Thoughts and reflections about the past week or so from my own financial independence campaign.

Progress on my goals

Massive setback that I’m really happy about

This weekend we went to mainland UK to visit a friend, which we had planned for. Flights booked, expenses budgeted.

What we hadn’t – or rather, I hadn’t – planned for was a surprise birthday party from my buddies back home!

So we spent a lot of money in London at the Market Halls, catching up and picking at all the street food.

Obviously that means I’m going to spend the rest of this month living like a hermit. But, you know what? It was definitely worth it.

I regret nothing apart from the cocktails-in-a-can we drank on the train back to our friend’s home. Those I definitely regret.

Lady SierraWhiskyMike and our friends from university put together a fantastic weekend. I didn’t realise how much I needed some time with the gang until we were all back together for the day.

So I guess I’m cash poor but friends rich this month. Could be a lot worse.

Boat life

Water tank is waiting

We didn’t manage to fit this last week and obviously we were out in the UK living it up like we were students again, so it’s just sat there waiting for us.

Staring at me, its imaginary eyes full of accusations.

Distractions and detours

Book readings

I’ve read – and now Lady SierraWhiskyMike is binge reading – two fiction books in quick succession: Empire of the Vampire and Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff.

The writing in these is unreal. Author goals. Despite there being every possible trope in a vampire-gothic-fantasy genre, and despite the irritating anime-style illustrations, Jay’s writing somehow pulls the story along and I was invested in Gabriel de Léon’s story quite quickly.

I’ve started reading his post-apocalyptic series, but so far Empire of the Damned is the better read.

Non-FIRE goals

My guitar rock god quest (AKA learning to play)

This week we’re doing Rebel Rebel by David Bowie.

My fingers had the dumb on last lesson. I actually nailed the riff within three goes… and then failed to play it for the remainder of the lesson.

How does that happen?!

More practice time for me.

Fitness

Obviously a boozy weekend is not a winner for fitness.

I hit the gym again on Monday and it was, er, embarrassing. I got a five mile treadmill run in but it wasn’t pretty.

Back on the horse though, will need to try harder.

Final thoughts

The dominant theme for the last week was a surprise party weekend, impacting almost all my goals but being exactly what I needed for my own sanity at the same time.

Well, I’ve had my fun. Time to knuckle down and get some progress on my goals this weekend.

My financial independence campaign continues!