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Afterword

Heavy cooler hack with a wheeled storage tote.

A black plastic storage bin with wheels is placed on a driveway, holding a tan cooler labeled "SHITI."

Had to pull over for this one. Battle Ground, WA.

Camping in Washington

Early bird, etc.

A metal pier extends over a calm lake, reflecting a forest of tall trees under a clear blue sky.

Anyone ever had a seismic retrofit done on their home? If so, can we chat?

When is Ghost 6.0 being released?

A beloved brand that’s been around for decades, I only just decided to see if it’s really worth the price. Pretty good! Maybe my new hide-it-from-the-kids, once-in-awhile sweet treat.

A pint of McConnell’s Sweet Cream Caramel Brownie ice cream.

One of the more annoying things about life in Oregon is that you can’t buy liquor at the grocery store. Many liquor stores close at 8 p.m., and some as early as 5 p.m., even on weekends. I don’t drink a lot, but it’s frustrating having to make a special trip or running out of something after hours.

Just called a coworker on the phone instead of first checking to see if they were available on Teams or sending an email. Even though I still had to leave them a voicemail, it felt more human. I wonder if they will return my call or if they’ll email me. We could be phonepals.

My microwave finally got so upset with me for eating veggie bacon that it destroyed a plate.

A broken microwave plate with two strips of cooked bacon lies inside a microwave.

I was picnicking with my daughter at Pittock Mansion when we suddenly found ourselves on the set of a movie. I managed to snap a few photos and liked this one the most.

Two people stand on a scenic overlook with one holding an umbrella, gazing at a cityscape surrounded by greenery under a clear sky.

I was picnicking with my daughter at Pittock Mansion when we suddenly found ourselves on the set of a movie.

A Chance Encounter

I am always so shocked when a person on the other end of a professional video call doesn’t have their background blurred and their bedroom is spotless. While we try to keep a pretty clean house, having two little kids always ensures a certain level of household chaos.

This is absolutely true. I have a 3,000 gallon rain cistern that fills up in winter here in the PNW. It’s enough to water ONE 8x4 raised bed via drip irrigation over the summer. This amount of food is barely supplemental to our dietary needs. The only real benefits are educational.

Our friend, who officiated our wedding, is in town from the Bay Area. We spent some time on Alberta Street this afternoon, shopping the used book stores, eating good food, and enjoying the murals. We made our way down to Kerns afterwards, got some soft serve, and caught a tiny bit of Pride. 🏳️‍🌈

Two people are smiling and standing on a sidewalk, one holding a cup of coffee.Two children are looking at a bookshelf filled with various colorful books.A vibrant mural featuring abstract natural elements decorates the side of a building on a street with people, trees, and a dog.Two children walk on a colorful street toward an outdoor area with tables and people near a sign for Gorges Beer Co.

I started a neighborhood-based group on FB for volunteer coordination because I’ve often thought their groups functionality is actually good. But now Meta is inviting all of my friends and coworkers on an ongoing and rolling basis without consent, which can’t be shut off. Abusive tactic.

Progress has been slower lately, but I broke through a plateau and this win feels better than most. #gettingfit

A graphic of a tire inside a circle is surrounded by stars, with text below stating "40 Pounds Lost" and comparing the weight loss to a truck tire.