Garage Sale

So I have gone to a couple REI garage sales over the past couple years.  Normally it is just a swarm of people fighting over a couple dozen used or broken items.  It was half-heartedly that I went to the sale this morning.  Upon approach,  there was a much larger swarm of people, which made my chances of getting something cool drop way down.  Then I saw the jackpot of goodies sitting outside the store.

So as my turn to rush the gate came up.  I immediately headed for the snowboards.  It has been my goal over the past couple months to find a really cheap used snowboard to trash while I slowly become profficent.  All other attempts to find the 

aforementioned board have left me wanting.  The first couple boards I saw looked new or slightly used and were a about 150-250, which I am sure was a great deal.  Then I saw a pile of generic looking identical boards off to the side.  They were labeled rental boards.  So apparently REI was getting rid of some of their rental gear and they had what were once nice Burton boards on sale.  Then I thought I saw a price tag, but was quite mistaken because it was only $19.99.  After a bit of deliberation with the common sense department of my own intelligence, I decided that this was the price and I must by this board.  I thought for a second about buying multple boards so friends could have some when they came in town, but that would involve more boots and bindings too.

Now that I had a board, I need some boots.  They did have a line of rental boots for sale, but I actually plan on using the boots for a couple of years.  I found a relatively new pair of boots that appeared to be in great condition.  They were my size so I tried them out.  I'm not calling myself fat but really now my toes need to breath.  I went over and found a slightly less cool and new looking pair of $20 boots that fit like a gem.  They too were Burton's so at least I am brand loyal apparently.  As I went to return the little piggy crushers, I caught a glance of the "womens" label on the boot.  Whoops.

So now I have boots and board and no way to connect the two.  Unfortunately this problem was not resolved.

I tried to walk around and shop but I kept hitting people with the snowboard, so I checked out and loaded up the car.  Then made a 180 and went right back to shopping.  I found a cool folding lounge chair for Jenny (that I also love).  Now I could go home.

I set up the chair when I got home and realized a couple bolts were missing.  A quick trip to Home Depot and a little enginamaneering skills and I had a functioning chair.  Now you as the reader might wonder why I am still talking, since this is a blog about the REI garage sale.  

Plot twist~~~~~~

Jenny comes home and loves the chair and like Jenny's do, she wants to go to the garage sale.  This should be the point in the story where Jenny crashes our bank account and we live in a pile of pizza boxes for the next decade.  Instead, we decide I should wear a helmet while falling off mountains on my new toy.  I also found a Zipka headlamp for $15 that I was going to keep in my car for emergencies but I think Jenny is in love with it, so we can count that as a Jenny gift too.

Burton Board (check)

Burton Boots (check)

Burton Gloves (check)

Bindings (uncheck)

Patagonia Snow pants (check)

Arc'Teryx Coat (check)

Ski Pass (super unchecked)

It looks like I am on my way.

And the seasons turn turn turn

The leaves are turning and the seasons changing.  Not those silly weather seasons, but sporting seasons.  No, not those things that people watch on TV where strangers do things with balls and sell stuff between points.  I'm talking about those things where I waste all my money on my own adrenaline needs.  

Ultimate season has ended with an 8th place finish at the Mixed NW Regionals.  Due to two unfortunate incidents with double-game points, we will not be going to nationals.  I feel like I played well and made some new friends, so that was nice.

Thus begins the next season.  I don't know what that is though.  I have spent the past four winters climbing indoors, because I lived in Minnesota.  Now I face the awe of mountains full of snow.  I don't think I have ever been excited about winter and cold, but flailing down a mountain at ridiculous speeds just sound so blissful.  Oh and there will also be that silly indoor climbing thing this winter.