30 Days of Thanks - Day 18

I’m thankful to have a separate line for work and a completely different phone, that’s not an iPhone, too. I have all calls, work emails, work texts, and the like routed to my old Texas number on a Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. I love being able to have things separate so they can be silenced when necessary or to have alerts on during the day to remind me when I’m not sitting at my computer without interfering with my own personal things. I’m grateful to have a second phone to play around with and to compare the Apple and Google worlds.

I have always intermingled work and personal, but I’ve learned that they need to be separate. You need to be able to shut work off when you can and also be able to respond but not accidentally to the wrong contact or using the wrong email.

What are you thankful for today?

30 Days of Thanks - Day 17

Today I’m thankful for Martha Stewart. (This is actually a suggestion that was probably made in jest, but I really am) Martha Stewart, in concept and actual human form, was someone my gramma (yes spelled this way nostalgically) looked to for advice and then taught me the things she was learning. This is also true for Ina Garten; I even inherited a few cookbooks. I remember growing up and trying new things from Barefoot Contessa or Martha Stewart at least monthly. My gramma would try new side dishes or clip/copy recipes out of Martha Stewart Living to try. Martha and Ina make me feel good when I watch them on TV or read their recipes and they connect me to the good memories of the past.

What are you thankful for today?

My gramma, Thanksgiving 2000

The cookbooks - plus that binder is full of clipped/copied recipes from all over (before everything was on the internet)

30 Days of Thanks - Day 16

Today I’m thankful for doctors who listen and want to help. I didn’t always go to the doctor regularly, but now I can’t see a life without checkups and ongoing care. Yesterday I visited a new-to-me-doctor here in Ohio and I’m impressed. She was thorough, efficient, and caring. I look forward to our follow up and the plan we created. She referred me to a sleep specialist so they can go over my CPAP data and life is good. I had really good doctors in Portland and Olympia, also, and I’m glad to have been put on this path by them. I’ve also found great care with my new psychiatrist and therapist here in Ohio as well, it’s really working out for healthcare.

What are you thankful for today?

30 Days of Thanks - Day 15

Today I’m thankful for my car. I’m thankful that the mess of 2022-2023 is over and I have my Outback again. I miss my black one that I bought in 2017, and while I don’t regret often, I do regret letting that baby go. It was a hard life lesson, which seems to be my jam, but I am better off now in spite of it all.

My old Outback was my favorite car, until I sat inside the crimson red beauty named Scarlet I have now. This car has everything I wish my black one did, and more. I have a black interior, no more ivory, which is proving to be a little better in the upkeep. I have Android Auto/Apple Carplay and that is super convenient for maps and music. Scarlet has auto up/down windows for all, the way it should be, and a heated steering wheel. I have the updated Starlink system which allows for remote start and lock/unlock, included for three years, which is so nice for cold and hot days. Overally, though, the design and functionality are quite similar and that’s what I was after. I’m a creature of habit and I like what I like.

This car is proving to be a great commuter - giving me 30 mpg daily on my drive to and from work. The Outback isn’t truly Jeep, 4Runner, or truck like for off road, but it is great for those dusty backroads and snow. The car is covered in dog slobber on one side, used to be coated in dog hair, and has some scratches and scuffs so far but that’s just a sign of life being lived. There is no fear when taking it camping or hiking. I never want a car that I’m afraid to get dirty - what’s the point for rme? I love this car and I will be driving it until the wheels fall off, hopefully.

I’m thankful I can afford a car, insurance, and the maintenance required. I know it’s a privilege to have a reliable vehicle and that is not lost on me. I’m grateful for a decent job and money for gas so I can get out of the house, town, state, etc... I’m thankful for what this car represents - freedom, adventure, and my peace. What are you thankful for today?

30 Days of Thanks - Day 14

Today I’m thankful for nice neighbors. I moved to Lancaster back in September and the two houses across the street introduced themselves right away and one even shared their tomato crop! We may only interact with a wave or casual conversation, but it serves as a reminder that this neighborhood is kind and welcoming. These people are friendly faces now, and it’s good to know your neighbors. I’m hopeful for future encounters.

I’m reminded of my old neighbor in Olympia! She was a real trip. She loved to sunbathe in the tiny yard, had a funny dog who didn’t love people, and was always really chatty. She was nice and helped me with paint color matching (they were condos) and also brought me flowers one day. Some days, I miss her vibrancy.

In Portland, I had a neighbor on my floor who I could meet for a beer or just hang out. He would stop by to say hi or we’d go hit up a brewery, it was quite nice. My other neighbor’s partner was the guy who found my stuff stolen from my car when it was broken into, and called me to make sure I got it back. I’ve been very fortunate to have cool people around me, at least recently.

Back in the day, I lived one house down from my Aunt and Uncle in Texas. Other than it being Texas, or the opinionated guy living between us, we had a blast being that close. I miss being able to walk over or go for golf-cart rides. What are you thankful for today?

30 Days of Thanks - Day 13

Today I’m thankful for fall and winter. When I lived in Texas, I was especially grateful for these seasons because of the (somewhat) lower temperatures. Now, I’m just loving the fall color and hoping for some snow. Yes, snow! I want a snow covered winter, despite the odds. It was 80 in November, already, so I’m not too hopeful.

I love when the sun sets and the bare trees are against the brilliant pink sky. My new drive home is through the forest and I get to see this almost every day right now. There’s something magical about the whole ecosystem going to sleep for a season. I wish we could go to sleep for a whole season.

I’m thankful for the cooler weather and I do enjoy the darker days for a bit. Dark days encourage me create my own light or give me an excuse to put up multiple xmas trees! I haven’t been through a Midwest winter in a decade or more, so we’ll see if I’m still grateful for the season come spring. What are you thankful for today?

Fall and Winter together - Trillium Lake, November 2021

30 Days of Thanks - Day 12

It’s simple, I’m thankful for home grocery delivery. I use one store in particular, but I’ll refrain from sharing to avoid judgment. I get stuff quickly and affordably, and shopping for it is easy. I don’t have to deal with the grocery store or wandering around trying to learn the new stores in the area. I used to use this weekly in Olympia, but then I moved into an apartment in Portland and had to start going to the store myself where I just did curbside.

I’m fully capable of going out and getting my own groceries, but I’m glad I don’t have to. If we’re being vulnerable here, grocery stores can be fun for me but lately they have been hectic nightmares. I’m only really off on evenings and weekends, and by the time I get home I don’t want to go shopping. The weekends, ugh, they’re full of people and it starts to make me feel overwhelmed and overstimulated.

I will occasionally run to Costco or Sam’s for bulk runs, but if I can avoid the local spots I will. I miss the days of 24 hour grocery stores - I’d go around 11 pm back in the day. Now, I’m in bed by 9 and my groceries are delivered hours before that.

What are you thankful for today?

30 Days of Thanks - Day 11

I think about this one all the time - I’m grateful for a garage! I was super spoiled in Olympia with a personal garage to park in and I was so excited to have that again in this rental in Ohio. I had a public garage in Dallas and Portland, but we all know how that turned out.. (My car was smashed into)

Having this garage helps me feel a little more secure while also being super convenient.

• Going Camping? Pull the car out and take stuff to the garage to sort out

• Shopping haul? Don’t worry about the weather, you’re in the garage

• Need to vacuum out the car in the winter? You’ve got a garage for that

The garage is half full of cardboard and other shit from moving, but it’s a work in progress. I will organize the chaos in coming weeks. It is nice to have room for the kayaks and a grill (thanks to my brother). It’s also nice to have room to build something or have space to work on a project despite the weather.

I’m thankful for a range of things from this silly, but practical thing, to serious things like the post yesterday. It will continue to vary, so I hope you enjoy the ride. What are you thankful for today?

(I’m ashamed to say there is way more stuff to the right of my car now)

This is in a secure garage… “secure'“ is relative, I suppose. (Portland, August 2024)

30 Days of Thanks - Day 10

Today is a little less serious, but I’m thankful for audio books, podcasts, and other “radio” programs. My new commute is over an hour each way, which is fine, but now I get to consume some content. I’ve got my regular podcasts like Armchair Expert, the whole lot from Crooked Media, and the Dating Detectives. I recently listened to Ina Garten’s memoir and I have plans for a few other books in the queue.

Listening to people jabber on about whatever helps me focus on the road and also transitions me from work mode to home mode. And, when I’m not in the mood for one of the many topics, I just turn on my music.

What are some of your favorite podcasts or books? Taking recommendations now!

ALSO, what are you thankful for today?

this podcast is so good.

30 Days of Thanks - Day 9

Today I’m thankful for friends who are family. The past few years have been wild and I’ve had some good friends by my side along the way. I have some great family, but today I’m thankful for the friends who know everything and are “in” on it all. I’m grateful for all of the visits, late night phone calls, and endless text messages. I’m thankful for the people who helped me pick up the pieces when things fell apart, more than once in the past two to three years.

I’ve always had the best of friends, and I’m forever grateful for the people who I haven’t seen or talked to much in the past two years also. Being back in the Midwest gives me up that we’ll all hopefully see each other more often! I’d be nowhere without the people who help make life better.

Enjoy a few (or more than a few) photos from the past two years. Forever grateful. I love you all.

30 Days of Thanks - Day 8

Today I’m thankful for this big, new job I was offered back in August. I’m grateful to make more money than before and have a decent grasp on working towards that debt free life. I’m grateful for a new challenge and I’m learning so many new things. The job is in person, but there is flexibility for appointments and working from home when appropriate.

Working in the office again has altered the way I function for the better. Back in 2022, I was so excited to work from home, but found that the lack of structure and my diminished personal willpower was a downfall for my brain and productivity. I was not doing well with work and finding myself distracted to the max working from home. I’m now in a nice, quiet office where I get work done like crazy. There’s also a lot of work to do, which is actually nice compared to consulting and waiting on projects. I have a great routine on workdays and I thrive with routines.

I commute to work - about an hour and fifteen each way. Everyone says it sounds crazy, but it is really not that bad. Back in DFW Metro, I was doing the same time and not getting very far anywhere fast. Here, I drive 80 miles on a country highway and the roads are well maintained. The drive is relaxing and beautiful, even as the trees become bare. I finally get to listen to all of the media I’ve missed sitting around at home - podcasts, books, music and new stories.

I’m so thankful for this job. So grateful they wanted me. I’m glad to be back in the Midwest, and on the cusp of Appalachia. What are you thankful for today?

30 Days of Thanks - Day 7

Today I’m thankful for the size of the Columbus airport and all smaller airports across this country! I have not actually been inside the Columbus airport, but I’ve been dropping people off and picking them up since I moved here and I hear it is easy to navigate. The drive through the outside for passenger pickup and dropoff is so nice and the cell phone lot is huge and easy to access. Every time I get to to go the airport, I get to find a new brewery or restaurant in Columbus, so it’s always a win.

I loved stopped in at other small airports like Milwaukee, Kansas City, Midway, Grand Rapids, Alpena, Pellston, Traverse City, Portland (the biggest small airport on my list), Albuquerque, Roswell, Midland, and even Duluth. These places made it easy to get around and get in/out quickly.

As I anticipate some travel back west by plane, I’m excited to have the small option as my home base. I’m grateful to be only 30-40 minutes from the airport for my future travel and future guests.

What are you grateful for today?

One of my favorite small airports - Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, MI

30 Days of Thanks - Day 6

Today I’m thankful for the area in which I live - South-Southeast Ohio. The topography of Ohio and West Virginia is surprisingly interesting and it’s much more scenic than I ever anticipated. I am thankful for this area and all of the camping, hiking, and scenic drives there are to offer. I’m thankful for weekends so close to cool things so I can get my ass back outside.

My drive to and from work every day is always gorgeous - fall or not. Winding, wide lane roads that roll with hills are just peaceful and beats traffic any day. I get so excited driving to or from work because it’s usually just so enjoyable to look a the rock walls and hills in the distance, covered in trees.

I’ve been marking places to hike and explore and I haven’t been this excited since living just outside of Olympic National Park. I have so many trails within an hour, I don’t even know where to start. There’s camping and a couple-few national parks nearby, too! I’m excited to hike and explore the land on foot.

What are you thankful for today?

Fall reflections

Fall colors

WInding through the woods and rocks

Quiet country roads

Country roads, take me home (My route every work day)

30 Days of Thanks - Day 5

Today I’m thankful for the Great Lakes. It’s a vague and generalized thing to be thankful for, but I could go on forever about each lake that I have experience with and I just don’t have time for that right now. I’m thankful for their beauty and for their resources. I’ve watched countless sunrises and sunsets over the lakes, stared at the stars all night on the beach, and cooled my body on hot summer days for decades. These lakes are just glorious all year.

I’m grateful for a place to sit and think while I listen to the waves crash on shore. I’m thankful for friends who also enjoy these beautiful places along the lakes. When I lived in Texas or New Mexico, I missed being near them so much. While in Oregon and Washington, I had the ocean and it was a great substitute.

The Great Lakes must be protected and cared for, so go see them for yourself and learn how important they are to the world.

Sunset on Park Point in Duluth, MN over Lake Superior

Sunrise over Lake Superior on Park Point in Duluth, MN

Another Lake Superior Sunrise in Duluth, MN

A cold January sunrise in Duluth, MN over a frozen Lake Superior

Lake Huron sunset, 9pm, Seagull Point Park in Rogers City, MI

Lake Huron sunset in the late fall near Rogers City, MI

Lake Huron Sunset near Rogers City, MI featuring a tamarack tree losing needles in late fall

Summer sunset over Lake Michigan in Grand Haven, MI

Sunrise over Lake Michigan in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (from about 2005)

Summer Sunset over Lake Michigan

Waves crashing on a Lake Michigan beach

30 Days of Thanks - Day 4

Today I’m thankful the scenic hiking trails of the Pacific Northwest. It was the dream to live near all of them, and it was the sad reality that work and life get in the way of seeing them as often as I’d have liked. I’m thankful they exist and I’m grateful to have visited so many of them and that there are plenty left for me to see. I’m thankful they feel familiar and like home.

I’m thankful for every hill, view, and friend along the way. I’m thankful for the big trees and the knowledge of the land. The hiking trails out west hit different, and I will always miss living near them. Weirdly, it hurts less living far away from them now than it did before living out there. I still feel very deeply for the big trees, misty mornings, and snow-capped volcanoes. My heart aches for them, but now they’ll be reserved for special trips again only this time with better income, more time, and a new outlook on life. There’s nothing like vacationing to these gorgeous spots.

My appreciation for the expansive and larger-than-life hikes out west only makes me love exploring Appalachia and the Northeast even more. I slept on this region I now call home, and I can’t wait to see it all. Enjoy a few photos and memories from hiking in the PNW.

Cascade Pass - where I hiked up a mountain a few different times to see nothing but clouds. (Um, it was okay, still very cool and emotional and I heard an avalanche once)

Falls Creek Falls - This hike, with one of my most lovely and patient friends, revived my desires to explore and reignited my need for nature. This was a spectacular journey, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Ecola State Park - Getting to show my best friend a place she’s always wanted to see will never leave my brain. The expansive views of the Oregon Coast have been one of my favorite places since the VERY FIRST moment I saw them in 2008. I’m basically in tears just thinking about this.

Windy Ridge - Have you ever walked on the land forever changed by a recent volcano? See Mt. St. Helens was insane and to think about how it forever changed the ground I was walking on was insane.

Skyline Trail - Hiking around Mt. Rainier is spectacular. Sure, seeing the summit so close you feel you could lick it is neat, but have you looked off in the distance? WOAH.

Mt. Storm King - Nothing prepared my for this hike. Through the gorgeous woods and the reward was the view. Take me back.

30 Days of Thanks - Day 3

Today I’m thankful for this house I rent in this quiet neighborhood in a nice, small town. I have space to breathe, stretch out, store things I love, and have guests for fun visits. I am so thankful to have found a place and that I can afford a house with a deck, garage, basement, and big yard for Chewy.

Back when I moved to Olympia, I had the space and mostly quiet neighborhood. The house was nice, but not like this. Portland was busy, loud, and overwhelming every day I lived there. (I lived there 227 days). I was not doing well with it and wasn’t going to last much longer there. I lived in a busy and noisy part of the neighborhood which started to drive me mad. I miss the people I love in the PNW, but I’m loving my simple and quiet midwest small town life.

I’ve always loved a quiet, suburban town and this is close enough to that here in Lancaster. If I need city life, Columbus is closeby with Cincinnati and Cleveland not too far away either. I can drive 5-6 hours and be in DC, Detroit, Grand Rapids, or almost Chicago or Indy. This place is great and I’m thankful every single day.

30 Days of Thanks - Day 2

Today I’m thankful for this new job and a flexible work schedule that lets me typically work four 10-hour days. The job is more interesting, brought me back to the midwest, and gives me flexibility most weekends. I’ve been learning a lot in the past six weeks, and have a lot more to learn. I’m working hard to make good impressions and navigate my new responsibilities.

This new job is opening doors that have been closed for years and teaching me so much.

30 Days of Thanks - Day 1

Today marks the beginning of November and a month I always try to celebrate how thankful I am for everything that I have. I’ll be doing a short post every day, highlighting something I’m thankful for and I encourage you to comment and do the same. Enjoy!

Today I’m thankful to be back in the Midwest. I’m so grateful to be near my brother, family, and friends in the Midwest and along the east coast. It’s so cool being within driving distance so that more spontaneous events can happen. I hope to visit so many of you and I hope you’ll make the trek to visit me too. The guest room is ready!

All the amazing people aside, there’s also so many good hiking and camping areas around as well so many scenic views. I’m excited to explore completely new-to-me-territory.

What are you thankful for today?

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!

Thursday Thoughts - I'm Moving On

I started to write this post many times and my feelings vacillated between teary eyed and completely pumped. I have such mixed and complicated feelings around the topic of home, so it’s not surprising to have all of these emotions. “Home is where your rump rests” —Pumbaa

I’m trying to tell myself this wasn’t a waste of money, because it took a lot of money to be here. I’m trying to tell myself that it’s okay to not want something you thought you wanted for over 15 years. I don’t know where I’d be if I had been able to stay in Olympia longer, but that didn’t happen and this is the way the cookie has crumbled. Life kept going, no matter the circumstances, and it’s led me to this moment.

Me in front of the glorious Mt. Rainier

I tried new things. I tried to love Portland and the people of Portland. I tried new versions of myself. I tried alternate timelines and wild-to-me things. I tried. All of the trying made me feel weird and invalid. All of these mishaps brought me back to who I am - the outdoorsy, generally unaware, golden retriever that I am. I have no regrets because I tried things I knew I would have never tried before. I have no regrets because I learned from every experience and relationship I’ve had while being in the Pacific Northwest. I’ve made some genuinely wonderful friends and I’m glad to have them yet sad to leave them.

“I’m not sure my brand of outdoorsy is right for the area” is a thought I’ve had many times living here. I’m not super ambitious these days - more of a lazy outdoors person. I saw myself going out every weekend and exploring as often as possible. Well, reality always hits and it’s not always that simple. Depression, anxiety, burnout, time, costs, friends, other plans, crowds, and distance have all been factors in my lack of doing certain things I thought I wanted. I could sit here and make the excuses, but I’ll just admit that it wasn’t as easy as I thought to just go somewhere and do the damn thing.

I’ve wanted to live in the Pacific Northwest since 2008 when I first visited with my pals on our second big spring break road trip. I’ve wanted to live in Portland since 2013, and seriously considered it in 2014. I applied for jobs all over Oregon from 2009 onward and had several interviews, but nothing ever worked out. When I moved in to my apartment in January, in the middle of a blizzard (I’ve done that before, btw), I thought it was great. As I settled in, and the temperatures warmed, I noticed things that started to slowly drive me batshit crazy and I couldn’t wait to finish my lease and get out to the suburbs or rural area. The city is really not for me, and I learned that lesson living in a super busy area with thousands of people concentrated around me. I don’t like driving, parking, or dodging people with crazy dogs. I don’t like hearing my dumpster being emptied at 3:00 AM. I don’t enjoy not having an outdoor space of my own or paying an exorbitant amount for parking.

As the year crept forward and my general disdain for the city grew, I also realized I wasn’t saving as much or paying debt off fast enough and I needed a change. I started with a plan to move to Vancouver, WA with a roommate to save more money and have more space. That plan seemed perfect, until I realized I still wouldn’t be saving enough. After a chat with my dear friends, I made a new plan to move to Michigan to stay with them and get life back on track to where I thought I needed to be. As it turned out, life had other plans for me. I was contacted about a job in Ohio doing something that intrigued me, so I applied and interviewed. Fast forward a few weeks to accepting the job and packing my life for a move back to the Midwest in a different way than I had originally planned. I’m excited to be closer to my people, near the Great Lakes, and to be in an area that is a little more quiet and rural. I will genuinely miss those who made Portland and the Pacific Northwest feel like home to me.

I have no idea what Ohio will bring for me, but I do know I’m ready to start the journey and see what happens. I will always visit the PNW, as I have for all the years before but now I’ll have people to see and stay with when I visit. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue this life and try something new. If you’re in the Midwest and want to get outside or hangout, you know how to reach me! Happy trails.

I haven't been to Ohio since 2007? 2008? This photo is from 2006 or 2007 on an adventure to Cedar Point in Sandusky.

I'll miss the PNW but I think it'll be fine without me. (Olympia, WA 2023)