When the Girls State brochure noted that "hay fever and allergies are prevalent in the Ellensburg area," I was initially unconcerned as I've never suffered from either. But about a week ago, my eyes started watering and itching, my nose clogged up, and my throat got raw.

In other words, almost immediately before traveling to the windiest, most pollen-laden city in the state (during, no less, the worst allergy season North America has seen for a while), I suddenly became allergic to something.

Personally, I think fate has it out for me.

Because the reactions have been around for so short a time, it's hard to tell exactly what it is I'm allergic to. Pollen of some sort? Well, I planted about three Skagit Valleys' worth of flowers this spring, and I was fine then.

Maybe there's something blooming now that wasn't blooming then.

Hmmhellip;tomatoes?

Dandelions?

Poison hemlock?

Nah.

Other than the whole allergy piece, I'm really excited to be traveling to Girls State. This annual conference is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary and is exclusively for girls entering their senior year of high school (gulp) who are interested in the political process. There are mock trials, offices to run for, legislative sessions, something called a "fast song contest" that sounds like a blast, fake political parties, and much more. Plus, I'll get to meet new people from all over the state!

Maybe the allergies won't be a problem after all. It could be that whatever's making me sniffle is native to this area alone.

Oh! I know! It's my little brother! Ha ha. No, just kidding. (It could be his socks, though. Those little stinkers could make a rock reach for the Claritin.)

Kidding. Kidding. (I said kidding! Now drop the Nerf gun, go away, and let me finish typing.)

Hmm.

Maybe I'm allergic to daytime TV. In trying to avoid the source of my allergies, I've been watching a lot of that lately.

Or could it be ice cream? I guess I'm eating a lot more of that since summer started.

Or - ooh, maybe my initial symptoms were just a fluke, and I'm actually allergic to the over-thecounter allergy medicine I've been taking?

Nah, not likely.

Whatever it is, there's not a ton I can do about it.

And I'm determined to have a good time at Girls State, allergies or no.

But I stashed a box of Kleenex in my suitcase just to be safe.