From a special someone for all you special people out there

"There is an ecstasy that marks the summit of life, and beyond which life cannot rise. And such is the paradox of living, this ecstasy comes when one is most alive, and it comes as a complete forgetfulness that one is alive. This ecstasy, this forgetfulness of living, comes to the artist, caught up and our of himself in a sheet of flame; it comes to the soldier, war-mad on a stricken field and refusing quarter; and it came to Buck, leading the pack, sounding the old wolf cry, straining after the food that was alive and that fled swiftly before him through the moonlight. He was sounding the deeps of his nature, and of the parts of his nature that were deeper than he, going back into the womb of Time. He was mastered by the sheer surging of life, the tidal wave of being, the perfect joy of each separate muscle, joint, and sinew in that it was everything that was not death, that was aglow and rampant, expressing itself in movement, flying exultantly under the stars and over the face of dead matter that did not move".

Best Buy

It has been some time since I have written anything, I must apologize (mainly to myself). I find little time for subtle pleasures when trying to arrange my life.
Today I found myself going to Best Buy to find some printer cartridges for my girlfriend. Let me give you a little background about Best Buy. I hate them, and there are many reasons for this. Basically they are a corporation and that should sum it up. I have no idea how they were founded who runs the company, why they do what they do but I do know that they suck. I once went into a best buy during a phase of my life where I was unable to walk without a crutch. There was not much I could do so I went there to buy a video game to occupy my time. The trip was a success as I could afford the game and show the proper ID. But to my astonishment when I got home and installed the game on my pc it wouldnt work. The computer was prehistoric, built in my cousin's basement. So still having my receipt I returned to the boxy monstrosity of a building and kindly asked the service rep to return my game and let me have another that my computer would run. She told me that was impossible. She said that I could have copied the game to my computer and tried to "steal it". My retort, "are you calling me a thief?" She said politely no but thats the deal. I asked if she believed that everyone that came in the store was potentially a thief? She said no. So if I bought a washing machine and took it home could I return it. If there was a problem with it, yes, I could. I said what if I brought it home, took it apart and used the internals as a map to making my own washing machine. Thats impossible sir. No its not, but do you understand what I am saying to you? She said no and I left with the game on the counter. I vowed to never go there again.
So today as I go into the God forsaken place for my bird, I was instantly greeted by a woman posing to be security, who looked me up and down as if I had already stolen something. I gave her a piss off look and went about my business. I found the merch that I was looking for and proceeded to the checkout with Stephs blank check. I began to fill the rest out at the counter and the woman kindly said, "I am sorry we cant take that." Why, and she said store policy says that they cannot except checks from people didnt sign it in front of the register. I wished I had a needle to poke in my eye, but not having one, I used my own credit card.
I realize that these people are only screws in the bigger machine, but I almost hate them equally. I wonder if anyone else out there feels this way about Best Buy or any other company. I am sure that you are out there.

Trip Home

Well my trip home was anything but boring. One would think that driving 3000 miles in less than a week would be awful. But it was anything but that. Thanks to my beautiful co-pilot, not only was the drive fun, but it was actually possible. All my possible means of payment for gas and food were relinquished in Canada by some meth-head. But her assets proved to be quite able.
The first part of the drive was a quick Squamish to Smith Rock venture. We arrived at Smith about ten hours later and pitched camp at a fairly good spot at the Skull Hollow campground (free). In the middle of the night I awoke screaming. Thanks to my greediness while asleep, Steph had kicked my sore ankle in the middle of the night while I was trying to steal her sleeping bag. Bad move on my part.
Then we were off to Boise but got sidetracked by a comfy inn with a hot tub in Bend. After soaking it up at the refuge (two free drink tickets), we finally made it to Bruce and Kari's villa. Got to go climbing the next morning and Kari worked with Steph at a gym and taught her some of the more proper techniques involved with climbing. Afterwards Steph gave me a belay on lead and it was her first time to belay at all. I was definitely impressed, both with the teacher and student. (Thanks Brucey and Kari)
Later we departed and eventually ended up in Ogden, Utah, or the buttcrack of Utah (affectionately). After driving around for three hours not able to find a campsite we ended up at a shady motel and spent the night.
Thank God for Indian Creek. You would think even in the summer heat that nobody could resist climbing there but you would be wrong. We drove through Moab, which was bustling, and assumed that Indian Creek might be busy. But as we drove in the only other people in the entire canyon were the Indians at Newspaper Rock (they sell jewelry to the tourist) who were packing up, and the Ranch owners. We went to the illustrious site that I had stayed at earlier in the year. It was truly Heaven. The shade had just settled as we set up camp and dinner. The gnats were even scared away by a tiddle of rain, yes rain in the summer in the desert. Steph had wanted to see the Grand Canyon but she was equally or more impressed with beauty of the Creek.
Continuing on we ended up in Breck, my old home, and hung out with some good friends at the Blue River House. It was great to see everyone doing well and made me miss the place quite sorely.(Hope to be back soon Dave) The next moring we awoke, fixed breakfast and then went to do the Summit County Traverse. This a traverse that seemingly never ends and is as hard as you want to make it. The it was off to the Breck Brewpup for a workmans special. If you ever find yourself there at lunchtime, order this delite for the best burger, fries and beer you can buy in CO and it only costs five smackers.
That meal nourished us properly for the drive to Amarillo where we Stephanie's amazing parents awaited with more food and fun. For the next five days we got in the hot tub, pool, lake, and ate like royalty. I cant really say enough about the Thompsons. Anne and David, thank you so much for your hospitality.
Today, finally I arrived home after a five hour drive with only Wu-Tang and Bob Marley playing (my CD player is quite picky). So I leave you with quotes from both
Wu - I am on a mission that brothers say is impossible, but when I swing my swords theyre all choppable.
Bob - I wanna be iron, like a lion, in Zion.
These quotes may not inspire much here, but in context, they will wow and shock you into a frenzy of thought that encourages the betterment of self and the world around you.

Cheers