Archive for April, 2003

So Very Tired

Monday, April 28th, 2003

Tired imbues so many connotations that it’s difficult for the humble reader to ascertain of which tired the author bespeaks. Is it a tiring of the soul? of the occupation? or of the body, which connects all others?
This question and others haunt your humble life correspondent in these bewitching hours as many have throughout this night-time grand experiment. It’s like I’m jobless with a job, homeless with a home, and soulless with a soul. Forgive the redundancy but dear reader, I am so tired that time and space have molded into one. Breathing is heavy and laborious, movement and equilibrium are cruel, albeit lacking necessities, but in the sickest sense, the brain trecks onward.
Insomnia in its purest form is the culmination of these opposing forces. The brain, restless, the body numb, and the hippocampus lacking the ability to differentiate between the lot. Genetics can play cruel tricks on a being, but the brain can play much crueler games with the being as it exists. This is why, fair readers, psycho-analysts have jobs, teachers label students, and a certain, prescribed percentage of us will ever truly be what we wanted to when we grow up.
Fate, the government, and those at the top are just a few of the opposing forces to real progress. These foes pale in both comparison and significance to man’s own willingness to self-defeat. In essence, we are all but frogs in a slowly boiling pot.
I always found the connotation of the melting pot to be ironic in that sense, in those rare read between the lines subconcious senses that we all too often ignore, brush aside, or forgive for being subpar.
I take that back, to be is, in essence, to excel. Existence, the act of being’s conniving portrayer of the opposite whose title I cannot at the moment recall, gets blurred so effectively in this world that the two - under our legal systems and the systems of this democratic society within which we live, breathe, and fight - become equal.
For isn’t that the basic construent of our very own declaration of independence? “..we hold these truths to be self-evident.. that all men are created equal..” At times like these, dear reader I disagree with the baseness of this statement. At times when I’m tired, and poor, and in need of everything I haven’t yet accomplished. When such accomplishments can achieve an awesome visage, to the point of fixating your humble author within the very same caricature of a poor, witless deer facing death in the eyes of halogen headlights… everyone loses.
The government loses, because I - now angry at the very system so treasured throughout my years - rebuke that system, and live within my needs, neglecting the purchase of wares from other lands made by other poor souls; I neglect to blindfully imbibe in the ritualistic ad campaign and televisional narcolepsy - and at this pivotal moment of convergence, I lack value in this nation’s economy, gross domestic product, and tax structure.
I become UnAmerican by the new millenial definition of what it is to be American within America. Ironically, this attitude gives me a new purpose. A greater sense of clarity is obtained in these moments of rebuke. A clarity of self, of worth, and value, are for Middle Class America the equivalent of damnation in the highest order.
I am no longer a cog in the wheel of our new Service-Based Progress. I am a straggler, a foreigner.. in effect I’m a rebel.
Rebellion is what made this country. So many people with their big fortunes and sprawling estates forget that. Sure, they celebrate it when appropriate. When it impacts the bottom line of a service-based economy’s productivity they too, will wave their flags and chant their chants.
Do not fall victim dear reader. Subsequently, do not protest loudly - protest quietly. In dark rooms and in late nights when most are aslumber, plan your plans, dream your dreams, hold what you can before it too, is taken away, in the same silent subtlety that brought us here, now.
Maybe the reader is upset now. Maybe the reader has the reader’s favorite program playing quietly in the subconcious of this space in which we share. And quite possibly, the reader wonders why he’s reading onward. Are there answers to the burning questions that haunt the reader at these pivotal moments in life?
Does the author hold the key to such profundities? The answer is a clear and resounding yes. The author has each and every key and answer for his existence, and his profundities.
Whether his or the readers are the same, or whether the answers correlate, is something that will be determined in fair time. That is both my hook and line. Above all else, it’s a promise I plan to keep.

Taming the Debt Monster

Friday, April 25th, 2003

I’ve reached that time in the pay period where I figure out what I’m paying for next period. The resulting payout is discouraging. I don’t believe I’ll be able to afford the test this pay period. In all honesty though I haven’t studied. Ironically, blogging has this new “I haven’t studied” dark cloud over the horizon. I must break through this very soon. I’m thinking I’ll start studying tomorrow. Wait, no. Rereading that makes me mad that I’m so him-haw about it. Screw that! I WILL study tomorrow. I CAN’T WAIT to study. It’s going to be so much fun.
Dave Ramsey
My ability to stay focused on living within my means and getting out of debt has lead me to this guy. I found him by accident when listening to This American Life. He’s an inspiration. I find myself going through my bills and yelling at myself with his southern drawl. I found myself yesterday wandering through the aisles of my new local ALDI store muttering ‘rice and beans.. beans and rice..”.
His Friday show has been awesome. People call in after getting completely out of debt, and it’s just so exciting. It’s also a great motivator. If I stick to “Rice and Beans” I should be able to kill the debt monster by the end of September.
My Birthday Gifts
I spent 62 dollars of my birthday money. It went to great stuff that I know I’ll use. Mainly:
-A Crock Pot
-Will Durant’s book “The Story of Philosophy”
-A Panasonic Digital Camera.
Cudos to Ebay and half.com for helping me stretch the money, and to Dave Ramsey for helping me to focus more on getting completely out of debt. Thanks also go out to Mary Hunt for teaching me that getting out of debt doesn’t mean total despair or lacking in life.
Cable Disconnect
I lose all but my local channels on Monday. That’ll save me 43 bucks a month. Yipee!
I’ll be watching my last Six Feet Under and HBO Boxing for a while this weekend. I’m okay with it though because in only 5 months I’ll be out of debt, and able to afford it again. Having my money and the time to get my certifications done is a priceless investment that I’m happy about.
I promise to study tomorrow at least 6 hours. I promise this knowing that I love to study, time flies when I do, and I’ll feel awesome after doing it. I further commit to post as soon as I finish studying. Rock on and see you tomorrow! -Jimmy

Untitled

Sunday, April 20th, 2003

I’m worried that this site is growing a life of its own, as this’ll be my third post in nearly a week. Happy Easter, Fair Reader! I hope all is well with you and yours.
About Easter and Family
Living away from home is fun, challenging, rewarding, and at times, totally booty. (Booty, as in, not cool, a pain, inconvenient, et.al.) Mainly around those holidays I’m not home. Never the less, I’ve spoken with my family today, and I feel all warm and fuzzy from doing so. I can picture everything based on our phone conversations, which to me is a sign that:
A. I’ve been doing the phone home stuff too long.
B. If and when I settle down, Chicago may have to be the place.
C. I love my family a lot.
A few emotional indicators on this topic include:
A. Last night while driving home from a job application fill-out for Papa Johns as a driver, I heard that “Already There” song.. you know the country one .. “I’m already there, take a look around.. ” that got me near tears, which hasn’t happened.. umm.. ever.
B. I’ve placed work above social life, which while in writing looks good, in life can be troubling.
So my big Easter plans include work, a little light reading, and that’s about it. I will be going into the office tonight, because I’ve sent emails promising to deliver stuff by Monday morning, and I need to reassure myself that my office still exists, and that my desk hasn’t been frettered away.
I love my job. I think that’s a beautiful thing. If you can do something that motivates you and inspires you, then it’s not really work, is it? My job encompasses everything I hoped to be doing 10 years ago, and then some.
Now the problem with that scenario is one could and some say should, easily slip into satisfaction and ‘let it ride’. However, the GDY (goal-driven yahoo) in my head tells me, begs me, pleads for me to reach the next level. When I listen to him, which isn’t often enough, I get uncomfortable.
Why?
Suddenly all of the good things that satisfy me, and make me happy, are suddenly not good enough. The old me says, Hey! We’ve worked our ass off to get here, and now you’re just going to put that aside and get uncomfortable, and take on more? Are you nuts? Let’s enjoy this! After all, we worked so hard to get here!
And then the GDY says that we must move forward, and that the next step has been laid out for years. We knew that though, didn’t we? Don’t we now? Isn’t that why everything doesn’t feel so right in the world? Honestly, Jimmy. You know what you have to do. What you’ve done so far would be a lot for the commoner to do in a lifetime. We’re not bragging here, we’re just being honest. Excellence - its pursuit, and elusivity, is precisely found in this struggle, and how it is handled.
Obtaining clarity on these goal steps are part of the reason this blog and these words are here. Jimmy, you’ve stepped in and out of different clothing to arrive at the starting line again. Pursue these steps, and you may experience life at the next level.
The COM(commoner/old me) rushes in to defend, and criticize: How do you know that these things can be done? Furthermore, how clear is the picture of that which the GDY wishes to pursue? He’s holding on for dear life. All of the work that went into making Jimmy up to this point was his doing. The sweat, the tears, the long nights, the addiction reversals, these are all his doing. Rightfully protective of his investment, he fears and loathes the GDY for his apparent redesign concept of Jimmy.
The GDY sits back and smiles at his friend, offers a hearty laugh and handshake. “My good friend, you are with me, and I am with you. We are one and the same. Your positive influence over where we’ve gotten are the culmination and root of my very existence. You brought me into being. I am your offspring, and I hope to carry your good points into this brave, new world.”
The COM thinks for a moment, realizes he’s staring at his own son, and tears well up in his eyes. “Go forward son, make this new life real, and I will do what I can to help.”
Every step of where we go in life has these same characteristics, I think. The ‘Old You’ versus the ‘New You’. If they can agree, then progress can be made more rapidly, I believe, then you ever dreamt possible.
So, dear readers, on this Easter Sunday, a day of rebirth, I tread out cautiously into the new world of discovery. My fears are great, my hopes are high, and my resolve is shaky. I’m being honest. The COM is still in charge here, but his son has ambitious plans for the Jimmy Enterprise. What are those plans? He’s glad you asked:
A. Continue on the established debt reduction plan, which should be completed by year’s end.
B. Achieve Microsoft Engineer Certification. The goal deadlines are as follows:
1. Get the first 4 tests done by May 15th. This would match the proposed schedule that Boot Camp Training would have given us, without the $4500 expenditure.
This is a worthy goal that would legitimize the enterprise’s decision to forgo the training, and head the enterprise in proper direction for certification. We’ve estabished a trend of studious enjoyment, as witnessed in our 4/18/03 shareholder meeting. This pivotal distinction has paved some of the grounds for completing this.
2. Finish the remaining 3 tests by August 17th. This dateline represents the historical 5 year anniversary of the COM’s entry and deployment in the enterprise.
C. Achieve SQL DBA certification by September 10th. This will allow the enterprise to provide multiple angular distinctions for future profit or income growth.
D. Achieve CCNA (Cisco Administration) certification by October 10th. This will provide the backbone of the enterprise’s expansion into the world of internetworking, which will provide additional profit streams for the enterprise.
E. Achieve CCNP, a grade level two proficiency profit structure for the enterprise by December 20th. This will provide the enterprise with a categorically larger portfolio of investment capital.
F. Obtain earnings within the range of $70-75 thousand annually by February 1st. This will allow the enterprise to begin investment streaming, which will provide the necessary capital to, within a 5-10 year timeframe, provide a structure to ensure continuing profitability with the least necessary investment of time and resources.
The One Year Projection: Within one year, the enterprise’s locale is uncertain, and will change based on economic indications. If the objective in item F is met, the locality of the enterprise will change. The assets of the enterprise will remain constant, however, providing higher profit yields in both the short and long term. The importance of the financial health of the enterprise will remain the number one priority, and is based on the following assumptions before any movement or locale change is made:
A. Sixth months of enterprise operating capital is liquid and available.
B. The Enterprise Emergency Operations Fund is fully operational.

What I’ve Learned Today

Friday, April 18th, 2003

I’ve learned that studying is fun if you’re enthusiastic about it.
I’ve learned that I’m not bad at studying.
I’ve learned that labels like ADD, or hyperactivity, or procrastination can damage you for years of your life.
I’ve learned that I’m tired of giving excuses and probably, other people are tired of hearing them.
I’ve learned that sometimes your best friends aren’t the people that you hoped they’d be.
I’ve learned that solitude has its rewards.
I’ve learned that telemarketers aren’t bad people. (What does it mean if you spend an hour and a half on the phone with someone trying to sell you something? Is that like anorexic prostitution?)
I’ve learned that my novel is further along then I had thought, and that it’s something that’s wilting and in desperate need of water.
I’ve learned that four thousand dollars is more money than I could spend in one fell swoop.
I’ve learned that bad credit is a good teacher.
I’ve learned that in one day, you can accomplish a measurable amount.
I’ve learned that Sunday is Easter.
I’ve learned that the Bible’s a pretty good read.. It’s the Chicken Soup For the Soul - Old School Style.
I’ve learned that Full Moons are mysterious in their uniqueness.
I’ve learned that compassion and understanding from those you love is a necessary elixir.
My Quote of the Day: “Each indecision brings its own delays,
And days are lost lamenting o’er lost days,
Are You in Earnest?
Seize this very minute. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.
Only engage and the mind grows heated.
Begin, and then the work will be completed.”
-John Anster
So? What have YOU learned today?
Keep it real and focused and true, dear reader, and I will keep along with you. -Jimmy

So Anyways..

Saturday, April 12th, 2003

I’ve been finding the meaning of life over the past few months. Sorry about the delay but it was of utmost importance.
The answer quite simply is love. Find love and you’ll find meaning. If you have to ask yourself if you’ve ever been in love then you haven’t. I won’t go on about this, but it truly is the best anti-whatever drug on the market.
Living and loving the frugal life
I’m trying to save money because I have this weird hunch that we’re heading for a depression. The likelihood of that happening is slim, but my thinking is, Hey the worst that could happen is that I get completely out of debt and have money saved on the side.. How is that a bad thing?
I’ll post my meanderings on this as I see fit.
The Night Crawler
I’m working the midnight shift for the rest of this month, and have been for about a month now. It’s not bad. I’m able to work from home and save more money. Quite honestly, save for Denny’s, or Perkins, what can I spend money on working at this late hour?
Economic Indicators
You know it’s bad when you start hearing the pyramid schemes. Don’t get me wrong, a lot of people have made a lot of money doing things like Amway or door to door selling, but who has the time for that?
Another bad economic indicator, the jobless number, has been insanely high lately. My thought is if you can count the number of people you know who lost their job, and it takes both hands, things are poopy.
ALDI - I must say that my new favorite store is Aldi. I’ve cut 40 bucks off my weekly grocery bill by shopping there. I’ve met a lot of nice people there too, friendly folks just trying to make a go of it. It’s heartening and helping me to focus.
The Library - The fun of Borders without the price tag. Don’t get me wrong, I still shop at Borders.. with a notepad of what books or music I want. Then I go to the library and check it out. Ditto that on Blockbuster. Who’s got 4 bucks to throw at a movie? Add to that the cost of driving there, and it’s nuts. Most libraries rent DVDs now. I’m on a quest to see all of the AFI’s 100 of the Century, and my local library makes it fun and cheap. The librarians are fun analytical people too.
Anorexic Shopping - This was an early budgeting step… In an effort to overcome my need to shop, I’d go to my favorite store, buy what I wanted, get the fulfillment of that experience, and take it all back within 30 days. I didn’t use what I bought. Instead I kept a checklist of the number of times I would have used the item, and found that I wouldn’t have much at all!
The Starbucks Factor - One of the great things about budgeting was keeping a list of all my expenditures. I spent on average, $2.10 a day at Starbucks. Over two years that’s over a thousand dollars. The night shift has convinced me that I don’t need gourmet coffee. So out with that nonsense.
Thermo Stat - Did you know that for every degree less you put your thermostat, you save 2-3% on your gas or electric bill? I threw on a sweater and turned mine down 10 degrees, and am happily saving $10-20 bucks a month.
The cooler air keeps me motivated and less lazy too.
So I’m saving money and actually putting 25% of my income into savings, and an additional 6% into my 401K. I’m still alive to talk about it! Do I still have debt? Yes.. actually about $8630. It was fourteen thousand a year ago.. so I’m making progress. But I finally realized the importance of paying yourself first. I’ve got a tiny emergency fund. Hopefully in another year it’ll be 6 months worth of living capital, that will put me at ease.
Giving it away - You’ve got to give to the less fortunate.. it’s a rule of budgeting.. so I give 10% away to charity too. I think of it as a selfish thing, because it makes me feel really good.
So I’m in love, saving money, and loving my job. What more could a guy ask for? I’ll see you at ALDI, -Jimmy