First Time Rock Climbing!

Well, for the first time I did it - I went indoor rock climbing!  I have always wanted to try out rock climbing because, well, let’s face it – I love trying new things and I love challenges.  For Christmas my husband had purchased a pair of passes to go rock climbing at Hanger 18 in Signal Hill (right by the Long Beach Airport) and we finally got around to going (in April).  We started the morning off with a visit to our CPA for 2012 taxes and to our dismay, we owe :(.  This was upsetting to us, but we had plans to have fun the rest of the day and rock climbing was the most perfect escape.


We arrived just in time to take the group class at no extra cost.  With 4 other couples we quickly learned how put our harnesses on, tie a figure 8 knot, feed the rope toggle and the proper use of climbing dialog “Climbing”  “Climb on”.  After the first walk through of the safety we were told to “put your lives in the hands of someone who just learned to rock climb” – nerves!  My husband started up the wall first and I was the anchor making sure there wasn’t slack on the rope, then it was my turn to climb.  I barely made it ¾ of the way up the wall on the first try, but the second shot, I made it all the way to the top.


We were the first ones to successfully rock climb safely and the instructors then set us free into the gym!  We came to the conclusion after roping in to every wall, that it was tiring and well, those harness aren’t that comfortable to begin with.  So, we then tried Bouldering – no rope, just you, the wall and the mat below you to fall on.  I had a blast bouldering – my inner monkey came out!  As I took on angled walls I felt strong and before I realized it, I was 15 feet off the air!  Climbing down seemed to be too much of a challenge, so I did what anyone else would do – I dropped off the wall and landed (like a super hero I might add) on the padding below.

We climbed and climbed for a couple hours and we decided to quit when it became harder and harder to climb the walls.  All in all it was a good day, a great experience and yes – I will do it again!

This is me about 20 feet in the air climbing a crooked wall with NO rope!

Even at an awkward angle, I must smile for the camera

Mr Foxtrot and Me!

It was really hard to reach at this angle

Aren't we cute?

A Little Blown Out, but That's alright!  Look how high I'm getting!

Mr. Foxtrot in is "Mission Impossible" I'm Awesome Pose

Cheers to Health, Fitness, Fun & Strength!

Team Shirts for 2012 ALS Walk

The ALS in Orange County is only 4 Saturdays away!  This only gives us 19 business days to get our co-workers to help us out, our friends to join us and only 25 calendar days to raise money to help Defeat ALS!  Time to register is coming up!  I ask that you please support my team in memory of my father, either by raising money & walking with us or making a donation to my team:  

Fighting Irish - Team Doran

Buy your Team T-Shirt today! 

We know you’re busy Melanie, so we’ll keep this short.
When the Irvine Walk fundraising is successful, we can maintain a strong level of support for local patients and families affected by ALS. This year, we aim to do even more! Our goal is to raise $150,000.00, in order to ENHANCE our efforts in the fight against ALS.
You can help us achieve our vision: A world without ALS!
                                             Register for the 2012 Walk to Defeat ALS
On 10/20/2012, hundreds of Walkers will join together in the Irvine Walk to raise awareness of ALS and connect with others affected by the disease. It’s a day to honor each other and celebrate the year’s achievements. We hope you’ll be there please sign up to join Fighting Irish - Team Doran today!
If you are unable to attend this year’s festivities, please consider making a gift to support the Walk and the continued work of our chapter.
We treasure each and every financial gift we receive. Please know that your generosity truly makes a difference for those fighting this devastating disease. Thank you for your continued support as we march onward in our quest to find a cure.

Walk Location:	William R. Mason Regional Park
Walk Date:	10/20/2012
Check-In:	8:30 AM
Walk Starts:	10:00 AM

Home Decor

One of my new favorite sites is www.cb2.com.  This is the daughter site of Crate and Barrel.  This online store has some of the most modern and creative products you can buy today!  They carry tons of things from bicycles to bathroom caddies.
and you can't forget the basket! 
Inspirational wall art  = 

My absolute favorite is the piece of artwork
The holga magnolia print:  $130
full bloom. Something clicked for Chicago multimedia artist Bret Grafton when he walked under a magnolia tree one day. He captured its beauty with Holga, a medium format 120-film toy camera. Spring-like reverie resonates in a bubblegum haze of peach, pink and blue. Low-fi aesthetic rings with quiet harmony on archival UV-protected canvas print mounted on a recycled wood frame. Artist's signature on front, bio on back.


But for the fun things around the house there so many SO MANY wonderful items to modernize your living situation:
The flower pot that looks like a bag




The weird silicon "cuff candleholders"

Silly appetizer plates!

                                                              Amazing beverage dispenser  

                                  amazing place-mats

But my absolute favorite are the acrylic bathroom accessories