Gearing Up!

Well, I am woefully behind, I think that is how my good friend put it, on this blogging thing! But, fear not gentle viewers, I am gearing up. In more ways than one! That is right, on April 26th, I am leaving to go on the Rhoades School's South West Indian Field Trip, or SWIFT trip as they call it, though saying SWIFT trip is like saying ATM machine, so I can just say leaving for SWIFT, but I hate calling things by their initials like that, except when people are talking to me, because a lot of people I know and love call me JT, and that is fine, because JT is not a word. Like, I am fine with ATM. Just not ATM machine, but I am not OK with SWIFT, because that still uses Indian, and we are supposed to say Native American now, and even though I am anti political correctness, they are not from India, they are from here, and they were here first, Indigenous people, therefore Natives, so, it is a better phrase. But, the food and the rugs are still Oriental folks, and it is still OK to say that, the people are Asian, but there is no such thing as Asian food.
That rant is over, now what I came to say. I am heading out in a motor home with six eleven year olds in my care! Once you all recover from that statement, know that this is my third time going on this trip. Once as one of the 11 year-olds, once at the age of 31, 20 years later exactly as a chaperon, and now once again as a chaperon, and this time with the wonders of modern technology at my disposal, I will be taking my lap -top, camera and a device to I can get internet every where, and blog on the way.
Last time I went, the best item of clothing I had was a pair of overalls. I could wear them almost every day, no matter what we were doing, and no matter what the weather. Alas, my overalls died last summer, so I have just ordered a new pair. These are Dickies, and I hope they prove to be as sturdy and long lasting as they promise. Overalls are a gift from God. Comfy, roomy and just perfect for work, play or what ever, with the exception of the Oscars.
My mom found me what I can only describe as the Uber Snuggy. It is way better than those things you see late at night that are made of fleece. Those are like hospital gowns, open at the back and lame. The one my mom gave me zips up, keeps my arms warm, but I can still use them, and it is toasty toasty. Perfect for a cold night in a motor-home.
Packing will be very light. We are gone for a week, so, one pair of tennis shoes, and one pair of work/hiking boots (my Laura Croft boots) in case of bad weather. 1 pair of overalls, 1 pair of shorts (probably won't wear them) 1 pair of jeans, sleeping bag (has to fit in my suit case) bathroom things (all with my name on them, so I don't lose them!) a towel (for when there are showers, because not all the camp sites have them), enough socks and underwear, a good coat for weather, and a hat, pajamas (and at least I don't have to worry there, because I am always cold at night, so those will be sweats, and I can wear those on days that we don't need to be spiffy) enough shirts and such, and a pillow (but I got these cool camping pillows that deflate when you roll them, so those don't take up a lot of room), of course Cousin Ben, and that is it. All in one bag, because space is limited, and I will have the lap top in my back pack.
So get ready, because I will be writing more, and there are adventures to come! See you all soon.