Go for a long, mountainous rock climb

Have you ever looked at your shoes and thought about the grounds they have walked? Have your soles gone as far as the closest city or country next door? Have the laces dragged on the pavements of people-laden New York City? San Francisco? London? Do you remember that Summer day when you stepped in liquid-like gum on a hot, paved sidewalk? Were you headed to a museum, to a concert or to visit a friend? And why stop at shoes? Your favorite scarf? T-shirt? Hat? Where have they gone? What, like your eyes, have they seen?   

My body and my articles of wear recently went on my long, mountainous rock climb, which I did not even remember I had put on this list. I've always been one to enjoy a good hike, preferring the climbs and diverse terrain over flatland so I pushed really hard for the trip to a peak called Canchón about 4 hours away from Pampas Grande on the second weekend since my arrival to the town.  Waking up at 5:30 a.m. and heading off less than an hour later with Diego, Eduardo, three of my students, and a dog, I had no idea what to expect. The kids, all of whom I thought would set us at a moderate pace being younger, sprinted ahead from the beginning and kept that pace throughout. Well, so much for that idea, I thought as I realized I would be the weakest link. Inclines are challenging but when you start out at 13,000-14,000 ft. above sea level and climb higher, with unaccustomed lungs, you tend to feel it a bit more. But, it was all too spectacular, I could not stop. And of course, during the hike, in true Diana-fashion, I managed to have a few casualties, the most humorous being putting my hand on a little cactus as I was climbing, about 2 hours into the trip, and having cactus needles sticking out of me. 

I will admit that at perhaps hour 3 of the journey, after the last 45 minutes being one of intense heaving-one's-body-up climbing, when we arrived at the base of the peak, I started to think that I would be okay stopping here. And then I looked at where I'd come from and where I was headed and WHERE I WAS and made the decision to keep going. It is like waiting for hours to get to the base of the Statue of Liberty and then being told the crown just opened up and you are first in line. You have to go! And then I got to the point where I was "in" Canchón, I had the option of climbing a bit more, A LOT higher and considerably more dangerous. I had that moment of hesitation but, just as you would, if you got a chance to move from the crown to the torch in Lady Liberty, I took that chance! Except we were above the clouds! BREATHTAKING!

At the top of a "mini" peak on my trek to Canchón, I let my feet hang over a huge boulder I was sitting on and looked down to the ground no more than 100 feet below me. And I looked at my boots. You have been in my suitcase on the travel to Perú, my friends. Your "passport" has been stamped. You have walked in the muddy roads of Pampas Grande and now you are climbing/hiking/walking some amazing terrain. And so are you fleece jacket.  And it's not to say that I talk to my shoes and clothing often, but I do think about where they have been. And it's a reminder to me that when you go somewhere or do something (whether in your town or another country) you aren't just taking yourself but, just like your clothing, also affecting those you meet, those you left, creating a memory for them too just as you did with your clothing. 

Visit Each Continent: South America

So have you been checking Pashunfroot for the last 40+ days wondering why there hasn't been a new post? I applaud your dedication to following my life. I left for Peru at the end of March and returned to the U.S. at the beginning of May. And since my return, I have been trying to figure out how to sumarize 40 days of my life into a semi-short post. I am currently writing up a more in-depth version which I'd be happy to share with you if you'd like. So here we go:

                                                    

Things I Did/What I Learned/Fun Facts about Pampas Grande:

1. The town in which I lived, Pampas Grande, is situated among the Andes Mountains. The entire town is on an incline.

2. I was at an elevation point between 13,000 and 14,000 feet. (Mt. Kilimanjaro is 15,000 ft high)

3. I ate guinea pig, multiple times. Known as cuy, it is a popular food in Peru. It was...interesting

4. Practically everyone only listened to Spanish music and danced Spanish steps...they looked at me as if I was crazy when I danced "American" and/or jammed to my music. Dejected much?

5. I bathed in Hot Springs that smelled like sulphur.

6. I hiked the Andes that very few people do as they don't make it to PG

7. I rode a motorcylce...and proceeded to crash it. I was told no more lessons for me.

8. The town of Pampas Grande does not have a police station.

9. I was the ONLY person who spoke English, which meant I HAD TO SPEAK SPANISH.

10. I witnessed my first rainbow in the sky  in Pampas Grande.

11. I now LOVE beets, never had before.

12. Among other things, I primarily taught English to students, ages ranging 11-21.

13. Teaching English is not easy. The English language has ridiculous "exceptions to the rules" that can be frustrating to anyone learning. Nonetheless, when my students started greeted me and trying to talk to me in English it put a smile on my face.

14. I ABHOR the mosquitos in Peru...they are HUGE and terrified me. I got laughed at. By kids.

15. I think Under Armour cold gear and Timberland waterproof boots as well as Sleeping bags are the best things ever! HUGE PLUG. Go out and buy them.

16. I wore shorts...basketball shorts at that...on a really rare, nice day and never felt more self-conscious in my life! It is uncommon in PG for the chicks to wear shorts other than for sports. Americana Tonta!

And on a more serious note, I have never enjoyed such sweet solitude as I did in Peru. While I was never really alone, other than when I was asleep, being alone in a foreign country where noone speaks your language was unforgettable. While I was caught up taking it all in and doing and eating things I'd never before, I still had moments of reflection. Have I come to concrete decisions about my life? Certainly not, but I do know some things that I DO NOT want to do. And I know that I want to do something that allows me to travel and volunteer and help others for more than just 2 weeks a year. I know I was silly to think that I would travel to Peru do my volunteer thing and return and move forward with my life without the people I met in my life.. I think it is awesome to know that I came away with friends in a foreign country.

Most importantly, the humble land of Pampas Grande has taught me about time and effort. Everyday, at least 3 times, I walked up some STEEP, seeming never-ending hills that leaves one out-of-breath. Most times, I would charge the hills as fast as I can, slow down a bit in the middle and charge ahead for the last leg determined to make it a workout. However, one time close toward the end of my trip, I was walking up the hill alongside the house I stayed in. I started thinking about the other people I have seen walking up this hill. Toddlers, Kids, Teenagers, Adults and Senior Citizens as well as donkeys, pigs and sheep alike all climb this hill. All of them, like myself, walk at a different pace but they all make it to the top, or to the bottom, and still have juice to keep going. And that's when I realized what Pampas Grande has most taught me. We are all walking the same roads, headed for different destinations, at our own paces, but if we keep our feet to the path and keep remembering to take that next step we will get to where we want to be. While some may get to the destination ahead of us or a bit slower, time is virtually inconsequential. Just remember to keep walking and take in the beautiful scenery and don't say no to opportunities along the way. And sure enough while thinking about this I made it to the top of the hill and to my destination. But I'm sure you all knew that already, right? It just took me going to Peru to figure it out. Different paces!

 

Solve the Rubik's Cube

I remember my first encounter with a Rubik's Cube. I was 8-years-old. I picked up the cube and said to myself, "Duh! I can figure this thing out!" After all how difficult could it be to match up colors, right? So what did I do? I matched up an entire face, expecting the other sides to fall in place as well....Umm...yeah, that didn't work. As the years passed, I would continue to pick up a Cube here and there, fiddle with it and put it back down. I don't think I ever managed to at least put together another face. It would be 15 years until I finally understood....

For those of you that know me, you understand that to describe me as stubborn would be an understatement. Offer to help and I'll strive harder to do it on my own. I may not succeed but I'll still go down claiming independence! Well friends, this puzzle was an exercise in seeking help and allowing to be helped, something you all know I struggle with. Well, I could not have solved this puzzle without it. Believe me I tried. 

For the first few days I sought no advice. In truth, my brother, Shane, is the one who put me up to this. He brought home the Cube, also intent on solving it (which he did!). Well, I thought, if he could do it, I could too, dammit! He tried to give me hints on how to go about getting the pieces in place. He kept mentioning something about algorithms. "It's an algorithm. You have to figure out the algorithm." Algorithm, schmalgorithm, I got this. And meanwhile, I was getting NOWHERE!

At frustration's peak, I decided to take a step back and learn about the Cube. A Wikipedia entry later, I realized algorithms were in fact the way to go! All right, so how the hell does an algorithm relate? An algorithm is, briefly, a pattern/rules which when applied produces the desired results (a formula if you will). OHHHH I would never have figured out this thing without having that in my bag of tricks. I would have kept flipping and turning and twisting...

Next up: help from the bro. All right, Shane, I said...don't SHOW me what to do but explain to me some of your reasoning, I still would like to figure it out on my own. I did a little bit more learning on the Web, and I was off. It took about 3 weeks, about 1-2 hours a day to figure it out (awesome way to unwind before bed). Shoulda seen the smile on my face when I moved that last piece into place!

I thought about getting all philosophical on you by describing how the Cube, with its twists, turns and flips, relates to Life, but I'll save you my insane tendency to analyze... until another time. For now I'll say what I know to be true but have a hard time cementing in my head...ME asking for help is a good thing. Thanks again to everyone that has helped me when I finally asked for it and helped me even though I stubbornly refused it. In the meantime, enjoy the evidence:

Take the MCAT...

Completely forgot to say: Take the MCAT... again. Yes, today marked the second time that I took that test. What more can I say other than I'm happy to have left the  lifestyle I have been living for the past few months and return to my abnormal one.

As I've told a few of you who have taken the time to listen and ask about my plans and thoughts these past few weeks, today marked an immense fork in the road of my life. How I did today could potentially mean the difference between the life I thought (and maybe still think) I have wanted for the past 8 years and a new path that I am equally excited to pursue. And for now, that's all I will say.

Photo: Stacked My Books, Packed My Brain-

 a pile of study aids...rest are still on dining table

One thing is for certain however, I have learned A LOT! And I'm not talking only about stereochemical characteristics, electric fields, passage analysis, oxidation potentials and hormonal regulation. Sure, I've definitely learned that stuff, but here's what else I've learned:

1.  I've learned to look deeper into myself. Really question my goals, my thoughts, my future. For the longest while, my mind has been set on being a doctor. But what about my feelings? Surely, just as I have grown up from that Freshman in High School Biology, have my goals as well? Somewhere along this studying I needed to ask myself whether I really want to go to medical school? And the thoughts that started pouring out completely caught me by surprise. I've never known what it was like to be an adult, to think this hard and deep about my future, until these past months. Um, emotional roller coaster much?

2. I've learned (or rather reinforced my belief) that I have hugely supportive friends (whom I will affectionately call my extended family). You know who you all are. Simply amazing. Speechless.

3. I've learned it's not the end of the world if this test should score poorly. There! I said it. Took me a good while to get to that point and still my confidence in that statement wavers. I'm getting there.

4. I've learned that I utterly love learning. I can't imagine a lifestyle where I'm not thinking academically or intellectually and challenging myself.

5. I've learned that my mind doesn't shut off when I'm doing all this learning. Can't tell you the amount of nights I went to bed at 10 only to fall asleep at 3, 4, 5am...it SUCKS. Although..I'll take sleep deprivation to appendicitis any day.

And now...with this task complete and my life back on its dysfunctional track...I'm ready to start completing some more goals!! WOOHOOO! I imagine my next task is fighting with the Rubix cube...almost there...I anticipate a post on that soon.

Catch y'all on the flip!

P.S. Several of you have commented on the list. If you are doing any of what I plan to and want some company...Holla atcha girl! And if you are interested in knowing my plans...lemme know. 

The Start of a Lifelong Scavenger Hunt

Hello to my readers! [sound of crickets chirping]

No, I've not read A Purpose Driven Life nor have I seen The Bucket List (yet), but I do know that at 23-years-old, I am determined not to slip into a life of total humdrum. A little humdrum, sure, ALOT...no. As such, I've compiled a list - a working list- of the things I want to do, the places I want to see, the emotions I want to feel, and everything in between before I die. 

Here are the rules:

1. This is a working list. Circumstances may arise, feelings may change, new goals may be set. As such, I can always add to the list BUT never erase what I've already put down. If you've taken a look at the list, you'll see while everything IS humanly possible, some things I may never end up doing. And that's okay! Hey, I could die tomorrow! But that doesn't mean I won't try my hardest to work through it.  Plus, I put together this list in one day, I'm positive I left stuff out.

2. Think Big and Small. Some other people's list are short but bold, filled with the trips around the world and the once-in-a-lifetime experiences. And that's okay. It's just not my style. One of the purposes of my list is to appreciate the BIG things for its enormity and equally enjoy the small things for its simplicity.  After all, one must remember that the little things in life count as well! I would take sewing my kids' Halloween costumes (#65) over visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World (#93) any day. When I have kids, of course (#75).

I think that's it. I'm a simple girl, I've kept it simple. My items are categorized, but not in any set priority (that would be too complex). As each item is completed,  it will be highlighted in red with the date of completion next to it. Further, I will write a new post as each item is completed as well as try to post some sort of visual representation/evidence. I welcome your thoughts, responses and advice. Also, please remember, just because something isn't on here doesn't mean I'm not/won't be doing it, or I don't deem it important.

We can call this a Scavenger Hunt, a Bucket List, a Vision Board. Whatever. My intent is to document what will, in all reality, simply be me living my life (for as long as blogs exist at least!).  Hope you get some laughs out of it!