Movin' right along

I missed posting on 11/11/11! at 11:11. That would have been a way to mark the day/time. I had the great idea of sending myself a postcard from J-tree (where I was) but the 11th was a postal holiday. Arg! Even so, I think my date/time is eastern zone, so I would have had to post at 8:11... way too complicated and not about to get up early when we got into J-tree at 2 AM.

I spent some hours though in the AM at the local Starbucks. It's really a gathering place which is kind of cool. Though I'm hoping that soon people move to the old Water Canyon Cafe which is now Ma Rouge. They are local and nice and need the business.

Highlights from my weekend:
- buying and cooking a turkey in a bag as M will not really have a Thanksgiving this year. I'm going to the east to see my family and connect it with a business trip. He's not sure what he's doing yet (is any guy ever certain of what he's doing until he's doing it? most men I know don't plan).
- going for a short 1 mile hike that brought incredible views of the storms all around.
- losing my camera on said hike or someplace after that, about which I am VERY sad. I have hopes of finding it, or someone finding it, but I don't have any identifying info on it so it's easier for someone to just keep it if they find it, despite all the personal photos on there (I tend to not delete my photos!).
- climbing a 5.5 and getting spanked. The first pitch was a chimney and I am NOT used to chimneys. I did it though, and in the end was glad. But I have really nasty knees right now, and I would take a photo if I had my camera... :-( We then went and top-roped another climb
- doing work

Apparently the org called one reference on Friday, and another today, so things are moving along. People are saying nice things about me, which is good. I feel so bad and am amazed --> One reference - her sister just died a couple weeks ago, and her brother just died today AND she gave a reference for me this morning! I am so hoping it was before she knew about her brother.

OK, work calls...

Puff and stuff

Early morning in the campground


Went to Yosemite this past weekend with two guys, one my regular climbing partner and a 25 year old. We had a really nice time and did some great climbs. The 25yo hasn't really done much trad climbing so he was in the middle the whole time, whilst my friend and I led. It was kind of scary though because the 25yo doesn't know how to belay from above. He's used to using a Grigri, with which it's not so important to hang on to the rope 100% of the time. I watched and couldn't believe it, and then finally said something. But he still forgot to hang on. I think a bigger intervention is needed. Obviously very dangerous.

Speaking of dangerous, on the last climb (Super Slide), I did two difficult long pitches together. And so was tired and felt bad for going slowly. The next party came up to join me on the ledge, and I wanted to move over for him, and I took myself completely off. As I was doing it I knew it was wrong, but I was standing on a ledge and not thinking clearly... Thankfully obviously I did not fall. Very stupid me.

I mention that the one guy is 25yo because it's another world. Not too out there, as he was born in Russia and thus has a wider perspective on the world, but still rides his motorcycle fast and is interested in different things (like young women... :-) ) We had a discussion about women at one point, and apparently if he does not find a marriageable woman by 30, he'll go back to Russia for a couple months and find a wife. Really! Odd odd...

OK, I hope everyone is well. I'll go look ...

Wed nes day

Here is my Saturday

Went up to Mt. Tamalpais to do some top-roping. It was a beautiful, almost hot, day. We got a late start but still had a good day, and saw a gorgeous sunset, marred only by the trail of some jet in the way far distance.


Sunday was the all day concert. It was really good, but not as great as last year. Warm and sunny and hot even - a big change from last year.

Tuesday I had my interview. I went in feeling confident that I was the right person for them. And then they asked me a few questions which I didn't feel I gave great answers to, and by the end I thought the energy was low and I just didn't make it to the second round. So, I couldn't concentrate for the next several hours. I tried retail therapy which helped a little, though ultimately did not buy anything, which is good. Then 4 hours later I get an email saying I've made it to the second round. So much for my sense...

Last night I did 1.5 hours of my radio show. The DJ who is training me left me alone in the studio. What a mess! Dead air, didn't fill out the logs well, played records at the wrong speed unintentionally, didn't clear out the studio for the next DJ, etc. But people said I sounded good. Though, likely all of them were high...so I should take it with a grain of salt. My next interview is in 2 weeks or so. I'm excited-ish for many reasons that I don't really want to get into right now. But it is definitely a good thing to have had a successful interview.

Now I must go focus.

What does this picture tell you?

Choose one:

1) I was abducted by aliens and I escaped, but as I was escaping my lower leg and foot got left behind in the other world
2) The Caribbean grew some really great mountains and I went sunbathing.
3) The extreme heat of the tropics was reduced by sticking my foot in the water.
4) I worked really hard climbing so took a break afterwards to hang out by the water.
5) I went to go climb a climb, but right before climbing up to the bottom of the first pitch, I stepped on a rock that rolled and my ankle did not like it. I tried to ignore it, but ask I climbed up to the bottom of the pitch, I remembered the book I had read on the way to the mountains, which said how people get hurt - they ignore things when they shouldn't have. They weren't careful enough. So, I asked M if it was ok if we didn't climb. So we went down and I put my foot in the icy water to as the "I" in R-I-C-E.

Hmm... wonder which one it is??

Staying the course

Oh, I have so much to catch up on... I miss you all! And miss puking out my life here. :-)

But a metaphor. Perhaps.

Did this traverse this past weekend. 3 pitches of it. Glorious glorious climb.


- On a traverse, you must not only move forward and protect yourself, but be sure to place enough gear to protect your follower.
- You are going horizontally, but some sections are way harder than others. You have to move forward though. And it's so satisfying when you are successful.
- You can't complete it without your partner. (unless of course you free solo, but that's another story).
- You get bonus points for stylin'

Crack attack

Wonder what I did this weekend?

M could not got to Yosemite with me, so I used the 'dating' site and found someone to climb with on Saturday. The guy has two kids so I figured he'd be safe. He was only there for the day, so we met up at 9:00 and went off.

He said he is a moderate climber, so we went to Jamcrack - pictured above. A classic 5.7 crack. He has led it many times so he let me lead. Of course the crux was at the bottom, but I made it through after one fall on the first piece of gear I put in (and he caught me). I haven't let a pure crack in a long time (ever?) so it was challenging!!! One thing that's especially challenging is to be sure you don't put your piece of gear where your next handhold will be. I did that several times and at least noticed it early enough to move it. Otherwise you get into big trouble.

Then he led the 5.9 pitch. Moderate climber...huh. I followed and it was very challenging - ie, I almost fell a couple times, and no way in hell will I lead it any time soon!

We then went down and set up a toprope to climb a 5.10c and 5.10d, both cracks also. I was excited to try them, as I don't think I've ever climbed something that hard (crack-wise). And I made it up both! With many falls, and swearing, but no pulling me up. It was great. Despite the fact that the rock is polished from so many people being on it over the years, including people who slip and slide on it because it's way too hard for their level, my foot stuck on many things that I didn't think it would stick on. Good lessons...

Thankfully he was also tired, so we walked to the next location with a stop at the deli and for lunch. Because we used all his gear, I had no pack so just had everything on me and carried his rack. So, I was the epitome of a rock climber. And felt like one of those people who work at Jamestown or Plymouth - dress up in period costumes and provide a glimpse into people's lives. A number of people stopped and asked questions of me... it was funny...

The next place we tried was full of mosquitoes, so that was a no go for me. And then we went to another area that he had never been to despite the fact that he's climbed there for 10-15 years and we did a few climbs.

Rock climbing is great because for the most part people are great. And he was great. So, had a good day.

The next day I was sore, but I had promised to take my friend and their two kids climbing, so that was good. I set up a toprope in a shady area and we did a few. They appreciated it and I appreciated the break!

This is about the point she got scared...but she did a great job overall...

Cupcake Karma

A second weekend in Yosemite, climbing with a friend. We just finished a short climb and packing up to head home, and a woman chats us up to learn about climbing. Soon after she comes over and hands us two tangelos from her friend's tree. Cupcake Karma! I very much prefer tangelos over cupcakes. They really are wonderful. If you've never had one (and I have never had one before this past month) they are worth trying to find and try. Yum.

One day we did a 5 pitch climb, with the first and last pitches being a 5.8. It was my choice to do that 5.8 finish on a 5.6 climb. It looked doable. A little while later, picture me, standing on a small bump on the rock, shuffling weight back and forth, holding on to a small hold, 10-15 feet above my last piece, no places for gear within reach. Move one foot and a hand to the right, shift weight, become really scared, move back. Shake out one leg. Shake out the other. Move one foot and hand to the left, become really scared, move back.

I stood there for at least 20 minutes doing this. My partner was mostly silent and let me just try to figure out what to do. He offered the suggestion of moving left. It had the best footing, but it was a high step and the hold I'd be reaching for wasn't all that good. He suggested down climbing. I looked down and thought about it, but realized I likely couldn't do it without falling, or so I thought.

So, the choice was either up or down. Try a move, or jump off and do a controlled fall.

Given that choice, I had to try.

And I made it.

Yes, I do this for fun. It still amazes me sometimes that that is the case. But it is true.

And, oh, that roofie area at the end that he said had so much gear? Nope. Not so much. One decent nut, and that was it. But, I did the weird traverse heel hook flop onto belly move and made it. To find, again, no gear. At that point I was just like 'what the hell?' and just went to the top.

I don't normally drink after exercising (climbing/skiing/etc) but this day was an exception. Pint of beer and a blueberry lemonade that turned into a lemonade with vodka. Nice buzzzz...

I must admit when I heard the rain in the middle of the night, my first thought was "oh, good, I don't have to climb tomorrow".

But of course we did... :-)

You can always regret something

But as you know, I try to choose not to.

So, this weekend I was in Yosemite, and had leftover cupcakes from the birthday celebration for my friend’s wife. I was going to bring them all home to M, but noticed a bunch of climbers sorting gear either before or after doing El Capitan. I walked over: “This is going to sound kind of weird, but I was wondering if you wanted some cupcakes.” They were ALL over them. One guy said he wished he had his camera to capture the moment. I felt bad for one dude who didn’t want one. He may have been vegetarian or vegan or gluten free, and I should have offered him an orange or a gluten free brownie that I happened to have in the car. Ah well, at least a couple enjoyed.

Other moments from the weekend:
- did ONE 2-3 pitch climb that should have taken 2 hours and it took us 4-5 because of the incredibly slow climbers ahead of us. Apparently they timed the woman breaking down the belay station and it took her 30 minutes just to do that. I was waiting there to set up the anchor to bring people up, so I didn't notice. But my god, that's a long time. But, at least there's amazing views while you sit and wait. It was a great climb btw, and also we benefitted because they had just set up the rappel (through a stream/waterfall) and they let us use their rope. My friends were very uptight by that point because their wives had given them 4 hours or so away from the kids and it ended up being 6. Below are the irritated men.


- a bear broke into someone's car at the campsite near us
- apparently rock fell in the middle of the night (spring freeze/thaw cycle)
- it was rather surreal to hear the grind of the big garbage truck heading towards the dumpster, the lifting of the dumpster, the big bang bang bang, and lowering of the dumpster interspersed with blaring music: John Denver singing Leaving on a Jet Plane.

And finally,,,

I can regret not checking the lens to see if it was dirty so I wouldn't have had the fuzzy spot in the photo, but then my picture is unique... A study in contrasts, that's it!!!

J-tree climbing adventures

I'll just tell a few tales of Joshua Tree climbing as I stare out the window at the rain...

So this is a climb I did on the last day that I really liked. It was challenging enough, ie not so challenging that I could crap in my pants. It had a lot of different styles of climbing in it. And it was really short, so we could do it in a short period of time and get out of there before the sun went down. (That's me at the top in the white.)


I'd prefer to do something like that than the slab climb my friend did:


This is a distance shot of M climbing. A beautiful route - I did not do it, but I will someday. Just a 5.4, but challenging.


At the end of one day my friends had gone to get a rope on Loose Lady. This is rated only 5.9, but boy is it heady. It's all bolted slab:

They happened upon someone just taking their rope down, so he pulled our rope up. We took turns climbing it as the sun went down and the wind picked up. It turned out I was the last to go. Talk about pressure as you know your belayer is stuck in the shade freezing his beehind off. And it's not an easy climb. Especially when the wind is howling. I was 2/3 of the way up and the sun went below the horizon. At the top, I was setting up my rappel with the wind whipping my hair around, freezing my beehind off, but going every so slowly to make sure I did not make a mistake. Apparently it was a nice sight, since I was photographed by strangers. I would have liked to see that photo.

OK, happy weekend everyone!

Tuolumne last weekend

Rather than begin by boring you with climbing stories, I'll talk about the food first. See photo. Amazing food at the Mobil Mart in Lee Vining just outside the park near Mono Lake. Called the Whoa Nellie Deli - look it up.

It's very unassuming. The owner/chef works the register and wanders around picking up plates and chatting with customers. When we ordered he had suggested that two soups would be too much food, but we went with it anyway, in part because R noted that he doesn't know me well enough to share a soup with me. :-) Funny. We did pretty well eating it all - and the owner came by and remarked on it. He also leads fishing trips, and told the story of asking a client if he wanted to use his pole since the client wasn't catching anything. The guy said no, and never caught anything; he later said, when you asked me if I wanted to use your pole I should have said yes, right? Right. So the owner remarked to us, if you're with someone who knows something it's good to listen to their advice. Funny. The guy also had a sign up on the wall with his photo on it, and it said Employee of the month: April-Nov 2005, April-Nov 2006, and so one. Quite funny. The statement actually came back to haunt me when R the next day asked as I was leading a pitch: can I offer you some advice? And I refused. I thought he was going to tell me how to climb. He actually was going to offer advice on the way he sets up his gear, which I was using. I almost ran into trouble because I didn't listen... Learned a lesson for sure.

This here is an example of what the rock climbing is like at Tuolumne. Slab slab slab. You can see what you do to get off the rock - walk down down down. It's nuts, but I'm getting a little used to it. I don't have good shoes so I have to wear my climbing shoes down - rough on the feet. Those rocks are called...erratics. Really neat. We did in the two days do two climbs which were more like my style - nice cracks and not too much slab. So nice. I was very excited.


And, btw, the Ginko Biloba worked! We'll see if it really works the next time I go to altitude.

From a friend's photo album of his trip

It means watch out for climbers above taking a dump. No, actually, it's a chalk bag.

Tuolumne again - day 3?

Day three was a climb with R. We went to a secluded place and made out.
Ha. Not.
We climbed a 4 pitch out of the way climb (20 minute walk). Beautiful hike, but by the time we were halfway up the first pitch, I felt a migraine coming on. I tried to ignore it, but it would not be ignored. I even held it back to try a 5.6 runout pitch (after 30 feet of having gear), but just couldn't do it in part because there was a ledge at the bottom. I felt bad, but it was the right decision, in part because we needed to boogie. By the 4th pitch, this is what was on the horizon.

Afternoon thunderstorms are no fun. Being struck by lightening is no fun. Luckily we made it down in time and hiked out, me verrrry slowly. R was really nice and at the end brought his backpack up the steep hill to the car and came down to get mine. We went back to the campground and I retreated to my tent, wishing I were home, and hoping I wouldn't barf because then I'd attract bears.

Bear crack climbing

Got this from a friend. How would you like to see that either as the belayer or the climber? Hoo boy. And apparently the bear was all paws in the crack, as you should when crack climbing. I'd crap in my pants.

Tuolumne, Day 2

At long last, here's my adventure from, jeez, two weeks ago-ish.

So, since there were five of us, two of the guys very nicely agreed to have me be a third. This makes life slower. Even slower when you "caterpillar" (one at a time) versus whatever the term is for bringing two people up at the same time. We only did one pitch non-caterpillar, so it was slow.

We did South Crack on the Stately Pleasure Dome. I knew it was going to be interesting when the climb up to the first belay freaked me out. It didn't help that I didn't have good approach shoes, so after the first 15 feet I started sliding down. I fell on my butt and then put on my climbing shoes. But it was at least 40 feet of what I would call low 5th class climbing (class 4 technically you can do without rock shoes).

G did the first pitch, a 5.8 section with crack. When I followed I did ok until the space where I had to move over to get the second part of the crack. 5.8 slab. The f**k's started coming out, and didn't stop the whole climb. I gotta get over that. The second pitch was a runout pitch, and R did that one. Then me on the 5.6 crack, which I did without too much trouble.

Here's a view from halfway up or so.


I'm sure I'm not remembering the order right, but G did a pitch of 5.7ish runout. Here's what it looks like:
It's kinda like why bother holding a rope if you have no gear...but I guess if he fell it wouldn't be down several hundred feet.

Anyways, the last pitch was very similar to the one shown in that photo though supposedly 5.6. I felt a little confident since I had to follow that runout (and maybe two) pitch and so when it was offered to me, I thought and thought. Said out loud, what's the worst that would happen if I fell? The guys didn't reallllly like that way of thinking, and were giving me shit to see if I would still want to do it after being given shit. I decided I'd do it.

I carried way too much gear. When you are leaning over standing on the rock face it just gets in the way. Technically the straighter you are, the best traction you have, but it's just way too disconcerting, so I was bent over. By the time I was just near the place where I could put gear I had so much fear I was almost paralyzed. But, I kept going. And made it.

If you remembered from my skydiving days, such mental focus really wears me out. I brought the two of them up, and then was told I had to walk 20+ feet over to the rap station. Hundreds and hundreds of feet up, and no gear. I almost started crying. R offered to 'short rope' me over there (hold a rope and me hold the other end), which enabled me to get up and walk. But was purely a mental help, because even as I was doing it I knew if I fell what he was doing would mean nothing.

Anyways, we got to the rappel and went down one rope length. Some people don't do that and just walk down from there. Here's a photo of what it looks like AFTER a rappel and you still have to walk from there.

Needless to say it took me a long time to walk down. It was freaky.

Anyway, I survived and we met up with the others and went swimming in the river. Amazingly beautiful and cleansing too - a bonus since there are no showers in the campground...There were actually some kids (boys) sliding down that chute, so three of us did that also. Cold! and Fun!

Anyways, it was a nice day. Scary climbing and then relaxing, as opposed to only scaring climbing. These guys have the right attitude - 4-6 pitches in a day is enough - you don't have to climb allll day.

Tuolumne Day 1

As I sit here waiting to talk to my health insurance to see if I can extend my COBRA and listen to the verbal pollution from the neighbor, I'll start my description finally. Pardon the hold music/video. It's better than what Blue Cross has, let me tell you. [after a short break] But the lady was nice and wished me a happy birthday. awww...

OK, day 1, Thursday. I drove up. The end.
Kidding.

I started down the road to Tuolumne Meadows after driving for hours and was overwhelmed by the greenness and lushness of the area. Although I was hesitant to stop because I was NOT stuck behind an RV, I did. The first picture I took was this:


Not sure what else to say except show the photos.
I believe you can see half dome in the distance:

This, little did I know, was my ultimate destination:

A sign for those with low vision:

The actual meadow, which is right across from the campground:

I was meeting up with people I did not know at all. My friend J in Seattle had climbed with two of the guys, and they had invited her, but when she couldn't go, referred me to them, extolling my virtues and saying how strong/safe/good I was and that I could be a rope gun. [A rope gun is someone who can lead well and thus bring also weaker climbers up routes.] Really funny guys via email (calling themselves the Masters of Mediocrity), and turned out to be so in person also. I found their campsite, and met and hung out with them/ate dinner. Two Brits, one of whom lives in CA (R) and the other who was visiting for 2 weeks (G), and two Americans - brothers, one of whom works with the CA Brit (N) and the other is (J).

G was considered to be the rope gun. They had been climbing in Lake Tahoe, and G or R mentioned that G tried to get on the Line but backed off. Remember that I did that first pitch last summer? I just looked and him and said "Why???" Everyone laughed at that, and after the fact I could see why it would sound funny (I didn't say, oh that's too bad, or what was the problem, or whatever). But I was just confused since he was considered to be the rope gun and that climb is definitely doable for what I thought he could climb. Ah well, they didn't hold it against me...

And then we slept.

A breath of fresh air

Almost heaven - West Virginia. Took a day off to head out to say goodbye to one of my favorite climbing haunts. Left 'late' Sunday, drove out, did one climb (a 5.5 and very nice), went to dinner/bluegrass, slept on the floor of the other two friends' room, and left 6:15 am Monday morning (two of them pop up at 6 and are ready in 5 minutes to go. the other two of us groan a little but get up). It was so nice to get away. Freeing. Bringing my energy back. And my friend drove the whole time - I love people who love to do that. OK, sometimes I like to drive, but this time around it was perfect. Beautiful views, good music. Well, except for the bluegrass Sat night. The first band was ok, but the most interesting part was the woman's farmer slut outfit (short skirt, cowboy boots, red checked see through blouse with a black bra, and pigtails). The second band hurt. They weren't horrible - five band members and all could play - but they just didn't work well together. And I felt so bad that the sound SUCKED. Really badly. To the point of some feedback. BAD. Luckily none of my friends wanted/needed to stay the whole time.

I was out of telephone range, but I got back and had a message that I had one offer, and was expecting another. !!!!!!!!!! I will have to respond today to whatever offer(s) are there. Makes one think that I priced too low, but we'll see what the offer is! Whew.

OK, though I am unemployed, I have to run. Dr.'s appn't and dropping off donated stuff, and sending out resume, and so on... Will read blogs later... Hope everyone is well!

Climbing day

On Saturday I went up to New Paltz. Colorful New Paltz.


I wasn't quite sure what I'd be doing, but I figured at the very least I'd go for a hike. Turns out, I thought I forgot my sports bra, so I knew I'd also have to go shopping for a new sports bra (sorry Squirrel - I found it when I got back to my mom's so technically I didn't forget it, so the counter stays where it is).

In the end, it turned out it was C and her boyfriend G, and Frenchguy, who climbs 5.13's, and me. We didn't start until noon or so, because it had rained the night before, and the rock had to dry off. Because I was the 'non-local' I was one of the first two up right away (Frenchguy was the second). G, a new climber and belayer, belayed me. I got on a 5.7PG - Thin Slabs. I did a stupid hard start, got a piece of gear in, did another stupid hard move, got a piece of gear in, but, alas fell before getting the rope up.

Now, I was pretty high, but not incredibly so. It was a judgement call whether to use the rope or address it like I was bouldering. Turns out G did neither. He pretty much literally caught me, and I rolled onto him we both fell with me on top of him. Slow motion too. Neither one of us was hurt, and C looked at us laughing hysterically. It was indeed pretty damn funny, and very very soft. I appreciated it, because either other way, I might have broken another toe, or an ankle.

So, I finished it, with one hang. I was freaked a little less from falling than from the fact it was still a little wet. And you know what, it sucks to be around someone who climbs hard, because you know that someone can get you out of a jam if need be. I had to fight the urge to have Frenchguy finish the climb and just follow. But fight I did, and was glad I did it.

We climbed another climb each (C leading one this time), and that was the day. I was really glad to get up there and had a great time. And I must say, it's been a very long time since I met someone so nice and considerate and genuinely a really great person, and even though he's French! As one example, Frenchguy had heard my story about my need for food, and when we all went to the bar after climbing, which we thought was going to be dinner, he made sure to get food so I could eat. And he wasn't interested me THAT way, he just is interested in people and wanting to be nice. No ego whatsoever. Turns out C and J and Frenchguy are going on a road trip, and I all but invited myself to meet up with them somewhere, and hope I can.

Poor dude couldn't make it up the rock.


So he went another way and Frenchguy got some great photos of him.


I like it when I do stuff on the weekends, so I have something to write about.

Ty-red

Weekend:
- put up my shades finally!!!!

This is to show you that the paint that they said would match the color of the top bar of the shades doesn't quite match. I will say in a certain light it does. So, will have to go back to YPM (young paint man) to ask what the deal is.

They really make such a HUGE difference. And you know what? They are EXCELLENT. If they weren't so damn expensive, I'd have them everywhere in the house.

Today I went climbing with the ex. When he first called me last minute on Friday, I was feeling a little weird/a little used. But then realized that one thing I've wanted is to follow someone who climbs hard. Well, that he does. We climbed three 5.10's (trad -named Venom, Breakneck, and something else). And I swore up every one. Got a nicely bruised thumb. My fingers survived. And had a really nice time. Odd odd. We talked on the way out about how we both felt pathetic. Him because he's been a climbing slut, but outside of climbing doesn't really see/talk to anyone. Me because I have climbed like 5 times outside this season. It was odd too to have him reference something we did together when we were married (rented a canoe when it was pouring rain and went down the river near the climbing area) and to have it be mostly ok.

Many other nice things happened this weekend, but I'm tired. I will say I have to learn to watch my liquor intake. Too much wine Friday night and a friend dropped me into the hostess' open dishwasher. You'd think I'm a lush, but I'm not. Thankfully handy men abound...

Climbing with Exhibit A

So, I arrived Saturday just in time for dinner - having used many many forms of transportation. We had a nice dinner - me being punch drunk tired. Went back to his place, went to sleep, got up, and drove off climbing to a place that apparently not many people go to since there's a pretty hard hike up. It was a gorgeous Sunday and noone else was there. This is a view from the place we climbed. It's sport climbing, and gorgeous rock. Luther's Rock or Spire or something, by South Lake Tahoe.

On Monday he had jury duty, so we left after he finished- like 4:00. And went to Lover's Leap and did the first pitch of The Line. A climb that was rated in the top ten of some famous person's list of all time. Or at least the first pitch. I only did it because Exhibit A said he had gear we could leave behind. The climb is 3 pitches and we didn't have time for that! And it's also rated a 5.9, which I was nervous about.

Here's a picture of the climb and me on it. Damn him for photographing when he should have been belaying! Not really. I'm sure I was safe.


We didn't have to leave gear because there were bolts about 10 feet over to the right at the top of a sport climb. We were sitting there setting up the rappel and someone on the ground asked if we were ok, which I thought was very nice. It's very possible for people to get stuck on the rock. But we had two ropes and were ok. We didn't come down off the climb until it was almost dark. Pooped was I!

I'll just say again that I had a great time with him. His birthday is Sat and mine's tomorrow - two Leos would make for an interesting relationship! We had some emails back and forth since I left and he's pretty clear that long distance is not for him (quote: I hate long distance relationships) Given that I'm thinking about my life and I tend to always need/want a man in my life, I'm obsessing about him - or was at least today. I found a job that I'm going to apply for in Berkeley, which would be nice because I could envision a life there, even if he wasn't in it! But of course I freak out at the idea of moving, but maybe I need a change in my life. I don't know. It won't hurt to apply. And if I try to picture what the future will look like, it's always different than what I imagined. So, best not to fret.

I read a book: While I was Gone - Sue Miller. A quote reached out to me: We didn't know what would happen next: that was our great gift. The gift of youth. The thing we miss, it seems to me, no matter what we've made of our lives as we get older. When we do know what will happen next. And next and next and then last.

Now, that's not me and that's not my life. That was the character and her fear of same-ness. There's a little bit of that in me though. I want to not know what happens next. I want to be in positions that I don't know what will happen. You can argue that that is life all the time, but sometimes you have a better knowledge of that given your life than other times.

We'll see what happens in my 43rd year.