I visited Crater Lake National Park back in October but a secondary highlight was spending time in the Umpqua National Forest. Oregon forests are spectacular with huge trees, waterfalls, and plenty of trails. Enjoy a few photos including Whitehorse Falls, Salt Creek Falls, and Clearwater Falls. Happy Friday and have a great weekend.
One of my favorite stops along the Oregon Coast is at Devils Churn within the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. The entire Oregon Coast is quite magical, but this little spot has stood out since I first visited in 2008. In 2009, I went back and shared it with another friend because it was on my mind. Sadly, I have not been back since 2009 and I need to remedy that sooner rather than later. Enjoy some “okay enough” photos from my visits and keep an eye out for future photos.
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.
Waiting for something like an event, a meeting, or a call can be stressful. I’m working to take the stress from the unknown and convert it to excited anticipation. Life is good and stress is bad — it really is that simple. I’ve applied for many jobs and had one interview. I’m being phased out of my current role and I’m working to find that next big job. I’m managing my stress by continuing to submit applications, going for walks, and turning the anticipation into excitement.
Letting excitement build and allowing yourself to live for the moment can be such a positive experience. Life is good, even if it’s in transition. Good things are happening behind the scenes, and I’m excited to see where everything goes. Also, I made a new kitty friend. I hope the week is good to y’all.
New kitty friend
In September of 2022, I hiked up to the top of Multnomah Falls. The trail was a series of switchbacks with great views along the way. Enjoy a few photos!
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
Experiences in our lives shape who we are, or who we become. Some of these experiences lead us to create a mask or facade. If you’re constantly questioning life due to some circumstances that made it feel normal, you may take that mindset into new experiences unknowingly. This could be jobs, relationships, friendships, etc. The fear that creates the facade is an illusion and doesn’t have to be permanent.
I fear rejection because I’ve been rejected. Does that mean I will stop trying? Does it mean I wont apply for that job or go on that date? Absolutely not.
I fear being thought of as being “too much” because I’ve been called “too much” before. Does that mean I need to apologize for being who I am or adding a disclaimer to my feelings? It shouldn’t, but I have. I’m learning that I’m not “too much” and my thoughts, feelings, and ideas are valid.
I’ve spent the past few months coming back to myself, losing the fear of being too much, not enough, or the fear of losing something that really wasn’t meant to be mine anyway. I had a conversation this weekend that helped spark this whole idea that the true me is still there, behind some fear. Allowing life to happen and working to make good things part of that new path is pushing through the fears.
I’m confident, outgoing, fun, friendly, dramatic, kind, and generous. I’m all of those things. It’s enough and never truly too much. Remembering me, adapting to life in current, and continuing to grow is pushing fear out of the way and thriving instead of surviving.
I hope you find ways to thrive this week. Doing the best you can is thriving, not just surviving.
The year was 2015 and I was just laid off for the first time in my life. We left Texas and drove to Michigan and Minnesota to see family and friends. Here are some photos from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan that I loved - specifically Tahquamenon Falls. Cheers and have a good rest of the week.
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.
This week, I’m fueled by friends. I have people coming over Saturday for dinner, so I need to get a bunch of shit done this week. Sometimes, the motivation is just that simple. I don’t want my friends to see my dining room in disarray and the dog hair that needs to be vacuumed, so I’m going to get my ass to work this evening.
Having a set date, with a finite amount of time, really helps me with goals and projects. In general, I do my best work on something when I have a set amount of time. Sometimes, because I hate myself, I will procrastinate and use the pressure of having only one night or something silly to motivate me even further. I do not recommend procrastinating until the last minute, that’s mental illness speaking so don’t listen.
Find your motivation for the week and GO. You’ve got this, or at least you can pretend you do. Happy trails.
Kalaloch Beach is a beach I frequently visited this year and plan to keep in my rotation going forward. It’s a special place that I get to share with anyone who visits. I love it because it’s usually quiet, there’s plenty of space to spread out, and you can walk for miles. If you’re up in the Pacific Northwest, give it a visit.
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.
I’m mentally and emotionally exhausted. I’m so done. BUT, as the theme for these go, I need to keep going. You need to keep going. Keep finding the joy in life, find the moments that give you hope, and always think of the possibilities.
Things I’m telling myself:
Don’t feel defeated
Don’t give up
You can take care of yourself
Some distractions are okay
I don’t have to talk to anyone if I don’t have the capacity
It’s okay to be sad
Joy comes in many forms
You’ll be okay
Everything will be okay
It’s fine, this is fine, it’s all fine
Things bringing me joy
Windows down, sunroof open, music up, heated seat on, heat on the floor drives
1989 (Taylor’s Version)
Rewatching TV shows and movies I have already watched
Popcorn
Brisk mornings
There’s a little humor in this, but also some truths. Stay the course, find your adventure, all that happy horse shit.
Ever have a moment or period in time you wish you could erase? Oh, how I wish I could go back and do a few things over and avoid a few other things. But, here I am, unable to time travel more than a few hours.
Since I can’t go back, I am just moving forward. The trend for a few of these Monday motivations have been a forward movement, as it’s all I can do.
The world is bigger than a moment or period of time. The universe is infinite and I’m just one speck. I recently stared through a telescope on Oahu and it made me feel small and insignificant in the best way. Nothing mattered, in a good way, and these stars burned light years away. As much as I’d like to go back and redo something, the fact is that it doesn’t matter that much as life goes on. New stars form, and we continue to spin madly on in the vastness and wonder that is existence.
This may seem a bit existential, but I’m only writing this to convince myself to abide by this mindset. I can keep trying, I can change my trajectory, and so can you if you want.
Taking it back to October 2008 in Michigan’s glorious Upper Peninsula. Friends and I went up to see some Subaru Rally event and got a fall color show along the way. Fun fact, I started at Old Navy before this trip and they wouldn’t honor my need for three days off (I worked 12 hours a week) so I quit.
Enjoy the fall color tour!
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.
It’s cute until you have to take a cold shower…
If you are struggling, as I was recently, find something beautiful to motivate you. I took off after work and headed to Crater Lake National Park on Friday. Well, I went to a nearby town to stay in a cabin, but still…
When I can’t just take off after work for a 6.5 hour drive, I find it locally. I’ll go look at the art all over Olympia, visit one of the many local city parks, or drive a little bit out of town to a forest or a lookout and take it in. When I can’t leave the house, for whatever reason, I play around on Google Maps to find new places to “eventually” adventure to someday.
You don’t have to spend a lot of (or any) money or time to find something beautiful to give you motivation. Crater Lake had been on my radar for years, and I wasn’t going to live here and NOT visit that place. But for weeks before, I’d just sit on Google Maps updating my “want to visit” tab. Seize the day - in whatever way you can! Have a great week ahead.
100/10 recommend Crater Lake at sunrise
It was early in October 2020 and I was working on location in New Mexico. Since there was a pandemic happening, I drove to avoid flying and thus got to bring my camping gear! I went camping with my coworkers on the weekend up in the Lincoln National Forest. This was the first time I camped in my car and I was hooked for quick solo trips.
Monjeau Peak sits at about 9600 feet, and we camped just below probably near the 9000 foot mark. We set up camp at a little spot off the road near the Crest Trail. Memories like this make me miss hangs with my cool workers, my first Outback, and New Mexico in general. Enjoy!
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
Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies - if you’re in Olympia, I have plenty to give away
If you have the capacity, be the light for someone who may not be feeling so bright. Not every day/week/month is going to be great, but there are good moments in there somewhere. Share the good, be a light, listen to a friend, whatever you can when you’re feeling that good sort of way.
I read somewhere once that the people who are supportive and reach out sometimes are the ones who really need the help themselves. It’s a good idea to check on those who you may least expect need it - you never know what silent battle someone is going through. A kind thought, a smile, or even small act of kindness can go a LONG way.
A friend recently shared a post on social media that being kind costs ZERO fucking dollars, so give it a shot.
I truly hope you have a great week ahead and as always, I hope this little blurb made you smile.
Enjoy this blurry attempt at a selfie with Seattle in the background on Lake Union in a hot tub boat a little buzzed up (I though tit was perfectly fitting for a post like this - laugh, it’s okay!)
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