San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
In the valley where the sunlit shadows play,
The Otomi have danced with time’s gentle sway.
For thousands of years, their eyes turned to skies,
Where stars spun in circles, whispers of the wise.
They watched the heavens, their stories in flight,
Passing down knowledge, like the day yields to night.
Facing celestial north, their sacred domain,
They wove ancient tales through the celestial grain.
The moon, a soft traveler, climbed the pyramid's face,
As seasons unfurled in a rhythmic embrace.
In notches of stone, it rose and then fell,
Marking moments of magic, a celestial spell.
But around nine hundred, the shadows grew long,
The Otomi's strength faded, yet their spirit stayed strong.
By the year ten fifty, the site lay in sleep,
Lost to the whispers of the valley so deep.
We were in a town in Guanajuato called San Miguel de Allende and we were in this nightclub and they were playing Bad bunny and Selena and then they also played crazy in love by Beyoncé and oh my god that club had two levels to it and had very open seating similar to like a Vegas club where it was very airy very spacey you could see the people on the second floor and my god that it was so windy the air was just flowing like in the open area it was just the felt like massive fans on your face the the smoke machines were sending smoke flying all over the place. I tried to keep going shot for shot with my friend but to no avail. Yeah the trip overall was spectacular I
East Lake, Oregon
The summer of 2022 will forever be etched in my memory as one of the most enjoyable summers of my life. After feeling cooped up and stagnant during 2020 & 2021, my friends and I decided to make the most of our time in 2022. I am so grateful to have friends always eager for new adventures. Oregon is a state that never fails to amaze me with its natural beauty. One of our most unforgettable experiences was at East Lake, one of two volcanic lakes in a caldera. We took edibles, told spooky stories, and even got paranoid, but it was all good fun. I even managed to save my friend from hypothermia. We also explored two waterfalls and the lava plains, gaining a deeper understanding of central Oregon's cascade range and geography. The weekend was an incredible experience, and I feel incredibly blessed to have such wonderful friends. With them, life would be more adventurous and exciting, and I would have had the opportunity to experience all the wonder Oregon offers. You know who you are. I love you guys!
White Owl Social Club
This is my friend Albert. Today is his birthday! I don’t think there are enough words to describe how much he has meant to me and others. Albert has single-handedly been the most significant reason my 20s have been so fun! His ability to bring people together has helped create great memories for me. At least half of my disposable photos are with him going on daytime adventures and late-night escapades. Honestly, I think my friends would agree that we don't deserve Albert. He has more patience than all of us. He doesn’t fight back or argue even when we are being difficult. To him, it’s not worth sacrificing the friendship to fight over something petty. I wish I was as strong as him. Happy birthday, my dear friend!
Seattle, Washington
I've been fortunate to explore Seattle on three occasions, each visit deepening my appreciation for its unique charm. I'm grateful to friends Caleb, Greg, his wife Gracie, and my college buddies Miles and Joe for joining me on those city tours. From savoring burgers at Blue Moon in West Seattle to playing ping pong on the pier, from rooftop bars to scenic lookouts like the one in this picture, and from the Space Needle to a Chinese karaoke restaurant, Seattle offers many experiences! Each time I drove up Interstate 5, I was greeted by breathtaking scenery reminiscent of a Studio Ghibli film. After a weekend filled with adventures, I would return home, driving down Interstate 5, reflecting on how fortunate I am to have friends in Seattle who make these trips memorable. It's incredible how much I can pack into a weekend, and it reminds me of the richness of my life.
I'm the type of person who jumps at opportunities. I tried to visit Caleb in Arizona a few years back, but it didn't work out. However, something inside me told me to text him a year later and see what he was doing. To my surprise, he was just two hours away in Seattle. Without hesitation, I seized the opportunity and took a Friday off to drive to Seattle and spend a three-day weekend with him.
Caleb lived in a fantastic location in West Seattle, in a three-story condo with a rooftop view of the Olympic Mountains. Certain places on this planet exude a distinctive ambiance, and the parks and beaches in West Seattle possess a serene quality. It truly is a remarkable community.
One night, Caleb took me to one of the most unique places I've ever been to in my entire life: a Chinese karaoke restaurant. It was an actual Chinese restaurant with a dedicated section for karaoke, complete with a stage. You can't make this stuff up! Caleb and I sat back in the restaurant booth, sipping beers and immersing ourselves in the sights and sounds of the regular Friday night karaoke participants. It was an unforgettable experience.
Throughout the weekend, Caleb and I did various activities, giving me a glimpse into his lifestyle. I must say, the West Seattle lifestyle is pretty great. He found a fantastic spot. I don't know where he plans to move next, but I'm confident it will be just as serene.
I look forward to meeting him in whatever city he chooses next!
Lake Oswego, Oregon
In recent months, I have understood that humans were meant to be in nature. Being outdoors is a natural way to improve one's mood. This summer, I discovered a local swimming park and made visiting it a daily habit. As I floated on my back in the water, I would gaze at the clouds moving across the blue sky while the towering trees framed my view. Sitting on the dock, I observed both young and old enjoying the lake. It was clear to me that this was our natural habitat, as the children could play for hours, and the more senior individuals appeared to be in excellent physical condition.
In June 2022, my friends Jess and Josh moved into their new apartment. To celebrate this life event, I bought them a cake that said “congratulations on higher rent”! They appreciated my quirky humor. They invited us to enjoy cocktails on their rooftop and take in a 360-degree view of downtown Portland. Then for dinner, we went to an Italian restaurant called Allora. Later we went back to their apartment and played Uno while listening to Harry Styles' new album. It was a great day!
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The pandemic brought many changes, including relocating some of my friends to other cities. While it was bittersweet to say goodbye, I maintained a positive outlook and saw it as a chance to explore new places. This led me to plan a trip to Philadelphia, a destination I had never visited.
In high school, Mallori and I used to talk to each other in the hallway during the eighth period. She and I were on the track team, and our conversations usually revolved around Coach Nowak and how he always seemed to pick on her. Even though I knew deep down that he only did it out of admiration. It wasn't until years later that I realized our little talks held an extraordinary place in her heart. When I received a wedding invitation, I was overjoyed. Knowing that being myself has positively impacted someone's life is the best feeling ever. It was an honor to witness one of the most memorable days of her life. Congratulations to Mitch and Malorri for tying the knot!
RedTail Golf Center
One of my greatest joys is encouraging my friends to get out and do fun things. Even simple activities like going to the driving range can breed hilarious moments!
Whenever I see my college buddies again, it’s a celebration! After a year of social distancing, I was delighted to reunite with my friends Christian and Sam. It’s never a given that people will remain near you, especially after our turbulent year. I am incredibly grateful that I got to see them once more. We took an after-dinner walk and saw a homeless woman chase her dog and a mob of bicyclists ride through downtown Portland.
I had the opportunity to work at a fast-fashion company for a short period. My role as a stock boy may have been minimal, but it allowed me to meet some incredibly talented individuals. Chris, pictured on the left, is a master at Photoshop and an accomplished runway model. Undoubtedly, he will be walking for Savage X Fenty shortly. Laura, on the right, is a stunning Instagram model, and I can see her being a guest at both New York and Paris Fashion Week in the future. As for me, I look forward to being by their side to support them as they achieve their dreams.
Thai Bloom!
Last summer, my friends and I produced a short documentary about Carson's life as an artist. After a long day of filming, we went to dinner at Thai Bloom restaurant in downtown Portland. It was the least I could do for all their hard work. The documentary turned out amazing! I can't thank them enough for coming together and bringing my vision to life!
Blue Moon Burgers
I spent the weekend in Seattle with Greg and Gracie. We saw Kurt Cobain's house and had dinner at a rooftop bar. I am so grateful for the experience. I needed adventure in my life, and visiting them satisfied that need. They were such great hosts. I wish them all the best as they make Colorado Springs their new home.
Brian Kidd, aka the Unipiper, is famous across Portland for donning a Darth Vader mask while unicycling and playing the (sometimes flaming) bagpipes. He's more than just a spectacle waiting to happen. He's a nonprofit founder who last year rolled out Weird Portland United. The group looks to raise funds and issue grants to artists and others who give the city its character, so to speak.
It's always fun to see Christian and Sam. It wasn't that long ago that we were broke college students trying to start a fraternity. I really do miss hanging out with them. We shared some crazy nights together! Whether it's partying at Taylor's Bar with Christian for his 21st birthday or spending a day at the museum with Sam, there are dozens of stories I treasure. These days, we hang out in local bars and start conversations with “Remember when…” followed by something silly. I gave them each a framed photo of our days in the frat that evening. I think having something physical that reminds us of the Good Ol' Days is essential.
Being a DJ has its perks. My friends and I went out one night and weren’t impressed with the music scene. So we went back to my place and started doing shots. Before I knew it, I played an entire DJ set for my friends. ¡Fiesta en la casa de Smet!
A few of my coworkers are celebrating another crazy year at the company holiday party. It’s weird to think that this was right before lockdowns. Photos like these remind me how much I miss going out with friends.
The Oregon Brewers Festival is a four-day craft beer festival held at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland. This annual summer tradition has become North America's most popular outdoor beer festival. Around 50,000 beer lovers pilgrimage to Beervana yearly to drink what the festival offers! There's no better place to sip independent craft beers than along the banks of the Willamette River, with the Portland skyline as a backdrop.
As we navigated the winding hills of Marion County in the dark, our Ford F-150 rumbled smoothly along the road. We were on our way home from the vibrant St. Paul Rodeo, with the hauntingly beautiful voices of Post Malone and Morgan Wallen filling the cabin as "I Need Some Help" played on the radio. The night sky was intermittently illuminated by bursts of fireworks from distant residential neighborhoods, their colorful sparks painting a fleeting, magical tapestry against the velvety darkness. The air was filled with the lingering scent of summer and the distant echoes of celebration, making the journey feel like a perfect blend of adventure and serenity.
While mowing my father's lawn, a song by LANY played through my earbuds, prompting thoughts of my friend Caleb and our mutual love for the band. I quickly texted him and discovered he was in Green Bay, too. I invited him to the NDA alum soccer game on Thursday, and he enthusiastically agreed without realizing it was that week.
The turnout for Thursday night's NDA men's soccer alum game was impressive, with over 20 alums. Despite not having played soccer since the state championship game nine years ago, my regular workouts over the summer kept me from feeling lethargic. Caleb scored an impressive goal from 30 yards out. Shifting positions throughout the game, I found my stride as a wing defender in the fourth quarter, dominating my side of the field and receiving praise from former teammates. It was nostalgic to play alongside familiar faces, reminiscent of our high school days. Special thanks to Charlie Lemkuil for lending me his cleats!
Later, Caleb and I celebrated at Badger State Brewery, enjoying a few beers and discussing life, making it one of the best nights of the year.
Phoenix, Arizona
In March, I traveled to Phoenix to visit my friend Caleb, whom I've known since high school. Our lockers were right next to each other, and to this day I believe his sarcasm helped me get through those 4 years. After high school, we discovered our mutual love for scenic landscapes, particularly mountains, and both of us moved to the Pacific Northwest. It was there that we reconnected for the first time since high school in Seattle. During our reunion, we talked about our shared passion for the band LANY.
Fast forward to last year, when I discovered that LANY was finally touring in the US and making a stop in Phoenix, which was Caleb's new residence. I called him up and booked the trip. Little did I know that the venue where LANY was performing was just around the corner from Caleb's place! During our visit, we explored the city, grabbing coffee at different cafes each morning and hiking the trails up South Mountain one afternoon. We had the mountain completely to ourselves, and it was a great opportunity for us to catch up on life. At the top of the mountain, we found a red and blue skittle and joked about escaping the Matrix.
We also got to dine with our friend Chris in Tempe. We toured his apartment and played two games of pool in the lobby. Throughout the weekend, we listened to tunes from Mariah Carey and the 1975, which we blasted in the car. Caleb's lifestyle is truly unique, and I am grateful for another chance to experience it during my visit to Phoenix.
The Columbia River Gorge is a canyon of the Columbia River, forming the border between Washington and Oregon. The gorge goes from temperate rainforest to dry grasslands in just 80 miles. At the eastern end, forests give way to vast grasslands. This photo was taken at the east end. In the background, you can see a potentially active stratovolcano known as Mount Hood, and to the right, you can see the Columbia River flood basalts that formed in the Miocene era. In the middle are four Homo sapiens drinking White Claw Hard Seltzers.
White Owl Social Club
I went to the club with some friends one night. I discovered that my good friend Scott and his girlfriend were in Portland for the weekend, so I invited them out. When Scott arrived, to his surprise, his roommate from college was also at the club! Then, out of nowhere, a former co-worker of ours showed up! It was so random that all these people from different parts of our lives came together in this one place entirely by chance! So, of course, we had to take a picture!
Hole in the Rock, Arizona
To be honest, Luke and I didn’t have many classes together in high school. However, we developed a mutual admiration for each other on social media over the years. One day, I unexpectedly asked if I could visit him in Phoenix, and he agreed! When I arrived, I met his fiancée, Kaycee, for the first time. She introduced me to all her friends and even invited me to a pool and housewarming party. Kaycee also recommended a fantastic hike for me and Chris VanSaders to go on. The city is surrounded by stunning red rock buttes. The sun was so intense at midday that it felt like it was draining my energy. Although I only spent one weekend in Phoenix, it was an unforgettable experience!
P.S. Congratulations to Luke and Kaycee on tying the knot!
In college, there was a coffee shop in front of my apartment. I walked past it every day and never thought to go in. It wasn't until a friend started working there that I met this beautiful soul known as Marley. Fast forward two years, and I live in Portland. I went to my favorite barbershop, and to my surprise, she was cutting hair there! She became my barber for a year and a half, and I loved the haircuts she gave me. She ended up moving to Colorado with her fiancé and recently got married. I took a photo with her just before she left. I miss her dearly. She was the best barber I ever had.
She is the love of my life. My world stops for her.
Lambeau Field
It's rare to find another diehard football fan in Oregon. But I found one! My friend, Miles, grew up a Patriots fan. He had Patriots memorabilia all over his dorm room when I first met him in college. Last year, I decided to take him to his very first regular-season game! It was an unforgettable experience! I told him he had an open invitation to come to Lambeau every year.
Door County, Wisconsin
Last summer, I returned home to Green Bay to celebrate my dad's 58th birthday. We went to Door County and rented jet skis. It was an unforgettable day. The adrenaline rush I get from skimming the surface of the water is second to none! We may have started an annual tradition!
For 25 years, I have watched my dad climb the corporate ladder from a Lab Technician to an Industrial Performance Manager. I have genuine admiration for what it took to do that. You set an excellent example and showed me how to do things right the first time. Many times in your youth, you could have taken the easy route. But you didn't. I was afforded a great childhood because he consistently made the right decisions. Because of you, I was able to go to a great school. You did what you had to do to keep our family afloat. I hope to return the favor in the future.
I look forward to the day you retire. You’ve done really well, Dad!
West Seattle, Washington
I can't say enough good things about my weekend in Seattle. Caleb pulled out all the stops. We went to Blue Moon Burgers one evening and watched the sunset. Standing from Alki Ave. (where we are in the photo), you can see the Seattle skyline on the right, and on the left, you can see the Olympic Mountains in the distance. It is truly a majestic spectacle. I ended my visit by throwing the football with my old elementary-school QB. Life is wild!
This was the perfect nightcap for a beautiful week in New York City. I had so much fun running through the streets of Manhattan, riding the Staten Island Ferry, getting a new haircut in Brooklyn, and shouting "I'm walkin' here!" at taxis. James was a riot, and Natasha's fashion choices were flawless. I am eagerly looking forward to planning another trip with them in the future.
Most workplaces ask everyone to sign a letter wishing a departing colleague all the best in their next job. Not us; we take that colleague to a nightclub and order bottle service to celebrate their escape!
Have you ever started a game of pool with your friends, and then halfway through the game, you realized that you all suck and that playing pool was actually a terrible idea? It got so embarrassing that we made people wait 30 minutes for our table. We were at that level of drunkenness where we couldn’t sink any balls. It was like playing pool in hard mode!
Rontoms
This was the start of something special. I had just landed my first marketing job out of college and have mutual friends with my new coworkers. What a lovely coincidence! So we decided to merge the friend group, and all go out together. Little did I know my enthusiasm for partying would help facilitate a budding relationship and a string of weekend activities. That stretch of summer in 2019 holds some of my favorite memories.
We’ve been living under the dark cloud of COVID-19 for almost a year, and I sorely miss sharing this world with my friends. Creating moments like these has been few and far between. But it’s like a breath of fresh air when they do happen. One of my close friends came to Portland for the weekend, so we took him to a bar downtown. It was super fun! We almost couldn't get in, but my friend had so much charisma that he convinced the hostess to give us the following open table. We ended up taking a group photo with her!
When I got to Jess' apartment around 2 pm, I discovered she had nothing packed, and we didn't have a moving vehicle. So, I jumped into action and called U-Haul to reserve a truck. Fortunately, there was one left! We picked up the U-Haul, and I drove it back to her apartment. When we arrived, Josh had just arrived and was ready to help. He and I loaded everything onto the truck and moved her stuff to its new location in one trip. Afterward, she asked me how she could repay me, and I knew just the place. Red Robin! Where they have bottomless fries and mint chocolate shakes!
Triple Nickel Pub
Last month I celebrated the birthday of one of my closest friends. I have known him for only six months, but the time we’ve shared has been unbelievably fun! Thank you, Josh, for being an awesome coworker and an even better friend. Enjoy your infinity gauntlet!
I miss walking with coworkers, breathing in the crisp morning air, and watching the deer run across the field. I miss hearing them talk about what’s going on in their lives and as weird as it may sound, I actually miss hearing them vent. I don’t think every conversation needs to be profound. In fact, sometimes I enjoy being a soundboard for my friends. We all deal with our issues, and people want to be heard. Those walks unknowingly brought a lot of value to our lives.
I often think about those conversations and the interactions we had with coworkers. I would race out those doors at lunchtime and go to Costco.
At dusk I swear the trees would turn blue.
Every time I fly home to Portland, I look out the window and see this majestic mountain. I can't help but marvel at its imposing stature and magnificent beauty. Mt. Hood is a heartwarming reminder that I live in such a beautiful state. From the deserts of central Oregon to the windswept coastline of the Oregon coast, I am amazed by every inch.