the Urban Hiker | One minimalist's journey to re-discover his world each day.

N – Nothing

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Myk Carter

This post is about… nothing.

Well, nothing as far as I haven’t prepared anything or put any thought into the letter “N” for this post. Instead, I’m just typing as the thoughts flow.

A little update on what’s being going on in my life perhaps?

So, I’m type II diabetic. Have been for over ten years. Last week my primary medical doctor took me off my medication. I’ve been checking my blood sugars 5 times a day for the past week. I believe I have my sugars undercontrol now with my lifestyle. Urban Hiking playing a huge role, as well as unlimited green veggies. Next, I’m going for getting off the high blood pressure meds. Hoping by end of summer to see some improvements. I never planned on getting off my diabetes medication. Thank you Minimalism.

I’m in a committed relationship, one unlike any other. I’ve been through so much these past three years that I’ve finally decided just to throw it all in the ring with her. So far, so good. I can be me with her. But, I don’t want to be me, I want to be a better version of me. For me. She’ll surely benefit.

I’m currently having some complications with one of my eyes. I’m not sure if its from the glaucoma surgery, but this last month has been trying. I”m finally at a point where I can only do what I can do and leave the rest to… Life? God? Fate? Destiny? I don’t care, you pick whichever one you enjoy. I”m semi-excited about my new glasses. First pair in over 10 years. Sure to be thick. But, I need them to help my eye heal.

Currently, I’m working on moderating my hobbies. Being single, I discovered a slew of new things to do with my free time. Being in a relationship I realize things must change, if I want to be in a relationship. One lesson I learned from my divorce was that all the little things I thought I had to do to be happy, I didn’t need to do so much of. I should have focused on my relationships instead of the internet. I chose the wrong things. This is one reason why this blog is updated as much as it could be. I”m lucky to have found a woman who trusts me and loves me. The best part is we are both willing to work at it.

My head is empty now. Give it an hour, I’m sure the gears will start turning again. Now… I’m thinking about the letter “O”. I want to keep this blog “family friendly”.

I’ll leave it at that.

Posted in Health Benefits, More About | Tagged diabetes, health, love, O, theology | Leave a comment

M – Minimalism

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Myk Carter

Finally! I get to the letter “M”… which is a BIG reason why I started this blog. I won’t go into a big explaination as to what Minimalism is, or how to live it. There a lot of other blogs, which I’ve read, which in turn have inspired me to live this way. Hopefully this blog will show the results of a minimal life. What I will do is list a couple of my favourite ones.

Living with just what we need. If it doesn’t serve a purpose, you don’t need it. Having less, means having to take care of less, which means you will have time to do more of what you really want to do. I didn’t realize that all these sayings had a word. Alone, they are great ideas, but I never realized that they all fit together to form a concept of how to live life. For me, once I found out that “Minimalism” had a name, it all clicked!

Minimalism has to be one of the biggest life changing ideas I ever embraced in my life. The idea that I could live a life with LESS material things, to gain MORE spiritual (not sure if there is a word for this, but spiritual is close) is EXACTLY what I needed once I found out about it. As a result… I’m still busy with my life, but I’m busy doing things like: spending quality time with my kids, Urban Hiking, blogging, sleeping… and loving…. <3

To ME, this is what my life is about. I wish I could go on and on about it, but it would take a LIFETIME for me to completely explain how I feel today, but hopefully once you start down the road, you’ll understand.

Here are a couple blogs I visit at least once a week (if not daily):

http://www.zenhabits.net (I actually found this blog before I knew what Minimalism was, I actually didn’t start reading it more until the other blogs kept referencing back to it.)

http://www.bemorewithless.com/ (One of the first ones I discovered)

http://www.becomingminimalist.com (Another one of the first ones I found)

http://www.charliebroadway.blogspot.com (He posts a lot about politics and religion, but it’s his ideas on minimalism that keep me coming back.)

http://everydayminimalist.com/ (She has a different view on minimalism, but I enjoy the blog because it offers that different view. Living with only what we need varies from person to person. I may not agree with all her posts, but the ones I do, I really enjoy.)

http://www.theminimalists.com (This is the newest one I found (within the last few weeks, as opposed to the first ones I found about a year ago. So far I’m really enjoying their perspective, two authors for this blog.)

Along the way I have found a lot more blogs about Minimalism, but over time they didn’t consistently provide the information I was looking for, so in true minimal fashion I let them go (un-bookmarked them) but that doesn’t mean I won’t enjoy them again. In the mean time, less blogs mean more time to enjoy each blog. Meaning more time to do other things I enjoy in my life… see… like living a life trying to get more stuff, living a life with less can be just as much as a challenge, but a less stressful and more meaningful challenge.

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

Posted in Health Benefits, More About | Tagged life, love, M, minimalism | Leave a comment

L – Love

Posted on December 18, 2011 by Myk Carter

Funny how I’ve reached the letter “L” and I’m experiencing love again in my life… I could rant on and on about my experiences about love and the lessons learned, but I won’t. At least, not in this post, maybe over time you’ll learn to understand what I have to say. This is the post that deviates from my original formula of being having a blog based solely on the subject of Urban Hiking. My life is not my Urban Hikes, but it gives me focus to figure out what my life is about.

When I first started Urban Hiking, I hated it. In fact, I didn’t even recognize it for what it was. It was a opportunity to change parts of my life for the better. ~~I still don’t enjoy the first 15 mins. or so~~, I’m starting to look forward to the first 15 mins. of the hike and often hit that wall where I want to stop but I’m always happy that I finish it. Life has put me in a situation where I can either embrace the changes in my life, or continue fighting them. Either way change will happen when its ready to happen, we can only control so much (if anything) in our lives.

Urban Hiking is a shift in perspective. I only wish I had the willpower to follow through with it before life presented it to me in the manner it did. But, grateful am I, who recognized it as a gift. I can now happily say it’s a part of my routine and I actively look for opportunities to Urban Hike more often. Words can not even express what I want to say about it. At least not entirely.

It is because I shifted my perspective that I have changed. Urban Hiking has caused both a physical change and mental change in me. I have witnessed a change in my physical appearance, and have learned to push my limits and recognize when enough is enough. I have seen people begging, helped those in need, witnessed the good and the indifference in people, learned to become more understanding, and so much more… I have been humbled. Through all this I have come to understand more about what love is… and then life brought her into mine.

I can only hope that life continues to allow me to have her in my life… <3

I love you Chris

Posted in Health Benefits | Tagged fun, L, life, love | Leave a comment

K – Knife

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Myk Carter

K is for Knife…

I’ve always loved having a knife. As I strive to live a minimalistic lifestyle I find it is one tool in my gear that has proven itself useful time and time again. Living in a modern society (with laws and corporate policies) I find it harder and harder to carry this tool with me in public, but on the occasions that I can, I find it invaluable.

In regards to Urban Hiking, I personally don’t feel there is any particular “brand” of knife you must have, but rather find a knife that best suits your needs. There a many types and styles of knives out there, and qualities will vary. A little time and online research will turn up information on knife costs and brands. The knife I currently use is a “cheap” ($15.00) quick deployment (not switchblade or automatic) folding pocket knife with a tanto style blade, with a partial serration on its 3 1/2 inch blade. I couldn’t tell you what the type of steel it is, but I’ve had it for about 8 months now and there is no rust.

There are several reasons I chose this knife:

1. Cost/Quality: If I lose the knife, it is stolen or I give it away, the knife wasn’t that expensive to begin with. At this price the quality is better than a “Dollar Store” knife, but since its Urban Hiking (versus outdoor survival in the Amazon) its more cost effective compared to some of the better quality knives (around $50 – $100). I’m not out to impress anybody with it, just myself.

2. Style: The quick deployment is a gimmick, and I admit it looks cool to me. The Tanto blade reminds me of the japanese Katanas (swords) and its style also appeals to me. In hindsight though (as I learn more about minimalism) the style is really not essential, except to your mind. As I learn to live with less I am learning to be more grateful with what I have, and the more grateful I become, there more I find beauty in the simplest designs.

3. Blade Length: This has more to do with laws than preference. In my city, the legal limit for a pocket knife is 3 1/2 inches. A sheath style knife (longer blade, full tang) is legal if its visible, but people tend to frown upon the sight of a knife in public. Even though the knife can be used a weapon (for self defense preferably, animals AND people) its function is primary as a tool. (standard cutting, improvised eating utensil)

One thing people are often confused about with minimalism is that they think its about living without, but its really about living with just what you need, nothing more, nothing less. And needs vary from person to person. As long as its serves a utilitarian purpose, you will find you don’t need extras of things, especially in a society where replacements are just a big box store away. Having a knife is a valuable and functional part of Urban Hiking (when you can carry one.)

Posted in Gear/Equipment | Tagged equipment, gear, K, knife, self defense, stuff, tools | Leave a comment

Quote of the moment

Posted on September 19, 2011 by Myk Carter

“If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk.” ~Raymond Inmon

Posted in Quotes | Tagged Q, quote, Quotes | Leave a comment

J – Jogging

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Myk Carter

So I’ve decided to add some jogging to my Urban Hikes… the main reason is because I want to get to a point where I can run for an hour non-stop. This will allow me to run/jog to the bus stop in the morning to catch the bus instead of driving to the bus stop. I don’t have a time frame as to when this will be done, because I understand I have to make it a part of my routine, my life, or I won’t maintain it. I’m not in a hurry, I’ve made the Urban Hikes a part of my lifestyle now, so they aren’t work, they just… are a way of life.

So I pretty much have started with jogging until I tire, then instead of stopping I just walk as fast as I can (to rest) then jog again. It’s tough to do… but makes me love the hiking that much more. I’ve been doing this for about an hour, trying to get it in 3 to 4 times a week. The fall weather helps though. I may have to cut back though once the snow hits the ground, but I’ll continue the hikes and start the running back up in the spring. I’ll have a good start for 2012 by doing this.

I’m just happy I survived triple temperature hikes this summer. I’m going to savor the fall hiking and be ready for the winter hikes. I’ve got my winter hiking boots ready to go!

Posted in Gear/Equipment | Tagged boots, J, jogging, winter | Leave a comment

I – Interest

Posted on September 1, 2011 by Myk Carter

Being interested in something will only get you so far. It’s the action that’s difficult to do. Not just the action, but the continuous action of doing something. Being motivated isn’t always the problem. The problem is how does one continue to do something, even after the motivation wanes?

All my life I’ve had various interests in various subjects. I’d start all gung-ho on something only to find myself losing interest over time. Generally this isn’t a problem as there is so much to experience in life. The obstacle becomes when I have to continue to do something because I NEED to but don’t WANT to.

When I was diagnosed diabetic over 10 years ago it was very had for me to take. These days I look back at the struggles I’ve faced and realize that it took diabetes for me to live a healthier life. I wish it was just easy for me to say, “Hey, I’m diabetic, no problem, I’ll just start exercising and eating healthy” but I would be lying to you. It was and still is a struggle. But, over time, I’ve learned how to live this “new” life and am a bit excited in finding new ways to succeed.

Recently I’ve added short runs to my urban hikes. I had an epiphany the other day. If I could condition myself to run for 1 hour without stopping, I could run to the bus stop instead of drive my car. That would save me money AND be a health boost. I currently drive to the bus stop and then take the bus and walk part way to work (and back). I realize it will take time, but as I look back at my urban hiking and how much my body has adapted to it I’m confident I can succeed. I don’t have any timeline for this, just that each time I urban hike I will start running until I tire then hike (to rest) then run again. Over time I’ll succeed.

I just have to keep at it.

Posted in Fun | Tagged benefits, diabetes, fun, health, I, interest, money, motivation | 2 Comments

Hobo-Style

Posted on May 11, 2011 by Myk Carter

Those that know me (in real life and on facebook) will be familiar with a term I often used to describe some of the food I eat. That term is “hobo-style”.

Eating something “hobo-style” is how I describe, in a nutshell, eating something that is usually heated (and is often already cooked) at room temperature straight from the storage unit its kept in. This term is often used to describe the opening of, for example, a can of ravioli, and eating it straight out of the can.

Eating something hobo-style is practical in this day and age. In an urban environment we are often surrounded with opportunities to eat “fresh” and “hot” meals as we travel through the city. In an effort to save both time and money one can save achieve both by eating meals hobo-style. One can pack these items or purchase them from a variety of sources (thus saving unnecessary bulk/weight) along the trek. Eating hobo-style can be applied solely in the urban hiking sense, but soon you may find its easier just to eat this way daily. Your body doesn’t really care how you eat at the moment, its your mind that will cause you to react with pleasure or “pain”. Once you realize this, food becomes food. It becomes a tool, as it should be used.

Personally, I carry a small military (P38) style can opener with me as well as a hobo-tool (knife/fork/spoon combo) to save money over purchasing pull-tab cans. Of course, this is optional (the can opener) but makes for more flexibility when on the hike.

I mentioned a hobo-tool in the above statement. This is also optional, but some type of tool is needed to actually eat the food. If I don’t have my hobo-tool with me, I often carry the smallest size metal measuring spoon I own in my pocket. Smaller spoon means less weight and easier to carry as well as smaller portions, which will take me longer to eat the food. This in turn will make me feel fuller sooner. Spoons seem to work best, of course though many times you may have to improve with what you have on hand. I’ve used a stick before. I used my pocket knife to make a little “fork” spear tool with it.

Probably the biggest obstacle one might face eating hobo-style is that of social pressure. People may look at your weird when they see you eating like this. Often these are the same people that think its too much work to urban hike and fail to see the benefits associated with it.

Often… these are the same people that say they should go out and exercise themselves, but never seem to get around to doing it.

And you… you are doing it. With hobo-style!

This method of eating just makes urban hiking that much easier to integrate into your new or current lifestyle. Adaption and improvisation at work. And when you decide to sit down to a home “cooked” meal, you’ll soon appreciate it that much better.

Posted in Food, Gear/Equipment | Tagged food, H, lifestyle | Leave a comment

Quote of the moment

Posted on May 4, 2011 by Myk Carter

“A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world.” ~Paul Dudley White

To supplement this blog (because I’m not posting as much as I thought I would) I offer to you… the occasional walking quote.

Enjoy!

Posted in Quotes | Tagged benefits, health, inspiration, Q, Quotes | Leave a comment

Gout

Posted on April 10, 2011 by Myk Carter

I have gout.

What is gout? It’s a type of arthritis that affects the joints. I suppose most arthritis does that. It’s a build up of excess uric acid. That acid then crystallizes in the joints and it makes it feel like shards of glass under the skin. Now imagine that… it feels 10 times worse. I’m not sure how I got it, but I do. But, I’m successfully managing it with medicine, diet and… urban hiking.

This is one of many motivators I have to urban hike. Since I’ve regularly started urban hiking I haven’t had a flair up in months, and a serious flair up hasn’t happened in almost 6 months. That’s about when I discovered that processed meats tend to cause it to flair up for me. Urban hiking allows the crystals to break up, and drinking lots of water helps keep my system flushed.

When I had my first flair up with gout, I had no idea what it was. I went to a podiatrist (because in happened in my foot) and was told I had a bone spur. Maybe it was, they showed me an x-ray of it. Another time it affected my knee and I was sent to a workman’s compensation clinic. I received physical therapy, but no diagnoses of gout. It was my doctor at the time that referred me to a specialist (during one of the worst episodes) where they stuck a needle in my knee to test the fluid build up.

Voila! An answer!

Needless to say, it’s all under control now. One doesn’t really appreciate the fact that they can walk until they can’t. I think that’s also a big motivator for me… I’m thankful I can walk…

So I do.

Posted in Health Benefits | Tagged arthritis, benefits, G, gout, health, pain, prevention, treatment | Leave a comment