"Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally."
David Frost
The last couple days have been really important climbing days for me. On Monday I taught my bouldering basics class at
Bridges and we had the biggest turn out yet with about 15 people. It was a really fun challenge to teach that many beginners at once. It was also a great reward to see the smiles on their faces as I helped them work through their roadblocks and fears. The class was so big I didn't really get to climb at all, but seeing them get excited made me want to climb more than ever.
So the following day I hit up the gym and climbed my little heart out. And to my great surprise and elation I was able to finish my first V8! I'm particularly excited about this, because I haven't even tried a V8 since I injured my tendon in my left hand. I thought it would be a lot longer before I was able to climb as hard as I had been before the injury. I am physched!
This weekend my dear friends Ross and Jess tied the knot. I have known this amazing couple for 10+ years and I was so honored to share this special occasion with them. The wedding was lovely. It was the first wedding that I've been to that actually felt like a celebration of love, a celebration not only between two people, but also between a greater group of friends, who all totally support each other. I am so thankful for the amazing friends I have in my life! 
Oh, Portland, how I have come to love you over the past few months. You have become a home away from home. Here are just a few reasons why I love you:
This weekend we celebrated my friend and climbing partner, Santi Portilla's birthday. We BBQed at La Loma Park in Berkeley. His mom made some kick ass food and the weather was amazing. It was a great time being lazy with friends. Happy Birthday my Tortilla! XO!
I opened my emails this morning and to my surprise received a few photos from my great uncle in France. The first one is of my grandma and my great, great Aunt Jany, who I visited in Vence last month. The second one is my momma and my grandma on my mom's first birthday! So sweet! And the last photo is of my grandma with my Aunt Reisha when she was a baby. My grandma was always so stylish, I wish I could have shopped her closet back then!
