- The live webcam over the new Warthogs stadium. Puts out a decent photo of downtown at night for a webcam, don't you think?
- This ad for Oogmerk Opticians. Te he.
- Read about why I'm going to be 30 until I'm 70 here. No, it's got nothing to do with admitting my age. There really is evidence that middle-age sucks.
- The Washington Post's Mensa Invitational. Check out this word, bozone, in particular. I know several people who fit that description. They're all truly funny. (Ahh, evidently, it's called the Style Invitational at the Washington Post. Check it out here.)
1.30.2008
Interesting Internet Tidbits
Yes, I've been collecting these over the past few days and thought I'd share them.
1.29.2008
What is Insight?
This was posted on a co-workers nameplate today. And it intrigued me. I'd had an answer before I walked down the hall to the copier and back.
"Educated perspective with value."
But you don't necessarily have to be educated to have an insightful thought. So, ditch the educated part.
Now, we're down to "perspective with value." Well, someone who is astute and perceptive can issue a perspective. And it can have value. Doesn't mean that it's an insight.
So, what do you think about "Unique perspective with value?" That's where I am now.
Oh, btw, did I mention that I love the fact that there's conversation like this happening in my office? And did I mention that I'm beginning to think I maybe ought to work for a strategy firm or a think tank instead? 'Cause this is fun. For me, at least.
"Educated perspective with value."
But you don't necessarily have to be educated to have an insightful thought. So, ditch the educated part.
Now, we're down to "perspective with value." Well, someone who is astute and perceptive can issue a perspective. And it can have value. Doesn't mean that it's an insight.
So, what do you think about "Unique perspective with value?" That's where I am now.
Oh, btw, did I mention that I love the fact that there's conversation like this happening in my office? And did I mention that I'm beginning to think I maybe ought to work for a strategy firm or a think tank instead? 'Cause this is fun. For me, at least.
1.26.2008
My potential . . .
to be published has just increased pretty significantly.
I've been invited to be a co-author on a research paper that we'll submit to a journal at the end of spring semester. Yes, a scientific journal. No, I don't know which one (yet).
You see, over the past two years, I've invited students from the Bryan School of Business at UNCG, under the direction of Dr. Nir Kshetri, to do research on course at the tournament. The idea behind that is two-fold: (a) students get hands-on experience in market research and (b) the tournament gets the benefit of some great research, supervised by a trained professional.
We've gotten enough information to find out some motivational factors for attendees and I'm sure, as we write this paper, we'll discover even more information.
So, wish me luck! Keep your fingers crossed that it gets accepted and published!
I've been invited to be a co-author on a research paper that we'll submit to a journal at the end of spring semester. Yes, a scientific journal. No, I don't know which one (yet).
You see, over the past two years, I've invited students from the Bryan School of Business at UNCG, under the direction of Dr. Nir Kshetri, to do research on course at the tournament. The idea behind that is two-fold: (a) students get hands-on experience in market research and (b) the tournament gets the benefit of some great research, supervised by a trained professional.
We've gotten enough information to find out some motivational factors for attendees and I'm sure, as we write this paper, we'll discover even more information.
So, wish me luck! Keep your fingers crossed that it gets accepted and published!
1.25.2008
Power and Change
(February 9, 1999)
To some, power is domination, ruling anything defenseless. But that isn't power; it is abuse and abuse is cowardly. Abuse takes advantage where it can, always pretending to be the victim, but looking for the opportunity to overpower.
Forget the idea that power is from the world. Whole worlds have been changed in minutes. Power that was bold and bragging can suddenly become a whimper. Empires have crashed and those who caused misery have deflated like balloons.
Real power is from an inner source, calm, like a great river that flows smoothly, but drives big cities with energy. A single drop of water seems powerless and takes the way of least resistance, but joined to all the other drops, it has force.
One person seems inadequate to change anything, but joined with others, can change anything.
Peace,
Tawanka
To some, power is domination, ruling anything defenseless. But that isn't power; it is abuse and abuse is cowardly. Abuse takes advantage where it can, always pretending to be the victim, but looking for the opportunity to overpower.
Forget the idea that power is from the world. Whole worlds have been changed in minutes. Power that was bold and bragging can suddenly become a whimper. Empires have crashed and those who caused misery have deflated like balloons.
Real power is from an inner source, calm, like a great river that flows smoothly, but drives big cities with energy. A single drop of water seems powerless and takes the way of least resistance, but joined to all the other drops, it has force.
One person seems inadequate to change anything, but joined with others, can change anything.
Peace,
Tawanka
1.21.2008
What Defines Charisma?
Last week, our office was sent a copy of the "Dale Carnegie Training Spring 08 Courses + Seminars" magazine. I've seen copies of this particular piece of direct mail before, and they always intrigue, if for no other reason than I like to see what people will pay hundreds of dollars for, especially when I know you could probably learn the same thing at a continuing education course at the local community college for, oh, $60.
Among the offerings this spring:
- Creating an Executive Image
- How to Sell Like a Pro
- High Impact Presentations
- Public Speaking Mastery
- How to Communicate with Diplomacy and Tact
Now, most of those topics are truly topics that someone might need to learn to be successful in business. Of course, they can all be learned.
So, now you're wondering why I'm wasting your time with this blog post. Ok, Liz, you're saying, I get it. They teach so people can learn to succeed. It's pricey. So what?
Well, here's what: they claim to be able to teach you "How to Master the Secrets of Charismatic Leadership" in only 16 hours.
Right.
Charisma simply cannot be learned, at least that's my take on it. The description begins: "Some say you're born with it - you either have it or you don't. While it's no secret that about 50 percent of charisma is innate, it's a fact that the other 50 percent can be learned through the use of specific techniques and skills . . . " (Of course, they don't cite their source for this 'fact.')
Oh, and when you finish the seminar, you'll be able to "Implement 3 key elements of charisma immediately" and "Connect with people on an emotional and intellectual level." Sure you can. People with whom you've never had an emotional and/or intellectual connection with before will automatically yield to any new "techniques" that you've learned and thus, you're charismatic.
And if you believe that, I've got a perfect piece of land in South Florida that perfect for luxury housing, at the very reasonable cost of $500MM . . .
Sure you can learn some of it, but it's going to take time and practice to be able to capitalize on that which you can learn. You can learn how to smile more and to have more significant conversations in the hope of developing an emotional connection. But I'm convinced that a good part of charisma is innate. You either have it or you don't.
Does that mean you can't be successful if you don't have that innate part of charisma? Heck, no. There's a lot of truth to the "99% perspiration, 1% inspiration" definition of success. Sure, charisma will help. Sure, it will make it a bit easier, but I'd venture to say that there's a different set of challenges that assail one with charisma that those who don't have it will never encounter.
My definition of charisma: charm based on personality, with a level of veracity not otherwise possible.
Agree? Disagree? Know someone who you'd label as charismatic? Tell me.
Among the offerings this spring:
- Creating an Executive Image
- How to Sell Like a Pro
- High Impact Presentations
- Public Speaking Mastery
- How to Communicate with Diplomacy and Tact
Now, most of those topics are truly topics that someone might need to learn to be successful in business. Of course, they can all be learned.
So, now you're wondering why I'm wasting your time with this blog post. Ok, Liz, you're saying, I get it. They teach so people can learn to succeed. It's pricey. So what?
Well, here's what: they claim to be able to teach you "How to Master the Secrets of Charismatic Leadership" in only 16 hours.
Right.
Charisma simply cannot be learned, at least that's my take on it. The description begins: "Some say you're born with it - you either have it or you don't. While it's no secret that about 50 percent of charisma is innate, it's a fact that the other 50 percent can be learned through the use of specific techniques and skills . . . " (Of course, they don't cite their source for this 'fact.')
Oh, and when you finish the seminar, you'll be able to "Implement 3 key elements of charisma immediately" and "Connect with people on an emotional and intellectual level." Sure you can. People with whom you've never had an emotional and/or intellectual connection with before will automatically yield to any new "techniques" that you've learned and thus, you're charismatic.
And if you believe that, I've got a perfect piece of land in South Florida that perfect for luxury housing, at the very reasonable cost of $500MM . . .
Sure you can learn some of it, but it's going to take time and practice to be able to capitalize on that which you can learn. You can learn how to smile more and to have more significant conversations in the hope of developing an emotional connection. But I'm convinced that a good part of charisma is innate. You either have it or you don't.
Does that mean you can't be successful if you don't have that innate part of charisma? Heck, no. There's a lot of truth to the "99% perspiration, 1% inspiration" definition of success. Sure, charisma will help. Sure, it will make it a bit easier, but I'd venture to say that there's a different set of challenges that assail one with charisma that those who don't have it will never encounter.
My definition of charisma: charm based on personality, with a level of veracity not otherwise possible.
Agree? Disagree? Know someone who you'd label as charismatic? Tell me.
Sunday Sunrise
From the balcony of the condo at Litchfield Beach, Pawley's Island, SC, this past Sunday morning. It rained all day on Saturday and it was COLD, to the point where the waitress at dinner told us, "Drive safely. There might be ice on the bridges."
1.17.2008
1.16.2008
The Timely Butterfly
(February 8, 1999)
It's interesting to see someone take a little idea and make it grow into something that benefits many people.
Could it be that an idea hangs in front of us like a worm in a chrysalis that is able to emerge as a beautiful butterfly?
When we reach for the stars, we should remember that we are rooted in little things. The basis for success that lasts is the knowledge that slow and careful construction cannot be toppled by fickle tastes. So much is made to be temporary - fast moving fads - and people jump aboard to ride them for the duration. In the process, the butterfly is crushed before it ever develops, and the pupa "idea" must begin all over again.
Peace,
Tawanka
It's interesting to see someone take a little idea and make it grow into something that benefits many people.
Could it be that an idea hangs in front of us like a worm in a chrysalis that is able to emerge as a beautiful butterfly?
When we reach for the stars, we should remember that we are rooted in little things. The basis for success that lasts is the knowledge that slow and careful construction cannot be toppled by fickle tastes. So much is made to be temporary - fast moving fads - and people jump aboard to ride them for the duration. In the process, the butterfly is crushed before it ever develops, and the pupa "idea" must begin all over again.
Peace,
Tawanka
1.15.2008
"What Happens Next?"
I heard that a lot tonight, from people who call themselves writers. I can't really say whether they are 'writers' or 'people who write;' I don't know them well enough. I haven't read - or heard - enough of their work. For some, their talent shone through while they read their work. Others, it seemed a bit hidden. Nonetheless, I heard a lot of writers read their work this evening, and yes, I was one of those.
I took the first 700 words of the second book (the one I just started writing?). I'm not sure why I went or even why I read. But I did - on both accounts - and it was thrilling.
Others who read shared open letters to grandchildren, bits of memoirs they're writing, short stories, bits of their NaNo novels and there was lots of poetry. Even a really fabulous recitation of an e.e. cummings poem, which had to be told to form the basis of the "response" poem that the author wrote. It was a nicely diverse crowd, and I'm happy to say that I wasn't the youngest there. No, the youngest there was pretty talented himself, discussing his father's soup-making ability. I certainly wasn't the oldest there; my, that was an interesting story about whales and a frozen Neolithic man.
And yet, I know that some part of me went because I wanted to know if those 700 words were as good as I thought they might be. And my answer came, during the break and again at the end of the night, as people made their way to me, and said, "So what happens next?"
Obviously, I've got people's attention for the first 700 words. Let's see if I can keep it up for the next, oh, 50,000 or 60,000.
If nothing else, I can tell stories pretty well in person, it appears.
I took the first 700 words of the second book (the one I just started writing?). I'm not sure why I went or even why I read. But I did - on both accounts - and it was thrilling.
Others who read shared open letters to grandchildren, bits of memoirs they're writing, short stories, bits of their NaNo novels and there was lots of poetry. Even a really fabulous recitation of an e.e. cummings poem, which had to be told to form the basis of the "response" poem that the author wrote. It was a nicely diverse crowd, and I'm happy to say that I wasn't the youngest there. No, the youngest there was pretty talented himself, discussing his father's soup-making ability. I certainly wasn't the oldest there; my, that was an interesting story about whales and a frozen Neolithic man.
And yet, I know that some part of me went because I wanted to know if those 700 words were as good as I thought they might be. And my answer came, during the break and again at the end of the night, as people made their way to me, and said, "So what happens next?"
Obviously, I've got people's attention for the first 700 words. Let's see if I can keep it up for the next, oh, 50,000 or 60,000.
If nothing else, I can tell stories pretty well in person, it appears.
1.12.2008
Saturday Sidebars
It's been a day of interesting reminders, most of which are worth passing on. So, here you go:
- Two really cool literati sites you should check out: TED and Arts & Letters Daily. Among the most emailed on TED: TED under 30, What Makes Us Happy, and Medicine Without Borders. Arts & Letters is an agglomeration news/information/disputes/gossip/breakthroughs/trends site put out by the Chronicle of Higher Education, with a significant focus on non-U.S.-based sources.
- Every year, everyone in the U.S. can order a free credit report from all three credit reporting agencies: TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. You've got absolutely no excuse NOT to check them every year, especially now that they're free. I've got mine and will pore over them shortly, especially given the nastiness that's been happening with my bills recently.
- For heaven's sake (and the sake of others), don't misplace your account numbers for your utilities and then assume another number you find is yours. In fact, if you lost your account number, you maybe ought to look up the customer service telephone number in the phone book and call the "nice-people-who-don't-get-paid-nearly-enough-to-deal-with-us-mad-as-hell-
people-who-have to-deal-with-junk-that-your-laziness-created" to find out what your account number truly is.
- Paint can contaminate drinking water and can be harmful to wildlife. Please make sure you dispose of it correctly. In my fair city, paint and other household generated hazardous materials can be taken here for proper disposal. I did that with perhaps 30 different cans of paint today myself. Oh, and it's free, unlike some other municipalities.
- Never wash a chenille blanket. I did. There are green fuzzies everywhere and no real blanket any longer.
- Two really cool literati sites you should check out: TED and Arts & Letters Daily. Among the most emailed on TED: TED under 30, What Makes Us Happy, and Medicine Without Borders. Arts & Letters is an agglomeration news/information/disputes/gossip/breakthroughs/trends site put out by the Chronicle of Higher Education, with a significant focus on non-U.S.-based sources.
- Every year, everyone in the U.S. can order a free credit report from all three credit reporting agencies: TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. You've got absolutely no excuse NOT to check them every year, especially now that they're free. I've got mine and will pore over them shortly, especially given the nastiness that's been happening with my bills recently.
- For heaven's sake (and the sake of others), don't misplace your account numbers for your utilities and then assume another number you find is yours. In fact, if you lost your account number, you maybe ought to look up the customer service telephone number in the phone book and call the "nice-people-who-don't-get-paid-nearly-enough-to-deal-with-us-mad-as-hell-
people-who-have to-deal-with-junk-that-your-laziness-created" to find out what your account number truly is.
- Paint can contaminate drinking water and can be harmful to wildlife. Please make sure you dispose of it correctly. In my fair city, paint and other household generated hazardous materials can be taken here for proper disposal. I did that with perhaps 30 different cans of paint today myself. Oh, and it's free, unlike some other municipalities.
- Never wash a chenille blanket. I did. There are green fuzzies everywhere and no real blanket any longer.
1.10.2008
I Just Couldn't Wait Any Longer
I couldn't. Really.
I've had this idea in my head since the middle of NaNo 2007, trying to keep it quiet, trying not to think about it, trying not to develop the plot or the characters, because I knew if I did, I wouldn't be able to use this idea for NaNo 2008. I'd end up having to write it earlier than this November.
And yet, on my way home from the Spinks Banquet tonight, the first chapter blossomed in my brain. And not only the first chapter. The title, too. (It might help to know that I haven't decided on a title for my NaNo 2007 book yet.)
So it's called, "The Million." At least for now. At least until the revision begins.
And seeing as how I've got 627 words, it will be quite a while until the revising process begins.
I guess I'm back in writing mode now - and I've got to find a new idea for Nano 2008.
I've had this idea in my head since the middle of NaNo 2007, trying to keep it quiet, trying not to think about it, trying not to develop the plot or the characters, because I knew if I did, I wouldn't be able to use this idea for NaNo 2008. I'd end up having to write it earlier than this November.
And yet, on my way home from the Spinks Banquet tonight, the first chapter blossomed in my brain. And not only the first chapter. The title, too. (It might help to know that I haven't decided on a title for my NaNo 2007 book yet.)
So it's called, "The Million." At least for now. At least until the revision begins.
And seeing as how I've got 627 words, it will be quite a while until the revising process begins.
I guess I'm back in writing mode now - and I've got to find a new idea for Nano 2008.
1.09.2008
The Consequences of "Helping" Becoming "Fixing"
(February 7, 1999)
Remember certain events are not ours to alter. We make the most of them and move on.
We can only be examples, not controllers of other people's lives, other people's children, other people's circumstances.
Some would have us believe we contribute to harsh events by doing nothing. But some of the best work, the deepest caring and doing is not evident in the beginning.
Help of any kind must be wanted before it can do any good. Too much help where it's not wanted can make even a good person helpless.
We have to be wise in our giving, and more wise in what we withhold, because it may be what we withhold that helps the most.
Peace,
Tawanka
Remember certain events are not ours to alter. We make the most of them and move on.
We can only be examples, not controllers of other people's lives, other people's children, other people's circumstances.
Some would have us believe we contribute to harsh events by doing nothing. But some of the best work, the deepest caring and doing is not evident in the beginning.
Help of any kind must be wanted before it can do any good. Too much help where it's not wanted can make even a good person helpless.
We have to be wise in our giving, and more wise in what we withhold, because it may be what we withhold that helps the most.
Peace,
Tawanka
1.07.2008
The Recipe for a Fabulous 2008 (aka, The List for 2008)
All right. So I'm a little late in posting this. I'm doing better than I did last year, when I posted my list in Feburary. And since I'm convinced this is going to be my year (you'd not believe the number of people who've agreed with that statement; I love it), and I know that I have some part in that (Gee, really? No!), I figured I ought to sit down to decide what I could do to make it even more fabulous. So, drumroll please . . .
The List for 2008
1) Be good to myself. I've only got one life and if my body or mind isn't healthy and happy during that time, I've also got the power to fix that. Thus, I'll:
a) Keep myself physically healthy/make myself healthier. (Note: This does not mean lose weight. In fact, I could probably stand to gain some weight. It is not a goal of mine to lose weight nor will it ever be, I think. I'm very blessed with the genetics I've got.) To that end, I'll:
- Take my vitamins everyday.
I need to take some to the office, because I tend to be better at taking them there. (I'm open to advice on this. I'd take them at the same time everyday, but while I'm a girl who likes predictability, I have no set pattern in the morning. I hope I never do.)
- Lift weights 2x a week.
Really, there's no point in me paying for the YMCA membership if I'm not going to use it for that. And. maybe, just maybe I can get myself off the old-lady medicine if I'm good about the weights and calcium this year.
- Do cardio 3x a week.
(See mention about YMCA membership above.) Oh, and I'd like to walk up the stairs at the office without being out of breath. It's one flight, for heaven's sake!)
b) Keep myself mentally healthy. Ergo, I'll:
- Do yoga 2x a week.
Not much quiets my mind as much as yoga, and it usually makes most of the knots in my back go away.
- Journal as needed, not just as the spirit moves me.
Yes, I've avoided my personal writing on occasion during the past three months because I didn't want to write what was going to come out. No, it didn't make it any easier when I wrote it finally, later. Nobody's subconcious is pretty and neat, and ignoring the problem, whatever it may be, will not make it go away.
- Do the crossword 2x a week.
Nothing better for a writer to do than to continue to try and integrate more words and phrases into one's vocabulary.
2) Have more fun. Why shouldn't this be a goal? So I'll:
- Go see some local art at least once a month.
Good thing I live in the City of the Arts.
- Have at least three parties.
I love them. They're fun. Yeah, they're also a little stressful, but it's all about the end game here, people. And I haven't thrown nearly enough parties in my life.
- Go to the beach at least once. Preferrably on less than 48-hours notice. In the United States.
I've got no reason not to do this. Love Charleston. Love Wilmington. I can get $10 flights to Ft. Lauderdale. I have a travel certificate that I could use in Destin, FL; Daytona Beach; Ft. Lauderdale; Myrtle Beach; San Francisco; Palm Springs, CA; Oceanside, CA; St. Thomas; or Honolulu. I've got no excuse.
- Go dancing, at least once, where I create the opportunity instead of letting it come to me.
- Read at least 2 books a month.
This ought to be easy. I've got enough unread books in my house to keep me busy for at least the next two years. Luckily, I've already finished one for January: Leap of Faith, by Queen Noor, and I'll be reading Three Cups of Tea next.
3) Nanowrimo, again! I really enjoyed it and I've got a book to prove it. So ...
- Edit and submit the Nano 2007 manuscript to a publisher.
(Deb, you'll get it by February!)
- Participate in and finish Nano 2008.
4) Increase my net worth.
Thankfully, unless my life really screws up (which will not happen - it's 2008, and it's my year, thank you), I'll already have increased my net worth because I've got the automatic draft set for the 401(k) and I'll be building equity in the house. The idea is to increase my net worth by more than just that amount. So, I'll . . .
- Make a budget and stick to it.
It's about damn time that I learned this well. I know it and I'm not bad at it, but I'm all sorts of jealous of people who are really good at it.
- Not take money out of the savings account, unless I've really got to.- Not take money out of the investment account I just funded, unless I've really got to.
(This would happen after the savings account, since it's not nearly as liquid.)
- Spend less than $XXX on food.
You would be appalled to know how much money I spend on food that I don't cook in my own home. I am. Which is why I'm not telling you what that number is.
5) Get my APR.
I meet the requirements to sit for it. I don't even have to pay for it. Might as well try, at least.
a) Keep myself physically healthy/make myself healthier. (Note: This does not mean lose weight. In fact, I could probably stand to gain some weight. It is not a goal of mine to lose weight nor will it ever be, I think. I'm very blessed with the genetics I've got.) To that end, I'll:
- Take my vitamins everyday.
I need to take some to the office, because I tend to be better at taking them there. (I'm open to advice on this. I'd take them at the same time everyday, but while I'm a girl who likes predictability, I have no set pattern in the morning. I hope I never do.)
- Lift weights 2x a week.
Really, there's no point in me paying for the YMCA membership if I'm not going to use it for that. And. maybe, just maybe I can get myself off the old-lady medicine if I'm good about the weights and calcium this year.
- Do cardio 3x a week.
(See mention about YMCA membership above.) Oh, and I'd like to walk up the stairs at the office without being out of breath. It's one flight, for heaven's sake!)
b) Keep myself mentally healthy. Ergo, I'll:
- Do yoga 2x a week.
Not much quiets my mind as much as yoga, and it usually makes most of the knots in my back go away.
- Journal as needed, not just as the spirit moves me.
Yes, I've avoided my personal writing on occasion during the past three months because I didn't want to write what was going to come out. No, it didn't make it any easier when I wrote it finally, later. Nobody's subconcious is pretty and neat, and ignoring the problem, whatever it may be, will not make it go away.
- Do the crossword 2x a week.
Nothing better for a writer to do than to continue to try and integrate more words and phrases into one's vocabulary.
2) Have more fun. Why shouldn't this be a goal? So I'll:
- Go see some local art at least once a month.
Good thing I live in the City of the Arts.
- Have at least three parties.
I love them. They're fun. Yeah, they're also a little stressful, but it's all about the end game here, people. And I haven't thrown nearly enough parties in my life.
- Go to the beach at least once. Preferrably on less than 48-hours notice. In the United States.
I've got no reason not to do this. Love Charleston. Love Wilmington. I can get $10 flights to Ft. Lauderdale. I have a travel certificate that I could use in Destin, FL; Daytona Beach; Ft. Lauderdale; Myrtle Beach; San Francisco; Palm Springs, CA; Oceanside, CA; St. Thomas; or Honolulu. I've got no excuse.
- Go dancing, at least once, where I create the opportunity instead of letting it come to me.
- Read at least 2 books a month.
This ought to be easy. I've got enough unread books in my house to keep me busy for at least the next two years. Luckily, I've already finished one for January: Leap of Faith, by Queen Noor, and I'll be reading Three Cups of Tea next.
3) Nanowrimo, again! I really enjoyed it and I've got a book to prove it. So ...
- Edit and submit the Nano 2007 manuscript to a publisher.
(Deb, you'll get it by February!)
- Participate in and finish Nano 2008.
4) Increase my net worth.
Thankfully, unless my life really screws up (which will not happen - it's 2008, and it's my year, thank you), I'll already have increased my net worth because I've got the automatic draft set for the 401(k) and I'll be building equity in the house. The idea is to increase my net worth by more than just that amount. So, I'll . . .
- Make a budget and stick to it.
It's about damn time that I learned this well. I know it and I'm not bad at it, but I'm all sorts of jealous of people who are really good at it.
- Not take money out of the savings account, unless I've really got to.- Not take money out of the investment account I just funded, unless I've really got to.
(This would happen after the savings account, since it's not nearly as liquid.)
- Spend less than $XXX on food.
You would be appalled to know how much money I spend on food that I don't cook in my own home. I am. Which is why I'm not telling you what that number is.
5) Get my APR.
I meet the requirements to sit for it. I don't even have to pay for it. Might as well try, at least.
So, that's it. I think it's enough. It might be too much, but I think it's all a worthwhile endeavor. And so far, I'm doing pretty well.
1.05.2008
1.01.2008
2007 Round-Up (a.k.a., Did Liz Meet her Goals?)
Back in February of 2007, (yes, I got a late start), I published some of my goals for 2007 on the blog. You can read those here. Alas, when you pursue such an endeavor, you actually have to reevaluate whether you reached some of those goals. It's not always a fun thing to do, but nonetheless, needs to be done.
So, did I? Hmm, let's see.
1) Learn how to play golf and then play golf, lots. Done. Well, kind of. I know HOW to play golf; I did take lessons, but I didn't play.
2) Learn how to scuba dive, so that I can go diving in Belize in 2008. (See #3.) Nope.
3) Plan a visit to Alli, a dear friend who's in the Peace Corps in Belize, for 2008. Done! The girls and I are going to the wonderful world of Belize this spring! Yeah!
4) Make a difficult decision. Done. Done! DONE! (Well, soon enough, at least. Can't hurry the law.)
5) Endeavor to read more books, to where the stack on the corner table is under 5 books by the end of the year. Hmm, corner table stack is gone, but I've got a library now with real bookcases. I might have just shifted the stack. I'm not really sure. But I have read more books than I did last year. (I wasn't in grad school this year like I was last year, you see.)
6) Have more fun. More than when? How much more? What counts as "more?" (Note that this goal is horribly written; you should always make goals measurable. My strategy professors at UNCG would have a fit.)
However, given the events of this year, I think I had enough fun. Dancing for my birthday, out to L.A. to see my sister's wedding, random trips to Charleston, SC, for the weekend, girls trip to Wilmington, last week's sleepover with the girls (who says you can't have a sleepover when you're 30?!), etc. I think I could always use more, though.
7) Act out some fantasies. (Read what you want to into this one, but you're not getting detail unless I want to share it with you.) Some, yes. Others, no. Again, you don't get detail on this unless I've already shared it with you. Sorry.
8) Get more massages. I must not have been thinking very well when I wrote this list. Again with the "more" issue. I think I did meet that goal, though; I can think of at least four that I've had this year, and surely that's more than I had last year. I seriously, seriously considered buying one of those massage packages from Kneaded Energy. Might still do it.
9) Rescue my grandmother's emails from the computer I haven't used in 7 years. At some point, I'll post them here. Done! And since I'm posting Grandma's thoughts when the feeling moves me, and there are 36 more, you'll get the blessing of seeing a new set this year.
10) Volunteer more and give more. I have what many good, Southern, church-going people would call a blessed life. I know it and I know that it could be gone in an instant. I'd better be grateful and share. *Sigh.* More than what? And perhaps more appropriately, more?! I give a lot. I do. Most of the time, it's without want for anything in return. But, I did perhaps achieve this goal and because it feels boastful to say why I think that, I won't.
11) Workout on a fairly regular basis. (I've completely sucked at this one in the past two weeks, and seeing as how I'm going to give blood this afternoon, I'm not going to get it today, either.) Hmm, do the first six months average out to the entire year as "fairly regular?" I'm thinking probably not. I've not had a decent workout in a long time. Yes, it's my own fault. Yes, I could be saving that money I'm sending to the YMCA. Yes, I have fantasies that I might get back into a "fairly regular" workout routine.
Maybe I'll start today. Oh wait. I already did. Walked a 5K at midnight this morning. January 1, 2008 - DONE! Now, onto January 2 . . .
12) Find another "damn" dress that I can afford - and wear it. Done! Not so much on the affordable part, but done nonetheless! Now, if I can just find a reason to wear it again . . .
Oh, and I:
- Wrote a book
- Bought a house
- Found two great jobs
- Was asked to sit on another board
- Made some really great friends
- Bought art that I love
- Learned how to get the leaf blower to start
- Learned how to wipe a hard drive
- Know what makes me happy
- Sent my Christmas Cards before Christmas
- Had a couple of parties
- Watched two seasons of Gilmore Girls
- Had green grass for a few weeks (really, the kind you want to take pictures of, because you just can't believe it)
- and . . .
2007 wasn't all that bad of a year for me, it seems. Not one of my best, but certainly one that has special meaning for me nonetheless. I can only imagine that 2008 will be much better. Really, I can't have two years like '07 in a row.
So, come on, world! I'm ready to have a wonderful, fabulous, terrific year! Bring it on!
So, did I? Hmm, let's see.
1) Learn how to play golf and then play golf, lots. Done. Well, kind of. I know HOW to play golf; I did take lessons, but I didn't play.
2) Learn how to scuba dive, so that I can go diving in Belize in 2008. (See #3.) Nope.
3) Plan a visit to Alli, a dear friend who's in the Peace Corps in Belize, for 2008. Done! The girls and I are going to the wonderful world of Belize this spring! Yeah!
4) Make a difficult decision. Done. Done! DONE! (Well, soon enough, at least. Can't hurry the law.)
5) Endeavor to read more books, to where the stack on the corner table is under 5 books by the end of the year. Hmm, corner table stack is gone, but I've got a library now with real bookcases. I might have just shifted the stack. I'm not really sure. But I have read more books than I did last year. (I wasn't in grad school this year like I was last year, you see.)
6) Have more fun. More than when? How much more? What counts as "more?" (Note that this goal is horribly written; you should always make goals measurable. My strategy professors at UNCG would have a fit.)
However, given the events of this year, I think I had enough fun. Dancing for my birthday, out to L.A. to see my sister's wedding, random trips to Charleston, SC, for the weekend, girls trip to Wilmington, last week's sleepover with the girls (who says you can't have a sleepover when you're 30?!), etc. I think I could always use more, though.
7) Act out some fantasies. (Read what you want to into this one, but you're not getting detail unless I want to share it with you.) Some, yes. Others, no. Again, you don't get detail on this unless I've already shared it with you. Sorry.
8) Get more massages. I must not have been thinking very well when I wrote this list. Again with the "more" issue. I think I did meet that goal, though; I can think of at least four that I've had this year, and surely that's more than I had last year. I seriously, seriously considered buying one of those massage packages from Kneaded Energy. Might still do it.
9) Rescue my grandmother's emails from the computer I haven't used in 7 years. At some point, I'll post them here. Done! And since I'm posting Grandma's thoughts when the feeling moves me, and there are 36 more, you'll get the blessing of seeing a new set this year.
10) Volunteer more and give more. I have what many good, Southern, church-going people would call a blessed life. I know it and I know that it could be gone in an instant. I'd better be grateful and share. *Sigh.* More than what? And perhaps more appropriately, more?! I give a lot. I do. Most of the time, it's without want for anything in return. But, I did perhaps achieve this goal and because it feels boastful to say why I think that, I won't.
11) Workout on a fairly regular basis. (I've completely sucked at this one in the past two weeks, and seeing as how I'm going to give blood this afternoon, I'm not going to get it today, either.) Hmm, do the first six months average out to the entire year as "fairly regular?" I'm thinking probably not. I've not had a decent workout in a long time. Yes, it's my own fault. Yes, I could be saving that money I'm sending to the YMCA. Yes, I have fantasies that I might get back into a "fairly regular" workout routine.
Maybe I'll start today. Oh wait. I already did. Walked a 5K at midnight this morning. January 1, 2008 - DONE! Now, onto January 2 . . .
12) Find another "damn" dress that I can afford - and wear it. Done! Not so much on the affordable part, but done nonetheless! Now, if I can just find a reason to wear it again . . .
Oh, and I:
- Wrote a book
- Bought a house
- Found two great jobs
- Was asked to sit on another board
- Made some really great friends
- Bought art that I love
- Learned how to get the leaf blower to start
- Learned how to wipe a hard drive
- Know what makes me happy
- Sent my Christmas Cards before Christmas
- Had a couple of parties
- Watched two seasons of Gilmore Girls
- Had green grass for a few weeks (really, the kind you want to take pictures of, because you just can't believe it)
- and . . .
2007 wasn't all that bad of a year for me, it seems. Not one of my best, but certainly one that has special meaning for me nonetheless. I can only imagine that 2008 will be much better. Really, I can't have two years like '07 in a row.
So, come on, world! I'm ready to have a wonderful, fabulous, terrific year! Bring it on!
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