Today I was the recipient of an act of kindness by a complete stranger. My computer was having MAJOR issues (wifi card not working, logic board needing to be replaced, and for some odd reason it kept waking itself up from sleep mode). Long story short a stranger fixed all my problems, free of charge. Not sure why this person decided to be so generous, she simply said, “since you have been so friendly I can waive all these charges for you” and that was that. I thought I had misheard her, but today I picked up my machine with all its new hardware with a total amount due of zero. Unbelievable. I will definitely make sure to forward on this kindness to another person in need.
Talking about being grateful, there are many other things for which I want to give thanks to at this time.
The above forecast is for this week and makes me truly happy. Yes, Little Cottonwood bouldering season, which I have been patiently waiting for, is finally here.
I am off to San Francisco next week where my good friend, Mark, is allowing me a place to crash for the entire week. I appreciate the hospitality, but I mostly appreciate his continued friendship.
My British friend, Steve, is coming to visit the States soon. I can’t wait to show him LCC and Joes.
This summer was a really trying time for me. Looking back it was a good learning experience, but I must admit I am glad that Fall is upon us.
I have been striving to learn French, studying daily. So far, it seems to actually be working! I am still real slow to form a sentence, but I catch myself remembering the grammar rules and being able to jam through my flashcards. Perhaps one day I will be a fluent speaker.
What about you, dear readers? What in your life currently makes you smile and whisper thanks?
Life has been rocky as of late, but often that means I need to simply break the tunnel vision, allowing myself to see all the many great things in life. On my road trip I had a handful of people who were truly fabulous friends, so thought today I would give an online thanks to show my appreciation for these people.
Rob (also referenced as Shaft)
Rob is one of my dearest friends and helped me out a bunch while on this trip. Not only was he always supportive and encouraged my decision to travel, he was kind enough to store some of my belongings, gathered my mail, and provided me a place to crash whenever I stopped back in SLC. He was always there to drop or pick me up from the airport and would give me advice when car troubles arose. I truly don’t know what I would do without him in my life.
Enjoying martinis at the Red Door.
Melissa (also referenced as Lil Chicka)
I met my friend Melissa right before my road trip and she became one of my dearest friends while traveling. Sometimes life on the road can be rough …. I know that sounds silly, but sometimes it truly can get bumpy. It was nice to have a friend who understood “road living life” and who always had a store of advice when needed. She seemed to always have the ability to pull my perspective back around and realize my fortunate way of life. Now that I am home, she is such a fabulous climbing partner with amazing stick clipping abilities. =)
I didn’t know Guillaume when I rolled into Fontainebleau, yet he still opened up his home to me for 3 weeks. It was such a kind gesture and he quickly became a good friend and an excellent bouldering partner. He even introduced me to the movie “Out of Africa” and would sing countless rounds of “Girl from Ipanema”. I really can’t think of how my time in Fontainebleau could have been any better, thanks to Guillaume.
Showing me how to operate the grocery carts in France.
Ed
I met Ed days before my trip, but he became a friend during my travels, sending me pics of his latest adventures and giving me advice on injuries. When I wanted to head overseas for 6 weeks he generously offered to watch my little pup. He was only supposed to watch her for 3 of the weeks, but asked to keep her the entire 6 weeks. He then took her to the vet when necessary and continually sent me pictures and movies to let me know my little one was well. CB is of the utmost importance to me, and having someone be so kind to her while I was away was so incredibly nice.
I don’t have a pic of Ed, but this is one of the pics he sent me while I was away. His dog Cleo and CB became good friends.
Steve (also known as the King of Caley)
I met Steve in Bishop, where we had a lot of time to get to know one another due to our concurrent injuries. When he learned I had booked my ticket to Europe, he offered to show me around the grit stone if I wanted to swing through England. I, of course, took him up on the offer and had two splendid weeks in England visiting the Yorkshire and Peak crags. Not only is Steve a fellow climber and extremely witty, but he truly is the only person I have ever met who can fully understand my family situation. Our family situations are so similar we can honestly complete each other’s sentences. I can’t tell you how nice it is to have someone understand me in this area. On top of all that, he won the Twitter climber pickup contest with the line, “Do you mind spotting me as I am about to fall for you.” Classic! =)
This is one of the few “smiles” he let slip by on camera. =)
Pang
I met Pang on my very last days in Bishop, which were also my last days of the US portion of my trip. He became a great sounding board, listening and giving me good advice about a wide range of subjects. He continues to be a dear friend and is kind enough to be my continual grammar pro, reviewing my resumes, cover letters and blog posts. Plus, he is one of my favorite Scrabble partners, though I am pretty sure he lets me win just to keep me smiling … =)
Pang letting me win at yet another Scrabble match in the Tetons.
I just hit month 7 of my road trip and am currently based in Bishop, California and loving every minute of it. However, this morn was a little funky and so I thought I would post up a gratitude list since it has been a long time since I have done so.
This road trip has been fabulous experience resulting in me actually getting excited for “real life (aka work)” again.
A friend from Hueco Tanks has joined me here in Bishop. It has been a nice change to have a full time climbing partner.
CB has actually snuggled with Johnny Utah (my friend’s dog) on a couple occasions. It amazes me each time she does it. =)
I just finished reading the book To Kill A Mockingbird. How did I grow up not reading this book?! It was fabulous!
I have found quite a few climbing projects I am excited about here in Bishop, with a couple actually feeling do-able.
My next stop after Bishop is back to Utah and I must admit I can’t wait to rock some guitar hero with my friend Shaft. I am real grateful to have him in my life.
I am grateful for all the great new friends I have made on this road trip. It is amazing how small the climbing community is and it is great to meet more of the members.
The other day I was able to meet one of my blog readers. It was so fun to chat with him and I hope his ankle heals up quickly.
I cut ties with my family over a year ago. I am still really grateful for this decision.
The girl from the climbing accident back in October is back on a rope. I am not and probably won’t be for a while still. But I am real grateful that she is physically and mentally doing well.
Hope you readers are having a great day. I would love to hear what you are also grateful for if you feel like posting up in the comments or jetting me an email.
I usually write up these gratitude lists when I am hitting a rough life patch as these simple lists can surprisingly (though sometimes just temporarily) bounce me out of being glum. Thankfully though, life has continued to head up for the last six weeks to the point where everyday I honestly feel completely content with life. So content, that a gratitude list was in order. =) Lately, I am very grateful for the following:
My current travel and work situation is fab. I climb 5 days per week in new (meaning new to me) climbing destinations and work 2 days a week at a job I love.
My good friend at home who has been sick is doing lots better. Definitely not back in ideal health, but doing very well where he could go back to work.
I’ve made many new friends while living on the road. So far it seems that every new destination has introduced me to at least a couple great new friends.
My hard drive recently crashed, and thanks to Mozy and my external hard drive, I lost very FEW files. Then I easily got them back through my good friend Shaft, my website and an FTP. =)
The South East has stunningly beautiful fall foliage that I have been luckily hitting in each new destination I visit.
The CragBaby (CB) seems to be enjoying the trip. Plus, I have been real happy with her progress in reducing her aggression. I’ve even had a good number of people comment on her chill demeanor. Oh.. if they would have met her only 6 months ago..
I have thoroughly enjoyed having SPARE time. Wow. A phenomenon that usually is quite rare is plentiful now.
The Honda Civic has been running like a gem. I feel like I push her pretty hard, taking her on dirt roads, driving her lots and of course living in it. But the little thing just keeps plugging away.
I love that my body is always sore as it means that I am out climbing lots.
Mostly though, I am just so grateful with how content I am with life right now. The last three years of cubicle work seemed to suck my dreams and goals right out of me, all of which have been rejuvenated here on the road. I am completely grateful for this.
I would love to hear your gratitude thoughts. Feel free to post them up here in the comments.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Work is real busy lately, allowing me to work whenever I want and making my rest days cruise by.
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.
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. =)
As usual, the grateful list is accompanied by a pretty picture. This one is from Holland.
Pretty cranky today. I think it is the combination of busy full-time job + finals in school + being sick + never feeling like I can get enough done within 24 hours of the day + perhaps some leftover stress from the last month (dissolution of family, moving, health issues, getting used to living with kids, etc). The key to crankiness evaporation is a grateful list. So as I sit in my last Java class (thank goodness. I really liked this class and especially liked the teacher, but this class just moved too quickly for me as I struggled to grasp the language at the rate expected), I am going to write ten things for which I am grateful.
I am grateful for all that I have learned in school, even though it has been rough fitting it in with my work schedule. I think I have an American mentality in the sense that I feel as if I am always supposed to be working…. watching all trends, always learning and never being inefficient. Whew. I am exhausted. I hit the exhaustion wall right around the time I had to move into my new house. Regardless, I am glad I took these computer science classes for the sole reason that I really believe I picked up some knowledge that was helpful in my deal screening at work.
I am grateful for people who take the time to read my blogs. My blogs are pretty silly, so I must have some good friends out there, but I appreciate them. I also appreciate the spare time people take to comment and give trackbacks. Thank you.
I feel like I am going to cry today. I am grateful that this feeling comes on rare occasion. Now, I just need to figure out how to avoid bawling in front of someone.
I am grateful for my new bike, the Free Spirit. Blog post about this beauty is coming soon.
I am grateful that this CS Teacher of mine really is quite humorous. The class might move too quickly for me, but he really does provide the best examples. It makes me smile.
I am grateful that winter is almost over and spring is budding.
I am grateful that I soon will be able to climb more than once per week again. I miss climbing and being able to blow off steam by clipping bolts.
I am grateful that my friend the Route Slayer had the chance to run in the Boston Marathon. Not only did she get to participate, but she finished in the time of 3 hours and 46 minutes. I am real proud of her. She is a rockstar!
I am grateful for the funniest email I just received from Steve Spencer. He was putting out positive vibes for me and my java class and is was written in such a humorous manner. =)
I am grateful that through this blog post I was able to contain my emotions. Perhaps I can now talk to my teacher after class without my mascara running. =)
It has been one of those days. Instead of being cranky, I am going to do my normal practice of listing 10 things for which I am grateful (and adding in a pretty picture from Ireland).
I am glad my friend Sam has the opportunity to move to Guam. Tonight he is playing music at a SLC house party and I am excited to see him before he goes. Sam is one of my best friends and I am so excited for his chance to leave Utah and expound on his career.
I am excited that it is 2008. Good things are in the pipeline this year. I am excited for those things to come to pass.
I am on the waiting list to donate platelets on Sunday. I hope I can get in because I miss this volunteer opportunity as I haven’t done it for about a month.
I love my dog. She is always excited to see me.
I am grateful for opportunity and the feeling that it always exists, that I am not stuck in one place. I feel like the only thing that limits me are the invisible boundaries I imagine.
I think a crew of us are doing a day trip to Ibex tomorrow or down to Joes to hop on some ice. I’m stoked for that.
I am glad I stopped practicing the Mormon faith five years back. I don’t mean to offend any of my Mormon friends by that statement, but the religion wasn’t a good fit for me and I am exponentially happier since. My emergence from the religion helped me desire a career, a degree, to travel, to be independent and realize that I can make a difference. I realized that I could have a bigger role in life than to get married and have many children. I am completely a different person now and I like who I currently am a lot better. (Disclaimer: Note that I am not saying you have to leave the religion to figure these thing out. I am listing my experiences only.)
I work with one individual who is just such a great person, genuinely a good person. He cares for everyone, has a wonderful marriage to a fantastic wife, is extremely motivating and is one of the few people I turn to for advice. I am lucky to work with him.
I love these computer science classes even though the work load is heavy and I can easily fall behind. I love that I have had the opportunity to start learning another skill set.
I am grateful that I like who I am. The world can be a little rough sometimes, but I am so content by myself that it doesn’t matter. Life is good even when I am all alone. Perhaps even better when I am alone. =)
