Electric Cars

Growing up, the Jersey Shore was my ultimate escape, a place of pure magic. My great-grandmother and other relatives resided in a high-rise there, making it our annual summer pilgrimage. From the balcony, the ocean stretched endlessly, and the community pool below buzzed with the joyful sounds of children. My brother and I, armed with boogie boards, rode the waves until sunset, fueled by peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that tasted uniquely delicious in the salty air. Evenings were illuminated by the boardwalk lights, culminating in the perfect soft-serve treat. It was, quite simply, my favorite place on Earth.

As parents, my husband and I initially continued the Jersey Shore tradition, packing our SUV with everything imaginable for beach-bound toddlers. While the boys enjoyed the sand and waves, rekindling my own childhood memories, the logistics of managing young children and beach gear, coupled with my multiple sclerosis, proved exhausting. After eight years, with our sons aged nine and six, we decided it was time for a complete change of scenery.

Embracing the Tranquility of Mountain Getaways

Our journey shifted from the bustling coastline to the serene Catskill Mountains, a decision prompted by my husband’s love for hiking and my own need for a calmer environment. The higher elevation and drier, cooler air in the Catskills provided a welcome respite from my MS symptoms, making it an ideal destination. Just a three-hour drive from home, it was as conveniently located as our previous beach retreats, offering an accessible escape into nature.

From our very first visit in the summer of 2020, the Catskills immediately felt like a second home. It was a perfect sanctuary during the early pandemic, providing breathtaking scenery and ample space to maintain distance from others. We quickly realized this wasn't just a temporary COVID-era solution; it was a place we longed to return to. Since then, we've made multiple trips each year, experiencing the mountains in every season. Our routine includes cycling along the Ashokan Reservoir, swimming in the natural beauty of Peekamoose Blue Hole, and savoring meals at our beloved Yum Yum Noodle Bar. We explore the quaint shops of Woodstock, New York, and indulge in ice cream from Sweet Dreams. In October, we attend the Peace, Love, and Pumpkins festival at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, where thousands of hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns illuminate the historic site of Woodstock 1969. While my husband and sons embark on hiking adventures, I find profound peace in the tranquil surroundings, a calmness I never quite achieved at the beach.

Building Cherished Memories in the Catskills

The Jersey Shore will forever symbolize my carefree 90s summers, and I anticipate future beach excursions for our family. However, the Catskills have now become my children’s own special haven. I hope that when they reflect on their childhood, they will vividly recall the enchanting moments spent in our Airbnb pools, swimming beneath vibrant orange sunsets. Their memories will likely include our preferred bike path with its stunning reservoir vistas and the exhilarating winter hikes through freshly fallen snow. I imagine they'll almost taste the sweetness of roasted marshmallows, transported back to cozy evenings around the fire pit in the crisp autumn air.

Ultimately, my deepest wish is for their Catskills experiences to evoke the same sense of wonder and perfection that the beach has always held for me. I hope these mountain adventures forge an enduring bond with nature and create a reservoir of cherished memories that will last a lifetime, shaping their perceptions of a magical childhood. May these annual pilgrimages foster a sense of belonging and joy, becoming a foundational part of their personal histories.

Universa Investments founder Mark Spitznagel, known for his 'Black Swan' investment strategy, suggests a unique philosophy for both life and finance: actively embracing risks while simultaneously protecting against catastrophic downturns. He challenges the conventional wisdom of relentless financial compounding, arguing that a meaningful life involves more than just accumulating wealth. Furthermore, Spitznagel emphasizes the irreplaceable role of human discernment even in an age of advanced artificial intelligence and reveals his most rewarding 'investment' is his goat farm, underscoring the value of tangible creation and long-term thinking.

Black Swan Investor's Insights on Financial Strategy and Personal Fulfillment

Mark Spitznagel, the esteemed founder of Universa Investments, a firm renowned for its focus on 'black swan' events and 'tail-risk' hedging, shared his perspectives during a recent interview in London. On September 12, 2026, Spitznagel articulated that while it is crucial to shield oneself from devastating financial losses, an overly cautious approach can be detrimental. He stressed the importance of taking calculated risks and having conviction in one's beliefs, stating that avoiding risks entirely can be the most significant misstep.

His investment philosophy, which offers clients protection against extreme, unforeseen market shifts, paradoxically encourages a more audacious stance in their other ventures. Spitznagel also cautioned against an excessive preoccupation with the concept of compounding money, citing Warren Buffett's early financial mindset as an example. He argued that constantly deferring enjoyment for future gains, as epitomized by Buffett's calculation of a haircut's long-term cost, can detract from the present experience of life.

Spitznagel, who previously managed a hedge fund with celebrated author Nassim Nicholas Taleb, advised individuals to concentrate on mitigating substantial losses rather than minor setbacks. He illustrated this with a vivid example: a 50% loss necessitates a 100% gain just to recover the initial capital. To navigate these financial challenges, he advocated for applying the 'Kelly criterion'—a mathematical formula designed to optimize bet sizing—not just in investing but also in broader life decisions. The core message is to always ensure one remains 'in the game,' preventing any single loss from being terminal.

Addressing the advancements in artificial intelligence, Spitznagel acknowledged its utility in fields like writing but maintained that the human capacity for expression and judgment remains invaluable. Despite employing brilliant mathematicians and programmers at the forefront of AI technology, he firmly believes that AI can never fully replicate fundamental human discernment. When asked about his most successful investment, Spitznagel unexpectedly pointed to his goat farm in Northport, Michigan. He expressed immense satisfaction in the tangible act of farming, producing goat milk and cheese, and the grounding connection it provides to nature and family. He highlighted the unique fulfillment derived from working with the seasons and embracing extended time horizons, contrasting it sharply with purely financial achievements.

Mark Spitznagel's insights offer a compelling blend of financial pragmatism and philosophical wisdom. His emphasis on balancing risk and protection resonates deeply in an increasingly volatile world, both economically and personally. The notion that an overzealous pursuit of financial compounding can diminish life's richness serves as a powerful reminder to seek experiences and make tangible contributions. Perhaps most profoundly, his choice of a goat farm as his 'best investment' challenges conventional definitions of success, suggesting that true wealth can be found in meaningful work, connection to the natural world, and a long-term perspective that transcends immediate financial returns. It encourages us to consider what truly enriches our lives beyond monetary gains and to find balance in our professional and personal endeavors.