I’m not a fan of heights.

I should probably revise that to say that I am terrified of heights. I don’t walk up to the edge of anything, I avoid narrow trails with a drop-off on one side, I will never walk out into one of those glass enclosed observation stations because I only want to see the ground through my feet if I’m standing on it, and if the only way out of a situation is by skydiving, I will not be escaping and will happily resign myself to whatever fate awaits.

My impulse control is not great.

Fear be damned! In July I signed up for the 2021 Habitat Challenge and the opportunity to rappel down the side of Hotel Murano, Tacoma’s second highest building. All that I had to do for the privilege of walking off of a building was raise a minimum of $1,000 for Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity. I love Habitat for Humanity, have an intense desire to improve life for those around me, and devoted 2020 and 2021 to challenging myself and getting uncomfortable. Considering those facts, the Habitat Challenge seemed like a perfect fit. I registered in a rush, and I’ll admit, within minutes I was starting to question what had led me down my current path and regret my life choices. After a couple of deep breaths, I managed to convince myself that I probably wouldn’t be able to raise the minimum amount and was, therefore, saved from myself and my poor impulse control.

My friends either love Habitat for Humanity or really wanted to see me sweat.

I raised the minimum amount within 3 days. I don’t even know what to say about that. Thanks? Having secured my spot, Tacoma Habitat requested a bio and song choice for my rappel. My teens enthusiastically offered suggestions on the song that should play as I start my descent. Helpful suggestions included, Let the Bodies Hit the Floor, Free Falling, Jumper, and an assortment of options that generally caused peals of laughter from everyone but me.

My friend, Anne Jones, announces the participants and reads their bio.

I should mention that she’s also the owner of Windermere Abode, the lovely brokerage where my real estate license hangs (and where I would like it to remain). There was no backing down once I let my registration slip. THIS is why I need to learn to stop sharing everything at all times.

The pros had everything covered.

Over the Edge was in charge on the day of my urban rappel, and all joking aside, they are exceptional professionals. I did nothing but stand around and try not to look like I was searching for an escape route. They secured all my gear, checked my gear, explained my gear to me, checked my gear, trained me on a mini rig before I got to the staging site, checked my gear, hooked everything up, checked my gear, talked me through the early stages (basically the whole having to lean back part), and kept a chill and mildly amused vibe that helped me forget that I should be terrified.

I zoomed down the building.

I started my rappel with another amazing participant and fully meant to make my way to the ground beside her. Once I found myself dangling over the edge of Hotel Murano, all bets were off, and I sped down that sucker like it was a race that I couldn’t afford to lose. Part of that speed was brought on by a quick glance over my shoulder less than 20’ down the building (225’ left to go did NOT look good from that angle, but a quick reminder that I had a team of people ensuring my safety kept my mind from totally spiraling). I really thought that my heart would be racing faster than my legs at this point, but the way back down to solid ground was smooth and easy. The pros set the gear, and I trusted them. I knew I was in good hands.

I’d do it again.

Look, I still won’t be walking up to the very edge of anything, and I don’t expect to take up recreation rappelling. However, I’d step out of all my comfort zones and off buildings, tackle some fears, and lace up my work boots to help Habitat for Humanity and damn day. Safe, secure, and affordable housing should be available and accessible for all. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to participate in the 2021 Habitat Challenge and to play a very, very small role in raising a massive amount of funds. Overall, the 2021 Habitat Challenge raised $117,000.00 for Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity. Go Team! Who’s joining me in 2022?

Thank you, thank you!

Big Thanks are due to Christine Murphy for taking so many amazing photos, Anne and Christine for cheering me on and not letting me chicken out, Hotel Murano, Over the Edge, Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity, and all the dear friends, family, and Abodies who donated to get me into this position, literally.

There’s still time to donate!

Donations can be made on my 2021 Habitat Challenge site or the Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity site. Help me support this fantastic organization!

2021 Habitat Challenge - Urban Rappelling for Affordable Housing