Well, the holidays are over. We've taken down the Christmas decorations, I just need to tuck them away in the basement and need to pull the lights off the house. And I'm thankful that it's over. I've never really been a big holiday fan, and don't mind when the time has passed so things can settle back down to normal. We did have a nice break though, and I had the week off between Christmas and New Years, although we didn't go anywhere or do anything special. It was just fun to spend time together and not have to worry about sticking to a schedule.
The Huskers won their football game in the Gator Bowl. Woohoo! It didn't look good in the first half, but they came around for the second half and pulled out a win. Now, the sports scene settles down as well, with only the championship game left on Thursday.
I've also decided that I do need to start a strict exercise regimen again. I've gained a couple of pounds over the holidays (it's hard not to), and just need to get toned back up again. My wife is also musing once again about starting to train for a half marathon coming up in Lincoln in May. We thought we'd do that last year after the biggest loser competition ended, but it never happened. She seems to be more pumped for it this year, so perhaps I need to get on the band wagon to give her some moral support.
New Years Resolutions have not really been considered, since they are so hard to live up to. But, I really would like to skydive, and think this will be the year to do it. Why not. So, perhaps sometime in May or June, I'll do a tandem jump.
I've also initiated the process of refinancing our home since mortgage rates are at their lowest point since the 70s (so I hear). We currently have two mortgages on our house, which was done to avoid PMI (private mortgage insurance), one 30 year loan at 5.75 percent, and one 15 year loan for 7.5% with 10% of the balance. I was able to get a 30 year refinance deal for 4.625% for both, and couldn't be more thrilled. We will be paying 2 discount points up front to get this low of a rate, but it will be worth it over the life of the loan and will save us tens of thousands of dollars. Plus, we'll be able to deduct the points off taxes next year, so it's a win/win situation I feel. I believe you really do have to spend money to make money, and this is no different. By getting such a low rate, we'll hit the breakeven point in just 19 months. Could the rates go even lower? Perhaps, but I locked the rate in and we close at the end of February.
Otherwise, no additional news to share. I did hit 100 geocache finds last week, which was exciting. I'm still finding the hobby quite interesting and hope to find 100s more in the coming year. Winter geocaching has been a challenge though, dealing with the cold and wind, but at least you don't have to put up with snakes, ticks, spiders, chiggers, bugs, and so forth.
1 comment:
Van, its freakin cold outside!!!! I know climatologically this is the coldest week of the year, but does it really have to live up to it? I think getting past January and early February is the key to surviving this crap we go through called winter. The holidays were ok for me as well, and I am glad they are done. No more having to fight people and shop for stuff you have no idea what you are shopping for, and spending. Now, hopefully, I can get a refund on taxes and recoup some of that holiday spending. I am ready to go storm chasing. I have the laptop, my espotter confirmation, a wireless connection, GR2Analyst, I am ready Van!!!!!!
Post a Comment