Date Night

One day after a particularly stressful and busy week, I decided that Russ and I needed to have more fun together. So, I planned a night out. Planning is good, as our last spontaneous date didn't turn out very well when we had no plan and not much left in our entertainment budget.

First, we went to Sugar Bowl in Scottsdale. I didn't have any particular reason for choosing that place except that I remember my dad taking me and my sisters there when we were kids, and I remember thinking it was great just because of its name. What kid wouldn't want to go to Sugar Bowl? I used my Entertainment book 2-for-1 coupon, and we shared a sandwich and a giant banana split. Yum.

Afterward, we went up to north Scottsdale to a rock climbing gym called AZ On The Rocks (another place that had a 2-for-1 coupon). Russ was totally surprised that I would choose such a place. We watched a cheesy introduction video (Russ can't help himself, people... he has to crack jokes), and then we geared up. They had us sign a legal waiver basically saying we knew we could die from this. Great!

Since Russ had done this once before, he was the first to climb, and I was the first to belay (hold the rope). See, this worked out well for a date because, you know, we had to work together to survive! :) I was so nervous because the guy with ravioli breath was saying over and over never to allow my right hand to let go of the rope (we could die, right?). Pressure. I felt really awkward and slow at first, but after the first climb was over, I was starting to feel more confident. Then the guy told Russ to fake a fall, and I was all nervous again! But don't worry... he didn't die, even with my lame belaying skills.

Then it was my turn. Of course I looked down because I love to be scared, right? When I got to the top, the guy with ravioli breath told me to let go of the rocks and grab onto the rope. That felt a bit precarious, but I did it, and Russ brought me down safely.

After that, I was ready to conquer more. I surprised myself and Russ with how well I did. I even tried one wall that had a section that was slightly inverted, and I totally did it! I never fell, which was awesome since Russ fell once - though in his defense, he did successfully complete one climb that was slightly harder than any of the climbs I did. We did six climbs in all, and our arms and legs were worn out at the end. What a great way to burn off a banana split!

When we left, we told the guys that we hadn't paid yet, and they told us not to worry about it! Wow, that doesn't happen very often. So, I have to put in a plug for them - AZ On The Rocks! Fun!

Sorry, no pictures because I couldn't let go of the rope with my right hand :)