First some backstory.
About a year ago, my daughter became old enough to sign up for a martial arts class that I could join her in. She asked me if I would like to take part with her. I said yes. Studying martial arts has always been one of those things on my to do list, but I never got “around to it.”
Not so many weeks ago, during a class, our instructor noticed that my front stance was narrow and was working with me to plant my feet wider. As any of you know who have ever studied a martial art, body awareness and physical human movement are key. I worked at different exercises/moves with my instructor watching. Repeatedly, I would unconsciously narrow my stance, then have to adjust. He asked me, “Do you spend a lot of time balancing with your feet spread apart, but in a line?” The answer was yes, of course. As any tree climber will tell you, is the essence of a limb walk!
Now some front story.
Yesterday I was working with the crew. Perched out on a limb balancing myself for a clearance cut, I was reminded of the martial arts story. I told it to the crew, which started a humorous discussion of how our profession effects our lives in odd ways. Sure we get tired, paychecks all the usual, but there are hidden pros and cons as well.
Here are two of my favorite from yesterday a pro and a con.
Pro
By unanimous decision, the crew agreed that as tree workers who regularly use a throw line and bag, that any party skill that involves throwing and/or precise targeting is more advanced than non-tree-climbing party goers. This includes Quarters, Beer Pong, Horseshoes, Quoits, that strange game with golf balls on a string, bean bags or washers at a target…. just to name a few!
Con
Many times I have gone out with my wife and asked her not to let on what I do for a living. Seems as soon as someone hears I am an arborist I get one of two things and most often both. First, a story about a friend/relative and/or the storyteller’s tree misadventure(s). Second, a tree issue they have. Described in exquisite detail and they want advise/help concerning it. (I imagine the second is much the same for doctors. I hope they do not run into the first much! ) I like trees and treework, but sometimes I just want to tune it all out and tune in something else!
So there you have it. Two odd ways tree climbing will effect your life outside of work . I would be interested to hear some of your stories along these lines, whether they be tree related or not.
Thanks for reading,
Tony