FINANCIAL CHALLENGE: UPDATE

Since getting my old job back in Kansas City last December I’ve still had to struggle to make ends meet.  I sat down and figured out a tight budget plan that helped me through paycheck to paycheck which included the basics of food, gas, utilities, rent, phone and car insurance.

The hardest part of my business plan was coordinating my bi-monthly payday schedule so that I would have enough cash left over from each paycheck to cover gas, phone and incidentals.  Rent was tough for the first 3-months because I couldn’t help being one or two days late since my paydays are on a Wednesday which meant $25 more.  That’s $25 I dearly needed.  Now, because of the way the calendar works, my rent can be paid ahead of the dead line giving me that additional $25.   I was behind on utilities from the get go and almost had my electric turned off twice.  I was lucky it was a hard winter and they were willing to work with me and receive whatever I could spare after I went in and explained my financial challenges.

I was denied food stamp assistance because I made $36 more on estimated salary and Missouri state allowances.  As it stands now I budget $150 per month but another $50 to $100 would be much better.  My main staples now are rice, bread and peanut butter.  My meat purchases subsist of hamburger, chicken and hot Italian sausage.  Sometimes I’ll splurge and get steak.   Pretty much, whatever I can mix in with rice.  The Salvation Army nearby has a food and bread pantry that I take advantage of.  I can utilize their food pantry once-a-month and the bread pantry once a week which I get primarily bagels and freeze in the fridge.  I usually just get what food I’m in need of at the time of my monthly visit so not to take advantage.

I had to miss my phone payment once so I didn’t have service for a week until my next paycheck which was a benefit since it put me on the coordinated budget plan that I required.  After my next phone payment my rate will drop from $50 to $45.  I changed car insurance carriers and saved about $30 per month then and now has dropped further by $7.  My utilities went from $122 (winter) to the last payment of $28 per month.  I figure utilities will range between this $28 to $40.  I try to buy most of my groceries all at once so I can take advantage of gas discounts for every $50 I purchase.  I usually get $.10 to $.15 off the gas price per gallon.

I had a windfall when the I.R.S. finally gave me a return of $1,200.  $400 of which was deducted to finally take care of back taxes.  So I was able to pay off utilities and since the hot days of summer have come purchased an air conditioner from Walmart and paid back those I owed money to.

At this time, I feel I have most everything under control.  If I could just get a $.25/hr raise, it would make about a $200 to $300 difference which would help considerably for any emergency issues but that has been a disappointing issue.  As much as I like what I’m doing and the people I work with,  It’s time to start putting applications out.

“POWER OF THE BUDGET” and living by it.

God bless and God speed

www.lifeexperienceswithjim.blogspot.com

daveyenterprise@yahoo.com

FINANCIAL CHALLENGE: UPDATE

Since getting my old job back in Kansas City last December I’ve still had to struggle to make ends meet.  I sat down and figured out a tight budget plan that helped me through paycheck to paycheck which included the basics of food, gas, utilities, rent, phone and car insurance.

The hardest part of my business plan was coordinating my bi-monthly payday schedule so that I would have enough cash left over from each paycheck to cover gas, phone and incidentals.  Rent was tough for the first 3-months because I couldn’t help being one or two days late since my paydays are on a Wednesday which meant $25 more.  That’s $25 I dearly needed.  Now, because of the way the calendar works, my rent can be paid ahead of the dead line giving me that additional $25.   I was behind on utilities from the get go and almost had my electric turned off twice.  I was lucky it was a hard winter and they were willing to work with me and receive whatever I could spare after I went in and explained my financial challenges.

I was denied food stamp assistance because I made $36 more on estimated salary and Missouri state allowances.  As it stands now I budget $150 per month but another $50 to $100 would be much better.  My main staples now are rice, bread and peanut butter.  My meat purchases subsist of hamburger, chicken and hot Italian sausage.  Sometimes I’ll splurge and get steak.   Pretty much, whatever I can mix in with rice.  The Salvation Army nearby has a food and bread pantry that I take advantage of.  I can utilize their food pantry once-a-month and the bread pantry once a week which I get primarily bagels and freeze in the fridge.  I usually just get what food I’m in need of at the time of my monthly visit so not to take advantage.

I had to miss my phone payment once so I didn’t have service for a week until my next paycheck which was a benefit since it put me on the coordinated budget plan that I required.  After my next phone payment my rate will drop from $50 to $45.  I changed car insurance carriers and saved about $30 per month then and now has dropped further by $7.  My utilities went from $122 (winter) to the last payment of $28 per month.  I figure utilities will range between this $28 to $40.  I try to buy most of my groceries all at once so I can take advantage of gas discounts for every $50 I purchase.  I usually get $.10 to $.15 off the gas price per gallon.

I had a windfall when the I.R.S. finally gave me a return of $1,200.  $400 of which was deducted to finally take care of back taxes.  So I was able to pay off utilities and since the hot days of summer have come purchased an air conditioner from Walmart and paid back those I owed money to.

At this time, I feel I have most everything under control.  If I could just get a $.25/hr raise, it would make about a $200 to $300 difference which would help considerably for any emergency issues but that has been a disappointing issue.  As much as I like what I’m doing and the people I work with,  It’s time to start putting applications out.

“POWER OF THE BUDGET” and living by it.

God bless and God speed

www.lifeexperienceswithjim.blogspot.com

daveyenterprise@yahoo.com

IT’S A SAD DAY

It’s a sad day when this country lets down its citizens in regard to employment and security.  We contract and outsource our services to third world countries because it’s more cost effective.  OKAY!  We’ve all heard it many times.  It’s called “GREED”!  For the few rich and greedy.

If you were to ask me if I’m frustrated, I would be one of many in my position to say “Hell Yes”!  I’m a professional and at 58 years old can’t utilize my experience in my field.  But, hey, I’m one of the best dish washers (server assistant) because I take pride in my work, whatever it might be but that’s not what corporate America wants.  I KNOW THAT I CAN GENUINELY OFFER A HIGHER SERVICE  but that’s not what America stands for anymore.

By law, there is no “AGE DISCRIMINATION”.  BULL FECES!  I’ve personally heard and seen it from a couple of men in my age group that have been put thru this same ordeal.  The only difference is that they have a spouse working full time compared to my lone ranger self.  I saw it first hand when 3 years ago I started putting my resume out for opportunities in my field of experience and never received any response.  When I put my applications in for any blue collar positions in retail and restaurant positions, the interviewer either deemed me too over qualified or asked me why I wanted to do such a menial job.  My reply, “BECAUSE I NEED A JOB AND PAYCHECK”. 

It took a confrontation with an employee who went out of control with the General Manager of the restaurant I currently work for to prompt a call to me at the Salvation Army where I was residing homelessly.  She requested I come to see her a.s.a.p. which was within 20-minutes with my free time.  After the interview, I asked her if I had the job and her reply was that she needed to talk to several other people before she made the decision.  Without bringing age in as an issue (which she couldn’t) she mentioned that she had reservations due to my over qualifications which I had heard so many times before.  I chalked it up as another turn down but got a call an hour later asking if I could start the next day.  As she would later confide in me that she took a chance hiring me but to this day has no regrets because of my professionalism approach to the job.  She’ll always be a blessed person in my book of those deemed worthy.  I’ve seen firsthand the chances she gives to many who are in need, fired, then given a second chance.  She’s demanding but that’s what a good manager should be to get the job done.

So, there are people out there willing to suck it up and make the sacrifices to make a buck in this economy no matter what it is.  It’s all a matter of “EFFORT, ATTITUDE, TEAMWORK AND SPORTSMANSHIP” (previous post).  E.A.T.S PHILOSOPHY

Hey! I’m just barely making it financially on a limited income but I’m the last one to complain.  I do have to find a more increased income to cover expenses that I know will be coming up to care for Ellie and any emergencies that may come up.  DAMN, I don’t have health insurance and I’m concerned there.

“IT’S A SAD DAY”

ALL I CAN SAY IS KEEP THE FAITH!  Things are meant to be!

God bless and God speed

www.lifeexperienceswithjim.blogspot.com

daveyexperience@yahoo.com

NO REGRETS

Sometimes pondering on my life, the past and present, I feel that I’m content with the happenings that have taken place.  I had been watching the movie, “Meet Joe Black”, with Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins when towards the end of the movie, Anthony Hopkins is dancing with his favorite daughter and tells her that he has, no regrets, about his life and accomplishments.  He wouldn’t change anything.

That’s the way I feel as well.  Thinking of what I’ve done in my life and the experiences I’ve had and seen I wouldn’t change a thing.  With the close bonding between my mother and myself, I felt compelled to share my feelings to my son since we’ve had the similar bonding but at a much younger age.  So one night I texted him that I wanted him to know that if anything were to ever happen to me that I had no regrets about my existence on this earth and felt content with everything that I’d accomplished.  That I wasn’t now afraid of death even though I hope to continue more experiences for quite a long time.

He, of course, got concerned thinking I was comtemplating suicide with everything that has happened over the past financial challenges I’ve endured and phoned me.  I explained that that wasn’t the case and never could be.  I just wanted him to know that he could continue on his life path knowing that his dad passed on a happy man with “NO REGRETS”.

So I continue on my path of existence eagerly hoping for continuing experiences and make the most out of this existence on this planet Earth.

“NO REGRETS”

God bless and God speed

www.lifeexperienceswithjim.blogspot.com

daveyenterprise@yahoo.com

THE EULOGY NEVER GIVEN: FOR MOTHER

The following eulogy is what I had prepared for my mother but never got the chance to give since, at age 90, there are very few people left to offer condolences.  It was more an informal affair like that of a visitation with friends coming and going.  I was saddened and disappointed that her great life experience couldn’t be shared so it’s here that I fulfill to her my promise we had laughingly agreed to.

“A PRAYER ANSWERED”

Written by Reverend Jim (son)

Mother, you were born February 14, 1920, a Valentine’s baby to your mother and father. “A Prayer Answered”.  The only daughter to be born and raised to a hard working father of the railroad in a small town of Kansas.

You were raised under very strict and harsh conditions by your controlling mother but received your outgoing personality from your father, a grandfather I never got to know but would loved to have met and spend young times with.  Due to your outgoing personality, you always made friends easily even though your mother always painted a negative approach to life whether it was religious or economic associations.

Even though you met those adverse negative conditions you were able to overcome them through music when you took up the violin and later piano.  Music gave you the avenue of escape which, I’m sure, your father was responsible.  He was the positive force in your young life. 

You graduated from high school and had the opportunity to go the University of Kansas but your mother put a halt to that because she felt it would be a bad influence.  Then you had the opportunity to attend secretarial business college in Kansas City and your father stepped in and put his foot down to your mother.  You were off to Kansas City and independent freedom from your controlling mother.  You loved your father dearly and the visits he would make on the train to come and see you (without your mother, of course).  “A Prayer Answered”

One of the greatest disappointments in your life came when your father passed away from a heart attack at the early age of 52.  You had, by this time, established yourself with the gas company of Kansas City and lived off the Plaza in an apartment.  The gas company is where you were to meet your future husband of many years to come.  “A Prayer Answered”

You told me many times that the best decision you ever made was joining the Unity School of Christianity Church where you learned to live a positive life.  Living for the day, not the past or future.  This positive influence spilled over to both of your sons.  I know it influenced my life and still does to this day.  “A Prayer Answered”

The second greatest disappointment in your life was the passing of your husband of 47 years.  I personally know that you grieved and missed our dad for over 10-years and had always wished you both could have made it to that 50 plus positive relationship you shared in your marital times.  You carried on involved in your Women’s Business Association, played volleyball into your early 70’s and your famous Charleston dance performance among many other activities with your many years at the middle school where you were a counselors’ secretary.  Let alone the kids and co-workers you had influenced in that position.

Your life was one of the most accomplished and blessed.  You and dad raised two fine successful sons, one with a doctorate degree in education and the other an accomplished professional in medical sales.  Even though, in these past later years of your life, you maintained a positive outlook I know you had your down times and frustrating challenges with the aging issues of mobility and health but you endured to the end.

Mom, for me it was a pleasure and an honor to be a care giver to you in the last 6-years of your life.  We both faced our challenges but I got to know and share with a very fine person and Mother, better than most have had a chance to do.  As you would always say, “It was meant to be”.  I know you and dad are together again and I look forward to being with you when my time comes.

My mother, born February 14, 1920 and passed peacefully February 22, 2010 at 2:42 pm at 90 years with me at her side, holding her hand through to the end.  “A Prayer Answered”

Prayer:  “Weep for Me Not”  Amen

Internment:  Ashes to be spread over fathers’ grave

God bless and God speed

www.lifeexperienceswithjim.blogspot.com

daveyenterprise@yahoo.com

WHAT IF? Reflection on death

If it’s true that only 10% of brain function is known, although that may have changed with technological advances, then what of the other 90%.

What if, upon death, that the major function of the brain is to open a worm hole to another destination (heaven, planet, dimension) for the spiritual essence of who we are to ascend to another purpose and place.  It’s postulated that wormholes could be microscopically small and unseen and present all around us but not accessible on a conventional nature as we know it.

What if, string theory is correct and there are multiple universes where we exist as ourselves but are mirror images and outcomes of the pathways that are presented to us are representative of the different outcomes that may become.  The path we choose here defining us and the paths that we could have taken defining the other outcomes.

We hear of the near death experiences and the tunnel of light.  I personally know a person who was pronounced dead and experienced it.  He firmly believes what he experienced and it has changed his attitude on death and dying.  For people like him that have gone through this experience, it seems they have a better sense of knowing that there is more after death.  They’re just not privy to where they might be going afterward but that faith and hope are more relieving and acceptable when that day does come.

To the majority of us the “Day of Reckoning” will remain a mystery until that time comes but I believe there’s more to just a life of existence and then nothingness. 

WHAT IF? Keep the faith

God bless and God speed

www.lifeexperienceswithjim.blogspot.com

CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE: Tree Climbers

One of the best times in my childhood was during my tree climbing days.  The experience has always been with me throughout my entire life.  Anytime I notice the swaying of the tree tops with the wind I’m reminded of those days.

By the time I was old enough to experience these tree climbing ventures the elm trees had grown big and tall around the neighborhood.  My next door neighbor friend, Mikie, and I began climbing after seeing one of his older brothers  do it one day.  How we got away with it is beyond me especially from any of our parents.  I don’t recall my parents ever saying anything but had they I’m sure we would have found a way without their knowledge.  We never had any mishaps except for a few scratches here and there.

One of the most memorable experiences was high up in a maple tree in the front yard at Mikies.  He and I climbed to nearly the top on a breezy summer day and took positions in the strong fork of the tree.  It was the most exhilarating sensation to be sitting in the fork of the strong limb and literally swaying back and forth with the strong breeze.  I had never experienced relaxation like that and can’t think of anything like it in my life to this day so I remember that day and feeling when I need to relax.

Mikies older brother, who got us started in tree climbing, once made a bold statement that he was going to cross from one tree to another by going from one limb to the next tree’s limb.  Mikie and I didn’t believe he would chance it but he did.  In the evening at dinner I was sitting at the kitchen table and noticed out the window a figure crawling along the limb of one of the elm trees, in Mikies back yard, to another limb successfully.  I didn’t mention anything because I didn’t want my parents to maybe end those days of climbing so I watched silently while he accomplished what he said he would.  Lucky him because he did it right over power lines.

How any of us survived our early years still amazes me at times.

God bless and God speed

www.lifeexperiences withjim.blogspot.com