Secret World

Family/Spouse


My wife and I celebrated out sixth anniversary last month.  For our anniversary we went and saw Peter Gabriel perform live in our home town. What made this show ironic was that on this same date six years prior, we danced our first two dances as a married couple to two of his songs.  It was an incredible performance and one that I have anticipated for many years.

As I looked back at our time together and reflected on the "married life" I remembered the live version of one my all-time favorite songs, "Secret World", and it happens to be by Peter Gabriel as well.  In this first clip below, Peter introduces the song by explaining how close a married couple can be and how they can disappear into their "Secret World."

Back when we were dating we would be close on the couch and talk and share things about ourselves.  I told her at that time that I had hoped that we would always be this close and that we would disappear into our secret world. Here we are six years later.  We are at the point were we can exchange a look or two words and know what the other is thinking.  We can tell by a touch what the other is feeling.  We can be quite and still be connected in our Secret World.....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCYXL86rdug&feature=related


I like this version a little better, but both are good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KN1zO-ejJvE&feature=related

The Transmission will Probably Fall Out Now

Personal Finance


Such is life that there will always be unexpected expenses and emergencies that require cash.  In the last year while trying to payoff our debt, I can't count the times that I had to debit our Emergency Fund.  How fortunate we were to have it in place although it wasn't large enough to cover one month's expenses.

As of our last pay day, we met our goal of having three months expenses in an account. It is because of this, that if a problem should arise, we won't have to worry about making a rash decision or use debt.  I have to admit, there is a great amount of peace of mine that comes with being debt free and having an emergency fund.

I can just imagine what is around the corner.  Oh, that's right, it's covered.  

Let's Get Honest

Career

Throughout my career and  in my personal life, I find that I compare myself to my co-workers and colleagues.  Nothing new here, we all do that to some degree.  However, it has been detrimental to me at times. There are times that it absolutely paralyzes me from being able to move forward.  You see, I sit there in meetings and listen to others talk and think, "Wow, that's incredible, I could have never come up with that."  I hate to say it, but these types of situations happen more than I care to admit.  This has to stop. 

I realized this problem a couple of years when I started taking inventory of my day.  This exercise has me at the end of every day writing down my wins and losses.  In these "sessions" I am honest with myself.  Honest in recognizing that I judge myself way too harshly by comparing myself to other people and honest in the sense of what I need to improve such as taking too many short cuts ie being lazy. 

In order to combat these short- comings, I decided to take action.  First, to overcome my self confidence issues I decided to join Toastmasters to be able to articulate my thoughts better. Second, I decided to study my field of business in order to become more knowledgeable about issues that affect my clients.  Lastly, I put in writing things that I have to work on and I review it daily.  After about two years of this I have seen much growth in my confidence. This has been evidenced many times by my manager and co-workers by the comments that they have made to me.

I have learned much over the last two years and because of this and as a result,  I have been more successful in achieving my goals.  However, there are times when that old voice whispers to me, "You fraud.  You have no idea what you are doing.  Don't you know that you aren't any good?"  That's alright.  This is to be expected.  This voice has been part of my life for many years and won't die an easy death. From now on when that voice starts with it's drivel, I will rely on the grace of those around me, make note of the error, and try to learn from it - just like everyone else. 

In the end how about if we set our standard by how much we learn from our mistakes and not by whom we know.

Something Bold

Long Term

Every once in awhile it is good to establish a goal that is almost unrealistic - one that is unabashedly crazy.  While sitting at my desk I thought to myself, "Why not strive to have a paid off house in 8-10 years?"  Yes, it's bold, but I think it can be done. 

You set the goal, establish a vision for achieving it, and then go after it.  Let's see where we are in ten.....

How quickly we Forget

Spirituality / The Faith

In the pursuit of our goals there will be step-backs, side tracks, failures, and times that we want to quit.  When these times present their ugly head we are prone to ask, "Why God, why me?" It is a normal response. Pain and suffering is something that we try to avoid - nothing wrong with that. 

However, when something good happens, why don't we say, "Why God, why me?"  I heard that a couple of days ago and I have pondered it ever since. 

5 Stars out of 5 Stars

Family / Spouse

My wife and I had a date night recently.  It was different from our usual outing.  Usually, we eat at one of our favorite restaurants then catch a movie. However, this time we decided to skip the movie and find a piano bar. After checking out a few piano bars we decided that it just wasn't happening.  We thought about it and decided to have drinks and dessert at a upscale hotel in our fair city.

The restaurant had a panoramic view of the entire city.  It was spectacular to say the least.  As we set there for about an hour and a half.  During this time, we talked for a little bit and other times we stayed quite and enjoyed a moment of peace in a busy life.  We'll have to do again soon. 

First Words

Spirituality / The Faith

As you can see from my Spirituality / The Faith goal page, my current goal is to study Genesis in the Bible and use a commentary as well.  In this morning's study of Genesis Chapter 2, the author of the commentary pointed out a couple of interesting facts that I had never considered.  Here is the verse before I proceed:

Genesis 2:21-23 (English Standard Version)21So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. 22And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. 23Then the man said,

"This at last is bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called Woman,
because she was taken out of Man."

In verse 23 these are the first recorded words of man.  It is important to note that these words are in praise of the great and wonderful gift that was given to him; his wife.  The author further illustrates by saying, "Even though he'd been asleep, he understood where she had come from and what her relationship was to him. He rejoiced at this magnificent gift; he agreed with God that here was a helper suitable for him every way."

I might be taking license with this verse, but there may be some truth to this. With the formation of Eve out of the side of Adam, the first church was established.  Like our first parents on that first day of their church praised God for what He has done, we on Sunday mornings begin with a hymn of praise for what He has done for us as well.  Secondly, like the first church that was birthed out of the side of the first Adam, the second church was birthed out of the side of the second Adam.  This second birth provides salvation for all those who believe.



Note card

Career

My very first class that I took in college was Psychology 101. This is not important necessarily because of what I learned about psychology, but it something else entirely.  It was because of the instructor of this course that I learned how to study.  Looking back at it, I can't believe how simple his idea was.  He said you need to make up note cards after each class then flip through them once a day.  His theory was that by reviewing them once a day you wouldn't have to cram for finals. He was right.  As it turned out, I used this method throughout my entire college experience to much success. 

About a year ago I was approached by the director of a wealth management shop here in my town.  He was interested in me becoming a wealth management advisor for his firm.  Keep in mind that this position is not picking stocks for clients.  In this position I would go and find clients, develop a team around them, and then present what we can do for them.

While this position was very intriguing and the salary significant, I didn't proceed with the interview process. After looking back at that meeting, the reason that I didn't pursue the position was due to my own perceived lack of experience. However, from this meeting I decided that I wanted to become more of a wealth advisor for my clients and not just their banker.

In order to be seen in a new light I concluded that I needed more education in all things wealth management.  Right after that meeting  I ordered a book, Private Wealth Management, and tore right into it.  It was fascinating and difficult to read and I made it about a third of the way in about three months before I decided to read something else.

Recently, I finished three on-line classes that my employer offers.  After thinking about my next education opportunity, I decided to pick up that wealth management book again. This time it was going to be different in how I studied it. This time I made it a goal to study the book one chapter at a time, make note cards, and then flip through them once a day. This is just like my college days. 

To make time for studying, at the end of the work day I try to set aside about 1/2 hour.  Most days I can fit it in and as it turns out,  I have come to look forward to this time of my day.  Since starting this exercise,  I can sense my confidence growing; as evidenced by speaking out more often in client meetings.  This will be part of my career until the day I "retire."

Here's to the simple ideas.  Here's to a teacher from 1992. 

Smokin' in the Boys Room

Career

 The field that I'm in is very competitive.  Therefore, in my position as a wealth management advisor I'm always on the look out for new clients. With that in mind, I guess that it shouldn't surprise me that I actually met a prospect while washing my hands in the restroom of building where my office is located. 

I couldn't believe it.  Here I was talking about my division's wealth management capabilities to a potential million dollar client in the RESTROOM.  The longer I'm in this field, the more I believe that just showing up, being presentable, friendly, and somewhat knowledgeable, goes a long way. 

Here is what has happened since my chance meeting; I called the prospect, explained our capabilities, asked him about his current investment relationship, and set the appointment to introduce to our team. I wish it was always this easy.  However, the sale hasn't been made yet. 

Stepping up to the Plate

Self Improvement / Intellectual

I finally delivered my first speech of the year.  My goal was to give it by March 31st, therefore, I'm a little late.  It's kind of funny how this all came about.

For the last couple of weeks I have really wanted to give a speech.  However, the one I'm working wasn't ready. Then as luck would have it,  I received an email this morning.  My mentor asked me if I wanted to be a speaker today because we didn't have one. I thought about it and told him that I would.  There was only one problem, the only speech that I could give was one that I delivered a year ago. 

I stepped up to the podium, my heart pounding out of my chest, my palms were clammy and launched into it.  As it turned out, I was able to deliver it without my notes - I did use a different ending than the one written here.  I couldn't believe I was able to do it.  It wasn't perfect, but it went well and it built up my confidence.

Speech Title	“Our Greatest Fans”
Manual	The Competent Communicator Manual
Speech project	#6 – Vocal Variety
Time	5-7 Minutes
Purpose	Your voice has a major effect on your audience.  A lively, exciting voice attracts and keeps listeners' attention.  A speaking voice should be pleasant, natural, forceful, expressive and easily heard.  Use volume, pitch, rate and quality as well as appropriate pauses to reflect and add meaning and interest to your message.  Your voice should reflect the thoughts you are presenting.
Project Objectives	§   Use voice volume, pitch, rate and quality to reflect and add meaning and interest to your message. §   Use pauses to enhance your message. §   Use vocal variety smoothly and naturally.

Bang!! The starter pistol fires opening the 400 meter sprint in the 1992 Summer Olympics. 

The runners tear down the track as 65,000 fans cheer them on.  Derek Redmond, the favored, is out in the lead after the first 100 meters.  This was his second Olympics.  Back in the ’88 Games about ten minutes before the race, he had to pull out because of Achilles tendon tear. If he only hangs on for the next 175 meters he will win the race and would fulfill dream of Olympic Gold.  Then it happened. The unthinkable. As he was striding down the track in the lead he heard a pop in his right hamstring.

As he lies on the track he realizes that his dream is over, but he thinks of doing the impossible – finish the race.  Derek waves off the medical crew who come with the stretcher and in searing pain he starts down the track to the roar of cheering fans.

About this time an older man starts pushing his way through the crowd of fans, jumps over the wall, and without any credentials he by passes security. He says to them, “That’s my son out there and he needs my help!”

With about 120 meters from the finish Jim Redmond reaches his son, and wraps his arm around his waist. "I'm here, son," Jim says softly, hugging his boy. "We'll finish together." Derek puts his arms around his father's shoulders and sobs.

Together, father and son, they make their way down the track to the sound of the 65,000 clapping, cheering, crying fans.  With a couple of meters to go, Jim releases his hold on his son to allow him to finish the race under his own power.

Mr./Madam Toastmaster, fellow Toastmasters, and welcome guests.

I once heard it said that no one is self made.  On the contrary, we are merely the products of countless words of encouragement, pats on the back, and hours of instruction.  If we are fortunate, we all have these types of people in our lives.  Derek Redmond certainly did with his father. You could say that the people who provide this support are our Greatest fans.  How about you, who is yours?    Mine is my dad.

It was 1983 and I was in eighth grade.  During these years my dad was an over the road truck driver.  He would be gone all week going to California, New York, Texas, anywhere that people needed Jimmy Dean pork sausage.  In those days the only time that I saw my dad was on the weekends and very rarely during the week. 

At this time in my life I played forward for my school’s basketball team.  Although I was gifted with height, I was remarkably very average on the court.    That didn’t matter to my dad; he was disappointed that he wasn’t able to make any of my games. 

There was one time that he made it back home in the middle of the week.  It just happened to be on game night and he was incredibly excited to be able to attend.  The night was like any other game night.  We started with lay-ups, free throws, and a three person passing drill.  Then the game started.  I wasn’t starting that game, but I knew that I would be brought in later on to give my teammates a break. 

The first quarter went by and I was still sitting on the bench. Then the second started and I started to worry that I wouldn’t get any playing time. All the time sitting there waiting for my chance, I kept trying to make eye contact with coach in order for him to put me in – I couldn’t wait to play for my dad. The third quarter started and after substitutions were made, there I was, still sitting there.  I thought to myself, “Surely he will put me in the fourth.”  About half way through the last quarter it became apparent that I wasn’t going to be playing.  

After the game ended we ran back into the locker room to shower and change back into our street clothes.  I’m not sure why I needed a shower, I barely broke a sweat.  As I was running in, I noticed my dad talking to my coach.  It didn’t look like a pleasant conversation.  On our way to the car my dad explained to me what they were discussing.  He was letting my coach no in no uncertain terms that he was greatly disappointed that his son didn’t get any playing time and that he had waited for this night for a very long time. 

I couldn’t believe my ears. What was he thinking?   My dad sensed my turmoil and explained to me that one day I would understand. At that time it didn’t matter, my dad just embarrassed me and I was afraid that the coach would retaliate.  However, quite the opposite took place.  The next day, my coach gathered the team after practice and apologized for not playing certain players.  He didn’t mention me by name; however, I played the entire next game.  Unfortunately, my dad was back on the road and wasn’t able to make that one. 

As I have grown older and now have a child of my own, I can understand why my dad had that conversation with my coach.  I don’t know if I will do any different than my father did on that night. There are times throughout my day that I daydream about watching my daughter perform in sports, academia, or whatever her talent affords and hope she knows that I’m her biggest fan. 

A couple of months after my dad went to be with the Lord, I ran into a lady that knew him. She asked me how he was doing. I told her that he had passed.  She was surprised and was sad to hear it.  However, she went on to tell me something that I will remember for the rest of my life.  She said, “You know, your father thought the world of you.  Every time he came in here he would always talk about you.  I swear he thought that you hung the moon in the sky.”

There have been many times since that day at the store that I wished he was here.  Wishing that he was here to hear about my promotion at work, to ask his advice, to hear him say, “Don’t let the bastards grind you down” and “You know where you can find sympathy in the dictionary son?” and “Remember, only guppies eat their young.” I wish he was here to hold his grand daughter, to help me finish my races……. to be my dad.

After thinking about all of these things, maybe I was his greatest fan. Maybe I just miss having certain fans in the bleachers cheering for me. 

Mr./Madam Toastmaster, fellow Toastmasters.

Say IT!

Self Improvement / Intellectual

Sometimes in the pursuit of a goal, you will have set backs.  I had one the other day at Toastmasters.  During the meeting I was asked to come up and speak during the Table Topics portion.  During Table Topics the appointed host will ask members to come forward to answer whatever question the host asks.  The purpose of this exercise to is work on our extemporaneous speaking skills.

On this occasion I spoke about the Day of Resurrection.  While giving a passionate explanation of the day my heart starting pumping out of chest, my voice quivered, and I almost couldn't get out what I wanted to say.  It was probably one of the worst Table Topics speech I have ever given in my two years of attending. 

Two days latter at a luncheon the same thing almost happened again; this time I was with a client. At my table there was a minister and her husband and a gentleman from our local public television station.  While we were making small talk the topic of religion came up and I was asked my opinion regarding a certain subject.  As I presented my case my heart started pumping, adrenaline coursed through me, and I started feeling a little nervous.  I thought to myself, "Oh no!  Not again!"

One thing is clear after these two days - I need to understand that if I'm talking about my faith, be careful.

7

The Faith / Spirituality

Many years ago my pastor told me, "There are only two kinds of religion in this world; the two letter-kind and the four letter-kind."  When I heard this I was very intrigued that all religions could be narrowed down to just two schools of thought. He went on to explain that the two letter-kind is the word "do" which means what you must do in order to make it to heaven or an elevated place in the next life.  The four letter-kind is "done" that is what has been done for you because you can't "do." 

Good Friday is here.  This is the day that we observe what has been done for us.  This sacrifice of ours to our God - one that He provided - is for the atonement of our sins.  While atonement was being made for us by Jesus, He said the following from our cross:

THE FIRST WORD "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." Gospel of Luke 23:34

How many times have we been wronged for the slightest offense and hold back forgiveness. However, He took the punishment that was ours.

+
THE SECOND WORD "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." Gospel of Luke 23:43

We often hold our tongues rather than proclaim the Gospel to our neighbors. However, He is the Gospel and freed the captives by taking our punishment.

+

THE THIRD WORD "Jesus said to his mother: "Woman, this is your son".
Then he said to the disciple: "This is your mother." Gospel of John 19:26-27

Throughout our lives we have despised and held back honor from our parents. Jesus died for this sin. He loved His mother and provided for her from the cross.

+

THE FOURTH WORD "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34

Many times we forsake God. Jesus would pray this Psalm when God could not look upon Him and would do for us what we could not.

+

THE FIFTH WORD "I thirst"
Gospel of John 19:28

In the Beatitudes, Jesus said, "Blessed are you that hunger and thirst for righteousness." When we should thirst for the gifts of God, we drink from what this world has to offer. Jesus poured out His blood to for us to satisfy our souls by cleansing us from all sin.

+

THE SIXTH WORD When Jesus had received the wine, he said,
"It is finished";
and he bowed his head and handed over the spirit.
Gospel of John 19:30

PAID IN FULL!!! For all that we could not do and for all that we have done. DONE!

+

THE SEVENTH WORD   Jesus cried out in a loud voice,
"Father, into your hands I commend my spirit": Gospel of Luke 23:46

On the last day we will cry out the same because of Him and what He has Done for us.

Who on the tree of the cross didst give salvation unto mankind that, whence death arose, thence Life also might rise again; and that he who by a tree once overcame might likewise by a tree be overcome, through Christ, our Lord; through whom with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Thy glorious name, evermore praising Thee......

Driving past a church the other day I noticed the message on their sign. It said, "While Jesus was on the cross, you were on His mind."

Behind the Curtain

The Faith

A couple of years ago I went for a long period of time without looking at my checking account balance.  I know, after looking at my goals on this site you are probably saying to yourself, "How can this be?"  It's a long boring story as to why I did this, therefore, I won't go into.  However, there came a day when I had enough and wanted to find out what was in my account, but then I lost my courage because of what I was afraid that there wasn't as much in the account as I thought.  This cycle actually went on and on for about two years. 

Recently a friend asked me about my faith and what I believe about suffering and pain in this world.  While researching my response to her question I came across this quote:

 "Not that I am (I think) in much  danger of ceasing to believe in God.  The real danger is of coming to believe such dreadful things about Him. The conclusion I dread is not, , "So there's no God at all," but "So this is what God's really like.  Deceive yourself no longer." C.S. Lewis The Problem of Pain 

In 1999 I had a "mountain top" faith experience.  It was an incredible moment in my life that I will never forget. I'm not sure if it was genuine, but it set me on a course to discover what God has done for me/us through Jesus.  At that same time I was going through a very difficult heart breaking experience. As I was learning more about the Lord I tried to understand the actions of the person that hurt me and if it was all organized by God; predestined.  It drove me crazy trying to figure it out - it was like a big shell game - is He under here, is He under there?

I asked my dad for and advice and he told me a story of St. Augustine and how he tried to explain the mysteries of God. Augustine said trying to understand the ways of God was like digging a hole in beach and trying to empty the ocean into it.  Even today I hear from fellow believers, "I wonder what God's plan is for my life?" 

After thinking about this subject for many years I have reached the lofty conclusion;  I have no idea how God works in the midst of pain and suffering and whether he allows it, initiated it, or uses it to turn evil into good (think Joseph and his brothers).   Well wait a minute, maybe I do.  I remember that during my lowest points there He was with me. 

The Lord was with me during my broken heart, at the scene of a horrific accident, and at the death bed of my father.  I don't know if He predestined these events or just let them happen.  If He did let them happen, then for what purpose?  I'm told by Holy Scripture to "have the faith of child."  When I tell my little one something about life, she generally doesn't question it.  When the Lord says, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" maybe I should heed His word and trust Him. 


Isaiah 55:8-9 (English Standard Version)
8For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.
9(A) For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

First Quarter Goals Review

Goals

The first quarter in my pursuit of my goals is behind me.  This is also the first quarter in the life of this blog.  What have I learned, what have I accomplished?  Well, it's been busy. 

I do have to say that having my goals listed in a public forum seems to drive me to achieve them.  Everyday when I arrive at my office the first thing I do is check my progress by reviewing my list.  Other times throughout my day I'm  thinking about the progress I'm making, what I should be working on, and making lists.  It has really surprised me just how much mental activity that is produced.  Sometimes it seems a little too intense and creepy.  As with anything new, this should fade and I will learn to manage it better. 

Here is what has happened:

Family/Spouse   
My wife and I went on many dates.  One in particular allowed us the opportunity to dress up.  That is always a fun time for us.  I especially enjoy seeing my wife all "dolled up."  If there was any room for improvement I would say that date night needs to be on Saturday night.  Friday night I have to rush home then we rush out to make it to dinner only to have to wait to be seated.  Then we have to eat quickly in order to make it to the movie.


Spiritual/The Faith     
Every morning before work I take about thirty minutes to explore the riches of the faith.  Currently, I'm reading through the People's Bible Commentary on Gospel of Matthew and reviewing the readings for the upcoming Sunday Divine Service.  I have been in the Gospel of Matthew since last fall.  I enjoy this method of devotions and study.  I should be finished with Matthew in about a month.  I will start on the Book of Genesis next. 

Additionally, every Friday morning at 6am I attend a men's Bible study at my church.  Currently we are studying the Acts of the Apostles.  This is one of my favorite books in the Bible.  There is something about studying the beginning of something that intrigues me.  Every time I read this book of the Bible, I can visualize the Apostle Paul walking through Greece spreading the Gospel. I wish they would make a movie the Acts. 


Financial             
We accomplished a goal that started four years ago; we paid off all of our debt except the mortgage.  Now, we are well on our way to achieving our next goal; an emergency fund of three months living expenses. 

Career             
It has been an incredible thought provoking, difficult, exhilarating time in regards to my career.  Currently, my company is going through many changes.  There have been layoffs and a merger is in the future. The situation has prompted me to consider my long term career plans.  While I love what I do, I am considering a change.  The change keeps me in the same industry, but it will be a tremendous change from how I am paid, my expertise, and would require me to start from scratch in building a client base. 

I can choose to play it safe and continue in my current position.  I had a very good review and I have been somewhat successful. My future, according to my manager, looks bright.   However, I will continue investigating the opportunities that have been presented to me. In fact, another one was added just this weekend.  It's great to be wanted, but it is driving me crazy.

Health
This is has been a terrible time for me in regards to my health and exercise.  In the next quarter I need to make this a focus.  I now have an unofficial goal of being able to run three miles in one session.  At times I really hate running. 

Intellectual / Self Improvement
Three books down and the fourth will be completed soon.  It's been a good time in my pursuit of self improvement.  At times I can't get enough of learning.  Recently I signed up for an internal IRA course.  I'm working on one module a week and should have this completed in 30 days.  Additionally, I have started reading a chapter a week from my Private Wealth Management book.  I'm studying this book like I did in college with note cards. 

To accomplish this I'm working on these two areas during my lunch when I don't have an appointment or around 4:30.

Long Term Goals      
One of our long term goals is to purchase a new home.  With the paying off of our debts, this goal is starting to come into focus.  After our emergency fund is fully funded in June every pay day funds will be deposited into the "house" account. Let the dreaming begin. 

Light Bulb Over My Head

Self Improvement / Intellectual

The older I become, the more I think about the power of ideas and where they come from.   Ideas, as everyone knows, have consequences.  Ideas are probably the most powerful things in all the world.  Just look at the power of the idea of freedom in the Middle East that is taking place right now. 

A couple of weeks ago I was watching one of my favorite shows, No Reservations: Anthony Bourdain.  In this episode he was traveling through Cambodia.  Mr. Bourdain, being a chef,  usually talks to locals about their food, how it is prepared, and what ingredients they use.  He will also discuss with them their culture, traditions, and beliefs.  However, during this episode he delved deep into their history.  It was during this segment that I started contemplating the power of ideas. 

In the early to mid 70's Cambodia was ruled by the the Khmer Rouge.  The Khmer Rouge was the ruling party who's beliefs go back to Marx and Communism.  Here is a short history of the Khmer Rouge:

Khmer Rouge (kəmĕr' Roze), name given to native Cambodian Communists. Khmer Rouge soldiers, aided by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops, began a large-scale insurgency against government forces in 1970, quickly gaining control over more than two thirds of the country. The strength of the Khmer Rouge rose dramatically from around 3,000 in 1970 to more than 30,000 in 1973, enabling most of the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops to withdraw.

In 1975 the movement, led by Pol Pot, overthrew the Cambodian government, establishing "Democratic Kampuchea." The new government carried out a radical program of evacuating cities, closing schools and factories, and herding the population into collective farms. Intellectuals and skilled workers were assassinated, and a total of perhaps as many as 1.5 million died, inclusive of starvation and forced marches. In 1979, after increasing tensions with Vietnam, Vietnamese troops invaded, aiding a rival Communist faction to depose the Khmer Rouge government. The Khmer Rouge, however, continued to field an army of c.30,000 near the Thai border and retained UN recognition as the official Cambodian government.  (source http://www.answers.com/)

What would influence people to kill millions of their countrymen?  What could possibly make them want to radically change the way they lived which is counter to human nature? You guessed it.  It was a terrible, evil, and vile idea that had it's roots back to the 1800's.

Ideas can be the catalyst for national and personal change. We have seen this throughout history.  All it takes is a spark.  Here is what I propose:

 National idea+Balanced budget and paying off the National Debt
In the early 60's President Kennedy issued a proclamation about putting a man on the moon by end of the decade.  What if our country could be inspired to balance the Federal budget and to payoff the National Debt? Yes I know, we are looking at $14 trillion.  In order to do this it would take someone to put forth a clear vision and idea to make it happen. What would make it difficult would be that this leader would be out of office before it would happen.  I think it could happen.  JFK was gone nearly six years after the landing. 

Personal ideas
As I explained in an earlier blog, my family became debt free recently.  That idea came from a book The Millionaire Next Door  and was strengthened by listening to the Dave Ramsey Show. Before reading this book my worldview of personal finance was quite different.  I had a car payment, credit cards, and thought nothing of my net worth.  What's even worse, I focused on my credit score more than my 401k.  Once again, an idea changed the way I saw things. 

My change in thinking in regards to personal finance has me considering the way I think about other areas of my life.  I remember about six years ago my career path took a sudden and wonderful change for the better.  This took place because someone presented me with an idea that I had never considered.  If we can get past the limits that we set upon ourselves, how different things could be. 


A couple of years ago I read a book that has become one of my favorites, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.  This is a very interesting book that has absolutely nothing to do with getting rich quick.  Mr. Hill said "the most powerful instrument we have in our hand is the power of our mind."  Therefore, be careful what you think, it just might come true.

All about Perspective

Career

I was at my weekly meeting with myself this Friday.  After I wrapped up and put things away, the man sitting behind my struck up a conversation.  He asked me, "You have to read a lot for your job?"  I told him that I do.  He asked me what I do and I told him that I work at a bank.  He took a look at me and said it would be great to be able to wear a cool black suit like mine and to work in an office everyday.  I told him that most days it's really great, but there are some that are very stressful.  I explained that sometimes it's difficult to leave my worries at the office.  I then proceeded to tell him about a client that was mad at me last week and how I carried it through the whole weekend; replaying the scene over and over in my mind.

I asked him what he does and he said, "I work in  a body shop."  I told him that must be good job.  Kind of sullen he said, "My body is broken down and my joints hurt all the time. Boy, I wished that I would have went to college." He mentioned college twice now.  To that I told him he could go back even at the age of 54 or maybe even start his own body shop.  He explained that the owner of his shop works until ten every night and that wasn't something that he would like to do.  We parted ways with a quick, "God bless."

While walking back to my car I couldn't get over the fact that someone envied me.  I was just astonished by his comments.  This reminded me of a talk that I attended a couple of years ago.  In this talk a successful business owner told us about the time when he pulled up to a road crew working at a construction site.  One worker on the crew was holding a stop sign that he would turn when it was time for you to go and then turn it again when it was time to stop. 

The speaker looked at this man and envied him for a moment.  He said to himself, "How great that would be.  This is the only thing that man with the sign has to worry about.  I bet he doesn't go home thinking about that sign or lays in bed thinking about it. I can't leave my work behind when I leave my office. Whether I go on vacation or when I lay down at night, there it is, invading my thoughts all the time." 

I guess every vocation has its own blessings and curses.

It's 1992 All Over Again.... Almost

Personal Finance

It was 1989 and my paid off 1979 Monte Carlo, that I tried to fix myself, was just totaled in fire.  To complicate this,  I didn't have insurance.  There I was without a car, what was I to do?  After much thought I decided to take out a $5000 car loan for a 1986 Mustang.   With this brilliant idea here I was strapped to a $183/month car payment, a $180  insurance monthly payment, and no money to pay the sales tax. What made matters worse was I was trying to do this on an income of $4/hour.  This would be my first dealings with credit.

Because of this way of thinking I had to work side jobs in order to make money to pay the sales tax.  Additionally,  I only had thirty days to do this after purchasing the car.  Needless to say, I missed the deadline and was pulled over by the police many times and was given countless tickets for expired temporary tags. It was a terrible circle.  Here I am working a $4/hour job from 12-8pm and then working at a potato chip plant, newspaper company and many other jobs until 4am.  It was a viscous circle.  As soon as I get close to having enough money to pay the sales tax, the police pull me over and write me a ticket, and it starts all over again.  Yep, debt was my "friend." 

Fast forward now to March 1992. I walk into my bank to payoff the car loan.  I pull out my checkbook and write a check for the final payment which is three months earlier than the anticipated payoff date.  I couldn't believe how good it felt to get rid of that burden.  After nearly three years of scraping by, I was finally able to payoff my debt. 

I can still remember those days like they were yesterday; alright last week.  This was my first experience with debt.  You would think that I would have learned my lesson, however, I didn't.  In 1993 I needed a new car.  After listening to everyone else and accepting how the world sees debt, I purchased a brand new Mustang.  Since then, I have made countless bad choices with debt.  I guess I didn't see anything wrong with what I was doing. Heck, this is how we get "ahead" in America or so I thought.

This morning at 8:47 I pushed a button - instead of walking into a bank to write a check - and sent an electronic payment to payoff my student loan; five years early.  The long awaited day has finally arrived.  WE ARE DEBT FREE, except the mortgage on the house.  What an incredible journey. Four years plus of paying down debt only to have unexpected expenses jump out at us. I really don't have an exact number of what we paid off, but I'm guessing it was in the $40,000+ range. 

The world looks much different now.  Our emergency fund - our next financial goal - will be funded in the next couple of months and we will start saving for a new home, car, and retirement.  Free at last!

Misery Loves Company. Ya Sure?

http://blogs.wsj.com/wealth/2011/03/09/dont-envy-the-super-rich-they-are-miserable/


A few weeks ago in my blog entry, "Managing the Store", I  wrote about the advantages of building wealth.  While I extolled the benefits of building wealth, I said little in regards to its' pitfalls.

In the attached link, a blog by Wall Street Journal journalist Robert Frank, Mr. Frank explores what life is like for those who amass a fortune of $25 million+.  As you can see from the article, money of this magnitude brings with it many problems that those in the middle class or below could not possibly understand.  Just because someone has money, it doesn't mean that they are devoid of problems, fears, and anxieties.

"To whom much is given, much is asked."

The Daily Grind

Health

This year I really wanted to place an emphasis on my health. This is not because my health is all that bad.  Actually, I am quite healthy according to my doctor and my blood tests.  I just want to make sure that I am taking care of myself for the rest of my life. By making it a daily - well almost daily - habit, it will just be something I do. 

I started this goal two years when my wife suggested that we buy a tread mill.  When we purchased it, we bought  a weight bench as well.  As it turns out, I started using them in the morning before I went to work.  I have really come to enjoy my workouts and my health has definitely improved.  I have more energy, my cholesterol is in check, and I have lost most of my gut. 

However, it has been difficult here in the winter to get up and workout. My workouts are not killer sessions, but my motivation has been lacking. It has been my goal, this year, to work out four times a week.  I have averaged about twice a week.  I have noticed that it has been easier to get now that the sun is coming up earlier. Hopefully, with the sun being my motivating factor, I can increase my number to at least three times a week.

An Inheritence

Family/Spouse

I was adopted in the early 70's.  In 1973 I was almost four when my adoptive mother passed away after a long battle with cancer.  I remember just a few things about her outside of  what I have been told.  For instance,  I remember laying in bed with her and my dad when I got scared.  I remember  her giving me a bath and swirling the hot water around when the bath water got cold.  There was one time I remember eating at certain restaurant called the Tick Tock.  I even remember the cigarettes that she smoked.

In the years following her death, many of our relatives told me about her.  They told me on many occasions how much she loved me and how hard she fought against the cancer. Even to this day they tell me how proud she would be of me.   I am thankful for their insight and wouldn't trade it for anything - they keep her alive in some ways.  However, I always wanted to hear about her in her own voice even if it was in writing.  Basically, I don't know much about her.

Recently, my mom's sister sent to me a DVD video made from some old home movies.  My mom was in a few scenes and it was great seeing her.  After watching this I started thinking about my own situation and what it would be like for my child if I was to pass away before she could really form in lasting memories. 

While visiting with a client, he told me about a question and answer book for grandfathers.  This book was designed to jog the memory and  had a format to document your responses.  This book would in essence, become a legacy or inheritance for the writer's children and grandchildren.  He went on to tell me that at first he didn't want to do it.  However, after a few questions he couldn't put it down.  I thought, "There has to be something like this for fathers."

After some research on Amazon I found that book. I'm going to a book store in the next couple of days to pick it up.  In case you are interested, here is the title and author; A Father's Legacy: Your Story in Your Own Words by Thomas Nelson.   I have a feeling that this will be an interesting project and will accomplish what I hope. 

I have learned that passing on values, traditions, the faith, and wisdom as an inheritance are just as important as leaving money.