21 January 2018 - California Love

I've now lived in Californa for 2 and a half years. For the most part, I still love it. Yes, the cost of living frustrates me. But the good weather and opportunities still balance out for me. I still wake up most days to sunshine and blue skies...ready for a run...

Farmers Markets are something I have been starting to get more active with. I absolutely love that most of my favorite fruits are grown right here. It has to be one of the healthiest eating choices one can make by buying direct from local farmers. I get especially excited about the fresh berries and honey.

There is also my joy of running the beach trails. I live about 7 miles from Newport Beach and find the 6-12 mile route excellent on a Saturday morning.

I still get to go out kayaking every once in a while too...the timing is starting to be good to catch good sunsets from the bay.

Of course, I don't use all my fitness for the forces of good...there are just too many temptations.
For example, Baja Sharkeez breakfast chicken nachos paired with 1 hour of unlimited mimosas!

14 January 2018 - Joshua Tree National Park - California

I've lived in Californa for almost 3 years and have wanted to visit Joshua Tree National Park ever since I got here. I finally found some time over the weekend to take a fun road trip with the girlfriend. It is about an hour and a half drive from Irvine.

The national park pass I purchased last year at the Grand Canyon got us into the park for free. This place has a diverse landscape alternating between the desert and rocky hills.

About halfway through the park, we found the Cholla Cactus Garden...it was like something from a sci-fi film.

As we drove further north we found ourselves among massive rounded boulders near the arch rock.

We continued exploring past "The Intruder"...

Eventually, we ended the tour passing Mt. Ryan and seeing the massive trees this park is famous for...

This national park is popular for rock climbers. Maybe I'll take up that hobby again some day.

7 January 2018 - Lanexa, Kansas - USA

When I have a work trip scheduled during mid-winter, I tend to dread going to cold places. I moved to California for the primary reason of escaping the cold weather. I lived through 33 winters...I've done my time. In spite of that, I ended up having a good business trip. There were quite a few good sunsets to witness. Here are a few highlight photos.

The last time I was here in 2015 I wanted to try some BBQ, but the restaurant was closed. This trip I was able to go. The name of the place is Kansas City (formerly Oklahoma) Joes.

A side bonus on this trip was that I discovered what I believe is one of the best recreation centers in the country. Two words: Water Slides! In addition, they have one of the longest indoor tracks in the world so I was able to continue my half marathon training. All of this for $10 a visit.

27 December 2017 - Visiting Ohio for Christmas Vacation

It can be rather expensive to travel from California to Ohio when it is not for a work trip. I promised my dad that each year I would at least try to be home for either Thanksgiving or Christmas. This year was an xmas year. Back in July I spent some of my airline miles to book a first class ticket home. I do not like to fly during the holidays so anything I can do to reduce the stress is helpful. I got a dramatically cheaper flight going LAX to CMH.

I rented a car and set off towards amish country, needing to get my Walnut Creek Store fix. I know that cheese, bacon, and beef jerky are not healthy. But I love em! Someday I will probably have to give this up.


Ohio was it's usual weird weathery self. At the start of my trip it was averaging around 10C or 50F and a mix of clouds, rain, and occasional sun. It is a nostalgic hope that I get to see a "White Christmas"...that is, where it snows for xmas day. My friend David from Puerto Rico once told me that he had never seen snow and wished to see it someday. I went ahead an threw together a little youtube video.

Overall I had a nice visit with family but was pretty relieved to return to SoCal when the temperatures started to drop to 4F. Here is one last winter picture...