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!

Neurotic: A substitute for legitamate suffering?

So, I'm trying more stream of consciousness in this entry.  It's typical of my processing, and hard to follow.  Good luck.
___________________________

From the start I was a little off my game.  For the first couple of days at work this past week I was tired, lethargic, struggling to get invested, and downing my occupational lot in life.  Inner monologue:  "At 28 years old I have a job (not career) that is keeping me perpetually single with a failure to launch (professionally)."

I've found an identity here.  St. George, UT where I see people around town with whom I am acquainted.  At Second Nature, I know what I do and I do it well.  I am comfortable.  Comfort is a relative term I use to communicate that things are familiar.  I have a routine, friends, and pursuits.  I'm content.  At least when I consider the present.

The future. Achieving my potential.  Family?  (Do I sound like a 20-something, yet?)  I compare myself to others with specified skill sets.  Direction.  They seem further along.  Like they had more opportunity, or knew themselves well enough to make opportunities for themselves.

Diatribe.

I've trusted God to call me along my path thus far.  I don't know that it'd be such a bad thing to wait Him out on what would be best for me next.  The challenge, the faith, is in the waiting.  I've persevered though times of burnout and struggle with life's position--and it's taught me loyalty.  Everyone has their tough times and me, seemingly, least of all.  But it works out for whoever actually deals with them.  If one does not, they end up in my group at work.  :)

So the week progressed.  I had some great moments and an overall effect on my clients and my staff.  I let go of comparing myself to friends starting careers.  I recognised that those going to grad school are going to grad school, and I am not.  Let it be.

Let a Joy kill me,

I'm staying away from the little deaths.

Oriah Mountain Dreamer writes a book entitled The Invitation.  In it he writes:

"It doesn't interest me what you do for a living.

I want to know what you ache for

And if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing."

I've been limiting myself and could start living up to my name a little more.  Take some risks.  Try to start a Pedi-cab service in Springdale, UT.  Own and operate a B&B.  Stick around, settle down.  Sacrifice.  King David said 'delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.'  So, love God and do what I want.

Got to know what I want.

Romance is the same way.  It's a risk.  It's welcomed sacrifice for a greater-than-worthwhile purpose.  And it's stepping outside of my perceived limitations.  Not stopping the race before I even start.

Two weeks ago, I planted Shasta Daisies, Blue Buttons, and wildflowers.  Some that I starting germinating are already sprouting.  Most of them won't come up.  But I tried what was in my power.  Made arrangements to fit their nurturing into my lifestyle.  A lesson from the flowers.

With risk comes consequence though.  And flowers, like occasional friendships, are of low ramification.  Business dealings--still short of intimate relationships--are intimidating and averting.

A couple of my clients did good work, hard work.  They said the hard thing and their moms loved them all the more for it.  One of my co-staff made the comment: "I can't believe so many families go through life without putting it all out on the table."  Indeed, Alec.  Neither can I.  But I can relate, because I hold back.  I don't take the step, or leap, of faith.

I may change my blog name to 'In A Word', because if you're able to follow through my ramblings, I fear you are counted among a very few to follow the train of thought.  Thus, a word.  One word.  I will try my darnedest to make a summation of the blog in one word.

In A Word: Neurotic.

_____________________________________________________________

New photos have been posted this week in the following albums:

Microcosm Shenanigans and Microcosm Escapades

Thoughts...

So I mentioned that I'd be trying to integrate more thoughts.  Here's one:

This week, Zach mentioned another staff, Jesse, introducing himself with a fun fact: that he'd stayed with head-hunters in Borneo for two weeks before they gave him a native tribal tattoo.

"Whoa!! What?!  Who does that?!  Who can say they've done that?!"  was Zach's reaction.

My reaction was, "yeah, but did he climb with them?"

Oi.  This is the point at which I get so stoked on climbing that I lose sense of what life can be outside of it.  When rainy days send me into a tailspin, and animal closures make me want to scare the piss (literally) out of desert tortoises.  (*little known fact: if you scare a desert tortoise, their natural response is to pee--which could be the releasing of water they've collected over the course of 10 months or more).

Obsession.  That's what this mindset is.  It's unbalanced idolatry.  Sure it's passionate.  It's commitment.  It has some redemptive qualities.  But it is not beneficial when it comes to measuring every other part of life against the focus, adrenaline, pursuit, community, and time investment that it requires.

So I've been pursuing relationships that include mountain biking, running, watching movies, slacklining and throwing a frisbee at the park...basically trying to balance all the other things in my life that I enjoy.

In a word: balance.

Week in Review 04.25.11

Hey y'all!  So, this is what it looked like:

Wednesday: I woke up after 4 hours with an insatiable desire to make a video about a lamb we killed and roasted Argentinian-style the week before.

Later, I was surprised to find that I was able to perform well enough to climb a 12b that I'd never been on.  Sent it in one session, because I climbed smart, not hard <enter cliched idiom>.

Some friends met up for coffee, a couple of them being from out-of-town.  Elena and Emily, both inspiring women that make you want to be a better you after just having conversation with them--friends of Katie's from grad school.

An evening run took me up to a bouldering spot where I got an anaerobic work out--climbing--before running back home.  Slamming some protein when getting back home, I joined other friends at open mic where Paul and Zach performed some Avett Brothers' covers.

Thursday: Happy Birthday Elena!  She loves swimming, so we braved the chilly water of Sand Hollow by jumping off cliffs, then warmed ourselves in the sun. 

Zion NP was the next stop on the list.  We cruised up a 2-pitch climb named Ashtar Command, and gave Elena a wooden spoon I'd carved as a b.day gift.  Our tradition is to go out for burgers at a cafe named Oscar's.  My friend Juli joined us for dinner, and went back to her apartment to hangout for awhile afterward.

Friday:  Happy Birthday Margaret!  Melissa and I had a friend we know from Red River Gorge, KY that visited for the weekend.  A strong climber herself, we took her to our local crag--Chuckawalla--and watched her send things we'd projected for awhile.  Nice work Margaret!

The fellows of the Microcosm, along with the help of Andrew (a friend of Z and P's, in from a climbing trip), were inspired to dig a firepit in the back yard.  Home Depot here we come!

Our friends, Sean and Lauren invited over a cookout at their house.  They didn't have corhole bag, only the boards, so we sewed some when we arrived.  The party must go on!

Saturday: Happy Birthday Dave!!  Yeah, we did have that many birthdays to celebrate in a row.  :)  Unfortunately, Dave had to work, so we celebrated the night before.

Most of the day was actually spent cashing in on Margaret time.  Breakfast, park session, and OH don't forget St. George Day!  haha  At the park we slacklined (tight rope walking, essentially), played frisbee and picnicked.  We had the girls over for dinner and went on a nice walk after eating.

Sunday: Happy Easter!  (Oh, the festivities this week)  Watching Last of the Mohicans in the morning is an intense way to start the day.  Jazzed on man stuff, I planted flowers in the front and backyard.  Also, I have some germinating in the flower box.  Oi!

A largely domestic day led to dinner in Cedar City with awesome food (amazing salad, a Jewish desert, and elk which Zach shot this past winter).

And now it's Monday: A bit of laundry, some errands, ultimate frisbee in the park and Monday Night Dinner (a tradition before going into the field).

Wow!  I don't know that I'll give you the play-by-play in the future.  Maybe more of a highlight reel, and better written.  Give me feedback, please.  I will also include more thoughts, and less event-based life, as they are the relevant musings of a human experience.  Hopefully something you can relate to more as well.

Adventures in blogging...here we go!

Let a Joy Kill You

Oh, and I quick note about the darkish title I chose for my blog:  it's a line from one of my favourite poems..."Joy" by Carl Sandberg.

JOY

     LET a joy keep you.
Reach out your hands
And take it when it runs by,
As the Apache dancer
Clutches his woman.
I have seen them
Live long and laugh loud,
Sent on singing, singing,
Smashed to the heart
Under the ribs
With a terrible love.
Joy always,
Joy everywhere--
Let joy kill you!
Keep away from the little deaths.