Year in Review: Pre-2006 – Up until 2003, I competed a lot. Highlights were falling off the opening sequence of the 2001 Nationals finals route but onsighting the finals route in 2002 to win and then traveling to Germany, Austria, and France to climb and compete with the US Team. Since 2003, I’ve shifted my focus more and more to climbing outside. On new years’ day of 2000 I did my first v10, a local problem at my first area I climbed at. In 2001 I did my first v11, in 2002 I completed the Mandala (a personal highlight), and in 2003 I fell off the wet top out of Nothing but Sunshine, a v13 in RMNP, which would have been the 4th ascent and first one day ascent. No worries. In 2004 I returned and settled the score, this time with no falls into the talus pits of death. 2005 was a year full of school, but I still managed to polish off a project I worked for two years, the all-natural Mickey’s Beach Arete (don’t blame me for the music on that vid, just turn the sound off!). 2006 – I spent new years’ in Joshua Tree and ignited an interest in trad climbing. I took my first fall onto gear, a green alien while on Equinox, 5.12c, and I have since bought a rack and been going to the valley as much as possible. The highlight of this year would have to be going to Bishop in February with the distinct goal of two highball boulders: This Side of Paradise, and Herun and the Sea of Stories. Both climbs were amazing, but “Paradise” is the perfect climb. Tall, almost too tall, with just enough holds, and a crux that makes you want to curl up in a ball and cry. At v9, it was the hardest climbing I’ve done while more than 20 feet off the ground, and it required a new level of motivation and focus for me to be able to do. In June, I got my first taste of El Cap, climbing up to the Dolt Tower in a day with a good friend before rapping off due to lack of water. I can’t wait to get back. For this year, I am motivated for the sit to Mandala, developing my teaching skills as a climbing instructor, and staying in good health.