Bachelor-Hood

My wife and daughter left me. Hopefully, in a few days, they'll come back. :) Last week, they left with her parents (and their two dogs) on a cross-country vacation from here to Portland, Oregon. They are traveling in a 5th wheel camper (I think it's about 27 feet long) and will spend about 3 days getting to the Oregon coast, will spend a few days camping on the coast, and a few days in Portland to visit family. I didn't go as I had to work, plus, not sure it would have exactly been my cup of tea, and frankly, not sure my daughter will be up to it as well (she doesn't like mosquitoes, so not sure if camping for two weeks will be OK or not). So, I'll be on my own for the next couple of weeks. That's OK, I'm a big boy, and will certainly manage. I've only got 3 days off during that time, with no long breaks, so won't have a lot of extra time anyhow. Sure hope they enjoy their break, although I'm sure they'll be ready to come home too!

Washer and Dryer Delivered

The delivery truck arrived and unloaded our shiny new Duet Sport washer and dryer this morning. The first empty load went smoothly, no leaks, no violent shaking that some have reported on the Internet. It's very quiet actually, and hopefully will be a great washer and dryer for years to come. Just in case, we did buy a 5-year extended warranty that provides 100% coverage, parts, labor, everything. Given that everything is electronic, and our past history with appliances breaking down, I didn't want to take any chance. If we never use it, great, but if we need it, we're covered. We could debate all day about whether or not to buy extended warranties, but any more, I'm inclined to have the peace of mind, rather than worry about whether or not what might break next.

Funny How Things Work Out

OK, just yesterday, I was complaining about how our 5-year old washer crapped out, again! We went to Nebraska Furniture Mart to look at front-loading systems, and walked out with a great, absolutely fabulous deal. They were having a 60-week no interest sale, and everything was marked down for a Grand Opening sale. I was able to haggle with the salesman a bit and got another $60 off the washer and dryer (off the already rock-bottom price), got the dryer cord for free, and got another $20 off a 5-year warranty that we purchased. Plus, they will take the old washer, and there's a $100 mail-in rebate that expired tomorrow, and they were able to set it up for express delivery tomorrow too! So, all in all, I'm very pleased with the end result, even though it will result in an extra $118 monthly payment over the next 14 months.

Well that Sucks Too!

Just when I think we're about to catch up with our finances and get caught up on the credit card, something else pops up. I guess it's called life, and it sure isn't easy. Over the last month, I've spent an extra $900 on car maintenance for my wife's car. She desperately needed new tires, and it was time to get a new battery, get the transmission flushed, and get new air and cabin filters, along with an oil change. That's a big chunk of money, but I feel OK about spending it since it helps ensure the safety of my girls.

But then, last week, our washer started to leak from underneath. Then, in about a day, it started to sound like a jet engine when in the spin cycle. After getting the appliance repairman to take a look, it's the main bearing and seal. It's a Maytag, and is only 5 years old, but has been a POS from day one. After about 9 months, the main bearing and seal went out. Thankfully, that was under warranty. But, since then, we've had to replace another seal, and occasionally, the thing will dance across the mudroom floor. The repairman said it would be about $400 to replace the bearing and I don't think I really want to fix it. This would be a good excuse to just chuck the whole damn thing and get a nice front-load set. Plus, our drier is 15 years old, and while we had the main bearing on it replaced last year, I think it may be time to just get a complete new set. An entry-level front-load Whirlpool Sport Duet (what my MIL has and loves by the way) would run about $1300. Yikes. So, just when I'm about to get my head above water, the damn undertow kicks in, AGAIN! LOL .

In fact, I'm sure it will be this way for a long, long time. My daughter is just now entering 7th grade. There are new uniforms to buy, new shoes, a new backpack, and activity fees at school. Let's see, then a Vegas trip, then a whole slew of family birthdays, then Christmas! In other words, there will always be something on the horizon that requires a lot of cash. Hey, who ever said that living paycheck to paycheck isn't the American Dream? It's becoming a reality for the majority of us.

Oh yeah, the good news, Nebraska Furniture Mart just announced a 60 week no interest deal. How could we pass that up? It's basically a free 14-month loan. That's how we've bought all of our furniture up to this point here in Nebraska, through no-interest loans at the Mart. It's a great incentive to buy more!

Speaking of Weight

Well, in my last post, I complained about America's overweight problem, and here I am myself starting to fall off the wagon. I'm 6 months post from the Biggest Loser competition we had at work, and I'm still keeping the weight off, but I can also feel myself getting pulled back into the spiraling downward spiral. I range anywhere from 158 to 162 lbs, and that's down from 205 lbs, but I just can't seem to get rid of my extra belly roll. I also have to admit, I haven't really exercised very hard over the last month or two, just trying to maintain my diet and ensure that I'm not eating crap. I'm down from size 36/38 to size 30/32, but I don't ever want to be the size I was before again. I feel so good about my self image now, and it's not something I want to give up. So, I've got to get back on the bus. I don't think I need to lose any more weight, or drop any more sizes, but I really want to tone down the tummy roll. I was reading Men's Health today that everyone can have 6-pack abs, but most don't put in the effort. I'd say that I'm in that camp, it's just that I've never put in the effort. When I was in the competition at work, I wasn't really trying to bulk up, I was trying to lose weight. I know I'll never have that 6-pack model physique, it just needs to flatter.

Enjoying a Day at the Waterpark

We've hit the waterpark at Mahoney State Park a few times this year already, and decided to travel to Columbus today to try something different. About an 80 mile drive west, it has a lazy river, 4 water slides, and a toilet bowl plunge. It's a great water park, and it was an awesome day just enjoying the water and the sun. I have to admit, it's a total new experience for me since I've had LASIK eye surgery. Before, I could only reliably see about 6 feet in front of me, and was always worried where my daughter was, whether she was safe, and so forth. Now, I can see her from across the entire park, and a whole new world has been presented to me. I can actually see like I've never seen before. It's still a surreal feeling. But, I'm also seeing for the first time that a lot of people who go to the water parks shouldn't be seen in public in bathing suits. It's sad really to see so many overweight people who don't seem to care. But, that's another subject.

Firestorm 2008

It's that time of year when people waste their hard-earned money on fireworks which sends our dogs into hysterical fits. And it will only get worse with each passing day. Personally, I think it's a waste, especially with people complaining about how the economy is tanking, gas is $4 per gallon, and that they can't afford to buy groceries, yet they can afford to buy and endless supply of fireworks. Honestly, I'm not trying to be a wet blanket, but I guess I just don't see the thrill.