-
Growing up Republican, and why I’m not anymore.
Initially adhering to his family’s staunch Republican legacy by voting for candidates like Reagan and McCain, the author’s perspective shifted following McCain’s dignified 2008 loss. Disillusionment grew as Trump’s administration propagated racism, incompetence, and disdain for democratic values. This culminated in the author’s departure from the Republican Party, transitioning towards liberal Democratic values, motivated by…
-
How An $8,000 RV Solar Upgrade Made Our Retirement Travel Dreams Come True
At 57, I retired earlier than planned to be with our new granddaughter in Vancouver, Washington, living in an RV instead of downsizing from a house. Despite not following the original retirement plan, my wife and I adapted, investing in solar panels for our RV, enabling us to boondock in beautiful locations and reducing campground…
-
Life After Retirement!
Approaching retirement, a man reflects on his unexpected journey. After his company folded and experiencing life as empty nesters in California, a surprise move to Vancouver followed to be closer to his son and newly born granddaughter. Leaving the corporate grind, he and his wife sold their belongings, embracing a new life on the road…
-
How We Save Over $700 a Month on Groceries Despite Inflation
Even if you don’t consume a lot of news, it’s hard not to hear stories about inflation. And nowhere has this been more prevalent for most of us than in our monthly grocery bills. The supply chain issues which arose from the pandemic resulted in soaring inflation, peaking at 9.06% in June of 2022. And…
-
I Left California. But Probably Not Why You Think
Walking through my empty house checking to make sure we got everything, I could not help but feel a pang of nostalgia. My sons bedroom where every night we would read to him when he was little, my home office where I worked, the kitchen where we had so many family dinners. Perhaps no place…
-
Pandemic: Impetus to Declutter
Two weeks ago I walked through my house for what I suspected would be the last time. Taking video and photos, documenting what we would be leaving behind. At 9pm there was a loud knock at the door. It was a Sheriff’s deputy with a mandatory evacuation order. The Blue Ridge fire was a mile…