Thursday, July 29, 2010
Peace, I'm out!!!
On my way to SLC, and tonight New York, Boston in the morning, and finally Cape Cod!!! Life is good. You will here from me tomorrow night with some good travel ranting.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
It's coming, are you ready ?!?
You know it's gonna come. You have watched it happen for years to other people, and you think you know what to do when it happens. You think you are prepared, but you are not. It will hit you out of left field and next thing you know you are fully immersed in it. What is it you ask? It's life, and it's is coming full steam ahead. Are you ready for it? That is a rhetorical question cause i know you aren't. So let me give you some advice from someone that's been hit in the face with it and fell flat.
At one point in my life I was a young college student (freaky, I know) and my focus was on school, friends, family and church. My life was pretty even kill. I paid for school, lived at home and abroad. Had a car. Worked, you know the basics. I had everything under control. But with one fall swoop of the Grim Reaper's scythe, my life was drastically changed. If someone had told me all that went into the process of keeping myself financially sound, maybe my results would have been different. There were things that I was now in charge of like house payments, homeowners insurance, life insurance policies, electric, water, gas. Every thing came down at once, and every one wanted money I didn't have. I failed miserably, but in my failure I learned a lot.
One of the things might sound like an old cliche but here it is. Its never too early to start planning your future. I know that my case is somewhat dramatic, but there are plenty other natural and unnatural disasters (MIP's, anyone?) that can throw you into financial uncertainty. You need certain fall back plans. The reality of being a student now is that most of us work. We have certain expenses like rent, tuition, car insurance to pay. You work to pay your bills, your tithes (if you pay those, some people don't), and you extracurricular activities, but how about paying yourself? I mean its your money, so why not put some away for yourself? You never know what may happen, its good to have a savings nest egg.
Basically for ever pay period you have take out 20 dollars on the net, or 10% of anything over $200. Have it either debited out of your direct deposit or when you take your check to your bank cash it and put the money aside. Let it collect in a savings account with no debit card. I repeat NO DEBIT CARD! This will enforce three things in you, Discipline, because you have to make a concerted effort, Budgeting, cause you have less disposable income, and creativity, because..... well you don't have 20 bones for a movie so you better learn how to enjoy sock puppet theater. Lets be honest, a nest egg is good to have if maybe you break your foot, or get laid off, or didn't quite wobble home before mister police officer could stop you wandering down the street. You will be glad you had that savings.
Another helpful thing, and I know this may be difficult for some, but invest in a mini-fridge and some cooking skills. Nationally, students spend about 11 billion dollars on snack food and beverages a year. The trend at studentuniversity.com is that even student on meal plans spend more disposable income on fast food. A quarter-pounder extra value meal is about 4.75 in Logan Utah. For less than 16.00 bucks (4 trips to McDonalds) you could wrap out about 16 extra value meals. I'm not a math wiz by any means, but that about a buck a meal. Plus cooking can be a cheap social activity that everyone can get into. See new ideas for the people putting the money back. ehh, ehh?
Finally, something you may not ever think of, and let me apologize before hand if it seems morbid, but life insurance. In the case that the Grim Reaper swings his scythe your direction early on, those little policies that your mom and dad have may not be enough to cover all of your expenses. Investigate how much you really need to take care of all of your needs you will find that monthly coverage with a good plan will cost you are the family less than you think. Then take it to your families to investigate. They just might think you are getting something out of this college experience and throw more money your way. Can you say Las Vegas anyone?
This isn't a perfect science, and I mess up all the time, but it's something to try to prepare yourself for the real world. Isn't it worth it to gve yourself a fighting chance in this crazy economic world? Either way you look at it, Nathan Christensen still had to read this blog. What up NATE!!!!
At one point in my life I was a young college student (freaky, I know) and my focus was on school, friends, family and church. My life was pretty even kill. I paid for school, lived at home and abroad. Had a car. Worked, you know the basics. I had everything under control. But with one fall swoop of the Grim Reaper's scythe, my life was drastically changed. If someone had told me all that went into the process of keeping myself financially sound, maybe my results would have been different. There were things that I was now in charge of like house payments, homeowners insurance, life insurance policies, electric, water, gas. Every thing came down at once, and every one wanted money I didn't have. I failed miserably, but in my failure I learned a lot.
One of the things might sound like an old cliche but here it is. Its never too early to start planning your future. I know that my case is somewhat dramatic, but there are plenty other natural and unnatural disasters (MIP's, anyone?) that can throw you into financial uncertainty. You need certain fall back plans. The reality of being a student now is that most of us work. We have certain expenses like rent, tuition, car insurance to pay. You work to pay your bills, your tithes (if you pay those, some people don't), and you extracurricular activities, but how about paying yourself? I mean its your money, so why not put some away for yourself? You never know what may happen, its good to have a savings nest egg.
Basically for ever pay period you have take out 20 dollars on the net, or 10% of anything over $200. Have it either debited out of your direct deposit or when you take your check to your bank cash it and put the money aside. Let it collect in a savings account with no debit card. I repeat NO DEBIT CARD! This will enforce three things in you, Discipline, because you have to make a concerted effort, Budgeting, cause you have less disposable income, and creativity, because..... well you don't have 20 bones for a movie so you better learn how to enjoy sock puppet theater. Lets be honest, a nest egg is good to have if maybe you break your foot, or get laid off, or didn't quite wobble home before mister police officer could stop you wandering down the street. You will be glad you had that savings.
Another helpful thing, and I know this may be difficult for some, but invest in a mini-fridge and some cooking skills. Nationally, students spend about 11 billion dollars on snack food and beverages a year. The trend at studentuniversity.com is that even student on meal plans spend more disposable income on fast food. A quarter-pounder extra value meal is about 4.75 in Logan Utah. For less than 16.00 bucks (4 trips to McDonalds) you could wrap out about 16 extra value meals. I'm not a math wiz by any means, but that about a buck a meal. Plus cooking can be a cheap social activity that everyone can get into. See new ideas for the people putting the money back. ehh, ehh?
Finally, something you may not ever think of, and let me apologize before hand if it seems morbid, but life insurance. In the case that the Grim Reaper swings his scythe your direction early on, those little policies that your mom and dad have may not be enough to cover all of your expenses. Investigate how much you really need to take care of all of your needs you will find that monthly coverage with a good plan will cost you are the family less than you think. Then take it to your families to investigate. They just might think you are getting something out of this college experience and throw more money your way. Can you say Las Vegas anyone?
This isn't a perfect science, and I mess up all the time, but it's something to try to prepare yourself for the real world. Isn't it worth it to gve yourself a fighting chance in this crazy economic world? Either way you look at it, Nathan Christensen still had to read this blog. What up NATE!!!!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
At the crossroads with no direction
I have always been proud of the fact that I am a part of some amazing organizations because of who I am. They all have become a part of me. Some times they cross paths, but mostly the only affiliation they have is me. Today however, I hit a an intersection in two of the major parts of me. The situation between these two I am facing is one I'm use to, but not on this level. I don't think its possible for me not to fully be me, but I am asked to basically decide to show one facet of me over the other. I'll figure my stick out soon, but is this something you have faced? If so, how did you deal with it?
Thanks
Thanks
Family Week approaches
This is so hilarious!!! Thanks JUJU for bringing it to my attention. Now only if they crossed Queer As Folk with Predator..... Epic
Miley Cyrus can't be tamed! Heaven help us all!!!!!
Dear Miley, You are no longer a Disney entity. I get it. You were the poster child for all things right with the Disney machine and now, you are ready to shed that image and spread your wings. But baby, do you have to shed your youth and clothing too? I am all for your artistic expression and creativity, but throwing on some wings, too tight clothes, and fake kissing a girl isn't art, its just weird because you are SEVENTEEN!!!
Do you know how many creeps are sitting around while they play W.O.W with a countdown ticker till your 18th birthday?? Does that not creep you out at all? What if one of those crazies finally gets permission from their moms to use her car and starts stalking you? Things you got to think about as you are stepping out in this new identity. I can't lie, those outfits are cute, but they aren't youthful. They don't show your personality. They just show skin. After time that allure dies. Then what are you left with? Your voice. No one can deny you have a gift, but instead of focusing on that, they are looking at your boobs. It's not needed baby. You were a star before you took off the clothes.
So here is the deal. Put your clothes on, stop listening to your dad (he means well, I hope, but he's not giving you the best guidance), come find me, and I will be your fashion director. I will keep you fly and fresh at all times, and you can focus on being a star, and not looking like Lady Gaga's love child with Billy Ray.
Do you know how many creeps are sitting around while they play W.O.W with a countdown ticker till your 18th birthday?? Does that not creep you out at all? What if one of those crazies finally gets permission from their moms to use her car and starts stalking you? Things you got to think about as you are stepping out in this new identity. I can't lie, those outfits are cute, but they aren't youthful. They don't show your personality. They just show skin. After time that allure dies. Then what are you left with? Your voice. No one can deny you have a gift, but instead of focusing on that, they are looking at your boobs. It's not needed baby. You were a star before you took off the clothes.
Monday, July 26, 2010
WWJSTC (When Will Jesus Stop These Crazies!)
So today I was hipped to a video posted by Pastor Wayne Sapp (such a fitting last name) about "International burn the Koran Day" Sept. 11 2010. This seems more like "idiotic christian fanatic hypocrisy day" to me. I was so thoroughly offended that it took me an entire day to gather my thoughts for this post. I attached the video so you can see it for yourself. Now I am a Christian, I believe in Christ and the words in the bible (so far as I can interpret them on my own because obviously people get the message screwed up), and no where in the good book have I read "Thou shalt demean another religion because thou art better than them." Maybe I am missing it. I sure would like to find out where it is, because I'm at a loss of words trying to figure out why he is even worried about them. I mean doesn't he have a flock of mindless sheep to lead to there destruction?
I tell you what I have read in the Bible, and you would be shocked to know that it has nothing to do with burning other faiths holy books. In Matthew 22 Jesus is asked what is the great commandment. Hi response is simple, " Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first great commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as THYSELF."
WOW! How about that! You aren't supposed to hate someone because they don't have your same belief. you are suppose to love them as you would love yourself. Now if you are suicidal that might pose a problem for us being friend, but I digress. The point is whatever someone chooses to believe is their choice. It's not my or pastor whackjob's duty to dictate that they are evil or not. I again distinctly remember reading in Matthew 7 that it is not your job to judge your fellow man.
Either way Christians, Athiests, Muslims, Agnostics, Goddesses, people in general need to speak up and speak out against such blatant attacks on humanity. These actions only further the disparity in the human family. I believe that what ever God, or entity, or nothing you believe in did not put us hear to hate.
I tell you what I have read in the Bible, and you would be shocked to know that it has nothing to do with burning other faiths holy books. In Matthew 22 Jesus is asked what is the great commandment. Hi response is simple, " Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first great commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as THYSELF."
WOW! How about that! You aren't supposed to hate someone because they don't have your same belief. you are suppose to love them as you would love yourself. Now if you are suicidal that might pose a problem for us being friend, but I digress. The point is whatever someone chooses to believe is their choice. It's not my or pastor whackjob's duty to dictate that they are evil or not. I again distinctly remember reading in Matthew 7 that it is not your job to judge your fellow man.
Either way Christians, Athiests, Muslims, Agnostics, Goddesses, people in general need to speak up and speak out against such blatant attacks on humanity. These actions only further the disparity in the human family. I believe that what ever God, or entity, or nothing you believe in did not put us hear to hate.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
The attention junkie
We all know you and you know who you are. The guy who has to be the toughest or the most complicated guy in every situation. The girl who is always the loudest one at the party, doing whatever you have to to get the attention. Today I just want to pass this on from everyone else in your life. GET OVER IT! We are so tired of you. we have had to deal with your whining, blood curdling screams in the middle of the party, always ready for a fight for no reason and we are so done with it. We can't even talk to you when we have a problem cause your problems are always so much more worse. Maybe if ya didn't just hook up with the first thing that responded to your freakishly loud mating call, you problems wouldn't be so damn bad. Just saying take a break from your self indulged word to actually be a real friend. If you can't do that, you membership in our lives is officially being revoked.
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