A 'lil HooHaa

Messing with the blogging world since 2005

30 days of writing

30 Days of Writing: Going solo (20/30)

Geocaching is a great hobby, but I have a hard time going solo.

This post is written in conjunction with the 30 Days of Writing, a blog challenge devised by Nicky and Mike at “We Work For Cheese.” I’ll be participating throughout the month of June. If interested, you can see my post with the details of the challenge. 

Please note that some of these posts will be serious, some will be normal, and some will be an attempt at humor. 

As many of you — both regular blog readers and those in this challenge — likely already know, I’m a geocacher.

Geocaching is a great little game that can take you to many different spots. But it’s not just out in the woods. It can be to small parks. Urban settings. And all sorts of things in between.

Cachers play the game in many ways — by themselves, with one or two others or with a group.

As for me — I can’t stand going solo.

Many people cache solo and it’s a fun hobby. Well worth trying.

I don’t know what it is. Mainly, it’s doing caches where people can or might see you in a spot. Such as a park or near a cemetery or near houses. I just feel awkward going out there with my GPS unit and snooping around for something. Some people will watch you. Others won’t. Sometimes people will come over and ask you what’s up.

I actually don’t mind it when people ask me about the game. It makes it easier for me to continue looking.

Still, it’s a weird feeling. Especially when the hide is basically designed to make you feel that way or made to be harder then necessary.

Personally, I have a few “urban” hides. Only one of them is one where I could see someone truly getting an uneasy feeling. And even with that, if looked for right, it shouldn’t be too bad.

In the past year or two, many caches have seemed to go in this direction. Who knows what the reason is, but it makes it more of a situation where I’ll wait on doing many caches until others are looking to go caching. It’s not a bad thing as I like the social aspect of the game.

I don’t particularly mind going solo if it’s in the woods or on a trail somewhere. Then, it’s a nice stroll and then finding the cache at the end. I can deal with that.

A first to find awaited me after a solo stroll to a new cache!

For example, a week or two ago, I was in a neighboring town getting a few things done. I finished up and it was only about 7 p.m. I knew a new cache had been placed, so I headed over to it. I wasn’t racing or expecting an FTF (first to find) as there are several in our area who go out pretty quickly to snag them when first published.

Instead, my goal was to go for a nice stroll and this was at a Nature Concervancy. I went the main trail at first and soon backtracked and went down a secondary trail. I got to the area and quickly made the find. Once I opened the cache and saw the blank log and was stoked to nab a FTF that had been out there for the full day!

The end result, too, was a nice walk to the cache and back.

And, I went solo. It’s rare for me to do it and I do look around, waiting for people, even in the woods. But this was a fun little trek to snag a cache and get out and walk for a little bit.

Going solo isn’t always a bad thing. But I’ll stick with going friends when I can as I find it more fun!

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

30 Days of Writing: Camels (19/30)

What’s to say about these creatures? (Photo courtesy guilanenachez via MorgueFile).

This post is written in conjunction with the 30 Days of Writing, a blog challenge devised by Nicky and Mike at “We Work For Cheese.” I’ll be participating throughout the month of June. If interested, you can see my post with the details of the challenge. 

Please note that some of these posts will be serious, some will be normal, and some will be an attempt at humor. 

Camels.

OK, this is seriously one of the top three themes for this challenge that has had me stuck since I saw the initial list. It is one of those that made me seriously re-consider doing this “project.”

So here we are.

And I can’t get over that hump. Yes, pun intended.

I don’t see camels too often. It’s not like they go running around wild here in upstate New York.

Hey, buddy! (Photo courtesy clarita via MorgueFile)

Though, I won’t lie, it would would be cool to see one roaming the streets of our little town. Ya know, just kind of wandering along, nodding its big head at people as it passes by. Kind of like the opening credits of Northern Exposure, just substituting the camel for the Moose. I tried to find a YouTube video of the opening of that show, but it was proving to be too time consuming.

Outside of that, what’s to say about camels?

They appear in movies whenever there are desert scenes. They are odd looking animals. But, at least one can sit between the humps and go for a ride. A slow ride no doubt, but a ride nonetheless.

You can also get Camels if you are searching for a pack of smokes. Although I wouldn’t encourage that because it’s unhealthy and smells bad. As much as they tried, even having Joe Camel wasn’t cool. After all, did anyone really believe a camel would be having a smoke somewhere? I didn’t think so.

Camels may be slow, but they ain’t dumb!

Now then, the reason I don’t know much about camels? They don’t live in these parts.

According to Wikipedia, the humps are fatty deposits (lay off the burgers, big guys) and there are two types of camels — one-hump and two-humps. Apparently, both have been domesticated. So you could have a camel AS A PET!

Now that would be cool.

Imagine the neighborhood kids coming around because you had a camel. I’m pretty sure your popularity would soar. Heck with kids asking for a horse or dog — ask for a camel!

But, as noted, camels aren’t from these parts. They are based in the eastern half of the world. In the Middle East and Asian countries, for the most part.

As for what the western world gets from the species/family? Alpacas and llamas.

We got ripped off.

I want a camel.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

30 Days of Writing: Setting sail (18/30)

This post is written in conjunction with the 30 Days of Writing, a blog challenge devised by Nicky and Mike at “We Work For Cheese.” I’ll be participating throughout the month of June. If interested, you can see my post with the details of the challenge. 

Please note that some of these posts will be serious, some will be normal, and some will be an attempt at humor. 

This post is also being used for the Dude Write weekly submission. Go check out their blog to see other dudes who blog. Do it!

This is one of those topics that has had me scratching my head from the beginning.

I could talk about being on a lobster boat or whale watch during a vacation to Maine a few years ago. I could talk about my first couple of times in a kayak a few weeks back.

Alas, I’m going to make this a little shorter and sweeter.

We’re coming upon graduation weekend in our area for high schools. I know some others around the country are the same and I know some have already happened. But, in my current time as an unemployed person in an economy that is cruel to many, I’ve decided to prepare myself as a guest speaker at some high school that was extremely desperate for a speaker, so I got called… (*note that this high school does not exist!)

****

Graduates of the Class of 2012, I commend you on getting through the first part of your life — the high school years. Now you are setting sail on the most important part — the time when you decide which ocean you want to cross and figure out your path.

During these years, you’ve no doubt grown a lot. Maybe you’re part of the popular jocks crowd. Maybe you keep to yourself with your nose in a book. Maybe you’re that social butterfly who went to every event possible. Some of you out there were in the band. Or sat outside in the parking lot talking about trucks and cars. Some of you likely gushed over prom dresses and flowers. Others stuck it out in the computer lab. Among you are likely bullies and bullied; clean-cut kids and those who like to experiment; and just the average Joes who look to get by under the radar.

No matter who you are and no matter your social standing in high school, it’s over now.

The days of trying to pick a fight with someone is completely over, unless you want to end up in the crowbar motel. Gone, or should be, are the days of harassment, bullying, and anything else that could be construed as illegal in the eyes of our society.

Mark my words, some of you will likely wander down the wrong path. Though as much as I hope you won’t, some of you will. That’s a fact.

The world is a tough place. It’s not the same as it was in, say, the 1950s or 1960s when the country was still growing. Jobs nowadays are tough to come by. With things being outsourced and cuts continuing to happen, the unemployment rate is still at an awful level.

College education costs a whole heap more now, too. Prepare for student loans to follow you for much of your life.

Some jobs, which were thought of to be stable and safe — such as teaching — aren’t as stable and safe, even with tenure. It’s competitive our there. Not only will you eventually be competing with those who you graduated with — in high school and, in the future, college — but with others who are more experienced and will be looking for jobs at the same time.

Enough of the doom and gloom, however. You’ll experience the low parts of life. Everyone does. But it’s not to get you down.

Don’t join the ranks of those who get in the “whoa is me” crowd. No matter what happens, you’ll get through it. There is always something worth fighting for. Your friends. Your family. A cold one on a hot summer night. The view of a sunrise or sunset. Seeing a field of wild flowers slowly being blown by the wind.

Life is ups and downs.

Stay strong in your beliefs. Do the right thing. If you are a good person, hopefully good things will happen. I can’t guarantee this. I wish I could, but I can’t. After all, bad things do happen to good people.

But still try to be a good person.

Stay active. Be involved. Work hard. These are all things that teenagers out of college need to have in their heads. These are cliche-type statements, but they are oh so true.

Not everyone will be rich.

Not everyone will have things happen to them that are good.

Not everyone will be fully successful in life.

These are hurtful truths, I know. But they are also truth. We can’t sugar-coat what the real world is like.

But work at it. Stay happy. Stay positive. If you do enough things right, eventually opportunities will open up to you and you’ll be going down the right path in life.

My wish is happiness and success for all of you. And I hope, if all the right paths are taken, you’ll look back many years from now and realize you lived an amazingly fruitful life.

Now push that boat out into the water. Set sail and never look back. The horizon is bright, big and ready for you. Head to it and take it over!

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

30 DOW: The awkwardness of the common banana (17/30)

Why is this so awkward?

This post is written in conjunction with the 30 Days of Writing, a blog challenge devised by Nicky and Mike at “We Work For Cheese.” I’ll be participating throughout the month of June. If interested, you can see my post with the details of the challenge. 

Please note that some of these posts will be serious, some will be normal, and some will be an attempt at humor. This one is an attempt at humor! 

The banana is one of the best fruits out there.

It has a great taste, is healthy for you and is filling.

Instead of celebrating how great bananas are, however, Nicky and Mike have decided we need to talk about the awkwardness of the common banana. I’m sure the hope is a lot of giggles and silly posts about the phallic shape of the banana.

Just peel and eat. What a great fruit!

Nope, not me.

I can’t see how people would make fun of this wonderful fruit.

You see, a banana is a great thing. It can help you with cramps and such. It’s tasty and can be mixed with many things. Other fruits. Jellys. Spreads, such as peanut butter.

Or, heck, you can just peel the banana and eat it that way!

Seriously. It’s the way to go. I could eat five or six of them at a time because they are so damned good!

But I seriously ask you… what is so awkward about the shape?

Take a peek:

Is this really awkward?

Now, I ask you, what is wrong with that banana? It’s long, soft and ready to devour?

Oh for heaven’s sake, get your minds out of the gutter, people!

It’s a freakin’ banana!

Let’s take a peek at some benefits of bananas:

Bananas have potassium, which helps with decreasing the risk of high blood pressure and stroke! They also help you increase strength and reduce stress.

This lovely fruit also is high in starch (carbs) and 100 grams of a banana is equal to about 90-100 calories.

Yeah, all this stuff is really awkward.

A little peanut butter on the tip can make the banana go a long way!

Did you know that bananas also contain Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C?

Oh and go back to that potassium, which makes bananas totally awesome when playing sports! Remember the cramps thing? Exactly.

And they taste divine!

You know how else they taste well?

With peanut butter! Oh hell yes!

But I know how everyone else is going to look at this wonderful fruit during this challenge. Then people will be giggling and such like we were still in school.

Shame on you all!

It’s a banana.

And if you really have issues with the awkwardness of a banana, just go all chop-happy on the banana and enjoy it that way.

Mmmm… bananas!

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

30 Days of Writing: Hanging out in the cemetery (16/30)

Cemeteries — especially old ones — can be amazing places for research, photography or other reasons. And all the while, you can pay respects to those who went before us.

This post is written in conjunction with the 30 Days of Writing, a blog challenge devised by Nicky and Mike at “We Work For Cheese.” I’ll be participating throughout the month of June. If interested, you can see my post with the details of the challenge. 

Please note that some of these posts will be serious, some will be normal, and some will be an attempt at humor. This one is a little of everything! 

Cemeteries.

Many look at cemeteries as a sad place. One where many people who have passed through life are buried.

Did you know, back when, cemeteries were places of celebration? People would picnic in cemeteries and town events would be held there. And it’s how it should be. When you go to a cemetery, you can celebrate those who have already left us. Sure, it can be sad. But it can also be a good place — one where you remember the good times.

I was brought to this old cemetery through geocaching. It was an overgrown cemetery with some historical people and I never would have found it without the game.

But man cemeteries seemed to be long forgotten. The ones that aren’t active anymore and have the old and amazing tombstones. Hundreds of years have passed for some of these cemeteries and, unless they were famous, there are many people buried throughout the world who likely have nobody who visits their graves anymore.

I have a lot of hobbies in which I participate. One of them is based around cemeteries, the other sometimes involves cemeteries.

The first is with the website Find A Grave.

Many people use this site to help with research about family or whatever else. The site has a large database of cemeteries and photos. What I do, is when local cemeteries get requests for photos of graves, I like to try and get out and go get them for the people seeking the photos. It’s actually been a little while since I’ve done it as my other hobbies have distracted from this one.

But, I love this one because when you’re searching for the headstones, you can learn about things. You can see the stones and different aspects of the burial grounds.

My other hobby in which cemeteries sometimes appear is geocaching.

For those who don’t know, geocaching is a technology-based treasure hunt, using a GPS.

From Geocaching.com:

Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.

Geocachers will hide caches all over. In fact, there are nearly 1,800,000 active caches placed around the world. And there are more than 5 million geocachers playing the game.

But, back to cemeteries.

Cachers like to find old cemeteries and hide caches near them. Often, geocachers will do research about these long-forgotten cemeteries and take you there for a certain reason. Maybe because there’s people buried there who fought in the Revolutionary War. Or a famous athlete is buried there. Or someone else. I’ve learned a lot in cemeteries through geocaching and for that, I’m thankful.

Arlington National Cemetery is a place where you can lose yourself in the history and be moved by everything this cemetery stands for.

Finally, cemeteries can be some of the most powerful places to visit.

Take for example Arlington National Cemetery.

I don’t know how many of you have visited there, but during a trip to visit friends in Washington D.C. last year, I spent a combined six or so hours in Arlington National spaced out over two days. From the changing of the guard to staring at all the headstones, it was one of the moving things I’ve ever seen. To know how many of these people have given their life for the United States is something that, for those of us who are Americans, should be thankful for.

Cemeteries, though places where people are buried when life on Earth ends, are not places to be afraid of, rather places to remember and honor those who have gone.

Take a walk through a local old cemetery and look at the headstones. Even if it’s people you might not know, be related to or know anything about, you can still pay respects or at least look around and know that you might be one of the only people to see these names over a given time.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!