both gray, what a quality color and company! Lastly, I also recently got a REI compression stuff sack to stuff my sleeping bag in and a REI sleeping pad: Woman's Trekker 1.75. So that is my pile of stuff, and I already love it dearly. I will keep you posted as I am sure it will continue to grow!

Well thanks for sitting through yet another blog post. I still don't know if I'm doing this right, but I figure writing something can't be that far from wrong. Also, any suggestions on gear, please let me know! I am always looking for suggestions and recommendations! 

Until next time, may Christmas always follow after you get shot.... or something like that?