I got a lot in these past few days. And you know how people say there's no bad time to start working out? Well I slightly disagree. Since I work at the Y I now have access to a gym, which I am so thankful for! I figured no time like the present to get back into lifting weights, so Sunday I benched and did shoulders and back and Monday legs and then ran. I think I may have been too gun-ho, because I am really freakin' sore. And normally it would be a good sore, but I have to keep up with teenage boys and I can barely get off the couch! I guess it's a good thing there aren't any couches in the woods.
I also remembered today that I told some of the boys I would bring them some books. Get this, the boys in my group have discovered a love for reading and writing. WHAT ARE THE CHANCES?! Seriously, I may not have all the crazy adventure, rock climbing, white water rafting, sky diving, stories that earn the other staff points, but I get to connect with teenage boys over reading and writing. Let me say that again... teenage boys - reading and writing. Yeah, it's like I'm using my college degree, who would've thought?! So I decided that I would check out the used book store. Unfortunately my 3-4 BOXES of books are being safely stored in my parent's basement. Pity. But I found a couple that might work and used book stores are pretty cheap. Here's the trick, I get to give the boys a challenge to earn the books! So I'll be scheming of challenges on my drive tomorrow morning.
Most of the staff have some musical instrument that they will bring into the field with them: flutes, weird other country instruments, even a guitar. The students love it because one thing they miss the most is music. It can be a great tool. So I also had started thinking of what I could learn and bring that wouldn't add too much weight. I landed on the Ukulele. Small and pretty cool, too. So naturally I started trying to figure out how I could get one in my possession. Unfortunately I didn't start thinking about this until this afternoon. I passed a pawn shop on my run the other day and figured that might be a good place to start. Instead of being an intelligent human being and I don't know, calling the shop to ask if they had one, I decided to take a walk. I quickly learned that I had run a lot further than I remembered and that jeans was a bad wardrobe choice on a very warm day in NC. On the way to my destination I passed an actual music store, so I stopped in even just to get inside somewhere. The nice sales man showed me all the choices I had and was really helpful! I learned that Ukuleles start right around $40. Whaaaaat?! But it's so tiny!? I was not about to spend that money because I am my father's daughter after all and chances were I could find a used one elsewhere. So I told the man I was still looking around and reluctantly headed back out into the sun. I was glistening with sweat when I had arrived at the pawn shop only to learn they did not have one. I'm sure you can image my disappointment. I lingered in the store that had glorious air conditioning before braving the trek back. I was very much dripping when I got back to my apartment and definitely grumbling. But I directed my frustration to the interwebs! Surly there had to be something on Craigslist. Nope! Not for under $40. Well... EBAY! Closer, except I was definitely skeptical of the ones that were more reasonable priced. What's the point of paying less if it is just going to break when you open the box? Amazon? No luck. Other pawn shops in Asheville? This time I got smart and used my phone first. Both had some! Neither under $45. So the moral of the story is that I don't have a Ukulele, walking sucks, and if you want to donate to my Ukulele fund I am now accepting all forms of payment. (that's only half a joke)
In other news my neighbor has taken to sitting on my porch. I am less than enthused about this but still figuring out what to do about it because I like having internet and he might get offended and take back my sweet deal if I tell him to scram. Also he waters my plans when I'm gone. I might just have to share.
Speaking of plants! Check it out! As you can see my tomato plant is growing up so fast! And oh my melons! Look at that beautiful vining plant. My butterfly flower decided to bloom again, which I'm very happy about as well. Neither of the plants have produced tomatoes or cantaloupe, but maybe when I get back.
Anyway, it is about time for me to turn in. I already have my packs packed and ready to go, my apartment cleaned and ready for my return, and my plants watered. So tomorrow I will go on my fifth shift, as ready as I can be for whatever awaits. When you think of me pray for me and the boys I'm working with.
Until next time, enjoy your beds and couches. They are a luxury.
Oh yeah, I took this picture when I was wandering today. One of the benefits of walking I guess.
It's kinda cool. I like it :)
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