Skinny’s Thoughts

Your mind is a powerful tool and when used improperly becomes a weapon to yourself and those you love.

Work is important, but play time is irreplaceable to the function of life.

Burnout is real and most people don’t recognize it until it is too late. Although it isn’t entirely irreversible, the impacts are tough to recover from. Most people wishing to return to a more functional level of life find the road to be twisted with many setbacks.

So… The moral of this story is, find something you enjoy that takes your mind off life even for a brief moment. Remember, drugs is bad, and binging on comfort food and reruns never made someone happy in the long run. Explore life, find a realistic hobby or anything to pass time away from day-to-day mundanities. Whether it be a craft, cycling, paddling, walking, taking a day trip, or just sitting in a relaxing pose and letting everything take care of itself. Remember to take a break from civilization regularly (that includes turning off or not using electronics), no excuses and not every so often.

Find YOU and start enjoying THIS life!

— Skinny

Tried to prove Dave Ramsey wrong!

Earlier this year I started an experiment. I was doing fine financially and got a credit card, what could it hurt? My house and autos are paid off and I have some extra cash so let’s prove Dave wrong!! I applied for a card, got one with a $3000 limit that soon raised to $6000 and my credit score increased over 100 points as well!! GO ME! Hit the brakes Cletus, we’re about to crash!

Having extra money at the end of the month is a great thing! I found that out the hard way. Soon after getting the card, I promptly put some miles on it. Starting a business is no easy task and I bought some things I felt I needed for the business. After running the card up to $1800 (I didn’t want to max it, I’m no dummy…) What should have taken less than 3 months to pay off is now 6 months later and I’m still paying on a $1100 balance! How is that possible you may ask? Simple answer, all the money that is going on the card ($1000 and more a month) is actually eating away at the money that was there to cover lifes expenses that just show up along with Murphy when you are drowning with a credit card. I will have the card paid off next month, as long as Murphy stays away! I will update this story when the dust settles.

Update:

Well, it has been NINE months since this experiment took place and the card is finally paid off. The interest paid for this venture was just shy of $400.00 and that could have been used for something else. So why did that take so long you may ask, well, everything that cash was supposed to cover went into the pay off balance, and whatever came up that should have been paid for with cash went back onto the balance. It was a vicious circle that is now over. DON’T do stupid with credit cards! If you can’t afford to save the money, you can’t afford the payment!

The moral is, Dave knows what he is teaching and if you want peace of mind, you should listen to what he has to say. I did this experiment blindly and wish to never repeat it! Oh, and I have lost around $200 $400 for interest payments that I should have been kept in MY pocket!

Get out of debt and prepare to enjoy life one less payment at a time!

— Skinny


For those of you who can compare side-by-side writings, The “Tried to Prove Dave Ramsey Wrong” story is written by Skinny, and translated by AI (Artificial Intelligence). Let me know who did a better job in the comments section! (Well, I still don’t know how to set it up….. I’ll keep working on it)!


Tried to prove Dave Ramsey wrong! (AI version)

Earlier this year, I embarked on an intriguing experiment to test my financial boundaries. Feeling comfortable with my stable financial situation which included fully paid-off house and autos, I decided to delve into the realm of credit cards. "What harm could it do?" I asked myself. With a sense of determination to defy any skeptics like Dave, I took the leap and applied for a credit card. Surprisingly, I was approved for one with a modest $3000 limit, which astonishingly surged to $6000 not long after. The most rewarding part of my venture was witnessing my credit score soar by over 100 points! The feeling of accomplishment surged through me – a personal victory, indeed. However, amidst the jubilation, a voice of caution emerged - a gentle reminder to navigate this newfound financial avenue cautiously.

Having extra money at the end of the month is truly a welcome occurrence! This realization dawned on me through first-hand experience. Upon acquiring the card, I swiftly began utilizing it for various expenses, particularly for kickstarting a business venture. Consequently, the balance crept up to $1800, with a conscious effort to avoid maxing it out. Initially envisioning a repayment timeline of under 3 months, it's baffling that 6 months have elapsed, and a $1100 balance still lingers. The perpetual cycle ensues due to allocating substantial sums (exceeding $1000 monthly) to settle the card, inadvertently encroaching upon funds intended for unexpected life instances – akin to unwelcome visits from Murphy coinciding with a credit card turmoil. With concerted efforts, the card is slated for full settlement next month, barring any unforeseen circumstances. The forthcoming resolution following this episode shall be duly shared as the narrative unfolds.

Update:

It has been almost a full year since this financial experiment commenced, and the credit card debt has finally been entirely cleared. The total interest accumulated throughout this period amounted to just under $400. The prolonged repayment duration was primarily attributed to all expenses initially meant to be covered by cash being allocated to the card balance. Additionally, any unforeseen costs that should have been settled with cash ended up being added back to the outstanding balance, prolonging the repayment process. This detrimental cycle has now come to an end. The key lesson learned from this experience is the importance of exercising caution with credit card usage — if one cannot set aside money in advance for expenses, then relying on credit may not be a viable option in the long run.

The lesson to be learned here is crystal clear: Dave's expertise is undeniable, and he imparts valuable knowledge worth heeding for a calm state of mind. Acting without his guidance led me down a regrettable path, resulting in an experience I never wish to relive. Moreover, the financial setback of approximately $200 $400 in unnecessary interest payments serves as a stark reminder to prioritize informed decisions that safeguard personal finances.

Get out of debt and prepare to enjoy life one less payment at a time! With Daves tailored financial solutions and expert guidance, you can take the first step towards a more secure future. Let his wisdom help you alleviate the burden of debt so you can focus on what truly matters to you.

— Skinny (and help from AI)


Once upon a time, I had grand ambitions!

Now, all I have are memories— of what should have been… Get out and do it, whatever it happens to be!

Be happy, be productive, believe in yourself!

When is the next time you will get a next time?

— Skinny


Skinny got his own website!

   Visit skinnys411.com to delve deeper into Skinny's world. Uncover the fascinating story behind the scenes. Stay updated on upcoming events that include group outings, local adventures, canyak (canoe used as a kayak) and cycling camp trips. Not to mention those highly anticipated sales booth appearances for Trickling Falls. Check out the latest project updates and progression snapshots. Video reviews for trails, camping, biking, paddling, and a wide array of products await your reviews! He also has his blog post there as well.

Nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun." ― Jon Krakauer

And if you thought life to be different, you are sorely missing your miserable existence true feelings. You can have adventure doing new things while simultaneously living a pathetic life. Being miserable and couped up within the confines of the cityscape or any structure, is what most people must do to survive. Being a slave to modern, yet bad “conveniences” is the easy way out, and a poor excuse for a life. Adventure lies within the hearts of all, and it only increases each time you face the challenge of something new. Most times, it is cheaper than drugs and gives a much longer lasting high! At least you will remember it….

—Skinny


Another AI version of incredible wisdom.

This is “the same” as the preceding “thought box”.


Nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a person than the prospect of a secure and predictable future. At the heart of every individual lies a fundamental yearning for excitement and exploration. The essence of existence is intertwined with the thrill of new discoveries and escapades. Consequently, there is unparalleled delight in the presence of an ever-evolving landscape, where each dawn brings forth a unique sun, heralding fresh opportunities and unknown journeys.― Jon Krakauer (AI revision)

And if you believed life would be markedly different, you are tragically mistaken about your true feelings towards your dismal existence. Embracing the opportunity to engage in novel experiences while simultaneously enduring a sorrowful state of being characterizes the paradox of modern living. Many find themselves trapped within the confines of urban landscapes or man-made structures, navigating a path dictated by necessity rather than passion. Succumbing to the allure of contemporary yet unsatisfactory "conveniences" represents a convenient yet unsatisfying coping mechanism. True adventure resides in the depths of every individual's heart, thriving with each encounter of the unknown. Often more economical than indulging in substances, such experiences offer a euphoria that lingers far beyond the moment, leaving lasting memories in their wake.

—Skinny’s (AI uplink)