Last night was the annual recreation department banquet honoring the students who work within all the recreational departments.
working at the rock wall makes me one of those students!
the outdoor rec program all met at sean patrick to get a drink before dinner...unfortunately not being 21 i wasn't able to participate in the activities.
then we headed over to lbj to eat a really awesome meal catered by Los Cucos.
my friend connor and i stepped outside for a little while, thinking the banquet was going to last a few hours. little did we know it would only last about an hour!
we ended up missing all the awards!!!
but luckily, my best friend's boyfriend won best ATP staff member of the year. way to go ben!
after dinner and awards we headed over to Steve's for a little fun!
we played toss the bag and kept it pretty chill. no pictures yet.
SCHOOL IS ALMOST OVER! can't wait.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Flash Fest 09 = SUCCESS!
Well the rockwall hosted our first competition last weekend and it went perfectly!
we had a few more people than expected show up for the comp.
it was mostly the regulars...which was a little disappointing but kind of to be expected.
everyone climbed really well and we gave away some awesome raffle prizes.
the t-shirts that travis designed turned out awesome...everyone really dug um.
here are some pictures our supervisor, Rodo, took:
the judges and participants during the climber meeting
brandon ortiz and kara bean climbing strong
our comp t-shirts --- extras for sale at the wall for $6
BE THERE NEXT YEAR!
we had a few more people than expected show up for the comp.
it was mostly the regulars...which was a little disappointing but kind of to be expected.
everyone climbed really well and we gave away some awesome raffle prizes.
the t-shirts that travis designed turned out awesome...everyone really dug um.
here are some pictures our supervisor, Rodo, took:
the judges and participants during the climber meeting
brandon ortiz and kara bean climbing strong
our comp t-shirts --- extras for sale at the wall for $6
BE THERE NEXT YEAR!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Rio Vista Rookie
yesterday I took little Maggie to the river with my friends, taryn and stephen.
she wanted to run around like a maniac to play with all the other dogs.
she jumped into the water, not knowing how to swim and i think surprised herself when her head went under water. next time, i'll be in a bathing suit so i can help her learn how to swim.
we played fetch for the first time...she understood the run and get the ball part but didn't get that you're not supposed to torpedo past mom without dropping the ball.
she was a ton of fun though! i can't wait to take her to the dog park where she can run around without a leash and be free!
one of these days i'll take her to bastrop state park where they don't require dogs to be on a leash and she can walk the trails freely.
some awesome pics stephen took:
she wanted to run around like a maniac to play with all the other dogs.
she jumped into the water, not knowing how to swim and i think surprised herself when her head went under water. next time, i'll be in a bathing suit so i can help her learn how to swim.
we played fetch for the first time...she understood the run and get the ball part but didn't get that you're not supposed to torpedo past mom without dropping the ball.
she was a ton of fun though! i can't wait to take her to the dog park where she can run around without a leash and be free!
one of these days i'll take her to bastrop state park where they don't require dogs to be on a leash and she can walk the trails freely.
some awesome pics stephen took:
Friday, May 1, 2009
stressed.
well the weight of the next two weeks is beginning to hit me.
an exam in ever class spread out over two weeks starting tuesday.
my initial plan for moving out was completely changed today when i found out i have to be out of butler by the 13th instead of the 16th.
because of this, i am having to sell some concert tickets.
i will be in dallas the 6th through the morning of the 11th.
be in san marcos for two days.
go back to dallas for two days.
and then come back to sm to move in.
uuuuuuuuhg. lots of wasting gas.
BUT LUCKILY, i get to move out of the dorms sooner, which is nice.
i never made a strong connection to dorm life and am not too sad to see it leave.
man...what i wish i was doing right now...
an exam in ever class spread out over two weeks starting tuesday.
my initial plan for moving out was completely changed today when i found out i have to be out of butler by the 13th instead of the 16th.
because of this, i am having to sell some concert tickets.
i will be in dallas the 6th through the morning of the 11th.
be in san marcos for two days.
go back to dallas for two days.
and then come back to sm to move in.
uuuuuuuuhg. lots of wasting gas.
BUT LUCKILY, i get to move out of the dorms sooner, which is nice.
i never made a strong connection to dorm life and am not too sad to see it leave.
man...what i wish i was doing right now...
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Toni
I dedicate this blog to Toni Dammicci. my best friend. my sister. the yin to my yang.
She is beautiful, talented, compassionate, funny, and smart.
She is a first year art student at SCAD in savannah, GA and tearin it up!
Her art is some of the most beautiful work I've seen.
Some of her work:
She is beautiful, talented, compassionate, funny, and smart.
She is a first year art student at SCAD in savannah, GA and tearin it up!
Her art is some of the most beautiful work I've seen.
Some of her work:
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
SWINE FLU
IF I HEAR ANYTHING ELSE ABOUT THE SWINE FLU I'M GUNNA FLIP.
I understand it's an issue, but honestly, it's not that big of a deal.
Nature has a way of handling and controlling the species that walks on it...and this is one of those ways.
Not to mention, the flu, the regular one people always get, kills over 36,000 people in America...A YEAR. (http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r030107.htm)
So, the fact that we've had like 40-60 outbreaks in the states is no biggie.
Claiming this outbreak is a "national" threat seems a bit much too me, and to Obama.
I just want everyone to take a deep breathe, wash your hands, and keep your fingers out of your mouth.
I understand it's an issue, but honestly, it's not that big of a deal.
Nature has a way of handling and controlling the species that walks on it...and this is one of those ways.
Not to mention, the flu, the regular one people always get, kills over 36,000 people in America...A YEAR. (http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r030107.htm)
So, the fact that we've had like 40-60 outbreaks in the states is no biggie.
Claiming this outbreak is a "national" threat seems a bit much too me, and to Obama.
I just want everyone to take a deep breathe, wash your hands, and keep your fingers out of your mouth.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Hey little miss Maggie Mae
Well, I found a new puppy. She's 8 weeks old and adorable. Her mom is a chocolate American lab and her dad is a heeler, alaskan malamute mix. She's one of the cutest little things I've ever seen. She is staying in Austin right now at a friend's until I move into the apartment. Already got her first puppy shots the other day to make sure she stays happy and healthy. Here are some pics:
Friday, April 24, 2009
RIP Porter
On April 21st my little 9 week old husky/lab mix Porter passed away.
He ran away with another pup saturday. He came back to the house Monday around noon when I was on my way out there to try and find him.
He was in a terrible state; emaciated, dehydrated, and out of it.
I took him to the vet to try and save him but all they could do was treat him for his symptoms and send him home with me.
I tried as hard as I could to keep him alive, but he passed between 2:45 and 3:30AM.
He was the most adorable, precious little pup I had ever seen. He was absolutely perfect while he was on this earth and I will never forget him.
It was a complete freak accident and I try my hardest not to question why.
Nature can be cruel and plays by no rules. Things come into this world and thigns leave this world.
Porter, my little pup, I love you.
CLIMBING COMP
TELL EVERYONE ABOUT IT!
AND SIGN UP! IT'S GOING TO BE A BLAST!
MAY 2ND @ 4:00PM!!!
FIRST 30 TO THE DOOR GET A FREE T-SHIRT!
DOOR PRIZES TOO!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Free Speech
The best thing about living in America has to be our right to free speech, press, and relgion. We our country was built on individual freedom because of the stifling effects of the British system. I love having the right to think agaisnt the norm, to be a zendik, to speech out agaisnt things I don't believe in, and having the right to choose a religion that differs from the majority, or no religion at all. The best place for us to flex our freedom muscles is in class, especially english class. One thing needs to be made clear though, if you begin an argument makes sure you have the facts to back you up, otherwise you end up looking rather ignorant. Which is a prime example of, unfortunately, the majority of Americans. We gobble up the information the media gives us like there is no tomorrow. We don't question, we don't cross reference their sources or "facts" we just believe. That's why, after we have full hearted supported a war, new facts begin to surface and we realize everything they told us was bunk. no weapons of mass destruction. no iraqi's in the planes. it was all a lie. a scam. a plan. a plan to enter a country we never belonged in to begin with. Yes, Hussein was killing thousands of his own peoplee, but we had no right to declare war on his country. This is besides the point...
take advantage of your freedoms! remember to question the authority, especially the government. we have lost sight of, what i think to be one of the most important realities, "the people should not fear the government, the government should fear the people."
take advantage of your freedoms! remember to question the authority, especially the government. we have lost sight of, what i think to be one of the most important realities, "the people should not fear the government, the government should fear the people."
Thursday, April 16, 2009
climb climb climb
well, i just busted @$$ on the slack line at work and decided to take a little break and blog.
work is going pretty slow right now. EVERYONE COME TO THE ROCKWALL! We've got a pre-trip meeting here at 6pm to talk about the upcoming ATP: Fundamentals of Rock Climbing. I'm on the team as a volunteer for this trip, which stinks cause I don't get paid but it's going to be a really great learning opportunity. On saturday we are giving everyone a run down on the fundamentals of climbing at the rockwall in the rec center. Then on sunday we're taking them outside to Reimer's Ranch to get a taste of real rock. I'm pretty sure the weather is going to be really nice, which should make for a wonderful trip.
because it's pretty:
work is going pretty slow right now. EVERYONE COME TO THE ROCKWALL! We've got a pre-trip meeting here at 6pm to talk about the upcoming ATP: Fundamentals of Rock Climbing. I'm on the team as a volunteer for this trip, which stinks cause I don't get paid but it's going to be a really great learning opportunity. On saturday we are giving everyone a run down on the fundamentals of climbing at the rockwall in the rec center. Then on sunday we're taking them outside to Reimer's Ranch to get a taste of real rock. I'm pretty sure the weather is going to be really nice, which should make for a wonderful trip.
because it's pretty:
Monday, April 13, 2009
Family Photos
Sitting in philosophy bored to death. What better to do than multitask?
This past weekend was Easter. I spent the time in Dallas with my family. It was nice to be home and spend some time with my family, I feel like I don't see them enough. I wish my brother, Brandon lived closer so I could see him more often. My brother is living in Brooklyn, NY right now working for a corporate studio while he pursues a career in photography. Here are a few of his pieces:
you can see more of his stuff at:
www.brandonhaleholmes.com
This past weekend was Easter. I spent the time in Dallas with my family. It was nice to be home and spend some time with my family, I feel like I don't see them enough. I wish my brother, Brandon lived closer so I could see him more often. My brother is living in Brooklyn, NY right now working for a corporate studio while he pursues a career in photography. Here are a few of his pieces:
you can see more of his stuff at:
www.brandonhaleholmes.com
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Climbing pics
This past tuesday we had a photographer for Texas State marketing up at the wall to take some professional pictures of us climbing. The pictures will hopefully make it on the walls of the texas state welcome center and rec center. Here are a few cool shots he took:
Funky Bus
Well, it's been a while since I last blogged. I have returned from the coast and am enjoying the absolutely picture perfect weather here in san marcos. We have about 5 weeks of school and I am beginning the feel the crunch. I have 2 exams and 4 papers due next week. Ouch. BUT. I have a beautiful puppy and amazing friends...so stress is pretty minimal.
The funky bus trip was a blast! despite a few bumps in the road like...exceptionally windy weather, all the girls catching a death cold, not being able to build a fire on the beach, and our fan belt breaking. besides that, the trip was top notch. We'll hopefully be doing more weekend trips during the summer and i may even go along for the trip to San Fransisco...we'll see. I'm keeping my fingers crossed because I am dying to see the red wood forest.
Pictures from the funky bus trip:
The funky bus trip was a blast! despite a few bumps in the road like...exceptionally windy weather, all the girls catching a death cold, not being able to build a fire on the beach, and our fan belt breaking. besides that, the trip was top notch. We'll hopefully be doing more weekend trips during the summer and i may even go along for the trip to San Fransisco...we'll see. I'm keeping my fingers crossed because I am dying to see the red wood forest.
Pictures from the funky bus trip:
Thursday, March 26, 2009
NEW
Tomorrow I leave for Mustang Island state park! I'm going with two couples which kinda stinks cause i'll be fifth wheel...but I can deal because it's going to be a blast! We're taking the Funky Bus...and old short yellow school bus one of the couples converted into a traveling van. We'll be out there the whole weekend...I'll post pics later.
Well, good news. I bought a puppy. He is an 8 week old husky/lab mix. His dad was a show husky and his mom was a pure bred lab. He is the most adorable thing I have ever seen in my life. He is staying on the property with this mom, brother, and sister until May when I move into my apartment. i'll be driving out to Bastrop to see him once a week and taking him home to dallas to get used to car rides and (my moms) cats.
my sweet little boy, Porter
hilarious video my friend Kalen sent me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANU7Jwa9kEE
Well, good news. I bought a puppy. He is an 8 week old husky/lab mix. His dad was a show husky and his mom was a pure bred lab. He is the most adorable thing I have ever seen in my life. He is staying on the property with this mom, brother, and sister until May when I move into my apartment. i'll be driving out to Bastrop to see him once a week and taking him home to dallas to get used to car rides and (my moms) cats.
my sweet little boy, Porter
hilarious video my friend Kalen sent me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANU7Jwa9kEE
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Spring Break
Well, I'm back home from Savannah, Georgia. It was an amazing 5 day trip full of new sites, sounds, people, and experiences. We went camping for a night in Tallulah Gorge State Park in Northern Georgia. It was pretty rainy and misty the entire time we were there, but it was absolutely breath taking despite the urban enroachment surrounding the park. An amazing suspension bridge was placed halfway through the hike and plenty of outlooks to stop and admire. The rest of the week we walked around Savannah visiting various friends, attending a friend's art show, enjoying the local food, soaking up some sun at Tybee Island, and playing/painting in the park.
Now I am back home in Dallas for a few days visiting my family. I rarely see them and when I do even our time together is sparse. I'm a little reluctant to head back to SM tomorrow morning because I really would like to spend some more time with my family, but school and my responsibilities are calling me back.
Soon we will hear back from Treehouse apartments and begin the process of creating a lease contract and working out details about our future residency there. I can't wait! Treehouse is perfect for us! I can not wait to be out of the dorms, living on my own, with true freedom. I'm ready for the freedom, responsiblity, and fun! And possibly...a new puppy!!!!!!!
Oh, and did I mention that I am absoutely itching to climb?
basically what we looked like minus the white hair!
Now I am back home in Dallas for a few days visiting my family. I rarely see them and when I do even our time together is sparse. I'm a little reluctant to head back to SM tomorrow morning because I really would like to spend some more time with my family, but school and my responsibilities are calling me back.
Soon we will hear back from Treehouse apartments and begin the process of creating a lease contract and working out details about our future residency there. I can't wait! Treehouse is perfect for us! I can not wait to be out of the dorms, living on my own, with true freedom. I'm ready for the freedom, responsiblity, and fun! And possibly...a new puppy!!!!!!!
Oh, and did I mention that I am absoutely itching to climb?
basically what we looked like minus the white hair!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
RELIGION
Just finished watching Religulous...definitely got my mind working.
He was relatively biased which led me to do a little research of my own:
"The constitutional freedom of religion [is] the most inalienable and sacred of all human rights." --Thomas Jefferson
"Among the most inestimable of our blessings, also, is that... of liberty to worship our Creator in the way we think most agreeable to His will; a liberty deemed in other countries incompatible with good government and yet proved by our experience to be its best support." --Thomas Jefferson
"I have ever thought religion a concern purely between our God and our consciences, for which we were accountable to Him, and not to the priests." --Thomas Jefferson
"The faith you mention has doubtless its use in the world. I do not desire to see it diminished, nor would I desire to lessen it in any way; but I wish it were more productive of good works than I have generally seen it. I mean real good works, works of kindness, charity, mercy, and public spirit, not holy-day keeping, sermon-hearing, and reading, performing church ceremonies, or making long prayers, filled with flatteries and compliments, despised even by wise men, and much less capable of pleasing the Deity"
[Benjamin Franklin, 1753, letter to Rev. George Whitefield. Works, Vol. VII, p. 75]
"I have found Christian dogma unintelligible. Early in life I absented myself from Christian assemblies."
Don't get me wrong, I have a spiritual connection with something higher than myself...it's called the planet, the laws of nature, mother earth, the spirit...it's the air you breathe, the water you drink, the wind that blows through your hair. I believe in that. "from dust we came, to dust we shall return."
He was relatively biased which led me to do a little research of my own:
"The constitutional freedom of religion [is] the most inalienable and sacred of all human rights." --Thomas Jefferson
"Among the most inestimable of our blessings, also, is that... of liberty to worship our Creator in the way we think most agreeable to His will; a liberty deemed in other countries incompatible with good government and yet proved by our experience to be its best support." --Thomas Jefferson
"I have ever thought religion a concern purely between our God and our consciences, for which we were accountable to Him, and not to the priests." --Thomas Jefferson
"The faith you mention has doubtless its use in the world. I do not desire to see it diminished, nor would I desire to lessen it in any way; but I wish it were more productive of good works than I have generally seen it. I mean real good works, works of kindness, charity, mercy, and public spirit, not holy-day keeping, sermon-hearing, and reading, performing church ceremonies, or making long prayers, filled with flatteries and compliments, despised even by wise men, and much less capable of pleasing the Deity"
[Benjamin Franklin, 1753, letter to Rev. George Whitefield. Works, Vol. VII, p. 75]
"I have found Christian dogma unintelligible. Early in life I absented myself from Christian assemblies."
Don't get me wrong, I have a spiritual connection with something higher than myself...it's called the planet, the laws of nature, mother earth, the spirit...it's the air you breathe, the water you drink, the wind that blows through your hair. I believe in that. "from dust we came, to dust we shall return."
Friday, March 6, 2009
Tick Tock
Well. it's 10:36pm on a friday and what am I doing? waiting on my bunk @$$ best friend to come pick me up for a party in ausin...while I blog for my english class. what a life.
but I have been catching up on my climber blogs and finally got my butt in the gym to climb a little this afternoon. surprising, considering i took my first fall last night in the gym lead climbing a 5.8 i warm up on. i had my rope run out like 5 or 6 feet from my last clipped draw when i went to grab a very familiar and friendly blue hold that spun on me causing my hand to slip and me to fall about 10 feet yelling, "shiiiiiiiiiiiit!" tons of fun though! was a little shaken up and had to take a little breather while my muscles decided to calm down and stop twitching. super super super fun! too bad i stubbed a toe though. luckily, james who had my catch, motivated me to finish the route. thanks ron j!
today was quite the learning experience. meet at the o.c. around 1 so i could participate in a kayak roll clinic. learned about hip snaps, home position, w=fxd or something like that. wasn't able to able to roll...but got the wet exit and rolling my partner right side up down. look forward to practicing in the river!
hilarious video:
but I have been catching up on my climber blogs and finally got my butt in the gym to climb a little this afternoon. surprising, considering i took my first fall last night in the gym lead climbing a 5.8 i warm up on. i had my rope run out like 5 or 6 feet from my last clipped draw when i went to grab a very familiar and friendly blue hold that spun on me causing my hand to slip and me to fall about 10 feet yelling, "shiiiiiiiiiiiit!" tons of fun though! was a little shaken up and had to take a little breather while my muscles decided to calm down and stop twitching. super super super fun! too bad i stubbed a toe though. luckily, james who had my catch, motivated me to finish the route. thanks ron j!
today was quite the learning experience. meet at the o.c. around 1 so i could participate in a kayak roll clinic. learned about hip snaps, home position, w=fxd or something like that. wasn't able to able to roll...but got the wet exit and rolling my partner right side up down. look forward to practicing in the river!
hilarious video:
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Juego futbol!
Soccer game with the Outdoor Center crew tonight! I am super excited to play this week even though our last game didn't end so well for us. Not only did our supervisor get red carded...we also lost. Hopefully, this weeks game will fare better.
So who found an awesome apartment super close to campus with her best friend? Ummmm yah that would be me! Taryn and I are going to sign papers this week to pre-lease our new apartment for the next year. We'll live here in the summer; she'll work and take summer classes while I work and hopefully am busy training a new puppy! Super, super, super, stoked.
Only a few more days until I leave for Savannah to visit Toni! I'm trying not to get too excited that way I can remain focused for next week when I have midterms.
Life is good!
Aaryn, Erin (another future roommate), ME, and Little Miss Taryn
So who found an awesome apartment super close to campus with her best friend? Ummmm yah that would be me! Taryn and I are going to sign papers this week to pre-lease our new apartment for the next year. We'll live here in the summer; she'll work and take summer classes while I work and hopefully am busy training a new puppy! Super, super, super, stoked.
Only a few more days until I leave for Savannah to visit Toni! I'm trying not to get too excited that way I can remain focused for next week when I have midterms.
Life is good!
Aaryn, Erin (another future roommate), ME, and Little Miss Taryn
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Winner
Well, I won first place in the women's beginner comp! As a reward, I got a belt buckle that also functions as a bottle opener. ;)
Not feeling too hot today but luckily my friend Erin gave me some new music to listen to. Johnny Flynn and his Hong Kong Cemetry EP is excellent. It's modern folk and really relaxing. Perfect for river days.
Speaking of river days, this past week was a little gift from mother earth! Three days straight out by the river soaking up some rays and renting kayaks! College life is exceptionally hard.
too bad we have nothing like that on the San Marcos river.
Oh, and Erin finally posted pictures from the Annuals show. Here are a few I took:
The drummer.
The crowd.
The Annuals!
Not feeling too hot today but luckily my friend Erin gave me some new music to listen to. Johnny Flynn and his Hong Kong Cemetry EP is excellent. It's modern folk and really relaxing. Perfect for river days.
Speaking of river days, this past week was a little gift from mother earth! Three days straight out by the river soaking up some rays and renting kayaks! College life is exceptionally hard.
too bad we have nothing like that on the San Marcos river.
Oh, and Erin finally posted pictures from the Annuals show. Here are a few I took:
The drummer.
The crowd.
The Annuals!
Friday, February 20, 2009
It's Time
Tomorrow is the big day: my very first climbing competition. I am feeling pretty nervous, excited, and ready to climb! My left arm has been giving me issues the past two weeks and I am nervous it may effect how well I compete. I took a few days off at the beginning of the week from climbing to give my irritated muscle a break; got on the wall yesterday and went to yoga. I felt strong and my arm didn't flare up after each climb. I am going to do a little yoga tonight to stretch out and relax. In the morning I'll do the same to calm my nerves before the comp.
Anyway....the drive to Dallas is always (hmmmm, what's the nicest way to put this?) a slap in the face. Capitalism and "Big Business" practically choke me the entire four hour drive. Exxon. Shell. McDonalds. Walmart. Sonic. Exxon. Shell. McDonalds. Walmart. Sonic. Over and over and over and over again. Every town I pass through has the same old crap. Mom and Pop struggle for existence if they haven't already been extinguished. I pray for the dad Mom and Pop's live again.
Anyway....the drive to Dallas is always (hmmmm, what's the nicest way to put this?) a slap in the face. Capitalism and "Big Business" practically choke me the entire four hour drive. Exxon. Shell. McDonalds. Walmart. Sonic. Exxon. Shell. McDonalds. Walmart. Sonic. Over and over and over and over again. Every town I pass through has the same old crap. Mom and Pop struggle for existence if they haven't already been extinguished. I pray for the dad Mom and Pop's live again.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Freeeeee
Tonight I am going to see a free show in Austin at the Parish. I won tickets to see the band the Annuals during a promotional day at the library put on by the TX State radio show. I decided to take my friend Erin with me because of our common affection for Austin and great music.
As much as I enjoy the San Marcos vibe and all the wonderful people I've met here, there is something about Austin that I just love. Even though San Marcos is a pretty democratic city, Austin is liberal and in your face about it, which I admire. I love feeling at home in Austin and free to believe, think, feel, and say whatever the hell I want. The freedom a city like Austin can provide is like a breathe of fresh air.
I feel like this little kid when I'm in Austin!
As much as I enjoy the San Marcos vibe and all the wonderful people I've met here, there is something about Austin that I just love. Even though San Marcos is a pretty democratic city, Austin is liberal and in your face about it, which I admire. I love feeling at home in Austin and free to believe, think, feel, and say whatever the hell I want. The freedom a city like Austin can provide is like a breathe of fresh air.
I feel like this little kid when I'm in Austin!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Georgia On My Mind
It's official: I am going to Savannah, Georgia for spring break to visit my best friend, Toni. I was under the impression that I would have to purchase my ticket but lucky for my wallet and I, my dad offered to pay. I have not seen Toni since this past July, when I stayed with her for 12 days. I helped her family move into their new house, hung out in downtown Savannah, and took in the sites of a few state parks. Savannah is a small city full of character, even during the summer when the students are back home. I can't wait to be in the city during the school year while it's the week of St. Patrick's! From what Toni has heard, it's going to be a non-stop party. The city even dyes the water green! I'm also excited to meet Toni's roommate, Emily, who she has grown really close to.
It's also official that I'm going to Riemer's Ranch this weekend to climb with my friend, Chris. I can't wait to get outside an climb! Our gym is fun, but getting outside keeps things interesting.
And one more official piece of news: I am a registered CCS member and competitor in the SMU Pulldown climbing comp. Right on.
marsh at sunset
beautiful state park
Me and Toni :D
Tech climber out at Riemer's
It's also official that I'm going to Riemer's Ranch this weekend to climb with my friend, Chris. I can't wait to get outside an climb! Our gym is fun, but getting outside keeps things interesting.
And one more official piece of news: I am a registered CCS member and competitor in the SMU Pulldown climbing comp. Right on.
marsh at sunset
beautiful state park
Me and Toni :D
Tech climber out at Riemer's
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
CHANGE
change:
–verb (used with object)
1. to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone: to change one's name; to change one's opinion; to change the course of history.
2. to transform or convert (usually fol. by into)
Change is intended to be a positive action, which I believe it is. Everyday something changes either in your own life or in the lives of others around the world. People, politics, the environment, social statuses, lives, and norms are constantly transforming from what they were into what they are. Our country is currently fueled by the ideal of change that one man has promised to help harness. That man's position was an outcome of change. A change in a country's view of people and their desired view of the future. Changes occur separately and simultaneously, sometimes in order to unite the lives of two individuals or to separate them. I am an advocate of change. Proof of this lies in my vote and in my life style. Although change can breed fear and even violence, I choose to manipulate the change that occurs in my life in a way that creates a positive outcome.
I registered for the Collegiate Climbing Series this morning and am in the process of registering for the SMU Pulldown comp for February 21st. Hopefully I will get a spot for the comp otherwise I'll have to compete at UNT or Baylor in April and miss the Modest Mouse concert in Austin (which would be an ABSOLUTE bummer). The good that could come from that however, is more time to train. My arm had been giving me some trouble recently which led me to take it easy on the wall, but now that it's feeling better I can climb harder. Last night I ran through a 5.8, 5.9, and 5.10 several times and felt NO PAIN (finally). The feelings towards the SMU comp are seriously mixed. I am excited, nervous, apprehensive, and frustrated. I want to compete with other climbers at my level in order to gauge my abilities which will hopefully inspire me to climb harder but I am also worried that I'm going to get my butt whooped. I am a competitive person and have not had an opportunity to put some of that competitiveness to use in a while...I believe this will be a great chance to do that. My preconceived notion of how the comp would go has recently been blown out of the water, regardless of that change, I still want to compete. I am keeping my fingers crossed and creating positivity from change.
Collegiate Climbing Series banner
–verb (used with object)
1. to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone: to change one's name; to change one's opinion; to change the course of history.
2. to transform or convert (usually fol. by into)
Change is intended to be a positive action, which I believe it is. Everyday something changes either in your own life or in the lives of others around the world. People, politics, the environment, social statuses, lives, and norms are constantly transforming from what they were into what they are. Our country is currently fueled by the ideal of change that one man has promised to help harness. That man's position was an outcome of change. A change in a country's view of people and their desired view of the future. Changes occur separately and simultaneously, sometimes in order to unite the lives of two individuals or to separate them. I am an advocate of change. Proof of this lies in my vote and in my life style. Although change can breed fear and even violence, I choose to manipulate the change that occurs in my life in a way that creates a positive outcome.
I registered for the Collegiate Climbing Series this morning and am in the process of registering for the SMU Pulldown comp for February 21st. Hopefully I will get a spot for the comp otherwise I'll have to compete at UNT or Baylor in April and miss the Modest Mouse concert in Austin (which would be an ABSOLUTE bummer). The good that could come from that however, is more time to train. My arm had been giving me some trouble recently which led me to take it easy on the wall, but now that it's feeling better I can climb harder. Last night I ran through a 5.8, 5.9, and 5.10 several times and felt NO PAIN (finally). The feelings towards the SMU comp are seriously mixed. I am excited, nervous, apprehensive, and frustrated. I want to compete with other climbers at my level in order to gauge my abilities which will hopefully inspire me to climb harder but I am also worried that I'm going to get my butt whooped. I am a competitive person and have not had an opportunity to put some of that competitiveness to use in a while...I believe this will be a great chance to do that. My preconceived notion of how the comp would go has recently been blown out of the water, regardless of that change, I still want to compete. I am keeping my fingers crossed and creating positivity from change.
Collegiate Climbing Series banner
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Dallas Rocks
I spent this weekend in Dallas...which had not been my original plan. Mr. Lensing was supposed to drive into San Marcos friday night in order to hit up Riemer's Ranch all day saturday and spend the night in Pace Bend park and continue climbing on sunday. Unfortunately, he had not been feeling too great that week and felt his climbing would not be worth the trip to Riemer's. Luckily for him, I'm open to change (even last minute change) and high-tailed it into Dallas after my friday labs...not before I made a quick stop at Ben's place to eat a yummy Reces Pieces pancake Miss Taryn made!
Dallas was a pretty lazy experience but definitely worth the 4 hour drive. Collin and I hit up Dallas Rocks friday afternoon for a quick climbing session and picked up sushi on the way back to his house to watch There Will Be Blood (not exactly what I expected from the previews, but pretty informative regarding the beginning of the oil industry). Saturday morning we took it super easy. Collin made a very yummy breakfast of scrambled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, jalapenos, and sausage. Then once we gathered enough energy to climb after a short trip to the dog park, we hit up Dallas Rocks for another quick climb before my hair cut appointment at 5pm. After my trim, we rode over to Central Market to pick up the necessary ingredients for the dinner I wanted to make. It's a simple pasta dish my mom makes that consists of tomatoes, sausage, mushrooms, asparagus, and twisty pasta sauteed in an olive oil dressing. After devouring our dinner, we went to see Push at the theater in Highland Park Village. NOT what either of us expected. We were both seriously disappointed. LUCKILY Collin's TV is equipped with DVR that allowed us the pleasure of watching a few episodes of different TV shows, all of which were better than Push. This morning we ate a filling breakfast at Kuby's, a German style market/diner and headed over to the SMU climbing gym to check out their Entreprise wall. After hanging around the house and playing with the dogs I made my way back to San Marcos just in time to make it for work at the new RockWall. Another successful weekend.
SMU Entreprise wall with bouldering area in back
Kuby?
Dallas was a pretty lazy experience but definitely worth the 4 hour drive. Collin and I hit up Dallas Rocks friday afternoon for a quick climbing session and picked up sushi on the way back to his house to watch There Will Be Blood (not exactly what I expected from the previews, but pretty informative regarding the beginning of the oil industry). Saturday morning we took it super easy. Collin made a very yummy breakfast of scrambled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, jalapenos, and sausage. Then once we gathered enough energy to climb after a short trip to the dog park, we hit up Dallas Rocks for another quick climb before my hair cut appointment at 5pm. After my trim, we rode over to Central Market to pick up the necessary ingredients for the dinner I wanted to make. It's a simple pasta dish my mom makes that consists of tomatoes, sausage, mushrooms, asparagus, and twisty pasta sauteed in an olive oil dressing. After devouring our dinner, we went to see Push at the theater in Highland Park Village. NOT what either of us expected. We were both seriously disappointed. LUCKILY Collin's TV is equipped with DVR that allowed us the pleasure of watching a few episodes of different TV shows, all of which were better than Push. This morning we ate a filling breakfast at Kuby's, a German style market/diner and headed over to the SMU climbing gym to check out their Entreprise wall. After hanging around the house and playing with the dogs I made my way back to San Marcos just in time to make it for work at the new RockWall. Another successful weekend.
SMU Entreprise wall with bouldering area in back
Kuby?Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Broken Social Scene
This past weekend I had the priviledge of going to the Broken Social Scene show in Austin at the Bass Concert Hall...for FREE! My friend Anderson had a friend back out and he invited me to go with him! There was no way I was going to turn this down, even if it meant missing my picture party for the Grand Canyon trip I went on over winter break. We got to the show during intermission and found our seats on the first row of the balcony. I'll admit, I thought we were going to be closer to the stage...regardless, I was not disappointed. The show started and immediately, the most amazing sounds I have ever heard rushed into my ears! Even though the lead singer, Kevin, was recovering from the flu he still managed to sing perfectly and play the show. They made time to present one of the band member's side project, the Happiness Project. He interviewed his neighbors and put music to the cadence of their voices. Overall, an amazing show.
That night I staid in Austin in order to climb the next morning with an old friend, Jesse. We went to Austin Rock Gym which unfortunately was less than par. The routes/problems were all outdated and not very exciting.
^ Happiness Project Video
That night I staid in Austin in order to climb the next morning with an old friend, Jesse. We went to Austin Rock Gym which unfortunately was less than par. The routes/problems were all outdated and not very exciting.
^ Happiness Project Video
Monday, January 26, 2009
Reimer's Ranch
So I've been assigned to write two paragraphs about whatever I would like to write about...so much freedom I have no idea where to start. For the sake of simplicity, I'll start with the mundane.
Yesterday I went to Reimer's Ranch with my friend Collin, from SMU. Reimer's used to be owned by a married couple but recently was bought by the state of Texas and converted into a State Park. At Reimer's people can day hike, mountain bike, and most importantly: climb! Climbing brought Collin and myself out to the middle of no-where Texas for the day. Usually when I outdoor climb I am "bouldering" at McKinney State Park with a few friends/co-workers from the TX State RockWall, but luckily I was able to mix it up this weekend seeing as Collin was in town to visit. Considering we arrived around 2pm Dead Cat's Wall and other commonly used walls were packed with climbers. Luckily, I was in the presence of an "all-knowing" climber who led us over a river and up a trail that had wonderful limestone, unpacked climbing just for us and a few other experienced climbers. We were pleasantly surprised when we met my friend Chris and Merek, who we meet in Arkansas on a climbing trip over winter break.
A pic of me climbing in Arkanas.
A pic of me climbing in Arkanas.After meeting our friends, we started to climb. Collin, like always, "flashed" some of the classic problems like Prototype and Jade. I got on a 5.8 called 8flake, 5.9, 5.10 and struggled on a few 5.10's. On one problem called War on Rugs, the crux of the problem was at the beginning and at the end of the day I got 3/4ths of the way up until it got seriously sketch.
Overall, another successful climbing day.
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