The Perfect Man?

So, first off, let me just say I adore my hubby. I'm very happy, in love and actually am quite happy to say I still lust after my own hubby after being married to the guy for 10 years.

But then there's Hugh. :)

So if I was one of those kinds of gals that had "the list" - you know the list of guys you'd bang the daylights out of before you die if you ever get the chance and dear hubby would just have to give you a freebie... that list - if I had a list, you bet your sweet patootie Hugh Jackman would be on it.

The guy is obviously talented, and who doesn't like a guy who loves his kids? But his latest stunt is pretty much what sealed the deal.

One might be thinking - WWF, WTF? But yes, the star of stage and screen has lent his talents to Wrestling, and actually caused damage to a professional wrestler.

I would also like to clarify that it's not the violence that gets him on the list, no it's the fact that he's both good and "bad" - you know, just the knowledge that he could kick someones ass for you if you needed him too - yep, list-worthy quality.

So I ask you readers - if you were a "list" kind of person - would Hugh make your list?

Summit versus childbirth...

Well, Dad (the blogger) suggested I write about my 14'er adventure and he's right. It's definitely a blog-worthy experience. He keeps irritatingly referring to it as a "peak" experience.

The big question on the early part of our ascent - when we were still jovial - was whether climbing a 14'er (a Colorado mountain of at least 14,000 feet) would be tougher than childbirth. Well, full disclosure, I had an epidural both times and thoroughly enjoyed the birth experience. (I know that makes me a freak.) Let me highlight here why sumitting La Plata Peak (considered a very easy peak) was infinitely more of a challenge.

1. There are no talus slopes in childbirth.

If you're not sure what a talus slope is, imagine a thousand medium sized, unstable, accursed boulders piled up so high you actually can't see the top. It's surmountable, but only just.

2. You don't usually hate your Dad during childbirth. (Your husband, maybe.)

If you're wierd like me, your Dad might be present during the birth of your child. But you don't viscerally hate your Dad at that moment. No, it's a triumphant, joyous, Lion-King thing. You proclaim "Dad! He's got your chin!" Not, "Exactly how much of your unfortunate genetic makeup did I inherit, you suicidal old fool?"

3. There is enough oxygen for a proper cry during childbirth.

Not so above 13,000 feet. Not enough oxygen to hyperventilate or have a panic attack either. I know. I tried. There's not even enough oxygen to eat your peanut candybar, though it is the only thing you've ingested since your 6am stop at the gas station for a reconstituted egg sandwich eight hours ago.

4. There are no false summits in childbirth.

It may take forever, but generally once the kid is crowning, you've made it to the final stretch. When the doctor says "three good strong pushes," he doesn't mean push hard three times and then whoaaa Nellie! There's another effing hour to go!

5. There is no lightning in childbirth.

Much less giant swords of lightning striking neighboring peaks while you - wretched fool that you are - are scurrying across a broad, 13,000 foot high ridge, nearly the tallest thing around. And when I say scurrying, I don't mean in an orderly, mouselike way. I mean flailing your puny human arms and legs for all you're worth, like a couple of hapless hobbits fleeing Mordor with a goddamn golden ring.

And now, a couple of ways that climbing a 14'er is strikingly similar to giving birth.

• Once you've done it, you enter a strangely exclusive club. You've crossed over. You belong.
• The only membership requirement is that you've done it... no one cares how gracefully (or pathetically).
• You can't entirely describe how difficult an endurance challenge it was when people ask.
• You wouldn't know quite how to tell someone to prepare (although bringing more than 20 ounces of water along is a good start).
• There may be both tears and hysteria.
• A good coach who believes in you is essential.
• Both feats may well end with you in the hospital.
• Only the ignorant dismiss it as a non-accomplishment.