As I write this column, my husband, John and our son, Alex, are camping with the Boy Scouts. Although the outing was only for a partial weekend, consisting of two nights, they packed so much equipment and supplies that it looked like they would be gone for a month.

Years ago, I tried my hand at camping when Alex was a young Cub Scout. I really enjoyed the activities and the camp fire. The pack had a great leader who always made every event a lot of fun. The food was great and I liked that I did not have to cook any of it.

Cub Scouts sleep in the tent with their family, so we three all smooshed into a tent with no air mattress. I did not sleep much, nor well, and when I awoke all the surrounding pollen had somehow made it into the tent and into my nose. If you have allergies, you can probably relate to my discomfort. I went into the tent looking like Michelle and came out looking swollen, red-eyed and sneezing. It must have been horrifying for the other families to see this transformation.

The following year, I decided to try my hand at it one more time because I am either a glutton for punishment or a good sport, you decide. There was a heavy rainstorm in the middle of the night and the bathrooms were far away. I don't like being wet when I don't want to be wet. For some reason, I had to go to the bathroom multiple times in the middle of the night. I finally gave up the repeated treks and decided to go in the great outdoors. That was the defining moment and my last Cub Scout camping experience.

Still, while Alex was in elementary school, he asked John and me if we could set up the tent in the backyard and camp there one weekend evening. Being completely devoid of memories of the previous camping experiences, I acquiesced. We brought the dog outside with us and she barked at things we could not hear, see or smell. It was highly annoying and something I'm sure the neighbors thoroughly enjoyed.

Being that it was a summer night, it was warm outside and I felt like there was not enough air in the tent. I fell asleep, had a nightmare and woke up shortly thereafter. I had to get out of that tent, so went into the house to use the bathroom, which I could happily do. Our late cat had gone missing for three days and while in the bathroom I heard meowing. Salina had returned home from her three-day adventure and was standing by the back door. I happily brought her and loud, barking Mojo inside and decided it would be best if I stayed inside with the animals. The cat and I were better off in the comfort of my bed, so I officially ended my participation in camping

My guys think that camping is fun, so off they went. Alex had not been camping with his Boy Scout pack and was not sure what to expect, so was feeling a bit anxious. Knowing this would happen, John and I decided John would accompany Alex to lend support.

John called me this morning to let me know that Alex was having a great time. He was cooking a pancake breakfast with his patrol. Later they are going to a shooting range to shoot guns and bows and arrows.

I guess it's good to know how to shoot a gun, but I would prefer that our world had no guns. John explained the guns are loaded with real ammunition. I figured they would use blanks. I went clay pigeon shooting once almost two decades ago; what do I know?

I have already received a few photos fashionably delivered to my cell phone of some very sleepy-looking boys cooking themselves breakfast. Looked like a lot of fun and a great experience. I hope Alex comes back with positive comments about his camping experience because he is going camping with the Boy Scouts this summer for an entire week and this time John won't be tagging along.

And I have some time alone. That is a rarity for any mom and so far, I am enjoying myself. My own mom suggested I go shopping and buy myself a new outfit and new shoes. John suggested I take the time to relax because I've been wound a little tight lately. Being a list-maker, I have already compiled a long one of things that need to get done and I don't recall that shopping or relaxing made the list. For now, nothing makes me more content than writing, so I will do just that.

I am thankful and relieved that my son is happily enjoying his Boy Scout camping experience, and hopeful that my husband is able to take a much-needed afternoon nap in his tent on his new air mattress. Life's simple pleasures are often times the best treasures.

To contact Michelle Potocko, e-mail her at theconsciousmother@gmail.com.

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