As we are getting past the Labor Day long weekend and into September, it’s time again to post about the all the shenanigans I’ve been up to for the past season. My adventures over summer of 2025 consisted of a work trip to New York City, and lots of hiking in the Pacific Northwest. Here are the highlights:
That time of the year again to celebrate (by myself) the anniversary of this little collection of websites! My websites have been online for 19 years. Now they are old enough to purchase alcohol in most US states. The only notable update this year is adding some background images to this blog by using Gen AI which is all the rage these days. Google Adsense basically pays nothing these days, even after I updated the ad script code. Many people have ad blockers, so online display ads are a bit outdated.
Anyways, onwards to Year 20!!!
It’s starting to feel like summer in the PNW, which means it’s about time for a highlights post of the adventures and shenanigans I’ve been up to in the past season. No big trips during spring, but as usual, I ended the ski season and started hiking and foraging for shellfish. Here are the photo and video highlights.
As the Spring equinox brings about meteorological spring next week, it’s time again for my post about what I’ve been up to this winter. In short, I celebrated the holidays, started a new job, and did some skiing. Here are the photo and video highlights.
I added some background images for the current theme for this website/blog. I’ve wanted to add background images since I switched to the current WordPress theme in 2016(!), but work and other hobbies have gotten in the way. I used to dabble in digital art (my gallery), but haven’t done much for the last few years because laziness and work. Now that I have some time on my hands, I decided to finally add the backgrounds.
After keeping my 2011 Toyota RAV4 for over 10 years and driving it all over the USA, I decided it was time to get a new ride. The RAV4 has been a dependable vehicle, but it is missing all of the modern goodies (doesn’t even have Bluetooth) and the gas mileage is actually not that great anymore thanks to the old 4-speed automatic. I had some time on my hands to shop for a new vehicle, and ended up buying a new 2024 Lexus RX350h. I wanted to go to a mid-size SUV/crossover, and I liked the look of the current RX. The hybrid powertrain of the RX350h delivers decent amount of power with great gas mileage, and Lexus has the reputation of being the most reliable luxury car brand. It’s definitely an upgrade in terms of features and comfort compared to my old RAV4 which I traded-in .
This is the first brand new car that I’ve purchased. It’s definitely a big purchase, but I’ve worked long enough that I don’t have to worry about being able to afford a new car anymore. So far, I’m still trying to figure out all the bells and whistles that come with the RX350h, and also how to organize some of the stuff in my car. The RX has roomier seats, but the cargo space doesn’t have the under floor storage that the RAV4 had. Hopefully this RX will live up to Lexus’s reputation for reliability and keep going strong for 10+ years.
It’s that time of the year where the fall leaves have been shed and the grey and rainy season is upon the PNW, but ski season hasn’t started yet. This means time for me to look back and post a few highlights from the autumn season. My main activity was taking a trip to the Northeast US for a family wedding and also to see the famous New York/New England fall foliage.
I got a new computer monitor. Not just any monitor, but a Pixio PX32U Wave 32-in monitor with 4K resolution and up to 144Hz refresh rate. Most importantly, it’s in pink! Why did I get a pink 4K gaming monitor? I won it from a sweepstakes. Here’s what I think my latest prize so far.
Fall is around the corner, so it’s time to post my highlights for the summer of 2024. Summer is hiking season, so I spent many-a-weekends in the mountains, and there are a few other fun activities as well. Here are the photo and video highlights:
