Beet(root)s in salads
Another academic ish win.
Met with my favourite prof.
He confirmed that I’ll be helping him with his book.
He also asked me to help organize the hackathon event I won next year.
Boots, hiking or work, that fit my feet well.
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Oh my god, yes. I am a boot geek.
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Heck. YES. What types? I just used my REI yearly rebate and their 20 percent off coupon to snag a pair of these babies:
They’re replacing a six-year-old pair of Lowa Renegade 2s. I have a year to return them for 100 percent money back, in the event the soles break apart like some reviewers said.
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I’m more into the Goodyear welt footwear and dunno so much about hiking boots. Those look snazzy though! I have a pair of Keen hiking boots that have lasted me years. They work for me, and I don’t get to hike all that often.
I take it you’re a member of the REI Co-op?
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I agree. I have a pair of 13-year-old Redwing boots that I’m just now needing to replace. What are some of your favorites?
Keen are supposed to be good hikers. In that use category, I’ve had some good pairs of Merrells and Oboz. I’m now hoping to find some Goodyear welt boots that’d look snazzy enough for casual wear, like going out for dinner, but are still solid and supportive.
Yep, I joined the REI co-op a couple decades ago. The $15 I paid has come back to me multiple times. Are you an REI member?
I have a couple pairs of Red Wings that I adore. They’re by far the most comfortable and (so far) durable. I want another pair… I also have two pairs from some Mexican companies. As you might imagine, the options for women are not so extensive.
I have a pair of Oboz sneakers that are great, so I could definitely give them another chance in the future.
I think there are a few companies that make GYW boots like this in the Pacific Northwest. Maybe you’re already familiar? And even though they’re not GYW, I figure I should also mention Danner. Lots of hiking boots, some more casual than others. They are “recraftable” at least.
Nah, I don’t go there too often, but I sometimes feel like I should join. I am also a bit of a backpack geek and have purchased mine from there. Also some shoes. There’s a store really close to me.
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True that. Sadly, they’ve changed the format of the model I’m replacing, and the new boot just isn’t the same.
Within that genre, I can imagine. In fact, I also see a future market, if one wanted to become a boot maker.
I’m not, actually. Would you mind sharing the companies’ names? I’ll start researching them. Of course, I might end up with a pair of Redwing Heritage series, something like the Iron Ranger. I’ve tried numerous pairs of Danner boots and consistently find their toe box is too narrow for me, even in their wide models.
For a one-time fee of $20, I think becoming an REI co-op member is well worth it. You’d get around 12 percent back each year from all non-sale purchases and a discount on rentals and repair services.
Haha I’m a boots-'n-backpacks geek, too. What’re a couple of your favorite packs? My daypack for the last six years has been a Mystery Ranch Sweet Pea. To my eye, it looks great for casual or wilderness use, it fits me very well, and it’s amazingly durable. For an in-town, business-casual, EDC-style pack, I’m using a leather backpack I was given as a gift a decade ago. The organization is great and volume is sufficient for my needs, although I still keep my finger on the pulse of backpack makers.
Darn, which model?
I think some companies are starting to sense that some women appreciate high quality footwear too. It’s like this with raw denim too, sadly.
Sure! I have read good things about Nicks, White’s, and Wesco. Iron Rangers are always a classic, but I am not sure how well they would hold up on serious hikes. I don’t have a pair though, and even if I did, I don’t think it would be an apples-to-apples comparison.
I’m definitely thinking about it before I purchase something else from there. Haven’t in a while, so I kinda forgot about it. I’m such a frugal person, so it’s totally up my alley.
I have an Osprey Nova and Osprey Fairview mostly for work and groceries, respectively. But one of them becomes my one bag for travel. They’re both quality, and the Fairview is fabulous. I also have had a Fjallraven for a long time that I use as a day bag for social and nature activities.
I’m going on a trip soon and kinda want to get another bag, though maybe something that can work as a cross body. Maybe a Tom Bihn.
Looks solid! Yeah, I like Osprey, but its bags look a little too “hiker” for my taste. I ultimately favor function over aesthetics, but it’s nice when they harmonize. I appreciate quality boots and bags not only for what they are – their construction, comfort, etc. – but also because they go through so many experiences with me. It’s nice to connect memories with quality gear!
That sounds expensive. 
But amazing!
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Dan John has a weekly email that goes out on Wednesdays. They’re pretty short but I really enjoy getting them.
@T3hPwnisher - you ever see anything about this? I know you like his writing.
Plus, @anyotherDanJohnfans.
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Had a buddy of mine that kept telling me to get on the e-mail list. I really should, haha.
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It was the 899, the TruTread, I think. They still make a model with that name, but it’s just not the same.
You’d think companies would just assume women want quality footwear; isn’t the stereotype that women love shoes, while men only care if they feel good?! But that’s assuming logical reasoning from corporations that clearly only associate women’s footwear with weis fashion notions (I’m looking at you, 6" stiletto heels) and absurd price tags.
I’ve barely read about raw denim - what’s special about it?
Thanks! I’ve heard of Whites, and I’ll look into the other two.
On the subject of packs, if you have a Facebook page, look up The Perfect Pack. I learned about a lot of manufacturers I’d never heard of. I agree about Osprey being good packs with a decidedly “hiker” aesthetic. For in-town use, I like a less outdoorsy, more subdued pack that has all the comfort and durability of a wilderness pack. Enter companies like Alpha One Niner and others; it appears there’s a reasonably sized market of people who have similar tastes in EDC packs 
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Fast fashion unfortunately still dominates.
Denim that has not been washed/treated before. So, it is very rigid. It fades slowly over time in a way that is personalized to the wearer.
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Helping others.
Wife’s godmother 94 years young, but her house has some aging issues. On recent holidays I fixed both toilets with new pan connectors. Old rubber had perished and some leaks occurring. Throw in door handle and sliding door roller replacements, and 2x new shower heads for both bathrooms.
Now she can enjoy a proper shower and flush the toilet without worrying leaks.
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That’s my boy fifth from the right.
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Rain - FINALLY!!! This drought is no joke.
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My Econ discussion friend (a grad student) invited me to a meetup with a bunch of grad students and some profs.
One of my profs from last year was there. I introduced myself.
He said: you were by far… well the only… one who asked questions. You made pandemic teaching bearable
This made me so happy
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Very nice … I remember my undergrad days and being the only one to ask questions … of course I was also close to a decade older than the other undergrads
You might be an old soul
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