The big universal questions. And answers come in moments... Maybe if at all.
Saturday, February 06, 2021
reality
Wondering why we invent systems of belief? To bring comfort. To explain what can not be explained. Every culture has and does. man's search for meaning...
Sunday, January 31, 2021
how am I doing
So this morning at breakfast Laura asked how I was doing. After pause I said I'm just doing okay no big deal everything's all right. And that's just not really the truth. That feeling of loneliness it's heavy and it's not pleasant just being alone is painful in a way. I'm just tired of being that way. Companionship something physical fantasies fulfilled who knows.
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Stay the Course
What is the course? Where do I want to be compared to where I am now? Where am I now? Where do I want to be at retirement? What do I want my life to look like?
Setting forth on the path is small steps. Movement forward and backwards and serpentine and straight. Choosing a direction and going with it.
I think it is most difficult for me to imagine life as I would like it to be. What do I want in five years, seven years, twenty years...The idea of living in the present but preparing for the future. Seeking the balance to enjoy both.
House: There is a desire to build a self sustaining garage apartment behind the house. Rent the house or the apartment. Is it worth the $40,000+/- investment in the property? Take out the existing garage and storage shed. Build out a garden and outdoor space. Fence between the neighbors. The house is in decent shape. It will need a new roof, new siding, and new AC unit in the next decade.
Vehicle: The Tacoma has 260,000 miles on it and it is running well. How many more years? I put away $500 a month for a new car into a mutual fund. The subaru crosstrek or outback is top of the list or a new small truck. Being able to haul a trailer seems important. Think a fifth wheel Scamp would be my choice on a nice pull behind for camping.
Trips and vacations: I would really like to be able to go somewhere for three months at a time. Immerse into a place. The thought of living somewhere else is tempting but I do not want to be tied to a place I think. I put $200 a month into a travel fund. I also deposit any oil royalty checks into the travel account. Annual trip to South Dakota with $200 going into an account for that purpose.
The studio: It is working. It is a lot of work. In seven years is it still going to be something I want to do on a daily basis. Can I find someone to be there full time? What is the cost/benefit ratio? It is not a money making proposition, in that we spend nearly everything we make. I save to purchase large items. I would have to find a way to make enough money each year to cover my expenses and the salary of someone else. The studio does cover a few personal monthly expenses; gas and electricity for the house and gas/repairs for the truck.
Accounts: There are studio and personal accounts.
Studio
Investing: Besides retirement accounts there is a mutual fund for saving for a new vehicle.
Retirement: With a fairly shallow investment pool I should be okay for a bit. Between teacher retirement (2027) and Social Security (2032?) and Safe Withdrawal things should be okay if everything goes well.
Income: Paycheck from school ($46931.92), three oil royalty checks (into Travel Account), studio pay goes into SIMPLE IRA account ($824/month).
Expenses: Personal expenses and studio expenses. I spend a lot on dining as I eat out nearly every meal. There was a small remodel on the house with painting, new floors and plumbing work.
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