Blog

Short blog posts, journal entries, and random thoughts. Topics include a mix of personal and the world at large. 

We are sitting too comfy

Apparently, July 2023 is the hottest month in recorded history. It sure does not feel like it here in San Francisco, though I’m sure it’s been absolutely sweltering soon as outside of the city confines. Just a week ago I was sweating it out across the bay in Oakland at an A’s game. But soon as I cross back over to San Francisco, the marine layer welcomes me like a blast of chill in a summer’s desert. We are damn lucky the city have stayed relatively cool, whist the rest of the world is melting down. Granted, we sure pay dearly - in cost of living - for it.

Sometimes I wonder if we ought to have survivor’s guilt, vis a vis climate change. Other than the droughts and smokey wildfires of past years (never forget the big orange sky), I would say San Francisco have been relatively unscathed thus far. Good thing increased carbon emissions in the atmosphere doesn’t cause a correlative uptick in earthquake risk? They’ve been telling us since middle school (that would be early 2000s for me) that we are due for the next big one, and we ought to be prepared. Yet we’ve still not experienced anything close to the 1989 quake.

I really should get that earthquake preparedness kit (finally) in order.

It’s been devastating to watch the wildfire tragedy in Maui unfold. Nearly 100 people dead, whole neighborhoods burned down, and the fires still burning throughout the island. The deadliest wildfire in over a century, and it’s in Hawaii of all places. The islands are not what you would associate with fire disasters (Hurricanes or tsunamis would be more apt), so it makes what’s going on even more shocking. Please donate to the first-respond efforts: American Red Cross is always good. For something more local, the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund is recommended (That is where I donated).

The curious cat.

The best laid plans

I ran into a work colleague today. For exchange of pleasantries, we talked about vacation plans. I said I planned to take the last full week of July off, a bit of staycation to relax before the rush of Fall semester preparation begins. The colleague informed me he’s already taken his summer trip: to Hawaii, more specifically the island of Maui. After congratulating him on a good time, I remarked that my friend and I were suppose to go to Hawaii during spring break (March) of 2020. Other plans, as they say, got in the way. To say the least.

Three years later, I still don’t desire to visit Hawaii, even though I’ve never been. Besides, the whole reason for going - back in 2020 - is no longer there. This is a good thing, mind you.

Today is Amazon Prime Day, a Black Friday of sort for Amazon Prime subscribers. I didn’t plan to buy anything during the festivities (there’s never any discounts on the photography stuff I want) until my friend informed me that New Balance shoes had a site-wide 46% discount. So like a chum with money burning in his pocket, I plopped down some unplanned cash on a pair of New Balance running shoes, and a regular pair of the classic 515. Not bad for under $100 shipped (free two day shipping, obviously). I paid more for my current single pair of Allbirds.

But that should be it - no more spending during this year’s Prime Day. Please do not notify me of any deals you’ve found. Because I’m as memetic of a person, with little self-control, as the rest of you. For our generation (read: millennial), interest rates are at historic highs. The move to make right now is save as much as possible, and put money into a high-yield savings account. These days, my monthly interest earnings are nearly as much as the monthly payment on my first car. Somewhat humble brag.

Take bathing seriously.