Welcome Back to My Corner of the Internet
Thank you for visiting my little corner of the internet. Don’t be afraid to come back often. This blog is more of a personal journal than a niche resource, so you’ll find a variety here you won’t see on most blogs. My Sunshine and I love living life to the fullest, even as we get a little longer in the tooth every year.
So, without further ado—let’s dive in.
A Year of Change and New Adventures
As I said at the beginning of the year, 2025 was packed with adventures and major life changes. This year, I plan to share how we’re adjusting to our new house, our new town, and all the exciting (and sometimes chaotic) parts of settling in. Expect stories about DIY lessons, everyday life, and the ongoing pursuit of happiness. I’ll be sharing my thoughts on many different subjects along the way.
The Great Commute: A Daily Quest
The first adventure I want to share is my commute to work. Oh boy—now that is an experience every single day.
As part of our “getting ready for retirement” plans, my wife and I downsized to a much smaller home. (More on that later.) The catch? We’re now a bit farther from the office. After spending 10 years living 35 miles away, I now find myself 80 miles from the office. Yes, you read that right—80 miles one way. The distance has more than doubled, but thankfully the travel time has only increased by about 50%.
And here’s where the adventure truly begins: I have two possible routes.
- Right turn: Smaller roads, steady until the last 10 miles—then things can get a bit hairy.
- Left turn: Bigger roads, heavier traffic, and far more chances for delays, accidents, and general tomfoolery.
Every morning, I consult Apple Maps, Google Maps, Alexa, and Waze like a general preparing for battle. Whichever promises the best travel time wins.
My Daily Decision Matrix
Here’s what goes into choosing the day’s route:
- Did it rain, snow, or drop below freezing last night?
- Am I running a little behind schedule?
- Are there any major construction zones on today’s path?
- Do I need gas—or to make any stops along the way?
Depending on the answers, I pick my route and brace myself.
Do you have a decision matrix every morning? Does your commute depend more on the weather… or the general mood of your fellow citizens on the road? Let me know in the comments.