As those who know me know, I strive to be honest at all times, especially with myself. I was reminded recently of how important self honesty is while I watched the movie Wet Hot American Summer. Lies, deceit, and broken promises can eat you from the inside and cause frustration and pain, which is so unnecessary in this already awkward and complicated thing called life. And the thing is, it doesn't even have to be you that's doing the lying and deceiving. It can be someone else and you will still have all the effects thrust upon you. So, don't be like the scum that spread pain, do your best to always be honest. Never shirk from the truth, even if it hurts.

     More crazy rafting exploits were had this week on a fun trip from Coloma to Salmon Falls. It was a warm, cloudless day. Every member of the crew were all new to rafting, and they all did great for their first time. The river was crowded, so we played bumper boats a few times, and got in a few splash battles. One of the boats we waged water war with had a large pirate flag on a mast! ARRRRR!!! We found a paddle along the way as well. In Hospital Bar the boat was thrust almost straight up. It was a rollicking good time! One of the crew was a girl from Italy. She was the second person this year from another country that I've had the experience of rafting with. I pointed out that we were starting our journey in the area where James Marshall discovered gold in 1848, leading to the gold rush, which in turn changed and shaped America. I believe a lot of us who live here take that fact for granted and don't think too much about it, but that one event was really a pivotal moment in the history of our nation. Back to rafting though, this picture pretty much sums up how much everyone enjoyed the trip:

     Okay, I'm going to nerd out a bit now, but not too much. I went to see Ant-Man. And you know what? I really liked it. It had just the right blend of action, humor, and drama. It's lighter in tone than a couple of the more recent films in the Marvel cinematic universe, but that's just fine with me. It's a fantastic romp with some great special effects. You don't have to be a fan of the other Marvel movies to enjoy this one, but if you are, there are a few references to the other movies woven into this one. There are also two post credits scenes, so stick around for those. And even though it's a movie about becoming small, you should definitely see this one on the big screen.

     I'm sure you can guess what time it is now. Selfie time! This week's selfie was taken on my most recent white water adventure. Just like last week I've opted to go black and white, and get a little contrasty. 

Selfie #30

     Until next time readers, when you find yourself spending too much time on the internet and are looking for a reason why you should log off, remember

     It's been a little over a year and, at long last, I am finally back to where I was financially when I made the decision to replace the motor in my truck. It has taken a lot of work and will power but the happiness my progress has brought has made all my efforts worthwhile. I realize I still have a long way to go before my quest is over, but the knowledge that I am a third of the way to my goal encourages me and strengthens my resolve to keep doing better, to press on no matter how hard the struggle may be. I have been thinking again of how I must be aware of my spending, to not just buy every little thing that catches my attention. I do slip sometimes, but when I do I think deeply about what I have done. Why do I keep sabotaging myself? How many hours will I have to work to pay for the thing I just bought? I remind myself that material possessions alone will not make me happy. It helps a lot that I don't buy and sell cars with the frequency I used to. As an aside, I've owned my current truck for about three and a half years now, and have not owned another motor vehicle that whole time. I'm pretty sure that's a record for me. Back to the topic at hand: I will not dwell on the hard road ahead but instead I shall rejoice in the victories I've attained.

     I'm done with women. Okay, not really. But at the very least I'm done with the game of chasing women. I have been told repeatedly over the years that women love being chased but it is my experience that that is total bullshit. It's never really worked for me. Sure, I can say maybe it's because I'm not good looking enough, or I don't have a suitable career to attract a partner, but fuck that. I'm more than good enough. I AM AWESOME. If someone else can't see that. then fine. Their loss. I am done playing games and wasting time. Women say they want a guy who will treat them right and go out and have fun. I don't buy it. Too many women seem to fall for jerks who make them miserable and treat them like shit. Whatever floats their boat, I guess. I really don't want to be with a woman who likes to be in that situation anyway. I want a woman that's got the confidence and self worth to recognize her reality, not someone who lives in an illusion. Thus concludes my broad statement.

     As I write this, July 20, 2015, It is now the 46th anniversary of humans landing on the moon. The thought of this always amazes me. People coming together for a single cause. With 1969 technology NASA sent a team of men to the moon. Really seriously think about this, please. Going through our planet's atmosphere, traveling 250,000 miles, and then actually getting out and walking on the surface! With the technology we have today, we should surely be able to send people to Mars sooner rather than later. Now, don't worry, I haven't forgotten about the recently demoted Pluto. The New Horizons probe has taken some fantastic pictures of everyone's favorite dwarf planet this past week. If you haven't seen them I highly suggest doing an image search. And while you're at it, look up how far Pluto is and how long it took to get there. The immensity of out solar system, let alone our galaxy and universe, is truly mind boggling. 

'Nuff said

     Okay, I get it. Enough of my ranting. I know what you all really came here for today. To see another splendid portrait of me! This week's selfie was taken once again along the Folsom South Canal trail. I've gone the artsy route and made it black and white, just like the truth! 

Selfie #29

     That brings this week's post to an end dear readers. So until next time, when you are confronted with a conundrum just remember the Skeletor mantra

     For the Commander's birthday this year, we took to the water and embarked on an epic voyage from Chili Bar to Salmon Falls. The crew arrived at my house and we managed to load all the gear into a BMW 3 series. Yes, you read that correctly. All the gear for the day fit into a marvel of German engineering. After we set up at the put in the trip started out well, maneuvering through Meatgrinder, rocketing through Racehorse Bend, and tearing through Triple Threat. We made all the moves we needed in the rock gardens. Then we got to Troublemaker.Things were looking good, then we hit the first drop. We were pushed a little too sideways and I was, somehow, the only one who didn't fall out. I did what I could and recovered two of my crew mates, while the Commander was rescued by a dashing man in a rubber ducky. After getting her back aboard and recovering, we stopped for lunch and assessed the situation. One of the crew had injured his ankle, not severely, while the Commander had hit her back. Hard. She was in a lot of pain, but decided to finish the trip like the bad ass she is. She had also lost one of her shoes, but at lunch we found a lone, random flip flop that was the right foot and size for her. Along the way of the rest of the journey we spotted a deer in the bushes along the river bank, and at one point, a rainbow. I sat at the very front of the boat through some of the larger rapids in the Gorge. Which was, believe it or not, a first for me. Other antics ensued and, in the end, it was one of the most memorable undertakings I've had in awhile. We finished up the birthday festivities with amazing food at the River Shack.

The embodiment of the feeling of rafting

     I am happy to say I have achieved another level up victory in my campaign to slay the debt beast! I have now earned the badge of level six! It's taken me a little over a year to achieve this but, as I progress, leveling up gets a little bit easier. I must continue to use my experience to stay the course and march onward toward the end game and victory!

     And now for a whole lot of random thoughts... I recently learned that one of my friends, and a true inspiration to me, is going to Everest base camp in a few months. This has motivated me to try to summit Mount Whitney once again. Perhaps as early as late September. Yes, I know a few months ago I declared a moratorium on trips until my credit card is paid off. But I'm a million different people from one day to the next and there are a limited number to all of our days, and few of us know what that number is, I've also thought of ending this blog again, and just hiding out for awhile from everyone, though I probably won't. I sometimes hate that I'm just one more egocentric person who overshares and thinks that the world cares what I'm doing. And just so everyone knows, I do realize I am girl crazy and fall for women who aren't right for me, or feel I'm not right for them. This is because as much as love needs a fool, I will always need love more. It's not a flaw, or a weakness, it's the way I am. I do feel insecure and unsure sometimes, but I still go on, because I remain confident and I WILL NOT GIVE UP. I may not know who I am, but I know who I'm not. If any of that seems contradictory, think again. I've examined myself a bit, now hopefully that will encourage everyone to examine themselves as well, even if just a small amount.

     Here's another little reflection of me- the selfie of the week! Just me pondering things, including everything I just mentioned.

Selfie #28

     Until next time my introspective readers, remember

     It's that time of year once again when everyone in America celebrates our country's independence! That being said, I have a first for this blog: a homework assignment! I want everyone to go and learn for yourselves why we really celebrate this day, the reasons why the people who founded this country did what they did. Seriously, how much do you really know? You may be surprised at some of the stuff you find out. I also suggest that instead of using it as an excuse to get drunk and act the fool you contemplate what it means to you to be an American. Also, George Washington REALLY liked ice cream. True story. Happy fourth!

Freedom!!!

     How did I celebrate my freedoms this week? I'm glad you asked! I reveled in the outdoors, of course! One of the highlights include a bike ride home on the evening of the full moon when it began to sprinkle and a rainbow appeared. How awesome is that? A rainbow on the eve of the full moon? On another morning I experienced a thunder storm, rumbling loudly, letting loose with rain, disappearing almost as quickly as it arrived. And of course what kind of freedom loving weekend would it be without a rafting trip? I have to add that it was one of the most fun rafting trips I've had in a while. Watch the video and you'll get a hint of the awesomeness that was had. We all had a blast just relaxing and being in the moment.

This says it all

     I had an indoor adventure recently as well, when I saw Terminator: Genisys. If you are a fan of the franchise, or sci-fi in general,  don’t miss this one! It's definitely one you'll want to experience on the big screen. I would recommend watching the first two films if it's been awhile since you've seen them, as there are some nods to them in this most recent movie. This movie has a good mix of action, time travel, sci-fi, and a dash of humor to even things out. Go see it already!

      Here's this week's on the fly, impromptu, and improvised Selfie of the week!

Selfie #27

     I have no parting words of wisdom for you this week dear readers, but I do leave you with this: