Conflicted

I went backpacking on Friday night with a bunch of young college kids. They kicked my ass on the trail. I was definitely the old lady of the group.
We went on the East side of Zion, and it was very pretty. I have some pretty nice gear, but the sleeping pads they make for backpackers are for shit. I know I could get something comfy-er, but that would add like 10 extra pounds on my pack and take up too much room. But you'd think that if we can put people in a space shuttle and take them to the moon, we could make a lightweight yet soft and comfy sleeping pad for backpackers. I swear my hips were aching within an hour of laying there. Then I had strange dreams that Kiri had brought home two dogs and I was worrying about how to take care of all the animals.
The next morning I woke up and found that a mouse or a squirrel had chewed on the sucky tube on my camel pack that I had JUST purchased last week. Damn rodents.
Oh, the funniest part was when I woke up in the middle of the night and I had to pee. I crawled out of my tent and walked what I thought was a good distance from the campsite. I didn't bring a headlamp, so I thought I was peeing next to a big black rock. I was mid-stream, when the rock started to snore. I was totally urinating next to one of the college kids tents. I felt kind of stupid, but I also had to chuckle.
On the way back to the trailhead, we saw 6 bighorn sheep. That was awesome.
I stopped on the way home and bought a 32 oz Mt. Dew and some Cheetos. Then I went to Becca's house and gorged myself on veggies and dip.
It was a pretty good weekend.

I'm a Super Star

I look kinda scared in the top photo. But hey! Free Beer!

The above pictures are of my two wonderful cats. The all black one is Bella (Kiri named her after the girl in the Twilight series). And the black and white one is Furball (I didn't name him really. When I got him, they said his name was Verbal, but I thought they said Furball, and that is unfortunately the name he comes to). I am sleep deprived and have no make-up, so don't look at me, look at the kitty cuteness.

I got an award at work today. It's called a Star Award. Cuz I'm a Star. That's right, you heard me. A STAR. And it came with a good chunk of moola. Made me feel good, as I haven't gotten an award in a while. It made me feel like this year of hell was actually worth it, and people realize that I do a darn good job. I love my job, and I'm proud of what I do.

So anyway, I'll feel like a star for about a day, then it will be back to the grindstone.

My smoke and tack wagon bit the dust. The red explorer is now scrap metal. So, I now have nothing to smoke in nor haul my horse tack in. I'm debating on what to buy. I would LOVE a motorcycle, but I can't drive it in the winter. I will probably get some kind of small car. I looked at Mini-Coopers, but damn they're expensive. No way that will happen. Maybe a little honda or toyota.

Just like X-Files

I just watched the pilot of the tv show "Fringe". It was good. I liked it. I also could predict just about every plot line, but then I'm a huge geek and watch way too much sci-fi for my own good. It reminded me a lot of X-files. Or twilight zone. But all in all quite enjoyable.
I have to go back to work tomorrow after 7 days off. I don't feel ready. I didn't do any of the projects I had assigned for myself during this mini vaycay. Oh, well. I enjoyed the down time. I watched a lot of movies and tv on dvd. I re-read the Fellowship of the Ring, and will start on the Two Towers next. I usually read the trilogy every year, cuz again Big Geek.
When I scheduled my time off from work, everyone asked me what I was going to do, and if I was going anywhere fun. It made me feel a little silly taking time off to read and watch movies. Like it was a waste of good vacation time. But I don't have the funds to travel over seas, so this, in my mind is the next best thing.
So, raise your glass to all of the hermits in the world, and the Big Geeks. We prove that you don't have to go to Mexico to have a fabulous vacation.

remember me, the crazy lady?

So, I guess I'm back. I had to do something so that last post wasn't the last you ever heard of me. Things are better. Not great but better. I don't drink so much anymore, though I still haven't kicked the smoking habit. There is always such good excuses to keep on puffing.
I moved into a new little house, which I adore. Now if my teenager would just pick up after herself, I would invite friends over more often. But I'm tired of being a maid to my child. I had a child solely for the purpose to fetch and carry for me and force her to do menial tasks. But alas, it is I that fetches, carries, cleans, cooks, shops and provides endless entertainment for the teen. It's just not right. I did all those things for my parents and I have earned the servitude of my child for at least 18 years. Such is life.
That reminds me of a quote from a tv show I have been watching lately. The show is "Weeds" and the main character, the suburban queen of bud, has just told her dealer that something wasn't fair. The dealer turns and says "fare is what you pay to get on the bus. That's the only fare I know of."
I have also been watching "Dexter", "Battlestar Galactica", "Tudors" and "MXC" all thanks to the magic that is netflix. I got rid of my satellite dish and now just watch DVD's when I am bored. I LOVE IT!
Well, I hope all you bloggers and friends have a good night. It's 2 a.m. and I need a smoke.
Love ya.