The Good, The Carlsbad, and The Ugly

Last weekend, Dallin and I had an adventure that can only be described as "The Good, The Carlsbad, and The Ugly."

We had decided to make a day trip to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico with some friends. However, after a slight change of plans, Dallin and I were on our own, and decided to wing a backpacking trip.

After two pit stops and a three-hour car ride, we pulled into Carlsbad Caverns. At first, it was underwhelming. Cacti, hills, and heat were all that surrounded a busy parking lot and a yellow building.

After buying our pass, we followed ranger instructions to get to the natural entrance of the cave. Let's be real, we were nature-starved and were not about to ride an elevator down to the belly of the cave. 

To be honest, I do not have a great explanation, or many great pictures, of our experience in the cave. At first it smelled like swallows and everything that goes in... And comes out of them. But eventually, the smell dissipated and we were swallowed into the damp darkness of the cave. 

Soon, the spotlights used to illuminate certain rock formations were the only sources of light. 

It was humbling to be sure, but also a little spooky. Especially when Dallin went around doing things like this:

Eventually, it got so dark my camera simply could not take in enough light to take a picture. 

(Look closely and you can see Dallin's shirt. Tilt your screen, and you can see our faces.)

After walking for over two hours, and down 750 feet, we arrived at the underground restaurant (*snack bar*) and the elevators.

Back on the ground level, we asked a park ranger about camping in the park. 

Dallin: We wanted to ask about camping in the park. 

Park Ranger: Well, we recommend that you carry in a gallon of water, per person, per day. 

That's a lot of water.... What about coverage? Any trees?

*Shakes head* None. Most everything out there will scratch or poke you.

*All hopes crushed*

As we walked back out into sunshine and 95-degree weather, a stark difference from the 56-degree cave, we decided that if we could find someplace decent to camp, we would stay. As fate would have it, there was a small KOA just outside the park that offered campsites. So we reserved our spot and then headed back to the park to watch the bat flight. 

Basically, every night people can sit outside the cave and watch the bats as they fly out of the cave. Dallin and I were both expecting something like... 

Instead we sat in the amphitheater for an hour and a half and silently watched groups of bats zigzag their way out of the cave. Sorry, but no proof. Phones had to be turned off. However, this picture explains perfectly how we each felt about it:

After the bats, we headed to our campsite to set up our tent in the dark. It was still remarkably hot, about 85 degrees, so we slept in our mesh tent, with no cover. 

It could have gone better. 

Dallin became paranoid about strangers. Around 1 AM, he, being driven mad by the heat and exhaustion, accused me of being a stranger and was inclined to act on his suspicions. I was worried about the coyotes howling in the distance, and it was so hot that we each slept in half hour intervals. Then there was the rain. So darn it all! We packed it up and headed back to Midland at 3 IN THE MORNING. 

So there was the good: Spending the day with Dallin, experiencing new adventures and seeking new thrills.

The Carlsbad: Carlsbad Caverns of course. 

And the ugly?

The 5 o'clock stop.

Dallin stopped for gas while I wandered through the convenience store, so delusional from lack of sleep that I couldn't find the women's restrooms, despite the neon sign and it's approximate location to the men's. Not to mention my sleepy-time, sweaty hairstyle, glasses, no makeup, and breath that could scatter an army. 

But hey... At least the guy at the register was nice about it.

The Neverending Project Story

When Dallin moved to Texas with all of our worldly possessions, we had a bed and a kitchen table. Enough to support the basic necessities of life: To eat and to sleep. Eventually he invested in a TV and a couch, as these provide the necessities of the bachelor lifestyle: To watch TV and fall asleep on the couch.

And we have continued to live this way. Even after I got here.

I'm not complaining, but something about the TV's placement on the floor screams.... 

"DIRT POOR NEWBS WHO MOVED TOO FAR FROM THE DI"

Oh, the truth and accompanying shame.

To improve our situation, I started shopping around at the local estate sales. For those of you who don't know what an estate sale is, imagine walking through a stranger's home after they have passed away or moved. Not only have all of their knick-knacks been put up for sale, but also the pictures on the walls, the clothes in the closet, and just about anything you can find as you meander through the house. It's a different experience, but the deals can be incredible! 

That's how I found this little beauty,

And how The Neverending Project began. 

It was supposed to be simple. Strip it, sand it, repaint it, line the drawer, and change out the hardware.  Easy peezy, lemon squeezey.

But I got high on that Home Depot fix and convinced myself that I could do more. So I bought 5 more pieces of furniture at another estate sale. Dallin was supportive, but he told me that this was my baby, and that he would not take participate in the renovation. 

Pinterest was also supportive. She provided loads of ideas and DIYs. She also assured me that the hardest part would be "waiting for the paint to dry." 

Well, it's officially been months and I only have two finished pieces to show for my hours of hard work and sweat in this deadly Texas heat. My garage still smells like paint and there is a thin layer of sawdust covering the array of dresser drawers and my car.

Worst of all, Pinterest LIED to me! Waiting for the paint to dry was the easiest part because while waiting, I could wash the paint out of the brushes, my hair, off my skin and clothes, and all in the comfort of an air-conditioned home! 

If I ever finish these neverending projects, I'll let you know. 

Until then,

Wish me luck.