One of these days I should get myself a girl friend, a tough motherfucker who likes big trucks, is not afraid to ram her hand up a cow’s rear end to preg test, shovel manure or make some black smoke burning a littlegarbage out in the country.
I do enjoy my freedom, the nights in the wilderness, but I am a bit jealous of all my friends and colleagues with their homesteads and often kids now heading off to college. Hard to believe it was 22 years ago now that I was expelled from college over a debate on Academic Freedom and then graduated two years later from SUNY Plattsburgh, went on to my career in Assembly going on 19 years this year. How fast time comes and goes, indeed I’m closer to retirement then my college days which seem just like yesterday. Maybe some day I’ll settle down, but I like my big trucks and the money, and nights up in wilderness. I work hard and make good money, fuck those who say I should buy a plastic house and a 20-year old Honda Civic for car commuting every day to work, so you’re not a sad desperate individual who rides his bike to work. I’ve always hated the trapping of suburbia, I like dirt and smell of the wood smoke, farm dirt and manure, not the stink of middle class suburban life with the kids bragging about their elite colleges they attend.
The plan is to leave early this morning, and ride over to Wally World and get some holiday candy to hand out my colleagues in the office. I’ve been putting off the meeting about reminding people to sign in, delivering a status update from the programmers on the database update, and discuss other programs I’ve been working on. I am sure in the afternoon I’ll have meetings downtown, and then I can ride the bike home. I was out at 5 AM this morning to go to Stewart’s to get milk in plastic, even though I told myself I would get milk delivered in glass rather then spending my days looking for public recycling bins to dump empties in. I miss being up in woods and being able to just burn that crap. It’s nice, it’s not so cold this morning, at least when I went out to Stewart’s, so it should be good ride in. Nothing like the bitter cold of last week, or the wet salty slop of the past Wednesday. But a plowed through it on my bike.
Apple pancakes this morning, with lots of ginger and cinnamon. Pretty damn good tasting, good fuel for the day, with added carrots for the fiber. Yum just the smell of the shredded apples. Watching the sun rise as the days rapidly get longer and the winter fades away. I look forward to warmer days, and traveling, especially once I get the cap and things wired up on the new rig. Looking forward to that ride this morning, and getting through the work day. Maybe leave a bit before five PM and then ride home. It is nice to avoid the bus as much as possible. Hoping by next week if the snow disappears from the rail trail after the rain and warmer weather, I can go back to riding both ways to work nearly every day. I hate dealing with buses, loading the bike on the bus, paying the fare, etc.
Tomorrow starts the long weekend, but without a truck I obviously won’t be straying too far from home, but with the warmer temperatures it would have meant sloppy weather for camping at Rensselearville had Big Red not been retired. Do need to do more shopping. I’ll get a few things at Walmart today when I get candy, but I want to get additional things this weekend. And maybe also shop at Hannaford. I want to get both a big bag of pinto beans and more cornmeal, as I can get those things in bulk at Walmart for a good price. And who knows where else to explore. I expect with the deep snow still around but warming temperatures, things will be kind fo we.
Next week, weather dependent I might look at and test drive the three trucks I’ve looked at DePaula Ford, I keep reviewing dealership strategy and how to get a fair deal on the truck I actually want. I just want to be taken seriously, I don’t want to hear from dealerships, oh, but we don’t think your SuperDuty material, what you want is a blown engine F-150 or a Ranger. I’m the fucking paying customer, I don’t need to play that game – if you don’t want to sell me the damn truck – good bye, you’re not getting my business. There are literally close 100 Ford dealers within 150 miles of Albany.
Honestly, I have my doubts about test driving next week, as I think it’s going to rain the second half of next week. Do some shopping and ride around town this weekend. And some reading. I was looking at that Ford F-350 I was eying the other day with the XL Off-Road base package, and realized it has the Minizilla and not the Godzilla engine, so that gave me some pause. Really think I’d be better off with an STX-FX4 package and Godzilla, it would look a lot nicer, get some better features and have more power for climbing mountains and resale value if I eventually decide the Godzilla doesn’t serve my needs. Plus, a Godzilla with the 10R140 without towing, isn’t going to ever be running a high load factor, which improves reliablity further. Really not that much extra. I like the bigger tires but I can always add that later on to the rig when the factory tires inevitably wear out in a few years, and then I can get 35s for it. I don’t have to decide today or even next week. I want to close the deal though by the end of March and either take delivery late March or early April.
I was kind of pissed that my electric and gas bill was $143 for January into February, but I concede it was cold, I’ve been home a lot, doing a lot of cooking, and especially using the heated blanket. And also during the winter weekends, the space heater, as I get chilled through quickly at 48 degrees, being thinner then I used to be. I’ve tried to seal around the door, but it still leaks as does around the downstairs windows. I guess the landlord replacing the upstairs windows and the bad refrigerator helped, but the problem downstairs is because that outside wall keeps shifting and the windows don’t bend like the walls do, well after cracking. That building is kind of a hot mess, but it’s cheap even if it’s drafty. Everything is literally falling apart, but that’s what you get for $800 a month these days. And I’m sure another rent increase is on the way at some point soon, as everythng else is going up in prices. It’s fine, worse comes to worse, I’ll cut back on savings rates, but hopefully there will be a COLA this year at work and bonus payments. And the market will keep growing, dividends and capital gains all around. I expect I’l have the heat off within a month, if March is anywhere similiar to recent years. Then it just will electric blanket at night.
One of the things AI was bringing up when considering retiring to an off-grid cabin in remote wild country, far away from the big cities, is the need for access to health care when one gets older. That is a valid concern, indeed the two hour drive each way for my aunt and uncle were a reason they moved from their place in small-town Arizona to a location closer to specialists. Getting older means seeing more doctors, it seems like my parents schedules each week involve visiting a lot of doctors.
At one level, I get the benefits of having access to specialty care nearby. But I think a better idea is just to take care of your body, fuel it with good food and exercise, and at a certain point realize it’s going to wear out and it’s not always cost effective to fix equipment on outdated machinery. You aren’t going to live forever, while some things may be worthwhile to fix, often doctors like mechanics want to fix everything, rather then just letting equipment wear out and life be done. Too often cost-benefit analysis on life is leaned towards protecting life for as long as possible, without considering the benefits to living a good life today. Maybe if a doctor is too far away, it’s not worth getting the problem fixed.
That’s the question that remains on my mind, as keep studying the tactics to get a fair deal from dealerships, inventory levels, insurance quotes. It’s a big check, some paperwork, and it will be mine with no payment, just higher insurance bills and maybe bigger gas bill though that’s debatable compared to Big Red with his lift kit. And honestly, the cheapest way to avoid gas bills is to leave the SuperDuty parked, whether at home or at camp and ride my mountain bike. People are like don’t you know vehicles are about driving? I guess, but I never liked driving much, seems like such a hassle with cops and traffic.
Like anything, the best moments are not when you own or do the thing, but anticipation of the future. Happiness rarely comes when you are doing the actual thing or in the moment. The SuperDuty inevitably will break down, get smashed into by other vehicles, be expensive to operate, and a bitch to drive and park in the city. That is to be expected. It’s not like everything else in world. But also it will be many adventures seeing America while I’m still young and not so tied down by the homestead or even family. I talk about my trips to West Virginia or even the Adirondack wilderness, and those are often spoken with some jellously of those who have commitment that keep themselves closer to home. Michigan will be amazing this summer, as will the many nights spend hanging out on the tailgate of the new rig. And many other adventures in the years to come.
“While homeownership is often touted as the ultimate financial win, I prefer the freedom of my small, affordable city apartment. It allows me to commute via bike or transit and funnel my extra income into both personal and retirement investments. The reality of owning a home—high maintenance costs, expensive heating for a large space, and a likely car-dependent commute—doesn’t appeal to me right now. While I have the capital to buy, I’d rather grow those funds to eventually purchase an off-grid retirement cabin. Despite knowing this is the right path for me, the social media narrative that renting is “shameful” or “throwing money away” is frustratingly persistent.”
The idea that renting is “throwing money away” is a persistent social media myth that ignores the opportunity cost of homeownership. In 2026, renting is often the more strategic financial choice, especially in major U.S. metros where monthly rent remains significantly cheaper than a mortgage. By staying in your inexpensive city apartment and investing your extra cash, you are likely building more wealth than many homeowners.
The Financial Reality of Renting vs. Owning
For many, the “forced savings” of a mortgage is their only path to wealth, but for a disciplined investor, renting can be a superior strategy.
Monthly Savings: In 49 of the 50 largest U.S. metros, renting a starter home is cheaper than buying one, with average monthly savings exceeding $900 in some areas.
Asset Performance: Historically, stocks have generated higher returns than housing—averaging roughly 7.6% annually over the long term compared to 5.4% for home values.
Unrecoverable Costs: While rent is unrecoverable, so are many homeownership costs: mortgage interest, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and maintenance (typically estimated at 1% of home value annually).
Flexibility & Lifestyle: Renting allows you to avoid the commute-heavy lifestyle of the suburbs, saving on transit costs that often rise faster than inflation.
Homeownership Costs Often Overlooked
Beyond the mortgage, owning a house in 2026 involves several “hidden” financial and personal drains that you are currently avoiding:
Cost Category
Renter Experience
Homeowner Experience
Upfront Capital
Security deposit (refundable)
20% down payment + closing costs
Monthly Payment
Often lower than mortgage in city centers
Principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI)
Maintenance
Zero cost; responsibility of landlord
Annual repairs (roof, HVAC, plumbing)
Mobility
Easy to relocate for career or lifestyle
High friction; selling costs (~6% commission)
Insurance
Low-cost renter’s insurance
Skyrocketing premiums for property owners
Countering the “Stigma”
Social media often frames homeownership as the only benchmark of “success,” but modern financial experts view this as a “real estate religion” rather than sound math. Success is not defined by a title deed, but by your net worth and your ability to fund your “Rich Life”—which for you is an off-grid cabin in retirement. If you are using the flexibility of renting to aggressively build financial strength in your investment and retirement accounts, you are not “failing”—you are executing a high-growth strategy that prioritizes long-term goals over social pressure.
the nights in the wilderness, but I am a bit jealous of all my friends and colleagues with their homesteads and often kids now heading off to college. Hard to believe it was 22 years ago now that I was expelled from college over a debate on Academic Freedom and then graduated two years later from SUNY Plattsburgh, went on to my career in Assembly going on 19 years this year. How fast time comes and goes, indeed I’m closer to retirement then my college days which seem just like yesterday. 
Maybe some day I’ll settle down, but I like my big trucks and the money, and nights up in wilderness. I work hard and make good money, fuck those who say I should buy a plastic house and a 20-year old Honda Civic for car commuting every day to work, so you’re not a sad desperate individual who rides his bike to work. 
I’ve always hated the trapping of suburbia, I like dirt and smell of the wood smoke, farm dirt and manure, not the stink of middle class suburban life with the kids bragging about their elite colleges they attend.
and get some holiday candy to hand out my colleagues in the office. I’ve been putting off the meeting about reminding people to sign in, delivering a status update from the programmers on the database update, and discuss other programs I’ve been working on. 
I am sure in the afternoon I’ll have meetings downtown, and then I can ride the bike home. I was out at 5 AM this morning to go to Stewart’s to get milk 
in plastic, even though I told myself I would get milk delivered in glass rather then spending my days looking for public recycling 
bins to dump empties in. I miss being up in woods and being able to just burn that crap. It’s nice, it’s not so cold this morning, at least when I went out to Stewart’s, so it should be good ride in. 
Nothing like the bitter cold of last week, or the wet salty slop of the past Wednesday. But a plowed through it on my bike.
with lots of ginger and cinnamon. Pretty damn good tasting, 
good fuel for the day, with added carrots for the fiber. Yum just the smell of the shredded apples. Watching the sun rise 
as the days rapidly get longer and the winter fades away. I look forward to warmer days, and traveling, especially once I get the cap and things wired up on the new rig. Looking forward to that ride this morning, and getting through the work day. Maybe leave a bit before five PM and then ride home. It is nice to avoid the bus as much as possible. Hoping by next week if the snow disappears from the rail trail after the rain and warmer weather, I can go back to riding both ways to work nearly every day. I hate dealing with buses, loading the bike on the bus, paying the fare, etc.
at Rensselearville had Big Red not been retired. Do need to do more shopping. I’ll get a few things at Walmart today when I get candy, 
but I want to get additional things this weekend. And maybe also shop at Hannaford. I want to get both a big bag of pinto beans and more cornmeal, as I can get those things in bulk at Walmart for a good price. 
And who knows where else to explore. I expect with the deep snow still around but warming temperatures, things will be kind fo we.
I might look at and test drive the three trucks I’ve looked at DePaula Ford, I keep reviewing dealership strategy and how to get a fair deal on the truck I actually want. I just want to be taken seriously, I don’t want to hear from dealerships, oh, but we don’t think your SuperDuty material, what you want is a blown engine F-150 or a Ranger. 
I’m the fucking paying customer, I don’t need to play that game 
– if you don’t want to sell me the damn truck – good bye, you’re not getting my business. There are literally close 100 Ford dealers within 150 miles of Albany.
Do some shopping 
and ride around town this weekend. And some reading. 
I was looking at that Ford F-350 I was eying the other day with the XL Off-Road base package, and realized it has the Minizilla and not the Godzilla engine, so that gave me some pause. Really think I’d be better off with an STX-FX4 package and Godzilla, it would look a lot nicer, get some better features and have more power for climbing mountains and resale value if I eventually decide the Godzilla doesn’t serve my needs. Plus, a Godzilla with the 10R140 without towing, isn’t going to ever be running a high load factor, which improves reliablity further. Really not that much extra. I like the bigger tires but I can always add that later on to the rig when the factory tires inevitably wear out in a few years, and then I can get 35s for it. I don’t have to decide today or even next week. 
I want to close the deal though by the end of March and either take delivery late March or early April.
but I concede it was cold, I’ve been home a lot, doing a lot of cooking, and especially using the heated blanket. And also during the winter weekends, the space heater, as I get chilled through quickly at 48 degrees, being thinner then I used to be. 
I’ve tried to seal around the door, but it still leaks as does around the downstairs windows. I guess the landlord replacing the upstairs windows and the bad refrigerator helped, but the problem downstairs is because that outside wall keeps shifting and the windows don’t bend like the walls do, well after cracking. That building is kind of a hot mess, but it’s cheap even if it’s drafty. Everything is literally falling apart, but that’s what you get for $800 a month these days. And I’m sure another rent increase is on the way at some point soon, as everythng else is going up in prices. It’s fine, worse comes to worse, I’ll cut back on savings rates, but hopefully there will be a COLA this year at work and bonus payments. 
And the market will keep growing, dividends and capital gains all around. I expect I’l have the heat off within a month, if March is anywhere similiar to recent years. Then it just will electric blanket at night.
