We're visting @corinnestokes' family in Oxnard for Christmas. Yesterday we saw Star Wars so I'm no longer afraid of the Internet.
No more fear of...
Today we went to the beach in Ventura and had a great time walking around, playing in the sand, enjoying a meal, and playing a little Pokemon Go (we got into 4 gyms and caught a bunch of new Pokemon).
The kids (mine and my nephew) enjoyed climbing on this bike rack as soon as we got there.
The pier was great.
Kids love the sand.
Fish and chips with a beer hit the spot!
At one point my father-in-law said, "Hey, Luke, there's a story about bitcoin." I thought he was joking as I've been checking the cryptocurrency prices constantly, and we've been talking about it a lot. I was off to the beach and quite proud of myself for not checking the price while walking around (especially with the price crash that happened today). Then I realized he wasn't joking.
When I looked closer, I saw it. Sure enough, stories about bitcoin can not be escaped.
Something else that was really cool to see was this nativity scene with a bench built with carefully stacked rocks.
It was a fun, relaxing day.
I hope you're having a great holiday season with family and friends as well.
Also, thanks so much for your witness votes! I made it has high as 12th today which is a record for me.
You have such a lovely family. I don’t just mean that on the surface level. Yes, literally you guys are all pretty to look at, but also there is a genuine energy of closeness and love about you guys. 💗
I enjoy it when you post about your travels together. You guys give your kids a good education, in school and in the larger world through these adventures! And I LOVE your openness. You don’t hide who you are, what you’re about, where you go, or your family. I see the discourse with @doodlebear above and can’t agree with you more. It’s not living if you stay quiet and hide just to stay safe. So you keep doing your thing, take reasonable precautions, and enjoy your life.
Thank you for your support of my page and for being an outstanding member of and contributor to the Steemit community. Hugs 🤗
:) Thanks for always being so supportive and encouraging.
I just posted last night about our day of sailing. I look forward to much more traveling in the future.
Right now, a little California sunshine sounds quite appealing... hope you guys have a great time!
On the topic of "Bitcoin in the news," here's one for you: I'm driving home from work this evening, listening to my usual alt. rock radio station out of Victoria, BC... DJ gets to reading a bit of news...
"... in business news, the cryptocurrency markets took a dive yesterday with Bitcoin leading the way, but for those of you who have been following this for a while, you'll know this is NOT an unusual occurrence. The question is, will the market bounce back, yet again? And if you haven't checked it out, you really should as this is sure to become the way our generation will handle money. Meanwhile, in sports..."
It was just so... almost surreal... that I wasn't even sure I'd heard what I just heard. But I had. What's more, he said "cryptocurrencies," not just "Bitcoin"
Hah! That's amazing. I've been hearing similar things because Corinne's parents have the news on all the time (normally I rarely watch mainstream news). It's just so strange to hear some people talking about it who actually know what they are talking about! One guy, when asked what he's doing, talked about how he bought the dip around $11k! Impressive. :)
It was "a moment," for sure. The only time I listen to commercial ANYthing is that 15 minutes to and from work.
Feels like 2017 was the year where cryptos went from purely being "Monopoly money for nerds" to something more tangible. And, as you said, people who know something are now part of the dialogue. And the default setting is no longer "oh, it's just a scam!"
But it also made me think of how quite a few (many?) of us who live inside the cryptosphere perhaps become really focused and end up creating our own little echochambers... where we don't get exposed to what the "outside world thinks" very often.
Example: I try to pitch Steemit to fellow content creators because I know it's awesome... but it's an uphill battle. Maybe I should start simply asking people what they know about "digital money" and simply listen to their concerns.
That is awesome to hear. The money section of our local paper did a story this week about TD Ameritrade offering futures. The author referred to bitcoin as a fad and a "mysterious" cryptocurrency.
Looking innocent ...Good photography ...Thanks for sharing..Best of luck...
Would you like to see my bunghole?
Yes my friend...😁😁😁😁😁😁
@nnajmull As per the promise you made on my blog recently, I am really hoping you can start to make more meaingful comments to get the discussion going. “Thanks for sharing” just doesn’t cut it. I will be checking back and hope to reward you for quality comments or posts in the future.
Hi @lukestokes. The best part about your post was the line “......quite proud of myself for not checking the price”. It struck home to me. I have the price of bitcoin constantly displayed on my watch, iPhone and computers. It’s hard not to check it every few minutes - except when it is plunging, and the desire to check then somehow goes away.
What’s worse, I have a weird sound alert on my iphone for every big price chaange. It’s like that outer-space sound from the wombles or the movie “Mars attack”. A warbling “oooooooaaaaaa” sound. It’s such a weird sound that it turns all the heads - people think the aliens are landing. I turn my head too and look behind me as if it’s not my phone. It goes off after every $500 price change. You can imagine I got quite a few “warbles” in the last few days.
Turning to another topic, I was listening to steemit radio (MSP waves on Discord), and was surprised to hear you as part of the show. (It was 4AM here, so it must be nearly midnight for you?). I would like to listen to the show again as there was some great “unknown” information which was disclosedd which should positively affect the price of steem. I think at the end they said it would go on youtube. I would love to get the link.
Hahah... yeah, probably need to cut back a bit on the sounds and notifications or your devices will start owning you instead of you owning your devices. :)
Ah, you must have heard a replay. They do quite a lot of them. I've toyed around with the idea of doing a more consistent show of some kind. I've been asked by multiple people to do a podcast type thing, but right now I enjoy the freedom to work on my business and be flexible with my time to research cryptocurrency projects and make some trades (not to mention spend time with my family). That said, I should probably do more YouTube videos now and again. I do enjoy the free-flowing format.
Yup, it must have been a replay! I heard the same show again tonight as another replay. It sounded live as the bitcoin prices were mentioned.
Do you miss living in the CA?
Nice you have Corrines family there so you can at least get a taste of it once on a while.
The nativity scene was pretty awesome. Surprise some young punks haven't knocked it over.
Man, I miss it so much. We considered moving back a while ago, but the cost of living is just so high. Maybe someday if cryptocurrency keeps going up, we might reconsider. Part of me thinks if I'm going to move, I'd like to move outside of the U.S.
I have some family here as well with my sister and brothers. We'll be hanging out with them on Christmas and a few other days sprinkled around. We're going sailing together on the 26th as well.
Yeah, I was worried my son might be one of those young punks. Thankfully he resisted the urge.
@lukestokes - Some amazing pictures. I am so happy to see you enjoying some time off with family. It is something that we all live for. Especially, the whole family picture with fish and chips - can be used in the advertisement for a happy family I think :)
It was funny to see that bitcoin stories followed you on your vacation too! LOL
Of course, the story was in trash on the beach (perhaps appropriately reflecting market sentiment on bitcoin price crash at the moment? LOL)
Thanks for sharing. Upvoted.
Regards,
@vm2904
Hahah. Yeah, with the day the markets had, it was kind of trashy, that's for sure. It's neat to see quite a bit of my portfolio recover though. I even had some low buy orders for BitShares that hit, so that's cool.
You are good at this crypto and altcoins stuff. I am trying to learn more by following a master :)
I bought some Ripple and it has stood good even through the crash so I think I am a good pupil LOL
Hahah... only I would have suggested not buying XRP. Heheh. I know it will make a lot of people rich, but I'm not a fan. It seems to me to be a bit centralized and a little too close to the banksters. I'm a bit idealistic in what I support, I guess.
I understand. It was just a quick foray - almost like trading to test waters, I am still reading up a lot of stuff and I share your views on supporting more independent things.
thanks for sharing @lukestokes.
hopefully his holiday was fun and have a nice day to you.
Thanks! Having a blast so far.
@lukestokes Merry Christmas to you and your family..........and a Happy Crypto New Year !
Thank you! I like the sound of "Happy Crypto New Year" :)
@lukestokes looks like you guys are having a great holiday :) Ventura is a very lovely area. Check out Laguna Beach if you're near it... Best wishes and Merry Christmas :) - @splendorhub
I love visiting Laguna and the many art galleries there. It's been a while since i've been down there. I grew up in Huntington Beach.
Oh wow..small world :) Best wishes.
god less you all dear you have an awesome family @lukestokes god protect them all forever.....I'm so impressed with your photos they took my mind ...wish you all the est and have an exciting nice time
Thats how I remember California, mile long piers. Longest is the country
The scene is very beautiful and your family is very happy. I really like the kids, they are lovely @lukestokes
Thank you!
wonderfull tour and u enjoy it fully and also kids look so many enjoy this and all shot u share are wonderfull also the shot with make with stones merry christmass @lukestokes sir
Merry Christmas to you as well!
Cool stuff mate! Thanks for sharing!!!! :)
What did you find was the coolest bit?
Awesome outing! Happy Holidays! I love the nativity (creche') rocks. THAT rocks! :)
It was pretty amazing to see. I was so worried my son wouldn't be able to resist knocking it over. Thankfully he didn't mess it up.
sometimes kids just know better.
i want to go this place for my spend holidays
I saw your star war post on facebook.. beautiful blue sky and enjoy your family time!
Thank you! We're having a great time so far. Very relaxing.
Nice sir, seems that you all are enjoying christmas holidays....
Sounds like a great day with the family man, that's a really amazing nativity you found there too, I'm impressed. I'm also started to be suprised how mainstream the crypto discussion is becoming, even though most people seam to have it all wrong.
Yeah, that rock set up was amazing.
Most people do have the cryptocurrency discussion all wrong. Surprisingly, I'm hearing some people actually get it right! It's just so surreal to hear. "Did he just say what I think he said? Wow, it actually understands what he's talking about." It's fun.
Oh, looking at your pictures reminds me of how much I miss sea. This summer I will be going to see it for sure, even though my skin doesn't like sun too much. Have a wonderful holiday you too with your family!
Thanks Andrew! Yeah, I realize more and more how much the ocean is part of who I am. I miss it so much while in Nashville. The day after Christmas we're going sailing, and I'm really excited about that.
Have fun sailing, and enjoy the views, they are really awesome :)
Merry Christmas Luke and family! Thanks for sharing a little sun and sand with us.
Looking awesome...nice photography..@lukestokes
Happy Christmas to you..
Looks like you had a great time; and yes, you can not escape bitcoin, it's everywhere now ;)
What a wonderful day to be at the beach in California! Enjoy.
What a full of positivity post. Plus, it's sunny there and just the right time to explore and have fun! Thanks for sharing your photos! :)
As someone who lives in California, I hope you are enjoying your time here. Granted I am bit more south than where you are right now. Anyways, have a happy holidays in Sunny California!
I'll be down in Orange County soon. We'll be going back and forth. I grew up in Huntington Beach.
Aww. Very nice, I grew up in Fountain Valley. But I'm near San Diego now.
post very useful for me, thank you @lukestokes, sharing posts very good, creative ideas in issuing posts very unique and useful, I really liked it, it made my mind more deeply.
OMG @lukestokes ! The weather seems nice... Here the holidays is more rainy and dark :D Good to have your kind of post to make us travel a bit ;-)
Rainy and dark is no fun. I hope it clears up for you!
Bueno apreciado amigo, la fe mueve montañas siguen unos proverbios Nos enteramos de cosas y tratamos de hacer lo mejor posible para ser un poco mejores. Gracias por tu post que nos trae infornacion buena para nuestro consumo, mucho éxito
I think bulldozers move mountains, but okay. :)
Haha great post @lukestokes ! I could sure go for some fish & Chips and a Beer right now !! Looks like your haveing a great time with family and friends over the holidays ! Thanks for sharing with us all !🎅🎀🎄🍻
It so hit the spot! The beer they had was really good too. A lot of local brews on tap.
Nice place. Did you build the stones ?
No, I definitely don't have skills for that. It was already there when we got there.
Nice photography
nostalgic clicks.....lovable faces .....keep smiling....
Very awesome picture and i think its picnic party at beach. Nice sharing on holiday @lukestokes
Wonderful background view.
Keep it up
Hello, great work, i liked your post and reward it with upvote.
I'm running budget proposal campaign on Steemit for funding my future STEEM Windows and Android app - STEEMER. If you would like to contribute, please visit my post for details: https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@cryptomonitor/steemer-your-future-steem-blockchain-transactor-windows-android-app-funding-update-23-12-2017
I lived in CA for three years - fantastic winter weather !
(p.s - I tired several time to witness vote you /proxy thing with you - steemit just would not let me, sorry mate).
On the upside, it got me to do something , so @surpassinggoogle has it...for now...
Happy Christmas !
That's odd. Should be as simple as going to https://steemit.com/~witnesses and adding in
lukestokesthen click the set proxy button. You'll need your active key to submit the transaction. Thanks for trying.yup - did that, used active key - tried 4/5 times in total, wouldn't let me do it...sorry.
Did with surpassingooglgle, - first time - maybe you should check it out?...
(I wont bother trying to help you out on the technical issues. lol)
Happy Christmas, matey ! (Christmas day already, here)
Awesome
Awesome impressions!
You have a beautiful family, you can be thankful. :)
I wish you a great and blessed Christmas time with your family. :)
Looks like a fun getaway! I'm glad that everything worked out great after such a harrowing experience. That nativity scene.. oh man, that looks amazing! Happy holidays to you and yours, Luke!
Thanks Jed! You too.
During this festive season of giving, let us take time to slow down and enjoy the simple things. May this wonderful time of the year touch your heart in a special way. Wishing you much happiness not just today, but throughout the New Year. MAY SHINE COME IN YOU
Thank you for the support brotha! This place looks awesome :D
Welcome to my city
You're on 10th place now as witness @lukestokes buddy. Great pictures, happy to see you and your family happy! I hope that the bitcoin story will not end up in the gutter :) Much Love and Happy Holidays
What a beautiful day! Thank you for sharing! What angel babies! Stevealexander speaks highly of you and have been a part of his transformation, always good to witness the effects of a good heart! P.s that rock set up was a beautiful sight ! Be well and merry Christmas !
Looks like a good time was had by all. Somebody probably planted that bitcoin article where they knew you would see it. 🐓🐓
So... you're saying I'm ugly? heheh.
Yes, it is fairly easy to find out where anyone is. Whether or not I post about it, doesn't change that. What holds society together isn't just privacy, it's individuals cooperating for mutual gain instead of primitive competition. The nice thing about the STEEM and BTS blockchains is everything is visible. If someone tried to steal from me, how would they get away with it? Everything is public on the blockchain.
As to my net worth, as it increases, I will have to take additional statistically-reasonable precautions to protect myself and my family, just like most rich people do. They don't rely on police but instead have their own private security measures in place to prevent crime before it happens instead of responding to it after the fact.
Yes, I certainly can. That's what rich people do. If she gets to that level, and it becomes a statistically relevant thing to do, she should.
So far, I have never powered down. Also, BTC isn't anonymous. Criminals have already been prosecuted because of the trail they leave on the blockchain. Clearly, if I or my family was harmed and anything happened to my Steemit account, that would be a clear path of evidence for people to follow which may lead to apprehending the criminal.
At what frequency? Statistically speaking, how likely do you think this is for a given account worth, say, over $100k?
Based on the statistics you envision, what precautions do you think are rational?
What I won't do is act in fear. Much of the mainstream media and government news today makes its money off selling fear. They use statistically irrational and irrelevant events to get whole groups of people to make irrational, fear-based decisions. I refuse to be a part of that.
@doodlebear. I am very interested in your comments about security and the blockchain visibilty. Please do write a post addressing this isssue. You can see why it is a concern to me. Big upvote from me for an extremely pertinent comment.
Thanks Dan! I definitely appreciate this comment coming from you. :)
I hope to do a lot more travel blogging in the future as our family travels more.