One Rite of Passage to go please!

Practicality was top of the agenda this Christmas. Swiss Army Knives, sporks, altitude lip balm, reflective zinc sticks and foot warmers to name but a few of the incredibly practical presents exchanging hands in the Sharland household this week. It seems that the trip up Everest next April is quickly propelling me into fully fledged manhood a little sooner than expected. I am also now the proud owner of some incredibly supportive hiking boots and have now apparently reached the age at which Scrabble becomes a suitable Christmas gift and, more worryingly, a bloody enjoyable one.

So, due to the lack of any identifiable Rites of Passage in today's western world, and assuming that puberty still doesn't count (if facial hair is a measure, then some may argue that I'm still yet to see the back of that one anyway), I think a world record attempt on the world's highest mountain is probably a suitable alternative. Outdoor gear maketh the man, and a mention in the Guinness Book certainly wont hurt either.

As well as all the practical man gifts and purchases, booze intake is down, training has ramped up, I've taken part in my first public PR stunt (check out Toovey's epic re-telling of The Everest Freeze Mob http://tooveseverest.blogspot.com/), I've taken "The Grim Challenge" and "The Survival of the Fittest" in my stride (albeit a very cold, exhausted and weary stride for the most part), I've eventually and tentatively embraced blogging and fundraising plans are developing nicely. All in all, the build up to April's trip has been extremely enjoyable, and it's only going to get more focused, challenging and rewarding over the next few months. 2009 is certainly going to be a big year and I, for one, can't wait.

So, watch this space for updates on training and fundraising progress and my continued transition from boy to man to Everest Cricketer. Onwards and upwards. Hapy New Year everyone!