The Great Outdoors

My dear friend Rogue recently referred to me as "the girl who will not go camping." And up until this point in my life that is completely true. For many years I have strongly asserted that I do not like being outside unless it is an outside shopping mall. But lately, I've really been feeling the need to commune with nature, go hiking, go camping, anything outdoors.

I seem to be enjoying myself here with my brother outdoors in Big Bear. Maybe we were just enjoying the peace and quiet before my sister was born. She was the cutest baby ever, but oh Lordy was she a screamer.



Brady and I took a mini hike the other day in the hills by our house. It was so nice just to be in the fresh air, looking at the scenery. It was particularly nice to be without laptops, email, and our blackberrys. Rogue has suggested a girls' camping trip. This time last year, I would have said no way, call me when you want to go to the spa. But now, I think that would be a lot of fun. I like the idea of not worrying about packing cute outfits, or what heels to bring, or how much make-up and hairspray will I need. And if there is any female I trust to go camping with, its Rogue. She just seems to know what she is doing.

I would also like to go camping with Brady. I've been dreaming of a road trip where we throw the bullies in the car, I make a bunch of sandwiches, lasagna, mac n cheese (all of which are good cold), some wine and we just set out to relax and enjoy each other's company. I'd bring a bunch of good books too. And maybe one of those card games that consists of thought provoking questions.



See how happy I can be in the wilderness? Oh, my dad is not a serial killer. I swear. He was in law enforcement for many, many years and is not a fan of smiling. We like to say that the smiles with his eyes, although that is clearly not the case here.