Rock Climbing: then & now

Yes, I said rock climbing.  If you know me at all, this probably surprises you.  I was, after all, the tennis manager in high school.  {That's how I got my P.E. credit, thankyouverymuch.}

Prior to beginning my Running Adventures with Adam, we went on a date rock climbing at a local place around here with a bunch of people from church.  It was quite fun, and I had a good time.  Last night was the first time we'd been back in quite a while, so I needed a little refresher with all the "On belay...Belay On...Climbing...Climb On" jargon.

It got me thinking about the first time we were there almost a year ago and how some things are the same and some things are a whole lot different.

Then {March 2010}

• I was in Memphis at a Lady Bears basketball game when I got the Facebook message from Adam asking me if I'd be interested in rock climbing.  (He didn't have my number yet.  Ha.)  After only a little encouragement from my college roomies, I said, "Sure!  No problem."  Naturally, my first question to the girls was about my outfit.  I dragged them to Target and we bought a cute shirt to wear with my workout capris and some little CZ diamond studs.  (Because those are essential when rock climbing...)
• We met up at the rock climbing place, and he rumbled into the parking lot in his sleek black GTO.  Even though we'd been writing messages back and forth for a little while, this was only the second time we'd hung out, so I was a bit nervous but a lot excited.   
• Adam patiently explained the whole how-to-belay process and trusted me enough to climb up walls using the rope that was in my hands (and thankfully some very strong caribiners).  We climbed for about an hour and a half, and I was blown away by his patience and his encouragement along the way.  
• We went to Pei Wei afterwards and sat and talked for another hour at least.  I remember laughing a lot, and he laughed at things I said.  I was thrilled that he thought I was funny!  He asked if he could call me sometime, and we made plans for lunch later that week before I left for Easter.
• My arms felt like they were about to fall off the next day.  I could barely type at work.  Seriously.  How embarrassing!  That was all about to change, though, because at our lunch later that week was when Adam told me he'd run with me.  And so it began...

Now {February 2011}

• Yesterday, I only stressed slightly about what to wear because it's gotten cold again.  And no, I did not put earrings in this time...but I did fix my hair.  What can I say?  Some things never change!
• We met up at the rock climbing place again.  This time, I wasn't nervous to see Adam, but it was nice to see him after a long day at work.  And last night, he rumbled in with his new truck.  (And yes, I think it's quite cool.)
• Again, Adam explained the climbing/belay process again, reminding me of what I'd forgotten.  (Which was pretty much everything.)  And still, he was patient and encouraging.  This time there was a whole lot more of us giving each other a hard time, but just as much laughter, and I even got hugs this time around.  ;-)
• We headed to Panera Bread afterwards, and instead of "getting to know you" conversations, there were still good chats, but with a lot more depth to them.  {No nerves.  It was wonderful.} 
• Thankfully, my arms don't feel like they're about to fall off today.  Amazing what running and working out will do!