A while back I blogged about ways to save money. Tracey and I adopted the coupon book similar to what THE MAN and his wife do for grocery units. In addition to that about a year ago Tracey and I adopted an envelope policy. What is that you ask? That is were you determine a select amount of money and put in the envelope each month. That money is used for entertainment purposes. Out to eat...movies...you get the point.
While we slipped away from the envelope policy Tracey and I recommitted ourselves to the envelope in January and added the coupon book. Finally, credit card. (for the most part) are not being used. I will say this. We have limited the spending GREATLY the past few months. We pay off our credit card each month however some items such as gas, Tollway, and dry cleaning and my co pays are tied to our credit card. So we have really cut back using the CC at all. Just to keep us honest I call every other week to check the balance on the card. We have saved a number of dollars each month since January following this policy. We even saved a good amount of money while paying off one of my medical bills (down to two YES) and I cleared 600 dollars less this month due to the amount of work I missed while dealing with E-Coli. Is that amazing or what. In two months Tracey and I are done with child care forever!!! WHOO HOO- That is going to be a nice raise as well.
It has been great! No longer do Tracey and I DREAD bill paying time. We were actually kind of excited.
I know people are doing different things but I wanted to share what we are doing to help save money
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Not Athletic
I am going to go ahead and see about getting this kid classified as 504 "other health impaired."
It Is Coming Together
A few months ago my dad and I started remodeling a small half bath off of one of our living areas in the house. Totally gutted the sucker. It needed it. My home is a very nice custom home. We have done a TON of home improvement projects since we have moved into this house 3 years ago. Everything from paint to knocking out and rebuilding walls. This does not include all of the work we have done to the outside of the house and the backyard.
Here is my deal. Given a preference I would rather have paint and texture instead of wall paper.
Here is what we have going on right now.
Finish out the half bath- Get rest of wallpaper out...do sheet rock work...texture the bathroom. ( That will be done this week.)
Half Bath Part TWO- Paint half bath and bring the color out to the living area and 3rd living area.
Half Bath Part THREE- Install knew tile, pedestal sink, and toilet.
We also are in the process of converting one of the bedrooms into a library.
We have replaced the door with a french door and all of the woodwork has been painted. THIS LOOKS AWESOME. The room has been repainted and the floor is ready for tile. We will be using the same tile that is in the half bath. Not sure when the tile is going to be laid down because we have not bought the tile yet.
We are going to buy the tile now but eventually we are going to put tile in the kids rooms as well.
We are also trying to get an estimate on having the guy who is textured our half bath to do our master bath as well and we will paint it.
In about a month this should all be wrapped up. GOING TO BE GREAT
Here is my deal. Given a preference I would rather have paint and texture instead of wall paper.
Here is what we have going on right now.
Finish out the half bath- Get rest of wallpaper out...do sheet rock work...texture the bathroom. ( That will be done this week.)
Half Bath Part TWO- Paint half bath and bring the color out to the living area and 3rd living area.
Half Bath Part THREE- Install knew tile, pedestal sink, and toilet.
We also are in the process of converting one of the bedrooms into a library.
We have replaced the door with a french door and all of the woodwork has been painted. THIS LOOKS AWESOME. The room has been repainted and the floor is ready for tile. We will be using the same tile that is in the half bath. Not sure when the tile is going to be laid down because we have not bought the tile yet.
We are going to buy the tile now but eventually we are going to put tile in the kids rooms as well.
We are also trying to get an estimate on having the guy who is textured our half bath to do our master bath as well and we will paint it.
In about a month this should all be wrapped up. GOING TO BE GREAT
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Poker Face
Well I had a good friend invite me to play poker last night if I felt up to it and I decided to go. We started a poker group quite a few years ago and I along with this good friend THE MAN are the only original regular players left. Others have joined the group and play regularly but they have joined the group in years 4,5, or 6.
It is fun LOW STAKES (if you lose 10 bucks it was a bad night) poker. Well most of the time but more on that later.
Anyway, he lives about 25 miles north of me so Tracey offered to drive me to the poker game and pick me up so I would not be too tired. It was GREAT!!
I had a great time with everyone. There was a new couple last night that played and they were very nice people. It was clear that they understood Texas Hold'em but other games they struggled with.
I did pretty well. I was up a little bit and I knew it was only a matter of time before one player that was there was going to start piping up a "No Limit" game of Hold'em.
See the problem there is he get's VERY aggressive. His style of play is perfect for the casino's. His philosophy is to win and win a good amount. Again, perfect for casino's or large stakes poker games.
The problem is this group of poker players is low stakes. Noone wants to hit somebody for 25 bucks and take all their money. This player does not seem to pick up on that philosophy. He has been talked to about it but it does not seem to change. We have gone extended periods of time without inviting him thinking he would get the hint but that has not worked either.
It has gotten to the point where when THE MAN is setting up a poker game people are asking him if "THE PLAYER" is going to be there and if he is they are not interested in playing. This puts THE MAN in a pickle because he is friends with this person.
I have gotten used to it and for the most part keep an even keel about it. I know that when he gets behind he bets aggressive trying to catch up and if he gets money he bets aggressive trying to build his pot. Unless I have a GREAT starting hand I just fold. That worked for me last night. I won a little but I donated the winnings to the host for giving up his home for us to play.
I think though that THE PLAYER came out winning quite a bit and that burned the bridge with a few folks that won't be back if he is playing. It's a shame because he is a nice and funny guy. He just does not pick up on the need to adjust his playing according to the crowd you are playing.
It is fun LOW STAKES (if you lose 10 bucks it was a bad night) poker. Well most of the time but more on that later.
Anyway, he lives about 25 miles north of me so Tracey offered to drive me to the poker game and pick me up so I would not be too tired. It was GREAT!!
I had a great time with everyone. There was a new couple last night that played and they were very nice people. It was clear that they understood Texas Hold'em but other games they struggled with.
I did pretty well. I was up a little bit and I knew it was only a matter of time before one player that was there was going to start piping up a "No Limit" game of Hold'em.
See the problem there is he get's VERY aggressive. His style of play is perfect for the casino's. His philosophy is to win and win a good amount. Again, perfect for casino's or large stakes poker games.
The problem is this group of poker players is low stakes. Noone wants to hit somebody for 25 bucks and take all their money. This player does not seem to pick up on that philosophy. He has been talked to about it but it does not seem to change. We have gone extended periods of time without inviting him thinking he would get the hint but that has not worked either.
It has gotten to the point where when THE MAN is setting up a poker game people are asking him if "THE PLAYER" is going to be there and if he is they are not interested in playing. This puts THE MAN in a pickle because he is friends with this person.
I have gotten used to it and for the most part keep an even keel about it. I know that when he gets behind he bets aggressive trying to catch up and if he gets money he bets aggressive trying to build his pot. Unless I have a GREAT starting hand I just fold. That worked for me last night. I won a little but I donated the winnings to the host for giving up his home for us to play.
I think though that THE PLAYER came out winning quite a bit and that burned the bridge with a few folks that won't be back if he is playing. It's a shame because he is a nice and funny guy. He just does not pick up on the need to adjust his playing according to the crowd you are playing.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Reality STINKS Sometimes
As I sit here recovering from pneumonia I have come to realize that reality stinks. As recently as 3 years ago I could do whatever I wanted to phyically. I was 35 years old. A bit on the heavy side (302lbs) but I carried it well..I guess. I was working out and trying to lose weight.
As I sit here looking at my bird legs and stick arms I have multiple thoughts running through my head. First thing I thank God for seeing me through these tough sometimes life threatening medical times these past few years. Then as I am doing my rehabilitation exercises and walking with a cane (at times for stability) I think look what the hell have I been through. I have lost weight obviously (down to 219lbs) which is good but I am looking at least 6 months to a year before I can get this body toned up.
I don't remember how the song goes...something about I can't do what I once did but for one night I can . That is where I feel I am right now. If I can get in the first punch I am fine. If the person gets back up I am screwed.
The reality is this. I am a focal point in my family and I don't mean just Tracey and the kids. When the baton is passed from my dad it is going to go to me. So I have a huge responsibility to
Tracey,
The Kids
My parents
My sister
To be here!
If I am not here the family will crumble. I know what you are thinking . Just stay healthy and do everything you can to do this. While there are some things I can do at the same time it is not that easy. I feel like from February to April I have to be in a bubble!
The other day day my son said this to my dad.
Pa, if my daddy dies then one day my mommy will remarry and I will have a step dad. That is okay but he wont be my daddy. Pa you will be all that I have left.
Jack is EIGHT!! and he has to think about this crap.
I swear I will do everything in my power to stay healthy. God please help me. Everyone else. Just Pray
As I sit here looking at my bird legs and stick arms I have multiple thoughts running through my head. First thing I thank God for seeing me through these tough sometimes life threatening medical times these past few years. Then as I am doing my rehabilitation exercises and walking with a cane (at times for stability) I think look what the hell have I been through. I have lost weight obviously (down to 219lbs) which is good but I am looking at least 6 months to a year before I can get this body toned up.
I don't remember how the song goes...something about I can't do what I once did but for one night I can . That is where I feel I am right now. If I can get in the first punch I am fine. If the person gets back up I am screwed.
The reality is this. I am a focal point in my family and I don't mean just Tracey and the kids. When the baton is passed from my dad it is going to go to me. So I have a huge responsibility to
Tracey,
The Kids
My parents
My sister
To be here!
If I am not here the family will crumble. I know what you are thinking . Just stay healthy and do everything you can to do this. While there are some things I can do at the same time it is not that easy. I feel like from February to April I have to be in a bubble!
The other day day my son said this to my dad.
Pa, if my daddy dies then one day my mommy will remarry and I will have a step dad. That is okay but he wont be my daddy. Pa you will be all that I have left.
Jack is EIGHT!! and he has to think about this crap.
I swear I will do everything in my power to stay healthy. God please help me. Everyone else. Just Pray
Thursday, March 26, 2009
My Wife The Saint
Well I have to acknowledge the greatness of my wife. Thank you so much sweatheart for taking care of not only me but keeping the family moving forward during my illness. I am so lucky to have you.
HM
HM
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Greatness But WOW what was he on?
I acknowledge the greatness that is Jimmy Hendrix but this song really captures me for some reason. I think the guitar riffs are amazing but I just wonder what the hell he was on when he wrote this stuff.
Random Thoughts
Okay I voted for Obama. Hate me if you want... but
Is it me or does he have at least one prime time speech a week?= Dude...you are cutting into Dancing with the Stars....forces me over to Discovery, History Channel or the Food Network. I did discover the MILITARY Channel last night...VERY COOL STUFF.
I toasted some rasin muffins this morning for breakfast. Question...Does your toaster shoot the bread or muffin high enough so that you don't burn the heck out of your hands getting the stuff out? Mine does not....I swear it is like half an inch above the toaster. Burned the hell out of one of my fingers. I know what you are thinking...wait...but then I can't melt my butter spread and jelly.
Has anyone noticed that ABC Family picks two movies a week and then shows them 25 times in one week. I noticed they showed one movie ONCE that took 3 hours to show and then followed it up by an ENCORE presentation.....Do you honestly have nothing else on your programing schedule?
TV Land is GREATNESS
Is it me or does he have at least one prime time speech a week?= Dude...you are cutting into Dancing with the Stars....forces me over to Discovery, History Channel or the Food Network. I did discover the MILITARY Channel last night...VERY COOL STUFF.
I toasted some rasin muffins this morning for breakfast. Question...Does your toaster shoot the bread or muffin high enough so that you don't burn the heck out of your hands getting the stuff out? Mine does not....I swear it is like half an inch above the toaster. Burned the hell out of one of my fingers. I know what you are thinking...wait...but then I can't melt my butter spread and jelly.
Has anyone noticed that ABC Family picks two movies a week and then shows them 25 times in one week. I noticed they showed one movie ONCE that took 3 hours to show and then followed it up by an ENCORE presentation.....Do you honestly have nothing else on your programing schedule?
TV Land is GREATNESS
Beer and Roller Coasters?!?!
Can someone explain to me why Six Flags thinks it's a good idea to sell beer at their theme parks? Think of this. You are on the Shockwave and the guy who has had a little too much crys ralph two cars in front of you. Who do you think is going to get nailed by that ralph juice?
I am going to hide Six Flags from my kids as long as possible.
I am going to hide Six Flags from my kids as long as possible.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Your An Ass If.....
So I go to take my wife and kids out to eat. And it's a nice place. Love and War in Texas. They seat us and immediately "Your and Ass If" radar goes into full blown ALERT status.
There is a table of about eight people meeting for a HAPPY HOUR. One guy clearly thinks that EVERY PERSON in the eating establishment gives a royal crap about what he has to say.
I was about to ask to be reseated and I was going to tell the waiter why so he would not think it was him. It did not matter what this guy said he screamed everthing.
YA KNOW IT HAS RAINED FOR FOUR DAYS HAHAHAHA
No crap Sherlock. One time I actually said outloud for the love of all that is holy shut up!!! I mean this...we could not have a coversation because my wife and I had to keep saying...WHAT? WHAT???
Finally, that guy left the group and went home. But it had already been established.
This guy is an ass for being so loud in an eating establishment that everyone in the room can hear you word for word.
There is a table of about eight people meeting for a HAPPY HOUR. One guy clearly thinks that EVERY PERSON in the eating establishment gives a royal crap about what he has to say.
I was about to ask to be reseated and I was going to tell the waiter why so he would not think it was him. It did not matter what this guy said he screamed everthing.
YA KNOW IT HAS RAINED FOR FOUR DAYS HAHAHAHA
No crap Sherlock. One time I actually said outloud for the love of all that is holy shut up!!! I mean this...we could not have a coversation because my wife and I had to keep saying...WHAT? WHAT???
Finally, that guy left the group and went home. But it had already been established.
This guy is an ass for being so loud in an eating establishment that everyone in the room can hear you word for word.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Ah Mexico
I saw an article online today that really got my interest going. I think this is a really HOT TOPIC to talk about. It seems that the great people of Mexico, and I am not joking, are concerned with the number of Americans who are entering their country to live and escape the economy issues that are bothering America today. Here is a list of their concerns.
1. Raising the cost of Health Care.
2. The fear of their loss of their language and culture as more Americans move in.
3. The rising cost of food as the demand is more.
4. The cost of housing is rising due to demand.
5. This one I just laughed at. The willingness of Americans to come in and learn the language of their new home country.
Well…..Well…Well….why did this not seem to bother them when they live over here? Part of the reason our health care is so expensive is to cover the cost of their issues when they get free care. Loss of language and culture….please….tell me how someone from Mexico comes over here to live and after 15 years is a non English speaker. WTH????
I know this is bad of me but I say WELCOME TO OUR WORLD!!! What is good for the goose is good for the gander.
1. Raising the cost of Health Care.
2. The fear of their loss of their language and culture as more Americans move in.
3. The rising cost of food as the demand is more.
4. The cost of housing is rising due to demand.
5. This one I just laughed at. The willingness of Americans to come in and learn the language of their new home country.
Well…..Well…Well….why did this not seem to bother them when they live over here? Part of the reason our health care is so expensive is to cover the cost of their issues when they get free care. Loss of language and culture….please….tell me how someone from Mexico comes over here to live and after 15 years is a non English speaker. WTH????
I know this is bad of me but I say WELCOME TO OUR WORLD!!! What is good for the goose is good for the gander.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Finally Reconnected
Well Att came into our neighborhood and upgraded our internet service. Okay fine. The only problem was that until the upgrade was complete they disconnected our service. NO INTERNET. All we had to do is schedule a time for them to send someone out and do something to the house and install a new modem.
We scheduled for this Saturday between 12-2.
Yeah got home Thursday night and there were two messages from ATT. They sent someone out at 3 and we would not answer the door. HELLO WE TOLD YALL IT WAS GOING TO BE THE WEEKEND>>WE WORK!!
Then they missed the time slot. I called...even though we scheduled a SECOND time for Saturday from 12-2 they had us down for Monday between 8-10.
I am beginning to think that the scheduling people at ATT are retarded.
When I tell Tracey all of this she calls them and unloads on them. Only to find out they don't know WHY I was told Monday that the service man is just running late and will be at our house shortly.
He got here..worked for 3 hours and still did not hook us up. Something about the equipment outside. He did manage though to knock out our phones.
Another tech came out..a woman..WOW..don't see those everyday...this morning at 8:00. In about 15 minutes she had us connected and running.
That's ONE for the ladies!
For the record I can't tell our Internet is any faster.
We scheduled for this Saturday between 12-2.
Yeah got home Thursday night and there were two messages from ATT. They sent someone out at 3 and we would not answer the door. HELLO WE TOLD YALL IT WAS GOING TO BE THE WEEKEND>>WE WORK!!
Then they missed the time slot. I called...even though we scheduled a SECOND time for Saturday from 12-2 they had us down for Monday between 8-10.
I am beginning to think that the scheduling people at ATT are retarded.
When I tell Tracey all of this she calls them and unloads on them. Only to find out they don't know WHY I was told Monday that the service man is just running late and will be at our house shortly.
He got here..worked for 3 hours and still did not hook us up. Something about the equipment outside. He did manage though to knock out our phones.
Another tech came out..a woman..WOW..don't see those everyday...this morning at 8:00. In about 15 minutes she had us connected and running.
That's ONE for the ladies!
For the record I can't tell our Internet is any faster.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
I Have Been Waiting For THIS!!
In Texas there are two seasons....Mowing Season and Less Mowing season. Point is you never really stop mowing. We mowed regularly well into October or maybe early November. We mowed to clean up the yard before Thanksgiving...we moved to clean up the yard as we were putting out Christmas decorations. We mowed once in January and in February.
As we have been doing this Jack has been nagging us to mow. He already has the job of official leaf blower which he loves. He knows what you are supposed to do when mowing because he has already mowed a couple of times on the tractor with my sister down at the lake.
Well we were getting out the mower this morning to clean up the yard and you tell by the look on his face what he was about to ask. Tracey asked me what I thought and I said go ahead but stay with him at all times.
And she did.
She walked right beside the whole way. He did a great job! And it wore him out. He went to bed an hour early tonight.
Finally some child labor!!
As we have been doing this Jack has been nagging us to mow. He already has the job of official leaf blower which he loves. He knows what you are supposed to do when mowing because he has already mowed a couple of times on the tractor with my sister down at the lake.
Well we were getting out the mower this morning to clean up the yard and you tell by the look on his face what he was about to ask. Tracey asked me what I thought and I said go ahead but stay with him at all times.
And she did.
She walked right beside the whole way. He did a great job! And it wore him out. He went to bed an hour early tonight.
Finally some child labor!!
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