snow_on_seven_glaciers lostgirl "that's what i'm going to see," he claims out loud to anyone who will listen, (that sentiment lingering among the consistent undertones of 'getting away from home' being the best part of his upcoming adventure out west.) as he asserts how he'll be learning how to perfect flipping, jumping and spinning on freestyle terrain, getting 'big air...' he frightens the ones who worry about these sort of things. the tricks may be dangerous, yes...he might even get hurt....but all of that he can handle.) i'm secretly hoping he'll win the hard-won battles....like making friends with people he has never met, and living with 16 kids in a cabin for 8 days...like spending money without supervision...eating what is put in front of him....like taking short showers and packing and unpacking his own clothes...not to mention traveling alone and navigating unknown airports without assistance. and so, as he ventures to the other side of the country all by himself he is going to have his first taste of growing up. (at least a little sip anyway.) i've been accused of being a heartless, bad parent for "making him do this." maybe he will grow to appreciate that home isn't so bad after all. maybe the eyes will quit rolling so much. we shall see, i suppose. to be continued.... 100705 ... unhinged i hated going away from home when i was young these days i'm not even sure where home is 100706 ... lostgirl well he is not hating things thus far. apparently steve stepp helped him load his skis into the van, and chatted with him for a good half hour about what to expect at camp while they waited for some other arrivals. he also said he'd met ten kids at the gate (while he was laid over in chicago) that were heading to portland on his same flight. he's called me three times already to let me know he had eaten twice and had already made some friends, he had found his gate in one of the busiest airports in the world with absolutely no issues, and that he was indeed fine, and no, he did not miss home. and he had a smile in his voice when he said, "i see snow mom!" and then he said "thanks." go figure that one... 100706 ... lostgirl he had all his equipment checked out without being reminded. (growing up) "i backflipped off the trampoline into the foam pit seven times...this is the best place in the world!"(still a kid) *ugh* as regular worries of physical injury possibilities creep in and challenge the pride. (just being a parent) he sounds absolutely terrific (he has adopted some kind of leadership position in his cabin that he seems very proud of.)the main counselor of his group of ten is a homeboy...as in a home-resort boy...the voice of the spot!!) shiny coincidence? there is apparently quite a presence there from our little mountain. looks like smiles are happening here...and there. oh, and he's "keepin' it hyphe" mission accomplished. 100707 ... lostgirl five days into camp he phoned instead of texting to tell me he was in the nurses station. i immediately jumped to the conclusion that he had been hurt, but he quickly quelled my fear. with a little pride in his voice, he gave me the full report of the horrific nosebleed he had just experienced, overcome, and was now wearing as a badge of honor. he said he had never seen so much blood...and that he was glad i had missed it. he was taught how to handle it when it happens again as well. (apparently mount hood has no humidity, so it is likely.) he also reported that he is suffering from shin bang to the point of needing ice and rest and anti inflammatories. this is not surprising considering what he has been doing to cause it, but the good news is that he now knows what to do to prevent it this winter. more learning....more growing up. he may not be a total 'free range' kid but he is definitely going to be more confident after this whole experience. he already is. this kid who is characteristically super-shy, especially with adults, introduced himself to tom wallish, who is his current hero. he said they talked a few minutes, and apparently tom was impressed that matt had the same zebra print and purple full tilt boots as him, so he gave matt his hat. we are both away from home right now. i can't wait to go home... as for matt, despite his slight difficulties yesterday, he does not seem homesick at all....he even asked if he can go for two weeks next summer. 100711 what's it to you? who go blather from