Category: Slice of Life

Google Opinion Rewards Loot

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 19mm, f/2.8, 1/125 sec, ISO2000
 “Digital Download” Cedar Park, 2020

I’ve been using the Google Opinion Rewards app where you answer a few questions (and perhaps give up a little privacy) for several months now, earning between ten to fifty cents per mini-survey. The credit earned can be used in the Google Play store on apps, books, music, or movies, and I was about a dollar away from purchasing a Ghibli movie. However, I found the fantastic The Night is Short, Walk on Girl for $9.99 so quickly snatched it up. It looks great on the iPad and I’m sure it’ll be amazing on the tv as well.

I’m happy that I actually found something worthwhile to buy in the Play store. I was getting worried that all the questions I’ve answered for Google would be wasted due to lack of things I want to buy.

FYI, you can use the app on iOS as well!

Hiking Indiangrass Trail at Doeskin Ranch

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 19mm, f/5.6, 1/850 sec, ISO200
 “Indiangrass Trail” Marble Falls, 2020

Today I loaded up my backpack with 30 pounds (14 KG) of gear and went for another hike at Doeskin Ranch. This time, I added the one section of trail that I missed last time: Indiangrass Trail.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 19mm, f/5.6, 1/80 sec, ISO200
 “Cairn” Marble Falls, 2020

The 1.5-mile trail splits off from the Shinoak section and heads down into a nice little valley and even through a little forest tunnel. It was really cool! In fact, I’d say that Indiangrass trail is my favorite section of the Doeskin Ranch trails.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 19mm, f/5.6, 1/125 sec, ISO200
 “Cactus” Marble Falls, 2020

I mentioned that I had a heavily-loaded pack, and that is I will be carrying this amount of weight on our Big Bend trip. The only things I didn’t put in the pack were my external battery and cables, and extra underwear/socks/base layers.

When I first got on the trail, my hip started hurting a bit and I was thinking that maybe I should turn around and not stress it. After all, I did run 4 miles the day before. But I continued on a bit, and adjusted my shoulder straps to take more of the weight off of my hips. This was the trick, and my hip pain went away and I would go on to complete the hike without any discomfort. I felt great!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 19mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec, ISO250
 “Trail Light” Marble Falls, 2020

So now I know that 30+ pounds of gear on my back is do-able, and so my confidence is high. Knowing that we won’t be rushed during our Big Bend hike is good too – we can take plenty of rest breaks. As long as the weather is nice, we should have an excellent trip!

Out With the Old, in With the New

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 19mm, f/2, 1/100 sec, ISO1000
 “Old Mug” Cedar Park, 2019

I bought a new coffee mug, which meant I need to retire an old one. I’ve had the Starbucks Osaka mug for about 20 years but it’s time to let it go. I’m a little sad, but the color is fading and I’ve actually never been too fond of the design.

My new coffee mug, though, has a design that I absolutely love! It’s a stainless steel/enamel mug and has a nice lid, so it will keep my coffee warm longer. Unfortunately it cannot be put in the microwave. But I think it’s great. Definitely sparks joy. 😊

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 19mm, f/2.8, 1/125 sec, ISO5000
 “New Mug” Cedar Park, 2019

I hope you had a nice day!

またね～