Rock Climbing Saved My Life

Me on my first Trad route ever...it was awesome.

So just in case I haven't said it yet I think that my wife is amazing...she will probably be the greatest influence on whether or not this is the best year of my life (no pressure babe). Life has not always been so good for us, several years ago we found ourselves in a marital rut, we were just staying on course so we could survive. We realized later that one of greatest problems was our lack of common interests. We were both in to things that were pretty cool and fun, but none of those things interested both of us. One thing that we have always had in common is a love for the outdoors. One day while hiking in North Bend (Little Si) Nikita spotted some crazy guys climbing up the steep face of a cliff. She said to me "I'd like to do that sometime", I said "me too". One week later we were taking the intro to climbing class at Vertical World in Everett. We almost new right from the beginning that this was the thing that was missing out of our lives, it was the something that we could do together and be passionate about it. We found ourselves a year later climbing three to four days a week in the gym, climbing routes that we could only dream of climbing when we first began. We were traveling to other states and to Canada just to get on the rock. We fell in love with a sport and fell more in love with one another. Climbing has fueled our friendship and our love. I can't picture a more perfect day than sending routes with my wife.

I Love you Kita.

Encouragement

The video above is of Thomas pulling a 40lb sled. He was one of the only kids that could do it alone.

As a young boy playing sports I can remember a lot of great times and memorable moments. From winning many consecutive baseball championships to making basketball all-star teams, none of these moments compare to what I had in the stands. My parents were some of the most supportive sports parents I have ever known. I had at least one parent at every game I remember playing as a young boy. Even when I was in college they traveled all over the country to watch me play ball. One of the things that sticks out most was my moms attendance at all of my High School football games, 10 games and about 15 minutes played. I will also never forget the Saturday morning that my dad promised me $20 if I hit a home run in a little league baseball game that day, as I rounded 3rd base (my first home run ever) their stood my dad with a $20 bill waiving above his head. My parents continued to pour their time and money into my athletic endeavors (which paid off). To them I owe a debt of gratitude that not all kids are so lucky to bear.
My best year ever includes fueling an undying passion to fully support my little man in everything that drives him. I asked him again today if he loves football and gave me an emphatic "OH YEAH".
I am so proud.

Football Dad

Thomas had his first day of football today. He was awesome. At one point he said that he didn't want to play anymore, but at the end of practice he was excited about tomorrow. I thought that I was going to learn how to sit back and be a hands off parent, but after talking with the coach it looks like I will have a bigger role than I thought. I am excited to have this time with my guy. I remember these years, they really help to form who you are going to be when you get older. I am not sure what that says about me, I cried every time I struck out until I was in Jr High. Playing in Mukilteo has already proven to be a thousand times better than when we played in Everett last year.

I am looking forward to seeing how I can encourage my son to be a good sportsman and tough guy all at the same time.

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Friends are pretty cool

Boys Muscle Pic, originally uploaded by tmchoops.

I will be the first to admit that I have not always had the closest buddies. Growing up it seemed like I was always involved with some sport or some girlfriend. I never made a whole lot of close friends, there are a few that I still keep in contact with, and I am thankful for their relationships.
I am excited about this being the best year of my life, partly because I have some close "Bros". We all have a lot in common mostly we have wives that are way to good for us (score). We also are all big into rock climbing. Our families all took a trip to Smith Rock this last May and it was awesome. Everyone sent some great routes and ate some great food while chillin out at the timeshare. Felipe and I will be taking a trip with Tom this year to Red Rocks in Vegas this January to climb some big routes (hopefully 1,000 plus feet).
Nikita and I feel that we are totally blessed to have the friends that we have in our lives. I know that I am blessed to have buddies that I can count on all the time.

Learning to finish

I have always had issues finishing what I have started. I usually start projects and then they sit unfinished. For some reason this year has been different so far. And right now I am embarking on one of my greatest projects ever, a complete overhaul of a totally bland backyard. So far the pool is in and the grade has been excavated. Now the stamped concrete will go in on tuesday and then it is on to the built in bbq and the patio cover.
Thomas and I spent most of the morning at
Lowe's doing some last minute research.
Stay tuned to see how I finish the job...lots of pictures to come.

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How it's gonna happen

Picture of thomas playing with a BB gun.

So I know that it is not new years but I have some goals to help me on my way to having the best year ever.
1. I have missed my Bible (a lot). I really have missed it, I read the first chapter of John today along with the first chapter of Genesis and Psalms and Proverbs. WOW I have really missed the word (JESUS IS AWESOME). I started reading the bible today using a App for my phone called youversion. Check them out at http://www.youversion.com/  it is pretty cool. You can pick a reading plan and then pick a version to read it in.
2. Of course I want to be the best husband and father that I can possibly be this year. I am hoping that my first goal really helps me in this goal. Nikita and I are coming off one of our best years together and are hoping that this is our best one yet.
3. I have missed the weights. So I have lost 90lbs and I am in the best shape of my life but I am not as strong as I would like to be. We have a new house and a room that is totally dedicated to working out. Nikita told me the other day that it is the only room in the house where the carpet is still perfect...ouch!!! I guess I need to put that room to some use. The goal is 3 days a week to do a total body workout.
4. I would still like to climb 5.12 and climb over 1,000 feet. Which means actually training hard.

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My best year ever

So I turned 32 yesterday and I decided its about time that I have the best year of my life. I have decided to track the best year of my life with a picture everyday, so I am going to post the pictures every day on this blog along with all the other things that make me happy.
I am anticipating having a lot of pictures of family, friends (The Fam) and rock climbing.
The first picture is actually from my birthday, I had a great day. We went out to North Bend and went climbing at Exit 38, it was awesome. Climbing with my wife and son is one of my greatest joys.

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