neverboringbarretts images

So this has been a project for a while and stemmed from the great gutting of my room. While the ceiling was down and the reconstruction was ongoing, water lines were replaced and the 'poop cave' became more and more dilapidated. While the trim around the window and door aren't stripped yet, I feel it's a good time to share the progress. #neverboringbarretts #diyhomeprojects

Well, another year another project. While the wetworks were being replaced, the downstairs bathroom took some damage. Now's the time to start to rebuild. Wish me luck lol #barrettbedroomproject #neverboringbarretts

Meet the new little one of the Barret clan, Skadi! Well...she's not here yet and still in foster care until she's fixed and healed, but this little grey beauty will be a part of the family soon. #neverboringbarretts #pantheonofbarretts #catsofinstagram

So, some of you may have seen posts from @katethebuttonlady regarding the recent letter we received. In the many years in Forest Grove, this is the first time this happened. Yes, we already reported this to @forestgrovepd and to the @postalinspectors since this was mailed to not only myself but several others in the community. My home is a safe space for those that I'm an ally of and the communities I'm a part of, and this changes nothing...except for now we may just get more flags. The support of my friends and loved ones us amazing and I thank all of you. #pride🌈 #blm #neverboringbarretts #heretostay #safespace

So it begins! #neverboringbarretts #quarantinedemo

This is what you get after 8 hours and about 10 pounds of pears, apples and dates. Sirop de Liège. Yea, new to me too. Thanks Belgium! #neverboringbarretts #idontknowwhatiamdoing #siropdeliege

After a rough night and morning @danya234 sent me some flowers to brighten my day. Damn I love this woman. #feelgoodflowers #neverboringbarretts

Its an amazing thing to be a father. It's even a harder thing to be a good one. Throughout the past few years I've had to keep reminding myself that I'm a good one, that I'm here for my kiddos...both furry and two legged. And it's been over a decade since I started being a dad. I'm not perfect and don't have any thoughts that I am or will be. But what I will be is always here to help mend a wound, comfort a hurt heart, be the best cheerleader i can be, and be the best father for them i can be. I know this time with them at this age is short, and I have enjoyed and savored every moment. To you fathers out there....or the fathers to be i can really only say one thing. Be there, be strong, be love and be kindness. And a shit ton of silly when you can. #neverboringbarretts #fathersday #bethefatheryoualwayswanted

Its been such a long time since I had roses. And it's been a while since I got flowers for Father's Day. Now I have a start of a rose garden with a little Oh My! (Named George) and Ketchup and Mustard (Heinz). #barrettsinexile #neverboringbarretts #flowersforfathers

When you don't have a standing desk at home, you adapt your after work furniture. #neverboringbarretts #quarantine #barrettsinexile

So this is happening....soon #hotones #holdontoyourbutts #neverboringbarretts #feeltheburn

I started a thing last night...officially 😁 #neverboringbarretts #outsideofyourcomfortzone #harttheatrehillsboro #livetheatre

And now that the feast of turkey day and leftover weekend is complete, it's time to head back to the gym and get back into the swing of things. Busy day today with gym, ho-ho shopping, work, and rounding out the day with my first rehearsal since....high school lol! Working outside of my comfort zone and loving it!. Anyways, hope you all also find something today that makes you step out of the norm and challenges you to expand your horizons. Cheers! #neverboringbarretts #happylife #outsideofyourcomfortzone

I am Vinz, Vinz Clortho, Keymaster of Gozer...Volguus Zildrohoar, Lord of the Seboullia. are you the Gatekeeper? #neverboringbarretts #areyouthegatekeeper #keymaster #polypod #halloween🎃👻

Now I'm approved by professionals. Approved for what... I'll leave that to you 😈😁🤣 #neverboringbarretts #therapistapproved #girlfriendapproved

Now all I need to do is make/find a chinstrap. Woot! #neverboringbarretts #barretthalloween

Starting to take shape 😁 #neverboringbarretts #barretthalloween

Really wanting a better grinder atm. #neverboringbarretts #barretthalloween

All is now right in Pepper's world. #neverboringbarretts #dogdad #dogsofinstagram #pantheonofbarretts

Final day in New York state with @danya234 before waking up at 230am to head back home. The family was amazing to meet and I can't wait to see what's in store the next time. It's been an absolutely mind blowing and life changing trip. I can't believe it took me this long to get here, but I'm glad I did do it when I did. #neverboringbarretts #nyctrip #birthdaytrip2019 #nardigirlsarefun #faulksfamilyshenanigans

Sitting down to catch @hadestown and the fact of how close I am to the stage is really sinking in....awesome birthday continues!!! #neverboringbarretts #nyctrip #birthdaytrip2019

Having a little drink before heading across the street to catch @hadestown for my birthday with @danya234 . Front row birthday and first time ever seeing a Broadway show...amazing. #neverboringbarretts #nyctrip #birthdaytrip2019 #broadwaymusical #hadestown

Started my birthday off right. Finally got my teeth into a bagel from @kossars and brought home a sweet treat for later. Now time to get dressed for an amazing afternoon and evening! #neverboringbarretts #nyctrip #birthdaytrip2019 #nycbagels

Im in heaven... @katzsdeli #neverboringbarretts #nyctrip #birthdaytrip2019

No one better start chanting treguna mekoides trecorum satis dee.. #neverboringbarretts #nyctrip #themet

First breakfast with @danya234 in NYC. @eggshopnyc was amazing. Now...onto more adventures! #birthdaytrip2019 #nyctrip #neverboringbarretts

Traditional and obligatory picture of feet at an airport. NYC, here we come! #neverboringbarretts #birthdaytrip2019 #nyctrip

So it begins... #nyctrip #neverboringbarretts #birthdaytrip2019

SIX MORE DAYS!! Then...NYC with the lovely @danya234 and @hadestown , @chumleysnyc for birthday dinner, @metmuseum, @katzsdeli ,....really everything that I can cram into a little over a week. WOOT! #neverboringbarretts #nyctrip #birthdaytrip2019

Frigg in full stop mode. #neverboringbarretts #catsofinstagram

Hello all you wonderful people! I figured that this was as good of a time as ever give a little update. Actually, more of an almost year in review…. Rewind to last year in October. My 40th birthday. Surrounded by my friends and from the exterior it was fun and everyone was happy. But Kate and I weren’t. The cracks and divides between us were evident and exposed to those who knew where to look. And while I loved everyone there, I was in pain. Then came November and our separation which sparked the transformation and evolution into a better person by changing my view toward my family and the present instead of dwelling on possible roads ahead. Kate and I also made the decision that changed our lives for the better. We opened our marriage and hearts for finding what was missing, not knowing what was to come. That may be why I was so blindsided this past May when a special someone sporting a fascinator in their Tinder picture came into view. Between talking about cheesecake, picturing a vintage/retro inspired tourture chamber, and talking about 80’s movies…something clicked. We just fit. Fast forward to the end of June when Kate and I headed to Montana. That was the first time in a long time that I felt at ease with who we were and what the future held. And all through that time, Dana and I continued to talk over the phone every night, filling each other in on the day as our feelings grew. When I got back, I set out on my ‘beach episode’ with Dana, we both knew our feelings had changed into something more. Love. This emboldened me to push more outside of my boundaries and to take more risks. So now in a few weeks, I head to New York for the first time with the best guide I could ask for. This life that I find myself in wouldn’t have been something I could’ve expected nor was I looking for it. But now I can say it is amazing. Kate has found her love as well with her blond bombshell and I have two beautiful, talented, and powerful women that love me for who I am and I love them. So my last word on this #MotivationalMonday is be true to yourself, take risks, and know in the darkest of days something amazing is just around the corner. #neverboringbarretts

@danya234 stopped came by to come to the chalk art festival downtown and brought little Pistol Annie along to visit. Fun times had by both 2 and 4 legged. #neverboringbarretts #dogsofinstagram #catsofinstagram #chalkart

First clam chowder of the season...since the rain and cool weather needed an answer. #neverboringbarretts #neverenoughbutter #clamchowder #rainydaysoup

Had a blast with @katesmashrawr at @dougfirlounge watching an amazing an uplifting show put on by @twrpband. #neverboringbarretts

These two are fast becoming snuggle buddies. #neverboringbarretts #pantheonofbarretts #catsofinstagram #dogsofinstagram

Nice relaxing day with @danya234. Visited the shipwreck, had a tasting at an amazing distiller, found some fun things, then inhaled way too much fake fog doing some karaoke until the wee hours with @evilgenius12 and @bigelliot. Good times. #neverboringbarretts #astoriabeachtrip #shipwreckbeach #fogmachinesareevil

Narm. #neverboringbarretts #bacon #grillingseason

Movie time with the wee ones. #neverboringbarretts #spidermanfarfromhome

I felt like I had to post something about today. Five years ago Kate and I had to say goodbye to our first fur baby together, Apollo. And while there are some memories that still choke me up over his passing, the larger number of fun times we had with him and since make the pain a little less each year. And over these past years our family has shrunk and expanded. Pepper came in and became a part of the family first and just recently Sif and Frigg. And now the house if full again with animals, kids, and love. Even though I still miss my boy, the new brood helps me every day. #neverboringbarretts #pantheonofbarretts

Conquering the cesspool that is the garage.... #neverboringbarretts #summercleaning #ihatemygarage

Two amazing nights out in a row, this time @katesmashrawr and I got to see @walkofftheearth at the Keller Auditorium. Overly talented bunch of awesome wrapped in good vibe songs. #neverboringbarretts #wote #feelgoodmusic

IT'S REAL!!! Heading to @hadestown on my birthday. First time going to NYC and doing it in style. #neverboringbarretts #bigdamnchanges #birthdayinnyc

Working from home while @katesmashrawr is helping out at theatre camp. Multitasking work, housework, and fit in a little time to make some banana muffins with strudel tops. Now if I can not consider eating my kids today... #neverboringbarretts #workingfromhome #thisiswhyanimalseattheiryoung #stilllovemykids 😉😁

This is not my normal #tacocattuesday post, however if you feel the need, let the palindromes rip! Over the past week or two, I've given a bit more thought on what I wanted to do in the coming year ranging from outings with the family, outings with loved ones, concerts, and overall just getting out there and living. For over 40 rotations on this clump of dirt I’ve never traveled east farther than Montana and stopped at the ocean for my western treks. I’ve never been on a cruise, never been to another country (Canada and Mexico don’t really count since it was just a touch over the border), and never had authentic *insert name or region* food outside of the West Coast versions. So I decided this year….I’m heading to New York and watching @hadestown for my birthday. First time that far east, first time ever seeing a show on Broadway, and so many foodie firsts I can’t count on all my fingers. To that, if anyone wants to pitch in a few sheckles here and there for this adventure as present, that will be amazing...not needed, but amazing. Anyways, have an amazing day my lovelies and be amazing today and beyond! #neverboringbarretts #bigdamnchanges

Had an awesome time Goodwill shopping with @danya234 and the kiddos, as well as making my first ever tomato jam. Found d a tipping deal on a small Fender amp that works amazingly for @katesmashrawr, a bar utility set, a marble rolling pin, and some other things I decided I couldn't live without. Awesome day is awesome! #neverboringbarretts #goodwillfinds #tomatoesarefruit

And welcome back to your regularly scheduled #motivationalmonday post which is brought to you today by coffee. Making people do stupid things faster. But really, this post today is due to my coffee and more specifically my coffee cup’s lid which read “be awesome today,” which led to my brain to rolodex through different slang and lingo of the past that finally led me to my age and how I feel at this moment in life. There were points in the past few weeks that I felt both old and young. Old in the sense of saying goodbye more than hello to those in our lives, seeing more funerals than weddings, and just having to be an adult in matters where I used to look for an adult to deal with. But the youthful feelings...those are almost guilty pleasures in comparison. Like, should I still have fun playing games? Is it okay to feel like a teenager when talking to someone over the phone, or to get butterflies when the mundane becomes brilliant? Can walking in the woods make you transport to another world far away from the place you exist but for a moment? And when I think about whether I should be acting or feeling this way, my heart slaps me in the face and tells me to shut up and enjoy the ride. TL:DR, you are as young as you feel and right now I’m under the legal age to drink. So obey the coffee: be awesome today, run through a sprinkler, play some Space Invaders, use a corded phone to call someone so you can wrap the cord around your fingers as you talk, and breathe in life. #neverboringbarretts #begoodhumans #obeythecoffee

The trek to Great Falls and getting to the homestead. #neverboringbarretts #barrettvacation2019

Queue National Lampoon's Vacation music...or Jerry Reed #neverboringbarretts #barrettvacation2019 #eastboundanddown

#MotivationalMonday is upon us again and I was really coming up with some blanks after this past weekend. The past few days, coupled with Father’s Day feels has been transformative. Saturday I spent the day with an amazing person that took me to see some of the sights of SE Portland by hiking around Powell Butte, had a triceratops follow me home from a food cart, and ate some of the best tacos under the warm spring sun. Sunday came along and I spent my Father’s Day doing what I love, being a dad. With kiddos in tow, I headed to our normal sushi place for lunch before going to the last showing for Kate's show so we could all see the awesome spectacle that is live theatre. And by the start of today, things feel pretty damn vibrant as I look ahead. Sometimes it takes good company, a kind word, a small toy dinosaur, or a step back looking at your kids to realize what your life is and what kind of crazy journey you took to get to where you are. My life is not ordinary and it never has been...and as I continue this adventure I’m sure there will be far more amazing sights and experiences to come. For those just starting out on their own adventure, or having to restart from square one, embrace the weird and scary. Live for the moment, take every minute in with your eyes and not through a screen, and remember to feel the world on your skin. And if possible....remember to get your dinosaur. #neverboringbarretts #liveyourbestlife #begoodhumans

Catching @katesmashrawr playing around on stage @hart_theatre with the kiddos. Not too bad of a Father's Day #neverboringbarretts #fathersday

A quick little #tbt post with a blast from the past. I think this was about 25 years ago. Egad...25 years...quarter of a damn century! #notdeadyet #neverboringbarretts

It’s #MotivationalMonday and the start of a new month and the countdown to the first day of summer is getting smaller and smaller. So how are you going to spend your summer? The same as the last, or will you tread outside of the box of the known and embrace the strange? Once you stop experiencing life and the world in new, exciting and sometimes scary ways, you start to slow and time catches up faster. And since that’s the case, I’ll be giving that time demon a run for its money! So as I set out on my own adventures, I task you all the same. Go out. Live life. Do something that will scare and excite you. Explore new places and eat food you never thought to try. And….become a space goblin….or something similar. As one of my friends said once, “It’s your life, so live it!” #neverboringbarretts #begoodhumans #hogarthquotes

A blank wall. It would be a pity if someone were to....PUT A MURAL ON IT!! #2019project #muralsarecool #neverboringbarretts

Okay coffee, stop being bossy! I get it’s #motivationalmonday but you can’t tell me what to do! But ya know, it’s not wrong...well for me at least. And so far, I have changed the world that is around me as much as I can. I’ve been more active in my own life, attempted to be there for friends that need me the most, and overall just being a better human. While I know this isn’t stopping pollution or a radical government oppressing its people, you have to start somewhere and what better place is within your own world...your own circle of influence. Here’s to the start of another week and a slate yet written. Make your story a good one. #neverboringbarretts #begoodhumans

Holy crap it’s already the middle of the week and this #HumpDay is going to be amazing as the remainder of the week and a far cry from what I had to deal with last couple of weeks. First, tonight I get to hang out with one of my besties for her birthday romp in fancy dress. @blswingley has been my longest standing friend, my best man at my wedding, and a support for when things were dark for me. So I owe her at least, what…..5 maybe 6 shots of something. Then the following night I’ll be heading back out to have a little me time in SE Portland. And on Saturday, I’m heading out with @katesmashrawr and friends to a 1920s themed party at the Elks. Between all of this, I may or may not be able to sleep. Eh, sleep is overrated. Hope you all have an amazing week ahead as well and shine your best! #neverboringbarretts #happyfuntime

Out to adventure! #neverboringbarretts #outandabout

So I'm not one to post a lot of physical weight things because weight is really relative based on muscle mass and fat. But I couldn't help myself. There has not been a 1 in front of my weight in who knows how long. #achievment #neverboringbarretts #outsidereflectsinside

Spring is starting to show itself. #neverboringbarretts #springflowers

Spoiling the kids since they allowed me to work at home. #neverboringbarretts #springbreaksuck #sushitime🍣

The beginning of a long week working from home with kids home for Spring Break. I need all the coffee. #neverboringbarretts #springbreakwithkids #needallthecoffee #workingfromhome

IT’S MONDAY! YAY! ….wait…..why are you all not awake? And why is he crying in a puddle of….oh damn. *ahem, anyways, it’s time for another #MotivationalMonday post. An ongoing theme in my life has been change, transformation, and evolution. Depending on the subject matter, those involved, or the situation, those changes could be as little as changing the brand of socks I wear to as expansive as changing how I live my life going forward. Change is something that none of us truly look forward to on a continual basis. Even my more nomadic friends still have a routine that if altered, can cause anxiety and fear of an unknown element. But change is needed to allow us to feel the life that’s around us that we are blind to once set into a pattern. So as Baz said in a speech to a class of 1999, “Do something everyday that scares you.” Transforming yourself is another part of my life as of recent. Not only in my body, but also my thought process and how I interact with others has transformed. And each phase of my transformation cascaded into another. I lost weight which meant I felt better, which meant I dressed better, which meant I saw myself in a better light, and then wanting to continue with the process. And eventually those transformations start to solidify and allowed me to evolve to a different me. I’m still Matt: someone that will find humor in any situation, lover of tabletop games and all things geek. But now the me I see in the mirror is honed, more refined and more outspoken and wanting to push boundaries every day. So if you’re going through you own changes, don’t fear about letting go of the old. Embrace the new and the weird because it’s fun as hell. #neverboringbarretts #embracetheweird #keepmovingforward

#HumpDay supplemental: what you have here is someone winning it today. Why? Nothing seems out of the ordinary? Well...what you can't see is the tag on my shirt and underwear(stupid NSFW filters) says MEDIUM!!!! Five months ago....I was an XL. Five months ago I had a size 36-38 waist. Five months later...I fit into my first medium in over a decade and into size 32s. I will whole heartedly admit I cried a little bit. Seriously, if this asshole can do it, you can to. Just have a drill instructor as your Jiminy Cricket. #neverboringbarretts #outsidereflectsinside #bigdamnchanges

Good morning my lovelies! It’s another Monday and yes, that means another #MotivationalMonday post from yours truly. My daily and weekly posts have been a bit erratic as of late and really the root cause has been life. Between changes in my life, losing Zeus, and just a grab bag of situations and fun, posts really fell by the wayside. But today I really wanted to talk about the general concept of what is motivating to me and maybe tobyou. For me, looking back at where I’ve come from and how far down my path I’ve travelled keeps me going. Whether it’s my marriage and some of the wonderful vistas or potholes I’ve had along the way, or my own evolution and change of my body and mind over the last five months. Seeing where I was and where I’m going keeps this guy pushing forward. And this is bolsted even more with the people I meet that are amazed of who I was before and now, and those who feel symmetry to their own journey. I just hope I can return the favor and help them see on how far they’ve come on their own journey and to see that for themselves in the mirror. So to all of those that are pushing to a better you, for those getting out of toxic situations, and for those who are starting to see the swan instead of something ugly when they look in the mirror, you’re all awesome and just remember to pay that feeling forward. #neverboringbarretts #bebetterhumans #keepmovingforward

Little goober getting excited to watch @captainmarvelofficial . Gotta love them. #neverboringbarretts #movienight

Survived the party and the night. Now off to see @captainmarvelofficial with the family #neverboringbarretts #movienight #sleepwhenimdead

New haircut can make a person feel awesome! #bigdamnchanges #outsidereflectsinside #neverboringbarretts

It's cold and I only had old, oversized coats or light jackets. Resolved that today and will purge more when I get home. #neverboringbarretts #coataddict #wifewillkillme #itwasonsale #seriouslydontkillme

This is not a normal Tuesday, so not a normal Tuesday post you will get. Yesterday was one of the more devastating days that I’ve experienced in a while. I lost a part of my family that was a constant in my life for so long that I can’t remember him not being around. Coupled with other changes and emotions that have been in my circle as of recent, I was left drained...hollow, and a raw nerve. But it was thanks to all of you, my friends, and my wife @katesmashrawr, that I was able to get through it. Today is a new day. The first day without my furry son and my buddy. And it will be hard but what hasn’t been recently. I just have to keep moving forward, keep evolving, and keep his memory in my heart forever. Day by day, bit by bit. Hug those closest to you and have an amazing day. #TeamBarrett #neverboringbarretts #bebetterhumans #keepmovingforward #brokenbutgood