Lyme and Locks

Last night my friend Kelly called me with some very real concerns she had about my heat rash from Tuesday. She encouraged me to go see a doctor friend of hers. She didn’t like the look of my pictures, and wanted to just remind me of the risk of Lyme Disease. Now, I’m pretty sure the rash was heat rash because it went away almost by the next day with the help of a cold shower and some Gold Bond, and there was zero patterning to it.
Plus, I’m generally healthy, BUT I have noticed a distinct difference in my energy level from last year to this year.

I assumed it was just me getting a little older and a little slower, plus my eating habits in order to pack on the pounds had had me chewing on less than healthy items from time to time. So, I figured, once on trail, my mind clear, once I’m not trying to balance my social life, with my work life, with my training, with my art and music and writing pursuits, etc…. I’d be back on track and hitting it hard.

This year though, I have been very tired and fatigued to say the least. It’s been more difficult than ever to stay on track. Going to bed early and getting up early sometimes seems impossible. And some nights, I just don’t sleep well. It is what it is. Life is chaotic and I’m no spring chicken.

To be honest, it has actually crossed my mind to go get a check up and test for Lyme since I’m constantly outdoors, but I’m stubborn. Plus, I’m not a fan of health care. Pretty much the only doctor I see is my gynocologist. I guess one is better than none. So, sorry Kelly, but I will probably not find time to get in to see the doctor and test for Lyme before I leave. I only have about a week left to finish prep, and my time is precious right now. Not that my health isn’t as well, but… I promise I will start going once a year and have that checked as soon as I get back.

On a brighter note, I’m out walking the bridge again this morning. The weather is perfect, but as usual it’s pretty hot too. I can’t stay out here too long though, since I managed to lock myself out of my apartment when I left. Just as I was shutting the door behind me I realized my keys were on my drafting table. Good job Cindy-jo. This is a testament to how tired I was when leaving this morning. But I have to admit I like to lock myself out at least once a year. Ugh. Good thing my neighbors rock and the condo manager has a spare and lives in the complex. Thanks Mick and Doug!!! Otherwise I’d be seriously whining right now, but nobody needs to see or hear that. Truly.

Gear check in. I finally got my new compass and bear bell. Posted that on Facebook the other day. Also, I ordered another pair of my Oboz Women’s Sawtooth Low hiking shoes, and some Leukotape. I like the sports tape I use now, but the Leukotape has been mentioned a bunch of times in videos I’ve been watching online recently. The only thing is in the more medical videos they mention a solution that preps the effectiveness of the tape’s adhesion. Somehow you use that before putting it on the foot. Not sure I’m going to go that far, but I will test it out without it and see what I think. If I have to overnight the solution, I will, but I’m guessing it’s not totally necessary since many of the hiking videos only mention the tape, not the prep solution in addition. Ah, the many last minute gear choices and issues! I’m running out of time for such nonsense. Time for the trail already!

it’s another beautiful day people. Get out there and hike! Or bike. Or whatever it is you do!

I learn new stuff every day. Well, hopefully.

I learn new stuff every day… So, here I am thinking for the longest time there is only an “overall” world record for self-supported FKT hiking of the Appalachian Trail, and this morning I’m watching a video by ‘Darwin onthetrail’ and he mentions his friend Dan “Knots” Binde winning the overall world record just recently. So, of course I had to check it out. Although it’s not verified as of this moment, he literally just beat it in late July, it’s true! And I learned after checking in with the Fastest Known Time pro board, that there is a women’s and men’s category as well. So, Heather “Anish” Anderson is still the woman to beat (54 days, 7 hours, 58 minutes) although Dan, once verified, would be the overall winner. Congrats to Dan BTW, because that is one SOB of a feat to beat!!!! Amazing time of 53 days, 22 hours, 57 minutes! All I can say is ” Oh holy hell that will be hard to beat!”

Lift off for myself in only a couple weeks!

Taped and Melted

Tuesday I had this brilliant idea I might try putting in some extra miles just to see how I felt. The plan was to start walking at 4AM from my place in downtown Fort Myers to North Cape, take a break, then walk back. By the time I got home, it would be entering afternoon. The sun would be close to its highest position. I’d skip a few hours, do some errands and prep, and around 4PM I would repeat the maneuver. By following my intended path, I would cover 48 miles in one day.

Everything was going good. I got on the road in time, and got into North Cape as planned. I took a break, then got back on the road. For some odd reason I decided at the last minute to change my plans and head to the Yucca Pan Wildlife Management Area instead of going home. I’m guessing the allure of walking under canopy was calling. Since by the time I was turning back from Cape the sun was already beating down on me. So, I changed direction and went still north.

When I got to Yucca Pan, I was a bit unhappy to find my plans to have the trees as shade were not going to happen. From where I was entering everything was under water. I’m not talking puddles here, I’m talking swamp.  No possible way to find a dry path. So, I turned back and decided I would do a large loop getting myself back to Fort Myers through Cape Coral. I realized the sun was pretty hot by this point and thought I’d escape the rising heat by periodically ducking into convenience stores here and there, along the way. Yeah.

By the time I got myself back into Cape the sun was so hot I was beginning to get a headache. I found a Dollar General and went in buying several Gatorades and some snacks. Needless to say, whether it was my lovely body odor or the fact I was carrying a giant bag on my back, I was getting some strange looks while I waited in the checkout line.

To help spare other patrons and the staff of my stench I went back outside and sat under the awning in front of the store. I proceeded to drink up all the Gatorade and inhale the snacks I just purchased. Clouds were rolling by one at a time, not even close to the 85% rain predicted by my radar app, but hopes were high rain would come shortly and save the day. So, I waited. Rain never came.

Eventually I decided to push on. I figured I’d head west and hit DelPrado, and find another shop to duck into. Again, using my infinite wisdom, (sarcasm) I changed my mind and didn’t go into my intended location where I was to duck out of the sun. Mostly because by this time I could smell myself coming and going. I wanted to spare Joe Public from the atrocity. Call it a public service. Instead I made it almost to DelPrado and Pine Island and sat under a tree instead. A tiny spot of shade in an otherwise treeless town.

I stripped my shoes and socks off, downed some water and laid out on top of my rain poncho, looking toward the sky praying for this rain that was so nonexistant. I quickly realized that at this point my pounding headache I had acquired earlier now had a sidekick, nausea. I looked down at my legs which were becoming a bit itchy and noticed I had developed heat rash all over them, especially at the sock line. This is the first and only time I have ever developed a heat rash on open skin, I was wearing shorts. Typically, if I get a heat rash, it’s because I had pants on and my skin wasn’t able to breathe properly. Go Cindy-jo! Obviously, this was turning into a nightmare urban hiking trip quick. By this point I finally said enough is enough. I called for backup and got picked up. I’m pretty sure I was cruising for heat stroke. The headache lasted all night, and thank God for cold showers and Gold Bond. The rash was 90% gone by the next day.

The lesson here? Stick to your plan. Avoid the temptation to switch gears midway through a plan. When you don’t stick to the plan, it opens up opportunity for dumb stuff to go wrong. Also, don’t hike in the mid afternoon SW Florid sun. It could potentially kill you. To be honest, I haven’t really felt myself since. Almost like I had to recover from sun exposure. Luckily I was wearing sunscreen and a hat.

On the bright side, “Ha!”, I also tried taping my feet for the first time ever. Before leaving for the day, and after watching several YouTube videos on the subject, I ended up taping my left foot, just to see what would happen. Taping rocks! My left foot which normally always gets irritated at the baby toe, ball of the foot and heel had no issues with blistering or hot spots what so ever. My right foot wasn’t so lucky. Now my right foot wasn’t a bloody blistered mess or anything, but I did receive a blister on the bottom of the right baby toe and a slight hot spot on the ball, but I do favor my left foot. So, that tends to be the one that gets more shredded anyway, which it didn’t thanks to the tape. So, I’m going to further explore this option for the trail.

A couple days later, my friend Greg shows up at my work to hang out for a short bit while I cut hair. He ends up looking up the heat index from Tuesday… 105. Ugh.

 

My Appalachian Trail FKT World Record Attempt Announcement 2017

(Posted today on the fastestknowntime.proboards.com)

Hello. My name is Cindy-jo Dietz. I hail from SW Florida, and I am on the FKT pro board to officially state my intention to set a new FKT for self-supported hike on the Appalachian Trail beginning this mid-August, 2017, hopefully completing my trek the following October.

This is actually my second attempt to break the record, and to tell you the truth, I got schooled last year. To spite 18 years of section hiking the Appalachian Trail, at the time I wasn’t as familiar as I am now with the effort it would take to complete such a task, or how to go about properly announcing my intention. Last year I wrote a short blurb on my profile within the FKT site, and primarily recorded the events using Facebook. Since then, I have familiarized myself more with FKT verification and suggested rules, and Heather “Anish” Anderson’s hike, which further sets the latest protocol as to how to properly go about setting the self-supported FKT on the AT.

I have an immense respect for Heather “Anish” Anderson’s record of 54 days, 7 hours, 48 minutes, and must say her time will obviously be quite difficult to surpass. In late April of this year, as per the protocol of FKT, I did contact Heather and let her know of my intentions. She bid me “Good Luck.” I’m going to need it.

Since my first “unofficial” attempt, I have completed a vast amount of more research. I purchased all new gear, reducing my pack weight almost in half. I changed the time of year I decided to attempt the record, from June to August, hopefully helping me to avoid the immense amounts of rain an heat I experienced last year. I will also be traveling south from Maine (2017), instead of heading north from Georgia (2016). Plus, I altered many of the little decisions that held me back in order to facilitate better results when it comes to time and efficiency. I am hoping these efforts and dedication to training, will enhance the miles per day I am able to complete. If I do somehow pull of this great feat, it will be after two years of dedication to learning the art of a true thru-hike and putting into practice that knowledge.

In keeping with Heather “Anish” Anderson’s announced intention (and I’m sure, many of the record holders before her) and the suggested rules stated by FKT, I repeat the rules I intend to live by during the time I am attempting to complete this FKT self-supported record:

1.) At no time will I arrange for or accept pre-planned outside support. The only time where I will accept help will be through random acts of kindness and true “Trail Magic”.

2.) I will carry all of my own gear and supplies. I will not “slackpack” or go “muling”.

3.) I will walk into and out of resupply locations where I will purchase food and/or collect supply boxes that I have sent to myself. When I leave the trail for resupply purposes, I will rejoin the trail at the same location I left, leaving a continuous line of footprints the entire distance.

4.) I will never accept a ride in a vehicle for any reason.

5.) I will follow the Appalachian Trail and official relocations only, no blue blaze or alternate routes.

6.) I will respect the wilderness landscape, the lives that dwell therein, other trail users, and the generations of users that will follow by practicing Leave No Trace Ethics.

7.) I will provide a way for the public to follow my progress at facebook.com/cindyjo.dietz. The posts are an intended way to document my progress only. In NO WAY shall they be an invitation for anyone to help me, find or join me or otherwise take away from the nature of the journey as a thru-hiker.

8.) I will carry a SPOT beacon for safety and to help document my progress. The information will not be made available to the public in real time.

I am truly excited to try to attempt to once again complete the over 2,189 miles of the Appalachian Trail in record time, believing that with effort and determination I will make those that came before me proud. The possibility of lowering this record would be an incredible honor.

Happy Trails!
– Cindy-jo “Sadego” Dietz

Gorillas and the FKT

This afternoon I received my Gossamer Gear Gorilla 40 backpack. It’s so light! I put it on without anything in it. I have to admit, I couldn’t wait. I’m such a geek.

The most I can say is I love pretty much everything about the design so far, well at least from a superficial level, since I haven’t exactly put any gear in it and walked around yet. The only concern I have is about the shoulder straps. This is an issue for me also with the Osprey Exos 58, which is my current bag. The Osprey shoulder straps have a tendency to dig into my underarms, literally slicing them open when I train. I don’t have that issue when on trail though, because unlike during training, my hands are on my trekking poles most of the time, lifting my arms up and away from my body. During training on concrete and a bridge, its not necessary for me to use trekking poles, yet having my underarms shredded can be annoying. I modified the pack for training however, covering the straps with a bandana. It’s not a perfect solution, but helps save my skin from decimation.

I’m not saying I predict the Gossamer Gear Gorilla 40 will dig into my underarm as well, cutting them open, but by just trying on the bag without anything in it, already I can feel the straps hitting the skin of my underarms in an awkward way. I guess the true test will be when I fill the bag and take it for a trial run, but I’m concerned this is going to be a repeat problem with the bags I buy. Maybe my shoulders are more narrow than most? Who knows? I’ll post an update once I’ve had an opportunity to try the bag during a true dry run. This may just be a matter of adjusting some buckles and the straps themselves.

I also finally finished the draft of my Fastest Known Time announcement tonight. Part of attempting a world record for a self supported hike on the Appalachian Trail is making official announcements, contacting the previous FKT world record holder, and other preparations. It’s not just a walk and I announce to the world I rock. The Fastest Known Time pro-board is where you post your intention and they are the organization that verifies your record once you have completed the attempt. They pretty much set the rules, guidelines and standards. I’m pretty anal retentive, and for some reason I gave myself a huge amount of pressure when writing this announcement, taking forever to complete the task. Plus, I borrowed a lot of the wording I used for my announcement from the previous FKT self supported record holder, Heather “Anish” Anderson. Borrowing makes me uneasy, but there was no way to explain in better words or my own words what the heck I was about to do. So, I borrowed. Don’t worry, I stated in the announcement itself I was repeating her words. Being that said though, I have the luxury of having an awesome editor at my disposal, Andrew Elias, who edits my writing for FtMyersMagazine.com. I sent him the copy of my announcement, Heather’s announcement, and the FKT website with the link to their rules for the game. Hopefully he will indulge me by agreeing to review my announcement before I run out of time and have to post it. I’m hoping to do so by August 1st. Yeah, I know. I’m cutting it close. Once he gives me some advice or edits me, it’s getting posted to the FKT pro-board and I’m official. Another hiker off to the races!!!

I let my bank know today that I would be traveling. One less phone call to make before I leave. Last year I forgot to let them know in advance and panicked. I had to call them from on trail, and my cell service was way less than desirable pretty much my entire hike. It took all day just to get to an area where I could get the call to connect. I did not want the worry or hassle this year and took care of it in advance thank God. I do love though how even with good reception it isn’t exactly easy to get your travel plans confirmed through the bank over the phone. I had to keep calling over and over, trying to get the automated service to recognize the state name Tennessee. It would run me through five minutes of verifications and steps, then each time I would say that particular state name it would tell me it didn’t recognize what I was saying and would hang up on me. Ugh. I finally callled and went straight to a rep, who then told me to do it online. Thanks buddy, but at least that’s one less thing to worry about. On to the rest of the preparations!

Water Works


Well, this was an interesting morning. I got up late, meaning 6AM, and decided since I was running behind, and it would be a thousand degrees outside by the time I got to training, perhaps a hard workout in the garage with endless stairs might be the best way to go. So, I grabbed the gear and drove downtown. When I got out of my truck, and threw the bag on my back, I looked down at my passenger seat and there was a big old wet spot. Nice… Apparently, the gallon of water I had been using as a weight in my bag finally sprung a leak. For some reason I didn’t notice this back at the house. So, I had to unpack the backpack and repack on site. No biggy, just a bit soggy. After a bit of adjustment, I was off to beat it down on some stair action.

I ended up doing 10 reps up 6 flights of stairs in about 45 minutes. At the top of flight 6, each time, I would take 30 seconds and then head down. Once at the bottom, I would take 30 seconds to 1 minute to do some stretching, then head back up. I’d say overall it was a pretty decent workout, but I didn’t exactly kill it. I think it would be good to get back out again tonight. Of course, it was 84 degrees out, and I forgot to put a clean bandana on my pack. I’m so unprepared today. Sweat was pouring in my eyes the whole time. Yay. I have to start giving myself a dose of prep time before I leave the house to look over my essentials. Anyway, just another morning of training.

Yesterday I received the ground cover for my ZPacks Solplex tent. It feels like a tissue, “Ha!”, but it looks pretty durable. I feel like I’m buying astronaut gear these days. Efficient, overtly functional, durable and ridiculously expensive. Well, if you want to play with the big boys… I just ordered a few small items from REI. I got the Suunto clipper L-B NH compass, the Snow Peak titanium single 450 cup, and the Counter Assault bear bell. All of this REI purchase was covered under 2 gift cards I had laying around. (Thanks Big Jer!) That was helpful. I still have like $2 left on one. Future use. I’m still waiting on my Gossamer Gear Gorilla 40 backpack, but I got an alert from the company it’s in the process of being shipped. I should get it in the next day or two.

In the meantime, I did a little experimenting the other day by putting some Woolite into a Ziplock along with some of my stinky hiking socks and shook the hell out of it. Rinsed twice and hung out to dry. At first I was skeptical this would be a viable option for laundering on trail, but now I’m a believer. Once they dried they were just like they would have been if I had taken them from the machine. I do think I might need to use my camp towel to help wring out a bit of the water before hanging from my pack, but otherwise I think this could be a good way to help stay fresh. Of course I’m most likely going to switch out the Woolite for biodegradable liquid soap and use my Sea to Summit food bag instead of a Ziplock, but it works. Fresh socks, underwear and shirts for the trail! Woo-hoo!

It’s A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

Oh it’s a beautiful 80 degrees out this morning at 7AM here in Fort Myers. I got up a little extra early to insure that I would be walking by 4, but as usual, I found a few errands to do beforehand. Time is running out and there is still a vast amount of preparation to take care of. Plus, walk.

Got in a little garage time this morning, plus the bridge. Saw all the same characters running back and forth. Believe it or not, there is a small subculture of folk who exercise on this bridge every morning. The many faces are becoming quite familiar, and a few I’ve actually gotten the chance to speak with here and there. Some have asked if I’m training for something and what, due to the fact I’m pretty much the only person wandering back and forth across the bridge with a giant bag on my back. I try to give them the short version of my story and we eventually push on.

I have to say, I’m feeling pretty good these days. My body is back into the swing of things, but I definitely have to do more garage work, meaning the stairs. I’m great at this bridge and have the incline down without effort, and the ramp in the garage is pretty much a repeat of the bridge, but every time I do the stairs, now that’s a work out. So, clearly I need more. Perhaps tonight. It’s Thursday, and tonight is one of my early nights at work. So, the time is available.

I ordered my ground cover and new backpack just the other day. Hopefully, they get here in plenty of time for me to do another weigh in and train. I also have a few things that need to be last minute ordered from REI. I have two gift cards I need to use, plus a $20 bonus from the company themselves. So, I’m ordering a titanium mug, a new bear bell and compass. Little things. I know I said no cooking, but my friend Greg planted a seed in my head saying I may regret not bringing at least a mug, so I am. If weigh in allows, I will throw in my mini stove and canister. I also think I’m going to look into trying my rain poncho as a tarp just to see how that would work and if it doesn’t maybe bring the tarp from my hammock. And I keep wondering if I’ll need a fleece liner for at least the beginning. It’s 62 degrees at the moment in Millinocket, Maine, with a high of 71 and a low of 59. Plus, it’s raining, a lot, and looks like it’s going to keep it up all week. Yay! (Sarcasm.)

If you could see the list of items and errands I still need to acquire and accomplish, you’d tell me to give up now, there is no way, but things have a way of working themselves out. What’s important seems to always get done, and what isn’t, well it gets thrown to the wayside. Just under 3 weeks before I fly!

Good Gear is Expensive

So, yeah. Tonight’s title says it all. I decided to go ahead and purchase the ground cover for my ZPacks Solplex tent for an additional $89.75. Really, I’m not sure if it’s necessary, nor am I sure I will be brining it once I do my next weigh in, but last year was a wet one. It really sucks trying to put a soggy tent back in your backpack at 4AM, especially when it’s a muddy hot mess. This should help not only protect my tent from mud but also from tearing if whatever is on the ground underneath decides to poke through. It weighs in at 2.5 ounces. So, I’m hoping that doesn’t put me in the red zone when attempting to reach the magic 9 pound base weight. Last I checked, I was at 12, and wondering how the hell I was going to rid myself of another 3 whole pounds out of my pack. It’s a never ending battle. Funny thing though, I’m saving about the same weight with my next purchase.

I gave in and bought the Gossamer Gear Gorilla 40 backpack (1lb., 14.8 oz., without lid, thanks to Ralph, the voice of reason). As much as I love my Osprey Exos 58 (small, 2lbs., 4oz. without the lid), last year I lost enough weight within the first two weeks to make my pack sag on my hips. Not fun. There came a whole host of issues with this. The pack weight either had to ride on my shoulders alone or I ended up attempting to bear with the poor fit and feel the bag rub against my lower spine the whole time. The belt on that bag is fixed, unlike the Gorilla, so even when I did come across an outfitter with belts to switch out, my pack’s belt wasn’t interchangeable. So, I just pushed on the entire two months with a bag that was ever so slightly too big. The Osprey and the Gorilla are both unisex packs, but according to the reviews, I’m hoping it will fit my figure a bit better. If not, I can switch belts and remedy the situation if it calls for it.

The Gorilla cost $260.17 with shipping. I’m hoping worth every cent. I have been a diehard Osprey customer for years, and three out of the four packs I own are from their company, but as my hiking experience grows, so too does my gear. Time for a change. If worse comes to worse, I still have barely enough time to test out the pack and decide if ultimately it will be the one I fly with.

Another consideration is footwear. I still have to secure where and when I’m going to pick up my alternate shoes. I’m also considering whether or not I should use a hiking sandal or trail runner. I love the Oboz Sawtooth low riding hiking shoe I used last year, and was planning on staying with that brand and cut, but I went online to the manufacturer’s site and you can’t direct order. Well, at least I didn’t see a page for it. Maybe I will check again. I’m thinking if not, that leaves me having to call outfitters and find out who carries what. Time is rolling right on by, but I think I can figure this out.

Anyway, strategy, resupply, phone service, blah blah blah, are still being worked on. 3 weeks and counting. Blows my mind how fast the last six months went and how no matter how on top of stuff I think I am, there is always more to do. Crunch time!

East Coast Style

I think to myself how lucky I am to have all this freedom. I’m American, and as a woman, pretty much, I wouldn’t say entirely, I am treated with respect and given many of the same rights as men. I have no children and no husband. Not that that would restrict me by force, but by choice. If I had children and/or a husband, I would be much more reluctant to choose such endeavors as hiking long distance. Hell, if I had a dog, I might choose less. The training requires long hours, and I take obvious risks being a woman alone in the woods for months on end, not to mention walking alone in the dark in an urban environment. If I die, I die without responsibility to another. I die living, not in front of a television, behind a desk, or in a kitchen. Instead, I get the very awesome pleasure of feeling truly alive every day, goal in sight, ready to work, and work hard. Nothing beats it.

I used to think, poor me. I never settled down. I’m like an old maid. But reality is, this was by design. I have had many opportunities, but chose not to indulge. So far, I have no regrets. This life has too much to offer, too much to see, too much to do. As much as I wonder who will care for me in my elderly years, I don’t worry. Worry is useless. Preparation may be imperative, but I’m not stupid. There will be a time and a place for all that.

For now, I walk.

It’s almost 7AM. I’m in Lake Worth staying with my parents. Luckily for me they live near a bridge. I have to head home to Fort Myers earlier rather than later due to errands and making attempts to finalize preparations for the trip. My days off go by quickly, but I’m hoping to at least get in 10 miles this morning. Three weeks left before lift off.

It started raining as soon as I left the house this morning, but no thunder or lightening. So I proceeded out. Although my parents have a beautiful house in an awesome neighborhood, they do live considerably close to some sketchy areas and often you will find equally sketchy people wandering about early in the morning. Today was no different. Although, I say this probably being considered one of them by every passerby in a motor vehicle.

My friend Sammy said to me recently, “It’s hard being this crazy. Isn’t it?” I tend to agree. Getting up at 4AM sucks sometimes, but I’m still thinking very much worth it. Off to the races Baby!

So Many To Do’s, So Little Time

Ugh. I got up at 4AM, again. Lately I have been tired, really tired. I took a couple days off from my routine and getting back into it is difficult. My muscles are tight and I have been enormously fatigued. I’ve noticed my lips have been chapped lately and I’m suspecting dehydration. It’s hot out there, even at 6AM.

Walking the bridge can some days be like taking a bath in sweat, bleeding water. Easy fix though. In the meantime bandanas are essential. So hoping Maine will be somewhat cooler than this.

Thunderstorms were going early this morning in the distance. Wasn’t sure it was a good idea to be on the bridge. So, I waited and worked on some prep instead. (I really need to reweigh my bag.) A favorite client, Ralph, became the voice of reason to me yesterday insisting I don’t skimp out on anything gear-wise. I think I’m going to listen. I’m also going to listen to Morgan and set aside a day to walk the full 42 miles. See what that feels like. Problem, it’s a thousand degrees out mid afternoon, but I guess there’s nothing wrong with leaving early, break during the hottest three hours and get back out there, finishing in the dark. Gulp. Scary to see where I’m actually at with only a few weeks to go.

With time running out, the anxiety is building. Do I have everything? Did I do everything I need to do to secure my life back home for two months without worry? Is my plan solid? Am I freaking crazy?

Btw, I tried switching to Verizon last week and it wasn’t just that easy to switch services. My phone is locked so I’m going to have to take it to Sprint and have them unlock it, then go back to Verizon. It’s not that big of a deal, but I dislike having to do things multiple times before I see results. Wait a second…..