HeR - It's been way too long! (6.27.13)

It has been almost one month since my last post – so I suppose I am long overdue on this.  I knew June was going to be a busy month, but didn’t expect it to be this crazy. Also, I’ve spent a lot of time sticking my fingers in my armpits and having a good whiff…SUPERSTAR!!  That, of course, was not me writing – rather the HeAss decided it would be funny to contribute to my post when I wasn’t looking.  The next think you know, he will be writing about bad gas and boogers – just can’t take Him serious at all.
Anyways….

Dominican Republic
The DR was beautiful – by far the bluest water I have ever seen.  We stayed at an all-inclusive resort to attend a good friend’s wedding.  For the purpose of socializing with friends I hadn’t seen in all too long, the resort was perfect.  Other than that, I am not a resort traveler.  I much prefer the culture of the local inhabitants versus flying down to a beautiful foreign place only to be greeted with everything American.  Also, I didn’t see much marine life around the areas we were – a bit of a bummer since I was looking forward to snorkeling with a rainbow of fishies.  But it was another relaxing and fun trip with Him – it appears we travel remarkably well together.  It will be interesting to see if dirt, bugs, rainstorms, tents, and close quarters for a longer period of time will be any different….

Productivity!

Was able to complete a couple of work projects ahead of schedule and the goal is to continue to work hard and do a damn good job up until July 5^th.  Purchased the cargo box and had it mounted on the rack that Him had already had installed.  Took measurements of the back and scoped out storage options to integrate in the build-up of the “just-in-case living quarters” – most of the time it will be tent-living under the stars.  The dehydrating of food has gone really well – too well since we seem to be eating it as fast as we dehydrate it.  The idea of a stockpile of dehydrated meals and snacks hasn’t overcome the taste of instant gratification.  Started packing clothes and possessions and was reminded how little of each I have – other than my skis, it looks as if I could fit all my belongings in 2 suitcases and one large duffel bag (other than the bike & gear at my parent’s house!).  It incites this feeling of unbinding opportunity and adventure, both personally and professionally.

Mom/Dad Visit

Mom and dad came up for their second visit to Alaska – this time a bit shorter trip.  It was highlighted by dad’s 123lb and 54lb halibut catches on a charter in Seward, AK.  It was their second time going with CrackerJack Charters and once again, it resulted in good fun and big fish.  On their first trip to AK, they did the tourist excursions – this trip was more laid-back and just a fun five days with them.  Mooses Tooth beer and pizza, Color Run, Seward, Sourdough B&B, Halibut fishing, Salmon fishing, Ship Creek, and entertaining themselves!

Other Stuff

Other than traveling around, visitors, packing and preparing for the trip – my big news for the month is signing up for an ultra in Montana during August.  The Him is going to volunteer and cheer - which I am stoked about – seeing him on the course will be a godsend when the legs and mind are tired.  The distance is mind-boggling for me – since I have little experience in longer distance racing.  I had no desire to run road marathons now or in the past.  My first marathon was also my first Ironman.  But I have an insane burning desire to complete an ultra.  I love the thought of being out on the trails, in the wild, running (and walking) free – knowing that finishing has little to do with physical strength, and much to do with mental strength – a sheer test of willpower and drive.   Two things that you can’t train for, you can’t teach, that don’t give a damn about excuses, and can’t be blamed on others – they will put one foot in front of the other at mile 45 out of 50.  I like to think of it as having guts – something that I admire in people that have it and aspire to reaching sooner rather than later in my life.  Consider this a challenge - do something that scares the shit out of you at least once a year - find your guts!

Next post - More stuff in June – More trip updates (routes, timelines), Iowa wedding, Anne’s visit (Mother of the Him), final packing, saying sayonara to the Vegetarian lifestyle……

 

Him - 25march2013 - traveling in style on Opposite Day

This just happened (literally...like 3 minutes ago): 

Casey comes back from brushing her teeth in the Houston airport bathroom; she packed a toothbrush and toothpaste in her carryon (I'm kinda jealous). She reaches into her bag and pulls out one of many tiny little lotion container things. She puts it on, puts her hands in my face and says ...

"Smell".

"That's gross".

"It's chocolate-banana".

"Why would you put that on your hands"?

"Maybe it's chocolate-strawberry. It's lotion". 

"I know it's lotion".

"We'll, then I just won't stick my hands in your face anymore".

Anyhow, as i mentioned earlier, we are stuck in the Houston airport with about an hour left before we head to Newark. Once there, we get to sleep in the airport and catch a 0500 flight for the Dominican Republic. At least the flight is only about four hours and I'm hoping I'll get upgraded!!

The theme

The intent of this post is to highlight the different ways we travel via planes and airports.  

We left yesterday (last night?). Caught a cab from the apartment. I figured I'd have a few drinks since I wasn't driving. And some snacks. 3 generous glasses of Black Box and some tasty avocado dip with some potato chips. Casey had some water, a salad, and some fried bananas (super tasty, actually). Cab showed up a few minutes early. It was an uneventful ride. 

We showed up early, intending to get me upgraded due to Casey's 'black diamond platinum gold' status with United. Sadly, it didn't work. Casey got first class all the way to Houston though...:/. We spent our remaining several hours at a bar. I had two double rum and cokes with a burger&fries. Casey had some more water. 

I waved a bittersweet farewell once we boarded and Casey watched me get sucked into the bowels of the plane (kinda like a reverse fart). Fortunately, she didn't sleep much better than I did. We landed in Seattle and basically walked off our plane straight on to the next one three gates away...barring the bottle of water I needed to deal with the hangover-induced dry mouth. Again, I waved goodbye to Casey (she didn't even look back this time) and shuffled off into the dark. She slept super well this time; I didn't. 

Oh well. We got to Houston with nary a problem. We were both starving (despite the fact that Casey ate an entire package of freeze dried pears and half a package of vegetables). We did find a decent looking restaurant. I had a greasy pork burrito and she had...you guessed it, a salad. 

Currently we're both eating dehydrated kiwis and mangos...that we made. The kiwis taste kinda like candy...that's why i like em. 

The Bottom Line

Casey has a silly obsession with 'healthy' food. I leave you to your own conclusions. 

Next stop - THE BEACH!!!!! And all the free drinks I can drink!!!!!!

HeR - Work hard to play harder (May 20, 2013)

I wasn't sure how to start the "HeR" half of the blog posts.  Mostly because I couldn't figure out how to actually start a post in Blogger.  Much to my chagrin, I had to ask Him to help out, which he graciously did (albeit with a smirk on his face). 

Currently....
I work in a cubicle - public accounting for a few years, industry for a couple more, currently as a contractor, allowing me to dabble in both public and private Accounting.  Not exactly what I dreamt about when I was a tomboy running around the farm 15-20 years ago, but I am good at it and have made it work (for the most part) with what I envision my life being.  Anyways - I gave notice last week with a project end date the first week of July.  It was a super positive meeting and perhaps they will have me back!

About this trip....
The Him had been talking about a road-trip since we met.  I had been dreaming of a trip to some faraway place, but then realized after listening to his plan that I have never taken the time to explore the beauty of our own country aside from quick weekend trips here and there.  Sometimes all you have to do is look out in your own backyard to find the perfect playground.  After much eye-batting and coy comments, he finally got the hint and formally invited me. Score for the HER!  So in a couple short months we will be off to our playground - to camp, hike, bike, trail run, rock climb our way around the Western US.

Why Blog....
I thought up this idea on a trail run and bounced it off my trail running partner, Todd. Based on his reaction, it seemed people might be interested in a her vs him perspective. Rumor has it - male and female brains are WAY different - it would be interesting (and hopefully funny) to read the her and him perspectives of the same adventures (or mis-adventures). The Him decided that we probably shouldn't read each other's point of views right away - for some reason he thinks the Her may find offense to the things he is writing and pout because she sees it in a different perspective. I have no clue why - that never happens with women.

Prepping....
Being an accountant, I am a bit analytical and a bit of a budgeter (probably a bit of an understatement).  I have also eliminated a lot of fluff so it will be necessary for me to spend a good amount of money on gear and getting the little I did have, basically bikes & bike stuff, to Alaska from Colorado and Iowa.  A big thank you to Erin and my parents for helping me out - you all rock!
Anyways, the first challenge of a HimvsHer perspective - figuring out what gear is necessary.  The Him is a gearhead so it is only fitting I go to him for advice on this topic.  The problem is determining how much of the gear garble coming out of his mouth is necessary versus "cool to have".  If it is any indication on how we are coming along on that - so far I have purchased a GoPro Black Edition because it is a necessity.  Hmm.....

The list....
1) Work hard until first week of July
2) Pack, donate or send stuff in Alaska back to Iowa (sorry Mom and Dad:o)
3) Create a budget that probably won't be followed.
4) Purchase more gear defined as a "necessity" - hence the budget not being followed.
5) Dehydrate lots of food - we are trying to do most of our snacks/meals ourselves
6) Build our living space in the back of a truck.
7) Rough sketch our trip from August 17 - ?
 
As I have always told my parents, "life is an adventure", I am excited to continue to seek and live out adventures, and particularly excited to do so with the Him.  I hope family, friends, and followers alike enjoy reading our blog as much as we will enjoy writing it and sharing with you all. 
 
And to the Him....you may have had the first word, but I will always have the last:o)
 

Him - 19MAY2013 - I'm First!! and Other Stuff

Preface: So, basically, I just wanted to make sure I got the first post. I did. VICTORY!

The Basics
casey gave me the idea for the BLawG. i'm pretty sure she got it from a friend, which is a-ok. i think it's a great idea. a bit of a twist on simply reporting what we've been up to. i'm sure this will endear us to our many fans and gain us loads of accolades and attention and stardom.

surely, my perspective on a long day in the backcountry, carrying heavy packs during a steady, 50degree drizzle will be quite different than hers. i'll be like "man, that was cold and shitty. my back is sore. lets get a beer or burger or something". she'll be like "i hate you. that was the worst day ever. i told you four days ago that it was going to rain and i had the beginnings of a blister on the inside of my right pinky toe. why didn't you listen and plan accordingly???? and how the hell did we end up lost for three hours after the map got wet and disintegrated? i need a salad."

obviously, that was slightly exaggerated (maybe). i think, though, that i got the point across. our view of what we've done (or failed to do), what the important part of an adventure was, or what was fun/not fun will certainly be different. also, the fact that we're going to write and publish these without showing them to 'the other' will add a bit of authenticity to it. sort of. at least you'll get my view of what happened without her interfering and trying to make herself look better ;)

also, for the next several months, our thoughts and writings will center around a 3-4 month roadtrip that we'll be taking.  we'll focus on rock climbing, mt biking, trail running, and backpacking. it's gonna be KICKASS. if, in the future, we decide to continue our traveling ways, then we can just continue to write other stuff about those other trips and stuff.

that's kinda the basics. we'll each write separate bits about places or adventures or things. we won't read what the other has written prior to it being published (and not for at least a few days afterwards...to prevent injury (mostly to me)).

Planning and Prep for our ROADTRIP
so, we've got our schedule planned out through her family reunion thing in Birchwood, WI; it ends in mid-august. we'll be leaving anchorage in mid-july to visit Dawson City, Yukon Territory. we'll be attending their music festival as well as backpacking the the Tombstone Range just north of that town. next, it's off to Whitehorse, YT for some mt biking and trail running...all capped off by a marathon (i'm only doing the half). then, it's about 5 damn days of driving from NW canada down to north-central 'Merica. we'll be at the reunion for about 10 days. after that, we're heading west. no set idea as to where, yet.

things left to do:
1. continue to make my truck awesomer. purchase and install a cargo box; build the bed organizer/divider thing (i'll post pictures later). clean it a bit.
2. decide whether we want to spend time in the Colorado/Utah area or Montana/Wyoming/Idaho. basically, we don't want to spread ourselves to thin during our 3 month trip. i know, 3 months sounds like a long damn time, but i don't think it is considering the sheer number of options. we'd both rather get to know a place a little better rather than just flit around, only tasting the surface.
3. continue to refine our menu. we recently purchased a dehydrator and have been experimenting. apples, sweet potatoes, pears, kiwis (tastes like damn candy!).
4. refine our equipment list.
5. other stuff.

anyhow, so that's the down and dirty. i'm sure casey will have something snarky to say when she realizes that i beat her to it. stay tuned!