I realized just a moment ago that one of the key motivators in my own approach to minimalism is the simple desire to feel connected. Who would have thought? A general philosophy about objects and possessions might actually be related to a bigger perspective on relationship, on how we relate to the things and the […]
Adventures in Tax Law! – (Domestic) Get Your Money for Nothin’
After I graduated from college, I explored several subjects for different careers, searching for which path to take. This is kind of hilarious, because usually you go to college with a plan in the first place, but I guess when your degree doesn’t necessarily lead you in any one direction, there comes a time where […]
On Writing About Money
So payday happened, and the total of all my accounts went past $100,000. That’s so exciting! So I shared it on Facebook. Except… Generic User: Hey, everyone, here’s the tacos I ate today! [picture] *Like* Generic User: Hey, everyone, my relationship is great! *Like* Generic User: Hey, everyone, check out this great hike I went […]
Not-So-Jogging
I have a short life-story I’ve been meaning to share. I’ve long had the suspicion it is relevant to many others. A year or two ago, I found myself in possession of a pair of trail running shoes, not because I had any intention of running on trails, but because they came from the same […]
The Road Forward
Friday could be a big day for me. Friday could be the day that the sum of all my financial accounts reaches six figures. At first I was going to wait, to celebrate when it actually happens. But I realized that this is just too tenuous of a number to celebrate. It’s one thing to […]
Thoughts from Tree Line
About five years ago I hiked Mount Quandary for the first time. It was one of the worst hikes I’ve ever done. There was a lot going on in my life at the time, I really wasn’t prepared for the hike, and although I made it to the top with two friends, we were so […]
Your Life is Paid for in Time
On the one hand, I want to be a great programmer. I want to be highly skilled and capable in my field, and I want to become a technical go-to person in software. On the other hand, I do not love computers, or programming, or work. They are merely interesting, things that I typically enjoy […]
Aesthetics
I bought an expensive bookshelf. It is probably the most I have ever paid for something that serves no functional purpose, considering that I already have a bookshelf downstairs that’s half empty. No, this bookshelf serves an aesthetic purpose. I’ve never been so excited over a piece of furniture. Maybe my couch when I bought […]
Cleanse
Every year or two, I get rid of a bunch of stuff. I always feel like writing about it because it’s such a reflective topic and there’s so much that goes into the things we own and why we own them. I discover something new every year. In times past, I’ve noted that getting rid […]
Unused Stuff
It is June. In two weeks, half of the year will be over. I’m painfully reminded that seasons can change very quickly, so I need to be doing the things I really want to do with my life. Around March and April I took some liberties with my money, treating myself to this thing and […]