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Post by wilcav on Feb 18, 2008 13:44:52 GMT -5
"Any other advice from my elder jeepers here? Such as "If I could do it over again...." or "I wish I had never...". Any subject from finances to family to food." You take back that "elder" comment and we can talk.  One of the programs at my Lockheed office will be deploying to Iraq this summer and a few guys are going with it, to tune in the field. My Data Architect transfered to this, for the chance to deploy. He's interested in the adventure, saying "life is about the stories you collect." There is some truth to that. Certainly, Chris, you've already built a vault of stories. Don't shy from sharing them, even the ones that are not as pleasant. For us, we've taken the position of saving for the future, but not waiting for the future. Think about what you like to do, then get out and do it while you are young and nimble. Make those stories and take lots of pictures. Experience the awesome places our country has to offer. Here are my big ticket, must see destinations: 1. Alaska: we have to see this soon, or I'll explode 2. Grand Canyon: been there many times, can't get enough 3. Yellowstone: you simply cannot imagine how cool this is 4. Colorado Jeep trails: sensory overload 5. Moab: not been there yet 6. Hawaii: not been there yet 7. Washington, DC: for a sense of history and sacrifice 8. Pacific Northwest: Going to Washington State this summer 9. Moscow: I want to see the forbidden world 10. Switzerland: I want to touch the sky There are many more, but these call to me most. Our trip to Yellowstone last year was the perfect model. Planned for months, and executed at a slow pace, to soak it all in. 2500 pictures that stimulate spectacular memories. While driving around that wonderland, with a surprise around every turn, we never stopped saying, "this is the time of our lives." My other sage advice is to not have kids too early. Live and love with only your spouse, defining your marriage first. Then have kids. Having kids too early risks having children be the only thing that defines your relationship with your spouse. I add my apologies for aiding and abetting the hijacking. May you fully recover Ebtek, to enjoy pizza once again. Oddly enough, on this Jeep forum, we didn't care about the condition of your Jeep any more than the officer did. Take care of yourself and get well. Loved that answer so much that I wanted to start a thread dedicated to it. Ditto, the early kid thing. I had mine early and though I love them to death, I would have waited longer if I had a do over. I wish I would have started investing earlier. Even if it was $20 a month. Just the habit and compounding interest would have been great to have started. Makes me sick to think of where I could be now. Also ditto your list of places to visit. Did Alaska (on TDY) in August. Wish I could have seen more. Went to highschool and college in CO. Spent nine years as a kid in Germany and Switzerland is worth it. I want to see it again. I think I would add Austrailia and South Africa to the list. Possibly Brazil. |
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Post by ebtek on Feb 18, 2008 21:52:17 GMT -5
As for the kids, I'm glad I had mine young. I've been able to do alot with my son. I was able to hike, trail run, mountain bike some crazy trails, etc. Now I'm hanging out with my daughter and though I don't feel very well, I push myself. Had I had my children at an older age, I wouldnt be able to do the things I've done. I've wondered what if, I'm not going to lie. But, I would not change it for the world. What I do regret is not saving more. I think my relationship with my spouse was defined the day I said " I DO ". But we all have different opinions on the kid thing.
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Post by scrambler81 on Feb 19, 2008 17:51:28 GMT -5
We had our kids late. We started out working on the marriage (I had some bugs she needed to work out  ), but we also were hoping that one of us would start earning better money. Still don't have a nickel, but we got two great little boys and a solid marriage. It might have been nice to have the boys a little earlier, maybe our early 30s, but I don't really have any regrets about that. Of course, last week some cashier asked my 4 year old if he was having fun out with Grandmom. Luckily, he won't have to testify at his Mommy's murder trial.  I'm surprised my wife didn't rip the girl's throat out.  |
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Post by ebtek on Feb 19, 2008 22:09:34 GMT -5
Funny, enjoyed reading that.
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tex
Trail Guide
In the doghouse as usual
Posts: 186
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Post by tex on Feb 20, 2008 21:48:57 GMT -5
We had our kids early. I wish our 3rd had happened faster. Our boys are 14, 12, and 6. We have a lot of fun with them.
My biggest regret is financial. I wish that we had lived more within our means. We've decided to not buy another new car until the kids are out of the house and we can pay cash. Between a $1300 house payment and over $1000/month in car payments, our disposable income is very small and we can't save like we should.
The short version is "Stay out of debt".
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Post by wilcav on Feb 21, 2008 7:45:11 GMT -5
our disposable income is very small and we can't save like we should. The short version is "Stay out of debt". Ditto that. We had a the wife's car about paid off but she wanted a new minivan. That was a mistake. I didn't have big issues and I don't anymore, but in my short life, if anyone ever gives you a credit card, throw it away immediately. Save one card, freeze it in a jar of water and save for emergencies. MAYBE use it in lieu of cash to build credit but only what you can pay off each month. It is amazing how those things have screwed people. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER buy anything you "want" on a cc, only things you "need". That shiny trinket loses its luster quick when compounding intrest is applied. As for the kids, there are definitely advantages to having them young, I can't deny that. I was 24 when mine were born and the wife was 21. We had twin boys if that counts for extra points. They have never wanted for anything but it would have been easier to have built the nest first and than bring in the baby birds. I think those that do not have kids do not realize just how much time and work kids actually take. (ie. my friend who raised a Golden Retriever saying that was great practice for a kid). If there is anyone out there thinking something similar, I have two kids right now both with the flu and all the wonderful symptoms that goes along with it. All in all, I wouldn't trade them for the world though. Pretty great life we Americans have got here.  |
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Post by c2kraft on Feb 21, 2008 8:40:34 GMT -5
At age 23 I have noted all of the above  But seriously, jeep payments and student loans make buying a house impossible for me. I really don't see how "average" Americans afford what they do. |
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Post by wilcav on Feb 21, 2008 9:28:38 GMT -5
I think that is problem. "Average" Americans could not afford what they do. Sub-prime loans and slicky boy economics allowed people to borrow above and beyond their means. Economy surged until the bill came.
Our consumer culture married with globalization and instant media has changed the way people see things. US went from manufacturing to a service industry and with service on its way out America is moving towards selling the "idea" of itself. Advertisers appeal to the soul of a person now rather than the product. Look how many things are marketed that will make you sexier, happier, more confident rather than the tangible benefits of the product. (The worst one is the Phenom razor with Tiger Woods and the other two. It is just blades that scrape the hair off your face but the commericals make you think it will make you a super athlete at add 4 inches to your hoo-hah). More and more people are attaching their happiness to "stuff". Gotta have more stuff and gotta have it right now.
I admit I fell into that when I was younger and I didn't have half the pressure. Trick is to realize that putting yourself into debt or jeopardizing your lifestyle for that one shiny thing you just gotta have is not worth it. The moment is fleeting. Hell there are so many things I can think of that I just couldn't wait to get and the moment I got that one thing, it was almost a let down. Guess it was more about the chase.
Anyway, as I said before, I am taking care of two sick kids right now and have nothing else to do but rant.
Oh yeah also wanted to add: Exercise. I lift weights but there has always been something that seems to break the cycle. I am back into it now with a passion. I always hate to think back that if I had only kept it up I would be a muscle bound ogre now. And it makes me sad.
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Post by ebtek on Feb 21, 2008 11:20:34 GMT -5
I'm guilty of spending. I got into home theater years back and now rarely watch tv. I pc game alot. I have a ht 7.1 upstairs and 5.1 in the bedroom. Both with 57" hdtv's. Think this happens with age. When my tv gave out in the bedroom, I put the kitchen 13" tv in the bedroom and was content. It was actually my wife who wanted the other big tv. I look back and think of alot of things I've purchased that was a waste of money. But you live and learn. Credit cards are dangerous. My wife is a SPENDAHOLIC, always has been. We were about to get another car and I showed my wife pics of 98 Camry's. We have a 98 Camry with bad tires and a bender on the back and a 3" hole in the bumper. But it has 49,000 miles on it. Got a quote of 600 for repairs and another 400 for tires and rims and its like new. Instead of spending 25k on a new Charger, we're spending 1k on the camry. Granted, it's not the same kind of car. But I really dont care anymore. 10 years ago I would've said, " Who cares about the payments, Hell, I Work" Thats exaclty right, I WORK, IT'S MY MONEY. I shoudl be a little wiser with it. We all make mistakes, but we should learn from them. My pc gaming has alot to do with my bad health. I'm waiting until Friday when the Dr. tells me I can exercise. Then it's mtn. biking time again.
Wilcav, hope your little ones get better. My daughter seems to be getting strep throat. Been there with my son and daughter. And no, you cannot compare any animal to a HUMAN BEING. Who ever wrote that is completely and utterly insane. I'm rambling, SORRY.
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Post by c2kraft on Feb 21, 2008 12:05:32 GMT -5
Then it's mtn. biking time again. Once old man winter leaves it's mt. biking time for me! Besides my Jeep, my mt. bike is the most expensive asset I own. I paid around $1000 for it and if my life goes for bust, lose my job and/or jeep, I can still use it as transportation. Honestly, I thank God every night that I have my health, a supportive family, and generally a decent income. |
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Post by scrambler81 on Feb 21, 2008 18:08:16 GMT -5
[ (ie. my friend who raised a Golden Retriever saying that was great practice for a kid). ) Every time I hear someone say that raising a dog is like raising a kid, I want to hit them with a bat!  |
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Post by ebtek on Feb 21, 2008 19:37:29 GMT -5
Maybe people who say raising a dog is like raising a kid should not have kids. We usually bring our dogs in when its cold. Imagine one of those dog people with kids, " It aint that cold, leave the kids outside ". " I'll give them water later". " It's okay honey, lick my face after you've licked yourself ".
I have never, ever, ever wiped a dogs butt after it pooped and put a diaper on it.
And your dogs will never say: I LOVE YOU DADDY!
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Post by treeofliberty on Feb 23, 2008 10:41:18 GMT -5
There really is some good advice in here. I heartily agree with the sentiments about taking stock in what you have and being thankful. Its like salt in food, making everything that much more enjoyable. Yes, the market is stumbling and gas is stupid-expensive. But look at the news as a sign of the times. The swirl around Britney Spears is a $110 million industry. 6.5 years ago we were wondering if lower Manhattan would ever stop smolthering. Its a wonderful thing: our nation is safe enough that the demise of trailer trash can garner so much attention. Ladies & gents, spring is coming. Savor the anticipation of toplessness! Interpret that as you will.  |
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Post by wilcav on Feb 23, 2008 14:38:59 GMT -5
The swirl around Britney Spears is a $110 million industry.... Its a wonderful thing: our nation is safe enough that the demise of trailer trash can garner so much attention. Tim, guess I never thought of it that way. It is still a double edged sword though and hopefully we haven't become to complacent. Wasn't there a quote somewhere that the fall of the Roman Empire came when they started putting idiots up on an altar? Religion has been replaced with pop stars as the opium for the masses. Ah well, guess it doesn't matter. Maybe someday the world will see that a group of gentlemen with abnormally long Jeeps had all the answers to save the world. Till then, BRING ON THE TOPLESSNESS (both kinds!). |
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Post by wanderer1951 on Feb 24, 2008 7:22:31 GMT -5
In the words of Frank Sinatra:
And now, the end is near;
And so I face the final curtain.
My friend, Ill say it clear,
Ill state my case, of which Im certain.
Ive lived a life thats full.
Ive traveled each and evry highway;
And more, much more than this,
I did it my way.
Regrets, Ive had a few;
But then again, too few to mention.
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption.
I planned each charted course;
Each careful step along the byway,
But more, much more than this,
I did it my way.
Yes, there were times, Im sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew.
But through it all, when there was doubt,
I ate it up and spit it out.
I faced it all and I stood tall;
And did it my way.
Ive loved, Ive laughed and cried.
Ive had my fill; my share of losing.
And now, as tears subside,
I find it all so amusing.
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), but we also were hoping that one of us would start earning better money. Still don't have a nickel, but we got two great little boys and a solid marriage. It might have been nice to have the boys a little earlier, maybe our early 30s, but I don't really have any regrets about that. 
