I can't remember if I've mentioned this already or not, but I am painfully aware that I am still in what is arguably the most dangerous financial phase of my life.  Yes, early retirement sounds so rosy and great, until you actually do it, and the cost really starts to bite in.  Until I am "of age" and am eligible for SS, retirement accounts, and medicare/medicaid for example, I am basically floating by using nothing but my own money, one month at a time.

The good news is my monthly budget is holding so far.  On good months, I even have a bit of extra left over.  While I admit that it is not easy, for the most part, it's also not too hard since I only have one of me to take care of.

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On another note, I guess the camping buddy of mine had a nice enough time that he has invited me do another trip, possibly next year.  This time, he wants to do kayak fishing.  I said yes.  Why not?  99% of the other times, I'm mostly a homebody, hardly ever going out except to the grocery store, and the occasional gas station.  Plus, me staying in touch with friends is something that I rarely ever do, and I'm thinking maybe that's not a good thing.  These are good people, and I should try to stay in touch with them whenever the annual opportunity presents itself.

The only catch, of course, is I have neither a kayak nor any fishing gear.  Luckily, this buddy has a second kayak that I can borrow.  That and perhaps some fishing gear as well.  So, this trip should also be affordable enough for me to go.

I'll still have to learn to kayak and fish, and if we catch any, we'll still have to figure out how we want to cook the fish at a potential camp site or whatever, but I guess figuring all that out along the way is all part of that "outdoor experience"?

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Electricity has doubled compared to just a few years ago.  Naturally, I had to double my budget for it as well.  As summer ramps up, the electric bill is going to get painfully ugly, but it can't be helped.  I already run two fans in my room to try to minimize my AC usage.

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Starting July is when harvest season is suppose to start, especially with the vegetables that I typically enjoy.  Yes, I know that farmers store the produce year-round, but towards the end of the cycle (like right now), selections are usually at its worst and most limited.  Once the new harvest hits, I notice that quality suddenly picks up and there tends to be more sales on it?

August is typically the month I like visiting the farmers market.  Yes, I never thought I'd be That Guy, but I guess I am That Guy now, that enjoys visiting the farmer's market, though only during harvest season, which is roughly from now, all the way to Halloween, to soak up all that that autumn harvesty vibes.  I really should go check it out soon.

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While I was walking in a mall one day, I saw this shop selling these dioramas.  Here's one example of what it looks like:

So, they're suppose to be these things that can be placed on your book shelf.  I must be getting old, because I am looking at these things and just marveling how cool they look.  Not exactly the dioramas themselves, but just the certain vibe or atmosphere they exude.

When I stop and think about it, I guess there's something missing in my life, where I live in a house, but I've never felt like I lived in a home?  For example, my room is lined wall to wall with organizing drawers and desks and so forth.  It's very practical and it helps to keep me organized, but uh, I guess there is no warmth to it, save for the summer heat hahaha.

I don't know what to think or how to fix it exactly.  It's eluded me for years, and it is likely to continue to elude me for years to come.  I'm open to ideas and suggestions, within budget of course.  However, I doubt a $45(!) diorama or even flowers in my room will fix whatever it is I feel am lacking.

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Well that's all I can think of right now.  Nothing exciting really, just a guy living his life out there, but without any major regrets or complaints, and staying within the budget while doing so.