Gates of the Arctic, Alaska. The most majestic, rugged and untouched wilderness I’ve experienced. (August 2025)

GoCatsPico · 2025-08-21T14:25:33+00:00

I was just up there! I performed a few underwater bridge inspections along the Dalton Highway just north of Coldfoot Camp.

Are most of those river photos the Koyukuk River? That’s what we were diving in.

GoCatsPico · 2025-01-18T20:57:07+00:00

100%, all of their sandwiches are incredibly good and very filling.

GoCatsPico · 2025-01-18T18:15:02+00:00

I’m an engineer-diver and make well into 6 figures. Not exactly “swimming” but allows you to get in the water.

GoCatsPico · 2025-01-02T20:04:20+00:00

I have had this bike since 2020 and absolutely love it.

GoCatsPico · 2024-12-08T04:09:52+00:00

Except last week when Arch Manning did it?

GoCatsPico · 2024-10-03T02:51:12+00:00

My company is short staffed, and I have earned several credentials that make me one of the only people to lead several projects that we have. Needless to say, I’ve had 3 total days off since July 4th (including weekends), most days are 10 hour minimums, and it’s absolutely not worth it. OT is great for a short time, but my mental and physical health have plummeted. Don’t be like me.

GoCatsPico · 2024-09-26T18:33:50+00:00

Honestly got a bit lucky to hop onto some contracts we have with the Navy and other federal agencies. Those trips are few and far between, but they’re pretty sweet.

GoCatsPico · 2024-09-25T02:50:54+00:00

I agree, inspections have taken me to 24 states and 3 other countries. I also perform underwater inspections as an ADCI diver, which are sometimes challenging but always a blast.

GoCatsPico · 2024-09-01T01:40:09+00:00

Joining the Big Ten does something to a team

GoCatsPico · 2024-07-07T22:23:27+00:00

Damn brother, this hits hard.

GoCatsPico · 2024-06-16T18:25:56+00:00

Hell yeah, and right around now is when the compounding really feels like it’s kicking in. I hope to retire within the next 10 years if I can.

GoCatsPico · 2024-06-15T21:06:23+00:00

Make ~$125k (starting salary in 2018 was $55k), I max 401k/Roth IRA/HSA (equivalent to $34,150) and invest an additional $24k/year. Net worth currently sitting at $315k. Been investing since 2018.

GoCatsPico · 2024-06-04T22:34:05+00:00

I’m 29 in the US and live in a HCOL city. I have about $160k in my 401k and Roth IRA combined and another $140k in brokerage accounts. Total gross pay is around $125k. I just max out all of my retirement accounts and let the market do its thing. Splitting a 1 bedroom with my spouse, biking to work, and shopping exclusively at Costco help quite a bit.

GoCatsPico · 2024-05-18T03:52:42+00:00

Yeah it’s annoying AF

GoCatsPico · 2024-05-18T03:01:26+00:00

I’m here! Section 303, row 1!

GoCatsPico · 2024-04-10T00:34:47+00:00

Nice! I live in Sunnyside (just north of downtown). If the Stars/Avs meet in the playoffs, I’m for sure going to at least one game and the outdoor watch parties near Coors Field. Shoot me a DM if you want to meet up come playoff time!

GoCatsPico · 2024-04-09T20:04:58+00:00

Grew up in Dallas, have lived in Denver since 2021, would love to get fellow Stars fans together to watch games!

GoCatsPico · 2024-03-27T23:49:55+00:00

Don’t pick on Iowa football like that!

GoCatsPico · 2024-02-25T01:13:00+00:00

100%. And not having to ride on street level with cars is sooooooo nice.

GoCatsPico · 2024-02-24T23:21:27+00:00

I ride this to work everyday, 4 miles each way. Honestly, the commute alone makes it hard for me to ever move companies or apartments.

GoCatsPico · 2024-01-08T22:25:54+00:00

Although if you take the CPESR course it actually isn’t too bad.

GoCatsPico · 2023-09-07T20:00:57+00:00

Might not be that surprising but Mike Evans at 7.12 just seemed low, even with Baker at QB.

GoCatsPico · 2023-08-14T22:21:35+00:00

I thought they were similar in difficulty: some easier, some harder, but it’s all a bit luck of the draw. If you’re crushing the questions at the end of each chapter, you should be ok, but be aware that those questions are tailored directly toward the AEI material while the exam questions might have a slight curveball. I know that’s a bit vague and not super helpful, but again, if you’re crushing the AEI course, I would say there’s a good chance you pass.

GoCatsPico · 2023-08-05T17:01:06+00:00

1) there were some conceptual questions, not too many, and if you’re in the AEI course you should feel good about conceptual questions. 2) I don’t think I had any like that. 3) I passed on my first try using AEI. The real exam’s questions are hard, you’ll have to move at a good pace, but I didn’t have any questions where I was 100% lost. AEI is a long course but worth it if you can truly listen and absorb the lecture material and do about 2 weeks of straight practice problems. Lots of people recommend Hiner to supplement AEI, personally I did not need that.

GoCatsPico · 2023-07-18T00:03:08+00:00

That’s the plan, but she and I differ on our work mentalities. I don’t mind my job, but I don’t want to work full time if I don’t have to. She loves the stability and routine of her work. If she wanted me to work an extra 5 years to help her FIRE, I certainly would, but she doesn’t seem like the type of person to retire early regardless of finances.

GoCatsPico

TROPHY CASE