There are no men in Boulder; they are all boys with no intention of even attempting manhood ... ever. Half of this folly can be excused by realizing that Boulder is a city for dreamers and chasing dreams. The 50+ -year-old locals have just made dream-chasing their occupation, and that is to be commended; at least they are probably happy.
The differences between boys and men are subjective to a certain extent, and by no means do I like boys less than men - I just don't want to date them. Cruel? Perhaps. But a girl has to stick to some standards. To better illustrate boy v. man, let's explore what a typical profile for each might look like ...
Name: Billy the Kid
Age: On my fake id or my real one?
Hometown: I roam
Occupation: Philosophical thinking and physical labor
Career aspirations: Climbing V14 / 5.14
Favorite activities: Climbing, partying, riding my bike
Favorite food: a rush bowl or a burrito, depending on time of day
Where you would take a girl on a date: The crag
Car: Specialized Mt. Bike
Scent: Old Spice and/or Curve
Hair length: Long
Reason for moving to Boulder: Is that even a question?
Name: Prince Charming
Age: 28
Hometown: Midwest
Occupation: What I got my master's degree in
Career aspirations: See 'occupation'
Favorite activities: Reading, trad climbing, cycling, traveling, remodeling my home
Favorite food: Sushi,
Where you would take a girl on a date: My house. I'd make a romantic dinner.
Car: Audi
Scent: Manly musk
Hair length: Short, with a closely shaved beard
Reason for moving to Boulder: My job brought me here, and Eldo is an added bonus.
Of course, there are huge exceptions to either of these profiles, and also note that I am scratching my climbing itch, so my dearest friends are those who share attributes in the "boy" category and I am in no position to truly judge, only observe.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Running and the definition of life
Around the next corner it is going to get better
the top of this hill is five steps away
Today feels better than yesterday
The suffering is all in my head
My lungs are burning
Awesome song, forgot the pain due to jamming out
Watch the rocks, don't twist the ankles
Make sure to look up, can't miss it all
Finally.
... Wow, what a beautiful world.
On multiple runs in the past month, when running has been a healing factor for both body and soul, thoughts have tended toward the comparison of running to life. As one chooses a trail, so can one choose a path in life.
Of course, the corresponding trail-to-path is not always perfect, but the similarities provide a refreshing perspective on decision making processes. Plus, I just have a lot of time to think while I'm running...
The steep trail run: For this run, the choice has been made to suffer physically for the oneness with nature, the crisp air, the changing scenery, getting to the top and the satisfaction suffering brings. This has been the run of choice for me as of late, and I find that it also corresponds with the path I have chosen for my life. Giving up the 'straight-and-narrow' path that leads to a solid career, more education, a serious significant other and the security of knowing every day could very well be the same as the one before has reaped benefits unimaginable, but also is potentially as fleeting as this beautiful November weather. The sacrifices are there, as shopping and entertainment have to be re-assessed, along with several other 'necessities,' but in the end, it is insignificant when compared to the pure elation of the travel.
The view has been spectacular and ever-changing. What I can see from the top, with a clear mind and a healthy body can not be compared to anything else that I might experience with greater security. The feeling of being able to claw my way to the peak, for the purpose of the trip, as opposed to simply wanting to get to the top, makes the summit a far better accomplishment. The idea of stopping to smell the flowers is half of the beauty of this trail, the other half is not being able to smell the flowers because of breathing so hard, inhaling with any other purpose than to breathe seems insignificant. Playing hard is the name of the game; but so is stopping when it is necessary to appreciate, meditate and celebrate.
Of course, there will be a time when my muscles say, "No more," or money takes precedence over time, and all that is left is pavement-pounding and running to get a run in for the day. The scenery doesn't matter, and all that does is raising your heartbeat for the doctor-recommended 30 minutes a day. There is no celebrating at the top, because there is rarely a 'top.' The only thing good about the run is getting back home. Is this the way an activity should be? Never. Running, and its life equivalent, should be the thing to which one looks forward at the conclusion of the day's duties. There is no need for a stopwatch, unless simply for curiosity's sake, because there is nowhere else to be but the present.
There is no soul in conquering concrete, but sometimes the soul gets left at the trail's summit, and awaits the day when it is reclaimed by the huffing hippie that left it there. I'm still searching for my summit, and loving every minute of it.
the top of this hill is five steps away
Today feels better than yesterday
The suffering is all in my head
My lungs are burning
Awesome song, forgot the pain due to jamming out
Watch the rocks, don't twist the ankles
Make sure to look up, can't miss it all
Finally.
... Wow, what a beautiful world.
On multiple runs in the past month, when running has been a healing factor for both body and soul, thoughts have tended toward the comparison of running to life. As one chooses a trail, so can one choose a path in life.
Of course, the corresponding trail-to-path is not always perfect, but the similarities provide a refreshing perspective on decision making processes. Plus, I just have a lot of time to think while I'm running...
The steep trail run: For this run, the choice has been made to suffer physically for the oneness with nature, the crisp air, the changing scenery, getting to the top and the satisfaction suffering brings. This has been the run of choice for me as of late, and I find that it also corresponds with the path I have chosen for my life. Giving up the 'straight-and-narrow' path that leads to a solid career, more education, a serious significant other and the security of knowing every day could very well be the same as the one before has reaped benefits unimaginable, but also is potentially as fleeting as this beautiful November weather. The sacrifices are there, as shopping and entertainment have to be re-assessed, along with several other 'necessities,' but in the end, it is insignificant when compared to the pure elation of the travel.
The view has been spectacular and ever-changing. What I can see from the top, with a clear mind and a healthy body can not be compared to anything else that I might experience with greater security. The feeling of being able to claw my way to the peak, for the purpose of the trip, as opposed to simply wanting to get to the top, makes the summit a far better accomplishment. The idea of stopping to smell the flowers is half of the beauty of this trail, the other half is not being able to smell the flowers because of breathing so hard, inhaling with any other purpose than to breathe seems insignificant. Playing hard is the name of the game; but so is stopping when it is necessary to appreciate, meditate and celebrate.
Of course, there will be a time when my muscles say, "No more," or money takes precedence over time, and all that is left is pavement-pounding and running to get a run in for the day. The scenery doesn't matter, and all that does is raising your heartbeat for the doctor-recommended 30 minutes a day. There is no celebrating at the top, because there is rarely a 'top.' The only thing good about the run is getting back home. Is this the way an activity should be? Never. Running, and its life equivalent, should be the thing to which one looks forward at the conclusion of the day's duties. There is no need for a stopwatch, unless simply for curiosity's sake, because there is nowhere else to be but the present.
There is no soul in conquering concrete, but sometimes the soul gets left at the trail's summit, and awaits the day when it is reclaimed by the huffing hippie that left it there. I'm still searching for my summit, and loving every minute of it.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Time or money
One of the best perspectives on life as of late, 'One can have either time or money' comes at an interesting time for anyone recently graduated. Rarely do both co-exist, so a choice must be made and often the decision is not an easy one.
With time comes pleasure; internally. As nothing worth anything can be purchased with cash, time should always be the choice. Time allows for everything good: relaxation, recreation, laughing, talking, writing, exploring, sex (the good kind). Nature is the best example of time, as it requires little to no money, but gives everything to mentally cure the human psyche. It is always there, one must simply decide to reach out and touch it, as with time.
However, because of the complications of living, the eating, sleeping logistical version, money is perceived to be a major factor. The physical needs in life require it, and therefore the higher pleasures are often ignored or put aside temporarily in order to sustain. There is no easy way around the need for money, although some have found ways to place money on the back burner. But it seems to be just that: temporary. The gain resulting from time spent away from money is often tainted by the lingering fear of when money will run out, and takes time with it.
So what is one to do in this predicament? Lives are often spent in reverse because of the unspoken force that guides decisions about time and money. When young, money escapes easily and does not replenish without effort. Energy expended goes toward money and not time and at the peak of physical ability, when time should be spent satisfying higher pleasures, time is wasted on superficial, physical needs. When money finally abounds, the body is decrepit from the race for money and the true pleasures can not all be enjoyed. Time is left to its lonesome and what is left but regret?
Where the sacrifices are to be made is obviously not easy to determine, as the factors being dealt with are logical on one side and emotional on the other. Emotions and logic are nearly impossible to compare.
The choice is yours, choose wisely.
With time comes pleasure; internally. As nothing worth anything can be purchased with cash, time should always be the choice. Time allows for everything good: relaxation, recreation, laughing, talking, writing, exploring, sex (the good kind). Nature is the best example of time, as it requires little to no money, but gives everything to mentally cure the human psyche. It is always there, one must simply decide to reach out and touch it, as with time.
However, because of the complications of living, the eating, sleeping logistical version, money is perceived to be a major factor. The physical needs in life require it, and therefore the higher pleasures are often ignored or put aside temporarily in order to sustain. There is no easy way around the need for money, although some have found ways to place money on the back burner. But it seems to be just that: temporary. The gain resulting from time spent away from money is often tainted by the lingering fear of when money will run out, and takes time with it.
So what is one to do in this predicament? Lives are often spent in reverse because of the unspoken force that guides decisions about time and money. When young, money escapes easily and does not replenish without effort. Energy expended goes toward money and not time and at the peak of physical ability, when time should be spent satisfying higher pleasures, time is wasted on superficial, physical needs. When money finally abounds, the body is decrepit from the race for money and the true pleasures can not all be enjoyed. Time is left to its lonesome and what is left but regret?
Where the sacrifices are to be made is obviously not easy to determine, as the factors being dealt with are logical on one side and emotional on the other. Emotions and logic are nearly impossible to compare.
The choice is yours, choose wisely.
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