Reborn As An Early Retiree, I Now Wander America’s Costliest City: Volume 1, Chapter 12

WHAT’S ON MY MIND

Stress. There’s something going on that’s preventing me from getting a good night’s rest, but I don’t want to discuss that. Let’s talk about…

Hope. The used compact SUV I test drove needs a new AC compressor, and it’s undetermined if the electrical issue is only a warning message that an old battery needs replacement. I’ll know more once the mechanic receives the new compressor.

On the plus side, this compact SUV has go kart handling and other desirable features like its smaller, more popular sibling. It’s gorgeous two color combination is sadly no longer offered by the manufacturer. Its trademark hood bonnet stripes and the highly appointed, like new interior only add to its allure.

By that description, you can probably guess the car I’d love to take home next week.

WHAT SINFUL THING I ATE

Not many things can calm my nerves like the Pillsbury biscuit sized cheesecake I ate on Monday evening. It was 300 calories of sugar and carbs, ara ara! 

Emotional eating on a daily basis is how I got where I once was, so I don’t want to do that again anytime soon.

WHAT I BOUGHT

More t-shirts from Redbubble in my smaller size. Some of them are the same designs I’ve worn for the past couple of years, but now I own this one of sensei, the valkyrie/teacher Rossweisse from High School DxD.

WHAT SACRED TEXTS I READ

• Imitation, Volume 3
• Assorted Entanglements, Volume 5
• Combatants Will Be Dispatched!, Volume 9
• There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover, Unless…, Volume 5
• Ogami-san Can’t Keep It In, Volume 5

Also from J-Novel Club

• The Royal Hostage Has Vanished: The Black Wolf Yearns For The Persecuted Princess, Volume 1 (In progress)
• The Hero And The Sage: Reincarnated And Engaged, Volume 1 (In progress)
• The Poison King: Now That I’ve Gained Ultimate Power, The Bewitching Beauties In My Harem Can’t Get Enough Of Me, Volume 1 (In progress)
• From Two-Bit Baddie To Total Heartthtrob: This Villainess Will Cross-Dress To Impress!, Volume 1 (In progress)

WHAT I LISTENED TO

I’m now caught up on Welcome To Nightvale. I think it was Spo who alerted me of this podcast several years ago, and it’s quite enjoyable to listen to the current Mother Lauren arc as I work out.

WHAT MADE ME LAUGH AND PROUD AT THE SAME TIME

While chatting up a car salesman, I confessed with the appropriate pause, “I’m an early retiree… from fast, dynamic work places designed to kill me.” 

I’ve often said that the brief time I was with my last employer was a cup of coffee, and it’s also accurate that I fled the coffee shop once I discovered the employer pissed in the cup.

WHAT I ACCOMPLISHED IN GRAN TURISMO 7

I received another Time Trial Silver, and I spent most of my time driving cars for fun. The ones I enjoyed included a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette convertible, a 2008 Fiat 500, a 2005 Mini Cooper, a 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429, and this 2012 KTM X-Bow that’s sadly not street legal in America. 

I also acquired a 1967 Toyota 2000GT late last night, and I look forward to driving that later today.

WHAT MADE ME SAD

Both the Say Hey Kid (Willie Mays) and the Animal House professor that smoked pot with his students (Donald Sutherland) died within days of each other. Treasure your 60s and 70s icons, y’all.

WHO GETS A FINGER FLICK TO THE FOREHEAD

The San Diego Union-Tribune. For a week and a half, the local newspaper’s web site went through a subscriber services upgrade, which prevented me from reading their online news articles for about ten days. It was a mild inconvenience, but things are back to normal now.

WHO GETS A FIST BUMP

Italian soccer legend Roberto Baggio, who is recovering from head injuries from a recent armed robbery at his villa, has enough money to own any car his heart desires. I learned his ride is a well maintained Fiat Panda that has to be three decades old. It’s nice to see I’m not the only one who likes older cars!

WHAT’S UP WITH MY HEALTH

Last week I gained 0.4 pounds, which I’ve chalked up to water retention. I weighed myself a day early this week, and I’ve lost 2.4 pounds. I believe the overall body workout the new bike gives me helped matters.

I shall brush this Japanese barbecue sauce on tonight's ribeye steak to celebrate!