Money, Money, Money

Inflation hasn't ruined everything. A dime can still be used as a screwdriver.
~ Quoted in P.S. I Love You: When Mom Wrote, She Always Saved the Best for Last, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. ~

Today I’m working on finances, part of my 2009 goals/resolutions I shared on Jan.1. I don’t want my goals to be just words on paper, they need to be actionable and I need to be accountable for taking action. So I am.


Source: Edmunds.com

Taking a hard look at our finances is an imperative as the economy teeters about like a seasick sailor. We use Microsoft Money to track our checkbook, savings, investments, and all that stuff. I’m updating it all this morning and then am going to read this book I got for free.

Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan



If you’d like a free copy, quick hop over to Oprah’s site and download it in PDF version. Hurry—the offer expires January 15!

Just knowing where we are financially this week will free me to enjoy the weekend. See ya’ll Monday!

The USS Junie Moon

My siblings and I spent an enormous amount of time playing games when we were wee folks.

One game that didn’t require a fancy electronic board like today was one we simply drew using graph paper—Battleship.

Playing around on the internet yielded this simple game in a printable format at Naturally Simple. Click on the link under the picture to print copies for your kids (or yourself).

Source: Naturally Simple

Tonight, the USS Junie Moon is going to see what it can do to conquer enemy ships (aka my husband).

Knit a Reusable Swiffer Cover

The Swiffer concept itself is good, but the associated accessories like the disposable dry or wet-mop covers are too expensive and wasteful. I’ve been stocking a supply of reusable covers by knitting some with inexpensive cotton yarn.



I like projects that have a practical application. See below for links to knitting patterns.



Resources

• Birdy’s Knits
• Green Mountain Mama
• Hakucho
• Knittnfool
• Sheep of a Different Color

Are Pantyhose Required?

Learning to play bridge is one of the task items on my 2009 list of goals. This morning I begin lessons with the Adobe Bridge Club.



What to wear, what to wear—the eternal female crisis.

I do not know any of the bridge club people and figure they’re probably pretty conservative, although I’m sure there isn’t actually a dress code involved in playing bridge.

How about jeans, t-shirt and my flip-flops? No, that won’t work.

A dress? Aarrgh! No way am I going to wear pantyhose; I’d rather go swimming in the nearest sewage pond before resorting to that misery.



A search through my closet gave me ideas and Polyvore enabled me to put pictures of my clothes together. Our weather is cooler this week, so I’ve selected my black wool slacks, gray cashmere turtleneck, red purse, black loafers, and a simple strand of pearls. This ought to be non-threatening to the ladies of the bridge club.

Bridge is making a comeback and becoming popular again in colleges—so it’s not just a game for the more mature population to which I’m a statistical member. Here’s a list of famous players (both real and imaginary).



If these folks can learn to play bridge, so can I—and do so wearing my pearls. Pretty conformist of me, don’t you think? Maybe I ought to take my temperature to ensure I’m not feverish or something.

What I’m Reading

Atlas Shrugged (Centennial Ed. HC) is a literary treatise about those who work hard in the world and those who do not—and the ensuing consequences when the workers tire of the exploitation.



I’m reading the book again in light of the world’s current challenges, having first read it when I was about 14. At that age, I had no real comprehension regarding capitalism vs. socialism.



While I’m not an atheist as is the controversial Rand, my parents did teach me the reciprocity of value to be found in work. Their teachings and this book were instrumental in the formation of work ethics to which I adhere today.


Source: Catalog Card Generator at Blyberg.net

The core of the story is enigmatic John Galt’s radio speech to the nation explaining the rationality behind the strike (“This is John Galt Speaking," part III, chapter VII) and serves as a summary of Rand’s objectivist philosophy.

As we move forward to meet new challenges in 2009, I hope each of us remembers to value whatever constitutes our life’s work—and that it is treated with respect by others.

Resources

• Ayn Rand Institute
• John Galt’s speech, mini-version (read the book for the full text)
• John Galt’s speech on YouTube (a series created by XCowboy2)
• Objectivism 101

Movie Time

The holidays are finally over. It’s been nonstop for us since two weeks before Thanksgiving. While we’ve had a grand time, I’m ready to grab a mug of hot chocolate, a big bowl of popcorn, and settle in for a good movie.

Some great classics are coming up on Masterpiece/PBS—starting this Sunday night. Here’s a copy of the schedule I’ve made.


Right-click on photo to enlarge and print

I’m not familiar with Charles Dickens’ Little Dorrit and missed Rudyard Kipling’s My Boy Jack when it aired last April which will make for interesting new movies for me.

Polar Bears to Mummers to My House

I don’t know how you celebrated last night, but here are a few adventures to consider for this first day of the new year.

Coney Island Polar Bear Club


Source: Get your t-shirt at the Polar Bear Club Official Store

If you’re brave enough, join the Coney Island Polar Bear Club at noon today on the Boardwalk at Stillwell Avenue for a swim in the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a fundraiser for Camp Sunshine, a retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses.

All I can say is “Brrrrrrrr…”

Philadelphia Mummers Parade


Source: Phillymummers.com

Thousands of folks are lining Philadelphia’s Broad Street to cheer the mummers parade on its way to City Hall. This parade began in the 17th century—isn’t that amazing, especially for America with its relatively short history in comparison to, say, Europe? Here’s the parade route.

I love the idea of mummers; actually, I love the word “mummers”—such a fun thing to say out loud: “Mummers, mummers, mummers.”

Resolutions/Goals


Source: The Vintage Workshop, text added by me

Here’s one activity we either love or hate—I have both feelings. However, these are my goals for the year. Some action items are already in the works. If I don’t accomplish them all, it’s okay.

Junie Moon’s House

I’ve saved the best for last—my house. Hah! Nothing much is happening here today—just as I want it. Our Christmas tree is coming down and that’s all we’re doing.



Whether staying contentedly at home trying to come up with your 2009 goals, prancing down a city street in an outrageous costume, or you’ve completely lost your mind and are leaping into a large body of icy water—I wish you well in this new start to our year!