Out of the Wilderness

Sometimes I’m a Sea World attraction

As far back as I can remember I’ve been afraid to sneeze in public. Weird, right? But when it happened, I felt like a Sea World whale and everyone around me was in the splash zone, if you know what I mean. My sneezes could be a forceful mess like Shamu’s blow hole. That’s really embarrassing as a kid! I’ve become less afraid as an adult, but not because my sneezes are any more predictable, I just care less about what people think. With that said, if you’re ever around me in a public place and I sneeze, don’t say “God bless you!”… say “Good job!” Then dry yourself off.

-Out of the Wilderness

How a washing machine almost made me break down and cry

I did not see this coming on a random Friday night while I was tuned in to Shark Tank. A commercial came on and with every second that passed, I became more emotional and drawn in. The video montage of families interacting, the sound of “You Are My Sunshine” strummed leisurely on a guitar. As if the person playing it is sitting on a stool in a dimly lit room, with a second to themselves, thinking about the one they love, lost in tranquility, and while their heart is full, they smile.

The melody continues as the scenes begin tugging at your heart. How you can love better. Remembering the ones that love you. That was enough for me, but then I nearly lose it when Johnny Cash starts singing the chorus. Wow. Good commercial, Whirlpool, good commercial. When you think you’re ready, check it out below.

Thank a Veteran

There are a lot of things a young child will believe about their father simply because they don’t know any better. He can do nothing wrong, he’s a hero, he’s the strongest, the smartest and can beat up all your friends dads. I believed all those things about mine but now as an adult, I know better. And what I know is this: he was, and is, all those things and more!

He’s a great example of how to serve, to be humble, to work hard, to laugh, to have a soft heart, to compete, to not take the low road, to pay attention to details, to love, to give, to sacrifice, to love God and to love country.

Today, just like every other day, I’m thankful for his service to America. Not only did he single-handedly win the war for us in the Persian Gulf (he served as captain of a fleet of ships in Desert Storm), but he gave 26 years of his life to the Coast Guard. No one can argue that that’s not a man right there.

Having him in my life is enough… but I was also so lucky (I rather call it blessed) to have 2 grandfathers that also served and served in battle during World War II. Great men in the Wilder and Davis family, great men.

America is better because of their service to it. Plus, my dad really can beat up your dad.

-Out of the Wilderness

(Pop and Grand-Daddy below)

How my mom wakes up her adult (and vegan) son

I was in my hometown recently visiting family. Always a good time. Always. Except when my mom walks into the room where I’m sleeping and wakes me up to tell me about vitamins I should be taking. Then this… “I’m worried about you being a vaygan.” Yes, she pronounced it vay-gan. Do I like being woken up to life advice? No, not really. But it beats her tactics when I was in high school: turning on the light, turning off the fan.

So cruel.

-Out of the Wilderness

Front end car brake lights

I’m not shy about telling people I came up with the dual sliding doors for vans. It’s just that I was a little kid and didn’t know what to do with that idea. Well, here it is. My next big idea. It’s going to be a gigantic success as soon as people realize the need for it. Are you ready? You’re not ready. You can’t handle the truth. OK, here it is… brake lights on the front of cars. I know, right?

When I’m turning left and crossing oncoming traffic, it would be nice to see that the car barreling towards me at 50 mph is slowing down. Or if highway traffic in front of me is coming to a standstill, I can check the rear view to confirm the guy behind me is aware, and braking.

You heard it here first, folks!
-Out of the Wilderness

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