T.G.I.F. Friday: Volume 119

Welcome to “Thank God I’m FI” Friday, Volume #119!

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

Financial Independence/Work Life/Retirement Articles

FIRE Goals Update: 2 Years of (sorta?) Early Retirement (Escaping Avalon) – “If you’re just joining us, I worked for nearly 15 years as a cop, but thanks to finding the FI thing almost a decade ago I was able to leave my job.“

Americans’ Savings Hit Grim Milestone (Newsweek) – “Americans are saving less at their lowest pace in more than a year, and are apparently spending more than the growth of their incomes, according to an analysis by Wells Fargo that was shared with Newsweek.“

Video

Years and years ago I was kayaking about a half mile offshore of the big island in Hawaii near Kona.  The water was calm and peaceful so I stopped paddling and just relaxed, enjoying a peaceful float in paradise.  Suddenly about 50-60 feet in front of me a lone spinner dolphin launched out of the water in a perfect arc, spinning like mad, and slipped back into the ocean just as fast.  Then nothing.  She never resurfaced.  All dolphin species usually travel in schools so this was a rare event that I’ll never forget.  Enjoy this short video about spinner dolphins.

Who’s Inspired Me

Jasmin Paris. 

In March Paris became the first woman to complete the famously grueling Barkley Marathons, with a scant 99 seconds to spare.  She’s a 40 year old mother of two, and that makes it so much more badass.  You can read about it here.

What I’m Grateful For

A friend I met years ago from the FI community who took precious time out of his day to help me in his area of expertise.

Lyrically Speaking

You don’t work, the man don’t pay ya
There ain’t no saint to come and save ya

From “Leave My Blues at Home” by The Allman Brothers

Dickey Betts was a founding member and longtime guitarist for the Allman Brothers Band, the group who virtually defined the southern rock and blues sound.  Betts wrote such legendary songs as “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed“, “Ramblin’ Man“, and my favorite Allman Brothers song “Blue Sky“.  Just listen to the latter and tell me it doesn’t put you in a great mood.  His playing is so melodic and uplifting, it’s like the guitar was abducted by a band of angels.

I had the great fortune of seeing the Allman Brothers live in 1993, but unfortunately did not see Dickey Betts play. Betts had alcohol problems and missed shows on that tour when he had to check in to a rehab center. The show I saw at Merriweather Post in Maryland had Dave Grisson as his stand-in. Grisson played wonderfully but I was left with a sour taste by not seeing Betts, who had already achieved legend status from guitarists such as myself.

Dickey Betts died yesterday at the age of 80, and his loss leaves a big hole in the world of blues and southern rock. R.I.P. Mr. Betts, you will be a wonderful addition to the great gig in the sky. 

As for the lyrics above, those seeking financial independence in jobs we don’t really love know this unfortunate truth.

Miscellaneous

Does the time of day you move your body make a difference to your health? – “Physical activity in the evening linked to greater health benefits for people with obesity“

Does time-restricted eating increase the risk of cardiovascular death? – “No matter what your stance on a particular topic is, you can nearly always find a study that supports your point of view.“

The Unseen Deep-Sea Legacy of Whaling – “It’s not just whales who were decimated, but the creatures who live where they fall.“