Camping has never been something that I've been overly eager to try. This isn't because I follow more of the archetype of the "city-girl" who doesn't connect with the wonders of nature. The great outdoors amazes me as everything pulses with life in an array of vibrant colors. Being cooped up inside drives me crazy. Considering this, one might think that I would be excited to sleep out in a little tent under the stars, being lulled to sleep by the sounds of crickets and the soft wind. Yet, here I am, thinking of my upcoming camping trip and my preconceptions seem to be blocking my ability to pack.

For one thing, I've never been a huge fan of bugs. This may seem to be a wimpy excuse but one nonetheless that has been clouding my open-mindedness about camping. While insects are a vital part to our ecosystem, they are still creepy and I don't care to be in any proximity to them. However, going camping means that I will be completely exposed to these creatures that may or may not be dangerous with their prickly bites or long, hairy legs roaming around. I'm mostly referring to the mosquitoes that carry malicious diseases and the spiders who look deceptively evil. By camping, living in the open for those two nights, I'm a prime target for those pesky beasts. Though I'll be sure to have my protective bug spray to ward off mosquitoes, I still am skeptical of the other creatures that slink around out there.

Besides the bugs, my negative preconceptions have also been induced by the images of camping from movies and television shows. In these portrayals, the characters always seem to have crazy experiences when camping. Some examples: Jane being plagued by bug bites while drenched in sweat in Jane the Virgin (TV Series 2014-), RV (2006) had Robin Williams running around facing the perils of nature that ends with his RV drowning in the lake and Jess having a near-death experience while camping in New Girl (TV Series 2011-). These may be silly, crazy events that happen for the sake of comedy entertainment but there are also the countless horror movies that take place in the dark, open woods of a campground. These representations have not aided in my eagerness to go join the unknown of the wilderness.

However, like with all things, one must keep an open mind when entering new experiences. So, though there may be bugs and an unescapable humidity that might reach my limits of frustration when it comes to my uncontrollable curls, I will walk into this camping excursion with interest and curiosity. The thought of sleeping under the stars and waking to a beautiful view of the sun glinting off the lake is so relaxing. So, I guess we will have to see how I hold up within the elements in the upcoming sequel to this story that'll feature the realities of my excursion. Will I find tranquility among the wild or will I be scarred by the eerie darkness, the amount of bug bites I get and any other crazy happenstances nature entreats me to? Stay tuned...