Time to backdate myself

I haven't been posting, as you will notice if you read this. But I wonder who would still read this now that my adventures are over. My adventures...living in Denver, looking for a job, and catching up on movies I have missed...these are not adventures. I got up this morning early - earlier than usual. I set the alarm for 7:15 am, so I could ready myself to catch a bus at 8 am to the University of Denver to hear Barack Obama speak. It is not even 9:30 am, and I am home. I mis-remembered the bus time, 8:10 am, as 8:00 am, which was actually when I needed to leave the house. Instead, I left too early, stamping my feet in the cold and trying to keep my fingers warm at the stop. Twenty minutes didn't seem too long too wait. Twenty-five did, and then thirty seemed like forever. At fifty minutes I walked home. The bus never came, the next bus was late, and my toes were too cold. That counts as my adventure today! No Barack Obama - no hanging out with Oren - alas. Since these are extra moments, I will try to fill in some of the blanks of the past weeks. tori

Still have all my toes!

I have always been intrigued by four-season camping, more specifically WINTER camping. The trip slated was actually a backpacking trip on snowshoes to a deserted lodge. It would still be winter camping, though a little more protection from the elements at night than a tent. Mary, Erik, and I borrowed gear, stuffed our packs, and layered up. We headed out Hwy 285 into the snow. We dined in Erik's truck on some delicious homemade potato rosemary bread, laced the chains around the tires, and planned to head a little farther down the closed road. We talked to some other snowshoers retreating from a night in a snowcave and set ourselves on course. The truck did not follow course. In less than five minutes of driving into the thicker, deeper snow, we were stuck. Technically we were high centered, and the back right wheel had dropped into quicksand. We dug and dug - with snowshoes and poles. The snowcaving Girl Scouts showed up with shovels and their dad. They worked on the back wheel, as I swept my ski pole back and forth under the engine, determined to un-high center the truck. After many attempts, shoving from the front, and standing on the tailgate, Blue dislodged from the snow and returned to the spot it previously occupied. Bummer! We ambitiously strapped on our shoes and packs after a minor setback. The additional distance to cover wouldn't take long, though it was amusing how thin and packed the snow was for at least forty mintues - an easy road to drive. We checked out the snowcave on our way into the woods. The directions we had been given said to just keep walking along the road. We determined previously that 3:00 pm would be our turn around time. After a bit of confusion as to the time, we determined the truck clock was an hour fast, Mary's alarm clock was fifty minutes fast, and we ate lunch before 10 am...plenty of time. The snow was beautiful. The mountains were amazing. The sun felt great. Three o'clock came more quickly than we anticipated. We stopped for more bread and snacks on a sunny dry patch and acknowledged that we would have to turn back. The snowcave was still an option. It seemed a quick return, but the light would be gone quickly. We gathered firewood and started preparing dinner. While gathering firewood, I managed to step through the snow, through a layer of ice, and into a creek. The sound of running water got me moving quickly. Relieved to see my boots weren't wet, I managed to get an armful of branches and twigs for the fire. Looping back around with my arms full, I stepped through a different spot, much deeper. Up to my hips in snow, I could feel the water rushing into my boots. I COULD FEEL WATER RUSHING INTO MY BOOTS!! Unprepared for this scenario, I did what I thought best - changed into dry socks and tried to dry my boots by the fire. We enjoyed a delicious dinner of tortillas and beans and cheese and salsa. It was delicious!! Hot cocoa made a great dessert, but the temperature was dropping, and the fire was waning. We made our way into the snow cave. It was plenty big enough for us, though short-ceilinged for maneuvering much. Those with claustrophobia should be warned that this is not a good option for winter camping. Obstructed from the doorway, my body hunkered down for a cold night. Sleepless, the night passed slowly. My bag is good for cold weather, but the highs were forecasted in the teens. The long and the short of it (yes, I know this hasn't been a short story) is that upon putting my frozen boots on in the morning, I subjected myself to forstbite. We couldn't get a fire going in the morning, so packed up in a hurry and sprinted for the truck. I was a bit distressed over the state of my feet, but reaching the spot on the road where the sun finally reached me warmed my spirits and my face. I could barely see out of my fogging glasses, but push on we did. Mary had a late start as the last one out of her bag. With the sun buoying my spirits, I turned back about ten minutes from the car. I didn't want to leave her, but I knew that I needed to start moving. I was glad to go back for her, feeling like there was not much worse my feet could get. Once at the truck, I abandoned my gear and went for the back seat with the blanket. I gently removed my boots to some cold toes...frozen toes. They weren't pretty, sort of like frozen chicken fat. My big toe was the worst. I couldn't stop the wail inside me that wanted out. Mary and Erik insisted that I come stick my feet under the heater. Sadly I have have had frostbite before, so I know that you warm gently and slowly to eliminate risk of refreezing. I was relieved that Mary and Erik got out to remove the chains off the back wheel, so I could let out a few shrieks of anguish as the feeling started to come back. The back seat was fine, especially since my boots got a front seat for the heater, but I wasn't prepared to slip my feet back into them to get breakfast. We stopped in Bailey for the most reasonable priced eggs and potatoes on the market. Even better was my seat next to the heater. I dozed in and out on the drive back. When we got home, unloaded and hung our gear up to dry, I looked up information about frostbite. There were a number of recommendations to seek medical treatment, though when I called my sister, Dr. Miki, she couldn't tell me anything except that she was tired. I left a message for an advice nurse who called back for a message for my doctor. She confirmed there was nothing more to do but keep it warm. The tenderness is bothersome, and there may be a couple spots with no feeling. Hopefully it progressively gets better and not worse. All in all it was a great trip. We all learned a few pointers for next time; God forbid there is a next time of wet boots and temperatures not even in the teens. Looks like I may be buying toe warmers for my boots this year!

Back in Denver with time to kill!

I'm back in Denver, not quite against my will, but it was tough to leave all the fun in the NW. It's cold here, but I think I am just in denial that I am not heading south of here anytime soon.

I still don't have an income, but I am looking...a few things have caught my eye. Over-analytical me, I am really trying to be super thoughtful about this new job of mine and how it can afford me to do all the things I want. I am not ready for early retirement by any means, but I would really like to volunteer and be available to friends without forgetting to make time for me.

I spent my first day back in my room rearranging. The rest of the house is a bit messy, and I know my room is quickly on its way to blending in if I don't unpack. Ahhh....habits of life. I do love the se corner of my room which is newly redesigned with lots of plants and my chair facing the sunny windows. My bed is still warm and comfy and absolutely the place to be until late in the morning, though the rest of the room doesn't warm up. It is good to see the girls, and Erik spoiled me by losing to me in a few games of cards last night. I already have plans for skiing and snowshoeing. And happy hour at the 'chos is scheduled for tomorrow! Yippee!! I am still suffering through some spinal pain - low back and neck. I have a couple things to do before Mary and I can settle our insurance claim with the car (I know I haven't posted in forever, but my first day in the states and driving, I was rear-ended in a hit-n-run. Though drivable, the car is a total loss, and I am totally frustrated - with claims bs and some back pain. Alas!) I see my rolfer today, so hopefully she will have some promising things to say. I am cooking this week, so any ideas are helpful...Best to you! tori

Technology to the rescue!

I wish I were as good as my friend Amy at capturing the sweet moments of life on camera. I try. With the purchase of a digital camera, I can say I have taken a ridiculous amount of pictures, knowing I can delete and repeat over and over. I got to see Amy and Pat, Maddie, Mia, and Monica today. Whenever I am around these girls, I can't help but want to capture every moment for savoring later, like when I am a thousand miles away. I lucked out again and got to bath time. This is a special treat because Mia and Monica follow Maddie's cue to be comfortable around me. They are so at ease in the warm, bubbly water. I even got to wash their hair! We told stories and listened attentively.

So sweet! I dressed them up for Christmas - a couple hours before the family mass, but Amy assured me they wouldn't get them so mussed. We had so much fun, and they were so beautiful. Reading and playing and showing off! Then I got the invitation to come back and stay at the house while Monica napped. Happily, I raced back to the house, so they could get going. There was a little too much excitement in the house, and I heard Monica wake before they left. I waited a bit to see if she would just cry herself to sleep, but I think we all know when the crying gets to distress. She was not happy to see me. She was enraged that I was the only other person in the house - how dare her mother leave her in such incapable hands as this stranger's. She didn't want out of my arms, but she didn't want them either. A tough decision for a 17 month old!

I don't claim brilliance, but resourcefulness. With my laptop open to my pictures of South America, I quickly switched the screen to the pictures I had taken earlier of Monica and her sisters. I even had a little video footage. She recognized the faces, and we just let that slideshow run and run. Later I changed the pictures to an album my uncles put together of my grandpa. Despite this great save, she managed to cry herself into the coughing gagging thing and ralphed on Ducky, her blankie. She was not amused to have to give it up to the washing machine. What a relief when Grammy came for her that she was not still a wreck!

I got home and did what I could to pitch in with dinner, help get ready for the after-mass party of hot buttered rum and Auggie's bourbon brie. I dressed up in a combination of clothes from my sister's closet and the top of my bins still in the basement of the Columbine house. Gratefully I found my big heels, the ones essential to "fitting in" with my six-foot family, but ended up sitting next to Grandma and dwarfing her. Ooops! The party was fun. I was glad my older goddaughters could make it, though we kept them off of the sauce. A late night...wasn't going to get my beauty rest for Santa...and family breakfast.

Happy St. Victoria Day!

An obscure saint, but a very real tradition: my mom, Grandma, and I celebrate the feast of St. Victoria on December 23rd every year. We usually take in lunch somewhere, and recently Miki has started joining us. Last night Erik prepared dinner for me, and we celebrated Christmas a little early. He took me to the airport early this morning so I could fight the hordes of travelers before Christmas. I prefer Alaska Airlines, since they do not have many flights out, thus having a shorter check-in line. After last year's blizzards and stranded travelers, this year was like a walk in the park. The lines for check-in and security moved so quickly, I had a ridiculous amount of time to hang around. It was busier in July when I flew home for my birthday! I certainly was not going to complain, though I was a bit grumbly that our flight was late leaving Denver...I didn't want to keep my mom, Grandma, and sister waiting in Portland. They would be hungry, too! My bags weren't the last, and my sister helped me carry them. I was glad to have her, since my mom got a new car in my absence, and I had no clue what to look for. Renaults, pick-ups, and anything old and rusting were the typical fare where I was in Argentina, so the SUVs and flashy new cars were a bit foreign. Lunch was delicious - vegetarian Thai food. We laughed much and caught up with each other. I feel like my stories are old news having been sending them out into the world via blog. But I know nothing of what is going on with everyone else. Quick to catch me up, my family had lots to share. We snuck in movie, The Kite Runner, as quickly as I set my bags down. Walking out to the bathroom from the theatre, I heard my name, whipped around, and found my older brother waiting for his girlfriend against the wall. What a treat to get to meet her before she headed to Eugene for Christmas! A very pleasant surprise! It's good to be in Portland with my family again!

Back on track?

After my nightmare of a night, I spent the day on the phone...talking to the insurance company...talking to my lawyer...talking to my rolfer...talking to my mom...talking to auto mechanics...talking to Kaiser. All I wanted was to have a restful week of getting together with friends before heading to Portland for three weeks, maybe ski. I actually had an invitation to ski today, but turned it down before fate could change my plans. This was not how I hoped to spend the day. Cathy got me in for more body work, the best thing to try to put the accident behind me physically, though I had an appointment for Wednesday to see a doctor at Kaiser. Nothing to do but steady myself.

A bad ending to my first full day back in the USA

I'm not big on unpacking or putting things away, so my backpacks of gear and dirty clothes and gifts made it to the futon in my room and not much further. Last night I moved my bed closer to the door, further away from the cold windows. Erik helped me swap the futon and bed around and shove my bags even further from my sight. I did have to pull a few things out today, but I was excited to have other things to do, like a rolfing appointment with Cathy in the evening. It took me twenty minutes to get on Hwy 6 from the house! Alarming! Granted, I haven't driven in months, and the driving in South America is more of a weave, less linear. Though I didn't drive down there, it affected me as I tried to get to Golden in forty minutes, generally plenty of time. I did make it and had a great reunion, as well as some great work on the kinks of my body. Happy to see Cathy, I was just as happy to go because I had a dinner date with Nikki at her house. We gabbed for hours, could have gone much longer, but a Monday night for her meant an early rise in the morning, so I mosied on home. Mary called wondering if she should worry that I wasn't home. Nah! I was on my way and promised to come say good night when I got home. That thirty minute drive took an hour and a half. Waiting at the red light before Colfax on Park Avenue West, a car smashed into me from behind. I was stunned, I was rolling forward, I couldn't see anything, I was screaming, and then I realized the sound, the movement, the darkness...I'd been rear-ended. I didn't see him coming. The rear-view mirror was askew and failing to reflect light. My foot slipped off the break; the car absorbing the impact and rolling forward. I braked, adjusted the mirror, and recognized that I was okay. The other vehicle was no longer behind me. As he passed me on the right, I started calling out his license plate number over and over, committing it to memory until I could tell someone. The car headed into an alley. I didn't know what to do. My phone had flown into the back of the car, and I needed to call the police. And I needed to call Mary to say not to worry, I wouldn't be home yet. A mile from home...I was so close. I rounded onto Colfax to see if I could catch the vehicle exiting the alley, but there was no one there. I called the police, passed on information, calmed myself down. I filed a claim with my insurance. My low back stung, my head was swirling. I managed to get out of the car, relieved that all my muscles knew what to do. The damage didn't look crippling, and the car was still drivable. I went home, slid in next to our landlord's house in the alley, and made my way for some ibuprofen. First full day here. Ending the day in a daze.