Footnotes

Life's big picture is comprised of the little things.  So this blog is entitled: Footnotes; and is a compilation of facebook status posts since I've arrived here in Boulder.  They will read fairly nebulous, so post any question in the comments box.  It will also give the best snapshots of my life.

!!Because of formatting, read this from the bottom up.  :)

Anthony: Yeah, Shakespeare had incredible social commentary and expressed it in a beautifully creative way!
Julia Rees: Yeah, like GLEE does.

I found $85...yes $85...and yes...in my board shorts today. I totally thought I'd lost it dancing in Puerto Rico last January with Frank Schweikhardt.

I need good jokes. What are some of your favourites?

·         Xylophone players! — with Michelle Riske at Pearl Street, Boulder CO.

·         Tea with Mama — with Michelle Riske at Ku Cha House of Tea.

·         Mom and I in Boulder on the 29th street mall. — with Michelle Riske.

Family Christmas is always an adventure. This year, mom got us all matching pajamas! Keep posted for the inevitable fam photo ;)

It's a NEOS day...in the frontcountry!

Bones Muronhi — with D Scott Clark and Steven Riske at Art at The Laughing

Oops...I did it again...

Megas is in town. We're stoked! Who's with us?!

Psyched about ideas and books recommendations.

Banana bread is in the oven...the party's about to begin!

My promised thank you gift from Kate Taylor: "I'll make you a cake that says, 'I crush 5.10 scary in Zion with 3 pieces of gear...like I crush the ladies."

Yeahhhh....euchre!!

I'm an emotional dude. Not an emotional wreck. ;)

Gratitude is so powerful!

When I practice what I preach, it actually works!

And the holiday parties just keep rollin'. Baking fruit pizzas this afternoon! Yum!

Laughing Goat @ 8:00 for live music!

What a great night at Oskar Blues! Wednesday has some competition for 'even better'. It's also got a shot at it! ;)

Clay, Kristen, Zach, Paul, and every other musician I know...I wish you were here. You would love this.

Bluegrass night at Oskar Blues.

Anthony Riske was at The Cup.

Reading CS Lewis's space trilogy fireside in a chill cafe.

What an awesome climbing session! I just couldn't pump out! Feelin' strong...and probably hurt tomorrow ;)

…

Rodeo ruby love these guys!

Sunday, the day of rest...and rock climbing...and dinner parties.

Rodeo Ruby Love at The Fox with Seth Wyncott. Now that's a good life.

Psyched on life. Beyond what I understand.

Party time! :)

Carving spoons and watching climbing videos

Climbing, church, community...it's all coming together!

Could life get any better than this? I submit that it cannot!

I met a climber at church! Now if only he were a cute girl...

Wow, worked my body hard this week. Time to relax....

Want to have a good day? Start out with coffee withdrawal, get in a a fender-bender, then totally therapone someone! <sigh> the voice of experience...

I'm a rock climber...but then again, no one's perfect.

·         An in-car view of my first Colorado snow!

Nothing in my life is perfect!...And I have SO so much to be thankful for! :)

Denver Mattress store...what a good deal you gave me!

Grocery shopping is so much easier in Boulder. So much healthy food concentrated at your finger tips. No hunting, easy pricing...life is good!

The house hunt is over. Moving in today!

I'm pretty sure the real punishment of a parking ticket is using the automated phone service to pay it. Oi!

Dress nice for work? It's been awhile.

·         Doing Muscles, meet Colorado gym climbing and fitness center. A little step up from the back porch.

I just found $20 in my pants pocket! Life just keeps getting better! =d

A real conversation (with reference to parkour):
Me: "do you want to go run around like mad men after we finish our beers?"
Paul: "Yes, I think this drink is 500 calories. But I don't want to ruin these shoes. So no crack climbing for me...dang it!"

A real conversation (with reference to parkour):
Me: "Paul do you want to run around like wild men after we finish our beers?"
Paul: "Yes, but I don't want to ruin these shoes, so no crack climbing for m."

Does anyone know of a good church in Boulder, CO? Like one that Jesus would go to.

Homemade pizza, New Belgium Abbey Ale, and good conversation...this is Boulder. God love it!

Smart phone, mini golf, and microbrews

I knew Boulder was outdoorsy, but passing deer on the sidewalk as if they were neighborhood dogs is a little surprising!

Tee and Cakes, Boulder, CO

This is the roadtrip that never returns.

        

·         Boulderite PJ party!

Well, Boulder...

Almost "home".

My Rock Mountain Crew. Ohhhhhhh, we're halfway there... — with Paul Andrews and Will Putnam.

My rock mountain ride

Last day in the field! Ready to poop more in toilets than in holes! :)

Boulder...keep on rollin'

A rolling stone gathers no moss.  Indeed.  I’ve been working two jobs, climbing, seeing live music, going to poetry slams, and hosting.  These are a few of my favourite things...

My first job is with a mentoring agency in town.  I have so far been helping college-aged dudes establish themselves in the Boulder area through life coaching efforts.  It’s been a bit of a struggle to not have as much therapeutic input as I did in wilderness therapy because I don’t work in that steeped a therapeutic atmosphere.  I go out for coffee, lunches, music shows, and I talk about life with my guys.  The transition occupationally is more the application of therapeutic tools that my mentees have learned previous to working with me, and less the theoretical pontification.  And I enjoy it.  It’s flexible, most of my clients are cool, and I’m looking forward to the holiday craziness giving the process a little more consistency.

My second job is at a residential treatment center, at which I work with my good friend Julia.  This also is not the most intense therapeutic atmosphere—and if you’re seeing a pattern here it’s that I’m struggling to shift my job expectations.  Toning the clinical concentration down a bit in order to work in different models.  I’ll get it.

My community ranges from friends visiting (i.e. Kate Taylor with long talks, Andrew with dumpster food, Darcy with crazy after parties, John and Lisa with all of their pups), friends from of old (i.e. Julia from 2NE, Kris and Melissa from Flagstaff, Amanda from Costa Rica/MI, Seth from IWU,…), and new friends (i.e. Marty a climbing partner, Chase and Matt—family dinner buddies, and deep talk thinkers).  Always I’m open to meeting new people, and not to the neglect of close friends.

City skating in Denver

Kris and Mel, mentioned above just invited me to climb with them outside at North Table.  I’m so psyched that I can still climb outside in the winter here!

Family vacation was fun as Mama, Papa, Steve, Christina and her fiancé, Zac, came out to Boulder!  We rented a vacation home not far from my apartment.  It was the perfect amount of allowing one another space and therefore really enjoying the time with had together.

Xina's gift to Zac

Steve guessing what's inside the wrapping paper.  Mama, Papa, and Scott (a friend from college looking on).

And...I'm back

Kicking it in the blog-o-sphere again to bring you an update on the past few months.

August kicked off another adventure season!  Katie and I headed to Flagstaff to climb and visit good friends.  En route we stopped in Red Rocks to send Dark Shadows and be tempted by a Gipsy Kings pool party…still a little teetering about whether we should’ve gone after all.  In Flag, I had a great walk with Kristen, an excellent Diablo Burger, and I was inspired by some solo mountain biking time.  Always Kristen and Clay are awesome.

The weekend's gang at The 1412

A couple of weeks later Katie and I headed to the Denver and Boulder area ofColorado.  I’d kicked off my job hunt just a few weeks prior and hoped that Boulder would measure up to Salt Lake City or Bend for me.  My friend Emily put us up for a few base-camp nights in Denver, as we ventured into Eldorado and Boulder Canyons.  Both pitches of a route named Werks Up proved to be proud leads for both of us.  Like good kinder, we shared our friends and had a great time.

Peak of Yellow Spur

Waiting...waiting...waiting for 2 hours at the top of Pitch 1 - Bastille Crack

Michigan was next on the adventure list, so I alone embarked on the journey home.  Flushing’s familiarity never ceases to amaze me as I ran into Russell Hayes, Pat Nancarrow, and other Flushingtonians at The Elbow Room.  Grandma taught Xina and me her famed date-nut ball recipes…good adventure food.  I’ve changed a lot since living there, and some of the return is difficult.  But it’s always good to remember from where I came.

Katie and I had been gearing up for weeks leading to the next road trip: Epic Yosemite Valley!  Wahoo!  We stopped in Mammoth Lakes, to take in our friend’s hospitality (a luxury vacation home). Tuolumne Meadows brought spectacular views of alpine lakes and sunsets.  It also brought some rough weather and incredible climbs.  Making it to Yosemite Valley was a welcomed change in temperature and weather.  We were invited to stay with new, random friends Yoav and Ilona who are just good people!  Reuniting and making friends with the likes of Ben Doyle, Sara, Ashley and Alex, was a special treat as well.

Peaked out on Stately Pleasure Dome, Tuolumne, Yosemite NP, CA

River in Tuolumne

The trip didn’t stop there though.  Katie and I took in a long bike ride in Red Rocks previous to meeting up with Kate Taylor.  With Kate, the three of us sought to escape weather (so much for hoping) coming down upon Vegas.  Our arrival to JTree NP was inhospitable to say the least.  We stealth camped for a night, toughed out the wind for another, but eventually got a hotel room to catch a little shut-eye.  We persevered through classic lines and my first rope-solo experience.  A quick blitz back to Red Rocks delivered a Cookie Monster-Cat in the Hat link-up with an Auburn game and birthday festivities for Katie in Vegas.

Headstand at Double Cross anchors, JTree NP, CA

Kate's cold hands

Then, long about this time is when it happened.  Change.  Lots of it.  With too few words to describe it all, friendships, job, and home have changed for me.  I’ve gotten to know certain friends more, while growing away from others.  I’ve taken two jobs in the therapeutic industry here in Boulder, CO!  Loving it.  The transition has not come without its struggles, and not without its blessings.  Friends: Paul and Will joined me on my move to Colorado, where Julia was there to welcome us.  Utah friends in Colorado front range.  Best of both worlds.  More to come on specifics of job and friends and Boulder.  But for now: I have slept in a bed for the longest consecutive stint (24 days) in 5.5 years; I love my roommate, Mega (Megan, Megatron, Megaladon, MegaMuscles, et al); and I live one block from the climbing gym of which I am a member.

I’m back online, so keep posted.  My goal is to post weekly.

Update...Welcome back to my life

Whew-gee! And golly!  This blog thing is a little more than I'd bargained for...Here's to catching up:

1) We've welcomed Chelsea to our crew of tight-knits.  She came to us on the May training by way of her boyfriend (and a long-time friend of mine), David. (below)

Dave and Chelsea before a hitch-hiking a ride to Pine Creek Canyon

Paul and I in our man jorts as part of Team Scrappy

2) Her coming coincided with Zach's going as he found himself venturing off to the Eastern Sierras to be a real, live mountain guide.  We're sad to be missing him at the Microcosm, but look forward to seeing him again sooner rather than later, as he has decided he like actually climbing more than guiding.  Zach--we stand with open arms and short jorts for your return.

3) A rock climbing trip to Moab, UT yielded inspiring finger cracks, memories made, and emotional catharsis.  Katie's friends bunked us up for a few nights, and she had 'the hand crack epiphany'.  So proud of her.

Paul and I at Wall Street, Moab, UT, USA, Milky Way, et cetera

Katie and I jumping from rocks at a local swimming hole in Moab

4) I have entered and worked through a 'freak out mode' phase with the help of patient friends and a couple of journals.  'Twisted Thinking', as we call it at work has been a big hurtle this time.  Assuming, overgeneralizing, etc no good.  Always lots to learn.

Gillian on a 5.9 at Chuckawalla

5) Our efforts at being 'rock climbers who do other things' is progressing.  (Trail) running, biking, and swimming have continued to differentiate our activities.  Also, so many noobs are interested in rock climbing that our hot hot heat summer sessions have been a bit more relaxed; and super fun involving all of our besties (that's right I said 'besties').

Paul in his offensively short running shorts. "Don't run near any playgrounds." we counsel him.

OPI nail polish. It's still rockin' a month later!

6) The most deliriously epic adventure came at the knot-tying of Lisa (a close friend through 2NE) and her (now husband) John.  Sporting a 2011 Ford Mustang all over the city, we otherwise remained outliers with handstands, painted toenails, and genuine conversation.  (Perhaps that's making too much of ourselves, but it seriously felt like we were a bit...um...different than many of the male attendees).

Utah crew represent!

Roping up for Gypsy's Curse (5.10)

7) As of late Zion has been the ultimate playground.  Mainly because I've actually been sticking around the St. George area.  Rock climbs, canyons, swimming holes, and, of course, Oscar's.  Other delights to staying home have been alone time, air conditioning, and investing in relationships with less habitually mobile peeps, like our incredible friend, Gillian.

Group photo before Keyhole Canyon

8) Dave has officially moved into the Microcosm, bringing with him a slue of humour and motivation for activity.  He inspires the more simplistic side of me that does not over-think or over-emotionize.  Which, as you who've spent any significant amount of time with me could imagine, is a big deal and huge relief.  Oh, and we love to host.

Wine and Cheese party.  We got all dolled up, because we don't often do that.  We look good!

If I'm not living life with you right now, I hope you're enjoying life as much as I am loving those currently around me.

FUN...have you listened to the band?

This week was FUN!  I've been getting so much alone time in the field recently that I try to pack my offshift with straight hangout.  Fortunately, I have an awesome community of people who love to do just that.

Wednesday Morning Breakfast is a long-standing tradition that was somewhat resurrected just this past week.  So many friends--old and new--showed up to graze for hours!



From left: Zach, Paul, Alec, Gillian, Lisa

Mother's day gifts!  Everyone get them sent.

Much climbing was to be had, even after I tweeked a finger pully and Zach stretched his hand into tendonitis...on the same route!

Much climbing was still to be had despite the injuries.  Not least of all Megas'.  Wait...what?  Megas?  As in Andrew Megas-Russell.  Yes.  The one, the only AMR rolled into town on Friday.  His long push from Tuscon made for a pitstop in StG en route to Wyoming.  His wilder-beard prompy went from 'WHOA' to 'huh' to 'if you say so'? :)

After sprucing him up, Friday night was festivities Jason and Katelyn's engagment party.  To which I accidentally led the course in a rousing "Happy Anniversary to you...happy engagement to you...happy engagement..." yeah.  Oops.

The FUN continued with a full day in Zion.  Katie and I headed up to the Canyon to do a route called The Headache.  It was anything but what its name would allude to.  We had blast despite Katie current aversion to desert splitters.  The first two pitches were enough to satiate that desire, especially with the consideration of biking in the park!

If you read my blogs, you may have ran across my meniton of climbing and obsession.  Not a new description of my affinity for rock climbing, even to those of you who may not have read that musing.  The jist is that I want to branch out; and for a couple of reasons:

1) To invest in relationships with other passions.
2) To crosstrain for climbing.

So we rented a couple of Trek 7.3s and cruised up to Temple of Sinewava.  Long about 5 miles in, it started raining...then raining harder.  Have you ever exercised in the rain?  It's awesome!  We took a short break to warm up and picnic.  Persevering, we accomplished our premeditated goal: 14 miles.  Also, Katie snatched up a bike they had on hand, and is due to be cruising all over our fair city.

The rain continued and washed away our hopes to climb.  Thus, Monday remained a lazy day on the couch.  Fortunately, for everyone except Andrew--and even he too--his Vanagon broke down and got to spend some more time in town with us.  I was getting restless by early afternoon and ripped old Megas off the couch for a trail run.  We recovered my camera left at Turtle Wall two days previous (yet another reason why I bought a shock/freeze proof camera).




Gila Monster at Turtle Wall.  Looks well fed (they store fat in their tails).



Monday Night Dinner was a ruckus of FUN people!  Most likely Zach's last MND before moving to Bishop, CA to take a job as a Sierra Mountain Guide; also Chelsea (Dave's girldfriend, and the newest edition of our close friend circle) just got into town.

I have a longer offshift this week because I'm leading a training for prospective employees starting Friday.  With my extra time Andrew and I went cycling through Snow Canyon SP and cruised down a bike path.  27.3 miles.  1,752' elevation gain.  1hr 37mins.

Now I'm having FUN recuping.  I love life!  It is in a word:  FUN!