Old posts are like old photos...

It is funny how looking back at old posts is a lot like looking at old photos. Things that were relevant and current at the time of the post are now history. It can be in your face if you proclaim you were going to do something and never followed through with it. FYI. We did end up selling our massive stereo and paying the money on debt. We have generally simplified our lives since I posted these thoughts some months ago.

So I am getting rid of my stereo. This is not just any stereo.... this is a 2 channel super stereo! It is made up of component's by Classe, Acurus, B&W, Martin Logan, Audioquest, Signalcable.com, and a few others. Basically, it is a culmination of 5 years of saving and trading. However, for as much money as I have put into it I don't really use it that often. So therefore, I am selling off each component. I have gotten rid of the speakers and the preamp. Part of the reason I am selling it is because I found that my wife and I would site and watch movies or tv shows on dvd instead of doing something interactive. Recently we have begun playing cribbage. I can tell you it is far more fun to play a game than it is to watch a movie. Another reason for the departure is I want to consume less energy. It was amazing how much energy consumption a stereo and plasma television use. I have found that my possessions own me. So I figure I can just get rid of them and then the problem is solved! All I really need is my skis, backpack, tent, sleeping bag, boots, flashlight, bicycle, Carrie (wife), Rummy (my dog), Madi (Carrie's dog), bow staff, and I am good. In fact, I would like to live out of a Honda Element and ski all winter long in some Western mountain town! But for some reason I don't think Carrie will go for that!

I won't forget the adventure.

Some say life is an adventure. It is easy to say something but have no indication that what you say is what is so. Looking at my life there is a lot of adventure. This adventure may not be apparent to those around me, I guess it shouldn't be because its not their adventure. I have seen and experienced adventure with money, time, relationships, and stuff.

Money: I have dug Carrie and I some pretty deep financial holes. Thankfully, Carrie is great at managing the books. I had a very difficult time accepting our personal financial crisis. But I can tell you that we were not able to experience freedom from this pit until we took responsibility and owned our debt. We are close.

Time: I have attempted to free up time by giving up some hobbies. Back in the day I golfed all the time. I don't anymore... I may go 4 or 5 times per season which is enough for me. I have made a commitment to myself that any new hobby I take on Carrie must be able to join in. We went fly fishing together and it was a great time!

Relationships: Spending time with people is fun. I enjoy conversation. I enjoy sharing my vision and hearing about other peoples vision. It is especially great when two visions can be joined for a greater vision.

Stuff: Carrie and I have gotten rid of a lot of the "stuff" that filled our house. It is a constant struggle for me to get rid of stuff. I think what if I need this or that again... it is not worth keeping if I use it every once in a while. I prefer to borrow a friends. I tell my friends if I have something don't buy it because you can use mine.