Starting my own business. A scary thing to say... let alone do. But I'm doing it and going to find out just what this whole thing is about.
I'm nervous as all get out as I've never done anything like this before, although I've been told by a few that I should be my own boss and I've always loved the idea of working for myself, making my own way, etc. Actually doing it is much more "real" than talking about it.
I've been without a real, full-time job since July and although I've been collecting unemployment and trying to get work whenever I can, it's not easy. Going from making $3000 as a family to making $1000 a month, it affects you dramatically. I fear shopping now, even for the simple things and with starting a business it just keeps pouring out. I know, however, with every new opportunity there comes some risk as to weather you're going to succeed or flounder. I'm hoping I'm on the up and up sooner than later.
So here I go on another chapter in my life, just doing something to possibly get me in a better place and make something of myself, financially and business wise.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Friday, November 11, 2016
Beautiful Weekend Backpacking Trip with my Wife
My wife and I had been planning on getting out for a weekend trip together, sans kids, but with the dogs for a weekend. Amazingly there was a weekend we could put aside and it just so happened that the weather couldn't have been nicer. The temps were in the mid 60's with nothing but sunshine and beautiful skies.u
We drove to Harpers Ferry, WV to see the historical town and have some lunch. We went to the AT Conservancy and saw a Southbound Thru hiker, all 100 pounds of her stunk to high heaven but she couldn't have been happier. I think that's the story of the AT, you might smell like shit but you're happy as can be.
This trip, more or less was supposed to be a free-spirited trip, very figure it out as we go along. So when we got to the conservancy we spoke to a volunteer who suggested that we drive to Gathland State Park then and hike South on the AT to the Ed Garvey shelter. It was a fairly easy trial, rolling hills as opposed to the normal PA AT hike, where you have to start straight uphill first then it levels out a little.
The Gathland SP is pretty much already up on the ridge so the hike was pretty much gentle rolling hills and very nice scenery but no real views. Which was good for our two dogs and my wife to enjoy as opposed to being a high mileage death march of a hike.
We hiked to the Ed Garvey shelter, just after dark settled in, there were plenty of people there already. Since we were there late, we missed out on the opportunity to get a good tent site and found one that was slightly sloped and had a few rocks and twigs. One of those twigs reared it's ugly head in the morning and pushed through my ground cloth and tent floor... Not a happy camper with that but what are you going to do.
We enjoyed very nice company around an already roaring campfire and eventually made our way to bed. The stars were out in droves and it was comfortably cool enough where it's not cold. We forgot something cozy for the dogs, but everyone made out ok. I slept great, Stephanie was cold (somehow) which was to be expected as she's always a cold sleeper.
Our plan was to hike out and drive to PA and hike a very flat hike, however unlike any other AT trail I've ever been on, there were no campsites to be seen in four miles of pleasant farmland hiking. The evening couldn't have been nicer, the sunset was beautiful and it got cold fast. We decided, to turn around and head home. We'd go out to eat and jump in the hot tub for the night. It was a good decision and enjoyable.
I couldn't have enjoyed this weekend more, I felt like a rock star. I felt strong, happy and confident. It's always nice to be able to get out, feel good and relaxed and enjoy your company and surrounds.
My only regret is that we never have enough time. But I'm trying to enjoy the time we do have and use it wisely.
We drove to Harpers Ferry, WV to see the historical town and have some lunch. We went to the AT Conservancy and saw a Southbound Thru hiker, all 100 pounds of her stunk to high heaven but she couldn't have been happier. I think that's the story of the AT, you might smell like shit but you're happy as can be.
This trip, more or less was supposed to be a free-spirited trip, very figure it out as we go along. So when we got to the conservancy we spoke to a volunteer who suggested that we drive to Gathland State Park then and hike South on the AT to the Ed Garvey shelter. It was a fairly easy trial, rolling hills as opposed to the normal PA AT hike, where you have to start straight uphill first then it levels out a little.
The Gathland SP is pretty much already up on the ridge so the hike was pretty much gentle rolling hills and very nice scenery but no real views. Which was good for our two dogs and my wife to enjoy as opposed to being a high mileage death march of a hike.
We hiked to the Ed Garvey shelter, just after dark settled in, there were plenty of people there already. Since we were there late, we missed out on the opportunity to get a good tent site and found one that was slightly sloped and had a few rocks and twigs. One of those twigs reared it's ugly head in the morning and pushed through my ground cloth and tent floor... Not a happy camper with that but what are you going to do.
We enjoyed very nice company around an already roaring campfire and eventually made our way to bed. The stars were out in droves and it was comfortably cool enough where it's not cold. We forgot something cozy for the dogs, but everyone made out ok. I slept great, Stephanie was cold (somehow) which was to be expected as she's always a cold sleeper.
Our plan was to hike out and drive to PA and hike a very flat hike, however unlike any other AT trail I've ever been on, there were no campsites to be seen in four miles of pleasant farmland hiking. The evening couldn't have been nicer, the sunset was beautiful and it got cold fast. We decided, to turn around and head home. We'd go out to eat and jump in the hot tub for the night. It was a good decision and enjoyable.
I couldn't have enjoyed this weekend more, I felt like a rock star. I felt strong, happy and confident. It's always nice to be able to get out, feel good and relaxed and enjoy your company and surrounds.
My only regret is that we never have enough time. But I'm trying to enjoy the time we do have and use it wisely.
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Van life.....
Am I crazy, or just overly influenced by the bombarding of constant
Outside Magazine articles on the way driving around a van through the
world can change your life completely? And how it can be done so
easily, or so they make it seem?
My friend's and family will tell you that I'm a person who rarely is content with what they have to some point, I'm not content, I'm very happy with what I have and the life I live. I do, however question how life could be different if I were to live it another way. Say, packing up and traveling across the country and living out of a motorhome or van. I see plenty of people doing it, it cannot be that crazy of an idea.
My kids and wife would love it, and so would my dogs. We're all outdoor people and love camping, road trips, seeing new things and meeting new people. And there's no short supply of things to see or people to meet, that's for sure.
Sadly, like most people in my shoes it's just not the right time, nor the right funding to do such a thing at this moment in our lives. It's the ultimate and most widely used excuse but it's a good one and unless something major changes, it's the one we're using. Not to mention my parents and two out of the four brothers would thing I was mad.
One day I hope to solely travel, but for now I think it's just going to have to be weekend trips and extended vacations as they come down the pike.
My friend's and family will tell you that I'm a person who rarely is content with what they have to some point, I'm not content, I'm very happy with what I have and the life I live. I do, however question how life could be different if I were to live it another way. Say, packing up and traveling across the country and living out of a motorhome or van. I see plenty of people doing it, it cannot be that crazy of an idea.
My kids and wife would love it, and so would my dogs. We're all outdoor people and love camping, road trips, seeing new things and meeting new people. And there's no short supply of things to see or people to meet, that's for sure.
Sadly, like most people in my shoes it's just not the right time, nor the right funding to do such a thing at this moment in our lives. It's the ultimate and most widely used excuse but it's a good one and unless something major changes, it's the one we're using. Not to mention my parents and two out of the four brothers would thing I was mad.
One day I hope to solely travel, but for now I think it's just going to have to be weekend trips and extended vacations as they come down the pike.
New York Wilds Family Camping Trip
For this years camping trip, we opted out of our normal foray of going to a sportsman's lodge in Maine and strictly went camping. We're planning on going to Disney which is why we bailed on Maine, even though both my wife and myself we're reluctant 1/2 way through the decision process because we enjoy Maine so much.
We went to a very close second to Maine, the Adirondack's, more specifically Forked Lake. Forked lake is a very primitive camping experience, all but a handful of sites are paddle or hike in only, which a vast majority of them being paddle in only. They do allow motor boats but there's never too many of them as people much rather enjoy the simplistic stroke of a canoe or kayak paddle to the drone of a motor. We've been to Forked Lake three times, all of them fun and more or less dry. This year we were threatened with the chance of rain every day, but only one day did it rain and that just so happened to be the day we were packing up and moving onto our next destination.
I was soaked, as I took the bulk of things out in the kayaks and canoe. My family was damp but since I packed my rain coat up in the stuff they carried, I paid the price by getting soaked. A small price to pay since it wasn't too bad, it was nice and warm out and the rain was refreshing even though it too was warm. Ironically every time I got to the car/unloading area, the rain stopped. Then when I got back to the campsite it started raining again, and it'd rain until I got to the car, then stopped again. This happened twice. not bad, but annoying and when I got in the car with the A/C working I froze my ass off. I don't think I officially dried off until the next day.
Our time in the Adirondak's was wonderful, the kids were happy and playful and doing things out of their initial comfort zone. Which for some is more of an accomplishment than others. They used the outhouse provided without argument or disgust even though I thought there'd be some argument upon the call of nature. We've stayed at that site before, it's a nice site with a nice view and the nights came alive with the sights of campfires around the lake and laughter filled the night sky. People just like us were enjoying the time there. The water was warm, the weather more or less perfect and everything went more or less well.
I love the Adirondak's, I never thought I'd feel that way about another place besides Maine. Although it's got the same feeling, but it's different in a lot of ways. In some ways better, and others not. One of the more special ways it was nice this time around was that my hesitant stepdaughter decided on her own to join us on our adventure, even though she hates long drives and not being in reasonable distance to the wifi or cell service. I think she had a great time. She said she did and the various looks of happiness showed that she enjoyed it more than I ever thought she would.
We went to a very close second to Maine, the Adirondack's, more specifically Forked Lake. Forked lake is a very primitive camping experience, all but a handful of sites are paddle or hike in only, which a vast majority of them being paddle in only. They do allow motor boats but there's never too many of them as people much rather enjoy the simplistic stroke of a canoe or kayak paddle to the drone of a motor. We've been to Forked Lake three times, all of them fun and more or less dry. This year we were threatened with the chance of rain every day, but only one day did it rain and that just so happened to be the day we were packing up and moving onto our next destination.
I was soaked, as I took the bulk of things out in the kayaks and canoe. My family was damp but since I packed my rain coat up in the stuff they carried, I paid the price by getting soaked. A small price to pay since it wasn't too bad, it was nice and warm out and the rain was refreshing even though it too was warm. Ironically every time I got to the car/unloading area, the rain stopped. Then when I got back to the campsite it started raining again, and it'd rain until I got to the car, then stopped again. This happened twice. not bad, but annoying and when I got in the car with the A/C working I froze my ass off. I don't think I officially dried off until the next day.
Our time in the Adirondak's was wonderful, the kids were happy and playful and doing things out of their initial comfort zone. Which for some is more of an accomplishment than others. They used the outhouse provided without argument or disgust even though I thought there'd be some argument upon the call of nature. We've stayed at that site before, it's a nice site with a nice view and the nights came alive with the sights of campfires around the lake and laughter filled the night sky. People just like us were enjoying the time there. The water was warm, the weather more or less perfect and everything went more or less well.
I love the Adirondak's, I never thought I'd feel that way about another place besides Maine. Although it's got the same feeling, but it's different in a lot of ways. In some ways better, and others not. One of the more special ways it was nice this time around was that my hesitant stepdaughter decided on her own to join us on our adventure, even though she hates long drives and not being in reasonable distance to the wifi or cell service. I think she had a great time. She said she did and the various looks of happiness showed that she enjoyed it more than I ever thought she would.
Monday, August 8, 2016
The perfect time of day
Since building our small deck last summer we finally have a full summer to enjoy it. This year has been less than typical, more rainy than hot and cooler at times than rainy or hot. But whenever it's nice enough we spend as much time outside as we can, enjoying dinner or the stars or just watching the kids play.
I find that right around seven or eight in the evening is when it's the best to be here. The sun's last beams of light and heat are filtering through the stand of evergreens next to our property and the grass takes on a more beautiful shade of green.
The crickets come out in droves and the other bugs mostly go to bed. It's dam near perfect.
After what feels like a very frustrating day of doing non-work administrative stuff, it's nice to come out here, sit and listen to the night come alive and the day drift off to sleep. It makes all the late nights, the constant sweating, the busted fingers and headaches all worth it.
I find that right around seven or eight in the evening is when it's the best to be here. The sun's last beams of light and heat are filtering through the stand of evergreens next to our property and the grass takes on a more beautiful shade of green.
The crickets come out in droves and the other bugs mostly go to bed. It's dam near perfect.
After what feels like a very frustrating day of doing non-work administrative stuff, it's nice to come out here, sit and listen to the night come alive and the day drift off to sleep. It makes all the late nights, the constant sweating, the busted fingers and headaches all worth it.
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Wanting Life to Mean Something
How do you know if your life really means anything? Or you're really
making an impact on the ones you love and the people around you?
I feel like I do. But how do you know? Is it by how people return the gestures and favors you've done over the years? Is it how well behaved your kids are or how your relationship is with said kids.
I sit behind a desk every day between 9 - 5 with an ungrateful and very annoying coworker. I'm not out hitting the trails with my family or alone, I'm not paddling some serene lake or photographing the wonders of nature. But I sit, work and wait. Yes, I hate it. Who doesn't? You cannot love going to work every day and muddling through until you get home to do more work, dishes, scoop the puppy poop or laundry.
Yes, my life means something, my kids and wife make it that way. But that's in general, it's not something down to earth meaningful as in I'm not out fulfilling my life's desires.
Ironically, when I was a young adult, my dreams were to have a family and kids so I guess in a sense I am adding meaning to my life. But then as I became more of an adult and more stuck in the rut of life, YouTube doesn't help, I am now set on a new desire, a new added meaning to life. To get out there and explore, see the world starting with whats around me and what's in our country. I could go to a national park every year and probably never get to see them all in my life. And I've been to three or four already. It's a dam shame. The only thing to do is plan and do.
How do you keep meaning in your life? Or does it change from one year to the next?
I feel like I do. But how do you know? Is it by how people return the gestures and favors you've done over the years? Is it how well behaved your kids are or how your relationship is with said kids.
I sit behind a desk every day between 9 - 5 with an ungrateful and very annoying coworker. I'm not out hitting the trails with my family or alone, I'm not paddling some serene lake or photographing the wonders of nature. But I sit, work and wait. Yes, I hate it. Who doesn't? You cannot love going to work every day and muddling through until you get home to do more work, dishes, scoop the puppy poop or laundry.
Yes, my life means something, my kids and wife make it that way. But that's in general, it's not something down to earth meaningful as in I'm not out fulfilling my life's desires.
Ironically, when I was a young adult, my dreams were to have a family and kids so I guess in a sense I am adding meaning to my life. But then as I became more of an adult and more stuck in the rut of life, YouTube doesn't help, I am now set on a new desire, a new added meaning to life. To get out there and explore, see the world starting with whats around me and what's in our country. I could go to a national park every year and probably never get to see them all in my life. And I've been to three or four already. It's a dam shame. The only thing to do is plan and do.
How do you keep meaning in your life? Or does it change from one year to the next?
Thursday, May 19, 2016
What's really needed in life to be happy...
I guess it's a question that has a different answer for every person on this wonderful earth. I can only truly speak for myself and guess about others thoughts on what makes them happy.
For me, being able to do anything I want is what really makes me happy. If I want to get up and drive four hours to some remote neck of the wonderful Pennsylvania Wilds, I can do it. If I want to hike 15 miles over the weekend with a backpack full of supplies, I can do it. If I want to rush down the shore on a warm Friday even to enjoy the sights and smells of the Jersey shore I can. Being outside is what means everything to me, most of the time, and spending time outdoors with the ones I love only adds to the enjoyment.
I love my Jeep, especially when the weather is perfect and there's not a cloud in sight for days. I can take the top off and soak in the sun and wind with every mile driven. At night, the stars come out and when you stop at a traffic light you can really appreciate them, much more so then you would ever done when driving a normal car. Getting the Jeep dirty on some forest road adds to the excitement and joy of life to me. It feels vigorous and adventurous. Just seeing the thing in the driveway reminds me that there's an adventure waiting for me just on the horizon. Whether I'd be strapping on the kayaks, mountain bikes, filling the back with backpacks or just the family and our dogs for an evening at the lake, it really makes me happy to get in and drive it.
Another thing that makes me have a happy life is outfitting my Jeep. Putting on lights, a lift and bigger tires are all part of the fun and adventure that goes with owning a Jeep. You see people driving down the road and you think to yourself, they're either coming or going to an adventure when they're driving a Jeep. Especially the ones with the accessories on them, those people really have too much money or time, cause they're always prepared for adventure!
Watching my family bond over a campfire is one of the things that I need in life to make me happy. Some amazing times are told around the primitive entertainment of the fire ring. My daughter or son sitting in my lap or cuddling with me under a blanket and one of them mentions seeing the man on the moon or telling me to watch the stars with them, is truly something that makes my life happy and I need.
Friend are truly something that people need to make your life happy. Sure there's people living in the wilderness with not a soul around and are happy as a clam in sand, but I bet most of them would jump for joy at the chance encounter of a welcomed visitor or family member paying them a visit. It's always nice to have our friend's, new and old, come by and enjoy libations and good conversation. The laughter echoing through our house makes all the preparation and cleaning all worth it. The sound of our children all playing together and laughing, possibly making lifelong bonds that cannot be broken is one of the sweetest sounds you'll ever hear.
The crashing sounds of the ocean at night, when the wind is just right and the stars are really popping... that is really needed in my life. Holding the hand of a loved one while standing on the edge of a continent, while mother nature quietly and effortlessly plays you a song that makes your soul dance.
I guess there's no real answer, or definitely not a short answer. There's lots of things the I need in my life to make me truly happy, not just get by, but be truly happy. At the bare bones, my children, wife, puppies and nature are what I need... material things aren't always necessary but they sure help making the memories even more sweet.
For me, being able to do anything I want is what really makes me happy. If I want to get up and drive four hours to some remote neck of the wonderful Pennsylvania Wilds, I can do it. If I want to hike 15 miles over the weekend with a backpack full of supplies, I can do it. If I want to rush down the shore on a warm Friday even to enjoy the sights and smells of the Jersey shore I can. Being outside is what means everything to me, most of the time, and spending time outdoors with the ones I love only adds to the enjoyment.
I love my Jeep, especially when the weather is perfect and there's not a cloud in sight for days. I can take the top off and soak in the sun and wind with every mile driven. At night, the stars come out and when you stop at a traffic light you can really appreciate them, much more so then you would ever done when driving a normal car. Getting the Jeep dirty on some forest road adds to the excitement and joy of life to me. It feels vigorous and adventurous. Just seeing the thing in the driveway reminds me that there's an adventure waiting for me just on the horizon. Whether I'd be strapping on the kayaks, mountain bikes, filling the back with backpacks or just the family and our dogs for an evening at the lake, it really makes me happy to get in and drive it.
Another thing that makes me have a happy life is outfitting my Jeep. Putting on lights, a lift and bigger tires are all part of the fun and adventure that goes with owning a Jeep. You see people driving down the road and you think to yourself, they're either coming or going to an adventure when they're driving a Jeep. Especially the ones with the accessories on them, those people really have too much money or time, cause they're always prepared for adventure!
Watching my family bond over a campfire is one of the things that I need in life to make me happy. Some amazing times are told around the primitive entertainment of the fire ring. My daughter or son sitting in my lap or cuddling with me under a blanket and one of them mentions seeing the man on the moon or telling me to watch the stars with them, is truly something that makes my life happy and I need.
Friend are truly something that people need to make your life happy. Sure there's people living in the wilderness with not a soul around and are happy as a clam in sand, but I bet most of them would jump for joy at the chance encounter of a welcomed visitor or family member paying them a visit. It's always nice to have our friend's, new and old, come by and enjoy libations and good conversation. The laughter echoing through our house makes all the preparation and cleaning all worth it. The sound of our children all playing together and laughing, possibly making lifelong bonds that cannot be broken is one of the sweetest sounds you'll ever hear.
The crashing sounds of the ocean at night, when the wind is just right and the stars are really popping... that is really needed in my life. Holding the hand of a loved one while standing on the edge of a continent, while mother nature quietly and effortlessly plays you a song that makes your soul dance.
I guess there's no real answer, or definitely not a short answer. There's lots of things the I need in my life to make me truly happy, not just get by, but be truly happy. At the bare bones, my children, wife, puppies and nature are what I need... material things aren't always necessary but they sure help making the memories even more sweet.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)