life's curveballs...

Just when I thought life threw me a nasty curveball, I hit the damn thing out of the park. No, really... this is week 11 of my ankle injury and though I am still trying to rehab it back to normal, I have had the good fortune of other fun opportunities coming my way. See, about a month ago, I was still mired in the ugliness of ankle rehab reality, progress having stalled and my summer felt like it was going down the tubes. Here I am, 5 weeks later, planning for a couple of big trips at the end of this glorious summer, while still nursing my injury.

So two things. First, I have a week-long vacation planned with my two best friends in August. We'll be rafting, hiking, listening to chill music, and whatever else somewhere near Aspen, CO. It will be a rocking good time to get away from work for a week, out of Eugene, OR, and just be silly and stupid for a few days with people who really "get" me.

Secondly, although I have never been one to win anything major, or even a generous lottery prize, I managed to draw a hunting tag for Big Horn Sheep this year. Those of you who know me well know that I am not exactly the hunter/camouflage type and I've never really handled a firearm before, much less know how to use one. The only reason why I put in for hunting tags at all was so that D could accrue preference points and maybe a little bit hoping for the off chance that I will actually get to tag along on a hunting trip someday for the hike. Long story short, I drew one of the most coveted hunting tags in the state of Oregon. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I must take advantage of, and therefore have begun preparations for the September trip. It sounds crazy, especially since my dad describes me to his friends as "the pacifist", but it is not an experience that I am gonna miss out on if I can help it.

To begin with, I secured my first rifle this weekend - a Weatherby 708mm Remington. It is small enough for little ole weakling me to handle, yet (supposedly) powerfuly enough to down a 250 lb animal from 100 yards. It is also versatile enough that I can use it for deer, elk, antelope, or other single-toed ungulates roaming the state of Oregon. It is really exciting to finally be able to participate on these week-long exursions that I have heard so much about the last few years. Not so much for the trophy part, but for the sheer experience of hiking in the wilderness, miles and miles from the nearest road, trekking across ridges and canyons, and enjoying the wild scenery that are likely to disappear long before my lifetime ends. I actually see myself shooting more pictures than actually shooting an animal. In any case, it will be a wild time that I am really looking forward to.

Until then, there is the second half of the softball season that still awaits, of which both my co-ed and women's teams are undeafeated in league, seeking for more bragging rights. As soon as that seaon is complete, it is the beginning of a new chapter in my life's experiences.....

On a side note, while in the process of acquiring my new "gat", I had my first experience with "gat envy".. there was another female there purchasing a rifle with her male friend... granted that she was a few inches taller than I was, I did take notice that her rifle was bigger and longer than mine....