This morning during my commute to work I glanced in the lane to my right and saw a man driving a mustang and eating Cheetos! It made me smile and say out loud, "I ain't mad at you, Brother." I quickly glanced at the clock display in my car and thought, Wow! Cheetos at 7:32am! That's the good life!
When I arrived at work and was leaving the parking garage, I ran into a co-worker. As he and I approached our departments he asked me if I liked Pico de gallo. I told him that I love it- which I do especially if it has a lot of cilantro and is spicy. He pointed to one of the three bags he was carrying to signify that container was pico de gallo. I asked what he planned to eat with it and he said chips. Yummy! I must have made the yummy sound out loud because he agreed to call me when he breaks it out to eat. I can't wait!
While I was filling my water bottle for the morning, I noticed on the table nearby a container of Snickerdoodle cookies. I thought, Praise the Lord, I do not have to buy any cookies out of the snack machine today. I yelled to the closest person in that section of my department that I was taking two cookies so they did not think I was stealing from their area. The person came over and replied that she did not even know the cookies were there. I reminded her they were leftovers from our department luncheon yesterday. They were still soft. So, yes I ate them already this morning.
I have heard people use the phrase "Life is too short..." as justification for eating cold pizza for breakfast or charging on their credit cards knowing they will have to work overtime to pay it off. I beg to differ with both of these excuses. Life is not too short for those of us who enjoy indulging ourselves every now and then. If I had a slice of Godfather's or NY Style pizza in my fridge this morning, I would have eaten it with no guilt or justification except I was hungry. If I wanted something bad enough that it will take future sacrifices to pay off, I might charge it. Wait, I did- my elliptical machine. Okay, my justification is that it is durable, long lasting and not gone after a few minutes like that guy's cheetos. Regardless, do not use the phrase Life is too short" as justication for eating whatever you want when you want. Eat your favorite snacks or meals at odd times in moderation because it makes the moment special and the food taste better!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
All By Himself
One of my co-workers/friends, Mrs. M, just came from having a second breast exam after her primary doctor told her he felt a lump in her breasts. This is the second time they found a lump and the first time- several years ago- she was on her way to surgery when they checked her again, and found nothing! Yes, no lump, no abnormalities, nothing! Therefore no surgery or treatment was needed.
Prior to her going to the doctor this morning, she received confirmation that there was no cancer or abnormalities in her body in one of the strangest ways. A woman who use to attend her church, called her out of the blue stating that God had given her a Word to share with her. This woman had no idea that my friend had been to the doctor nor was going for additional tests. The Word from the Lord was that no sickness would harm my friend and that she will live a healthy life. I am paraphrasing but that was the jest of it. This is testimony to the popular phrase: God is God all by Himself!
So today at work we are dancing in celebration of God's faithfulness and power as it is displayed in my friend! To God be the glory!
Prior to her going to the doctor this morning, she received confirmation that there was no cancer or abnormalities in her body in one of the strangest ways. A woman who use to attend her church, called her out of the blue stating that God had given her a Word to share with her. This woman had no idea that my friend had been to the doctor nor was going for additional tests. The Word from the Lord was that no sickness would harm my friend and that she will live a healthy life. I am paraphrasing but that was the jest of it. This is testimony to the popular phrase: God is God all by Himself!
So today at work we are dancing in celebration of God's faithfulness and power as it is displayed in my friend! To God be the glory!
Monday, November 13, 2006
No Credit, No Problem
This weekend was the second session teaching teens in the Upward Bound program about money management. I was up at 3:30am on Saturday making sure everything was organized and asking God to help me think of three games to play to keep their interests and for them to "get it".
As the students arrived in the classroom, I remembered the familiar faces and noticed several new ones. I found out from the Director that this Saturday morning session was an elective for them so it was completely optional if they attended or not. I was impressed to have approximately 25 young people there to learn about Saving, Borrowing and Credit.
One of the students who attended last month's session was eager to come before the class and share what he did with the $20 they received for attending last month. I knew he must have done the right thing since he was so eager to share. So I had him and three other returning students stand in front of the class and share. Most saved portions of it while spending the rest on personal hygiene and fast food. I was impressed.
After listening to them, the new students chose to save theirs. One male student stated he planned to spend his on socks and underwear. I reminded the class this was a good thing because he was investing in himself. Another student remembered he had a basketball game later in the week, and changed his answer to save it for the game and go to McDonald's after the class. You have to appreciate their honesty.
The highlight was when I divided the room in two teams. Women on the left and men on the right. I picked one student from each group and gave them a fake credit card. The woman had $500 credit limit with 25% APR. The man had a $5,000 credit limit with 10% APR. I explained why the interest rates and amounts differ based on their pretend credit history. The goal of the team was to help each person buy 2 needs and 2 wants after their household bills were paid. So I threw out numbers for rent, car payment, gas, electric, phone, and groceries based on them making $1,000 per month. I have to say the men did much better than I imagined.
They had their team rep drop his girlfriend to save money. Actually they said she died so that saved him an extra $25 month. His car broke down so instead of replacing or fixing it, he bought a bike from the Pawn Shop and carpooled to work other days. The excess cash he had left over went toward clothes from Foot Locker- 2 shirts on sale, shorts on sale and shoes on sale. They never used the credit card at all.
The women never used their credit card either but the twist I added to theirs was that they worked far from where they lived so gas expense would be higher. They chose to get a roommate to cut the rent in half plus move to apartment where the electric bill was part of the rent. Very smart, I thought. Plus they bought one skirt with two blouses to match to save money on their wardrobe. Then I threw in additional twist that the car broke down so they decided to ride the bus since it was free for now due to bus drivers striking.
I was very proud of them thinking of creative ways to cut their expenses and not use a credit card. I want to do the same exercise with the parents who are suppose to attend the session in December but I doubt it will be as fun. Adults can connect this to reality which may be painful for somebody. I will try to do something similar to reach the goal of saving over spending, and rewards in cutting your expenses. We'll see what happens...
As the students arrived in the classroom, I remembered the familiar faces and noticed several new ones. I found out from the Director that this Saturday morning session was an elective for them so it was completely optional if they attended or not. I was impressed to have approximately 25 young people there to learn about Saving, Borrowing and Credit.
One of the students who attended last month's session was eager to come before the class and share what he did with the $20 they received for attending last month. I knew he must have done the right thing since he was so eager to share. So I had him and three other returning students stand in front of the class and share. Most saved portions of it while spending the rest on personal hygiene and fast food. I was impressed.
After listening to them, the new students chose to save theirs. One male student stated he planned to spend his on socks and underwear. I reminded the class this was a good thing because he was investing in himself. Another student remembered he had a basketball game later in the week, and changed his answer to save it for the game and go to McDonald's after the class. You have to appreciate their honesty.
The highlight was when I divided the room in two teams. Women on the left and men on the right. I picked one student from each group and gave them a fake credit card. The woman had $500 credit limit with 25% APR. The man had a $5,000 credit limit with 10% APR. I explained why the interest rates and amounts differ based on their pretend credit history. The goal of the team was to help each person buy 2 needs and 2 wants after their household bills were paid. So I threw out numbers for rent, car payment, gas, electric, phone, and groceries based on them making $1,000 per month. I have to say the men did much better than I imagined.
They had their team rep drop his girlfriend to save money. Actually they said she died so that saved him an extra $25 month. His car broke down so instead of replacing or fixing it, he bought a bike from the Pawn Shop and carpooled to work other days. The excess cash he had left over went toward clothes from Foot Locker- 2 shirts on sale, shorts on sale and shoes on sale. They never used the credit card at all.
The women never used their credit card either but the twist I added to theirs was that they worked far from where they lived so gas expense would be higher. They chose to get a roommate to cut the rent in half plus move to apartment where the electric bill was part of the rent. Very smart, I thought. Plus they bought one skirt with two blouses to match to save money on their wardrobe. Then I threw in additional twist that the car broke down so they decided to ride the bus since it was free for now due to bus drivers striking.
I was very proud of them thinking of creative ways to cut their expenses and not use a credit card. I want to do the same exercise with the parents who are suppose to attend the session in December but I doubt it will be as fun. Adults can connect this to reality which may be painful for somebody. I will try to do something similar to reach the goal of saving over spending, and rewards in cutting your expenses. We'll see what happens...
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