A New Day, a New Blog, a New Me...

I've had good intentions of starting a blog for quite a while now. I love following my friends, and even some strangers, on their blogs. I'm a writer at heart, so it seems writing a blog would only come naturally. However, when I sit down to write, I often find that I have nothing witty or interesting to say. Nonetheless, this is my feeble attempt to amuse, or at least provide a distraction, to everyone out there in blogging land.

As mentioned in this post's title, a "new me" has recently emerged...at least temporarily. This past week I went with my boyfriend, HBFB, on his family vacation/reunion. Naturally, this all took place during the hottest week of the year so far. Vacation was in Steelville (Southwest Missouri) at a ranch that was similar to what I imagine nice summer camps are like. We stayed in cabins (beautifully equipped with an air conditioning unit and bathroom) and ate meals in the dining hall when the bell told us it was time to eat. For those of you who know me, you already know this isn't my normal scene. I'm a city girl. I like my air conditioning, cell phone reception, internet access and E! News. I guess 1 out of 4 is better than nothing. In all honesty, a total disconnect from the outside world was actually refreshing.

I was quite nervous going into this vacation (any of you who talked to me the day of, know that is the understatement of the century). I had already met 99% of HBFB's family, so at least that was 1 thing I wasn't completely freaking out about. However, the list of panic inducing events, as I'm sure you can imagine, was endless. To my surprise and delight, not only did I survive, but I really, truly had a great time.

I went on my first ever float trip(s). The first full day we were there we went tubing. It was uncomplicated and relaxing for the most part. I did not escape unscathed, but let's be honest here, with my clumsiness and general bad luck, I should just be happy I'm alive. I lost a toe nail (my ring toe on my left foot, in case curiosity was killing you), scraped up my left middle finger, shredded most of my fingernails, got a few bruises when I nailed a log with my right shin, put some nasty gashes in one of my rings (thank goodness for a full warranty), and got a ridiculous looking sunburn on my knees. Overall, I declare it a success.

The second day we went floating in canoes. I was terrified of tipping over. HBFB's cousin told me the #1 rule was NO LEANING. I followed that rule like it was my job, tipping was the absolute last thing I wanted to happen. We had a few very minor wobbles, but successfully stayed upright the entire float. HBFB was so patient with me; I didn't have a clue what I was doing! He did the majority of the work, but I did do enough paddling to still have sore arms today. I learned how to steer the canoe, but needed some gentle reminders at times. I wouldn't have blamed him if he intentionally tipped the canoe to get rid of me, but he was so patient and encouraging. I got a little more sun that day, but escaped further injury.

The third day we went floating on a raft. This was by far my favorite way to float. There was no fear of tipping (although falling out was definitely a possibility). We got an 8 person raft for 6 people and 3 coolers; it was perfect. Being in a raft gives you the option of paddling, being lazy, or a combination of the two. It was so nice to be able to talk to people in the raft, make fun of really stupid people near by and just relax. We were on the river for 6 hours that day. I drank water like it was going out of style, but still managed to get slightly dehydrated and a tiny bit overheated. I also got a moronic looking minor sunburn...par for the course.

We did so much more on vacation, but the float trips were definitely what I worried about the most and ended up loving the most. Shocked? Me, too. Don't worry, though...I'm still a city girl. I had such a great time and am so lucky to have such a great boyfriend with an amazing family.

So, my blog is off to a decent start. Maybe it's not highly entertaining just yet, but slightly informative, and I've got to start somewhere...might as well be here.