Last Saturday night I did something really silly – I attended the coldest NHL hockey game in league history. Our Minnesota Wild played outside at the Minnesota Twins ballpark on New Year’s Day and it was -8F at the puck drop. With wind chill, the temperature felt like a mind-numbing -24F.
You might think I just got unlucky with the bad weather the day of the game, but I actually bought the tickets off of StubHub knowing it would be that cold. The lure was the chance to help make some quirky sports history.
It was just one of many different ‘quirky’ pursuits that occupied my time in 2021 – and really every year since I retired.
This past year, I went to a hand gun range, chased the Goodyear blimp with my drone, went on a Jeep poker run, had lunch at the oldest bar in MN, went indoor skydiving, enjoyed Independence Day fireworks in Las Vegas, reached my 50th State, kayaked with dolphins, and dozens of other activities.
Novelty – the quality of experiencing things that are new, unexpected, or unusual – is said to be an important root of our happiness. This 2010 study ties life satisfaction to “acts of novelty” – and I subscribe to that connection, along with strong relationships and giving to others.
We don’t have any quirky plans for this weekend, but you can bet I’ll be scouting out some possibilities today! How much quirkiness do you fit in your lifestyle?
Image Credit: (c) MrFireStation.com
MrFireStation 
What a great memory! I’m not sure I would’ve endured that temperature, but hey, what ever floats your boat! It’s awesome that early retirement provides those opportunities. I can’t say that we’ve done any truly quirky stuff, but we have made some incredible memories over our five years of early retirement. I can’t imagine not having the freedom, that we’ve enjoyed to explore new things. We have been so fortunate to have found FIRE. We are absolutely living our best life. Sounds like you are too! Maybe we’ll have to add some quirky opportunities in 2022! Thanks for the nudge!
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Agree – it’s wonderful to be early retired and have the time to goof-off and try new things. We’re heading to Florida in a few weeks, so I’m trying to squeeze as many winter activities in before we go.
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We are also heading down to FL in about a week! We will be in the Keys for several weeks. I hope you enjoy the warm weather! Quite a bit different that your hockey game!
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We have some friends that are in the Keys right now. Currently 75 there and -7 in Minneapolis! That’s a nice return on investment.
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