Super Angie...blink and smile

Tonight, Dallin did something amazing. He climbed to the top of the highest wall at Momentum. He wanted to "earn" a special Ben 10 toy. Usually we have him climb a harder route on a short wall, but this time we want to really push him, so we had him climb a really simple route, but on a VERY tall wall. Dallin is horribly afraid of heights (and I mean HORRIBLY!).

His coaches did their thing and encouraged him. They kept telling him to remember what they taught him, "blink and smile"--when you get stressed on a route, smile and blink your eyes--it calms you down naturally and slows you down as well. He did FABULOUS and actually climbed the route REALLY FAST. There were so many supportive folks around cheering for him as he was lowered, but the poor boy was terified. I gave him a BIG hug and wiped away his tears. He is such a great boy and I'm so proud of him.

Tonight's climbing was different. Usually I only climb with Rick, but tonight, before Rick arrived, JC Hunter (pro climber) asked is we could top rope together. Rick was VERY supportive and let me go off and climb with JC. At first, we just warmed up on some easy 10s. Then she had me try an 5.11d. It was sweet getting beta from her. I didn't finish the route, but it was so awesome to work it the way I did and get her support and advice. I watched and learned as she climbed--I swear Gravity doesn't effect this girl! She told me I should only be working 11.d and higher! HELLO!?!?!?! What a compliment. She found me two 11.a routes on the inverted wall that she also wanted me to work. They are easier then the 11.d route but because of the inverted wall, they are more of a mind game. I did awesome, making it half way up both. I can't wait to start working them more and more and getting stronger and stronger.

Before all of this though, I belayed Tanith and Brennan. Tani climbed the rainbow route and did so great. She is such a little smiler and so cute while climbing. Then Brennan climbed a 5.7. I am working with him on having clean feet instead of smearing the whole way up the wall. He is learning and trying so hard. I'm very proud of him, even though he didn't finish the route. He is growing and maturing in his climbing.

Rick, thanks so much for sacrificing your time tonight so I could climb with a pro like JC. I love you and greatly appreciate your love and support for my climbing. I LOVE YOU!!!

And Dallin, CONGRATS! I'm so proud of you for making it to the top of that route.
--Super Angie