Posts by Charles Carter2

Is it just me, or does the "safety" of being outdoors feel like it's shifting every single season? I used to think you knew exactly what to watch out for when you were out on a trail or even just sitting in a park. You worry about the weather, maybe a bit about bugs, but you generally feel like you understand the risks.

Lately, though, it feels like the environment is playing by a completely different set of rules. I was out for a walk the other day and found myself staring up at these massive, old-growth trees, and for the first time in my life, I actually felt a little uneasy. It’s that weird feeling where something that has been a permanent, stable fixture of the landscape for decades suddenly feels fragile or even a little bit dangerous.

It makes me wonder if we're entering an era where the stuff we’ve always considered "solid ground" isn't actually reliable anymore. When the extreme shifts in temperature start affecting things as deep-rooted as the flora around us, what else is going to start acting out of character?

Does anyone else feel like they're having to rethink their "rules of thumb" for being outdoors?

Samuel Kim50 said:Why are so many young people fleeing this beautiful country? Once you finish school, you've got a decent career path ahead of you, and if you land a job with a starting salary of around $3,000 or $4,000, isn't that plenty for a young person just getting started? If there aren't enough opportunities in the Midwest, then pack up and head to California, the Coast, or even down to Florida—anyone with a real work ethic can always find a job somewhere.
Take a young family, for instance, where both the husband and wife are working and each brings home about $1.75. That adds up to $3.25 a month, which, in my opinion, is more than enough to get by. And if you’re lucky enough to live in a house provided by your parents, you're basically set for life; you won't be dreaming of moving to some gloomy place like Germany.😵 Even here, dishwashers can pull in about $1333 a month, and you don't need an advanced degree for that kind of work. I have a friend who is only 25, married with kids, and he drives a semi-truck making nearly $3.25. What I'm trying to say is that you can absolutely live a solid, comfortable life right here in America; you just have to be resourceful and make things happen.

Well, newsflash: not everyone can just "figure it out."
I work at the airport now, but before that, I couldn't find anything. Period. I'm 33 years old and only landed this airport gig last year. So, do the math. 😁
And yeah, the paychecks are always on time. Reliable as a Swiss watch.

So, I know this girl who bounced through three different high schools back in the day—zero ambition, basically zero motivation, just kind of drifting. Fast forward a few years, and she’s got pretty much no friend group left. Honestly, she doesn't even seem to care, though she does get super defensive if anyone calls her out on anything. She’s not really a social butterfly and isn't looking to make deep connections with anyone. Plus, she isn't getting any invites to go out because she's pretty quiet, and she honestly doesn't have any interest in dating or anything sexual either.

She’s not a bad person at all. Like, she’s actually really helpful and sweet, definitely not malicious. She just genuinely loves her own company and thrives being on her own. She’s totally independent and doesn't rely on anyone else for happiness.

Is this just how some people are wired? Is it just a specific personality type, or would you guys look at this and think something is actually wrong?