I decided to take Friday off and work Saturday instead. I joined a couple of friends for an easy day at North Bend Exit 38. We ran into Tom, my Tuesday climbing partner at the gym, and we all lead a number of climbs.
The morning started with me parking my car at the P&R and grabbing a bus for a $1.25 to the Ferry. At which point, I walked on to the ferry and got relax and socialize with the daily commuters. Riding the ferry during commute time is always a wonderful experience. People watch can be entertaining, but I met a nice gentalman that was having a vicarious moment through me. How cool is that -- I usually think I'm living vicariously through my friends.
I walked off the boat and met my friends Bryan, my soon to be roommate, and Katie. I also made a new friend -- Bort. Bort is Bryan's dog and she, yes -- she, is a wonderfully sweet dog that will make Hana thrilled to have a friend.
So we headed off to the rock with Katie driving. Now, if you have ever had me as a passanger in your car, you know I'm a bad back seat driver. Thank god Bort was there so ever time I check for cars during a lane change I could use her as my excuse -- "Good girl, you're so sweet, yes you are..." Katie was a bit distracted as a driver -- but she wasn't a bad driver. We safely arrived at our destination after Katie saying, "Oh, that's our exit." Cutting across a lane of traffic and to the off ramp. Good times.
The hike into 38 is not bad at all. In fact, I think it was like 10 minutes. We spent the day at "We Did Rock" climbing the 5.9's a 10c and finally a 5.10a. With all of us leading we did pretty good. I was going to be lazy on the 3rd 5.9, and Katie laughed at me, and pulled the rope. Such a good friend. I lead the final 5.9 but not clean. There is this one section where you have to high step right above the bolt, and it just feels precarious. It isn't hard at all, just a mental work out. I wasn't prepared to lead the 10c, but I did top rope it and got it clean. I was excited, even though the only hard part was the first two bolts. It moved into a staircase after the second bolt and was just a nice easy climb.
I didn't get on the final 5.10a. We just didn't have the time for me to get on it and get back in time for Bryan. Yes, it was Bryan's fault. He had to work -- He hasn't quite figured out the rock climbing vs. responsibility quotent yet. Oh well. I will work him over in time.
After returning Bryan I went about unpacking and getting my evening together. I had a nice dinner with my aunt, and then I picked up Hana from her visit with Tango, her play buddy for the day. I got home, and while I knew I had gotten too much sun, the backs of my legs were so sore. I pulled out a couple of ice packs and aloe to cool the burn. I got a by fried -- Hey, that is rock climbing. It was worth it, and I look forward to more.
I had a good day.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Are you living your life with Passion?
I have heard the phrase "Live your life with Passion" and always thought -- "Don't be stupid, that is just a catch phrase!" In fact, I have often referred to this idea as a "catch phrase." To me, Passion is something you make -- like romance. It is a mental exercise and in the end if you enjoyed yourself and dream of the next moment, or even the last moment, often then you are living that life of passion. That being said -- We all should live life passionately, romantically, happy and fulfilling.
My friend Josh started a site with a few buddies called "Are You Living It?" I have been enjoying the site because a number of the contributors seem to understand the idea of passion. They understand that not every day is passionate, but to always have the thoughts in the back of the mind -- I cannot wait to...
The goal of the site is to help you live what you are passionate about in life. They actually sell clothing and other "Live your Passion" gear and donate 10% to help people get on to their adventure. I wonder if they'd help me bike the Greek Isles? Oooh, the possibilities!.
In the site's Who We Are section they say "In today’s world, it’s easy for people to forget about the things that make them happy." Indeed. In today's world we often forget that happiness is internal, and we choose happiness. So why not seek it often, why not dredge up those old dreams and live them out? If you are in that rut where you wake up and all you want to do stay in bed avoiding the day -- then get out of bed, shower, put on your clothes (or not), and do something that you dream about doing. Anything different. It won't kill you -- I hope it won't kill you.
As I wait for the week of climbing in Squamish to approach I can feel my passion bubbling over. I want to share it with everyone -- even though they don't get it. I am surfing You Tube for climbing videos, and reading all my favorite climbing blogs. Work be damned!
Well -- yeah, I need to get to work...damn.
My friend Josh started a site with a few buddies called "Are You Living It?" I have been enjoying the site because a number of the contributors seem to understand the idea of passion. They understand that not every day is passionate, but to always have the thoughts in the back of the mind -- I cannot wait to...
The goal of the site is to help you live what you are passionate about in life. They actually sell clothing and other "Live your Passion" gear and donate 10% to help people get on to their adventure. I wonder if they'd help me bike the Greek Isles? Oooh, the possibilities!.
In the site's Who We Are section they say "In today’s world, it’s easy for people to forget about the things that make them happy." Indeed. In today's world we often forget that happiness is internal, and we choose happiness. So why not seek it often, why not dredge up those old dreams and live them out? If you are in that rut where you wake up and all you want to do stay in bed avoiding the day -- then get out of bed, shower, put on your clothes (or not), and do something that you dream about doing. Anything different. It won't kill you -- I hope it won't kill you.
As I wait for the week of climbing in Squamish to approach I can feel my passion bubbling over. I want to share it with everyone -- even though they don't get it. I am surfing You Tube for climbing videos, and reading all my favorite climbing blogs. Work be damned!
Well -- yeah, I need to get to work...damn.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Pursuing Greater Highs
As you probably know -- climbing centers me. All the chatter in my head stops. Recently, I have acquired a Tuesday night climbing partner. Tom and I are about the same age, and about the same build, and about the same climbing strength. We usually swap belays and we challenge each other to climb harder and harder.
Today, Tom and I did our first 10b lead climbs in the gym. We have both climbed the route on top rope, and it was clear we needed to lead this thing. I started the climb and fell at the fourth clip. It took three tries to work through the clip and by the time I figured it out, I was too tired to finish the fifth clip. I think I can get this clean on the next couple tries. Tom had the advantage of learning from my efforts, and also had to take but managed to work his way to the anchors.
It was a nice afternoon of climbing. We started by doing some low warm up climbs. I started by doing three lead runs on an easy 5.8, and a fourth on an easy 5.9. I then belayed for Tom, and repeated his 5.10a, 5.8 lead combo. Tom took a couple slab top ropes while I rested before I headed for the 10b. After my failed 10b attempt I finished up with a simple 5.9 and top roped a 10b, and two 5.8 slabs.
It is clear I'm now going to need elbow icing, but it was worth it and I'm so thrilled I attempted a 10b on lead. I'm very excited with my new found confidence in my climbing. I think 10c's are soon to follow.
Now -- the count down to my week in Squamish begins.
Today, Tom and I did our first 10b lead climbs in the gym. We have both climbed the route on top rope, and it was clear we needed to lead this thing. I started the climb and fell at the fourth clip. It took three tries to work through the clip and by the time I figured it out, I was too tired to finish the fifth clip. I think I can get this clean on the next couple tries. Tom had the advantage of learning from my efforts, and also had to take but managed to work his way to the anchors.
It was a nice afternoon of climbing. We started by doing some low warm up climbs. I started by doing three lead runs on an easy 5.8, and a fourth on an easy 5.9. I then belayed for Tom, and repeated his 5.10a, 5.8 lead combo. Tom took a couple slab top ropes while I rested before I headed for the 10b. After my failed 10b attempt I finished up with a simple 5.9 and top roped a 10b, and two 5.8 slabs.
It is clear I'm now going to need elbow icing, but it was worth it and I'm so thrilled I attempted a 10b on lead. I'm very excited with my new found confidence in my climbing. I think 10c's are soon to follow.
Now -- the count down to my week in Squamish begins.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Ways to be Entertained
If you ever get bored or just need to make a change, I highly recommend finding a tool that will be your guide. I found this great game. It is called PhotoGamer. You are provided three words and your goal is to take pictures of any combination of the words. You then upload your pictures...I don't know if you win anything except maybe some praise if your picture is enjoyed. (I'll post up my pictures -- I've taken them but have yet to submit my results.)
I have to upgrade my flickr account though so I have more pictures I can post online.
Lately, I have also been living my life day by day with Astrology -- yes, as a game. I don't take it too seriously, but I do find it interesting and surprisingly apt for once in my life. A few days back my horoscope advised me to take the day "hour by hour." For no particular reason I chose to do it -- live the day, hour-by-hour. I had a fantastic day. Even the power going out wasn't a big deal. I went out for dinner, and when I got home I put on the candles and enjoyed my evening. What a wonderful game!
Today, the Chinese Astrology crossed my path. I was born in 1973. The Year of the Ox. I did a little Yahoo! on the Ox and was surprised how it read. Probably doesn't mean much to you. To me -- it is apropos. Not sure how I'm going to implement the information...maybe just acknowledge that it vaguely resembles something in my life. Maybe you can think of a good way to turn this into a more interesting game?
My Horoscope for the last several days have been interesting as I mentioned. Today's read "... Trust yourself -- even if you make a mistake, it will be one that will teach you an important lesson. It'll also help you avoid that same pitfall next time. Independent thinking is not only healthy -- it is wise!"
I find it interesting yet I don't fully subscribe to the information. Too much hocus pocus, and interpretation required. Yet, you have to admit that is good advice -- Trust yourself; Think Independently; Learn. Not all my decisions are good, but I'm not afraid to make them. I look forward to what it will bring, and where it will take me. And it can be fun when you make it positive.
There are just a few things you can do to entertain yourself when you need a pick-me-up.
I have to upgrade my flickr account though so I have more pictures I can post online.
Lately, I have also been living my life day by day with Astrology -- yes, as a game. I don't take it too seriously, but I do find it interesting and surprisingly apt for once in my life. A few days back my horoscope advised me to take the day "hour by hour." For no particular reason I chose to do it -- live the day, hour-by-hour. I had a fantastic day. Even the power going out wasn't a big deal. I went out for dinner, and when I got home I put on the candles and enjoyed my evening. What a wonderful game!
Today, the Chinese Astrology crossed my path. I was born in 1973. The Year of the Ox. I did a little Yahoo! on the Ox and was surprised how it read. Probably doesn't mean much to you. To me -- it is apropos. Not sure how I'm going to implement the information...maybe just acknowledge that it vaguely resembles something in my life. Maybe you can think of a good way to turn this into a more interesting game?
My Horoscope for the last several days have been interesting as I mentioned. Today's read "... Trust yourself -- even if you make a mistake, it will be one that will teach you an important lesson. It'll also help you avoid that same pitfall next time. Independent thinking is not only healthy -- it is wise!"
I find it interesting yet I don't fully subscribe to the information. Too much hocus pocus, and interpretation required. Yet, you have to admit that is good advice -- Trust yourself; Think Independently; Learn. Not all my decisions are good, but I'm not afraid to make them. I look forward to what it will bring, and where it will take me. And it can be fun when you make it positive.
There are just a few things you can do to entertain yourself when you need a pick-me-up.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Starting anew.
Welcome.
I'm glad you have decided to continue reading my blog on my climbing adventures and other events of my life. As you might have guessed, my previous life has come to an end. It is a sad thing, but it is the for the best and it is time to begin the newest chapters in my life.
So let me begin this new life with a new blog. Again, welcome friends and family.
I am preparing for the next climbing trip at the end of June. This involves counting gear and reading the guide books. I intend to spend an entire week in Squamish with friends, and I'm looking forward to doing some leads on gear. It has been a long time since I've lead on gear but my fear of leading seems to be gone with my old life. I'm taking on harder climbs without much fear. I seem to trust myself more and my confidence is allowing me to climb harder than before.
I've been improving my strength and patience while climbing. This has been a real trial as I have less time now than ever before. The summer will be filled with people coming to help prepare my home for sale. So many decisions have to be made these days. I'm thinking I will have to head out in the Fall and visit my family in Denver which when I do I plan to climb the Flatirons. Of course, I will have to buy more gear. My old life left me missing so many pieces. I think I'll need to do a bit of research on what the weather is like in the Fall for the irons.
I have many goals too for this summer. I'm hoping to also get to the City of Rocks. Maybe I will do this when I head to Denver? I will need to organize some friends for this process. I will need to make some new friends to be climbing partners with...which isn't easy. Most climbers my age have been climbing for almost five to ten years, and if they are my age, they have families they won't want to leave for a week. But the adventure begins whether I want it to or not.
Many more crunches, and hanging on the boards will be required.
So with that, you have read the first blog of many more to come. New lives are difficult but in the immortal worlds of Grover from Sesame Street -- "Don't forget to breath -- In and Out!"
I'm glad you have decided to continue reading my blog on my climbing adventures and other events of my life. As you might have guessed, my previous life has come to an end. It is a sad thing, but it is the for the best and it is time to begin the newest chapters in my life.
So let me begin this new life with a new blog. Again, welcome friends and family.
I am preparing for the next climbing trip at the end of June. This involves counting gear and reading the guide books. I intend to spend an entire week in Squamish with friends, and I'm looking forward to doing some leads on gear. It has been a long time since I've lead on gear but my fear of leading seems to be gone with my old life. I'm taking on harder climbs without much fear. I seem to trust myself more and my confidence is allowing me to climb harder than before.
I've been improving my strength and patience while climbing. This has been a real trial as I have less time now than ever before. The summer will be filled with people coming to help prepare my home for sale. So many decisions have to be made these days. I'm thinking I will have to head out in the Fall and visit my family in Denver which when I do I plan to climb the Flatirons. Of course, I will have to buy more gear. My old life left me missing so many pieces. I think I'll need to do a bit of research on what the weather is like in the Fall for the irons.
I have many goals too for this summer. I'm hoping to also get to the City of Rocks. Maybe I will do this when I head to Denver? I will need to organize some friends for this process. I will need to make some new friends to be climbing partners with...which isn't easy. Most climbers my age have been climbing for almost five to ten years, and if they are my age, they have families they won't want to leave for a week. But the adventure begins whether I want it to or not.
Many more crunches, and hanging on the boards will be required.
So with that, you have read the first blog of many more to come. New lives are difficult but in the immortal worlds of Grover from Sesame Street -- "Don't forget to breath -- In and Out!"
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