Lately my mind has been completely elsewhere [than on the blog](*). With the recent run-up I am now wealthier than ever (that’s a lot more fun than bleeding money on a daily basis like 2008-March 2009). I have also tracked my investment income from dividends and covered calls and noticed that with $7700 so far, I have readily passed this years expenses in cash flow (again). So that is nice. Of course, although if Monte Carlo is to be taken religiously, the new highs would mean I could increase my withdrawal rate by quite a bit, I am not doing so. The preferable strategy would be to shift the increased amount of money into safer (often means lower paying) assets.

(*) Have I run out of things to say or is it just a phase?

As for the bike repair, I can now fix a grip shifter as well—used to be a mystery, but they’re really quite simple. The other day I was reading Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance and was amused to note that I now have ALL the tools for “Intermediate” level repairs (except the bike stand). This only leaves out presses, taps, and various hammers. There is a certain empowering feeling in being able to fix even minor things. Before, I’d live with a “funny sound” because I would not take it in to the shop to pay $50 for a two minute job. Now I just do it myself. I want to be able to do the same with the car and RV engines.

This post was sponsored by www.cycle-parts.com. For more info, see Oem and Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts.

Originally posted 2009-09-19 08:19:52.