I’m the kind of person who sets goals so ridiculous for myself that I’m constantly facing impending failure. That may sound depressing, but in the small chance I actually accomplish one of these said goals, I’m pretty sure I’ll be elated for life.
But even if I don’t reach the end game, since the goals I set for myself are usually so ludicrously unachievable, what I end up accomplishing is still generally pretty awesome, even if it’s only 10 percent. For instance, I told myself a few months ago that I’d complete my first novel by the end of the year, sell a million copies, go on Oprah and help produce a movie adaptation starring the entire cast of The Wonder Years. (I know Winnie’s into math now, but what the f*ck ever happened to Wayne?) Well, as it stands right now, I only have 90 pages, which is clearly far from the end goal. However, on the other proverbial hand, those 90 pages are f*cking gold. Fool’s gold, perhaps, but, nonetheless, they’re still shiny and tight. I’m cool with that.
And speaking of shiny and tight (and failure to reach the end goal), let’s talk about my attempt to hike up Ecuador’s second highest peak and highest active volcano, Cotopaxi.
I made it up just 350 meters short of the volcano’s summit, where I became severely disoriented and nauseated from the altitude. I was so f*cked up (I believe that’s the technical term), that in order to avoid a probable trip to some country Ecuadorian hospital, I was forced to descend.
Now, that may sound like a giant disappointment, but, really, I wouldn’t trade my experience for any other. And until I reached around 17,000 feet or so, where I started to lose my basic motor skills (I couldn’t open my own backpack to get my water out), I will remember each and every crampon-aided step up that 50-degree cone of ice with a big, crazy grin on my face. And maybe a little barf on my chin. (Turns out fourth time’s a charm when it comes to puking on a volcano.)
Indeed, that sh*t was tight.
And, of course, special thanks to my dear friend and cameraman Jack of a blog with a trillion times more readers than mine, Adventures in Voluntary Simplicity. Your ability to take and make a poop joke (although, thankfully, not make actual poop) at several thousand feet above sea level tells me you’re good people. A douche, perhaps, but good people nonetheless. :p
That opening paragraph reminds me of something I heard William S. Burroughs say: “If you face death, for that time you are immortal…” Not sure exactly WHY, but your explaining about “constantly facing impending failing” rung some bell of familiarity, I guess. Nice words you’re typing up there, Madeline.
So, congratulations on the mountain-fail, and mad props on the video. That shit, for the record, was the tightest.
Ahh, a Burroughs comparison — consider my day made. π
Ah! I am excited that you’re writing a book. I would definitely buy a copy π That view looks incredible. What was the song that played in the beginning and the song that played during the volcano view?
Ah yes — the book. I like to think of it as a Catcher in the Rye for the next generation. My problem is that I just haven’t been inspired by it lately. I might need to take a trip back to DC to revive it…
Good call on my forgetting to credit the songs. The first is “039” by Bovea Y Sus Vallentenos; the second is “Blindspot” by Brandston (a little late ’90s emo shout out…); and the third is “Home” by Weird Tapes.
“Because life is beautiful, even if you fail”
so true…!
Loved the video
Loved you loved taking that challenge
Loved you loved loving that too
Shit, man, you made my day
I didnt love your puke though…
Yeah, I didn’t love that till afterwards. It’s amazing how much better you feel…
Thanks for the e-love!
Your sh*t is totally tight, as always. And awesome video! Both the mountains and the old man. (Isn’t that a story? No, that’s “The Old Man and the Sea.” Whatever.)
Anyhow, I hope you’ll keep working on that book, because if you’re fictional sh*t is as tight as your blogging, I’m sure it’ll be off the hook.
(And I’ll review it on my book review blog and tweet the review out to the world.)
Thanks. I try to keep my sh*t that way π
I’ll keep working on that book. I thought this trip would serve as inspiration, but I think I’m hopping around too much to concentrate. I think come February-March when I’ll be in the same place for a little longer, it’ll come back. I hope!
Wow, I’m honestly surprised you were able to do that.
Well that’s kind of mean. I was surprised I wasn’t able to make it to the top to be honest.
And, hey, what is with the lack of e-reciprocity on Jack’s part? You were right to give him hell! π
Harumph.
Tell me about it! When someone’s sh*t is not tight, I will call them out!
[…] of which, Marissa’s had many opportunities to climb great mountains. And vomit on them. Repeatedly. (And lived to vlog about that, […]