Smooth Operator

This last month brought big life changes for me.

• AMGA SPI - this month I took a course and passed an assessment to gain a single pitch instructor certification from the American Mountain Guide Association. All in all, I'm now a nationally certified climbing instructor and guide, which has been a personal goal for a couple years.

• NEW JOB! - I will be managing the instruction and guiding programs at a local gym as soon as the school year lets out. This new job seems ideal. It will be a mix of teaching inside and out, guiding and managing. I'm psyched to take my skills and joy of teaching to climbing which I'm passionate and excited about. Look for me at the gym! If you want some focused training or some technical skills, hit me up!

I really dislike students right now

8 days . . . just 8 more days. I'm just sick of the talking back, rude comments, cussing, slapping, stealing, cell phones and all their other crap. I'm am consistently amazed at how poorly behaved the students are. It is so incredibly hard for me to connect with them because I do not understand their circumstances, their community, their habits, their behavior - any of it - because I am not and was never like them. Is it that hard to just listen and not interrupt me when I am speaking. Geez.

8 more days . . . At least I haven't hit any of them (hard)

Who's Guiding Whom?

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Last post I elaborated on how this past year has been a time of tremendous trust and faith in God's plan for me. I have felt the pull toward outdoor ed for a long time. It's where I feel most alive!

Praise Him, for he has, does and will provide. I'm happy to announce that I am on my way to being a professional, certified climbing instructor and guide.

Two weekends ago, I completed the American Mountain Guide Association's (AMGA) Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) course. This coming weekend I will be taking the SPI certification exam, after which I will be a nationally certified SPI.

Today, I accepted a full-time position managing a climbing instruction program. This is a great leap towards my passion for outdoor education, and I trust that God will guide my steps down this road.

I am greatly appreciative to all those friends and family who have supported, empowered and trusted me in my endeavors - especially my lovely girlfriend!

Happy Climbing!