Climb Out of Your Comfort Zone

From hiking trails to secret bike paths, there are plenty of adventurous things to do here in San Luis Obispo. But there’s another type of activity that many people haven’t tried yet — climbing. Whether it’s indoor or outdoor, I’m talking about the daring, no-harness type of climbing. This sport helps improve balance, strengthen back and shoulder muscles and is great for better flexibility.

At Cal Poly, the Poly Escapes outdoor climbing park at the Recreation Center allows students to access these routes on a free climbing boulder or a classic rock wall. Climbers are allowed to use these walls during school hours throughout the week and can rent climbing shoes and chalk to make their experience better.

SLO-OP, a local non-profit social club, is a climbing gym run by two executive directors who built the entire place with their own hands. They strive to organize a climbing community in San Luis Obispo that will promote and support the sport effectively. Anyone can become a member at SLO-OP, and though there is a small monthly fee of $45, the benefits are endless. Not only do they have multiple bouldering walls, SLO-OP also has a yoga room and weight room for everyday use. Climbing here is a great way to meet people in San Luis Obispo. Climbers are extremely helpful when it comes to motivation and route movements, and often set up groups for outdoor bouldering trips on the weekends.

Outdoor bouldering is a little different in comparison to indoor climbing, but the exhilaration of the sport is something to love. Psychology junior Michelle Van Riper indulges in both climbing techniques daily and can’t seem to get enough.

“It’s addicting,” she said. “It’s like a self-competition; it’s rewarding to see yourself accomplish different climbs. Bouldering is great because you’re in the middle of nature and it feels like you’re a part of something really beautiful.”

Many websites and books discuss the benefits of bouldering and offer instruction on completing different routes depending on your skill level. There are many places in San Luis Obispo that are perfect for outdoor bouldering, such as Bishop’s Peak and Madonna Mountain. For safety purposes, it is encouraged that climbers own a “crash pad,” which lies below you at all times in case you fall. Poly Escapes offers rental crash pads for students that can be used on and off campus.

From Feb. 28 to March 2, Poly Escapes is hosting an Ice Climb for students seeking an off-campus climbing excursion in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Climbers will be scaling frozen waterfalls and putting their skills to the test during the day, and can enjoy relaxing in the hot springs at night. The price of $150 includes transportation, a hotel room, snowshoes, trekking poles, ice climbing gear, camping gear, two breakfasts and a dinner. It’s a perfect weekend getaway!

Climbing is a great way to de-stress and stay in shape. It is an awesome hobby that challenges you and pushes you outside of your comfort zone; I encourage you to try it!

14 things to occupy the single ladies this Valentine's Day

Alright ladies, Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and being single is even more aware. But that's okay; what can be better than to spend the holiday with your girlfriends? Here are some spur of the moment things to spice up your Valentine's Day. Make it one for the books!

1. Go hiking

 

There are plenty of beautiful trails to adventure on in San Luis Obispo; especially by the beach!

2. Satisfy your sweet tooth

Indulge in your favorite box of chocolates; this is the ultimate cheat day. 

3. Go get a hot massage or a fresh mani/pedi

Check out LivingSocial and Groupon for local discounts; TREAT YOURSELVES GIRLS! 

4. Road trip

It's a 3 day weekend; why not take a little vacation with your bestie?

5. Buy someone else a bouquet of roses

Share the love! Surprise your mom; she'll be your Valentine any day. 

6. Karaoke 

Don't be afraid to sing; Hit Me Baby One More Time is always acceptable. When in doubt, karaoke it out! 

7. Have a picnic

Avila Beach is the perfect spot for a good picnic and an incredible sunset.

8. Drive-in theater 

Sunset Drive-in is just minutes away from campus; pack up a bunch of blankets and go!

9. Secret admirer gift exchange

Who needs a boyfriend when you have your friends? A gift exchange is a great way to keep the surprises coming. 

10. Ice cream sundae bar

Grab your boyfriends Ben & Jerry, along with some toppings and create your own ice cream sundaes! (Another part of the cheat day)

11. Wine tasting

Numerous amounts of wine, cheese & crackers, and a group of friends? What could be better? 

12. Pajama party

I'm not talking about a normal sleepover; I mean an all day, stay in your pj's, no make-up type of sleepover. 

13. A date with destiny

Has anyone ever said no to a Ryan Gosling movie marathon? Didn't think so. 

14. Night out on the town

Why not check out a local band at a bar downtown? Dance the night away with your friends!

Happy Valentine's Day! Enjoy it! 

In Loving Memory

I was on a run around my neighborhood, enjoying the beautiful scenery just before the sun went down. I stopped to cross the street, and when I looked up, I saw the brightest star in the sky. That's when it all hit me, and I just started to cry. Two years ago tomorrow was the day that my wonderful Grandma went to heaven to be an angel. I can't even begin to wrap my head around how quickly times flies by; how can it be two years already? It feels like we were just celebrating Thanksgiving together as one big family, and then boom, now it's almost 2014.

Once I got home, I felt this sudden urge that I should write about her, and that some day I can read this post to my kids. My Dad had written an incredible note about my Grandma's legacy and how she changed our world with her love, and I was fortunate enough to be able to read it at her funeral. So this post, is going to be about Mummi and the legacy that she left with me.

Growing up, my Grandma was like a role model to me. She was always calling the house, picking me up from school, and watching me whenever she could. She worked extremely hard in everything that she did, and always taught me to do the same. I always looked up to her, she was such an inspirational woman. She grew up on a farm in Finland, and moved to America when she was 17 with her sisters to make a better life for herself; talk about bravery! She was such a goofball and whenever we would drive anywhere, she would turn on her Clay Aiken CD and we would sing along together. Who would've thought that a woman from Finland in her 70's would love Clay Aiken?!?! It cracks me up to this day.

I spent a lot of time with Mummi throughout my life and I cherish every memory we had. We never had a disagreement, she was so happy when we were together, and she always told me how much she loved me. I was able to live with her for 3 months, and I admired every day. She taught me how to cook, told me stories about Finland, and reminded me that family is everything and we should never let them go.

I will never forget the day when she told everyone that she had cancer. That news literally ripped my heart out and I was so angry. It seemed so selfish at the time to be mad at God, but I couldn't understand why she was the one who had to suffer, because she was so selfless. She was never angry; she looked me in the eye and told me "if God says that it is my time to go, then I am at peace with that". To witness her being still so selfless and in love with The Lord was eye opening. It showed me how incredible she truly was, and I pray to God that I am half the woman that she was. My family and I spent a lot of time with her in her last month of living. One day I was laying in bed with her singing songs and trying to make her laugh, and she just stroked my hair and said "you look so beautiful". That was the last thing that she said to me, and I love her so much for that. That was her legacy, and now I'm taking the pieces that she left with me and putting them in mine.

Whenever I pray, I talk to God and tell him to say hi to Mummi for me. I know she's there, I feel her every day. I am so thankful for my wonderful family, for loving me and showing me how to be a woman of faith. I love all of you to the moon and back, and I'm glad that we got to have Mummi in our lives.

Home

Well, I finally caved. I'm starting my first blog. I sat here in this little coffee shop on campus and thought, "what in the world is my first blog post going to be about?", and I've finally come up with an idea. HOME. What is home? I could easily look up endless amounts of definitions and quotes about home and go off of what other people have said, but it's just not the same. Not for my first blog post, that is. So what does home mean to me? Home is place that you create and make your own. A place that you spend endless amounts of time at, and open up your heart to. There will be people in and out of this home, but the memories that come from those people will always remind you of home. They will bring you happiness, sadness, and any other emotion that you can imagine, but that's okay. You learn from the experiences that you go through, and grow into a better person as you get older. Home is a place that you love and hold close to your heart.

You're probably thinking, alright Brittany, where are you going with this? Well, this is what I have been realizing since I have been going through college. I started this college journey by going to community college in my hometown, fully taking advantage of not having to pay for tuition or rent, and taking the easiest classes for my general education. I lived at home, and I truly did love my home, but normally when you go off to college you start a new life and find a new home. Well, that's what I did after three years in community college. I moved to Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Boy, talk about a move right? From Southern California, to the middle of nowhere, bible belt Tuscaloosa. Now, I was so excited because I thought, okay here it goes I'm finally going to a real college, I'm going to be starting a new life in a new home, this is going to be my home!!! It was temporary, but it wasn't all that I was hoping for. Sure, I met so many great friends, went to football games, and explored the life of a "southern girl". But I couldn't shake the fact that I wasn't truly happy; I couldn't stop thinking about my family, and not being able to adjust 100% to Tuscaloosa made me realize, this isn't home. I kept praying about what God wanted me to do with my life, and how I could figure out what path to look for, and that's when I decided to apply to Cal Poly. Cal Poly has always been an amazing school, but it has been the school that is so incredibly difficult to get into. February 18th, I received an e-mail from Cal Poly. I was so nervous, I couldn't even get myself to open it. My mind was flooding with doubt, and I just kept telling myself "it's okay if you didn't get in". BUT GUESS WHAT?!  I GOT IN.

It is now October 22nd, and I am a full time student at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. I am the happiest I have been in a very long time, and I can honestly say that this is one of the best decisions that I have ever made. Sure, sounds so cliche, right?! But I'm being serious. I have only lived here for about three months now, but I still get excited when I show people my apartment, or tell people where I live. I did Week Of Welcome at CP, and it was so incredible and welcoming, that I knew from the first day that Cal Poly was going to be my new home. I get excited every morning, even when I have to wake up for an early class, because I take pride in my school, and I love my new home. God has made it very clear that this is where I should be, and he continues to bless me every day. Home is supposed to be a place that makes you so happy, that you never want to leave. Sure, you can go explore and travel, but it's a place that takes up that certain spot in your heart, and you'll always want to come back. I cannot wait for all of the memories and experiences that I am going to have here at Cal Poly, and this is just the beginning. I'm sure this won't be the last time that I talk about it!

Xo,
Brittany