Part of me will always be 18 years old: irreverent, challenging authority, and with no sense of mortality. Another part of me is quite aware of the realities, expectations, and responsibilities of where I am at this stage in my life. Currently I don't have to worry about rent, children, or an alarm clock so rather than strapping on another corporate job I'm dusting off an old dream or two and figuring out what to do with the rest of my life that's fun and that helps people.

Right now I climb and ski and train for both... really. I also give thought to going back to work. Work... I'm not opposed to it. I'd just like to do something that is worth my time. Sure, I need the money like everyone else. I just don't want another job where I hurt people all day yet still claim that, " I love my job"... That aint me. Never was and I'm conscience of this now.

Well now. Let's see... I climb lead. I can dance and I can cook. I look after my family and friends. I make people laugh when I know what I'm talking about... and I know how to shut up and listen in a variety of situations.

Younger than I look... and surprised that I'm Black. I know a lot of people around here don't like to talk about that kinda stuff but it's real, to me and a lot of other folks.

Well now, where shall we start...?

Food: Thai, Indian, Bar Be Que, Salads, Bacon, a good Alfredo sauce, Deep Dish Pizza with a Corn Meal Crust - Fennel Sausage and Mushrooms, most if not all vegetables.

Music: Stuff that makes me want to dance and sing. Born in, of, and to house music (bring on the live drums). I like both pretty and edgy music. I love jazz, Brazilian in particular. Every now and then I need to rock out to the Foo Fighters or the Stones... yes, I said "rock out".
Kimbra's cover of Nina Simone's "Plain Gold Ring" is for lack of a better word: STUNNING.
Joni Mitchell is always on heavy rotation as my mental background music... "They paved paradise, put up a parking lot..." Sergio Mendes and Chick Corea are my Pandora defaults.
I've never been to Burning Man and though I'm curious, I may be a little too old fashion for it all and... I like house music. Not mindless techno.

Movies: I'm a dude so I like movies where things blow up but more often than not I veg out on most things well written: period films, political thrillers, smart romantic comedies, gritty crime films. Sooner than later I'll watch everything the BBC offers on Netflix Streaming.

Books: While I much rather listen to Audiobooks then sit and read paper and print I will admit to finding pleasure, happiness, and contentment sharing a book and reading to someone I care about. Hmmm... haven't done that one in a long while. I like Len Deighton, John Le Carre, Walter Mosley, most things historical... and back in school I was a fan of E. E. Cummings. It would be nice to share a bit of Shakespeare with someone. The iambic pentameter has rhythms and a beats and if you get that then... we have something in common. Jon Stewart and Huffpost aren't really reading but both are part of my daily diet as are NPR and KQED.

Dance: I'm a sucker for dance... Doin it. Watchin it.

6 things...?

Text from my family and friends.
A really great climbing route.
A safe belay partner.
One of those conversation that leaves me a little breathless... and sometimes irritated.
My rocket ship... i.e. my car... or my bike.
ATM card.
My apartment.
My climbing harness and climbing shoes.
Skis, boots, and bindings.
Sleep.
Good music.
Good food.
Great stories.
Dance!!!
Friends and family who don't mind my dents and bruises.

Hmmm... I used to think a lot about how to be a superhero... really. Education. Training. Discipline. The whole bit that was my focus.

Right now I think about what makes me happy: climbing, skiing, and dance.

The attractive answer would be "out with friends" but really I'm a homebody. If I'm not climbing or working I'm home streaming Netflix. Not terribly sexy I know but it is the truth.

I do like the occasional last minuet call to go to a party or show.

Ummm... I can't stand an unmade bed... and yet I have dishes in the sink.

You simply want a gentleman around... human being and all.