Sunday I was shepherd for the Quail hike. Following breakfast I assisted in a stretch class, walking around and helping people with their form and alignment. Then I assisted the circuit training class in the weight room. I think I am most comfortable with things in the weight room, versus stretching and yoga and such (not really my thing). But after that I took off and went to Jamul, CA which is about 30 minutes from the border. My old roommate Xanning (pronounced "Shanning") is currently there for her 7-week summer break from Rexburg. I had Monday off so I got to hang out with her for a day or so. It was nice, we had a steak dinner on Sunday and then Monday we went to the shooting range, out for burritos, and then singles' ward family home evening, which was ultimate frisbee in the park. Then I headed back to my little room at Rancho La Puerta last night.
This week I am only working Tuesday (today), Wednesday, and Thursday. I have Friday and Saturday off because I was attempting to make it to Fallon, Nevada to Candice's wedding on Saturday. However, things didn't work out. Bummer. But I guess it makes for a quick week #3 right?!?
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Carne Asada
Yep...I did it. I went and got me some real Mexican food. Four carne asada tacos and an orange Fanta if you really want to know. It was glorious! I also went to the "El Centro" which is the center of town where there are little street shops that sell handmade Mexican items. I purchased a little leather sandal keychain, I don't remember what it's actually called. And I want to buy some more stuff the next time I go out, including more Mexican food. Yum!
This morning I was the shepherd for the Professor's hike. A 3.5 mile mountain hike, so a tad bit longer than the ones I've been on so far. And of course there were three ladies in the back who wanted to chit chat and take pictures the whole time, not to mention they were slow hikers to begin with. So it took much longer than it should have. After the hike I was shown how and where to put each week's schedules and posters. Then later I had open weight room duty. This means I monitor the weight room, answer questions as needed, and lock up if it is closing time. It's a rough job, I had a grand total of zero people come work out today. After locking up, I had first aid pack duty. I had to go through all of the packs that we take on hikes and make sure there are the correct supplies in all of the packs. Then I have to sanitize all of the water bottles that are in the packs for the use of cleaning wounds.
When I was finished, we headed into Tecate. There is a girl here from Germany who just graduate high school doing an internship to better her english and spanish because she wants to be a teacher. But she works in every department except for the fitness department, and I only work in the fitness department. So she interacts with a lot more staff than I do, including more staff that are locals of Tecate. So her friend Myra took us to the taco place.
This morning I was the shepherd for the Professor's hike. A 3.5 mile mountain hike, so a tad bit longer than the ones I've been on so far. And of course there were three ladies in the back who wanted to chit chat and take pictures the whole time, not to mention they were slow hikers to begin with. So it took much longer than it should have. After the hike I was shown how and where to put each week's schedules and posters. Then later I had open weight room duty. This means I monitor the weight room, answer questions as needed, and lock up if it is closing time. It's a rough job, I had a grand total of zero people come work out today. After locking up, I had first aid pack duty. I had to go through all of the packs that we take on hikes and make sure there are the correct supplies in all of the packs. Then I have to sanitize all of the water bottles that are in the packs for the use of cleaning wounds.
When I was finished, we headed into Tecate. There is a girl here from Germany who just graduate high school doing an internship to better her english and spanish because she wants to be a teacher. But she works in every department except for the fitness department, and I only work in the fitness department. So she interacts with a lot more staff than I do, including more staff that are locals of Tecate. So her friend Myra took us to the taco place.
The rest of the afternoon was occupied by pool lounging. My kind of day! Today officially marks 2 weeks. 12 more weeks to go!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Rodents
If you've been reading my posts, you know that I already talked about the raccoon problem. Well, for a while I also thought there were raccoons on my roof at night. After multiple restless nights, I decided to call and have a staff member come and take care of them. He shows up to my room and tells me there's nothing on the roof...perfect. So I have come to the conclusion that there are either mice or rats (I'm pretty sure it's larger than a mouse, because he/she makes some very loud noises) or some other form of rodent in my wall and ceiling. At times I can here it climb up the wall and then I hear it scratching and what-not in the ceiling. Sometimes I can even hear squeaks and squeals. Ew. So in order to sleep peacefully I blast both of my fans at night in order to drown out the sound. Oye.
Anyway, today I led the Alex Oak hike. It was my first time leading a hike (I've always been in the back as the shepherd). It wasn't too bad, it's a hike that is specifically defined at "slower paced" so that people can take pictures, enjoy, the view, etc. In my opinion, there's not much to take pictures of or much view to look at. But what does this Idaho girl know! ;) And since the hike was all that I was scheduled for, why wouldn't I go back to bed for a nap after breakfast? And during my nap, that rodent in my ceiling must have been on my mind because I dreamt about mice eating through the walls and I was running around swatting them with a frisbee (why in the world would I use a frisbee...who knows). But I was pleased to wake up to a hole-less wall and no frisbees.
It is quite funny living in a different place. I'm sure all of the men who have served missions can attest to this. But some interesting things have happened in the short time I've been here. One morning I woke up to a lizard in between my screen door and my sliding glass door, almost stepped on him. I've also practically stepped on countless numbers of other lizards just walking to and from places here on the ranch. There are also bunny rabbits ALL over the place. Hundreds of them! I've also had a very large spider in my shower, who was a very good jumper, it was really hard to kill him. And one very important lesson I've learned is to always shake your towel out before wrapping it around your body. I'll never forget that one.
Anyway, today I led the Alex Oak hike. It was my first time leading a hike (I've always been in the back as the shepherd). It wasn't too bad, it's a hike that is specifically defined at "slower paced" so that people can take pictures, enjoy, the view, etc. In my opinion, there's not much to take pictures of or much view to look at. But what does this Idaho girl know! ;) And since the hike was all that I was scheduled for, why wouldn't I go back to bed for a nap after breakfast? And during my nap, that rodent in my ceiling must have been on my mind because I dreamt about mice eating through the walls and I was running around swatting them with a frisbee (why in the world would I use a frisbee...who knows). But I was pleased to wake up to a hole-less wall and no frisbees.
It is quite funny living in a different place. I'm sure all of the men who have served missions can attest to this. But some interesting things have happened in the short time I've been here. One morning I woke up to a lizard in between my screen door and my sliding glass door, almost stepped on him. I've also practically stepped on countless numbers of other lizards just walking to and from places here on the ranch. There are also bunny rabbits ALL over the place. Hundreds of them! I've also had a very large spider in my shower, who was a very good jumper, it was really hard to kill him. And one very important lesson I've learned is to always shake your towel out before wrapping it around your body. I'll never forget that one.
Tamales
No...I didn't go out for some real Mexican food. Unfortunately. I will do that soon. But last night they had tamales for dinner, and tamales are my favorite Mexican dish, but not these tamales. Of course, spicy shredded beef was replaced with some kind of vegetable something or other. Bummer.
Yesterday morning I was a shepherd for the Quail hike. And then I taught another Zumba class! Class was great! I had about 20 or more people show up, even a few repeaters from the day before. They were all super enthusiastic and energetic. Afterwards I got many compliments and people really seemed to enjoy the class. Awesome!
I'm always drenched in sweat following Zumba, so I headed to the pool for a Hydro-Fit deep water class. After lunch I showered and just relaxed for the rest of the day. Another highlight of the day was the wonderful news that baby Olivia Joy Hartley has entered the world!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Big Rigs
Funny comment of the day: "Oh...are you the one with the 'big rig' with Idaho plates?" ...Keep in mind I drive a Ford Escape, small SUV. I don't think this lady has ever seen a big rig. Ha.
Feeling more confident and refreshed, today was a good day at the Ranch. No hikes today. After breakfast I attended a "Stretch" class because next week I will be the assistant for some of those classes. I then went and observed the "Circuit" class to see how they run that because I will also be assisting in that next week. I should have just done the circuit for my workout...but I didn't. Then this afternoon I taught Zumba. Another interesting experience. In case you are unaware, the Ranch runs on week-long guests, spanning from Saturday to Saturday. So each Saturday we receive new guests, typically. This week, I got a pretty full class of about 15 participants (last week was only around 10 participants). And they continue to amaze me at how uncoordinated, un-athletic, and unable to follow choreography they really are. Ha. And after Zumba I swam a couple laps in the pool and laid out in the sun. Hoping to fit in with the locals with my tan soon!
Feeling more confident and refreshed, today was a good day at the Ranch. No hikes today. After breakfast I attended a "Stretch" class because next week I will be the assistant for some of those classes. I then went and observed the "Circuit" class to see how they run that because I will also be assisting in that next week. I should have just done the circuit for my workout...but I didn't. Then this afternoon I taught Zumba. Another interesting experience. In case you are unaware, the Ranch runs on week-long guests, spanning from Saturday to Saturday. So each Saturday we receive new guests, typically. This week, I got a pretty full class of about 15 participants (last week was only around 10 participants). And they continue to amaze me at how uncoordinated, un-athletic, and unable to follow choreography they really are. Ha. And after Zumba I swam a couple laps in the pool and laid out in the sun. Hoping to fit in with the locals with my tan soon!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
California Getaway
Saturday was my official full week at Rancho La Puerta. And is it bad that I was already dying to get out? I know that it's this wonderful destination resort and all, but I was feeling extremely isolated, homesick, and lonely. Seeing as I don't have phone access due to roaming charges, I didn't really know anybody, and being stuck in the resort because I don't know my way around Tecate nor do I speak spanish. So, I officially had Monday and Tuesday off and I only had to go on a hike Sunday morning and I took the opportunity to go socialize with civilization!
Right after the hike I changed my clothes and headed out to get to Amber's singles' ward in Escondido, California. And I didn't really think I'd say this, but it was actually extremely wonderful to be in a mormon church building and be surrounded by people who believe the same things and to feel the spirit. (I know, gettin' all teary-eyed and sappy now...but it was a big deal!) After church I had dinner with Amber and her family. Homemade pizza and cookies. I was in heaven. That kind of food is like murder here at the Ranch! Afterwards we just hung out, watched a movie/went to bed (because I only lasted about 10 minutes before passing out).
Monday I went and swam at the waterpark that Maria works at...yep...I went swimming by myself while Maria worked. Ha. But it was fun. Then we just hung out and talked when she was off and went to Amber's singles' ward FHE. FHE was a tri-ward pool party. So there was lots of singles and it was way fun! I even made some new friends! It was fun trying to explain where I lived, what I was doing, and why I was at an Escondido singles' ward, people got really confused. But it was so invigorating just to be surrounded by lively people who are my age.
And today I just watched TV while Amber was at work and then had a burrito and drove back to Mexico. It was a wonderful getaway and now I'm feeling refreshed and ready to get busy. Well, as busy as I can be at such a laid-back, relaxed place. But I'm feeling more confident and less "out of place" now, so things should get better. Week #1 down, 13 more to go!
Right after the hike I changed my clothes and headed out to get to Amber's singles' ward in Escondido, California. And I didn't really think I'd say this, but it was actually extremely wonderful to be in a mormon church building and be surrounded by people who believe the same things and to feel the spirit. (I know, gettin' all teary-eyed and sappy now...but it was a big deal!) After church I had dinner with Amber and her family. Homemade pizza and cookies. I was in heaven. That kind of food is like murder here at the Ranch! Afterwards we just hung out, watched a movie/went to bed (because I only lasted about 10 minutes before passing out).
Monday I went and swam at the waterpark that Maria works at...yep...I went swimming by myself while Maria worked. Ha. But it was fun. Then we just hung out and talked when she was off and went to Amber's singles' ward FHE. FHE was a tri-ward pool party. So there was lots of singles and it was way fun! I even made some new friends! It was fun trying to explain where I lived, what I was doing, and why I was at an Escondido singles' ward, people got really confused. But it was so invigorating just to be surrounded by lively people who are my age.
And today I just watched TV while Amber was at work and then had a burrito and drove back to Mexico. It was a wonderful getaway and now I'm feeling refreshed and ready to get busy. Well, as busy as I can be at such a laid-back, relaxed place. But I'm feeling more confident and less "out of place" now, so things should get better. Week #1 down, 13 more to go!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Saturday Slum
Today was a super lazy day. I went on the Woodlands hike this morning, it was more like a nature walk, but that's good because I woke up feeling somewhat sickly and sluggish. But basically the rest of the day I just lounged around. Feeling kind of lonely, living in my own room, no friends or anybody to hang out with. But I'm getting out of here tomorrow to visit San Diego for a day or two. Can't wait!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Coons
This morning I was the shepherd for the Alex Oak hike. While on the hike I talked with a lady from San Diego. Most of the guests here are from San Diego or surrounding cities because it is so close. But anyway, I told the woman that I was from Idaho. She then replied with, "Oh, you don't have many hills to climb in Idaho." Uh....I then informed her that Idaho is very mountainous. Towards the end of the hike she told me that she was thinking of Iowa earlier. People continue to astonish me every day.
After the hike and breakfast I did my laundry and then went to the pool for H2O Sports Conditioning. Then this afternoon I attended a "Balance and Coordination" class, an "Egoscue Method" class (Google it...postural therapy...I thought it was a bunch of bologne), and lastly, "Restorative Yoga". Friday nights they move dinner outside to surround the pool and have a live band and dancing.
I began my stroll back to my little room in the dark. I always get a little creeped out because the bushes always move and you hear things as you walk by because of various lizards, squirrels, or birds. But as I'm approaching the little walkway that leads back to my place, there was a big rustling of bushes. There was a raccoon staring me down and 2 or 3 of his friends behind him. I tried yelling and clapping to scare them off but they weren't the least bit afraid of me and the first one even started hissing at me. So I walked back to the employee lounge, had someone call security to come and take care of the raccoons. He walks me back to my place and of course, no raccoons in sight. I looked like an idiot. Oh well, I didn't get attacked by a raccoon!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Tanlines and Mormons
This morning I was the "shepherd" for the Quail hike once again. And once again, I took a nap after breakfast. This afternoon I taught Zumba and then headed to the pool to take "Aqua Ease" which was a nice stretching class in the water. Then I hung out by the pool for a bit, increasing the darkness of my tan lines. Perfect. After dinner this evening the Ranch had BINGO! I guess it's supposed to be a very exciting event...seeing as there aren't really any happening night activities around here. Funny thing is, I won a prize! Not because I got a BINGO, but because the announcer told all participants who had NOT won yet to stand, he then called a few numbers and people sat down as they had those numbers. Since I didn't have any of the numbers he called, I was the winner. I guess it's lucky to be unlucky. Who'd a thought?
Just in the few days I've been here at the Ranch where I'm pretty sure I'm the only Latter-Day Saint, I've had some interesting conversations. When people ask where I went to school, they immediately know that I'm a Mormon when I tell them Brigham Young University-Idaho. Well, I first have to explain that yes, there is a BYU in Idaho and not just in Utah. And then of course I get some interesting comments and/or questions regarding Mormons. For instance, just tonight at dinner I was talking with a guest instructor (meaning she is teaching fitness classes for just a week) and she couldn't understand why we don't drink coffee but eat refined flours and sugars. Interesting. She then kind of mocked me and my beliefs and I was caught a bit off-guard because I've never really had that happen before, having grown up in a fairly dense Mormon community and going to a church school. I have a feeling I will be having many more missionary-type experiences while I'm here.
Just in the few days I've been here at the Ranch where I'm pretty sure I'm the only Latter-Day Saint, I've had some interesting conversations. When people ask where I went to school, they immediately know that I'm a Mormon when I tell them Brigham Young University-Idaho. Well, I first have to explain that yes, there is a BYU in Idaho and not just in Utah. And then of course I get some interesting comments and/or questions regarding Mormons. For instance, just tonight at dinner I was talking with a guest instructor (meaning she is teaching fitness classes for just a week) and she couldn't understand why we don't drink coffee but eat refined flours and sugars. Interesting. She then kind of mocked me and my beliefs and I was caught a bit off-guard because I've never really had that happen before, having grown up in a fairly dense Mormon community and going to a church school. I have a feeling I will be having many more missionary-type experiences while I'm here.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
The Ranch!
I'm sure you're all dying for an update...
crickets...
...okay, probably not. But here's one anyway! It's going to be a lengthy, detailed update because I'm using this as my "journal" for my internship assignments from my department at BYU-Idaho.
I had a wonderful road trip, according to the plan explained in the post below. My old roommates and I were able to reunite after being separated in various locations for a year (granted, we were still missing 2 roommates, Lauren and Angela). But alas, it was great!
Saturday I crossed the border, drove 3 miles through Tecate, Mexico and arrived at Rancho La Puerta. My room wasn't ready, or the staff was confused (since I'm not a regular "guest") and I had to sit around and wait for my room. I was thoroughly surprised at how ghetto my room is...but I really can't complain because I have a bed, bathroom, running hot water, electricity, and wi-fi...and it's free. The only problem is the raccoon that keeps waking me up at night. Oye.
After getting settled, I met with one of the full-time instructors here at the Ranch and she showed me around a bit. Then I took the "new guests" tour and orientation. I received my schedule, and you would think I would be good to go from there. Yeah...right...I ran around like a chicken with it's head cut off for a few days.
Sunday, I was scheduled to go on a morning hike. The hike is called the Quail hike, a very easy rolling hills hike, total time of about an hour. After the hike I ate breakfast and then actually went back to bed because I hadn't really gotten any good sleep for a few days with traveling and such. Then I took the rest of the afternoon to walk around and try and locate places here at the resort (it's really easy to get lost, lots of walking paths surrounded by trees with an inaccurate map). Oh, and don't forget a dip in the pool with some sunbathing...Sabbath appropriate right?!? ;)
Monday morning I had another hike. This one called the Alex Oak hike, more of an upward climb up to an oak tree on the hill, total time of about an hour and a half. Once again, I ate breakfast and went back to bed (I had a lot of sleep to catch up on). That afternoon I taught my first class here on the Ranch, Zumba format of course! I think the class liked it! The guests here are much different than I had anticipated. They need extremely simple choreography and a lot of low-impact/intensity moves. Perfect! That makes things super easy on me. After Zumba, I was the assistant for "Partner Thai Massage" so I got to be the instructor's dummy while she demonstrated the massage. I know, it's rough.
Tuesday morning was occupied with another hike. This time I was the "Shepherd" for the Quail hike. That means that I follow the last person of the group and make sure everyone gets back to the Ranch. I also carry a first aid pack and a radio, very official! Then I met with the fitness scheduler and talked about the classes I'm interested in and things I want to do while here. In the afternoon, I took "Pool Pilates" and "Stretch & Relax" followed by a writing workshop (I just thought I'd see what it was like! Ha!).
Today was technically my day off, but I wanted to get some classes in since I kinda slacked off the first couple days and I have to get in 400 hours of "work" while I'm here. No hikes today, but I attended a "Hot Latin Dance" class, followed by Hydro-fit "Wave" class in the pool. After lunch I went to a nutrition workshop and a "Hip Openers Yoga Workshop" and a "Restorative Yoga" class. That last one is pretty sweet...basically 45 minutes of lying down with your eyes closed. This evening I got to play sand volleyball with some of the staff. I got recruited to play on the "Police" team, which consisted of all the staff who work security. White Idaho girl playing volleyball with a bunch of local Mexicans...haha.
For these first two weeks I'm just supposed to be attending lots of classes, getting the feel for the ranch. this caused some anxiety at first because I wasn't sure what to do with such freedom. But now I'm getting the hang of things, scheduling out my days and keeping myself busy. I'm still meeting everyone, there is a lot of fitness instructors and they all have different schedules and a lot of them don't eat dinner in the dining hall with everyone. Speaking of dinner...the cuisine is lacto-ovo vegetarian. They do serve a fish option at dinner, which is keeping me sane. Everything is organic and very gourmet. I feel like I've eaten enough vegetables to last me a year or so!
I do get 2 days off every week. And as of now those days are Mondays and Tuesdays. So, I hope to be able to escape to San Diego and get my fair share of meat and other *gasp* unhealthy foods on those days. Well, I think I pretty much covered my first few days here on the Ranch. If you haven't fallen asleep while reading this, look forward to more updates! Most likely daily updates so I don't have to back track on my journalling. Enjoy!
crickets...
...okay, probably not. But here's one anyway! It's going to be a lengthy, detailed update because I'm using this as my "journal" for my internship assignments from my department at BYU-Idaho.
I had a wonderful road trip, according to the plan explained in the post below. My old roommates and I were able to reunite after being separated in various locations for a year (granted, we were still missing 2 roommates, Lauren and Angela). But alas, it was great!
Saturday I crossed the border, drove 3 miles through Tecate, Mexico and arrived at Rancho La Puerta. My room wasn't ready, or the staff was confused (since I'm not a regular "guest") and I had to sit around and wait for my room. I was thoroughly surprised at how ghetto my room is...but I really can't complain because I have a bed, bathroom, running hot water, electricity, and wi-fi...and it's free. The only problem is the raccoon that keeps waking me up at night. Oye.
After getting settled, I met with one of the full-time instructors here at the Ranch and she showed me around a bit. Then I took the "new guests" tour and orientation. I received my schedule, and you would think I would be good to go from there. Yeah...right...I ran around like a chicken with it's head cut off for a few days.
Sunday, I was scheduled to go on a morning hike. The hike is called the Quail hike, a very easy rolling hills hike, total time of about an hour. After the hike I ate breakfast and then actually went back to bed because I hadn't really gotten any good sleep for a few days with traveling and such. Then I took the rest of the afternoon to walk around and try and locate places here at the resort (it's really easy to get lost, lots of walking paths surrounded by trees with an inaccurate map). Oh, and don't forget a dip in the pool with some sunbathing...Sabbath appropriate right?!? ;)
Monday morning I had another hike. This one called the Alex Oak hike, more of an upward climb up to an oak tree on the hill, total time of about an hour and a half. Once again, I ate breakfast and went back to bed (I had a lot of sleep to catch up on). That afternoon I taught my first class here on the Ranch, Zumba format of course! I think the class liked it! The guests here are much different than I had anticipated. They need extremely simple choreography and a lot of low-impact/intensity moves. Perfect! That makes things super easy on me. After Zumba, I was the assistant for "Partner Thai Massage" so I got to be the instructor's dummy while she demonstrated the massage. I know, it's rough.
Tuesday morning was occupied with another hike. This time I was the "Shepherd" for the Quail hike. That means that I follow the last person of the group and make sure everyone gets back to the Ranch. I also carry a first aid pack and a radio, very official! Then I met with the fitness scheduler and talked about the classes I'm interested in and things I want to do while here. In the afternoon, I took "Pool Pilates" and "Stretch & Relax" followed by a writing workshop (I just thought I'd see what it was like! Ha!).
Today was technically my day off, but I wanted to get some classes in since I kinda slacked off the first couple days and I have to get in 400 hours of "work" while I'm here. No hikes today, but I attended a "Hot Latin Dance" class, followed by Hydro-fit "Wave" class in the pool. After lunch I went to a nutrition workshop and a "Hip Openers Yoga Workshop" and a "Restorative Yoga" class. That last one is pretty sweet...basically 45 minutes of lying down with your eyes closed. This evening I got to play sand volleyball with some of the staff. I got recruited to play on the "Police" team, which consisted of all the staff who work security. White Idaho girl playing volleyball with a bunch of local Mexicans...haha.
For these first two weeks I'm just supposed to be attending lots of classes, getting the feel for the ranch. this caused some anxiety at first because I wasn't sure what to do with such freedom. But now I'm getting the hang of things, scheduling out my days and keeping myself busy. I'm still meeting everyone, there is a lot of fitness instructors and they all have different schedules and a lot of them don't eat dinner in the dining hall with everyone. Speaking of dinner...the cuisine is lacto-ovo vegetarian. They do serve a fish option at dinner, which is keeping me sane. Everything is organic and very gourmet. I feel like I've eaten enough vegetables to last me a year or so!
I do get 2 days off every week. And as of now those days are Mondays and Tuesdays. So, I hope to be able to escape to San Diego and get my fair share of meat and other *gasp* unhealthy foods on those days. Well, I think I pretty much covered my first few days here on the Ranch. If you haven't fallen asleep while reading this, look forward to more updates! Most likely daily updates so I don't have to back track on my journalling. Enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)