The CragBaby

Camping in Rifle.

I am having such a good time in the Red, but today am a little bit bummed.  I thought I would take a minute to write up a gratitude list as usually my discouragement is silly and can be discarded by simply remembering all the good that abounds.  I am bummed for a small handful of reasons.

1. I am getting my ass-kicked here in the Red and am just super tired from climbing at my top level every single day.  I think I just need to find some other climbing partners, those who climb more in my range.  Right now I am working on 5.12’s EVERYDAY and am just tired… simply tired…. and am getting burnt out rather than climbing for fun.
2. At home I was dating this fab guy for the past year and a half.  Well, due to different stages of life and me needing to travel, we are both single again and just real good friends.  I think I am slowly but surely remembering how tricky the single life is.  Ha ha.  Geez, there are a lot of people out here with baggage over ex-girlfriends and ex-wives.  It is already getting a little old… Ha!
3. I wish I could volunteer somewhere.  I really miss volunteering on a weekly basis as it seemed to keep my life in check.  Now that I live on the road, my whole life is completely selfish as I just honestly do what I want every single day.  I looked to see where the nearest blood center was located, but it is a couple hours away.  I need to brainstorm another volunteer activity…. perhaps there is something I can do online?

Enough complaining. =)  Here is the list of ten things I am grateful for today.

1. I have met some really great people on the road.  Seems like there are many fellow travelers who have unique stories to tell, who have worked interesting jobs and are also apprised of current events.
2. CB has really mellowed out!  I had put her in an agression class prior to hitting the road, but being surrounded by so many dogs and people has been a huge catalyst in helping her social skills.  She has actually even played with three dogs since we have been here, two big labs and one pug.  I am real happy with her progress!
3. I think if I keep pushing myself here in the Red, I am either destined to get stronger…. or…. get so pissed off that I will stop climbing.  Ha!  I am hoping for strength rather than retirement.
4. I am grateful that I am able to travel for a couple months, while still being able to work for my firm.  Rest days can be real boring usually, and I am extremely fortunate that I can work not only a job, but a job I love.
5. I think this time off can be a great opportunity for me to re-assess life.  I read this blog post the other day and it really hit home.  It was a bit more financial based, but I liked the theme of looking back on where you had dreamt to go and re-aligning so you really get there.
6. I really like who I am and I am grateful for that.  I think I am a good person, career focused, well traveled and diverse.
7. I am grateful for all the good climbing here in Kentucky.  I love the rock, the beautiful trees and the interesting culture that accompanies all of it.
8. Work is real busy lately, allowing me to work whenever I want and making my rest days cruise by.
9. I’m super appreciative of my friends back home.  Almost daily I have an email or instant message from someone at home, just checking in to see how the trip is going.  It is real nice of them and always makes me smile.
10. Lastly, I need to just remember that I am LIVING ON THE ROAD.  It isn’t everyday that one has this great opportunity.  =)

Whew… I already feel lots better.  It is amazing what a simple gratitude list can do. =)

Tags: climbing, gratitude, kentucky, RoadTrip2008

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 9th, 2008 at 9:06 am and is filed under gratitude, tenThings. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.