#ForestFriday - High Steel Bridge

I recently took a trip, a few Fridays ago, to go drive through the woods and stare off of the High Steel Bridge. It’s been a rough start to 2024, and cried a little on the bridge as I crunched through the fresh snow. I stared down at the blue water in the river flowing below and felt a little more at peace. The snow always creates a silence, so hearing the river rushing and nothing else was quite amazing. This bridge is located within the Olympic National Forest and is open all year. If you visit, please follow the rules and advisories posted. Have a great weekend!

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!

Winter Solstice

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I’ve been putting trees up with lights and decorations since I was a child. Growing up, my bedroom often had a second tree and decorations. I love(d) decorating for Christmas. I was never a religious person and I was raised in a “Catholic” home that never attended church or had me confirmed. Christmas, to me, was never about Jesus or religion. Christmas to me was always about the lights, the sparkle (shocking), and the gathering of friends and family. Holidays, Christmas or otherwise, were always about the food and fun.

I used to beg to drive around and look at the lights and dream of doing that to my own house someday. Fast forward to college and I started to buy trees on clearance after Christmas. Year after year, my roommates and I would add to our collection and create a forest of light in our apartments to celebrate winter. As the years went on, my roommates and I started decorating our porches and trees as we moved into places that supported that kind of decor. I love adding lights to the darkness and dreariness of the winter season.

Now, I’m a guy who believes in the changing of the season from autumn to winter as a transition for our mindset. I believe in putting up trees and lights and wreaths to welcome winter and to light the way from the shortest day of the year onward. I take a little from here, a little from there, and enjoy celebrating all people and their cultures/religions. The Solstice is about light for me and that just happens to manifest with mini twinkle lights and big colorful bulbs from November though January.

Whatever you celebrate this winter, may you find peace and joy and get to spend time with people you care about. Stay warm, or cool depending, and have a safe passage into 2024.

#MondayMotivation - Meet People Where They Are

I had been letting feelings get in the way of enjoying life and building relationships. Letting resentment build, letting bitterness win has taken me nowhere. When it’s all said and done, what’s the point of holding on to those feelings? So, with a little encouragement from someone I trust, I pushed through. I started meeting people where they were, forgetting and forgiving any ill feelings I had. Life got better in that I am no longer stressed about the situations.

Maybe someone can’t be what you need them to be, but they’re probably trying. Meet them where they are, make the most of it if you can. I know, that’s not going to apply or work for every situation but if it does, I promise it’ll be worth it.

#ForestFriday - Umpqua National Forest

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.

#WayBackWednesday - Devils Churn

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.

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.

#MondayMotivation - Anticipation

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

#WBW - Multnomah Falls

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!

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

#MondayMotivation - Fear is an illusion

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.

#WBW - This one time in the UP

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.

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.

#MondayMotivation - Friends

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.

#WBW - Kalaloch Beach

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.

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.

#MondayMotivation - Exhausted.

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.

#MondayMotivation - Going Back In Time

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.

#WBW - October in the Upper Peninsula

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!

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.