Because it's there.

Well Christmas is over for another year, it's the new year, 2007. I can't hardly believe the rate at which time fly's by. I have been out of high school now 16 years, college for 12 years. I am 33 years old, 34 this July. 1/3 of my life is gone, and that's if I live to be 90.

It's a common thing for people to look back on their life when a new year comes. Some people look back with regret for things they have done, some people look back with a sense of accompishment for the things they have been able to do or obtain. And some people look back with regret for things that they HAVE NOT done or things they wish they could have done.

I think with me, it's a combination of all these things. Everyone looks back and regrets actions they have taken, or idle words they have spoken, so I am sure I am not alone in this category. You can't do much about changing the past, what's done is done, so in this area we are forced to move on, make amends when possible, and then forget about it. Sometimes that's easier said than done.

This past year has been a year of searching for me, I have been searching for lots of things, maybe a new area of employment, (if anyone from my current employer reads this, I am not leaving, just looking as we all do). I have been searching for lots of other things as well, meaning, purpose etc...

When it comes to looking back, it's not just wishing I had not done things, but also wishing I had done other things as I said. I think it's just as bad to look back and wish you had done things as wishing you had not.

For me, this is very true. That's why among other things like taking some weight off again, being a good dad and husband and son, and most importantly, being a good Christian, I have determined to accomplish one additional things this coming year (or year and a half). I have decided to pursue a 10 plus year dream of mine. I am going to climb a real mountain.

I have set my sights on Mt. Rainier in Washington State. It's the most heavily glaciated peak in the lower 48 states. In other words, it's on par with many peaks in the Andes or the Himalayas. It is basically a training ground for higher peaks like McKinley of even Everest.

Why do such a thing? I have no answer other what Sir Edmund Hillary said about Everest, "Because it's there". It's just something I want to do.

I am going to begin training this spring and hope to purchase some of the ice climbing equipment I will need by working some part time jobs. I am going to be keeping a journal of my preparation for this climb along the way. And as extra motivation, I am going to try and get people to sponsor me. Not to pay for expenses of the climb, but to raise money for a charity or some kind.

If anyone is interested in sponsoring me, please let me know. I will let you know what kind of charity I will donate the money to once I figure out what that charity should be.

So keep posted to the Kyperman for updates on this newest wacky idea.