Bring on the rain....

So it has been raining since the kids arrived here at camp... I think it might be a sign. Ha ha.... not really. Little joke there. Anyway, the kids have been here since Sunday and things are going pretty well thus far. I really missing being a counselor, that direct interaction with the kids. However, what I don't miss is being needed 24/7... having no privacy or time to myself. This whole office job thing, is definitely different that what I am used to, but it is good. I really enjoy seeing what goes on behind scenes is cool. Plus getting every night off has allowed me to meet a lot of cool people that I would not have gotten to hang out with otherwise.

Other than camp life, things are going decently well in my life. I can't believe that I am going to be starting my final year of college... it just doesn't seem right. People always tell you not to wish time away... I didn't listen... and now I am wanting some of that time back. But I guess you can't go back, only forward... gotta make the best of what time you do have left. I feel like I am ready for whatever the "real world" has to offer. I know that there will be stresses and challenges, but you have to have that or you never see what you are really made of. The last year of my life has been full of a lot of changes, ups and downs. At the time, they were horrible.... some days, they still are. But for the most part, I am thankful for all that I have been through. It has made me who I am-- I am proud of that.

I am ready for whatever this life may bring me...... bring on the rain and whatever else you have to offer.

What I don't want to be when I grow up.....

So, today the campers arrived at the lovely Camp Pinewood. It has been one of the longest and most stressful days of my life. 380 kids, 2 charter flights, a million problems, and a box of Swiss cake rolls... pretty much sums it up. I really like working here, but dealing with stuff like this has made me realize how much I don't want to become a rich, snobby mom. I have dealt with so many people, with so much money... and it seems they lose all common sense and manners because they have a fat rock on their hand or a Rolex on their arm.

They have let their money take the place of common courtesy and a smile.... that is sad and annoying, to say the least. It has really reminded me to be humble, respect where I come from, and never forget it. I like to think I am doing things with my life and hope to someday be comfortable... but never, EVER to I want to become one of the people that think that money makes them more valuable than any other human being. We all came from the same place and no one else has the right to judge another person, regardless of how many zeros are on your check at the end of the month.

While there have been a fair share of assholes, there are also those people that are so genuinely nice and do good things with their money. I respect those people and I would be ok turning out like one of them... Money is powerful... but only to a point. Respect is more powerful though, and you can gain that with or with a wad of cash in your wallet.

On to other things, the summer is flying by. It is already June 10th, it seems like only yesterday I was packing my things to go home... I was there for a total of 8 days and then I came here. I am really glad that I did... it has made me test my limits, personally and professionally. I know that I don't want to be a secretary... I would love to own a camp one day. It would be an amazing thing I think. Camp is a wonderful place and it allows kids to become who they are. I don't know if these kids know how lucky they are... but maybe one day they will realize the value of the time they spent here.

Life is funny.... that is the conclusion I have come to. You don't have enough time for the things you love most... they get taken from you too soon, and it hurts too much. So, I am going with this new outlook on life, live it like you were dying... because really we are. It is only a journey, that isn't really our own anyway. We are only here for a short time.... make it worth while. Let go of petty things that really don't matter, focus on the things that really matter. Family, friends, love, laughter, making it count when it matters. Do it... don't dream about it, or think about it... live life...

Til next time... better days.

Camp Pinewood: An adventure to say the least...

So, I have been at Camp for about 3 weeks now... it has really been a good time thus far. I can't really say enough about how amazing all the people are and how much fun it has been to get to know them all. It was a little scary coming here and not knowing anyone... but they all made me feel at home from the start, it was great.

So far... we have done a lot of hanging out and getting to know each other. Up until last night, there was about 15 of us here. Pre Camp staff, the office girls, and a few others. But yesterday, loads of people arrive. It was overwhelming a bit trying to learn all their names and where they from. We all went to a Mexican place just up the road called the Patron. It was a good time. We all got to chat and mingle for a few hours. Then a group of us walked back to camp, making a stop at the Exxon and Krispy Kreme. Some of the girls had never had one before, so they got to experience that. Once we got back to camp, we hung out a little bit and then they all headed to bed. I watched a movie, and then passed out.

I really think that this will be a memorable summer.... it is so different from any other camp experience I have ever had and I think that it is really cool to get to do something like this. I would highly recommend a summer camp job of any sorts. It is cool because it isn't really a job so much, you get to chill with cool people, make memories that will last forever, and possibly change a child's life....to me is way more valuable than bagging groceries or working at the mall.

It does take some effort to put yourself out there, make new friends, and acclimate yourself to new surroundings... but I think it is worth it. You will only get as much out of the summer as you put in....

I suppose that is all for now, I really should do some work. Hope all is well with everyone. Write me!