Wow, did I get lucky! After pricing out their basic Pioneer speakers and deck, the bill was already at $700 plus including installation. I know I paid many thousand for our surround sound system at home but I couldn't get my car's age out of my mind. Plus I had set a mental limit of $300 for today's appointment...
In the end, there was only a loose plug and once plugged, voila, I had sound again. I had to forced them to take some money for their time as they didn't want to charge me anything. Would I use them should I wish to upgrade my system in the future? Absolutely.
In fact, after spending time today learning about the choices out there, I am kinda hooked and I think I will put a stereo upgrade on my list of dream account wishes for the future. I want to give them my business because they were so honest and kind. What a great experience today! It is hard to put into words just how relieved and grateful I felt, not having to spend any serious money.
It was a gorgeous day today with everyone out in shorts and T-shirts. As I was driving by, I could not help but notice the number of teenagers drinking coffee. I don't know about you, but I never even tasted coffee until I was in university and even then, it wasn't until exam time and I gave up on it pretty quick because I couldn't sleep well for 2 - 3 days after having a cup.
I don't believe that starting young with stimulants is such a great thing. I've also never tasted stuff like Red Bull or others of the like and don't plan to. Our nervous system and adrenals can get worn out when exposed to chemicals like this over time. I also think it can help age us. I got enough of a high today without caffeine.
Showing posts with label misc.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label misc.. Show all posts
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Out of Patience
Sometimes it is just easier to not engage with someone who is argumentative or has to be "right". D and I have an unhappy "friend" (I believe that is no longer the case) who make everything about her. As she works mainly as a hobby, she has plenty of time to dwell on why the world doesn't send her the happiness she deserves.
Historically, she wasn't always this way. Life's "challenges" (in the form of not having enough vacations or boyfriends that care...) has hardened her to a not very likable person. Everything is about her comfort and her problems and why she has not been able to find someone who loves her enough to marry her and make her into a mother.
Our patience has just run out.
The harder I work, the more difficulty I have empathizing with people who "make stuff up" to worry about. I'm talking about someone who is very educated and worldly and has had more financial benefits then I'll likely see in my lifetime.
That doesn't make up for what I feel she didn't get -- Humility, tact, empathy, joy and self honestly. It goes to show you, money isn't everything.
I find it very useful to look at myself objectively to see what I am portraying out to the world. Am I behaving in a kind manner? Am I acting like a person other people would like to spend time around? Am I attracting goodness or repelling it? Sometimes the common link to not getting what you want is yourself.
Historically, she wasn't always this way. Life's "challenges" (in the form of not having enough vacations or boyfriends that care...) has hardened her to a not very likable person. Everything is about her comfort and her problems and why she has not been able to find someone who loves her enough to marry her and make her into a mother.
Our patience has just run out.
The harder I work, the more difficulty I have empathizing with people who "make stuff up" to worry about. I'm talking about someone who is very educated and worldly and has had more financial benefits then I'll likely see in my lifetime.
That doesn't make up for what I feel she didn't get -- Humility, tact, empathy, joy and self honestly. It goes to show you, money isn't everything.
I find it very useful to look at myself objectively to see what I am portraying out to the world. Am I behaving in a kind manner? Am I acting like a person other people would like to spend time around? Am I attracting goodness or repelling it? Sometimes the common link to not getting what you want is yourself.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
On Pensions
I got "ticked off" at a comment made by someone the other day. It basically was bemoaning their husband's fully funded and indexed pension and how they cannot possible live off of it....
If I had to come up with enough savings to pay me $45000 after taxes a year for the rest of my life, indexed, with no fear of it disappearing, I'd need an excess of 1 million dollars! Not easy to muster up, especially when she never had a career that "brought home the bacon"!
Not only that, she makes her husband go back to work on contract after he had retired in his 60's, stating, that it is only a 4 days a week, when she quits her job, retires at the age of 57 and refused to go back for a day or 2 when asked because she is enjoying retirement so much. Where is the partnership here?
Perhaps I was oversensitive. I know how much discipline it takes to stay in a career that isn't fun all the time, save money and pay off a mortgage very quickly. It isn't easy. I'd be quite happy and grateful to have a pension, to be paid in addition to getting paid...just for showing up! She has never had to live a life where a significant portion of income needed to be saved in order to plan for future.
It is easy to spend most of what you make when you know you don't need to save. And yes, it is nice to be able to chose the best choices when eating and travelling with such a high disposable income but when all of the people you are speaking to, do not have pensions and cannot spend in such a way, some sensitivity is in order. I would bet that should she have to save 50% of their household income towards retirement, their lives would have been dramatically altered.
If I had to come up with enough savings to pay me $45000 after taxes a year for the rest of my life, indexed, with no fear of it disappearing, I'd need an excess of 1 million dollars! Not easy to muster up, especially when she never had a career that "brought home the bacon"!
Not only that, she makes her husband go back to work on contract after he had retired in his 60's, stating, that it is only a 4 days a week, when she quits her job, retires at the age of 57 and refused to go back for a day or 2 when asked because she is enjoying retirement so much. Where is the partnership here?
Perhaps I was oversensitive. I know how much discipline it takes to stay in a career that isn't fun all the time, save money and pay off a mortgage very quickly. It isn't easy. I'd be quite happy and grateful to have a pension, to be paid in addition to getting paid...just for showing up! She has never had to live a life where a significant portion of income needed to be saved in order to plan for future.
It is easy to spend most of what you make when you know you don't need to save. And yes, it is nice to be able to chose the best choices when eating and travelling with such a high disposable income but when all of the people you are speaking to, do not have pensions and cannot spend in such a way, some sensitivity is in order. I would bet that should she have to save 50% of their household income towards retirement, their lives would have been dramatically altered.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
More Stereotypes Not to Live By
Not to be outdone :) , I too work with a couple of female "stereotypes" that I am shocked by.
C is a successful business owner who cannot understand why she hasn't found "the one" yet. She feels she has a ton to offer the right guy and has gone on hundreds of dates in the last few years.
Here's the catch. She is looking for someone that is willing to work around her schedule, her life and preferably has health/financial benefits that she would be able to take advantage of once things got more serious....
Need I say more?!
What I do not understand, is why would she be hung up on getting financial benefits when she is doing very very well financially, has a source of passive income and is always on the hunt for other business opportunities!
I don't understand this.
Next up...
D has changed careers a few times in her life. Because of this, she is currently starting a new career where there has been a substantial investment in time and money owed along the way. What is the catch?
There is a burning desire and timeline with respect to having children. And she would allow pregnancy to trump debt and career. So much so, she is willing to have children with someone who has a pass and present history of substance addiction, just so she can meet her biological deadline.
Should things go sour, D would not be able to manage things financially at all, on her own. She cannot manage things right now, sans baby.
I just don't get it.
C is a successful business owner who cannot understand why she hasn't found "the one" yet. She feels she has a ton to offer the right guy and has gone on hundreds of dates in the last few years.
Here's the catch. She is looking for someone that is willing to work around her schedule, her life and preferably has health/financial benefits that she would be able to take advantage of once things got more serious....
Need I say more?!
What I do not understand, is why would she be hung up on getting financial benefits when she is doing very very well financially, has a source of passive income and is always on the hunt for other business opportunities!
I don't understand this.
Next up...
D has changed careers a few times in her life. Because of this, she is currently starting a new career where there has been a substantial investment in time and money owed along the way. What is the catch?
There is a burning desire and timeline with respect to having children. And she would allow pregnancy to trump debt and career. So much so, she is willing to have children with someone who has a pass and present history of substance addiction, just so she can meet her biological deadline.
Should things go sour, D would not be able to manage things financially at all, on her own. She cannot manage things right now, sans baby.
I just don't get it.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Catching Up
Now that I'm home, I get to catch up on a few things.
One of the things that's been on my mind is the amount of paper mail we get. I was on the phone with my bank to ask them to discontinue sending paper statements.
Apparently, it is the law in Canada that even though I get my statements via epost, they have to send a paper copy. How backwards is that?! I'm sure it has something to do with covering their behinds with respect to people missing payments but I feel the law has got to change.
On a similar note, I have a few 2 yrs magazine subscriptions that will be ending this year. They seem to come at the same time and prefer to come when we are away so our mailbox is overflowing -- not a great security sign to give out.
So I've changed the mailing addresses to my office. Why has it taken me so long to figure this one out?! (It's my years of living in a gated community that has spoiled me for some things)
I've pretty much decided on the insurance policy we are going with for the cottage. The process to cancel the existing one will be easy -- yeah!
My annual mortgage statement came in the mail while we were gone. One fact on it kinda blew us away.
We started Jan 1 2008 with a 5.1% interest rate and now we sit at 1.6%... How low can it go? I, for one, want to find out.
To end, my Feb month end for work showed an increase in take home pay of $697.90 for March. I'm 3 for 3 in beating the spreadsheet estimates so far this year.
On another lucky note, someone dropped off a piece of Turquoise and Rose Quartz for me yesterday, just like that. They are supposed to promote balance and harmony. Works for me!
I'm going to start my "getting rid of one piece of something a day" venture in hopes to "lighten up" my load at home.
Have a great weekend, everybody!
One of the things that's been on my mind is the amount of paper mail we get. I was on the phone with my bank to ask them to discontinue sending paper statements.
Apparently, it is the law in Canada that even though I get my statements via epost, they have to send a paper copy. How backwards is that?! I'm sure it has something to do with covering their behinds with respect to people missing payments but I feel the law has got to change.
On a similar note, I have a few 2 yrs magazine subscriptions that will be ending this year. They seem to come at the same time and prefer to come when we are away so our mailbox is overflowing -- not a great security sign to give out.
So I've changed the mailing addresses to my office. Why has it taken me so long to figure this one out?! (It's my years of living in a gated community that has spoiled me for some things)
I've pretty much decided on the insurance policy we are going with for the cottage. The process to cancel the existing one will be easy -- yeah!
My annual mortgage statement came in the mail while we were gone. One fact on it kinda blew us away.
We started Jan 1 2008 with a 5.1% interest rate and now we sit at 1.6%... How low can it go? I, for one, want to find out.
To end, my Feb month end for work showed an increase in take home pay of $697.90 for March. I'm 3 for 3 in beating the spreadsheet estimates so far this year.
On another lucky note, someone dropped off a piece of Turquoise and Rose Quartz for me yesterday, just like that. They are supposed to promote balance and harmony. Works for me!
I'm going to start my "getting rid of one piece of something a day" venture in hopes to "lighten up" my load at home.
Have a great weekend, everybody!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Lucky Days
My 2 flights got me home a little ahead of schedule last night, thanks to a favorable jet stream. With daylight savings time and the 3 hours time difference, I am a little wonky this morning.
Lucky D won't be coming home til Sunday so extra ski days for him. For me a 2 day work week, so can't really complain about that. I've ended my ski season a better skier than I started, so I'm very happy about that. It hasn't been easy slaying those fear dragons.
I had the most inspiring driver take me to the airport yesterday. It was just me so I sat up front with him and we chit chatted the time away. He would be in his 60's and was first season working for the resort. Real positive guy for so early in the morning.
Turns out he was awake at 3:30am as he enjoys doing his computer work before getting to his part time job. Also turns out that his computer work consisted of keeping up his skills writing computer code!
He had gone back to university and completed a computer science degree by the time he was 46. Then he worked for a large company for the next 20 yrs. Prior to that, he was a commercial pilot and a scuba diver right out of high school! His next adventure will take him and his wife into rugged northern BC.
By the time he got me to airport (1 hr due to road conditions), he talked me into learning snow boarding. I was so excited, I left my shoulder bag in the van and didn't realize it until I was checking my luggage in. Luckily he was still around.
To round out a great trip, the on board flight TV wasn't "working" properly so we all got the paid per view movies free. And if that wasn't enough, I didn't have to pay for my airport parking ($100) as the self check out terminal was broken! Let the good luck keep rolling!
Lucky D won't be coming home til Sunday so extra ski days for him. For me a 2 day work week, so can't really complain about that. I've ended my ski season a better skier than I started, so I'm very happy about that. It hasn't been easy slaying those fear dragons.
I had the most inspiring driver take me to the airport yesterday. It was just me so I sat up front with him and we chit chatted the time away. He would be in his 60's and was first season working for the resort. Real positive guy for so early in the morning.
Turns out he was awake at 3:30am as he enjoys doing his computer work before getting to his part time job. Also turns out that his computer work consisted of keeping up his skills writing computer code!
He had gone back to university and completed a computer science degree by the time he was 46. Then he worked for a large company for the next 20 yrs. Prior to that, he was a commercial pilot and a scuba diver right out of high school! His next adventure will take him and his wife into rugged northern BC.
By the time he got me to airport (1 hr due to road conditions), he talked me into learning snow boarding. I was so excited, I left my shoulder bag in the van and didn't realize it until I was checking my luggage in. Luckily he was still around.
To round out a great trip, the on board flight TV wasn't "working" properly so we all got the paid per view movies free. And if that wasn't enough, I didn't have to pay for my airport parking ($100) as the self check out terminal was broken! Let the good luck keep rolling!
Friday, March 6, 2009
No Speed Demon
I am far from an adrenaline junkie. D has no qualms about throwing himself down new terrain and laughs when he falls.
As for me, I have not such ambitions. I stick to what I have been introduced to from previous lessons and I am content mastering my technique over and over again. If anything, too much speed burns me out from a nervous system perspective.
We speculated that it has something to do with my inherent wiring. I am naturally more high strung and intense so it doesn't take much to send me over whereas D is naturally more laid back so he loves the more extreme type activities.
Over time just due to practice, I'm sure I'll be more comfortable with the steeps and speed but until then I listen to my stomach.
If it is starting to flop, I back off and call it a day.
As for me, I have not such ambitions. I stick to what I have been introduced to from previous lessons and I am content mastering my technique over and over again. If anything, too much speed burns me out from a nervous system perspective.
We speculated that it has something to do with my inherent wiring. I am naturally more high strung and intense so it doesn't take much to send me over whereas D is naturally more laid back so he loves the more extreme type activities.
Over time just due to practice, I'm sure I'll be more comfortable with the steeps and speed but until then I listen to my stomach.
If it is starting to flop, I back off and call it a day.
Friday, February 27, 2009
What is Going On?!
I don't know what it is.
Perhaps the moon is aligned with some other planet which is having a crazy effect on some wave somewhere but I have come across some strange and disturbing examples of how people are doing business.
As you know, D has been on the hunt for adequate insurance coverage for our vacation properties should they end up being rented out. Meanwhile I have been communicating with Realtors and private sellers in Newfoundland in anticipation of my trip out in April.
Yesterday, D got a quote from an insurance broker who told him that we could have coverage as of 1 minute past midnight even though he didn't require the address of our cottage nor did we receive a policy number or sign anything or even received an application for coverage....
Whereas I have been offered a waterfront home to buy with the closing of my choice and was encourage to not go through a lawyer so I could save money, that they would just fax me some papers to sign and it would be done. He expected that 3 pictures of the outside would suffice and that I would not want to see the inside, do a home inspection or a title search...
Also, I have found that some mls listings photos to be out of date and Realtors refusing to make any effort to update them even though they know I am an out of province buyer who is trying to narrow down a group of listings worth seeing in person. How can they market a property that is not accurate?! Would you buy a property that is supposed to be equipped with certain features after being told that what will be left to you won't be exactly what you see...
On a happier note, we have just checked in and selected our seats for our flights back out west tomorrow morning. I'm thinking that a bit of mountain air will help clear the cobwebs!
Perhaps the moon is aligned with some other planet which is having a crazy effect on some wave somewhere but I have come across some strange and disturbing examples of how people are doing business.
As you know, D has been on the hunt for adequate insurance coverage for our vacation properties should they end up being rented out. Meanwhile I have been communicating with Realtors and private sellers in Newfoundland in anticipation of my trip out in April.
Yesterday, D got a quote from an insurance broker who told him that we could have coverage as of 1 minute past midnight even though he didn't require the address of our cottage nor did we receive a policy number or sign anything or even received an application for coverage....
Whereas I have been offered a waterfront home to buy with the closing of my choice and was encourage to not go through a lawyer so I could save money, that they would just fax me some papers to sign and it would be done. He expected that 3 pictures of the outside would suffice and that I would not want to see the inside, do a home inspection or a title search...
Also, I have found that some mls listings photos to be out of date and Realtors refusing to make any effort to update them even though they know I am an out of province buyer who is trying to narrow down a group of listings worth seeing in person. How can they market a property that is not accurate?! Would you buy a property that is supposed to be equipped with certain features after being told that what will be left to you won't be exactly what you see...
On a happier note, we have just checked in and selected our seats for our flights back out west tomorrow morning. I'm thinking that a bit of mountain air will help clear the cobwebs!
Monday, February 23, 2009
A Pretty Big Glitch
We start this week with a glitch. An insurance related one.
It turns out that our current homeowners' insurance policy for our properties is just that -- for personal use only.
Usually, when I have to speak with a broker about insurance, I'm on the phone for 45 mins or more.
So I got my tea ready and was braced for a barrage of questions this morning about who we are renting to, will there be pets, what are your renters' favorite colours etc etc.
Well, surprise, surprise, the conversation halted in under 2 minutes. Simply put. They do not offer that product nor will they defend us should something go wrong. You will have to find a different insurer completely.
I must admit, I was aghast. Of all the scenarios, I did not expect this one.
Our insurance is with a group insurer, the biggest one in the country for professionals in fact, but I guess in this case, that's not enough.
D is not giving up on his vacation rental dream. He is going to contact his friend, the insurance broker for advice and quotes.
It turns out that our current homeowners' insurance policy for our properties is just that -- for personal use only.
Usually, when I have to speak with a broker about insurance, I'm on the phone for 45 mins or more.
So I got my tea ready and was braced for a barrage of questions this morning about who we are renting to, will there be pets, what are your renters' favorite colours etc etc.
Well, surprise, surprise, the conversation halted in under 2 minutes. Simply put. They do not offer that product nor will they defend us should something go wrong. You will have to find a different insurer completely.
I must admit, I was aghast. Of all the scenarios, I did not expect this one.
Our insurance is with a group insurer, the biggest one in the country for professionals in fact, but I guess in this case, that's not enough.
D is not giving up on his vacation rental dream. He is going to contact his friend, the insurance broker for advice and quotes.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Why Are You There?
This post was inspired by Celes who wrote "Are You Looking For A Relationship To Complete Yourself?" as a prelude to Valentine's Day.
I know a number of people who have rushed into relationships so that they can play the "role" of a girlfriend/boyfriend, which eventually leads to bride/groom, leading to mother/father.
I do believe there can be a lot pressure from societal images that push some to take on roles before they are really aware of what it means to them.
It is fun to put on a dream wedding, be the center of attention at bridal or baby showers put on for you... to buy that dream house with the 2 or 3 car garage... to be the first of your friends to be pregnant...
But love/attraction/chemistry aside, what are you really bringing to the table?
I know a number of people who have rushed into relationships so that they can play the "role" of a girlfriend/boyfriend, which eventually leads to bride/groom, leading to mother/father.
I do believe there can be a lot pressure from societal images that push some to take on roles before they are really aware of what it means to them.
It is fun to put on a dream wedding, be the center of attention at bridal or baby showers put on for you... to buy that dream house with the 2 or 3 car garage... to be the first of your friends to be pregnant...
But love/attraction/chemistry aside, what are you really bringing to the table?
- Someone who is at peace with themself?
- Someone who has enough life experience to know that this is what they really want and am ready for?
- Someone who feels like they have something to offer?
- Someone who is happy with their life and want to share it and build on it with someone else?
Or is it more like:
- Someone who is lonely and afraid of being along?
- Someone who would like a "life" but don't know how to go about getting one on their own?
- Someone who doesn't want to work and want to be taken care of?
- Someone who want to have kids to compensate for their difficult childhood?
- Someone looking to escape from their life at home?
The most inspiring couples I know are ones where both persons are their own person and can function well independently.
- Often they have some separate interests so that there are sharing of ideas and passions.
- Each person is fabulous in their own right so that 1 + 1 = more than 2.
- They have chosen to be in a relationship to enhance who they already are.
- They have chosen to create and build a uniquely combined life where neither loses themselves in the process.
Ah, something to inspire to!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Sunday Ponderings -- Timing
I read somewhere some time ago that:
... you can have everything you want, but not necessary all of it at the same time ...
or some version of the above.
Do you believe that? How does timing affect your decisions? Does opportunities really favor the prepared?
... you can have everything you want, but not necessary all of it at the same time ...
or some version of the above.
Do you believe that? How does timing affect your decisions? Does opportunities really favor the prepared?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Random Thoughts
Had a great ski lesson today. Wasn't all that motivated to go as it was snowing really hard and the drive wasn't so great. But once I was there, the energy of the instructor was contagious and off we went.
Our bank who holds our mortgages did pass along the savings that came with our Bank of Canada lowering their rate on Tuesday. We are now at 2.10% and 2.25% respectively!
With each of the rate increases, the end result is a lowering of our biweekly payments as our bank keeps the same amortization. We know that we're taking a risk here by increasing our payment amount what it was before (thus saving a couple more months of time). The reason it is a risk is that should rates go back up, our payments will also. We are not allowed to lower it once we have increased. So we are gambling a bit.
Cedric is doing great. I'm still working on getting cat sitters for the year. I calculated that if I have someone come in every other day to clean the litter box, play with him, replenish food and water etc. while we are away, it is going to cost around $375 for this year's worth of holidays.
I've finalized a couple of getaways. One includes St. John's, Newfoundland -- can you believe it?! I am going to visit the capital city for 6 days , probably talk to a couple of Realtors and maybe even see a property or 2 if time permits. The areas I'm interested in is about 4 hrs away. I need to figure out what this pull I have for Nfld is all about.
My ski trip in March has gotten extended to 1 1/2 weeks with the scheduled leave right after my last ski lesson.
January net worth went down due to falling investments. I was bummed out about it because I felt our debt repayment and savings efforts should have evened it out. It's amazing how I look to numbers for encouragement. I've also started to update numbers twice a month, again for encouragement!
I'm thinking that my hair donation will happen in May, after I come home from Alaska. By then, the nicer weather will be here.
My local association (re: work) made an urgent appeal for funds for an advertising campaign. I was moved by this year's president and his passion for uniting all in the area to create a common voice and presence. His enthusiasm came through even via email. I replied that he could count me in.
I had been avoiding association meetings for the last 9 years. They turned me off because all I could see was a bunch of people, full of themselves, bragging about their business. There was no networking, mentoring or much good will. I was not going to cut my business day short for that!
When I'm not working at my career job, the last thing I want to be talking about is that. I'm usually off living the rest of my life. I find that I feel uncomfortable around people who live, breath and eat work because inevitably I would end up feeling guilty that I am not working longer and more! When, inside, I'm thinking that they need to get a life!
Finally, there is an opportunity to help out my local ski club. They have been working on expansion plans for the last decade and apparently are very close now. It is a sponsorship thing where you can put your name on the back of a ski lift. I have to get in touch with the person in charge of donations but right now, I'm thinking it would be good place for some of my charity dollars this year.
Our bank who holds our mortgages did pass along the savings that came with our Bank of Canada lowering their rate on Tuesday. We are now at 2.10% and 2.25% respectively!
With each of the rate increases, the end result is a lowering of our biweekly payments as our bank keeps the same amortization. We know that we're taking a risk here by increasing our payment amount what it was before (thus saving a couple more months of time). The reason it is a risk is that should rates go back up, our payments will also. We are not allowed to lower it once we have increased. So we are gambling a bit.
Cedric is doing great. I'm still working on getting cat sitters for the year. I calculated that if I have someone come in every other day to clean the litter box, play with him, replenish food and water etc. while we are away, it is going to cost around $375 for this year's worth of holidays.
I've finalized a couple of getaways. One includes St. John's, Newfoundland -- can you believe it?! I am going to visit the capital city for 6 days , probably talk to a couple of Realtors and maybe even see a property or 2 if time permits. The areas I'm interested in is about 4 hrs away. I need to figure out what this pull I have for Nfld is all about.
My ski trip in March has gotten extended to 1 1/2 weeks with the scheduled leave right after my last ski lesson.
January net worth went down due to falling investments. I was bummed out about it because I felt our debt repayment and savings efforts should have evened it out. It's amazing how I look to numbers for encouragement. I've also started to update numbers twice a month, again for encouragement!
I'm thinking that my hair donation will happen in May, after I come home from Alaska. By then, the nicer weather will be here.
My local association (re: work) made an urgent appeal for funds for an advertising campaign. I was moved by this year's president and his passion for uniting all in the area to create a common voice and presence. His enthusiasm came through even via email. I replied that he could count me in.
I had been avoiding association meetings for the last 9 years. They turned me off because all I could see was a bunch of people, full of themselves, bragging about their business. There was no networking, mentoring or much good will. I was not going to cut my business day short for that!
When I'm not working at my career job, the last thing I want to be talking about is that. I'm usually off living the rest of my life. I find that I feel uncomfortable around people who live, breath and eat work because inevitably I would end up feeling guilty that I am not working longer and more! When, inside, I'm thinking that they need to get a life!
Finally, there is an opportunity to help out my local ski club. They have been working on expansion plans for the last decade and apparently are very close now. It is a sponsorship thing where you can put your name on the back of a ski lift. I have to get in touch with the person in charge of donations but right now, I'm thinking it would be good place for some of my charity dollars this year.
Monday, January 26, 2009
There. I've said it.
I have a secret wish. It has been brewing inside for the past 3 years. D would say he has seen me obsess over it to no end.
Have you ever yearned for something that doesn't really make any sense?
In my case, it is a small home in a rural Newfoundland fishing village.
I've never been there. My desire runs too deep to blame it on advertising. It is like I've lived there before and now want to go back.
The weirdest part? I don't want to go there on vacation. I've booked many trips just to cancel them because the way I was going about it didn't feel right.
I want to just show up there just like that with keys to a home I've never been into.
As you know, I am a big lover of real estate. But I have never purchased property sight unseen nor without any large amount of due diligence.
I see this place as my secret hideaway. A form of escape? A mid life celebration gift to myself? I don't know. I just don't quite understand why I feel for it or where it is coming from.
Have you ever yearned for something that doesn't really make any sense?
In my case, it is a small home in a rural Newfoundland fishing village.
I've never been there. My desire runs too deep to blame it on advertising. It is like I've lived there before and now want to go back.
The weirdest part? I don't want to go there on vacation. I've booked many trips just to cancel them because the way I was going about it didn't feel right.
I want to just show up there just like that with keys to a home I've never been into.
As you know, I am a big lover of real estate. But I have never purchased property sight unseen nor without any large amount of due diligence.
I see this place as my secret hideaway. A form of escape? A mid life celebration gift to myself? I don't know. I just don't quite understand why I feel for it or where it is coming from.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Christmas Cheer?
We had a nice snowfall today. I was out in it and wanted to get a breath of fresh air as well as some seasonal cheer. It was pretty obvious by the amount of traffic and the energy afoot that the Christmas rush has begun. People were carrying lots of packages and there was lots of hurrying about. What I also noticed was that I had a hard time finding someone who seemed happy.
I love the colours and sounds of Christmas time. Even though I do not have many people to buy for, I can appreciate the bright festive displays and decorations. Thus I tend to linger to take it all in. Though Christmas time was not something I was born into culturally, I have embraced the spirit of giving and time with loved ones.
When I see hurried people trying to get things done not looking like they are enjoying themselves or are happy about it, it makes me wonder why? One can blame all sort of things like businesses, family traditions and the commercials etc. But in the end, the choice to engage is a choice. If you cannot do something optional with joy, then why do it?
I love the colours and sounds of Christmas time. Even though I do not have many people to buy for, I can appreciate the bright festive displays and decorations. Thus I tend to linger to take it all in. Though Christmas time was not something I was born into culturally, I have embraced the spirit of giving and time with loved ones.
When I see hurried people trying to get things done not looking like they are enjoying themselves or are happy about it, it makes me wonder why? One can blame all sort of things like businesses, family traditions and the commercials etc. But in the end, the choice to engage is a choice. If you cannot do something optional with joy, then why do it?
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