Independence Day

Last night, I had a hard time getting to sleep. In the next few days, I’ll be taking off on a whole new adventure and my mind and body have been fairly buzzing with the excitement, anticipation, and anxiety of it. I accepted a job at Yellowstone National Park for the rest of the summer. It’s not a glamorous job, in fact it’s anything but glamorous; however, it’s at one of the most beautiful places in the United States or maybe the world. I get to stay there, with the wildlife and rivers and mudpots and geysers until the seasons begin to change. That’s pretty glamorous all on its own. Yellowstone is one of those places that shows up on bucket lists all over the world, and I get to live there!

That’s only part of the adventure. In order to do this, I had to have a camper that was self-contained and that I could comfortably live in (with the pups) for the duration. I found a wonderful 15 year old 5th wheel that had been well-maintained and that met the approval of my very discerning son. It is almost twice as long as any camper or trailer I have ever pulled. It’s a full ten feet longer than what I originally began looking for. I had to learn how to hitch it, drive it,  unhitch it, and set it up BY MYSELF (with full props going to my son and my cousin for their lessons and enormous patience). If anything breaks or goes wrong, I will be the first and most likely the only one available to take care of things. That’s not at all scary.

I’m over-the-moon excited to be living this dream.

I’m also a little terrified. Last night, after I finally got to sleep, I had dreams of being stalked through an RV campground by a psycho chainsaw murderer. (You’ll be proud to know, I took care of his ass with a Mossberg 505 loaded with rock salt and bird shot and my public speaking skills. Dreams are such fun.) 

Other than a couple of trips with my little Skamper camper or the campbulance (Nurse Betty), this will be my first time so completely on my own since my early 20s. That has been a while ago. A good long while ago. No parents or First Sergeant or husband or children to take care of me, only the enormous amounts of love and enthusiastic support of family and friends and complete strangers and The Force. I’m pretty sure it’s all going to be all right.

I’ll be keeping a bit of a journal on the adventure, so check back here now and then for updates; and y’all have a good summer!

  

About Sharon

Like anyone who lives long enough, I have experienced great loss and survived. I am convinced that my survival depends on my own participation in creating the reality I am living in, and I am determined to be a thoughtful and active participant/creator. These writings are my way of documenting that creation. As the song goes, "I will survive!" I chose the title Staying Vertical because I find that surviving isn't just staying on my feet physically. Keeping my thoughts and emotions on the vertical plane keeps me alive and moving forward. Thanks for joining me!
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11 Responses to Independence Day

  1. Jan Rose says:

    You have a great time wish I was with you maybe I could get a cane like scrub brush..
    I will be excited to hear from you in your new summer home….Love You!!

  2. Mary says:

    Oh, this is so cool! Post often and I’ll live vicariously thru you in your National Park Adventure!

  3. Frank Knowles says:

    Sharon…..you are one gutsy lady, and I am so danged jealous, and proud, and….aw hell…?you know what I mean, I hope. I have no doubt that you are about to have the best danged summer!!! I wish you all the best luck with everything you do.

    • Sharon says:

      Thanks, Frank. I do know what you mean, and it’s very special to know I have the support of so many precious friends.

  4. Pete Siegel says:

    You go girl! Is that a diesel truck? No dualie wheels?

  5. Good God but I’m envious and wow do I admire you! Not to mention I am in awe of your “aloneness” and the ability to manage your new home all by yourself. That is an undertaking. But the new job is amazing. I’m proud to know you and I cannot wait to read the continuing adventures (or misadventures, eh?). You are truly my inspiration. I hope this is everything you dreamed, and more! Bon Voyage, my friend.

  6. Mary Lou Hymel says:

    Now I understand everything! You’re my hero! Like another Mary said above, I’ll be living vicariously through you, so post plenty of photos and blogs!

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