Friday, finally.
Last night John and I went to Skylark's for a little taste of happy hour and some dinner.
My ball and chain.
I feel so blessed to have a job. I have a pretty decent job. It has been an adjustment for me though. I also have to wait 6 months until I can take any leave. Bad timing, it is now summer. I know it could be worse. So I have been dreaming about the vacations that I want to take when the time allows. Last night over dinner John and I thought about an extended stay in Squamish. This topic has came up many times over the years. Now with the situation as it is now, we will probably follow through. It would be nearly perfect in so many ways. Three weeks in Squamish, rest days could be at home, and Squamish, the place is endless. It is going to happen. It is either Squamish or the Valley. Going anywhere but Squamish or the occasional trip to Index, we would loose so much time to travel and money to the same factor. So, when I have some time off, that is what is going down.
In the time being this weekend is up in the air. I really want to get out for the weekend but the weather is questionable. I think that I am going to get my mt. bike running and get my toosh on some trails. Sunday might be a quick trip to Squamish or Index....Weather permitting.
Now, Annie make some divine green tea pound cake and I have a meeting on public speaking to endure.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tuesday Nights
We have been bouldering here in town a couple nights a week for a while now. It has been very educational, great training, and an even better excuse to be outside for a couple of hours every night. Our time has been split between the beach at Larabee and Sehome Hill. I have struggled to enjoy Sehome, I think because it has been so cold and the place is north facing as well as being nestled in the woods. I struggle with motivation in those conditions. I was also battled getting used to climbing in the beginning of the season, that feeling of lack of power and gumption. Well, last night it clicked. The fact that I have been climbing a lot more helps and the weather has gotten better also adds to the situation. John, Rafe and Brandon were there to spot for the traverse up high as well as add very helpful moves. These guys are awesome. It is so nice to climb with a group of gents that are so attentive and encouraging. Brenna, Az, and I have made plans to boulder every Tuesday. We have met a couple times now and it has been so productive. They are really supportive and encouraging. It doesn't hurt that we are also all a bit competitive. Last night was a great session. I got further than I have on two problems on the hill. I am just a couple moves away from sending them. I don't know if will happen today because my finger tips are a bit tender just banging on my key board.
1,000 miles later
It happened!
My odometer hit 1,000 miles on this mornings commute. It has been less than a year since I have bought the bike, what a trooper. This has been one of the best investments I have made. It has been a great bike, I haven't had any major problems to date, well not anything that takes a minor adjustment here or there. I never would have imagined how much satisfaction I get from this bike, I really love to ride it. I primarily use it to commute so here is what I have estimated on saving on gas = $200, pretty cool. (I don't know that I save any money though. I eat twice as much when I ride so there goes that money...It is okay with me...).
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Squamish for the weekend
There is nothing that makes Monday easier than a weekend of some good healthy play time. I came to the office with a smile on my face and a bounce in my step on Monday morning. Unlike most people, I didn't take the weekend to rest and recover from a week at the office rather I took the weekend to get rid of all the energy I had built up over the week. Mondays are usually for recovery.
Friday night I packed up the truck with Bryan and had a bite at Taco Lobo downtown. It was a chance to say hi to Jess and Miss Abby. Andy and Az met up with us and we all crammed into the Subby and hit the road to the home away from home. We pulled into the parking lot at the Chief and it was empty. This was a surprise to me. Usually the place is littered with people sprawled out on crash pads, sorting gear and staring you down when anyone pulls in. Welcome to Squamish. We were greeted by John and Jimi chillin' in the van playing chess and reveling in the two prior days of climbing. I was so excited to see John, there is nothing like a little separation to make the heart grow fonder.
We all got up bright and early on Saturday morning. John and Jimi went and fired off the Angle's Crest. They did it in record time. John being the amazing person that he is led every pitch, from what he tells me, running, which I believe. It is so great to be around someone so confident in his climbing abilities (mentally and physically). He truly is a natural if I were to ever have to describe him. There is nothing that he turns away from. They are all just possibilities to him. It is a great energy to be around.
Bryan and Andy hit up the Smoke Bluffs for a day of craiging. Kudos to them for the cold beer at the end of the day.
Az and I were ambitious and tangled with Stairway to Heaven. It is an 18 pitch slab/sport climb. It went smoothly. I would not expect anything less climbing with Az. Az is another one of those naturals. She is a joy to climb with. She did a great job on the entire climb. This was my first day back to Squamish in a long time. It took me awhile to get my feet back under me. This is no excuse though, I just need to pony up and get over my nerves. The climb starts in the Bullet Heads, making its way to Bellygood Ledge. From Bellygood it takes the the first two pitches of Millennium Falcon. Az and I were unstoppable to this point. The first pitch off of Bellygood is spooky. Until now the climb is a slab climb, now it ramps up to vertical, exposed, and the bolts are super awkward. Az being all of five feet had to work for the clips. The next pitch was mine and I had a run for my money. The first clip is a tough bouldery move and then continues up to some tenuous traversing moves. I got scarred to say the least. I just didn't want to go for the move, basically chickening out. Az wouldn't take that for an answer and pushed me to go for it. The next thing I know I am out there making the move. My heart racing adrenaline pumping through out my entire body. I was making the next clip. I had done it. What a great feeling. That is why I climb. I was alive in every sense of the word. I am so glad that I hadn't backed off and settled, having someone else bail me out. That is what it is all about. We finished up with the Traverse of the Gods which Az got a kick out of and eventually hiked off and were greeted back at the van by the guys.
Sunday, we wandered through the Grand Wall boulders, bouldering at the super classic spots. It was great to watch John climb. He looks like he just floats through some of the problems. I have a feeling that he will send some V8's by the end of summer. I am excited to see this. He is motivated. John, Jimi, Bryan and I called it a short day, drove back to Bellingham and spent the evening with my dad for Father's Day. We had a great dinner of ribs (his favorite), salad from the garden, followed by pie and ice cream. My dad is the greatest, followed by closely by Bill.
Friday night I packed up the truck with Bryan and had a bite at Taco Lobo downtown. It was a chance to say hi to Jess and Miss Abby. Andy and Az met up with us and we all crammed into the Subby and hit the road to the home away from home. We pulled into the parking lot at the Chief and it was empty. This was a surprise to me. Usually the place is littered with people sprawled out on crash pads, sorting gear and staring you down when anyone pulls in. Welcome to Squamish. We were greeted by John and Jimi chillin' in the van playing chess and reveling in the two prior days of climbing. I was so excited to see John, there is nothing like a little separation to make the heart grow fonder.
We all got up bright and early on Saturday morning. John and Jimi went and fired off the Angle's Crest. They did it in record time. John being the amazing person that he is led every pitch, from what he tells me, running, which I believe. It is so great to be around someone so confident in his climbing abilities (mentally and physically). He truly is a natural if I were to ever have to describe him. There is nothing that he turns away from. They are all just possibilities to him. It is a great energy to be around.
Bryan and Andy hit up the Smoke Bluffs for a day of craiging. Kudos to them for the cold beer at the end of the day.
Az and I were ambitious and tangled with Stairway to Heaven. It is an 18 pitch slab/sport climb. It went smoothly. I would not expect anything less climbing with Az. Az is another one of those naturals. She is a joy to climb with. She did a great job on the entire climb. This was my first day back to Squamish in a long time. It took me awhile to get my feet back under me. This is no excuse though, I just need to pony up and get over my nerves. The climb starts in the Bullet Heads, making its way to Bellygood Ledge. From Bellygood it takes the the first two pitches of Millennium Falcon. Az and I were unstoppable to this point. The first pitch off of Bellygood is spooky. Until now the climb is a slab climb, now it ramps up to vertical, exposed, and the bolts are super awkward. Az being all of five feet had to work for the clips. The next pitch was mine and I had a run for my money. The first clip is a tough bouldery move and then continues up to some tenuous traversing moves. I got scarred to say the least. I just didn't want to go for the move, basically chickening out. Az wouldn't take that for an answer and pushed me to go for it. The next thing I know I am out there making the move. My heart racing adrenaline pumping through out my entire body. I was making the next clip. I had done it. What a great feeling. That is why I climb. I was alive in every sense of the word. I am so glad that I hadn't backed off and settled, having someone else bail me out. That is what it is all about. We finished up with the Traverse of the Gods which Az got a kick out of and eventually hiked off and were greeted back at the van by the guys.
Sunday, we wandered through the Grand Wall boulders, bouldering at the super classic spots. It was great to watch John climb. He looks like he just floats through some of the problems. I have a feeling that he will send some V8's by the end of summer. I am excited to see this. He is motivated. John, Jimi, Bryan and I called it a short day, drove back to Bellingham and spent the evening with my dad for Father's Day. We had a great dinner of ribs (his favorite), salad from the garden, followed by pie and ice cream. My dad is the greatest, followed by closely by Bill.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Bellingham Business Tidbits
Oh what a pitty...We missed the Deming Log Show yet another year. I am going to make a point of taking John for a day sometime. I have so many memories of running around the grounds as a girl. It really is just a fun and unusual thing to do. It also is a bit of history. This area was established in part by the logging industry, it is crucial to understand this in order to understand our history/identity/culture of the Pacific Northwest.
I have gleaned a couple of interesting tidbits from the Bellingham Harald over the weekend. The first is of no surprise to me. Through my early years of college I think my friends and I kept House of Orient in business. This was when they were in their former location, a bit further down Holly Street. For some reason, Jimmy, opening a spa is of no surprise. He is a beautiful man, tight jeans, even tighter shirts (is that possible?), sparkling rings, and designer shoes...Perfect....
"Jimmy’s Personal Care is expected to be open in the first week of July at 1327 11Th St. in Fairhaven. Owner Jimmy Nguyen said the spa will offer a variety of services, including pedicures, manicures and facials. Nguyen ran House of Orient for 12 years before selling it last year. “I wanted to do something different that still involved serving people, and this is it,” Nguyen said. “I can’t thank all the people who’ve supported me for 12 years at the restaurant, so I hope they can come here to relax.” … "
This doesn't even need an explanation. I am so so so excited to have yet another restaurant in Bellingham. The selection these days is pretty slim. Boundary Bay needs some competition. They need their bubble bursted. BB clean your kitchen, loose the lame waitstaff, take some time with your food in preparation....The list goes on. BB get over yourself because you might have a decent brewery in town. I can't wait to check out what they have to offer.
"A LITTLE LONGER FOR SOME CHUCKANUT BREW
Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen is now aiming to be open soon after the Fourth of July, but Mari and Will Kemper are enjoying this stage of the process: Brewing and testing the beer.
The Kempers had hoped to be open at 601 W. Holly St. in May, but have been slowed by various obstacles that typically pop up when remodeling a building.
They are now at the point where they are brewing the beer to make sure the equipment is in working order.
“It’s going pretty well right now, although we know people are anxious for us to get open,” said Mari Kemper, one of the founders of Thomas Kemper Beers and Sodas. “We have a lot of people peeking through the windows, watching what we’re doing.”
Kemper said they plan to start opening just portions of the brewery and restaurant at first, until they have the work flow correct, so they can prevent people from waiting too long for food or beer.
“We want to make sure we have the proper staffing and setup, because first impressions will be important,” Kemper said. "
Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen is now aiming to be open soon after the Fourth of July, but Mari and Will Kemper are enjoying this stage of the process: Brewing and testing the beer.
The Kempers had hoped to be open at 601 W. Holly St. in May, but have been slowed by various obstacles that typically pop up when remodeling a building.
They are now at the point where they are brewing the beer to make sure the equipment is in working order.
“It’s going pretty well right now, although we know people are anxious for us to get open,” said Mari Kemper, one of the founders of Thomas Kemper Beers and Sodas. “We have a lot of people peeking through the windows, watching what we’re doing.”
Kemper said they plan to start opening just portions of the brewery and restaurant at first, until they have the work flow correct, so they can prevent people from waiting too long for food or beer.
“We want to make sure we have the proper staffing and setup, because first impressions will be important,” Kemper said. "
Friday, June 13, 2008
Squampton!
Here I go!
It seems to be that I am starting to get in the swing of things. I am headed up to Squamish, BC with Bryan Dorr, Az and Andy to meet John and Jimi for the weekend. I am so excited to get the crew all up there and have a couple days of climbing. Tomorrow I hope to get on something longer, either Angel's Crest or Stairway to Heaven. Sunday will be a day of the Bluffs I imagine. Good weather, good friends, great climbing, what more could I ask for? More of it?
This is last year in Squamish. Here is to another great time in the Squish!
It seems to be that I am starting to get in the swing of things. I am headed up to Squamish, BC with Bryan Dorr, Az and Andy to meet John and Jimi for the weekend. I am so excited to get the crew all up there and have a couple days of climbing. Tomorrow I hope to get on something longer, either Angel's Crest or Stairway to Heaven. Sunday will be a day of the Bluffs I imagine. Good weather, good friends, great climbing, what more could I ask for? More of it?
This is last year in Squamish. Here is to another great time in the Squish!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Special treatment
After pulling a long day at the office yesterday, I came home to two very busy guys. My wonderful hubby and Jimi had cleaned the entire house, including vacuuming and sweeping the floors. The lawn was mowed to boot. What is a girl to say? Thanks guys, it was a wonderful treat to come home to. Have a wonderful time in Squamish!
Getting the point across
Here is a mouthful I found in the editorial section of this week's Cascadia Weekly...
I just found it really provocative.
RED, WHITE AND CRUDE
I don’t have any sympathy for
all you fast food eatin’, SUV drivin’,
Costco shoppin’, sprawl lovin’
folks complaining about “high” gas
prices. You haven’t seen anything
yet, you AM radio lovin’, Starbucks
drinkin’, debt-and-waistband heavy
Americans. The very lifestyle you
hold so red white and blue is based
fundamentally on black. Crude? Yes,
I am; but I’m talking about oil. Your
food, clothes, trips to grandma in
the Midwest, silky panties, vitamin
supplements: All consumer products
are linked some way to black gold.
Good luck! Maybe it’s time to burn
off that high fructose, partially hydrogenated
belly and get your ass
on a bike.
We are entering a crucial time
in which our personal hypocrisies
must be fundamentally and intently
broken down.
—Greg Craigers, via email
I just found it really provocative.
RED, WHITE AND CRUDE
I don’t have any sympathy for
all you fast food eatin’, SUV drivin’,
Costco shoppin’, sprawl lovin’
folks complaining about “high” gas
prices. You haven’t seen anything
yet, you AM radio lovin’, Starbucks
drinkin’, debt-and-waistband heavy
Americans. The very lifestyle you
hold so red white and blue is based
fundamentally on black. Crude? Yes,
I am; but I’m talking about oil. Your
food, clothes, trips to grandma in
the Midwest, silky panties, vitamin
supplements: All consumer products
are linked some way to black gold.
Good luck! Maybe it’s time to burn
off that high fructose, partially hydrogenated
belly and get your ass
on a bike.
We are entering a crucial time
in which our personal hypocrisies
must be fundamentally and intently
broken down.
—Greg Craigers, via email
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Subdued Excitement
I feel that Bellingham is really quiet these days. The grey skies must be keeping people hunkered down. This last batch of weather has been a dozy. The Northwest can't seem to kick the gloomy weather. When the sun finally returns and we can come out of hibernation will be a glorious time. People will come piling out of their homes, ready to soak up the few months of sun that we receive. I am itching to get out and ride my bike in the sun and get up to Squamish to play in all of its magnificence.
Summer.... Bring it on!
Summer.... Bring it on!
Monday, June 09, 2008
Westfalia Woes
Home. Home safe and sound... Sometimes there is just no place like home.
This weekend was an adventure!
Friday night was great, we were going to leave town right after work but hung out in the 'Ham bone' for one more night to celebrate Andy's birthday. It was well worth it I must add. Az created a feast as always with the friends and regular gang there with bells and whistles.
We left Saturday morning for the East side trying to dodge the wet Bellingham weekend that was ahead of us. Jimi is in town from Austin, Texas for 10 days. So, with his presence we got motivated to leave town, looking for some dry rock to climb. We took Bryan's Westie over the pass to the drier climate of Leavenworth. Saturday was casual as seems to be the norm these days. We went up to Carino Crags and did the Regular Route and then decided that burgers, beer and bouldering was what we wanted to do for the rest of the day. Gustov's in Leavenworth served up a mean burger and off to the boulders after a few pints we went. We camped in a poached site right above Barney's Rubble. Needless to say the motivation was hard to summon after a hamburger and brew. Who would of thought... (I will go back in the future to boulder, I think that I will skip the cragging. I have enjoyed bouldering more than the routes in Leavenworth.) The next morning We got up and huffed it up to the Snow Creek Wall and ventured up Outer Space. What a classic route. The last two pitches are great, worth all the effort to get to the route. It was a true pleasure to climb with Bryan as always.
Burger number two followed the route at Heidle Burger, leaving Leavenworth around 8:45pm Sunday night. We all were aware it was going to be a late night. None of us knew just how long it was going to be. We weren't even out of Tumwater Canyon when things started to turn on us. First the battery started to smoke inside the van. We rushed to the side of the road, John ready to attack the situation with a fire extinguisher in hand. Bandaging that situation, we continued on home. It was the end of the line in the coming miles. Coming on slowly and intensifying as we continued, the right rear wheel sounded like it was going to fall off. Not knowing the severity or the fact the none of us had cell phone service/batteries, we spent the night just shy of Steven's Pass. Monday morning, after John and I called our jobs trying to explain that we were stuck on the side of the road on the pass in a broken down van (I hope I still have a job to go back to on Tuesday...), we embraced the situation and waited for the tow truck and Jess to come pick us up. Around noon Jess showed up and drove us to get our third burger in two days (and the best one I might add) at Zeke's. Finally 24 hours late and three hamburgers later we rolled into Bellingham and here I sit. So happy to be in my own house. Not to say that I didn't enjoy in some strange way my time smooshed up against three guys on yet another adventure.
This weekend was an adventure!
Friday night was great, we were going to leave town right after work but hung out in the 'Ham bone' for one more night to celebrate Andy's birthday. It was well worth it I must add. Az created a feast as always with the friends and regular gang there with bells and whistles.
We left Saturday morning for the East side trying to dodge the wet Bellingham weekend that was ahead of us. Jimi is in town from Austin, Texas for 10 days. So, with his presence we got motivated to leave town, looking for some dry rock to climb. We took Bryan's Westie over the pass to the drier climate of Leavenworth. Saturday was casual as seems to be the norm these days. We went up to Carino Crags and did the Regular Route and then decided that burgers, beer and bouldering was what we wanted to do for the rest of the day. Gustov's in Leavenworth served up a mean burger and off to the boulders after a few pints we went. We camped in a poached site right above Barney's Rubble. Needless to say the motivation was hard to summon after a hamburger and brew. Who would of thought... (I will go back in the future to boulder, I think that I will skip the cragging. I have enjoyed bouldering more than the routes in Leavenworth.) The next morning We got up and huffed it up to the Snow Creek Wall and ventured up Outer Space. What a classic route. The last two pitches are great, worth all the effort to get to the route. It was a true pleasure to climb with Bryan as always.
Burger number two followed the route at Heidle Burger, leaving Leavenworth around 8:45pm Sunday night. We all were aware it was going to be a late night. None of us knew just how long it was going to be. We weren't even out of Tumwater Canyon when things started to turn on us. First the battery started to smoke inside the van. We rushed to the side of the road, John ready to attack the situation with a fire extinguisher in hand. Bandaging that situation, we continued on home. It was the end of the line in the coming miles. Coming on slowly and intensifying as we continued, the right rear wheel sounded like it was going to fall off. Not knowing the severity or the fact the none of us had cell phone service/batteries, we spent the night just shy of Steven's Pass. Monday morning, after John and I called our jobs trying to explain that we were stuck on the side of the road on the pass in a broken down van (I hope I still have a job to go back to on Tuesday...), we embraced the situation and waited for the tow truck and Jess to come pick us up. Around noon Jess showed up and drove us to get our third burger in two days (and the best one I might add) at Zeke's. Finally 24 hours late and three hamburgers later we rolled into Bellingham and here I sit. So happy to be in my own house. Not to say that I didn't enjoy in some strange way my time smooshed up against three guys on yet another adventure.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
almost there..
My wonderful trusty, fast and beautifully Orange bike just hit 900 miles on the odometer. Under a year old and never a problem, not even a flat tire. When it hits 1000, probably next week, I am going to give it really special treatment. This bike has been the best decision I have made in a while.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Getting out the door
As the old saying goes," sometimes the hardest part is getting out the door." This has been my mantra these days. When I am lacking the motavation to get out and play, excersice or commute I rember that I know that I will be happy for pushing myself, finding inspiration and following through.
This morning I stood in the bedroom at 6am. I just stood there. It was drizzeling like it has been doing for the last couple of days and like it is going to do for the next 10 days. To bike or not... John reminded me that I would enjoy the ride. I thought to myself that the hardest part is getting out the door. I eventually rode to work and as soon as I did I was so glad that I did not give into the light spring drizzle. I am at work and so glad I choose to ride my bike, just like (almost) every time.
Finding inspriration is a powerful tool in getting the most out of life. It seems that the more I open myself to possibilities the more I come across positive and encouraging mementos. In the past couple of days I have found an imence wealth of energy from my girlfriends. They have proven to me that I can't be a full person without girlfriends in my life. These women have shown me so much support in life, relationships and in adventures. Bouldering with Brenna and Az renewed my love for climbing, I was reminded that it is imprtant to push myself and encourage others to do so as well. There is nothing like some friendly competition to try hard.
This morning I stood in the bedroom at 6am. I just stood there. It was drizzeling like it has been doing for the last couple of days and like it is going to do for the next 10 days. To bike or not... John reminded me that I would enjoy the ride. I thought to myself that the hardest part is getting out the door. I eventually rode to work and as soon as I did I was so glad that I did not give into the light spring drizzle. I am at work and so glad I choose to ride my bike, just like (almost) every time.
Finding inspriration is a powerful tool in getting the most out of life. It seems that the more I open myself to possibilities the more I come across positive and encouraging mementos. In the past couple of days I have found an imence wealth of energy from my girlfriends. They have proven to me that I can't be a full person without girlfriends in my life. These women have shown me so much support in life, relationships and in adventures. Bouldering with Brenna and Az renewed my love for climbing, I was reminded that it is imprtant to push myself and encourage others to do so as well. There is nothing like some friendly competition to try hard.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)