Fashion seems to be a big deal in Europe, and Amsterdam is no exception. And you're not considered fashionable unless you have a fabulous scarf. Of course I wanted to get in on this, and made it one of my goals to come home with a fabulous scarf. I looked for one everywhere we went, but they were either too thin, or too expensive. Finally, on our last night there, helped with a little inspiration from some Oorlog-style frites, we stepped into a shop that specialized in cheap scarves and luggage. And for 15 Euros, I was able to find not just a scarf, but a hat to go with it. It's not as colorful as I had hoped for, but it's thick and WARM, and long enough to cover me from head to toe. It's also sure to get me through another hated Salt Lake winter.
One of my goals this year is to go on a backpacking trip. It's something I've always wanted to do, but been too intimidated to try. Well, a few weeks ago, one of the girls in the Ward invited me on a backpacking trip to the Uinta's this summer. This time I immediately said yes. All was well until a few days later when reality set in and the thought of carrying 30-35 pounds of pack on my back while hiking in rough terrain just about made me cave. I did not have all the gear I would need, nor was I in good enough shape. The gear is something easily worked out. Most of it I can either purchase myself, or borrow from highly motivated friends. The physical conditioning was another matter altogether, so I decided it was time to get in better shape. I've been pretty good at exercising regularly, and I'm in ok shape for someone approaching a milestone birthday (if I say so myself). But I knew I needed to put in some extra miles, as well as add strength to my legs ...

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