I am not a people person. Don’t get me wrong—I love my family and friends—but when it comes to strangers, I’m often seen as the big, grumpy guy. Part of the problem is my size; I’m tall and (well, not so heavy now) still imposing. Combine that with my decidedly introverted personality, and you’ll understand why I can go an entire day without talking to anyone and not even notice. I live in my head, and honestly, I like it there.
But lately, I’ve wanted to change. Now that I’m retired, I no longer have those daily interactions with coworkers that drove me a little nuts but also kept me connected. These days, I read, write, and take lots of photos. (I’m not counting YouTube—that’s “research.”) However, I’ve realized that if I don’t make an effort to connect with others, I’ll continue this wonderful but solitary life indefinitely. Maybe, just maybe, adding a few more voices to my life could be rewarding. So far, it’s working.
A Day at Seal Beach
Today, I went to Seal Beach to photograph birds from my 2025 California birding bucket list—yet another great hobby for an introvert. The crisp sea air carried the faint scent of saltwater and seaweed, mingling with the occasional hint of lingering smoke from the Palisades fire. Pigeons cooed nearby, and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the pier’s pilings provided the perfect soundtrack for my walk. Instead of my usual grumpy, inwardly focused stride, I made a conscious effort to engage with the people I passed. I smiled and said “hi” or “good morning.” To my surprise, I ended up having actual conversations.
I chatted with a fireman, a group of Filipino elders fishing off the pier, a man walking with his African grey parrot, and a bundle of older women out for their morning walk. I met the “pigeon lady” (pictured below) and spent 15 minutes talking with an 88-year-old dolphin spotter at the end of the pier. He traded stories with me and shared tips on spotting dolphins. It was wonderful—an unexpected connection that left me smiling. The experience was capped off perfectly when I saw my first dolphins of the year: three leaping offshore, followed by another two a moment later.
The dolphin spotter and I reminisced about body surfing at the Wedge and Huntington Beach—him in the 60s, me in the 70s. We both shared memories of dolphins riding waves alongside us, a magical moment that brought us back to our youth. I could tell he enjoyed reminiscing, and I certainly did, too.
As someone who once avoided even small talk, I couldn’t believe I’d spent nearly an hour chatting with strangers on the pier. It’s amazing how a simple decision to smile and engage can turn a solitary morning into a meaningful, memorable experience. Writing about it now, it feels almost surreal—like I’m writing about someone else.
A Great Day for Birding
I also managed to check five birds off my 2025 birding list, including a stunning photo of a Northern Harrier in flight. Even more exciting, I spotted a yellow-crowned night heron for the first time, along with two other firsts. It was a productive morning, both for my camera and my soul.
This year’s birding project feels different. For the past 40 years, I pursued this passion alone. When I saw a new bird, I might tell my wife or sons, but that was it. The sense of accomplishment and wonder was mine alone. When I’d share with coworkers that I was a birder, I’d get that look—you know the one—that said, “This doesn’t compute.” People didn’t believe me. It was so incongruent with my hard-driving work persona that some even joked I must be making it up to seem more human.
Trust me, birding is as real as it gets for me. It didn’t fit the image of who I was at work, but it’s who I’ve always been.
New species for 1/14/2025:
- Western Gull
- Glaucous-winged Gull
- Western Grebe
- Heermann’s Gull
- Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Missing My Wife
Normally, I take these short trips with my wife, but she was stuck working in her home office today. I missed her so much that I hurried home after the outing. Even after 45 years together, I’d still rather spend my time with her than do just about anything else, including talking to strangers and birding alone. Of course, I brought her a little treat—chocolate chip cookies from Sweet Jill’s in Seal Beach. If you know, you know.
Reflecting on Change
This morning reminded me that change doesn’t have to be dramatic or forced. Sometimes, it’s as simple as smiling at a stranger or stopping to appreciate the way sunlight dances on the water. Retirement has been a transition, but days like this make me realize it’s not just about what I’ve left behind—it’s about what I’m building now.
Peanuts In My Pocket 
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