Rock climbing

When my wife and I went white-water rafting in Colorado for our honeymoon, my family members were just short of astonished. I remember my sister saying “It’s the coolest thing you have ever done.”

And for the most part, that impression is accurate. I am more comfortable sipping espresso in a café while I read a book than I am swatting mosquitos off my neck in the woods. However, it’s not because I loathe the outdoors. People also often make the assumption that if you are someone who doesn’t camp or fish or hunt it is because you are a low-energy person.

Just like anyone, I have a continuum to my personality. Yes, I like to read and write. But I also enjoy rollercoasters and ice hockey. The only kind of people who enjoy one or two types of things are the kind of people who are afraid to try new things.

When my wife went back to Colorado recently to visit a friend, she went rock climbing—the indoor kind. So, despite the perception that I would always rather be in a smoky pool hall, today I will try something new. I will climb the heck out of some rocks. Maybe my sister can add a second thing to that list of “cool things” I have done.

_____