My new archnemesis: Fine motor movement

Went rock climbing for the first time today at a indoor gym in Jersey. Well, second time, officially, if you count going up about 10 feet at an REI in Michigan years back. No one told me to use my legs that time though, and contrary to popular belief, my arms are not freakishly strong and able to propel me up a wall with no help from the lower half. Before I knew it, my arms shaking uncontrollably and my forearms swelling to the size of humungus ears of corn.

Today was definitely better though. I had a good teacher (thanks Jena!) and I was able to use my leg strength to propel me up the wall a few times. Even tried a bit of bouldering (tough!) before my forearm muscles checked out. Definitely a cool experience. I hope to build up a bit of forearm strength and be back soon...

Currently, though, fine motor movement has never been more difficult. Putting the 7 quarters into the little slots for laundry took about seven times as long as it should have. And tpying rigth now, denfintely is a bti tuogher than usula. Putting toothpaste on my toothbrush... also not so pleasant. But these are sacrifices I'm willing to make. It will all be worth it, I think, when I get that first offer for a sponsorship for semi-pro climbing like that 16 year old kid at the gym. 23 isn't too late to start a career in climbing, is it?

In terms of my career trajectory, I like to set my goals high. Perhaps climbing the sandstone crack found in Zion National Park (pictured above) is next? I mean, they say if you shoot for the moon, you land among the stars, or something like that... Maybe if I aim for that, I'll end up going to Zion, watching someone else climb the crack while enjoying a hoppy Utah microbrew beer. Yeah... I'm pretty sure I could live with that...