Jonah's Birthday

Here are some images from that day. A nice intimate party at the Dragon Restaurant in Koreatown Los Angeles. The Doljabi is a Korean celebration of a child’s first birthday.

Colorado Firecamp - Salida, Colorado S130/S190 - Type 2 Basic Firefighter Training

Many years ago, during a Spartan Hurricane Heat (a 4 hour sufferfest equivalent to bootcamp), our squad leader mentioned he was a Hotshot firefighter. At the time, I didnt know what that was but I assumed it was something intense. Later that week, I did a little research on it and found myself quickly obessesed with the profession. What I loved was the sheer dirtiness and griminess behind it. No fame, or adulation. No calendar spread and little costumes that kids wear to mimic your profession. There was a sense of "just do your job and get out" behind it. Thats an attitude that has always resonated with me.

I had planned on doing this for some time, but life always got in the way. Maybe that was my excuse to not pursue this. Fast foward many years later, it was still something on my mind.

With a baby on the way, I felt there was no better time than now.

Like life will always teach you, there is no perfect time. There is usually only the imperfect time and the imperfect situation. Yet you go for it. When the means present itself, no matter how small, you take calculated risks and accomplish the thing you've been meaning to do.

All of the below photos were taken with a phone: Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro.

Engagement Shoot - Scouting

Today we went scouting for a good location for our engagement shoot session. We both prefer an outdoor setting, with Joleen having a preference towards having a forest vibe to the pictures. Upon recommendation of our photographer, we decided to check out Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Brea, CA. 

The park itself was beautiful with a few spots exhibiting damage due to wildfires. 

There is a beautiful Redwood forest here. The trees not being native to the dry conditions of Southern California, were planted in 1975.

The Grind

Current training volume.

Mon: Full body weight training: Squats, Presses, Rows Tues: 50 one arm kettlebell swings (each arm) 2.3 mile ruck with dog Weds: Full body weight training: Deadlifts, Presses, Rows Thurs: 50 one arm kettlebell swings (each arm) 2.3 mile ruck with dog Fri: Softball or Conditioning circuit training Sat & Sun: If time allows 50 one arm kettlebell swings (each arm) 2.3 mile ruck with dog. If not, just run with the dog no ruck.

My sleep hasn't been the best but I try to make up for it with more naps.

Dog rucking along the Santa Susana State Park. The scenery is made up of sandstone formations in massive outcroppings and numerous boulders. I've seen a few coyotes in the past.

Great weather. Grind weather.

There are plenty of power lines above and a trail that leads to somewhere obscure. When time allows, I'll explore a bit further. This seems to be prime territory for ticks.