You know that scene in Princess Diaries, where Mia and her mom go rock climbing and talk about things? Well ever since I saw that, I've just had it in my head that someday I'd like to do that. It just looks so calming and cathartic.

Well, I found out it is, but its also completely terrifying. But for some reason, the focus and exertion it requires makes me love doing it.


This was the most challenging wall we tried that day. There's a slight overhang so it relies a lot on upper body strength and slipping off is so much more likely. We were both so, so afraid before we started, we never thought we would even try this wall. I looked on like a proud/worrying mom whenever she was climbing.



This corner was fun, and also the most terrifying thing I did that day. Janel climbed up really well normally. But since I found that I'm actually a lot more afraid of the height/falling than I thought I would be, Our belayer, Matt, suggested having me climb the wall backwards, like a weird spiderman crab walk up the wall. Looking down and being so open like that when I was climbing was so scary, I was shaking and I felt like crying at some points. But getting to the top and dropping down felt so satisfying that I would do it all over again next time I get the chance.


This is me... I'm wearing shorts over my leggings because there's a gigantic hole in the butt...don't mind it. This wall was hard, and I had to really trust in my upper body strength which I'm definitely lacking in. Reaching up to grab the next grip each time was a struggle in itself. Matt and Janel kept calling out encouragement and advice on grips which kept me going.


 This is the beginner wall, Actually no, this isn't THE beginner wall, I forgot to take pictures of that because I was so anxious and worried for Janel and myself that I forgot to. But this is the OTHER beginner wall.

The first thing they teach you is the safety questions.
1) Am I on belay?
*your belayer checks all your gear* "You are on belay"
2) May I climb?
*belayer readies*

Go.


I don't think I look as athletic as Janel when I'm climbing, I think I'm a bit to curvy to look athletic haha.... It could also be the shorts. I need to find some workout leggings...



I plan to go every week. :]  I want to get stronger and be as graceful as the instructors when they climb. My hands are so tired. I have no grip strength.  But I'm proud of us. Really proud. We had a lot of firsts and conquered a lot of fears. We felt God taking care of us and answering all of our worries. As Janel said, "It was a blessed day."

When I was really little, I went to the Renaissance Faire for a field trip. And it was a really hot day, but I remember being mesmerized by the glass blowers who somehow braved the heat of the Summer Sun not to mention the 2100 degree ovens. I remember wishing I could be like them and create such beautiful and delicate things.


Fast forward about 10 years, A friend of mine emails me out of the blue, "Do you have time over winter break to attend a glass blowing session with me?"  Obviously my answer was yes, but in my excitement, I forgot to reply to her because I must have expected the level of my emotions to somehow telepathically transport that information to her. Anyhow, it all worked out in the end.

I GOT TO GO GLASS BLOWING,.








I made mine blue and yellow.