I turned 30.

30, from what I am told, is a huge milestone in life. I haven't felt any different. I haven’t felt older than 17 since, well, I was 17. I have always been one of the youngest in my friend circle, but now the youngest is 30. Which is crazy to think about, especially when I look through our group texts it only consists of dick and fart jokes. How could we all be 30? Or at least 30? Homeowners? Business owners? Contributing members to society when we all still dick around so much? Like, way too much, and always take the joke way to far.

By the time my parents were 30, I could speak to them in full sentences and was doing homework. I, on the other hand, have moved across the country twice, lived in 3 states, and still have no idea what I want to do when I grow up. And, I don't mind that. I like adventuring. I like who I am, what I get to do daily and where I am with life.

It feels good. I like being 30 so far. There has been a bit of an awakening. I feel motivated to make some changes. I don’t know what those changes are yet, but I have a feeling I will know soon. I feel even more open to new experiences and ideas. I have always had a sense of confidence that has helped me get where or what I wanted out of life. 30 is going to be pretty rad.

Here’s to you 30! And all the up, downs, and b-sides that lay ahead.

***Question - Is it lay ahead or lie ahead?***

-YourFriendMatt

“You just want to walk the dogs because there are fucking PokeMAN out there!” - Jamie

Hate (or love) away. I have done it. I have joined the Pokemon Go community.

Earlier last week I downloaded the app, after much coaxing from my peers, friends, and randoms, and was immediately hooked. I found myself wandering the downtown streets of Nashville flicking Pokeballs are imaginary creatures along my route; more than likely looking like a friggin’ moron to any passerby. Scratch that, I know I looked like a friggin’ moron. I didn’t care. For whatever reason, I needed to ‘catch em all’ and become a Poke-master.

Over the next few days, all routines became consumed with opening my phone and finding Pokemon. See pics below. The market? Caught em. Gas station? Caught em. My neighborhood? Caught em. Random places I am driving or walking too? Caught em. I am that guy staring in bewilderment looking at my phone and walking into things. Help.

To be clear, I have no history with Pokemon. I did not watch it and only bought one pack of cards as a kid with my friends. I didn’t understand what the hell they were and lost interest immediately. But now, since it is on my phone and I check my phone 1,000 times a day, why not play.

Having played for over a week now, it is losing its luster, and I found myself walking our dogs this morning without bringing my phone to enjoy the simple act of walking. I would consider myself a beginner or hobbyist to the game at best. I saw people out this morning in fights after checking in at different Poke-stops over an unfair trade. I don’t know if I want to get that deep into it and become the Walter White of an imaginary game.

She's yellin' at this Nidoran....what am I even doing?

Still, GO TEAM INSTINCT!

-YourFriendMatt

Three Decades...

Friggin' Clefairy....