Time for a major update! Well, just a long one, I guess.
We had a pretty good holiday weekend. We slept in on Friday (of course). That evening we drove to the inlaws for some supper and fireworks. Glenda's mom and dad had fixed quite a spread! There was a big pan of grilled ribeyes, a big pan of grilled chicken, baked beans, squash casserole, loaded baked new potatoes, chips with bean dip, and garlic bread. I stuffed myself silly. Then to top it off, we had homemade vanilla ice cream with Oreo Bon Bons in it. Awesome! Afterwards, we watched the kids shoot some fireworks and then headed home. I can't remember if I played some xbox that night or not. I wanted to try and finish GTA4 this past weekend, but I fell short.
Saturday we slept in even later than Friday. I called the neighbors to see if they wanted to come over and eat dinner with us. They have 3 boys, 1, 3 & 5 (I think) and they all came over to eat and hang out. I grilled some burgers and some bacon-wrapped scallops. We also fixed some garlic pasta, mac & cheese for the kids, and some french fries. Then we fired up the Wii for some Wii Sports action. Reg and Danielle were playing baseball, and Danielle was batting. At one point, she swung the WiiMote to hit the ball, and the oldest boy walked in front of her at the same moment. She nailed him in the back of the head and he went down flat on his face! He was ok, but I know it hurt for a few minutes. It was one of those where you know everyone is ok, and then you can't help but laugh but you try not to. They took the boys home to put them to bed, and then Glenda and I went over to their place for some Taboo. We got home about 1:30am, and I played GTA4 until about 4am.
Sunday we slept in even later... then we got up for a few hours and then went BACK to bed. I finally got up around 7:45pm, and didn't go back to sleep at all. We watched "Deja Vu", I played GTA4 for a bit, and I set up my ARCHOS 705 media player with the plug-in to download my DVR'ed shows from my DishNet receiver via the USB port. I copied about 20 hours worth of movies and shows over to it, so it will be ready when I travel this week.
So, I should crash early tonight since I am running out of steam already and it's only 3pm.
I see where the buyer of my Mustang has upped the selling price on his website. I hope that means that he will soon be leaving me positive feedback on eBay since he hasn't bothered to do so yet.
On a sad note, my neighbor Reg sold his motorcycle. While I'm glad for him, because he kept it over a month and made money off of it, I hate it because we had some nice rides together. Three out of the last four Sundays, not counting this past one, we took a night ride. No traffic to dodge, nice and cool compared to the heat of the day, just relaxing all around. I hope he will be able to buy another one soon, but I think he plans to take care of some bills first so it may be a while before I have a riding partner. My other neighbor Justin sold his also, but he is getting ready to move, so I would not have him as a riding buddy much longer anyway.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
No need to thank us. Really.
So I mentioned in my last blog that I now have a flexible spending account credit card that was forced upon me. I realize that at this point I'm looking a gift horse in the mouth because I've had to have some dental work done will be able to use the card for that, but still, I did not choose to participate in a flexible spending account.
When I changed jobs, we looked at the benefits from my new employer and Glenda's employer, and taking the family plan from her employer was much cheaper. They had no restriction that spouses must take their employers insurance if it is available to them (my last employer had this stipulation). One good thing about doing this is that my company reimbursed me a bit of money every month as an incentive.
At the beginning of this year, I get a letter welcoming me to our flexible spending account plan. I'm like, whiskey tango foxtrot people, I didn't sign up for this. I've been blessed in that I've had no major health problems, and I rarely get sick enough to visit a doctor. My only real medical expense that I could claim would be contacts and associated solution. Glenda participates in a FSA because she has a lot of expense associated with her diabetes supplies, so it makes sense for her. A few days later, I get a letter at home explaining that, as a cost saving venture, I would no longer be reimbursed on my paycheck every month, but that a FSA was setup for me and the balance of the year's reimbursals would be added to the account and that I was free to add more pre-tax money to it as I choose.
So, at first, I was really upset that I was being forced into this, and in a way, I'm still upset about that. But, after contemplation, I can see where I should probably start adding more to it each month. I'll be using this year's balance for my dental bill, but Glenda usually ends up spending all of hers by mid year. If I actually contribute pre-tax money to mine, then she can start using it when hers runs dry, effectively saving a bit of money each year.
But still, even though it is overall something I needed to do for myself, I'm kinda ticked off that it was forced on me. I'm like that, though. :-)
When I changed jobs, we looked at the benefits from my new employer and Glenda's employer, and taking the family plan from her employer was much cheaper. They had no restriction that spouses must take their employers insurance if it is available to them (my last employer had this stipulation). One good thing about doing this is that my company reimbursed me a bit of money every month as an incentive.
At the beginning of this year, I get a letter welcoming me to our flexible spending account plan. I'm like, whiskey tango foxtrot people, I didn't sign up for this. I've been blessed in that I've had no major health problems, and I rarely get sick enough to visit a doctor. My only real medical expense that I could claim would be contacts and associated solution. Glenda participates in a FSA because she has a lot of expense associated with her diabetes supplies, so it makes sense for her. A few days later, I get a letter at home explaining that, as a cost saving venture, I would no longer be reimbursed on my paycheck every month, but that a FSA was setup for me and the balance of the year's reimbursals would be added to the account and that I was free to add more pre-tax money to it as I choose.
So, at first, I was really upset that I was being forced into this, and in a way, I'm still upset about that. But, after contemplation, I can see where I should probably start adding more to it each month. I'll be using this year's balance for my dental bill, but Glenda usually ends up spending all of hers by mid year. If I actually contribute pre-tax money to mine, then she can start using it when hers runs dry, effectively saving a bit of money each year.
But still, even though it is overall something I needed to do for myself, I'm kinda ticked off that it was forced on me. I'm like that, though. :-)
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Swallet: "It's all good."
For about 5 years now, I've been using a Swallet instead of a wallet. "What is a Swallet?" you ask? Well, it's basically a round piece of neoprene wet suit (or maybe dry suit, I don't know) with a smaller width piece of neoprene with a slightly larger diameter to fit around it. 
The idea, or rather the idea for me, is to force you to take a minimalistic approach to what you carry around in your wallet, cutting it to basics to make it more convenient and comfortable to carry. It's also great to use for sports and activities, and that is probably the main purpose for it. It floats in water, and the rubber exterior makes it difficult for it to fall out of loose fitting pants pockets.
My longtime friend stumbled across one when a person he was working with was selling them. He bought one and like it so much, he bought me one and gave it to me. Like him, I was skeptical, but willing to try it. I had a bunch of crap in my wallet, and it was hard to come to terms with the fact that I didn't need it all. What wasn't hard to dispute was that the bloated wallet was very uncomfortable to sit on and a pain to carry around. I finally whittled my contents down to my driver's license, 1 credit card, my debit card, insurance card, and some cash. I moved anything else I wanted to keep to my checkbook, and I don't carry that with me much. It took a bit of adjustment, and then I knew I'd never go back.
Well, with my current job, things are a bit more complicated. Added to the Swallet were my business credit card, business calling card, flexible spending account credit card (forced upon me by my employer, which I need to make a blog post about...), & annual safety training card used when I visit plant sites. I've also added about 3 gift cards that I put in there because I kept forgetting them at home and need to use them. This has made the thickness of the Swallet grow too much, and it is getting to the point of feeling like my old wallet.
So today I went and ordered a 2nd one (actually I ordered a few, to either keep as backups, even though this one has lasted and doesn't need replacing, or to give away to friends who want to try one out). My plan is to separate some of the work stuff into the second one and try keeping it in my backpack, or in my left pocket, since I don't put anything in there usually.
So, if anyone is interested, they are only $7 plus shipping. Worth a try, and if you don't like it, you ain't out much. When I called today, he offered me the option of buying 3 for $19.95 and getting 2 free, which I did.
The idea, or rather the idea for me, is to force you to take a minimalistic approach to what you carry around in your wallet, cutting it to basics to make it more convenient and comfortable to carry. It's also great to use for sports and activities, and that is probably the main purpose for it. It floats in water, and the rubber exterior makes it difficult for it to fall out of loose fitting pants pockets.My longtime friend stumbled across one when a person he was working with was selling them. He bought one and like it so much, he bought me one and gave it to me. Like him, I was skeptical, but willing to try it. I had a bunch of crap in my wallet, and it was hard to come to terms with the fact that I didn't need it all. What wasn't hard to dispute was that the bloated wallet was very uncomfortable to sit on and a pain to carry around. I finally whittled my contents down to my driver's license, 1 credit card, my debit card, insurance card, and some cash. I moved anything else I wanted to keep to my checkbook, and I don't carry that with me much. It took a bit of adjustment, and then I knew I'd never go back.
Well, with my current job, things are a bit more complicated. Added to the Swallet were my business credit card, business calling card, flexible spending account credit card (forced upon me by my employer, which I need to make a blog post about...), & annual safety training card used when I visit plant sites. I've also added about 3 gift cards that I put in there because I kept forgetting them at home and need to use them. This has made the thickness of the Swallet grow too much, and it is getting to the point of feeling like my old wallet.
So today I went and ordered a 2nd one (actually I ordered a few, to either keep as backups, even though this one has lasted and doesn't need replacing, or to give away to friends who want to try one out). My plan is to separate some of the work stuff into the second one and try keeping it in my backpack, or in my left pocket, since I don't put anything in there usually.
So, if anyone is interested, they are only $7 plus shipping. Worth a try, and if you don't like it, you ain't out much. When I called today, he offered me the option of buying 3 for $19.95 and getting 2 free, which I did.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Wrap up.
Since I've been negligent in updating, I'll do a round up and try to squeeze in what I can remember since the last post.
First thing, I want to congratulate Sal's wife Morgan on her amazing success at a lifestyle change!!! I've tried to make a change before, and it is the hardest thing to stick to. She's lost over 140 lbs! I've never met Sal and Morgan in person, but I hope to one day *cough* Meet n Greet 09! *cough* :)
Last Thursday night, my neighbor and I rode our bikes out to "Bike Night" in downtown Tuscaloosa. After perusing the cool bikes on display, including some custom painted bikes, some Big Dog choppers, many Harley's (one with a cool neon light setup), we went into one of the bars there to grab a beer and shoot some pool. There was a band playing called Handshake Promise. They were playing covers from '80-'90's rock and metal bands (and a couple by The Who), and they were excellent! The singer could wail, and the guitar player didn't miss a note, and they played some tough songs. It was a good night for riding, cool and breezy.
Since that neighbor is moving at the end of June, and my other neighbor that was buying a bike has already moved, I'm pretty pumped that my neighbor across the strret bought a bike. He bought a Suzuki Intuder 800. It's a sharp bike. I'm kind of partial to the way they look for some reason. He has already put it back up for sale, however because he wants to upgrade to an 1100 or 1300cc. We took a ride last night down to Bryant-Denny stadium. It was a good night for riding again. It's just about too hot to ride during the day already...
Mom and Dad have a computer and high-speed internet! Now I can get some MP in while visiting them... ;-) They wanted a new computer since they've received their "stimulus" check, so I ordered them a new Dell and had it shipped to me. I stripped it of some fluff and installed some free apps for them. I took it to them this weekend and set it up and installed their DSL modem. I think they are pretty happy with it. I know my niece loved it as she didn't want to quit playing with it all weekend.
I bought a key fob remote for the Nissan. It was $93, plus programming fee from a dealer. I bought it off of eBay for $9.95 including shipping and looked up the programming directions on the web. That worked out so well, I'm buying Mom a replacement for her Infinity because hers is broken.
I've mailed off the title and registration and Bill of Sale for the Mustang. Only thing left is for the buyer to arrange pick-up. I'm not as sad as I thought, but I have moments where I know I'll miss it. I just hope it goes to someone that will fix it up and take better care of it than I did.
First thing, I want to congratulate Sal's wife Morgan on her amazing success at a lifestyle change!!! I've tried to make a change before, and it is the hardest thing to stick to. She's lost over 140 lbs! I've never met Sal and Morgan in person, but I hope to one day *cough* Meet n Greet 09! *cough* :)
Last Thursday night, my neighbor and I rode our bikes out to "Bike Night" in downtown Tuscaloosa. After perusing the cool bikes on display, including some custom painted bikes, some Big Dog choppers, many Harley's (one with a cool neon light setup), we went into one of the bars there to grab a beer and shoot some pool. There was a band playing called Handshake Promise. They were playing covers from '80-'90's rock and metal bands (and a couple by The Who), and they were excellent! The singer could wail, and the guitar player didn't miss a note, and they played some tough songs. It was a good night for riding, cool and breezy.
Since that neighbor is moving at the end of June, and my other neighbor that was buying a bike has already moved, I'm pretty pumped that my neighbor across the strret bought a bike. He bought a Suzuki Intuder 800. It's a sharp bike. I'm kind of partial to the way they look for some reason. He has already put it back up for sale, however because he wants to upgrade to an 1100 or 1300cc. We took a ride last night down to Bryant-Denny stadium. It was a good night for riding again. It's just about too hot to ride during the day already...
Mom and Dad have a computer and high-speed internet! Now I can get some MP in while visiting them... ;-) They wanted a new computer since they've received their "stimulus" check, so I ordered them a new Dell and had it shipped to me. I stripped it of some fluff and installed some free apps for them. I took it to them this weekend and set it up and installed their DSL modem. I think they are pretty happy with it. I know my niece loved it as she didn't want to quit playing with it all weekend.
I bought a key fob remote for the Nissan. It was $93, plus programming fee from a dealer. I bought it off of eBay for $9.95 including shipping and looked up the programming directions on the web. That worked out so well, I'm buying Mom a replacement for her Infinity because hers is broken.
I've mailed off the title and registration and Bill of Sale for the Mustang. Only thing left is for the buyer to arrange pick-up. I'm not as sad as I thought, but I have moments where I know I'll miss it. I just hope it goes to someone that will fix it up and take better care of it than I did.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Cowinky dink?
I'm staying at a Marriott, and the newer ones and the renovated ones have little pictures on the room number plate. Here is mine from today. Coincidence? I THINK NOT! 
Here are a few pics from the room. Nice view here in Hazleton, PA.
Here are a few pics from the room. Nice view here in Hazleton, PA.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Bye Bye, Love.
The Mustang has been sold. I finished the eBay listing about 8pm last night. Someone called me to ask some questions this morning at 7:15am. I told him what I would accept and he clicked "Buy it Now".
Let's have a moment of silence.
Let's have a moment of silence.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
The decision
Looks like everyone took the long weekend off from blogging.
Well, I made my decision on the car. Since used ones are hard to find right now, and when you do find them, they are snatched up pretty quick, I decided to buy new and get all of the options I want on it. We looked this weekend at a couple of different cars and sizes; Ford Focus and Fusion, Toyota Corolla and Yaris.
Then when I got to work this morning and checked the credit union's web site, there it was. The deal I've been looking for. 2005 Nissan Sentra with 62k miles. Wholesale listed at $7400. Low KBB listed at $7100, middle price listed at $8,000. I offered $6500 and they countered with $6750.
This'll save me about $300/month in gas...
Well, I made my decision on the car. Since used ones are hard to find right now, and when you do find them, they are snatched up pretty quick, I decided to buy new and get all of the options I want on it. We looked this weekend at a couple of different cars and sizes; Ford Focus and Fusion, Toyota Corolla and Yaris.
Then when I got to work this morning and checked the credit union's web site, there it was. The deal I've been looking for. 2005 Nissan Sentra with 62k miles. Wholesale listed at $7400. Low KBB listed at $7100, middle price listed at $8,000. I offered $6500 and they countered with $6750.
This'll save me about $300/month in gas...
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