Vegetable Dilemma

Recently, we've decided to make a less half assed effort towards healthy eating/lifestyle. Heck, I'm in my mid 30's, time is running out for me to "be all that I can be." At least physically. Which, being as shallow as I am, is something I really want to work on. For me, this effort entailed making the monetary commitment to eating more vegetables by joining a CSA, Tierra Miguel. For $25/week for 10 weeks, I make a 10 minute trip to the local drop off and pick up my box of biodynamically grown veggies. So far this has meant a ridiculous amount of squash. Literally pounds of squash in each box. In particular, a fancy yuppy squash called costata romanesca which looks and tastes very much like the lowly zucchini. Only supposedly better. So far we've stuffed it, sauteed it, casseroled it, but there's only so much I can do with squash. While trying my best to be a conscientious, educated individual who has read the Omnivore's Dilemma, I suppose the spiritual rewards of eating locally and biodynamically grown seasonal squash should put a shit eating grin on my face while stuffing it with said vegetable. But truthfully, I pray to mother earth that this week's box be devoid of anything resembling a squash. Amen.

Back in the Saddle

A few things happened in my biking life the latter half of last year 1. a stupid wreck resulting in an ugly injury to my knee 2. The Station Fire. The first happened during an otherwise fun trip to Mammoth. Having a great first run down, I got a little too confident and speedy, resulting in a dumb wreck with a really horrific looking knee. The second was the real horror show. I'm only one out of hundreds of bikers who watched their favorite trails go up in smoke in one of the biggest fires in recent LA history. Rest in peace El P. The result of these two events were a winter of very little biking and loss of confidence in my riding.

Well, I am pleased to report that I am back in the saddle. After a bike trip to Tahoe, I rediscovered the fun I have with technical trails, and that it IS worth it to tackle technical obstacles, lest I be stuck in a rut forever. I'm hoping to dedicate at least 3 days week to riding so that by the beginning of August, I'll be ready for my trip to Whistler!

The Sharp End

Although I've been climbing for a long time, I never had the desire to be on the sharp end of the rope until the last few years. It took me a long time to become comfortable with the idea and risks involved with leading, but I think what has motivated me the most to make the transition is moving out west and seeing all the beautiful routes and possibilities. I wish that I could say that after making that decision to lead climb, I've been committed to climbing and making time for it. Recently, I've been discouraged because it seems that I've been pulled away by other hobbies, lack of time, work, and other responsibilities. For me, time away from the rock saps my confidence, setting me back not just physically, but actually more so mentally. But having spent the last two days on the rocks in Holcomb Valley, my climbing spirit is again revitalized. I'm getting my nerves under control and onsighting comfortably. It's a strange, but also proud feeling to be the rope gun occasionally :)

Some of my climbing goals have been pushed back, but they are still on my tick list and I know I'll get to them. Here are some of the things I hope to accomplish:
1. East Face of Whitney
2. winter ascent of Whitney
3. summit Rainier
4. summit Grand Tetons - Full Exum Route

And by saying accomplish, I plan on leading at least some of the pitches on each route. Hopefully half?