Geronimo! A Space Program

OakMonster.com - Explore the Universe

Doctor Who may be new to my almost-36 years old life, but even before I know the catch phrase, I’ve always wanted to see the stars. I told Brandon that if we ever won the lottery, I would definitely buy a seat on Virgin Galactic flight. And that got me thinking. Space exploration has always been an inspiration as a science nerd and overall imagination. Oh, the possibilities!  Instead of me fulfilling my own bucket list, what if I can inspire the next generation of young nerds by sending them to the see the stars? So here’s my thought. I...
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Five for Friday: Running, Camping, Drinking, and Chris Hardwick Envying

OakMonster.com - Run Disney

Five for Friday is a weekly series (and at the rate I’m blogging…pretty much the only posts these days it seems, LOL) about the five new things I learned each week. It could be anything from a new recipe, new skills, or a new life lesson. Fireball Whiskey When I go to USC football games, I hang out at Psychogate, the official tailgate of Roy “USC Psycho” with whom I’ve been friends since college. While Jagermeister has been the alcohol of choice, this week, we were introduced to Fireball Whiskey. I feel like calling this sweet cinnamon awesomeness a whiskey...
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Five For Friday: Aquarium, Terrarium, and Bacon

OakMonster.com - Franklin's new succulent terrarium

Five for Friday is a weekly series about the five new things I learned each week. It could be anything from a new recipe, new skills, or a new life lesson. Aquarium of the Pacific’s Discounted Late Nights I love the Aquarium of the Pacific more now that I have experienced it in the night time with barely another soul in sight. The Aquarium offers discounted late hours admission in the summer from late July through Labor Day. For $14.95, you can roam the place from 5-9 p.m. Through a looking glass. @aquariumpacific A photo posted by oakley boren (@oakmonster)...
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Five For Friday: So long peanut butter pie, hello dance walking

Hooters Peanut Butter Pie is no more

Five for Friday is a weekly series about the five new things I learned each week. It could be anything from a new recipe, new skills, or a new life lesson. Welcome to the Five For Friday: Saturday edition! Because I’m a dork and I sent the publishing time wrong. LOL  I also learned something else new when I went out for a walk this morning. So…here you go! I Gained 10 lbs. For Nothing Well, I’m sure you’ve already read about my disappointment of not being able to donate blood despite finally having met the weight requirement. Le sigh…...
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Don’t Cry Over Un-spilled Blood

OakMonster.com - Almost a first-time blood donor

Today is the 5th anniversary of my mom’s passing.  And I have planned on donating blood in her honor.  This would’ve been my first time ever donating blood. That’s right. Would’ve been. Read on. My older brother has been giving blood for years on his birthday and either on mom’s anniversary and/or her birthday.  Here in the U.S., you have to weigh 110 lbs./50 kg. to be able to give blood among many other eligibility requirements.  For 19 years, I never weigh enough. Finally, I’m fat enough to qualify! I checked the Red Cross website and read up on what...
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Five for Friday: New Things I Learned This Week

Of course, I’ve been stuck on a writer’s block lately despite having all the time on my hand. So, I thought writing about 5 new things I’ve learned or am learning during the week would be cool. 15 minutes a day to a clean house Sure, I have all the time in the world now that I’m going on the 17th month of being mostly unemployed. But cleaning is still not my favorite thing to do.  Pinterest proves to be a useful and inspiring time suck as I found a few tips to help me get on top of this...
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