Zombie invasions, Agricultural Stats, and Calculus: The Humbler

The ultimate cocktail of time consumption for a reasonably motivated individual such as myself consists of the above ingredients.

As many of you know, I am a calculus student. Who cares? I know, right? A lot of seniors are. No, seriously, who cares?? I get it, I get it. But I'm pretty rare...as I see it, most high school seniors aren't in the midst of making a ginormous and incredible music video about Calculus!!! I'm sort of stuck, because I have it written, and I have the music, but the song the parody is based on is very difficult for a [although very talented in other ways, not so gifted] singer of my caliber. I'm auditioning for some talent, and we'll see if they request to be in the video. I'd love to give you a sneak peek, but you'll have to wait. Until then, how about I release the name of the song I'm parodying? I'll just give you a hint: the name of the song is also a book by David Almond. (I'm not sure about whether or not the book is good, but I like the song.)

Zombies, you say? Yes, right before Halloween, Las Cruces has a Zombie Walk. People from all over the city dress up and you can strut your stuff among a variety of other undead walkers. It would have been pretty fun for me, but due to a trip to Alamogordo for a mustang (pause for dramatic effect), I only made it in time for the costume contest. Which, you know, was adorable. So many cute little kids got into the spirit. It never ceases to amaze me how this community can rally up some unifying spirit.

I'm also, as you know, a very gifted laboratory researcher, working on my Google Science Fair 2014 project. I swear, cisgenics was made just for me...and my patience. Not only have I hit speed bump after speed bump, but I fix them every time.

On another note, my wonderful boyfriend took me on a (surprise) trip across town to a feed store. I know what you're thinking: this sounds like the single most exciting event of my or anyone's life. Well guess what? It might not be the most exciting, but it was incredible. There, beside the store, was a grouping of little habitats. In them, all sorts of animals. For the far to the near were cows, sheep, goats, pot bellied pigs and an evil looking emu, buffalo, camels, and llamas/alpacas. I have a really difficult time distinguishing between the last two, so I'm not certain which it was. Camels, can you believe it? I was having a really off day, so Allan takes me to see these animals that were so close, I could pet them.

I also went on a double date to the Renaissance Fair. Majorly, the fair poses as a venue for in town artisans to sell the most wonderful products in Las Cruces. Here are a few of my favorite parts of the faire:

• The Trebuchet exhibit- A lovely man used this event to educate all about a wonderful, catapult-like device called the trebuchet. He first discussed the bubonic (black) plague and rats, and then used the device (which he had for demonstration) and launched a "rat" for little kids to catch. The rat, of course, wasn't really a rat, but a rat shaped sewn burlap thing full of tea.
• Archaeological group- just one booth was set up in the name of science, and it addressed a famous trail with dinosaur tracks, right here in Las Cruces. I think I might go for a tour sometime. You can call and make an appointment for one.
• Dragon Soup Booth- I didn't actually eat it (because I couldn't be sure it was soy free); however, Allan and our friend Val shared a bread bowl soup and they said it was delicious.
  
  
  More to come, dearest readers. Thank you so much for reading. I really hope you're pleased with what I come up with. Have a pleasant one!

I'm back!

So, here's just a little about why I was gone for so long. I met someone, you may remember him as Allan, and he swept me off my feet and has been treating me like a queen. Also, I started school. AP Literature is fun, and so is AP Calculus, but I'm working my arse off. My research is going really well though. One of my best friends will be coming back from AIT right before Halloween and I'm planning a big welcome back for him. His girlfriend doesn't know when he's coming back, so we plan to surprise her! So, that's enough about me, let's talk about some things you missed.

Music in the Park:

Allan and I went to the oldies MitP on August 20. It was the second to last show, and it was incredible. There are always a lot of older people there, but they are super friendly and love to dance! The music is all played by a wonderful band and it is just too much fun. **Bring your lawn chairs. I, being someone who had gone before, knew this rule, but sadly Allan did not. Had he gone without me, he would've had to sit on the grass and, being late as we were, probably would have ended up dancing with some lovely older women!

Oh my gosh, donuts!!

So, as many of you know, I am a Wisconsin girl, born and raised. There is a marvelous bakery in my hometown that makes the best Italian pastries and donuts. Well, lucky for all of us, there is a similar bakery here in Cruces. It is called La Fiesta and the wonderful older gentleman who makes the donuts is blessed by God or something. The donuts are super fluffy, and way better than Krispy Kreme, which you have to drive forty minutes to an hour to get to in El Paso. Actually, my dad picked some up, and I'm feeling tempted so I'll have to go grab one for breakfast! (Now you may notice that while I'm writing this, it is almost 10:00 am here. Well, guess what? I slept in! May the judging ensue!) Hmm...I probably should have grabbed a Benedryl. Delicious as these are, I'm still incredibly allergic.

Dripping Springs!

Yesterday morning, I had been invited to join an old friend and his new friends for a morning hike up to dripping springs, so I brought Allan and a huge back pack (see first post) and went. Unfortunately my old friend's friends ditched him, so he sort of third wheeled it. I think it took about thirty minutes to drive there from my house to the visitor's center. (Make sure you get a parking permit.) Then, hiking up to the spring took about thirty minutes or more. It's very beautiful because lately we've had so much rain! I think five days worth! Everything was so green...it was sort of like being in Ireland. The spring was very full, and cold. We stayed up there for another twenty minutes or so, mesmerized by the water. Then we hiked back to our cars and parted ways.

The Space Museum

So Allan and I took a certain way there (my way, because I drove and he's not supposed to back seat drive!) which incidentally came up right next to the Space Museum. Neither of us had ever seen it, so we went in. I have so many pictures from this trip, and I'll be sure to post them all. I even have a funny one of Allan (because I'm evil ;) ). It is really quiet there, and no one else was there, but it has so much to learn about! it even has astronaut meals from the year I was born! (It looked disgusting) I suggest going there, if for no other reason than to make silly memories. Even if space is not your thing-it certainly isn't mine-I think it's worth going for a few laughs. Besides, they sell edible astronaut food (not the stuff from seventeen years ago). Ice cream, candy...it seems pretty cool. You should definitely check it out.

One last thing before I go...
As you may or may not have realized, I will be graduating from high school this year. I'm not yet sure of where I'm going but my top choice is UW-Madison. Other scenes I may check: NYU, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, University of Michigan, and New Mexico State University. So as interesting as it is to watch me detail the hidden glories of the desert, there is now only a 20% chance that that won't change. Never fear! I promise that I will continue on in whatever place I go to. Who knows, Madison might be your next travel destination! Also, my birthday is next week. Finally becoming seventeen, so growing up is imminent.

I hope you enjoyed this make up note,
Jordan

Apologies

Dear Readers,

My sincerest apologies about my ventures. The day in which I was supposed to go on that incredible journey there happened a series of events most unfortunate. I cannot relay them all while still remaining even partially professional, so I won't. However, I will tell you my trip has been postponed. Meanwhile, a blossoming friendship with a guy named Allan is sure to bring me some new opportunities for adventure. Also, there is a gym here, CrossFit Las Cruces (here is their blog http://www.crossfitlascruces.blogspot.com/) and I am trying to get a free introductory class there. I'm very excited to possibly die. Music in the Park is ending soon, and I promise, readers, that I will go to one before it ends. Even if I have to listen to Mariachi music. I will report to you! This missing post will be avenged!

Lastly, I would like to report an interesting thing about Las Cruces. As a resident and new driver in Las Cruces, let me tell you a little bit about driving conditions. Year round, it can be expected to be hot enough to cook an egg on the side walk. We don't get very much snow, and if this is any indication of the experience of Las Cruces drivers in snow, we close schools for the appearance of one inch. That's right, a 1 in snow day. There is also a few weeks at this time of year that we call our "Monsoon Season," and with very good reason. Nearly every day, it will rain-hard-for about twenty minutes or so followed by lighter sprinkling. Roads become flooded quickly and driving conditions are dangerous. No one who lives here seems to have the common sense to driver slower, avoid puddles, or start braking sooner. Word of caution: drivers are not the best here. I will admit, it isn't as bad as Texas drivers; though, be careful. Many people drive without insurance and will hit and run shamelessly. Roads can also be really confusing in Las Cruces, as some change suddenly into a new road. Very few of the roads are numerical, and feature names like Rinconada, or Bataan Memorial. So getting around is difficult and obviously perilous. No need to fear, though, because as long as you obey driving laws and act as a safe driver, you are sure to be safe on your trip. You really do not want to be caught without a car in Las Cruces, especially without air conditioning. It is hot one moment, and then suddenly it is raining cats and chihuahuas outside (still very hot).

That is all for now, so please, go and enjoy the summer heat.

Stripping in Las Cruces

No, I'm not going to discuss strip clubs, not that I would know if any were in Cruces. Tomorrow seems like a good day to go on a trip to the strip on Main Street. Following the upsetting break up of my boyfriend and I, it seems like a good time to have fun. First, how about I tell you about my day, sans major trips?

Last night, my friend slept over (yes, we still do those kinds of things). Today we saw our mutual and long absent friend, George, at a popular park in town. I think for a desert climate, Las Cruces has some of the most beautiful parks I know. Lush, green, with lots of shade, Veteran's Park on Road Runner has a lot of memories for me. It's sort of tradition for my friends and I to meet there for get-together's because when a great friend of ours moved to Nebraska three years ago, this is where we said our goodbyes. I've seen a lot at this park: parties, sports practices for little kids, family outings. It has the most beautiful memorial for war veterans. There is a pathway to follow with placards honoring vets.

I'd still say that Young's Park and Wood Park are my favorites. Young's features this wonderful duck pond and tons of different events held there. The last time I was there, there was a protest on one side, and a Native-American Tribal dance ceremony on the other. Okay, so maybe a protest isn't everyone's thing (but it happens once in a while) and it's a big enough park that you won't notice it elsewhere. Wood Park, also large, is probably the best place to play hide-and-seek that I've ever seen. Once upon a time, though it is hard to believe, my friend set me up on a blind date after two guys had stood me up in a month. She made it a double date and, hilariously enough, he never showed up. So, the three of us, to offset my newly uncovered third-wheel-syndrome picked up some of her boyfriend's friends and played the kid's game there. No one found me for thirty minutes. Not to brag, but I'm good at not being found. (Please read my second blog post now if you haven't already to discover some truly great irony.)

So, about tomorrow. I'm thinking that besides hitting the strip, if we have time, maybe we'll tour a couple of museums. A little road runner told me that Las Cruces has a railroad museum, art museum, science museum, and I'm thinking several others. We'll see. That's all for today. Read up tomorrow! Might be a late post. Enjoy, readers!

A Day in Historic Old Mesilla

I am happy to relay to you, dearest readers, about my venture through Old Mesilla. I think out of the entire town, it is my favorite place because it feels so authentic. It is the one section of Las Cruces that came before the Taco Bells and Walmarts. Therefore, it has genuine Native American and Mexican culture. So here is how it went.

My friend Josh picked me up at ten o'clock. We were going to stop at the farmer's market (more on that later) but instead went straight to Old Mesilla. We stopped at a public parking lot to park his Blazer and went past the Basillica (also more on that later) and down to the main strip. The first thing to notice is a green park with a large gazebo-like stage in the middle. There are some metal stands behind in and on either side of the park stand trees with benches in front of them. Here, at this gazebo, you can find many Mexican celebrations. I think, many years ago, my family witnessed a Cinco de Mayo fiesta happening right here. I also stood for photos in the cold December air a year ago at my friends' (they're twins) quinceañera. I have good memories at this place. Every relative that stayed with us was taken to this place.

On either side of the park stands a row of stores and brick streets. Each of the stores has authentic pieces traditional to the Mexican or Native American culture, along with tourist items. My favorite store is called La Plata, not because of the goods they sell, but the fudge they home make. I think every time I go there, I get a different type of fudge. This time, Josh picked out one called Tiger Butter, which tastes like white chocolate fudge with Reese's Peanut Butter Cup tasting fudge. It was actually quite delicious.

So we started on that side of the strip and went store to store (forgetting the fudge when we went into La Plata), until I remembered to stop at my mom's favorite store, Solamente de Mesilla. They sell various sauces, including the hottest in the world. The Ghost Pepper? Not the hottest in the world. Their new hot shot? Scorpion. To me, the prospects of trying it are awful, because I dislike such spiciness; however, you, traveler, might decide to try something so hot if you have never been tricked into consuming the heat of Hell Fire. (I jest, but I have been cruelly tricked in such a manner before.) So I bought my mom a bottle of her favorite sauce: Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce. I think it is much more on the sweeter side than most sauces, but she likes it. Always, always, always ask the owner how to use a particular sauce. She always has interesting thoughts, and she knows her business better than anyone.

Then we stopped at Scent Chips, the best smelling store on the strip, which is smelled about a block away. I bought a mini pouch for about $2 and I mixed a bunch of my favorite scents. The owner is a very kindly man and will tell you all about the history and uses of the chips. Probably another of my favorite stores.
We also stopped at Nambe, which I will dream about until I have enough money to buy everything I want there. It is beautiful metal alloys turned into gorgeous kitchen ware. Want. Badly. I think one of the most rustic places is the Billy the Kid Shop, where you can find all sorts of cheesy and funny items, along with rustic treasures and many antique weapons. They even have a Billy the Kid fortune teller. Best part of the store and good for some laughs.

Our penultimate stop was The Chocolate Lady, my favorite chocolate place in the cultural epitome of Las Cruces. We shared one milk chocolate and one white chocolate covered pretzels for $2. The chocolate is enticing to the senses and reasonably priced. The only cause for concern was that when I asked if they could slice the pretzels in half, I got a no, due to others complaining of health issues after their goods had been sliced there. So the knives seem of questionable quality to me, but their goods still seem honorable in this blog.

Finally, we stopped at La Plata for the fudge, and I bought a pound for myself and Josh's family. The day was a lot of fun and, get this, we didn't even see everything! Every time I go there, I see something new. I still haven't gone to any of the restaurants there. I am dying to go to Double Eagle, one of the most reputable places in Old Mesilla. Next stop for me, the Farmer's Market! One of the largest in the nation! I'm excited to share all my memorable moments with you!

Back in Town

Sorry to say, readers, that I had to venture back to my hometown for two weeks and see family. Kenosha, Wisconsin is beautiful; however, there is very little warm weather and I found myself constantly seeking warmth though I had only brought summer clothes to accommodate the humidity.

As soon as I stepped back into my driveway, I grew excited at the opportunities I will be sharing with you as a result of my return. I think I will call up my good friend Josh and see if he would like to tour the Main Street strip with me. It is in Old Mesilla, and it is full of culture, museums, and shops. One of my favorite places has homemade fudge. I cannot remember the name of it now, but I'm elated to find out.

Dearest reader,

If you so choose to read my blog, I promise to share experiences that may make you rethink your current location. I think the best part about Las Cruces is that the culture never gets old. No matter how many times you visit a place, you can always find more there. I implore you to visit my town. It is hot, dry, and utterly enjoyable. Also, soon will be the Las Cruces fireworks display. It has been somewhat lacking in water, so whether or not the show will go on is unknown to me. Though, I'm sure it will, and when it does I will be sure to give you all of the details.

(Dante's) Levels of Fun

I am not the kind of person to go traveling in the desert. I burn really easily and get exhausted faster in the presence of high temperatures. However, yesterday I decided to take a trip to the Doña Ana mountains, about six miles from where I live, for a nice hike.

*Warning* This is partly tourism, but also a cautionary tale.

Las Cruces offers several mountainous regions for hiking purposes. I have hiked several trails in the Organ Mountains. They are beautiful, well maintained, and perfect for a day of fun.

The Doña Ana mountains are a little different. I had never hiked them before yesterday. I brought enough supplies for the proposed hike, including an abundance of medical supplies should anything go wrong.
Some suggested pieces of equipment would be:

• Hiking boots (I wore lightweight cross country running shoes, which I prefer)
• Hat (I wore a baseball cap, but something that covers your neck might be preferable)
• sunscreen
• lots of water
• snake bite first aid kit
• GPS for hiking

I wore the shoes, and some brown shorts along with a neutral colored t shirt, etc. I also brought pants because the level of cacti and other barbed plants is pretty high. My legs got a little scraped, but I felt much more comfortable in the shorts because of the heat.

Our plan was to hike the hundred yards to the base of the mountain and up to the top. We planned on just coming back the way we came. But here's the thing, the Doña Ana mountains are extremely steep, covered in loose rocky terrain, and tons of sharp plants to land on. These mountains are really pretty, but maybe less hiker friendly because there are no marked rest areas, maps, or water available on site. 

We arrived where we wanted to start at 8:00 am. We got there early so we could start in a shady section of the mountain. It took awhile to reach the top, due to the need for a quick break or picture taking and the like. We could not head straight up, because there were insurmountable vertical rock faces. This made us travel across the mountain as well as up. We thought we had reached the top, only to realize there was still at  least 40 yards to the top. As we finally reached the top, we were faced with an interesting dilemma. Going down the way we came, at least a 70° slope, would mean risking falling off several cliff faces. Earlier, we had seen the way around the peak that was a more manageable hike, so we opted to take the slightly longer but less treacherous trip down. Unfortunately for us, by the time we had started climbing down the mountain and realized that the mountain chain extended past what we had been able to see, it was too late to go back over. After hiking around the mountain side for an hour and a half, we began to run out of the water we had packed for our pre-planned trip. Once I realized we were desperately lost, I called my parents at 1:04 pm and sent GPS coordinates of our current location using my cell phone. However, they were the wrong coordinates, unknown at the time. My friend and I ran out of water at 2:00 and found shade. By then, my communications had been cut off because my phone had died. His had just gained signal and by nearly 4:00, both our families and the state police were officially searching for us. My dad found us at 5:00 and we drank water for the first  time in 3 hours. This may not seem like a long time, but in a hot desert climate it seems like forever.

In the future, I probably will still go back to hike again, because besides being lost it was one heck of a trip and I really enjoyed it. Some things I learned:

• Leave a map of where you will be going with your family instead of just explaining the day before because they will be able to find you if you are lost.
• Bring more water than you will need for your trip.
• It is really easy to get lost on a huge desert mountain terrain where everything looks the same, so a GPS device is a necessity where there are no trails.
• Never stray from the path you chose to take, under any circumstances unless for some reason it is completely impassable. In other words, don't let a recently fallen tree get in your way.
• Cell phones save lives. Mine had a full charge when I started that day, but due to its short battery life, it eventually died when I needed it most. That chargeable phone charger would have been useful. Don't scoff at your technology just because you're going on a nature hike. Seriously, cell phones saved us.

Again, I'm a pretty simple girl so maybe next time I'll just take a trip down the downtown strip, but take a lesson from my mistakes and don't be afraid to take a mountain hike. It's exhilarating to push yourself like that for the sake of seeing something so beautiful. Take the peril with a grain of salt. As long as you go prepared, I guarantee a beautiful day.

Las Cruces through History

I feel the need to preface this blog with the fact that I am not from Las Cruces. I am from a smaller town in Wisconsin called Kenosha. Technically, it is Kenosha County, but it doesn't seem small enough to call it that. Anyways, my point is that this perspective will be from someone who enjoys, if not prefers cold, snow, forestry, and organic farms.

That being said, I do also enjoy the desert that consumes our population. Las Cruces is a sizable town and despite those who live in town, particularly the young, describing it as boring, with nothing to do, it is a happening spot! If there is anything I regret from my youth spent in Kenosha, it is not exploring all the cultural facets my community had to offer. Where I lived, one did not need to travel to Europe to gain the cultural experience, because it was in my backyard.

As New Mexico is a border state-you might surprised about the experiences I've had in other states when people thought New Mexico was a part of Mexico-it is full of rich Hispanic culture. The authentic Mexican food made right here is really delicious and ought to be reason enough to come here; however, if you are not convinced, allow me to give some historical information about the town.

New Mexico, particularly Las Cruces, has a long, dreadful history involving Spanish treatment of Native Americans. The Spanish conquistadores came over led by Don Juan de Oñate to get land and riches for Spain. They took over the land that unofficially belonged to Native Americans and forced Catholicism on them. Obviously, that did not go over well with the Indians. Years of disputes took place until manifest destiny allowed America, as it originated from the east coast, to collect New Mexico. If you really want to learn the details of Las Cruces' history, feel free to read online here: http://www.lascrucescvb.org/a-historical-perspective/

It gives a decently in depth but not overly boring history of Las Cruces. Also, I would just like to remind my reader that close to Las Cruces is the Trinity Site, where the first atomic bomb was tested. You can visit there, and I heard that the rules regarding picking up glass from the site has changed. Until now you could not because it was deemed too radioactive; however, I heard that now the glass can be collected if you wish. But it could be hearsay, so if you do visit, please do not get your hopes up.

Over the next blogs I will highlight one wonderful part of Las Cruces per blog entry, so if you decide to plan a vacation, you can have a better idea of which spots might be your favorite. Some of the destinations will be outside of Las Cruces (I'll be sure to give locations) so that on your way to or from (if you're doing a road trip) Las Cruces, you can see other equally impressive things. Photos will also be included for different sites (most taken by me on my trips there). If photos are used that I do not own the rights to or if information is taken from another place I will cite the source. Enjoy your travel guide :)