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A 'lil HooHaa

Messing with the blogging world since 2005

people

Looking at life a little differently

October 15, 2021

I’ve always said birthdays are just another day … and your age is just a number. 

And I still truly believe that. 

However, as we start to get older, I think you start to see things with a different set of eyes. As I approach a half of a century on this Earth (still a couple of years, but much closer to that than, say, a quarter of a century), I tend to look at things in a bit of a different light. 

Mainly, about myself. 

I’ve made certain choices in life that have brought me to where I am. And I’m OK with that. I realize if I had gone this direction or that direction, things would be totally different. Maybe for the better. Maybe for the worse. You never know as there are always ramifications for a decision you make. 

Sometimes, though, you just have to start understanding where things are in this world. 

Find the things that make you smile. Sunrise in Avalon, NJ – October 2021.

I’ve had a lot of time recently to do some thinking. And I’ve kind of been in a frame of mind where I don’t know how to express things. My world is upside down, and there’s not a lot to lean on. As I learn new things (ie: owning a puppy), I often feel isolated or on an island. But what makes it harder is not having that regular system to lean into, and that has nothing to do with the dog. 

Too, I realize as we grow older, everybody has different priorities. And I never will fault people for priorities. In fact, it’s how it should be. My decisions in life have put me where I am. I have a pretty good job. I’m in the process of buying a house. I now have a dog. But, I’m also single and don’t have kids – and that’s by choice. I often work too much and when I’m not working, half the time I just want to chill. 

But, you also need to have interactions and connections as part of life, right?

The thing to always remember is we all grow – and in different ways. Some get married. Some have kids. Some move away for a job. Some just go in different directions. Some live care free lives where they just go from place to place. Maybe you stopped doing something where you saw a lot of people (ie: for me, when I stopped playing softball, I saw less of those people). And it’s not done out of spite or with bad intentions, rather it is just a change. 

I’m one of those people who tend to hang on with certain things. I like giving people the benefit of the doubt, and I try my hardest to reach out and things like that. Alas, I’m not perfect. It doesn’t always happen, as much as I would like to do so. And this isn’t anything in particular, rather a situation where people just have other things going on and other commitments. While it’s true that some people just aren’t reliable and constantly go back on what they tell you or just always spin the yarn, the reality is most people just have life and family and things come up. I get that. 

So that leads to me. 

Here I am, approaching that half-century mark. I don’t plan on making any big moves in my world, so I’m where I’m at. I like to travel a little bit. I like baseball. And I like experiencing things. I just have to realize that many things I will do may have to be done by myself or, eventually, with my dog (such as possibly learning to like “camping” a bit more and traveling to national and state parks). 

I have to become more secure in this. 

The reality is, sometimes people don’t always come through when they tell you they will. And I’m not talking about one or two times. I mean, things come up. We all have had to back out of things here and there. You move on and deal. I’m talking more about the continual way of doing this. Over and over. 

It’s interesting. On my birthday, I read something on Facebook. It quoted Anthony Hopkins. It was pretty long, but well worth reading … in the end, it talked about people. Basically, what I got from it, is that things should always be a two-way street. If you are trying too hard and you seem to be the only one doing so, it might not be time to look deeper into things. It really struck a chord with me, though.

Life’s hard. The experiences and the people who you let into your circle are what will make you happy. You have to go out and get it. I know I’m not always happy. I know getting this dog has actually, for now, made me more down (I realize in time that will change) because of everything I have to do. 

Life is what you make of it. I always have said that … the difference now is I have to start living it, too. 

Look ahead, not behind. And do everything you can to smile as much as you possibly can as you never know when that smile will stop.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Filed Under: Life, My world Tagged With: experiences, family, friends, getting older, interaction, life, my world, people, priorities, sunrise, thinking

1 Comment

Is this really the most wonderful time of the year?

December 23, 2013

I truly do love Christmas.

It’s something I’ve always been into. From the music, to the giving, to the happy-go-lucky feel for the time of the year, it’s by far my favorite holiday.

But sheesh … it’s getting downright crazy.

Two of us went shopping Sunday. Nothing major, mind you, rather more to get a few things to fill in the blanks. In fact, I was looking mainly for gift cards and a few small things. Turns out, gift card racks were decimated by other shoppers, who were then on the rampage everywhere else.

It’s amazing how rude people are this time of year.

Nobody looks where they are going. They cut people off in stores, in parking lots and on the roads. I saw one person speed down the aisle of a parking lot — where kids were walking with parents — just to get a parking spot.

Speaking of parking spots, waiting for people to leave is stupid. When you have 4-5 other cars behind you, keep on moving. Waiting five minutes and letting traffic build up is not only rude, but downright stupid and could be dangerous.

Personally, if I see people doing that, I stay in the parking spot. Not because of the people behind that person — I feel for them — but to prove a point. Walk a little, people. Each place we went today, we parked way at the end of the parking lots. Why? Because there were many spots. And walking from there really isn’t that big of a deal. Most people don’t see it that way, as shown by people waiting and waiting for “premium” spots.

In the stores, people don’t say “excuse me” or “sorry” or anything like that. As long as they get what they want, it’s all good.

On Sunday, I was so annoyed. No matter where you went, there were people not worrying about anyone but themselves. Block aisles, move slowly and stop on a dime as you follow. It didn’t matter.

I was glad to get out of that area and call it good.

In all honestly, I love keeping my money local. But with how things seem to get worse every year, I think it’s time to really start considering doing all of my shopping online.

I’ll be happy Tuesday and Wednesday, however, when I get to not worry about these things and be able to spend time with friends and family!

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

Filed Under: My world Tagged With: christmas, christmas shopping, holiday, people, rude people

10 Comments

Photo Blogging Challenge: December 2013’s theme is…

December 1, 2013

 

It’s December already!

Where did 2013 go? For some, I’m sure you’re ready to flip the calendar. For others, maybe not so much. But either way, we’re into the final 31 days of 2013.

This will also mark our ninth month doing this challenge! It’s grown slow, but I’d love to see us pull in some other bloggers to join us, or get some of the others back to re-join us. If you know bloggers who enjoy challenges like this, let them know!

I’ve had a great time with it and it actually is a perfect challenge for me. I’ve completed one 365 challenge and don’t think I could do it again. I’ve failed miserably on my 52-week challenge this year, so this has been the perfect one. Hopefully, it will continue on!

Before we get to this week’s theme, allow me to remind about everything, especially for any new people coming on board!

Please remember not to use old photos. Only images you shot this month and it can be with any camera. It defeats the purpose of the challenge to use old images.

As a reminder of a few things, let me copy and paste this from last month:

  • I have an e-mail reminder list set up. Basically, I’ll e-mail the group with about 10 days left in the month to remind you. When I remember, I’ll also shoot one out the day before the end of the month, as a reminder to post the following day. I can’t always guarantee that one though! If you are not on the list, let me know in the comments below that you would like to be on it. Note: I was bad on this … please join the Facebook group if you can. I update there more often!
  • Second, I set up a Facebook group for those who are interested. Reminders and maybe some discussions or other things can be done there.
  • If you haven’t already, attempt to check out everybody’s posts and consider commenting. These challenges are great for personal growth, but it’s also nice to be interactive with all the others in the challenge! That’s one of the best parts of this challenge — interacting and seeing other people’s work!

Before we hit up this month’s theme, for new people, allow me to refresh the rules a bit.

Here’s how it will work.

  • On the first of each month (or close to it), I’ll have a blog post here with the theme for the month.
  • Over the course of the month, participants will take photos with their interpretation of the theme. On the last day of the month (or close to it), participants should  publish their blog post, which will include five photos from the month. (please don’t recycle photos from the past … the idea is to hopefully challenge you to go out and take new photos each month to interpret the theme). And please only use photos you took.
  • I’ll have a link-up thing at the end of my post so people can come and post the links to their posts so, hopefully, everybody can go go check out and comment on other posts.

There is no rule on equipment or anything. Use a cell phone. Use film. Use a point-and-shoot. Use a DSLR. It doesn’t matter. Just make sure you publish your blog post on the last day of each month, come here and link up.

It’s simple!

Your blog posts can be as simple or as in-depth as you want. I’ll likely talk a little about each photo. But if all you want to do is post photos, feel free. The idea of this is to give a small challenge and give everybody a chance to express themselves with photography, participate in a challenge and have something to blog about.

That’s it. Easy, right? So join in! Help us continue to grow this challenge by telling fellow bloggers/photographers about the challenge and hopefully it can become a great monthly thing!

For those still with me, this month’s theme is: Festive.

I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with here. There are so many ways to do this and I think there will be some great stuff. I can’t wait to see.

Please make sure your blog post publishes Tuesday, Dec. 31. 

If you think you are going to take part in this, drop a comment below so we can see who all might be trying to tackle this challenge!

History of the challenge (past month’s themes – links to see everybody else’s posts are at the end of the linked post):

  • March 2013: My World
  • April 2013: Transportation
  • May 2013: Night
  • June 2013: Bridges
  • July 2013: Signs
  • August 2013: Summer 
  • September 2013: Outdoors
  • October 2013: Fall
  • November 2013: People

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

Filed Under: blogging, My world, Photo Blogging Challenge, Photography Tagged With: blog challenge, blogging, blogging challenge, hoohaa, people, people photo challenge, people photos, photo, photo blogging challenge, photo blogging challenge november 2013, photo challenge, photography, photography challenge

8 Comments

Photo Blogging Challenge (November 2013): People

November 29, 2013

This month’s theme of “people” turned out to be a little harder than I expected!

I don’t know why, either. It’s probably because I didn’t get out with my camera as much as I would have wanted. A lot went on personally this month, so I wasn’t able to do everything I wanted to do.

But that’s OK, as I can make due.

I’m really looking forward to some of the others and what they post as there are some great photographers in the challenge, so it will be interesting to see some interpretations.

For me, I just went with people in shots. I wanted to make sure they were the focus of the image, but I didn’t do anything crazy, like street photography. I’m not too hot at doing that, anyway, so it’s better this way.

So, without further ado, here are my five shots for this month’s challenge. For those involved, the link up is at the bottom of the post, as per normal!

1. Building

I took some photos of a construction site early in the month. There were trusses being put on a house. This was a shot from there as they neared the end of the trusses.

Do work.

 2. Game night

I try and get to a game night each week with several friends. I don’t always make it, but it’s always a good time. This was a day we played a game called Twilight Imperium, which is an insanely in-depth and awesome game. This is the panoramic option on the iPhone.

Game night.

3. Pulling back

From a 2CW show last weekend. The lighting was off and I couldn’t get the flash to react how I wanted it to, so I bumped the ISO and then decided to change it to black and white. I like how this one came out as it has an old-school feel to it.

Heat of the action!

4. Geocaching can be crazy!

This one comes from a night event. This was our host of the event and she dressed up for the theme, which was when a geocacher was setting off into space. Pretty cool thing overall and the event was quite fun!

Geocaching!

5. Eddie Edwards

At the two 2CW shows last weekend, Eddie Edwards was on the card. He had a tryout with WWE, so the thought is he will soon be heading to the big leagues. It’s well deserved as he’s amazingly talented. Kevin got a photo with him at the Watertown show.

Eddie and Kevin.

And that’s my five for the month of November.

If you took part this month, make sure you link up below. And for those who participated, make sure you try and get to other people’s blogs and comment and visit so we can continue to grow this challenge.

Don’t forget, too, to come back Sunday (Dec. 1) and see the theme for December!

NOTE: I also set up a Facebook group for those who participate in the challenge and are interested. I’ll post any announcements there and hopefully it can be a place where things are discussed and some interaction etc. You can access it here.

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

Filed Under: blogging, My world, Photo Blogging Challenge, Photography Tagged With: blog challenge, blogging, blogging challenge, hoohaa, people, people photo challenge, people photos, photo, photo blogging challenge, photo blogging challenge november 2013, photo challenge, photography, photography challenge

27 Comments

Photo Blogging Challenge: November 2013’s theme is…

November 1, 2013

Hey all, November is here!

What a great turnout for October. We had a few new faces, too, which is nice. There’s still a day or two left, in case you haven’t linked up yet. So, do it up!

This challenge has been a blast so far and I hope it keeps going. Let others know about it and hopefully we can keep getting more people involved. Remember, it’s not too hard — get the theme, interpret it, take five photos, do a blog post and come back here on the stated date and post!

Voila!

So, now that the fall is behind us … no, it’s not time for a winter theme yet. We have months and months for that! So we are going to focus on something different. But before we get going with the theme …

Please remember not to use old photos. Only images you shot this month and it can be with any camera. It defeats the purpose of the challenge to use old images.

As a reminder of a few things, let me copy and paste this from last month:

  • I have an e-mail reminder list set up. Basically, I’ll e-mail the group with about 10 days left in the month to remind you. When I remember, I’ll also shoot one out the day before the end of the month, as a reminder to post the following day. I can’t always guarantee that one though! If you are not on the list, let me know in the comments below that you would like to be on it. Note: I was bad on this … please join the Facebook group if you can. I update there more often!
  • Second, I set up a Facebook group for those who are interested. Reminders and maybe some discussions or other things can be done there.
  • If you haven’t already, attempt to check out everybody’s posts and consider commenting. These challenges are great for personal growth, but it’s also nice to be interactive with all the others in the challenge! That’s one of the best parts of this challenge — interacting and seeing other people’s work!

Before we hit up this month’s theme, for new people, allow me to refresh the rules a bit.

Here’s how it will work.

  • On the first of each month, I’ll have a blog post here with the theme for the month.
  • Over the course of the month, participants will take photos with their interpretation of the theme. On the last day of the month, participants should  publish their blog post, which will include five photos from the month. (please don’t recycle photos from the past … the idea is to hopefully challenge you to go out and take new photos each month to interpret the theme). And please only use photos you took.
  • I’ll have a link-up thing at the end of my post so people can come and post the links to their posts so, hopefully, everybody can go go check out and comment on other posts.

There is no rule on equipment or anything. Use a cell phone. Use film. Use a point-and-shoot. Use a DSLR. It doesn’t matter. Just make sure you publish your blog post on the last day of each month, come here and link up.

It’s simple!

Your blog posts can be as simple or as in-depth as you want. I’ll likely talk a little about each photo. But if all you want to do is post photos, feel free. The idea of this is to give a small challenge and give everybody a chance to express themselves with photography, participate in a challenge and have something to blog about.

That’s it. Easy, right? So join in! Help us continue to grow this challenge by telling fellow bloggers/photographers about the challenge and hopefully it can become a great monthly thing!

For those still with me, this month’s theme is: People.

I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with here. There are so many ways to do this and I think there will be some great stuff. I can’t wait to see.

Please make sure your blog post publishes Friday, Nov. 29 (I am going the day before the end of the month as some people don’t post on Saturdays, so it’s easier to end it on a Friday. I’ll post the December theme on Dec. 1). 

If you think you are going to take part in this, drop a comment below so we can see who all might be trying to tackle this challenge!

History of the challenge (past month’s themes – links to see everybody else’s posts are at the end of the linked post):

  • March 2013: My World
  • April 2013: Transportation
  • May 2013: Night
  • June 2013: Bridges
  • July 2013: Signs
  • August 2013: Summer 
  • September 2013: Outdoors
  • October 2013: Fall

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

Filed Under: blogging, My world, Photo Blogging Challenge, Photography Tagged With: blog challenge, blogging, blogging challenge, hoohaa, november 2013, people, people photos, photo, photo blogging challenge, photo blogging challenge november 2013, photo challenge, photography, photography challenge

10 Comments

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This is a personal website covering many topics! We host a monthly photo blogging challenge, and then every January hold a fun writing challenge.

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Tis a dreary and rainy day. What better than to ha Tis a dreary and rainy day. What better than to have a cup of tea in my new mug, which was a birthday gift from my nephew/godson Cameron!
Live life the best you can. Have experiences. Smil Live life the best you can. Have experiences. Smile. Love the world. 

#acadia #acadianationalpark #sunrise #sun #colors #sky #nature  #life #love #goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #cadillacmountain
Likely my final game of the year… but a nice nig Likely my final game of the year… but a nice night! 

#baseball #sky
Harper and Phil! #goldenretriever #dog #dogsofin Harper and Phil! 

#goldenretriever #dog #dogsofinstagram #love #iphonography #photography
Saturday was national dog day… posted on Faceboo Saturday was national dog day… posted on Facebook, but forgot here! Harper was spoiled all day!
How could we skip this? North of the border this How could we skip this? 

North of the border this weekend to get away and hit a few caching events and geocache. Dinner tonight was at @harpersburgers, especially with outdoor seating and dog friendly! @harper_dublin got to enjoy a little of my #burger, of course. And, yes, I got poutine, duh! Great service and great food! Went back later for a spiked shake. This one was a Malibu Colada (malibu rum, dark rum, vanilla ice cream, and pineapple juice) … yum! 

Good times! Looking forward to another event and caches on Saturday before heading home! 

#food #foodporn #poutine #fries #dinner #yummy
My newest #pathtag came in! A great design by @geo My newest #pathtag came in! A great design by @geofoxandthehound! This one, of course, is connected to @harper_dublin ‘s Instagram account. It won’t be easy to get! 

#geocaching #pathtags #goldenretriever #instagram
Rain on leaves … still on trees or on the ground Rain on leaves … still on trees or on the ground… is so peaceful. 

#rain #nature #leaves #leaf # water #naturephotography #photography #love #beautiful #raindrops #iphonography
Henlo. #goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #g Henlo. 

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #goldenretrieversofinstagram #harper_dublin #akc #photography #photooftheday #love #mydogharper #harperdublin #instagood #happy #picoftheday #fun #iphoneology #retrieveroftheday #ilovemygolden #dogstagram #dailygolden #dogsofinsta
Haircut day! I got mine done, as did Cameron. He g Haircut day! I got mine done, as did Cameron. He got some waves for when he goes to the shore next week! One shot of me getting the straight razor too! Nice job @studio11chris at @studio11barbersuite ! 

#haircut #barber #hair
Life is good! #goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram # Life is good!

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #doglife #life #lifeisgood #lifeisbeautiful #morning #morningwalk #walk #iphonography #iphonephotography #photo #photography #love #selfcare #outdoors #sky #bridge
Part one of the backyard work is done. New patio h Part one of the backyard work is done. New patio has been installed ... (the rock garden area is basically done, too ... but i need to put a few things up with it). The guy who did my patio did a great job... looks cool. 

I think Harper approves. 

One more step and we'll be set to really enjoy it back there with some shade!

Working on a few other landscaping things, too.
Golden hour. #goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram # Golden hour. 

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #goldenretrieversofinstagram #harper_dublin #akc #photography #photooftheday #love #mydogharper #harperdublin #instagood #happy #picoftheday #fun #iphoneology #retrieveroftheday #ilovemygolden #dogstagram #dailygolden #dogsofinsta
Waggin’ Wednesday at the @swbrailriders was a lo Waggin’ Wednesday at the @swbrailriders was a lot of fun! Hot night, but very enjoyable! 

#baseball #dog #goldenretriever #barkinthepark #wagginwednesday
Pure determination. #goldenretriever #dog #strug Pure determination. 

#goldenretriever #dog #struggleisreal
Haircut day! Cameron went after me @studio11barber Haircut day! Cameron went after me @studio11barbersuite and looks super smooth! Superb job on both of us, @studio11chris ! 

@harmm23 @dlinc27 #haircut #barber
Harper delivering some flowers to her gram. #gol Harper delivering some flowers to her gram. 

#goldenretriever #flowers #dog #dogsofinstagram #fun #picoftheday #photography #photo #iphonography
Stop and look around in life, even if you have the Stop and look around in life, even if you have the yawns. 

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #goldenretrieversofinstagram #harper_dublin #akc #photography #photooftheday #love #mydogharper #harperdublin #instagood #happy #picoftheday #fun #iphoneology #retrieveroftheday #ilovemygolden #dogstagram #dailygolden #dogsofinsta
As a @sunydelhi alum, and local, I still love walk As a @sunydelhi alum, and local, I still love walking around the campus. It’s especially nice in the morning when college isn’t in session as it’s quiet and @harper_dublin can sniff and explore her surroundings (if in session, she will want to stop and meet every student etc.). I know a lot of people local walk the campus, and it’s really nice that we have something like this in our community to be able to do so. 

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #goldenretrieversofinstagram #harper_dublin #akc #photography #photooftheday #love #mydogharper #harperdublin #instagood #happy #picoftheday #fun #iphoneology #retrieveroftheday #ilovemygolden #dogstagram #dailygolden #dogsofinsta #walking
Ok folks… barbershop experience is good times. H Ok folks… barbershop experience is good times. Hair, tend to the beard … you get it. In Oneonta, check out @studio11chris at @studio11barbersuite ! Tell him I sent you! 

#haircut #barber #beardtrim #barbershop #hair #beard #oldschool #studio11
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P.J. Harmer

P.J. Harmer
A video looking at my first year and a half of owning a golden retriever, my first dog. It's had its ups and downs, but I've truly loved the ride and look forward to the future. 

Music: Happy before we get old by Michael Shynes via Artlist. 

► My blog: http://www.hoohaa.com
► Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoohaa29/
► Follow Harper on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harper_dublin/
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Thank you for watching. :)
When these boxes come, there usually some excitement. But this one ... is the ultimate unboxing! 

#cielovideo52 #52weekchallenge #week5 #weeklychallenge

Music: Happy to be Happy (Dapun)

► My blog: http://www.hoohaa.com
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I hate being in front of the camera, but also realize sometimes it's not the worst thing in the world. So, I'm getting better with it. Week 4's theme was all about us and having us in front of the camera, so I tried to come up with a creative way to do it. 

#cielovideo52 #52weekchallenge #week4 #weeklychallenge

Music: Infinite Wonder (Ben Fox)

► My blog: http://www.hoohaa.com
► Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoohaa29/
► Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/softball29
► Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HooHaaBlog
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