Us.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Preparing to move...
Since 7:00 AM, I've been cleaning my closet out in preparation for the big move. Yesterday, my builder said he was planning on having the house completed by mid-January. I've been desperately needing to clean out my closet and have begun that process today. I'll be giving away/selling a lot of Polo, Old Navy, Claiborne, Tommy Hilfiger, and Murano clothes that I don't wear any more. I was thinking, I don't really feel too "attached" to the clothes, and that is probably because I bought them all at the Dillards 75% + 30% off sales. Thus, shirts which retailed for $60, I got for $10. I found my Dukes of Hazzard trash can from 25 years ago, and my "Air Jordan" shoe box from the first year they came out! I also found some old Pamela Anderson posters and calendar, along with boxes of high school stuff and even Battleship!!! You sunk my Battleship!
Financial Year in Review.
I ran my usual end of the year Microsoft Money Report, and you can see the top categories of spending for me in 2006. Numbers do not lie. Hence, this chart explains my 2007 Goals in the section below. Yes I spent $4,500 on food. $3,900 was on eating out, and $600 was on groceries. In 2007, the eating out must decline significantly.
The Pursuit of HappYness (Happiness)
Last night, Jawana and I had a "date night", although maybe it wasn't a date since she paid for dinner and I bought the movie tickets. Either way, we went to see the new Will Smith movie about the Chris Gardner life story. It was really good and goes to show that if you put your mind to it, you can change whatever life situation you find yourself in.
A secret to being successful involves setting goals. You can think of goals as bite-sized visions. You develop a vision of where you want to be in life, then set individual goals to achieve the vision. At the end of 2006, take time and reflect on the past year. Then begin to determine what lifestyle changes we need to make for 2007 to have an even better year. Each and every new year should consist of changes and tweaking in all areas of your life in order to win. The goals you set for each area must be specific, measurable, have a time limit, and be YOUR goal. The purpose is to change from a "reactionary lifestyle" to a "proactive lifestyle". My goals for 2007 are:
Bad News... It won't fit!!
What you see below is a couch Jawana and I first saw in Nashville about 3 months ago. Immediately, I was taken by how cool it looked. We've looked at it a total of 3 times. Two of those in Nashville, and once in Birmingham. I took maximum measurements on it, and it is 13 ft x 10 ft at the widest points. My front room is only 17 ft wide (and 21 ft deep) which doesn't leave much room to walk around it on 2 of the sides...
I joked with my builder that we are going to have to start over and build a new house, because the couch I want won't fit in the living room. He seemed ok with that idea... Maybe in 2 years when I get out from under the capital gains umbrella.
Either way, we were thinking that it would be the perfect couch for when we have parties or game night... or even FESTIVUS! next year, due to the explosin in the popularity of the holiday and we can't really fit any more people into Jeff's house.
I remeasured it yesterday because it took me 3 months to get to the point to where I was prepared to spend some $2,500 on the couch. I really was disappointed when it looked like it was not going to work. I think we are going back to Nashville tomorrow (New Year's Eve) and are going to measure it one more time to make sure.
Salutation
I hope you all have a wonderful and safe night tomorrow!
Wish you the best in 2007!
Financial Year in Review.
I ran my usual end of the year Microsoft Money Report, and you can see the top categories of spending for me in 2006. Numbers do not lie. Hence, this chart explains my 2007 Goals in the section below. Yes I spent $4,500 on food. $3,900 was on eating out, and $600 was on groceries. In 2007, the eating out must decline significantly.
The Pursuit of HappYness (Happiness)
Last night, Jawana and I had a "date night", although maybe it wasn't a date since she paid for dinner and I bought the movie tickets. Either way, we went to see the new Will Smith movie about the Chris Gardner life story. It was really good and goes to show that if you put your mind to it, you can change whatever life situation you find yourself in.
A secret to being successful involves setting goals. You can think of goals as bite-sized visions. You develop a vision of where you want to be in life, then set individual goals to achieve the vision. At the end of 2006, take time and reflect on the past year. Then begin to determine what lifestyle changes we need to make for 2007 to have an even better year. Each and every new year should consist of changes and tweaking in all areas of your life in order to win. The goals you set for each area must be specific, measurable, have a time limit, and be YOUR goal. The purpose is to change from a "reactionary lifestyle" to a "proactive lifestyle". My goals for 2007 are:
- Career - By the end of 2007, I will complete the course work for level 3 certification which will allow me to be promoted.
- Financial - Reduce eating out expenses by cooking and eating at home 3 days a week as soon as I move into my house. I will prepare a budget each month and will do more to save money on a daily basis by using coupons and other resources.
- Spiritual - Remain active in my church and take on more responsibility with the set-up team as we move to our new location in Jan 2007. I will find a small group to attend during the week to help me in Bible study.
- Physical - Return to a regular workout schedule on Mon, Wed, and Fri by going to the gym immediately after work and will begin taking supplements faithfully again. Mon – chest/back, Wed –Arms, Fri – Legs. 20 minutes of cardio each workout day.
- Intellectual - Pick 6 books from the reading list on Dave Ramsey's website and read 1 book every 2 months.
- Family - Take the family on one nice vacation this year to the beach during the summer. Likewise, I will continue working on getting use to being a dad/father figure/head of household. I will re-implement Friday date night with Jawana where she and I can have a night out one on one.
- Social - After the airing of grievances at Festivus, I will do a better job of hanging out with the guys on a more regular basis during the work week, which should be easier once my house gets done.
Bad News... It won't fit!!
What you see below is a couch Jawana and I first saw in Nashville about 3 months ago. Immediately, I was taken by how cool it looked. We've looked at it a total of 3 times. Two of those in Nashville, and once in Birmingham. I took maximum measurements on it, and it is 13 ft x 10 ft at the widest points. My front room is only 17 ft wide (and 21 ft deep) which doesn't leave much room to walk around it on 2 of the sides...
I joked with my builder that we are going to have to start over and build a new house, because the couch I want won't fit in the living room. He seemed ok with that idea... Maybe in 2 years when I get out from under the capital gains umbrella.
Either way, we were thinking that it would be the perfect couch for when we have parties or game night... or even FESTIVUS! next year, due to the explosin in the popularity of the holiday and we can't really fit any more people into Jeff's house.
I remeasured it yesterday because it took me 3 months to get to the point to where I was prepared to spend some $2,500 on the couch. I really was disappointed when it looked like it was not going to work. I think we are going back to Nashville tomorrow (New Year's Eve) and are going to measure it one more time to make sure.
Salutation
I hope you all have a wonderful and safe night tomorrow!
Wish you the best in 2007!
Friday, December 29, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Do you have a Christmas Budget?
A friend called last week and mentioned he and his friend, who is a girl, placed a $100 cap on the amount of money they would spend on each other for Christmas.
Do you place a limit on how much you spend on friends/family?
In case you didn't know, this is the first year I've had a girlfriend at Christmas time. We didn't place any limits on spending. You guys know me, Mr. Budget. I am surprised that I didn't come up with the spending limit idea. I recall hearing that the average person was going to spend $800 on Christmas and the holidays this year. I added up all of my holiday expenditures and the total came to a little over $800.
The Breakdown is:
Jawana (Birthday/Christmas) = $362
Shayla (Christmas) = $59
Nashville ICE/Opryland Hotel Boat Ride = $60
Mom and Dad (Christmas) = $130
Festivus and Party Expenses = $40
Myself (Christmas/Birthday) = $72
5 Friends = ($100)
I hope you all had a Merry Christmas, didn't bust your budget... and I wish you a happy new year!
Do you place a limit on how much you spend on friends/family?
In case you didn't know, this is the first year I've had a girlfriend at Christmas time. We didn't place any limits on spending. You guys know me, Mr. Budget. I am surprised that I didn't come up with the spending limit idea. I recall hearing that the average person was going to spend $800 on Christmas and the holidays this year. I added up all of my holiday expenditures and the total came to a little over $800.
The Breakdown is:
Jawana (Birthday/Christmas) = $362
Shayla (Christmas) = $59
Nashville ICE/Opryland Hotel Boat Ride = $60
Mom and Dad (Christmas) = $130
Festivus and Party Expenses = $40
Myself (Christmas/Birthday) = $72
5 Friends = ($100)
I hope you all had a Merry Christmas, didn't bust your budget... and I wish you a happy new year!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
The Festivus Song Video
Here's a song Jeff wrote, and we sung last night at Festivus. (The Seinfeld Holiday)
Saturday, December 23, 2006
The Ruth's Chris Steakhouse Skinny
Here is the breakdown from dinner last night:
2 Iced Tea = $4.50
2 Petite Fillets = $57.90
1 Mushrooms = $6.50
1 Potato = $5.95
1 Bday mousse = $0.00
SUBTOTAL = $74.85
Tax = $5.99
Total = $80.84
Tip = $10.00
Grand Total = $90.84
Valet Parking = $5.00
Grand Grand Total = $95.84
A new Ruth's Chris Steakhouse opened in Huntsville, AL a few months ago. Jawana and I have heard about this restaurant numerous times on the Sean Hannity Show. Many of you may have heard me on the Sean Hannity Show last week talking about Britney Spears and how she deserves a big black chunk of coal in her stocking for Christmas. Anyways, upon arrivial at the restaurant, we were greeted with valet parking. That was something I've never done before. Very cool.
When we entered the hotel where the restaurant was, we were both taken by how lavish the interior was. A 12 ft tall cascading waterall and pool was immediately to our left and the splashing waves reminded me of being at an open air restaurant on the beach in Hawaii. Difference being, it was slightly chilly inside.
When we approached the hostess area, we were greeted in a friendly manner and our reservations for 2 were confirmed. We were promptly escorted to a secluded corner area and given large expensive looking menus.
It didn't take long to decide on what we wanted. However, it seemed to our server an uncommonly long time to take our order. She was only working 3 tables, but we waited quite a while before ordering. And, by that point we were hungry!
Jawana was very thirsty and was consuming the sweet tea at a rapid pace. The waitress couldn't keep up with the empty glasses it seemed.
Finally, the food arrived. The fillet was delicious! The potato was delicious! The mushrooms, were not that good according to her. I didn't eat any so I don't know.
The plates come out of the kitchen at 500 deg F. Talk about Hell's Kitchen! Not to mention that they cook steaks in an 1800 deg F oven! I didn't even know you could get an oven that hot!
Overall our 2 hour dining experience went very well.
Look closely here... this is one of the few times you will ever see me dressed up!
Friday, December 22, 2006
Birthday Cake? Nah... Who needs it?
Yesterday was Jawana's (aka my beautiful girlfriend) birthday. Since I am on a tight budget this year, and will be for several years to come, I have become very creative in my gift giving. A little has to go a long way.
The first thing was, I remembered she mentioned that she liked getting flowers at work. In the 8 months we've been together, I've never done that for her. At 8:25 AM I called the florist and expressed my need to have flowers, chocolates, and a balloon delivered a.s.a.p. to her office. I believed there was a chance the flowers could be delivered before she left to do her route at 10:00 AM.
When Jawana called me at work at 10:00 AM, there was no mention about any flowers. So I instinctively knew one of two things had happened: (1) They hadn't been delivered yet or (2) She got them and didn't love me any more and was mad that I sent them to her at work. I was hoping it was item (1).
Jeremy, Jawana, and I met for lunch at 12:30. Still no mention of any flowers. (I thought her office might call her and tell her she had received something at the office) My concern started growing, but not too bad yet.
At 2:15 she stopped by my house since she was delivering that route. As we sat and talked during her 10-minute break, there was still no word about the flowers. She left at 2:25 and I promptly got on the phone and called the florist asking where my flowers were. The lady said they had just received the order and were going to expedite it. I was like, "Good Lord, I called in at freakin' 8:00 this morning. My girlfriend is on her way back to the office and is leaving at 3:00. I need them there before then."
I looked through the phone book trying to find her office number, but couldn't find it. I wanted to call up there and have them prepared to stall her, and not let her leave until the flowers got there. I called her and got the number saying I was updating her contact info in my phone. I then tried to call the office and got some crap automated phone system. And then, when I got through I was being sent to a machine. RAHHHH!
I called the florist back at 2:55 and the lady said she had just gotten back to the shop and had dropped off the flowers. A few minutes later my baby text messaged me and said she had received the flowers.
Part I of the plan was complete.
At this point it was nearly 3:30 PM and I was on my way to get a haircut. I did that and then went over to see Jawana for a bit at her salon where she was also getting her hair done. We chatted and then I went to the bookstore under the impression I had plenty of time to kill snce we were meeting up with Shane, Melody, Emily, and all other friends around 7:00 PM.
At 4:16 PM Jawana called and said that JR was at her house with Shayla and he had to get back to Huntsville (JR is a friend of hers who babysat Shalya Thursday) to work on a sound system installation at a church and that she needed me to get there as quickly as possible.
So here I am, looking through the stacks of birthday cards and then the looming checkout line. I hurried and picked one out and checked out. I still had not wrapped her gift either.
For her gift, Wednesday night I Photoshopped 5 pictures, printed them out, and cut them to fit into a "frame tree" that she has been wanting to fill with pictures ever since we started dating. (I stole the tree from her house Tuesday night when I left. She was asleep)
Since it wasn't wrapped and I thought I had to be in a hurry, I improvised and used a huge Hickory Farms Bag to sit the tree into (It was about 2.5 feet tall and 1 foot wide)
I hopped in the shower, changed clothes and got to her house around 5:10. JR was still there and was showing me the gifts he had gotten Jawana for her birthday. Earlier in the day he had called me at work asking what Jawana needed so I explained her trash can situation and how it would be nice to have a larger one with a cover, and also some car washing supplies since she doesn't have any. He came through with those goods.
I was glad he got them, but kind of miffed because I thought he was in a hurry to leave. I wouldn't have hurried so much if I had known that he was going to hang out with us for a while.
Part II of the plan was complete.
It was now about 5:30 PM and we were trying to figure out what to do. I called Shane and they were still in Nashville and weren't sure if they were coming down. We were already hungry so we went to eat. Dinner was over at 7:00 and we decided to drive to Nashville to meet them, because I needed to exchange videos and get some money.
We made the trip and the exchange and got home at 10:45 PM.
Deep inside I felt really bad about making the late run to Nashville on her birthday. I hardly got to spend any time with my baby at all one-on-one, and that was all I wanted to do Thursday night: Be with her, and just relax. Plus, who wants to spend 4 hours of their birthday traveling in a car, to Arby's at exit 46?
I beat myself up about it the whole way home. I was pretty upset when we got to bed. I felt like such a bad boyfriend. Inconsiderate. Selfish. I made a bad decision.
I wondered about my problems with boundaries and not being able to separate work and play. I always seem to put work first. It's a reflex. I've always done it. I am not use to having to take other people into account when I make decisions. It's always been, "This is what I want to do, and I want to do it now, so here I go."
In the midst of all the turmoil yesterday, I never once thought about a birthday cake. When we were at Arby's she made mention about a lack of cake. I can not believe that I didn't think about that detail at all. That really made me feel bad. Good Lord, how can you have a birthday without a cake? I'm not sure.
In my 31 years on this planet, yesterday was the first day I've ever done anything for anyone on their birthday. And I forgot the freakin' cake.
Good job.
The first thing was, I remembered she mentioned that she liked getting flowers at work. In the 8 months we've been together, I've never done that for her. At 8:25 AM I called the florist and expressed my need to have flowers, chocolates, and a balloon delivered a.s.a.p. to her office. I believed there was a chance the flowers could be delivered before she left to do her route at 10:00 AM.
When Jawana called me at work at 10:00 AM, there was no mention about any flowers. So I instinctively knew one of two things had happened: (1) They hadn't been delivered yet or (2) She got them and didn't love me any more and was mad that I sent them to her at work. I was hoping it was item (1).
Jeremy, Jawana, and I met for lunch at 12:30. Still no mention of any flowers. (I thought her office might call her and tell her she had received something at the office) My concern started growing, but not too bad yet.
At 2:15 she stopped by my house since she was delivering that route. As we sat and talked during her 10-minute break, there was still no word about the flowers. She left at 2:25 and I promptly got on the phone and called the florist asking where my flowers were. The lady said they had just received the order and were going to expedite it. I was like, "Good Lord, I called in at freakin' 8:00 this morning. My girlfriend is on her way back to the office and is leaving at 3:00. I need them there before then."
I looked through the phone book trying to find her office number, but couldn't find it. I wanted to call up there and have them prepared to stall her, and not let her leave until the flowers got there. I called her and got the number saying I was updating her contact info in my phone. I then tried to call the office and got some crap automated phone system. And then, when I got through I was being sent to a machine. RAHHHH!
I called the florist back at 2:55 and the lady said she had just gotten back to the shop and had dropped off the flowers. A few minutes later my baby text messaged me and said she had received the flowers.
Part I of the plan was complete.
At this point it was nearly 3:30 PM and I was on my way to get a haircut. I did that and then went over to see Jawana for a bit at her salon where she was also getting her hair done. We chatted and then I went to the bookstore under the impression I had plenty of time to kill snce we were meeting up with Shane, Melody, Emily, and all other friends around 7:00 PM.
At 4:16 PM Jawana called and said that JR was at her house with Shayla and he had to get back to Huntsville (JR is a friend of hers who babysat Shalya Thursday) to work on a sound system installation at a church and that she needed me to get there as quickly as possible.
So here I am, looking through the stacks of birthday cards and then the looming checkout line. I hurried and picked one out and checked out. I still had not wrapped her gift either.
For her gift, Wednesday night I Photoshopped 5 pictures, printed them out, and cut them to fit into a "frame tree" that she has been wanting to fill with pictures ever since we started dating. (I stole the tree from her house Tuesday night when I left. She was asleep)
Since it wasn't wrapped and I thought I had to be in a hurry, I improvised and used a huge Hickory Farms Bag to sit the tree into (It was about 2.5 feet tall and 1 foot wide)
I hopped in the shower, changed clothes and got to her house around 5:10. JR was still there and was showing me the gifts he had gotten Jawana for her birthday. Earlier in the day he had called me at work asking what Jawana needed so I explained her trash can situation and how it would be nice to have a larger one with a cover, and also some car washing supplies since she doesn't have any. He came through with those goods.
I was glad he got them, but kind of miffed because I thought he was in a hurry to leave. I wouldn't have hurried so much if I had known that he was going to hang out with us for a while.
Part II of the plan was complete.
It was now about 5:30 PM and we were trying to figure out what to do. I called Shane and they were still in Nashville and weren't sure if they were coming down. We were already hungry so we went to eat. Dinner was over at 7:00 and we decided to drive to Nashville to meet them, because I needed to exchange videos and get some money.
We made the trip and the exchange and got home at 10:45 PM.
Deep inside I felt really bad about making the late run to Nashville on her birthday. I hardly got to spend any time with my baby at all one-on-one, and that was all I wanted to do Thursday night: Be with her, and just relax. Plus, who wants to spend 4 hours of their birthday traveling in a car, to Arby's at exit 46?
I beat myself up about it the whole way home. I was pretty upset when we got to bed. I felt like such a bad boyfriend. Inconsiderate. Selfish. I made a bad decision.
I wondered about my problems with boundaries and not being able to separate work and play. I always seem to put work first. It's a reflex. I've always done it. I am not use to having to take other people into account when I make decisions. It's always been, "This is what I want to do, and I want to do it now, so here I go."
In the midst of all the turmoil yesterday, I never once thought about a birthday cake. When we were at Arby's she made mention about a lack of cake. I can not believe that I didn't think about that detail at all. That really made me feel bad. Good Lord, how can you have a birthday without a cake? I'm not sure.
In my 31 years on this planet, yesterday was the first day I've ever done anything for anyone on their birthday. And I forgot the freakin' cake.
Good job.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Friday, December 15, 2006
A Picture Share!
Shhhh! It's a secret! I just made reservations for dinner for 2 at the new Ruth's Chris steak house for Jawana's bday. It's kind of a dual celebration for both our birthdays. Don't tell her!
Monday, December 11, 2006
Friday, December 08, 2006
Thursday, December 07, 2006
A Picture Share!
Everyone has nice Christmas stockings up on their cubes, except me. I guess my boss felt sorry for me because he made a paper one, brought it over, and put it up. It's nice, but it has no opening for
Santa to put presents in :<
Santa to put presents in :<
A Picture Share!
I found this table in Athens last Saturday. I need a small one for the breakfast area. Only $489 out the door, tax included! And, it has padded seats! Now I need a truck to get it home if I get it.
A Picture Share!
Food stash. I'm like a freakin' squirrel over here! If I am not careful, I will become a Fatty McFatterson, and we can not have that! Where are my fat pants? It is cold outside!
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Saturday, December 02, 2006
House Pictures
The house is actually starting to look like a house. Here are some pictures of the downstairs I took this morning. After listening to Clark Howard last week, I feel guilty about building a bg house. You know what I'm saying? LOL
A Picture Share!
Here we may have an example of a parent/coach who takes kids sports a tad too seriously.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Stockings and Hose, what to wear.
Are you confused about what color hose or stockings to wear with your black shoes? Well look here for some pointers.
http://fashionlegwear.blogspot.com/2006/08/legwear-tutorial.html#comments
Jawana and her friends are in the other room discussing this topic, so I figured I'd hop online and look for the answer.
Shoes match your belt
Socks should match your shirt
Don't wear black with brown
That's all I know.
http://fashionlegwear.blogspot.com/2006/08/legwear-tutorial.html#comments
Jawana and her friends are in the other room discussing this topic, so I figured I'd hop online and look for the answer.
Shoes match your belt
Socks should match your shirt
Don't wear black with brown
That's all I know.
A Picture Share!
Busy day at work... Surfing the web looking for furniture deals. I've had a right schedule shift. Now my house won't be done until mid-Jan, meaning I won't move until probably Feb. That just means
I'll be able to save more $. Back to surfing. I mean work.
I'll be able to save more $. Back to surfing. I mean work.
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