Human

Let’s Say Goodbye to the “I Voted” Sticker

A roll of "I voted" stickers

Ah, the coveted “I Voted” sticker—the method by which American citizens proudly announce to the world, “Look at me! I’m civically engaged.”

Once a year, this sticker shows up in your feed like before & after photos at FitCon. Just to be clear, I have no issue with the sticker itself (posting on social media is an entirely different story). And I’m 100% for voting in every single election where even a single item shows up on your ballot.

What I do take issue with is what this sticker represents—or perhaps more accurately, who it doesn’t represent.

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What do a DMV employee, tree cutter & bartender have in common?

They’re all super nice! As are most of the people whom I’ve interacted with so far in Boulder.

The Tree Cutter

I was out getting my vehicle registered in Boulder County, and turning in my driver’s license for a Colorado version. When I returned home mid-morning, I saw a Watson Tree pickup truck blocking our driveway. No big deal, as I don’t need to park there. Plenty of on-street parking.

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Traveling Stream of Consciousness – Siesta Keys

Siesta Key Beach, Florida

Dude, why are you sprinting down the moving walkway, with your wheely bag, only to stop abruptly right behind that woman? Not cool, bro.

There’s a woman on the plane drinking a diet Coke. 10 years ago, I’d see this as normal. Today, I want to grab her arm before the bottle reaches her lips, and yell, “Stop! It’s been poisoned.”

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My favorite letter is…

Y y

A random conversation was sparked at the office this week. How come most of us have a favorite number, but not a favorite letter?

Well, quite frankly, the answer to that question is irrelevant, because now you know my favorite letter. What you DON’T know, however, is why.

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31 Years & Counting…

I’m writing this almost a month after my birthday, but the words on this card are too important to just recycle it and move on.

My parents have a way with cards for special occasions, and they always nail it on my birthday. Sometimes I wonder if they wrote the words themselves; they’re just that personal.

I’d like to hold on to this one, as it’s another example of the unconditional love that I’m so fortunate to have in my life.

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Running Shamrock for Cameron Gallagher

Cameron Gallagher @ Shamrock Half-marathon 2014

Photo credit goes to speakup5k.com & the CKG Foundation

Before I share my story…

I am raising money for the Cameron K. Gallagher Memorial Foundation, whose mission is:

…to fulfill Cameron’s dream and legacy by being a positive force that works to cultivate awareness and understanding of teenage depression and anxiety.

If you feel inspired by her story, or would like to help the cause, you can donate here. I am trying to raise $131 before the race next weekend, which coincidentally falls on my birthday. No cards, presents or Facebook wall posts, please. Just a small donation to a worthwhile cause.

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My Purposeful Expression of Intention

Tiny House Village - Boneyard Studios

As I try to do every year around the 1st, it’s time to write. I’ve been consistently inconsistent with that over the past few years, but I have managed to use the new year as a time to reflect. Last year I talked about the things that inspired me in …

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Off The Grid

Keswick Farm panorama

It’s been 5+ years since I took an entire week’s vacation. I mean a true vacation, not thinking about or doing any work the entire time. I’m doing something a little unconventional (but if you know me, you shouldn’t be that surprised).

Started with 2 Things

Two things that I haven’t done in a   l o n g   t i m e:

  • stopped at a McDonald’s
  • went through the drive thru

I almost forgot how those things worked. Both of them.

I wanted a coffee for my drive to Wintergreen. I wanted it fast so I could get on with my vacation. McDonalds happened to be right there (seems like they’re everywhere, doesn’t it?!).

As much as I despise McDonalds for — well, almost everything, really — I’m actually glad I chose this one. Before your head flies off in sheer amazement, let me explain.

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CrossFit: Afraid to go back?

This is probably NOT about what you think. It has nothing to do with first-timers, being intimidated, looming doubts after your first class…

It has everything to do with missing a few days, and being afraid to get your @$$ handed to you the next time you walk in that door.

I’m not injured. I didn’t go on vacation. It simply started with the need for a day or two off. A bag of potato chips here… half a pack of Oreos there… less-than-necessary sleep… all combined with general laziness… has made for an interesting 3 days. And by “interesting,” I really mean completely boring & demotivating. Ugh.

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