Camp Ritchie

Camp Ritchie was the best ever! I had a lot of "firsts" and learned so much! It was my first time really getting in the lake and being active in the water. It was my first time attempting to wake board and water ski and it was a great time! I didn't get up, but I sure did have fun doing the best I could! The food was great and the weather was absolutely perfect! Couldn't have asked for better weather!

I made goals for labor day weekend and it was to seek answers to questions, receive guidance and comfort, to enjoy nature, and of course, to have a good time with friends. I achieved all of these things. I kept my socializing to a minimum, however, it may have been misinterpreted as being sad, bored, or sulky. I say this, because people came up to me and asked me about my "condition."

I guess what some people don't understand about me, is I tend to have a very introverted side to me. I am pretty crazy, but there is more to me that just putting on a show! I like to look inside and figure things out on my own, then come out of my cocoon when I am ready and have things worked out. I have learned in the past few years that help is not far away, and that there is nothing wrong with asking for it. I still struggle, but I have learned to reach out a bit more!

I have been so happy these last few months about where I am in my life! It's been a long road back to this point and I have to share that whenever I can. You never know who might be able to benefit from the sharing of you life experiences. I talked to my sister, Belky, a few weeks ago I think and during our phone conversation she told me that she could hear a difference in my voice and in the way I was speaking. It was really awesome talking to her. She even updated me on how my baby sister was doing while out in Georgia. It was a really neat conversation.

I hope to express my thoughts with limpid cogency.

So, let us see...My first goal was to get answers to questions. I did my best to think about all the wonderful blessings in my life, as well as the great challenges! I love challenges! It's what drives me every single day of my life! Challenges and obstacles are what make us smarter, stronger, and yes - happier! What I have noticed in my life of singlehood, is that I am constantly at a crossroad of some sort. I understand that there will always be crossroads, it actually makes me excited about life, but being single, it's a constant thread in my life. When I was in college and was involved in a long term relationship, the challenges and choices were different. As much of what I did revolved around the "us" rather than the "me." Being single, I live for myself and pretty much do what I want to do, but I am constantly on the go with decisions that will not only affect me today, but also my future family as well.

The night before I left for CR (Camp Ritchie), I went over to Scott and Nancy's to borrow a sleeping bag and flashlight. While there, I enjoyed some cake and small talk. Apparently, Scott could tell I had something on my mind. As I made my way out the door, I solicited his services by requesting a priesthood blessing. We had a pretty nice chat and ended it with some amazing words of comfort and guidance! "Ask and ye shall receive." Something he said in the blessing was that he hoped the blessing would "pierce" me. As I walked to my car, I felt the power of the words he spoke and was mindful of his advice the whole weekend! The blessing was exactly what I needed!

I enjoyed the lake for the first time! I usually don't go down to the lake, as I have been a bit afraid to go into it. A couple reason, one, I never really knew how to swim, second, I am very inexperienced with outdoor nature sports, as our family wasn't really into that sort of thing growing up. It is one of those experiences I needed someone to hold my hand (literally) the first time in! A few weeks ago, I went to Arroyo Seco and did the swim/hike in the gorge and had a blast! I was ready for the lake after that whole experience! So, I must say I enjoyed nature a lot this weekend!

My favorite moment at CR was while I was in the lake waiting for the boat to come back around for me. I was floating with my feet up and I put my head back in the water. The water was amazing and we were the only boat on the lake (it was around 8 or so). I just felt an amazing sense of peace and was so relaxed. Yes, me relaxed! I was also humbled, just so you all know! I sometimes pride myself in my ability to pick up easily on different types of sports, but water sports are completely foreign to me. I couldn't get up! I almost got up a couple times, but just missed! I really enjoyed the challenge though! The fact that is was hard for me, made me like it all that much more!!!

I left Sunday night after watching "Mormons and Mobsters." I am usually the biggest critic about Mormon flicks, but I must say, this movie was a riot! I actually laughed a lot! I would definitely recommend it to people, which I don't usually do with those types of movies! At any rate, the weekend was great and had time on Monday to move over a few big items! Leaving for Vegas early tomorrow morning! Woo hoo!

erika j