i heart climbing

"What an odd sport we inhabit, where bits of obscure rock in remote locations are recognizeable." — Richard Pawlowicz

fuel for my soul

When I think of what makes me feel alive and free, two activities come to mind: dancing and rock climbing. Today, after a long awaited 2 month hiatus (nobody to climb with!!) I got my out-of-shape bod back on a wall. Climbing outdoor is always a treat- today was no exception.

There's nothing like hanging off the side of a 80+ foot cliff, eye level with hawks... exhilarating!

Here's a blip I wrote a few months back... haven't shared it with anyone but an editor from work... 

Sweat glistened down my arms and face as I puffed an exasperated sigh. Tendons in my arms were twitching in rhythm with my racing heartbeat. Stretching to the very tips of my toes, arms overhead, jaw locked, eyes focused, I forced my body upward with a menacing grunt of determination. As my fingers slipped off the rock, the tension on my climbing harness tightened as I jerked toward the ground 20 feet below, the rope caught me and I remained beside the place I had slipped from. 

The smell of dirt and cake-chalked fingernails wafted from my hands and was warm in my nostrils as I balanced myself on the side of the wall. I looked down to my friend holding the rope and he shouted, "you've got this, come on, you're almost there!" Quitting was not an option.

I inhaled sharply and pushed hard with my legs as my toes balanced on an inch of rock-ledge. My arms were shaking and my hands began to cramp. I have to finish this climb. Making it to the top would be an accomplishment.

My friend yelled, "you're so close, just keep moving!" The strength was seeping from my limbs like a twice-used tea bag. My grip weakened and for a moment the thought of giving up seemed very pleasant.

My thoughts raced, it would be so much easier to rappel down and rest, then try again later but another part of me was fighting, don't you dare let go of that wall again, you can do this! The battle to persevere began. I fought it by throwing my arm high above the next ledge, grabbed the gritty yet firm surface with a tenaciously fierce grip as my body lifted, my feet found a solid grip and I stood tall, realizing my accomplishment.

In that moment, I made a decision: I chose to fight. To overcome.

Can't wait to get back out and tackle some more rock!

stuffed shells and yoga

i'm writing this entire post in lowercase. let's just say i'm testing my desire to be a perfectionist. self-therapy.

i slept in today. woot. didn't feel guilty about it either. 

my lunch appointment was fantastic. an old friend from high school church orchestra. we had japanese cuisine and sat outside in the beautiful 85 degree afternoon. i say fantastic, when i should say, slightly embarrassing. the entire time i'm thinking, "i need to just ask her..." and then finally during the final moments of our dining experience i got the gumption and she beat me to it! it was comical really. all i could do was laugh. she was like, "so, i've been wondering how i can sponsor you?" [me feeling sheepish]: "i was just about to ask you about that!" [nerd-bomber] what is my problem anyway?

...let it be known that i've had to hit backspace almost every other sentence when i try and capitalize...

the next appointment i had was with, cathy (who is like my personal support-raising helper-referral crazy friend who i think everyone should have) and her grandparents. the g'parents are already on my team, but i wanted to ask them to increase. God (breaking the rule here, it's the Lord's name people) is so cool. i never had to ask! i was talking to grandpa and he was asking how things are going and i told him how i've been meeting with new people and also asking current partners to increase. he was like, "well, we could increase." amazing. then grandma took us to the gas station and filled up my car with gas. seriously? what kind of day is this anyway?

it could only get better. food has the tendency to make me happy on many occasions. tonight it was stuffed shells. mmm.... mmm... italian. gosh i love stuffed shells. home made with love and purpose. in my belly.

time to wind down. did a little 20 minute yoga sequence on fluffy carpet that the roomba so perfectly vacuumed earlier today.

going to raleigh for the weekend to visit friends, go to a bbq, see "dark knight" (epic blockbuster spectacular of the year), see keri preach at her church, possibly go shag dancing and celebrate keri's birthday.

now if i could only find someone to go climb gnarly rock with me... that would be sic, yo.