Still hustling, 4 days a week at the day job. It has been super slow across all of us in the office but I'm rolling with it.
With my other "job" (bank robberies, as per P2) it's been poppin off. New cards for P2 which gets us a lot of points, including into Chase biz cards for him. There was also this crazy referral deal with Amex, if I max it I'll make conservatively $21k (not including these other authorized user offers) which is WHAAAAAAAT. However I managed to get a financial review flag on P2 so might be loosing there. Trying to get up the nerve to call, maybe later today since it's dead at work. I am slowing for a little bit there, so catching up on some old deals (some gift cards I forgot about) trying to get those taken care of.
I hit $10k of booked music gigs so far this year! It will definitely be higher since the main gig season for 1 band (fall) the gigs are not divvied up yet. Also am going on this dope tour in Vermont in the fall, which is looking like it will be extended, potentially significantly. I haven't said a word to my boss yet, not sure how this will work. Is this what tips the barrel over for me into baristaFI?
I also found out about a grant that would be perfect for 2 bands I'm in so working on that.
Meanwhile P2 finished his composting toilet project as well as cleaning/painting trailer for the camper, and is on to solar. I know he's been jonesing but I guess this new thing that was passed in Congress means that Chinese components are going to go up in price? IDK. We spent $2500 or so for 525 watts setup (including Li battery, wires, charge controller, inverter, who knows what else) but actually it was a lot less since I got gift cards at a discount to pay for everything. It was closer to $2000 after the discounts which is a lot more than I wanted to spend, but feels like it's worth it since it's kind of therapy for P2, and I do know it's a great deal for what we got, easily could have spent double just on everything let alone installation help. His depression is still a big thing but it's getting better as he's been working through this. Plus he has a new skill! Just in early stages but it looks really nice what he's done so far.
-Trips/fun: a little quieter this month for me with gigs, last month was super busy. I'll enjoy what I have though. Once 3rd weekend of June hits it's poppin off for a few weeks with gigs. We also will go to Florida for my MIL's 75th birthday and then a big trip to WA state where we are getting a camper van for a week, city break days in Seattle and San Francisco, and the amtrak sleeper train in between those cities. Should be dope AF!!
Then my big Vermont tour in Sep which is looking to be 2 full weeks now. Also I have a gig before that in north central PA, depending on the carpull sitz I might just roadtrip up to VT from there. IDK.
Dizzy's adventurefuntime journey
Re: Dizzy's adventurefuntime journey
Well, rando update- ran into my boss. This is a literally random thing, I only see him a few times a year either out in the wild (he was at a gig I played earlier in the month) or if he happens to pop in the clinic. P2 said I should tell him about my upcoming tour, I've been nervous about it. Fk it, I just told him, and he was like, that's awesome! So I guess we are good? He said to just try to have most of the shifts covered.
It makes me think about this whole FIRE thing- it's not about FIRE really! It's about having the time (and maybe financial privilege) to focus on what you value. I feel like if my works are flexible I'm kinda good though? It doesn't feel like the big finale that a lot of people have
I'm also thinking about my parents and my in laws especially. Mine just turned 70 and my dad is having a lot of cognitive (and other) decline, somewhat suddenly. Like, CONCERNING. He's been retired 15 years though. My mom only just retired in the last year and now I worry she is going to have to be shifted into caretaker mode after not really having much time to do what she wants- which I don't think she altogether minds, but what she really wants to do is move cross country to my brother's state/town (which my dad hates) to be with her only grand child. I wonder if that will be possible now. My in laws are 75, they are pretty active but also slowing down. Just makes you think more about all of this.
It makes me think about this whole FIRE thing- it's not about FIRE really! It's about having the time (and maybe financial privilege) to focus on what you value. I feel like if my works are flexible I'm kinda good though? It doesn't feel like the big finale that a lot of people have
I'm also thinking about my parents and my in laws especially. Mine just turned 70 and my dad is having a lot of cognitive (and other) decline, somewhat suddenly. Like, CONCERNING. He's been retired 15 years though. My mom only just retired in the last year and now I worry she is going to have to be shifted into caretaker mode after not really having much time to do what she wants- which I don't think she altogether minds, but what she really wants to do is move cross country to my brother's state/town (which my dad hates) to be with her only grand child. I wonder if that will be possible now. My in laws are 75, they are pretty active but also slowing down. Just makes you think more about all of this.
Re: Dizzy's adventurefuntime journey
Thanks for your journal update! Aging seems to mean reducing the range of your travel, your memory, the things you can do in a day. It goes naturally in many small steps. People age at different speeds and you also see people recover from a low point. The number of very old people who smoke and drink alcohol is always surprising. The lookout for musicians seems bright, there are bands of jazz players who are all in their 80s enjoying themselves.
Re: Dizzy's adventurefuntime journey
Well let's see our updates:
So besides his physical symptoms dad started sundowning and wandering in the middle of the night, police had to find him since he didn't have phone on him. He was "just taking a walk". On a major road. For 5 hours maybe? They think he might have been trying to head towards old home of 40+ years on the other side of town. He has been super resistant to getting medical care, dumped his pills the other day, also didn't shower or change underwear for a week. Finally my mom "tricked" (her words) him into going to the dr and they sent him to ER for an MRI. They only did it on his lower abdomen and not his brain. UGH! (he does have lower abdomen symptoms but still!). Apparently there was some super not cool treatment of him by some of his attending people so that didn't help. Mom is not listed as being able to access his health records so it's a whole mess they are mostly just listening to him and either he says he's fine or he yells at the doc and tries to (or does) walk out. But at least they got an MRI finally and bloodwork, as well as an IV for fluids (apparently he was dehydrated. He is not eating or drinking much) so hopefully some answers forthcoming even if not really looking forward for what that might be. Mom says don't come over he is super agitated and anxious and doesn't want to see anyone. She is stressed AF. Reality check for me and my husband! Getting logistics in order, and working on ourselves to have better health?
Anyway! Fingers crossed, and time to get a move on in life? IDK.
Work has been slow, which means pay is down, but I am feeling calmer so that's cool. I was pretty depressed about dad though last week I didn't really exercise. Trying again this week.
@delay that is so true. Actually I was just right in front of the stage for maestro Marshall Allen's 100th birthday celebration! One hundred! And playing like a mutha! Truly an inspiration. That reminds me I need to get out to his monthly (he's not allowed to fly anymore so he's been playing a lot more locally, and has a monthly at Solar Myth in Philly).
Other than that we are nearing $500k combined mark of investments. I usually don't dump my stuff in until April due to trying to do as many bonuses with it as I can so plan on more by then. I also have a ton of points I haven't cashed yet and many more points to earn with this one amex promo (if I max it hoping to make $20k). I hit the brakes a bit since I went too hard on P2's account and we have a financial review, whoops! Will finally call tomorrow- I hear usually what happens is they don't close cards but they give limits. Sucks tho since we have these big bonuses.
P2 finished the main part of electric stuff for the camper, (new, lithium!) batteries and everything are set. Only thing left is the actual panel install but it's going to be 90+ for a good long while so might be hitting the brakes on it soon. Not sure his next thing after that but he is feeling mentally better.
As for me getting ready for next surge of gigs, it's been quiet for a little but next weekend starts. Hopefully I finish these Greek charts the next couple days- one band I'm in has a gig playing for some people teaching Greek dancing beforehand; I realized we have ZERO Greek tunes. Facepalm. I have never sung in Greek before but I'm up for it, been learning. It's pretty intuitive so far on the pronunciation. Hoping that we can read some at a more casual gig next week to at least have something to do. I am learning MuseScore slooooooowly it is just really frustrating for me to do computer stuff, not intuitive for me at all.
I also did 2 odd lot tender offers this month so that was fun. Keeping an eye out for more.
So besides his physical symptoms dad started sundowning and wandering in the middle of the night, police had to find him since he didn't have phone on him. He was "just taking a walk". On a major road. For 5 hours maybe? They think he might have been trying to head towards old home of 40+ years on the other side of town. He has been super resistant to getting medical care, dumped his pills the other day, also didn't shower or change underwear for a week. Finally my mom "tricked" (her words) him into going to the dr and they sent him to ER for an MRI. They only did it on his lower abdomen and not his brain. UGH! (he does have lower abdomen symptoms but still!). Apparently there was some super not cool treatment of him by some of his attending people so that didn't help. Mom is not listed as being able to access his health records so it's a whole mess they are mostly just listening to him and either he says he's fine or he yells at the doc and tries to (or does) walk out. But at least they got an MRI finally and bloodwork, as well as an IV for fluids (apparently he was dehydrated. He is not eating or drinking much) so hopefully some answers forthcoming even if not really looking forward for what that might be. Mom says don't come over he is super agitated and anxious and doesn't want to see anyone. She is stressed AF. Reality check for me and my husband! Getting logistics in order, and working on ourselves to have better health?
Anyway! Fingers crossed, and time to get a move on in life? IDK.
Work has been slow, which means pay is down, but I am feeling calmer so that's cool. I was pretty depressed about dad though last week I didn't really exercise. Trying again this week.
@delay that is so true. Actually I was just right in front of the stage for maestro Marshall Allen's 100th birthday celebration! One hundred! And playing like a mutha! Truly an inspiration. That reminds me I need to get out to his monthly (he's not allowed to fly anymore so he's been playing a lot more locally, and has a monthly at Solar Myth in Philly).
Other than that we are nearing $500k combined mark of investments. I usually don't dump my stuff in until April due to trying to do as many bonuses with it as I can so plan on more by then. I also have a ton of points I haven't cashed yet and many more points to earn with this one amex promo (if I max it hoping to make $20k). I hit the brakes a bit since I went too hard on P2's account and we have a financial review, whoops! Will finally call tomorrow- I hear usually what happens is they don't close cards but they give limits. Sucks tho since we have these big bonuses.
P2 finished the main part of electric stuff for the camper, (new, lithium!) batteries and everything are set. Only thing left is the actual panel install but it's going to be 90+ for a good long while so might be hitting the brakes on it soon. Not sure his next thing after that but he is feeling mentally better.
As for me getting ready for next surge of gigs, it's been quiet for a little but next weekend starts. Hopefully I finish these Greek charts the next couple days- one band I'm in has a gig playing for some people teaching Greek dancing beforehand; I realized we have ZERO Greek tunes. Facepalm. I have never sung in Greek before but I'm up for it, been learning. It's pretty intuitive so far on the pronunciation. Hoping that we can read some at a more casual gig next week to at least have something to do. I am learning MuseScore slooooooowly it is just really frustrating for me to do computer stuff, not intuitive for me at all.
I also did 2 odd lot tender offers this month so that was fun. Keeping an eye out for more.
Re: Dizzy's adventurefuntime journey
All my stuffs:
Soooo close to $500k between me and P2. Additionally I have like $25k of points I've earned that I plan to cash out in one way or another, but haven't done so yet.
Plugging away at this big deal from May.
I've also had another odd lot offer come through and a couple more special situations I've put in on (one should pay out soon). Some guy from a churning group shared his login for a discussion board with pro investors (like OMG some of these people are bigwigs)
Mostly my stocks are still in VTI tho but I'm considering the extra a bonus bump. Mostly I am trying to stick to the really obvious ones like odd lots since they don't take a lot of time and feel safe.
I have been really unfocused tho, I want to do better at scheduling this.
Work is sloooooooow. Back to making 2/3 of what I was last year. Going into the 3rd month of this maybe?
But like, cool? I have some more time to do churning? I decided to change hours of one of my shifts 1 hour shorter so I can have a better chance for this free parking spot that opens up around that time of day.
Music has been good, couple busy weeks, my last for a bit is this Saturday. Then only 2 gigs in August, but September I'm on tour woooo. 2 weeks, should be a nice taste of "FIRE" life. Our concerts are mostly at night and we have the rest of the day open, so I can just do churning or chill or exercise or whatever.
My husband (P2) got all the interior electric stuff done on the rv. He removed the AC on top of the roof all by himself! Next is putting the actual solar panels on top, he has the components but we need a break in the weather. I guess hopefully that's August when we get back.
Fun stuff: we are going out West for 10 days, we will mostly spend it in Olympic National Park. Rented a camper van, P2 doesn't do tents (yet?? sigh), 1 day in Seattle and 1 in SF, with awesome overnight Amtrak to tie it up. Got biz flights so P2 can lie down and not fk up his back. Yay churning!
Soooo close to $500k between me and P2. Additionally I have like $25k of points I've earned that I plan to cash out in one way or another, but haven't done so yet.
Plugging away at this big deal from May.
I've also had another odd lot offer come through and a couple more special situations I've put in on (one should pay out soon). Some guy from a churning group shared his login for a discussion board with pro investors (like OMG some of these people are bigwigs)
Mostly my stocks are still in VTI tho but I'm considering the extra a bonus bump. Mostly I am trying to stick to the really obvious ones like odd lots since they don't take a lot of time and feel safe.
I have been really unfocused tho, I want to do better at scheduling this.
Work is sloooooooow. Back to making 2/3 of what I was last year. Going into the 3rd month of this maybe?
But like, cool? I have some more time to do churning? I decided to change hours of one of my shifts 1 hour shorter so I can have a better chance for this free parking spot that opens up around that time of day.
Music has been good, couple busy weeks, my last for a bit is this Saturday. Then only 2 gigs in August, but September I'm on tour woooo. 2 weeks, should be a nice taste of "FIRE" life. Our concerts are mostly at night and we have the rest of the day open, so I can just do churning or chill or exercise or whatever.
My husband (P2) got all the interior electric stuff done on the rv. He removed the AC on top of the roof all by himself! Next is putting the actual solar panels on top, he has the components but we need a break in the weather. I guess hopefully that's August when we get back.
Fun stuff: we are going out West for 10 days, we will mostly spend it in Olympic National Park. Rented a camper van, P2 doesn't do tents (yet?? sigh), 1 day in Seattle and 1 in SF, with awesome overnight Amtrak to tie it up. Got biz flights so P2 can lie down and not fk up his back. Yay churning!
Re: Dizzy's adventurefuntime journey
I guess I haven't posted in a while. Things are kind of tense. In many ways we are so close but other ways it's scary and feels insecure.
We finally hit $500k and we have most of rv mods done. I guess only real things is replace 20+ yr old water heater and cushions (back pain is awful).
We have saved a lot of money on our "reno" (I guess that's really what it is) by DIY (husband) or deals (me). For instance he did the solar and I saved us probably 20-50% on materials depending on the item by stacking discounts. I found our "new" energy efficient fridge replacing the old 3 way one 75% off new on fb marketplace.
Still saving money when I can.
I'm really burning out again and seriously considering is this the year I quit or no. Ugh it's so confusing. P2 is ready to hit the road. I have things keeping me connected here I'm just trying to thread the needle between everything. I need a wormhole to instantly transport me back and forth between the things I like here and then like, epic naturefuntime, or some far flung exotic place etc. anyway it might be able to happen but I need to get my fears figured out.
Action plans: well, keep working and saving. Experiment more with futurelife living. We are trying to figure out how to test drive living in the RV without "blowing everything up" (this is how things feel to me often). P2 said I should take a month off work. I said I absolutely don't think that will fly, I suggested he drive and I come out somewhere for 2 weeks that way I don't have to take off the whole month and risk losing my job. We talked about when though and I can't do really until winter months since I have too many music gigs; he said that's a bad time since it's too cold. Not really sure what we do here as I will primarily be able to do longer term rv thing in the winter when I have less music jobs I'd be flying back and forth for.
He just suggested today we just trial in the driveway for a month and I feel cautiously excited for this. It feels like that "threading the needle" between blowing things up or not but still making a plan and progress.
Um I guess the other main thing is that I've gotten into dumpster diving! Holy schnikes, it's sooooo fun. I've "liberated" easily $1k of food already this month. It's like a treasure hunt. I'm starting to get my spots. I know this is peak season for it so I'm trying to get ahead and freeze meats etc for the summer when it's too hot.
Lastly I'm appalled by week 1 of the new admin. I'm keeping an eye out also for what they will do about student loans. I've applied for borrower defense and we have a strong case (they are trying to get enough people in to do a group application like Cardona/Sweet) but at any rate the 3 yr clock has started ticking and I'm still paying $0 for now based on my income. It could change at any time but I'm just going to keep all digits and appendages crossed they forget about us for a while like they did the first time he was in office.
We finally hit $500k and we have most of rv mods done. I guess only real things is replace 20+ yr old water heater and cushions (back pain is awful).
We have saved a lot of money on our "reno" (I guess that's really what it is) by DIY (husband) or deals (me). For instance he did the solar and I saved us probably 20-50% on materials depending on the item by stacking discounts. I found our "new" energy efficient fridge replacing the old 3 way one 75% off new on fb marketplace.
Still saving money when I can.
I'm really burning out again and seriously considering is this the year I quit or no. Ugh it's so confusing. P2 is ready to hit the road. I have things keeping me connected here I'm just trying to thread the needle between everything. I need a wormhole to instantly transport me back and forth between the things I like here and then like, epic naturefuntime, or some far flung exotic place etc. anyway it might be able to happen but I need to get my fears figured out.
Action plans: well, keep working and saving. Experiment more with futurelife living. We are trying to figure out how to test drive living in the RV without "blowing everything up" (this is how things feel to me often). P2 said I should take a month off work. I said I absolutely don't think that will fly, I suggested he drive and I come out somewhere for 2 weeks that way I don't have to take off the whole month and risk losing my job. We talked about when though and I can't do really until winter months since I have too many music gigs; he said that's a bad time since it's too cold. Not really sure what we do here as I will primarily be able to do longer term rv thing in the winter when I have less music jobs I'd be flying back and forth for.
He just suggested today we just trial in the driveway for a month and I feel cautiously excited for this. It feels like that "threading the needle" between blowing things up or not but still making a plan and progress.
Um I guess the other main thing is that I've gotten into dumpster diving! Holy schnikes, it's sooooo fun. I've "liberated" easily $1k of food already this month. It's like a treasure hunt. I'm starting to get my spots. I know this is peak season for it so I'm trying to get ahead and freeze meats etc for the summer when it's too hot.
Lastly I'm appalled by week 1 of the new admin. I'm keeping an eye out also for what they will do about student loans. I've applied for borrower defense and we have a strong case (they are trying to get enough people in to do a group application like Cardona/Sweet) but at any rate the 3 yr clock has started ticking and I'm still paying $0 for now based on my income. It could change at any time but I'm just going to keep all digits and appendages crossed they forget about us for a while like they did the first time he was in office.
Re: Dizzy's adventurefuntime journey
Thanks for sharing your story! I recognize being close and "it's scary and feels insecure"... it does for me too.
Viewed another way, one is always at risk of losing the job. Taking a month off is an incremental increase in risk.
From how I read your post, asking for a month of unpaid leave sounds like a good plan. What's the other option, avoiding any risk of job loss until you are 65?
Viewed another way, one is always at risk of losing the job. Taking a month off is an incremental increase in risk.