Potential Credentials

"You're what's called an awfulizer" "What's that?" "It's someone who is always able to find the worst possible outcomes" "How so?" "I asked if there were some places to cool off in the river around here, and you told me about all of the ways people have died in the undertow" "Oh yeah, I kind of like that, like a pessimist" Carly, a Kent local, regailed Josie and I with tales of her EMT calls as my clothes tumbled dry. Many ended in at least one death. I learned about the shenanigans at Camp Getaway where Josie works. The international counselors fraternize and the children don't fear bears. It was the best time I've ever had in a laundromat. The bar was low, but now it's high. ____________________ I popped into Harrisburg PA to see Larry, my good friend and former co-intern. We caught up as old friends do. I planned on getting eight hours of sleep, but once the ba...

We're bound by exposure, strange eating habits, and sleeping in bags. Gear, stink, and getting a zillion steps in. It's like a sport we play, but at the same time, the last one to Mt Katahdin wins. Everyone's got their reason why this was the year and at least one story that rips at a campfire. All this sweat, blood, tears, and chaffing for a chance to scare a bear, look a cloud in the eye, and finally have a good fun fact for those awkward icebreakers. This is the most requested topic and it's not even close. I think I've finally done enough research. I've talked and listened for countless hours and shared enough beers and bowls to describe the people I've met on the Appalachian Trail. BUT FIRST:  A big shout out to Alex Jeong of Boston, the only reader to score a 6/6 on Virginia or Costa Rica. Well done, my friend.  I've always admired your thoughtfulness, your appetite for nonfiction books, and the depth and breadth of your music appreciation -from Ti...

[Cue the upbeat game show music]  [Cue the bright lights and title card] VIRGINIA OR COSTA RICA! [Cue me in a suit and blinding TV host veneers] Now for the game you've all been waiting for! The rules are simple. I have posted 6 photos below, and you have to guess if it's the Commonwealth of Virginia, or Latin American paradise, Costa Rica. Your prize for a discerning eye? I will post your name and a sincere personal compliment in the next blog entry. Submit your answers via text or by responding to this email. Here is an example of an acceptable response format  1. Virginia 2. Costa Rica 3. ---- you get the idea.  Here's your hint: It's hard Good luck, contestants! [Cue the music again] ___________________ Dr Derne was my favorite sociology professor at Geneseo. He taught theory and looked the part. He wore all black and rocked a thin scarf year round. If the dry erase marker he grabbed didn't...