NOW PLAYING | E+F BEST OF 2016

You can go ahead and add the week between Christmas and the New Year to my list of favorite things. For a brief moment, life slows down and there's a sense of magic in the air. A moment to pause and reflect on how far we've come and to dream about where we're headed over the next 365 days. 

I've spent a lot of time this last week doing a review of my 2016 and what I'm most hopeful for in the future that is 2017. If you're a Tim Ferriss fan like me and follow his podcast, you've more than likely already listened to Ep 210 'Becoming the Best Version of You.' If not, do it now. With guests Josh Waitzkin, Ramit Sethi and Adam Robinson, it's the best 1:35 you can spend.

The highlight for me was actually in the opening segment when Adam shares his keys to success. When asked how he thinks about the transition from one year to the next (resolutions, any particular routines or approaches closing out the year), he answered by saying that he likes to try and take stock of what he's learned over the past year, and that this year, he's learned three things. Three things he wishes he'd known when he was younger because, in his words, "I think they're the keys to success."

I'm not a big fan of resolutions, but I've decided to apply his lessons to my 2017 and always: 

Approach everything with enthusiasm.

Prioritize your relationships and connecting with people.

Expect magic. If you expect magic in every encounter, you find it. 

So here's to magic in 2017. And because I like to make monthly playlists, the E+F Best of 2016. 

Happy New Year!

 

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CLIMB | RED ROCK CANYON

Well, the last of the Thanksgiving leftovers are packed up and headed back to Jackson with my Dad and Truman. So much to be thankful for this year and always — the love of family & friends, the opportunity to travel to beautiful landscapes, the health and ability to climb and experience the world from unique perspective. The list goes on.

My first trip to Red Rock Canyon last weekend did not disappoint. Quick trip with only a day and a half to climb, but definitely maximized the days with Elaina Arenz. I bagged my first lead on trad (SPI here I come!). Practiced building anchors, belay transitions and rope management and cruised a gorgeous 'off the grid' multi-pitch before returning to Austin on Sunday. Already scheming the next trip, Red Rock will definitely be on repeat in 2017.

Elaina Arenz, Chicks Climbing & Skiing

NOW PLAYING | E+F NOV 16

Vegas baby...VEGAS! Currently packing my bags for my first trip to Red Rock. Wheels up in less than 24/hours for a four-day weekend climbing with Elaina Arenz. I promised our mutual friend Coach Seiji I'd try not to fangirl her too much. Needless to say the psych is high, and the E+F Nov playlist definitely sets the vibe. Enjoy!

NOTED | 11.6.16

Despite the rain, it was still a pretty amazing weekend for climbing here in Austin, with Austin Bouldering Project hosting the first annual Southwest Boulderfest. I volunteered as a judge for Session II and was incredibly inspired by all the talent competing, including Chelsea Rude, Meagan Martin and Paul Robinson. In case you missed it, you can watch last night's finals competition here. Congrats to the winners and everyone that contributed in making the event such an outrageous success. Already looking forward to next year.

Here's a few things of note from around the Web this week...

Toughness, grace, strength and fun. It's a powerful combination. 

What would you do for the person you loved the most?

The magic of how to have it all. Rob Pizem shows us how to get it done. 

10 ways to climb mentally strong. 

Add Zion big wall climbing to your bucket list.

Dirtbag tricks to stay warm when it's F****** cold.

"Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong."

photo: moonrise over cliffs of Zion Canyon

NOW PLAYING | E+F OCT 16

Finally enjoying a little bit of a cold front here in Austin. And by 'cold front' I mean anything less than 100 degrees. Yes, it's still hot, but the cool mornings mean it's almost time for the long sleeves and boots to come out. Yeesss. 

Trying to take advantage of the break in the heat as much as possible with regular weekend trips to Reimers and little happy hour climbing at Gus Fruh. Made my first visit on Wednesday after work, and it's easily a new favorite. I don't think I'll ever get tired of the fact that I can now be outside on the wall, in the middle of the week in 20 minutes or less. 

In celebration of the new fall season and those send-it temps, here's the E+F Rocktober playlist. May it and the force be with you as you clip the chains on your next project.