[Evening]

I have a mild dilemma, and I can't decide what to do!
Basically, a friend is having a house warming party on Monday, which I'm invited to. They told me a few months ago that when they moved and had a house warming I'd be invited. It's just a BBQ and a few people over for the day.
The problem is, another friend sent me a message the other day inviting me on a trip to the Gammon Ranges from thursday until tuesday. So I wouldn't be back in time for the housewarming. It will be camping and hiking, and some Christian stuff for Easter (though I'm not Christian, I'm just invited because he knows I want to get out of here for a few days).
I haven't said yes to either yet, and I want to go to both equally, they both have their pros and cons. I don't know anyone except one person on this trip, and with the way things have been going lately with my work wanting to fire me, my friends vanishing and my father disowning me I don't know how well I'll cope with more people to possibly reject me, and it will be 5 days with nowhere to go if that does happen, but I haven't been anywhere in a long time and I reeeally want the photography opportunity. And my friends house warming is something coming for a while, it'll only be one day, but there will be alcohol and I hate being around it.

I cannot decide what to do, and I have to make up my mind by tomorrow!

[krisakira]

I'd go with the plans you had First... if the BBQ was planned first, then id go to that.... but that's just me

[eskielover]

I personally would take the camping trip. Think it would be a wonderful opportunity to get away & you may really get something out of the Easter even though you aren't Christian....you might really get something of value out of that trip.

Understand wanting to be at your friend's house warming....but not liking to be around the alcohol & some times parties can be more stressful than a long relaxing weekend camping in the country. Your longer camping weekend may in it's own way be more comfortable for you. For me, just being out in nature even though maybe not so familiar with the Christianity, you may find that it really has a lot to offer you in more ways than you might think. IMO

[Evening]

I'm really just keen to go away from here, I hate here, the Gammon Ranges is the edge of the outback so it is literally in the middle of nowhere- no phones, no running water, etc. etc. The last time my friend invited me away I panicked at the VERY last minute and said no, when he was about to come get me. I felt really awful about that. I don't want that to happen again, but I don't want it to get to the day and I wish I had gone. But I'm so panicky about people. Though it would probably be fine and I should just toughen up. Ugh I don't know.

[(JD)]

Take a housewarming gift over early, and go on the trip. What if you wait for the housewarming and they don't have it or gasp forget to reinvite you? If the trip gets cancelled, you can always go to the party. Just because someone invites you doesn't mean you have to do either...unless you made a promise...
But an idea from a few months ago? You get to make your own choices and decisions... just don't lie out of either... do it stand up!

[Fresia]

I too would take the gift over early and then go on the trip. Alot of things can happen. This way you are being thoughtful and considerate to be a part of the housewarming, not forgetting it either, and still able to get away for it bit which might be just the thing needed. Some time spent outdoors, fresh air, to do your photography.

[bebop]

I agree with take the gift over early and head to the hills with the group! you never know what awaits you there! go with an open easy mind about the people going. Most people will not reject you.