a conundrum
I don’t think I’m really looking for advice here, rather I see this as more of an outlet through which I can let you guys know the constant struggle that has been going on in my head the past two days (and counting). Here’s the deal: I want new Chacos to replace my stolen pair that I never really got to say goodbye to. I want another pair of Z/2’s, much like the pair pictured above. So that part is easy. Here’s the conundrum part of this particular decision making process…
Chaco is releasing a new sole for 2006 - the Unaweep, and they will be eliminating their current, well-known soles of Terrino (land sport) and Colorado (water sport). Due to this discontinuation, retailers across the country have a diminishing supply of the ‘05 models at extremely buyer-friendly prices (between $50 and $60… not bad folks). At this point in my explanation you are probably wondering what is so hard about making this decision. You all know that I’m frugal by nature and would normally jump at the opportunity to buy something for half price. Well this story goes on to tell that the new sole, Unaweep, claims to be the best of both the former soles, a combination of Terrino and Colorado, and it is 20% lighter. That’s the kicker. Chacos are heavy ricks, and I’d love to lose 20% of the weight that my feet are carrying around daily. Who wouldn’t?
The problem then is should I jump on the good prices that be, or should I wait (an unknown amount of time) for the new models to come out. I’ve tried to justify answering “both” to this question, but I don’t think that’s very ethical. So… that’s that.
trip results…
I got back from Mexico today, and I figured a good way to let everyone know that I safely made my return to the Land of the Free was to post a new blog entry. I’ll give you the reader’s digest version of the trip here quickly: We rode a Greyhound to Mexico, where we were to spend 5 days rock climbing. The weather (and our finger pads) allowed us 3 and a half great days of climbing on some stellar Mexican limestone. The two longest routes I climbed were “Black Cat Bone” with Colby (a 9 pitch 5.10d), and “Yankee Clipper” with Todd (a 13 pitch 5.10c). The former was a solid 850 vertical feet, while the latter boasted well over 1,000. And during the many hours Colby and I spent on “Black Cat Bone,” meanwhile, down at the bottom of our route, some Mexican stole my rope bag, which housed both mine and Colby’s Chacos… Ergo, I had to buy these Mexican Chacos in town… I have not been that mad in as long as I can remember, but the Lord used it to show me how materialistic I am, and now I have something to ask for for Christmas. Thanks to you guys who thought about and missed me… you’re great. For more pics from the trip, click here.
trip number one
If you’re reading this, and it’s the post at the very top of the page, then chances are I’m in Mexico. I thought I’d leave you all with one last post before I leave. I’m leaving in an hour to go to Austin, hop on a Greyhound bus, and take it to Mexico where we’ll be climbing at El Portrero Chico. I’ll be returning on December 21st, so feel free to leave me a message to return home to. Also, feel free to pray that we’re all safe and smart on this trip, and more importantly that the Lord will open up some doors for the gospel to go out… cause that’s where the party really is. Have fun doing what y’all are doing, and I’ll be back with pics in about a week.
deck the halls
Thanks to the six chicks for outdoing themselves yet again. Here you see them caroling on my front porch, serenading me with “All I Want for Christmas is You.” Now that is a sweet thing to do for somebody. I’d like to take the rest of this time, however, to discuss caroling, and why it doesn’t really happen anymore.
In my head, I feel like caroling is something that used to be done by very talented vocalists who would either a) stand in one place in a busy square and spread Christmas cheer to passers-by or b) go door to door singing to housefulls of perfect strangers. Now, don’t get me wrong… the six chicks are all very talented singers, and I love that they sang to me, albeit I’m no stranger; but I just really like the idea of going up to a random house, singing some Christmas tunes with all you’ve got, staring your random audience in the eyes and just seeing what comes of it.
Well, I could certainly go on with various thoughts I’ve had on this subject, but I can see that this is quickly becoming one of the weakest entries I’ve done in a while, so I’ll quit.
december finally struck
You may recall the post a week or so ago in which I complained about the ridiculously hot weather here in Texas. Well pretty much the very next day it started to get cold, and this past couple of days have been amazing! The temperature has been camping out around the upper 20’s to lower 40’s, and there’s been ice, which nearly brings life to the dead trees that it coats… so pretty.
Not only is it really cold outside, when you live in the Extreme, you get the joys of the outside weather inside too! Our heater can’t make its mind up as to when it wants to work and when it wants to rest, but it seems it likes to rest most when it really ought be working. So, from the second I woke up yesterday until I went to bed, I had all these layers on, and I drank 3 or 4 cups of spiced apple cider. I had my doubts concerning the necessity of that purchase, but it turns out there was nothing that necessitated a purchase more.
superhero soirée
The activity: a party.
The theme: Superhero Soirée
Mine and Brooke’s theme: little kids who are pretending to be superheros
It probably goes without saying that I had a nice time last night with my good friend and very gracious date Brooke Brandon. I mean, who wouldn’t have fun wearing what we’re wearing? It also goes without saying, and I believe this with all my heart, that we absolutely dominated the creativity portion of the unspoken costume contest. Unfortunately certain humans who happened to be judging said contest thought otherwise… those stupid fools. I cannot go on without giving Lauren Rouse props for thinking of this idea. You guys know her, she’s the one who’s homepage is this site, and she doesn’t know how to change it.
Recap of the night: We arrived at the party fashionably late (I mean that in every sense of the word(s)) and quickly got a couple of necessary salutations in with the fellow patrons of the dance floor before we started dancing like nary a soul was watching. After about 3 songs (1 country, 2 hip-hop) I ran out of fresh dance moves, and after 4 songs my side stared hurting. At one point I was lucky enough to find a stool and I did arguably the best dance on the planet for those 120 seconds. After many a dances Brooke and I went back out to the car where we star-gazed and where I witnessed the first shooting star I’ve e’er seen. Dang wow. Then we left, and I was overly satisfied with the happenings of the evening. Thanks for joining be Brooke, and thanks for being my friend you, the reader.
I like Travis Herzog
I’m not so lofty to think that any of the readers of my blog are from out of state, which means that all of you can sympathize with what is soon to be said (or, in your case, read). Travis Herzog is a local meteorologist here in town, and a good friend of mine. He however, must have to hate his job this time of the year in College Station because he is constantly forced to be the bearer of bad news. You see, here in College Station it is not winter. I know that all of our calendars show the month to be December, and local performing artists are playing Christmas songs at their concerts, local retailers are advertising Holiday this and that… but it is not winter. The reason, friends, that winter has yet to fall on the Brazos Valley is because God has yet to allow it to be cold. I’m posting this at 11:30am, and it’s already 75 degrees, with the high to top out around 83. I was born in 83, but I do not want to feel anything close to 83 degrees once December rolls around.
I’m sure you’re wondering, “if it’s so hot in College Station, then why are you pictured above wearing wintry clothes and ski goggles?” To this I say, valid question. Here’s the other thing about Texas weather. Not only is it a state that can only offer two of the four seasons, it will also tease you like you’ve never been teased before with desirable weather. There have been three days this year cold enough to force me to dress in the outfit above. As anyone could tell you, that number ought to be significantly higher. Anyway… this post was going to be a funny one about how I ride my bike to school with ski goggles on, but instead I just got mad at the weather.