4...3....2.....1....

this weekend was so much fun. Mark and I made a roadtrip/ end of summer mix, organized our stuff, started packing and...

made lists:

tested the gear:

and enjoyed planning the trip together.
I took a little nap in the tent. It was super great. I LOVE that it's so big inside, it's waterproof, it has a lot of little compartments, it has an awesome fly, and it's ORANGE. which really really makes me happy.
This is my new home for awhile, except of course when my friends let me stay with them! :)
Good times.
More to come!
Ahhhhhh!!!! It's so close!!!!!



getting the goods and the realization of leaving...

i realized last night that i'm going away for a pretty LONG TIME....
it's like co-op all over again. i need to pack like i'm not coming back...
pretty intense for a little while there, but it's all part of the excitement.

i've been ordering a few necessary items- things i don't have yet, like hiking pants, new camera and
i attached a photo of the new tent below....

Ok, a little nerve racking, but, once i get excited, it's hard to hold me back.... i like to make decisions and GO!

so, this should be good.

and being outside.. fresh air... seeing this great country.. :) it's really pretty ridiculously amazing.

One thing, Erin, my co- worker at A&F, reminded me that there are tons of Bears in Yosemite!

But, never fear, after her warnings, I've read up on all of the things you're supposed to do if a Bear approaches.... and she also took the liberty of sending me all these scary publications to read, so that I can become especially paranoid. :)

here they are for your reading enjoyment:

http://www.collegehumor.com/article/6576889/10-reasons-why-bear-week-would-be-better-than-shark-week

http://www.theonion.com/articles/grizzly-bear-sprained-paw-while-mauling-hunter-rep,20685/


also, here is a little picture Sandy, another coworker of mine had at her desk:

really made me smile.
and you can google "haters gonna hate" and find all kinds of funny stuff.
also, Sandy was quick to point out that he's wearing little socks.. :)

Ok, well, signing off for now.
Love,
Jenny

Check it out

Dear Blog,
I wanted to share all the cool places I am going with you. Mark showed me this succession of photos on google when we were coming up with this idea and I got really excited! Hopefully you'll feel the same way as me and get inspired to go to some of these places if you haven't already...
Keep in touch!
Love,
Jenny

1st stop:
Outside of St. Louis:

2nd Stop:

Rockie Mountain National Park:



3rd Stop:

Arches National Park:

4th Stop:

Antelope Canyon:

5th Stop:

Grand Canyon National Park:

6th Stop:

Bryce Canyon National Park:

7th Stop:

Zion National Park:

8th Stop:

Death Valley National Park:

9th Stop:

Yosemite National Park:

10th Stop:

Big Sur:

11th Stop:

San Francisco:

Started the blog

Really not much to say yet, except that I am really really excited.
for what is to come. for the unknown. for NOT KNOWING.
for being ok with that.

Also, thankful for having such great great friends who love me and understand me
and support who i want to be and who i will be and are willing and excited to see
the evolution.

Get ready--
it's going to be great
and hard
and scary
and fun

hope you enjoy the journey
love,
jenny