Austin to Chicago to Fairbanks

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/125 sec, ISO50
 “Leaving Austin” Austin, 2025

Today marks the start of our Alaska vacation. The plan is to fly to Fairbanks and meet up with the rest of my family, who are flying up from California. Unfortunately, the cruise line booked Mariko and Bay on a different flight, so I am traveling solo today.

I really liked the colorful lights in the pedestrian tunnel at O’Hare and had to take a photo. Since I had a long layover, I used one of our two visits per year to the United Club. It was nice to enjoy a hot meal and a glass of wine before the six-hour flight to Fairbanks.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO640
 “O’Hare” Chicago, 2025

I arrived at the hotel in Fairbanks around 8:45 pm and met up with my family. They had arrived earlier in the afternoon and were ready for bed. It felt strange because it was still bright outside, almost like daytime. Once I noticed that the sun wouldn’t be setting, I suddenly felt very tired too. It was a long day, but a great start to the trip!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/1600 sec, ISO80
 “Hello Alaska” Alaska, 2025

Fitness Tracker

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/60 sec, ISO640
 “Fitness Tracker” Cedar Park, 2025

Last month I started a fitness tracker in my notebook. I have been logging activities like neck stretches, weights, sit-ups, and running in my Notion journal, but having everything in one view is really helpful for seeing my overall activity. It also makes it easy to spot when I need a rest day and to keep track of how many reps I do or how many miles I run. Very useful!

Chicken on the Grill

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/120 sec, ISO100
 “Chicken on the Grill” Cedar Park, 2025

I grilled a batch of chicken thighs for a dinner party this evening. The recipe is similar to char siu pork and has that distinctive five-spice flavor. It is always a favorite and so easy to make. Absolutely delicious!