So a while back I started a new blog that focuses mainly on video, of which is a good idea, but my format doesn’t allow me to talk much, therefore I think from time to time I am going to post on this site with mainly words.
Basically the update on me is fairly simple. Back in October, I decided to mess my shoulder up good enough to keep me out of a boat for months, but not badly enough for surgery. It is just over 4 months, and I have been in my creeker, on class III/IV creeks feeling pretty good. I am not sure why, but recently I have had a number of people ask me my plans for the summer. (Last summer I traveled out West and worked in Idaho for a couple of months.) Well, all this talk is REALLY making me want to get in my playboat and see if my shoulder can handle the wear and tear that playboating forces upon our bodies.
Looking at the forecast to even head out and creek makes me sad. The high tomorrow is 37. A bit cold even for me and I have foolishly boated in some fairly cold temps. Damn it, the cards are just not in my favor! I am hoping to get back out to my home playspot within 2 weeks.
Plus, on March 20th, we have the 3rd annual slabtown throwdown at eternity hole. I don’t know if I will be able to compete, but I certainly want to since I have been helping out with the coordinating of this event. If not, I will likely be one of the judges there this year. So get on out for the event, it is looking like we might have a good sponsor list with some great swag, and really, who couldn’t use more kayaking stuff?!?
Well I think it is safe to post that I have updated the look of this blog as it is time for it. It is a very similar look, but the feel should be a bit different. Once clicking on the site, you will notice it is indeed the same blog but a few key changes. I want more video and more photos to be driving this blog. I have gotten lazy and really, no one gives a shit about what I have to say. So if I don’t have videos or photos for you, I will post media that belongs to other folks, and of course give them credit. Drive a little more traffic to what they are trying to do. I hope you enjoy it everyone. If not, tough!
I’ve had some very interesting experiences lately regarding this whole dating game and I thought I would make a post for those who give a damn on things to do and NOT to do on a date, especially the first one. Most the time, women are still traditional and want the guy to pay for the dinner. If she doesn’t, she will say something or break out her own money. After this, she will pay for things for you if she is into you. If she doesn’t, it probably is not a good sign.
Movies are not an ideal first date. Think of something creative. If you can get into good conversation, then you know things are going in a good direction. Do NOT talk about your ex, sex or your expectations. Not on the first date. Seriously, save that for later. No burping, no farting and no scratching!
Final tip for you fellas, do not check out other women. Big no-no. Good luck.
Today I got up and checked gauges even though I cannot get out and enjoy all this rain we just got. Let me tell you, shit is running, and it is running high.
So I just did a quick search on some kayak videos and here is an okay one that I came across on vimeo.
This is the info posted regarding the video (enjoy):
Padding footage from the last several months (dec 2008- march 2009) from all over the southeast U.S.
Both creek boating and play boating
Paddled and Edited By Charlie Simmons
also featuring
Adam Goshorn
Jeremy Adkins
Danny “Hands” Flynt
Zach Sanders
Mark Travis
So I tend to get a bit emotional after watching the Biggest Loser, and I am ok with admitting that. Tonight was the final show of the season and I didn’t become as involved in the season as I did last season but tonight was awesome. I won’t spoil anything but what this show did for Shay shows how incredible this show is. Not only is it a “game” but this show has heart. It is about time an American “reality show” can shine through and not be considered a joke.
A huge realization happened for me tonight watching this show; I have come along a path in which was fully intended for me. If I would have ventured into the career that I seek now (physical education) I could not have been the teacher I believe I will be. I simply did not understand. Honestly, embarking on a journey of diabetes has truly changed my life and I know damn well it will change others. I have always been athletic and motivated, but I did not understand some of the things I do now that I am reaching in my 30s.
This is such a personal thing to write to anyone that stumbles across this post, but to anyone that knows me, knows it is such a heartbreak to know that of all the people I may or may not effect, I cannot effect my father. He is overweight, of which he was not an overweight child nor did he begin the life of an obese dad until later in his life. My father means the absolute world to me. I am certainly Daddy’s little girl and I adore him. He also has diabetes and I am not sure if he has always had this, or this is due to his weight. Don’t get me wrong, he is not ringing in at 400 lbs, but he is not healthy. Little does he know (he has recently also gotten into this show) that when I get home for Christmas, he is going to witness a “last chance workout” from his daughter and I plan on kicking his ass and there is not a thing he can do about it other than reap the benefits. I also plan on extending this invite to my mother (who does not need the work out) and my ex sister in-law (strange I know, but I adore her as well).
Of course every new teacher has a desire to impact and change lives. I no doubt will not take that away from anyone. I just hope that I do not become jaded and this remains a passion in my life. I love graphics (my undergrad degree), and it is something I want to continue to do but I have honestly not felt this passionate about something in my life before besides a relationship. I feel like this is my calling. This is and kayaking is what defines me at the moment. And you better believe I am coming back hard in a boat. And I also know, my crew is all going to recover from their injures and we are certainly going to be a force to be reckon with. Watch out!
Today I went out and ran the North Fork of the French Broad, which I will not lie, I was nervous. I really did not know if this was too much for the shoulder. To my surprise, I ran clean lines, didn’t walk anything and the shoulder did well. Then came lap two. Muscles were tired and I knew I probably should not run it again, but I really wanted to. Therefore I did. Going off boxcar, I felt the shoulder. After this point, I didn’t clean my lines. I had one stupid flip but at least I know I had no difficulty or pain when rolling.
Overall, it went extremely well and it is such a fantastic realization. Everyone has their release and lately, life has not been all roses. I’ve experienced many stresses pulling from so many different directions and out there on the water, nothing matters other than what is around the bend. The second lap slapped me in the face and let me know running the Narrows is not in my near future, but the first lap let me know that I am back in the game. I am just going to have to relearn some of these stages that kayakers go through.
And I am okay with that. I finished my night off with some fantastic sushi (of which I felt it was appropriate to get a “French Broad roll”) and a decent micro brew. Now it is time to chill and have an intense day of studies tomorrow. Which I guess works out well since we have cold temps and snow in the forecast. Who knows what Sunday will bring into my life. All I know, one more week left of school and then finals week, of which most finals are happening for me this week and I am pretty much done before heading back home for the holidays. I am looking forward to getting away from everybody and everything in my current life and returning to a previous life. Even if just for a few days. That is as many as I will need to miss Asheville.
Today I got into a topic with a friend on the phone that I’d like to write about. Why is it, that we as humans find ourselves in the same pattern? Whether that be in relationships, careers or every day activities? I mean, regarding relationships, I have known that I find myself in these patterns and I so do not want to find myself in these patterns, yet time and time again, it is the same thing. Why is this?
Aside from this almost impossible question, I am once again in a “I hardly ever make a post” pattern. So here is my rare post. Many things to catch up on but no time to discuss with the world what has been going on inside my world. In summary:
Below are a few pictures from my first day back on some whitewater. Section 9 of the French Broad and the first time I ever took my creek boat. I did this on purpose because I knew I would not be able to control myself from attempting to play. Also including are a few Green Narrow pics from hiking the other day. Man do I miss that river. I cannot begin to express the feeling I felt hiking into that gorge other than envy that I was once part of her and now I am not. In time, I will be back out there.
Speaking of getting back out there, I got on my mountain bike for the first time in probably 3-4 months and it felt damn good. Shoulder handled it well. I cannot do everything I would like on that bike, but I will take it.
Thanksgiving was great. It really turn out to be an extremely fun day/night. Life since then has become complicated but that is the great thing about life; Not every day is going to be a good day and there is not a thing wrong with that.
Yet another quick post. It is getting late and I have been non-freaking-stop today. I drove to TN, drove back to immediately fly off to teach my 8th graders, rocked out the lesson, came home and wrote responses for homework that was due about 2 hours later, submitted my work, went to my night class, came home and wrote up a lesson plan for what I am going to teach to the 4th graders tomorrow.
Exhausting even writing. Once Friday around 3 pm hits I can breath, but only for a brief amount of time. I am hoping to kayak with a friend of mine on something easy to test out the shoulder on some whitewater. Then it is back to go go go.
Finally, on Sunday I went to the most unbelievable concert at the Orange Peel in Asheville. Matisyahu with Trevor Hall. I still have not stopped listening to Trevor Hall. If you have not heard of him, check him out. Great artist. A few of my favorite things about this night: One, the freestyle that took place was the coolest thing I have witnessed at a concert. Next, Matisyahu jumping into the crowd for a mosh pit session, awesome. All music listened to, fantastic. Rarely do I ever speak about my love life on this thing since it is a very private part of my life, but all this was taken in on a first date. Not a bad first day.
Tomorrow is going to be another day of madness. Bring it on grad school.
In a time of being so stressed and not having any time to do anything, one has thoughts of “home” and I was just browsing through some of my old photos and happened to click on a folder that included photos from when I was home, at my folks back in Wisconsin, for winter break. I thought I would post them (as I probably have in the past) just because some of the photos capture pure joy. My niece cannot be happier in some of these photos. Also, my dog Sierra, seems to take some great photos against a blanket of snow.
