i am in training to become an isa certified arborist, i suppose i'm an ok climber, no 100 footers yet. i have add, as do all 5 of my siblings in varying degrees, and my mother. it has caused me some problems throughout life, such as Ted has described. i cant finish anything (except a beer), i am a horrible procrastinator, i spend hours doing nothing but excersizing my mind in front of the computer or a technical book. i surf the net with anywhere from 3 to 9 windows at a time, while watching tv. this has caused me some problems deciding on and keeping a job as i lose iterest and patience quickly. this also affects my climbing...i can really psyc myself out on some comparatively easy tasks, just depends on my mood. one day i'm hangin upside down, shaping heavy tips and limbwalking, the next i'm hugging the tree so hard i tire myself out too much to even pull myself up the tree. (my boss says the footlock method is for weaklings and fatties)
my boss has been climbing for 31 years and has had his business for 25 now. he is an excellent teacher, and has NEVER raised his voice at me. he doesn't pressure me to hurry up, although he will let me know when i've made him his money on the job. he videotapes me while he's in the boom, which is extremely helpful in critiqueing your technique and _style_. another good thing about him is he's always open to suggestion, and we have good conersations about tree biology and identification. i'm learning fast enough that he trusts me enough to send me on some jobs with just a grunt and the chip truck. thank god i found a job where you are given credit for taking initiative and learning new things. and it's all osha approved!
i used to do tree removals with a ladder and a pole saw, some pretty complicated dumps. it's a miracle i am alive to tell the tale...and i never made any money. 125 bucks to take down an 80' elm between 2 houses, with other small obstacles in the way? sure it sounds like a good idea when your family is starving..but what if you don't come home???
anyways, i'm glad to hear there are other patience-challenged people climbing trees. the internet is a wealth or knowledge and a great _link_ to people that have been there before. thanks to everyone that writes down their point of view!!

MTV- you've got a good boss. Do your best and never feel like you can not voice your viewpoints while doing tree work. It is always different when you are aloft with the saw. Communicate at all times and you will be much safer. Study hard for the ISA test too. Good for you by advancing yourself.