Category: Blog Posts

Get this! I was in the break room all alone listening to my pod-cast during lunchtime. Then one co-worker came in. I asked if I should turn it off. The co-worker said, “No it is like a radio”. “ I don’t mind”. Then another. I asked the same question. No one minded.

Then the office hag stepped into the room. She announced that she could not handle anyone listening to that thing (my PDA). She was offended and was sure to make it known to others in the room (ones that I had already asked).

I announced out loud that I had to listen to my device because I was so offended by “woman talk”. Then corrected my self and said, “Hag Talk”. I guess the reason for the story is that no matter how polite you try to be or already are, there are those that are so rude, judgmental, and un-educated that it doesn’t really matter. No wonder why things are going to crap.

On a brighter note I am spending more time on my bike and continue to update and post new pictures as well.

---

On this day in history, let’s take a stroll down memory lane with my captivating blog posts:

• 2004: 20 MILLION EUROPEANS CANT BE WRONG
• 2002: Exhausted!

Dive into each link for a slice of adventures and reflections through the years!

Oh, it’s frosty out there, alright! But let’s be real, this isn’t our first winter rodeo. I’ve got this theory that we’re all kinda regressing. Seems like everybody’s turning into a bunch of softies these days. A little cold snap or a “massive” snow dump of, what, a whole foot, and suddenly it’s all hands on deck, code red, disaster mode. People, seriously, let’s get a grip. Oh wait, we are—freezing our tails off, that is. And here I am, moaning about my own saga of woes, courtesy of a bike wipeout last Tuesday.

Yep, bit the dust again! There I was, cruising alongside the railroad tracks near the gun range in East Missoula, when a sneaky patch of ice decided we should meet the hard way (and trust me, the ground feels a lot harder the older you get). Now I’m hobbling around, feeling every bit of the cold gnawing at my bruises and aches. So, yeah, that’s my gripe. But, you know what? Forget playing it safe. I’m biking to work today. Why? Simply because I still can! Shame most folks don’t get it, too caught up in their cozy, “powder puff” bubbles.

On this day in history, let’s dive into the eclectic and adventurous world of my blog, showcasing a variety of experiences and insights:

• 2004: Cancer update [UPDATED]
• 2002: Montreal Misadventures: Snow, Spice, and Subterranean Shenanigans

Listen, I’m not one to brag, but unlike some temperature-sensitive humans around here (cough, lazy cough), I could practically do a polar bear plunge in this weather without flinching. So what if the weather report reads like a dystopian novel with Butte’s high tomorrow resembling a walk-in freezer set to “Arctic Blast”? My internal furnace runs hot, baby! Besides, according to my highly accurate squirrel-whispering skills, it’s gonna snow too. Snow! Can you say winter wonderland without frostbite?

But let’s talk about this morning’s adventure, a testament to my steel-wool constitution and the occasional absurdity of office life. Biking to work in this deep freeze? Piece of cake. Except, when it comes to buying stamps at work – a perk supposedly offered to us productivity paragons – things get weirder than a penguin wearing roller skates.

This lovely colleague, bless her vacationing soul, usually handles our stamp needs. But today, her desk stood vacant, leaving me and my important correspondence high and dry (metaphorically, of course, because let’s be honest, who even writes letters anymore?). So, ever the efficient soul, I inquired, “Who’s the new stamp overlord?” You know, a simple question deserving a simple answer.

Instead, I got a response worthy of a koan master: “Albertsons.” Albertsons?! Why even offer stamps at work if the answer to their absence is always “go to the grocery store”? Did someone forget to inform the stamp fairy that convenience was part of the job description?

Look, I’m not judging. Maybe the stamp gods were on vacation too, or perhaps the filing cabinet swallowed the key to the magical stamp drawer. All I know is, I braved the elements on two wheels only to be sent on a wild goose chase to the frozen tundra of the local supermarket. Talk about a plot twist worthy of a Netflix documentary.

But hey, on the bright side, it’s gonna be ridiculously cold and snowy! So, while the rest of you delicate humans huddle indoors with your space heaters and hot cocoa, I’ll be out there, embracing the elements, living my best sub-zero life. Just call me the Ice Ninja of Efficiency, vanquishing bureaucratic confusion one shivering quest for postage at a time.

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

• 2002: Back From Montreal
• 2002: Blog From Plattsburgh

Hey from Break Espresso! Just saw someone do the ultimate no-no: licked their spoon and put it back in the communal silverware bin. Gross! They’ve knocked down a wall here, and I gotta jet ’cause all the plug points have disappeared.

Had a blast skiing with the Rocky Mountaineers yesterday. Ended up leading the squad aiming for Gash Point. Epic day, but man, the conditions were rough.

Hoping to catch some rays today with a ride on my trusty bike. Oh, and the weather? It’s taken a nosedive. The river’s starting to ice over again, and we’re barely keeping the temps in double figures.

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and explore some remarkable moments captured in blog posts. Join me as we uncover the tales and snapshots that have shaped my digital diary:

• 2005: McLeod Peak This Weekend
• 2003: We Have Moved!
• 2002: Grown Up Job Deserves Pizza!
• 2001: New Energy

I confess, I should be skiing right now. Yet, here I am, after a night spent editing photos and setting up Adobe CS for speedier workflow. While browsing Outside Missoula and today’s news over mocha (cheers to Paul for the Ghirardelli’s), I stumbled upon a tech that might revolutionize grocery shopping: paying with your finger.

“The service debits the consumer’s checking account without them writing a check or using an ATM card,” explains Jon Siegal from Pay By Touch. “It’s more secure, as there’s no number to be copied or stolen.”

TechWeb.com shared this innovation. It seems convenient, avoiding PINs or passwords with the uniqueness of a fingerprint. But what if an injury like a mountain bike crash alters your fingerprint?

Missoula, a town with a personality as big as Montana’s sky, often presents itself as a tapestry woven with the threads of community spirit, natural beauty, and, unexpectedly, moments of discord that remind us of the complexity of human nature. My recent experiences, echoed by local commentator Jamie Kelly’s sharp wit in the Missoulian’s Entertainer, bring to light the nuanced dance between embracing this community and navigating its challenges.

One morning, as I drove past Sentinel High School, my car—a beetle, not a Californian billboard—became the unintended target of a young person’s frustration, manifested as a piece of wood. This incident, minor yet jarring, served as a stark reminder of the unexpected moments of aggression lurking in the shadows of Missoula’s serene landscape. It’s not just about a piece of wood or a car; it’s about the assumptions and quick judgments that punctuate our daily interactions in this town.

Jamie Kelly, with his characteristic blend of humor and insight, seems to understand this dance well. Through his writings, he captures the essence of Missoula’s identity crisis—proudly insular yet struggling with the concept of the “other.” His articles, like a mirror, reflect the absurdity and beauty of our communal life, highlighting the tension between wanting to preserve the essence of Missoula and the reality of its evolving demographic and cultural landscape.

Amidst these reflections, my personal saga with Best Buy—a mundane episode of consumer grievance—unexpectedly paralleled the broader narrative of belonging and conflict. A morning call from Bob, the manager, promised a resolution to my lingering laptop saga, yet it felt like another chapter in the ongoing story of navigating community relationships and personal rights in a small town.

In my blog, “Is it Safe in Missoula?”, I’ve often pondered the safety and welcoming nature of our town. These recent events, coupled with Jamie Kelly’s satirical observations, underscore a vital conversation about the kind of community we aspire to be. Do we choose to embrace the quirks and challenges with open arms, or do we retreat into the comfort of the familiar, wary of the unknown?

Missoula is more than its picturesque landscapes and vibrant cultural scene; it’s a community at a crossroads, grappling with the realities of change, conflict, and coexistence. As we navigate these waters, let’s remember the power of dialogue, empathy, and a good sense of humor, as championed by voices like Jamie Kelly’s, to guide us through the complexities of life in this beautiful, baffling town.

Reference list:

1. Kelly, Jamie. Articles in the Missoulian’s Entertainer. Available at: http://www.missoulian.com/entertainer/
2. Kelly, Jamie. “Violence goes against our Missoula nature…” Missoulian’s Entertainer.
3. Kelly, Jamie. “So today I’m wondering: What the heck are you idiots doing…” Missoulian’s Entertainer.
4. Montana Department of Justice. Concerning complaints and consumer protection. Available at: http://www.doj.state.mt.us/

Ah, the classic tale of tech woes, right? There I was last night, ready to have a chill online chat with Mom and Sis, thinking, “Hey, multitasking! I can set up my laptop AND gossip!” Famous last words, folks.

So, picture this: I’m there, clicking away, when my laptop decides it’s time travel day and poof, we’re back in 2004. Naturally, chaos ensues. Reboot? Crash. Rinse and repeat. I’m telling you, it was like a bad comedy skit, minus the laugh track.

Hours later, I emerge victorious (or so I thought), only to be lured by the siren call of ‘updates’. Big mistake. My chat window might as well have had tumbleweeds rolling through it. And to add insult to injury, my weekly dad chat got axed. Thanks, technology!

This morning, as I sat amidst a half-setup laptop, a revelation hit me. Maybe life’s better off the grid? But let’s not get too dramatic. I did sneak in a bike ride (classic Bill style) and have a hike lined up. So, in the grand scheme of things, maybe it’s not all doom and gloom. Just your average day in the life of a tech-troubled outdoor enthusiast!

My computer’s still a bit wonky, but I’m fixing it tonight. Also, I’m excited to join our weekly eMeeting, “Friends and Family On-line” again. I’m getting my photography software back up, so watch out for new photos soon! https://search.brave.com/search?q=photography&source=desktop

The alarm buzzes at the ungodly hour of 4:30 AM, but there’s no snoozing today. It’s the kind of Saturday where sleep feels like a luxury I can’t afford, not with the Rocky Mountaineers’ trip to Lolo Peak looming excitingly ahead. I’m the trip leader this time, a role I volunteered for with a mix of trepidation and excitement. Memories of last year’s expedition fuel my planning, promising a blend of challenge and sheer beauty.

Our meetup point is the K-Mart parking lot in Missoula, 6 AM sharp. There’s something about the predawn gathering of like-minded adventurers that sets the tone for the day – a shared anticipation, the silent nod to the journey ahead. I aim to hit the trail by 7ish, keen to embrace the crisp morning air.

The South Fork Lolo Trail-head, our starting point, is a familiar friend. We’ll journey up highway 12, taking a left on Elk Meadows road. Then it’s up to the elusive access road, hidden to the left behind a gate – our gateway to the wild. Chains on tires are a must, a non-negotiable given the treacherous winter roads. No chains, no trip, a rule as rigid as the frozen ground we’re about to tread.

The first stretch of our journey, trekking up the South Fork of Lolo Creek Trail, is a gradual warm-up. Within 1 to 2 hours, we reach a crucial junction, marking our turn towards Lantern Ridge. It’s a steady climb, but the promise of the ridge keeps our spirits high and our strides steady.

Once we crest Lantern Ridge, the real adventure begins. Off the beaten path, we’ll navigate along the ridge, each step a dance with nature’s unpredictability. Our skis, our trusted allies until now, will be left behind for the final ascent to Lolo Peak. This rocky, windy summit climb is a test of endurance, a battle against the elements, and a journey inward.

As we near the peak, the world seems to open up, a panorama of rugged beauty that stretches out beneath us. Five hours from our cars, yet it feels like we’ve stepped into another world. The summit, with its howling winds and breathtaking views, is our reward, a moment of triumph and reflection.

---

Resources for the Adventurous:

• Rocky Mountaineers Club: Learn more about the club and upcoming trips at http://www.rockymountaineers.com.
• Trail Conditions and Updates: For the latest on trail conditions and weather forecasts, visit https://www.montanatrailreport.com.
• Ski and Snowshoe Gear Recommendations: Check out https://www.backcountry.com for gear advice and purchases.
• Missoula Area Maps and Guides: Essential for planning your own adventure, available at https://www.missoulamaps.com.

Remember, the mountains are calling, and it’s time to answer!