I hate having the rope in my face,

Ah yeah, I remember that the rope used to be in my way when I started out. Somehow I've become so used to it that it's kind of like a fifth limb - there's almost a body-awareness where it is.

Belaying seems to me the real challenge, too! I mean, doing it properly and safely.

I hope to learn it this year. Still need a partner who's more my size but I got a few people interested...