Update
Professional:
I finally wrapped up my project at work last month. It feels great, and having completed it now, I am really glad I stuck with things rather than leaving early. I realized shortly before finishing it that it was the largest single project that I've worked on, and that I spent significantly more time working on it than I did my thesis.
Things are still pretty hectic, but my day-to-day work life has been much better over the last few weeks. Our organization is growing and much of the new work is quite interesting. I suspect I'll have plenty of opportunities down the road if I stay in the field. DW and I went on vacation in early April and while away I was thinking more seriously about taking a sabbatical, and/or working towards the end of the year - or even into next year. Then....the first morning back I found a bit of fire that needed immediate attention. It wasn't my project and I wasn't familiar with it, so I spent 10 hours in front of the computer trying to resolve it. Everything was much better after that though. That experience was a good reminder to continue taking things week by week, and see where things are at this summer.
I interviewed for the position mentioned upthread but didn't get it. I was one of the final three applicants, but it was a little bit of a stretch in terms of my previous experience. I'm content with that outcome, and don't think I have the energy and excitement I'd like to bring to a new role right now. My current position has some stressful days, but I also have pretty good balance and am skilled at what I do.
Physical:
A couple months ago I tweaked some muscles in my back while doing a seated hack squat. I wasn't lifting particularly heavy, but I didn't get up between sets and was a little fatigued. It messed me up for 4-5 days and had me reevaluate my approach to my lifting regime. I started getting caught up in hitting PRs and lifting heavier. Caught in the progress trap that I want to apply to so many areas of my life. I've backed off from that mindset, as all I'm really trying to do is maintain a healthy habit, build lean muscle, and stay active as I get older. I'm still lifting 4-6 days per week, but I'm not pushing myself too hard most days. I'm not trying to get bigger. I've got a big birthday coming up and would like to hit it in peak physical shape.
I'm walking a lot more lately now that the weather has improved. I typically walk for 60-90 minutes at lunch on trails by a local river and creek, occasionally through neighborhoods to add some variety. I lift in the evenings even though the gym is a bit of a zoo at that time. I'm still enjoying the IF approach to diet and nutrition, and usually have my first meal after my walk. I'd like to introduce some longer fasts once or twice a quarter.
I just discovered the Health app on the iPhone, and that it tracks steps. It was interesting looking back at the last six months of data. I was a little concerned how quickly my monkey-brain was incentivized to walk more (or carry my phone more while walking) just to see the numbers increase. I've kind of accepted that I respond well to gamification, so rather than fight it I just try to lean into it.
Financial:
NW hit a new high in April. I continue to enjoy tinkering with the spreadsheet and figured out DW's pension status last month. Reframing my perspective on work and reflecting on how it fits into my WOG has caused me to reevaluate our timeline and semi-ere. If things feel good at work, I'm inclined to stay a bit longer to help secure some kind of longer-term housing situation in the future. I've also tried to stop making longer-term plans, and take things as they come. This is a bit antithetical to my nature though.
Lately I've been actively practicing getting comfortable with spending more. I still don't have much interest in bringing more "stuff" or "things" into my life, but I've opened up a bit on experiences with friends and family. I also continue to feel more comfortable increasing the grocery budget for some
healthier, more expensive foods.
I think there may be a bit of a trap in terms of trying to minimize expenses as a means of attempting to run-up the WL chart. I definitely don't want to become a slave to the stash, or the sense of security that the stash provides.
Trips:
DW and I managed to get away to Seattle and Vancouver for seven nights. We stayed with family in Seattle, and used points for a hotel in Vancouver for three nights. The trip was a good opportunity to observe my reactions to spending on unnecessary, discretionary items (mostly food). I had to remind myself a few times not to worry about the costs, that the trip was already heavily subsidized in terms of accommodation, and that a few days full of pastries, sushi, Thai food, and poutine wouldn't make much of a difference.
My brother and I went to a Mariners game, and it was a great opportunity to catch up with him on the bus ride there, during the game, and hanging out downtown. He took a day off work and we went hiking in Discovery Park. We enjoyed the trails despite a pretty heavy downpour. His kids are at a really fun age, and I've become notorious with his kids as the uncle who makes the best blanket forts. Next time I'll need to bring a few extra sets of sheets to take it to the next level. DW also got a chance to spend a couple days with her sister's family. We are trying to prioritize time with family as we know that we may be overseas again soon.
We lucked out with some beautiful weather in Vancouver and spent most of our time walking around the city. I finally made it to Stanley Park, which had alluded me on previous trips. The seawall trail was beautiful and offered numerous spots for people watching. The cherry blossoms were out and it was fun seeing them pop up in different neighborhoods. A few days of eating at restaurants was a bit of a shock to the digestive system, and a reminder how much we appreciate the structure of my daily life back home.
Vancouver Seawall:
Stanley Park Fauna:
Cabin life:
The snow had just about melted from the driveway, so I took the opportunity to head back to the homestead last weekend. I hadn't been there since last October, and only made it up a couple times last year. The first day we walked around, talked about changes on the land, and observed the creek flow and waterfalls. I spent the evening talking late with my parents. My mom retired at 11:00 and I hung out with my dad for another hour. We woke up around seven the next morning, made breakfast, and got ready to work. While we were getting ready, we saw a large flock of turkeys wandering through the yard.
I had initially planned on breaking out the brush cutter to build a couple new trails. The original cabin rests on a large bench, that is maybe 4-5 acres. There is a 1-2 acre part of the bench near the corner of the property that is quite nice for walking, and has some open areas, but which was shielded by brush.
As is typical with these projects, what we envisioned as a fairly simple project turned into a 5+ hour morning of heavy labor. I worked with a brush cutter and he was using a pole saw and chain saw. There was a lot of dead brush and small trees from some cutting my dad did a year or tow ago, but never got around to cleaning up. He decided to start a bonfire with the brush pile we created, and we continued adding to it. At some point the wheelbarrow wasn't sufficient, so he grabbed the truck and we were grabbing brush from different spots in the property.
It was perfect weather for working, and still early enough that the ticks weren't out. I'll try to get up there a bit more this year as I know he appreciates the help, and it is a nice alternative to city life for the weekend at times.