Fear Factor.

We are planning a family camping trip with some close friends. Hanging out and relaxing. Spending a little time on the lake. I love these people and I am very excited about this trip. Well, let me clarify that. I am very excited about spending time with our friends. The rest of the trip involves camping. Camping!

I know - lots of people love camping. I want to love camping. I just have some issues (read: phobias) to deal with first.

Mainly, it's lake water.

And ocean water (more specifically, Gulf of Mexico ocean water).

Oh, and pond water.

Creek water, too.

Really any water I can't see through.

Pools are nice.

As long as they are clean and well maintained.

I went water skiing one time. I forced myself into the water and got over it. Unfortunately, I didn't think the whole thing out and realized I was going to be stuck in the middle of the lake by myself when I fell until the boat could turn around to get me. So, when I fell I didn't let go. Instead I chose to hang on and bounce violently across the lake. Kind of like tubing - without the tube. The only thing that saved me was that I was wearing a two-piece. When I felt the bottoms were giving, I reacted and grabbed them. I'm glad I reacted because if I had to think about it I'm not sure what I would have chosen. 1.) Let go and be stuck in the middle of the lake or 2.) Bounce across the lake mooning everyone we passed. hmm.... That would have been a tough one.

Needless to say, I have not tried water skiing since.

My mind seems to exaggerate what I can't see in murky water. The creatures that might brush by my leg terrify me. The germs we will inevitably swallow completely gross me out. And I am not only fearing my own life, I have a hard time watching others as they frolick happily in what my mind has rendered tainted and polluted. Yes, I said my mind exaggerates it. Yet, I can't seem to get over it.

How will I get a handle on this before our trip? I haven't even touched the other issues I have with camping. I'm stuck on the lake water for now.

I do know one thing.

I'm wearing a one-piece on this trip.