June 25, 2009

It was Thursday June 25, 2009. I woke early, as I planned to do a multi-pitch route, Rewritten, with my friend Mike that day in Eldo. I couldn't wait to get up high. It had been way too long. To add to the excitement, I would be leading a couple pitches on the climb, which would be my first trad lead that consisted of more than one pitch. They were easy pitches at 5.4 and 5.5, but I didn't care, I needed to take advantage of the opportunity and at that level, I wouldn't be scared of falling or slipping into an accident. The day was great and we couldn't have asked for better weather. We thought we would be the only people on the climb, but as we finished the steep and sweaty approach, we saw a couple guys just start it. We decided to wait for the climb, having a chance to dry off in the process. Mike led the first pitch of the Great Zot. I followed, cleaning the gear, then swapping leads at the first belay station. I took my time, placing more gear than was probably necessary, but like I said, I wanted to take advantage! It was fun determining which piece of gear went where - it was like a puzzle! When I finished the 2nd pitch, I belayed Mike up. He let me do the next pitch also. The 3rd pitch was fun also, but not as easy as the last one. I didn't get too spooked or scared, but I definitely was paying more attention, trying to figure out the best way up. When I got to the next belay station, there were no fixed anchors, so I was able to set up my own, also good practice! The climb just kept getting better! Mike got up quickly, then we switched leads again. The next pitch was the crux pitch. It started with a fun little hand traverse to the left that led to a beautiful vertical crack. It was my favorite pitch at that point of the entire climb. We still had one more pitch to go, though (technically two, but we linked the last two into one). The arete. It was amazing. I was on top rope again, which was more than alright by me. We heard thunder all around us, but there was still no rain. The birds were flying close by. We were hundreds of feet above the ground. I forgot my camera, so I stole this photo from Mountain Project. Don't mind the guy in it, I have no idea who he is, just pretend it is me! Look all the way down! The exposure was crazy and I thought to myself, this is what climbing is about! From the top, we could see Boulder, the reservoir, our cars, the Continental Divide, Eldorado Springs Pool, everything all around! I loved it! I had such a fantastic time!

As the day went on, I had a slew of emotions. I was on my way to Andie's gown fitting and I heard the news about Michael Jackson. I've been a fan of his music, pretty much since I was born. I couldn't help but feel sadness. First shock, but then overall sadness. I can't say that he changed my life, but he has continuously been a part of it. I bought the 25th Anniversary Thriller album when it came out earlier this year. I still have some of his songs on my workout playlist, the same way I used to workout with my mom when I was 2 or 3 years old, just now its too hot to wear leg warmers. I remember having collector cards of him when I was little and stickers on my wall with his picture on them. I remember going to his concert when I was 5 or 6 years old and falling asleep during it. My dad made me feel better about it when I woke up, telling me that I would have been too scared during the Thriller performance. Back in elementary school, I couldn't get enough of the BAD album. Although many people thought he was a complete weirdo, I still quietly held a big respect for MJ. I was pleased to see the outpour of people celebrating his life last night on MTV. I was happy to see people commend him for what he has done over the last 3 decades for not only music, but humanity. He was a HUGE figure for the entire WORLD. And that is just simply amazing. May you rest in peace Michael Jackson and may your legend live on forever.

On a happier note, Garrett and I also got our results for the PE Exam. We've been waiting anxiously for a week now, as they told us before that it would be 8-12 weeks after the test until we heard. Last week marked 8. This week, 9...how much longer would we have to wait? My friend Linsey called while I was at Andie's fitting and left a message saying Congratulations to me and Garrett for passing! "How does she know?" was all I could think as I was screaming with joy out loud in my car. I couldn't wait to get home to confirm the news. After an hour commute in the rain, I was finally home to see the results myself - it was TRUE! We BOTH passed! We are now licensed professional engineers!

What a day...WHAT A DAY!