T.G.I.F. Friday: Volume 74

Welcome to “Thank God I’m FI” Friday, Volume #74!

Here are some things I really like and that you might too.

Financial Independence/Retirement Articles

I quit my day job! Here’s what I’m doing next (Freedom 35) – “I have been working at various 9 to 5 jobs for the last 14 years. But no more. June 28th was officially my final day at work.“

Combating Chronic Crisis (Budget Life List) – “There is no quick fix, miracle pill, or fuzzy slippers to fix the crises that seem to have gremlin-like growth.“

Video

It may seem like wild animals have an absolute mastery of navigating the wilderness. But they make missteps too. Watch this grizzly bear try to swim across a river in Yosemite National Park only to be swept into a waterfall and some really big rapids. No word if the bear survived but I suspect he or she did and had a fun story for the party over the evening moose carcass. They’re tough.

Who’s Inspired Me

Joni Mitchell. 

Joni needs no introduction, and if you don’t know who she is you’re probably very young or, well, you need to learn about the history of rock music.  This week Joni played the Newport Folk Festival for the first time in 53 years.  What makes it so incredibly special is that she had a brain aneurysm in 2015, and she had to relearn everything, at age 78.  She literally looked at YouTube videos of herself from years past to relearn how to play guitar.  And if you’re not aware, Mitchell was/is no ordinary guitarist.  She’s a top-notch player who could hang with jazz greats like Herbie Hancock and play extremely difficult and sophisticated pieces.  Relearning everything after brain surgery at 78 is beyond inspiring.

This segment on CBS captures the event.

What I’m Grateful For

The immensity and grandeur of the ocean, which I hadn’t experienced in a while.  Man it was good to get back in it. 

Lyrically Speaking

And the worrisome years, over the hill
I thought it’s supposed to get easier to pay your bills
I got nothing to show except a worrisome heart
Can ya please tell me when does the good part start?
I done like they told me, I done like I should
Ever since I started, just trying to make good
Trying to make a good life for my family
But I can’t buy any stuff the kids want from TV  

From “Worrisome Years” by Greg Brown 

Greg Brown might just be the biggest legend in folk, americana, and country that you’ve never heard of.  With a deep rich baritone voice and songwriting chops second to none, Brown has cemented himself as one of the godfathers of folk with over 30 album releases since the late 1970’s.  All three of Brown’s children are professional musicians, most notably Pieta Brown, and he’s married to legendary folk singer Iris Dement.  Music is obviously the guys life. 

As for the lyrics above, I’m so blessed to not have the worrisome years described as so many do.  But I’ve also worked very very hard to avoid that fate.

Miscellaneous

‘We are killing people’: How technology has made your car “a candy store of distraction” – “Without major changes in driver behavior and public policy, uncounted tens of thousands of people will die each year, with devastating results on their families and their friends.”

Alzheimer’s breakthrough as genetic link to gut disorders confirmed – “A world-first study has confirmed the link between Alzheimer’s and gut health – and could lead to earlier detection and potential new treatments.”

What Triggered The Collapse of The Ancient Maya? A New Study Reads Like a Warning