I'm Back Baby

I have been off the climbing grid for a while, but it certainly hasn't been off of my mind. When I was laid off in December, one of my first thoughts was, "cool, now I can climb". The problem is that one can't decide to go climb and be climbing the next day. One must be in climbing shape first.

So, fast forward 4 months. I have made some significant headway on the job front and have some solid prospects. In addition to looking for work, I have been getting in to shape. Because I feel that if I don't, this time off was really a waste. I have been going to the gym a lot, working with a trainer, and found some killer vertical hiking in the area and wear my 40 pound pack when I do it. I am definitely now in better shape.

So, the trip to Ecuador that we have been eyeing (http://alpineascents.com/ecuador9-dtd.asp) is quickly approaching with a departure date of 6/20. The helpful people there have told me I would have to commit by 5/20. So, the combination of me being in shape, and 5/20 being 3 weeks away, and a job probably a month or two away, lead me to the exciting conclusion that I might go climb some volcanoes in Ecuador. And with training, come blog posts. So, look for my blogging activities to be stepped up!

Unemployed? No Problem...Go Climb Something Huge!

So, its been a long couple of weeks and a while since I have posted. The past few weeks have been life changing. How you ask?

I was laid off from my job at Starwood Hotels last Tuesday night after 3.5 years there in interactive and loyalty marketing. (On a side note, any jobs out there, let me know!!!!!).

It was quite a blow but I would be lying if I didn't admit that I was somewhat expecting it.

In any case, I am fine and have some time before I have to find "a" job, as opposed to "a good" job. So what to do, what to do? First of all, I ate. Pretty much whatever I could find. I started talking to people and decided its the perfect time to get into shape, so starting next week, its exercise time. When we get back from vaca, its off to the gym and maybe even a trainer.

Someone suggested, "why not go climbing, something big"? The theory was a potential employer might love to hear, "well, I can't start next week since I will be climbing in the andes". So that's what I am working on. A trip to Ecuador to climb some amalgamation of volcanoes like Cotopaxi, in the photo above. I will start blogging again because a) I have nothing but time, b) I enjoy it, c) i can update on exercise and d) it will be fun to update on Ecuador planning.