Hey guys!
Sorry that it’s been so long since the last update…. things over here have been absolutely insane (… I feel like I’ve used that phrase in my past entries…)
So, I’ve realized that every single day that I’ve been here, they’ve had some way to occupy my time. It’s been ‘neato’ and tiring and sometimes terrifying (occasionally all at the same time!)
So on Wednesday, we got up pretty late (I slept in until 8:00!!, and I made Cream Of Wheat ( I don’t think this actually pertains to the story, except for the fact that it’s yummy). We went to go pick up Erin, one of Brianna’s little friends.
Then: we went to the Air force Academy!! It was so cool.
When we first got there, some people were being dropped from planes, so we went to the landing pad to see them touch the ground. We sat and watched for a little and I took some cool pictures of the old planes and helicopters that were on display on big poles :)
After, we drove to the visitors center, and saw a 15 year old video about what the air force is about, and then we looked around the little place. Nothing too cool there.
Then we went to the Air Force Chapel, and it was cool.
The church is 3 levels and home to 4 churches.
On the first level is the Lutheran Christian church. It has a Pipe Organ with 4,500 pipes in it. It’s crazy. The floor to the level below is 27 inches thick, so the churches can hold their services simultaneously. On the floor below is the Catholic grotto. It was all small and cramped, but apparently they wanted it to feel like that so the worshippers would remember the days when Christians were forces to worship underground and in hiding.
Then, in the basement, there are 2 churches: A Buddhist temple and a Jewish temple. They were both pretty low key.
After we looked around there and saw a helicopter take off, we went to a little deli and got lunch, then went to Cave of the Winds… and Wow. It was incredible. We went on an hour tour, and only when we were about 20 minutes did I discover something pretty profound: I’m quite claustrophobic while underground! Earth-shattering, I know. But it wasn’t that bad. The air was a little thin, and some of the passages were a little difficult to squeeze into (and I wasn’t even the tallest person on the tour… which feels a little odd, I’ll admit). So at some points I just had to stop and take a deep breath, close my eyes, and plunge through (I ended up doing that in my mind after the first try... I don’t know if you’ve ever tried closing your eyes and ducking through a low passage, but let me stop you from trying… it hurts). While we were going through everything, I ended up lagging a few seconds behind our group so I could take some pictures, and every time we got to a new cave, out guide would ask if the whole group was here. At first, the guys in front of me would be like ‘no, there’s a girl behind us’, so I would hurry up and get to the rest of the group. But then, one time, the guide asked if everyone was there, and the guy in front looked back at me (I was taking an awesome picture of a rock formation) and I mouthed ‘say yes! Say yes!’ so he was like ‘uh… yes…’. He was a sweetie. He covered for me the rest of the way, though I know that the guide knew I wasn’t there… he’d always stall a few seconds longer until I snuck into the group.
At one point, we came to a cave, and the guide asked whether we had ever been in ‘true dark’… the kind of dark that completely blinds you… some said that they had, so the guide turned out all of the lights in the cave. And goodness was that creepy.
After there, we dropped Erin off at home and went to go pick up Mrs. Fett’s mother. We went out to the Flying W Ranch, which is a chuck wagon dinner. It was on a beautiful place, and Brianna and I took some awesome pictures while we were there. The entertainment for the night was a group of cowboys, and they sang some songs and told jokes and stories and it was pretty good.
But what I think is hilarious is that Mr. Fett knows everyone! Everywhere we go, he always has to stop to talk to someone.
Like, we were on our way to the dining room, and all of a sudden this young guy is calling “B.J.”, so we go over, and it was the (cute) son of Mr. Fett’s accountant (or something… I just know that his father took care of Mr. Fetts clients and stuff while he was in Mexico…) so we were talking, and Mr. Fett told me that he (the boy… Travis) had lived in Peru for a little while, so he spoke Spanish. Mr. Fett said that we should speak to each other, so an awkward moment passed, and we started talking about his time in Peru, and my life in Mexico… it was so funny, because later at dinner Mr. Fett said that he had meant for us to speak to each other in Spanish, not just speak in general. It was pretty embarrassing.
After dinner and the show we went home, and I went to bed.
Next day (Thursday), we woke up pretty early, and drove out to Cripple Creek to do to the Mollie Mine Shaft and descend 1,000 feet underground… whooooyeah, my dream come true. As soon as I saw the old thing that we were going down in, I pretty much started to hyperventilate. Fortunately, 7 people were put into the elevator before us, and we 3 girls and our guide went down in the next one. I was pretty spazzy on the way down, but the guy was awesome. He was like ‘seriously, you’re not in any danger, and it’s totally safe. Just don’t look down.’ What did I do right then? I looked down. Why, I’ll never know, but I did. And all that I saw was a lake of water rushing towards us (I had taken off my glasses earlier so they wouldn’t fall off, so I had no depth perception) and I asked if that was truly water, and his response was ‘yeahm, and I sure hope that they stop us before we hit it like last time.’… he said it with such a straight face that I swear I almost passed out right there.
Needless to say, I was overjoyed when we were on solid ground, even though we were 1,000 feet underground… it was better than being 350 feet underground and counting.
Once the tour started, things calmed down. Our guide was a 3rd generation miner, and he knew a lot of stuff about everything underground.
At one point, there was some weird crystals growing on the wall, and it looked a lot like salt mold. He had just been talking about how they used a cyanide method to break down rocks and expose the precious metals hidden in the rocks. When I asked what the stuff on the walls was, he told me that it was unharvested cyanide… yeah. I was like ‘whaaaaaat?’ and he cracked the smallest of smiles and said that it was actually calcium magnesium. I waited a second for my heart to reboot, and the whooooole group laughed… at me, not with me. I’ll admit, he was funny. And he was cool because there was this middle aged guy that was really loud and obnoxious and he would cut other people off so that he would ask a question. The guide (Jesse) didn’t like that, so he would always answer the other person’s question before he answered the guys question.
Near the end of the tour, we went to a room with an exibit with a ton of gold, and he had a trolley with rocks that had traces of gold in them. Jesse gave everyone a piece, and they’re really cool. He gave me one with a bunch of gold in it, and although it looks purple, it’s sparkly >< I love it.
Once we got out of there, we went downtown Cripple Creek and went to Godspell, a play about the life of Jesus from the time he was baptized by John to his death. It was funny, because it was marketed as ‘professional theater’, but was so small town that it was hilarious. Like, the lines were delivered flawlessly, but the singing was pretty off, and the acting was waaaay over the top lol
On our way out of town we stopped at an old museum, and I saw some spectacular old Victorian dresses and shoes and stuff of that nature.
When we finally got home, we had 15 minutes to be ready and out the door to the EL Paso club, which is a social club for men. That night was the weekly dinner. There, I saw Alex (11) and Cameron (8) whom I had babysat when they went to visit the Fetts in Mexico. I can easily say that these are my 2 favorite little boys in the whole world. I simply love these kids. They are so funny, and they were so surprised to see me. Cameron is too adorable, because as I was showing him the pictures of the caves, he had pretty much memorized the whole speech that the guy gave, and I pretended not to know what everything was, and he proceeded to tell me what every formation in the caves was, and how it was created.
Then, during dinner, Alex sat beside me, and Cameron sat beside him, and all throughout our meal, Cameron was telling me about how much Spanish he had learned in school… unfortunately, all the Spanish he knew was how to describe his taco. ‘Yo tengo un taco grande. Yo puedo comer quince tacos. Es un taco grande.’ And things like that. He was also very proud that he held the highest record for taco eating for kindergarten to 4th grade – 12 tacos at one sitting. And Alex is waaaay too smart for his own good, so we would tell me word puzzles and then snare me in them. It was such a great dinner. I really hope to see them again before I leave.
Then, as we were all saying goodnight that evening, he came and gave my legs a huge hug (He’s a little short and I had heels on… he reached my belly button (shut up Zac)) and told me to go visit him and he’ll make me tacos for lunch… “because I know how to make grande tacos that are delicioso!” he had said so proudly! I love that child.
On Friday, we got up very early so that we could be out of the house by 7:00 am and be at the Cog depot at 7:30 so we could check in, because the cog left at 8:00 am sharp.
Well, we got there in time, and well prepared. I had on long PJ pants (I was too lazy to change) a tee shirt, and my sweater. In my bag, I had a long sleeved shirt, a fleece jacket, a scarf, and gloves.
At the depot, I was pretty warm. I had runners on, so my feet were nice and toasty. Once we boarded the train, however, I realized that we were going un 14,110 feet above sea level… and that’s a ways up. A looooong ways up. And that hit me like a ton of bricks lol it was pretty crazy. Luckily our bench was facing backwards, and in front of us was an awesome elderly couple from Kentucky, and they were hilarious. The lady was just as skeptical as I was, and the husband was evil. He kept making these horrid remarks about how unstable these cars were, and how falling rocks were quite normal, and all of these things just to see us react. After the first 5 minutes we both relaxed, and he joked with us even more. It was an hour up the mountain, and it was spectacular. I have a ton of pictures, but I can honestly that they do not do the view any justice. I can’t wait to upload them.
On the way up the mountain, I started getting cold, so by the time I was at the top of the mountain, I had on my shirt, the long sleeved shirt, my sweater, and my fleece coat…
But one thing I had not counted on was the whole lack of oxygen thing… so the moment I stepped off of the tram, I pretty much collapsed. My vision blacked out, and my legs gave out, but it really wasn’t that bad. I didn’t lose consciousness, and that’s a definite plus! After a second, tho, I was fine.
We went to Panorama Point and took pictures, but my fingers were getting cold so I put my gloves on.
Then, I figured that since I had everything else on, I might as well put on my scarf… so I did!
I got some awesome pictures of me all decked out in my winters finest… in the middle of summer!!
Lol I looked like a little fat person :)
On the way back down the mountain, I gradually started shedding layers, and at the end I was back to my original attire.
Once we got off the cog, we decided to go to downtown Manitou, and look around the quirky little shops there.
In the first shop that we went to there, I was looking at the jewelry, and something shiny caught my eyes. When I picked it up, I saw that it was the only bracelet on the rack, and on it was carved ‘Mackenzie’! I couldn’t believe it, so of course I bought it. And it fits me perfectly! I was so happy.
Then we looked around the town some more, and they have a really old arcade that’s about a block squared. It was so cool!
One store that I loved was a quirk store, and they have a whole bunch of really cool things in it. My absolute favorite thing that was found, though, was called a Triop. A triop is supposedly a prehistoric creature that can be dehydrated just like sea monkeys (which are brine shrimp). But the thing I don’t understand is that they will grow up to 3 inches long… could someone look it up and tell me what they find??
Then I found a peanut-free candy store, and I bought Spencer some giant candy that I’m sure he’ll love. It’s giant – I don’t see how one could not like it lol
That night Mr. Fett was out fishing with some of ‘the boys’, so we ladies ate a low key dinner out on the porch. It was really nice and chill.
On Saturday, we all slept in as long as possible (... 7:22, again)
It was beautiful outside, so I decided to write in my diary out on the deck. I wrote for a good while, and then I looked into the grass beside me, and what did I see??? I beautiful little cotton tail bunny. So, since I had previously failed at catching a rabbit before (see previous journal entry) I decided that now would be a GREAT time to redeem myself (especially since no one else was awake!) So I ran into the house, got some blueberries, and went out to the grass. I laid on my stomach, crushed the blueberries in my hand, and proceeded to lay there and chat with the bunny… for over an hour and a half. By the end of everything, there were 3 rabbits within a foot of my face, my fingers had been bitten waaay too hard by the biggest of the 3, and a beetle of some sort had bitten my wrist. I ended up just ditching the rest of the blueberry mush and going inside to warm up my toes.
By that time it was about 10:00 am, so I made us breakfast, and we ended up heading out to the Colorado Springs Museum of Natural History. One thing that I thought was so cool is that they has an operational bird cage elevator! It was so cool. I was a bit hesitant to get into it at first (would YOU want to ride in a little metal box suspended by old cables? … I didn’t think so lol) but I was goaded into it.
We spent a few hours there, and then went up to see Mr. Fett’s office. The only thing that really stands out to me about that place is right outside the main entrance there is a huge statue of red paperclips… it’s pretty sweet. I took a couple of good pictures of that… now I want one! It wouldn’t fit anywhere, but gosh would it look funky :P
By that time, we had to rush home and get showered up and ready for a wedding in 30 minutes... I still don’t know whose wedding it was, but it was pretty cool.
They had the ceremony in the First Christian Church in Colorado Springs, and then ceremony was held on the rodeo grounds. That was awesome, because while the reception was going on, outside there was a roapin’ competition, heads and heels. There are 2 riders on horses, and one has to rope the head, and the other has to rope both of the heels of the calf at the same time.
It was pretty intense.
The dinner was quite good, but the music was country, so it really wasn’t my thing.
After we escaped from the wedding, we went to the grocery store (still all dressed up… we got some funny stares) and got some milk (so I could have cinnamon toast crunch!)
When we got home, I was debating on where to go to church in the morning, but after looking for over an hour, I wasn’t able to find anything close by that started at an early hour, because we were going to go shopping with Mrs. Fett’s niece, Amy.
So, I just ended up going to bed and not going to church in the morning.
But, something cool that did happen was that the Triops hatched! They’re itsy bitsy, but they’re there. They say that they’ll double in size every day.
Which brings me to yesterday, which was Sunday.
When I first woke up, I immediately called home, and Zac told me about the Vision 800 camp this year, and I was truly sad that I missed it. But I wouldn’t have done things differently if I had the chance.
I went into the kitchen to find Brianna sobbing because she was cleaning out the fish bowl, but she got mixed up and put the fishes in chlorinated water, and one of them wasn’t moving.
It all turned out ok, but she was in a bad mood from then on.
Any came to pick us up at around 11:30, and luckily Brianna perked right up.
We went shopping at this place called the Burmington Coat Factory (… a total misnomer, I assure you) and we were there for literally 2.5 hours. It was awesome!
The sizes actually make sense here, and a normal shirt doesn’t cost $200.00 pesos here (it cost $4 dollars!! :D)
So I was a very happy little duck.
Then we went to the food court to go eat, and Bri and I shared a plate of Chinese food (which was served by a real Asian! Go figure!) While we were eating, I was fascinated by watching people. Everyone is sooo different here.
For one thing, hardly anyone wears Abercrombie and Fitch and Hollister and all those stupid name brands (Unfortunately, I really can’t rail on them too much because I discovered to my dismay htat over the years, I’ve accumulated quite a stash of Lemming clothes) they wear actual clothes! And everyone is sooo diverse (…grunge is still alive and kicking) and the girls are so much more…. I don’t know, bold I guess. And the boys don’t brazenly stare at you… it’s so cool. I seriously love this place.
Unfortunately, I have completely fallen in love with Colorado Springs.
I’m reaaaally (reallyreally) excited to go home to Canada (8 more sleeps!) but I really do love it here. Something that I’m seriously looking at is going to an 8 month pre-college bible course at New Life Church, and then from there get on with my life and whichever college I choose (or that chooses me)
I have a tour tentatively scheduled for Friday afternoon to go look at the Paragon Culinary Institute, and on Sunday I’m going to speak with one of the directors (… is that what you would call him?) of the program. It’s all in the air right now :P
Anyways, back to my day. After Burmingtons we went to a show store, and I was quite disappointed by their selection of shoes. I got only 2 pairs, and Brianna and Amy each got one. I now, however, have the power!! I have the numbers to 3 more stores in the vicinity, and plan on stopping there this Friday!
I’m so excited.
We had to hurry from there, so we peeked into Claires, and then we hurried home. Amy had a date, and we had dinner plans at Mr. Fett’s secretary’s house.
Biranna and I both wore a new outfit, and dinner was fabulous (hahah the lady, Debbie, aaaalways said ‘oh, well that’s fabulous!’)
They have this deranged looking old cat (dude, 19 years old in November!) named Tyco, and a Persian calico… I don’t know how that one happened, but she’s this huuuuge puff ball, and she has calico markings. It was a little embarrassing, because the first time I saw her I accidently burst out laughing.
When we got home, Brianna and I started taking a whole bunch of pictures, and I played with Jinx (her guinea pig whom I think should be named Chester… she does not agree :P) buuuuut I can’t upload then :( and that makes me sad.
I stayed up reallllly late writing, and then, at around 3:00, I finally went to sleep.
So, today, Monday. It’s 7:40 right now, and I should be getting ready to go.
We’re going on a 4 day road trip to Mesa Verde, Colorado. I’m told that it’s stunning. If anyone’s there in the next few days, call me!! Haha
I’m notttt a big fan of driving, and long distances make me fall asleep (I have no idea why) so this is going to be an intense trip.
But I’m really excited.
As I’ve said before, my family here in Colorado is amazing. I truly love them. They’ve done so much for me, just so I can see around Colorado Springs (and now a big chunk of Colorado the state!)
So I’m going to go get ready. We leave no later than 10:00 am, so I have to get my butt in gear.
So, I love you guys, and I’ll try to get some Wifi while I’m away.
Until then, stay out of trouble (you know who you are) and have a great week!!
-Kenzie <3
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