31 January 2009

It's economy, stupid.


Remember this from the '92 election? It's too bad that we've forgotten it's meaning over the last 15 years. In good times, people tend to think it will last forever and subsequently they make financial choices on that premise.

With this global recession hitting hard...really hard, people are coming to grips with their own financial difficulties. However, I have spoken to many people that react, 'Well, this is bad, but we'll be fine.'

Now how is it that they can have that mentality and other are preparing for the end of days? (ok not the real end of days, but that is how they seem to be reacting). The answer, RATIONAL SPENDING.

I have a neighbor who thinks that all their neighbors are names Jones. (for those of you that don't get that - Keeping up with the Joneses). I can see the spiral they are in, but they cannot seem to see it.

It's OK to spend, but don't spend what you don't have or what you cannot possibly repay easily. And please save. You never know when you'll need it.

Ok, stepping off my soapbox now. Thank you, and good night.

27 January 2009

You Watch That?


Everyone has some television show they watch that makes others say, "You watch that?" Ok, at least I think they do. I have two shows that makes my wife ask me that (she has shows that make me ask her that too).
I began to think about these shows and why I watch them. It finally hit me reading a great post from Danielle LaPorte over at White Hot Truth. She asks "are you willing to be toast?: authentic transformation"
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The two shows in question are 'Clean House' and 'The Biggest Loser'. "You watch that?" you ask. Well yes, and now I know why. Each of these shows are about people transforming their lives, either breaking away from addiction to clutter or addiction to food. And in the process have transformed themselves to become the person they have aspired to be, but never could seem to get there. Sometimes, they did not aspire to be that way, but were unhappy with their lives and could not figure out why.
Each show has lots of tears as the walls that held these people back are broken down and new strengths emerges. That is why I watch. I see the transformations and it reaffirms to me that change is good, examples of what I do not want to be and the happiness that a transformation can bring to someone. The people on these shows need help; help to finally lose the weight or get out from under the weight of clutter.
I will continue to look at myself and see what is holding me back and work on my own transformations.

23 January 2009

Ok, I get it

So I've spent the last week checking out Twitter. At first I pretty skeptical. Isn't this for teenagers? Does anyone care what I'm doing throughout the day? More importantly, do I care what others are doing?

Well, I gave it whirl and it's pretty cool! I have found several people on there that have some great links to interesting articles, just some damn funny things to say, and great info.

It can be a great tool to build your network. I'm not a twitter evangelical, but I'm digging it and see the potential.

Twitter me.