Post by: theREALpanchovilla on July 08, 2015, 08:54:51 PM
So, I'd love to hear what you more seasoned Mustachians do to increase your badassity levels?
I ran across a thread on heat acclimatization someone posted in 2012 or thereabouts. I can relate to that because it's 100++!! degrees pretty much every day now in the desert where I live. We don't use AC in our flat as the building is cool enough. It gets mildly uncomfortable in the heat of the day, but then the night seems so much more pleasant by comparison.
Another small thing I recently started to do is to NOT look at my smartphone when I am unexpectedly forced to wait a few minutes for something/someone. At first the desire to sneak a peek at Facebook was agonising, but now I could quite happily sit for 10 minutes in some government department, waiting to get the necessary signature or whatever bit of paperwork is required.
So what about you???
Post by: Hall11235 on July 09, 2015, 07:30:34 AM
Post by: teadirt on July 09, 2015, 01:54:42 PM
One morning specifically comes to mind. We ended up sleeping in the car about 10 yards from the ocean (and about 100 yards from an long row of $500/night beach houses). We woke up with the sun and made tea and scrambled eggs on the hood of my car. So for a grand total of about $2, we had accommodation for the night, no 'checkout time' to worry about, no hauling luggage around a hotel, a delicious healthy meal, beautiful scenery, the smell of cool, fresh sea air, both of us smiling ear to ear...
With all that distraction, it was hard to think about the "discomfort" of sleeping in the car just before :)
Post by: Roots&Wings on July 10, 2015, 06:53:15 AM
Hola amigos, one of my favourite facets of the blog is MMM's espousal of willing submission to discomfort. It's THE mental 'trick' that turns the whining complainypants voice in my head into a lusty "Ole!" of VICTORY.
I love this line!
Ok, one other contribution: cold Navy showers on occasion. Super uncomfortable for me, yet so enjoyable that I can do it!
Like others have mentioned, practicing voluntary discomfort expands your comfort zone, helps you appreciate the good stuff when you have it and avoid becoming a complainypants when shit happens.
Post by: trailrated on July 10, 2015, 09:30:36 AM
With 95 degree heat it would have been easy to tell the other workers that I manage to jump in the pit and start shoveling while I sat in the air conditioned office twiddling my thumbs. Instead I grabbed some coveralls and jumped in with them. While it wasn't "fun" I felt pleased when it was over and the other workers had a higher level of appreciation seeing that I am willing to do what I ask of them as well.
Post by: mrsggrowsveg on July 10, 2015, 09:32:32 AM
Post by: theREALpanchovilla on July 13, 2015, 01:06:39 AM
Cold showers and unadulterated hot summers are sure to put hairs on your chest (and in your mustache). Some of you Badassians don't even need chairs or indoor toilets! The mind boggles. And kudos to the bandolero who braved internal core body-type temperatures to shovel concrete! That is LEADERSHIP!
While on the trail I have been pondering some milder voluntary discomforts:
-parking further away than required, especially good if it's hot/cold/raining outside.
-waking up slightly earlier than necessary - very difficult for a person who loves sleep.
-not wearing sunglasses in the mornings and afternoons (when the UV levels are low anyway).
-sitting with friends in a coffee shop (because they wanted to) and not drinking overpriced coffees.
-turning the TV/music/iPhone off and deliberately being unentertained.
But I'm sure you all have more strategies? Por favor, don't be shy...
Post by: Mississippi Mudstache on July 13, 2015, 07:09:18 AM
I agree with you - the ability to see hardship as moral victory instead of suffering is an important part of a quality life.
Another small thing I recently started to do is to NOT look at my smartphone when I am unexpectedly forced to wait a few minutes for something/someone. At first the desire to sneak a peek at Facebook was agonising, but now I could quite happily sit for 10 minutes in some government department, waiting to get the necessary signature or whatever bit of paperwork is required.
I need to work on this one. I'm bad about playing a game whenever I have 5 free minutes and ignoring the rest of the world.
Post by: golden1 on July 15, 2015, 12:07:35 PM
Post by: theREALpanchovilla on July 15, 2015, 07:49:47 PM
I slept in an airport lobby (http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/badass-or-dumbass/) on Friday night instead of getting a $70 hotel room. On Saturday morning, I had to get 16 miles from the airport to downtown New Orleans to a Budget truck rental place. I briefly thought about getting an Uber ride, but instead I looked up the bus routes and found a bus that got me to within 3 miles of my destination. So I took the bus for $2 and walked the rest of the way.
I laughed reading this - have personally slept in a number of airports, bus stations, train stations, and parks just to avoid paying for a room, too. It's liberating when you realise that you don't HAVE to sleep behind a locked door.
Also, yes to the walking. Where I live at the moment is popularly considered "too hot" to walk anywhere. Despite that, it's often only in the 30s C (80-90s F) and walking is completely safe and not at all difficult, as long as there is some water to drink. Saves me $20 every day I walk to the bus stop (free bus) vs. taking a taxi home.
Post by: stacheasaurus on July 23, 2015, 02:18:55 PM
Running does this for me, especially running in the heat. The half hour I spend torturing myself makes the rest of my day seem easy in comparison. It also does make tolerating the heat in the summer much easier.
I LOVE doing this. People think I'm insane for running in the middle of the day at the hottest times. I simply shrug, say I love sweating, tie my shirt around my head to keep the sun off of my neck, and off I go!
Post by: YK-Phil on July 23, 2015, 03:11:58 PM
Add: I also thought it would be even more ridiculous to have a vehicle in such a cold place, considering costs of maintenance and fuel at $1.39/litre so I have been biking 12 months of the year to run errands or commute when I am house-sitting, even on the coldest days of winter when the temperature plummets to -45. Funny to say, but the colder it is, the better I feel.
Post by: Roots&Wings on July 30, 2015, 10:38:19 AM
Post by: zoltani on July 30, 2015, 10:51:57 AM
Here is what as known as the "fun scale" or scale of suffering/discomfort:
Type 1 is fun to plan, fun in the moment and relatively fun to talk about afterward. It is a day of perfect powder skiing or the Flatirons on a crisp September day. Type 2 is fun to plan, a bit of suffering in the process, but worthy of barstool conversation. Type 3 gets a little darker. It doesn't sound like good idea during the planning process; the process is committing, potentially deadly, but the rewards course through the rest of your life.
Here is the longer version if you want to read more
http://kellycordes.com/2009/11/02/the-fun-scale/
Post by: Roots&Wings on July 30, 2015, 11:18:14 AM
Mountain and rock climbing often puts me into situations that are not comfortable at the time.
Here is what as known as the "fun scale" or scale of suffering/discomfort:
Type 1 is fun to plan, fun in the moment and relatively fun to talk about afterward. It is a day of perfect powder skiing or the Flatirons on a crisp September day. Type 2 is fun to plan, a bit of suffering in the process, but worthy of barstool conversation. Type 3 gets a little darker. It doesn't sound like good idea during the planning process; the process is committing, potentially deadly, but the rewards course through the rest of your life.
Here is the longer version if you want to read more
http://kellycordes.com/2009/11/02/the-fun-scale/
Thanks for posting that link! Yep, I'm trying to voluntarily turn a Type III situation into Type I fun. Realistically probably end up at Type II, but worth a try.
Post by: RosieTR on July 31, 2015, 09:27:41 PM
Mountain and rock climbing often puts me into situations that are not comfortable at the time.
Here is what as known as the "fun scale" or scale of suffering/discomfort:
Type 1 is fun to plan, fun in the moment and relatively fun to talk about afterward. It is a day of perfect powder skiing or the Flatirons on a crisp September day. Type 2 is fun to plan, a bit of suffering in the process, but worthy of barstool conversation. Type 3 gets a little darker. It doesn't sound like good idea during the planning process; the process is committing, potentially deadly, but the rewards course through the rest of your life.
Here is the longer version if you want to read more
http://kellycordes.com/2009/11/02/the-fun-scale/
Love the "fun scale"! Thankfully not too many IIIs for me!
But even just basic car camping or backpacking is *great* voluntary discomfort, and even car camping is possible for all but someone heavily disabled. Backpacking especially will teach you just how little you need to survive. Then, you'll appreciate just having water to drink without first purifying it, and being able to wash your hands after several days in the backcountry! Never mind a shower and bed and electricity and chairs/sofa!
One of the great things I found with having the habit of backpacking and camping on a regular basis, was when our region had a bad flood and we weren't sure if we'd have potable water or electricity....no worries! In fact, I was planning to help out the neighbors if we had gotten a boil water order. It's not necessarily financial, but another example of how challenging yourself now and then actually reduces overall worries since you are self-reliant and know what to expect.
Post by: esq on August 10, 2015, 06:29:32 PM
I have done some of yours, Poncho! Parking far away in the heat (100 plus here now), waking up earlier, and not drinking coffee when I treat my daughter to Fourbucks.
Guess i need to head over to the intro thread. You guys rock.
Post by: ClassyCat on August 12, 2015, 09:30:23 AM
Post by: zoltani on August 12, 2015, 10:12:26 AM
Last weekend I walked a couple miles to the store in the painful summer heat to buy a bike. I haven't ridden one in 10+ years, but I found one I loved and was able to ride back home. Beyond the heat, it was uncomfortable because I had to navigate streets I hadn't previously navigated on foot, but I figured out which paths are best to take for next time.
Nice job!
Post by: 2ndTimer on August 18, 2015, 01:46:20 PM
Post by: BlueHouse on August 18, 2015, 02:00:42 PM
Even though I pay off all balances every month, I start accumulating debts before the payment is made to the CC company. So I like to see a "zero" every once in a while on my bills.
Post by: zoltani on August 18, 2015, 03:33:43 PM
Post by: Trudie on September 04, 2015, 01:50:30 PM
I live at the top of steep hill that is connected to the main part of town by a paved trail. I go up and down this trail several times a week. At the end of a bike ride I always push my bike up the .5 miles of the trail. Recently went biking with a friend and she was concerned about getting a bike rack to get our bikes up and down to town (thus needing a car). Not biking with that friend again. I just don't enjoy being a slave to convenience. I think about the walk up the hill with my bike as an opportunity to re-acclimate the sea legs and get a little more exercise. To her it's a hassle.
These are people who have an oversized 4 stall garage and a lower stall they use as a shed (5 stalls). There's a machine for everything. No thanks. I'll stick to my push mower and continue being a badass.
Post by: PFHC on September 04, 2015, 02:03:58 PM
After twelve hours slogging away in the heat and noise, I love to come up on deck, drenched in sweat, smelling like low tide, and take a big healthy lungful of fresh open ocean air. I walk to the bulwark, and squint into the morning sun as I take in the most beautiful sunrise nature has to offer.
I've been doing this for nearly 15 years, and I will never tire of that part of it. Voluntary discomfort so that I can live a life filled with adventure, and my family can too.
Post by: GuitarStv on September 09, 2015, 01:21:07 PM
I work on the 8th floor of our building, and have only taken the elevator a handful of times in six years. Elevators suck . . . and taking the stairs is like being paid to work out.
Post by: Melody on September 09, 2015, 06:25:01 PM
Hola amigos, one of my favourite facets of the blog is MMM's espousal of willing submission to discomfort. It's THE mental 'trick' that turns the whining complainypants voice in my head into a lusty "Ole!" of VICTORY.Love the no smartphone trick. I have been doing a variation of this lately, carrying personal finance books and reading those instead. Especially share reading reading that stuff a few times really helps with understanding.
So, I'd love to hear what you more seasoned Mustachians do to increase your badassity levels?
I ran across a thread on heat acclimatization someone posted in 2012 or thereabouts. I can relate to that because it's 100++!! degrees pretty much every day now in the desert where I live. We don't use AC in our flat as the building is cool enough. It gets mildly uncomfortable in the heat of the day, but then the night seems so much more pleasant by comparison.
Another small thing I recently started to do is to NOT look at my smartphone when I am unexpectedly forced to wait a few minutes for something/someone. At first the desire to sneak a peek at Facebook was agonising, but now I could quite happily sit for 10 minutes in some government department, waiting to get the necessary signature or whatever bit of paperwork is required.
So what about you???
Post by: dalegendman on October 06, 2015, 04:38:50 PM
Hola amigos, one of my favourite facets of the blog is MMM's espousal of willing submission to discomfort. It's THE mental 'trick' that turns the whining complainypants voice in my head into a lusty "Ole!" of VICTORY.Love the no smartphone trick. I have been doing a variation of this lately, carrying personal finance books and reading those instead. Especially share reading reading that stuff a few times really helps with understanding.
So, I'd love to hear what you more seasoned Mustachians do to increase your badassity levels?
I ran across a thread on heat acclimatization someone posted in 2012 or thereabouts. I can relate to that because it's 100++!! degrees pretty much every day now in the desert where I live. We don't use AC in our flat as the building is cool enough. It gets mildly uncomfortable in the heat of the day, but then the night seems so much more pleasant by comparison.
Another small thing I recently started to do is to NOT look at my smartphone when I am unexpectedly forced to wait a few minutes for something/someone. At first the desire to sneak a peek at Facebook was agonising, but now I could quite happily sit for 10 minutes in some government department, waiting to get the necessary signature or whatever bit of paperwork is required.
So what about you???
I've been doing something similar while waiting for the bus or the metro. While waiting I like to focus on my surroundings or start thinking about the things in my life that I'm thankful for. It usually makes me feel better than staring at my phone and frantically trying to absorb all the new emails and tweets.
Post by: Salim on October 16, 2015, 04:14:54 AM
Post by: Fishindude on October 16, 2015, 05:16:29 AM
The work associated with it makes you really appreciate a nice warm house.
Post by: o2bfree on October 20, 2015, 09:25:22 PM
Post by: TheBuddha on October 20, 2015, 09:43:06 PM
Working out.
Post by: o2bfree on October 21, 2015, 06:57:01 AM
Going days, even weeks without the internet. Working out.
Buddha, how about sesshin? Rohatsu?
Post by: TheBuddha on October 21, 2015, 11:09:46 AM
Going days, even weeks without the internet. Working out.Buddha, how about sesshin? Rohatsu?
Nah. The Buddha is not into meditation.
Post by: Candace on October 21, 2015, 11:40:13 AM
In the famous words of Billy Crystal, "I shopped retail once."
That's hilarious.
As of yesterday, I now stand up at my job instead of sitting on my ass all day. Like many here, I'm a software developer, so I've sat on my ass at work all my life. (I realize that to people with more physically active work, this doesn't sound like a "discomfort", so apologies.)
My lower back is talking to me, but I figure it will get better in a few weeks. There are so many articles out there these days about how much healthier it is to stand up, and to boot, my doctor wants me to do that now due to my neck issues. So, I suppose I should say I'm doing it semi-voluntarily. At least, I'm embracing the change. I hope it's good for my health.
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 21, 2015, 12:35:31 PM
Post by: Papa Mustache on January 24, 2016, 03:16:15 PM
Car broken? Then figure out what the problem is and how to fix it.
Need to update/repair the house? Then figure out how to do it for ourselves.
The discomfort comes from the time spent to learn the skills and the fact that the first couple of times you practice the new skill, its often slow and sometimes "painful" (tiring, testing of patience, back aches, sore knees, tired back, etc).
What we come away with is things done for a fraction of the cost of hiring someone, plus skills that could translate into cash if we do those same chores for someone else later.
Timing belt for the car? Maybe $100 vs $500 at a shop.
Tile floor in the utility room? $250 vs double or triple that if we hired someone.
Sometimes we trade favors with friends. I fix their car, they dog sit for us when we go out of town. I fix their computer and they give us tickets to a play or sports that they can't use.
I don't seek payment with friends, the networking alone is worthwhile - knowing who to call if we were in a bind.
The exchange of knowledge, ideas and help. Friendships made.
Post by: monstermonster on January 24, 2016, 03:28:54 PM
Whenever I want to buy something, I think back to what Catholic Worker/Americorps me would do. I used to always track everything that was non-essential (food, water) I wanted to buy in a spreadsheet, ranked in multiple categories and by price, and wait at least 50 days before I bought anything on the spreadsheet. Usually after 50 days, it would be clear if I really wanted to get it/save for it, or if it was just temporary lust. The feeling of realizing it was temporary lust and then letting the want go was very valuable.
The teachings of Dorothy Day and and Peter Maurin, co-founders of the Catholic Worker movement, true badass radicals, are helpful when I want to whine about my own abundance now: Peter said because he was poor he remained free; he had time to think. He lived a rich and abundant life because of that very poverty.
That being said, nothing like living through having to wash all my clothing on a rock in 110 degree weather while working in India that made me love the wealth of washing machines for the rest of my days.
**And this is why I get cranky at people on these forums who constantly tell me I need to make more money at $39K.
Post by: pka222 on April 04, 2016, 02:30:49 PM
Post by: mountains_o_mustaches on April 10, 2016, 06:29:08 PM
*I know this isn't physical discomfort, but I try to give feedback or speak my mind to people in a polite way when typically I would just avoid the conversation. I've found that pushing myself to say uncomfortable (but not necessarily rude) things has made me feel more authentic and made me interpersonally more effective.
*Not eating the moment I start to feel hungry. I don't deprive myself of food or get so famished that I pass out or anything, but putting that subtle space between thinking "Wow, I'm hungry - I should eat" and eating has helped me a) not just grab what's convenient when I'm hungry and b) learn to better understand my body's hunger signals.
*Eating spicier foods - because they're dang tasty, it opens up more recipe options for me, some research suggests that spicy foods have heath benefits, and just to see if I can do it.
Post by: golden1 on April 18, 2016, 07:03:59 AM
Quote
*Not eating the moment I start to feel hungry. I don't deprive myself of food or get so famished that I pass out or anything, but putting that subtle space between thinking "Wow, I'm hungry - I should eat" and eating has helped me a) not just grab what's convenient when I'm hungry and b) learn to better understand my body's hunger signals.
I think that food tastes better too if you wait until you are quite hungry.
Post by: Bracken_Joy on April 18, 2016, 08:18:12 AM
-I periodically (I try for once a quarter) go a while without alcohol. Just to make sure I can. Self-mastery and all that. I haven't done this with coffee, but probably should.
-Cold shower cycles. Similarly: swimming in lakes and rivers. I was way more badass as a kid, when I would crawdad in a glacial runoff stream in just a swimsuit. I'm a wimp now and often wear boots to do this, or stick to warmer streams. Same vein as well, scuba diving in a wet suit. Never used a dry suit, even in the winter, even for deep water dives. I don't dive anymore though =\
-Walking to the store. (Not sure this counts, I LOVE this, but I do it even in the rain)
-Living with no dishwasher, but cook all our meals from scratch. LOTS of dishes.
-Minimal climate control. I have never, in my life, had A/C where I lived. In the winter right now, we set our thermostat for 64 during the day, 60 overnight. The only exception is I turn it to 68 to shower. Wimpy, I know ;)
-Outdoor gym. We have a home gym, which we use year round. Hot in the summer. Cold in the winter (oh my god the pullup bar first thing in the morning when it's been freezing overnight... ack). Bugs. Etc.
-I suppose hunting your own meat or raising and butchering your own meat counts, but I don't do it for the voluntary discomfort aspects, but for the moral and health ones.
Hmm. Upon reflection, a lot of what I do *looks* like voluntary discomfort, but that isn't usually the motivation behind it- it's usually health, or morality, or my twisted version of fun. I'm not sure if that still counts!
Post by: Basenji on June 08, 2016, 06:55:46 PM
Post by: Diniecita on June 26, 2016, 07:49:53 PM
I love this thread! Posting mainly so I can get some good ideas =D I will say, since I grew up doing many of these things (barefoot, hiking/camping/hunting in cold weather, pouring rain, snow, etc) I'm not sure what is voluntary discomfort vs just plain enjoyable. My childhood may have broken my perspective a bit there!
-I periodically (I try for once a quarter) go a while without alcohol. Just to make sure I can. Self-mastery and all that. I haven't done this with coffee, but probably should.
-Cold shower cycles. Similarly: swimming in lakes and rivers. I was way more badass as a kid, when I would crawdad in a glacial runoff stream in just a swimsuit. I'm a wimp now and often wear boots to do this, or stick to warmer streams. Same vein as well, scuba diving in a wet suit. Never used a dry suit, even in the winter, even for deep water dives. I don't dive anymore though =\
-Walking to the store. (Not sure this counts, I LOVE this, but I do it even in the rain)
-Living with no dishwasher, but cook all our meals from scratch. LOTS of dishes.
-Minimal climate control. I have never, in my life, had A/C where I lived. In the winter right now, we set our thermostat for 64 during the day, 60 overnight. The only exception is I turn it to 68 to shower. Wimpy, I know ;)
-Outdoor gym. We have a home gym, which we use year round. Hot in the summer. Cold in the winter (oh my god the pullup bar first thing in the morning when it's been freezing overnight... ack). Bugs. Etc.
-I suppose hunting your own meat or raising and butchering your own meat counts, but I don't do it for the voluntary discomfort aspects, but for the moral and health ones.
Hmm. Upon reflection, a lot of what I do *looks* like voluntary discomfort, but that isn't usually the motivation behind it- it's usually health, or morality, or my twisted version of fun. I'm not sure if that still counts!
We do a lot of these things as well. I raise ducks and chickens to get eggs and butcher. And rabbits. easy, easy bunnies.
I'm working on not buying clothes for all of 2016. We don't really need them, but it is uncomfortable sometimes when I think about getting something new.
I make all of our blankets. I enjoy quilting from scraps that people give me or old clothing that wears out.
I'm growing a lot of our own food. It's tastier than a lot of crap from the store anyways.
We don't have or plan to get cable. Some of my friends think that this is a HUGE hardship and say that we are depriving ourselves.
I don't see it that way. They also don't get much done during the day even though she is always "busy"
I voluntarily go without my shoes a lot. I just don't think of that as discomfort. Unless I step on a sand burr.
That's about all I can think of for now.
Post by: kfire20 on June 29, 2016, 03:49:18 PM
Update:
This is a holiday weekend in Canada... August Civic holiday first Monday in August so I thought I'd try some voluntary discomfort coupled with thriftiness just for fun:
1. Spent a small amount at the outdoor market this Saturday for veggies. No other spending this long weekend.
2. Took the free bus to close-the-street-to-cars day downtown (and back).. walked up and down.. left my wallet and all money/cards at home.
3. Dying to go out for steak tonight.. (locals get $10.00 on the feature each night here at a restaurant in town) but I'm not going... heating up a single serving of lasagna instead
4. Rode my bike 4.5 km each way to swim some lengths at the local pool at noon today
5. It's 80F outside and as MMM has said "What do you have the AC on when its only 80F outside?" so I've had AC turned off all day and opened the windows.
*thankful to MMM, the Minimalists and others for helping me to adopt this way of life and sticking with it for about 7 months now...
Post by: k290 on July 02, 2016, 10:17:26 AM
A small thing but I rode my bike 4 miles this morning in the pouring rain to my 4 hr. volunteer gig. I found myself smiling at points along the way.
I don't like your username... ;)
Post by: Poeirenta on July 10, 2016, 12:48:54 PM
It's amazing how one can get used to a situation like this- many people probably thought we were crazy and/or deprived, but honestly it was a mostly fun adventure, with some challenges (propane refrigerators in tiny spaces may try to kill you with CO, for example). Also provided perspective on 1st world assumptions of necessity and helped us pare down our possessions, which we have mostly maintained now that we are living in an actual house with mod cons.
Do i miss the effort it took to shower (pour water into container, heat water on stove, transfer to solar shower bag, shower, empty water from tub we stood in since there wasn't a drain)? No, but I'm glad to know we can make do if we had to, and I'm a lot more conscious of my water usage now that I know two people can shower using less than 5 gallons of water.
Post by: libertarian4321 on July 11, 2016, 05:00:40 AM
My wife thinks that's "weird" for a multimillionaire.
But it's no big deal to me. I've sure as Hell been a lot less comfortable while in the Army.
Post by: screwit on July 11, 2016, 05:37:06 AM
Post by: Bracken_Joy on July 11, 2016, 08:19:53 AM
When travelling, I sometimes pull into a truck stop and sleep in the back of my truck (with a camper shell and an old mattress) rather than spend money on a hotel.
My wife thinks that's "weird" for a multimillionaire.
But it's no big deal to me. I've sure as Hell been a lot less comfortable while in the Army.
I suppose we do that one as well! I hate truck stops though (never feel safe there, being a young woman). We "car camp" in the back of our truck on road trips a lot of times- plywood then foam pads then our blankets or sleeping bags. And we do it for fun too, although those locations are far more scenic!
Post by: Kaspian on July 11, 2016, 08:20:36 AM
Hmmm.... Come to think of it, I do the same thing in the summer during a heatwave. Get home completely drenched with sweat and jump in a cool shower ASAP.
Post by: talltexan on July 13, 2016, 12:20:05 PM
Post by: Inaya on July 13, 2016, 12:59:58 PM
I recently signed up for the bone marrow registry. I'm sure if I ever get called up for donation, the platelet apheresis will seem like a walk in the park by comparison.
Post by: PFHC on July 13, 2016, 04:44:29 PM
I've been turning my smart phone off for several hours at a time. Today, I took a lunch break from work without even turning it on. It started when I was having trouble charging it, but I've continued even since getting the charging port cleaned out.Awesome. We've been putting ours on our mantle during the day at home. I like the shutting it off idea!
Post by: pbkmaine on July 13, 2016, 05:10:53 PM
Post by: PFHC on July 13, 2016, 05:14:49 PM
Very much enjoying this thread as I lie in my hammock by the pool, under the palm trees. Carry on!Here's mine for the day. Slogging away at work, 3500 miles across a sea from home, while pbkmaine chills in a hammock under a palm tree.
;)
Enjoy pbk!!
Post by: pbkmaine on July 13, 2016, 05:36:22 PM
Post by: PFHC on July 13, 2016, 05:39:58 PM
Post by: Kaydedid on July 30, 2016, 06:34:15 PM
I just wanted to remind us all how damn fortunate we are to be able to chose our discomforts. That is an incredible luxury that most of the world does not get to enjoy. I am infinitely grateful for the option.Hear, hear!
Just got the ok from doc to resume normal activity after getting my gallbladder removed. I rode my bike to band practice (3 miles round-trip). It's warm and humid outside, but fine as long as you remember to keep drinking. The voluntary discomfort made sitting for 2 hours in the air-conditioned practice room feel luxurious indeed!
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Post by: OurFirstFire on September 24, 2016, 09:46:19 PM
- While travelling on business, I make a point not to just hop in a taxi with the company credit card. Sure, if I have to get to a meeting straight from the airport I'll make the right choice for the company. But if it's my time I'll walk or take public transportation. I don't save any money, because I can either claim a taxi receipt or a bus receipt with no extra to my pocket, so this is voluntary inconvenience with no financial reward. It actually makes me enjoy the trip a lot more because they're things I would do when travelling for pleasure. I've walked 2-3 miles back to my hotel at the end of the day on several occasions, and it can be a great way to see a new city.
- My current job is only about a 10 min walk from the office, and 5pm rain storms are common. During a downpour I'll walk straight past all the people huddling under the awning waiting for it to let up and walk into the rain at a normal pace. Bonus points if I remember to keep my head up and have a joyous smile on my face as I get soaked. Then when I get home can just put on dry clothes no problem.
Post by: shelivesthedream on October 09, 2016, 02:29:51 PM
I donate platelets. Huge needle in the vein takes out blood, runs it through a machine to remove the plasma and platelets, combines what's left with saline and pumps it back into the arm via the same needle. The saline is cold, and thus I am freezing (fingernails turn purple even). The anticoagulant in the saline makes my face numb and my mouth taste awful. I have to squeeze a ball the whole time (~3 hours) while keeping the rest of my body perfectly still because I can't do anything to risk moving the needle. I find it extremely difficult to hold still under normal circumstances. That hand goes numb as well around the 90 minute mark. And no aspirin or NSAIDs 36 hours beforehand, so no relief for any headaches or anything that pops up during that period. But I get Oreos and apple juice after, so there's that.
I recently signed up for the bone marrow registry. I'm sure if I ever get called up for donation, the platelet apheresis will seem like a walk in the park by comparison.
This is so great. I have been mulling over donating blood for such a long time now. I was underweight for ages, and had vitamin issues and some other minor health stuff until recently. Now I'm actually healthy and I'm basically just a scaredy cat. I justify not doing it because I honestly am a fainter - I come over all funny every time I have to have a blood test and I sometimes think that I should just fucking do it and donate blood and get over it. I'm not afraid of needles per se, my body just likes having blood in it. But I feel bad that I could be doing this simple thing that costs me nothing but a bit of time.
Post by: misshathaway on October 10, 2016, 01:45:07 AM
Post by: BlueHouse on October 10, 2016, 05:11:58 AM
Post by: GuitarStv on October 10, 2016, 07:21:19 AM
Does anyone who sleeps in a cool room ever try to leave the sheets/covers off themselves all night to acclimate to winter weather faster? I like to sleep in a cool room, but am always snug under the covers. I started trying to leave my shoulders and back exposed to the cooler air, but I hate it!
While I'm comfortable cycling to work through snow and driving wind all winter long, I'm not sure I see the point of making yourself uncomfortable at night for no discernible benefit.
Post by: Inaya on October 10, 2016, 07:57:18 AM
Does anyone who sleeps in a cool room ever try to leave the sheets/covers off themselves all night to acclimate to winter weather faster? I like to sleep in a cool room, but am always snug under the covers. I started trying to leave my shoulders and back exposed to the cooler air, but I hate it!I can't sleep without something covering me, even in the middle of summer. However, I am trying to go as long as possible before I upgrade from hoodie to jacket/coat--hoping to acclimate a bit before winter hits this year.
Post by: Bracken_Joy on October 10, 2016, 08:27:54 AM
Does anyone who sleeps in a cool room ever try to leave the sheets/covers off themselves all night to acclimate to winter weather faster? I like to sleep in a cool room, but am always snug under the covers. I started trying to leave my shoulders and back exposed to the cooler air, but I hate it!
I have to have something covering me. When I'm trying to snap my body into winter weather mode, I will: take a walk outside without a jacket, but *with* hats and gloves, because screw being miserable. I will also make a point to not towel off immediately upon finishing my shower, and let myself get a little cold as I wipe down the walls, etc. And then the biggest thing is keeping the house overall cool- a cool room won't help much if you spend the day in a warm living room =)
Post by: Giro on May 23, 2017, 08:44:49 AM
My DH has switched to black coffee and I'm working my way up to that point. You drink less, you don't get the extra calories and sugar. I love creamer tho.....
We have both switched to raw vegetables for snacking versus chips. It took awhile for me to adjust but now I crave celery and carrots throughout the day.
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on May 23, 2017, 08:57:22 AM
Post by: Forever Wednesday on May 23, 2017, 10:07:11 AM
Cold Showers - I rented a period property last winter and the boiler wasn't very efficient, so to save money I took cold showers instead of heated. These make you feel amazing and I can definitely vouch for them.
No Internet - I once had a real problem with wasting time online (Youtube, forums, whatever), so one day I experimented with cutting off my internet access. I haven't looked back to be honest! I'm way more productive now, and whenever I need to access the internet I just bring my laptop to a cafe with WiFi. Grabbing a coffee might not be very Mustachian, but hey I'm not paying for home internet. :) My phone has 1Gb of data which is all I need for using Maps, WhatsApp and random other things. Most towns are littered with WiFi hot spots anyway.
No Car - I've never owned a car. Bikes take me most places, and for longer journeys I take the train. While a train journey is typically slower than a car journey (inc. waiting times and traveling to the station itself), I'm also free to do things I couldn't do while driving (read a book, meditate, stretch my legs, etc), so the time is of higher quality.
Post by: Morning Glory on May 23, 2017, 03:23:35 PM
Some on here seem to be flagellating themselves for no visible benefit. Is badassity the new purity? Is it so difficult to keep the angel from the door?
Post by: pbkmaine on May 23, 2017, 03:35:15 PM
Post by: rdaneel0 on June 24, 2017, 06:08:15 PM
The first couple months were rough, but by the time the temperature dropped to 15 degrees and it was really dark...I was pretty tough. It really wasn't that bad, I started to appreciate how quiet and empty it was, how pristine everything looked, how energized I was at work. By the end of the winter I was almost sad to see it go. It just took one season of going out all the time for me to love winter. I can honestly say that I love every season now! Temporary Discomfort = Longterm Strength.
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on June 24, 2017, 06:40:34 PM
I love cold, snowy winter :)
Post by: Guide2003 on June 24, 2017, 08:47:00 PM
Parenting.How about parenting traumatized foster kids!
Also, driving a 2010 Honda Fit with no cruise control, variable wipers, or lumbar support rather than a loaded 2006 Honda Odyssey that was less than half the price.
Post by: MustachioedPistachio on July 26, 2017, 04:47:03 PM
On the rare occasions when I do drive my black car (aka, oven), I don't use the A/C and keep the windows up. On the return trip I'll enjoy the fresh breeze :)
I need to experience more "cold" voluntary discomfort!
Post by: stoaX on July 26, 2017, 05:12:03 PM
Parenting.
Well said - it's funny how a one word post made my day!
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on July 26, 2017, 05:20:59 PM
Post by: talltexan on July 28, 2017, 12:23:52 PM
Post by: marielle on August 04, 2017, 07:41:56 AM
I've been experimenting with not turning on the air conditioning in my car.
I've been doing this too, especially since my AC doesn't work all that well (weak compressor). Got 30.5 mpg this past week from not using AC and hypermiling! EPA estimates 21/28 mpg for my car, and it wasn't all highway driving either. 45-55mph roads mainly with turns or stop lights every 5 miles or so.
Post by: talltexan on August 07, 2017, 07:25:58 AM
I see you're also in NC. I think the summer is finally going to turn cooler here, which will make these no-AC drives become even more achievable.
Post by: marielle on August 07, 2017, 09:24:47 AM
Marielle-
I see you're also in NC. I think the summer is finally going to turn cooler here, which will make these no-AC drives become even more achievable.
Thankfully! I also moved to a 2300 sqft modular house for the summer, and the last electric bill was $176! I pay half but it's still insane. I don't mind too much because the rent is only $350, but still. At my 810 sqft apartment it was $55 in June, and that's without trying to be sparing with it.
It would be a lot less if my roommate/landlord didn't use the AC so much, especially during renovations and moving when people were going in and out and leaving doors open a lot. He blamed the higher usage on my cooking too (which is only one day a week btw). He was gone this past week and I barely used the AC so hopefully the next bill isn't so bad.
Post by: Mrbeardedbigbucks on November 20, 2017, 06:22:11 AM
We recently went without turning on the heat for almost 1/2 the month of November. We live in New Hampshire and many nights, the outside temperature was well below freezing. This got me into a mode of challenging my comfort levels and examining things in my life I think I need vs want. My next challenge is to limit smartphone and at home computer use to less than 1/2 hour per day.
Here's the post:
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/when-do-you-turn-on-your-heat/
Post by: marielle on November 20, 2017, 06:56:02 AM
Currently a day and a half into a 3-4 day fast.
Post by: BookLoverL on November 24, 2017, 02:35:12 PM
Post by: talltexan on November 30, 2017, 11:41:27 AM
Post by: DS on November 30, 2017, 12:09:14 PM
I've been sleeping on the floor since mid-October, when my dad decided he wanted to see if my mattress fixed his bad back, and I decided I didn't want me or my parents to spend money on a new mattress (I'm mid-twenties and live with my parents to save on rent money) for no reason. I'd already been thinking about trying it after reading a few articles on floor sleeping earlier in the year. It's actually working pretty well. My setup is just my relatively thin camping mat (the carpet texture was a bit scratchy to sleep on it directly), plus my duvet and pillow. I'm not planning to switch back in the immediate future.
After coming home from a 5.5 month hiking trip, I just wanted to sleep on the floor. Eventually caved and bought a very very firm mattress.
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on November 30, 2017, 12:18:09 PM
Post by: YoungGranny on December 01, 2017, 06:53:32 AM
Post by: BookLoverL on January 04, 2018, 02:19:47 PM
Quote
I was going to comment about how I've been biking to work this week in 20 degree weather while it's still dark outside but after reading through some of the other posts I'm not sure I belong here. You are all awesome!!!!
Hey, biking to work below freezing (assuming you mean 20F? I converted it and Google tells me that's, like, -6 or -7 C) definitely counts as voluntary discomfort.
Now that I'm used to sleeping on the floor, I just need to get round to selling my bedframe. Condensation, bugs, or cold could definitely be an issue depending on your location and house, but luckily aren't with mine...
Post by: zinnie on January 04, 2018, 02:45:59 PM
-Hiking all day without food, low on water. Basically running on empty and miles away from civilization--but I made it back! It's amazing how much farther your body can take you when necessary.
-One of the marathons I did I hadn't properly trained for, but I did it anyway. I had NOTHING left about 15 miles in, as in, my body was basically refusing to move another muscle. But you know what, through sheer force of will I finished anyway. And I even sprinted across the finish line. I think back on this a lot when I'm feeling lazy or like I can't do something. If I can do that I can do ANYTHING.
-Camping by myself in 30 degree temperatures. Made heat seem like a luxury afterwards!
-Biking home form work in 90+ degree weather when I was exhausted and hadn't had enough to eat. I didn't really want to bike, but I made myself do it anyway. It's 20 hilly miles, and it was during fire season when I could smell the smoke. I felt amazing after I made it home that night.
Happens somewhat frequently:
-When I don't have a lot of food in the house or I'm out and don't want to pay for food, just going without. It feels good knowing you aren't so dependent on needing to eat every few hours. And it makes your next meal taste much better!
-Eating super basic, no-frills meals often makes the fancier meals taste even better and be more memorable.
-Keep the heat on low
-Exercise even when I'm really sick or hungry, low on energy, etc.
-Getting massively lost while hiking/traveling around, because i refuse to pay for cell service overseas. But it makes it more of an adventure! I can barely remember the times we easily made it where we were trying to go, but the times I got super lost are very memorable.
Post by: Serendip on February 05, 2018, 10:58:12 PM
-Doing house-cleaning for rent in a very expensive resort town (this only lasted short term since the people I was cleaning for were a bit dysfunctional)
-Sleeping on the ground/thin sleeping pad.. for years I didn't want to buy furniture and enjoyed the simplicity aspect of minimal objects in a place. My current SO changed all that (he did NOT understand my desire to not own a bed). Ha.
-No medication when I used to suffer from extreme cramps (this has changed slightly, but when younger I felt it was important to feel the discomfort of bodily pain, in order not to just 'move through your day' like every other day..it was an honoring system for me)
Post by: GuitarStv on February 06, 2018, 08:20:49 AM
-Exercise even when I'm really sick
This is something that I've done many times in the past (competitive wrestling/Jiu-Jitsu/Judo/boxing), but have stopped completely. Exercising when you're really sick (not just a runny nose) is a bad idea. It will extend the length of your illness, you'll probably spread your illness to others, and you typically won't get as good a workout anyway. Rest, feel better, and then build up to setting your PRs again. Significant detraining doesn't happen for more than a week so there's nothing to be concerned about.
Post by: Rubic on February 07, 2018, 09:57:51 AM
-Exercise even when I'm really sick
This is something that I've done many times in the past (competitive wrestling/Jiu-Jitsu/Judo/boxing), but have stopped completely. Exercising when you're really sick (not just a runny nose) is a bad idea. It will extend the length of your illness, you'll probably spread your illness to others, and you typically won't get as good a workout anyway. Rest, feel better, and then build up to setting your PRs again. Significant detraining doesn't happen for more than a week so there's nothing to be concerned about.
My rule of thumb:
- Sick from the neck up? (runny nose, sore throat): Exercise
- Sick below the neck? (chest/respiratory): Rest
Post by: Just Joe on April 10, 2018, 01:35:48 PM
Post by: TheWifeHalf on April 10, 2018, 04:07:52 PM
Post by: shelivesthedream on April 11, 2018, 12:43:14 AM
Colonoscopy Prep
Colonoscopy prep was kind of horrific but I also felt absolutely amazing - fuller of energy and life than I had felt in years. It's when I first really clocked that I must have a food intolerance once the offending substances were, er, all cleared out. Turned out to be onion and garlic which are in basically every meal ever, so no wonder I felt like crap every day.
Post by: theSlowTurtle on April 12, 2018, 02:15:04 PM
Post by: gerardc on April 15, 2018, 10:41:57 AM
- Diet to low body fat levels
- Abstain from sex/orgasm
- Physical labor
- bonus: Cold
Post by: sallysue on January 05, 2019, 04:57:18 PM
Post by: talltexan on January 10, 2019, 11:51:23 AM
I drive a fairly responsible 10-year told Toyota Camry, so there is ample room to upgrade to a newer car I can pay cash for.
Post by: GuitarStv on January 10, 2019, 01:17:53 PM
Post by: talltexan on January 11, 2019, 06:59:16 AM
Post by: MasterStache on January 11, 2019, 12:09:15 PM
Supposed to get 6 inches of snow this weekend. Looking forward to some snow hiking.
Post by: Gail2000 on January 11, 2019, 01:42:28 PM
Waking up at 5 am in stead of 5:45 started today. Hoping to keep myself accountable and suffer happily along with you folks.
Post by: BlueHouse on February 04, 2019, 12:46:50 PM
Well, duh! Me neither...that's what the jacket and afghan are for!
I don't know how my family members are so different from me, but they seem to all want to wear short sleeves in the middle of winter and they expect to be comfortable like that. It makes me want to scream!
Post by: talltexan on February 07, 2019, 08:56:16 AM
Now that I type this, it seems a little weak compared to the rest of you awesome people here.
Post by: happyuk on February 12, 2019, 01:52:49 PM
I would spend whole weekends and holiday periods tending to my allotment vegetable plot in the bright sunshine and baking heat, with only my gardening tools and bottles of Indian tonic water for company, far away from my work office.
The memories are still vivid. Sweat dripping from my brow on to the dry soil. Using the deep digging technique with plenty of soil improver to the soil in a really good condition in readiness for all the seedlings and tubers I was going to plant. Spending hours thoroughly going through the soil targeting Mare's Tail and other unwanted weeds, the feel of the warm soil on my fingers. The same red-breasted robin hopping alongside me, scouting for freshly dug earth worms. Giving the potatoes, broad beans, onion sets, butternut squashes, peas, zuccinis, french beans, beetroots etc a thorough soaking when needed and pulling them and eating them raw or preserving them as and when.
I had never been happier.
Post by: I-Ranger on February 12, 2019, 07:59:49 PM
Post by: Budgie on February 12, 2019, 09:25:34 PM
The most discomfort I've ever endured was being a foster parent for a year to an infant we knew we would not be adopting. We cared for and totally loved the baby every day of his life until he was adopted, knowing that he would be leaving us. When he left it was more than discomfort, it was agony. But for a good purpose, and totally voluntary.
What else...tattoos, sleeping on the floor/other hard surfaces for months at a time, not using sweetener, not eating after 6pm, no AC for several years...these are things others have seen as discomforts, but didn't usually register with me as uncomfortable and were just part of meeting other goals.
Post by: BTDretire on April 09, 2019, 09:24:47 AM
After the hurricane we were without power for 8 days.
The first bath was with water from a bucket poured over myself with
a smaller container. It felt very cold and uncomfortable, however
the feeling once I dried off and got dressed was amazing.
The second day, those buckets were put in the sun all day to warm.
Much more comfortable bath, but didn't have the same feeling after dressing.
If I can pull it off, I might try a cold shower today. I normally take a very hot shower.
Post by: Gail2000 on April 09, 2019, 08:06:12 PM
Mine was involuntary discomfort!
After the hurricane we were without power for 8 days.
The first bath was with water from a bucket poured over myself with
a smaller container. It felt very cold and uncomfortable, however
the feeling once I dried off and got dressed was amazing.
The second day, those buckets were put in the sun all day to warm.
Much more comfortable bath, but didn't have the same feeling after dressing.
If I can pull it off, I might try a cold shower today. I normally take a very hot shower.
You might be a candidate for the local polar bear club. I’d have to find it but there is a link between drastic temperature variation and longevity of life.
We went to a spa that operated on that principle. 10 mins in the sauna and a run through ice water that beautifully cascaded from an ice formation into that bloody pool we ventured into. Not exactly what qualifies me to step in.
I am going with out major purchases for clothes. It’s been tempting a few times this past year but I may hav to cave for decent clothes for summer. Thrift shops, here I come.
Post by: Michael_db97531 on July 10, 2019, 09:01:15 AM
But other than the fire ant bites on my ankles when I stopped to pee on the side of the road, and my butt being a little sore, I almost back to normal 48 hours later.
-M
Post by: haflander on July 10, 2019, 09:11:07 AM
Michael definitely wins the latest round. Holy crap, that's inspiring. However, I can't help but wonder if you could have towed the car behind the Uhaul truck?
Just to contribute...A month ago we had some big storms that knocked out our power for 2 days. We lived as normal... but opened windows, lit candles, read books, and spent more time together. Ate food that could be salvaged. Slept in the apt two nights with the interior temps over 80 and no fan or breeze. We survived. The dog was fine. She is a dog, not a pampered overgrown rat substitute for a human child.
Post by: Michael_db97531 on July 10, 2019, 06:01:05 PM
However, I can't help but wonder if you could have towed the car behind the Uhaul truck?
Yes, I could have but the rental for the tow kit on the Uhaul, it would have cost $200. Basically the same amount it would have cost for a friend to drive round trip to drop me off at my car.
I like the reframing mindset. There are organized 100 mile bike rides in Texas which cost $30-$100 per rider. Instead of spending $200 on a car ride, I got to have a $30-$100 endurance adventure for free. All I had to do was carry some extra water which the "pay to ride" crowd gets to pick up at rest stops. :)
-M
Post by: MasterStache on July 13, 2019, 09:53:50 AM
Post by: OmahaSteph on December 20, 2019, 10:38:42 AM
I naturally "run hot," so cold temps don't usually bother me. That resistance came in handy last weekend when I volunteered at Wreaths Across America in the bitter cold and wind. Stood for three hours in it and while everyone else was miserable, I shrugged. My son and I watch YouTube videos to fix stuff (most recently replacing the windshield wiper fluid hoses and nozzles on my car) instead of taking it someplace or hiring someone. We're heading on a road trip next week and will eat stuff we packed instead of heading to a convenient drive-thru. Meh.
Post by: GuitarStv on December 21, 2019, 07:51:32 AM
Post by: talltexan on January 02, 2020, 05:52:23 AM
Also, I'm an American, so I had to do the math and convert to F in my head.
Post by: Cassie on January 27, 2020, 12:22:23 PM
Post by: stoaX on February 09, 2020, 02:17:45 PM
Post by: hounton on April 17, 2021, 08:42:09 AM
My favorite voluntary discomfort situation is school. I am the only person I ever met who voluntarily sat through the first semester of Physical Chemistry a second time after passing it. I wanted to make sure I knew it ALL. Really paid off in grad school where the most common reasons for flunking out involve PChm deficiencies.
I studied enough Pchem to get a decent grade and never really understood it at a deep level. Right now it doesn't make sense for me to spend my time going back to Pchem class, but when I retire I really want to audit it. My local university lets seniors audit classes for free.
Post by: Serendip on April 24, 2021, 08:29:41 PM
Fairly consistent cold water immersions have been my most recent experiment in this realm. Started it almost four years ago when I was dealing with a pain condition and it makes you feel amazing..alive!
For the two years I went almost daily (straight through the winter/chopping dipping holes into the ice), this last year I laid off and went only whenever I felt like it (a few times a week/or even just a few times a month). But I've been revisiting it more often recently, our lakes are mostly glacier/mountain fed so stay quite cold long into the summer. It's a great mood booster too..
Post by: OtherJen on April 25, 2021, 03:52:20 PM
My favorite voluntary discomfort situation is school. I am the only person I ever met who voluntarily sat through the first semester of Physical Chemistry a second time after passing it. I wanted to make sure I knew it ALL. Really paid off in grad school where the most common reasons for flunking out involve PChm deficiencies.
I studied enough Pchem to get a decent grade and never really understood it at a deep level. Right now it doesn't make sense for me to spend my time going back to Pchem class, but when I retire I really want to audit it. My local university lets seniors audit classes for free.
I have never studied as hard for a class as I did for undergrad PChem, either before or since (including my doctoral coursework). I studied hard enough to earn good grades, but apparently not hard enough to ensure that I understood the material at a deep enough level to retain it. Still, that was one of the most interesting and rewarding classes I ever took.
I am a natural introvert and someone who prefers to organize and run things in the background. Six months ago, I accepted a managerial position that requires me to give semi-regular webinars. I also accepted a volunteer board presidency that will start later this year and will have a fairly high profile over the next year or two due to local situations. So much for the comfort zone.
Post by: CJ on May 25, 2021, 06:57:17 PM
Post by: GuitarStv on May 25, 2021, 07:39:37 PM
For me, it's been barbell strength training with occasional challenges (about once a week) outside of my usual skill domain. For example, last week I tried out most of the new Army physical fitness test, and the week before I did sled pushes and car pushes (the car push was a lot of fun)
I get enough car pushing every winter . . . out of ditches. :P
Post by: Abe on May 25, 2021, 09:14:58 PM
My biggest discomfort now is operating 8-10hrs straight without sitting, so am on the softer end of mustachians. No biking 100 miles for me! In retrospect most of that seems insane, and hopefully a thing of the past.
Post by: stoaX on May 26, 2021, 04:23:34 AM
Nothing for me to report compared to the others, but this thread reminded me my friend recently recounting doing five heart transplants in a 72hr period. My first thought was “that’s insane” and my second was “like that time we did liver transplants in residency”. Those would take 10-12 hours and always started in the evening. Always!
My biggest discomfort now is operating 8-10hrs straight without sitting, so am on the softer end of mustachians. No biking 100 miles for me! In retrospect most of that seems insane, and hopefully a thing of the past.
Perhaps there are some more hardcore examples of voluntary discomfort on this thread but none compete with you for value delivered!
Post by: Steeze on May 26, 2021, 05:44:10 AM
Yesterday I walked 4.1 miles to work ~1.25 hrs, because Jacob said I could.
Post by: GuitarStv on May 26, 2021, 06:57:24 AM
Post by: jeromedawg on May 26, 2021, 10:54:17 AM
Post by: CJ on May 29, 2021, 05:07:35 PM
For me, it's been barbell strength training with occasional challenges (about once a week) outside of my usual skill domain. For example, last week I tried out most of the new Army physical fitness test, and the week before I did sled pushes and car pushes (the car push was a lot of fun)
I get enough car pushing every winter . . . out of ditches. :P
Sounds like serious involuntary hardship to me ;)
Post by: Loretta on May 30, 2021, 07:30:02 AM
Post by: Steeze on May 30, 2021, 08:40:33 AM
We now have a baby boy and our parents occasionally stay with us for a couple months at a time. Some people can’t imagine living in a 1br or on the 5th floor. The trade is I live in NYC and my housing costs are <$700/mo including all utilities, hoa, insurance, etc.
Our total monthly expenses are less than what some of my colleagues pay in rent alone. Allows us to maintain a 55% savings rate on gross and nearly 70% on our net.
I am looking forward to getting out of this apartment eventually though, so it’s not all great. But for a few years it will have served us well and allowed us an increased standard of living compared to where we rented before (350sf in the hood), all while giving us an extra $1000/mo+ to invest.
Also - no dishwasher, no microwave, no coffee maker - DW even hand washes most of her clothes. I am happy to walk down 6 flights to the basement and use the machines for mine :)
Post by: Serendip on June 10, 2021, 10:12:52 AM
Now I know that I'd like to strengthen my arms/shoulders!
Post by: Mighty Eyebrows on August 23, 2021, 12:52:40 AM
We've had warmer than usual daily temperatures for spring, so I've been keeping the A/C off and sleeping without a fan on at night to try to heat acclimatize my body for the coming summer. It's already feeling cooler!
It hit 33.4C (92F) in our home at 9pm on June 28th. No AC here. I am good up to 28C (82F) indoors, but admit to non-mustachian thoughts about installing a heat pump when it gets above 30C. At least it wasn't the 49.6C (121.3F) that Lytton hit on June 29. Right before burning to the ground :-(