Weekend Wrap 9/14/2025

Each weekend, I like to pause, reflect, and look back on the past week. This isn't a deep dive or grand reflection—just a quick review of a handful of things that brought me joy, made me think, or challenged me.

This week, my schedule and routine were just all completely shot. This led to some challenges, many I created for myself. Still, some highlights emerged, and here they are.

Music

I first discovered Green Carnation in 2004, with their album The Quiet Offspring. At the time, progressive metal dominated what I listened to, and this was no different. I instantly became a huge fan. They had a few other albums to dive into, and I was impressed at the different styles they dabbled in.

It wasn't until 2020 that the band reemerged with new music, Leaves of Yesteryear. A powerful album that both honored their past and looked to a new future, it was an exciting time to be a Green Carnation fan.

It took another five years, but now we have A Dark Poem Part 1: The Shores of Melancholia. This is progressive metal for the modern age. Songs are dynamic, melodic, sinister, and somehow hopeful. It's taken a couple of weeks to get into this, and it will take more to digest as a lot is going on here.

But this is a ride I am fully here for.

Games

I get the impression it is de rigueur for "gamers" to crap on Mario Kart World.

I refuse to.

I've never been a diehard Mario Kart fan. I think it is a super fun game to spend time playing with my family. And for that, Mario Kart World is a joy. I've had extra family around for the last few days, and we have had so much fun playing this game. It looks great, runs super smoothly, and the chaos of having 24 racers is a delight.

It's fine for people not to love everything Nintendo did with this version of the game. So much of this is subjective. But for what I am looking for in a Mario Kart game, World is delivering.

Quote of the week

I have many fears in life. Some are rational. Many are not.

But one fear dominates: dementia.

I have some reasons for it. My mom's father suffered from it, and watching that left a huge impact on me. I do many things on a daily basis to counter this fear.

One of those things is trying to learn new things, new skills, and pushing myself. This thought from Eric Barker emphasizes one of the keys as I age. I need to be willing to try, to work, to learn.

I'm not less able in middle age. I run the risk of being less willing.

I try to remember that daily.

What didn't work

My nutrition.

It hasn't been on point for a few weeks. I'm using the excuse of all the changes, the weird schedule, etc. But when you get right down to it, my nutrition hasn't been good at all. And I can tell. I feel it. I need to dial that in. I want to feel better, have more energy, and know that I am fueling my body well.

But right now, I haven't been doing that.

Time to make some changes.

Wrapping up

I have had a couple of really amazing weeks, with big family events. It has been wonderful and joyful.

It has also been extremely chaotic.

My schedule has been different, unpredictable, and I've been off my game. I've managed to work on my habits and have done well. But while I dread heading back to work tomorrow, I am also looking forward to a bit more predictability.

At least, that's what I am telling myself.