Whew! The holidays are over, and if you’re reading this, you’ve survived another year of financial strain, emotional gain, and endless family gather(ain). Every year, the holiday season seems to get a little easier, and that’s probably because Crystal and I are getting used to traveling across the country for some family-sponsored festive cheer. Although we’d love to stretch ourselves even thinner and visit both families simultaneously, I think the benefits to our emotional and physical well-being are worth this back-and-forth pattern.
I’m determined to keep this blog light. The last few blogs of 2023 were full of hot takes, cultural and professional explorations, and big announcements. I’m proud of what was written, and I’ll no doubt revisit them over the year to re-live and reaffirm my values and opinions. It’s enjoyable to take the time to delve into passing thoughts and flesh them out in my own words without the rebuttal of a conversational partner’s intrusive opinion. That’s the lovely thing about having a blog, and why even though the reader (you) can opt out at any time, those that continue will be subject to my pervasive thoughts and opinions without the room to inject their own within the text. Uninterrupted conversation. What a lovely thought.
The Future
I hate to put up a chart and throw on the “best gifts of 2023” that Crystal and I received over the holiday season. Still, the top of the list must be the in-helmet communication set from Cardo that was gifted by Crystal’s brother (and family). These things are rad, much more than some VR headsets or super-phones. The Cardo kit is easy to use and installs into your motorcycle helmet with a few steps and hack-engineering. It includes a mic, two speakers, and a receiver that sits on the outside of the helmet.
So why do I think something like this is the future instead of a VR headset?
It’s simple: I must wear the same helmet every time I ride a motorcycle. There is no other option, which removes the premise of choice you would get from putting on a VR headset. The whole kit is incredibly non-obtrusive, has amazing audio and call quality, and automatically turns on when it detects movement (edit: this is incorrect, the app has movement detection, not the unit). The headset is semi-permanently installed on the helmet, so I don’t consider installing or turning it on to enjoy the benefits. Even with futuristic VR headsets, noise-canceling earbuds, or conductive headphones, I have to think about putting the device on, flipping a switch, or saying “Hey, Siri” to activate it. This headset is always there, and aside from the 13-hour battery life limitation, there’s nothing about it that’s manual. It even turns down the music while chatting back and forth, providing a seamless audio and communication blend.
I’m not saying I want one of these implanted in my brain, but when implants come out, I expect them to behave in the same way as the Cardo system. The only thing the Cardo lacks is a heads-up display, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re already deep in development with a helmet supplier to provide fully immersive experiences later into the decade. Later, maybe in the 2040s, we’ll have replacement digital eyeballs and ear drums that can be surgically installed and run off the heat we naturally generate. Anyway, I’ve always enjoyed riding my motorcycle long distances and zipping through traffic, and this device is up there with heated grips and cruise control as far as motorcycle must-haves.
2024 Goals (short edition)
None of these will be bike-related because that’d be too predictable. Also, for the first time, nobody showed up to my weekly Tuesday night ride, and that makes bikes less fun. The more I ride, the more I realize that I love competition and camaraderie more than just riding itself, which is very opposite from the whimsical deep thought “love the ride” messages you see all over Instagram and other media. I still enjoy riding for the sake of it, but not as much as I enjoy the motivation and health benefits that come from local competition among friends. As I get older and my free time becomes sparser, I’m sure my views on the subject will change, and I’ll appreciate the uninterrupted nature time even more.
Get Stronger & Climb More
This past weekend really upped my appreciation for climbing and the community. It’s so good for the brain in so many ways, even if you get frustrated with your lack of confidence or strength. Crystal & I spent three days in the desert with close friends (you can view more photos here), and I loved it so much that I opted for an extra day after everyone had left. We climbed hard, burned off some skin, and conversed at night even harder.
The biggest limitation during the trip and climbing sessions wasn’t the usual technique or confidence; for me, it was my strength. Oddly, I felt better technically than I had in a long time and more confident than usual. What was lacking was the strength I’ve grown used to since I started climbing regularly in 2018. Even though I’ve been going to the weightlifting gym and doing hot power yoga 2-3x per week (in addition to all the biking) for years, I struggled with hand and core strength. I’ve only climbed indoors a few times since April of 2023, and even though I’ve replaced it with weight training, it hasn’t been enough to keep my hands and core at climbing strength. The nice thing about the outdoor climbing trip is that I could quickly identify my weaknesses and have already addressed some of those in my gym routines.
Although I’m still planning a handful of bike trips and events this Summer, I’ve frontloaded my biking season with regular racing from September 2023 to May 2024 to spend more time taking weekend trips to the crags instead of to the start line.
Get a Byline
I’ll be completely honest here; I’d love a byline somewhere. I don’t need it to be my day job, but since I’m typing a few thousand words a week on personal blogs and editing them for you all to enjoy anyway, I wouldn’t mind being paid to release some opinions on the world stage. I love finding a new blog or journal and reading some of the best articles within, especially the human pieces. And after my 2024 New Year’s Instagram post, I was happy with the positive response in the comments and personal DM’s.
I understand I’ve got to promote my work to a publication, but I struggle with planning what or how I’m going to write. Often, I’ll start these blogs with a thought I had during a conversation and expand on that within the text. I think I’ve got things worth writing about pinging around in my brain, but I struggle with nailing down and selling the idea while cold calling (emailing) an editor. If anyone has some advice for idea management and writing something worth selling, I’d love to hear it.
More, Better Photos
I don’t know if I’m any good at it, but I enjoy taking candid photos of people and pets. I have to thank Justin Daniels for planting the seed in my brain as he noted my proficiency in snapping candid’s on our rides together. I’m quickly filling up the 100GB allotment for photos that Google’s cheapest tier provides, but it’s worth it.
I’m not at a point where I want to upgrade my camera or equipment anytime soon, and I enjoy the tones and quality my current set-up provides. I’m also not at any point where I feel good or confident enough to provide paid work, but I’ll happily bring the camera to events and be one of those obnoxious folks taking unsolicited photos and keeping them in a personal collection.
More Musical Albums
Spotify called me out during Wrapped season, noting that I jump from song to song, artist to artist, without stopping and listening to the entire album.
I don’t like that assessment, but it’s damn true.
In response, I’ve already listened to a couple of albums all the way through. Last night, Crystal and I threw on Natalie Bergman’s ‘Keeps Those Teardrops from Falling’ and ‘Mercy’ albums. Both have some obvious religious undertones, but I promise it doesn’t detract from the quality of music and writing.
Continue the Blogs
This one should be obvious. I’m going to keep writing these blogs. The emotional benefits are innumerable, and I feel like writing for you (and me) keeps me more honest, nicer, and intentional in everyday life. I’m also getting better at honing my voice, even though the words I write for corporate America aren’t coming any easier. There’s a second goal within this: to read more physical books instead of solely internet publications. I’m going to start delving into ‘How to Tell a Story’ by The Moth (the popular radio show) and see if that influences the way I write and communicate my own stories.
Be a Better Employee
Just kidding (I need this job).
Up & Coming
Gosh. The usual, I guess.
Bike races. Climbing events. Social bike events. DND sessions. Dance lessons(?!).
It’s been such a whirlwind these last two weeks that I’m having difficulty focusing on what’s coming next. I know some competitive stuff is coming, some people are visiting, and we have a good chunk of outside-the-house activities approaching, but they’re all blending together.
Love y’all. Talk soon.
Music Worth Listening To
Amigo The Devil – Recently published his entire Red Rocks show on YouTube!
Natalie Bergman – Need some spiritual guidance for the new year? Give her EP ‘Keeps Those Teardrops from Falling’ and album ‘Mercy’ a listen.
Kurt Griesemer – My pops made a pretty song for Crystal and me, but I can’t/won’t share it yet 😉.
Books Worth Reading
Would it surprise you if I said I’ve only had time to read 10 pages of Devil In The White City over the holiday season?
Shows/Movies Worth Watching
The Iron Claw – I'm not totally sure that I’d recommend seeing it in a theater, but of the 2-hour film, I really enjoyed the middle 1.5 hours of it. Deep. Depressing. Raw.
Mario Bros. Movie – Not as cringy as I expected. Actually really fun and entertaining.
Nice! The motorcycle mic set sounds awesome. The song won't be on Spotify because it would have to be published through BMI, and to do that is a layer of pain. I'll get it on Bandcamp and Reverbnation, etc, for sharing. The Tooles are going to work on a recorded version that's more polished, too. Check out Godzilla Minus One-you won't be disappointed-Mom and Cora both loved it! You know some pro writers in our Mpls circle-maybe zip them an email?