Fourth amendment

Since 2009, I've had the first item on my bucket list crossed off – write a novel. While I did indeed complete a novella for the annual Three-Day Novel Contest that year, I did not win any prizes, nor did I get the manuscript published. (You'd have to be insane to publish that sentimental drivel written in a state of Oreo cookie-fueled delirium.)

So, while I'm happy I participated and spent a solid long weekend writing fiction (which is more than I've done in the four years since!), I realize I've not completed my life goal of writing and, more importantly, publishing a novel. I WILL one day write the next great Canadian novel. I will, dammit.

So, I'm putting that back on the list as unfinished, making this the fourth amendment to the bucket list since its inception in 2008.

5.10b

Climbed at the gym yesterday with a friend of a friend who's a very strong, bold climber and this gave me the confidence to push myself to my limit. Fell a lot, took risks, successfully completed the scary 5.10c overhang route with no takes and did a handful of 5.10b and c routes that maxed me out. 

Improving slowly but surely. Now that I have no problem with falling it's really about building strength. I think I can do about five pull-ups, and about 10 push-ups. Must. Get. Stronger!

Next goal is to find a group of people who are experienced outdoor climbers who will take me to do a single pitch in Squamish. That should do it for the purposes of the bucket list. Of course, I think I'm pretty well hooked and will likely keep climbing until I'm very old. Maybe I'll keep climbing even then.

To St. John's!

Okay, it's decided. I'm going to drive this summer to St. John's, Newfoundland, fulfilling bucket list item #13 – drive across Canada. Actually, I didn't just come up with this idea today, it's been mulling in my head for about a year, ever since I started a one-year contract as a reporter for a local paper here in town... I knew that once the year was up, it would be summer, and I would be doing something epic from the list. This just makes sense. I've got the time, I've saved a bit, and it'll be a good way to get in some travel writing experience.

I've started putting together a Wordpress blog for people to follow the exploits of a solo Canadian roadtripper, and I'm going to make it happen. I've got a week left at the paper, then I'm off to visit a friend in Fort Saint John (way, WAY up in northern B.C.) in early August, and then I'm good to go anytime after Aug. 18. So, there's lots of planning to do. I'd better get on with it!

An update on climbing: Progress being made, mostly in terms of getting over my fear of heights. I can fall, hang suspended 30 feet off the ground, look down, all with no problem at all. I'm also climbing 5.10a routes pretty consistently now, though on most of them I still have to take breaks at the crux and whenever I get pumped. Soon I should be ready for the great outdoors!