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.

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

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