Well as usual, I run about 30 days behind the latest trends. I like to let things marinate. Is it a fad? Is it sticking around? I’m basically the human version of “let’s circle back next quarter.”
Kind of like that Bitcoin thing. First recorded price was about $0.00099 in October 2009. Then in May 2010 someone paid 10,000 Bitcoins for two Papa John’s pizzas in Jacksonville, Florida. At the time that was about forty bucks. I can only imagine the guy today staring at the wall whispering, “I tipped extra.” Story of my life. Always just late enough to miss the parade.

Speaking of trends, Dawn says the only time I’m a trendsetter is when I get dressed unsupervised. Apparently a checkered shirt does not “coordinate beautifully” with striped pants. And I still don’t understand the national outrage over knee-high white socks with shorts and sandals. That was practical. That was bold. That was breathable. I stand by it.

Now the short NBA basketball shorts from the 80s? Nobody won that battle. Those things required confidence and quadriceps.

To be fair, for years I didn’t have to think about what to wear. Service B in the summer, Service C when it cooled off. Ribbons required. Green cover. Shined black shoes. Web belt with a brass buckle polished enough to signal aircraft. In the field it was Woodland Battle Dress Uniform, better known as cammies. Zero creativity. Zero debate. Maximum simplicity. You never stared into a closet wondering if your outfit “told a story.” It told one story: Yes sir.

And let’s be honest, Marines still have the best dress uniforms on the planet. Dress Blues as an NCO with the blood stripe, ribbons and medals? That uniform doesn’t walk into a room. It makes an entrance. We are also extremely humble about this fact.

Anyway, I finally tried one of those caricature things with Dawn, Odie, Loki looking down from heaven, and me. I’m only about a month late to the party. It actually turned out pretty good. Captured the spirit. Got Dawn’s smile right. Odie looked appropriately proud. Loki looked like he’s supervising from above.

Only thing missing?
My white socks.
Some trends fade. Some legends endure. 🧦😎