Beginning of the Adventure

So I guess the story starts with me deciding to actually do something about my big, dream adventure. And I did.


Or at least I'm starting to.


I never really had the resources necessary for achieving my dream. It seemed almost like a lofty dream. I want to go stroll in the woods. No, more. I want to go hike in the wilderness. Even more. I want to go backpacking around the world. Just immerse myself in nature. Nothing could ever be more fulfilling.


But how is that supposed to happen when I have no guidance?


It wasn't until recently that I realized I have the choice to change my situation. The choice to change myself. The choice to educate myself. To gain experience. It wasn't until recently that I decided to buy books online from Barnes & Noble about hiking and backpacking. And it wasn't until recently that I set a plan on going backpacking next summer.


I was a little shy when I first told my relatives about this grand scheme. They probably still think I won't pull through with it. But that's another story. However, through my courage, I was introduced to REI. That store is like my miracle drug. Literally.


Despite not having a car, I've begun to take classes with them. I mean, I had to rent a car and all that, but it is totally worth it. I met many fascinating people and learned quite a bit. The most exciting thing that has happened so far was when I took the free Camping Basics class down by Santa Monica last Thursday.


The instructor was one of the store's employee called Tammy. She had an accent I didn't recognize. I thought she was from Australia or something. Anyway, during class, I had this odd sensation. I felt like this is an opportune time for me to find a hiking/backpacking mentor. Then I remembered Dr. Arnold's words:

"Opportunities come and go. When a door opens and you don't take it before it closes, it's gone forever."

And I was determined to take this door of opportunity. It felt right. It felt like something was pushing me towards it. And I was glad I took it. I built up courage at the end of class (as much as I could), and told Tammy that it is my ultimate goal to go backpacking. Then I was saying how I don't really have friends who are interested in these kinds of activity (at least not as enthusiastic about it as I am).


Then, my prayers were answered. She said she could take me, and that she can probably lend me some equipment, too. I was sooo happy. I am getting one step closer to realizing a dream that mattered the world to me. A dream that I had once thought impossible. I mean, a small, little Asian out backpacking? Pshh, she'll probably get eaten by bears first, right?


Heck, I'll be happy if I get eaten by bears out there living my dream. Although, knock on wood, I hope that doesn't happen. :p


But really, bears aren't my problem. Bears really aren't anyone's problem. I have to get fit and stay fit if I want to go backpacking, which kind of contradicts with my lazy nature. Hahaha. I'm getting a pretty good workout everyday from walking around campus and climbing the infamous CCB stairs to get to class every morning. I definitely need to do more though.


Tammy suggested the Santa Monica stairs at the end of 4th street, but I'm sure the CCB is just as bad, if not worse. And also running on sand. It's really too bad that I don't live anywhere near the beach when I get back home next month. I guess I can still jog around the neighborhood in the scorching heat. Hehehe...


So I told Tammy that I'll probably be back around August before school starts on the 29th. And she said we should do something before then. Ahh!!! So happy! But I still need to talk to my mom about it. I need to see if coming back early will conflict with anything. I hope everything goes well, because really, this is what I truly want to do.


This past Saturday I went shopping in REI to get my boots. Definitely need to get them ahead of time because I'll need to break them in. I got a pair Merrell (picture above). They were the ones that fit me the most comfortably. I also got a pair of convertible pants that zipped off into shorts. I had to get the kid's Large because I was too small for the adult size. Hahaha. I also got two brands of socks and some liners (I'm still in the process of figuring out which brand and spec is best for me). I got a shirt, and some snacks for my workout sessions:

I love Clif Bloks! They're so tasty! :)


So yeah. I already bought a backpack a few months ago when I first entered REI. I bought a raincoat that was on sale. I have a sports bra. I'm still clueless as to what kind of underwear I should use, so I plan on asking about that. I still need an undershirt and a jacket (that will be light, warm, and save space). I tried on these soft Northface pants that I really want, but they were expensive so I had to let them go. :'(


But! I get $10 off my next $50 purchase after I submit a feedback/survey, which I already did. So I plan on going back to get those pants before I leave for home. Hahaha! Not that I need it there because of how hot it is. And I also want one of those machine thing that counts your steps. Pedometer? I dunno. They sell it in REI for $20 with an assorted design. I thought they were cute. I'll probably have to rethink it through though.


As an ending note, I plan on going to Santa Monica this upcoming week, permitting I finish all my work (boo!). I kinda want to try running on the beach. So I'll probably do that when I go there. We'll see. For now, I need to go to sleep.