Lessons Learned

[x_samson]

Overall, I think the trip to the challenge course today was successful--in fact, our team completed the low ropes "Bridge is Out" activity in the fastest time ever noted in the park. Which almost makes up for taking an hour and a half on 'The Web.' Aside from mosquito bites, poison ivy, and a few scratches from persistent tree branches, we escaped relatively unscathed. The most serious injuries were my monster splinter and Dante's bruised shoulder.

Things learned:

1. New York's mosquitoes are mutants. They're more persistent than the IRS, and twice as annoying.

2. When a group uses "1, 2, 3" as a method to make sure everyone is ready, it is essential to discuss whether the release occurs on three, or immediately after three. This is especially pertinent when individuals are falling from great heights.

3. Spontaneous dancing when walking on a log suspended 50 feet in the air is quite likely to give your psychiatrist a heart attack. Even if you are absolutely sure your balance is perfect.

4. On a similar note, while I am not particularly afraid of heights, "Hey Doc, you almost look small up there!" is not the most encouraging of phrases.

5. Water bottles are for drinking, not pouring on people's heads. Even if the person in question did complain of being hot.

6. If I never hear "The Song That Never Ends" again in my life, I will die happy.

7. The signs saying 'Don't feed the animals' are there for a reason. Even if the animals are very, very cute.

8. Melted marshmallows can be hazardous to your mouth. Eat with caution.

9. Additionally, unmelted marshmallows are to be eaten, not used as ammunition.

10. Leaves of three--LET THEM BE.

Seriously, it was quite a good trip. I am extremely proud of everyone who went. Each of the students demonstrated excellent teamwork and cooperation. And every one of you took at least a little step out of your comfort zone to try something new.

I hope all of you had a good time, and I look forward to trying another trip in the future. Though perhaps the next time we'll forgo the campfire doughnuts--I think the smores are more than enough sugar for one night.

And now I'm off to find baking soda for these mosquito bites.

Comments

[x-wildchild.livejournal.com]

Feral mutation! No one should've been surprised at impromptu dancing!

[x-dryad.livejournal.com]

Well I mean the harness cuts down on the probability of falling and stuff.

[x-wildchild.livejournal.com]

Also mutant balance powers.

[x-dryad.livejournal.com]

But what if an eagle had attacked you or something? Or a bird flew into your face? Better to cut down the margin as much as possible.

And not all of us have powers of balance.

[x-wildchild.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm not saying I would've left off the harness or anything. But a bird in my face probably wouldn't do me too much harm. I've gone ... I'd have to check how far I've fallen without getting hurt - fifty feet's probably close though. Maybe a little more.

But yeah, not everyone has that and so, yeah, harness. But no one really should've been surprised about the dancing.

[x-dryad.livejournal.com]

It was a cool dance though.

[x-leosamson.livejournal.com]

I confess I was expecting some type of antics, however the dancing caught me a bit by surprise.

I hold you responsible for any gray hairs this adventure may create. :)

[x-wildchild.livejournal.com]

I still say if I'd had someone else up there with me, we could've done some fast swing or something.

Green + grey, and then your hair can be all camo'd.

[x-leosamson.livejournal.com]

...

Thank you, that's a truly terrifying thought.

And I really don't think I'm stylish enough to pull off camouflaged hair.

[x-wildchild.livejournal.com]

Aw, there were harnesses. We'd have been FINE. Mutant balance powers!

[x-dryad.livejournal.com]

I'm completely covered in mosquito bites (again), but it was so much fun! I loved it.

You're right, we should do it again. Only this time can we make banana boats?

[x-penance.livejournal.com]

It was very much the fun, Dr. Samson. Thank you for taking us.

And would it being, how you say? The smart bottom? if I am saying the mosquities cannot be biting me? ;)

The melted marshmallows, however, are sticky. I am thinking there is soem still in my hair.

[x-dryad.livejournal.com]

I don't think so. Because that's how you are. I'm jealous. Mosquitoes flock to me.

I did escape the poison ivy though.


Try oil? Combing it out of your hair with it? Works for bubble gum?

[x-penance.livejournal.com]

It is mostly they are making their noses blunt on my skin. Like the cartoon, yes? And I am glad I cannot be getting the poison ivy either, since I was not knowing what the plant was. Thank you for telling me it was not good for the making the decorations!

I am thinking oil might be working. I have the new brush from Kevin - he is giving me the brush he uses for making the metal not rusty for my hair. It is in the back. Could you be helping me? I have the spare pair of gloves to keep your hands safe.

[x-dryad.livejournal.com]

You're welcome! They are really pretty, but really dangerous. A lot of plants are like that.

Of course! I'll be over in a minute.

[x-wildchild.livejournal.com]

Smartass. Which I dunno if the 'ass' part is supposed to mean butt or donkey.

[x-leosamson.livejournal.com]

You are very welcome! And yes, I was quite envious of your invulnerability. :)

[x-leosamson.livejournal.com]

As long as you promise the marshmallows will not become weapons again! :)

[x-blink.livejournal.com]

We rock the casbah!

and teleporting UP the tree was awesome! even if I did scare the poor guy working with us. Silly mortals.

[x-leosamson.livejournal.com]

Yes, I think we were probably the most unique group he'd worked with in quite some time.

[x-wither.livejournal.com]

Some people fully deserved having marshmallows thrown at them. At least I didn't try flinging the charred ones at people...