Thrifty, Cheap, or Scared

I don't usually buy big ticket items. I have spent plenty of money in my time but usually on things like meals, movies, drinks, maybe a plane ticket. I have furniture and a computer and they are nice but I don't "splurge" a lot.

Recently, however, I have really wanted to just go crazy. A lot of people I know have started shopping for houses, cars, boats, land, stuff to fill all those things...and I ant to join the fun. I would like to have a lake house to party in when I have a 3 day weekend. I would like to watch tv on a screen that is bigger than my couch and so life-like that I pee in my pants watching a scary movie. I just can't get around my pre-buyer's remorse. Yes I said pre. I sike myself out so bad...I can't even buy the thing I wanted.

I went to a baby shower this weekend where the mother was so particular about her diaper bag...thing you spill food, milk, dirty clothes, medicine, diaper cream...she bought a designer bad. Her excuse was that it was going to act as a purse too. But it cost as much as a house payment. I am sure they had the money and that the child won't suffer in the end. And I even really like this particular designer. But did you have to spend that much.

When it all comes down to it...you have to jump and not look back. As one of my very good friend always says...literally always...you have to be selfish sometimes but as long as you are blissfully happy. I'm off to buy a really big obnoxious tv!!!

Special Connections

Friendship is a funny thing. Like any relationship they start fast and intense. I'm not talking about an aquaintance or a co-worker...I am talking about those people you connect with. Chemistry is for love relationships but also for friendships. If you don't have things in common, interesting things to talk about, people to make fun of : ) ...the relationship doesn't really bloom. But when you connect...when you really connect...those are the ones you talk to daily regardless of distance. Schedules...work...time zones be damned.

So when you have one of these special connections, you shouldn't lose it, right? But it takes lots of work and like anything else...it is a two way street. Both members have to try...have to want to try or it wasn't the real friendship you thought it was. The really tough part is that everyone approaches a friendship differently.

Ever have a BFF that only thought of you as only a BF? I have and it is hard to move forward. A real friend, in my opinion, would be someone who is willing to die for you. In time of need, they will drop everything and come running. Some one to tell you the truth when you need it, regardless of whether you want it. Tall order?

I have lots of people I call friends...but very few that fit in this category. I can truely say that I love them all...yes LOVE! Because they make my life better by just being there. Time to hit the speed dial...good night!

Ultimate Party

Ok...so what is your fantasy party? Get your mind out of the gutter people...I'm talking birthdays. Strictly PG-13...maybe R...but nothing more!

I recently had a birthday and I was asked a million times...what are you going to do? Celebration plans? Activities? Mine was mild and boring in probably most eyes. I had a couple of dinners with different groups of people, a happy-hour with work buddies, a couple of presents in the mail from peeps in Big-D. Other than that...very tame. I didn't want a lot and I didn't expect anything...so I was overall very pleased.

But with unlimited funds...resources...where could the imagination unleash? A night in NY with red paint? Barbeque by the pool like we do in Big-D? Tiffany shopping anyone? What are the essential items?

1. People. Definitely those you care about...probably some you have never met.
2. Music. Got to get the groove on...even if you think you are a spaz.
3. Grub. Hot...spicy...finger licking good!
4. Drink. Soda, beer (fat tire anyone), a little more proof, a little more bubbles.
5. Presents. A must...at least a couple to make it more festive. Gift cards seem impersonal but at least the birthday boy/girl gets what they want.
6. Cake. Delicious Cakes (Dallas)...enough said!

Add to the list...specify your likes and dislikes. It is a free for all....

Leading by example...

I use to think this saying was only for parents and kids...or maybe between siblings. But I have learned otherwise. You just never know who is watching you and what they are keeping track of. Old, young, educated, uneducated, family, friend, stranger...do you care what they see? Do you care what they think? Will it effect you in the future?

Most say no...no...and no. But I think it can. The way people treat you is a direct result of what they learn about you. I know it is a simple truth but I have recently relearned it.

I was rushing through things during the day...I was going to lunch to bring back to the office...and I locked my keys in the car. I was stuck at the restaurant waiting for the locksmith and took longer than the time that intended to save. I was angry...not because I lost the time but more because I did it to myself. And someone said to me "this is God's way of saying you are moving too fast". I was floored. He was right...I was moving too fast...but I was embarrassed more that he noticed it. That I couldn't see through to the cause...only the situation. Luckily God knew I really needed to know this and so He used someone to show it to me. Stopping to smell the roses...

Daily Grind

Inspiration...motivation...determination. Driving forces of action. Moving people to new places...sometimes bad and sometimes good...but none the less...a new place. Usually a movement of personal growth.

The key is to find ones catalyst. It isn't easy for all...and most continue to try...

I admire those that continue to push even in the face of failure and/or adversity. As it has been wisely pointed out...not everyone is the same...not everyone thinks the same. I think more people use to try then do now a days.

I get lazy...a lot... Yet sometimes I can't stop pushing. I push me and I push others because I want everyone to be the best they can be. The best for that person...not perfect...but the best. Some people feel the yearn...what makes a person yearn?

I was asked recently: "Why?...Why do you do it?" I asked myself the same thing: "Why do I continue to do what I do daily and know that there may not be a purpose in it?" My answer was not so philosophical. I do it because I'm good at it...and it could be worse. Not my proudest moment...but I think I was just tired of people asking why. I would have rather said: "Because I love it" or "Because it helps the greater good". Lofty notions but none of them true. The money...the ability to earn it in a relatively easy fashion...and still be able to do what I want to personally. Because I said I would...with or without the frustrations...

Kids Today...

Ok so everyone knew a daily post was overly ambitious for me. Hehehehe...

What has happened to the work ethic lately? I am not that old and yet I feel like sometimes people don't have the same pride in their work as I do. I don't save lives...I don't help the homeless...I don't make others lives easier (except to invest money) but it is my job and I want it done right.

I don't think you have to LOVE your job...I know I don't...but when something is asked of you...DO IT!!! And do it to the best of your ability... I can't stand stupidity and my family lovingly jokes about how I hate people because of my hatred of stupidity. I don't hate people really I just want a little effort from some...especially when you really are intelligent...or finciancally able...or have a big heart. Just seems like no one tries anymore...

Ok...that is my rant for the day...I was very frustrated at work yesterday...AND IT WAS FRIDAY. Which I didn't like but those of you who know me know that I wear my emotions on my sleeve...and sometimes in your face. :D Someone told me yesterday to let it go...me? Let it go? That is the goal right...so after this post that is my goal...

On Second Thought

I just started to try linking pages that I knew existed and now I am embarrassed of this page. I can't believe I think this will be interesting enough for any of y'all to WANT to look at this. Here is to hoping you have lots of pity on me...

Time to go and study. I never knew how hard it was to get back into studying after being out of school for so long...and such a subject...fraud examination. You think I am crazy...we'll those that know me know that I am. Work pays for it though... and it is keeping me busy so all is good.

Good night....

Planting a seed...

Ok...so those of you who know me know that I don't keep in touch very well. I intend to but I don't. I guess this is another effort and we'll see how well I keep it going.

Nothing much new in this area...trying to stay above water and succeeding for now. Who knows what will happen next...