GOAP @ the Hut... coming along!

Thanks to Scott, Kendra, Finn, Curt, Hannah, Matthias, Leanne, Robert, Jen, Lisa, Gigi, Laurie, Erik and Craig ... the Hut is coming along well! It already looks like the kind of place I would like to go for work and play- which is exactly why it is being created in the first place.

I think you are really going to like it too. Erik delivered the mats this morning and talked me through some of the technical issues regarding the space. Then Craig and I began laying the floor... we got a lot accomplished.



As each piece of the puzzle is put into place the reality of what is being created becomes more tangible... the sound of feet pounding on the platform, the vibration of plates hitting the deck and the contrast of the shiny flooring against the sage colored corrugated tin- gives even more motivation to keep the ideas flowing.

It is difficult to NOT continually think about what new concept or addition to try out. The image of a big group of friends gathered inside and around the outdoor workout area, watching WODs take place on the grand opening weekend has frequently entered my mind This is really, really fun!

Look forward to having Dave and Jeff come by tomorrow and help out with some sanding, priming, painting and laying the remainder of the floor. If YOU want to drop by- I can give you a job to do- but if you just want to look... I will give you a tour and explain the vision in person!

More soon!

GOAP has a new space!

After some searching, much hesitation, and a little resistance, Go Outside and Play finally has a home. There were a number of other places that I shopped and each one of them had some pluses and minuses. Some were huge and expensive but with excellent location, another was small and expensive with a perfect location. Yet another one was extremely tiny and really expensive. Then a friend called and suggested I checked out this Quonset Hut in a rootsy little Malibu enclave just off Cross Creek. It is just right. There is no longer a For Rent sign hanging in the window!

So, the rent is paid, the contract negotiated, and the move-in date is this coming Saturday. Scott and I will spend much of the weekend cleaning and gutting and then we, and a number of other friends (just call me to be put on the work list!), will be busy at work transforming the insides during the remainder of the month. Equipment begins arriving soon and a possible soft opening will likely happen on September 8th at 6am. It seems there will be a line out the door... stay tuned for more about how to be in attendance on that ground-breaking day!

Even if you can't make it on that first day- I look forward to each person- friend, client, member, guest- contributing to the sense of place within GOAP's headquarters. The space will be a location for learning about what the body is capable of, a place to push the boundaries of the mind, and an environment to connect with others in the community as we develop a stronger more powerful connection with ourselves and our surroundings. (And of course, increase work capacity across broad time and modal domains.)

While researching and teaching in Thailand- I experienced some ideas about the importance of creating space in which a community can thrive. Presented by Parker Palmer; a writer, educator and senior associate of the American Association of Higher Education, one image of teaching that has guided his educational mission is his idea that “to teach is to create a space in
which the community of truth is practiced.” (The courage to teach: Exploring the inner landscape of a teacher’s life.1998, p. 90).

Put simply, I look forward to spending time teaching, learning, working and pushing ourselves alongside the GOAP community in this new space!

Here are 2 articles that have something to do with space and place-based-education. The first is short and sweet, the other a bit longer and well, a little less sweet.

Read, THEN, Go Outside and Play!

http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/education-for-life/803
http://www.essays.se/about/Michael+Laden+Anderson/

How to Plan a Vacation

Get lots of friends together.
Shop at Trader Joe's.
Load up the car with toys.
Drive to the beach.
Set up a tent in the dirt and stack firewood next to the pit.
(Substitution: rent a motor home and stock the fridge.)
Wake up at 6am and get a coffee at Surfin' Donuts.
Ride waves at San O'nofre for some hours.
Drink more coffee and lead a CrossFit workout.
(Substitution: eat donuts and watch others crossfit)
Eat oatmeal, apply sunblock, load the wagon, walk down the trail to the beach.
Bodysurf, eat, read, build sand castle, nap; repeat three times.
Load wagon, walk up trail.
CrossFit workout with friends.
Hydrate with Pacifico.
(Substitution: hydrate with Fat Tire)
Shower for a quarter.
Host or be hosted for dinner.
Laugh at kids getting scared at ghost stories.
Fall asleep in tent/motor home.

Repeat for 5-7 days or until skin peels off.