Counting Down and Going Up
It seems like yesterday when I was counting down the days until my Grand Canyon backpacking trip. Now, I’m counting down the final days until Mount Whitney. I’m very excited!
I’m a little scared too.
Of course, there is the intensity and technical requirements of the Whitney trek itself. The Mount Whitney forums and blogs all point to the dangers of folks heading up without being adequately prepared. The numerous dangers range from all things related to elevation (Whitney Portal to Summit), weather conditions, and the current water shortage, just to name a few. One would hope that our preparatory efforts would be enough however I don’t think one really knows until their training is put to the test. We are ready to stop anywhere along the path if bodies or the environment call for us to do so. The goal is not only to make it safely to the summit but to make it safely back down as well.
Much like my marathoning days, my body always seems to have one area or another demanding special attention. A twinge, pain, or weakness. Currently, this includes a tugging sensation at my right hamstring attachment which, thankfully, usually subsides when the muscle warms up. I have also been experiencing weakness in my right ankle, generally noticed during my yoga practice but there nonetheless. This has been ongoing since before Grand Canyon so — knock on wood — I don’t expect it to be an issue as long as I take care to keep my body happy. Hydrating well, packing only what I need and nothing more, and proceeding with respect for my body’s request to look for ease as I approach my many adventures should be enough to keep the body happy.
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1 year down and 3 to go
A week ago, I was gnawing on my fingernails as YaYa sat for final exams to close out his freshman year of high school. His preparation included 4 hours of additional tutoring focused on the exam material for Algebra, English, and Science. He ran through a bit more of his English quizzing with me but the remainder of the studies sat with him. Although I offered many times, he did not take me up on my suggestion to run through the Science material.
And in the end, he passed…but NOT with flying colors by any means.
We are told that we should expect things to step up in intensity in the Sophomore year. Apparently, if he gets through that, he will do well from there on out.
Mother’s Day Mumblings
This Mother’s Day was altogether different from years past. I woke up alone and overwhelmed with loneliness. While I knew that I was not exactly alone, knowing that I had received everything I was going to get for Mother’s Day already, had a way of making the day feel less joyful. I glanced at the delicate black friendship bracelet that YaYa had made for me the night before and smiled remembering his efforts to relearn how to make it. I knew I was being stupid for feeling sad, yet I couldn’t seem to shake the emotion.
In years past, this day would have been one where I was ordered to remain in bed while my loved ones pulled together coffee and breakfast for me. The intended “surprise” tended to be anything but that, with the kids arguing on the way up the stairs over who would be the one to open the door and who would get to hand me the flowers they’d picked from the garden. I think I got more joy in hearing these conversations than the breakfast and gifts they had for me; nothing beats a son’s heartfelt want to express their love.
Deep down, I know that I have it all wrong. It’s not supposed to be about my children expressing their love for me, it’s supposed to be about how I can express my love for my own mother. The fact that I wanted it both ways was troubling me — and yet for the majority of the day I could not put my finger on the reason why.
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for mom
Growing up, I learned to associate the color yellow with my mom. We had a bright yellow car, and the roses she preferred were this same vivid color. She loves the color yellow. Therefore, this photo is for her.
I love you, Mom.