Tuesday Truths - December Edition

Hot takes for the best month… Just as Lake Superior is the superior Great Lake:

• December is the best month, without question

• Winter is the best season

• If you’re a meat eater, ham is better than turkey

• Cranberry is the superior berry (though, through some research I’ve learned it’s not an actual berry so I’m going with Blueberry or the similar ones as the superior)

• Twinkly lights are better than overhead lights or lamps

• New Years is the superior fourth quarter holiday but…

• My birthday is superior to all other holidays

• Snow is THE superior form of precipitation

• Spruce trees are the sturdiest real trees you’ll get for decorating

• Happy Holidays is a superior greeting and I’ll fight you on that

Tuesday Truths

Damn, it’s been a while. Hello again! Here are some hot takes for this fantastic Tuesday. Cheers!

• Ohio is not as bad as it is made out to be.

• Ohio State Fans are as annoying as any other football fans, only worse.

• Moving is the worst thing.

• Rental homes are all trash, no matter how they dress them up.

• Commuting is better when it is not in a metro area.

• Moving is one of the most expensive things you may ever do in your life.

• Eastern time is the correct time.

• The Google Pixel 9 XL feels better in the hand than a new iPhone.

• 9:30 bedtime is literally for toddlers and I feel attacked, but also I’m tired.

• Meal prep and having a predictable menu all week is the best.

The sunset from my front porch

My brother and his fiance brought a grill!

Tuesday Truths - Summer Stinks!

I’m just living my truth about summer.

• Summer is only good when you’re not in Texas. (I hate hot weather)

• Sweet relish should be illegal (I’ve been tricked too many times)

• Burgers without cheese have no place in my home

• Hot dogs should have black on them

• Sweet pickles should also be illegal

• For hot dogs, yellow mustard is superior

• Your fireworks look like shit

• Marshmallows should not be burnt, just brown

• It’s not a s’more without chocolate (Hershey’s plain chocolate)

• Night swims are superior to day swims

• Midnight walks or bike rides in the summer are the best

Tuesday Truths - Holiday Edition

Here are my hot takes on US holidays that no one asked for including my ranking:

1. Christmas/Winter Solstice

2. New Years

3. My Birthday

4. Halloween

5. Thanksgiving

6. Labor Day

7. Memorial Day

8. Independence Day

• Thought I’m not a religious person, I love Christmas and I think many others do too because of the light and sparkle so maybe I really just like Winter Solstice? I think Xmas took all of the things about a Winter Solstice celebration anyway, so they go hand-in-hand.

• Halloween/fall in general is nice because of the spooky factor, cooler weather, decor, and traditions. We love a reason to celebrate the onset of cooler weather and to tell scary stories around a campfire.

• Thanksgiving ranks a little lower only because I think we should do this quarterly and not once a year and only for the food/friends/family, not the whole pilgrim thing. I should start implementing a quarterly Friendsgiving. I’m grateful all year.

• My Birthday is actually more important than all summer buillshit holidays because summer holidays are not real. Celebrate accordingly.

• Summer is either hell (in Texas, etc) or should be celebrated with gusto every day a person has off (places with nice summers).

• I actually think the birthdays of friends and fall equinox are far more important than any bullshit summer holiday.

• I didn’t include Easter because I don’t think it’s a paid holiday at work and I don’t celebrate it other than eating clearance candy (which I can do all year).

• Fourth of July is the worst because of amateur fireworks and arrogant people who think they’re good at amateur fireworks. Between the jump factor and obnoxious smells alone, I’m over it two days before it even happens. Don’t even get me started on fireworks and forest fires… *head desk*

• Memorial and Labor Days are fine, yay for a corporate day off, but why not just have 4-day work weeks all year instead of trying to recreate at the local lake with everyone and their brother one long weekend at a time?

• I’ve worked for companies that have given me MLK Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, and the days after T-giving/Xmas off. I have no real opinion on these days.

• Federal holidays are weird in general because we’re not supposed to be a Christian nation yet our recognized days are mostly Christian in nature. As a godless heathen, I don’t really care why we get days off, as long as I can enjoy them.

Tuesday Truths

Here’s some more unsolicited opinions or facts, maybe both at the same time. I know, no one asked for this…

• Arkansas (and surrounding areas) are absolutely not “it” in the summer months

• Liking Dr. Pepper is not a personality.

• Online training is superior to in-person training. (mostly because I don’t have to wear pants)

• Pet rent should be illegal.

• Wind chimes are either soothing/beautiful or absolutely the most annoying thing ever. There is no in between.

• Every body is a summer or beach body.

• Apartments in Texas do not need fireplaces. Period. What a waste of space.

• Apartments and homes in the PNW should have central heating/cooling, it’s 2024.

• I imagine skinny backpackers have lighter packs because I’ve seen some of the setups with their foldable foam sleeping mats. Y’all can have it. I’m way too heavy for that shit.

• I only like DFW because it’s familiar and there are familiar things there. That’s it. I no longer fall victim to thinking I could live there again knowing how much I hated the summers and lack of anything interesting within 2-3 hours.

• Once you start getting plants, it’s hard to stop. (Unless you kill them all)

Tuesday Truths - National Park Edition

Here are some unsolicited opinions (MY TRUTHS lol) on the topic of lands managed by the National Park Service.

• Gateway Arch will never be a national park.

• Cedar Breaks National Monument is prettier than other places in Utah.

• Having to make camping reservations 6 months in advance to avoid them being sold out is a fucking nightmare.

• The need to get “the shot” for social media is ruining the world and National Parks. People have turned into total monsters for a photo. I’m not mad that people are actually get out to these beautiful places, but I am mad at some bad eggs who make it miserable for many others. Also, stop parking like total fuckwads.

• Olympic National Park is superior to other national parks because it has mountains, rivers, rainforests, regular forests, ocean beaches, petroglyphs, lakes, and waterfalls.

• Death Valley is one of the best national parks and I don’t think enough people believe that fact.

• Mt. Rainier is cool, but have you been to the national forest land around it?

• Crater Lake is a deep lake that looks really pretty at sunrise. Again, have you been to the national forest lands around the park?

• The hike to Delicate Arch is always worth it.

• Sand Dune Arch is under appreciated.

• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of the most spectacularly underrated NPS sites.

• If you haven’t gone to Redwood State and National Parks, you should. Go see the trees that tower higher than buildings in your hometown and tell me we don’t need to do everything in our power to protect them. Take this same mindset and go visit Sequoia/Kings Canyon too and marvel at the trees.

• The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is the best rim in the park.

• Bryce Canyon looks even cooler in the winter.

Gateway Arch

Cedar Breaks NM

Cedar Breaks NM

Ruby Beach - Olympic NP

Death Valley NP

Mt. Rainier NP

Crater Lake NP

Delicate Arch - Arches NP

Sand Dune Arch - Arches NP

Pictured Rocks NL

Redwood SNP

Sequoia NP

North Rim - Grand Canyon NP

Bryce Canyon NP

Tuesday Truths

Here are some more of my “truths” or opinions or whatever you want to call them. You didn’t ask for them, but I’m providing them anyway.

• Being cold is better than being hot. Always. I’d rather have to add layers than be miserable and sweaty.

• Freshly ground coffee is better than any other form of coffee.

• I love the sound of a vinyl being played, but the whole concept is just pretentious and snobby now.

• Mornings along a river in Montana are superior.

• Earl Grey is the superior caffeinated tea.

• iPhones are no longer innovative and are now just a money grab. (and that’s coming from ME “mr. new phone every year”)

• Being overly cautious seems as dangerous as not being overly cautious - you just have more anxiety.

• Children do not belong at breweries, distilleries, or bars. I was raised in a bar, I would know.

• The outdoor places are overrun by snobby assholes who can’t say “on your left” when biking past you. Prove me wrong, I dare you!

Tuesday Truths - We're Back!

Here’s some more information and opinions you didn’t ask for!

• I feel guilty when I have to be indoors on a beautiful, sunny day. I know this isn’t a revolutionary truth, but it is mine.

• I truly believe 2024 will “be my year” and I’m working along with hoping for that reality.

• If you drop someone like they don’t exist, you don’t get to have any opinions about them or anything they do ever again.

• I LOVE Mt. Rainier (Tahoma), but when it’s clear in Portland and I can see Mt. Hood (Wy'east) and Mt. St. Helens (Lawetlat'la) it’s objectively better for my mental health than living in Olympia.

• Burgers taste better when someone else grills them and sandwiches taste better when someone else makes them.

• Electric vehicles are not better for the environment. They appear better, but they are not. Before we fight about this, consider these questions: Where does current energy come from? Where and how do we get the materials to make cars and batteries?

• The best feature of an electric vehicle, other than how cool the design is on some, is that you don’t have to stand out and pump gas.

• When you stop worrying you’re too much or not enough, you’re just right for the people that matter. Read it again, adjust, and thank me later.

• Urban sprawl is a disease.

• You can love both Beyonce and Taylor Swift in the same universe. It’s okay, they don’t do the same things and they’re not competing with one another but actually lift each other up.

Tuesday Truths

Welcome to the weekly blog post that offers information you didn’t ask for and a photo of me. I’m not sure why I keep doing this, but here we go!

• Autobiographies are the only books I enjoy in audio book form.

• When looking at the bed, I prefer the left side. I tried sleeping on the right side, but I always end up on the left by morning.

• I no longer like road trips longer than 7-8 hours and I think flights are better. I will not be taking any questions.

• Utah is one of the most scenic states in this country.

• Buying things at full price is ridiculous.

• I believe in love at first sight.

• There’s always room for dessert.

Tuesday Truths

Welcome to the weekly blog post that offers information you didn’t ask for about me and my views on the world. Enjoy a selfie at the end, too, because why not.

• Fear is just an illusion we create to avoid doing the things we’re meant to do (sometimes)

• Portland is better than Seattle. (Yes, I said it)

• Roasting a turkey is super easy but unfulfilling for me

• SNL was way funnier in the late 90s

• Working remotely should be the norm with on-site as necessary for most office jobs

• McDonalds has the best fast food fries

• Stargazing is better on a beach, at night

• Watermelons are the least exciting of the melons

Tuesday Truths

Welcome to the weekly series where you learn more about me, even if you didn’t ask for it. This week, enjoy some facts and a photos, like always.

• Free meals are the best meals.

• Soup season is all year. I will not argue this one.

• Real Xmas trees are superior to artificial. I get it, though, not everyone can have a real one. If you can, you should.

• Thanksgiving food is good all year and should be enjoyed more than once in November.

• I have a metal cup addiction. Give me the Yeti, the HydroFlask, the RTIC, the off-brand. I just love a metal cup. The only time I use glass anymore is for wine or maybe a cocktail.

• Michael Bublé’s Christmas album is superior to most others and in my house his version of “All I Want For Christmas Is You” is better than Mariah’s. Yeah, I said it…

• I miss Walmart being open 24 hours. Thanks Covid.

• Blue Christmas (especially when Elvis sings it) is the worst holiday song ever.

• I think dogs can be as big of a burden as kids. I love my dog, though.

Tuesday Truths

It’s Tuesday, so you get some more info you didn’t ask for! Some of this may be common knowledge, but to those who are new, hello and welcome to the shit show. Also, gratuitous photos of myself at the end because I can. This is quickly devolving into just Tuesday Thoughts and I’m not mad at that.

• Minivans are cool. I said it. They’re great for camping, road trips, and general comfort.

• The lazy river should be open to adults only after 6 pm. This is specific to a resort I just visited, but could easily apply anywhere.

• Jeep Gladiator “trucks” are stupid and I will not be taking comments on this.

• Swimming in the ocean is worth the sand in the ca - especially if it’s a rental car.

• Toyota Tacoma trucks are fine, but they’re not the end-all-be-all. (neither are 4Runners)

• I may have said this one before, but Jeans are the worst pants in the world.

• 1989 Taylor’s Version is not as good as the original, I said it. I LOVE IT, when listening independently and the versions of Wildest Dreams, This Love, Clean, Wonderland, and New Romantics are better. The Vault Songs save the whole thing.

• Hazy IPA is always better than regular IPA.

Tuesday Truths

Clearwater Falls - Umpqua National Forest - Oregon

It’s Tuesday, so you get some more info you didn’t ask for! Some of this may be common knowledge, but to those who are new, hello and welcome to the shit show. Also, gratuitous photos of myself at the end because I can. This is quickly devolving into just Tuesday Thoughts and I’m not mad at that.

• Pearl Jam is not my jam. I don’t think they deserve a whole channel on Sirius XM. If I hear “Better Man” I will do everything I can to stop/change it to something else.

• Not a fan of practical jokes. Sensory overload. I’m a fan of humor, joking, and watching people pull jokes on others though, haha.

• Soccer is not my sport. I’ve tried. I just don’t like watching and I don’t like playing. I’m not here to yuck your yum, because I know it’s popular worldwide, so enjoy!

• I hate pants. I will wear shorts and hoodies/jackets until I just can’t anymore.

• The Great British Bake Off is the most soothing show on television.

• I think I like Oregon more than Washington. (Gasp, don’t come for me)

• I’m not going to be the guy who wears a costume or creates a look for an event - that’s just not my thing.

• Thrill seeking is not my thing. I will likely try things, but I’m not constantly seeking the thrill. Things I would probably try: skydiving, bungee jumping, Angel’s landing, jumping off of a cliff into deep water, para-sailing, etc.

• Snapchat is just not for me. It is annoying at best, but I have it for some friends who just like to use it. It’s mediocre app, and that’s generous, and I’d rather just text, call, or FaceTime. Send me a video you recorded instead.

• I’ve decided I’m not going to try running anymore. Never say never, but it’s just off the table for now.

• My ideal pizza: supreme (mushrooms, pepperoni, ham, green peppers, banana peppers, onions, maybe sausage, maybe black olives). The saucier, the better.

• Eating Italian food at a non-Italian restaurant is usually a scam to me because they charge so much for something I could make for next to nothing.

Tuesday Truths

A wild iris along the Tahquamenon River, between upper and lower falls

It’s Tuesday, so you get some more info you didn’t ask for! Well, one of you keeps asking for it, so I guess that’s all I need for motivation. Some of this may be common knowledge, but to those who are new, hello and welcome to the shit show. Also, gratuitous photos of myself at the end because I can. This is quickly devolving into just Tuesday Thoughts and I’m not mad at that.

• Green is my favorite color. Not just “green” but the varying shades of green for the most part. I will gravitate towards green followed closely by purple and orange.

• I think if more people read these, I’d have a lot less bullshit in my life. (LOL)

• Halloween may not be my favorite holiday, but I love the original two movies and the newer three movies.

• I don’t necessarily hate the Beatles, but I definitely don’t seek them out when playing music

• Taffy is a terrible type of candy - along with other super chewy things like it

• Sleeping bags make me feel so confined, so I prefer to layer an unzipped sleeping bag and/or other quilts instead while camping.

• Tree identification is a passion of mine and I will learn the trees of a region so I can then impress my friends (who usually don’t care haha)

• Lilacs and wild irises are my favorite kinds of flowersl

An iris along the Tahquamenon River

Me, in northern New Mexico during fall

Tuesday Truths (Thoughts?)

On Tuesdays, I’m going to probably overshare a little more about me. Some of this may be common knowledge, but to those who are new, hello and welcome to the shit show. Also, gratuitous photos of myself at the end because I can. This is quickly devolving into just Tuesday Thoughts and I’m not mad at that.

• I can be an out and proud gay man without attending certain gay events. Full stop.

• Concerts in bars, small venues, or outside venues are my favorite kind of concerts to attend. I’ll go to a stadium show, but smaller venues are way better in my opinion.

• Beyonce is talented, but I don’t gravitate towards her music like I do other big voices like Kelly Clarkson or Kylie Minogue.

• I must live close to water. New Mexico was kind of rough, but there was a man made lake I guess.

• The older I get, the less I like grapes unless they’re wine. I always buy them with good intentions, but ya know…

• I’m more likely to save for and invest in something of higher quality (such as a certain laptop or article of clothing or boots) instead of replacing them more frequently.

• Vegas is only fun for about 3 days

• Standard bathtubs are shit. Give me a shower stall any day of the week. (a shower stall and giant tub would be ideal, but I ain’t rich)

**This was not a lake, but it was pretty cool

Tuesday Truths

Sunrise chasing.

On Tuesdays, I’m going to probably overshare a little more about me. Some of this may be common knowledge, but to those who are new, hello and welcome to the shit show. Also, gratuitous photos of myself at the end because I can.

• I never care if people visit my website - I just care if they are moved by something I write. I write for myself and if it reaches someone, I’m happy. I just like to write, even if it’s not written well.

• I love when a group of work friends all bring a little something different to the chat. A good variety of crazy is a healthy balance. Shoutout to my girlies from Vine O&G. #poopselfie

• I’ll almost always take a cool, cloudy, rainy day of a sunny and hot one. The relentless sun of Texas (ten years) ruined me and I just can’t summer anymore. I need shade, clouds, or a cool body of water anymore.

• My default is to watch old, familiar shows that I’ve probably watched many times over watching new shows. Current obsession: Home Improvement (I’ve powered through 4 seasons in a week)

• Lake Superior is the best Great Lake - it’s literally in the name. BUT, it is also the coolest and freshest. Just sayin.

• Breakfast food is the best food and is good all day. French toast? Pancakes or waffles? Bacon? Sausage? YES. Just yes. All day.

• Moose are cooler than elk. No further comments.

• If I have to pick a sport to watch, I’ll pick hockey. If there is no hockey, I don’t mind having baseball on in the background. I don’t love sports, but I could go to either of those live games.

• Pineapple is okay on my pizza. The yellow delight is good with ham or bacon.

Tuesday Truths

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View from the family cottage as the sun sets

• I’m usually late. I know, it can feel disrespectful, but I mean no harm. I’m bad at time-management and most of the time I think there is more than enough minutes to get there.

• I despise corn on the cob. SORRY NOT SORRY. Fresh corn, if it’s off the cob, is just fine.

• I’ll never choose traditional chicken wings - give me adult chicken nuggets or nothing

• Night drives will always hold a special place in my heart. They were therapy, they were a means to an end, and they got me through truly boring stretches of road much easier and seemingly faster.

• I always knew, even despite wanting to be in the PNW so badly, that I’d end up back in the Great Lakes region eventually. Eventually is sooner than I could have imagined.

• Olympic National Park will forever be my favorite and that belief has only been reinforced living an hour or so from many parts of it.

• I don’t love deep water. I will swim in water over my head, but sometimes it freaks me out and I need a floatation device.

• Chili should have beans and that’s final.

• I will drink about 10x as much water if I have a container with a straw. It’s just science.

• Great Lakes get ready, there will be a big boy in a speedo next summer gracing your beaches.

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