How do you manage stress?

I try to avoid it. Naturally, it still assaults me from time to time. I have seen my part of it. I went through a bunch of it in boot camp. I don’t like it. But boot camp is more than 10 decades ago. In all likelihood it made me a better person. Still, I’d prefer never going through it. I don’t really manage it so much as just learn to deal with it. It’s either that or go nuts. Sometimes I think it’s a little of both. 

What are your strategies for SEO?

What’s SCO?

What destination sits at the top of your bucket list?

I’ve already explored Vietnam, Japan, and Australia. To be frank, I have no interest in leaving the US again. Rather, my ambition is to discover this country comprehensively: traversing from west to east, north to south, visiting every state—many of them repeatedly. That would bring me complete fulfillment.

In the past, I felt some curiosity about experiencing other nations and distant landmarks. However, given the current situation, I’d prefer to keep these size 15s planted firmly on American soil.

Don’t believe it. Sometimes when you do the wrong thing, the wound only grows worse with time and you will never set things right, ever. 

What’s one thing you know now that would have saved your younger self a lot of pain?

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What’s the weirdest movie you’ve ever watched?

How could I forget *The Conspiracy Theory*?

This one wasn’t just weird; it also was a little thought-provoking, like the idea of assassins with three names. I actually considered that one for a while. For the most part, it seemed like just another chance to produce a violent movie. For sure, it did have its share of that. However, it unfolded to provide a serious, very good plot.

I have a copy of it and have watched it six or seven times. Each time I pick up on things I didn’t notice before. It is one of just a few movies I keep for repeated viewing.

What’s the most unconventional film you’ve ever viewed?

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Upon reflecting on this question, I immediately recognized an interesting paradox: I have watched numerous unusual films, yet I’m struggling to recall any specific titles at this moment. Inevitably, within the next few weeks, several examples will likely surface in my memory.

Since I’m being asked to respond immediately, I’ll share two films, though I’m confident I’ve encountered stranger ones. When my younger son was three years old, we brought him to see *2001: A Space Odyssey*. The theater manager waived his admission, remarking, “He won’t understand it anyway.” While I’m uncertain how much he actually comprehended, he remained captivated throughout the entire film. I do believe he did enjoy it. Actually, I must admit, I could have used a little interpretation. However, I loved the special effects and scientific concepts. 

Additionally, *The Sixth Sense* caught me completely by surprise. I didn’t decipher the ending until the final reveal, despite the subtle clues woven throughout. I’m not entirely sure that qualifies as truly weird though. However, I must admit it was very well written. 

Apologies—these represent the strongest examples I can offer at present.

Tell us about your morning routine.

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I am retired. I don’t do mornings unless absolutely necessary.

What’s the best way to meet new people while traveling?

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The first obstacle to get over is traveling. During my younger years I did plenty of traveling and I never had much trouble meeting people. Now that I am older, I hardly get out of the house. I have a 3 year old car with only 8000 miles on it. I used to put 2000 miles a month easily. 

I never thought so much about it but as I think back over it, I usually just say hello. Generally, if I decided, I’d ask a question, usually about something that caught my attention. Hats or t-shirts usually work well, especially when they have some kind of marking on it. It might surprise you about how people like to explain some kind of saying on their shirt.

Sometimes, that doesn’t quite work as expected. I saw a man with a Christian saying on his shirt and I complemented him on it. He seemed pleased so I risked asking where he bought it, he replied a thrift store. Not exactly the reply I expected. Still, it was fine. When we parted, we were both laughing. 

Just the other day, I struck up a conversation because I was curious what the abbreviation was on his cap. We talked for about five minutes after that. Actually, he was happy to do most of the talking and I enjoyed listening. 

Cars are a good way to start a conversation. I have found that people love to talk about their cars, or motorcycle. If you’re not careful, you can let the time slip away and before you know it, you can let 20 or 30 minutes slip away from you. It has happened to me more than twice.

I went to see Desert Song out in Anaheim, CA, I guess it was around 1967. After, I saw a man getting on his Honda 305 and I complemented him on it. Next thing I knew we were talking motorcycles. Then, of all things I found out he was one of the cast. Go figure. Yeah, I told him how much I enjoyed the show to. Not sure, but the just might have embarrassed him some.  Well, it was good he knew I liked it anyway. 

I complemented a man on his pickup one day. I think he was waiting on someone to say something about it. Yep. We talked for about fifteen minutes. It seems the truck had been in an accident and he got it for about half price. He was really proud of it and rightfully so. I thought he’d driven it off the lot new. I think, in a way, he was more proud of the price than if it was new. Getting it for half the normal price was a real feather in his cap. Sure made me envious. Considered making him an offer but I really don’t think he wanted to sell it. 

If aliens arrived tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d ask them?

Ask them if they have methods for dealing with telemarketers, otherwise known as professional pests. 

What personal mantra or philosophy guides your life?

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Back in 1967, I entered Marine boot camp—a span of years I’d rather not calculate. Throughout that formative period, our instructors drilled into us a crucial lesson: the importance of planning. Though their methods have likely evolved, I’m confident the Marines continue to champion this principle.

Over the decades, I’ve come to recognize this advice as among the most valuable I’ve ever received. Looking back, I wish I’d embraced it more completely at the time, even though I thought I had.

Here’s the critical point: delay planning, and your options shrink. The longer you postpone it, the fewer choices remain available to you.