A Tale of Four Towels

TL;DR While in Japan, I visited Hiker’s Depot a wonderful store dedicated to ultralight backpacking. I purchased a “quick dry”, packable towel which was very fuzzy and felt nice against the skin on one side, with an open waffle pattern on the other side which … “A Tale of Four Towels”

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Photography

I would like to produce images which inspire to help others see the world in new ways like Ansel Adams, Mary Ellen Mark, Sebastiao Salgado (Salgado@NYT), Steve McCurry. Peter Turnley, David Turnley or Galen Rowell. After many years I realized I am more of a “snapshot” … “Photography”

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Gear 2023

Minimalism led me to simplify my possessions. I strive to use items that enable me to have an a healthy, impactful life, while minimizing friction. The following is a complete list of everything I own. Making this list was inspired by zenhabit’s one bag lifestyle … “Gear 2023”

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Family Gear 2023

Several items on my personal gear list were used by the whole family, and thus, this page was born. I have excluded our furniture. We keep only those items that are useful and/or are enjoyed which allows our family to focus on doing things that … “Family Gear 2023”

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Traveling Begins

Jackie’s bags, shoes, and shark fin melon on the left, food we needed to clear out of the house, Mark’s two bags, chilipad to help Mark sleep and our scale. December will be in Santa Cruz. Close enough if Amber needs something while allows us … “Traveling Begins”

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Remote College Classes are Painful

I retired this pasted summer so I would have more time to pursue my interests. I decided to sign up for psychology class at Foothill college for several reasons: I am interested in psychology, and thought having introduction class would ensure I had a broad … “Remote College Classes are Painful”

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VO2max

Athletes, especially those who engage in endurance activities are typically familiar with VO2max because it’s a useful predictor of their performance in races. As we age, VO2max is also a good predictor of what physical activities we will be able to engage in, so I … “VO2max”

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Protein!!

When I first started to learn about nutrition, I found a lot of conflicting information about protein. The USFDA recommendations were very low. Advise to body builders was extremely high. There seemed to be differing views about optimal timing, the minimum effective dose, maximum effective … “Protein!!”

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News – Favorite Traditional(ish) Media

TL;DR I have seen excessive media consumption have a profoundly negative impact on friends. One have the news on in the background whenever she was home. It led to her being anxious and worried all the time. She recognized this and started to limit how … “News – Favorite Traditional(ish) Media”

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Retired

Retirement: A stage of life when you are able to invest time without being constrained by the need to earn a salary. It becomes easier to pursue things that you think are truly worthwhile without having to make compromises. I think possible to be “retired” … “Retired”

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Trekking Packs

I think of trekking as travel which involves a significant amount of walking while carrying all the gear you will need. Nights are spent in huts, hostels, guest houses, inns, hotels, yurts, or maybe tent provided by a guide. These trips might be a few … “Trekking Packs”

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Camino de Santiago

Jackie and I had hoped to walk The Way of Saint James, aka the Camino de Santiago in 2021. COVID had us cancel these plans. One morning, just after I retired Jackie and I simultaneously realized “We can walk the Camino!!”. For a few days … “Camino de Santiago”

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Peter Attia – Science of Longevity

I am a fan of Dr. Peter Attia who is a physician focused on the science of longevity.  He strives to help his patients simultaneously improving lifespan (delay the onset of chronic disease) and healthspan (quality of life). He has a podcast call The Drive where he interviews people whose … “Peter Attia – Science of Longevity”

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simple pleasures – cool breeze

Nearly fifty years ago I was looking through a book of early Peanuts cartoons while I waited for my violin lesson. One of the comics showed the simple pleasure of a cool breeze on a hot day. Since that day whenever I feel a cool … “simple pleasures – cool breeze”

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Midlife Reset (Part III) ReThinking 10 Years Later

TL;DR Community is better than being self-sufficient Transformed lives are better than many lives impacted but not self propagating We are adaptable We can be content and grateful with just the necessities Why Worry? My three rethinking posts (part 1, part 2, and this one) … “Midlife Reset (Part III) ReThinking 10 Years Later”

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Midlife Reset (Part II) – Money

In part I shared several of the changes that had a high impact on my mid-life reset in 2011 after my wife passed. Ten years later I am even more confident that those were were worthwhile. In this post I am going to reflect on … “Midlife Reset (Part II) – Money”

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Certainty

I have really been enjoying listed to Peter Attia‘s podcast The Drive. The guests are typically at the top of their fields, with both academic and practical experience in the topic they are discussion with Attia. For example someone who is well published, with a … “Certainty”

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Midlife Reset (Part I)

I recently talked with a student I mentored years ago about some mid-life course corrections he was considering. This prompted me to think about my mid-life transition in 2011-2012 as I grappled with losing Libby to cancer. The follow is a remembrance of what changed … “Midlife Reset (Part I)”

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Respectful Presence

TL;DR Treating others as valuable by taking the time to really listen and to be present in the moment is one of the most impactful practices anyone can engage in. Not thinking about what’s next. Not thinking about how to respond, but giving people our whole attention. A friend … “Respectful Presence”

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