1.  I really suck at flirting!

Luckily for me, most of the time I’m not.

2.  Do you ever, and I believe I’m speaking to you ladies, step on the scale in the morning and either exclaim, “Yes!” or you slump your shoulders in total defeat?  Yeah, me neither.

3.  I’m having a hard time with the “Localist” or the “Locals Only” mentality, it’s fairly prevalent in beach communities.  Face reality, unless you’re of Native American descent… What matters is how much you contribute back to your community and help to improve conditions.  THAT earns respect.  That makes you a viable member of society. Of course when you’re talking about the next wave…

4.  As I don’t make my living being a professional photographer, I am quite honored when I see a photo I shot a year ago, come up on the news feed of Facebook where somebody had just seen it and shared it.  These are typically photos I’ve shot around Ventura, and of course some of the bands from around town. I don’t think the pros should actually share their photos online because they should be paid for their work.  It’s a double-edge sword. On one hand, people see how good you are, on the other hand, why pay if you can get it for free?!

Parked on Chestnut in front of Starbucks

5.  I admire pacifist.  But there are at least 2% of the population who are truly evil.  I don’t think setting a good example will change them. That being said, I do think that there is so much abberation in the world that if you (yes I’m talking to you) start being the change you want to see in the world (Gandhi), then it would start to be contagious and those 2 percenters?  They’ll actually start to look like 2% and not like the majority.  I’m in.  Let’s start!

6.  I’m not a big fan of passive aggressiveness.

7.  I’ve learned a lot from my Aunt Angie.  She is the matriarch of my dad’s side of the family.  I would feel guilty for not having talked to her for some time and she’d assure me that she completely understood that she knew I loved her but that I have my own life to live.  Makes me want to keep in touch even more!  Shrewd?  I say not.  I say she’s a remarkable woman whom I admire and respect.

8.  The most frustrating thing about grocery shopping is buying only what I need. I don’t need a whole loaf of bread. I only need half cans of beans, soup, or sauces. The containers are mostly for more than one serving. IT’S JUST ME!! I DON’T LIKE TO FREEZE SHIT! I DON’T HAVE TIME TO COOK, LET ALONE PLAN LEFTOVERS!

I would pay 25 cents for a stalk of celery. That’s about what I use before the rest goes bad.

9.  I’ve been spending time with Cat Steven’s “Tea for the Tillerman”.  Freakin’ amazing stuff…still.

10.  Things that drive me crazy: Facebook posts that say something along the lines, “Repost if you are against Child Abuse. I bet 50% of you won’t, but I’m sure the people with heart will.”   So if I don’t repost, I don’t have heart? How strong am I that I don’t comment with a “Fuck You.”

11.  I have a confession. I’ve read the Twilight series more than once.  There!  I said it.

                             My beach

12.  We just celebrated Thanksgiving and like most people, it was a time to reflect what I’m thankful for.  Family, Samantha “Boom Boom” Baumgardner, a job where I help improve conditions in my community working at City Hall, VenturaRocks.com, amazing friends, a home, my church, basketball, this beautiful town…

12.  “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.”  – C. S. Lewis

Thank you for listening!