T.G.I.F. Friday: Volume 82
Welcome to “Thank God I’m FI” Friday, Volume #82!
Here are some things I really like and that you might too.
Financial Independence/Retirement Articles
A man of no ambition (Get Rich Slowly) – “What I have today is already so much more than I ever dreamed I’d have. I don’t possess the same ambition that you do.“
A lottery of sorts (Happily Disengaged) – “I recognize that luck, chance, and chaos has played a larger role in my life than I like to believe. I’ve already won the game. Even if I never FIRE.“
Video
Wingsuit flying is one of the most dangerous sports in existence. Death is not uncommon for practitioners. This is the longest wingsuit flight on record. I’m at a loss for words…. just watch it.
Who’s Inspired Me
Adam Campbell.
After becoming a professional ski mountaineer and ultra runner with podium finishes at the Hardrock 100 and other big races Campbell had his first life changing event. In 2016 he fell off a technical ridge in British Columbia Canada while on a running expedition. He broke his vertebrae and other bones and nearly lost his life. A deep re-evaluation of life resulted, and he started a slow comeback. Campbell didn’t intend to try to get back to the top ranks, he just wanted to be able to run and move his body in the mountains again. He slowly adjusted to his new life and tried to get mentally healthy again with a new identity as a runner.
Then in 2020 while on a ski mountaineering outing with his wife and friends in Banff National Park in Canada, an avalanche swept down the mountain and killed his wife. The love of his life was now gone. He lost his status and income as a top athlete, then he lost his wife. I’ve heard Campbell tell his story on quite a few podcasts and his vulnerability and courage never seem to astound me. If you’re dealing with tough time or challenges in life, Campbell might be able to help you through his story. Depression or grief isn’t a competition. It’s not fair to say Campbell has dealt with more than you or the other way around. But his will to open up and press on in life are inspiring.
If you want to read more about Adam’s story this Outside piece is good. And if you search his name out in podcasts you’ll find many, but his interview on Billy Yang’s ultra runner podcast was quite good. It’s long-form, and if you listen I’ll warn you it gets intense.
What I’m Grateful For
Yes I keep harping on these changes but another great one has happened – the popular Beach Drive in Washington D.C. that goes through Rock Creek Park will now have large sections permanently closed to cars – for good! The legions of Americans who found the benefits of walking, running, cycling, and moving outdoors since covid hit in 2020 are seeing the mental and physical benefits, and they’re voicing their input. Another small step to get America on the road to being healthy again. It’s a long long road but it must be traveled.
Lyrically Speaking
All the days are just packed
And we’re asleep in the trees
We could be blowing in the wind
That’s why we come from all over
To find the crowd and share a common heart beat
Beat aloud
From “We Don’t Think, We Know” by Maritime
The band Maritime were born in 2003 from the remnants of the influential bands The Promise Ring and The Dismemberment Plan. If you liked those bands you’ll probably like Maritime, though they became a bit more polished and started leaning toward what’s called “math rock”. Their music is characterized by strong melodies and catchy choruses, simple indie rock but better than most. Maritime have issued 5 full albums and an EP and I love them all.
The lyrics above to me speak of my recent mention of missing teamwork. Being a solo-preneur and working at home has advantages, but so does finding a crowd and sharing a common heartbeat.
Miscellaneous
People who are ‘night owls’ could have greater risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease than those who are ‘early birds’ – “Researchers found that those who stay up later have a reduced ability to use fat for energy, meaning fats may build-up in the body and increase risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.”
Universities Should Adopt Institutional Neutrality – “Institutional neutrality is the idea that the university “cannot take collective action on the issues of the day without endangering the conditions for its existence and effectiveness.” UNC adopted it; others should follow suit.”
Synthetic cartilage is now stronger than the real stuff – “Duke University researchers have created a synthetic cartilage that is stronger and more resilient than the real thing — the first artificial gel to pull that off, according to the researchers.“
Adam Campbell has been through a lot of trials and is an inspiration for sure. But I’m pretty sure he’s not an amputee.
Ugh… you are correct SD. I was reading stories about both Campbell and Dave Mackey as inspiration for this week’s post and in the end went with Campbell. Mackey is the amputee, and I got them mixed up. Mackey also had a nasty fall while training. Thanks for pointing out the error, and thanks for reading!
Mackey an inspiration for sure too! No one would blame either for “giving up.”
Thanks for the share Dave.
I’m glad to see the closing of streets to cars taking place on the east coast too. They’ve done something similar here in Golden Gate park in SF earlier this year. Much easier (and safer) to work out without having to worry about getting struck from behind by a speeding maniac or make way for a slow moving tour bus. Hope the movement keeps gaining steam.
I do too! In Europe car-free zones are everywhere, even small towns and villages mostly have them. I like places designed for people, not cars. Plus there’s the 40,000+ deaths by car every year thing, which we just accept as “normal”. Loved your post and thanks for commenting!
It has been super controversial and is an on again off again battle but Stanley Park has seen lanes closed to cars for cyclicts in Vancouver which is huge. I am sure you have been there along the way for on one of your climbing trips. Great to see it gaining traction everywhere, it is a huge uphill battle.
I’ve only been in Vancouver City once and it was less than a day and way back in 2006. Great to hear though, let’s hope the trend continues!
I first saw “pedestrian only” streets for certain hours in Denver during the pandemic, and it was blissful. Being able to spread out like that and not worry about some stray car driving down the wrong side of the road.
Are we going to get a double dose of the gratitude entry next week for Thanksgiving? 😉
“Blissful” is the perfect word for it. There’s a constant threat of being mowed down by a car almost everywhere you go, not having to worry about that is indeed blissful! And TGIF Friday is only every other Friday so next week I’m off, but who knows after that 🙂
luck cannot be overstated. some of the stuff i got out of where my goose was cooked probably meant a great deal to any success. hard work and ability help but avoiding the traps is a really big deal when you come from humble beginnings.
For me it’s not getting a DUI or DWI. So many times I should have in my heavy drinking days. I’m not proud of that behavior and thankfully I didn’t ever hurt anyone or even hit anything with a car. But I was indeed lucky as hell and it could have surely gone the other way.
Always interesting and informative Dave! In particular the article on synthetic cartilage. My wife is potentially due for a knee replacement and this new development may avoid her going through surgery. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Let’s hope this manifests into a treatment. My knees will need it one day in the future for sure!
Interesting data on being a Night Owl, I knew there was a reason I was ‘early to bed, early to rise”, this article just validates my behavior. Thanks for sharing the inspiring story of Adam, I will learn more about him! Have a great Turkey Day!
Glad you liked it, thanks for the comment and happy gratitude day to you too!