I want to start with - I finally got my custom plates, so feel free to say Hi! when you see me riding around Oshkosh! Unfortunately, we are limited to five characters for motorcycle plates and someone already took C0RG1 so I had to take the next best thing - K0RG1. I would love to have both Hans & Ein on it, but maybe when I get custom plates for my future car. Technically, the truck (my truck) is the family vehicle.

You do what you have to do, and take advantage of the random warm weather during the early spring riding season and take the motorcycle out! I love seeing Bear on his Z900 - because we're twinsies!

It happens every year, but it always feels new each time the seasons change. This year, like last year, is very wet. The snow is gone, some places became temporarily swampy, like our neighbor's yard, and the weather is unpredictable more than ever. The past few weeks were a mix of Midwest spring storms, a short-lived wave of warmth, then we plunge back down to 30°F. I am not going to lie, I really am not a fan of spring. 

The rain has brought quite a bit of flooding in Wisconsin, and a lot of nearby places we go to were flooded. It includes locations that were not really in the flood zones, and it's very sad to see the affected families and businesses. Through the devastation, I know that Wisconsinites are tough people - I learned that when I got here. It may not be the famous and popular big cities like Chicago or New York, but our humble state has caring and helpful people all over. 

You should know me, I love looking at the positive. With bad storms come the beautiful skies.

Also, I am always ever so fascinated with the sky - so there's that, too.

Going on a tangent here, as usual, I learned that apparently, not everyone is fascinated by the sky. Or clouds. I love the sky and clouds, always have - hence it's one of my favorite photography themes.

On the first sign of warmth, I took the chance to take the bike to work. I never really thought I would be that person but here I am - riding around with snow still on certain places on the ground. It's not really too bad, and I have to say that I'm pretty impressed with my Cortech Hyper-Flo Air 2.0 motorcycle jacket. See - everyone's talking about Alpinestars and Dainese, but I'm really satisfied with mine. It has a removable lining and it's works pretty well for almost all season. When it gets too cold, I just put a puffer jacket on top of that and I'm all set.

Going to the gym has always been a chore. Surprisingly, I'm starting to like going on a regular basis. I wish I started sooner, and I really wish I prevented myself from gaining this much weight as it's extremely difficult to lose at this age. This elder Millennial is definitely feeling the "elderness" of my body.

I rarely regret my decisions since I'm proud to be the person that I am today, my knees would say otherwise as they're not very happy and comfortable. My belly is saying the same, loss of abs and addition of chin levels - overall, not very amused with myself.

Okay, don't get me wrong, I am not body-shaming myself. See, I don't really think I look bad at all; however, it is frustrating to have difficulty going up and down the stairs and my left knee is not a happy camper, nor is my left elbow. Somehow, I have injured my elbow in the past and it was probably exacerbated when I had my motorcycle accident five years ago so there's movements I really can't do.

Lastly, I don't like how I can't just buy the clothes I want because it either looks weird on me, or well, they don't have my size. I think L and XL are most popular and always gone - but don't get me started with Alpinestars where I may just be a 3XL... and it's out of stock. Drives me nuts!

I think I can do better and go to the gym more often, but trying to be there at least twice a week is a good step to the right direction. I just need to find time and make it a point to do it more often and be more productive!

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to eat brunch with a Pinterest-board perfect ambience, then welcome to The Golden Nest on Oshkosh Ave. I've been here before last year, but this is the first time that Bear got to try it out. I love the theme, and in contrary to a lot of restaurants that lean toward the reddish tones, this place has pops of dark teal, big windows, clean lines, and a layout that feels way fancier than you’d expect from a casual breakfast spot. That being said, it also leans toward the higher price point.

Last time I was here, I really fell in love with their poutine; but, I have to try something new before I start having a "usual".

I tried their Country Benedict, and oh it was so good! One thing I also just recently discovered is adding onions to your hash brown is heaven! Bear tried their Farmland Bowl, and no regrets!

Another thing that you may find delightful - me, not so much as I am scared AF - they have robot waiters. No, the robots will not take your order. You will still be met by their wonderful staff, but they will bring your order. Fancy, but I do not like these robots. Yes they scare me. I run away from them in Fleet Farm and Woodman's. Nemesis.

Enjoy the weekends. Enjoy your days off. I often feel like I do not have enough time, here I am late at night as I write this entry. I am glad, though, to be able to spend my time with family. There was a little bit of good weather and sun, and the puppies sure had a great time!

Hanging out outdoors is never complete without some chicken tending, my little chicken tenders. I even got matching shoes from Fleet Farm!

I have some more plans for the coop and run this coming summer. Now, I am not so sure when that will be put in motion, considering the other plans that we have and, well, our luck of being in a financial pickle at this time.

What better way of unwinding at the end of the day than having some pamper time with my Bear.

Side note, I have been obsessed with buying stuff through this auction app called Whatnot. Needless to say I had quite a good hoard of face masks!

Anyways, we put on our masks, and let the stress melt off while the house finally gets quiet. It’s such an easy way to reconnect after a long day, and honestly, those slow moments where we’re just relaxing side by side feel better than any fancy date night. Afterall, we had a pretty fancy breakfast. It’s our tiny reset button, and it always leaves us both feeling calmer, closer, and ready for whatever tomorrow brings. I hope. Onto work!

As part of our annual tradition, we had our valentine's day having sushi (hence, Sushiversarry) at Sushi Lovers! It's always been one of our favorite places in town, and truly, need I say more?

This place is definitely our go-to, and I will always recommend this if you ever decide to drop by our humble small city. Sushi Lovers is always packed on special occasions and they get pretty busy on regular days - so plan ahead! 

 First of all, I really miss the sun and riding - being out and about. Regrettably, we've had some unfortunate circumstances that will make traveling and enjoying normal life a bit harder. In simpler terms, we're in a financial pickle making us borderline broke. Financial issues aside, my mental health is really getting drained. Both Bear and I are going through tough times and stress is really taking its toll on both us. I'm just grateful that we have each other to wade through this current situation.

I know I have to tough it out, and I'm really doing my best. It's just a bit sad because I do not have the energy to get things done. I know a lot of people would say, don't be lazy, just suck it up and get moving - I wish it was easier to explain what it's like when you're hit with task paralysis. It's not an excuse, and I absolutely hate it. I really do. I mustered up so much power to get myself in my craft room and start typing this entry.

I've had laundry sitting there for three weeks, and I've just managed to fold half that needed folding. I have to iron the remaining half and I really have to do it tomorrow or it will never get done. I let my fish tank get really filthy, and it was a lot of work it clean it up but needless to say, it is now pristine. I waste away sleeping and doom scrolling and the only upside is when we go out to eat and have a little good time.

Sometimes, I sit back and wonder what some of the people who travel a lot do to maintain that lifestyle. I wish I knew about bitcoin back then and invested $100, I'd be filthy rich now. Oh the regrets, but I was also 20 years old and never, in a million years, would I have put $100 on that... unless of course, I knew.

I look outside, the sun has set already - it's another Sunday and tomorrow is the start of a very quick week that will age me another 5 years as I go through it. Enough with the whining, I'll think of something more positive to update. But this is the update for now. 

​I know things will get better.

I would like to boast, I was quite productive this weekend – highly unusual for a weekend alone. Typically, I drift into nothingness and dissolve into doomscrolling and/or bingeing crime shows. As I type this, I realize that there's a lot of unusual good things that took place, not that it's weird, but rather that it's not typical to happen. 

It's the unusually warm weekend for a January-February winter. We just got through the negatives, and it's around 20°F which is amazing. Sunny and warm. I know you'd never say that during fall, but oh it's a lovely day! Ahh.. it's a little warmth to the body, and well, to the heart.

Saturday was the most productive of days. I think I still deserve a lazy day. I have to say, it was quite lovely and I have to thank my wonderful friend, Wiwien, for having lunch with me. Unfortunately, also very unlike of me, I wasn’t able to snap some shots, but we had a wonderful time at Sushi Lovers.
 
We were able to catch up after five years of not seeing each other since COVID. It’s insane how long it took for us to reconnect, but I really think we should make this more often. I really need to muster up some strength to see my friends and not be a total hermit.

After meeting with Wiwien, I quickly realized that we didn’t have photos. Genuinely sad, but I suppose it’s not too bad because it gives an urgent reason to see each other again!

I went ahead to do my usual TJ Maxx run. This time I was hoping to find Glow Recipe Strawberry serum, which I did not find. Of course I found other things. I did, unusually, manage to not spend so much and I just grabbed some lip tint and a cat shopping bag.
 
Now, the highlight of this day is me actually going to the gym alone! I never do that, I never follow through. I go with Bear, but I really never go alone. Today I did and I am glad I did. Also, really glad there were not a lot of people at the gym so it’s a big win! I really rather workout in peace.

After grabbing some veggies for supper, Wiwien messaged me about this sale at Bath and Body. No, I am not doing it. Then she sent me a photo of 3-wick candles for three dollars. How am I supposed to resist that!?!?!?!?!

I absolutely cannot.

Here I was, discovering that the scents I actually want are only $5!!! How can this day be more wonderful? So yes, I hoarded.

Never in my life, not until I moved to Wisconsin, did I ever say – it’s not in the negatives, it’s warm!!
​
That was my first thought yesterday morning when I looked at the weather. It’s warm enough to go through the carwash. See, the truck is all far from pretty with a lot of salt and dried up winter slush. Not only is it not pretty, salt is also not good for any vehicle. A carwash was long due, but you also can’t go through a carwash when it’s extremely cold.

Apparently, I was not the only person with this thought because the lines were insanely long. I first decided to do this after lunch, but oh boy, the line was backed up almost to the street. I was too impatient for that.  
 
When my day was all done, thankfully the potentially one hour wait was down to maybe thirty. I actually did two washes because that was very much needed.

Now it's Sunday, and I'm just doing my regular things. Not too bad, still somewhat productive and I really am glad I got up and sort of accomplished things :)

That being said, it's not so bad. I am safe from exploding trees for the last couple of days. The Polar Vortex has begun and, of course, a lot of people act like it’s a new thing every single year. That and exploding trees.

*pause*

I just re-read what I typed, and I sound quite grumpy tonight. Maybe it’s just me and how I perceive myself. Can you feel my stress through the screen?

Just like the majority of your average American – most of my time is consumed by work, and a lot of times I just ponder and hope it could be a bit different. I don’t want to jinx it, I think 2026 is looking much better – well 2025 was better than how 2024 went, workwise, so I have that lingering hope that it may continue to get better.
 
We all need a little hope, don’t we all?
 
Stress consumes everything. Quite a lot of things have changed in the last six months, and I stopped regularly taking my supplements and going to the gym. That being said, I’m weak, sad, and overall deteriorating. Maybe it’s cabin fever? Maybe it’s seasonal depression? Who really knows, right?
 
I have so many things I’m questioning right now, not that it’s new.  
 
At the end of this evening, still marked safe from Exploding Tress. However, now marked safe from impulse buying. I discovered Ollie’s today. Ah what more can go wrong.

I had two goals - consistent film photography. 
I failed.

What is the November Project, and what does this have to do with film?
​

1. My goal is to take images and just capture life - every single day. Make it a point to capture it, not random, and record it.
2. It has nothing to do with film - but I want it created in film style... like my old Polaroids.

​I need to start somewhere.

I had a Fujifilm Instax, but was unfortunately broken a few years back. I replaced it with a point and shoot film camera, which I accidentally spilled with sunblock. Well, it melted. I haven't replaced it since and I've been thinking of getting both another Instax and a lomography camera.

Unfortunately, I am quite broke.

Literally.

So I need to start somewhere. Let me start with consistency. 

One photo a day.

After that, let's see and perhaps move onto film. Again.

My messy craft room. My messy table. My messy plans for life.

I don't really have any new updates, other than I'm really trying to catch up with everything. Some life plans have gone haywire lately, things aren't going as planned. The direction took a good 45 degree diversion and I'm trying to make certain things work out and what not.

I have the same sentiments, I wish there was more time and energy in a day.

​So much to do, so little time. So much expenses, so little funds.

October is Team Frank Puppy Month! This month we celebrate both our puppies, Hans and Ein. They are absolutely one of the best things that happened in our lives, and celebrating welcoming them into our lives is the least we could do. I just can't believe that it's been that long - this year Hans turned 10, and Ein turned five.

This is one of my favorite origin stories ~ although I love all their origin stories.

Two weeks after I arrived in the US back in 2015, Bear told me to grab the laptop and look at available puppies. We found a website that lists down available dogs for adoption from different shelters and rescues. I saw this pitbull pup, named Denny. On that same day, we visited the rescue to meet this beautiful puppy.

Unfortunately, when we got there we were informed that Denny was actually adopted about a week prior and the website was probably not updated. I was sad, I had my eyes on this pretty pup. They directed me to check their own website and I saw a similar puppy named Timothy. He was a tiny, shy and scared 12-month old Boxer-Lab mix. This little baby looked very sad, and he definitely took my heart just like that. Long story short - Timothy is not thee name, nope! We decided to rename our sweet, baby boy.

Hans came home with us that afternoon and it's been history ever since. It's been 10 years, oh my gosh... He is technically now 10 years and 12 weeks old, he's my senior baby boy.

Ah this origin story is one of manipulation and deceit lol.

In the spring of 2020, we were talking about buying a house but Bear was not sure about this move. We probably couldn't afford it and it's probably not a good move. Well, I knew we could afford. Eyes on the prize. During this period, Bear also mentioned that if we had a Corgi, we should name him Ein from Cowboy Bebop (anime).

I took that as, we are getting a corgi named Ein. I immediately looked for a kennel and got on the waitlist! I told them that I was thinking of getting one by the end of the year or early the following year. Well, they later informed me a corgi liter is going to born in October and would be ready by December. 

Did we have a house ready for a new puppy? No. Should I have said yes to a new puppy? No.

So, I said yes.

What does this mean for us? Well, we now need a house. Another long story short - we applied for a mortgage and we closed on our home in November 2020, pretty much to prepare for the Eincoming.

Ein was born on October 25, 2020, and went home with us in December 20.

This may not be extravagant, we didn't have visitors or a big party - but we had a fun, simple celebration with the babies!

There's so many things I have to do, and want to do. What did I do instead?

I watched Grey's Anatomy. Again.

I want to say that I don't know why this is truly difficult for me. However, knowing the fact why I am like this always just feels like an excuse. Since getting my ADHD Combined Type diagnosis, I have been trying to do some self-help. It's working, somehow. I know I can still improve, and I really do not have any intentions of eventually resorting to any type of medication.

That being said, here I am, struggling with myself.

​It's Sunday, now it's 5:30 p.m. It took me over 15 minutes to type all these, because I ended up searching other things and debated if I was going to extend my Creative Fabrica subscription.

I really need to get rich. I need to clean, clean a lot. I need to hire someone to do it, because neither me nor Bear are any good at this. It's not that I don't want to. I just suck at this. 

I probably need a whole month off.

I feel tired. I need to win the lottery.

​I don't know anymore.

Today, I’m just cleaning — and honestly, I’m not feeling all that great. I debated calling in a few times last week because I’ve been getting migraines here and there. If you’ve had really bad migraines (no, not just bad headaches), you know how they try to hollow out your brain. That being said, the task block is real.

Overall, our vacation was lovely, but now I’m staring down a mountain of chores that somehow multiplied while I was away — rude. If you’ve got ADHD like me, you know it’s more than hyper-focusing on dishes all day and forgetting the rest of the house exists. The struggle to truly get things done is real.

I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it before, but I’ve taken steps to better my mental health. Honestly, I think I half-arsed it a bit, but I’ve now confirmed that I do have ADHD. I never really talk about it, and it’s probably a topic for another day.

Anyway, for example — I’m blogging right now. I should be cleaning, so I really should get back to it ASAP.

I’m slowly getting back into the groove, hoping to catch up on photo updates and sprinkle some new magic into my blog and socials. If you’re waiting for fresh shots, they’re coming — promise! Keep an eye out for updates on kimifrankphotography.com, where the real-life moments I love to capture will be making their way back online. In the meantime, I’ll be over here, trying to remember if I already vacuumed or just thought about vacuuming.

Mai has always been an part of our small family - she is Bear's cousin, which I adopt as my own, and it's amazing to see her grow from the tough and smart baby that she was to this young lady with a bright future ahead. 

We celebrated with her friends and family, and I just couldn't be happier. Mai is a tough cookie, and I am so proud. I know, I know - it may seem like it's just high school - but you see, life is hard and I know our younger generation actually go through quite a bit with how our world has changed.

Okay, enough with the serious talk - what better way to celebrate than go for a ride, right?

Mai better start learning how to ride a motorcycle so she can ride with me.