It seems like this blog thing has either gotten old or people just don't post comments. Even the other 3-4 blogs I read don't have as much commenting as they used to. In my opinion, that's what is fun and addicting about this. So again, don't be a blog voyeur...post a comment! :)
I'm sitting here in Saginaw, the night before my first day on my new job. Normally, I'd be a little nervous, but I'm not now. Probably because I've worked there before, so I know what to expect. My role will be different, but the environment is still pretty similar. Everyone asks, "So what will you be doing?" Well, it's a little difficult to fully explain if you're not familiar with what "money managers" do, but I'll try to simplify it. GIM (Green Investment Management) markets their services to brokers across the country. These brokers generally offer full service investing to their clients...everything from small cash accounts to indivdual stocks to bonds to mutual funds, etc. However, you've heard the old saying "Don't put all your eggs into one basket", right? Well, when a client has a significant amount of money, it is essential that they diversify, but they don't have the knowledge, time, and/or desire to do so, so they hire a money manager. Money managers, with respect to the industry terminology, are not brokers, and likewise, brokers are not money managers. So brokers defer these larger accounts to money managers, who then diversifies the client's money and watches it on a daily basis. The money manager earns a fee, let's say 2% of the account balance, and the broker earns a smaller percentage, say 1%. So the client effectively pays 3% for the money managers' services. GIM has a unique style of management. Not only does GIM employ an asset allocation strategy, they integrate an active style of management, commonly refrred to as "market timing." Byron Green, the owner of the firm, has developed a sophisticated economic model that forecasts the direction of the economy. As he sees definite trends forming, he moves in and out of the market to take advantage of various opportunities in the market. For example, if his model signals an upturn in equities (or stocks), then he will sell a percentage of bonds among the various allocations and buy a healthier position in equities. The actual investments are almost exclusively mutual funds. If you have a long time horizon, and you're comfortable with a little more risk and fluctuations in your portfolio, then you may have a "growth" asset allocation, which may consist of 85% equities and 15% bonds/cash. The 85% equities may be made up of 4-5 different mutual funds, making sure there is no duplication of holdings within each mutual fund. OK, I just realized I'm babbling and you're probably about to fall asleep. So in short, GIM is an active asset allocation money manager. My role as Director of Operations is to ensure that all of the operations of the business are completed in an acceptable manner. Why couldn't I just leave it at that?!
Well, the commuting has begun. I am staying my aunt and uncle's house now, and will during the weekdays, and then I will go back to my family in Wichita Falls on the weekends. We are scheduled to close on our house around March 16th (our 9 year anniversary!), so hopefully we'll only have to do this for 2-3 weeks. We had the house inspection Saturday, and the appraisal should be completed tomorrow. HOpefully the builder will begin reconverting the garage and some other projects this week! I'll post some more pics of the house in a day or two. But now I will go to bed and get a good 6 hours of sleep before my first day on the new job. I'll try to post more often to let you know how the new job is going.
2.28.2005
2.22.2005
I'm Still Alive...
As I sit here listening to the rain and thunder, as nice as it is, there's a sick feeling tugging at my stomach as I think about how busy work will be tomorrow thanks to the nickel and quarter sized hail that fell in areas nearby. UGH! My last 3 days of work at State Farm was SUPPOSED to be smooth sailing. Maybe everyone pulled their cars into their garages and we will not have any claims to file. (yea right!)
Sorry for disappearing from the blog world...I've obviously been pretty busy lately. Here's a brief update: We have verbally made an agreement with the builder of the house in Saginaw we're trying to get. He wasn't budging on price, so we asked for him to throw in the farm, and he's obliging to most things. In addition to him paying almost all of the closing costs, he has also agreed to install rain gutters, window coverings in the bedrooms, a garage door opener, and the street number on the mailbox. He will also finish sodding the backyard and will convert the garage back to a garage (it is currently closed in and was used as the office since it was the model home). We also asked for a refrigerator, but he said that was too much. However, he said we could use his name at his appliance vendor and buy a refrigerator at a good discount. So, now we just have to sign the contract, send in our earnest money (which he agreed to accept only half of standard amount), wait for him to finish the work (convert garage, install gutters, window coverings, sod back yard, and some other structural projects), have the inspector come out, do a final walk-through, and then close on the loan!! Our realtor feels pretty confident we can close by mid-March. We shall see! Here's a pic of the house, before converting back to garage:
I went to Fort Worth today for an introduction meeting at Green Investment Management, and to fill out some paperwork. They gained 20 new accounts today (about $3million in assets!)!! I tried to connect with each person (half of which I already knew), and my perception of a strong team environment was only reinforced. I am very excited about this new job and I think I'm coming in at a great time. From what I've heard so far, I think the assets under management could easily double within 4-5 years! Wonder if my paycheck will....HA!
I rode down with my dad, and he sat outside and read a book for 3 hours while I was in the office. On the way down, we heard on his CB radio that a highway patrolman was out around Bowie. So we see him a few minutes later on the other side of the highway. Here's the funny (and not so funny) part: a few minutes later, my dad says something like "They normally leave you alone if you're only going 80 or so." Not 10 seconds later we see another highway patrolman on the other side, and about 10 seconds later, dad starts pulling over and says "here he comes." So my dad gets a ticket for going 82 in a 70! I guess he should have slowed down to 80! :) Sorry you got caught dad! On our way back tonight, we heard on the CB that a car was driving down 287 the wrong way, in the same lane we were in...so we were able to slow down and get ready for it. Sure enough, about 30 seconds later we see a set of headlights moving our way. The car was on the shoulder, but on the wrong side of the road. We were debating what the heck was wrong with the fool. Hopefully he corrected his dangerous mistake and nobody got hurt. Anyway, it was really cool to get a heads up on the radio so we could be prepared! I must admit, on more than one occasion I had to resist the urge to grab the CB microphone and scream something immature on the radio! HA!
Sorry for disappearing from the blog world...I've obviously been pretty busy lately. Here's a brief update: We have verbally made an agreement with the builder of the house in Saginaw we're trying to get. He wasn't budging on price, so we asked for him to throw in the farm, and he's obliging to most things. In addition to him paying almost all of the closing costs, he has also agreed to install rain gutters, window coverings in the bedrooms, a garage door opener, and the street number on the mailbox. He will also finish sodding the backyard and will convert the garage back to a garage (it is currently closed in and was used as the office since it was the model home). We also asked for a refrigerator, but he said that was too much. However, he said we could use his name at his appliance vendor and buy a refrigerator at a good discount. So, now we just have to sign the contract, send in our earnest money (which he agreed to accept only half of standard amount), wait for him to finish the work (convert garage, install gutters, window coverings, sod back yard, and some other structural projects), have the inspector come out, do a final walk-through, and then close on the loan!! Our realtor feels pretty confident we can close by mid-March. We shall see! Here's a pic of the house, before converting back to garage:
I went to Fort Worth today for an introduction meeting at Green Investment Management, and to fill out some paperwork. They gained 20 new accounts today (about $3million in assets!)!! I tried to connect with each person (half of which I already knew), and my perception of a strong team environment was only reinforced. I am very excited about this new job and I think I'm coming in at a great time. From what I've heard so far, I think the assets under management could easily double within 4-5 years! Wonder if my paycheck will....HA!
I rode down with my dad, and he sat outside and read a book for 3 hours while I was in the office. On the way down, we heard on his CB radio that a highway patrolman was out around Bowie. So we see him a few minutes later on the other side of the highway. Here's the funny (and not so funny) part: a few minutes later, my dad says something like "They normally leave you alone if you're only going 80 or so." Not 10 seconds later we see another highway patrolman on the other side, and about 10 seconds later, dad starts pulling over and says "here he comes." So my dad gets a ticket for going 82 in a 70! I guess he should have slowed down to 80! :) Sorry you got caught dad! On our way back tonight, we heard on the CB that a car was driving down 287 the wrong way, in the same lane we were in...so we were able to slow down and get ready for it. Sure enough, about 30 seconds later we see a set of headlights moving our way. The car was on the shoulder, but on the wrong side of the road. We were debating what the heck was wrong with the fool. Hopefully he corrected his dangerous mistake and nobody got hurt. Anyway, it was really cool to get a heads up on the radio so we could be prepared! I must admit, on more than one occasion I had to resist the urge to grab the CB microphone and scream something immature on the radio! HA!
2.17.2005
Oh Yeah...A Baby...
Well, it's been exactly one week since the phone call that is changing our lives forever. We now have a new job, are moving to Fort Worth, got approval on a mortgage loan, and are stressing over the house hunting process. All in one week's time. And oh yeah....we're having a baby! I must admit, over the past week, that fact has slipped my mind a time or two. I've been doing my yoga-zen-Chinese-meditations regularly though, so I feel pretty confident this one will be a boy.
I was feeling like I needed to update my blog, but it's 1am and I'm ready to go to bed, so I'll just close with a few quick thoughts:
* Why is health insurance so darn expensive?
* It is very upsetting that the NHL season was cancelled, but Milan plays Manchester United next Wednesday in the beginning of the Champions League and I believe it will be televised, so at least I have SOMETHING to watch. I don't watch basketball.
* I think this season of Survivor will be very good. Plenty of cool surprises tonight.
* Michael (Apprentice) was a lazy idiot, so I'm glad he got fired.
More later...
I was feeling like I needed to update my blog, but it's 1am and I'm ready to go to bed, so I'll just close with a few quick thoughts:
* Why is health insurance so darn expensive?
* It is very upsetting that the NHL season was cancelled, but Milan plays Manchester United next Wednesday in the beginning of the Champions League and I believe it will be televised, so at least I have SOMETHING to watch. I don't watch basketball.
* I think this season of Survivor will be very good. Plenty of cool surprises tonight.
* Michael (Apprentice) was a lazy idiot, so I'm glad he got fired.
More later...
2.14.2005
Fort Worth, Here We Come!
The whirlwind has begun! Friday I went and talked with Byron Green and the director of Marketing at Green Investment Management (www.gimlink.com) for 3 1/2 hours going over the details of the company and my new position as Director of Operations and co-Portfolio Manager. I am very excited about this incredible job! It is much better than I had anticipated. There will be a learning curve, so the first year will be challenging, but I welcome it with open arms. I LOVE downtown Ft. Worth! In fact, ever since April 1999, which was my last day of employment at Green Investment Management the first time around, whenever I see the downtown Ft. Worth skyline, I recall the sadness I felt as I was driving away, glancing at the skyline in my rearview mirror, thinking it would be the last time I had the fortune of working in downtown FW. And now I'm back! I love the hustle and bustle of downtown, but Fort WOrth is the perfect size. City atmosphere but not too big. It was always so refreshing and fun to walk around the streets and eat lunch at various restaurants. GIM is in a different office space now, but it is still in the heart of downtown, in the Oil and Gas building on West 7th street, just a few blocks off of Main. Previously, we were on the 8th floor, so the scenery was nice. Now, they are on the first floor, so the scenery is a little different. Instead of being able to see for miles, you feel more like you're "in" downtown, instead of looking "out" of downtown...so it's just a different perspective. The parking garage is valet, so I am looking forward to getting spoiled with that! In my office I will have a Wall Street Journal as well as a tv tuned in to MSNBC or CNBC to be constantly aware of the markets. I will wear a suit and tie to work everyday (I know you're cringing Jeff, Mr. soccer coach). Any way, as you can tell, I think I'm just as excited to be back in downtown Ft. Worth as I am about the job. I got a rejection letter from Barbnet Investment Company (Bass Brothers), and I found joy in laughing it off. I would like to call her and just ask what someone else was chosen for the position, just for contructive criticism...but deep down inside, I could really care less! HA!
We spent most of Saturday and part of Sunday morning looking at houses. We decided to look for houses instead of going to church, but visiting Christ Chapel is still a high priority. Tom and Reggie (our pastors from Grace Church) went to Dallas Theologocal Seminary with Dr. Ted Kitchens, the pastor of Christ Chapel Bible Church in downtown Ft. Worth, so we're excited at the possibility of finding a church with the same doctrinal beliefs as what we have found at Grace. As for houses, we looked at one in Haltom City and one somewhere else, but I think we've decided to buy a house in Saginaw. We looked at some older homes (10-15yrs old) and quite a few brand new homes. There's not really any difference in price though. So, we're weighing out the options. With a new house, you generally get a 5 year (plus or minus) warranty directly from the manufacturer, but it's unlikely that anything would break in the first several years anyway. However, it would be nice to have that warranty, as opposed to just a one year warranty from a third party company. With an older home comes the increased chance of something breaking...and possibly not being covered by the third party warranty. However, with an older home, you get taller trees that look nicer and provide more shade. Jenn is going back down there this week to look at more houses and then I'll go on Saturday to look at her favorites. Hopefully we can make a decision very quickly because there will be a transition period where I'll be commuting for a few weeks, leaving Jennifer and the girls for 4 nights per week. Dealing with the kids and the pregnancy by herself will be very taxing, so we'd like to minimize this period as much as possible.
We are all excited and Very thankful for the new job and every thing that will bring (now if I could just get a Jeep!). We're not saying bye yet because we still have a little time before we're down there permanently. However, you all are welcome to come anytime. In fact, we might have to setup a quota system, where there are a certain number of times you must visit each year!
We spent most of Saturday and part of Sunday morning looking at houses. We decided to look for houses instead of going to church, but visiting Christ Chapel is still a high priority. Tom and Reggie (our pastors from Grace Church) went to Dallas Theologocal Seminary with Dr. Ted Kitchens, the pastor of Christ Chapel Bible Church in downtown Ft. Worth, so we're excited at the possibility of finding a church with the same doctrinal beliefs as what we have found at Grace. As for houses, we looked at one in Haltom City and one somewhere else, but I think we've decided to buy a house in Saginaw. We looked at some older homes (10-15yrs old) and quite a few brand new homes. There's not really any difference in price though. So, we're weighing out the options. With a new house, you generally get a 5 year (plus or minus) warranty directly from the manufacturer, but it's unlikely that anything would break in the first several years anyway. However, it would be nice to have that warranty, as opposed to just a one year warranty from a third party company. With an older home comes the increased chance of something breaking...and possibly not being covered by the third party warranty. However, with an older home, you get taller trees that look nicer and provide more shade. Jenn is going back down there this week to look at more houses and then I'll go on Saturday to look at her favorites. Hopefully we can make a decision very quickly because there will be a transition period where I'll be commuting for a few weeks, leaving Jennifer and the girls for 4 nights per week. Dealing with the kids and the pregnancy by herself will be very taxing, so we'd like to minimize this period as much as possible.
We are all excited and Very thankful for the new job and every thing that will bring (now if I could just get a Jeep!). We're not saying bye yet because we still have a little time before we're down there permanently. However, you all are welcome to come anytime. In fact, we might have to setup a quota system, where there are a certain number of times you must visit each year!
2.10.2005
Opportunity Knocking?
I'll try to make this relatively quick because one, I need to go to bed, and two, I don't want to jinx anything! I got a completely random call tonight from Byron Green, my former employer at Green Investment Management in downtown Ft. Worth tonight. I had talked to him recently about a portfolio manager position, but he hired a 45 year old guy with a BBA from SMU, MBA from Baylor (on scholarship), and a CFA, with extensive programming and portfolio management experience....so I didn't feel bad for not beating this guy out. Well, after an hour and a half of talking to Byron, I actually think I might have a job (please don't jinx it!). The Director of Operations is leaving and starting his own consulting business, which Byron found out about yesterday, and I am the first person Byron called to replace him! I'm going to Ft. Worth tomorrow (Friday) to talk in more detail about the position, and for salary/benefit negotiations. I can already tell you now, if he offers it to me, I will accept. He pretty much did everything BUT offer me the position tonight. He just wants to talk more and make sure it's what I'm looking for...almost like he's already made up HIS mind (don't jinx me!). It is a much better job than I had anticipated getting, that's for sure. I would oversee the operations department (4-5 employees right now), as well as the people he's looking at adding in the next several months. So, it involves some management, but they are a great group of people with a lot of synergy with a great team atmosphere, so that part won't be too challenging I don't think. I would also be the "pointman" for all of the brokers/advisors and customers who call in with questions about anything...their accounts, certain trades, asset allocation philosophies, etc etc etc. So, I would also have the role of co-portfolio manager so I will know exactly what we are doing as a company. As time goes on, I can feel free to engage in the decision making from a portfolio management standpoint, meaning, I can suggest or recommend investment ideas. Anyway, I won't bore you with details. His company has been growing like crazy in assets. I would be the 2nd or 3rd man from the top...of course, there's only like 8-9 employees, but it still sounds good! HA! This is still a shock to us. We are all going to Ft. Worth tomorrow so we can meet with a realtor, get the approval process started with the mortgage broker, and look at houses. We will probably stay through Sunday and visit a church we've heard good things about near downtown Ft. Worth. We knew as soon as a job came, things would go 90 miles an hour, and I think it's starting. It's not a definite yet, but I sincerely think it's about 90% there! Thanks for the prayers and support, and continue to pray for it to work out, as well as everything else.
PS - He called 10 minutes before Apprentice!! Needless to say, we haven't seen the episode yet!
PS - He called 10 minutes before Apprentice!! Needless to say, we haven't seen the episode yet!
Things You Don't Have to Teach Kids
Ya know, there's a lot you have to teach your kids in the course of their lives. They don't just learn how to walk or use the toilet all by themselves. If only us parents could have some help or maybe even a head start on all the things we have to teach our kids! Well, before the stork drops babies into homes, they program them with a certain amount of default knowledge, so we don't have to teach our kids EVERYTHING! So, I've come up with some of the things you don't have to teach your kids. Read the list and then breathe deeply as you feel the stress just disappear...
You don't have to teach your kids how to:
* say funny things
* look cute
* dance when they hear music
* play with toys
* have more fun with a box than the toy that came in the box
* be a smart alleck
* color on walls
* flush things down the toilet
* unroll an entire roll of toilet paper
* blow bubbles in their drink with a straw
* make bubbles in the bathtub
* throw up
* pick their nose
* wipe their snot on their shirt sleeve (or yours!)
* cry
* whine
* play with their food
* be mean to their siblings
* laugh when they fart
* leave dirty clothes on the floor
* end up with more water on the floor than what's left in the tub after a bath
* lie about brushing their teeth
* lie about hitting their sibling
* (ok, lie about anything)
* put their shoes on the wrong feet every single time for the first year
* sneak candy or cookies from the kitchen
* quietly ask only the parent who they think will say "yes" to something they want
* be mean to pets
* be stuffed from dinner (after eating 4 bites), and then ask for dessert
* have bad dreams
* wake up during "mommy and daddy time"
* scuff ONLY brand new shoes
* make up their own rules to games that only benefits themselves
* cut their hair
* throw away food or drinks after one bite/drink
* always spill red kool-aid on the carpet, but never just water
* spit out medicine
* laugh at you when you change their poopy diaper
The list could go on and on, but ahh...it's so refreshing that we don't have to teach our kids everything! What are some things YOUR kids already knew how to do?
You don't have to teach your kids how to:
* say funny things
* look cute
* dance when they hear music
* play with toys
* have more fun with a box than the toy that came in the box
* be a smart alleck
* color on walls
* flush things down the toilet
* unroll an entire roll of toilet paper
* blow bubbles in their drink with a straw
* make bubbles in the bathtub
* throw up
* pick their nose
* wipe their snot on their shirt sleeve (or yours!)
* cry
* whine
* play with their food
* be mean to their siblings
* laugh when they fart
* leave dirty clothes on the floor
* end up with more water on the floor than what's left in the tub after a bath
* lie about brushing their teeth
* lie about hitting their sibling
* (ok, lie about anything)
* put their shoes on the wrong feet every single time for the first year
* sneak candy or cookies from the kitchen
* quietly ask only the parent who they think will say "yes" to something they want
* be mean to pets
* be stuffed from dinner (after eating 4 bites), and then ask for dessert
* have bad dreams
* wake up during "mommy and daddy time"
* scuff ONLY brand new shoes
* make up their own rules to games that only benefits themselves
* cut their hair
* throw away food or drinks after one bite/drink
* always spill red kool-aid on the carpet, but never just water
* spit out medicine
* laugh at you when you change their poopy diaper
The list could go on and on, but ahh...it's so refreshing that we don't have to teach our kids everything! What are some things YOUR kids already knew how to do?
2.08.2005
Future Plans, Godfather 3, & Mafia
Ya know, at some point in the future, we wouldn't mind having a fourth child - as long as it's a boy. HA! Of course, we're not ready YET! We're thinking it would be nice to wait a few years, get a new job, get settled in a new house, church, get the smaller two out of diapers, maybe wait until Cara starts school, THEN maybe we'll consider having another child. Since before we were married, we've always talked about having 3-4 children. So we have three now, and four could be a possibility down the road, but not yet. We have a plan! Aren't plans wonderful? Actually, sometimes I wonder why we waste so much effort in planning! HA! You see, come September 23rd or so, our fourth child will arrive! WHOA!! Aren't surprises wonderful? :-) So now I'm even more antsy for that new job! I had an interview at Guaranty Bank yesterday in Dallas, and it went well. Hopefully this week or next I will GET A JOB!!! But it is entirely possible that neither will work out.
We watched Godfather 3 Saturday night, and it was very good! A funny little sidenote - I was tired because Friday night I went to see Boogeyman at midnight, and didn't get in bed until after 3am...so while we were all plopped down on our comfty couch in my cozy flannel pants, with my popcorn and Diet DP, despite the fact that movie was very good, my eyelids were getting too heavy to keep open, so I watched the last half of the movie literally standing up so I would not fall asleep!! HA!! Anyway, I really enjoyed the entire trilogy, and I know I will watch it again in the future. But don't worry Jeff, I'll get this back to you, and then I'll just rent or buy it later. It is in perfect condition, so I would say you have successfully taken a step forward in trusting people with your possessions. (Actually I scratched one of the DVDs, but the CD-doctor fixed it. JK!! I would like to share an excerpt from an email I received from my friend in Milan, Laura. Recently, 45 mafia men in Sicily were arrested, so I was asking her about the present day mafia in Italy. I found her response very interesting! Here it is:
"Is Mafia still popular in Sicily? Yes it is. But want you to know something? Mafia keeps Sicily alive, if not it would be the poorest region of Italy. Ok, most of things that mafia do is illegal but the firms belonging to mafia give a job to a lot of people...and it is not as dangerous 'cause someone belonging to mafia can kill only someone else belonging to mafia (or his family). In Calabria or Campania (Naples) they have a kind of mafia called camorra or 'ndrangheta and that's dangerous 'cause if they have to kill someone they kill also people sorrounding him and they don't care if they kill innocent people...so bad!
Here in Milan we don't have sicilian mafia but there is some chinese mafia but they do all their buisnesses among chinese people..."
We watched Godfather 3 Saturday night, and it was very good! A funny little sidenote - I was tired because Friday night I went to see Boogeyman at midnight, and didn't get in bed until after 3am...so while we were all plopped down on our comfty couch in my cozy flannel pants, with my popcorn and Diet DP, despite the fact that movie was very good, my eyelids were getting too heavy to keep open, so I watched the last half of the movie literally standing up so I would not fall asleep!! HA!! Anyway, I really enjoyed the entire trilogy, and I know I will watch it again in the future. But don't worry Jeff, I'll get this back to you, and then I'll just rent or buy it later. It is in perfect condition, so I would say you have successfully taken a step forward in trusting people with your possessions. (Actually I scratched one of the DVDs, but the CD-doctor fixed it. JK!! I would like to share an excerpt from an email I received from my friend in Milan, Laura. Recently, 45 mafia men in Sicily were arrested, so I was asking her about the present day mafia in Italy. I found her response very interesting! Here it is:
"Is Mafia still popular in Sicily? Yes it is. But want you to know something? Mafia keeps Sicily alive, if not it would be the poorest region of Italy. Ok, most of things that mafia do is illegal but the firms belonging to mafia give a job to a lot of people...and it is not as dangerous 'cause someone belonging to mafia can kill only someone else belonging to mafia (or his family). In Calabria or Campania (Naples) they have a kind of mafia called camorra or 'ndrangheta and that's dangerous 'cause if they have to kill someone they kill also people sorrounding him and they don't care if they kill innocent people...so bad!
Here in Milan we don't have sicilian mafia but there is some chinese mafia but they do all their buisnesses among chinese people..."
2.03.2005
Apprentice & Fire Extinguishers
Is it rude to call during the Apprentice, or is it rude to not answer the phone during the Apprentice?? Personally, I think it is rude to call during the Apprentice, and if you do, we won't answer the phone! Sorry Marcela! :) Last night's episode was entertaining, but marketing is not my forte, so I didn't really get into the challenge. I think Verna was stupid for quitting, and as far as I'm concerned, she's just another Amarosa, but a lot sweeter. Amarosa hid behind BS and intimidation, and Verna hid behind a sweet, yet fake demeanor. But behind the facades, they struggle with extreme stubbornness and pride. I think in the little kindergarten meeting that Danny Boy called, Verna had no intention of quitting, but she felt threatened by Erin and her pride forced her to make a stupid, irrational, and impulsive decision. As for Michael, he was a stubborn jerk, but I don't think it was intentional just because he was exempt. I just think he's a jerk, and his team will remember this and give him heck from here on out. I must agree with Trump, Carolyn, and George though, you have to fire Danny because not only was he a poor decision maker, he couldn't effectively control Michael. He should have put out the fire (Michael) before it exploded into a flameball. He would have saved the team and Michael's future potential. Initially, when Trump and his posse played the "exemption rule" card, I thought back to previous episode in the first season when Bradford was exempt, yet was fired by Trump. However, Bradford was asked if he would like to give up his exemption, and while it was a chivalrous gesture, he chose to give up his exemption, and ultimately was the sole reason Trump fired him. So...the exemption rule has never been broken. The previews to next week make me think one of the guys pose nude or something distasteful, and I have a funny feeling it might be Michael.
I must admit, I haven't been to bloggy lately. Or maybe I'm just not creative with the chit-chatty stuff. Nobody is interested in social security reform, and Jeff is the only one I can talk sports with. I guess I could try harder to be creative or silly on here, but I just haven't had it. It could also be that I've been somewhat distracted the past week due to my interview and my other interview on Monday. I have been heavily researching the housing market, property tax rates, our credit report, etc, getting ready to buy a house whenever I hear the two beautiful words, "You're hired!" Of course the Fed is rather annoying to me right now, as they raised rates 25 basis points, and when they meet again in March will more than likely raise it another 25 basis points...which means, my interest rate on my mortgage will be higher the longer it takes to find a job/house. Fear of inflation is not that high (my opinion because the Fed is not very clear on their thoughts), so leave the rates alone!! :) Sorry Counselor Jeff, I'll shut up now. Jeff? Hello!! WAKE UP!! :)
OK, I'll try to think of a funny story. Hmmm....OK. The end of my junior year in high school, I was initiated as the next year's president of a capella choir (Rider) along with the next year's vice-president. So the current year's pres and vice-pres come and kidnap me and Chris and take us to a hotel down by the Falls. We get out and go inside the hotel and are walking up and down the halls. Chris and I have no idea what we're doing. All of a sudden, Austin opens the fire extinguisher door, grabs it, throws it at me and tells me to run downstairs and throw it in the trunk of the car. I say no way, so he takes it and off he goes. Keep in mind...we're in high school, and so is our maturity level. To make a long story short, we end up getting 5 fire extinguishers in the car and take off to the house where the girls are practicing. So we quietly get the extinguishers and go up and down the street releasing the powder from these things all over their cars. They see us and come out screaming right as we're running back to the car. Gant stays back to finish one off while a neighbor comes out to see what's going on. Let me tell you, when you let off 5 fire extinguishers in the street, about the length of three houses, it makes a pretty darn big cloud of smoke/powder. So the neighbor calmly asks, "What's goin' on?" Gant acts surprised (he had just thrown the extinguisher back in the car) and says "I don't know, I think a fog just rolled in or something." We take off like there's no tomorrow. Amazingly, we never got in trouble, even though I'm sure the girls told their parents (it must have been hell washing it all off) and I'm sure it got back to Mr. Cowan. Oh how fun those days were...
I must admit, I haven't been to bloggy lately. Or maybe I'm just not creative with the chit-chatty stuff. Nobody is interested in social security reform, and Jeff is the only one I can talk sports with. I guess I could try harder to be creative or silly on here, but I just haven't had it. It could also be that I've been somewhat distracted the past week due to my interview and my other interview on Monday. I have been heavily researching the housing market, property tax rates, our credit report, etc, getting ready to buy a house whenever I hear the two beautiful words, "You're hired!" Of course the Fed is rather annoying to me right now, as they raised rates 25 basis points, and when they meet again in March will more than likely raise it another 25 basis points...which means, my interest rate on my mortgage will be higher the longer it takes to find a job/house. Fear of inflation is not that high (my opinion because the Fed is not very clear on their thoughts), so leave the rates alone!! :) Sorry Counselor Jeff, I'll shut up now. Jeff? Hello!! WAKE UP!! :)
OK, I'll try to think of a funny story. Hmmm....OK. The end of my junior year in high school, I was initiated as the next year's president of a capella choir (Rider) along with the next year's vice-president. So the current year's pres and vice-pres come and kidnap me and Chris and take us to a hotel down by the Falls. We get out and go inside the hotel and are walking up and down the halls. Chris and I have no idea what we're doing. All of a sudden, Austin opens the fire extinguisher door, grabs it, throws it at me and tells me to run downstairs and throw it in the trunk of the car. I say no way, so he takes it and off he goes. Keep in mind...we're in high school, and so is our maturity level. To make a long story short, we end up getting 5 fire extinguishers in the car and take off to the house where the girls are practicing. So we quietly get the extinguishers and go up and down the street releasing the powder from these things all over their cars. They see us and come out screaming right as we're running back to the car. Gant stays back to finish one off while a neighbor comes out to see what's going on. Let me tell you, when you let off 5 fire extinguishers in the street, about the length of three houses, it makes a pretty darn big cloud of smoke/powder. So the neighbor calmly asks, "What's goin' on?" Gant acts surprised (he had just thrown the extinguisher back in the car) and says "I don't know, I think a fog just rolled in or something." We take off like there's no tomorrow. Amazingly, we never got in trouble, even though I'm sure the girls told their parents (it must have been hell washing it all off) and I'm sure it got back to Mr. Cowan. Oh how fun those days were...
2.01.2005
Warm Feelings and Cold Pizza, or vice versa
I think for this blog, I will share some of my most heart-felt, deepest feelings with you guys. I think it's important to take time out and really spill your heart out with the things you're thankful for, how much you love the important people in your life, what makes you feel loved, and things you deeply care about the most. Actually I'm not going to do that, I just wanted to get your attention! HA! This has been quite an interesting day in the world of sports. If you don't care about sports, this will once again be another boring ol' blog from Kirk. First of all, it was reported that Emmitt Smith is expected to announce his retirement on Thursday, as well as his intentions of retiring as a Dallas Cowboy. Not sure exactly how that will be manifested, but I like the idea. Then, a few hours later, it was reported that Smith DENIED that report, and he has NO intentions of retiring...he simply said he would like to retire as a Dallas Cowboy, but he gave no time frame. This is why I don't like the salary cap. He should have never left Dallas in the first place, in my opinion. Anyway, once he retires, he and his investment group will purchase the Minnesota Vikings...or that's the buzz anyway. Second of all, Terrell Owens, probably the most hated (besides Randy Moss and Warren Sapp of course) NFL player, has NOT received medical clearance from his doctor to play in the Super Bowl, but has made the decision to go ahead and play anyway. Gee, I sure hope he doesn't injure his leg even worse (wink, wink). Third, Edgerrin James has made it known that he'd like to discard LOYALTY, become a TRAITOR, and move to Miami simply because it's close to home. Since the Colts recently signed huge contracts with Manning and Harrison, they might have to let James go unless they can franchise him. This is another example of why I don't like the salary cap. Fourth, the NHL and NHL Player's Association met today to try and negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement, and have decided to meet again tomorrow. No details of today's meeting has been released - they're being real hush hush right now. However, there still seems to be no indication that any groundwork has been made. I honestly don't know what I will do after the Super Bowl since I'm strictly an NFL and NHL fan. I guess I'll just have to start following AC Milan (my Italian soccer team) more closely in the Champions League and National Cup tournaments coming up.
I had a great conversation with the HR lady at Guaranty Bank today. Health insurance is aboat (that's "about" influenced by Hockey Lockout Syndrome) $280 cheaper per month than what I had anticipated, so that makes up for aboat $3300 of the $5-7k annual salary that this job was below my "targeted" minimum salary requirement. Good news! I think I can negotiate another $2-3k on top of their stated salary for this position. After talking further with her aboat the opportunities there, I decided to go ahead with the interview, AND I was able to schedule it for Monday morning. My hope is that Barbnet Investment Co will call Thur or Fri, wanting to schedule a 2nd interview, which hopefully can be scheduled for Monday afternoon! Then I can get two quality interviews in one day! Pray hard for me!! Thanks!!
We ate at Pinocchio's tonight. I have a "free drinks" card, so we fed the entire family for 14 bucks! The only problem is, 90% of the time, the buffet pizza has been sitting out for 2-3 days and is dry and cold. So, this time I requested a fresh one to be delivered to our table, which is within the "rules" of buffeting at Pinocchio's. Anyway, a good FIFTEEN minutes later, they bring a pizza to our table that looks like it was pieced together from pizzas on the buffet, and one piece is missing!! ARGH! Oh well, I just rolled my eyes and ate it anyway. We are also big fanbs of the Little Caesar's $5 ready to go pizzas. It's beautiful because you don't even have to call ahead, you just show up and they're hot and ready to go immediately! I'm starting to get a little tired of it though...we do it maybe once per week. Their pizza isn't bad if it's hot and fresh, but as soon as it starts getting room temperature, it turns into cardboard. So, this has sparked me to make a LIST of favorite pizza joints, in the order of my preference...
1-Pizza Hut (I love supreme lovers and pepperoni)
2-Sbarro's (I still mourn the loss of Sbarro's in our mall)
3-Chuck E. Cheese
4-Domino's
5-Little Caesar's
(Yes Kelly, it is 1:08am and I am posting this now. :-P )
I had a great conversation with the HR lady at Guaranty Bank today. Health insurance is aboat (that's "about" influenced by Hockey Lockout Syndrome) $280 cheaper per month than what I had anticipated, so that makes up for aboat $3300 of the $5-7k annual salary that this job was below my "targeted" minimum salary requirement. Good news! I think I can negotiate another $2-3k on top of their stated salary for this position. After talking further with her aboat the opportunities there, I decided to go ahead with the interview, AND I was able to schedule it for Monday morning. My hope is that Barbnet Investment Co will call Thur or Fri, wanting to schedule a 2nd interview, which hopefully can be scheduled for Monday afternoon! Then I can get two quality interviews in one day! Pray hard for me!! Thanks!!
We ate at Pinocchio's tonight. I have a "free drinks" card, so we fed the entire family for 14 bucks! The only problem is, 90% of the time, the buffet pizza has been sitting out for 2-3 days and is dry and cold. So, this time I requested a fresh one to be delivered to our table, which is within the "rules" of buffeting at Pinocchio's. Anyway, a good FIFTEEN minutes later, they bring a pizza to our table that looks like it was pieced together from pizzas on the buffet, and one piece is missing!! ARGH! Oh well, I just rolled my eyes and ate it anyway. We are also big fanbs of the Little Caesar's $5 ready to go pizzas. It's beautiful because you don't even have to call ahead, you just show up and they're hot and ready to go immediately! I'm starting to get a little tired of it though...we do it maybe once per week. Their pizza isn't bad if it's hot and fresh, but as soon as it starts getting room temperature, it turns into cardboard. So, this has sparked me to make a LIST of favorite pizza joints, in the order of my preference...
1-Pizza Hut (I love supreme lovers and pepperoni)
2-Sbarro's (I still mourn the loss of Sbarro's in our mall)
3-Chuck E. Cheese
4-Domino's
5-Little Caesar's
(Yes Kelly, it is 1:08am and I am posting this now. :-P )
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