Whenever I think about the time I've spent on different hobbies or diversions, it's like I can never do anything half way. ProductCamp has been that way for me. First I just attended, then the next thing you know I'm volunteering to run registration. What seems like minutes later, suddenly I turn around and find that I'm the Logistics & Volunteer Coordinator for ProductCamp Austin. Whoa! When did that happen?
Don't get me wrong, I do like being involved. Maybe too involved. It's always been this way.
Maybe I need to focus on just being a participant in things. You know, just showing up. Not bringing any chips, or dip, or ice. But... I don't think I can hack it. I'm always a bringer. Always.
In college, with aspirations of going to law school, I joined the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. Each fall our chapter went on a camping trip near the lake. It was a purely social, laid-back event, with goofy activities for 'newbies' that would hardly be considered embarrassing much less hazing. But, since it was my first year, I was supposed to be subjected to those and that was fine with me. It was all in good fun.
However, I showed up early. I brought my own tent, sleeping bag, and flashlight. I brought my own Coleman propane lantern and new mantles -- and knew what to do with them. The trip organizers rented 20 tents -- but couldn't figure out how to put them up. So I organized a team of people, showed them all how to assemble one tent, and then dispatched them to do the rest. They also rented lanterns -- which needed new mantles installed and to be lit properly (guess who did that). Next, they needed (no joke) someone to build a fire.
Did I mention? This was a co-ed fraternity. Apparently none of them had been boy scouts. Or girl scouts. Or ever even 'camped' in their back yard with their dad on the weekend.
And since no-one knew my name, they would call out for help by yelling: "Where's the Bad A$$ Camping B*tch?! We need her." "Bad A$$ Camping B*tch?"
Best. Nick-name. Ever.
I haven't had a better time camping since either. *sigh*
