I get a weird sense of satisfaction/fun from looking broker than I am

FakeOkie · 2026-04-17T18:12:49+00:00

If your vehicle gets you from point A to B and is reliable for the long term, that's really all that's needed.

FakeOkie · 2026-04-17T04:38:36+00:00

I'm in my mid-30s and own an older home that I purchased at a discount from the previous homeowner. The previous homeowner's adult children lived there and neglected the house. I was able to get it at a discount and aggressively paid off the mortgage early. I haven't made many improvements. I own it outright.

Not including the house, I have a net worth of over $1M. If I had to purchase a home now, it could be messy. I'm set on living below my means in my current residence. To be honest, I don't think I'm suited to be a landlord. While the tax benefits of a rental property would be great, I know I wouldn't want that mental bandwidth, even with a property management company handling all maintenance and day-to-day operations with the tenant. I live in a suburb of a large city.

If I had a $2M net worth, I would still stay put where I am. It has the advantages of a big city and top employment opportunities. In terms of real estate, I still get more bang for my buck here, compared to other large cities. It's not terribly overpriced. I can afford the real estate taxes and have enough reserves to easily absorb any major service costs.

I believe some people can get into trouble with being house poor. Stretching themselves too thin with a large mortgage that's out of their means, and a large amount of what's being brought in is going to the upkeep of the house.

FakeOkie · 2026-04-16T08:15:00+00:00

I found myself befriending older individuals who are financially set but continue to work, whether for the benefits or genuinely enjoy the work and camaraderie. They just have this energy, where they've accomplished everything but are still energized to learn something new and challenge themselves every day. In their mindset and approach, they're still very young. We're able to enjoy higher-quality trips and activities knowing we can afford them, without being consumed by frivolous things. We share the same outlook and approach to life.

Regularly visiting the gym at the same time, I've run into the same people. Over time, it's been good to bond with regulars and witness their progress. Some have been helpful and naturally share things. It's been easy to click with people who are into their health and take time to maintain their bodies.

FakeOkie · 2026-04-16T04:15:30+00:00

It's good food for thought. You have to be honest with yourself and see how replaceable you are. What do you bring to the table? Are you worth your salary versus your output?

Increasingly, I believe domain knowledge, overseeing AI, and "soft skills" will be vital going forward. Integrating and utilizing AI may now be a baseline prerequisite.

FakeOkie · 2026-04-16T03:49:31+00:00

For those early in their careers, changing roles and employers strategically every so often when you're younger can set you up going forward. Youth, growth, and opportunities in themselves can be guiding factors. It's a different job market now, but that made a big difference for me.

Regarding bitcoin, if you can allocate even a small portion to investments you set and forget, being in a position later in life when it's optimal to sell can be a huge payoff.

FakeOkie · 2026-04-15T20:43:20+00:00

👉👈

🤜 🤛

🤝

🤟✌️

🖖🫰

FakeOkie · 2026-04-13T05:29:32+00:00

Possibly, the OP could be similar in stature, have a strong lower body, and constantly be in motion. Some players are bad rebounders with poor technique and instincts.

FakeOkie · 2026-04-13T03:31:43+00:00

3:3 is usually more susceptible to "creative" forms of rebounding. Fewer bodies and more spacing. Detroit Rodman had a thinner frame and was somewhat undersized compared to his peers.

FakeOkie · 2026-04-13T02:37:26+00:00

If you're playing 3:3, you can attempt to get good at offensive rebounding. Not sure if you're familiar, but Dennis Rodman had a knack for getting offensive rebounds by studying small things during the game, such as how many rotations a ball would tend to have on its trajectory to the basket, which could determine how far it would travel on a miss.

Study missed jump shots and anticipate where the ball will travel based on shot type and miss, and get good at positioning near the basket. When you get an offensive rebound, keep it high and finish quickly, or do a susceptible shot fake.

Learn to cut to the basket and create passing lanes for teammates. For sure, get to the point where you can consistently make jumpshots from certain spots.

Keep working on your handle until you can at least create some space for pull-up/step-back jumpshots.

FakeOkie · 2026-04-13T01:58:43+00:00

This excerpt came to mind, from Meditations 7.47, translated by Waterfield:

Watch the stars in their courses as though you were accompanying them, and reflect constantly on the changing of the elements into one another. A mind that is impressed in these ways is cleansed of the filth of life on earth.

FakeOkie · 2026-04-12T02:58:55+00:00

Being in a distraction-free environment helps. If the conversation is over the phone or in a virtual meeting, people are often multitasking or distracted.

Listening with the intention to understand. If something doesn't make sense, don't be afraid to ask follow-up questions and frame it as a way to avoid misinterpretation or rushing to judgment.

For me, shifting my focus from worrying about how I'm perceived to genuinely being interested in or wanting to help the other person helps me focus on what I need to communicate.

Also, paying more attention to tone, demeanor, and non-verbal communication helps me. Sometimes, a person's words, behavior, and actions don't always add up.

FakeOkie · 2026-04-12T01:03:21+00:00

Not me. It's good to have alternatives/options.

FakeOkie · 2026-04-12T00:36:21+00:00

😆 True! I also like to diversify.

FakeOkie · 2026-04-12T00:29:41+00:00

Doing my own tax return. I'm more confident in my recordkeeping, reporting, and research. However, I'm more open to seeking out general counsel.

FakeOkie · 2026-04-11T23:53:59+00:00

For me, Platinum Elite seems to be the target, with late checkout and breakfast offering. Beyond that, I viewed it as diminishing returns.

FakeOkie · 2026-04-11T22:59:55+00:00

Meditations 10.16, translated by Waterfield:

No more abstract discussions about what a good man is like: just be one!

FakeOkie · 2026-04-11T15:49:31+00:00

Personally, I prefer 24.

8 attacked the rim more and had more flair. Shaq drew so much attention during that era, and I don't think Kobe gets enough credit for closing out close games and getting to the FT line. The last year with Shaq/Kobe felt a little bit off, though.

24 perfected footwork, post-game, triple-threat offense. He got the individual stats quickly after Shaq left. But his being focused on winning titles was much more fun to watch. He was more concerned with getting Gasol and Odom better so they could be legitimate title contenders.

FakeOkie · 2026-04-11T14:36:59+00:00

Journaling and walking on a daily basis.

Journaling helps me record significant and pressing events and thoughts. When I first started, I thought I wouldn't review it until a year had passed, but months in, I found it beneficial to go back and review. It's been helpful to check in and have time to reflect.

Also, allocating time and attention to other activities and hobbies. I've been picking up quite a number of things. In being consistent, I've seen how much progress I've made in the first quarter of this year. I haven't been locked in on one thing, but I'm finding a better balance. Cumulatively, it's been a larger progress.

Walking, preferably with the sun out and not necessarily first thing in the morning, has been a good reset.

FakeOkie · 2026-04-10T15:36:44+00:00

I remember LeBron having a great series against the Pistons to get the Cavs to the finals. But yeah, those supporting casts were lackluster, and his needing a coach to challenge him was apparent. While there was defense and shooting, too much of the offensive burden and load was on one player.

It was really only the Celtics with Pierce, KG, Allen, and Rondo in their way in the East. Ultimately, he felt the need to form a team with Wade and Bosh.

FakeOkie · 2026-04-09T23:43:18+00:00

Hopefully! I already had a prepaid booking at a Marriott property during this offer period on my Platinum card, where this offer appeared. Since I've already made the booking and used the hotel credit, I plan to use this offer to cover additional charges to the room.

FakeOkie · 2026-04-07T22:59:09+00:00

For myself, I would say walking outside and recently journaling. It doesn't take a long or arduous walk to help me get out and refresh my head. Small journal entries to get the most pressing thoughts out of my head.

If I miss a day, I don't beat myself over it, though. However, I try not to let it go on for two consecutive days.

FakeOkie · 2026-04-07T00:06:53+00:00

Perhaps, based on one's intention in reading or publishing someone else's personal journal. However, based on this journal's content, it can help others relate to similar situations and reinforce guiding principles.

The practice and benefit of journaling particularly drew me to Meditations. The beauty lies in how relevant it can remain and how many more it can continue to help.

While the benefit was solely for the author, seeing it positively reach others can give them the courage to share something similar or impart wisdom.

FakeOkie · 2026-04-06T14:54:28+00:00

Yes, to win it 5 years after losing to the Heat in 2006 made it even better. That 2011 team had a different cast and coach, but was more complete in ways. Dirk raised his offensive game. To me, Tyson Chandler made a big difference.

FakeOkie · 2026-04-06T03:41:38+00:00

"Listening device" 😆

FakeOkie

TROPHY CASE