We made a 3 hour drive back into Santa Paula to see John, his wife Shelley and Marty and Lotta again at Johns ranch. They had apparently just shot a rattlesnake just before we came, but not killed it so it was hiding under the cabin. Moments later John took us up to the top hill of his massive new property and I had the opportinity to do some shooting for the first time in my life. We used a .22m luger-variant and I now see that target practice is neccessary. I think I hit two bottles or so (we didn't want to try to kill anyone or thing) but Jaana was probably the best shot of us all as far as I saw.We had a very enjoyable BBQ and it was good to see Marty and Lotta again.
Now we've just checked ourselves into Nancy Sinatras old hangout spot at the Caliente tropical spa, and we will be travelling deep into the San Jaquintos tomorrow morning for some tranquil hiking.
As some of you will know, I have been a strong defender of America in the face of biased and uninformed eurocriticism, but as one of our US friends in the UK would attest, much of the mainstream culture here is extraordinarily obnoxious. Even I cannot deny this after a couple of weeks out here. I think the key is to take on the responsibility of creating your own niche and stay well clear of the headwinds of the less savoury sides of blunt capitalism.
As far as I can tell, by now the US economy seems to be truly fucked, and I can see the dollar dropping by the day - which means we're getting some excellent value for our british pounds although I think the pound is losing out against the Euro too. I have just been in touch with my banker to set up a euro currency account so I can diversify our savings a bit. Provided the housing market develops as I have predicted, we should see a stabilization and rebound around spring 2010 which would be a good time to enter the property market. If we have our greencard taken care of by then, our passive income dollar savings might provide a decent down payment for a property and some land around here somewhere. As for the moment I would recommend only going into european government guaranteed bonds.
Who the heck reads this blog for investment advice?
Now don't get me wrong here. Money and its administration is probably one of my least favourite things in the world, but what we're really talking about here is freedom. To take on the responsibility for oneself and through hard work create a financial platform that is acceptable and flexible is a strong key factor in establishing a fullfilling work life balance: to be able to do the work that is satisfying, in the right quantity, and not have one's basic choices limited by mismanaged resources.
Now we've just checked ourselves into Nancy Sinatras old hangout spot at the Caliente tropical spa, and we will be travelling deep into the San Jaquintos tomorrow morning for some tranquil hiking.
As some of you will know, I have been a strong defender of America in the face of biased and uninformed eurocriticism, but as one of our US friends in the UK would attest, much of the mainstream culture here is extraordinarily obnoxious. Even I cannot deny this after a couple of weeks out here. I think the key is to take on the responsibility of creating your own niche and stay well clear of the headwinds of the less savoury sides of blunt capitalism.
As far as I can tell, by now the US economy seems to be truly fucked, and I can see the dollar dropping by the day - which means we're getting some excellent value for our british pounds although I think the pound is losing out against the Euro too. I have just been in touch with my banker to set up a euro currency account so I can diversify our savings a bit. Provided the housing market develops as I have predicted, we should see a stabilization and rebound around spring 2010 which would be a good time to enter the property market. If we have our greencard taken care of by then, our passive income dollar savings might provide a decent down payment for a property and some land around here somewhere. As for the moment I would recommend only going into european government guaranteed bonds.
Who the heck reads this blog for investment advice?
Now don't get me wrong here. Money and its administration is probably one of my least favourite things in the world, but what we're really talking about here is freedom. To take on the responsibility for oneself and through hard work create a financial platform that is acceptable and flexible is a strong key factor in establishing a fullfilling work life balance: to be able to do the work that is satisfying, in the right quantity, and not have one's basic choices limited by mismanaged resources.
We have gotten some good advice on where to go around the desert, and we might celebrate Jaanas birthday at a quality spa - which will also be a good time to get back to a normal diet and lifestyle. Every single serving of food I have had out here so far has been at least twice the size of what I would need to be satisfied.The contrast between the brash culture and its dignified landscape out here is an interesting one: it lets me be part of society in intense bursts, and then again to retreat into the calm and tranquility of the vast outdoors. The desert itself has held a special place in my heart since childhood - Jesus spent his 40 days, the majestic and hidden Luxor temple where the kings of ancient Egypt were laid to rest, Lawrence of Arabia crossed the Anvil to take Akaba and Muad'Dib faced his Shai-Hulud. This barren and relentless exterior becomes for me an externalisation of the classic Zen proverb of "sitting for a long time with no toys" which allows the mind to settle and know itself.
So there you have it, gunshots, finance and zazen. The cocktail of these last two days.
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