Self Help Series – Entry #1

Do you ever have those moments where you take an intrinsic look at yourself and think, "I need to fix that!"?

I had a moment of the like the other day – spurred by a Sunday school lesson at church. We were talking about the parable of the two sons (Matthew 21:28-31) who were asked by their father to work in the vineyard. One eagerly answered, "yes," but did not follow through. The other, adamantly answered, “no way,” but later did. (Be sure to read the story to find out the punchline)

Our teacher asked, “Which one do you relate to?”

PAUSE for dramatic effect.

Ew...that’s a toughy, one you hate to actually apply to life, right?

Well, I’ve had to confess to myself that I tend to be more like the first son in some areas of my life. I sometimes eagerly commit myself to a project, or even a goal, yet lack the discipline to carry it to fruition.

Case in point: I want to read more. I don’t read much, or enough, because of several reasons (which may be addressed in subsequent self-help blog entries), but I get excited about buying books! Our bookstore had a sale and I enthusiastically bought three books! Three very interesting books! But, I have yet to make it past the first few chapters.

My problem, however, lies within my problem. Now that I’ve discovered this about myself, will I ever get around to changing it?

Bublé Countdown

Couponing

I have to admit, and those who know me know this, I tend to use coupons. Shocker, I know. In fact, I overuse coupons. Yes, I said I overuse them. If a product has a coupon, I will more than likely buy that item just because of the savings. So essentially, the couponing people win with me.

However, I would like to share an amazing milestone in my couponing habit. Just the other day I needed (yes, needed) an item. More specifically I needed deodorant (see the need?) But one item, and one item only was what I needed. But because of my coupon addiction, the following dialog occurred in my head:

Ooooh, I have a coupon for that at home somewhere (mind you, I’m approx. 5-6 miles from home)

I think it’s for $.35 off. If I go to Dillons (another 5-6 miles away from my home the other direction) that will be doubled!

But….it will take me at least 15 extra minutes to go home, get the coupon, travel to a farther location, just for the sake of a coupon.

Don’t do it! Don’t do it! Resist the urge! Simply stop by Hen House (within .25 miles of your home) on the way and buy it full price!

What? Full price!? At Hen House? It’s gonna be like so much more expensive!!

But…think of gas prices. $2.70 per gallon! At 30 mpg, it will cost you 1/3 gallon to travel 10 miles out of your way…that’s $.90, which easily cancels out the $.70 savings. (I know you math people are following…)

Dun, tada! And thus, my reasoning skills have defeated my penchant for couponing…this time.

I'll take the compliment

As I was walking through the plaza last Friday at noon with a friend, I was particularly enjoying the beautiful weather and the ambience of the area. Upscale shops displaying high-priced clothing and gadgets, luscious foundations blowing mist into the breeze, occasional street performers playing their instruments - and best of all, a few grubby homeless men sitting Indian-style along the curbs. Normally, I drop a few coins in their cups, or pass by undisturbed, but this particular day I was in for a treat.

Up ahead, a gentleman was sitting on the sidewalk holding a worn cup in his hand, with his arm extended, robotically spouting his request to every passer-by: “I’m saving money for a down payment for a car, do you think you can help me out?” Few would respond. As we drew near the man, my friend and I were lightly chatting, and the beggar began, “I’m saving money for a down—“ he stopped abruptly, interrupting himself and said, “you have the most beautiful smile,” looking directly at me. “Well, thank you,” I replied, smiling even bigger at the irony of the situation. Perhaps I should have paid for the compliment, but instead, I took it.

On your guard at all times: the art of FSBO.

I was standing in line at Costco, ready to pay for my bag o’ shrimp, pizza and milk (the basics) and my cell phone rings…I look at the number and don’t recognize it but realize I have to pick it up because it may be a realtor with a client...okay...but it’s 8 p.m.! Simultaneously, it’s my turn to pay. Apoligetically I look at the clerk who starts ringing me up, and I hear “this is so-and-so, with Reece and Nichols. I have a client who’s interested in seeing your place.” Tonight!? Now!?

Uh...”Sure, I can be there in 20 minutes to let you in, will that work? Great, thanks.”

My heart beats faster in anticipation, I profusely apologize to the clerk and rush out the door, making a mental checklist of all the things I left out before my errand: my bank statements and computer files, my purse and a few folders, a change of clothes, oh...and the DOG! Poor doggy. She senses my urgency as I return home and freaks out as I run around the house opening the blinds, wiping out the sink, turning on lights, fluffing pillows and making sure everything is in its place. I throw her in her kennel in the back of my car and pull into a nearby parking spot and wait. I look at the clock...20 minutes on the dot. Now what? I decide to call the agent back and explain that I had been in line at a grocery store and apologize for the terse response. “No problem...we’re right around the corner and will be there shortly.”

Could this be the one? The next owner of our condo? After all this, it better be. The agent was friendly and the client looked promising. I told them I had to go get the mail and to feel free to look around. Upon returning I asked them if they wanted anything to drink (we have tons of drinks left over from the open house) and mentioned a few key phrases of my “sales pitch” as part of the final conversation.

Whew, big breath. Now...we wait.