Lies the Government Told You: Myth, Power, and Deception in American History by Andrew Napolitano is a political science/non-fiction compilation of 17 commonly held beliefs/edicts of the American populace that the author shows to be untrue through current laws, government actions, court decisions, and practices aimed for readers looking to become informed about our government and interaction with us and the Constitution.
Now that the formality of it is out of the way, I found this a quick read. Napolitano uses common terminology as much as possible to make the instances where he discusses legal cases and terms understandable to those of us who are not in the legal profession.
He is very straight forward stating the purpose of the overall book as well as framing each of the 17 lies he discusses. He then systematically discusses the details of the lie and show time after time where the government (and he tends to name names, as in the judge who wrote the decision, the president to sign the law or executive order, etc.) has acted in turning the discussed widely held "truth" into a lie. Furthermore, he does a good job of citing cases, quotes, etc. as shown with several pages of citation at the end of the book.
Personally, I enjoyed the book, although the evidence provided did irritate me over what the government has done to work around the "truths" that many learn in school that are not valid today. It has definitely opened my eyes and further encouraged me to be an informed voter/stockholder in my government. I like the fact that Napolitano did not push his morality into the argument, but stuck to the legal side of it (Napolitano is considered by many to be conservative). The best examples would be abortion and drug use. Not once did I pick up any hint of his religious view on these topics, which I tend to think drives most people's opinion on these topics rather than the legal/rights associated with these.
Napolitano's is a classic debate book (opinion, supporting evidence, tying evidence to opinion, close) that I think anyone looking to become an informed voter or wanting to learn more about our government, especially the judicial branch (which tends to get overlooked in books on this topic I think) should pick up and read.
I'll be giving this book to anyone who starts to say, "There should be a law that..."
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
The Principle of the Path (S P/G)(NYR 3)
The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley came from the recommended reading list of Dave Ramsey. It is a great philosophy and very much a focus oriented process. So many times growing up, the focus from mentors/teachers/parents were to set goals, but not many (if any) words were spent talking about the path to get there. It seems so simple when you read the book, but I realized that while obvious once I read it, I seemed to be oblivious to this until Stanley points it out. Basically the premise is in order to achieve something your actions must match the steps going toward the goals (i.e. if weight loss is your goal, then eating fast food too much is not on the path to that goal). This great for people who are good at creating goals, but maybe not so great at connecting the dots from where they are at to where they want to get.
The 5000 Year Leap (Fun)(NYR 1)
The 5000 Year Leap by W. Cleon Skousen was a recommendation from the Glenn Beck program. It is a very quick and very easy to read. I am glad I purchased this book so that I always have it as a reference now. It's straight forward points and supporting defense is a great format. I think this serves as a great history text, either for the curious or serious student, to better understand the context and thought processes of the founding fathers of this country.
God's Politics (S P/G)(NYR 3)
God's Politics by Jim Wallis was a suggest title I came across while browsing on Amazon. I found out that my library had it and checked it out. After reading it, I feel this book is of two voices. The first voice of the book does a fantastic job of pointing out real issues and points of contention for both sides of the issue. I think it did a great job of spurring my thoughts about issues I may have not given a great deal of thought (i.e. the extent of poverty). However, I almost did not finish the book due to the second voice of the book. I found that many of the solutions offered by the author along with his interpretations of the Bible verses he uses to support his solutions to be in conflict with my belief system and interpretations. I am not saying he is wrong; however, I feel I would be hard pressed to find many that would agree with his viewpoints of scripture. Are the problems he presents real? Absolutely. Do I think his solutions are easily going to find support and traction in the Christian community at large through the means he is proposing? Not likely.
Give Me a Break (Fun)(NYR 1)
Give Me a Break by John Stossel was a pick up at the library on a whim. I remember Stossel from 20/20 when I was younger (we didn't have cable and the local station was ABC, so 20/20 on Fridays was pretty much a guarantee). I remember his stories exposing scam artists. His stories in this title are jaw-dropping. Just the shear waste of tax dollars by the government that Stossel reports has helped spur me to be more active and aware of my elected officials and candidates. I was already starting to take more notice, but now I feel this book has helped sharpen my focus. Frankly, after reading the book, I was extremely disgusted, not by the book, but by the events it shed light on. If you are looking to be more active in your decisions when you are electing someone and making informed decisions on issues, I would suggest adding this title to your readings just to get an idea of how bloated the government truly is.
The Winds of War (Fun)(NYR 1)
The Winds of War by Herman Wouk is the first of a two book series that follows a Navy family(the Henrys) through the years leading up to World War II. I first read this in high school and thought I would revisit it. It is a massive tome, just by itself, but has such rich characters, and I understand that the author went to great lengths to keep historical context correct as far as timing of events and locations of key historical figures (FDR, Churchill, etc.) With so many layers within this book, it is truly captivating. It is exactly what I needed (a lengthy, entertaining story that would last me more than a day or two - like so many paperbacks that I read now). I feel that if someone was wanting to learn more about WWII, but maybe not directly from a purely historical reference, this would be a good title to jump off with.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
To Do List 9.1.10
Completed 4, 5, 7, 8 & 18. Then traded the car in for a new one, so 9 & 10 no longer apply, well except now the windshield on the new one has a crack, so 10 is back on.
Completed 11
Completed 14a, just need to donate now.
Completed 23 (team effort with wife on that one)
Still to-do
1) Write a will
2) Compose household inventory
6) Repair light on truck
10) Get windshield replaced on car
12) Inventory comic books (ensure all books on boards and in bags)
13) Inventory all books
14) Donate what I don't wear/can't fit into anymore
15) Make a list of clothes to buy based on Dress Smart book.
16) Upgrade Life Insurance policy on me and wife
17) Build book table for wife for bathtub reading
19) Schedule physical appointment
20) Work on computer to see if it is salvagable
21) Host a dinner with RCIA'ers
24) Repair kitchen chair
25)Prioritze to-do list
Completed 11
Completed 14a, just need to donate now.
Completed 23 (team effort with wife on that one)
Still to-do
1) Write a will
2) Compose household inventory
6) Repair light on truck
10) Get windshield replaced on car
12) Inventory comic books (ensure all books on boards and in bags)
13) Inventory all books
14) Donate what I don't wear/can't fit into anymore
15) Make a list of clothes to buy based on Dress Smart book.
16) Upgrade Life Insurance policy on me and wife
17) Build book table for wife for bathtub reading
19) Schedule physical appointment
20) Work on computer to see if it is salvagable
21) Host a dinner with RCIA'ers
24) Repair kitchen chair
25)Prioritze to-do list
Update 9.1.10
Goals
1) Read at least 6 books for fun (i.e. no business books)
2) Read one business related book a month
3) Read at least 12 spiritual/personal growth books
Progress - To date, I have read or re-read 34 books this year, so I'm well past the 30 I set for myself. I will update on each and post a review this weekend.
4) Technically and accidentally, finished a video game this weeked. So one down, 11 more to go.
Progress: Finished a second one a couple of weeks ago, but still not 100% complete (side missions)
5) Plan 6 dates with my wife (one every other month - she has the other six)
Progress: Well, we went to a movie since March, and we went bowling the other night. Needless to say, we've both failed on the every month thing (unless suggesting pizza at the last minute counts....yeah, I knew it didn't)
6) Becoming healthier
Progress: Gym-fail so far. I'm traveling for work now (two week trip=7lb gain). Back home, lost the trip gain. Need a better plan
7) Start drafting a book (yes, I want to write a book)
Progress: Got a netbook to replace my cellphone. Have started writing it, but haven't worked on it in a month or so.
8) Payoff all debt with the exception of my student loans and our largest two credit cards.
Progress: Ran the wrong direction and traded in the wife's car. Needless to say, no progress made.
9) Start a christmas club account for christmas 2010 so that it isn't a financial burden this year.
Progress: Yeah...about that...see 8
10) Apply for (and hopefully take) the Professional Engineers exam in October.
Progress: Started a new position in April, took my focus away for a while and missed the deadline.
Plan: Submit for the April 2011 test date.
11) Become more organized.
Progress: Rested on my laurels for sure with the garage task done. Long holiday weekend should provide time to fix that.
Plan: Prioritize/update To-Do list
1) Read at least 6 books for fun (i.e. no business books)
2) Read one business related book a month
3) Read at least 12 spiritual/personal growth books
Progress - To date, I have read or re-read 34 books this year, so I'm well past the 30 I set for myself. I will update on each and post a review this weekend.
4) Technically and accidentally, finished a video game this weeked. So one down, 11 more to go.
Progress: Finished a second one a couple of weeks ago, but still not 100% complete (side missions)
5) Plan 6 dates with my wife (one every other month - she has the other six)
Progress: Well, we went to a movie since March, and we went bowling the other night. Needless to say, we've both failed on the every month thing (unless suggesting pizza at the last minute counts....yeah, I knew it didn't)
6) Becoming healthier
Progress: Gym-fail so far. I'm traveling for work now (two week trip=7lb gain). Back home, lost the trip gain. Need a better plan
7) Start drafting a book (yes, I want to write a book)
Progress: Got a netbook to replace my cellphone. Have started writing it, but haven't worked on it in a month or so.
8) Payoff all debt with the exception of my student loans and our largest two credit cards.
Progress: Ran the wrong direction and traded in the wife's car. Needless to say, no progress made.
9) Start a christmas club account for christmas 2010 so that it isn't a financial burden this year.
Progress: Yeah...about that...see 8
10) Apply for (and hopefully take) the Professional Engineers exam in October.
Progress: Started a new position in April, took my focus away for a while and missed the deadline.
Plan: Submit for the April 2011 test date.
11) Become more organized.
Progress: Rested on my laurels for sure with the garage task done. Long holiday weekend should provide time to fix that.
Plan: Prioritize/update To-Do list
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
One Year to an Organized Financial Life (S/PG)(NYR 3)
One Year to an Organized Financial Life is just that, a step by step, week by week plan to go from chaos to organization nirvana. Now, I highly recommend that if you want to deep dive into this book, buy it so you can go week to week to week. I checked it out from the library, read through the whole year in about 2 days, and then went back and picked out what I was needing at the time. The only issue I see with my approach is that it isn't the overall goal of what the author, Regina Leeds, is trying to convey. It isn't just having a filing system, or paying your bills on time, but a lifestyle of organization. Her philosophy is that in order for the organization to work, you cannot just be organized in one spot, or in one room, or in one thing (i.e. your finances are in order, but your housekeeping isn't, etc). She clearly demonstrates how she perceives that sloppiness in one arena can and will carry over to another if you allow it, but they cannot both exist in your lifestyle and for the most part I agree. It is funny that since I took to task on going through the paper work, creating files, etc., I have also finally cleaned out the garage, wrote a specific to do list down, etc. As she stated, the momentum I created in doing the finances have carried over into other aspects (I'm sure to the cheers of my wife). I just have to keep the momentum going.
The other thing is this is not just about bills and files. It covers taxes, wills, insurance, credit cards, budgeting, etc. I think this is great considering most personal finance books only focus on bills, or getting out of debt, etc. This book is a plan that umbrellas everything.
I would give this a 7 out of 10. People who desperately want a plan and can buy into the organized lifestyle will probably take it as a 8 or a 9. However, those picking this up thinking that it will only focus on getting the bills paid on time will probably be disappointed and put it at a 5 or 6.
The other thing is this is not just about bills and files. It covers taxes, wills, insurance, credit cards, budgeting, etc. I think this is great considering most personal finance books only focus on bills, or getting out of debt, etc. This book is a plan that umbrellas everything.
I would give this a 7 out of 10. People who desperately want a plan and can buy into the organized lifestyle will probably take it as a 8 or a 9. However, those picking this up thinking that it will only focus on getting the bills paid on time will probably be disappointed and put it at a 5 or 6.
To Do List 3.3.10
I'm deleting #22, because I priced them, and really I don't need it right now.
Finished
3) Garage cleaned out. Still have to organize what was in the garage that actually belonged in other rooms
19b) Went to eye doctor. Everything looks good. Get new glasses in about 1 1/2 weeks.
Still to-do
1) Write a will
2) Compose household inventory
4) Change oil in truck
5) Wash truck
6) Repair light on truck
7) Cut loose fabric off of dash in truck
8) Change oil in car
9) Get estimate to paint bumper on car and realign headlights
10) Get windshield replaced on car
11) Fix the spring on the couch
12) Inventory comic books (ensure all books on boards and in bags)
13) Inventory all books
14) Go through clothes/shoes and donate what I don't wear/can't fit into anymore
15) Make a list of clothes to buy based on Dress Smart book.
16) Upgrade Life Insurance policy on me and wife
17) Build book table for wife for bathtub reading
18) Replace radio in car (either with stock or aftermarket radio)
19) Schedule physical appointment
20) Work on computer to see if it is salvagable
21) Host a dinner with RCIA'ers
23) Set up automatic payments with regular bills
24) Repair kitchen chair
25)Prioritze to-do list
Finished
3) Garage cleaned out. Still have to organize what was in the garage that actually belonged in other rooms
19b) Went to eye doctor. Everything looks good. Get new glasses in about 1 1/2 weeks.
Still to-do
1) Write a will
2) Compose household inventory
4) Change oil in truck
5) Wash truck
6) Repair light on truck
7) Cut loose fabric off of dash in truck
8) Change oil in car
9) Get estimate to paint bumper on car and realign headlights
10) Get windshield replaced on car
11) Fix the spring on the couch
12) Inventory comic books (ensure all books on boards and in bags)
13) Inventory all books
14) Go through clothes/shoes and donate what I don't wear/can't fit into anymore
15) Make a list of clothes to buy based on Dress Smart book.
16) Upgrade Life Insurance policy on me and wife
17) Build book table for wife for bathtub reading
18) Replace radio in car (either with stock or aftermarket radio)
19) Schedule physical appointment
20) Work on computer to see if it is salvagable
21) Host a dinner with RCIA'ers
23) Set up automatic payments with regular bills
24) Repair kitchen chair
25)Prioritze to-do list
Update 3.3.10
Goals
1) Read at least 6 books for fun (i.e. no business books)
Progress: Started The Winds of War; forgot how addictive it was. Having trouble putting it down.
Plan: Finish The Winds of War
2) Read one business related book a month
Progress: Checked out Cheap by Ellen Shell
Plan: Begin reading once I finish The Winds of War
3) Read at least 12 spiritual/personal growth books
Progress: None
Plan: Start God's Politics.
4) Technically and accidentally, finished a video game this weeked. So one down, 11 more to go.
5) Plan 6 dates with my wife (one every other month - she has the other six)
Progress: Sounds weird, but I think the wife is up for gonig to a roller derby.
Plan: Buy tickets and arrange for sitter. May be a double date also.
6) Becoming healthier
Progress: Started a new diet with the wife (kind of a lite version of the diet, but it is a start right?)
Plan: Starting the gym today.
7) Start drafting a book (yes, I want to write a book)
Progress: None
Plan: Put this on hold until some of the others are rolling along.
8) Payoff all debt with the exception of my student loans and our largest two credit cards.
Progress: Well, the tax man took a bigger chunk than expected, so the bonus didn't go as far. Had a few other hiccups as well.
Plan: Tonight, right down every single thing we owe to see the situation.
9) Start a christmas club account for christmas 2010 so that it isn't a financial burden this year.
Progress: On hold.
Plan: Start as soon as 8 will let us.
10) Apply for (and hopefully take) the Professional Engineers exam in October.
Progress: Checked out a recommend study schedule. Basically, it is at least 100 studying days before the exam, studying 3-4 hours per day. I say studying days because some study, just on weekdays, others all 7, some every other, etc., but the 100 studying days are definitely a common theme.
Plan: Plan the schedule. Finish appliacation by end of March to submit. Find and budget for classes to submit to work for approval (along with books and calculators).
11) Become more organized.
Progress: Garage is finally done and holding both cars!!!! Has to be the Resolutions highlight of the week (and it took less time than expected)
Plan: Take the week to prioritze the To-Do List and start attacking next week.
1) Read at least 6 books for fun (i.e. no business books)
Progress: Started The Winds of War; forgot how addictive it was. Having trouble putting it down.
Plan: Finish The Winds of War
2) Read one business related book a month
Progress: Checked out Cheap by Ellen Shell
Plan: Begin reading once I finish The Winds of War
3) Read at least 12 spiritual/personal growth books
Progress: None
Plan: Start God's Politics.
4) Technically and accidentally, finished a video game this weeked. So one down, 11 more to go.
5) Plan 6 dates with my wife (one every other month - she has the other six)
Progress: Sounds weird, but I think the wife is up for gonig to a roller derby.
Plan: Buy tickets and arrange for sitter. May be a double date also.
6) Becoming healthier
Progress: Started a new diet with the wife (kind of a lite version of the diet, but it is a start right?)
Plan: Starting the gym today.
7) Start drafting a book (yes, I want to write a book)
Progress: None
Plan: Put this on hold until some of the others are rolling along.
8) Payoff all debt with the exception of my student loans and our largest two credit cards.
Progress: Well, the tax man took a bigger chunk than expected, so the bonus didn't go as far. Had a few other hiccups as well.
Plan: Tonight, right down every single thing we owe to see the situation.
9) Start a christmas club account for christmas 2010 so that it isn't a financial burden this year.
Progress: On hold.
Plan: Start as soon as 8 will let us.
10) Apply for (and hopefully take) the Professional Engineers exam in October.
Progress: Checked out a recommend study schedule. Basically, it is at least 100 studying days before the exam, studying 3-4 hours per day. I say studying days because some study, just on weekdays, others all 7, some every other, etc., but the 100 studying days are definitely a common theme.
Plan: Plan the schedule. Finish appliacation by end of March to submit. Find and budget for classes to submit to work for approval (along with books and calculators).
11) Become more organized.
Progress: Garage is finally done and holding both cars!!!! Has to be the Resolutions highlight of the week (and it took less time than expected)
Plan: Take the week to prioritze the To-Do List and start attacking next week.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
To Do List 2.25.10 Update
I'm deleting #22, because I priced them, and really I don't need it right now.
1) Write a will
2) Compose household inventory
3) Clean out the garage - sort into keep, sell, donate, throw. Keep goes to where it needs to be, sell gets listed on craigslist, donate goes to the appropriate organization. Throw is two phases, the first during the cleaning out, the second is anything from the first three that hasn't been moved within a month.
4) Change oil in truck
5) Wash truck
6) Repair light on truck
7) Cut loose fabric off of dash in truck
8) Change oil in car
9) Get estimate to paint bumper on car and realign headlights
10) Get windshield replaced on car
11) Fix the spring on the couch
12) Inventory comic books (ensure all books on boards and in bags)
13) Inventory all books
14) Go through clothes/shoes and donate what I don't wear/can't fit into anymore
15) Make a list of clothes to buy based on Dress Smart book.
16) Upgrade Life Insurance policy on me and wife
17) Build book table for wife for bathtub reading
18) Replace radio in car (either with stock or aftermarket radio)
19) Schedule physical and eye doctor appointments - Eye doctor scheduled Tue., Mar 2, @ 11AM
20) Work on computer to see if it is salvagable
21) Host a dinner with RCIA'ers
23) Set up automatic payments with regular bills
24) Repair kitchen chair
1) Write a will
2) Compose household inventory
3) Clean out the garage - sort into keep, sell, donate, throw. Keep goes to where it needs to be, sell gets listed on craigslist, donate goes to the appropriate organization. Throw is two phases, the first during the cleaning out, the second is anything from the first three that hasn't been moved within a month.
4) Change oil in truck
5) Wash truck
6) Repair light on truck
7) Cut loose fabric off of dash in truck
8) Change oil in car
9) Get estimate to paint bumper on car and realign headlights
10) Get windshield replaced on car
11) Fix the spring on the couch
12) Inventory comic books (ensure all books on boards and in bags)
13) Inventory all books
14) Go through clothes/shoes and donate what I don't wear/can't fit into anymore
15) Make a list of clothes to buy based on Dress Smart book.
16) Upgrade Life Insurance policy on me and wife
17) Build book table for wife for bathtub reading
18) Replace radio in car (either with stock or aftermarket radio)
19) Schedule physical and eye doctor appointments - Eye doctor scheduled Tue., Mar 2, @ 11AM
20) Work on computer to see if it is salvagable
21) Host a dinner with RCIA'ers
23) Set up automatic payments with regular bills
24) Repair kitchen chair
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Update 2.24.10
Goals
1) Read at least 6 books for fun (i.e. no business books)
Progress: Started The Winds of War; forgot how addictive it was. Having trouble putting it down.
Plan: Finish The Winds of War and start War and Remembrance right after.
2) Read one business related book a month
Progress: None, see last Update post.
Plan: Begin reading March 1 (or earlier if finished with other books).
3) Read at least 12 spiritual/personal growth books
Progress: Finished One Year to an Organized Financial Life, well, kind of anyway. It is a library book, so I only have three weeks with it, and I was more concerned about the filing and bill paying aspects, so that's was good. I think my wife might like it for next year, since she is religious about her "one week at a time books".
Plan: I've checked out four books from the library, one of which is called God's Politics. Should be a good read.
4) Technically and accidentally, finished a video game this weeked. So one down, 11 more to go.
5) Plan 6 dates with my wife (one every other month - she has the other six)
Progress: Since we already went a on date this month, going to nix the b-ball game (huge growth for me) and plan something for March.
Plan: Buy tickets and arrange for sitter. May be a double date also.
6) Becoming healthier
Progress: Ok, so me and wagons, not such good friends apparently since I fell off again, if I ever really got back on.
Plan: Due to some things going on with the better half, we're going on the South Beach Diet (not that I couldn't use a diet).
7) Start drafting a book (yes, I want to write a book)
Progress: Bought some writing magazines and checked out a writing book. Think I'm going to try to work on this project this weekend. We'll see.
Plan: Read the magazines tonight, and start reading the book Saturday. Hopefully get something done (a 1st chapter, a story board, something)
8) Payoff all debt with the exception of my student loans and our largest two credit cards.
Progress: Get paid tomorrow as well as bonus. Will definitley get this rolling.
Plan: Use bonus at end of the month to get caught up and clean up some out standing debts. Stay current on bills and build to $1k.
9) Start a christmas club account for christmas 2010 so that it isn't a financial burden this year.
Progress: With bonus, may be able to start sooner rather than later.
Plan: Start as soon as 8 will let us.
10) Apply for (and hopefully take) the Professional Engineers exam in October.
Progress: Checked out a recommend study schedule. Basically, it is at least 100 studying days before the exam, studying 3-4 hours per day. I say studying days because some study, just on weekdays, others all 7, some every other, etc., but the 100 studying days are definitely a common theme.
Plan: Plan the schedule. Finish appliacation by end of March to submit. Find and budget for classes to submit to work for approval (along with books and calculators).
11) Become more organized.
Progress: Got the folders labeled, the papers filed, and every financial thing in order (except the actual paying which will happen tomorrow night). Garage has to happen this weekend. There's too much on the to do list that requires the garage to be in order. Plan: Clean out the garage Saturday/Sunday. I already have a layout for the garage to get to so it can be a) organized, b) let both of us park there, and c) be set up to use to work on the to do list.
1) Read at least 6 books for fun (i.e. no business books)
Progress: Started The Winds of War; forgot how addictive it was. Having trouble putting it down.
Plan: Finish The Winds of War and start War and Remembrance right after.
2) Read one business related book a month
Progress: None, see last Update post.
Plan: Begin reading March 1 (or earlier if finished with other books).
3) Read at least 12 spiritual/personal growth books
Progress: Finished One Year to an Organized Financial Life, well, kind of anyway. It is a library book, so I only have three weeks with it, and I was more concerned about the filing and bill paying aspects, so that's was good. I think my wife might like it for next year, since she is religious about her "one week at a time books".
Plan: I've checked out four books from the library, one of which is called God's Politics. Should be a good read.
4) Technically and accidentally, finished a video game this weeked. So one down, 11 more to go.
5) Plan 6 dates with my wife (one every other month - she has the other six)
Progress: Since we already went a on date this month, going to nix the b-ball game (huge growth for me) and plan something for March.
Plan: Buy tickets and arrange for sitter. May be a double date also.
6) Becoming healthier
Progress: Ok, so me and wagons, not such good friends apparently since I fell off again, if I ever really got back on.
Plan: Due to some things going on with the better half, we're going on the South Beach Diet (not that I couldn't use a diet).
7) Start drafting a book (yes, I want to write a book)
Progress: Bought some writing magazines and checked out a writing book. Think I'm going to try to work on this project this weekend. We'll see.
Plan: Read the magazines tonight, and start reading the book Saturday. Hopefully get something done (a 1st chapter, a story board, something)
8) Payoff all debt with the exception of my student loans and our largest two credit cards.
Progress: Get paid tomorrow as well as bonus. Will definitley get this rolling.
Plan: Use bonus at end of the month to get caught up and clean up some out standing debts. Stay current on bills and build to $1k.
9) Start a christmas club account for christmas 2010 so that it isn't a financial burden this year.
Progress: With bonus, may be able to start sooner rather than later.
Plan: Start as soon as 8 will let us.
10) Apply for (and hopefully take) the Professional Engineers exam in October.
Progress: Checked out a recommend study schedule. Basically, it is at least 100 studying days before the exam, studying 3-4 hours per day. I say studying days because some study, just on weekdays, others all 7, some every other, etc., but the 100 studying days are definitely a common theme.
Plan: Plan the schedule. Finish appliacation by end of March to submit. Find and budget for classes to submit to work for approval (along with books and calculators).
11) Become more organized.
Progress: Got the folders labeled, the papers filed, and every financial thing in order (except the actual paying which will happen tomorrow night). Garage has to happen this weekend. There's too much on the to do list that requires the garage to be in order. Plan: Clean out the garage Saturday/Sunday. I already have a layout for the garage to get to so it can be a) organized, b) let both of us park there, and c) be set up to use to work on the to do list.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Update 2.17.10
Goals
1) Read at least 6 books for fun (i.e. no business books)
Progress: Haven't started, but own both The Winds of War and War and Remembrance, so I'll start them, now that just finished a business book.
Plan: Start reading the above novels.
2) Read one business related book a month
Progress: For March, I'm going to read The E-Myth Revisited , since I already own it. Hopefully, since it is focused on small business, it'll give me a better understanding of our customer base, which is mainily small businesses.
Plan: Begin reading March 1 (or earlier if finished with other books).
3) Read at least 12 spiritual/personal growth books
Progress: Updated to 12 books instead of the original 6. Currently reading One Year to an Organized Financial Life (so far definitely want to buy this one for reference)
Plan: Finish current book and identify the next one.
4) Removed (see previous post)
5) Plan 6 dates with my wife (one every other month - she has the other six)
Progress: Still need to go to the box office.
Plan: Call box office, and buy tickets next payday. Arrange for a sitter.
6) Becoming healthier
Progress: Well, fell off that wagon quickly..., but for Lent, I am giving up sodas (huge for me), and fast food (i.e. mcdonalds, sonic, qdoba, etc.)
Plan: Let's see how Lent goes.
7) Start drafting a book (yes, I want to write a book)
Progress: None. I have some ideas on characters and plot, but they are all in my head.
Plan: Put pen to paper and write an outline of characters, plot, and start to put a overall "story board" together by the end of February.
8) Payoff all debt with the exception of my student loans (which are still too large at this point to tackle in a year), and our largest two credit cards.
Progress: Little hiccup with bills, but we are getting there. Was told how much my bonus was and that will definitely help.
Plan: Use bonus at end of the month to get caught up and clean up some out standing debts. Use rest to start emergency fund. Set up automatic payments. Stay current on bills and build to $1k.
9) Start a christmas club account for christmas 2010 so that it isn't a financial burden this year.
Progress: With bonus, may be able to start sooner rather than later.
Plan: Start as soon as 8 will let us.
10) Apply for (and hopefully take) the Professional Engineers exam in October.
Progress: Definitely going to focus on the PE so I need to start figuring out a schedule and getting my applciation finished in time.
Plan: Research study plans and being to schedule start dates. Finish appliacation by end of March to submit. Find and budget for classes to submit to work for approval.
11) Become more organized.
Progress: So the book from NYR 3 has got me motivated. I bought all the necessary items to get the financial papers in order. Am going to do that this week. Also bought a few garage items (broom, extension cord) to get that done this weekend. With the finances in order, when the bonus check comes, we'll be set to get NYR 8 rolling and with the garage cleaned out, some of the to do list can get done.
Plan: Organize finances per the book by Friday. Clean out the garage Saturday/Sunday.
12) Post progress on each of these on the blog
1) Read at least 6 books for fun (i.e. no business books)
Progress: Haven't started, but own both The Winds of War and War and Remembrance, so I'll start them, now that just finished a business book.
Plan: Start reading the above novels.
2) Read one business related book a month
Progress: For March, I'm going to read The E-Myth Revisited , since I already own it. Hopefully, since it is focused on small business, it'll give me a better understanding of our customer base, which is mainily small businesses.
Plan: Begin reading March 1 (or earlier if finished with other books).
3) Read at least 12 spiritual/personal growth books
Progress: Updated to 12 books instead of the original 6. Currently reading One Year to an Organized Financial Life (so far definitely want to buy this one for reference)
Plan: Finish current book and identify the next one.
4) Removed (see previous post)
5) Plan 6 dates with my wife (one every other month - she has the other six)
Progress: Still need to go to the box office.
Plan: Call box office, and buy tickets next payday. Arrange for a sitter.
6) Becoming healthier
Progress: Well, fell off that wagon quickly..., but for Lent, I am giving up sodas (huge for me), and fast food (i.e. mcdonalds, sonic, qdoba, etc.)
Plan: Let's see how Lent goes.
7) Start drafting a book (yes, I want to write a book)
Progress: None. I have some ideas on characters and plot, but they are all in my head.
Plan: Put pen to paper and write an outline of characters, plot, and start to put a overall "story board" together by the end of February.
8) Payoff all debt with the exception of my student loans (which are still too large at this point to tackle in a year), and our largest two credit cards.
Progress: Little hiccup with bills, but we are getting there. Was told how much my bonus was and that will definitely help.
Plan: Use bonus at end of the month to get caught up and clean up some out standing debts. Use rest to start emergency fund. Set up automatic payments. Stay current on bills and build to $1k.
9) Start a christmas club account for christmas 2010 so that it isn't a financial burden this year.
Progress: With bonus, may be able to start sooner rather than later.
Plan: Start as soon as 8 will let us.
10) Apply for (and hopefully take) the Professional Engineers exam in October.
Progress: Definitely going to focus on the PE so I need to start figuring out a schedule and getting my applciation finished in time.
Plan: Research study plans and being to schedule start dates. Finish appliacation by end of March to submit. Find and budget for classes to submit to work for approval.
11) Become more organized.
Progress: So the book from NYR 3 has got me motivated. I bought all the necessary items to get the financial papers in order. Am going to do that this week. Also bought a few garage items (broom, extension cord) to get that done this weekend. With the finances in order, when the bonus check comes, we'll be set to get NYR 8 rolling and with the garage cleaned out, some of the to do list can get done.
Plan: Organize finances per the book by Friday. Clean out the garage Saturday/Sunday.
12) Post progress on each of these on the blog
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
How to Get Out of Debt, Stay Out of Debt, & Live Prosperously Review (S/PG) (NYR3)
Another volume that I've had for a while but never got around to, I finally finished How to Get Out of Debt, Stay Out of Debt, & Live Prosperously by Jerrold Mundis yesterday. First, I'll start by saying that the copyright of my copy is 1990, so the book could use a bit of an update. For example, it talks about VCR's and long distance phone service as a luxury (which is hard to appreciate in this day of DVD/On Demand and cell phones). Also, none of the groups mentioned has a website listed in the book. While any search engine should get you there, it is just a pet peeve of mine.
As for what is right with the book, I think it has a very calm, "it's not the end of the world" approach that some would appreciate, in contrast to the "gazelle intensity" of Dave Ramsey. It definitely focuses on the one day at a time, it is only money/debt (which I have to think is a direct take from the Debtors Anonymous techniques it is based on). Since the author has walked in these shoes, it definitely has the creditibility that the system can work. It's focus on the person and their feelings, moods, etc. are great signs that the approach is more about the personal part of personal finance.
Now, I'm a self professed nerd/geeky/numbers/intensity type person. I think that's why the Dave Ramsey approach is so appealling to me. When the author of this book gives examples of people talking about how they took a trip to Europe and paid cash while they still had thousands of dollars of debt to still pay off, my skin just crawled. But as I read the book more and more, I realized that maybe I need to take some bits and pieces of this method and apply it. I personally could do the "rent a substandard place for 400/month, live off of hamburger helper, and have three channels" for a year, but I'm not single anymore, and my spouse isn't wired that way. So I have to make the effort to talk with her, and make sure the budget has some "life" in it (i.e. movie money, pedicure money-strictly for her, restaurant money, etc.) so that she has something to look forward to, and I'm comforted that it was budgeted for and we are still making dents into our debt load.
Rating: I give it a 7 out of 10 for me because again, I'm a "gazelle person", not a I still have to have my Starbucks every morning type person (which I label as a luxury where as others would not). If you don't want to fully slash your lifestyle, but still have a process/plan/method, then this would probably be a 8.5 out of 10 for you (I still think the outdated references make it a harder read than it should be).
As for what is right with the book, I think it has a very calm, "it's not the end of the world" approach that some would appreciate, in contrast to the "gazelle intensity" of Dave Ramsey. It definitely focuses on the one day at a time, it is only money/debt (which I have to think is a direct take from the Debtors Anonymous techniques it is based on). Since the author has walked in these shoes, it definitely has the creditibility that the system can work. It's focus on the person and their feelings, moods, etc. are great signs that the approach is more about the personal part of personal finance.
Now, I'm a self professed nerd/geeky/numbers/intensity type person. I think that's why the Dave Ramsey approach is so appealling to me. When the author of this book gives examples of people talking about how they took a trip to Europe and paid cash while they still had thousands of dollars of debt to still pay off, my skin just crawled. But as I read the book more and more, I realized that maybe I need to take some bits and pieces of this method and apply it. I personally could do the "rent a substandard place for 400/month, live off of hamburger helper, and have three channels" for a year, but I'm not single anymore, and my spouse isn't wired that way. So I have to make the effort to talk with her, and make sure the budget has some "life" in it (i.e. movie money, pedicure money-strictly for her, restaurant money, etc.) so that she has something to look forward to, and I'm comforted that it was budgeted for and we are still making dents into our debt load.
Rating: I give it a 7 out of 10 for me because again, I'm a "gazelle person", not a I still have to have my Starbucks every morning type person (which I label as a luxury where as others would not). If you don't want to fully slash your lifestyle, but still have a process/plan/method, then this would probably be a 8.5 out of 10 for you (I still think the outdated references make it a harder read than it should be).
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
To Do List (Organization) (NYR 11)
1) Write a will
2) Compose household inventory
3) Clean out the garage - sort into keep, sell, donate, throw. Keep goes to where it needs to be, sell gets listed on craigslist, donate goes to the appropriate organization. Throw is two phases, the first during the cleaning out, the second is anything from the first three that hasn't been moved within a month.
4) Change oil in truck
5) Wash truck
6) Repair light on truck
7) Cut loose fabric off of dash in truck
8) Change oil in car
9) Get estimate to paint bumper on car and realign headlights
10) Get windshield replaced on car
11) Fix the spring on the couch
12) Inventory comic books (ensure all books on boards and in bags)
13) Inventory all books
14) Go through clothes/shoes and donate what I don't wear/can't fit into anymore
15) Make a list of clothes to buy based on Dress Smart book.
16) Upgrade Life Insurance policy on me and wife
17) Build book table for wife for bathtub reading
18) Replace radio in car (either with stock or aftermarket radio)
19) Schedule physical and eye doctor appointments
20) Work on computer to see if it is salvagable
21) Host a dinner with RCIA'ers
22) Buy an "At-a-Glance" calendar and use the portfolio I have that works with it
23) Set up automatic payments with regular bills
24) Repair kitchen chair
2) Compose household inventory
3) Clean out the garage - sort into keep, sell, donate, throw. Keep goes to where it needs to be, sell gets listed on craigslist, donate goes to the appropriate organization. Throw is two phases, the first during the cleaning out, the second is anything from the first three that hasn't been moved within a month.
4) Change oil in truck
5) Wash truck
6) Repair light on truck
7) Cut loose fabric off of dash in truck
8) Change oil in car
9) Get estimate to paint bumper on car and realign headlights
10) Get windshield replaced on car
11) Fix the spring on the couch
12) Inventory comic books (ensure all books on boards and in bags)
13) Inventory all books
14) Go through clothes/shoes and donate what I don't wear/can't fit into anymore
15) Make a list of clothes to buy based on Dress Smart book.
16) Upgrade Life Insurance policy on me and wife
17) Build book table for wife for bathtub reading
18) Replace radio in car (either with stock or aftermarket radio)
19) Schedule physical and eye doctor appointments
20) Work on computer to see if it is salvagable
21) Host a dinner with RCIA'ers
22) Buy an "At-a-Glance" calendar and use the portfolio I have that works with it
23) Set up automatic payments with regular bills
24) Repair kitchen chair
Update
Goals
1) Read at least 6 books for fun (i.e. no business books)
Progress: Haven't started, but own both The Winds of War and War and Remembrance, so I'll start them, now that just finished a business book.
Plan: Start reading the above novels.
2) Read one business related book a month
Progress: Finsihed Business By the Book (review is posted). I've read 2 books and it is only Feb. 10th. Identify March's book by next week
Plan: Identify March's book by next week's update.
3) Read at least 6 spiritual/personal growth books
Progress: Started How to Get Out of Debt, Stay Out of Debt, and Live Prosperously by Jerrold Mundis. I've read 3 books already (How to Win Friends and Influence People, Boundaries, and Captivating)
Plan: Expand this goal to 12 books this year.
4) Complete one video game
Progress: None
Plan: Remove this from the list
5) Plan 6 dates with my wife (one every other month - she has the other six)
Progress: Ticket guy called, he's going to use those, so I'll have to go to the box office now, oh well.
Plan: Call box office, and buy tickets next payday. Arrange for a sitter.
6) Becoming healthier
Progress: Stopped drinking soft drinks two days ago, mainly becuase we are out, but it is a start right?
Plan: Going to see if I can just make small changes, rather a whole big process (i.e. no sodas, less fast food, etc.)
7) Start drafting a book (yes, I want to write a book)
Progress: None. I have some ideas on characters and plot, but they are all in my head.
Plan: Put pen to paper and write an outline of characters, plot, and start to put a overall "story board" together by the end of February.
8) Payoff all debt with the exception of my student loans (which are still too large at this point to tackle in a year), and our largest two credit cards.
Progress: Cutting some things a little tight to payday (gas for the car)
Plan: Learn lesson. Budget last half of month better than first half. Keep the focus and don't let our budget killers (going out to eat, impulse buys) derail our goal.
9) Start a christmas club account for christmas 2010 so that it isn't a financial burden this year.
Progress: Didn't start because we were able to budget to fully take care of some of our outstanding debts
Plan: Suspend for Feb., Mar., Apr. If we can continue in Mar. & Apr. with our budget like we are in Feb., then we can breathe a little easier when we do this.
10) Apply for (and hopefully take) the Professional Engineers exam in October.
Progress: So I talk to a few of the people here who have their MBA and got some awesome feedback.
Plan: So here is the plan I'm thinking. This year, take the PE exam in October, and make sure I'm focused on it to pass the first time. This way, next year, I can take the GMAT in the spring and hopefully get a scholarship to enroll in a MBA program in the fall of 2010.
11) Become more organized.
Progress: Budget needs some tweaks, but can't give up on it. My wife has done a awesome job about chores and what day they are done, as well as the day to day, so I need to support that fully.
Plan: Ok, so instead of saying I'm gonig to work on this or that. I'm just going to make a new "To Do List" post and update it on one off type of projects. My goal is to update this so that my wife and I can discuss which ones to tackle and fitting them into our schedules.
Mini-Goal - Set up any automatic payments possible to make sure stuff is paid on time.
12) Post progress on each of these on the blog
Progress: I think I'm meeting this and won't update again unless I've stumbled.
1) Read at least 6 books for fun (i.e. no business books)
Progress: Haven't started, but own both The Winds of War and War and Remembrance, so I'll start them, now that just finished a business book.
Plan: Start reading the above novels.
2) Read one business related book a month
Progress: Finsihed Business By the Book (review is posted). I've read 2 books and it is only Feb. 10th. Identify March's book by next week
Plan: Identify March's book by next week's update.
3) Read at least 6 spiritual/personal growth books
Progress: Started How to Get Out of Debt, Stay Out of Debt, and Live Prosperously by Jerrold Mundis. I've read 3 books already (How to Win Friends and Influence People, Boundaries, and Captivating)
Plan: Expand this goal to 12 books this year.
4) Complete one video game
Progress: None
Plan: Remove this from the list
5) Plan 6 dates with my wife (one every other month - she has the other six)
Progress: Ticket guy called, he's going to use those, so I'll have to go to the box office now, oh well.
Plan: Call box office, and buy tickets next payday. Arrange for a sitter.
6) Becoming healthier
Progress: Stopped drinking soft drinks two days ago, mainly becuase we are out, but it is a start right?
Plan: Going to see if I can just make small changes, rather a whole big process (i.e. no sodas, less fast food, etc.)
7) Start drafting a book (yes, I want to write a book)
Progress: None. I have some ideas on characters and plot, but they are all in my head.
Plan: Put pen to paper and write an outline of characters, plot, and start to put a overall "story board" together by the end of February.
8) Payoff all debt with the exception of my student loans (which are still too large at this point to tackle in a year), and our largest two credit cards.
Progress: Cutting some things a little tight to payday (gas for the car)
Plan: Learn lesson. Budget last half of month better than first half. Keep the focus and don't let our budget killers (going out to eat, impulse buys) derail our goal.
9) Start a christmas club account for christmas 2010 so that it isn't a financial burden this year.
Progress: Didn't start because we were able to budget to fully take care of some of our outstanding debts
Plan: Suspend for Feb., Mar., Apr. If we can continue in Mar. & Apr. with our budget like we are in Feb., then we can breathe a little easier when we do this.
10) Apply for (and hopefully take) the Professional Engineers exam in October.
Progress: So I talk to a few of the people here who have their MBA and got some awesome feedback.
Plan: So here is the plan I'm thinking. This year, take the PE exam in October, and make sure I'm focused on it to pass the first time. This way, next year, I can take the GMAT in the spring and hopefully get a scholarship to enroll in a MBA program in the fall of 2010.
11) Become more organized.
Progress: Budget needs some tweaks, but can't give up on it. My wife has done a awesome job about chores and what day they are done, as well as the day to day, so I need to support that fully.
Plan: Ok, so instead of saying I'm gonig to work on this or that. I'm just going to make a new "To Do List" post and update it on one off type of projects. My goal is to update this so that my wife and I can discuss which ones to tackle and fitting them into our schedules.
Mini-Goal - Set up any automatic payments possible to make sure stuff is paid on time.
12) Post progress on each of these on the blog
Progress: I think I'm meeting this and won't update again unless I've stumbled.
Business By the Book Review (Business) (NYR 2)
Business By the Book by Larry Burkett is a hard read. Not becuase of how it is written, but becuase of the points made in the book. The book does not mislead the reader on what its intent is, to show business principles supported by biblical verses, as well as pointing out where the Bible and "standard business practice" disagree. While the book has several anecdotes that showcase where people followed and succeeded and the inverse of where they violated the bilbical principles and failed, I can see difficulty in finding the conviction to follow these, becuase there will be numerous people who cannot understand your reasoning.
While it does offer insight on running your company and talks to some extent your personal finance side of life, it offers very little on being an employee (not to say there is none, but it is far more focused on the employer perspective, rather than the employee).
I'm glad I read it, and should the "be your own boss" bug should bite me, I will revisit this while working through my thought process, but for now, I can only really apply the few nuggets I found that referenced employees.
I'll say this is a 7 out of 10, which I'm doing as an average. It is a 5 out of 10 for employees wanting to find out how to be better Christian employees, but it is definitely a 9 out of 10 for business owners, managers, etc. who want to do business the right way.
While it does offer insight on running your company and talks to some extent your personal finance side of life, it offers very little on being an employee (not to say there is none, but it is far more focused on the employer perspective, rather than the employee).
I'm glad I read it, and should the "be your own boss" bug should bite me, I will revisit this while working through my thought process, but for now, I can only really apply the few nuggets I found that referenced employees.
I'll say this is a 7 out of 10, which I'm doing as an average. It is a 5 out of 10 for employees wanting to find out how to be better Christian employees, but it is definitely a 9 out of 10 for business owners, managers, etc. who want to do business the right way.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Resolution No. 3 Update
So, I've finished Captivating. Now my next title for S/P G books will be How to Get Out of Debt, Stay Out of Debt & Live Prosperously by Jerrold Mundis. I do like the progression this resolution has taken. How to Win Friends.. focused on friendships and relationship building. Boundaries reinforced how to make sure they are good healthy relationships. Captivating focused on bettering on my most valuable relationships, my marriage, by having a better understanding of my wife. And now How to Get Out of Debt... will focus on the money aspect of my life, with hopefully a better understanding of money so that it does not negatively impact the relationships I have developed.
Also, after How to Get Out of Debt..., I think I want to read Boys Should Be Boys by Meg Meeker, which will focus on the next important relationship, between me and Ethan (and any future brothers he may have)
After that, there will only be one more to meet the goal of 6 this year. Fantastic.
Also, after How to Get Out of Debt..., I think I want to read Boys Should Be Boys by Meg Meeker, which will focus on the next important relationship, between me and Ethan (and any future brothers he may have)
After that, there will only be one more to meet the goal of 6 this year. Fantastic.
Captivating Review (S/P G) (NYR 3)
So I finished Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge this morning. Wow. I had read John's Wild at Heart which is for men what Captivating is for women. All I can say is that I truly had no idea. And at times in this book, I just felt so unaware. I mean to read the biblical references, to read the anecdotes, to read the whole book really, was just a vision changing experience.
With both Captivating and Wild at Heart, the authors encourage that the spouse reads the counterparts book, and I could not agree more. When I finished reading Wild, I wanted to be the man described in the book. A warrior, an adventurer, a hero. But after Captivating, I know why I want to be. Because that is what my wife needs. That's what she wants. And I think women would get the same effect from reading their book and then his. A want to be the woman described and then the why behind the want.
I've talked with Stacy (my wife) while I've been reading this, asking her questions about things brought up in the book. I was so jarred at one point, I was compelled to write her the first "love letter" that I can recall ever writing her. If one reads these with an open mind and heart, I think you can be truly better once finished. But not finished being better.
In closing, I have so much more reverence, respect, and am just in awe of the women in my life now. My wife, my mother, my grandmothers, friends & relatives. I am truly luck to have had this book put into my life.
Rating 9 out of 10 - I know I rank books high consistantly, but if it isn't any good, I don't finish it and thus don't review it. With that being said, this book is awesome. I only dock it a point because while they encourage men to read this, it is a little difficult to read when they are addressing the reader directly with the thought the reader is female. Personally, I am going to recommend this book to everyone I can, man and woman alike. Women need it to know how truly awesome each one of them are. Men need it to reinforce their role in a woman's life, to better understand how their actions (or inactions) can effect not just the relationship, but the woman themself.
With both Captivating and Wild at Heart, the authors encourage that the spouse reads the counterparts book, and I could not agree more. When I finished reading Wild, I wanted to be the man described in the book. A warrior, an adventurer, a hero. But after Captivating, I know why I want to be. Because that is what my wife needs. That's what she wants. And I think women would get the same effect from reading their book and then his. A want to be the woman described and then the why behind the want.
I've talked with Stacy (my wife) while I've been reading this, asking her questions about things brought up in the book. I was so jarred at one point, I was compelled to write her the first "love letter" that I can recall ever writing her. If one reads these with an open mind and heart, I think you can be truly better once finished. But not finished being better.
In closing, I have so much more reverence, respect, and am just in awe of the women in my life now. My wife, my mother, my grandmothers, friends & relatives. I am truly luck to have had this book put into my life.
Rating 9 out of 10 - I know I rank books high consistantly, but if it isn't any good, I don't finish it and thus don't review it. With that being said, this book is awesome. I only dock it a point because while they encourage men to read this, it is a little difficult to read when they are addressing the reader directly with the thought the reader is female. Personally, I am going to recommend this book to everyone I can, man and woman alike. Women need it to know how truly awesome each one of them are. Men need it to reinforce their role in a woman's life, to better understand how their actions (or inactions) can effect not just the relationship, but the woman themself.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Update
Goals
Blog Goal: Post once a week
Progress: Back on track
Plan: Keep doing what I'm doing
1) Read at least 6 books for fun (i.e. no business books)
Progress: Ok, I like the Star Trek:Titan paperbacks, but found out no new ones are coming out until October. So I'm going to revisit some I read in high school/college and see how they look to me now.
Plan: First two are The Winds of War and War and Remembrance, both by Herman Wouk. They are set in WWII. I read these as a quick way to get Accelerated Reader point in HS, but I got so much more out of them then. Be interested to see how they speak to me now.
2) Read one business related book a month
Progress: Reading Business by the Book by Larry Burkett
Plan: Read and Review
3) Read at least 6 spiritual/personal growth books
Progress: Finished Boundaries by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend (see S/PG Reviews). Reading Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge
Plan: Already identified the next book.
4) Complete one video game (there are video games that do have an end, I've just never actually finished one before. I got two for Christmas that are that way, so I am going to finish one of them)
Progress: Only played NCAA BB 2010 by EA. Not really an end to that one, but I'm a huge college BB fan (insert Stacy groan here).
Plan: Play one level and save, or just remove this and let it be fun that it should be.
5) Plan 6 dates with my wife (one every other month - she has the other six)
Progress: Called my ticket guy, he still hasn't gotten back. Not going to get the sitter unless there is a definite date.
Plan: Call about tickets again.
6) Becoming healthier
Progress: Going to look at the gym at work today.
Plan: Begin to look starting a regiment next week.
7) Start drafting a book (yes, I want to write a book)
Progress: I have some ideas on characters and plot, but they are all in my head.
Plan: Put pen to paper and write an outline of characters, plot, and start to put a overall "story board" together by the end of February.
8) Payoff all debt with the exception of my student loans (which are still too large at this point to tackle in a year), and our largest two credit cards.
Progress: Feb. budget looks like we are going to knock out some big chunks. A couple more months like this and number 9 can really get going.
Plan: Keep the focus and don't let our budget killers (going out to eat, impulse buys) derail our goal.
9) Start a christmas club account for christmas 2010 so that it isn't a financial burden this year.
Progress: Didn't start because we were able to budget to fully take care of some of our outstanding debts
Plan: Suspend for Feb., Mar., Apr. If we can continue in Mar. & Apr. with our budget like we are in Feb., then we can breathe a little easier when we do this.
10) Apply for (and hopefully take) the Professional Engineers exam in October.
Progress: None
Plan: Still discussing and thinking.
11) Become more organized.
Progress: We have a budget that I think we can actually meet this time. There are still some bills out there, but we didn't create them all in one pay period, we're not going to get them all paid in one pay period.
Plan: Work on the garage this weekend (and maybe the truck too)
Mini-Goal - Set up any automatic payments possible to make sure stuff is paid on time.
12) Post progress on each of these on the blog
Progress: Well this is an update
Plan: Keep up the good work (nice to end on a high note)
Blog Goal: Post once a week
Progress: Back on track
Plan: Keep doing what I'm doing
1) Read at least 6 books for fun (i.e. no business books)
Progress: Ok, I like the Star Trek:Titan paperbacks, but found out no new ones are coming out until October. So I'm going to revisit some I read in high school/college and see how they look to me now.
Plan: First two are The Winds of War and War and Remembrance, both by Herman Wouk. They are set in WWII. I read these as a quick way to get Accelerated Reader point in HS, but I got so much more out of them then. Be interested to see how they speak to me now.
2) Read one business related book a month
Progress: Reading Business by the Book by Larry Burkett
Plan: Read and Review
3) Read at least 6 spiritual/personal growth books
Progress: Finished Boundaries by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend (see S/PG Reviews). Reading Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge
Plan: Already identified the next book.
4) Complete one video game (there are video games that do have an end, I've just never actually finished one before. I got two for Christmas that are that way, so I am going to finish one of them)
Progress: Only played NCAA BB 2010 by EA. Not really an end to that one, but I'm a huge college BB fan (insert Stacy groan here).
Plan: Play one level and save, or just remove this and let it be fun that it should be.
5) Plan 6 dates with my wife (one every other month - she has the other six)
Progress: Called my ticket guy, he still hasn't gotten back. Not going to get the sitter unless there is a definite date.
Plan: Call about tickets again.
6) Becoming healthier
Progress: Going to look at the gym at work today.
Plan: Begin to look starting a regiment next week.
7) Start drafting a book (yes, I want to write a book)
Progress: I have some ideas on characters and plot, but they are all in my head.
Plan: Put pen to paper and write an outline of characters, plot, and start to put a overall "story board" together by the end of February.
8) Payoff all debt with the exception of my student loans (which are still too large at this point to tackle in a year), and our largest two credit cards.
Progress: Feb. budget looks like we are going to knock out some big chunks. A couple more months like this and number 9 can really get going.
Plan: Keep the focus and don't let our budget killers (going out to eat, impulse buys) derail our goal.
9) Start a christmas club account for christmas 2010 so that it isn't a financial burden this year.
Progress: Didn't start because we were able to budget to fully take care of some of our outstanding debts
Plan: Suspend for Feb., Mar., Apr. If we can continue in Mar. & Apr. with our budget like we are in Feb., then we can breathe a little easier when we do this.
10) Apply for (and hopefully take) the Professional Engineers exam in October.
Progress: None
Plan: Still discussing and thinking.
11) Become more organized.
Progress: We have a budget that I think we can actually meet this time. There are still some bills out there, but we didn't create them all in one pay period, we're not going to get them all paid in one pay period.
Plan: Work on the garage this weekend (and maybe the truck too)
Mini-Goal - Set up any automatic payments possible to make sure stuff is paid on time.
12) Post progress on each of these on the blog
Progress: Well this is an update
Plan: Keep up the good work (nice to end on a high note)
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Resolution No. 3 Update
I have already selected my next title for S/PG, Captivating by John and Staci Eldredge. I read John's book, Wild at Heart late last year. What it was for the man's heart and soul, Captivating is said to be for the woman's.
Boundaries Book Review (S/P G) (NYR 3)
Finished Boundaries by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend yesterday on the train. As I said, I've been trying to start and finish this title for a while (4 years), but that has had nothing to do with the content of the book. I was always interested in the book, but I think I just wasn't in the right place to need to read it. That being said, definitely glad I finished this time. To know these ideas and thoughts were on my shelf instead of in my head is really frustrating. While I read a lot of books that are "self-help", this one might be the first I consider to have truly helped me. While I read most of those books for insight and viewpoint, I read the last half of this book truly looking at my relationships and analyzing my own boundary behavior (both on setting my boundaries and how I react to others). Needless to say, I would not give myself a passing grade. One of the big things the book talks about is a support group. Do not know if I'm quite there yet, but I do look forward to suggesting this to friends to read. If they do, perhaps I have a group in the making.
Regardless, I would highly recommend this for young 20 somethings/pre-marriage. While I think it can be read at any time and be effective (and probably should be re-read on a regular basis to reinforce the ideals for new situations), I think this age group/time frame would allow the reader to be proactive in evaluating their boundaries as they set off into the realms that really need effective boundaries for success (adulthood/live on you own, marriage, career, etc.). I cannot help but think how more satisfying it would be to have had been working toward proper boundaries for ten years at this point.
Ranking - I would give this a 8.5 out of 10. I'm reading one of the earlier editions, and there is a workbook that I did not use, so that may add to it. Also the authors have written more specific editions (Boundaries for Marriage, Boundaries for Dating, etc.) that I think may be more effective depending on what one it looking for. It is also very rigorous in Bible references, which for me is a positive since it helps reinforce that spiritual aspect of my life, but for others, may not add a lot of value or take away from it (but I think most people would know this since I only see it in the spiritual inspiration section of the bookstores).
Regardless, I would highly recommend this for young 20 somethings/pre-marriage. While I think it can be read at any time and be effective (and probably should be re-read on a regular basis to reinforce the ideals for new situations), I think this age group/time frame would allow the reader to be proactive in evaluating their boundaries as they set off into the realms that really need effective boundaries for success (adulthood/live on you own, marriage, career, etc.). I cannot help but think how more satisfying it would be to have had been working toward proper boundaries for ten years at this point.
Ranking - I would give this a 8.5 out of 10. I'm reading one of the earlier editions, and there is a workbook that I did not use, so that may add to it. Also the authors have written more specific editions (Boundaries for Marriage, Boundaries for Dating, etc.) that I think may be more effective depending on what one it looking for. It is also very rigorous in Bible references, which for me is a positive since it helps reinforce that spiritual aspect of my life, but for others, may not add a lot of value or take away from it (but I think most people would know this since I only see it in the spiritual inspiration section of the bookstores).
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Resolution No. 3 Update
I've already started my next S/PG book - Boundaries by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend. I've had this on my list for a while, but I never got past the first chapter or two. Thanks to the train, I'm about 2/3 through it already. Review forthcoming.
Resolution No. 2 Update
I have my next business book on hold - Business by the Book by Larry Burkett. Technically it could go in spiritual growth, but I've already started the next Spiritual/Personal Growth (S/PG) book.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Update
Goals
Blog Goal: Post once a week
Progress: Missed week of the 10th and 17th, but have posted 4 times this week, so I'm making the average
Plan: Set a reminder in my outlook to post every week during lunch.
1) Read at least 6 books for fun (i.e. no business books)
Progress: Still haven't read one
Plan: Identify a book by the end of the week
2) Read one business related book a month
Progress: Read Developing the Leader Within You (see Business Book Reviews)
Plan: Identify February's book by the end of the week
3) Read at least 6 spiritual/personal growth books
Progress: Read How to Win Friends and Influence People (see Spiritual/Personal Growth Reviews)
Plan: Identify next book by the end of the week
4) Complete one video game (there are video games that do have an end, I've just never actually finished one before. I got two for Christmas that are that way, so I am going to finish one of them)
Progress: Haven't really played any lately, but I did start Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction right at Christmas, so that will probably be the one I focus on.
Plan: Play one level and save.
5) Plan 6 dates with my wife (one every other month - she has the other six)
Progress: Haven't been on one (unless you count going to TX for a week for a funeral a date...yeah, me neither).
Plan: Have to talk to a guy at work for tickets to Iowa St v. CU b-ball at the end of Feb. Need to find a sitter too (by end of the week)
6) Becoming healthier (I don't want to say lose weight or drop this many sizes, etc. because then I won't. Rather, it is more creating the habits with no goal in sight. In the past, I've tried to start exercising with the goal to lose weight and failed. I want this year to approach it, whether I lose weight or not, I'm going to exercise)
Progress: Progress isn't probably the word to use here...yeah...moving on.
Plan: Um....start?
7) Start drafting a book (yes, I want to write a book)
Progress: I have some ideas on characters and plot, but they are all in my head.
Plan: Put pen to paper and write an outline of characters, plot, and start to put a overall "story board" together by the end of February.
8) Payoff all debt with the exception of my student loans (which are still too large at this point to tackle in a year), and our largest two credit cards.
Progress: Same as 6
Plan: Same as 6
9) Start a christmas club account for christmas 2010 so that it isn't a financial burden this year.
Progress: Same as 6 & 8
Plan: Payday is Friday, so I'll go to the credit union and start this Friday at lunch.
10) Apply for (and hopefully take) the Professional Engineers exam in October.
Progress: Same as 6 & 8
Plan: Some recent events have me thinking whether I should pursue this or an MBA in the fall. Need to discuss with the wife more and think on it.
11) Become more organized. I'm like quasi-organized (ex. I have my comics in a box and they are in order, but the boxes aren't where they should be and I don't have a inventory of them written down anywhere) (less nerdy ex. our bills paying process is still not as defined as we had it when we were in Indiana, so we need to get fully "recovered" from our move. It still seems we are still in relocation chaos).
Progress: Same as 6 & 8...& 9....& 10
Plan: Well we have been gone for a week, but no excuses. This weekend, once I talk to family planner (i.e. the wife), I want to work on the garage. Sweep it out, put the stuff that belongs there in its place and all the stuff that doesn't where it goes. Also with pay day being Friday, the bills thing has to get in place to help support the debt goal.
Mini-Goal - Clean garage to the point where I can park in there too.
Mini-Goal - Create budget and set up any all automatic payments possible to make sure stuff is paid on time.
12) Post progress on each of these on the blog
Progress: Well this is an update
Plan: Keep up the good work (nice to end on a high note)
Blog Goal: Post once a week
Progress: Missed week of the 10th and 17th, but have posted 4 times this week, so I'm making the average
Plan: Set a reminder in my outlook to post every week during lunch.
1) Read at least 6 books for fun (i.e. no business books)
Progress: Still haven't read one
Plan: Identify a book by the end of the week
2) Read one business related book a month
Progress: Read Developing the Leader Within You (see Business Book Reviews)
Plan: Identify February's book by the end of the week
3) Read at least 6 spiritual/personal growth books
Progress: Read How to Win Friends and Influence People (see Spiritual/Personal Growth Reviews)
Plan: Identify next book by the end of the week
4) Complete one video game (there are video games that do have an end, I've just never actually finished one before. I got two for Christmas that are that way, so I am going to finish one of them)
Progress: Haven't really played any lately, but I did start Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction right at Christmas, so that will probably be the one I focus on.
Plan: Play one level and save.
5) Plan 6 dates with my wife (one every other month - she has the other six)
Progress: Haven't been on one (unless you count going to TX for a week for a funeral a date...yeah, me neither).
Plan: Have to talk to a guy at work for tickets to Iowa St v. CU b-ball at the end of Feb. Need to find a sitter too (by end of the week)
6) Becoming healthier (I don't want to say lose weight or drop this many sizes, etc. because then I won't. Rather, it is more creating the habits with no goal in sight. In the past, I've tried to start exercising with the goal to lose weight and failed. I want this year to approach it, whether I lose weight or not, I'm going to exercise)
Progress: Progress isn't probably the word to use here...yeah...moving on.
Plan: Um....start?
7) Start drafting a book (yes, I want to write a book)
Progress: I have some ideas on characters and plot, but they are all in my head.
Plan: Put pen to paper and write an outline of characters, plot, and start to put a overall "story board" together by the end of February.
8) Payoff all debt with the exception of my student loans (which are still too large at this point to tackle in a year), and our largest two credit cards.
Progress: Same as 6
Plan: Same as 6
9) Start a christmas club account for christmas 2010 so that it isn't a financial burden this year.
Progress: Same as 6 & 8
Plan: Payday is Friday, so I'll go to the credit union and start this Friday at lunch.
10) Apply for (and hopefully take) the Professional Engineers exam in October.
Progress: Same as 6 & 8
Plan: Some recent events have me thinking whether I should pursue this or an MBA in the fall. Need to discuss with the wife more and think on it.
11) Become more organized. I'm like quasi-organized (ex. I have my comics in a box and they are in order, but the boxes aren't where they should be and I don't have a inventory of them written down anywhere) (less nerdy ex. our bills paying process is still not as defined as we had it when we were in Indiana, so we need to get fully "recovered" from our move. It still seems we are still in relocation chaos).
Progress: Same as 6 & 8...& 9....& 10
Plan: Well we have been gone for a week, but no excuses. This weekend, once I talk to family planner (i.e. the wife), I want to work on the garage. Sweep it out, put the stuff that belongs there in its place and all the stuff that doesn't where it goes. Also with pay day being Friday, the bills thing has to get in place to help support the debt goal.
Mini-Goal - Clean garage to the point where I can park in there too.
Mini-Goal - Create budget and set up any all automatic payments possible to make sure stuff is paid on time.
12) Post progress on each of these on the blog
Progress: Well this is an update
Plan: Keep up the good work (nice to end on a high note)
How to Win Friends & Influence People Review (S/P G) (NYR 3)
I just finished How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie. I know a lot of people have read this, but I serious didn't hear about this book until a few years ago. I really wished a high school teacher would have made this mandatory reading freshmen year or something. I learned more pratical real world principles in this book than I ever did from A Separate Peace or anything like that.
Regardless, the wisdom in this book is so strightforward, I somewhat upset at myself for not realizing these things on my own. It is so powerful, I will take the books advice and read it repeatedly (plus, the looks on people's faces from the train when they look at what I am reading is somewhat humerous).
This book has made me want to work and improve the relationships I am in and furthermore, make sure the new ones I start are strong ones.
This is a 10 out of 10 easily. Everyone should have to read this book (or at least be taught it in high school/college).
Regardless, the wisdom in this book is so strightforward, I somewhat upset at myself for not realizing these things on my own. It is so powerful, I will take the books advice and read it repeatedly (plus, the looks on people's faces from the train when they look at what I am reading is somewhat humerous).
This book has made me want to work and improve the relationships I am in and furthermore, make sure the new ones I start are strong ones.
This is a 10 out of 10 easily. Everyone should have to read this book (or at least be taught it in high school/college).
Developing the Leader Within You Review (S/P G) (NYR 3)
I finished Developing the Leader Within You by John C. Maxwell. I'm a big fan of his books (which I discovered through Dave Ramsey's recommended reading list). This book, I think needs to be read with The 21 Irrefutible Laws of Leadership by the same author. Basically, 21 Laws is the building blocks and Developing is the blueprint.
While it is mainly business oriented, it does have some good leadership reference toward marriage and biblical support statements (the author is a preacher after all). The great thing about this book is that with its stairstep outline on leadership, I can easily see where I am and even see which steps I might be trying to skip, because as the author points out, I cannot be a leader successfully if I skip steps.
It is a very quick read (I finished it in about 3 train trips which is about 3 hours, give or take) and written in a very conversational style.
I'd give it a 9 out of 10 as a stand alone book, but if it is read and used with the previously mentioned 21 Laws book, it is a 10 (I need both the blocks and the plan to the build)
While it is mainly business oriented, it does have some good leadership reference toward marriage and biblical support statements (the author is a preacher after all). The great thing about this book is that with its stairstep outline on leadership, I can easily see where I am and even see which steps I might be trying to skip, because as the author points out, I cannot be a leader successfully if I skip steps.
It is a very quick read (I finished it in about 3 train trips which is about 3 hours, give or take) and written in a very conversational style.
I'd give it a 9 out of 10 as a stand alone book, but if it is read and used with the previously mentioned 21 Laws book, it is a 10 (I need both the blocks and the plan to the build)
Little behind on the resolutions
Ok, so January hasn't been a good month as far as checking things off the list, but hey at least it is still January while I've realized it, right? I've finished a couple of books and need to write their reviews, and post a resolution update. Will do today.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
So...
I'm starting this blog as one of my NYR's (New Year's Resolutions). Yeah, I know, I know. It is already the 6th of Jan. I'm behind. My goal is to post once a week (i.e. 52 posts). Get into the habit of adopting new ways to communicate. The rest of my resolutions are as follows:
1) Read at least 6 books for fun (i.e. no business books)
2) Read one business related book a month
3) Read at least 6 spiritual/personal growth books
4) Complete one video game (there are video games that do have an end, I've just never actually finished one before. I got two for christmas that are that way, so I am going to finish one of them)
5) Plan 6 dates with my wife (one every other month - she has the other six)
6) Becoming healthier (I don't want to say lose weight or drop this many sizes, etc. because then I won't. Rather, it is more creating the habits with no goal in sight. In the past, I've tried to start exercising with the goal to lose weight and failed. I want this year to approach it, whether I lose weight or not, I'm going to exercise)
7) Start drafting a book (yes, I want to write a book)
8) Payoff all debt with the exception of my student loans (which are still too large at this point to tackle in a year), and our largest two credit cards.
9) Start a christmas club account for christmas 2010 so that it isn't a financial burden this year.
10) Apply for (and hopefully take) the Professional Engineers exam in October
11) Become more organized. I'm like quasi-organized (ex. I have my comics in a box and they are in order, but the boxes aren't where they should be and I don't have a inventory of them written down anywhere) (less nerdy ex. our bills paying process is still not as defined as we had it when we were in Indiana, so we need to get fully "recovered" from our move. It still seems we are still in relocation chaos).
12) Post progress on each of these on the blog
Anyone who chooses to follow, feel free to comment, offer support, etc. Thanks
1) Read at least 6 books for fun (i.e. no business books)
2) Read one business related book a month
3) Read at least 6 spiritual/personal growth books
4) Complete one video game (there are video games that do have an end, I've just never actually finished one before. I got two for christmas that are that way, so I am going to finish one of them)
5) Plan 6 dates with my wife (one every other month - she has the other six)
6) Becoming healthier (I don't want to say lose weight or drop this many sizes, etc. because then I won't. Rather, it is more creating the habits with no goal in sight. In the past, I've tried to start exercising with the goal to lose weight and failed. I want this year to approach it, whether I lose weight or not, I'm going to exercise)
7) Start drafting a book (yes, I want to write a book)
8) Payoff all debt with the exception of my student loans (which are still too large at this point to tackle in a year), and our largest two credit cards.
9) Start a christmas club account for christmas 2010 so that it isn't a financial burden this year.
10) Apply for (and hopefully take) the Professional Engineers exam in October
11) Become more organized. I'm like quasi-organized (ex. I have my comics in a box and they are in order, but the boxes aren't where they should be and I don't have a inventory of them written down anywhere) (less nerdy ex. our bills paying process is still not as defined as we had it when we were in Indiana, so we need to get fully "recovered" from our move. It still seems we are still in relocation chaos).
12) Post progress on each of these on the blog
Anyone who chooses to follow, feel free to comment, offer support, etc. Thanks
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