When I started this site, I thought it would be a place where I could list some changes, work on those changes, and then update my progress.  As I’ve begun to think about it, I think the site can be a bit “more”.  So, I’m going to continue writing about the changes I’m making, but I’m also going to write some articles evaluating the very nature of “change”.

We hear a lot about “change” – especially in connection with the most recent presidential election.  For me, the real questions about change, however, have less to do with societal change and more about change as it relates to the individual.  Why is it that some changes are relative easy to make, while others are much more difficult.

So, plan to see many more posts here, some about the changes I’m making, but others about “change” itself.  Speaking of “change” – get ready for a whole new look-and-feel for the site, coming in November.

Several years ago, I painted our old wooden cabinets a shiny white.  Some of the paint has chipped away, and it’s time to repaint.  I think I’m also going to add a fresh coat of paint to the walls, just to spruce things up a bit.  So far, I’ve found the paint colors that I want, I’ve purchased some sandpaper for my sander, and I’m ready to get started.  I’m going to take my time, remove each cabinet door, carefully sand them to remove any gloss, apply a new primer, and then paint each door.

It will not be about personal finance.  For lack of a better term, it will be a spiritual book.  It may or may not ever see the light of day, but it’s something that I feel that I must do.  I’m going to try to write a chapter a month, and have the book finished by this time next year.  When it is finished, I’ll let you guys know.

Now, I like to think of myself as a pretty positive guy, but I really want to do a better job of encouraging other people.  I’m not just talking about words, but I’m talking about finding unique ways to encourage the people in my life.  And, 5 is just a target.  I’m not going to “hold” myself to 5 people, and I’m CERTAINLY NOT going to be fake.  Instead, I’m going to look for opportunities, each day, to encourage those around me.

If you know me in real life, prepare to be encouraged!  And, you better encourage me “back”!  Rock on.

I love to play golf. I’ve been playing once, maybe twice a month.  With summer coming, I hope to play a bit more.  I hit the ball well, and I am a pretty decent short-iron player, but I really struggle with the flat stick.  My plan is to head to the golf supply store Tuesday, to be fitted for a new putter.  After that, I’ve scheduled a lesson with a local pro, and I plan to do whatever he says to do, so that my putting will improve.

The last round I played, I “gave away”, by my count, four shots, due to the fact that I failed to make four three-foot putts.  Missing those short putts just killed my score.  I’m excited about taking the lesson, my first in more than a decade, and I’m also excited about my new (budgeted-for!) putter.  In a few weeks, I’ll let you know how things are going.

I do the majority of my work from home, but I also have an office at work.  From time to time, the office becomes a dumping place for all of the stuff that doesn’t have a home somewhere else.  Last week, I cleaned out my office, discarded all of the stuff that didn’t belong in it, and I plan to keep it nice and neat.

I actually have a shelving unit in my office that I barely use.  I am trying to decide if I want to keep it, or get rid of it.  I also have a box of books that I either need to get rid of via eBay or donation.

As I mentioned over at No Credit Needed, I’m starting to save money for a future home purchase.  Right now, I live in a home provided by my employer, and I only know the basics about the home buying.  I need to know a lot more before I actually buy my own home.

I recently spoke with a good friend about his last home buying experience, and I’m reading all of the real estate posts over at PFBlogs.Org.  Hopefully, by the time we’re ready to buy, I’ll know enough so that I can make a good deal.

With the football season coming to an end, it’s time for me to reevaluate the amount of time I spend watching television.  I’m usually busy during the day and before the kids go to bed, but once they’re down, I like to unwind with some television.  I’m concerned, however, that I’m wasting too much time watching television – valuable time that I could be devoting to other, far more important activities.

I’ll track how much television I watch, during January, and if I think it’s too much, I’ll cut back during the rest of the year.  I have a few shows that I really like, so I’m not ready to get rid of the TV alltogether, but I might find that the majority of the things I watch only serve as filler.  We shall see.

I’ve actually done this before, but it was several years ago, when I first became a Christian.  Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to Bible study, but I’ve focused on one or two books at a time.  This year, I plan to read through the Bible, straight through, in 365 days.  I’ll read a little each morning and a little each evening.

For those interested, my translation of choice is the NASB – and I’ll use the online version from BibleYear.  The average reading is 3 to 4 chapters a day.

I don’t really have a place to put all of my tools, but I do have a large laundry room, half of a storage shed, and a pump house.  I’m trying to figure out exactly how to organize all of my tools, so that I’ll have easier access to them.  Right now, hammers are in one place, screwdrivers in another place, and paint brushes in yet another.  This disorganization slows me down when I need to get anything done.  I’m tired of waisting time rounding up tools.