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I am a high school English teacher, and mother of two charming little ones of my own. I teach in a high poverty urban charter school, while I live in a typical American suburb that has frequently been rated one of the safest cities in the country. It is a paradox I struggle with constantly, but it is my life.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Camping and Summer




So, we are headed home from camping. Just a short weekend trip. It was a lot of fun. We hiked down to the beach about 50 times and did lots of playing in the sand and enjoying the California sun.

But ya know what. I have determined something about camping. It is not worth it.

We pretty much have not tent camped since we did youth ministry when we first got married. We've never done tent camping with kids. Seems like it just wouldn't be that much fun.

Vinny thinks the RV is the greatest thing ever.
However... we do not own an RV. We rent one when we go. We split it with my parents. But you know what? The costs add up, and it is not worth it. After the rental cost, insurance, the site fee (a lot for one with full hookups), and gas, it cost us each like $400 and that doesn't even completely include the food. Of course, food and stuff cost money no matter what, but it seems like camping shopping trips are always a lot, I don't know why. We didn't even buy that much junk. You know... for $400 we could have each rented a decent hotel room on the beach instead of camping on the beach.

Plus, it is so damn much work. All the packing and shopping and then even worse... the unpacking. A vacation just should not be so much work. Don't get me wrong- I had a good time, but you know what my favorite part was? The beautiful San Clemente beach. I am really starting to think a condo or hotel is the way to go next time.

Vinny roasting "smarshmallows"
I think it would be kind of fun to do a backyard campout with the kids though to give Vinny the experience of tent camping. Or maybe just a Saturday at the campground near our house, just for the fun of being in a tent and having a fire.

Something, I never thought I would say, but I may be a little beached out. Summer is half over, and I have definitely done as much beaching as I had hoped to. I have been about 10 times, if you only count this whole weekend of beach as one time. I love the beach, but I do need a break for a few days. I am getting a little tired of cleaning sand out of tiana's every crack and crevice.

Vinny is going to Vacation Bible School this week, so this is a good week for a beach break. If you ask him, he will not agree. I have created a monster there. He was still in the water at 8pm last night. He can't get enough of the waves. (He apparently has had enough of mommy boogie boarding though. I accidentally crashed into him yesterday and he was not a fan of that experience).

I can't believe I am 3/5 finished with my summer.   :(  I only get 5 weeks off. I have 2 weeks left. We go back on Wednesday, July 27, but I planned to go back Monday so I can get everything ready for next semester and my first week. I have done ZERO schoolwork this summer, by design. I have worked continually every summer since I started teaching. Not teaching, but conferences and planning and whatnot, but this summer, nothing. To make up for it, I have given myself two days. Probably not enough, but it will have to do.

Meanwhile... to make the best of the next two weeks. There is still so much I want to do. Sigh.


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  1. Natalie MarieJuly 22, 2011 at 11:18 AM

    Looks like you guys had fun! I'm sort of sad we didn't get to go, but then again I kinda hate camping. Not just because I'm OCD and don't like me, my things and my child to be dirty (cause I really love being outdoors, and a little dirt is okay) But it's the process of camping. All the reasons you explained. Also, there is really nothing to do but sit around the fire, eat, talk and walk around. I would much rather go to a hotel. I LOVE hotels.

    I remember our backyard camp outs. We were very lucky to be able to do that. It was fun too, because you could get the feeling of camping, but still have a clean bathroom and food.

    Yeah, you have definitely gone to the beach more times than I could handle! lol. I love the beach though, and If the beach was still down the street from me and I could stay for only 20 mins if I wanted to, I would go all the time. Just like we did in Long Beach. But now it's a little drive and it's such a process with a baby.

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