Life has been going by too fast lately. It’s because we’ve been really busy. It’s almost time to slow it down though…
One family ritual we have is to take a long walk after dinner. A couple weeks ago on a walk, I noticed a couple plants growing out of a crack in the sidewalk. My first instinct was to yank them, but I didn’t. This is what the plants looks like today:
I’m glad I let them be.
Post Pain
We’ve been running ourselves ragged. This is how I’ve felt lately:
The main culprit is the home remodel. I had really hoped to be done in early June. Now, a month later, it still isn’t done. I went overboard on the porch posts which I started May 1st. I have well over 100 hours of labor into these suckers and they’re still not done. However, we’re very close now:
I’m not sure I would have done everything the same way. My goal was to make our home the best looking one on the street. I wanted to make our area more desirable so others would want to live here too (appreciation!). I think that I’ve succeeded, but it’s taken too much time.
Moving On
Until recently, something about leaving my job didn’t sit well. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but I had a revelation while on vacation last month. I’ve always known that I’ll have no shortage of activity to keep me busy once I leave my job. However, I realized that I needed a new, core challenge. I finally figured out what that challenge will be. More on that soon.
My mind is almost in the right place. When I started the blog back in 2013, I was the guy all the way to the left. Now, I’m close to being the guy on the right:
Soon. Very soon.
That house looks unreal relative to what it was before you started remodeling!
Next big plans to start your own craft brewery??????
Steve recently posted…1979 Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders Letter
Yeah, I took the nastiest home on the street and made it the nicest. Lots and lots of work. Maybe I should have saved the whole job for my FI life…
Craft brewery! Nope.
I’ll keep your advice in mind if we look to buy a house one day (obviously not in this crazy environment in Vancouver, but in a general sense) of buying the fugliest house in a nice neighborhood.
You should check out Jim Koch’s book on his experience and lessons building Boston Beer Company – fantastic read, written in simple language, and jam packed with wisdom. Might give ya some ideas and/or inspiration!
Wow – the house looks great! Looking forward to finding out what your new challenge will be. I just left full-time work too and it is a very odd feeling… Plenty to keep me busy though.
Whoah, cool! I’d love to hear about your new adventures!
Reading between the lines, it’s obvious that he’s starting a ping pong robot making company.
Close. I’m actually going to make robots that make robots that make ping pong robots.
So meta!
Mr. Tako @ Mr. Tako Escapes recently posted…The Arrogance Of Wealth
The posts may have taken way more out of you than you wanted but they look amazing!
It is always amazing what you find out when you take a little time away. Glad to hear the time is getting closer!
Thanks Thias!
Your hard work shows, the porch and posts look amazing. The hanging flower pots add a nice touch.
Looking forward to the big reveal. Cliffhangers are such fun.
Brian @ debt discipline recently posted…Confessions of a Cashier
Thanks Brian!
And yes, a cliffhanger! This one won’t disappoint. There will be aliens, superheros and explosions, but with a developed plot. Think a Transformers movie crossed with “Gone with the Wind.”
Scarlett O’Hara, roll out?
Brian @ debt discipline recently posted…Confessions of a Cashier
New catch phrase – Scarlett O’Hara, roll out?
Brian @ debt discipline recently posted…Confessions of a Cashier
Trademark it baby!
Sorry the remodel’s taking so long but, hey, like with FI the end is in sight.
Looking forward to you pulling the trigger.
Done by Forty recently posted…Mortgages, Student Loans, and Good Debt
Yeah, I’m looking forward to it too. 15% terrified, but 85% super excited.
That is a pretty good balance of terrified and super excited if you ask me!
Team CF recently posted…Savings Rate June 2016
Hell, I’ve been at it for 7 months now and I’m still terrified!
Mr. Tako @ Mr. Tako Escapes recently posted…The Arrogance Of Wealth
Good to know that I’m not crazy. Or hell, maybe we’re both basket cases.
For what it’s worth, I think your house looks lovely. 🙂 Hopefully we’ll be getting one of our own soon.
I’ve struggled with finding my “post-retirement self” too. It’s hard when you’re staring down the barrel of having a loooot of time on your hands. I look forward to reading about what your plans are. 🙂
Mrs. Picky Pincher recently posted…How to Have a Frugal-ish Wedding
Hey Mrs. PP!
Thanks for the kind compliments on the house. It was a load of work, but yeah, I like the way it turned out.
I’ll tell you what my plans are if you tell me about yours!
Water the flowers during your next walk.
Absolutely.
Glad to read the update – the posts are looking awesome!! And, I can’t wait to hear the new challenge! I took the summer off, to take a break from the corporate office, and spend time with my kiddos. I’m loving it so far!! (I’ve got lots of projects, too…and they ALWAYS take more time than I expect they will)
Hi Jen-
Summer off, how cool is that? So, you have a mini-retirement for the summer! I’d consider keeping my job if I could work out a deal like that.
Yes! Go, Mr. 1500, go! So excited to hear what your next venture will be. Can’t wait for your big post. I’m actually departing on mine too in a few weeks. Quite nervous, but excited for it!
Whoah, nice! Can’t wait to read about it! Party time!
Next big challenge?
Visiting us at Shamba.
Obviously.
jlcollinsnh recently posted…The Simple Path to Wealth is now Published!
Dude, that will be a challenge. 1000 miles in a car with kids? One of them may kill the other before we get there…
While the posts may have taken a lot longer than you expected, you have to admit that they look sensational. So surely they were worth the effort?
InsiderAccountant recently posted…I’m still here – I’ve just been busy building!
Ha ha, this is like asking a pregnant woman if she is going to have another baby 5 minutes after giving birth…
The house is looking fantastic, all those hours are paying off.
Looking forward to hearing about the big day.
Tawcan recently posted…Dividend Income – June 2016 Update
Thanks Tawcan! Big day, yes… Slightly terrified, but in my heart, I know I”m doing the right thing.
The posts look totally worth it. Great job!
I can’t wait to hear about the next big adventure!
Thanks Gwen! See you in a few short months…
I can’t wait to find out what your new adventure is!
I agree with everyone else- those posts look awesome!
Linda@Frugal Turtle recently posted…What A Week Without the Internet Taught Me
I’m directing a Broadway musical actually. It is the sequel to Hamilton. I know it didn’t end well for Alexander the first time around, but is he really dead?? Hmmm….
Everything will be oke! Good luck 1500
Love all your “posts”!
Ha ha, thanks!
Plants and flowers… you are going to become the neighbourhood gardner with your own landscaping business, right 😉
Team CF recently posted…Savings Rate June 2016
Ha ha, I enjoy it, but no.
Keep at it 1500, you’re almost there!
The Green Swan recently posted…Happy Fourth of July!
Thanks Swan!
OK, that’s one fine looking house! Now it’s time to start on my house! Haha!
In all seriousness, it’s looking great. I can’t wait to hear about the new project!
Mr. Tako @ Mr. Tako Escapes recently posted…The Arrogance Of Wealth
Hmmmm, carpentourism? You do live in a pretty great place…
Can’t wait for the “I’m hanging up my boots” post! House looks like a million bucks – great work.
Fervent Finance recently posted…Mid-2016 Update
More like $420,000. If someone gave me a million though, I’d be outta there in a heartbeat.
A new challenge? Starting a brew pub with me. Starting a consulting company. Starting a small company. Entering a bike race? Learning to fly. Raising an army of monkeys to attack and take over Canada in the name of frugal do it yourselfers. You can’t end the post on a cliffhanger, I’m going nuts over here.
Kyle recently posted…When can I retire
Ha, I’d start a brew pub with you. No consulting. No bike race. I’d love to learn how to fly; maybe when this comes out: http://lilium-aviation.com/
I’d rather take over Mexico for the beaches. Wait, can I just take over some beaches down south and some mountains in Whistler?
Yeah, I can see what you feel like. Leaving job and retiring at an early age is a very big decision to make but I am very glad that your mind are moving towards positiveness.
We just started the journey and just achieved $200K mark. Hopefully, I would be in your stand within 10 years or so.
Cheers
BeSmartRich recently posted…June 30, 2016 Net Worth Update: $200,719 (+$27,398, +15.7%)
It’s one of the biggest decisions of my life. I’ll bet that 6 months into it, I’ll be kicking myself in the ass for not doing it sooner. However, I needed the time to get my mind in the right place.
Nice work BSR. 200K is nothing to sneeze at.
Wait, if you are leaving, can you strategically leave by negotiating a severance? If not too late already, I will send you my book. A nice financial runway as a gift is heaven for early retirees. I’m still collecting deferred compensation in 2Q2017!
Financial Samurai recently posted…How Much Can An Adjustable Rate Mortgage Go Up After The Fixed Period Is Over?
Thanks for the offer! The book would be great.
The porch looks awesome! It looks complete to me. I completely feel your pain though on how long it takes to do home projects. They always seem to linger and take longer then expected even if you hire someone to do it.
I cant wait to hear about your new challenge.
Alexander @ CashFlowDiaries recently posted…June 2016 Net Worth Update
Thanks Alexander!
I’ve said it countless times, but it is worth repeating: you have done jaw-dropping work with your house.
I’m a little unhappy with the cliff hanger regarding your post work plans. Inquiring minds need to know! 🙂
FinanceSuperhero recently posted…The Get Rich Quick Fallacy
Awww, thanks FS! I’m glad to hear that from others, Of course, I’m happy with it, but it’s my baby. Does anyone thing that their own baby is ugly? Probably not.
Porch looks awesome. Did you pick those matching accent colors or Mrs. 1500? I have my guess:)
You’re so much more handy than I am. We recently did a light remodel (paint, new doors/hardware, kitchen floor) before we move out of our house soon, and the most I did was put on door handles! Ha. I know it saves money, but it would take ENORMOUS amounts of my time and patience. And those are in short supply lately.
Can’t wait for the announcement! Suspense!
Chad Carson recently posted…Coach’s Notes: Getting Things Done, by David Allen
You guessed wrong (I can read minds over the internet). I picket it all out, but it still isn’t done. Don’t pass judgement until you see the final thing. Soon (I hope).
I am handy, but it is because I have to be. It is impossible to find good labor here.
Ha ha, the announcement is that I’m going to devote my life to making the Boulder County Recreational Ping Pong Team. Just kidding. Maybe…
I knew it was you picking the finishes all along:)
Ping Pong Team is good. We can add that to the activities with Risk at FinCon this year!
Chad Carson recently posted…Coach’s Notes: Getting Things Done, by David Allen
Yes, are you surfing too at FinCon? We are! Life is almost too good to be true.
Nah, I imagine that you are going to announce your training regimen to become a world class ping pong player with a goal of representing USA at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
Excellent work Mr. 1500, the (former) ugly house has some real curb appeal now!
Also, it has been a while since we’ve spoken but keep up the great work on that net worth! If I can duplicate your portfolio growth over the past 3 years, I’d be a millionaire in less than 3 years at 32! More realistically, I’ll continue my baby steps on my march to join you much later in the double comma club. But, at least I’m now halfway there.
NWS! So nice to hear from you again!! I always enjoyed your writing. Are you still in the Pacific Northwest?
Just give me all your money and I’ll manage it to $1,000,000. Or not. Way to go on getting to the halfway mark!
Thanks Mr. 1500! Yeah, just give me that guarantee of your continued 20+% returns and it’s all yours!
I’m still based out of the Pacific Northwest, but I’m on a summer work assignment in Hawaii (tough gig but someone has to do it!)
Had to throw up a new post after finally hitting this 1/2 mill marker but found out my site was deactivated due to a complaint from Elton John’s estate. Well, I have no idea what I did to offend sir Elton, but the site is now back up.
Net Worth Snowball recently posted…$500,000+ Half-Millionaire Net Worth Milestone
Hawaii! I feel your pain! Oh wait, no I don’t.
Elton John? WTF?? Oh well, glad to see you’re back.
Haha, yes Elton John. Sir Elton is not a fan of the personal finance/FI blog genre apparently. Thought you’d enjoy that.
This island is gorgeous; best of all I’m being paid to work over here with housing and food provided!
Net Worth Snowball recently posted…$500,000+ Half-Millionaire Net Worth Milestone
I am fascinated to know what your core challenge will be. I think it is a really great idea. I think that many of us benefit from structure, whether self-imposed or outside-imposed.
I’m glad your flower is blossoming, too.
ZJ Thorne recently posted…My Frugal DIY Hair Routine
Ha ha, the challenge isn’t that exciting. Well, to me it is, but I’m biased. And yeah, structure and good goals are part of a healthy life.
And yeah, flower is almost full bloom…
Carl,
The deck and columns look FANTASTIC! Well done man. Although the remodel has taken a while, the great thing is that you’ve done so much and don’t have to do as much any more!
I took a 6 month break b/c my contractor wasn’t available. But now he’s back on to cut out my old windows and put in a 12′ sliding door and build a large deck off the master. AFter that, I’m taking a break for the year, and then will do the landscaping out front next year. Bit by bit! Feels better on the pocket book, and the mind.
Sam
Financial Samurai recently posted…How Much Can An Adjustable Rate Mortgage Go Up After The Fixed Period Is Over?
Thanks Sam! The thing about my life is by the time I bail on my job, the house will be done. I should have arranged it a little different.
a 12′ sliding door will be great! Is that two, 6′ panels then?
Thanks for the update! I hope that you get to finish the house soon.
Looking forward to hearing about your next adventures and retirement! I guess one person retires another person enters the workforce..
Finance Solver recently posted…This Person Changed the Way I Learn
Yep, someone else can have my job. I am so thankful my job has enabled this, but everything needs an end date.
What would Mr. 1500 Days do for fun, let me dive into his head for a moment. It will involve coding, beer, friends, and writing. So you are designing a coding school for breweries all at a local brew pub and writing about the results on your new website http://www.codeforbeer.com and wait for it…………… this domain is taken (suggestion codeforbeers.com is available).
Steven recently posted…Paying off over $100,000 and Sharing with Debt Free Divas
I like the way you think Stevie, but I’ve tried coding after beers and it doesn’t work out so well…
That is looking positively gorgeous! I am curious, actually, why you didn’t save more of this for your full FI period? It seems an appropriate project for that wide open space of time. Was it intentional or did this just snowball? I’m sure you addressed this elsewhere already and I missed it! 😛
Revanche @ A Gai Shan Life recently posted…Just a little (link) love: good dog + ice cream edition
“…why you didn’t save more of this for your full FI period?”
I think about this every single day. That was the original plan. Then, I learned that I can’t get a mortgage. 18 months ago, I kept my same consulting job, but went corp-to-corp. Because of this, I need two years of tax returns to get a mortgage. My 820 credit score doesn’t matter. Neither do my savings.
There are a couple investment properties that I’ve been eyeballing. The best way to pay for them would be to get a line of credit on my current place. So, my goal has been to get my home as nice as possible so could maximize the line of credit.
Ah ha! That makes a lot of sense now. Banks really can’t get their act together hm? They were happy to extend loans every which way to people who can’t afford them as long as you had a W-2 but take that away and oh noes, too much risk! Weird.
Revanche @ A Gai Shan Life recently posted…Just a little (link) love: good dog + ice cream edition
Love your sunflower analogy to one’s mindset. I’m somewhere in between myself, looking to bloom out one day soon. Excited to read what new challenge you’ll be tackling soon. Awesome job on that porch by the way!
Thanks OoSI! I’m glad you liked the sunflowers. Nature never ceases to amaze me.
I’ve heard walking after dinner like that can help utilize food better and keep fat from being stored, so overall a good idea on your part.
I really enjoyed the photos. Liked the metaphor between the flower and your mind/soul. I can definitely relate.
I’m excited to hear all about your epiphany. I love it when things just “click” in my head and I know which direction to head! And I love hearing about those moments for others. Your house posts look lovely, by the way. Well done.
Maggie @ Northern Expenditure recently posted…Northern Expressions: Virtue, Wealth, Liberty, Power
I’m looking forward to discovering your new challenge.
I’m also that kind of guy who needs one main challenge in FI life!
Let me just say, you are an inspiration. I looked at your previous blogs and how you got to your goal, it’s just amazing. I’m in awe. I’m sure a lot of people feel the same. Keep inspiring people! Thank you for sharing your journey. 🙂