Visual-ization of some of my summer!

   So the first picture is of me on my last field day down at the waterfront. We have numerous swimming activities where the Trackers seem to dominate. I would just repeatedly yell "SWIM, SWIM, SWIM!" It worked! You can see 3 stripes of red paint on my face. These symbolize some of our ideals. I can't spill the beans its our secret!

   Second picture is of me and one of my friends Matt. It was taken in San Antonio on our first small break in between sessions of first term. Not the one where I came home but, the one before that. Texas is in one of the worst dry seasons it's seen. So pretty much everywhere is under a burn ban and Smokey the bear is BACK! So we were pumped and had to get our picture with one of the ads.

   The picture after is from this past week. We have a history and heritage night. This is most all of us guy guides that were dressed the part. We had a fake shotgun wedding and this as the grooms men. It was a blast! And of course I was able to put my Montana goodies to use again! Thanks bro!

    Next is a picture from the beginning of the summer. This was a ramp we have for Mt. boarding. Its like a off-road skateboard. So of course I decided that I had to take my bike off the ramp. These people should know that you can't put a ramp somewhere and then expect me to stay away from it. So I jumped some mt. bikes off of it. We no longer have the ramp because to many kids were hurt. However, some kids tore it up and were amazing off the ramp!

   And last but not least is a picture of me with my pirate flag. I flew this flag all summer down at my treehouse. Then we had to start raising the flag and my cabin decided to raise it on the main flag pole. It has become my trademark around here. I travel 900 + miles from home and I only took the essentials as you can see. My flag that Jac got me for my birthday a few years back! Thanks Jac it has been put to good use and gotten me through tougher times. When I see the flag flying high it reminds me of how lucky I really am and where I come from! 

   Just thought you all would like some new pics of your boy! Times here are good. Having a few issues with kids. Thats normal. They are starting to miss home and ready to be done. They've been away for a month so its expected. The staff is starting to loose energy and ready to be done. But, this is nothing new to me. I've worked at camps so long that I knew it was going to happen. I believe that I am going to Dallas again this weekend to pick up kids for our last term. I get to go to a hotel with a pool, free wi-fi, and continental breakfast! LOVE IT! I think I say yes so I can be back to civilization for a little while. I get to go with a co worker so it should be a little more enjoyable. Not to mention I'm not sick!

    So that is my update. I have the rest of this week then next week and I'm heading back to MO! I'm pumped to be back. I will be helping out and volunteering with the High school mens soccer team again! So that will be fun and give me something to look forward to daily and what not. You know I can't get away from the game that I love! Just like my famiy, I can't stay away...miss and love you all to much! Miss you and love you all. Hope all is well back home and I'll be back soon! 

   Love,

       Keaton

Unpredictable

So it was a crazy couple of days since my birthday to oh well today or so. First off I want to thank everybody for the birthday cards and gifts, from comic strips, to singing red-headed hamsters, you all brightened my day and made it so so so much better.

I was a lil sick on Friday but, it wasn't a big deal. Saturday after closing ceremony I had to drive the camp suburban and a trailer to Dallas. This about a 6 hour drive and goes through San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas. I stayed downtown Dallas so I had to drive with a trailer through all the greatness of big city traffic! I was a pro no worries!

Saturday was a long trip and the sickness wasn't terrible. Sunday I crashed hard! I could tell it was bad. I toughed it out and picked up three kids in Dallas and three more in Austin. By the time I hit San Antionio (still and hour and a half from camp) I could tell I was hurting and needed to be done. But, we made it back safe and I went straight to the health lodge. Slept all day Sunday and through the day Monday after having to get taken to the doctor to see if I had the flu. No worries I didn't!

So I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things and trying to figure out my meds that I am on. Sometimes I feel great and normal and the next second I feel like I'm just as sick as I was. Its crazy and I'm just ready to be back to normal and finish out the camp session strong. I miss mt. biking and just want to be able to do my thing here as my time comes to an end.

I can't tell you all how thankful I am for your support and cards and birthday wishes made my day and week. I wish I was able to talk to you all more regularly and actually had cell phone service. I'm not dependent on the phone but, I can't tell you how much I woulda loved to have actually called to thank you for the cards and gifts. So I thank you so very very much. I love you all and can't wait to be home. Right now the plan is to be back around the 17th of August. 

Well I have to run to work the office. Miss you all and love you!

Doing some Laundry

So, it has been an epic last week or so and I have a few great stories to tell. First off there is some information that needs to be let out so you get it. There is a line from a movie saying: "I like to party." Pretty simple concept right? Well not around kids we can't say that. So me being the clever person I am remixed it to "Let's do some Laundry." or "I like to do laundry." Here at camp that translates to: I like to party.

So I was swamped doing some work for the newsletter and needed my time on the mt. bike. Possibly my newest found passion. I realized my addiction after almost not getting to ride and knowing that I was sitting behind a desk when I could have been riding. So my co-guide comes in and tells me I have to hit this trail...it just rained a couple hours previously and it was "epic." So from my college days I've learned personal time is a must and putting things off that probably should be put off would find a way to get done. So I peaced out on the office and decided to hit the trail!

We were pumped to ride and had lots of energy. We were pushing the kids pretty hard and were riding fast and "Living the Dream." (another one of my favorite sangs) We were riding hard and my co-guide was leading and did a bunny hop (jumped the bike with out a jump) over a lil hump. No biggie right? WRONG! Blew the tire on landing and ate it hard. (fell on his face) I didn't see the whole thing and joked around with him until I was closer and could see his face....lets just say it wasn't pretty. Blood was everywhere and just was a nasty site. 

We kept the kids calm and had him go back. He wouldn't take my bike and let me walk his. He picked up his bike and says " Thats what we call living the dream kids. Now have fun and do some laundry!' As blood is spitting out with each word. NASTY! So we continue on. A kid gets a flat so my other guide carries that kids bike and I have 13 kids on my own leading them on the trail. Lets just say it was a good think I like to procrastinate. 

Ends up the guy had to go to the ER and get 8 stitches. He was back the very next morning for church and our mt. bike class. This dude is a beast! It was indeed a day of "doing laundry" both in literal and our form or communication.

I will also be traveling to Dallas this Saturday staying in a hotel on camps dime and getting up to pick up kids to bring them back for the next session. I'll have cell phone service and time to myself! LOVE IT! I have to pick up a few in Dallas then some more in Austin. Should be an interesting trip. I also talked to them about my position and not being able to do both jobs. We'll see where that takes me. I just hope it doesn't screw somebody else over. Not trying to make anybody mad around here. I need to figure out how to tell them that I will not be wanting to stick around after summer. I've made my decision up to come back and get my masters. Just think its the best decision I could make right now. I miss spending time with my family and friends. There is a lot that will soon be going on that I couldn't imagine missing. I mean I have yet to visit Jac at school in session....LAME! Samantha told me "Happiness should be a manor of travel, not the destination." Which is so right. I was in search of happiness as an end result when I should be happy now and happiness will come. 

So I'll be back to DO SOME LAUNDRY! And of course study and be a good kid! Love and miss you all!

Back in Saddle...not really

So after an amazing trip back to the wonderful world of Missouri I was quickly tossed back into the swing of camp. I was shocked when I had a cabin, got my Division Advisor job and a full schedule of classes. This is simply not what I was looking for. I have twice the responsibility as well as still having a cabin. The expectations seem to be too hight for what they think one person can do. 

I can't look over three cabins and have my own cabin...simply just can't do it. We had one that couldn't handle it and so Im not sure of how or why I'm expected to. Anyways enough about that. I've had a few phone interviews or looking at my second for a job and have thought long and hard about going back to school. Very well could happen to where I'm looking at getting my masters degree.

My new kids are great however. They are older and just basically like friends that are a little bit younger than me. I don't have to do much of anything and only ask them a few times to do whatever it is needed that they do. Life is still good but, I think that this meeting of Texas will soon be another chapter in my life and simply that of being a meet and greet and a sweet home return to where I can figure out my life...just gotta tell the peeps down here that my heart is not in Texas...just not my style. Maybe its the sun and my sensitive skin...who knows!

Everythings bigger in Texas...even the HEAT!

So My time here is still going wonderfully. The first term is coming to an end. The kids have been here for a month and some for two weeks. As most would expect the kids are starting to get anxious to get home and see their family as the staff is ready for a break and a breather from everything. I mean we do work 7 days a week.

The time here is great but, time off is one of great desire. We get a few nights off a term (two weeks) and an afternoon off. This time seems to fly as quickly as the days with the kids pass. I recently went to town with a few peers and enjoyed some non camp food and enjoyed being in a new environment. Wal-Mart is still annoying as all get out to be in!

But, I get July 5th through the 10th off and Have recently booked a flight back home. I'm sure my time back home will be stacked with visiting friends and family and will be shorter then I could ever imagine. I am so very excited to see everybody again. I will be home then and at the end of the summer either for good or to pack up and come back down to Texas for the internship. So far things seem to be in place and look fine. Just have to decide on what I want. 

The camp here is ran very differently and sometimes I like the way its ran and sometimes I question it. Just normal thoughts and wanting to make sure that I make the right decision with what I want to do with my life. I am still looking for jobs and have recently been in contact with a friend that works for Yahoo. We'll see where that goes and what the best opportunity is for me professionally and personally when the path comes. Everything happens for a reason.

I live day by day and focus on only a few things. Me having fun and making sure my kids have fun! So far that is a success and I have learned a lot about myself and life from my time here. So all in all things are great and a success! I hope you enjoy the few pics of the recently sprinkler party we had, a picture of me coaching (with a lacrosse helmet on), and history and heritage night...I got to be a cowboy brander!

Montana--a few photos worth your time!

BLOB PARTY!

So today I found out that my kids won cabin clean up for the first term (1A). Which for us equals...blob party! We will get a picnic and then blob during rest period! I could not be more excited to launch little guys into the air and watch them plummet in the water. Hopefully, it doesn't involve a face first or anything scary. We have lifeguards...should be fine!

My kids are the best, this session seems to be a little more out of control just because of a few new kids and then the others that will be here for a month are more and more comfortable. I envision some crazyness with them being here that long. I'm sure they will be ready to get outta here and visit home. I'll admit now I will miss some of them and ready to wave goodbye to others. However, I feel that in someway I am making a difference and have seen my boys already start to grow and develop self esteem. So I feel very good about that.

As you all know I'm going for this internship and I am hoping that it happens. I've met my future roomies and enjoy every minute I get to be around them. They are radical! We seem to get along great and have a lot in common. I've convinced one of the interns to put "No Excuses" on the backside of her name tag. So every chance we get when we tell someone to do something we rock the backside of the name tag and simply tell them No excuses. It's a lot cooler then my words can put on here. 

As I've started mt. biking on a regular basis I feel the urge to purchase a bike. If this happens it could be bad. There could possibly go my first check. Ohh the life and times of me...the bike would be legit tho! And I could rock some trails. We'll see if that really happens. 

Anyways I miss you all and will get back to you next time something amazing happens and can write about it. Tonight I get to use my boots and hat that I got in Montana with Ryan. Were doing a history and heritage night. Basically like an old western themed night doing things like having  bandits, branding, old photos and etc. Should be a great time. I'm gonna be doing some branding...hopefully not any children get in my our way...could be a bad news experience. Miss you all and hope all is well. Can't wait to talk to you soon!

Been a couple

So I know it has been a couple of days. After I got back from Montana I really had to hit the ground running. I don't really have time to explain all these cool events that have happened since then so I figured a bulleted list would be fine? I hope so because here it goes.

• Crew won term 1A (won field day = big deal. Came down to me and other crew leader to win the race. I Michael Phelps'd the finish where he just yelled and flexed with his arms down. The famous picture of him after their relay win....yea pretty much the same level as winning field day.)
• Visited San Antonio again to just chill and get away on some of my free time off.
• Getting my new schedule and cabin boys today!
• My boys won skit night! BOOYA! I set that up.

So there have been an epic last couple of days and what not here at camp. Been super busy and don't see that getting any easier or less busy. I'm going to gun to be a Division Advisor for the second term. Trying to get all of that figured out and do all of that. I think it'd be a great opportunity and gonna see what I can do with what I get. So far I am pumped for this next session and see where this next term will take us. Miss you all.

Montana

 So Montana has come and gone. I can't explain and say enough about it. I was left speechless and couldn't do the trip justice with out being in person to describe it. I can't post enough pictures and didn't take enough to capture the beauty and amazement of the trip.

Day one was filled with travel and amazing gifts and sights of the Montana skyline filled with Mountains. We socialized, sorted our free stuff, and caught each other up on what we've been up to. 

Day two we did sport shooting, mountain biking, and the off road experience. The experience was great we got behind the wheel of H1 hummers and pushed them to the max. We're talking two wheels off the ground and all sorts of obstacles like logs and ditches.

Day three we hit up Yellowstone. We drove around and saw two grizzly bears, and several elk, and the wonders of Yellowstone. Then we ended up with the "Big Sky Party." We exchanged e-mails with friends we met and had a good time.

The last day was a sad long day. We flew out around 1 o'clock and then hung out in Denver for a few then split our ways. That was a very very tough goodbye watching the bro board the plane closer to home home as I go to fly solo back to Texas. That was rough. I miss home and seeing my family and friends like ya'll wouldn't believe. 

However things here are great! My kids won the talent show, and jumped right back into the big picture of everything. Its a lot hotter here then in Montana thats for sure! The trip was one of a lifetime! I couldn't thank Ryan enough and can't imagine doing something that amazing again. So Ryan I thank you my bro bro. Miss you all and can't wait to talk to you all. I'll hopefully get pictures up soon and I'm sure I'll rant on this trip until you all are sick of it! 

Love ya'll

Mt. Bike trip.

This one will be short and sweet. This is a view from the Rattlesnake place I have been blogging about. This is the view from the top where me and a few other guides and campers biked up to. The degree of difficulty was pretty intense and I have yet to see a guide ride up or down w/ out walking the bike up some slope. Maybe due, to watching the kids but either way. This is 10 + year olds biking up to the peak of a mt. to see this view. The will power and determination of these kids is amazing!

Mountain biking and backpacking!

So unfortunately we had a guide that had to leave. So I picked up his classes. I am more than ok with that. I picked up two periods of Mt. biking a day and a backpacking class. This is awesome! I am three times as busy and couldn't love it more!

Today in my mt. biking class we rode up an intense hill and rode up to rattlesnake where the awesome overlook is. The ride down was crazy. Unfortunately we had a few wipe outs but the kids were champions. I've never seen some kids so determined and down to get back up on the bike. It was very inspiring and good to see the drive and determination in the kids. It was very inspiring to me and made the trip worth it....even in there was a small amount of blood shed...the kid was pumped!

In backpacking I taught them how to properly pack a bag and then we learned how to make a fire and light a lantern. I'm pumped to do this because I feel that I will learn a lot as well as I take them on my learning journey with me. It will be awesome!

So the nights continue to be amazing. Yesterday was Green Night. We had games like frisbee, live music, and tye-die. We jammed and were hippies for the night. And tonight we had a group come in and perform live music. The kids are awesome and pumped for everything. Its such an inspirational place to drive not only yourself but others to be nothing but the absolute best.

p.s.- for those of you that know me know me...im surviving off of Mt. Dew. Its crazy I know!

I love and miss you all....if anybody runs across a sweet deal on a mt. bike or a camel back I'd love love love to have it go down! Miss you all!

SUMMIT---My Cabin.

So far this place is still amazing! I've blob'd and helped out just about all over camp. My mains of transportation the other day was a mountian bike as I chased down walkie talkies to label them. I have 7 campers to myself and they are all awesome awesome kids!

I was also the crew leader for my crew the "Trackers!" We had crew drawings and we developed our crew a little bit deeper and had our first meeting and event as a crew yesterday. We did a guide hunt yesterday where I basically stood in the middle of camp and cheered them on! It was pretty intense. The kids love their crew and love wearing our color (red). I know realize how little red I own...the Camp store may or may not be getting some of my pay check!

So far that's about all that has happened. Tonight we are having a camp out. We will cook our own dinner and hang out at an old house where they rebuilt it and there is nothing in their except room for cots for us. Should be an awesome night. I am super super pumped for my trip with Ryan to Montana. I'm excited to see a familiar face and fly again. Its been a while. Love and miss you all. I took some awesome pics just haven't had a chance to get them on here to see. There is a spot where the older girls are camping tonight called " Rattlesnake" where you can over see the whole camp. That pic will be up soon. Miss and love you all!

TREEHOUSE HEAVEN!

Let's get official and get there quick! Today we received our cabin assignments and more training. Training was basically the stuff I already knew big deal! Let's not waste time on that...lets get to the bigger and better news!

Today I got the news that I would be in the treehouse cabins! I'm a single counselor for about 7 older kids. The kids get to do whatever they want really and I just assist them. So I am living in an awesome tree house cabin overlooking our own lake where we can swim, fish, and sail! Yes I said sail. They teach sailing over at our lake.  The cabins are awesome and the bathroom and showers are not attached to our living area. They are off the the side and each side of the treehouse has their own sink, shower, and restroom. Again fixed up beautifully! There is then an open patio area that connects the two. This place is beautiful!

I also found out that I will become a crew leader this summer! This means that I am in charge of half of the camp!!! The kids on opening day select a crew and they are either an Explorer (yellow) or a Tracker (red). I will be one of two crew leaders for the Trackers. I'm gonna be decked out in red constantly and I will tell the kids I love it so much my hair is red! I'll probably be requesting my Jabbawockeez mask be sent soon so I can decorate it to wear to pump up the kids! I'm am super super stoked! It is basically its own lil private organization here at camp. We even have our own secret area (outpost) where we hold meetings with them.

This news today could not have gotten any better! I am living in a treehouse with my own lake and will be in charge of half the kids and basically being super excited and pumped for life all summer long. I am completely ready to do this and lead my Trackers and cabin to pure awesomeness. My cabin is called "Summit." I don't think today could have gotten any better. 

You man notice that I am writing this a little earlier then normal. That is because we have a free night and I am about to eat some pizza and then hopefully get to the BLOB!!! Yea thats right. I'm gonna play on the water trampoline and the almighty blob! The kids come tomorrow at 2 and I find out who's on my side. The Trackers! Love and miss you all!

Training and Getting more knowledge.

As I right this I find myself sitting outside away from the crowd of counselors and teachers. It is not that I am not talkative or being anti social. I am sitting outside with itunes on and jamming out. I have yet to take in the place where I am and staying. The scenery here is simply unreal. I am sitting outside the back patio of the lake lodge looking over the lake and the mountains at a full moon. This place is amazing. The ideals here and ideas are endless and seem to always going bigger and bigger.

We had several training periods and I was curious on what was I gonna do. What would my summer consist of. I want to take on a task but, not just one class and not just a simple thing here or there. I want and need something bigger. I know this thanks again to Wonderland. I wanted to know everything I could about camp and learn the most possible about everything. 

I talked to the owner a little yesterday and really had time today to discuss my role and what I would be doing. I am going to be helping out with activities and programming. I am going to make sure that everything is happening that needs to at each activity and looking to see and dream of what could be bigger and better. I will also help with evening activities and what not. All of which is very familiar to myself from my many wonderful years at Wonderland. I will also hopefully become a division advisor where I will overlook a group of cabins. After talking to a few of the already interns I will be a busy man but, in a good way. And was informed that I seem to be right on track with what they were looking for. Which is very comforting. The staff here is great!

So tonight we had dinner...steak and potatoes. Yea not like small steaks but real big steaks and actual potatoes with every topping you could want. I am basically at a summer resort...and getting paid to be here. This is awesome. Also, today the blob came out. I hope to get on that sucker soon...maybe tomorrow!!!! Didn't have time for mt. bikes but, thats fine. Tomorrow is more training and the night off. I will hopefully smash out that blob in my free time and get situated to my new living arrangements for the summer. I am stoked to see what is next. 

I also received my plane tickets today for my trip with Ryan to Montana! I can't even imagine how awesome this trip is going to be. The vacation of a lifetime to spend a few days just me and the bro. This summer so far will prove to be one to never forget and one that I will grow and develop myself to a whole other character to improve upon the framework already set. I am very excited for this summer and  whats to come. However, I miss you all so much and think about you all the time. I would love for you all to see this beautiful place! Much love and God bless!

First Full Day

So today was my first full day here at camp. We started the day with some breakfast and then some free time to do whatever we wanted while the rest of the staff scattered in. So me and a few new friends one from another state and one another country decided to ride some trails mt. bike style.

We went out with the kid that teaches mt. biking and hit the trails. After a solid rain from the night before there were some muddy spots along the trail. The ride was good and decently challenging. I was excited to see that it's actually mt. biking not kids riding on gravel. Its the real deal. So as we exit the trail and hit the main road back I get a flat back tire...Lucky me right?

So no worries w/ the tire. I then did some odd and end jobs to help get camp ready. This was a good choice. I met some hire up staff  aka the leadership team and hung out with the people that I will hopefully be working for and with in the off season. Then we had lunch and me and two guys decided to hit another trail on the bikes. This one was a lil warmer and a lot more challenging. Rode through some old river bottoms and a small creek. It was now time for some staff training.

Training was very good and energetic. We did the typical few icebreakers and then hit the books. I talked to the director about a position that I believe I'll get which is called a division leader. This would mean I over look a group of cabins. I won't necessarily work with just one group of kids but, a group of cabins. Thus, launching myself into leadership roles and what not. Very excited about that.

We then ended the night learning to cook with a dutch oven...not the funny blanket joke but the real thing. We cooked our own desert over coals and now I  am writing this. So far camp proves to be very adventurous and all about having fun, and challenging ourselves and each other. I am very all about my decision to come here right now. The experiences I for see happening seem to be ones that will easily be surpassed and making me know that I'll grow from this experience.

I greatly miss you all and wish that I could share more of my experience with you all. I wish I had cell phone service so I could actually talk to you all. Your voices will be greatly missed and I already miss talking to you all. I constantly find myself talking about Wonderland. I am blessed to have had that experience and those people in my life. They have definitely geared me to be the person I am today and believe that they have set me up for the success and experiences I'll gain from here in Texas. I love and thank you all for being part of my life!

Camp....the first real impression

So this afternoon I said goodbye and drove off to middle of nowhere Texas solo. Arrived at camp a little early to find some familiar faces that I've talked to and a lot of unfamiliar faces. I think that I've met people from at least 2 different countries and 10 states. So far I'm the only one holding down Missouri!

We started off getting into the cabin and just killing time until dinner. First off...if the food here is as good as it was today all summer....I'll be one healthy eatin dude and it was delicious! I'm not just saying that to boost camp but, it really was good. So we then did a small hike on one of the trails to a camp fire and did some smores. 

So the rest of the night I've hung out and made plans to ride some mt. bikes in the am...Camp should be good.

Pre Camp

Why hello all my wonderful fans! haha...just had to say that. So just wanted to remind everybody that my cell phone is going to be basically a giant pice of plastic and metal sitting around this summer! aka cell phone service down in the boondocks ain't exactly happening. I know I know the cowboys really need to jump on the band wagon with modern technology. Bigger in Texas? Not the cell phone coverage area! So my main lines of communication are going to be as follows...a.) snail mail b.) e-mail, c.) facebook, and d.) this here blog.

My e-mail address is at the top right of the screen and feel free to e-mail me anytime. It'd be great to hear from all of you and even the little two liners about absolutely nothing are wonderful. Your lives and happenings are what made me who I am and I love to hear from and about you just as much as you wanna hear from me. So, this is it...next post will be from lovely middle of nowhere Texas....my new summer get-a-way.

PADRE BABY!

So North Padre island was our sweet vaca' spot yesterday. After an awesome time in San Antonio with the mom's couldn't expect anything less from a good time at the beach. Our hotel butted up with the beach. The place had live music, and a bar...very bueno!

We arrived early so we decided to walk the beach. Me being the awesome ginger I am decided to go shirtless....thats fine! Figure a quick walk on the beach couldn't hurt. I'm pasty...I could use all the sun I can get to spare people from needing sunglasses just to look my direction with out a shirt. So we walked, and walked, and walked...I got burnt! No big deal just a little miserable today...egh no worries.

Monday: we decided to shop a local surf shop and check out a the Texas State Aquarium. It was pretty rad...however, definitely not bigger in Texas. Come on now Texas this is your "state aquarium?" Step it up. It was nice and decent sized but, not gonna lie kinda lame size for Texas.  We then hit a roadblock...not literally but, didn't know what to do next. The long hot days and being on the run 5 days straight were catching up to me. I'm down to just relax and visit a bed to chill on...so we did. Tomorrow I can tell will be a day mixed with emotions. 

Tomorrow I say goodbye to the momma. This will def. prove not to be easy. As all goodbye's suck I can tell this one is going to possibly jerk a few tears. Mom, is my best friend...its going to be tough but, I am excited to see where the summer takes me. This pre camp vacation has proved to be one full of memories with the mom that will never loose place in my mind and heart of a great time. Love ya momma! Next time you hear from me...I'll probably know where I'll spend the rest of my summer and a better idea of where Texas will take me. Loves!

SA day 2!

Day two begins! We stared out the day by sleeping in and then venturing over to the Alamo. It was very cool and interesting to see and read all of that. Coolest thing? I saw a clippings of David Crockets hair...awesome, I thought so. 

Then we ventured over to the mall. This mall had to be one of the most annoying malls ever. It was a mix of every other mall in the world plus Mexico. I mean people trying to get you to come over and try their useless junk out. It started to get kind of annoying. However by the mall we then took a riverwalk tour on the boats it was nice!

We then walked all over San Antonio and found the Tower of Americas. It's 750 feet hight and a 360 view of the city. Absolutely amazing. We then tried to find the Vietnam memorial. This was a good idea until a man decided to go crazy on strangers so we decided that it wasn't worth the fight. Thanks old homeless man! I appreciate that!

We then finished the night with a margarita at the original Mexican place on the riverwalk. It was a great day. The weather was beautiful and didn't rain so it was very very nice! Tomorrow we hit up Corpus Christi!

New Camp and River Walk Walk Walk it out!

So today started with the tour of the new camp. Or should I say tour of middle of nowhere Texas. I mean this in the nicest way possible. I mean this drive was awesomely beautiful. There were so many ranch's, and getaways it was amazing! Then after about a 2 hour drive through scenic mid-west Texas we stumbled upon camp.

 First entering in camp one must cross over a small creek that barely over flows the cement to drive on. Then you may assume you were right there in the heart of camp!...not the case. You must drive about a mile up and over then down into scenic Texas surrounded by huge hills with two lakes. 

There facilities and living arrangements are immaculate! Were talking Specialized brand mountain bikes, huge climbing wall, indoor basketball, a lodge thats out of a movie, lake views, and even cabins in trees that over look its own smaller lake where they can night fish. Bathrooms that are done up in stone and marble. Just simply like a classy resort. I mean I thought I was at camp but, felt like I was at a nice resort. I'll post pics later to actually give it justice.

Then we get back to San Antonio, check into the hotel and live the SA (San Antonio) life. Our hotel overlooks part of the river walk. Have a giant flat screen TV and free wi-fi...I'm set. So we venture out the hotel walking straight to the river walk. This area is beautiful a little touristy but still very nice. Mostly places to eat. So what do we decide to do? Hit em' up!

We first went to an Iris Pub called Waxy Oconnor's. It was really chill and a good time. Listened to a dude that looks like Johnny Knoxville rant and rave to his friends about work. I believe he worked at Hard Rock. Then we moved onto eat at MadDog's british bar and grill. Let me tell you something. This place was awesome! Good music, kilts, good food, even the drinks were good....hard to screw up a Budweiser but, ya know....it was a great atmosphere. I could see me and my buddies chillin' there no problem. Then onto Republican Texas Grill or something like that it was good stuff.

We capped off the night with a hang out session on the patio over hearing a cover band sing "Shinning star". And some ichat with Ping Pong. Today was a great day and makes me really excited to see how the summer plays out and even the rest of the vacation with the Mom. I've had a great time chillin with her and just hanging out. Miss and love you all. Until next time! aka probably tomorrow. 

ROAD TRIP!

You Darn Tootin' Ya'll it TEXAS time! 

As you read I slept umm...about 3 hours max! Had to hit the road by 5 am...we were late...my fault? NO WAY YO! Remember I just graduated I still have the ole' get 3 hours of sleep and rock it out all day long. So I did!

The morning started with me winterizing my motorcycle. Yes I did that at 4 AM. Sorry if I woke anybody up but, had to take care of my bike. So we hit the road and I'm driving. We have 4 states to knock out and I drove all but, one leg of the trip.

The trip basically consisted of my cruise control begging for drivers to get outta my way so it can just stay set. The other excitement came from trying to find a neutral radio station for me and my mom. Just FYI there were about 4 good ones in a 14 hour trip and they lasted shorter than any other ones that were worth punishing our ears with.

Also, there were some high notes. Mom" Look a pink monkey!" then " OH GOATS!" The most random comments ever. This took place around the Austin area. We were driving through Forth Worth and thought the skyline was awesome so what do we do...whip out the cameras and start rockin out pics on the interstate....don't worry...I did to! Haha...I was safe...not to mention I was texting the entire trip down. No worries I'm a pro! I don't have to look at the phone and kept my eye's on the road. It was very important I have to talk to Ping Pong! There really is no option there.

So the trip down was great! Tomorrow we check out camp at noon...no worries the weather is supposed to be!!!! Drum roll please! Rainy! Then the rest of the trip..awesome! 90's!

2 shots at the same time...Texas better Rock My Face!

So yesterday was D-day, by the "D" I mean deadline! If I learned anything from college it was that procrastination isn't necessarily a bad thing. For those of you that really know me. I don't do well with choices. Don't give me hours and hours to pack...because what will I do? You guessed it..not what I am actually supposed to do.

I first had to hit up the Dr's office. That was awesome...and by that I mean it sucked! I thought ok one tetanus shot no big deal. I mean I do have a few tattoo's needles aren't a big deal. Oh no no that one shot would be easy. My life = not easy and everything happens so I have an awesome story. On that note, here it goes.

I needed the tetanus, then the nurse says I don't have my Hep A shots...I felt like a pound puppy that needed his shots to get free. Long story short we say hey...I should probably have that can I get it now? Why yes I can...so at the same time I get a shot in each arm...didn't hurt just a little odd getting stabbed by two middle aged women at the same time. Just one of those experiences I guess...but, to top it off. I got a free sucker and ice cream cone from McDonalds. Thanks St. Francis you rock my face!

So that was awesome. I went to see the grandparents. Love em...jelous of you Grandma..have a blast in California! Love that state, and thanks for the cookies they were delicious! 

So now I could pack you say?! Oh no no no...I went home threw in some laundry and realized I needed to see the Dad...so I did. Supper was great. I also had to go see Ping Pong. It was a mini road trip and down the road a lil ways outta the way but, much like with my Dad and family an actual goodbye was highly necessary.

After the dinner with Dad and drive home, it was GO TIME! So I played on my MacBook chatted a lil bit on there and then packed up...time going to bed around 1:45 AM...Alarm set...4:15AM....Yes I have a 14 + hour drive in the morning.

Pack Pack Pack it up.

Today the times started that one doesn't really think about when making a big decision like I did in moving. The idea of saying goodbye seems so far away and off in the distance that it's not even thought about. Lets face it goodbye's suck!

I started my day by finishing packing up my apartment from KC MO! My first home outside of the Ville'. I had to say goodbye to Ping Pong, Chels, and my roomie Leigh. I've had many good memories and experiences in KC. Some not so great and helped me grow and learn to make me the person I am today. For some reason I still love KC even thought I held 3 jobs in less than 6 months of being there....a sign....no. No sign just life.

Today was also a very tough day in the fact that I had to say goodbye to my pops. Yea thats never easy and always puts that lump in my throat. It's just not an easy thing to do. Goodbye's are simply hard.

So I'm pack pack packin' it up and setting myself up for the next adventure in life. I'm a small town midwest man that moved to the concrete jungle of Kansas City Missouri and soon to be thrown into Texas down south. The closest thing I ever did to being a cowboy was over hear my brothers old Garth Brooks tapes and wear sweat pants w/ my fake snake skin boots. And yes, they were tucked into the boots....I was a hip youngster. 

My luggage will be packed with more than just clothes, shoes, and towles. I am taking everything that I have learned from every experience and who I am as a person and refusing to be anything but, myself. Now this doesn't mean I am shutting off my mind to new experiences or things just that I will not loose track of who I am and will simply make sure that I stay true to myself as I formally meet Texas!