Hi folks, as you can probably guess things have been getting a bit hectic for us around our household lately. We are entering our fifth month of remodeling projects while concurrently taking on some other big life goals. Oh, let us not forget that we are both working full time jobs. For those loyal readers, here is a quick update.
Yes – We do have some goals
I had mentioned in this post that I need to refocus my time and energy on a couple large goals. They are my health, brushing up on my German, and completing these darn remodeling projects.
- Remodeling update: These projects never seem to end. I have worked on at least some task nearly every day for the last 4 ½ months. It is an interesting observation that with my slightly OCD personality this has become my new debt snowball journey. I can be so focused in one area that many other aspects of my life get put on hold. I feel like this will never end – just like the debt snowball. The good news is the next two weeks are pivotal with completing our kitchen and bathroom remodels. The last flooring will be completed Wednesday, the lower cabinet demo will be done Thursday, and the new cabinets will be going in on Friday. Monday the counter top people are creating their final measurements and template so they can begin fabrication. Only a couple weeks later, upon completing a backsplash this will all be history. So maybe 4 weeks from now we might be done!
- German study update: I was off to a slow start, however I am picking up momentum. I have been averaging about 30 minutes of concentrated study each day. I went many days over the last month without touching the subject. Now the study is becoming part of my daily habit. It also helped that I pulled the trigger and bought non-refundable flights to Frankfurt last Friday to keep myself from “weaseling” out of going. I realize I do have a complicated justification system. Now I am motivated – I don’t want to embarrass myself with poor German communication with my family and friends.
- My health update: I have established a new habit to get two to three decent walks in each day. I am also attempting to stand and walk during many internal company calls to keep my movement ongoing. In addition, I will incorporate stretching and yoga into my fitness over the next month. I have not listened to German as much as I expected on my walks. I rather enjoy the solitude of the walks and continue to pick up pennies while I averaged 10,603 steps per day for the last month!
Post remodel: What will life be like in a couple months?
I am beginning to wonder once the “all consuming” remodeling projects are completed, what new goal will become my focus. Nature abhors a vacuum! Will I double down on my health and German? Will I find some new hobby or goal to occupy my time?
I have suspected for a long time that I conveniently use excuses like family, work, projects, and other tasks as reasons why I don’t really take the time to understand what I want to do with my life. I have felt that the financial piece of this early retirement puzzle is the most important, and then I would have all the time in the world what to figure out what is next. This has probably been a big mistake. I should have been trying to build my next chapter of life during the time our financial goals were so important.
Is early retirement going to suck? Am I too much of a workaholic to enjoy the free time leaving work should provide me? Will I become bored and not have enough structure and activities in my life to take work’s place? I am re-reading Ernie’s book for the third time (yes it is that good and I am a slow learner!), hoping to find some answers to this puzzle. I know that I need to be developing more outside interests now in preparation for my imminent retirement.
What’s next?
I am traveling three days this week with work because of an impromptu request by a project and account team. My time will be limited this week so I will respond to comments and emails when I can.
I have an article coming very soon that will share our March income. Why March? Because we had an exceptional month and I am attempting to show how long it took to get to that point. I don’t want to discourage the quick fix dreamers out there, but I do wish to demonstrate that a steady approach does work.
We are reaching our one-year anniversary for this blog. I can’t believe how quickly that time has passed and all the articles that were written. I plan to write a long post about our “Just One More Year” syndrome, attempting to explain our journey so far and the final plans we have in retiring early.
Take care folks!
Photo Copyright : Markus Gann
ARB says
I hear ya on the whole concept of having so much to do with so little time to do it. I have a feeling that you’ll find something to keep you occupied during retirement. Perhaps you’ll create courses on how to retire early, or how to manage rental properties. If you’re the creative type, maybe you’ll write stories. Just throwing ideas out there.
Congrats on the remodeling being nearly complete.
Sincerely,
ARB–Angry Retail Banker
Bryan says
Thanks for checking in ARB! It was a crazy week of travel and remodeling. Friday we started to install all of the cabinets in the kitchen and two bathrooms. We will continue over the weekend to be ready for the counter top folks on Monday. I think we are only 3 weeks away from all these projects getting completed.
It is going to be interesting to see what I do with my free time away from demo/construction projects. I need to find some other interests to prepare for when I leave employment. I believe my health, German studies, and trip to Germany in September will be my new short term focus.
Steve @ Think Save Retire says
I hope to see pictures of your remodels once they are done, Bryan! I’m sure everything will look great. And kudos on your “mobility achievement” – walking that many steps in a day is far, far more than most people walk. It’s amazing how much good a little walking does for us human beings. And you have an incredibly scenic place to walk, too. 🙂
Bryan says
I do plan on doing a post of the before and after pictures of our 5 month plus remodel. Should be coming out next month.
The walking has been great for my body and spirit. It is wonderful to be able to hike and walk in such a beautiful area as Sedona. We still pinch ourselves trying to believe we pulled off the move and plans toward FI and early retirement!