Torn

It’s been a loooong day.  Last night as I mentioned in my last entry, Brett, Paul, and I left to do some field research.  We ended up heading out to Monroe City, which I might add is much smaller than I’d expected.  Anyways, we were only able to get in about 1000 meters before we had to head back.  Because of this, we had to wake up at 7:30 to head out and get as much done today as we possibly could (today being Saturday). 

First of all, for those of you who have asked, our field research involves going to certain watersheds in the state of Missouri.  We take measurements of the physical aspects of the assigned rivers and creeks so that Brett will be able to use the data in his graduate thesis.  At the same time we’re also working for the Department of Natural Resources and Mizzou’s Geography department itself.  The goal is to study the human effects on small-mouth bass population fluctuations.  Anyways, that’s the abridged version.  I could really go into detail, but I’m sure you guys would LOVE to hear about that, wouldn’t you?  =0P

Today was murder, however.  We had to hike out to our location (which obviously meant we had to hike BACK) through this horrible brush called stinging neddle… or however you spell it.  You walk through this stuff and it seems pretty harmless, but after about 20 minutes brushing against your legs, you begin to feel the burn… the itching… the pure agony.  You should seriously see my legs.  They’re ravaged with cuts and irritation.  My feet are pretty bad as well.  I had no idea we were going to run into this stuff because we’d never had a problem with it before, but next time we go out, I’m so wearing long pants.  I guess I should have worn long pants anyways, but whoever said I was logical?  I just need to get some aloe vera tomorrow.

Paul decided to be a complete idiot and took the framed painting that was in our Motel room.  Brett had paid with credit card, so now he’s worried he will get in trouble.  Paul’s a pretty cool guy, but that was just stupid.  We had no idea he’d taken it until half way back from Monroe. 

Sarah came over tonight to hang out a bit.  The poor girl was dumped a few days ago.  I think she likes me too… which makes it a little awkward at times, because I’m just not interested.  I could be reading things wrong as well, and I hope I am.  I’m just trying to be a good friend.  Anyways, we watched a movie which she fell asleep in, so I woke her up and she decided to go ahead ad head home.  I made sure she was actually up and alert before she decided to actually drive home, though. 

Laura came back and told me she’d let Beth borrow my corckscrew but that Beth had broken it.  How in the world she broke it, I have no idea.  Laura seemed a little reserved telling me about it, but honestly, I don’t care if she borrowed it.  She’s welcome to any of my stuff.  I dont’ really care that she broke it either seeing as I won’t be using a corkscrew bottle opener anytime soon anyways.  Apparently she bought me another one.  It sure was nice of her… but since I don’t drink anymore… I guess Laura will use it. 

I know I should be moving on and all with all of this stuff with Beth and I is concerned, but it’s so much easier in writing than it is to actually do it.  I find myself always thinking about how things are for her… genuinely just worrying and hoping that she is doing well and that she’s happy.  Obviously I know this isn’t any easier for her either… I just wish it were.  I hear about he occasional tidbit through Laura about how Beth is doing at work and all… and every time I hear about her success, it makes me so proud of her.  I’m so happy she’s doing well at work. 

Well, I’m freaking exhausted, and so ready to drool on a pillow.  Goooodnight.