Certifications

Bill and I have wanted to go backpacking together for quite some time. However, I refuse to go on a trip of any significant duration with someone who isn't trained in CPR or basic First Aid. Which is to say, in any group at least two people need to have appropriate training—I can talk someone through doing first aid on me, I can't talk them through CPR.

Last week I found a class and asked Bill to come with me—my certifications had long since lapsed—and he agreed. After a full day of training we are now both CPR and basic First Aid certified. These certifications are good for 1 and 3 years respectively. The people in the class were kind of interesting, of the 12 students, there were only 3 of us who weren't there for some work requirement. When we mentioned that we go backpacking and need it for the safety of our companions the instructor recommended we take the wilderness first aid class. So, I've set about finding a wilderness first aid class. Ironically, those classes include the basic first aid certification, so if we take that we wouldn't have needed to take the one we already took. Oh well.

I'm glad that Bill sees the necessity of these classes. And, I feel much safer with the idea of packing with him knowing he at least knows the basics. Now, we just need to get him a first aid kit, and lots of practice time.

On Being a Granola Geek

I was recently asked in my comments the following questions:

So the question begs, are you a granola geek?
And if so, what do you think of this title?
Is it accurate verbage [sic] to describe your preferences?

Rather than pontificate in the comments I figured that the fair questions deserve their own post. So, J, this is for you.

I think I need to start at the beginning to really answer your questions. You see, you missed the most important question, What does "granola geek" mean to me? Many years ago when I was trying to come up with a clever name for my blog I wanted something that described me, something that encapsulated all that I am. I ended up with two words which captured parts of me—not all of me, but parts.

I readily accept and embrace both my granola ways and my geekhood.

Here, I mean 'granola' to apply to my love of nature and pretty much all things outdoors. I grew up in the woods (literally) camping and enjoying Mama Nature. I like to say I was "leave no trace" before LNT was an acronym (which, for the record, is true as far as I can tell). I am, without a doubt, a preservationist (with a dollop of conservationist thrown in for good measure). I love and respect the Earth, and hope and pray that my children's children are able to say the same.

At the same time, I'm a geek. I make my living working in the software industry. I spend an inordinate amount on the computer as well as checking out the specs of the new gear I want/crave/need/buy. I love Star Wars, StarTrek, and Legos. I have an iPhone and am contemplating getting a Kindle. Like I said, I'm a geek.

The stark dichotomy of these two core elements of who I am struck me as something that really makes me who I am. Not only are these two elements seemingly at opposition with one another, but so are so many other qualities which make up the whole.

So, back to your questions:
Am I a granola geek? Yes, for the reasons listed above, but I'm also a geek about nature. I know how to read a map, and could probably find my way out of a remote wilderness. I study up on gear before I buy it, and frequently get mistaken for an REI employee (no, no, I'm serious, I nearly sold some random dude a pair of snowshoes before he bothered to ask if I worked there).

What do I think of this title? Well, I love it!

Is it accurate verbiage to describe my preferences? Yup.

However, we've left one question unasked, and perhaps the answer to this question will change my answer to the previous three: What, dear reader, does 'granola geek' mean to you? Riddle me that, and you may find another post waiting for you.

One final thought—regular readers may have noticed that I recently (like, last night) renamed my blog from "On Being a Granola Geek" (which is how I'm #1 in google results) to "Tree Huggers Anonymous". I'm not sure how long the name change will remain in place—I was really just looking for a quick change of pace, and something equally cute and catchy. Tragically, this one is much less unique.

Changes on the Horizon

When I decided to room with Bill I knew that it would become difficult once he started dating someone, and, sure enough: not thrilled.

It won't last, but that's not the point. The point is: I don't like it.

We had another talk about how our relationship is going to change when one of us finds someone more long term and how sad it's going to be. The saddest part, perhaps, will be that the person who finds someone else won't even realize what's going on—they'll be too blinded by the relationship that has come in the way to really notice the change.

We also talked about how things are going to change when I move out. I can't live with him platonically forever, we both know that. He told me how sad he's going to be when I move out—"It'll be hard. I won't be able to just come home and hang out with you, I'll have to seek you out to spend time with you." Complete with frown and pout.

The fact of the matter is, you can't have your cake and eat it too, my friend. I cannot be here for you as just a friend with no benefits while you go on to find someone who isn't me to be happy with while I am expected to find someone, and still be here for your entertainment when you want me.

Time will pass, we'll each find someone, and this friendship will be remembered fondly. But the memories will be all that is left.

Type

We all have type we're attracted to. For me, it's overly attractive pretty boys. For Bill, it's hot Asian chicks. For so, so many boys it's hot Asian chicks. I really don't understand the appeal.

Recently I decided to ask out a guy who I have been crushing on for the last 3 years. No, literally the last three years. I sent him an email (alas, I don't have his number), inviting him to dinner or some other activity. He was out of town but told me to "stay tuned." I ran into him the next weekend at a party at a mutual friend's house. We chatted for a bit, and the subject of Asian chicks came up. He mentioned that he, too, was into Asian chicks. Ah, joy.

A couple of days later I ended up asking him again to join me for dinner, but he declined, indicating that he's moving back to where his family is and needs to pack, etc, but thanks for the offer.

I can't help but wonder if it's because I'm not a hot Asian chick. This is, frankly, irritating.

Why is it that the type I'm into all seem to be into the same type of chick. The type which is not me. Frustrating, aggrivating, irritating, and sadly, hard on the ego.

Bah.

Boulder to the Shoulder

I went whitewater kayaking again this week. This time in a hardshell. It was much harder.

I flipped my kayak three times—it wasn't pretty.

The worst part? At one point I went down at the beginning of the rapid and had to swim down the rapid. I hit a whole bunch of rocks, with all sorts of me. Including, but not limited to, my head, my ankle, my shoulder, and, apparently, my ribs. Oh, and my favorite: my thumb.

Two days later, I'm still convincing myself I didn't break my ribs, and I'm quite glad that I still have full mobility in my shoulder.

Not feeling too hot, but I suppose it's only fair. If all holds from my previous sporting injuries, I should be good to go and not have another mess like this for quite a while.

Here's hoping.

Honey, I'm Home!

Bill went out of town for nearly a week. Having the house to myself was both nice and a bit lonely.

In the last couple of days I've been thinking about how much I could hardly wait for him to get home—to hug him and just hang out with him. When I got home today he was here. I walked up the stairs to the kitchen, and was thrilled when he opened his arms and said, "Come here, I missed you!"

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who was doing some missing.

I'm also glad that he was wanting a hug, too.

Celebrity Deathwatch

One quick passing comment on all the celebrity deaths of late.

There are two that I care about:
1. Patrick Swayze
2. Mary Travers of Peter, Paul & Mary

Interestingly, they both died of natural causes and weren't all about the limelight. Good people to miss, I suppose.

Only the Lonely

Bill has been out of town since Saturday morning and our house feels so big and empty. I feel a little silly how lonely I feel sitting around here without out him. I lived alone for 3 1/2 years and never felt as without company as I have the last two days. I can hardly wait for him to get home.

I have got to move out soon, this isn't good.

What You Wish For

Captain has been really encouraging me to get into white water kayaking (um, YES), but it's quite expensive. Minimum, we're looking at a grand to just gear up and get started. I've been slowly acquiring gear which works for kayaking and rafting. So, now I need a wet (or dry) suit, and a kayak and paddle and I'm set! Too bad that's all the expensive stuff...

I was joking with Captain and said, "well, if you know anyone who will lend me a boat, I'll totally do it more!"

"Hmm... I might..." she said, and a month later I currently have a loaner kayak sitting in my garage. The guy I borrowed it from has paddled with her "maybe four times, but she's such a good egg, so if she trusts you, I trust you." Um, yeah! Wow. She did promise that if anything happens to it I would, naturally, replace his boat—naturally.

And tomorrow? My first white water kayaking in a hard shell boat (as opposed to the inflatable kayak I took last time). I'm so very excited!