It's September now, but this coming week is going to be so hot. Will it cool down anytime soon? I hope so because my fellow camping buddy finally got back to me, and somehow, he is still down to try to go fishing later this month. I understand perfectly that he's a busy man, and so, I'm not surprised at all that I haven't heard from him in months. In fact, I thought he'd forgotten about it completely, but nope, he just got back to me and talking like he's serious! Is this how most other people work though?
Uhh I feel a bit under-prepared for all this, especially with such a short notice. Currently, we don't even have a fishing license in VA, but he insists that we should be able to walk into any Walmart and get it there? I don't know, but since this is all suppose to be fun and relaxation for us, I am choosing to take a more sanguine attitude towards all this chaotic fun. I figure the worst case that will happen is the fishing plan falls through, and we end up just hanging around town to relax and what not. Either way works for me.
Speaking of which, I have another buddy. Let's call him Foodie buddy. Foodie buddy's bucket list dream is to chase down that ultimate Wagyu A5 taste experience. We've learned so far that not all Wagyu A5s are created equal. Not only are there American, Australian, and Japanese Wagyu, but the taste of even the same type of meat is different depending on how it is cooked. Foodie buddy and I have learned that perhaps what we are ultimately looking for could be found in restaurants up in NYC.
Long story short, after discussing it at length, we've decided that the best course of action would be to take a flight and taxi to the two restaurants that has it there (for comparison) during the day, and then fly back home that same night. This would save us money on a hotel stay there, although it would still be offset by the cost of the flight. However, it would ultimately save us on a lot of time, which is what we will be racing against, as he has to get back in time to get back to his work.
To be honest, while he does want to do this, I am not sure if this plan will happen. I suppose if I were to force him and do all the planning for him, I can get him to do it. After all, this was his idea to begin with! Still though, as a natural homebody and self-proclaimed fruggie, I am not sure if I am all that motivated myself....
Spending for my last two months all coasted way under budget, mostly because I don't have anyone calling me or wanting me to go do anything in particular. Well, there was this new Chinese buffet that opened up in town, and Foodie buddy wanted to try it out. That's basically about it. I mean I do cherish hanging out with my friends whenever possible, because otherwise, it can feel a bit depressing just staying at home most days by myself. At the same time though, you can tell the months when we do end up doing something, because then my spending kind of spikes, even though I do try very hard to keep it all under budget.
September 5th, 2026 at 11:49 pm 1788652155
I think your fishing buddy is correct; many Walmarts do sell fishing licenses as well as bait.
Your NYC trip sounds fun, even if it is a rush.
Sometimes you have to spend a little to have those experiences; I imagine you are careful otherwise.
September 6th, 2026 at 05:17 pm 1788715020
September 9th, 2026 at 09:35 pm 1788989726
September 10th, 2026 at 09:31 pm 1789075915
In the mean time, what do think of the differences between the different steaks that you've tried?