caution. may cause extreme admiration.

So, par the recommendation of Zach when he was helping me find a job this summer, I got hooked on Outside Magazine. Its incredible. Most known for the Best of 2009 or Gift Guide, it still boasts a lot of other really interesting articles. I have yet to look at the lists to tell ya the truth.

When I started reading this expose last night I knew I was getting into dangerous territory, but I couldn't help myself... gave in to temptation.... and regret it, I do not. Dudes, ever feel like you want to do something ELSE? Do something bigger? And are always scheming and dreaming of a life that isn't 9-5, earn a pay check? Most often when I get that way and start to poke about all I can find are "non-profits" with a generic website and someone who hosts a couple of events and talks about what they do online and for what charity they donate. Honestly, after about twenty of those people I get completely repulsed and walk away. I mean, that doesn't take EFFORT. That doesn't require a hardship inflicted upon your own lifestyle; where did you make a sacrifice? Where did you miss out on something, live without, or plan on doing either of those things? Making a website proclaiming your newly formed non-profit? Get real. How about the 24 year old who's living in Nepal washing her clothes in a drain on the floor and eating rice and cauliflower? But, thank you for doing something.
....
There is something to be said for people give in their own ways and not all of us are attracted to or have a desire to sleep on the floor and eat yuck for at least a year, but would still like to create awareness; for that, I applaud you :)

BUT, for the sake of your time, and my motivation, check this OUT. Here are a group of peeps out gettin it done, some making serious sacrifices, and taking contributing to the greater good to a whole new level. DIG IT. I gotta get my ass in action. This guy is 26. And the over-dramatic, sappy, hopeless romantic in me thinks I could probably hang out with you and have a REALLY good time. Kerri Rae my dear, I think I see what you were talking about. :)

i'd say its inevitable, go for the win, Roy!

talk is cheap. go for five.

sometimes i start to feel really thin. then, I stop getting on facebook for like a week and I feel all better again. :)

i've been doing a shit job at taking pictures. its that same thin feeling except apparently this one lasts more than a week. yikes.

christmas spirit has been lacking this year. not really excited about much.

{maybe something to do with a recent break up of what I thought was going to be a really fun relationship and it just went down the crapper? One of the hardest things to do is breakin up with someone without one specific REASON, just that, you know its for the better. You know that you're being worked over and as much as you want to stay in it and remember what it used to be like because you know how much fun it could be and you WANT it to be, but its not anymore. And quite frankly the other voice in the relationship doesn't give you one sliver of a feeling that they want the same thing too. Why did he do that?! How come you lead me to believe....? Argh. Sheer frustration. and serious disappointment and well just plain BUMMED OUT. Sadness all around really. I thought you an awesome person the more I go to know you and just thought that the world was yours for the taking; you were a doll but then something changed and you took that praise and left me behind deer in the headlights. Since when did you get too good to be in this relationship? HAH. And quit telling me how I should pursue Law School and shouldn't have given that up for you. OH SCREW YOU. SCREW YOU. Thanks for supporting me. That's just what I want from you, more criticism. All I want is someone to go camping with, watch a funny movie, check out a concert maybe, and hang with friends. I'll go to Law School if I want to go to Law School and I only told your parents I applied because I was making fucking conversation over breakfast. You're going to pick up a book someday, or you're going to hear someone speak my name in conversation, and you'll wonder. This hurts. I miss your attention. But, I don't miss the way you made me feel. } get off my back. and if you're sorry, trust me, not nearly as much as i am. :(

so, for the rest of the entry I already had written...

forget it. another day. maybe later tonight.

This world belongs to the enthusiastic. Ralph Waldo Emerson

love, love, love, love, love. this is a beautiful family. definitely an inspiration, not literally down to the point where I'm going to move to Australia and start loving animals, BUT, just in such following ones interests and having the passion for it. And that its okay! The enthusiasm for it. The honesty in their pursuits for the greater good without regard for financing, money, or material items. These kids are adorable and not because of their cute brown zoo suits and Australian accents, but because of their energy and enthusiasm for sharing what they love so much. Its contagious! I find myself re-thinking things and realizing that those things I've been excited about, are GOOD THINGS! And that is not to be determined by others, but by one's own decision. Follow that, follow that voice! I'm sure many of you are like "duh", but this is huge for me. I mean I come from a family that could give a crap about sports and athletics and find no real benefit to be gained from participating. WHAT?! Yikes. Teamwork, goal setting, benefits of hard work, maybe? Anybody? Bueller?

Anyway, I really loved this clip. Got me all fired up and sappy. She's a great lady, he's a great guy, I want to try and learn a little something from them, and HOPEFULLY, be a little more, live a little more, like they do :)

calvin and hobbes - a classic.

How to Choose Cross-Country Ski Touring Gear.

as stated on the REI Expert Advice website.... "ask your sales associate for assistance in choosing the right pair."

Thanks, REI. Thanks a lot. Quality, no, MONEY advice right there. Yes, because I have a sales associate sitting in my bedroom in podunk Oregon; how silly of me not to think about asking him instead of getting online and sifting through blogs and jibber! Let me just drop what I'm doing while he and his stunning white smile hidden amongst five o'clock shadow takes his handsome manly hands and gently fits my foot into the perfect UK boot as he explains to me the pro's and con's of 3 pin bindings vs. NNN, or better yet SNS. Would I like to join you tomorrow to check out a new trail you found in the Eagle Caps? Sure. Actually, I heard Denali boasts some beautiful terrain... How about we hop on the float plane and go check that out next week? Can we bring a tent? You'd like to do so some back country camping too? Shoot, I am going to have to be in Seattle by next Friday, its the Battle baby and my friends are funnier than hell. What's that? You're free? Oh sheesh, in that case, its on. I'll bring an extra Kennel shirt and we'll make a whole vacation out of it. :) yes, i think you're pretty bad ass too.

ty's tat.

a new tattoo my friend Tyler Knott recently got.

I absolutely love it.
This makes me want to put into action my idea of having a plain wall in my room that I can paint quotes and things that come to mind I want to remember. THIS would definitely be a big one splashed across the whole thing.

coastal cabins, northland, not a day goes by....

been looking at these a lot lately....