A personal blog for Michael Mitchell
You ever feel like you're talking to a wall, like nobody is listening? I do—all the time. I feel the same way about writing and blogging. It often feels like I’m just writing for catharsis because no one seems to be reading or interacting.
But maybe, someday, a future generation will stumble upon my writings and think, I can relate, or I know how he felt, or even That’s not a bad idea.
Just thinking out loud again. 🙂
💬 Discuss... ✉️ Email 🦣 Reply on Mastodon
I have a multifaceted plan to restore integrity to the U.S. representative governing system. While I am not naive enough to believe this could happen through Congress alone, I think it is high time the states called for a Constitutional Convention. Such conventions should likely occur regularly, perhaps every 150 to 200 years.
Many argue that calling a Constitutional Convention could lead to states going off the rails—a runaway convention. That is why, before convening, the convention should be limited in scope, and its representatives should pledge not to deviate from the established agenda unless three-fourths of the state legislatures agree to any new items once the convention has started.
This week, I’ve been reflecting on an upcoming medical procedure scheduled for Monday—a routine colonoscopy. While the procedure itself isn’t bad, I truly dread the day before. Preparing for it is unpleasant, but I know it’s necessary for my health. Since I’m high-risk due to previously discovered benign polyps, I need to have one every 3 to 5 years. It’s an expense I’d rather avoid, but it’s essential for peace of mind.
I’ve also been contemplating blogging. Writing has always been a cathartic outlet for me, a way to process my feelings and reflect on life. It’s interesting to look back on how my thoughts have evolved over the years—some things have changed, while others remain constant. In a way, my blog posts capture my growth and maturing.
Even if no one reads my writing, that’s okay. Who knows? Maybe a hundred years from now, someone will stumble upon my words. Perhaps they’ll laugh, cry, or even pause to think.
Now, if only I could get back into reading this year.
#HealthMatters #BloggingLife #PersonalGrowth
Posted originally on Micro.blog
💬 Discuss... ✉️ Email 🦣 Reply on Mastodon
January 19, 1977 I remember this day vividly. It was a Wednesday, and I was there, playing in the snow for a bit. I also remember waking up from my afternoon nap (I was in elementary school at the time) and wondering, where did the snow go? It had melted by the afternoon. That’s the only time I recall snow being on the ground in Tampa, Florida.
#Nostalgia #SnowInFlorida #1977
💬 Discuss... ✉️ Email 🦣 Reply on Mastodon
I noticed a couple of days ago that DSLreports.com stopped working. I thought maybe they were doing some maintenance or having a problem. After a couple of days of trying and doing a little research, and admittedly finding no firm answer, the consensus is that it is offline and has shut down permanently. It shut down unceremoniously and without warning. That site was a great resource for finding savings with your ISP and checking if you were the only one experiencing service problems. It will be missed, and I’m not sure if anyone could step in, though I hope so.
This seems to be a trend happening more and more. The things I use are either dying off or being taken over by billionaires who turn megalomaniac. That is why I am turning more and more to self-hosted or managed hosting for some services that I feel are better suited for frequent upgrades and the ability to handle traffic.
#DSLReports #TechShutdown #SelfHosting #ManagedHosting
💬 Discuss... ✉️ Email 🦣 Reply on Mastodon
I’ve been trying to become more self-sufficient with technology lately. I’ve recently started dabbling with setting up a Raspberry Pi and self-hosting different services. I began with Pi-Hole because I’m just tired of all the ads. While this hasn’t eliminated all of them, it’s removed about 80 percent, which is a big improvement.
I’m also moving away from shared hosting (once my contract ends) because of the WordPress kerfuffle, the high pricing of my shared hosting, and WordPress nickel-and-diming for every little add-on. On top of that, I’ve grown frustrated with how complicated WordPress has become. I believe I’ve found the perfect solution, but all of this comes at a cost. I’m definitely stretching my comfort zone with technology and encountering new challenges along the way.
One challenge I’ve encountered is that most of the best blogging tools are only available for macOS, iOS, or iPadOS. Since I use Windows and Android, I often feel left out in the cold. Writing once and then publishing everywhere I want to is not as simple as it should be. I often find myself either cutting and pasting or using awkward workarounds.
#SelfHosting #TechChallenges #RaspberryPi #WordPress
💬 Discuss... ✉️ Email 🦣 Reply on Mastodon
My Television Habits Have Changed Drastically
I was thinking the other day about how much television I used to watch. I used to sit down about a month before the new TV season began, just after Labor Day, and map out all the new shows—what nights they were on and when they were starting—so I could watch them. I would then make a note or create a makeshift calendar for when the TV shows I watched were returning and check out new shows.
2025 has been a difficult year so far, particularly for California with the devastating wildfires. I really hope the LA area gets the fires under control and that more people don't lose their lives or property. Let's pray for a calmer remainder of the year.
#2025 #CaliforniaWildfires #Faith #Prayer
💬 Discuss... ✉️ Email 🦣 Reply on Mastodon
Thanksgiving is almost done for 2024. I have been thinking of what I am thankful for this year. Number 1 thing I am thankful for is my salvation that our Lord and Savior Jesus gave us all. I am thankful for my family. I am thankful Jesus has improved my health this year through the knowledge and wisdom of my doctors. I am thankful Jesus provides me with a job so that I can meet my needs and enjoy some extras, even though I probably have too many things.
So I have a lot I am thankful for and hope and pray that Jesus carries me forward into 2025 with the list above and improvement. I really want to expand my technology knowledge level. That is a main goal for next year. But I think the biggest goal for next year is to chip away at significant portions of debt. As I approach retirement, I need to eliminate my debts.
Well I hope everyone else enjoyed their 2024 Thanksgiving Day and got as stuffed on food as I did. Looking forward to the new year personally, and as always reflecting on what has come this year so far and just thankful. #Thanksgiving #TechGoals #Faith
💬 Discuss... ✉️ Email 🦣 Reply on Mastodon
OK just watched Alien Romulus and I thought it was a great reboot to the series. Hope they continue with this new line. There were some nods to the original series and sequels with Sigourney Weaver. #AliensRomulus #Movies #nospoilers
💬 Discuss... ✉️ Email 🦣 Reply on Mastodon