Lately, I have been reading blogs and coming across some interesting sites. Last Friday, my manager was off sick and got a hold of "Brother's Blog." I starting reading his Exit Strategy: Update. I couldn't believe his posting. It was so funny that had to share with my colleague. I read it loudly, since upper-managerment was out of the office. As I read, I began crying and laughing at the same time. That is what I call a good laugh.
The posting brought back memories of leaving previous positions and thinking and feeling like the young brother. Check it out:
http://brosperspective.blogspot.com/2009/02/exit-strategy-update.html
Get ready to bust a gut!
Peace
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Enough is Enough
November 2008, I read The Total Money Makeover, by Dave Ramsey after finding The Dave Ramsey podcast on iTunes. I began downloading the podcast daily and listened at work. What caught my attention were people calling in say, "I'm Debt Free." It just radiated throughout my being, because deep down in my heart I really want to be debt free. Well, I read the book and was gun hold about starting the program. Here are the Seven Baby Steps.
- $1,000 in an emergency fund
- Pay off all debt using the snowball methold
- Three to six months expenses in savings
- Invest 15% of your household income into Roth IRA's and pre-tax retirement plans.
- Save for your children's college fund using tax-favored plans
- Pay off your home early
- Build wealth and give!
I am a shame to say I haven't completed Baby Step One. I am so busy with my employer's financial books and mine need serious attention. So, in January, I signed up for Financial Peace University program at a local church, because I am desperate to get it right. Saturdays was the first class day and I was really excited. The class is two hours (8-10am) for thirteen weeks, a total of fifteen students, and two instructors.
We received our Financial Peace University material that comes with reading material, workbook, cd's and etc. We then started with prayer. Now it was time for Dave’s lecture via DVD. The lecture was great and very meaningful. We had a group discussion, which is my favorite. It the time when we can share our struggles and get encourage. At dismal, we were given chapter reading material and homework to complete before our next meeting. One of the reasons, I am taking the class is to be held accountable. I need a setting where I do not want to be the one who has not completed the weekly assignment. The classroom setting brings out the competed side in me. I know it should be my motivating factor, but it helps. My goal is to be credit card debt free before my son leaves for college and a good handle on paying my students loans.
What I got from my first class is money is active and you will either lean to manage money, or the lack of it will always manage you.
"In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has."
-Proverbs 21:20 (NIV)
Love ya & God Bless!
PS: Please read a book by Dave Ramsey this year, if you haven't. It will change your family tree.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
I Miss You!
I know it has been awhile, but the second week of every month my job is exhausting. Our financial statements are due to the owners and upper-management. I work extremely hard to make sure our deadline is met and with God's help we have been successful. That is why I missed Al Jarreau concert last week. I was looking forward to attending, but didn't leave work until 7pm and the concert started at 8pm. I really wanted to see him, because I have never had the pleasure. I guess I will catch him next time.
I have been involved in activates that I have never done or haven't done in awhile. A few weeks ago I mention belly dancing, which I have missed two classes. I know, but things have been out of control. However, last week I attended a "Pole Dancing/Lap Dancing class for a "Girl's Night Out" evening. I have always wanted to take the class, but never follow through with one. The class was at a fitness club schedule for 10:45pm. I told a male friend about the class. He questioned the time and said, "Are you sure you aren't striping at a strip club." lol
It was about 12-15 females. I was expecting a room full of poles, but to my surprise it was only two poles. The room was dark with lights you would fine at a club. I guess the atmosphere was that of a strip club. It put me in mind of the movie "The Players Club." The instructor started us with a strip tease. She had the choreography all together. It was quite interesting. I had on my black high-heel with black workout pants and black and gray short sleeves shirt.
It was very difficult trying to dance in them, but I was holding my own. Lets just say I didn't break my ankles or trip. Then it was time for the pole instructions. OMG that is hard work. You need to have great upper body strength. She showed use three pole positions. The next day my biceps, triceps along with my obliques were killing me. They hurt for two days. My sister was also in pain, but it was her thighs. It was definitely a GREAT workout and we had a great time. I would love to do it again, but it's not in the budget. :-)
I love to bake, but haven't had the desire for over a year. However, a few weeks ago a male friend asked me to make him an apple crisp, which I did. He said it was the best one I had ever made, which I was surprised since I used whole wheat flour instead of white flour. Well, since the apple crisp I have done key lime cupcakes and banana nut bread, which both were delicious. The key lime cupcakes were inspired by my son. He likes key lime and requested a key lime dessert. We actually made them together. It was our bonding time together. Here is our creation. Don't they look yummy!
I will do my best to post more often. My goal each month is to post more than the previous month.
Love ya!
I have been involved in activates that I have never done or haven't done in awhile. A few weeks ago I mention belly dancing, which I have missed two classes. I know, but things have been out of control. However, last week I attended a "Pole Dancing/Lap Dancing class for a "Girl's Night Out" evening. I have always wanted to take the class, but never follow through with one. The class was at a fitness club schedule for 10:45pm. I told a male friend about the class. He questioned the time and said, "Are you sure you aren't striping at a strip club." lol
It was about 12-15 females. I was expecting a room full of poles, but to my surprise it was only two poles. The room was dark with lights you would fine at a club. I guess the atmosphere was that of a strip club. It put me in mind of the movie "The Players Club." The instructor started us with a strip tease. She had the choreography all together. It was quite interesting. I had on my black high-heel with black workout pants and black and gray short sleeves shirt.
It was very difficult trying to dance in them, but I was holding my own. Lets just say I didn't break my ankles or trip. Then it was time for the pole instructions. OMG that is hard work. You need to have great upper body strength. She showed use three pole positions. The next day my biceps, triceps along with my obliques were killing me. They hurt for two days. My sister was also in pain, but it was her thighs. It was definitely a GREAT workout and we had a great time. I would love to do it again, but it's not in the budget. :-)
I love to bake, but haven't had the desire for over a year. However, a few weeks ago a male friend asked me to make him an apple crisp, which I did. He said it was the best one I had ever made, which I was surprised since I used whole wheat flour instead of white flour. Well, since the apple crisp I have done key lime cupcakes and banana nut bread, which both were delicious. The key lime cupcakes were inspired by my son. He likes key lime and requested a key lime dessert. We actually made them together. It was our bonding time together. Here is our creation. Don't they look yummy!
I will do my best to post more often. My goal each month is to post more than the previous month.
Love ya!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
"No Dogs Allowed"
This weekend my cousin's were in town to visit. Now, these are my cousin's (Matthew and Angela) who I spent every summer together has a youngest. We would meet in Memphis at our Granny's house or in St. Louis. There purpose for coming was for them to see their father and check on his health. He is seventy years old, with a prosthetic leg, partially blind and living in a senior citizen home. So, when I got the text from Angela they were coming. I knew they would probably stay with me. But when I found out they were bring Angela's daughter's dog, Lulu, plans changed.
I like animals, but just don't care for them in my home. I find them to be a handful; shots, food, bathes, attention and etc. In short, they are a lot of work and I'm not willingly to deal with the responsibility. Therefore, I don't have a dog and with not allow my son to have one. Even though, he has insisted he will take care of it. Well, I remember saying the same words. See, when I was in the 4th grade my mother made the mistake of purchasing a long hair Chihuahua for me, but against my father's wishes. Well, you know I didn't take care of Butch and it turn out to be my mother's dog and her responsibility. :-) Therefore, I'm not falling for the okey dokey.
My mother was kind to extend her home for them to stay with the dog. When they arrived, Friday night, I went over my mom’s house and I was outdone when I saw the huge cage they had Lulu in. I was expecting a small crate. I was so glad I said, “No Dogs Allowed” at my place, because when they would have taken that cage out of the SUV I would have been so pissed at myself. I stayed and talked for about an hour. It was late and I had a baking soda and conditioner treatment in my hair for the first time and needed to get back home and rinse out. I wasn't sure of the results and nerves in the process. However, it turned out GREAT!
I really wanted my cousin's to stay with me, but I am so glad I said, No Dogs Allowed.” When I spoke with my mom the next morning she said the dog pissed on her carpet, which she had just had cleaned. I am so thankful the Lulu stayed with her. lol
Here are some pics of Lulu. She's is a cute dog, but just not allow in my home.
I like animals, but just don't care for them in my home. I find them to be a handful; shots, food, bathes, attention and etc. In short, they are a lot of work and I'm not willingly to deal with the responsibility. Therefore, I don't have a dog and with not allow my son to have one. Even though, he has insisted he will take care of it. Well, I remember saying the same words. See, when I was in the 4th grade my mother made the mistake of purchasing a long hair Chihuahua for me, but against my father's wishes. Well, you know I didn't take care of Butch and it turn out to be my mother's dog and her responsibility. :-) Therefore, I'm not falling for the okey dokey.
My mother was kind to extend her home for them to stay with the dog. When they arrived, Friday night, I went over my mom’s house and I was outdone when I saw the huge cage they had Lulu in. I was expecting a small crate. I was so glad I said, “No Dogs Allowed” at my place, because when they would have taken that cage out of the SUV I would have been so pissed at myself. I stayed and talked for about an hour. It was late and I had a baking soda and conditioner treatment in my hair for the first time and needed to get back home and rinse out. I wasn't sure of the results and nerves in the process. However, it turned out GREAT!
I really wanted my cousin's to stay with me, but I am so glad I said, No Dogs Allowed.” When I spoke with my mom the next morning she said the dog pissed on her carpet, which she had just had cleaned. I am so thankful the Lulu stayed with her. lol
Here are some pics of Lulu. She's is a cute dog, but just not allow in my home.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Super Bowl Sunday
It's a traditional for my son and me to watch the Super Bowl together and yesterday we were both glued to the television. Our spread was baked chicken wings, a soft taco layered with the meat mixture, kidney beans, Monterey Jack Cheese and salsa, a chili & cheese dip and cheesecake. We were going for the Steelers as a team, but Kurt Warner as a person. This was our time to bond, give each other high fives, talk to the television and us just have good old fun.
I know he appreciates these times, because I'm not preaching and drilling him. I try not to be overbearing, but I feel the need to school him about life and correct him. Boys are just so different to raise. Why don't they get the simple things - pick up your clothes, close the kitchen pantry when you are done, call when you get home from school, brush your hair, do you have your bus pass and on and on and on. I am not exaggerating.
On Friday, after a long week of getting up and going to school I don't demand much of Joshua - just relax and chill. He takes full advantage of the situation and watches television, view animated Japanese cartoons on the Internet and play those video games. However, I told him that Saturday he needs to study for his Spanish test, which this class has challenged him. So, I left for my belly dancing class and he was supposed to study Spanish and anything else. He knew the game would be on Sunday. Well Joshua didn't study much in my absences. So, Sunday after church he had to study before the game. I started not to allow him to watch it. It just drives me crazy when a plan is in place and he doesn't follow the bit.
Today, he took the test and I received a call at work. Joshua informs me that he didn't do well on the Spanish test. I told him, "You got out of it what you put in it." You didn't study and your grade reflects it. After our conversation, I pulled up his grades in all of him classes, which he has A's and B's. I know they are good, but his Engineering class he has a D. I was in shock. So the overbearing mother emails the teacher to see what we can do to assist Joshua. Last semester, Joshua had an A in the class and we need to get him back on course. I understand the coursework gets harder, but he needs to realize that he needs to push himself.
That's not the end of it. I printed out his grades for each class for January and wrote him a note about his progress. The majority of the comments were great, because he is doing well. I encourage him to study hard so he could maintain his A's and B's and to do his best work and work hard to improve his Engineering and Spanish grades. Joshua is a good student, but he can be a great student.
When do boys get it?
Sunday, February 1, 2009
It's Hard Work
Have you ever had a perceived idea that an activity would be one way and it was something totally different? Well, my "first" belly dance class was that activity. I thought I would go and they would show a sista how to move her hips, which was the case. However, I wasn't prepared for the warm-up and stretching exercises and looking at the dreadful image of myself in the mirror. Can you imagine a room with mirrors all around unable to mask with clothes. I thought my outfit was cute until I really saw me. It was a big eye opener in many ways. I am what I eat (ice cream, hot fries, chocolate and etc.) and you need to get rid of those 25lbs and it's time to stop playing and get into action with eating healthy and exercising. Now, I wasn't the only one looking crazy, but I know I shouldn't be in this condition.
The class was amazing. I didn't know I would get a good leg, butt, abs, back and arm workout. Some of the moves working the lower and upper abs were difficult. I wasn't able to control my abs and the moves felt awkward. We did a few drills were we had to walk and do the moves we just learned in a circle around the dance floor. I made sure I was in the back. When we had completed the circle my heart rate had increased and I was thinking, "Dang, girl you are out of shape."
This was my first class and it was also Melissa's, but she had taken a belly dancing class a few years ago. I thought she did great! Our instructor "Salwa" was very graceful with her movements and a very attentive person. She made us newcomers feel welcome. She also included us in the choreography the others had been working on. It has been some time since I’ve done a choreography dancing and my mind wasn't retaining the sequence. I might be their weakest link. lol I can say that I am stepping out of my comfortable zone with this class and I really want to stay with it. I'll let you know when we will be performing.
:-)
If you are wondering what turned me on to the belly dancing class. Well, I have always wanted to learn, because it is very sensual and graceful. I just never followed through. I good friend, in Atlanta, called a few weeks ago and we were catching up. She has done a 180 in her career path. She's now a personal trainer, martial arts and belly dancing instructor. When she said, "Belly Dancing" the questions start pouring out of my mouth. She's started bellying dancing in 2007 to work on her abs muscles and they asked her to become an instructor. You can see Noreen, which isn't her real name, (FYI: They use Middle Eastern names when they become instructors. My new name is just over the horizon for me.), on the below YouTube spot. She is the shortest, with black hair and has on a blus costume. If you fast-forward to .36 seconds, you will see her. Enjoy!
The class was amazing. I didn't know I would get a good leg, butt, abs, back and arm workout. Some of the moves working the lower and upper abs were difficult. I wasn't able to control my abs and the moves felt awkward. We did a few drills were we had to walk and do the moves we just learned in a circle around the dance floor. I made sure I was in the back. When we had completed the circle my heart rate had increased and I was thinking, "Dang, girl you are out of shape."
This was my first class and it was also Melissa's, but she had taken a belly dancing class a few years ago. I thought she did great! Our instructor "Salwa" was very graceful with her movements and a very attentive person. She made us newcomers feel welcome. She also included us in the choreography the others had been working on. It has been some time since I’ve done a choreography dancing and my mind wasn't retaining the sequence. I might be their weakest link. lol I can say that I am stepping out of my comfortable zone with this class and I really want to stay with it. I'll let you know when we will be performing.
:-)
If you are wondering what turned me on to the belly dancing class. Well, I have always wanted to learn, because it is very sensual and graceful. I just never followed through. I good friend, in Atlanta, called a few weeks ago and we were catching up. She has done a 180 in her career path. She's now a personal trainer, martial arts and belly dancing instructor. When she said, "Belly Dancing" the questions start pouring out of my mouth. She's started bellying dancing in 2007 to work on her abs muscles and they asked her to become an instructor. You can see Noreen, which isn't her real name, (FYI: They use Middle Eastern names when they become instructors. My new name is just over the horizon for me.), on the below YouTube spot. She is the shortest, with black hair and has on a blus costume. If you fast-forward to .36 seconds, you will see her. Enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
