carolyn

Good question - I could use some help on this one. Im bartending that night and have to dress up. The theme is "Thriller" - back to the 80's. Despite growing up in the 80's I cant for the life of me think of who I could be! I considered Cindy Lauper, but someone else claimed it already. Pat Benatar? Joan Jett? HELP?!!!! And Porter - that reminds me of my mom making a pumpkin costume for me when I was little. I was traumatized by having to wear it to school and now hate dressing up for halloween! Now I think its pretty damn funny.

Not insurance related, but.. Im having a hard time feeling sorry for the people interviewed on the news who are distressed because they couldnt get all four of their cars out in time. Or the guy who quickly passed by his grandfathers desk that was 100yrs old (or somewhere around there), but was apparently very upset about his BIG screen TV that sat "right there in his living room", making sure to emphasize how big the TV was at least three times. Maybe Im a cold-hearted beoytch, but I feel more sorry for the poor cats and dogs that have lost their space and are now confined to their carriers or cages. Maybe even the little girl whose Hannah Banana doll is now gone. Then again, after the bridge collapse out here and seeing what was put on the news, I should know better about misquoting and dramatization in the wake of tragedy.

I think there are pros and cons to either. More head weight will likely make it easier to swing. Remember, though, you are carrying that weight all the way up the climb with you. In the end you MAY become more tired. Lighter wieght/headweight is obvoiusly the opposite - you need to put more force into the swing, but you have less weight to carry up the climb. I found this drawing online which might make it a bit more clear for you: pick shapes It comes from this webpage, which I havent read through but though the sketch was good. Ice Picks/Modification Hope that helps. Im not sure if you are looking for your first set of tools or thinking about new ones. If thats the case, do a search and there are PLENTY of opinions hashed and rehashed both on this site and many others. Also, get out to some ice festivals and give some different ones a try or ask others you are climbing with or around if you can give theirs a swing.

I thought the movie was pretty good. A tad too long for my attention, as I had to get up and walk around twice! The movie was done well and the scenery was great! It didnt really evoke any intense feelings one way or the other. I did appreciate and maybe even admire his ability to live for the moment. Reckless? I suppose. Unprepared? Obviously. Did he enjoy the adventures he made for himself? Overall, I would say yes. I dont doubt he had that invincible feeling most of the time and probably didnt care if he DID die - until he was on deaths bed, that is. We are all a bit narcissistic. I cant help but think part of what he learned about himself and the world around him through his narcissistic ways would have been rubbed off onto others in a positive way. Its just too bad he hadnt thought things through completely. Quite an adventure.

maybe you could pack yourself into Feck's suitcase on his way out here.

Do you have a recipe you prefer? I want to try making some momo's this winter. But thats more of a dumpling than pasta. Pasta Rosa with fresh grated parmesan and LOTs of garlic and fresh basil from the garden. Bowtie pasta with a whole head of garlic and a dab or two of olive oil. Refrigerate. Add whatever you want for meals later on (tomatoes, feta, sunflower seeds, zuchinni, etc).

Nice Fern! Im glad you got over there and found some time to climb!!!

Im posting this for a friend of mine. Though this happened in Duluth, MN its very likely these items will be seen on ebay, craigslist, etc. Please Help!!!! Reward:($500 Cash/$1000 Marmot Gear) On the night of October 4th between the hours of 9 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. our truck was broken into. (White Dodge Ram 1500). We were parked behind W-Trek Outfitters on 3rd and Michigan as we were there for a fund-raising slide show for the dZi foundation. The assailants made off with everything from our personal clothing, jackets, computers, digital video projector, camera equipment, donated money, samples, schwag, right down to out shampoo, vitamins and jewelry. Most important to us was the intangible things that were on the computers. All of the work that we had done, contacts, and most importantly pictures that we hadn’t backed up. Including all of my pictures from K2!! Many of the things that were taken were “one of a kind” and hence will stick out like a sore thumb-in the community, attempting to be sold on e-Bay, Craig’s list, etc. Chances are that you can help us find the people responsible, and in-turn earn yourself a Great reward!! Some of the particulars-the standouts- *Panasonic Digital Video Projector, *Dell 820 Laptop Computer-(“stickerized” with Marmot stickers), *Gateway Laptop Computer-(no power cord), *Canon 30D Digital SLR, *Canon Rebel Digital SLR, *Canon A95 Digital Point and Shoot, *Marmot Exum Jacket-Yellow, *Marmot PreCip Jacket-Fusion/Pink Hot Berry, *Marmot “Behemoth” rolling duffle bags-black,-filled with Marmot Winter Hats), *The North Face Expedition Duffle-Black/Silver, *Lowe Alpine Camera Bag-black/yellow, *Asolo Travel Kit-Gray/Green, *Ohmani Bracelet-(Cracked interior) Silver/Gold, *Zeal Sunglasses-black, *80 G iPod-Black, *30G iPod-White, *8G iPod-Black, *4G iPod-Black, *Herbal Life Vitamin Kit(????) A note to the robbers: Most of what you took was just “stuff”, and an inconvenience more than anything. What I most want back is the computers-or even just the information that is on them. I fully believe that Karmically you are pretty much screwed at this point-(I mean come on, stealing the cash donations for a non-profit)-but if you have any conscience or even if you’re just greedy and realize that you can’t utilize those computers-password protected and such-I would take an “anonymous” call from a pay phone/calling card-e-mail from a “fake” e-mail address with the notes line titled “Making a Trade” and would pay for their safe return. If you have information please contact: Brian Block -Brian@goaao.com Vanessa Hohn- Vanessa@goaao.com

Thanks for that!

Why dont you call grivel usa. I forget the guys name Ive spoken to a few times about tech stuff, but he has always been VERY helpful, friendly, and creative.

I spent many summers down there visiting my grandparents in my youth. Aaaah what fond memories. I used to hunt for pecos valley diamonds to entertain myself. Maybe you should go do that. The caverns are definately cool! At least they were at the age of 9.

Good God! Your luck is as good as mine lately! As a bit of inspiration - I would like to inform you that when I had a tib/fib fracture a few years back (though it was only a hairline) I decided to teach myself how to crochet. I wasnt very good at stitching straight lines, so I turned all my work into chalk bags - over 2 dz given out to friends. In fact I think your buddy Pax has one of 'em. Just think of the things you can do now! Heal quickly - and stay sane until then. Carolyn

Dude, I have a pair that I found over a year ago that i have been trying to sell. You can have them for free. I think they are a small size, but too big for me - maybe a 8.5/9. I cant remember, I will look tomorrow cause Im too lazy to dig for them right now.

Ahhh, time for another update! I now call Latte my little yo-yo. She has many VERY good days, then a handful of bad days that convince me she is at the end of her rope. Yet, she keeps chuggin' along. She requires the sub-q fluids usually every other day. She has been eating some prescription food that seems to help her tummy feel better. In fact, I wouldnt be suprised if she has gained a little weight. Her howling at night has subsided a bit, so I am finally getting some sleep. She likes to spend time sitting at the bottom of the stairs with her nose against the screen door seperating her and the other cat. Yet, when the other cat comes down, she startes dry-heaving and often pukes. Go figure! The drug company has stopped paying for the portion of her tx despite the promise to pay until this is resolved (in this case death). Needless to say, since I am already putting a large chunk of each paycheck into past bills for her, fluids, and food I am no longer taking her into the vet for check-ups. Though at times I would like to know what the tests say about her health, I also know that she is old, sick, yet resilient. She will stick around as long as she likes. Until then I will do everything I can to make her comfortable and enjoy her kitty life. im accepting that everything I can do might not be as good as someone else with lots of money. She has had a great life and will continue to do so until the end. I think she knows this. Climbing and other fun life activities have suffered greatly because of the attention and care she needs to feel as good as she can. Somedays I feel so confined I might burst! I used to dream about week and month-long trips. Now my heart aches for an overnight. Im grateful when I can get out for a full day. One thing that helps is knowing that when she does pass, I will be free of all responsibility. No one thing will be tying me here to MN anymore. I can then go whereever I want. I am currently planning a long road trip and relocation. It wouldnt happen any sooner than next summer, but anytime after that.

Poodles and a blow-up doll! Wonder what kind of route finding they could have done. Glad to see you are getting out when you can and enjoying yourself. keep it up!

I bet Jeff would pitch in with you for a NA keg. You know how he LOVES that "North American" beer!!! Im sad to not be able to attend again after so many years coming out for the event. It's always been a blast and great to meet everyone. Kitty is still alive and kickin', but wont eat if Im not around, so my dedication must lie with her first. Have fun and I look forward to hearing about it!!!! Until next year...

I was wondering why there was a helicopter looking like it was about to land near my parking lot last night! This took place just a few blocks from my house. I had ridden past that intersection not even an hour ahead of them after running some errands downtown. The mainstream media has a report that goes more along the lines of what the police are saying. I guess, unless you were there its hard to say what actually happened. TwinCities Indy Media BikeLove-Critical Mass Shutdown MORC - 19 arrested in Critical Mass

I think Chaps put an end to that theory a while back.

I didnt have much luck with barge - though I was trying to patch a hole on the sole. It lasted one climb.

It looks nice, but I need a magnifying glass to read the type

Okay, and while we are at it - did I miss the mention of Neil Diamond?!?!?!??!?!

I am NOT embarrassed to admit that I love the Carpenters. I used to love Boy George, too!

No shit! Same here. I would almost kill for some 65 degree temps...at least until December, then -65 would be desireable. Well, alright -10 is more reasonable.

Reading that put a big smile on my face. Thanks for sharing. Glad everyone had a great time. Its really nice that one of the guides brought you up to show you the TR set up! Where is that area anyway? And I want to know where nina got her shirt! I have numerous run like a girl waterbottles...but I dont run!!!!

ah, I worked saturday. climbing yesterday. Hope you like the store.