The Enobling Journey

Why We Finally Decided to Join a Gym -- Sometime

2010-04-09T23:20:00.001-07:00

Well, not a gym, but an “athletic club”. And I am getting sooooo anxious to get started.

Spouse was getting ready to join a local chain club; in fact she did join, but luckily they had a refund period. But it triggered a discussion once she got home. Sure, the chain gyms had good monthly deals, but with limited access to childcare. If we were both to join, we’d have to take turns. Not that we work out together, but it adds a level of complexity to the scheduling that I’d rather do without.

The athletic center is a little farther away, but had always been on our “Some Day” list. Really nice facility, indoor salinated pools (using salt rather than chlorine), indoor climbing wall, basketball, fitness machines, activities for kids, an outdoor pool during the summer; for an additional cost, the membership will include their tennis courts.

We toured the place, we all love it. It costs a little bit more; but all four of us can participate.

But there’s a catch. Membership has a waiting list.

Once we’d committed to joining, I wanted in. I want to go. It’s been several weeks already, and still a some time to go. We’ve been calling to find out where we are on the list. I think they’re getting annoyed at us.

Why This Is Good

My kids (and my wife, but she denies it) think I’m cheep. So everyone was surprised when I agreed to this.

I have several workout items at home, and they’re not getting used.
The boys absolutely love playing in a pool. Hopefully they’ll be able to do that more often.
I last belonged to a gym before I had children. I enjoyed it. In my mind, I used to go several times a week.
I’ve agreed to clear out the fitness gear. That includes dumb bells, my bowflex and a nordic track. That’s a lot of floor space. Although my bowflex is not the traditional clothes hanger, I won’t need it any more.
The locker room has a sauna.
The classes look great.
There is a psychology in using the investment as an incentive to work out.

I’m looking forward to the different class; spinning, yoga, cross-fit type workouts.

This is a collision of all my hot topics; personal finance, exercise, clutter and stuff, family.

I’m sitting around in the evenings, just wishing to head to the club.

Linkage

That’s Fit, 55 minutes, 5 days a week
Lose that Tyre, Weight Loss and Diet Cheat Sheet
That’s Fit, Exercise may be fountain of youth
That’s Fit, Healthy Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle
A Calorie Counter, The Ultimate Weight Loss Guide

Putting our workhorse out to pasture

2010-03-25T22:57:00.001-07:00

In typical suburban fashion, we drive a family minivan. We got a great deal on it ten and a half years ago just after our first son was born. Before we got it, we drove just one car, and it was just not enough to haul around all the stuff that new parents tend to buy too much of.

In that time, we put 120,000 miles on it. There are chips in the paint, the windshield has been replaced twice, four sets of tires, consistent and quality maintenance. The exterior handle on one of the sliders will open the door but not close it. It’s been up and down the entire length of the West coast, from San Diego to Vancouver, BC.

We told ourselves that we’d replace it at 120,000 miles, at 150,000 miles, then 200,000 miles. We’ve weighed the cost of every repair against the possibility of a down payment for another car. Was it really worth a $1200 repair to keep the van going compared to using that money and adding a new monthly expense to our spending. Time and again, we sided with the van.

And yet, now.

It’s been running rough. I made an appt with the dealer we’ve been bringing it to since we got it. The estimate just for analysis was for a few hundred dollars. We went into worst-case-scenario overdrive. Started searching dealer sites and craigslist, looking all evening at different choices.

Brought it in. When I did so, I told them, ….it was like signing a DNR in a hospital. I didn’t even want the estimate to cost much, let alone the cost of repair. The guy grabbed a diagnostic computer, hooked it up, gave me a couple of possibilities, and told me the mechanic would check and they’d call me with some estimates.

After a few hours, I got a call from the shop; the suggested repairs would be $750.

We talked it out, decided not to. We believe we’ve finally reached the point where there is no ROI (that’s return on investment if you don’t speak corporate lingo) on anything beyond minimum maintenance.

Next…

Unsure. The “Committee To Replace the Van” has stated

Not another van at this time. I have a sneaking suspicion that we’ll need to revisit that once the boys are in high school.
Preferable not another white car; just changing it up a little bit.
Not sure about the VW reputation. The Jetta/Passat wagon is a good example of what I’m thinking of, size-wise.
Probably not new, but with a loan. With the savings we’ve been able to sock away, we’ll have a healthy down payment.
Want to cut down on road noise. Just a nit. Tired of having to keep turning up the radio over the drone of tires on black-top.
Something wagon-ish (I’m a little nervous about losing the cargo space of the van)
A roof rack, support for a thule or yakima rack.

And that’s as far as we’ve gotten, so far. I will continue to chronicle the process.

GenerationX Finance, 6 Things to Know Before Buying Your Next Car
Wisebread, 6 Tools to Save Money on Car Repairs
American Consumer News, Tips to Avoid Getting Taken for a Ride When Buying a Used Car
Get Rich Slowly, Why I Drive a 13 Year Old Car
Bargaineering, How to Buy a Car (Without Getting Screwed)

Image “Out to Pasture” by Orin Zebest via Flikr

The Grouchiest 1.5 Mile Run Evvv-Arr

2010-02-14T22:40:00.001-08:00

Jogging With My son

I have two kids, both boys, ages 10 and 7. Great kids. Love them to death. They can be a little bullheaded and argumentative sometimes. My older son’s initial response to most requests is “Whhhhhhyyyyyyyyyyy”.

So, we’d been discussing with him how to be a little more active. Christie had talked to him recently about the couch to 5k program, since she was thinking about starting the sequence herself.

So I took both boys out today. The younger on his bike riding along while M and I did the intervals for the first week of the couch to 5k program.

Even though it had been described to him in explicit detail, he balked at having to warm up, he balked at jogging after the warm up, at walking after the jog, and so on.

But, just like getting them actually move the toothbrush when its in their mouth, or close the door they just came through, wipe the spilt milk from the table or floor, and so on, I just try (and sometimes fail) to remain calm and give direction.

How to stop yelling at your kids at Stepcase Lifehack
Lunchmeat Safety Standards at boing boing.
How to Start Running – Without Feeling Like a Failure at Stepcase Lifehack

Goal Choice: Mopping or New Shelf

2010-01-26T22:43:00.001-08:00

The laundry room floor is as muddy as the rain-sogged front lawn.

On the other hand, I have no where to put the vegan cookbooks I’ve been starting to acquire. They get shoved around, get in the way, shoved into another messy pile.

Today…

Get the boys up and ready for school, get to work, leave work to meet the boys after school, work while making sure they're getting their homework done, make dinner, take care of the dishes, get the boys ready for bed, put them to bed, break up the arguments, spend 10 minutes each trying to get them to do the two minute tooth brushing job, read to them, confiscate the gameboy being hidden under the pillow, and so on.

In the midst of all that, how to get something, anything, productive done, with little chance of getting to more than one.

Well….

The dirty floor is not a primary traffic area, and it will just get dirty again anyway. so up went the shelf. As long as we don’t drop the clean laundry on the floor, we’ll be fine.

2010: On My Way to 210

2010-01-04T22:50:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

A year ago, I was in bad shape.

An herniated disk was the worst of my problems. Having escaped the bounds of my vertebrae, the disk tissue was compressing my sciatic nerve. Overnight, I went from mind-numbing, crawling-on-the-floor, screaming-in-pain agony to complete numbness in my left leg, hip to toe. There were one or two other health issues afflicting me; the only other one that was causing quality-of-life issues is a middle-aged thing ( I turned 40 last April), and that would be anal fissures.

Luckily, quite luckily, both issues were resolved non-surgically.

Due to these problems, my weight ballooned. I had once told myself that I would never exceed Homer Simpson’s weight of 239 lbs. (That’s his usual weight not counting the episode he intentionally got to 300 lbs to get on worker’s comp allowing him to telecommute.) I know that I was above 240 lbs, and I believe I peaked at 245.

Getting From There to Here

Started running. Trained for and completed a 10k in September. Then I got swine flu and pneumonia, and so I’ve only run twice since.
Over the summer, became a vegetarian, then a vegan.

Those are the two big factors. By November, I was around 220 lbs. I’ve been as low as 215 lbs. After travelling for the holidays, I checked the scale, completely paranoid that I’d gone back above 220. But no. Even after the many fantastic meals at my in-laws, I’m still 218 lbs.

Link Love

MacDaddy over at Get Fit Slowly shops for some wardrobe updates to highlight his weightloss.
He also provides a year-end wrap up.
FrugalDad provides a Frugal Diet Plan for 2010
Mary encourages weightloss by small steps on John Is Fit.
Michael, also at John is Fit, discusses mindset in weightloss.
Matt, at FiveCentNickle, writes on the financial impact of obesity.
Chris Pirillo offers 50 weightloss tips.

Links to Some Money-Related Articles

2009-12-09T09:57:00.001-08:00

Just a quick post to point readers to a few recent articles I’ve seen that I think are relevant to some of their life-changes.

To disclaim, I am not a financial professional, and have neither verified nor validated the suggestions in these articles. Please consult with your own financial advisor to determine if the suggestions for your own needs.

Some tax tips for children and newborns, from cashmoneylife.
Strategies for Retiring in bad times, from The Family Wallet
Living cheaply in the long term, from WiseBread
Also from WiseBread, 6 pay-down strategies for debt.
Essential Year-End Money Moves from Lifehacker.
The Good Human provides 10 Ways to Convince A Non-Green that Going Green Saves Money.

The Philosophy of Invisalign

2009-12-02T13:08:00.000-08:00

I just started my third set of Invisalign aligners. At two weeks a set, that's a month done, several more to go.

The process starts by taking a current snapshot of the teeth, envisioning what they should look like, and then breaking the difference in to two week increments.

When I first pop in a new set, my teeth get sore for a few days, resisting the pressure to be somewhere else. The discomfort carries over to other activities; eating and speaking mostly. But the discomfort eventually evens out.

I think the best comment I received in the orthodontist's office was "if they ( the aligners) aren't in the teeth aren't moving."

Change won't happen on it's own.

Integrating a new habit works much the same way; difficulty, resistance, discomfort, acclimatization, progress.

I rarely get resistance now when the boys need to empty the dishwasher. It's more about who does the clean ones and who gets the dirty dishes. But it took weeks of persistence as a nagging parent just to get them to absorb that it's their job.

Cutting meat and dairy wasn't terribly hard, but they're always there; every meal, every pizza I make for my kids, all the flavors of cream cheese in the cafe for a morning bagel.

Working our way out of debt isn't just about throwing money at the problem. Our spending habits have changed greatly and still need adjustment.

If you compare different sets of Invisalign, from one week to the next, it's nearly impossible to pick out the differences. I'm looking forward to getting sets four through six and holding them up to the first pair. It's one thing to know things have moved, but seeing is much more satisfying.

Feeling Less Dirty the Vegan Way

2009-11-19T17:23:00.001-08:00

Did not go vegan for political or ethical reasons. Part of it was vanity (weightloss) and part of it was logic (humans are the only creatures to consume milk past weaning or that from other species).

One thing I’ve noticed is a decrease in the state of feeling dirty.

I normally shower in the mornings. I’ll add an extra from time to time after a workout or yard work. Sometimes if I’ve showered in the evening I don’t take one when I wake up. If it’s a day of house or yard work and I’m just going to get sweaty again, why bother, right?

But if I were at work, I would still feel like I needed a shower, a little grimy; hair feels unwashed, skin a little oily, etc.

These days, there have been a few times I’ve gone through half a day of work before remembering I skipped a shower.

I don’t claim that I can go for days without bathing, and I believe that everyone around me is grateful that I don’t.

Take Back The Morning

2009-11-04T22:06:00.001-08:00

Now that I’ve recovered from the flu, pneumonia, and a hacking cough of four weeks; now that the lazy days of summer are past, it’s time to take back the mornings, and use that time to get done what I need to get done.

Nearly two years ago, I wrote about an automatic timer that is used with a lamp. It brightens gradually over 30 minutes, helping to wake up more gently.

So, adding that to the earlier light from turning back from daylight savings, I will be

Running
Resistance training
Planning and organizing my day

Not all of that every morning, but each a few times a week.

Dumb Little Man presents Small Changes for a Lifetime of Fitness
That’s Fit on Crosstraining
Also on That’s Fit, Middle Age Men must Train Smarter

Joe’s First 10k Race, Part 2

2009-10-24T01:01:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, I started to write about my first 10k race. Here is the rest of the story.

A little bit of hoopla at the start line, and we were off.

Or, more appropriately, the first several hundred people at the front of the line were off while everyone else shambled forward a few steps at a time until the crowd thinned.

Once across the line, it was possible to get a slow jog going. Better runners move ahead of you. Lots of groups passing, so I try to keep left to stay out of their way, but not so far left that I’m stepping on the walkers and slower runners.
(Slower than me?? Not many of those.)

The first mile was a breeze, slight downhill grade. Same through the second mile, but haven’t hit my stride, yet.

In the third mile we started up the overpass leading to the Interstate Bridge.

Slowed down a bit, took a few walk breaks. Once on the bridge, was able to start running again through to about the mile 4 marker.

It was around this point, on the West side of the river approaching Waterfront Park, that the pain set in on my left foot.

I had experienced this pain earlier in the year. Treadmill or road, it didn’t matter. After getting better shoes, as well as trying a couple of different gel inserts, I thought I had it licked, but there it was again. A burning in the sole of my left foot spiking a bit more with each impact.

So, I alternated between walk and run, and kept it down to a dull roar.

By this time, the faces around me were pretty familiar. I know that I’m no spring chicken at 40, but I think that most of the people around had good 20 years on me.

Run. Walk. Run. Walk. I’d pass the slower people. Then the quicker walkers and slower runners would pass me again. Back and forth. Back and forth.

Then I saw her. My nemesis. My enemy. She was 70’ish, shorter, a very determined gait with a bit of swagger.

And she carried her cane under her right arm. She was one of those who was in front of me half the time, behind me half the time.

I would not let her finish before me. Consider me sexist or agist. I just didn’t want it to happen.

Much the same through miles 4 and 5. Most of this was on concrete and not blacktop, so a little tougher on the feet and knees. Coming into sight were the newer high rise condominiums that I had scrambled through the previous day searching for an ATM, so I knew the end was getting close.

Walk. Run. Walk. Run.

Old woman, shuffle, shuffle. She kept her cane under her arm, and it swung back and forth with her gait. Dangerous!

OUCH OUCH OUCH!!!!!! Foot killing me. Finish line in sight. Slow down. Get ready to walk it out the rest of the way.

Then, from behind me, I hear “KEEP GOING, DON’T STOP. I’ve been behind you all morning. YOU’RE DOING GREAT! YOU CAN KEEP GOING!!”

I look behind me, and a woman I’ve never met or seen looks me in the eye and starts waving me forward.

So, I go. Pain be damned, I sprint out the last few hundred yards.

I totally left that old woman behind.

I was able to check the official results online later in the day, and I finished in 87 minutes. Based on my training runs, I was expecting about 90 min, so right on the nose.

Epilogue

The 10k was sponsored by Widmer brewing and The Old Spaghetti Factory.

It’s 9:30 in the morning, and everyone was eating pasta and drinking free beer. The coupon for the complimentary beers (yes, we were allowed two of them) was actually part of our number pinned to our shirts.

It was good beer, but the pasta was a little too al dente for my tastes.

While I hope to keep running similar events, at this time, I don’t plan to extend my training to include marathons and half marathons. 10k is quite sufficient.

Alarm Clock vs. Smartphone

2009-10-19T20:26:00.000-07:00

In the constant ebb and flow of mess and clutter on and around the nightstand, in addition to the regular purge of outdated Newsweeks and finished crosswords, I took a moment to consider the hardware.

Alarm clock with a single alarm, using either radio or CD.

My iPhone with numerous, easily programmable alarms using the built sounds, or a large variety of apps to download; wake to mp3s or stored podcasts. Some of them will display the time just like an alarm clock if you charge while you sleep.

But with other clocks floating around like on the cable box, that last isn't necessary for me.

It was an easy choice, gives me more space for my glasses, makes it easier to customize my schedule, such as getting earlier to run MWF and lift TTh, and rotating the alarm sounds so I don't get too accustomed to any one in particular.

Unclutterer offers advice on getting rid of your old devices and hardware.
Ian's Messy Desk on starting the declutter process and 4 tips trap your inner pack rat.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

An Easy Crop for Harvest: Basil

2009-10-08T22:27:00.001-07:00

I started a few basil seeds early in the Spring. I tried to get them going in a little sub-irrigated planter that I’d read about. It’s really just a large soda trimmed and water in the base.

Unfortunately, after moving it outside, I lost track of it with my other projects, and it withered. Once I cleared out some overcrowded space in the front yard, I moved the witherd plants up there, plenty of water, and now I have a pesto to make.

Drying and Using Basil
How to freeze basil
Make pesto like an old Italian grandmother

Image: Basil Update #3 by JessAndTheCity via Flickr

Some Initial Thoughts on Going Vegetarian

2009-10-05T22:54:00.001-07:00

It was a few months ago that I went vegetarian. And it’s been a month since taking the next step and going vegan. But first a few notes on that first step.

Not a big problem to give up the meat. I was already eating so little meat, it wasn’t an issue. And the substitutes are usually sufficient to sate any cravings.
It was really uncommon to run into any problems eating out. Veggie burgers are common options at most restaurants.
I absolutely, positively do not miss drive-thru. Especially anything with ground meat.

There are many arguments to be made for dropping meat from your diet. I’ll give you some links, but I’ll leave it to you to decide. I’ve seen or read some of the books and movies, and the others come highly recommended.

Websites

Vegetarians have a much smaller impact on the environment.
An AARP and NIH study says red meat = dead meat.
Meat is unnecessary to be a power athlete.
Real Delia provides 5 reasons to go veg.
The American Dietetic Association fully supports a vegetarian diet.
5 key steps to make the transition.

Movies

Books

Joe’s First 10k, Part 1

2009-09-22T22:48:00.001-07:00

It is one week post 10k.

In the days leading up to the Pints to Pasta 10k last Sunday, I ran a few times, leisurely, but trying to see what my pace would be like for 6.2 miles. Based on those runs, I was guessing between 90 and 100 minutes.

Bad Procrastination #1: Registration

As of Friday, hadn’t registered yet. I go to the website, but they’ve disabled online registration due to the proximity of the run. But I could still go to Portland Running Co. on Saturday morning, right? So I thought. In a rare moment of looking before I leap, I called the store. Ahhh HELL!! They’ve already stopped.
I’m panicked now, thinking that I’ve completely missed it, what I’ve been working toward for six months.
RELIEF!! For a few hours, later in the afternoon, rigistration will be open in the Spaghetti Factory parking lot. (the pasta in Pints to Pasta.)

So, packed up the family, as this would be a good opportunity to buy lunch. Plus, my kids would have flipped out had I got within 100 feet of that restaurant without them eating there.

They went in to get a table, and I went to the signup table. Get to the front of the line.
CASH ONLY!!!
OK, this isn’t a sign. Run to the table, empty our pockets. $32 among us. Three dollars short.
Dash out to the car, and drive around for 20 minutes looking for an ATM. Find one, get the cash, head back to the parking lot, register, get my number and shirt. Now I can casually take my meal with the family.

Bad Procrastination #2: Planning

I had never run that far. I had no idea of what to do the evening before? Is it like taking a blood test? Should I fast for 12 hours before?

So I jumped online, and did one of the things I do best. Googled it.

Obviously, there are a lot of different opinions.

I ate lightly, had trouble falling asleep, made sure all possible alarms were set, and turned out the lights.

On to the Main Event

Got up, got dressed, filled my water bottle, made some toast and jam, and away I went.

Tried, and I do mean tried, to follow the parking lot attendants to the limited parking spots. Then changed parking spots when someone jumped out of the bushes and argued with the event volunteers about parking in “his spots”.

Checked in, and then got in line with 1000 others to catch the shuttles to the starting line.

“Shuttle” is a euphemism for school bus. And of course, everybody made wise cracks about feeling like a 6th grader.

Perhaps for the more experienced racer, the bus ride was a non-event. In my mind, though, it was endless. It kept going and going. We were on the freeway, for crying out loud. And I would have to run all the way back!!!

Busses unload, and the crowds mill around, waiting for things to get started.

Waiting, waiting, waiting.

Ready? Set…

Well, it doesn’t kick off like a 100m dash.
It’s a slow, slow process. It’s like an hour glass'; a huge group trying to squeeze through a narrow gap, and then spreading back out again.

We had RFID sensors on our shoes; as we pass through the start and finish lines, the system records our times.

GO!!

At this point, unless you’re at the front of the pack, it takes a few minutes to get some elbow room.

I’ll let you know about the race next.

My First 10k Is Tomorrow

2009-09-12T22:20:00.001-07:00

It’s what I’ve been working toward most of the year.

I’ve slacked off a bit the last few weeks. Work has been much more hectic and the boys have started school, so the ability to disappear for over an hour of running plus clean up time has suffered.

And leave it to me to leave registration to the last minute. Luckily I found the one remaining place taking signups. Out of 2000 possible runners, I got 1991.

Otherwise, a little bit of housework and yard work today, a late spaghetti lunch, and otherwise, a few light snacks here and there, keeping hydrated, and heading to bed early.

I’ll let you know how it goes.

Vegan Running Mom at Run Vegan Run
Worst habits of runners
Gadget guy goes running at Get Fit Slowly
Identify your foot type at Lifehacker
Recharge your run
A 3:2 Inhale Exhale Ratio For Improved Runs

How Goes My Weighhtloss

2009-09-07T20:09:00.000-07:00

It's been some time since I've written about my weight goals.
Within the past year, I'd reachieved my maximum weight of 240 lbs.it is just one of several issues that I chalk up to my herniated disk of a year ago. Once I'd regained feeling in my leg I started running. Within a month or two I got down to 230. And that felt pretty good. With a bit more attention paid to what I have been eating, I was able to get down to 225. But that five pounds took nearly twice as long as the first ten. Grrrrrrrr.

A few months ago, my wife had decided to go vegetarian. I had already been considering the same change, so I went at the same time. That was not a difficult decision at all. We already were eating such a small amount of meat, no big deal.

It was 225 for a while. After listening or reading to a few different resources on weight loss I went eve a step further by trying veganism. This has been tough. While not being fanatical about there is a lot of milk and eggs in a LOT of food. In the two weeks since then, I've dropped another two pounds.

I am not attributing the weightloss to any one factor. It is a combination of them. I still have a bit of ice cream now and then (Bad vegan, no carrot). My workouts have a bit more sparse as I've gotten busier at work.

I am pretty enthused about being under 225. It has been years since I've been under that weight. I am looking forward to hitting 220, hopefully within the next few weeks.

Skinny Bastard -- Really enjoyed the book. It’s a quick read, extremely annotated. I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt that they’re not like Ann Coulter and made up references. They make a good case for dropping meat and dairy. So I’m giving it a shot.

Yell At Your Fat – Podcast for weightloss.

Life is like…..Paddling a Kayak

2009-09-01T23:02:00.001-07:00

My loving and lovely wife arranged for me an intro kayaking class this past weekend.

The group class is offered by Next Adventures, in SE Portland. We met Sunday morning by the Sellwood Bridge. Spent a few minutes on the grass, going over a few pointers, then headed out into the Willamette River.

This is peaceful, quiet water. Barely a breeze, overcast, and early enough on a Sunday morning that there was no speed boat traffic.

If you’ve ever seen kayakers on smooth water, it looks incredibly easy. And I’m sure, with experience and practice, it is easy.

But it was a struggle. I’d work to go straight, and would end up heading to the left. In trying to get back right, I’d overcorrect.

Back and forth. Then, I’d stop forcefully, re-orient down river, and then do it all over again.

The two instructors in the group offered several suggestions, one of them even going so far as to say that my boat often has the same issue with novices.

But, per the suggestions, adjusted the stroke (foot to hip), reached out a bit farther, and things improved. Not completely, but improved.

How Like Life, Then??

Most things are usually more difficult than they originally appear.
Sure, you caaan figure it all out yourself, but having someone who knows and can help, that’s better.
If you find yourself fighting to and fro so much that you can’t get forward, you’re doing something wrong.
Sure, you can stop paddling, but you’ll have no control of where you end up.
There’s no harm is stopping, re-orienting, and beginning again.
IF you’re spending so much time working so hard, you’ll find yourself in the middle of a river, passing by Bald Eagle sanctuaries, with no way to enjoy it.

So What??

Fighting debt, losing weight, becoming a better father, a better husband, greening our household, becoming more involved civically.

There is no sure path. And there is no easy way to to progress in so many direction.

Look for the fun. Take your time. Ask for guidance. Accept suggestions.

And be prepared for the pain. My shoulders have been knotted up for days.

Fricken Sweet…..Corn

2009-08-14T23:42:00.001-07:00

Lawn corn, that is.

	The first growth out of the seeds. I think this was before I moved some of the sprouts around to increase spacing.
	Same location, a few weeks later.
	Top part of the corn stalk, called the tassel. This produces the pollen which produces the pollen that pollinates the ears. Captured in the shot is one of the pollinators.
	The base of the stalks. From here, you can see the ear of corn starting to emerge. Also, to the right of the stalk in front, you can see the leaves of a Hubbard squash plant starting to grow out.

This has been relatively easy, so far. The boys have really enjoyed keeping an eye on the plot, amazed at the visual difference in height from day to day.

I haven’t heard of much success in home-grown corn. At this point, there are several distinct ears, I’d call them about half size. I need to figure out the right time to pick them before they start to harden and get bitter.

A Debt Relapse

2009-07-25T23:28:00.000-07:00

Not for lack of effort to avoid it, our household has re-entered a debt state.

It was no one thing. My wife, Christie, and I had agreed that we should each be able to take one or trips a year, apart, where we could spend time catching up with friends or relatives.

Then, enrolling the boys in day camp for the summer. They each have a week of summer camp coming up.

Birthday parties, wedding celebrations to host, getting both of the cars serviced.

Lower hours than expected at the hospitals, a few weeks off while family is in town.

It’s still a relatively small amount, not what we planned for. We were hoping to replace one of the cars this year, perhaps taking advantage of the “Cash for Clunkers” program.

We’ll have to wait and see. (Contrary to my sons’ belief, that is not an automatic “No”)

50 Actions to Pay Off Debt on Consumerism Commentary
Become a Debt Killing Machine on Frugal Dad
Calculate How Long You'll Be in Debt on Lifehacker

A Garden In Law Update

2009-07-24T22:48:00.001-07:00

From my lovely and loving sister-in-law in Southern California. Sara, like me, is trying Square Foot Gardening (SFG) for the first time this year.

We have been eating zucchini, bell peppers, and lots of two different types of cucumbers. Also, almost every kind of herb you could imagine (except dill...I would like to have some dill).

Thanks for the update, Sara. Those vines look great.

10k Interval Training – On to Week 4

2009-07-06T18:22:00.001-07:00

Just wrapped up Week 3 of the Podrunner Freeway to 10k. I did this interval routine four times; once two weeks ago and three times last week, all on treadmill as that’s just how my schedule worked out.

The first attempt was, by far, the most difficult. When I stepped down from the machine, I was dizzy and my vision was going. I recognized that I was about to pass out. Got some water, sat down, and all was well. Finished that interval once more that week, but without nearly passing out. In fact, I was a bit surprised; it went much better than the previous attempt.

That weekend, the family went on a river rafting trip on the Deschutes River out of Maupin, OR. We took the half-day trip and had an excellent time. Kudos to River Drifters. There’s a reason why I bring this up, though. Heading into the very first set of rapids, I took a moment to look back and see that the boys were secure. Bump went the raft and out went I while looking back. The raft swept over me and I went into the rocks. Luckily, it was only my legs banged up, and we were able to proceed on for the 15 mile trip. Once we were done and I was able to start walking around a bit, I began to notice the knots forming in my thighs from where the rocks hit. It’s a week and a half later and it still looks like somebody painted an eggplant on my leg.

Thus, I was a little nervous to resume the intervals. Rested on Monday, and gave it a try on Tuesday. Luckily, no pain for lateral motion; it only hurt on the stairs.

So, did the two other runs for Week 3, and then on to the first interval for Week 4.

This was Saturday morning, on the 4th. I was at home, so this one was going to be a road run and not treadmill.

I really have a bad memory when it comes to how hilly my neighborhood can be. Sure, it’s no Nob Hill, but there aren’t any stretches that are just, plain flat. Courtesy of MapMyRun, here are the changes in elevation. Looking at it, I’d go uphill in either direction to get home.

I will make the next attempt of Week 4 on the treadmill. But I also need to do road running, since my objective is the Pints to Pasta 10k in September. (Just a bit more than two months to go.)

On the plus side, here is an elevation map for the Pints to Pasta 10k (assuming the route doesn’t change). Mostly downhill.

Link Love

The Ultimate Weight Loss Guide by a Calorie Counter
21 Reasons to Exercise by eMedExpert
That’s Fit on how to boost your mood with exercise.
Frequent walks as the transition to running a marothon, via Lifehacker.

Gardening Update for June

2009-06-18T23:22:00.001-07:00

Cover of North by Northwest [Region 2]

For the original nine lettuce starts I picked up from the store, for or five are left. But with those, the three or four nights of the week we’re actually home, we have been having huge salads. It’s a butter crunch lettuce, and I just break off 20 or 30 leaves at a time, letting it continue to grow. You can see, to the right, how the stalks have been cleared.

That, along with some fresh spinach and some tender pea pods. It’s been great.

Looking forward to the next crops.

Corn:

Two batches planted. The first batch, I followed the planting directions, not reading far enough ahead to the “thinning” part. But rather than pull out some growing plants, I replanted them until they were all a foot apart. I’ve since put in a second planting, so should have at least two harvests. Not sure how long this will take, though. And definitely not enough room to recreate the plane chase from North by Northwest.

Here’s the kicker. It’s not planted in the square foot gardening frame I’ve put together, it’s in my front yard.

Tomatoes :

I’ve suspended a tomato net from my raingutter. The net is eight feet tall, and I hope to train a cucumber and loofa vine into the netting, as well. It has the Sweet 100 tomato from the back corner spot in the garden bed.

The tomato plants from my own starts are just starting to bud. But, when I was at the market the other day, they had a hanging basket with tomato plant with a lot of fruit on it for only $5. So, I grabbed it, anxious to start getting some tomatoes on the dinner table.

Treadmill v Outdoor Running

2009-06-15T23:17:00.001-07:00

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

A few quick thoughts to share.

Outdoors is, well…outdoors. Fresh air, blue sky, bugs, and rain.

Treadmills are indoors. Protected from the weather, the gym may have TVs or monitors up for display. I don’t know where the controls are; at the time of day that I run, it’s either market analysis on CNBC and monster truck competitions on some sports channel.

Outdoors, you can set your pace and your stride to match your energy level without thinking. It just happens. Speed up, stretch out your stride, or vice versa.

On the treadmill, you may think you feel it’s a 5.2 mph day, but a few minutes into it, have to maintain your balance while you press the buttons to a different speed. And repeat, possibly a few times, until you find what works. But, I can keep on eye on the timer. At first, when I started running again, that was dreadful; Dear Lord, not another two minutes to finish this sprint. But now, it’s a measure and a goal.

Finished my last of three runs in the first week of the Freeway to 10k program. Sticking with it.

Running Title

2009-05-29T22:58:00.001-07:00

I’ve been training with the Couch to 5k (c25k) program from coolrunning.com for several weeks using the podcasts created for the program by Robert Ullrey. Although some of those weeks extended to two weeks while I either needed some extra conditioning to get through the routines or didn’t have enough time to squeeze in the three runs a week.

I find it helpful to have a program, a routine, a plan for working out; something to follow. I have created my own in the past, but if someone has already done the work, why duplicate the effort.

That’s the first part. The second is having an objective. While there are many people I know, admire, and respect that enjoy running for running’s sake, but I’m not there. Having an objective, something to work toward is helpful. A few people I know that have tried and completed the couch to 5k program did exactly that. They completed it, then stopped. End of story.

So, I checked several websites looking for 5k events in the area around the end of June. Nothing. Nothing in July. August.

While I was at Portland Running Co. getting analyzed for the right running shoe, I picked up a flyer for the Pints to Pasta 10k.

It’s a bigger challenge, but the podcast training workouts I found, the Freeway to 10K, start at about the level I’m running currently. So, I’ll give it a shot.

Square Foot Gardening Is Even Easier Than I Thought

2009-05-11T22:53:00.001-07:00

I built the frame in in February.

I updated with some pics a month ago. In that time, the Brussels sprouts plants are three feet tall. No sprouts growing from them, yet. But considering that the winter snows left my cruciferous plants as nothing more than stubs, I think that speaks pretty well to the quality of the soil.

The spinach I started from seed, and the buttercrunch lettuce starts that I picked up from the market are ready to start pruning back for salads.

In fact, since writing the above last night, I was able to cut off several leaves of spinach and a bunch of lettuce. We had it for dinner with fettuccini alfredo. The boys love spinach.

But, back to being easy. The plants and seeds have been out there for three months. In all that time, there have been three weeds. 3. Tres. Troi. Drei. Some slugs. I’ve captured a few in a beer trap, but I haven’t yet placed out any slug poison. I’d like to get buy without doing so.

That frame is surrounded by a jungle of weeds. I can’t take two steps without kicking dozens of seeds around.

Who Else is Square Foot Gardening

I was chatting with my sister-in-law the other night who shared with me that she had put together three frames after buying the book on my recommendation. Here are some shots from her yard. Awesome work, Sara!! These look fantastic.

Latest Steps for Fitness

2009-04-30T23:24:00.001-07:00

A quick look through my past posts will show that I’ve tried a lot, both in the year and a half that I’ve been posting and in the years before.

Despite my lack of stick-to-it-iveness, I’m always game for a new plan.

That, in itself, is part of the problem. “Hey, that looks neat, maybe I should be doing that instead!”

Well, what now? My latest plan is not based on a spontaneous decision. I’ve hemmed and hawed over this idea for a few years. In fact, as I review my bookmarks on running, the couch to 5k on Coolrunnings.com was bookmarked three years ago.

The Couch to 5k plan, on it’s face, seems pretty simple. If you look at the workout for the first week, it’s a five minute warmup, five intervals of 60 minutes running and 90 minutes walking briskly, and then a five minute warm down.

Not a problem, right? I’m sure there are thousands and thousands of people who were able to follow the plan relatively easily. My difficulty, though, is clock-watching. If I’m running outdoors, and if it’s not light enough to see my watch, can’t do it.

Robert Ullrey comes along and creates podcasts for the Couch to 5k. One file for each week in the program. He uses high-tempo music at different tempos for walking and running with a periodic voice-over to announce when to run or walk.

I’m in week 3, having repeated week 2 because of a vacation interruption. But the first run of week 3 went really well.

It’s a nine-week program, which has me wrapping up mid-June. I’ve been checking the local events calendars and haven’t seen a 5k yet, but I’ll keep going at it.

Use Run.com to find or map local running routes.
Running helps mental health
Running extends life spans.

Image: Footfall by tangywolf via flickr.

In 1 Week, 2 Major Post-Debt Tests

2009-04-27T22:34:00.001-07:00

It has been about six weeks since paying off our credit cards leaving the mortgage as our only debt.

We had a little bit of a honeymoon afterwards, a little extra spending here and there. Nothing extravagant, just loosened the purse strings for a little while.

But would it last?

When we first met nearly 16 years ago, we were individually in debt. We graduated with debt, student loans and credit cards. When I first got cards in college, I remember believing that I was free to wrack up the charges since it was obvious that I’d be making a lot of money after graduating.

Surprisingly, working at a gas station wasn’t as financially rewarding as you’d imagine. Nor did working sales at Egghead software. Nor did teaching high school while trying to rent an apartment in Los Angeles.

15 years of monthly credit card bills becomes habit, almost a tradition. To quote Garth Algar (from Wayne’s World).

It's like a new pair of underwear. At first it's constrictive, but after a while it becomes a part of you.

Test 1

Four days visiting Washington D.C. As far as tourist attractions go, D.C. is pretty inexpensive; the monuments and most of the museums are free. We stayed with family. The airfare was paid last year. The only expenses were for food, and most of that was back in Virginia, away from the city. The only credit expense was on the flight home; in order to eat on the plane (United) you need to buy a box of snack products to avoid starving, and I went through several cards before the flight attendant’s wireless card reader could read one. Anything else spent came from our checking account.

Test 2

Since paying the card balances and getting our tax refund, we’d been sitting on a nice cushion in our accounts. This generated a lot of family discussion. What to spend, what to set aside. Furniture, upgrades to the house, a car. No easy decision.

An opportunity presented itself with a liquidation sale of yet another local business. On the way home from work, C stopped in to look at the furniture and check on the deals. She had me leave work early so we could go back together.

Before going over, we looked at the accounts, and came up with a number that would be our maximum.

Since the store is in liquidation, it wasn’t the previous retail staff, but a group brought in specifically for store close-outs. Each furniture item was marked with it’s retail price, and the salespeople then had some set rules on how they could cut the prices. They were very eager to make clear that they operate on volume; so the more items purchased, the better the deal. To sweeten the deal, they offer 0%, $0 down.

We asked them to work up the numbers for a couple of different combinations of furniture; couches, ottomans, etc. With two rooms to furnish, there were several possibilities. They left for a few minutes, then came back. The price they offered for everything was three times the number we went in willing to spend. They offered 0% financing for a year to try and get us to take the deal.

They left us alone to talk for a few minutes, we looked at each other, and at the same time said we don’t want to go into debt again. We broke the news to the salesman and his manager. We did spend a little bit more than our original number, but still without credit.

We Passed the Tests!!

We walked away without regret, without second thoughts. We ARE happy with the decision. The first two pieces, a sectional and ottoman, were delivered the next day.

Now, if we can just keep the kids from jumping up and down on them.

April ‘09 Gardening Update

2009-04-14T22:42:00.001-07:00

I am, all too often, an eager gardener.

Seed catalogs start arriving in the mail right after Christmas. Seed packets are available at the market at almost the same time. So I spent much of my free time, starting in January. I built my square foot gardening (sfg) frame in January. A week into March, I had the SFG soil mixed after tracking down the materials; got the vermiculite at an hydroponics shop, Canadian peat moss, and retail mixed compost. One of the boys helped me roll out a tarp and use Mel’s suggestion to mix the three, then poured into the frame.

Once the soil was in, and the frame segmented into 1 foot squares, the first things to be planted were the few broccoli and brussel sprouts that survived the three weeks of snow before Christmas. They are doing very well, one of them has grown two feet.

Still cold, most nights in the 40’s, sometimes the high 30’s. So everything is starting a little slow.

Two squares were planted with sweet pea, some carrot, some spinach, and one tomato, a Sweet 100 hybrid. The tomato has gotten a slow start, mainly due to my eagerness to get it outside and placing too much hope on the intermittently warm days we’ve had over the past few weeks.

Here are the pea sprouts. So far, about 60% germination. The (former) dog and a neighborhood cat have disturbed some of the planting.

Brussel sprouts, doing quite nicely. Better than the broccoli.

Some butterleaf lettuce. I cheated here. I tried start a few from seed, but they didn’t really thrive. So I picked up a pack at the market.

And here is the teeny, tiny tomato plant.

Some Related Links

The Garden Helper’s Calendar of Monthly Gardening Tasks
Low Impact Living’s Building a Rain Garden
Curbly’s Hints to a Vegetable Garden
Mr Brown Thumb’s Homemade Seed Pots
GreenDaily’s Growing Butterfly Garden

We’re out from under the credit cards. Now what?

2009-04-02T22:54:00.001-07:00

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

At the same time as our great big mortgage refi / credit card pay-off, I’ve also been changing our finance software from MS Money to Quicken. So, it’s been a few weeks of re-entering, re-balancing, and setting up the accounts again.

Now that’s pretty much taken care of, I have three months of spending to try and build a budget.

But, we did make one step in the right direction, to get our future years in order. We started a 529 with the Oregon College Savings Plan.

I haven’t cranked the numbers yet, haven’t looked at the forecasts for tuition costs to know how much we’ll need to save. That along with our budget will be our next financial tasks.

Watt’s a kilowhat?

2009-03-18T22:39:00.001-07:00

There is a lot to absorb and understand when discussing a home’s energy consumption.

Kilowatts, kilowatt hours, Watts.

How much or how little does my electricity use affect those kilowatts and kilowatt hours.

What do I really save by changing a 100W incandescent light bulb with a 23W compact fluorescent?

The watt is a unit of power. A kilowatt is 1000 watts. A megawatt is 1,000,000 watts. A gigawatt is 100,000,000 watts.

If you’re walking up some stairs, you are doing work at a certain rate of power. In an incandescent lightbulb, the electrons (electricity is moving electrons) travel through the filament, but the filament resists the electricity. The electrons perform work. Just as you get hot working in the yard, the filament emits heat as the electrons work to travel across. The filament gets so hot, it emits light, as well.

You then multiply the power by time to get energy. A 100W bulb burning for 10 hours would be 1 kWh. When you look at your electrical bill, you see the number of kilowatt hours of electrical energy consumed by your home.

So Watt?

Ha ha, get it, see what I did there?

Well, I’ve purchased two devices.

I plan to analyze the house, our electrical use and look for improvements using the whole house meter. Also, using the Kill-A-Watt, I’ll look at certain groups of hardware, like the computer or the entertainment center, to look at more optimal ways to configure them. And, of course, I’ll update you along the way. My goal is to recoup the cost of the two devices by the end of the year.

Image: Light Bulb by thomasbrightbill via flickr

2nd Annual Sunflower Seed Give-Away

2009-03-17T22:50:00.001-07:00

I gave away hundreds of seeds last year, and was happy to do so. Although the blooms last season weren’t as grand as the year before, I still have a bucket of seeds to distribute.

Here's a shot from a year and a half ago.

That flower on the right got to about 15 feet tall before the weight of the bloom started weighing it down from the top.

How can you avail yourself?

This year, I only ask that you subscribe or be a current subscriber. Enter your email address at the top left. Then, use that same email address to send me a message with the address to mail the seeds to.

That’s it.

If you’re one of the few readers that recently replied to last year’s post, I have your addresses, and will get them in the mail shortly.

Carnival of the Green # 171!

2009-03-15T16:44:00.001-07:00

It's great to finally get the nod to host Carnival of the Green. I signed up over a year ago. Treehugger.com has all the dirt on hosting the Carnival on your own site, as well as a list of the weekly updates going back to 2005. And at what better time than when we should all be “wearing green”. (Corny, I know, but that’s how I roll.)

Sláinte!

Last week's was hosted by The Natural Patriot, and I'll be followed next Monday by The Evangelical Ecologist.

In no particular order, here’s what people have been talking about this week.

I live in the burbs around a lot of farms, and it can be pretty disheartening to see the road by a fruit tree covered in the run-over goo of the unclaimed and unharvested. Darren at Green-Change gets our mouths watering with some peachy pastries made with roadside fruit. If you have any such trees in your area, let your local foodbank know. They may be able to broker an agreement with the owner.
Bless me fake plastic fish, for I have eco-sinned. It has been 3 weeks since my last confession. Read Beth’s recent sin and post your own for a bit of communal absolution. You can decide your own penance.
Kate, at GreenThinking Blog, is impressed with the numerous greening projects seen around town in a recent visit to New York. This trip coincided with the Climate Change exhibition at The American Museum of Natural History. If you can’t make the exhibit, visit theirwebsite.
At Organic Family Circle, Julian gives us his take on the benefits or organic clothing; benefits for you and your family. He includes several shopping hints to help ensure your purchases are truly green, and not just green-washed.
Another feather is gone in humanity’s cap of superiority over all creatures; Capuchin monkeys have been shown capable of “symbolic thought”. Quoting Sally Kneidel,

In behavioral experiments, capuchins have learned to regard arbitrary tokens as symbols for different foods, according to primatologist Elsa Addessi of the Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies in Rome. These capuchins then spontaneously choose certain tokens over others in ways that correspond to how they choose particular foods over others.

Trying to cut cord on your mobile phones? That anchor that keeps your phone docked on the kitchen counter to charge? Michal at Energy Saving Gadgets presents a phone with a kinetic charger built in. The battery is charged by the motion of the phone as it is carried.
My next step in greening the household; an audit of the out-going recycling. Mrs Green at My Zero Waste used a rubbish log for a week, and reduced their output from 10kgs to 100gms; that’s 99% less trash.
Frugal for Life’s Dawn tries to green her produce shopping by creating a chart of various fruits and veggies and their seasons. Has anyone else noticed that we’re already getting flats of California strawberries in MARCH?!?! (At least here in the Portland area). Buying in season cuts down on the resources necessary to recreate the conditions indoors that a plant usually grows in outdoors or cuts down on the costs of transporting non-seasonal food from more tropical climates.
Is there a correlation between global climate change and declining shark populations? whysharksmatter at Southern Fried Science uses his grad school cred to consider two possible connection schemes, but leaves us with one inarguable conclusion. Caring for the environment isn’t just about global warming.
LED lighting. The next great thing. I’ve been reading about it for years, and am eager to pay less than $40 a bulb. Incandescent bulbs use too much power. CFL bulbs have mercury. KuleKat provides a pretty good comparison of bulb cons, and explains why LED lighting should be worth the wait.
Do you wear glasses? How many back-up pair do you have? You know, your old prescription or old frames that you keep around “just in case” something happens to your main specs. Holly at WomenTribune reminds readers that those frames could find new life through donation programs.
Julena, of Organic Makeup and Skin Care, reviews Pai Chamomile and Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream. Speaking to the quality of the ingredients, the bottle needs to be kept in the fridge. (fewer preservatives)
Julie, in her quest for the best Organic Lipstick in the world, tries to shine some light on some of the lesser known organic lipstick brands.
How great is it that the new administration in Washington has not only created a Special Advisor for Green Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, but has filled the position with Van Jones. Audrey Khuner at triplepundit brings us up to speed on the background and transition.
If avoiding excessive movement saves energy, and saving energy is green, and if the basic meaning of Kung Fu is skillful movement, then is Kung Fu green?
Tracey at ooffoo tells us how to pitch yourself to radio shows as a green commenter.
Corporate responsibility. Does it lead to better opportunities for the average investor? Read Ann Logue’s take at triple pundit.

Image: Go Irish! Go Green by Flipped Out, via Flickr.

Not worth the trouble

2009-03-12T23:01:00.001-07:00

It seems like something always gets in the way. I’m getting a little better at getting past the obstacles.. What was it this time? What wasn’t it?

Project at work was busy
The holidays
Staying up too late so sleeping too late.
Oh, and that herniated disk.

If it’s a priority, it’s should get done. But it’s a balance game. If I’m working out, then maybe I’m not practicing guitar or piano, not reading, maybe cutting a little time from work.

On the plus side, I’ve made it through the past several months, including the holidays, and have gained a few pounds, not the five or ten often associated with the holidays.

So, I’m getting back in the groove. I’ve been hitting the Bowflex a few days a week. Need to step up the cardio a
nd the flexibility.

Still enjoying the W
ii Fit; it’s fun to play the games with the boys. We’ve also picked up My Fitness Coach for the Wii. Assessments, measuring progress toward goals, after setting goals. Speaking of which, my butt is sore from too many donkey kicks.

If you feel better with a plan and don’t know where to start RunFatBoy will create one for you.
That’s Fit offers 5 reasons you must exercise; reduces need for medication, boosts energy, and slows aging.
Life Learning Today goes into detail of how exercise is good for you; heart, blood vessels, red blood cells.
Dumb Little Man lists 13 proven exercise benefits, including longevity, brain development, fights depression, helps cholesterol, better sleep, help with diabetes.

Brushed the debt under the rug

2009-02-24T23:09:00.001-08:00

We didn’t pack up the car and head to a small town under assumed identities.
We didn’t abandon everything and head to a country to avoid extradition laws.
We didn’t start a meth lab in one of the spare bathrooms.

We’d been paying $2,000 a month on payments for two mortgages. The primary was $1,300 and change, after having been refinanced once before, with 15 years to go. The second was $600 and change each month; we took this one on to cover some student loans for nursing school.

Add our credit card payments, where I’d been trying to pay $2000 a month. This became an issue the past few months. While it’s true that nurses are in pretty high demand, those who work in places such as a neonatal unit only work when there are enough babies to fill the beds. So there’ve been a couple of lean months.

Luckily, I’d socked away a few thousand dollars, in one of those “emergency savings accounts” people are talking so much about. Those totals have dropped a bit, accordingly.

We’ve been in our house for eight years. For each new year since, our original mortgage agent has sent us a little calendar that we stick up on the fridge.

So I called her. We wanted to combine the two mortgages and add on enough to knock off the credit card. She came up with a few scenarios.

We were lucky. We would not have made it through the door if either of our credit scores was below 720 (just before they changed the scale). We also needed to have enough home equity; the house was re-appraised to confirm.

We got in at 5% (a drop on both counts). Got back nearly enough to pay the cards off; the rest will be knocked off with our tax refunds. (Hopefully. Who knows if they’ll pay them out.)

In The Bullpen

Once the dust settles, we’ll need a new budget. Much to my loving wife’s chagrin, I’ve been pretty tight with the purse strings for several years. We haven’t always been perfectly frugal, but it has spared us from some incidental spending.

We also need a new set of priorities. College savings for the kids, update our retirement plans, look for safer investment opportunities, furniture and appliances, home improvements, etc.

The unfortunate aspect of our new mortgage is the stretch from 13 to 30 years for payback. We almost walked away from the deal over this. If we play our cards right, and it will be part of our new budget, we can pay ahead on it. In the meantime, we have a few hundred extra per month to set aside.

A Difference of Opinion

The wife and I need to come to consensus on how to prioritize. But there is one point I know we’re stuck on, and another I think we will be.

We both agree that this is a turning point. While I look forward to the change in our finances, it’s not that I’m not optimistic, but I’m focused getting a new plan in place and on the effort it will take to keep from falling back into the pit.
Learning to to save first, then buy. It will be a change for us, but with some conflict, at first.

No Credit Needed’s Preparing for Freedom
Wisebread’s take on mortgage assistance in the new stimulus plan.
Get Rich Slowly’s similar story of a refi (noting that they made the same choice to refi to a longer term with more flexibility)
Fivecentnickle on calculating your refi payback period.
Bargaineering on researching your refi.

Large Student Loan Debt's Place In Debt Snowball Plan (frugaldad.com)
Run the Refinancing Numbers, Then Run Them Again (nytimes.com)

image MmHnCnChBkMt courtesy of Turkey Toe via flickr

Joe's First Square Foot Garden Bed

2009-02-13T21:56:00.000-08:00

A Christmas gift a year ago was the book, " All New Square Foot Gardening ", by Mel Bartholomew. The premise of the book is backyard gardens can be more productive, efficient, and enjoyable by using a raised bed, the right soil mix, and a good plan. I always recommend checking the book at the library first. See if it's too your liking and if so, and if it's needed for additional reference, then buy it.

There are few varieties on the theme, such as cubed foot, or square inch. I haven't read them and can't comment on them.

Square Foot Gardening is a pretty quick read, easy to understand, and leaves you eager to break ground, even mid-January.

I've assembled a schedule along with the seeds/plants I plan to start. I will share that separately.

Framed

Although the concept allows for configuring the boxes as much as the user would like, the default design is a 4' x 4' square, broken up into 16 squares. Mel, the author, advocates using scrap and recycled materials where possible. With that intent (that's the way I roll, anyway) I headed to The ReBuilding Center, on N. Mississippi, here in Portland. They deal in reclaimed materials. A piece of advice to potential visitors; it's not like a visit to Home Depot. Not a heater in the place. So if you're going in early February, bundle up, have a warm drink, and don't let the kids get too chilly.

I was browsing around the center to get some ideas for materials; boards to frame the boxes and poles to support tomato and squash plants mainly.

Approaching hyporthermia, I quickly laid claim to four pieces of tongue and groove cedar 2x6's, splattered with plaster and cement. At fifty cents a foot, it's hard to complain. I had to borrow a tape measure so that I could measure Nolan's height, and have him stand against the boards so I could make sure everything was longer than four feet.

These sat in the car for another week. Over the course of a few evenings, I cut them to length, pre-drilled the ends, and built a square. Come to find out that this is some really tough wood; I sheared the points from two Phillips bits getting those screws in.

Each piece was cut to 49.5 inches. Each corner was then framed as a flush corner joint, each board has an end exposed and one covered. This leaves a four foot square on the inside.

The last step I've taken is to staple the weed barrier to the frame. Not part of plan in the book, I just thought it would be easier to drop it in place.

Then, cleared out a spot in garden to place it.

What's Next

Acquire the materials for "Mel's Mix", equal parts compost, peat moss, and vermiculite. Mel advises a mix of different composts. He concedes that there are environmental issues with peat moss, but suggests that you end up using fewer resources following this method. (I will still consider other fillers.) And that vermiculite is not to be feared. The asbestos controversy is long resolved. It is difficult to track down in any quantity though, but I think I'll be able to get some at a local hydroponics shop, that just happens to be decorated with rasta colors.

A few other posts online:

J.D. at Get Rich Slowly provides an intro to square foot gardening.
Being Frugal on Building a Square Foot Garden
Farmer Brown's Page on SFG
Wired.com's how-to site on SFG.
Frugal Dad on SFG.

I'm Baaaaaaaack

2009-02-11T21:49:00.000-08:00

I had not planned on a two month hiatus. Holidays and work and, well, stuff.

If you're still interested, I'll still be writing.

In the meantime, here are a few links I've come across recently.

J.D. at Get Rick Slowly discusses the "checkbook sweep" process his wife follows to improve their savings.
At The Unclutterer, the plans to get a household notebook together; contacts, menus, essential health information, etc.
Do you have your rainy day fund? What about a sunny day fund?

A Big Pile Of....

2008-11-23T22:01:00.000-08:00

Compost! I was going to say compost!.

It was a bit less than a year ago that I first received a yard composting bin (Thanks Bryn!!). I loaded it up with the leaves and yard debris that remained after the fall cleanup, and have been steadily feeding it kitchen waste, grass clippings, the weeding, shredded receipts and bills, and torn up newspaper.

Each Autumn, Portland and its suburbs provide a street sweeping service to vacuum up the massive amount of leaves. Homeowners rake their leaves into piles on the street for one of three chances to have them picked up.

This year, though, I didn't need to. All of the leaves from the front yard made it into the composters, along with most from the back yard. What remained in the back yard was swept over the garden beds for winter coverage, and as additional cover to the bins as I add kitchen scraps.

The End Result
Dark and dry. Pine cones still intact. Thicker twigs and sticks, as well. It should not be that dry, though. I need to get more water in there; that facilitates the worms and microbes that help break down the tissues and fibers in the plants.

Took out a few buckets worth to cover some of the winter vegetables, which are still recovering from slug feasting.

The white is a complete layer of shredded paper; bills, receipts, financial documents. The brown is the layer of compost I just spread out on top.

What Does It Look Like On Top?
Thanksgiving scraps, some potatoes we didn't get to in time, squash rinds. You can see all of the flies in there. I do need to cover it.

Why Compost?

It's easy.
It can be free. A bin isn't required. A pile and a shovel or pitchfork will get the job done.
It can be done indoors. RSVP International Stainless Steel Compost Pail 11x7.25-in. or the Norpro Ceramic Compost Keeper can be kept in the kitchen or utility room.
There's worm composting, or vermicomposting, which can also be done indoors, such as with the 4 Tray - Compost Worm Bin System - The Worm Factory, or the All Food Recycling Compost Kit with Bokashi.
It can really cut down on the amount of trash you send out each week.
It can improve the quality of your garden.

A bunch of stuff you didn't think you could compost.
A Life Less Plastic has compile a list of composting resources.
Build your own compost tumbler. (I may try to do this next summer.) Search craigslist for plastic barrels. It's pretty common for businesses to offload these.
A number of books on the subject. Check your library.

Passive Declutter with Craigslist Items Wanted

2008-11-18T21:44:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd try something new in our attempts to get rid of stuff.
Much as I'd subscribed to certain sections or keywords from Craigslist with my news reader, I thought I'd try going the other direction with the subscription.

Craigslist Items Wanted
Items for sale on Craigslist are categorized, such as Electronics, Sporting Goods, Books, etc. But that list of categories also includes Items Wanted. People can post a request for something they're looking for, hoping that some reader will have it and be willing to sell it.

There are the obvious things that people want to get rid of; the old TV being stored in the garage, the bag of shirts that the kids have outgrown, the old Bibles handed down generation after generation and otherwise just sitting in a box in the back of a closet.

The Process
Add the Items Wanted list to your newsreader. Click the RSS button at the bottom of the Craigslist web page and select the reader you use.

Then, just read the feed. Be prepared. There are a lot of heart wrenching stories posted; people looking for fire wood, food, Christmas presents for poor families, etc.

There has been a request for apples, and I've got a tree full of apples that are only making the dog sick.
I have been hesitant to act on the many, many requests for charitable hand-outs; we try to funnel our donations through established organizations.
Someone looking for old Mac equipment. I don't have any, but that's a perfect example of something that might be sitting around.
A collector of WWII era postcards, and I know I have some around here somewhere.

Here in Portland, there are two to three hundred posts a day. With Google Reader, it's pretty easy to scan the post title and quickly skip to the next with the J key.

The Conclusion
I'm not expecting to clear out the garage this way, but there's no harm in keeping an eye out. In fact, I may do the same thing with the Craigslist Barter section.

Year End Gardening Update

2008-11-05T22:43:00.000-08:00

With a few exceptions, the output from the garden has been pretty disappointing.

On the plus side

Pumpkins. 2 of them, at about 20 lbs each. One I carved as my "Vote" Jack-o-Lantern.
Strawberries. Loads and loads of strawberries. Haven't touched bags of frozen berries, yet. I may use them to try and make some freezer jam.
A few dozen tomatoes. Few things better than sun ripened, sun warmed tomatoes fresh from the vine, just a touch of salt, or with some vinegar and fresh basil.
I think there's a cucumber or two to pick
A few good sunflowers.

Flat or negative.

JD over at Get Rich Slowly did a detailed audit of his gardening harvest compared with their expenses and effort. That might prove a worthwhile effort if my efforts were more "fruitful", so to speak.

There were a few dozen tomatoes, but there were hundreds left on the vine. Soooo many of them failed to ripen before the rains started. So they cracked and rotted.
No blueberries to speak of; plus one of the four plants withered. Not sure if it was too wet or too dry.
From two dozen beet sprouts, half a dozen that big enough to eat. I broughts those to the Oregon Food Bank. Some are still in the ground, so I may have a shot.
Only one of the pumpkin vines was productive. The others withered.
One green pepper. Just one.

What Next

Well, this is a work in progress and a learning process. Except for one small plot along the back of the house, unless it grows in the shade, it's not going to grow in the back yard. I have too often been optimistic on the lighting on certain parts of the ground, but then the leaves for the maples come in, and I'm like "Oh. Yeah. That's right."

I picked up some cauliflower and broccoli sprouts; will try for a few winter vegetables.

I've been hesitant to use the front and side yards to garden for any food product, but it looks like I need to reconsider. But, I don't want to become "that" neighbor. I just need to make it attractive.

Unless the winds this Autumn knock down the row of 50 foot pines next door, there will never be enough light to grow much in the backyard. So, I will try to get some wisteria, something that I can cultivate and groom to make a nice shaded area out back.

So, Why Garden??

Growing grass is a huge drain of resources; water, chemicals, and the energy to mow, aerate, de-moss, etc.
Gardening is relaxing, therapeutic, etc.
$1.50 seed pack vs $2 a pound for tomatoes.
Watching your kids watch the pumpkins grow.
Strolling around the yard, picking a handful of strawberries, and sharing them with your wife.
Calluses and dirty fingernails.

Teaching My Kids To Handle Their Debt, Lesson 1

2008-10-25T00:48:00.001-07:00

Here's the little bit about finance and debt passed on by my parents.

A college degree is a guarantee to success.
Keep the bills away from your father.
Don't pay the same bill late two months in a row.
Grandma can only handle two mortgages at a time to cover everyone else's bills.

Didn't have much of an allowance, and the ten dollars my brothers and I earned each month mowing my grandmother's lawns got a few sodas and snacks, but didn't leave much room for building up our college savings.

My first real job was a summer at McDonald's. At $3.65 an hour, I netted about $1500. I banked about a third of it, and the rest was spent on comic books (most of which I still have) and clothing. (I'd had enough of wearing hand-me-downs from my cousins and JC Penney's knock-offs.) When the school year started, I "loaned" the savings to my Mom to pay our high school tuition.

Earn, spend. Earn, spend.

Then college. Just enough financial aide to get by, and all those stands by the cafeteria offering really easy credit cards. I got three cards right away, and since I've carried a balance for nearly the entire 20 years since, I'm essentially still paying for that first charge. (Probably text books.) At the time, I assumed I'd graduate right into a well paying job. But pumping gas, even with a Physics degree, didn't cut it.

Lesson No. 1

In no particular order, it's just what's on my mind.

Pay as you go.

N lost a library book once, and we had to pay up to replace it. So, a freeze on the allowance until that was paid off.

M just "had to have", a Nintendo game or something. So, the agreement at the time was that we'd split it and he'd pay us back. He was more than a little upset to find that we would hold him to it.

I'd been tracking their allowances on a note board in the kitchen. ( I dock them nickles when I need to repeat myself.) Each week, their totals would decrease by two dollars (or a little less). Finally, last weekend, they both hit zero. M edged ahead, as we'd been offering him $.25 a pile when he scoops up dog poop.

The rules for their allowance are going to change a bit with time, but there are no free rides, here. (At least, not too many rides.)

Related articles I've recently read

Although geared toward older children, FrugalDad discusses several ways for kids to save.
Over at Wisebread, 6 random things she taught her kids about money.
Fivecentnickle on 10 things kids should know about money.
FrugalDad again, Kids and Money Matters.
Blogging Away Debt, Let Kids Make Money Mistakes.
The Dough Roller, Teaching Kids About Money
How to Make 7 Million in 7 Years on Smarty Pig and kids' learning money management.
Milk Your Money on Insufficient Financial Literacy
FrugalDad, Are Parents (as role models) To Blame For Financial Problems

Finances and Election Information

2008-10-22T20:47:00.000-07:00

Tracking job growth over the course of two two-term presidents, apparently, job growth was much higher in the 90's
On a related note, how has the national debt waxed and waned over the past 32 years?
Some analysis in the proposed cuts in Medicare under a McCain presidency.
McCain's tax cuts for the middle class really for the wealthy?
I've mentioned this before, but half of all home foreclosures are caused by overwhelming medical expenses.
Bush's MBA supposedly at work, tax-money squandered on Iraq Reconstruction, Katrina, and no-bid defense contracts.
An analysis on how SEC exemptions led to the collapse of AIG.
Just how small are earmarks compared to the budget and the national debt?

October Debt Update

2008-10-20T21:32:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like the first piece of pumpkin pie in the fall. That hit the spot.
Image via Wikipedia
Here's the debt sitch.

I've been following a snowflake-like program to address our credit card debt. Snowflaking is addressed in more detail at Paid Twice Already and Get Rich Slowly, but in a nutshell, you list your debts, pay minimums to all but one, and throw all of your available resources at that last one. There is some debate as to whether that should be the lowest balance or the highest interest rate, but you get the idea. Once that card is paid off, you move to the next debt in line, and add what you were paying on the first to the minimum you've been paying to the second card. And so on, until you've worked your way through all of them.

The good news is that I've now got things down to one credit card. We no longer are shelling out $800/month for daycare, and the buffer I've built up in the checking account has allowed us to pay immediately for some higher-cost items that we would have charged in the past. (A car repair of $400, initial payment to the orthodontist of $400, $200 in vet bills.)
The bad news is that our overall debt has increased by about $1500 since last report; back-to-school expenses, and someone needed a bunch of new clothes, new glasses, and I needed a crown on a tooth.

Now that it's all on one card and we're no longer paying for child-care, I'm hoping to make some decent progress against the balance in short order.

Savings and Interest
While doing this, I've also been working to build up our savings. At one point, about two years ago, we only had a few hundred dollars in savings. That's just crazy.

So, since posting in August, our savings account seems to have dipped to $4800, down about $160. I think that's misleading, though, as I believe I was counting something that I'm not now.

We've made some positive efforts in our savings plans. In August, I posted about starting an online savings accout with ING direct. Well, at the last minute, I went with etrade instead. No reason, I just felt better going that route at the time. Christie and I have since arranged direct deposits to that account from our paychecks, for a total of $100 a month. This will go toward a family trip next summer. I'm not sure if it will cover all of the expense, but it will certainly prevent a big jump in credit debt.

The account at Prosper.com is doing well; for about $200 invested, I've earned about $9 in the past few months. They've just gone into a quiet period, with limits placed on lending. Lending Tree recently came out of their quiet period, which lasted several months. Hopefully, by the time Prosper resumes normal lending, the payments I will have received will be enough to meet the minimum on another investment. My goal with that account is to use the payments and earned interest to go right back into new investments, get it to be self-sustaining.

Like everyone else in the country, my retirement accounts have taken a huge hit. Luckily, I wasn't retiring soon.

A few purchases out of savings the past few months also. The hard drive on our desktop PC, 5 years old, was maxing out. We couldn't install anything without removing something else. As I started looking into a new hard drive and seeing costs of around $80 if I did the work myself, I found a new PC on Craigslist, with a larger hard drive, for $150. Now I just need to prep the old system to sell. With the expectation that I'd be biking to work more often, I found a waterproof Timbuk2 messenger bag for $50, also on Craigslist. Now I need to find some time and get my ads posted.

Angry McCain Scares the Bejeesus Out of Me

2008-10-10T23:23:00.000-07:00

Senator McCain's temper has already received quite a bit of attention. He refers to it himself when he tries to crack wise about losing the Miss Congeniality contests.

He's a hot-head, and it's no secret.

And that is truly frightening.

Never mind his age. Never mind the four melanomas. Never mind getting into the Naval academy as a legacy, finishing fourth from the bottom of the class, and crashing four or five planes.

I've lived with a hothead; was raised by one. My dad could go from nothing to complete rage in nothing flat. One of the jobs my brothers and I had growing up was to get home before Dad, so we could get the mail and remove the bills. He was not allowed to see them They almost always caused him to flip out. Anything got his nose out of joint; worse than worrying about him getting angry was worrying about how angry he would get. Was it going to be glowering, yelling, or hitting, kicking, ripping the phone out and then denting the wall with it? You never could tell.

I know our perceptions are both shaped and clouded by our experiences. But what I've read about the Senator's outbursts lead me to believe that he is as bad as, if not worse than, my Dad.

When you're president, it is not acceptable to seek forgiveness with an ice cream cone. The stakes are too high.

Rolling Stone magazine recently published an article on him. The entire article is worth the read, but here are a few quotes that stood out

...When they laughed at him, he cursed them so vilely that he was hauled into court on a profanity charge.
...Back on campus, McCain's short fuse was legend. "We'd hear this thunderous screaming and yelling between him and his roommate — ...It was a regular occurrence."
...When McCain was not shown the pampering to which he was accustomed, he grew petulant — even abusive. He repeatedly blew up in the face of his commanding officer.
... McCain admits to an "immature and unprofessional reaction to slights" that is "little changed from the reactions to such provocations I had as a schoolboy

I don't want this man's hand on the proverbial button. I don't trust him.

Recovering from an oil petro roblem

2008-10-07T22:08:00.001-07:00

So, I thought I would be clever in a follow-up the other day on my post on oil addiction. Started looking at the 12 steps, thinking about ways to apply each of the steps to things that I have done and can do to cut oil. But it turns out, it's been done, and done, and done, and done.

So, On With the Show

There is no 28-day program to clean this mess up. Half of the electricity consumed by Americans is generated by coal. One percent of the energy produced in the US is used to manufacture drywall. The US has a fraction of the world's oil supply, but uses a quarter of the world's oil. Like a junkie needs a dealer, the US needs Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Venezuela.

If they decide to cut our supply, we're going to get a hell of a jonesing. Those of us who have already made some accommodation will be better off.

There's cold turkey. You could go off-grid like Jackson Browne, Brian Liloila, or like the BBC sit-com in the 70's about a couple that went the self-sustaining way, "The Good Life". (A bit of urban homesteading.) But, getting up at 4am, milking the cows, gathering the eggs, slaughter the pig, then having ham and eggs for breakfast just isn't my thing.

Steps We've Taken So Far

With our household, it's one step at a time.

Replaced all bulbs but a few with CFLs or LED lights.
Power-strips to completely turn-off some appliances except when in use.
Smart power strips on the computer and the entertainment center, to cut power to the surrounding devices when the primary device turns off.
Started line-drying about half of our clothes.
Keep the cars maintained and the tires properly inflated.
Insulated the ceiling of the garage, to keep the bedrooms above a bit warmer.
Cut our purchases of plastic products.
Cut our purchases of Chinese made products.
High-efficiency furnace and heat pump.
Insulated windows installed as soon as we moved in.
Foam sealant behind all of the electrical sockets.
Electric lawn-mower.
Lower thermostat and sweaters during the winter. We use an electric blanket, and the boys have a space heater, since they are completely incapable of keeping the covers on.
Eating much less meat, especially beef.
Showers instead of baths, and shorter showers, at that.
Programmable thermostat.
Eating locally grown and seasonal food.

What's Left To Do

I'd like to further insulate the attic.
Finish insulating the ceiling of the garage.
At a green expo a few months ago, I chatted with an insulation guy who suggested sealing off the tops and/or bottoms of the wall seams in the attic and garage. A lot of heat gets sucked up through the walls via the chimney-affect, or so he says.
We're talking to an electrician about a solar panel installation; the effectiveness will be hampered by the height of our neighbors trees. But, I know a guy that knows how to sneak up trees when nobody is looking, and "clean them up".
Improve the shading on the house during the summer.
Maybe cutting back to one car. The combined mileage of the two cars is 253,000. So, one is bound to die soon enough.
See if we can get rid of the second fridge in the garage.
Cut back on the number of TVs and other appliances in the house, especially older ones.
Focus efforts on reducing usage and purchases.
Get my butt on my bike to get to work or telecommute more.

Some articles for reference

I need to heartily and vocally disagree with Sarah Palin's comment that while climate change is a real problem, it doesn't matter what causes it. To me, that's the equivalent of treating pneumonia with prayer.

Register to vote, dammit!!

2008-10-02T22:57:00.001-07:00

I don't care what your party affiliation is, just get it done.

Google.com will help you find the closest/fastest way to get your registration taken care of.

On a personal note, if you, sitting there, are absolutely terrified at the prospect of "President Palin", you had better be registered, and you had better ask everyone you know if they are registered, as well.

Hi, my name is Joe, and I'm an Oil Addict.

2008-10-02T22:47:00.001-07:00

ad·dic·tion: the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.

I drive a car.
I use plastic products, and goods packaged in plastic. Much of that plastic is not recyclable.
I produce that uses petroleum-based pesticides.
I use non-green detergents which may contain petroleum-based surfactants.
I have clothing that includes synthetic materials
House paints that include acrylic latex.
I buy consumer goods made overseas, shipped to the US, and transported by train and truck.

Like all addictions, there are repercussions, both personal and social. Fuel, transportation, groceries are more expensive; significantly in some cases.

Worst of all, though, the pushers, the suppliers, are doing everything to keep us all hooked. Billions of US tax dollars siphoned off and delivered to manufacturers, manufacturers that, quarter after quarter, rake in record-breaking profits.

Cold-Turkey or Slow Weaning?

Stay tuned to see what I've done, what I plan to do, and why.

addiction. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved October 02, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/addiction

Img: Face Injection by ClintJCL via Flickr

Grocery Store, Costco, or Amazon

2008-09-23T19:33:00.001-07:00

As are most people are these days, we are up against rising costs everywhere we look, including and especially at the grocery store. Prices going up. And in many cases, where the prices are not increasing, the size of the product is shrinking. Look in the ice cream freezer next time you're shopping. Those round tubs of Rocky Road and Mint Chocolate Chip are getting smaller and smaller. JD at Get Rich Slowly noticed this several weeks ago with two yogurts that were on the shelf together. (25% decrease in size, same price)

So Watch the Price per Unit

That's the cost divided by the size. The price on the shelf should have a smaller number tucked away in the corner, cost per pound, cost per ounce, or cost per unit. Here are some recent articles on using unit pricing.

Frugal for Life on Unit Pricing
JD at Get Rich Slowly on Unit Pricing of Spices
Get Rich Slowly again, on Unit Pricing

While I have started to keep a better eye on the price per unit, I have noticed that the sellers (either the store or the manufacturers) like to keep consumers on their toes; one cereal will have dollars per ounce, the next may have dollars per pound, the next may have cents per ounce. So, a little bit of unit conversion is sometimes necessary.

Where do you shop for the best prices?

The local supermarket, Costco, Walmart, Walgreen's, and even Amazon.com?

There are a few bloggers out and about that really work the weekly ads and specials at Walgreen's, Rite-Aid, CVS, etc. That seems like more work than I can handle right now, but you can follow along at The Chief Family Officer or Money Saving Mom.

On principle, I don't shop at Walmart.

That leaves Amazon, Costco, and for local shopping, we go to Fred Meyer. Albertsons, Safeway, WinCo, and Haggen markets are also local, but we frequent Fred Meyer, which is owned by Kroger.

What I Compared and How

I put together a list of non-perishable staples that we often purchase, starting with Costco. On the basis of unit pricing, I noted comparable items at the grocery store, and then did the same by browsing around the grocery section at Amazon.

And The Tests Conclude....

Well, it depends on what your goals are. Price? Are you trying to shop green? Unscented? Trying to cut an extra errand from your week?

It all depends.

But, here's the info I dug up. I've highlighted the best price where applicable. There are two tables; the first is Costco and Fred Meyer, second is Costco and Amazon.

	Costco	Fred Meyer
TP Decision: It's close. 7th generation at Fred Meyer is close enough to get with the regular shopping.	19.59, Charmin 30 jumbo rolls, 250 sheets per roll.	17.99, Charmin 30 large rolls, 200 sheets per roll	4.99 Sunrise, 6 rolls 1 ply	10.99 7th generation 12 rolls 2 ply, 400 sheets per roll
Dishwasher soap Decision: The Costco purchase is cheaper, but the Everyday Living is really close, and should be better for the enviro.	7.99 Kirkland liquid gel 125 oz, two pack, .032 per oz. 3 cents per oz Costco wins by a nose on price, but Everyday living on ethics.	4.67 Palmolive Eco 75 oz, 99.6 per pint 6 cents per oz	2.99 Everyday Living 75 oz 63.8 per pint 4 cents per oz	5.19 7th gen green apple 45 oz 12 cents per oz	7.99 Biokleen 64 oz, 32 loads, 12 cents per oz
Dish soap	6.99 Kirk Env friendly dish soap, 135 oz, .052 per oz	3.89 Everyday Living 56 oz .069 cents per oz.
Simple Green	9.69, 1 gallon, .076 per oz
Laundry Det Liquid	13.69 Ecos, 210 oz, 105 loads, .13 per load	17.99 7th generation free & clear 64 loads, 100 oz
	.065 per oz	.1799 per oz, 0.28 per ld
Laundry Det Powdered	12.99 Kirkland Free & Clear, 110 loads, 170 oz, .118 per load	11.99 7th generation free & clear HE 42 loads 112 oz	13.99 biokleen 100 loads, 10 lbs
Fabric Softener	14.49 Downy Liquid April Fresh, 195 lds, 169 oz, .074 per load	6.29 Downy April Fresh 60 loads	6.29 Ultra Downy Free & Sensitive 60 loads	5.29 7th Generation lbue eucalyptus and lavender 40 oz 40 loads
		.104 per load	.104 per load	.13 per load
Animal Crackers	7.99 Kirkland Disney Organic, 64 oz, .125 per oz
Capri Sun, 100% juice, 6.75 oz	9.75, qty 40 .245 per oz	4.19 box of 10 .99 per pint
	.24 per juice pouch	.42 per juice pouch
Juice Box, 100% juice, 6.75 oz	9.79, qty 36, .272 per oz	3.53 juicy juice 1.05 per pint qty 8, 6.75 oz
	.27 per juice box	.44 per juice box
Organic Instant Oatmeal	8.99 Kirkland, qty 45	2.99 Private Select qty 12 plain, 10 flavored
	.20 per pouch	.30 per pouch (flavored)
Quaker Instant Oatmeal	9.99, qty 55	4.49, qty 10
	.18 per pouch	.45 per pouch
Raisin Bran	7.79, Kirkland Organic, 56 oz,	3.59 Private Selelct, 17 oz	4.39 Kellog's, 25.5 oz
	.14 per oz	.21 per oz	.17 per oz
Cheerios	5.69, 37 oz	4.19 1 lb 2 oz
	.15 per oz	.52 per oz
Honey Nut Cheerios	6.99, 49 oz	5.89 1 lb 9.25 oz
	.11 per oz	.17 per oz
Frosted Mini Wheats	8.49, 70 oz	5.29 24 oz 2.53 per lb
	.12 per oz	.22 per oz
Jif Extra Crunchy	8.79, qty 2, 48 oz each	6.19, 40 oz 2.48 per lb
	.09 per oz	.15 per oz
Pacific Natural Foods, Organic Creamy Tomato Soup	9.99, qty 6, 32 oz each .833 per oz	2.99 32 oz
	.05 per oz	.09 per oz
Pirate's Booty	7.39, qty 2, 10 oz each, .37 per oz	2.59 4 oz 10.36 per lb
	.37 per oz	.65 per oz
Wheat Thins	6.45, 40 oz 2.58 per lb	3.29 10 oz 5.26 per lb
Saltines	4.69, 3 lbs	4.83 2 lb 2.42 per lb
	1.56 per lb	2.42 per lb
Sunmaid Raisins	6.99, qty 2, 2lbs each, 1.748 per lb	5.69 2 lbs	4.79 Generic 2 lbs	6.59 Organic Naturally Preferred 2 lbs
	1.75 per lb	2.85 per lb	2.40 per lb	3.30 per lb
Gillette Mach 3 Turbo razors	38.99, qty 20 1.95 each	18.99 qty 8
	1.95 each	2.37 each
Method Hand Wash refill	6.99, 96 oz, .073 per oz
Benefiber	19.69, 190 servings	19.99 125 servings
	.10 per serving	.16 per serving

	Costco	Amazon, save 15% with subscription
Sonicare eSeries replacement heads	37.99 for 4	29.99 2 pack regular price, save
	9.50 each	15.00 each
TP	19.59, Charmin 30 jumbo rolls, 250 sheets per roll.	47.99 7th gen 48 rolls, 500 sheets per roll, 2 ply 80% post consumer B000C7OHFK	42.45 Kleenex Cottonelle Aloe and Vit E, 12 qty 4 packs 260 sheets per roll
	.65 per roll	1.00 per roll (but, rolls have 2x sheets per)	.88 per roll
Dishwasher soap	7.99 Kirkland liquid gel 125 oz, two pack, .032 per oz.	107.88 biokleen pack of 12 citrus automatic 2 lb tubs, 64 loads each (non-subscribe)	49.99 7th Generation dish powder free and clear 75 oz each, pack of 8
	.032 per oz	1.69 per load .28 per oz	.083 per oz
Dish soap	6.99 Kirk Env friendly dish soap, 135 oz, .052 per oz	33.48 7th Generation Liquid, Lemongrass and Clementine, 25 oz, box of 12	36.00 Earth Friendly Dishmate, Natural Almond, 25 oz, box of 12	25.18 method upright dish soap, 25 oz, pack of 6
	.053 per oz	.11 per oz	.12 per oz	.17 per oz
Simple Green	9.69, 1 gallon, .076 per oz	22.13, marked to 10.88, 1 gallon, not subscribe, not sold by amazon.
	9.69 per gallon	10.88 per gallon
Laundry Det Liquid	13.69 Ecos, 210 oz, 105 loads, .13 per load	50.39 All Small & Mighty, Free Clear, 9x32 load bottles, 288 loads	66.05 Mrs Meyer's Clean Day, 64 oz, case of 6, 32 loads each	51.68 Method Triple Concentrated HE Free &Clear, 32 oz, 6 bottles, 32 loads each	51.29 (down from 77) biokleen citrus laundry liq, 64 oz bottles, pack of 6, 64 loads each	38.83 Citra suds natural laundry, he, 50 oz pack of 6, 32 loads each
	.13 per load	.17 per load	.36 per load	.27 per load	.13 per load	.20 per load
Laundry Det Powdered	12.99 Kirkland Free & Clear, 110 loads, 170 oz, .118 per load	50.75 Country Save HE, 160 load, 10 lb box, case of 4	40.99 7th Gen, free & clear, 112 oz box, pack of 4, 42 loads each	94.85 biokleen premium plus 5 lb box, case of 8, 54 loads each (double that for front loading)	50.71 biokleen free & clear, 10 lb box, pack of 4, 100 loads per box (150 for HE)
	.118 per load	.08 per load	.24 per load	.22 per load	.12 per load
Fabric Softener	14.49 Downy Liquid April Fresh, 195 lds, 169 oz, .074 per load	23.99 7th generation, blue eucalyptus an lav, 40 oz, pack of 6, 40 loads each	34.73 method fresh air, 32 oz, case of 6, 32 loads each	43.86, Mrs Meyer's Clean Day, 32 oz, case of 6, (HOW MANY LOADS PER BOTTLE???)
	.074 per load	.10 per load	.18 per load
Animal Crackers	7.99 Kirkland Disney Organic, 64 oz, .125 per oz	35.08 EnviroKidz Organic Gluten Free Vanilla, pack of 12, 9 oz ea
	.125 per oz	.32 per oz
Organic Instant Oatmeal	8.99 Kirkland, qty 45	18.46 Nature's path, 8 per box, pack of 6 (48 total)	33.60 Dr McDougall's right foods, apple cin, 8 per box, 12 boxes
	.20 per package	.38 per package	.35 per package
Quaker Instant Oatmeal	9.99, qty 55	15.95, 55ct, non-subscribe
	.18 per package	.29 per package
Raisin Bran	7.79, Kirkland Organic, 56 oz,	67.69 24.6 oz pack of 14 total rb	23.35 Healthy Valley Organic Oat Bran with Raisins, 16 oz, pack of 6
	.14 per oz	.20 per oz	.24 per oz
Cheerios	5.69, 37 oz	20.61, 18 oz box, pack of 4
	.15 per oz	.29 per oz
Honey Nut Cheerios	6.99, 49 oz	37.37, 25.25 oz, box of 6
	.14 per oz	.25 per oz
Frosted Mini Wheats	8.49, 70 oz	17.82 24 oz box, pack of 4
	.12 per oz	.19 per oz
Jif Extra Crunchy	8.79, qty 2, 48 oz each	30.63 Peter Pan, 18 oz, pack of 12,
	.09 per oz	.14 per oz
Pacific Natural Foods, Organic Creamy Tomato Soup	9.99, qty 6, 32 oz each .833 per oz	27.76, pack of 12 16 oz cartons
	.05 per oz	.14 per oz
Pirate's Booty	7.39, qty 2, 10 oz each, .37 per oz	26.15, 4 oz, pack of 12
	.38 per oz	.54 per oz
Wheat Thins	6.45, 40 oz 2.58 per lb	18.12, 4 oz box, pack of 12	24.98, reduced fat, 14.5 oz, pack of 6
	.16 per oz	.38 per oz	.28 per oz
Saltines	4.69, 3 lbs	29.85 8 oz box, pack of 12
	1.56 per lb	4.95 per lb
Sunmaid Raisins	6.99, qty 2, 2lbs each, 1.748 per lb	20.86 Newman's own, 32 oz bags, pack or 3
	1.75 per lb .11 per oz	.22 per oz
Gillette Mach 3 Turbo razors	38.99, qty 20 1.95 each	18.99, 8 blades, non-subscribe
	1.95 ea	2.37 ea
Benefiber	19.69, 190 servings	16.64, 125 servings,
	.10 per serving	.13 per serving

I am the giver of Pumpkin life

2008-09-18T11:57:00.000-07:00

I believe I mentioned a few weeks ago that in an attempt to cut back the pumpkin vines that were taking over the garden and yard, I had inadvertently clipped the vine feeding the two pumpkins that were ballooning in size.

In a panic, I covered as much of the remaining vine as possible with dirt and mulch, pumpkin leaves, and shredded financial documents. I watered those spots frequently.

And Now??
The pumpkins are still alive, only a little larger than when the vines were cut.
The vine feeding the gourds, although smaller, is very much alive and vibrant; even putting out new blooms.

The main trunk of the fine, from where the seeds were originally planted, has also regenerated nicely, and now has one or two new pumpkins about the size of a superball.

And the pumpkins, themselves? Firm and nearly orange, now. And, they're also flat on one side, as I didn't stand them up early enough.

Now, all I need is a lab assistant.

"Frau Blücher"

A Dumber, Permanent, Republican Majority

2008-08-25T22:04:00.001-07:00

Karl Rove made no secret of his plans for a permanent Republican majority.

I am not ashamed to admit that I am pleased that such plans have been bungled; unfortunately, they took the rest of the country with them.

But I suspect that there is a subtle threat (one of many) hidden amongst the numerous policy debacles of the past eight years.

I have tried to locate a quote I read several years ago, but basically, it implied that the more college-educated the electorate becomes, the less Republican it becomes, as well.

Now, place that sentiment in the hands of a two-term Republican president and six years of Republican majority in Congress, and what do you get?

Here's Why I Think So

No Child Left Behind, an unfunded or underfunded mandate. From wikipedia on NCLB,

President Bush requested only $13.3 of a possible $22.75 billion in 2006.^[52] President Bush's 2008 budget allots $61 billion for the Education Department, cutting funding by $1.3 billion from last year.

The Dept of Education, at ed.gov provides an Excel file covering budget allocations by department for years 2001 - 2008. Focusing on Federal Pell Grants under Postsecondary education, the budget for 2001 (President Clinton's last budget), the allocation was 8.8 billion dollars. Requested for 2009 is 16.9 billion. An apparently significant increase, but deceptively so. Other forms of federal aid has been halved in the same amount of time. And, since postsecondary education costs have increased so much over recent years, the grants cover far less than they used do.
Year over year, the administration has reduced the subsidies to the federal guaranteed loan program.
According to USA Today, from 1998 to 2005, public tuition increased nearly 35% and private tuition increased 17%
NPR recently profiled two students, each near the top of their graduating class in Pennsylvania, and their difficulties in getting financial aide.
CNN's analysis of the 2006 polling data notes a trend between Democratic voters and level of education.

It All Means What?
A college education is getting more expensive.
Federal aid is getting harder to come by.
Unfortunately, it will probably be a few more years until the full impact of the Bush education policies will be felt, since many of those students are still in classes.

Lower attendance rates mean fewer graduates.
...leads to fewer white-collar and high-tech opportunities
...leads to more H1B visas for foreign workers
...less access to corporate health plans and medical coverage
...higher medical expenses, higher rates of bankruptcy, lower life expectancy
...rising bitterness and disgruntlement toward "the system".

I wrote a few months ago, while there were still a few other candidates in the mix, on the positions and proposals from each of the major candidates.

Learn and vote accordingly.

Image Student in Class by foundphotoslj via flickr.

I caved and bought an automatic shower cleaner...

2008-08-22T12:38:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I wish that nano-technology would progress to the point that I really could get a bunch of scrubbing bubbles to clean the bathroom.

Alas, that is not yet the case.

In the crush to try and keep a clean household along with the multitude of other tasks around the home, there are some areas that are overlooked, or otherwise not treated as often as they should be.

I don’t think I’m alone in wanting a clean shower. Can’t afford a maid. So, I…

..bought a robot.

OK, not a robot. While at the store the other day I saw the Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner on the shelf. I remember thinking it was such a silly product when it first came out.

This past year, though, with baseball practice, swim class, the garden, and now having to clean other parts of the house more often for having a dog, I’d been giving the shower some extra thought. The reviews on Amazon for the shower cleaner are mixed, but largely positive. The negative reviews had to do with the sprayer failing. Otherwise, people seem pleased with the results. Several people have noted that instead of having to clean once or twice a week, they just need to clean the shower floor once a month, or so.

The Program

The package claims that the spray will keep a freshly cleaned shower freshly cleaned. Otherwise, it will take two or three weeks of use to clean up soap scum and mildew.

When your shower is complete and the walls are still wet, just press the button. It gives you a 15 second countdown (a little loud if someone is still asleep), then a 10 second spray around the shower.

It’s been just a few days, but the glass of the shower door is starting to clear up and the aluminum drip rail along the bottom of the door is starting to de-gunkify.

The Costs

From Target, the package was about $20. This included the sprayer, two bottles of cleaner, and the four batteries needed to run the machine. 2-pack refill bottles run about $5.

Once one of the bottles are empty, I need to determine if it can be refilled. I just saw a recipe, the other day, for mixing your own shower spray using water, white vinegar, and tea tree oil. If I can reuse the bottles, the price for cleaning fluid will drop to pennies, and then it will just be the cost of the batteries.

Well, it’s time to mop the kitchen, now.

Image: robots by Foxgirl via flickr.

Picking A New Savings Account

2008-08-13T12:49:00.000-07:00

There is much talk among the finance / debt / frugal blogs that I follow on how best to save toward a specific goal (or goals).

The easiest thing to do would be to just charge it, right??
Right?
Who's with me?

Well, that's fine, as long as you don't have revolving debt on your cards, and have the ability to pay in full each billing period.

We, as Americans, are terrible at avoiding debt (from the individual level to the national level). My family among them.

Right now, as well as attacking debt, our savings are divided between two accounts. One in a credit union tied to our primary checking account. The other, just as savings, in a different credit union. (No reason for using two credit unions other than we got bad customer service when we belonged to a bank, and were hooked up through previous jobs.)

At Onpoint Credit Union, our checking account is earning 0.10%. That earned us 30 cents last month. At that rate, we can buy a candy bar every two months. The accompanying savings account earns 0.15% on accounts with balances up to $2,499.99, and 0.25% on accounts from $2500 to $9,999.99. This month, some time, we'll trip over to the higher rate. So, instead of $0.28 per month, we'll get $0.46 per month.

At First Tech credit union, the savings account is pulling in a marginally better 0.5%.

The Big Idea
This is one area of focus where I do not want to wing it. There is a bit of nervousness these days about bank and credit union safety. But, since I don't have $100k floating around, the Fed would have to collapse for us to lose our money in the event of a failure.

Since I'm branching our accounts out a bit, I would consider at least one of the above accounts emergency accounts, primarily due to their ease of access. I can easily transfer money from both to the checking account. Both credit unions have branches local to work and home. And I plan to continue feeding those accounts until we have a few months of expenses covered by their balances.

In looking for another bank, I'd be looking for a good website, with a suite of features that makes it easy to check a balance, transfer funds to another account or another bank, and has good customer service. I will primarily rely on online reviews and reputations to narrow down to a list of possible banks.

According to savingsaccounts.com, Washington Mutual has one of the best rates, but you also need to open a checking account.
Money-rates.com lists several near 4% that I haven't heard of.
JD at Get Rich Slowly has been hosting a conversation on this topic, via comments to an old post, for over a year. Although Kiplinger magazine rated HSBC online savings very highly, his readers had mixed reviews. Shore Bank and FNBO are at 3.5%, each with $1 minimums. His readers feel very good about ING direct, but the rate is lower.
Bank of the West has local branches, but my brother left them because of their service.
AmTrust Direct, whom I haven't heard of, is offering 4.3% on a 12 month CD with a minimum of $1000.
I've seen a bit about SmartyPig.com. It's geared toward saving toward specific goals.
SmartyPig is for people who want to save for specific goals. Whether it’s a family vacation, the latest electronic gadget, a wedding or a down payment on a house, SmartyPig’s unique system can help you get there. Just tell us what you’re saving for, how much you want to save and when you want to reach your goal, and we’ll suggest an automatic monthly deposit you’ll make from your existing checking or saving account until you reach your goal.
So, if we wanted to save up $2000 for a vacation next summer, their system would advise how much to deposit each month.
There's also the Wachovia Way2Save program. It also needs a checking account, used for online payments. Each time a bill is paid with that checking account, Wachovia moves a dollar from checking to savings. Along with a few other actions that move money to savings, and keeping below a montly limit. It offers 5%, but with a montly maximum of $100 added to the Way2Save account.

The Envelope Please...
Based on the reviews that i've read, I'm leaning toward ING Direct for starters, with ShoreBank coming in a close second. (ShoreBank is focused on community development.) But I also like the goal-orientation of SmartyPig.
There are numerous reviews detailing the process and issues with opening accounts with the various online banks, so I won't cover that.
But it is worth noting that ING offers a $25 bonus when opening an account with a $250 starting balance. So, I guess I'm going with ING.

Goals: Monthly Update from June/July 2008

2008-08-10T22:02:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've posted a goal update. Now that little league season is over and the trex decking has been installed, the evenings have freed up a bit.

Since last reporting, our savings accounts have increased by just over $800. That's excellent.
Our debt has increased in that time, as well, by $240; that's not bad. We were just billed for summer camp for the boys, which is occurring this week.

A few other changes.

Changed wireless providers and plans. Someone (I won't say) really wanted to have an iPhone, so we changed to AT&T. (Yet, still had a call drop three times this afternoon.) Moving from older flip phones and an older plan to one iPhone and a slider with a data plan. I could also add GPS navigation capabilities to my phone as well, for an additional charge.
Changed Cable / Internet / Phone providers.
We'd been with Comcast since moving into this house nearly nine years ago. Our most recent promo price expired without any alternative leaving us with a monthly bill of $200.
We've moved to Verizon FIOS for internet and cable, and Vonage for home phone service. Altogether, for about $150.

The next big thing is back to school; shoes, at least one backpack, and many supplies. I've gathered everything left lying around so we can see what we already have before going shopping. I've already tried using Amazon for the supplies, but that didn't work.

My next finance step is to create a new savings account, either with one of our existing institutions or a new one, so we can start auto-depositing a few dollars from each check for next year's vacation.

Everything else is a bust. No guitar or piano practice. Working out has been gardening or deck installation. So, along with the new school year, need to get back on track with that.

I Am The Angel of Pumpkin Death

2008-08-09T22:53:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, in my garden update, I noted that we had two pumpkins growing which were, at the time, about the size of a softball.

Well, there was no stopping those gourds. Within a short amount of time, they were the size of basketballs.
You can see the corners of a standard sheet of printer paper sticking out from beneath the smaller of the two. The second one, in the background, is larger, and is already developing some nice ridges for a pleasing pumpkin shape.

Also, as previously mentioned, the vines for these squash were taking over a good chunk of landscape. There is a tomato plant behind them, a cucumber vine, and our strawberry plants are underneath the canopy of leaves.

Having grown up in Southern California, as far as I knew, pumpkins were available only in stores, and just came from elsewhere. So, I never knew the sensation of being scraped by the vines and leaves (repeatedly if you're looking for the strawberries behind them).

So, in an attempt to re-acquire some portions of the yard, I got out the pruning shears and started to do a little snipping.

And before I knew it, I had cut the vines feeding those two pumpkins.

Can All Be Lost?
I don't know, yet.
Pumpkin vines can grow secondary roots at each leaf stem. So I've been covering the vine and watering to try and get some roots to grow.
And, I've been encouraging the original plant to try and grow some new shoots.
There is one other vine in the yard that has not been getting as much attention because these have been doing so well. So, there is still hope for some sizable jack-o-lanterns in time for Halloween.

Amazon Back to School Shopping a Bust

2008-08-05T11:55:00.000-07:00

I had a little time to kill at work today, so I thought I'd start browse Amazon.com and see if there are any good deals on the boys' back-to-school supply lists.

Why at Amazon.com?
Avoid the rush, avoid the arguments about eraser or scissor handle colors, save a trip or three to the stores, etc. I wanted to get everything in a box, disburse it, and be done.

Started with a search for a set of Crayola watercolors. Yes, the list specified Crayola. I don't mind. The lists includes a number of items for "community use". The teacher will collect them all, and have them available in the class as-needed. By specifying a brand, it avoids trouble in the long run. On principle, I know that should bother me, but I've spent time in those classrooms, and the minutes lost over inequities and hurt feelings can add up. It's efficiency, not socialism.

One thing I've noticed with Amazon shopping lately is the growing number of items that are sold through Amazon, but not by Amazon. As a seller who has used Amazon before, that's not my issue. But, since I'm looking to create one large order of multiple items, I'd like to get a deal on shipping.

So, in looking for the little pack of Crayola watercolors, I see that none of them listed are sold through Amazon, so none of them will qualify for super-saver shipping.

One other observation, here. Every retail outlet in the country is already geared up for back to school; Target, Office Depot, Albertsons, Walgreens. All of the retailers, that is, except Amazon. Nothing big on the home page, but there is a link for Back to College savings. Perhaps they've tried it in the past, and it just didn't do anything for them.

I start checking for pencils, next. Between the two boys, we need to buy six dozen. Out of stock, again and again and again. Unless I want solid color fashion foil pencils, that's it. I start looking for packs of wide-ruled filler paper, and it's back to random vendors.

I do some more poking around, and I do find some Earthmate Recycled pencils at $.28 per dozen. That's kind of tough to pass up. Those go in the shopping cart for now.

$2.09 for an 8 pack of Crayola markers.
$1.52 for a 24 pack of crayons.

I need 18 glue sticks total. There's a 24 pack through Amazon for $13. (Free shipping at $25). But then there's an 18 pack for $5.09. Both added to my cart, for now.

Pink erasers, two needed. $.48, but non Amazon. Added to the cart.
Since some vendors will combine shipping to reduce costs, you'd think they'd make it easier to get to a "best rates / prices" list for each vendor.
I just now noticed that above the button to add items to the shopping cart, in faint gray, is the shipping price.

Two packages of 12 colored pencils. Less than $2 each, but $5 shipping.

Watercolors for $2, but almost $9 shipping.

A quick search for scissors brought up nothing helpful. Changing the search to student scissors is better, but the price with shipping for each adds up to $10, and I need two pair.

-------------
I'm about half-way done with the lists, and I concede, I surrender, I give up.
There is no way, without a good chunk of time spent correlating vendors and products, that this could work without costing an extra bundle.

Although I'll likely be going to Costco or the local Fred Meyer, I will also take a look online at The Green Office. If there's anything worth mentioning, I'll let you know.

Image: "I surrender" by varf, via flickr.com.

Getting Ahead with Meal Planning

2008-08-01T20:41:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned before, we (this family) are part of the problem.

No, not that one. Well, maybe that one. But for the purpose of today's post, it's about wasting food.

Vegetables, fruit, and some dairy; there's a good chance we'll have some to throw out each week.

Disposable Vegetables:
Lately, it's been the kale, Swiss chard and the like in our monthly organic subscription. I'll buy tomatoes and cucumbers for a salad, then too rushed to make salads. We'll get some apricots and rasberries, wait to eat them until C- gets her share, but then...

Inactive Cultures
It's not the small containers of yogurt that are the problem. It's when I try to be smart, and buy the pints or quarts of yogurt or cottage cheese that get me. They either get shoved to the back of the fridge, or they're just there in front and become invisible. Then they turn different colors and get different smells, or dry out.

Excuses, Excuses
I buy these items with the best of intentions, plain yogurt to mix in with my oatmeal, or a sweet potato to nuke and have on the side. But, far too often, getting dinner ready becomes a complete disaster. Rice and beans? But M- doesn't want rice. Pasta? M- wants spaghetti and N- wants mac and cheese. Tacos? M- wants beans. N- wants chicken.

I could maybe handle the prep for two meals, one for the boys and one for me or me and C-. But more than that? There's no sous chef backing me up.

Add to that the daily joy of the boys getting in the car, asking "What's for dinner, Dad?", and then having fits about my ideas.

So? Then what?
Past efforts to get the boys to participate in the process started strong. I'd let each of them pick a meal for the next week. And, for a week or two, they'd be into it. Then, we'd be at the store, I'd ask for their input, and it was shoulder shrugs and grunts.
So much for that.

And then I...
...got a pack of index cards. On a card I wrote a meal choice, such as pasta and sauce, eggs and tots, rice and beans, tacos with refried beans, etc. Nothing else but that, for starters.

Before shopping each week, I and any that wish to participate run through the cards, picking five or six for the next week, poke through the fridge and cabinets to see which ingredients we already have, and then it's off to the store, cards and shopping list in hand.

Once I've made that meal during that week, I add a note of the date, as well as any sides and adverse reactions to consider for future consideration.

Everything, for now, is stored in a little accordion file.

So, that means....
...not much, yet. As a process, we've only been using it for about two weeks, and then only for dinners.
Having an individual card for each meal will allow me to attach appropriate coupons. Using index cards will allow me to paste recipes that I may find, such as from my Everyday Food subscription, to the cards for easy reference.

From wisebread, 10 Things I've Learned from Shopping on a Budget.

Meme Post -- 100 Best Movies of the Past 25 Yrs

2008-07-25T21:09:00.000-07:00

In blogging circles, a meme is like theme tag. Someone comes up with an idea, and passes it along. They may tag other bloggers to write next, and others are free to chime in on their own.

Using Entertainment Weekly's list of the top 100 movies of the past 25 years.

If I haven’t seen it, the film is listed in red.
If I saw it but would never watch it again, the film is ~~listed in strikethru~~.
If I saw it and loved it, the film is listed in bold. (I own many of these on DVD.)
If I saw it but have no strong reaction, the film is listed in normal type.

Pulp Fiction (1994) — Maybe not number 1, but I really enjoyed it.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-03) — There's no such thing as super-bold. (and YES, I'll be seeing the Hobbit.
~~Titanic~~ (1997) -- I've been stuck watching this too many times.
~~Blue Velvet~~ (1986) I, luckily, caught some later David Lynch before ever seeing this one. Otherwise, I'd never have been able to see Twin Peaks.
Toy Story (1995)
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
The Silence of the Lambs (1991) -- I believe the studios forced this into a crappy franchise, but the original still stands out as fantastic.
Die Hard (1988) -- I remember seeing this on the big screen, probably at the Odeon at Universal Studios. I wish they'd do a 20th anniversary screening, like they did for WarGames, which I missed, like an idiot.
~~Moulin Rouge~~ (2001)
This Is Spinal Tap (1984) -- A favorite of the household.
The Matrix (1999)
GoodFellas (1990) -- Can you believe I never saw this?
~~Crumb~~ (1995) -- UGGH. This was painful to watch. At least we were at the Bagdad Theater in Portland, so were able to have beer and pizza with it.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Boogie Nights (1997)
~~Jerry Maguire~~ (1996)
Do the Right Thing (1989) -- Wanted to see it, never did, I just dropped it in my Netflix queue.
Casino Royale (2006)
The Lion King (1994)
Schindler’s List (1993) -- Saw this at a theater in Santa Monica right after the Northridge quake in 1994. An aftershock almost cleared the theater, but I, along with just about everyone there, was glued to my seat.
Rushmore (1998)
Memento (2001)
A Room With a View (1986)
Shrek (2001)
Hoop Dreams (1994)
Aliens (1986) — It's tough for me to say which I liked better; this or the first. I got to see this on the big screen, though, a few times (different girls each time. The fact that Jennifer Cruz wasn't afraid was a little freaky.)
Wings of Desire (1987)
The Bourne Supremacy (2004) -- I'd have to watch all three again to see which I liked best.
When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Fight Club (1999) -- Had a manager, once, who compared me to Edward Norton's character, but as a complement. This was before I'd seen the movie. After that, I was a little frightened of what he thought of me.
The Breakfast Club (1985) -- I was 16, and this one really struck home with me at the time.
Fargo (1996)
The Incredibles (2004) -- I'd have a tough time picking between this and "Finding Nemo" as my favorite of the Pixar movies.
Spider-Man 2 (2004) -- My favorite of the trilogy; one of the best hero flicks.
Pretty Woman (1990)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
The Sixth Sense (1999) -- There are those movies that, no matter how often I've seen, I can watch any time; that I'll watch on cable even though I own the disk.
Speed (1994)
Dazed and Confused (1993)
Clueless (1995)
~~Gladiator~~ (2000)
The Player (1992)
Rain Man (1988)
Children of Men (2006)
Men in Black (1997)
Scarface (1983)
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
~~The Piano~~ (1993)
There Will Be Blood (2007)
The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad (1988) -- It's been enough years. Along with Airplane, Leslie Nielson at his best.
The Truman Show (1998)
Fatal Attraction (1987)
Risky Business (1983)
The Lives of Others (2006)
There’s Something About Mary (1998) -- A great comedy
Ghostbusters (1984) -- This opened on the first day of summer vacation after my freshman year of high school. I transferred busses 5 times, picking up friends along the way, to get from my house to the Glendale Galleria. I need to doublecheck, see if this is clean enough for the boys to watch.
L.A. Confidential (1997) -- Thanks to the father of a past girlfriend, I read and loved most of the noir Elroy novels. Of the books, The Black Dahlia was my favorite. I watch this movie over and over.
Scream (1996)
Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
sex, lies and videotape (1989)
Big (1988)
No Country For Old Men (2007)
~~Dirty Dancing~~ (1987) -- There's something about the music and movie your girlfriend is gaga over at the same time as she's breaking up with you. So, never could stand this, and all the hoopla over the soundtrack.
Natural Born Killers (1994)
Donnie Brasco (1997)
Witness (1985) -- Oh, look, Han Solo is building a barn.
All About My Mother (1999) -- I think we saw this one.
Broadcast News (1987)
Unforgiven (1992)
Thelma & Louise (1991)
Office Space (1999) -- Too many years in a cubicle not to love this one.
Drugstore Cowboy (1989)
~~Out of Africa~~ (1985) -- Wake me when it's over.
The Departed (2006)
Sid and Nancy (1986)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) -- While I hated all of the "Hasta La Vista" paraphernalia, love it.
Waiting for Guffman (1996) -- The funniest "bite my pillow" line ever.
Michael Clayton (2007)
Moonstruck (1987)
Lost in Translation (2003)
Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn (1987)
Sideways (2004)
The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)
Y Tu Mama Tambien (2002)
~~Swingers~~ (1996) -- I don't think I saw all the way through without falling asleep.
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
Breaking the Waves (1996)
Napoleon Dynamite (2004) -- Frequent comments around the house about tots, or "Hurts real bad".
Back to the Future (1985)
Menace II Society (1993)
Ed Wood (1994) — this movie was awful
Full Metal Jacket (1987) -- This and Platoon in my last year of high school.
In the Mood for Love (2001)
Far From Heaven (2002) -- and in no hurry to see it. Julianne Moore is like nails on a chalkboard to me.
Glory (1989) -- I never get enough of this movie. I always choke up at "Give 'em hell, 54!"
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) -- Didn't care
The Blair Witch Project (1999) -- Packed theater, loved the thrill of it. Haven't seen it but the one time.
South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut (1999) -- Own the DVD.

Started with Jeaniene Frost
I saw it at foldedspace
Also at frykitty
Same list with commentary at "Undercover of the Night"

This weeks suggested Amazon deals

2008-07-25T11:11:00.000-07:00

A few items of interest that I noticed in the Amazon Friday sale. Again, I have no direct experience with any of these items, but they are either reviewed well on Amazon, or they otherwise piqued my interest. I should have had this posted much earlier, but I was working on a macro to format a bunch of links at once, rather than having to assemble each of them one at a time.

With all of the remotes we have, the Wii Fit, my BodyBugg, wireless keyboards and mice, plenty of dead AA and AAA batteries lying around. Luckily, I get to bring the dead batteries into my workplace for proper handling, rather than dumping them in the garbage. But it's almost time, I think, to re-invest in a batter charger. \
The La Cross Technology BC700 Battery Charger, offering several charge modes; standard recharge, discharge and recharge, refresh mode which will cycle an older battery 20 times, and test, to see the true capacity of the battery.

In our past attempts at shower maintenance, we've use a few different after-shower sprays on the tile to keep down soap scum and mildew, with little success. Strong smells really dissuaded us from regular use. The method line of products uses recyclable bottles, bottles made from recycled content, and the products are very gentle on the environment. Here is the
method Daily Shower Spray, Ylang-Ylang Formula, 28-Ounce Bottles (Case of 8) for $23.99.

I've discussed keeping a gym bag at work to take advantage of the fitness facility here in the building. When I've done that before, I would hang up my shower towel in my office to dry out, and prevent a smelly lump of cotton from building up in my gym bag. Now that I'm finally settled in my new digs after an office-relocation, I can start using my new microfiber travel towel. It does a great job of drying me after my shower, wrings out nearly dry, and has components to prevent smell.
Aquis Adventure Microfiber Towel, Extra Large (29 x 55-Inches) for $17.99
Aquis Adventure Microfiber Towel, Small (10 x 14-Inches) for $8.21
Aquis Adventure Microfiber Towel, Large (19 x 39-Inches) for $14.84

It's been a few years since I lived in a dorm. At the time, cooking devices other than a coffee machine or a hotpot were against the rules. (No toasters, microwaves, hot plates, etc.) I'm not sure if things have changed in the intervening years, but a lot of different meals can be prepared in a food steamer. (By the rules at the time, rice cooker/steamer = hotpot)
The Oster 5712 Electronic 2-Tier 6.1-Quart Food Steamer for $24.99.

With the new school year just around the corner, there will be a glut of shopping for that first apartment rental as students get ready for their first kitchens. If the steamer will be used for cooking vegetables, a lot of vegetables will need to be cut.
The Swissmar Bamboo Cutting Board for $14.99.

Even in the Pacific Northwest, we still have about two months of hot weather to go before the weather turns. We've been using our Mr Coffee Iced Tea maker for years. We go through pitcher after pitcher after pitcher.
Mr. Coffee TM3-2 3-Quart Ice Tea Maker for $16.99.

A Quick Garden Update

2008-07-21T22:00:00.000-07:00

My yard is being taken over by a single pumpkin seed. I don't remember even adding fertilizer here. Left to right, it's probably about 20 feet of vine, along with several tendrils shooting over the path and well into the lawn.

Already, the pumpkins that are growing are several times larger than anything that I was able to get to grow last year. This one is already the size of a large apple, and there are several others just like it. My lesson learned from last year? Plenty of water.

The first row of beets is about ready to pull. This was planned for the "Plant a row.." program with the local foodbank. After reading about the beet harvest at Calendula & Co., I may try to bake one of them.

First tomatoes and one green pepper are starting to grow in, finally.

The sunflowers are shooting up, but still no blooms.
The two Sweet 100 tomato plants I started dried to twigs once I put them outside. But, we should have some blueberries ready to pick, soon. Not many, but a few.

Some Free Referrals

2008-07-18T22:19:00.000-07:00

If you belong to a bank, you've likely received a flyer in your statements offering you some perk or another if you get a friend or family member to sign up.

In much the same way, many websites, online banks, and other services offer such perks.

So, I'm extending such offers as I have out to the public at large.

Have you been thinking about changing your phone service? We signed up with Vonage a few weeks ago, and have referrals that can include up to two months of free service.
Thinking of ways to invest some money? Don't want to buy into the stock market? Consider Prosper.com, a micro-lending platform. Borrowers are looking for a way to get a loan without going through the banks. Lenders, in increments of $50 or more, are part of much larger amount of money going out to individual borrowers. Dozens or hundreds of lenders will add up to a loan of thousands of dollars, allowing the borrowers to pay off debt or start a business.
We are big users and big fans of Netflix. I believe they are offering free trials for referals.

If you have an interest in any of these three services, add a comment or shoot me an email through the contact sheet, and I'll set things up.

1/20/2009

Some Friday Amazon Deals

2008-07-18T11:42:00.000-07:00

If you weren't aware, Amazon offers a weekly sale, namely, The Friday Sale

I browse the listings periodically, usually ignoring the offers for shoes, purses, and accessories. But I saw a few items that I thought I'd pass along. These are not recommendations. I cannot offer any additional details other than what are in the ads and the product reviews.

While I was growing up, my father used a lot of power tools around the house. And since we collected scrap lumber to keep the fireplace going through the winter, the radial arm saw got a lot of use. There were days that it ran hours at a time, my dad cutting pieces to length while the rest of us, my mom, two brothers, and me, would pick them up and stack them behind the garage (all while dodging the pieces as they fell). Never once did we wear eye or ear protection. I'm not trying to make this one of those "In my day..." allegories; this may account, at least partially, for the bit of permanent tinnitus that I have. I do wear goggles and ear buds now, though; and don't let the boys about while I have the saw running.

Today's sale offers quite a selection of gear to protect hearing and eyesight.

Heavy Duty Impact Goggles

Bulk Disposable Earplugs

More Safety Glasses

Heavy Duty Ear Muffs

Even More Safety Glasses

And More Safety Glasses

I've written before on the problems we've had on using produce before it spoils. As mentioned above, I don't have more to go on than what is stated in the ads, but these containers would be interesting if they hold up to scrutiny. If they work, they could easily make up the $10 paid for them.

In the productivity and frugality circles, there is much discussion on the use of crock pots; time saving, energy savings, effort in creating a meal, etc. Here are a few choices on special.

Rival 6 Qts

Hamilton Beach 4 Qts

Electric kettles are faster than heating water on the stove, and I believe I've read they use less energy than a microwave for the same task. While visiting family in Europe, there was one in every kitchen. Here's a Braun Electric Kettle

For the past several birthday parties we've held for the boys, we've saved ourselves some mess and heartache by using cupcakes instead of sheet cakes. If you've to travel with a bunch of cupcakes while protecting the icing, the Cupcake Courier may be for you. In those same productivity and frugality circles, this would be regarded as a Unitasker, an item that serves only one purpose. So if you'll be using it once or twice a year, it may not be worth the investment or the storage space.

Still using paper towels and napkins when setting the table for your meals? I haven't pulled mine out of the closet yet, but it's a good, green idea to start using Cloth Napkins.

Finding it difficult to get the vacuuming done? Roomba Vacuuming Robots are pretty popular, I hear they do a pretty good job, and they can keep the dog occupied for awhile (as long as the dog won't bite it or jump on it.) Roomba 510

It seems like a comfortable weight King-size Down Alternative Comfortor, and seems like it would be comfortable for year-round use.

I've thought about using solar cookers during the summer, and a Wireless Grilling Digital Thermometer might come in handy, especially if I were making any meet dishes.

We're just about out of dishwasher soap, so this Multi-pak of Seventh Generation Dishwasher Soap is something I may order for myself.

Bothered by seasonal allergies or having trouble shaking that summer head cold? Unbreakable Neti Pot and salts.

And this seems like a pretty good deal for a multi-pak of Kashi cereal.

Enjoy.

1/20/2009

Craigslist Shopping Zen

2008-07-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

From the moment I first saw Craigslist, I was hooked. All those people selling all those things. Some of it neat, some of it useful, some of it junk. Free stuff, stuff for trade. What's not to love.

Once I was no longer compelled to read every ad, I worked to get smarter at Craigslist.

I started by keeping a list of keywords that I would search for. When we were looking for an extension ladder, the word "ladder" was on the list. For the longest while, I kept the list of keywords and would browse through them during a break from my work duties.

Then, I started to follow a number of different news and blog sites, so I started to use a RSS(Really Simple Syndication) reader to get the updates from all of those sites in one location. Here is a screenshot to illustrate my point; blogs that I read, craigslist search results, etc. It's like an email inbox.

At some point I noticed that Craigslist pages are tagged for RSS or XML.
On a whim, I added a search results page to my reader, and it worked. Now, whenever my reader refreshes (I use Google Reader), I can see the latest ads posted for my keyword searches.

Making It Work For You
Patience and timing, patience and timing, patience and timing. It's one thing to catch every ad for the product, it's another thing to move on the right one. Rushing to buy will cost you.

By biding my time, I've been able to buy a nearly new Bowflex Xtreme for $300, reselling my older PowerPro XL for $200, get a few hundred feet of Trex composite decking for $200, and a BodyBugg fitness monitor and watch for $200. Those prices are all several hundred dollars under retail.

It doesn't always work out that well. We once bought a queen size headboard and frame for $150. A few scratches, but it was close to what we were looking for. Several weeks later, at 3am, the bottom fell out it, dropping us to the floor.

A few months ago, I picked up a lot of three older computers for $200, hoping to use one to help a friend, and resell the others and try to break even. Nope. They sat around for a while (contributing to part of our clutter problem), and I've been able to sell two of them for $50 each.

But, finding the good deals? First is the right keywords. For the examples above, I used: bowflex, bow flex, trex, decking, bodybugg, body bugg, body bug, each as a unique query. (There is also the practice of tracking misspelled words. You would not believe the number of times I've seen a dinning table advertised.)

J.D. at Get Rich Slowly wrote about subscribing to your Craigslist search results, so I'll defer to him on some of the details.

Using Google reader, once I have the URL, or web address, for the feed, use the 'Add Subscription' link, copy in the URL, and it's now going to show those search results along with all of the new posts from the blogs I follow.

There are also services that will send you an email with your subscriptions. I imagine there's something that would send text messages to your phone.

Then, the waiting begins. I usually prefer ads that include pictures, but if something is not too far away, I may try to take a look at it.

One problem (for other people posting, at least) is an over-inflated sense of value in what they're posting; for sentimental reasons, lack of knowledge of a working price, over-confidence in what they're selling, etc. I've seen the same book on mastering the art of real estate relisted over and over for months; I'm not sure if there's one that just hasn't sold or if they're selling multiple copies.

Many people like to include, for reference, the price paid for the item, be it from three weeks ago or three years ago. It only matters if the item is new or near new. For example, a seller just paid $50 for a USB wireless adapter, the adapter is incompatible with their system, and they don't want to pay a restocking fee. So, they'll sell it for $40. That sounds like a deal, but if I check on Amazon, and the same adapater is going for $25, well, I guess that answers that question.

If you look at the search options on Craigslist, they allow you to enter minimum or maximum prices. I don't use them. Too often, people will combine postings into a single ad, and a minimum price may exclude some items.

I keep Google reader open in a browser window for much of the day, but I'm sitting at a computer most of the day, anyway.

Picking A Winner

OK, now the ads are streaming in. Another of my keywords is 'solar', keeping an eye out for solar lights, solar cells, solar water heating, etc. But, I also get dozens of car ads that use the word; I've never bothered to find out why. But, I just hit "j", and I don't have to read it.

Know what something is worth. Check Amazon, check Buy.com, check Overstock. Check Craigslist. You don't need to know the exact value, but ballpark is important. For example, while keeping an eye out for a BodyBugg, retail is approx $250-$300. If you include the watch that goes along with it, that's another $100. If you see the combo for $200, well, that's a deal. People getting a divorce, people moving, people trying to make the rent, are often eager to sell in less time rather than for more money.

Reply quickly. Include your phone number. If it's something you really want, and they've included a phone number, call.

Many sellers will say cash only, no holds. So, if other people can't make until the weekend and you can get there that evening. Or, if others can't get there until the evening, and you can head right over, your odds improve.

In buying a BodyBugg and watch for $200, and I know what it's worth, I won't try to garage-sale the price and offer $150. $200 is a steal, I know it, the seller knows it. Check it out, make sure it works, is in good condition, pay the price, and be gone.

But if anything is iffy, anything doesn't feel right. Walk away. They'll get another buyer. You'll find another deal. Just say "It's not what I'm looking for."

Watch out for scavengers. Is it that important to pay 50% above retail for a Wii Fit? Because that is exactly what the people selling the Wii Fit for $140 are hoping for, rather than you doing the leg work to find one at retail of $90.

Buy Safely

There is no guarantee to avoid stolen merchandise. But a camera or a laptop where the cables have been "lost", well, they've probably been lifted from a car or a backpack.

Ask to meet in public, and be willing to meet in public.

I will probably never buy or sell jewelry on Craigslist. But anything of value should include an appraisal, be verified by an independent jeweler, and have an AGS listing.

I'd never buy a car without having it checked out by a mechanic I know.

In Summary

Start small; get a feel for the market, get some practice, and work your way up.

Posting Too Little Lately

2008-07-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

Soooo, the past few weeks, and this one also, have been really busy, and posting has suffered for it.

This is the last week of little league for Mason, which will free up three evening a week. That leaves swim class on two evenings a week. And, on top of that, I spent a week getting ready for and hosting a Barack Obama Unite for Change meeting. (More on that later.)

Also, I've been spending a lot of time replacing our decking. (More on that, also, to be posted.)

So, all apologies. And thanks for your patience.

In the mean time, some links for you to peruse.

How Our Diets Affect Global Warming.
How You Can Help the Honeybee Crisis.
Conserving Will Save More Than Drilling.
Hutchens gets waterboarded, and vigorously decries it as torture.
“if waterboarding does not constitute torture, then there is no such thing as torture.”
Read his full account. I am sure there are Jesuits, 400 years in the grave, resting at peace once again after their work in the Inquisition is re-categorized as torture.

Way More Info on Way More Water

2008-06-28T21:53:00.000-07:00

Image via WikipediaI've received a comment or two regarding my last post on getting more water to the gardens from the shower and the kitchen sink.Technically, this is classified as gray water. Via Wikipedia

...is non-industrial wastewater generated from domestic processes such as dish washing, laundry and bathing.

It may contain food particles, soap, hair, cosmetics, and skin oil residue. In many municipalities, it is illegal to divert gray water from the drains. Users of cloth diapers should definitely avoid using their laundry water in their yards.

The Sink

When washing hands, rinsing a dish, cleaning fruit, what have you, keep the tap over the bucket. Small amounts of soap should not harm plants in the garden. In fact, since many soaps contain phosphates, the soap residue will actually act like a fertilizer. Water with soaps using softeners, with heavy sodium content, or with bleach should be avoided. In the kitchen, it's just hand soap and a little bit of dish soap. I tend to skip rinsing the dishes directly into the bucket.

The ShowerI'm not diverting the drain. (I've seen some diagrams of those who have.) The bucket catches reflected water, for the most part. Again, not really soapy, and avoiding much of the dirt and residue that rinses down the drain.

The TubWell, not too many baths in the Kennedy household. The boys might take one or two a month. So, like last night, I really don't hesitate to scoop out a few buckets worth of water.

Grow with the Flow; Legal Uses of Graywater Graywater on WikiGreywater Treatment Technologies Recycling Water the Greywater Guerrilla's Way Graywater Reuse and Rainwater Harvesting

The Enobling Journey

Why We Finally Decided to Join a Gym -- Sometime

Why This Is Good

Linkage

Putting our workhorse out to pasture

And yet, now.

Next…

Related articles by Zemanta

The Grouchiest 1.5 Mile Run Evvv-Arr

Jogging With My son

Goal Choice: Mopping or New Shelf

Today…

Related articles by Zemanta

2010: On My Way to 210

Getting From There to Here

Link Love

Related articles by Zemanta

Links to Some Money-Related Articles

Related articles by Zemanta

The Philosophy of Invisalign

Feeling Less Dirty the Vegan Way

Take Back The Morning

Related articles by Zemanta

Joe’s First 10k Race, Part 2

Epilogue

Related articles by Zemanta

Alarm Clock vs. Smartphone

Related articles by Zemanta

An Easy Crop for Harvest: Basil

Some Initial Thoughts on Going Vegetarian

Related articles by Zemanta

Joe’s First 10k, Part 1

Bad Procrastination #1: Registration

Bad Procrastination #2: Planning

On to the Main Event

Ready? Set…

GO!!

Related articles by Zemanta

My First 10k Is Tomorrow

Related articles by Zemanta

How Goes My Weighhtloss

Related articles by Zemanta

Life is like…..Paddling a Kayak

How Like Life, Then??

So What??

Fricken Sweet…..Corn

Related articles by Zemanta

A Debt Relapse

Related articles by Zemanta

A Garden In Law Update

Related articles by Zemanta

10k Interval Training – On to Week 4

Related articles by Zemanta

Gardening Update for June

Related articles by Zemanta

Treadmill v Outdoor Running

Related articles by Zemanta

Running Title

Related articles by Zemanta

Square Foot Gardening Is Even Easier Than I Thought

Who Else is Square Foot Gardening

Related articles by Zemanta

Latest Steps for Fitness

In 1 Week, 2 Major Post-Debt Tests

But would it last?

Test 1

Test 2

We Passed the Tests!!

Related articles by Zemanta

April ‘09 Gardening Update

Some Related Links

Related articles by Zemanta

We’re out from under the credit cards. Now what?

Watt’s a kilowhat?

So Watt?

Related articles by Zemanta

2nd Annual Sunflower Seed Give-Away

How can you avail yourself?

Related articles by Zemanta

Carnival of the Green # 171!