My infamous black duffel and red toiletries bags are ready to roll again. We're not going too terribly far-- just home. My time at Johnsonburg has come to a close, and it's time to tag out.
For those of you reading this who are not "camp people", we use the phrase "tag out" specifically when talking about leaving our pool area. Campers have little plastic tags color coded by age with their names on them, which they use to "tag in" to the pool upon arrival to help the lifeguards keep an accurate head count. On summer afternoons, you can hear the lifeguards and counselors yell "tag out" every 45 minutes as one free swim period ends and the next one is about to begin. We also tend to say it at the end of each week or the whole summer as staff leave for a little while or a long while.
And so, today I tag out. My first summer on staff was 2003 after completing the Leadership Training Program the summer before. I worked as a counselor, a kitchen staff person, preseason staff, and in the office. I've been a small group facilitator for offseason retreats and lead the nature and arts and crafts programs. I think I hold the record for health center night duty, especially this summer, as all six of our ER runs were driven by yours truly. I have staff shirts in every color of the rainbow from the past 10 years. I've met a lot of incredible people and seen a lot of beautiful things.
This place has been my Walden. I came back last summer after a couple summers of retirement to work in the kitchen, with the intention of working on my Master's thesis. It took much longer than the summer to finish that paper and get that degree, but I made the right decision by putting myself back in such a loving, encouraging community. I've loved living in Lakeside, a two room cabin that sits at the edge of the lake, with sunshine pouring in my bedroom windows in the morning.
But it's time to tag out, and I'm sad. I know this isn't the end of my relationship with Johnsonburg, but it is a definite transition in the way I am connected here. It's not helping that the three kittens who I rescued from the woods here, who have been keeping me company for the past couple of months, are going to new homes, just one more piece of the puzzle to say goodbye to. At least two are staying in my extended family, and one is with a camp person.
All that aside, I know I'll be back, and probably soon. It's going to feel a little different. I quickly got used to living in the woods by myself (well, plus or minus a few kittens and human visitors). The leaves are just starting to change. I could probably make some really excellent comparisons to the transition of seasons and the transition of my own life, Master's in hand, looking forward to the next adventure, but I won't. Instead, I'm going to just look forward to finding the peace and love and joy that this place has given me in other places, and look forward to that adventure. And also--
tag out.
Showing posts with label Johnsonburg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Johnsonburg. Show all posts
14 October 2011
23 June 2011
I haven't gone too far in the past 24 hours, but have experienced the influence of England, Poland, Hungary, Mexico, Czech Republic and Russia. It's that time of year again-- picking up Johnsonburg's international staff from various train and bus stops in the area. Thankfully no drives to the airports this year, but still some craziness ensued. Last night was my first pickup, my friend Timi from Hungary. Her train came and left, no Timi. Two more trains came and left, still no Timi. Worried, I went back to camp hoping for a phonecall. Instead, I found her sleeping on a couch in the office when I arrived this morning.
I drove to East Hanover to pick up three guys from a hotel there (two from England, one from Poland). The drive was ok, though we've had some crazy weather for the past two days that lead to a lot of fog on the interstate today. I suppose fog is better than the tornadoes we had nearby yesterday though. While I was on that adventure, my friends Wally and Tim were picking up someone from a bus stop nearish to camp... except that ended up being three someones.
Another arrived in the afternoon without notice (someone who had been with us last year so found his own way back to camp), and another was able to contact her mother in Mexico, who was able to send me a facebook message about 25 minutes before I needed to get to the bus stop that is 20 minutes away. Her bus was late so I didn't actually cut it that close, but we now have 9/10 of our international staff members. Staff training starts tomorrow, which will bring friends from all over New Jersey as well as our tenth international staffer. This summer is going to be good!
I drove to East Hanover to pick up three guys from a hotel there (two from England, one from Poland). The drive was ok, though we've had some crazy weather for the past two days that lead to a lot of fog on the interstate today. I suppose fog is better than the tornadoes we had nearby yesterday though. While I was on that adventure, my friends Wally and Tim were picking up someone from a bus stop nearish to camp... except that ended up being three someones.
Another arrived in the afternoon without notice (someone who had been with us last year so found his own way back to camp), and another was able to contact her mother in Mexico, who was able to send me a facebook message about 25 minutes before I needed to get to the bus stop that is 20 minutes away. Her bus was late so I didn't actually cut it that close, but we now have 9/10 of our international staff members. Staff training starts tomorrow, which will bring friends from all over New Jersey as well as our tenth international staffer. This summer is going to be good!
14 June 2011
visiting the farm
Today Lorelei and I had a big adventure just four miles from home (camp). She invited me to go pick up her CSA (community supported agriculture) share at Genesis Farms, so we went during my lunch break to collect greens, potatoes, herbs and other early spring vegetables. It smelled amazing in the little shop where all of the picked produce was waiting for us, and I just loved talking about farming and food with Lorelei. It's such a spiritual thing for us.
As part of her week's share, we got to pick a pint of strawberries too. It had started to rain lightly by then, but we decided to go through with it anyway. Of course, the skies opened once we were out in this field, looking for ripe ones. I love the smell of rain falling on fields, and it wasn't a violent storm, just a wet one. We had an awesome view of the mountains and other agricultural plots. It was just a very beautiful moment, sealed in the very sweet wonderful taste of freshly picked, organic New Jersey strawberries.
As part of her week's share, we got to pick a pint of strawberries too. It had started to rain lightly by then, but we decided to go through with it anyway. Of course, the skies opened once we were out in this field, looking for ripe ones. I love the smell of rain falling on fields, and it wasn't a violent storm, just a wet one. We had an awesome view of the mountains and other agricultural plots. It was just a very beautiful moment, sealed in the very sweet wonderful taste of freshly picked, organic New Jersey strawberries.
10 June 2011
This entry is about travel to a sort of different place, without leaving home.
Last night, we had a storm that knocked out the power for four hours. Just as we lost the last of daylight, I found a few candlesticks, which I lit and then used a little melted wax to stick to my table, like I learned in Malawi:
and the preseason came over while Noah and I jammed, he on a really nice guitar and me on my trusty ukulele. We started singing along. It was hot and humid and pretty dimly lit but so much fun, and just such a beautiful way to be spending time together. Everyone was just so present. No video games or movies or technology (well, aside from phones I guess, which was the only flaw to this awesome evening), just each other's company and laughing and voices. It just made me happy. I hope it happens again, whether the power goes out and forces it upon us or we just spend an evening with the lights off and the candles lit.
Last night, we had a storm that knocked out the power for four hours. Just as we lost the last of daylight, I found a few candlesticks, which I lit and then used a little melted wax to stick to my table, like I learned in Malawi:
and the preseason came over while Noah and I jammed, he on a really nice guitar and me on my trusty ukulele. We started singing along. It was hot and humid and pretty dimly lit but so much fun, and just such a beautiful way to be spending time together. Everyone was just so present. No video games or movies or technology (well, aside from phones I guess, which was the only flaw to this awesome evening), just each other's company and laughing and voices. It just made me happy. I hope it happens again, whether the power goes out and forces it upon us or we just spend an evening with the lights off and the candles lit.
23 May 2011
je ne sais PA
Busy weekend. Lotta driving.
Part 1: camp to Bethlehem, PA: My good old friend Tim got married to a really cool girl this weekend, and I was honored to be there. The drive wasn't too long or too bad, although despite my several years behind the wheel of a stick shift vehicle, I still struggle not to cry or barf or die when I come upon a large, steep hill that I have never come to before. Well, apparently Bethlehem is hilly. It wasn't too bad for the most part except for one hill at a stop light. I did make it without stalling though.
The wedding took place in a beautiful historic church in a very beautiful historic part of town. I found Bethlehem to be a really nice mix of post-industrial city and gorgeous old town. Really old brick and stone buildings that have been kept up very well with old steel mills in the distance. And hills. Plenty of those. And a fun wedding!
Tree of the day: the tulip poplar that I stood under as I took this in front of the church
Part 2: Bethlehem to my big brother's place: This drive was boring, but let's talk about where my brother lives. I was initially frustrated by a very long road without any house numbers (my first time to his new place), but I found it and enjoyed a pleasant evening out with some friends and then back home on the back deck enjoying the fresh smells of lots of plants. What I would find the next morning was an incredible yard with many lovely trees and flowers.
Tree of the day here: Honeysuckle tree. I've only ever seen honeysuckle as a bush but my nose was extremely happy to find this tree. Also, driving out of his town, I found it to be full of historic farms and beautiful stone walls and old houses. Quite nice.
Part 3: Philadelphia area to Haddonfield, NJ: I took many small roads from my brother's place to get back to I-76 and New Jersey, ending up on a tiny side street that reminded me of Pittsburgh given the extreme incline. I was thankful it was early in the morning and there weren't many people around to A) stop me on one of those intense hills or B) witness the terrified look on my face as I made it over each one (successfully, thank you). It wasn't a bad drive, and I was amused by the narrow and steep roads leading me into Philly to pick up the interstate. The rest of the drive was boring major roads, till I got to Haddonfield, where this weekend's church visit was.
Haddonfield surprised me. I expected some kind of suburbia (outside of Cherry Hill, Camden, Philly) but not what I found. The church I visited, First Presbyterian, was very beautiful and very old. And huge! Stairs and doors everywhere. I was so lost. The sanctuary itself was more of an ampitheater, and an older woman sitting behind me told me the windows were Tiffany's. Yikes. It was quite lovely. I had a nice visit.
Part 4: Haddonfield back to camp: Leaving town, I was in the mood for a bagel, but let me tell you there are no bagel shops on the right side of the road between Haddonfield and camp. I drove down the main avenue and enjoyed all of the little shops all close together, a nice walkable area with obviously huge and old houses on the fringe. I took I-295 to Route 31, which was more boring than I remember. And I was exhausted at this point, so it felt like it took seven years to drive back to camp, even though there were no traffic issues. The one bagel shop I found on the right was closed. Lame.
But, another weekend with a lot of driving and a lot of sightseeing. Not sightseeing like my Grandma calls it (aka being lost), but just seeing new and different places, which I obviously always enjoy.
Part 1: camp to Bethlehem, PA: My good old friend Tim got married to a really cool girl this weekend, and I was honored to be there. The drive wasn't too long or too bad, although despite my several years behind the wheel of a stick shift vehicle, I still struggle not to cry or barf or die when I come upon a large, steep hill that I have never come to before. Well, apparently Bethlehem is hilly. It wasn't too bad for the most part except for one hill at a stop light. I did make it without stalling though.
The wedding took place in a beautiful historic church in a very beautiful historic part of town. I found Bethlehem to be a really nice mix of post-industrial city and gorgeous old town. Really old brick and stone buildings that have been kept up very well with old steel mills in the distance. And hills. Plenty of those. And a fun wedding!
Tree of the day: the tulip poplar that I stood under as I took this in front of the church
Part 2: Bethlehem to my big brother's place: This drive was boring, but let's talk about where my brother lives. I was initially frustrated by a very long road without any house numbers (my first time to his new place), but I found it and enjoyed a pleasant evening out with some friends and then back home on the back deck enjoying the fresh smells of lots of plants. What I would find the next morning was an incredible yard with many lovely trees and flowers.
Tree of the day here: Honeysuckle tree. I've only ever seen honeysuckle as a bush but my nose was extremely happy to find this tree. Also, driving out of his town, I found it to be full of historic farms and beautiful stone walls and old houses. Quite nice.
Part 3: Philadelphia area to Haddonfield, NJ: I took many small roads from my brother's place to get back to I-76 and New Jersey, ending up on a tiny side street that reminded me of Pittsburgh given the extreme incline. I was thankful it was early in the morning and there weren't many people around to A) stop me on one of those intense hills or B) witness the terrified look on my face as I made it over each one (successfully, thank you). It wasn't a bad drive, and I was amused by the narrow and steep roads leading me into Philly to pick up the interstate. The rest of the drive was boring major roads, till I got to Haddonfield, where this weekend's church visit was.
Haddonfield surprised me. I expected some kind of suburbia (outside of Cherry Hill, Camden, Philly) but not what I found. The church I visited, First Presbyterian, was very beautiful and very old. And huge! Stairs and doors everywhere. I was so lost. The sanctuary itself was more of an ampitheater, and an older woman sitting behind me told me the windows were Tiffany's. Yikes. It was quite lovely. I had a nice visit.
Part 4: Haddonfield back to camp: Leaving town, I was in the mood for a bagel, but let me tell you there are no bagel shops on the right side of the road between Haddonfield and camp. I drove down the main avenue and enjoyed all of the little shops all close together, a nice walkable area with obviously huge and old houses on the fringe. I took I-295 to Route 31, which was more boring than I remember. And I was exhausted at this point, so it felt like it took seven years to drive back to camp, even though there were no traffic issues. The one bagel shop I found on the right was closed. Lame.
But, another weekend with a lot of driving and a lot of sightseeing. Not sightseeing like my Grandma calls it (aka being lost), but just seeing new and different places, which I obviously always enjoy.
11 May 2011
not driving to Idaho... this week...
Today I broke 156,000 miles on my car. That's about 7,500 for the year so far and well over 65,000 since I bought my sweet little automobile about four years ago.
This is what I drove over the weekend:
View Larger Map
On Saturday, when I was at camp, I was talking with a few people about how my thesis revisions were going, and some goals I'd set for myself to finish (which I've since renegotiated with myself, thank you). My boss said, "Yeah, but you know you have a friend in Idaho who will call you this week and say, 'Come visit this afternoon!' and you'll be like, 'ok!'" and I said no, I didn't know anyone in Idaho. (Which is only sort of true-- I know Josh Ritter is from Idaho, but he lives in NYC now anyway.)
Anyway, Friday I spent some time attempting said revisions and then floated down to Allentown to help kick off a big event to raise money for VIP's work in Malawi. It was great to see the people I traveled with last summer and to be part of such an exciting thing. Also, because I was driving to camp afterward, it prompted me to try a new route, which ended up adding an extra half hour to my journey because 206 is a very slow, traffic light-ful road through Trenton.
This weekend was Spruce Up Day at Johnsonburg, a good time of fellowship and site preparation. My Sunday morning church visit was to Pluckemin, where one of our board members is currently serving as an interim pastor. It was, as always, a wonderful visit. The church itself is a little more than a century and a half old, a lovely sanctuary that was different from all of the others I've visited in that it had no stained glass. While at first that seemed strange, I realized that I really liked how bright it was as a result of being all regular plain panes.
Pluckemin is a tiny historic town along the now well-traveled Route 206. I had barely touched that road until I began taking it to camp last summer as a short cut between I-287 and I-80. While it's hilly and mostly single lane, it actually cuts a good 20 minutes of the drive from Toms River to camp. Well, since taking this newest position at camp, I have gone up and down 206 several times. I think I've seen all of that road now.
I made it home for Mothers Day and have attempted to take a short respite from crazy marathon driving since then, though I did go to Rutgers today, and will be visiting Morris Plains this Sunday...
This is what I drove over the weekend:
View Larger Map
On Saturday, when I was at camp, I was talking with a few people about how my thesis revisions were going, and some goals I'd set for myself to finish (which I've since renegotiated with myself, thank you). My boss said, "Yeah, but you know you have a friend in Idaho who will call you this week and say, 'Come visit this afternoon!' and you'll be like, 'ok!'" and I said no, I didn't know anyone in Idaho. (Which is only sort of true-- I know Josh Ritter is from Idaho, but he lives in NYC now anyway.)
Anyway, Friday I spent some time attempting said revisions and then floated down to Allentown to help kick off a big event to raise money for VIP's work in Malawi. It was great to see the people I traveled with last summer and to be part of such an exciting thing. Also, because I was driving to camp afterward, it prompted me to try a new route, which ended up adding an extra half hour to my journey because 206 is a very slow, traffic light-ful road through Trenton.
This weekend was Spruce Up Day at Johnsonburg, a good time of fellowship and site preparation. My Sunday morning church visit was to Pluckemin, where one of our board members is currently serving as an interim pastor. It was, as always, a wonderful visit. The church itself is a little more than a century and a half old, a lovely sanctuary that was different from all of the others I've visited in that it had no stained glass. While at first that seemed strange, I realized that I really liked how bright it was as a result of being all regular plain panes.
Pluckemin is a tiny historic town along the now well-traveled Route 206. I had barely touched that road until I began taking it to camp last summer as a short cut between I-287 and I-80. While it's hilly and mostly single lane, it actually cuts a good 20 minutes of the drive from Toms River to camp. Well, since taking this newest position at camp, I have gone up and down 206 several times. I think I've seen all of that road now.
I made it home for Mothers Day and have attempted to take a short respite from crazy marathon driving since then, though I did go to Rutgers today, and will be visiting Morris Plains this Sunday...
08 April 2011
things I think about during late night drives
I just got back from Newark Airport. Yep, check the time. I've had a bit of caffeine to make that happen, so figured I'd try to burn a little of it off through blogging.
I volunteered to drive my friend/officemate/academic companion Irene and her parents to the airport. They were flying home to Venezuela, where I will hopefully someday visit them, and Irene was flying to the Yucatan for a season of field work, continuing work for the EDGY project that we're a part of. I wanted to see my friend off, but also, let's be honest, I'm always up for a drive somewhere.
I borrowed mom's car because it's bigger than mine. Pro: working music playing system. I finally got to listen to a mix I made myself on my birthday ("Thanksgiving: Thankful for Josh Ritter", which had been sitting silently in my suicidal CD player since Thanksgiving till tonight). Con: Mom's new Altima has that weird new kind of transmission that doesn't feel like it's shifting, which is more confusing to experience than it probably sounds, but definitely more so because driving stick shift is deeply ingrained in my brain. (Don't worry Mom, I did not engage your e-brake thinking it was the clutch.)
It was a pleasant drive. Irene gave me a pep talk for my upcoming thesis defense, which she will sadly miss. No one was on the road because it was 2:30AM. It was clear and cool. No problem.
I already miss mi amiga Irene!
Driving home, I made a slight detour that has a warm fuzzy theme to it. Yesterday, for my work at Johnsonburg, I was talking with a woman who wanted to help promote camp in her own church. She requested some brochures and other information to hand out to families in her congregation. When she sent me her address, I realized it was only slightly off the route I was taking tonight. I wrote to this woman, telling her "I hope this doesn't come across as creepy" and asking if I could drop them off in the middle of the night on her porch and save camp some postage. Her response? "Not creepy! We're camp people!" I may have mentioned once or twice that I love the greater community that camp creates. I've never met this woman, only exchanged emails, but we're camp people. That's enough. I realize that dropping off a package to her home in the middle of the night probably doesn't require an amazing relationship, but her response made me smile. That community has allowed me to travel hotel-free through the United Kingdom and gave me some semblance of family while I was away at Mary Washington. It's given me some awesome, encouraging friends near Rutgers. It's welcomed me back for a few more months till I figure out what's next. How warm and fuzzy is that?
Of course, I'm rather fortunate in that camp is not the only strong community I have in my life. There are a lot of fabulous people at Rutgers who have greatly helped me through this Masters thingy. It just so happens one needed a ride to Newark Airport this morning, and driving her was the very least I could do.
These are the sorts of things I need to keep in focus during the crazy next few weeks of my life. Defense in two weeks; my first job interview in two and a half weeks; some holidays between now and then; that paper to finish... I should get some sleep if I intend to work on it today...
I volunteered to drive my friend/officemate/academic companion Irene and her parents to the airport. They were flying home to Venezuela, where I will hopefully someday visit them, and Irene was flying to the Yucatan for a season of field work, continuing work for the EDGY project that we're a part of. I wanted to see my friend off, but also, let's be honest, I'm always up for a drive somewhere.
I borrowed mom's car because it's bigger than mine. Pro: working music playing system. I finally got to listen to a mix I made myself on my birthday ("Thanksgiving: Thankful for Josh Ritter", which had been sitting silently in my suicidal CD player since Thanksgiving till tonight). Con: Mom's new Altima has that weird new kind of transmission that doesn't feel like it's shifting, which is more confusing to experience than it probably sounds, but definitely more so because driving stick shift is deeply ingrained in my brain. (Don't worry Mom, I did not engage your e-brake thinking it was the clutch.)
It was a pleasant drive. Irene gave me a pep talk for my upcoming thesis defense, which she will sadly miss. No one was on the road because it was 2:30AM. It was clear and cool. No problem.
I already miss mi amiga Irene!
Driving home, I made a slight detour that has a warm fuzzy theme to it. Yesterday, for my work at Johnsonburg, I was talking with a woman who wanted to help promote camp in her own church. She requested some brochures and other information to hand out to families in her congregation. When she sent me her address, I realized it was only slightly off the route I was taking tonight. I wrote to this woman, telling her "I hope this doesn't come across as creepy" and asking if I could drop them off in the middle of the night on her porch and save camp some postage. Her response? "Not creepy! We're camp people!" I may have mentioned once or twice that I love the greater community that camp creates. I've never met this woman, only exchanged emails, but we're camp people. That's enough. I realize that dropping off a package to her home in the middle of the night probably doesn't require an amazing relationship, but her response made me smile. That community has allowed me to travel hotel-free through the United Kingdom and gave me some semblance of family while I was away at Mary Washington. It's given me some awesome, encouraging friends near Rutgers. It's welcomed me back for a few more months till I figure out what's next. How warm and fuzzy is that?
Of course, I'm rather fortunate in that camp is not the only strong community I have in my life. There are a lot of fabulous people at Rutgers who have greatly helped me through this Masters thingy. It just so happens one needed a ride to Newark Airport this morning, and driving her was the very least I could do.
These are the sorts of things I need to keep in focus during the crazy next few weeks of my life. Defense in two weeks; my first job interview in two and a half weeks; some holidays between now and then; that paper to finish... I should get some sleep if I intend to work on it today...
04 April 2011
another Sunday in the life of this gypsy
Sundays bring adventures. This Sunday I visited a church in Cherry Hill, New Jersey... then I saw my brother out by Philly, had dinner with my academic counterpart (and her family and some other awesome grad students) in Highland Park, then drove to camp so I could work a full day in the office today.
The Cherry Hill visit was really nice, as my visits tend to be. Chris's directions to his softball game took me straight through Philadelphia. It was my first time going to his hood north of the city by driving I-76 and 476, so there was a lot of cool stuff to see. It was a pleasant enough drive along the Schuykill River, seeing lot of amazing historic buildings. Chris told me to look out for boathouse row, but I kind of missed it because I didn't really know where I was going and didn't really know what to look for. That's the biggest problem with me driving everywhere-- I'm the one driving. I am trying to pay attention to the road and the signs and the crazies and miss a lot of cool scenery. Such is life, I guess. I think I still manage to see a lot of cool stuff.
I made it for the last two minutes of Chris's game and then spent the afternoon with him and a few friends at the pub that sponsors their team. Nice place, although I was admittedly slightly overwhelmed by all the TV screens. It was fun to watch the Phillies win in a bar in Phillies country (please note: this does not make me a Phillies fan, I was just appreciating the camaraderie). It was also nice to see my big brother. Beer of the day: Yards Pale Ale, from right down the road in Philly.
One of Chris's friends asked where I was living these days. Chris answered for me, "Who, my sister the gypsy?" That describes it pretty well. I was thinking about this as I charged my phone in my car as I drove further yesterday... I can't remember the last time I charged my phone in a wall in a house. I generally drive for long enough to charge it every time my battery gets low. Hmmm...
After this, I drove up Route 1 (not particularly impressive in any way, sadly) to Highland Park to enjoy dinner with my dear officemate. Her parents are visiting from Venezuela so she had a few friends over. It was really nice to see these friends, who I haven't seen much of since I stopped with full time classes (teaching and/or taking). I'm glad that I'll see them a bit more in the next few weeks as I prepare to defend my thesis...
And so I drove up to camp pretty late. It was a pleasant enough arrival nonetheless. It wasn't freezing out. The air was cool and calm. Spring peepers were singing. Today was a really warm day and I noticed a lot of the trees have buds on them. I love all the seasons, and winter was very beautiful this year, but I definitely enjoy this time as things green up and become a different kind of beautiful.
The Cherry Hill visit was really nice, as my visits tend to be. Chris's directions to his softball game took me straight through Philadelphia. It was my first time going to his hood north of the city by driving I-76 and 476, so there was a lot of cool stuff to see. It was a pleasant enough drive along the Schuykill River, seeing lot of amazing historic buildings. Chris told me to look out for boathouse row, but I kind of missed it because I didn't really know where I was going and didn't really know what to look for. That's the biggest problem with me driving everywhere-- I'm the one driving. I am trying to pay attention to the road and the signs and the crazies and miss a lot of cool scenery. Such is life, I guess. I think I still manage to see a lot of cool stuff.
I made it for the last two minutes of Chris's game and then spent the afternoon with him and a few friends at the pub that sponsors their team. Nice place, although I was admittedly slightly overwhelmed by all the TV screens. It was fun to watch the Phillies win in a bar in Phillies country (please note: this does not make me a Phillies fan, I was just appreciating the camaraderie). It was also nice to see my big brother. Beer of the day: Yards Pale Ale, from right down the road in Philly.
One of Chris's friends asked where I was living these days. Chris answered for me, "Who, my sister the gypsy?" That describes it pretty well. I was thinking about this as I charged my phone in my car as I drove further yesterday... I can't remember the last time I charged my phone in a wall in a house. I generally drive for long enough to charge it every time my battery gets low. Hmmm...
After this, I drove up Route 1 (not particularly impressive in any way, sadly) to Highland Park to enjoy dinner with my dear officemate. Her parents are visiting from Venezuela so she had a few friends over. It was really nice to see these friends, who I haven't seen much of since I stopped with full time classes (teaching and/or taking). I'm glad that I'll see them a bit more in the next few weeks as I prepare to defend my thesis...
And so I drove up to camp pretty late. It was a pleasant enough arrival nonetheless. It wasn't freezing out. The air was cool and calm. Spring peepers were singing. Today was a really warm day and I noticed a lot of the trees have buds on them. I love all the seasons, and winter was very beautiful this year, but I definitely enjoy this time as things green up and become a different kind of beautiful.
02 April 2011
wandering Warren
Pardon the delay in posting this. It's been a busy thesis-centric week.
Last weekend, Taylor came to visit camp for the first time. This was also his first time to the glorious northwestern part of New Jersey. The first thing we did was drive over Schooley's Mountain to Long Valley (which is apparently in Morris County, which I guess maybe I knew it the back of my head but was shocked to see the "Welcome to Morris County" sign nonetheless) to the Long Valley Brew Pub, where Taylor posted this--
Long Valley Brew Pub is pretty great. We enjoyed dinner and a few beers and headed back to my cabin at camp. It was pretty cold out so we just stayed in and watched Fantastic Mr. Fox and crashed at a totally reasonable hour.
So, how rural is Warren County? Enough so that Johnsonburg (population 59) lost its post office. The USPS was renting a room of a house on Main Street, and the homeowners decided not to renew the lease. We are now without our own post office, relying instead on neighboring Greendell (can't find population info). I had a few packages to mail, so Tay and I went wandering around to find the Greendell post office. It turns out it's located in an even smaller room in the downstairs of a community building on a small "main" street between some county roads. How quaint.
We did a little more driving around and then some hiking and sharing meals with the other people who were on site for the weekend, my friends Abi and Tadd and Tadd's son.
On Sunday, I was scheduled to visit the church in Washington, which was about a half hour drive from camp through farmland and hills. It was a lovely church, very welcoming and down to earth. I had a nice visit. Afterward, I wanted to take Taylor to Hot Dog Johnny's, somewhat of an institution in the region. (I might not eat meat but I love their fries and birch beer.) We missed a turn (there was no street sign) and drove up the side of a mountain first. Lovely views! Some turns later we had happily arrived and enjoyed our lunch in Buttzville. Yes, that is a real town.
Some hiking later, it was time for Taylor to head home. I had a peaceful evening reading over my committee's comments on thesis draft number six. Soon, armed with lucky draft number seven, I will be defending my research and moving on to the next adventures in life. Don't ask me what they will be though, I don't know yet.
Last weekend, Taylor came to visit camp for the first time. This was also his first time to the glorious northwestern part of New Jersey. The first thing we did was drive over Schooley's Mountain to Long Valley (which is apparently in Morris County, which I guess maybe I knew it the back of my head but was shocked to see the "Welcome to Morris County" sign nonetheless) to the Long Valley Brew Pub, where Taylor posted this--
So, how rural is Warren County? Enough so that Johnsonburg (population 59) lost its post office. The USPS was renting a room of a house on Main Street, and the homeowners decided not to renew the lease. We are now without our own post office, relying instead on neighboring Greendell (can't find population info). I had a few packages to mail, so Tay and I went wandering around to find the Greendell post office. It turns out it's located in an even smaller room in the downstairs of a community building on a small "main" street between some county roads. How quaint.
We did a little more driving around and then some hiking and sharing meals with the other people who were on site for the weekend, my friends Abi and Tadd and Tadd's son.
On Sunday, I was scheduled to visit the church in Washington, which was about a half hour drive from camp through farmland and hills. It was a lovely church, very welcoming and down to earth. I had a nice visit. Afterward, I wanted to take Taylor to Hot Dog Johnny's, somewhat of an institution in the region. (I might not eat meat but I love their fries and birch beer.) We missed a turn (there was no street sign) and drove up the side of a mountain first. Lovely views! Some turns later we had happily arrived and enjoyed our lunch in Buttzville. Yes, that is a real town.
Some hiking later, it was time for Taylor to head home. I had a peaceful evening reading over my committee's comments on thesis draft number six. Soon, armed with lucky draft number seven, I will be defending my research and moving on to the next adventures in life. Don't ask me what they will be though, I don't know yet.
20 March 2011
Adventures with Abi
This weekend's adventures featured a copilot: Abi, one of the only Johnsonburg staffers who also lives in Ocean County. I did forewarn her about the adventures that she'd have to accompany me for, mainly a visit to a church a little over two hours south of camp. But first: Friday!
We left for camp from Toms River mid-morning. The weather was incredibly gorgeous, the ride plenty easy. The highlight: getting stuck behind a tractor going 20 mph on County Road 612 in Allamuchy. While this might sound like the antithesis of highlight for some, I was enjoying driving with the windows down and feeling like I wasn't in any sort of hurry. It was a nice reminder that we were in the country. It made me smile.
We were at camp to work a junior high retreat, which went very well, I think. It was much cooler out, but still sunny. We had a great group of people together to work the retreat, and a pretty sweet speaker. I always enjoying working with youth in that beautiful place.
So, today. Ridiculous. While the drive to the Woodbury church was long, it was pretty easy and mostly lovely, through a lot of farm country and small, historic downtowns (Route 206 most of the way, which is becoming more familiar). Leaving camp, it was quite dark and cold, but we were able to enjoy the super moon until the pretty sunrise over said farms about an hour into our drive. The visit went well at the church and it turned out to be a beautiful spring day.
Leaving the church, I told Abi how sometimes when heading home, I liked to just choose county roads with a certain whimsy and see what I could discover as a way home. She said, "Ok!" so we turned right instead of left, although that first stretch lasted about two blocks when we saw a Rita's and remembered that it was the first day of spring! free ice! and stopped. While waiting on line for them to open, I double checked that she didn't mind wandering, mostly through Pine Barrens, and her response? "Sure! I don't get out much."
She said I could quote her on that.
This is what happened next:
View Larger Map
So we didn't make a ton of progress early on due to roads lying about their cardinal directions ("Let's go south northeast!" -Abi) but eventually found some really peaceful stretches of the Pine Barrens. It ended up being free stuff day as far as we were concerned-- our free water ices were one thing. Later, we pulled over to take a picture in front of a ridiculous super hero woman statue in front of a tire place and a worker ran out and gave us a bobblehead doll of said statue for free.
A while after that, we found a sign that said Free Manure, but we just took a picture, didn't actually receive any manure. Honest.
We stopped by Bass River State forest but didn't really have a good enough map available to find that pygmy forest that I've become infatuated with, so we carried on and eventually hit the east coast in Tuckerton. Since we didn't end up making a pilgrimage to anything in particular, we visited Barnegat Lighthouse before getting Abi home. The light was closed "due to worker illness" so we walked around and enjoyed the salty air for a few minutes before bringing our adventure to an end, 18 Wawas later (+2 more for me between Forked River and home). Hooray for South Jersey!
no power lines in Wharton State forest means a glorious drive through untrimmed pitch pines
I will be breaking 153,000 miles on my car tomorrow.
We left for camp from Toms River mid-morning. The weather was incredibly gorgeous, the ride plenty easy. The highlight: getting stuck behind a tractor going 20 mph on County Road 612 in Allamuchy. While this might sound like the antithesis of highlight for some, I was enjoying driving with the windows down and feeling like I wasn't in any sort of hurry. It was a nice reminder that we were in the country. It made me smile.
We were at camp to work a junior high retreat, which went very well, I think. It was much cooler out, but still sunny. We had a great group of people together to work the retreat, and a pretty sweet speaker. I always enjoying working with youth in that beautiful place.
So, today. Ridiculous. While the drive to the Woodbury church was long, it was pretty easy and mostly lovely, through a lot of farm country and small, historic downtowns (Route 206 most of the way, which is becoming more familiar). Leaving camp, it was quite dark and cold, but we were able to enjoy the super moon until the pretty sunrise over said farms about an hour into our drive. The visit went well at the church and it turned out to be a beautiful spring day.
Leaving the church, I told Abi how sometimes when heading home, I liked to just choose county roads with a certain whimsy and see what I could discover as a way home. She said, "Ok!" so we turned right instead of left, although that first stretch lasted about two blocks when we saw a Rita's and remembered that it was the first day of spring! free ice! and stopped. While waiting on line for them to open, I double checked that she didn't mind wandering, mostly through Pine Barrens, and her response? "Sure! I don't get out much."
She said I could quote her on that.
This is what happened next:
View Larger Map
So we didn't make a ton of progress early on due to roads lying about their cardinal directions ("Let's go south northeast!" -Abi) but eventually found some really peaceful stretches of the Pine Barrens. It ended up being free stuff day as far as we were concerned-- our free water ices were one thing. Later, we pulled over to take a picture in front of a ridiculous super hero woman statue in front of a tire place and a worker ran out and gave us a bobblehead doll of said statue for free.
A while after that, we found a sign that said Free Manure, but we just took a picture, didn't actually receive any manure. Honest.
We stopped by Bass River State forest but didn't really have a good enough map available to find that pygmy forest that I've become infatuated with, so we carried on and eventually hit the east coast in Tuckerton. Since we didn't end up making a pilgrimage to anything in particular, we visited Barnegat Lighthouse before getting Abi home. The light was closed "due to worker illness" so we walked around and enjoyed the salty air for a few minutes before bringing our adventure to an end, 18 Wawas later (+2 more for me between Forked River and home). Hooray for South Jersey!
no power lines in Wharton State forest means a glorious drive through untrimmed pitch pines
I will be breaking 153,000 miles on my car tomorrow.
14 January 2011
anything but sedentary
Last night was the first night I slept in my own bed in 2011.
The rest of my time in Virginia was great-- the Doyle wedding was super lovely, it was awesome to spend some time with some amazing people, and I got to see some parts of Virginia I'd never seen before. After the wedding, Taylor and I returned to Vienna via Appomattox Courthouse, Lynchburg (to celebrate his brother's birthday), the Blue Ridge Parkway and Charlottesville, which also included stopping in this other town:
It seems a little silly that no one ever shared this town's existence with me before.
Taylor made me this map to show me the amoeba-shaped loop we took through the state. After returning to NJ and making a few more side trips this week as I started working at camp, I wondered, what would my own since-New Year's map look like? Google actually only allows 25 stops on a given map, so I had to do two: Virginia, New Jersey, which totaled about 1375 miles in the first 13 days of the new year, not including any other side trips or errands, which I made quite a few of. Now, not all of these happened in my own car, but probably about 700 of those miles did.
After looking at maps and realizing how much driving I've done so far, or even how much riding in cars I've done total, I thought it might be interesting to track my mileage for the year... but then I realized that would be absolutely ridiculous. Hello! Have you read this blog?! I do not sit still. My toothbrush is safely tucked in my red toiletries bag and ready to go at all times. However, I think I will keep track of how far my car goes, because that's way easier. Starting mileage for 2011: about 148,500. Current mileage: 149202, which means I've more than broken 60,000 miles on this car since I bought it in May 2007. Remember when I'd reached 50,000? That's right. July. Ten thousand miles in six months.
Things are going well at camp so far. I attended a Presbytery meeting with Kurt and Lorelei on my first day and have been organizing things in preparation to visit other churches and groups around the state to advocate camp. It snowed the night I arrived so I stayed at Harry and Ann's house rather than needing to be dug out of Lakeside first thing the following morning. It was a peaceful few days up there. Warren County knows how to clear roads (ahem, Monmouth, you should study) but everything else was otherwise blanketed in beautiful, clean snow and framed in icicles.
I'll be moving back into Lakeside next week!
It's been a busy couple of weeks of 2011 so far, but I'm pleased.
The rest of my time in Virginia was great-- the Doyle wedding was super lovely, it was awesome to spend some time with some amazing people, and I got to see some parts of Virginia I'd never seen before. After the wedding, Taylor and I returned to Vienna via Appomattox Courthouse, Lynchburg (to celebrate his brother's birthday), the Blue Ridge Parkway and Charlottesville, which also included stopping in this other town:
It seems a little silly that no one ever shared this town's existence with me before.
Taylor made me this map to show me the amoeba-shaped loop we took through the state. After returning to NJ and making a few more side trips this week as I started working at camp, I wondered, what would my own since-New Year's map look like? Google actually only allows 25 stops on a given map, so I had to do two: Virginia, New Jersey, which totaled about 1375 miles in the first 13 days of the new year, not including any other side trips or errands, which I made quite a few of. Now, not all of these happened in my own car, but probably about 700 of those miles did.
After looking at maps and realizing how much driving I've done so far, or even how much riding in cars I've done total, I thought it might be interesting to track my mileage for the year... but then I realized that would be absolutely ridiculous. Hello! Have you read this blog?! I do not sit still. My toothbrush is safely tucked in my red toiletries bag and ready to go at all times. However, I think I will keep track of how far my car goes, because that's way easier. Starting mileage for 2011: about 148,500. Current mileage: 149202, which means I've more than broken 60,000 miles on this car since I bought it in May 2007. Remember when I'd reached 50,000? That's right. July. Ten thousand miles in six months.
Things are going well at camp so far. I attended a Presbytery meeting with Kurt and Lorelei on my first day and have been organizing things in preparation to visit other churches and groups around the state to advocate camp. It snowed the night I arrived so I stayed at Harry and Ann's house rather than needing to be dug out of Lakeside first thing the following morning. It was a peaceful few days up there. Warren County knows how to clear roads (ahem, Monmouth, you should study) but everything else was otherwise blanketed in beautiful, clean snow and framed in icicles.
It's been a busy couple of weeks of 2011 so far, but I'm pleased.
01 January 2011
Happy New Year!
I spent 2010 all over the place. I didn't spend more than two consecutive weeks sleeping in the same place, whether spending a night at Cheryl and Gurzo's to lessen my commute to Rutgers, or spending days off from camp at home, or taking trips to Virginia or Malawi, among other adventures. Earlier in the year, my friend Becky sent me an email about settling back into her townhouse following Peace Corps and world travels, saying "There is something therapeutic about putting your toothbrush in the same place every night, right? Earp, I know you're not familiar with that experience." Good point, Becky. I imagine there is something therapeutic about that, but I enjoyed my year of constantly changing scenery, and keeping my toothbrush in my awesome travel toiletries bag.
Will I travel in 2011? Of course. I'm actually spending the first week of the year in Virginia for a wedding and some general hanging out, and then returning to New Jersey for work: I'm returning to camp as the Marketing Assistant, to advocate Johnsonburg to Presbyterian churches and other groups around the great state of New Jersey. I'm excited to be able to share with others the beauty and awesomeness that is camp, and of course appreciative of a good excuse to explore new and different places in NJ while I'm at it. I'll be finishing the masters next month and looking for more permanent work, but I'm looking forward to being at camp in the meantime.
Happy New Year, all!
Will I travel in 2011? Of course. I'm actually spending the first week of the year in Virginia for a wedding and some general hanging out, and then returning to New Jersey for work: I'm returning to camp as the Marketing Assistant, to advocate Johnsonburg to Presbyterian churches and other groups around the great state of New Jersey. I'm excited to be able to share with others the beauty and awesomeness that is camp, and of course appreciative of a good excuse to explore new and different places in NJ while I'm at it. I'll be finishing the masters next month and looking for more permanent work, but I'm looking forward to being at camp in the meantime.
Happy New Year, all!
30 December 2010
conditionality of seasonality (AHEM Monmouth County)
Yesterday, Timmy and I drove to camp for the annual staff reunion. Before we left, I was thinking about what sort of post I could do about the trip-- probably something talking about how I love New Jersey's distinct four seasons and how evident they are at camp. I experience camp mostly in the summers, when it's hot and humid, but reunion is always very chilly, usually with snow on the ground. In the past few years I've been able to visit during spring and fall as well. Each has their charm.
However, I have little to say about camp, because I spent more time driving to and from camp (three hours fifteen minutes each way, usually takes two) than I actually spent at camp yesterday (four hours). This is mostly Monmouth County's fault. After the blizzard earlier this week, it is just a wreck. Granted, Ocean County isn't much better, having received some of the highest snowfall in the state, but the Parkway in Monmouth was like a terrible obstacle course in which the lanes would just disappear abruptly. We did see a few trucks trying to clear snow out of the far lanes, but it was incredibly frustrating. We arrived at camp at dusk. I didn't get to see the lake, which I hear is quite icy at this point. Warren County only got about four inches (compared to our 28+) so it was easy driving in the northwestern part of the state, but still very pretty and serene. However, because it was dark, I didn't really get to see camp under snow. At least I got to catch up with some old friends.
It's always surprising when we get snow, especially substantial snow, at the shore, where our climate is moderated by the proximity of the ocean. For us to get so much and up north, which has "mountains" and no ocean, to get so little is mind boggling.
However, I have little to say about camp, because I spent more time driving to and from camp (three hours fifteen minutes each way, usually takes two) than I actually spent at camp yesterday (four hours). This is mostly Monmouth County's fault. After the blizzard earlier this week, it is just a wreck. Granted, Ocean County isn't much better, having received some of the highest snowfall in the state, but the Parkway in Monmouth was like a terrible obstacle course in which the lanes would just disappear abruptly. We did see a few trucks trying to clear snow out of the far lanes, but it was incredibly frustrating. We arrived at camp at dusk. I didn't get to see the lake, which I hear is quite icy at this point. Warren County only got about four inches (compared to our 28+) so it was easy driving in the northwestern part of the state, but still very pretty and serene. However, because it was dark, I didn't really get to see camp under snow. At least I got to catch up with some old friends.
It's always surprising when we get snow, especially substantial snow, at the shore, where our climate is moderated by the proximity of the ocean. For us to get so much and up north, which has "mountains" and no ocean, to get so little is mind boggling.
14 August 2010
Jersey fresh
Oh, how I love New Jersey. Well, except for the traffic that seems to meet me whenever I try to go somewhere more than 15 minutes away-- that's getting old. But I suppose it's to be expected when your state is this awesome. Everyone wants to check it out.
Anyway. I love food, and am particularly enthusiastic about local food. New Jersey produces a lot of really awesome foodstuffs. I needed to share my last two snacks because they were both awesomely delicious and both grown literally within a stone's throw of where I ate them. I'm sharing them with you so you can be jealous, but also so I have it in writing and can remember how good this was forever.
My last food at camp: wheat toast with elderberry jam, as made by my friends Andrew Walker and Drew Lovering. The elderberries were growing in Lower Meadow, which is about thirty seconds from Lakeside, the cabin I was living in until a few hours. So good.
My first food at home: tomato with fresh basil. The tomato is a Rutgers tomato, bought at Agricultural Field Day this past spring, and planted on the side of my parents' house. The basil has been growing in a little pot on the back porch of the aforementioned Lakeside all summer (also purchased at the aforementioned Ag Field Day). It's kind of a pathetic couple of sweet basil plants, not a ton of leaves, but what was there was delicious. The pot fell over while I was driving home and one of the plants broke, so I ate it with a tomato. So good.
A few weeks ago, a group of staff members got together in the evening and had a lengthy discussion about how we produce and consume food. It was a really great conversation, mainly focused on the local food movement but also covered other ideas about GMOs and other food issues. I really think food is interesting; everyone needs it, so we might as well actually think about what we're doing with it. But beyond my love of cooking and eating and talking about food, Jersey fresh foods are just one of the many reasons why I love my home state.
Anyway. I love food, and am particularly enthusiastic about local food. New Jersey produces a lot of really awesome foodstuffs. I needed to share my last two snacks because they were both awesomely delicious and both grown literally within a stone's throw of where I ate them. I'm sharing them with you so you can be jealous, but also so I have it in writing and can remember how good this was forever.
My last food at camp: wheat toast with elderberry jam, as made by my friends Andrew Walker and Drew Lovering. The elderberries were growing in Lower Meadow, which is about thirty seconds from Lakeside, the cabin I was living in until a few hours. So good.
My first food at home: tomato with fresh basil. The tomato is a Rutgers tomato, bought at Agricultural Field Day this past spring, and planted on the side of my parents' house. The basil has been growing in a little pot on the back porch of the aforementioned Lakeside all summer (also purchased at the aforementioned Ag Field Day). It's kind of a pathetic couple of sweet basil plants, not a ton of leaves, but what was there was delicious. The pot fell over while I was driving home and one of the plants broke, so I ate it with a tomato. So good.
A few weeks ago, a group of staff members got together in the evening and had a lengthy discussion about how we produce and consume food. It was a really great conversation, mainly focused on the local food movement but also covered other ideas about GMOs and other food issues. I really think food is interesting; everyone needs it, so we might as well actually think about what we're doing with it. But beyond my love of cooking and eating and talking about food, Jersey fresh foods are just one of the many reasons why I love my home state.
13 August 2010
my black duffel bag
I've had my black duffel bag for quite a while, at least eight years. This bag has been to Seattle, the United Kingdom, Johnsonburg (I think I first got the bag to take when I did the Leadership Training Program in 2002, actually, and then it's come with me every summer I've worked here), college, western Pennsylvania and the Eastern Shore, among other adventures. One of the zippers has been broken almost the entire time I have owned the bag. There's a collection of miscellaneous airline luggage and other identifying tags.
You can see the black duffel bag under my left leg. This is in Seattle-Tacoma Airport, shortly after I graduated from high school in 2004.
One week from today, that bag will be accompanying me to Malawi! This is an adventure I've wanted to go on for a long time, maybe not always specifically to Malawi, but somewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa to do some sort of positive work. Actually, I've probably been hoping for an adventure like this for about as long as I've owned this black duffel bag. My interest first came from learning songs from southern Africa in choir at church. In college, I focused most of my research projects on different issues affecting Africa. And now, I'm finally going to see what it's like for myself.
But today, that black duffel bag will be filled with the things I've had with me at camp this summer. I don't have much here with me-- mostly books, in fact. Johnsonburg is a pretty awesome place and it's always sad to leave. I'm glad I worked here again this summer after a few years away. If nothing else, spending time in the woods has been extremely calming. Working in the kitchen, the hardest question of my day was something like, which vegetables do I need to cut for the next meal? Has the trash been taken out? Do I need to brew another pot of coffee? which frees me to contemplate the more convoluted questions of my thesis. Have I finished that paper yet? No. And it's unlikely that it will be completely done before I leave next week. However, this summer has given me time to figure out the next few steps, which include teaching part time at Rutgers for another semester while finishing up the Masters and looking for more permanent work. And I have been able to get a lot of work done toward the thing in between hiking and swimming in the lake. Oh, and working in the kitchen. In about 24 hours, I'll be done here for the summer and I'll be loading that duffel bag into my car, to head home, do laundry, and start getting organized for Malawi and whatever follows.
You can see the black duffel bag under my left leg. This is in Seattle-Tacoma Airport, shortly after I graduated from high school in 2004.
One week from today, that bag will be accompanying me to Malawi! This is an adventure I've wanted to go on for a long time, maybe not always specifically to Malawi, but somewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa to do some sort of positive work. Actually, I've probably been hoping for an adventure like this for about as long as I've owned this black duffel bag. My interest first came from learning songs from southern Africa in choir at church. In college, I focused most of my research projects on different issues affecting Africa. And now, I'm finally going to see what it's like for myself.
But today, that black duffel bag will be filled with the things I've had with me at camp this summer. I don't have much here with me-- mostly books, in fact. Johnsonburg is a pretty awesome place and it's always sad to leave. I'm glad I worked here again this summer after a few years away. If nothing else, spending time in the woods has been extremely calming. Working in the kitchen, the hardest question of my day was something like, which vegetables do I need to cut for the next meal? Has the trash been taken out? Do I need to brew another pot of coffee? which frees me to contemplate the more convoluted questions of my thesis. Have I finished that paper yet? No. And it's unlikely that it will be completely done before I leave next week. However, this summer has given me time to figure out the next few steps, which include teaching part time at Rutgers for another semester while finishing up the Masters and looking for more permanent work. And I have been able to get a lot of work done toward the thing in between hiking and swimming in the lake. Oh, and working in the kitchen. In about 24 hours, I'll be done here for the summer and I'll be loading that duffel bag into my car, to head home, do laundry, and start getting organized for Malawi and whatever follows.
01 August 2010
the other other big regional airport...
I can now say I've driven to all of the major regional airports!
You've recently heard about my adventure to JFK. I've also written about Philadelphia and plenty about Newark. Well, this week I was asked to pick up some people from LaGuardia! Camp's previous program director was flying in from the midwest with his sons to spend a week with us at Johnsonburg. I was happy to make the trip because
1. I never mind going for a drive,
2. I enjoyed working with Brian a number of years ago and was looking forward to catching up,
3. I wasn't planning on doing anything else last night besides eventually sleeping
4. Now I can say I've driven to all of the major airports in the area!
The debacle that ensued is probably entirely my fault; as I was leaving around 3PM, I grabbed a book at the last minute, just in case they were running later than the expected 5PM landing. Plus, it should only take an hour and a half to get there... ha ha. I'm not sure who was having more fun until I arrived at the terminal at 6.30, Brian and his two boys at LaGuardia, or me stuck on the interstate. Oh man. But, as soon as I got past the toll plaza on the George Washington Bridge, it was smooth sailing and really lovely views down Harlem River Drive and across the Triboro Bridge, and a very easy drive back to camp with a stop at a diner on the way (because his sons needed to experience New Jersey properly).
What I enjoyed most about the drive back was probably listening to Brian pointing out various things about New Jersey to his sons. I'm usually the NJ tour guide, so it amused me to hear what someone else would notice and remember. Brian grew up at Johnsonburg and worked there for many years, so had a lot of great anecdotes to share about camp is well. Aside from the traffic heading into the city, it was a pleasant enough way to spend my evening off, and we're all glad to have Frick back with us for a week.
And now I know how to get to LaGuardia too, just in case anyone else ever needs picking up there!
You've recently heard about my adventure to JFK. I've also written about Philadelphia and plenty about Newark. Well, this week I was asked to pick up some people from LaGuardia! Camp's previous program director was flying in from the midwest with his sons to spend a week with us at Johnsonburg. I was happy to make the trip because
1. I never mind going for a drive,
2. I enjoyed working with Brian a number of years ago and was looking forward to catching up,
3. I wasn't planning on doing anything else last night besides eventually sleeping
4. Now I can say I've driven to all of the major airports in the area!
The debacle that ensued is probably entirely my fault; as I was leaving around 3PM, I grabbed a book at the last minute, just in case they were running later than the expected 5PM landing. Plus, it should only take an hour and a half to get there... ha ha. I'm not sure who was having more fun until I arrived at the terminal at 6.30, Brian and his two boys at LaGuardia, or me stuck on the interstate. Oh man. But, as soon as I got past the toll plaza on the George Washington Bridge, it was smooth sailing and really lovely views down Harlem River Drive and across the Triboro Bridge, and a very easy drive back to camp with a stop at a diner on the way (because his sons needed to experience New Jersey properly).
What I enjoyed most about the drive back was probably listening to Brian pointing out various things about New Jersey to his sons. I'm usually the NJ tour guide, so it amused me to hear what someone else would notice and remember. Brian grew up at Johnsonburg and worked there for many years, so had a lot of great anecdotes to share about camp is well. Aside from the traffic heading into the city, it was a pleasant enough way to spend my evening off, and we're all glad to have Frick back with us for a week.
And now I know how to get to LaGuardia too, just in case anyone else ever needs picking up there!
08 June 2010
the other big regional airport
Yesterday my good friend Katie arrived in the US from her home in London. Being as Katie was the one to welcome me to England a few years ago, I called dibs on picking her up from the airport when she arrived for another summer at Johnsonburg.
And then I thought to ask which airport she was flying into.
And it wasn't Newark.
Let's just say, my adoration for Katie Marnham runs deep! I've been to Newark, Philly, Atlantic City and LaGuardia all before, but JFK is out there and quite an adventure to get to. I left camp about 2.30 and arrived at the airport just in time to hear the announcement that her flight had landed, about 4.40. It then took her an hour and 20 minutes to get through immigration, and then took just over another two hours to get back to camp, although we stopped at a diner on the way for a much-needed break.
Driving in and around the city is definitely not on my list of top ten favorite things to do. I love visiting New York, don't get me wrong, but I definitely prefer mass transit. It's really fun to pick people up at airports though, and it's so great to have Katie back in the US!
While sitting in traffic by myself en route to JFK, I was thinking about the end of the summer. My father has offered to drive me all the way to the airport when I head to Malawi. This is incredible to me because:
1. He has always said he would never drive me to the airport if my destination was in Africa
2. Driving to JFK is not particularly enjoyable
(Dad, I'll still think you're a good guy if you change your mind and send me on public transportation! But if you don't take this out, I'm pretty good at getting to JFK now!)
And then I thought to ask which airport she was flying into.
And it wasn't Newark.
Let's just say, my adoration for Katie Marnham runs deep! I've been to Newark, Philly, Atlantic City and LaGuardia all before, but JFK is out there and quite an adventure to get to. I left camp about 2.30 and arrived at the airport just in time to hear the announcement that her flight had landed, about 4.40. It then took her an hour and 20 minutes to get through immigration, and then took just over another two hours to get back to camp, although we stopped at a diner on the way for a much-needed break.
Driving in and around the city is definitely not on my list of top ten favorite things to do. I love visiting New York, don't get me wrong, but I definitely prefer mass transit. It's really fun to pick people up at airports though, and it's so great to have Katie back in the US!
While sitting in traffic by myself en route to JFK, I was thinking about the end of the summer. My father has offered to drive me all the way to the airport when I head to Malawi. This is incredible to me because:
1. He has always said he would never drive me to the airport if my destination was in Africa
2. Driving to JFK is not particularly enjoyable
(Dad, I'll still think you're a good guy if you change your mind and send me on public transportation! But if you don't take this out, I'm pretty good at getting to JFK now!)
19 May 2010
You know how I roll...
...on four wheels, for many, many miles.
I did another one of those quick trips to Virginia. Actually, like I wrote last time, I did two. The first was for the Muddy Buddy 10K in Richmond the first weekend of this month. That was a really good time! I joined forces with a good friend and last year's partner, Brian, who thankfully is not super competitive, thus allowing my slow self to have a good time and not worry too much. It was excellent catching up with him and his family, but I did a lot of driving that weekend, since I was in the midst of finals. I ended up staying with my older brother and his wife outside of Philly for the two nights following the race in hopes that the few hours less driving I was doing would be put to good use on my final paper. Regardless of how said final paper turned out, it was nice to hang out with them for a few days before heading back to Rutgers to administer final exams to my students.
If the circle I drove it that weekend wasn't large enough, how about this past weekend? This is my new personal record for solo distance driving in a day, due to my poor planning. The former record was my trip to Northern Virginia and back in a night; this time I went to Richmond, then further north in New Jersey than I started, then back to Toms River over the course of the weekend-- just over 800 miles total, but just over 550 of them were between Friday morning and the wee hours of Saturday. I had a choir concert, a retreat at camp, and these two friends coming into Richmond from Mali and Montana all in the same 72 hour period. It had to be done.
After choir rehearsal on Thursday night (which ended about 9.45), I drove to my friend Amanda's place in northern Maryland and spent the night, to knock a couple of hours off the Friday travels. Thank goodness for her! On Friday morning, I drove to Richmond to meet up with Jeremy and Brendan, who I haven't seen since November 2008.
Jeremy, myself, Brendan
Our friend Taylor was also in town for the occasion, as well as Brendan's girlfriend Paige. The five of us went out for lunch and wandered around the city of Richmond for several hours while other people were at work. There was the Virginia Art Museum, frisbee in the park, and finally people got off work and congregated at our friend Justin's apartment in The Fan. A few other people I knew in college were there, so it was a lot of fun to see people, but especially the two who moved so far away.
About 11PM, I headed out, destined for camp. My dear friend Cheryl was leading the Jr. High retreat this weekend, and I really needed to be there for it. I arrived at about 5.30AM and crashed on the couch in my soon to be home for the summer before going to breakfast at 8 and helping work the retreat for the rest of the day. (I napped at every opportunity, but definitely slept like a champion the following night!) The retreat went really well. Cheryl is amazing, the weather was beautiful, and it was really nice to see everyone at Johnsonburg.
I drove home late Sunday morning for my choir concert in the afternoon, which went well. We sang Faure's Requiem among other awesome pieces. I'm glad I could be part of all of these things, though I definitely felt it the next day and will not be attempting any other completely insane trips like this any time soon. When I got home, my dad was singing that Johnny Cash song "I've Been Everywhere" to me. He said we need to rewrite the words for me. He may have a point.
Now, did you catch the part where I said soon to be home for the summer? It's true. I'm about to start packing, and will leave for camp in the morning. After a lot of thinking, I decided to work in the kitchen there this summer while finishing my Master's thesis. I'll be living in a little cabin called Lakeside... obviously by the lake... with my good friend Lauren and a pair of crazy cats. I am sure this will result in a lot of adventures, and think this blog may transition into just a general life adventures blog, not exclusive to travelling hundreds of miles in order to make an entry. This is in part because I'll be staying still for a while (which I guess is relative in the grand scheme of things when it comes to me-- I'm going to Worton, Maryland on a mission trip at the end of June with my home church's Jr. High youth group). At the end of a not-really-that-long-while, I'll actually be heading to Malawi (sort of southeast-central Africa) to do a bit of mission work for a few weeks. This will be at the end of August. I'm pretty excited, and have already had all of my shots. My life is getting to be one big adventure these days! Stay tuned, won't you?
I did another one of those quick trips to Virginia. Actually, like I wrote last time, I did two. The first was for the Muddy Buddy 10K in Richmond the first weekend of this month. That was a really good time! I joined forces with a good friend and last year's partner, Brian, who thankfully is not super competitive, thus allowing my slow self to have a good time and not worry too much. It was excellent catching up with him and his family, but I did a lot of driving that weekend, since I was in the midst of finals. I ended up staying with my older brother and his wife outside of Philly for the two nights following the race in hopes that the few hours less driving I was doing would be put to good use on my final paper. Regardless of how said final paper turned out, it was nice to hang out with them for a few days before heading back to Rutgers to administer final exams to my students.
If the circle I drove it that weekend wasn't large enough, how about this past weekend? This is my new personal record for solo distance driving in a day, due to my poor planning. The former record was my trip to Northern Virginia and back in a night; this time I went to Richmond, then further north in New Jersey than I started, then back to Toms River over the course of the weekend-- just over 800 miles total, but just over 550 of them were between Friday morning and the wee hours of Saturday. I had a choir concert, a retreat at camp, and these two friends coming into Richmond from Mali and Montana all in the same 72 hour period. It had to be done.
After choir rehearsal on Thursday night (which ended about 9.45), I drove to my friend Amanda's place in northern Maryland and spent the night, to knock a couple of hours off the Friday travels. Thank goodness for her! On Friday morning, I drove to Richmond to meet up with Jeremy and Brendan, who I haven't seen since November 2008.
Jeremy, myself, Brendan
Our friend Taylor was also in town for the occasion, as well as Brendan's girlfriend Paige. The five of us went out for lunch and wandered around the city of Richmond for several hours while other people were at work. There was the Virginia Art Museum, frisbee in the park, and finally people got off work and congregated at our friend Justin's apartment in The Fan. A few other people I knew in college were there, so it was a lot of fun to see people, but especially the two who moved so far away.
About 11PM, I headed out, destined for camp. My dear friend Cheryl was leading the Jr. High retreat this weekend, and I really needed to be there for it. I arrived at about 5.30AM and crashed on the couch in my soon to be home for the summer before going to breakfast at 8 and helping work the retreat for the rest of the day. (I napped at every opportunity, but definitely slept like a champion the following night!) The retreat went really well. Cheryl is amazing, the weather was beautiful, and it was really nice to see everyone at Johnsonburg.
I drove home late Sunday morning for my choir concert in the afternoon, which went well. We sang Faure's Requiem among other awesome pieces. I'm glad I could be part of all of these things, though I definitely felt it the next day and will not be attempting any other completely insane trips like this any time soon. When I got home, my dad was singing that Johnny Cash song "I've Been Everywhere" to me. He said we need to rewrite the words for me. He may have a point.
Now, did you catch the part where I said soon to be home for the summer? It's true. I'm about to start packing, and will leave for camp in the morning. After a lot of thinking, I decided to work in the kitchen there this summer while finishing my Master's thesis. I'll be living in a little cabin called Lakeside... obviously by the lake... with my good friend Lauren and a pair of crazy cats. I am sure this will result in a lot of adventures, and think this blog may transition into just a general life adventures blog, not exclusive to travelling hundreds of miles in order to make an entry. This is in part because I'll be staying still for a while (which I guess is relative in the grand scheme of things when it comes to me-- I'm going to Worton, Maryland on a mission trip at the end of June with my home church's Jr. High youth group). At the end of a not-really-that-long-while, I'll actually be heading to Malawi (sort of southeast-central Africa) to do a bit of mission work for a few weeks. This will be at the end of August. I'm pretty excited, and have already had all of my shots. My life is getting to be one big adventure these days! Stay tuned, won't you?
30 December 2009
and I would drive 500 miles, and I would drive 500 more...
About a year ago, I made a whirlwind roadtrip to Williamsburg, Virginia and back, prompting my friend Paul to make a comment about how of course I'd travel 20 mph in my sleep, in response to me telling him I'd driven about 750 miles in 36 hours (see the subtitle of this blog!). The tradition continues.
From the time I got my driver's license, I have apparently been known as the girl who would drive a few hours to see someone for a little while. I didn't realize I'd been typecasted this way till this weekend, but apparently it's super true. Some of my earliest roadtrips were to meet up with some of my friends who I used to go to summer camp with (Dan, Greg, Sarah and Alice). The last time we all saw each other was New Year's Day 2004. Greg and I currently live closer than ever, and he recently challenged me to meet up with him before New Year's 2010. I accepted, and raised him one-- we get the band back together! (No, we didn't actually have a band, but that would have been awesome.) We tried our best, but the stars didn't quite align, mostly because Dan can't read a calendar, but we like him anyway and as a result, hung out with him.
I drove out to Abington, PA to meet Dan and Greg for lunch on the 26th. It was great to catch up! The weather was cold, rainy and overall miserable, and if the stereotype about me is that I drive a lot, the stereotype about Dan is that he's never dressed for the weather. That photo from 2004 is us pretending to be Mummers on Mummers Day. Please note, Dan is wearing a blanket that I often keep in my car, because on chilly New Year's Day, he did not have a sweatshirt or jacket. He met Greg and me for lunch and a beer and had a scarf, but no coat or umbrella, so we stayed at the restaurant for about 3 hours. Good visit!
Straight after that visit, I headed south to Fairfax, Virginia, to celebrate my college roommate Brittany's engagement to her longtime boyfriend Adam. Hooray! I ended up driving back to Toms River that night, total mileage for the day was just shy of 500 miles. The trip was planned poorly-- I expected to be meeting Dan on the 27th but he was flying out of Philly that day; I thought the party was in the afternoon on the 26th, so I didn't think it was totally ludicrous to drive back that night... ah well. I got home alive at 3.30AM. Poorly planned, but well enjoyed!
The next day, the rest of the stars aligned and I saw the rest of my old camp friends. I drove to the Rumson-Fairhaven area to pick up Sarah. This was a trip I made many times in high school-- Alice is from the same town. This, and me telling Sarah of the previous day's adventures, prompted her to inform me that yes, driving everyone and staying in touch with everyone is kind of my M.O. That's not the worst character trait ever, I think?
Sarah and I took NJ Transit from my apartment by Rutgers, and successfully got on the same train as Greg, who was coming from the Hamilton station. We met up with Alice when she got off work and headed down to the Village to a place called The Blind Tiger, where we enjoyed a few rounds. Small and loud, but good beer selection and great company!
Beers of the travels found here. Mostly wheat beers, which I really like!
Then I stayed still and caught up on sleep for a day.
Then was the annual Johnsonburg reunion. I did a little bit of volunteering this summer, and probably wouldn't have gone up, but I drove my friend Tim, who worked there the full summer and knew way more of the current summer staff than I do and also had an interview (same Timmy I visited in Minnesota). It was nice to spend some time with him since he has a short winter break. And I got to visit with a few other people who live at camp who I've missed. All in all, another good day.
Total mileage since Christmas: about 850. So not quite 500 miles plus 500 more, but definitely have not been sitting still. I'm heading out to my brother and sister-in-law's in Abington for New Year's and will be spending a couple of days in Virginia after that, so more travels on the way!
From the time I got my driver's license, I have apparently been known as the girl who would drive a few hours to see someone for a little while. I didn't realize I'd been typecasted this way till this weekend, but apparently it's super true. Some of my earliest roadtrips were to meet up with some of my friends who I used to go to summer camp with (Dan, Greg, Sarah and Alice). The last time we all saw each other was New Year's Day 2004. Greg and I currently live closer than ever, and he recently challenged me to meet up with him before New Year's 2010. I accepted, and raised him one-- we get the band back together! (No, we didn't actually have a band, but that would have been awesome.) We tried our best, but the stars didn't quite align, mostly because Dan can't read a calendar, but we like him anyway and as a result, hung out with him.
I drove out to Abington, PA to meet Dan and Greg for lunch on the 26th. It was great to catch up! The weather was cold, rainy and overall miserable, and if the stereotype about me is that I drive a lot, the stereotype about Dan is that he's never dressed for the weather. That photo from 2004 is us pretending to be Mummers on Mummers Day. Please note, Dan is wearing a blanket that I often keep in my car, because on chilly New Year's Day, he did not have a sweatshirt or jacket. He met Greg and me for lunch and a beer and had a scarf, but no coat or umbrella, so we stayed at the restaurant for about 3 hours. Good visit!
Straight after that visit, I headed south to Fairfax, Virginia, to celebrate my college roommate Brittany's engagement to her longtime boyfriend Adam. Hooray! I ended up driving back to Toms River that night, total mileage for the day was just shy of 500 miles. The trip was planned poorly-- I expected to be meeting Dan on the 27th but he was flying out of Philly that day; I thought the party was in the afternoon on the 26th, so I didn't think it was totally ludicrous to drive back that night... ah well. I got home alive at 3.30AM. Poorly planned, but well enjoyed!
The next day, the rest of the stars aligned and I saw the rest of my old camp friends. I drove to the Rumson-Fairhaven area to pick up Sarah. This was a trip I made many times in high school-- Alice is from the same town. This, and me telling Sarah of the previous day's adventures, prompted her to inform me that yes, driving everyone and staying in touch with everyone is kind of my M.O. That's not the worst character trait ever, I think?
Sarah and I took NJ Transit from my apartment by Rutgers, and successfully got on the same train as Greg, who was coming from the Hamilton station. We met up with Alice when she got off work and headed down to the Village to a place called The Blind Tiger, where we enjoyed a few rounds. Small and loud, but good beer selection and great company!
Beers of the travels found here. Mostly wheat beers, which I really like!
Then I stayed still and caught up on sleep for a day.
Then was the annual Johnsonburg reunion. I did a little bit of volunteering this summer, and probably wouldn't have gone up, but I drove my friend Tim, who worked there the full summer and knew way more of the current summer staff than I do and also had an interview (same Timmy I visited in Minnesota). It was nice to spend some time with him since he has a short winter break. And I got to visit with a few other people who live at camp who I've missed. All in all, another good day.
Total mileage since Christmas: about 850. So not quite 500 miles plus 500 more, but definitely have not been sitting still. I'm heading out to my brother and sister-in-law's in Abington for New Year's and will be spending a couple of days in Virginia after that, so more travels on the way!
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