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ladyscarlett
Apr 27, 2011, 8:25 AM
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In the past few weeks I've be re-thinking as to whether I should continue this whole 'being a climber' thing. It was prompted by a previous month of logistical difficulties that one way or another kept me from climbing.
I've hated that phrase 'kept me from climbing' as it feels so wrong. After all, if I was a REAL climber, if I REALLY loved it, nothing would keep me from climbing, etc...
Often I've described my relationship with climbing as a simple infatuation. It's been about 4 years, and last week, I had the thought...maybe it's over. Maybe I've lost that spark, that chemistry.
Yesterday I got a call from the mountains. Before I realized what I was doing, I had already re-arranged my schedule to fit in a mid-week quickie. In less than 30 seconds, that quickie became a priority. I'm not sure who calls the shots in this relationship, but somehow it never really matters.
I'm still hesitant as I've never really been good at commitment...could it be love?
eh, can't be, I'd need a much bigger rack for something as silly as THAT to happen!
Oh well, at least I get to play with some crack. 
Hee hee!
Thanks for reading folks!
Cheers
LS
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viciado
Apr 27, 2011, 8:56 AM
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Heh heh! For me it is more like existential angst vs addiction. Am I truly free to make my own choices or is the rock/mountains/whatever really in control?
If it's addiction, then the first step is admitting I have a problem! Hello, my name is ________ and I'm a Real Climber. If it is just existential angst, then maybe I shouldn't worry about it, make my own choices, and be satisfied with them. 
edit for spelling
(This post was edited by viciado on Apr 27, 2011, 9:20 AM)
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Kstenson
Apr 27, 2011, 9:00 AM
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Bit of teenage angst there?
Keep it simple, hop on a wall and if you have a good time keep it up but if you're bored or upset by the experience give it up.
Sure, climbings a huge part of my life and I'm pretty crazy about it too.
But when you get to the point where your evaluating the write way to word your emotional connection to it, you need to put away the poetry and climb something.
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j_ung
Apr 27, 2011, 11:44 AM
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Dunno, LS. I can tell you that over the past 25 years, I have cared less each year about why I climb. I also fret less over those times when I can't get out for whatever reason, and yet I tend to enjoy those times when I can more, even when I don't climb anything difficult.
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blueeyedclimber
Apr 27, 2011, 1:13 PM
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ladyscarlett wrote: In the past few weeks I've be re-thinking as to whether I should continue this whole 'being a climber' thing. It was prompted by a previous month of logistical difficulties that one way or another kept me from climbing. I've hated that phrase 'kept me from climbing' as it feels so wrong. After all, if I was a REAL climber, if I REALLY loved it, nothing would keep me from climbing, etc... Often I've described my relationship with climbing as a simple infatuation. It's been about 4 years, and last week, I had the thought...maybe it's over. Maybe I've lost that spark, that chemistry. Yesterday I got a call from the mountains. Before I realized what I was doing, I had already re-arranged my schedule to fit in a mid-week quickie. In less than 30 seconds, that quickie became a priority. I'm not sure who calls the shots in this relationship, but somehow it never really matters. I'm still hesitant as I've never really been good at commitment...could it be love? eh, can't be, I'd need a much bigger rack for something as silly as THAT to happen! Oh well, at least I get to play with some crack. Hee hee! Thanks for reading folks! Cheers LS
Just remember.....
If you climax too soon.......
.....then you're a sport climber
Josh
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notapplicable
Apr 27, 2011, 1:14 PM
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HaHa! You posts are always a refreshing change from the norm round these parts. Funny stuff.
And don't worry, climbing is a patient mistress. Always ready with open arms and a warm smile to embrace your return. 
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ENARE
Apr 27, 2011, 2:44 PM
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ladyscarlett wrote: In the past few weeks I've be re-thinking as to whether I should continue this whole 'being a climber' thing. It was prompted by a previous month of logistical difficulties that one way or another kept me from climbing. I've hated that phrase 'kept me from climbing' as it feels so wrong. After all, if I was a REAL climber, if I REALLY loved it, nothing would keep me from climbing, etc... Often I've described my relationship with climbing as a simple infatuation. It's been about 4 years, and last week, I had the thought...maybe it's over. Maybe I've lost that spark, that chemistry. Yesterday I got a call from the mountains. Before I realized what I was doing, I had already re-arranged my schedule to fit in a mid-week quickie. In less than 30 seconds, that quickie became a priority. I'm not sure who calls the shots in this relationship, but somehow it never really matters. I'm still hesitant as I've never really been good at commitment...could it be love? eh, can't be, I'd need a much bigger rack for something as silly as THAT to happen! Oh well, at least I get to play with some crack. Hee hee! Thanks for reading folks! Cheers LS
Great post. I know you are not alone! Something that every person goes through in any sport. I am the same way and could definitely relate.
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sungam
Apr 27, 2011, 3:04 PM
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notapplicable wrote: HaHa! You posts are always a refreshing change from the norm round these parts. Funny stuff. And don't worry, climbing is a patient mistress. Always ready with open arms and a warm smile to embrace your return.
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donald949
Apr 27, 2011, 3:18 PM
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ladyscarlett wrote: In the past few weeks I've be re-thinking as to whether I should continue this whole 'being a climber' thing. It was prompted by a previous month of logistical difficulties that one way or another kept me from climbing. I've hated that phrase 'kept me from climbing' as it feels so wrong. After all, if I was a REAL climber, if I REALLY loved it, nothing would keep me from climbing, etc... Often I've described my relationship with climbing as a simple infatuation. It's been about 4 years, and last week, I had the thought...maybe it's over. Maybe I've lost that spark, that chemistry. Yesterday I got a call from the mountains. Before I realized what I was doing, I had already re-arranged my schedule to fit in a mid-week quickie. In less than 30 seconds, that quickie became a priority. I'm not sure who calls the shots in this relationship, but somehow it never really matters. I'm still hesitant as I've never really been good at commitment...could it be love? eh, can't be, I'd need a much bigger rack for something as silly as THAT to happen! Oh well, at least I get to play with some crack. Hee hee! Thanks for reading folks! Cheers LS
But on a related note, I am happy, HAPPY!, when its only been a month since I've last been climbing because of other commitments. Right now the wife has me replacing the floor in the house. :D
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notapplicable
Apr 27, 2011, 5:24 PM
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sungam wrote: notapplicable wrote: HaHa! You posts are always a refreshing change from the norm round these parts. Funny stuff. And don't worry, climbing is a patient mistress. Always ready with open arms and a warm smile to embrace your return. They always come get back in to it(tm)!
fix
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potreroed
Apr 27, 2011, 5:33 PM
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I've often found that a month's rest from climbing was beneficial. As your attorney I would advise you to stop over-analyzing and go climb a rock.
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ladyscarlett
Apr 27, 2011, 6:27 PM
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Thanks for reading folks!
I'm just purely laughing at myself over my ridiculous brain.
I was literally thinking of who I could sell my basic rack to, who would be interested in new-ish shoes etc when I get a call to go climb.
and wham! I'm thinking of who to call to split the gas. Should I try to hustle up some money for that 70M before I go? Which donut shop am I going to stop at on the way up? heh, such a quick change of attitude! Such a fickle heart I have...
Yeah, on this bout of the climbing blues, I wasn't really thinking of WHY I climb, more along the lines of just giving up all hope and getting what little money I could out of my gear.
So now, I'm going to climb something. And I don't even have to settle for plastic! Thank goodness!
Although now that I think of it, if climbing is my Mistress, would this make me gay? But I still like d00ds...I wonder if this means I'm Bi....
whoa! So many possibilities just keep opening up.
Hee hee!
Hopefully The Mistress won't be too angry that I don't like visiting when she's too slick and wet. What can I say, I like a little friction with Her!
Thanks for the encouragement folks.
Cheers
LS
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dagibbs
Apr 27, 2011, 6:34 PM
Post #14 of 27
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Wet mossy cracks -- that's what climbing is all about!
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Toast_in_the_Machine
Apr 27, 2011, 9:51 PM
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donald949 wrote: But on a related note, I am happy, HAPPY!, when its only been a month since I've last been climbing because of other commitments. Right now the wife has me replacing the floor in the house. :D
Laminate, hardwood or carpet?
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notapplicable
Apr 27, 2011, 11:24 PM
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ladyscarlett wrote: Although now that I think of it, if climbing is my Mistress, would this make me gay? But I still like d00ds...I wonder if this means I'm Bi.... whoa! So many possibilities just keep opening up.
The beauty of it is, you can have your cake and eat it too. You just have to be like climbing...omnisexual. Capable of loving and being loved by all.
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donald949
Apr 27, 2011, 11:28 PM
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Toast_in_the_Machine wrote: donald949 wrote: But on a related note, I am happy, HAPPY!, when its only been a month since I've last been climbing because of other commitments. Right now the wife has me replacing the floor in the house. :D Laminate, hardwood or carpet?
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potreroed
Apr 28, 2011, 2:29 AM
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donald949 wrote: Toast_in_the_Machine wrote: donald949 wrote: But on a related note, I am happy, HAPPY!, when its only been a month since I've last been climbing because of other commitments. Right now the wife has me replacing the floor in the house. :D Laminate, hardwood or carpet? Pulling up carpet on top of linolium. We have slab. Putting down an updated floating linolium product. We looked around for months trying to decide what we liked. Armstrong traffic master or some such stuff. Simular coating and texture as Laminate, w/o the particle board backing. Which didn't make sence for us with small kids. The two biggest areas we are installing in are the kitchen and dinning room.
When you get done with all that your wife better let you go on a serious climbing trip!
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BumpinUgly
Apr 28, 2011, 2:51 AM
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donald949 wrote: Toast_in_the_Machine wrote: donald949 wrote: But on a related note, I am happy, HAPPY!, when its only been a month since I've last been climbing because of other commitments. Right now the wife has me replacing the floor in the house. :D Laminate, hardwood or carpet? Pulling up carpet on top of linolium. We have slab. Putting down an updated floating linolium product. We looked around for months trying to decide what we liked. Armstrong traffic master or some such stuff. Simular coating and texture as Laminate, w/o the particle board backing. Which didn't make sence for us with small kids. The two biggest areas we are installing in are the kitchen and dinning room.
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enigma
Apr 28, 2011, 3:38 AM
Post #20 of 27
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donald949 wrote: Toast_in_the_Machine wrote: donald949 wrote: But on a related note, I am happy, HAPPY!, when its only been a month since I've last been climbing because of other commitments. Right now the wife has me replacing the floor in the house. :D Laminate, hardwood or carpet? Pulling up carpet on top of linolium. We have slab. Putting down an updated floating linolium product. We looked around for months trying to decide what we liked. Armstrong traffic master or some such stuff. Simular coating and texture as Laminate, w/o the particle board backing. Which didn't make sence for us with small kids. The two biggest areas we are installing in are the kitchen and dinning room.
Hope you are getting paid well for your time. 
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j_ung
Apr 28, 2011, 6:23 PM
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altelis wrote: j_ung wrote: Dunno, LS. I can tell you that over the past 25 years, I have cared less each year about why I climb. I also fret less over those times when I can't get out for whatever reason, and yet I tend to enjoy those times when I can more, even when I don't climb anything difficult. Excuses of an over-the-hill has-been.....
Better with age, ya bum! 
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altelis
Apr 28, 2011, 6:27 PM
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[deep voice] You see, this profession is filled to the brim with unrealistic motherf#ckers. Motherf#ckers who thought their ass would age like wine. If you mean it turns to vinegar, it does. If you mean it gets better with age, it don't. [/deep voice]
I take it then, that you weren't the one who missed the friendly teasing and one starred me?
PS- I'm just jealous. I've had to learn to fret less over not getting out to climb without 25 yrs under my belt and never even getting up to the top of the hill!
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clee03m
Apr 28, 2011, 8:34 PM
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I had a baby and pretty much stopped climbing, and was even thinking about selling my gear. Then something clicked in my head, and now I have taken my baby climbing to both the gym and the crag. I have plans to climb this weekend. I fondled my rack for like an hour last week and couldn't believe I had even considered selling it. IMHO, I do have a really pretty, massive rack. I even have the biners and cams color coordinated. Haha, I am also looking at a 70M because my old one passed that 5 year mark. I think I may spring for that bi-pattern one. Hell, I think I deserve one. I just had us a baby, right?
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altelis
Apr 29, 2011, 1:48 AM
Post #24 of 27
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clee03m wrote: I had a baby and pretty much stopped climbing, and was even thinking about selling my gear. Then something clicked in my head, and now I have taken my baby climbing to both the gym and the crag. I have plans to climb this weekend. I fondled my rack for like an hour last week and couldn't believe I had even considered selling it. IMHO, I do have a really pretty, massive rack. I even have the biners and cams color coordinated. Haha, I am also looking at a 70M because my old one passed that 5 year mark. I think I may spring for that bi-pattern one. Hell, I think I deserve one. I just had us a baby, right?
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sungam
Apr 29, 2011, 2:13 PM
Post #25 of 27
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clee03m wrote: I had a baby and pretty much stopped climbing, and was even thinking about selling my gear. Then something clicked in my head, and now I have taken my baby climbing to both the gym and the crag. I have plans to climb this weekend. I fondled my rack for like an hour last week and couldn't believe I had even considered selling it. IMHO, I do have a really pretty, massive rack. I even have the biners and cams color coordinated. Haha, I am also looking at a 70M because my old one passed that 5 year mark. I think I may spring for that bi-pattern one. Hell, I think I deserve one. I just had us a baby, right?
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