And just like that, the holidays are over, and conference calls are back on with people talking work priorities again, like it all never happened.

Every year is more surreal than the last.

Fellow central Texans, how is everyone’s PTSD this morning?

Genuinely still kinda trippin' that it’s 2025.

I have been feeling a bit “off” the last few days til yesterday, I had a stitch and some cramps, and I realized I was dehydrated. So today, I started my day with some intentional hydration in the form of a glass of water and Skratch Labs cucumber lime. It has made ALL the difference.

I like to sit in my driveway in the mornings and take things in. Lately I see lots of folks out riding their bikes, which is great, but it’s alarming how many ride by on nearly flat tires, with dry, squealing drivetrains.

If this is you and you see me, pull in, we’ll get you fixed up.

You know it’s Christmas in Texas. It’s 71 degrees and raining.

It’s time for that winter Pho that makes my head feel better and my sinuses clear.

Much neededed today

Today is a headache kind of day.

Night.

My daughter and I have come into possession of a circa 1984 vintage Canon AE-1.

We’ve been having a great time learning (re-learning in my case) film photography.

It reminds me of the good old days of photography, when every shot counted, as they certainly weren’t “free.”

There he goes man. One of the guys I work with is one of those “molecular yogurt extractors.”

You know who I mean. Those folks that go at yogurt or pudding cups like they are filled with crack cocaine, and they themselves have been sleeping on the sidewalk at the greyhound station for a few weeks.

Well, the rain cleared out, and it’s a beautiful 39 degrees and sunny day now.

This is how December should feel in my mind.

We’ve been playing with the recently refurbed AE-1. The first roll we shot was twenty years expired, but we still got a few good images. We’re finishing a roll of 400TX now, and we’re excited to see what we get.

They weren’t kidding about I the weather today.

Ironically I just said a bit ago “well, looks like we missed out on that rain today…”

It’s awfully early for a retired guy like me me to be up.

Money is an illusion, but it’s an illusion by which we all live and die.

I just ate the last Gummi Bear from a pack I was given recently.

Disappointed that it was the last one, I went online and found that i could order a 5lb bag of multi flavored bears (which, you know, I did…), and I have never felt more like an adult in my life.

After 30 years in the Army, being the “guy in charge” most of the time, it’s still hard for me to show up to an event and just go with the flow. Even one that’s pre-planned, and well-run.

When I do relax and go with it, I must admit to liking it.

Smooth seas make not a skilled sailor.

We (My son Jack and I) finally watched “Nope” last night, and it was close to perfect. Perhaps the scariest scene was the stable (IYKYK) 😂, but overall its the kind of movie that goes a long way to restoring my faith in smart film making.

The weather the last few days has been regularly volatile, and while I hope it isn’t affecting anyone too negatively, I do love the energy.

I love cinematic scores.

Over the years there have been so many pieces that just define the genre of (typically) modern classical music.

One of my (and I’m sure many other music fans) favorite composers is Hans Zimmer, and to that point, the score for “Interstellar” is possibly the very best. Even my kids know each track by name, and often mention them in casual conversations.

So, so good.

Some folks I work with are engaged in an intense conversation about the intrinsic merits of limeade.

If I’m being honest, I’m totally here for it.

This is bureaucracy for its own sake.

“Bring two utility statements to establish residency”

But my DL has my address on it, and a date of issue more than 40 days before the date of the appointment?

“We can’t use that, Sir”

Then why am I required by law to update it?

We request appointments literally months in advance. They repeatedly admonish you not to be late. We arrived 20 minutes before our allotted time. It’s now 20 minutes past our allotted time. We’re number 180, they are serving number 118.

What is going on?

I’m a middle aged white guy, who can take time from work at will. I’m currently at the DMV and my anxiety level is through the roof.

I can’t imagine how a single mother, an immigrant, any person of color, or ESL party must feel in here.

We can do better than this.