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:
Christmas/Winter Solstice
New Years
My Birthday
Halloween
Thanksgiving
Labor Day
Memorial Day
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)
Thursday Thoughts
I have to make my own happiness. This doesn’t mean I can’t have help from others, or rely on them sometimes, but I need to work within to bring my own natural joy out first and foremost.
I’ve been kind of letting the negative in life take me out. The chores, the absurd cost of living, and various doom around the globe have infiltrated my joy. So, I am working to compartmentalize and to have a duality - I can be frustrated about things but still enjoy other things. I can hate the way people are destroying one another in various ways, but I’m still allowed to enjoy the sunrise or various cultural events.
I have recently started walking to the Tillikum Crossing bridge in the morning. I’m trying my damndest to see the sunrise as often as possible, and it’s paying off. Having an objective that brings me joy adds a level of contentment to my whole day. Seeing that bridge with cotton candy clouds gives me a physical reaction I can’t hide - a big smile. I get giddy with a sunrise, and I want to feel that way about more things.
Seek things that make you feel good, even if things are on fire around you. Secure your own oxygen mask first, and then help others with theirs. It’s not selfish to do things to make yourself feel good, despite what we were made to believe.
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.
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!
Thursday Thoughts - Adventure Time!
I live in Oregon now, and so I must set up a quest to see all of the state parks. Various websites say that Oregon has over 250 state parks, which is a lot. Upon closer inspection, there are about 50 parks classified as state parks and the rest are waysides, recreation areas, or historical sites.
I have my spreadsheet all set up, and divided by type of recreation area. Each recreation area can then be filtered by region.
So far, I’ve visited 2 of Oregon’s state parks over the years. Let’s go visit our public lands!
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.
Thursday Thoughts - Water
When I sit next to a body of water, I relax. The noise is calming, the smells are often refreshing, and the sky is soothing. Enjoy some photos from California in 2016 as I watched the sun set on my way back from Oregon Caves National Monument. (stay tuned for a post about that place tomorrow!)
Does the water bring you peace? If not the water, where do you go outside for peace and relaxation? Growing up on the Great Lakes, I was never far from soothing sights. Enjoy!
Tuesday Truth
I was falling victim to other people’s bullshit. I found myself getting cranky, anxious, and kind of sad because the people I was interacting with in that moment were all of those things. I had to fight my way out of those feelings and make a conscious effort to put myself in a better place. It is not their fault, and I love to be an ear and help friends get through moments or periods of time like this. I also know that I have my moments, and they will be inevitable.
I started thinking what kind of energy I’m putting out there. What was I conveying on socials? What was I conveying in texts and phone calls? How was I coming off? Not that I’m concerned what people think of me, per se, but I was concerned what I was putting out in the world. Was I being unnecessarily argumentative? Was I being negative for no good reason? Was it more than just complaining or having a moment? The answer was kind of a yes.
I want people to feel good and calm during and after interacting with me. I want to put good energy out there and brighten the days of people around me. I took this moment as a little rest stop in life to check myself. I will always be real, but I want to make sure I’m not just layering my shit on everyone else. It’s about a balance, and I want to be more conscious of that balance.
I hope you have a great week. If you need me, you know where to find me.
In a moment of pure joy, along the Oregon coast in the rain
Thursday Thoughts - Doing Nothing
I always have these talks with my buddy John about doing nothing and what that means. To him, it means doing actually nothing. To me, it is a bit more complicated. I can do nothing if it’s not planned, but if I plan it, I’ll always fail.
“Doing Nothing” to me is really what a low-impact “something” activity is to others. Examples include: watching TV with friends, going for a walk, or FaceTime with friends. “Doing Nothing” can also mean, to me anyway, doing things by myself without anyone else weighing in or adding expectations. Some examples include a long drive with my phone on “do not disturb” or going for a walk in the woods with no goals or itinerary.
I don’t do well with actually doing NOTHING. I certainly do not plan to do nothing, but I will let it just happen. There are days I’m a total lump and watch movies and ignore my phone. Other days, my nothing will include some Taco Bell and a day trek without expectations or showering.
I love to fill my time and I don’t really know how to stop sometimes. I want to see all the things, try all the foods/beverages, and see all the people. This desire to go will catch me, occasionally, and then I’ll be overwhelmed or down for the count. I’m never down for long, but when I am, it’s usually being sick or run down from not sleeping enough. Balance is something I’m trying to learn, I swear.
I have lived alone, again, for a year now. In that year, I spent many evenings doing nothing but watching TV by myself. I don’t love that for me, but I surely didn’t hate it in the moment. I aspire to do more, be more, and enjoy life a bit more but I’m learning those nights are important. Sitting with your thoughts, processing them alone, and moving through them can require some true “do-nothing” plans.
However you classify “nothing” to you is your business, but you should tell me about it because I’m a nosy fucker. Happy almost weekend and enjoy your relaxing plans.
At home, now.
The move, physically, is complete. Everything I own is in Oregon, now. I have a huge storage unit for my camping gear, kayaks, and overstock items that don’t seem to fit in my new, streamlined one-bedroom. Moving from a three-bedroom townhome with a huge garage to a large, one-bedroom apartment is a magic trick gone wrong. I am letting go of some things while storing other things until figure out what I want to do with them. I’m so grateful for Josh, Stanley, and Sam for helping me move and clean. Absolute Dreamboats.
Downsizing can be a big adjustment, and it is overwhelming, but I’m coming out of it with a more positive outlook on life. I managed to find a home for my grandmother’s China and other dishes I have, so that made me the happiest. The rest, whatever, it was given away or put into storage.
People in Portland have been welcoming, and that has me optimistic as well. I have some established friends here such as my childhood bestie and my sunrise hiking buddy which is exciting. I have several other friends around Oregon, and it’s been great to be closer to them as well. I’m making new friends, and working to create a network of people who want to hang out and adventure with me semi-regularly.
It was a rough start to 2024, but it’s turning around. I’ve made friends I never (in a million years) expected to make, I feel liberated as a human again, and am getting used to the sounds of the city once more. I’m taking lessons learned and hardships experienced as a means to grow and develop while looking at the year ahead with an open mind and an adventurous spirit.
There’s trivia nights, public transit to breweries, plenty of good coffee, so many bridges to walk across, and an amazing path along the river that I know Chewy will love. I’m also pumped to be in a city that has so many hiking trails nearby which makes me excited to put some of my guidebooks to use. 52 Hikes With Me, Mike, will be back in action! I’m going to kayak at Trillium Lake, and many other lakes and rivers, and I’m going to see all the sights. Time to do the damn thing - happy trails.
Thursday Thoughts
I’m back and the website is back up and running. Sure, I should be packing my house up, but I had to take a break and welcome February into my life. Some life updates include:
I’ve accepted a new job in Portland, OR
I’ve been slowly moving into my new apartment, in Portland, and I’ll be doing a big push this coming weekend thanks to some friends
I’m downsizing from a huge townhome to a small apartment with a storage unit, it’s stressful but also helping me figure out what’s really important
My dog has been with his other dad in Texas since Thanksgiving and will be coming home in March!
I’m uploading a “Photo A Day” and a “Daily Selfi” so I can look back at the year. Find them here!
I’m hoping to get caught up on my hikes for 2024 and hoping to dive deep into exploring Oregon. Olympia was a great location, and I’ll still explore all over the PNW, but I’m excited to be a bit further south so I can get down to the Redwoods a bit easier and out to some of my favorite spots on the coast.
I look forward to being closer to some friends of mine in Portland and building a new network of people. My new office has views of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens and that makes the days I have to go in less terrible.
I hope February brings you great things. See you on the trails!
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
Thursday Thoughts
I remember one of my favorite point and shoot cameras of all time - my Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX3. The camera was 6 megapixels and 3x optical zoom. This point and shoot was lovely, until it glitched one time. BUT, before that, it felt like it was the best damn thing. It had a special long exposure mode called Starry Sky - up to a minute - and I would go around taking night photos for shit and giggles. I love setting the camera down and seeing what it can do when it brings in all the light.
I actually shared a little about this once here: GVSU Overexposed
Nowadays, I have an iPhone 14 Pro Max with night mode and a Google Pixel 7a with Google’s famous night mode. I love taking night photos or long exposure photos. I have a DSLR I need to learn how to use - would love to start taking pictures of the night sky.
Looking back to find photos for this post, I’m thinking about life before good camera phones. I have so many weird selfies and mirror selfies as well as just hundreds of useless photos. Nothing has changed, except I probably have thousands of useless photos now. It’s fun to sit here and look back life before camera phones. I would take my little Panasonic Lumix everywhere with me - I think I eventually just kept it in the center console of my car.
I love that I have a super camera with machine learning/AI in my pocket now. I can take photos to remember everything. I’m a huge fan of sharing life with everyone, an early adopter of social media before it was monetized. I love sharing what it looks like for me, real life, lightly adjusted if necessary to look as real to my eye.
Here are some photos from my Panasonic point and shoot over the years. Go do what makes you happy and take pictures of everything.
