Tonight we did our first track workout with West Coast Road Runners. Ran a mile to warm-up. Then ran 10x30x30. Ten repeats of 30 seconds of hard running followed by 30 seconds of easy running. Coach Rick used a stopwatch and a whistle so we knew when the 30 seconds were up. We finished with another mile to cool down. Afterwards we did instructor-led stretching for 15 minutes. It was actually pretty fun. I met two nice women, Shelly and Linda, who ran about my pace.
Change of topic... After getting three bids from contractors, we had a favorite one. We negotiated some money off yesterday and officially picked them for the kitchen and bathroom remodels. Today we sent off the deposit check in the mail. We're excited, but not without trepidation. I fully realize we're taking a risk in this economy. It feels weird and a little bad/guilty to be spending money right now, when my instinct is to hold on to it. Of course, thoughts of "What if we lose our jobs?" have entered into our minds. But if not now, then when? The conditions might not ever be perfect. And rather than being afraid, I want to be optimistic. I want to believe that the current economic situation in our country, and the world, will turn around. We've thought about this back and forth a lot. I think one of the things that pushed me into going forward with the remodeling was the death of Chris & Kim. I've been a cautious saver my whole adult life. Before I even see my paycheck, a large percentage goes into retirement accounts, of which I won't see the money until I'm 59.5 years old. I've lost 40 % of it during the last year anyway. What's my point? Chris & Kim died in their 30's, in a car crash that happened in a couple of seconds. There's just no telling what will happen tomorrow. So while we'll continue to save a couple of dollars for retirement, we're going to enjoy a new well-laid out and ergonomic kitchen where we can cook & entertain our friends and family. Yes, it is a leap of faith to go ahead with it, but I'm cautiously optimistic.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Photo today:
Tonight we did our first track workout with West Coast Road Runners. Ran a mile to warm-up. Then ran 10x30x30. Ten repeats of 30 seconds of hard running followed by 30 seconds of easy running. Coach Rick used a stopwatch and a whistle so we knew when the 30 seconds were up. We finished with another mile to cool down. Afterwards we did instructor-led stretching for 15 minutes. It was actually pretty fun. I met two nice women, Shelly and Linda, who ran about my pace.
Change of topic... After getting three bids from contractors, we had a favorite one. We negotiated some money off yesterday and officially picked them for the kitchen and bathroom remodels. Today we sent off the deposit check in the mail. We're excited, but not without trepidation. I fully realize we're taking a risk in this economy. It feels weird and a little bad/guilty to be spending money right now, when my instinct is to hold on to it. Of course, thoughts of "What if we lose our jobs?" have entered into our minds. But if not now, then when? The conditions might not ever be perfect. And rather than being afraid, I want to be optimistic. I want to believe that the current economic situation in our country, and the world, will turn around. We've thought about this back and forth a lot. I think one of the things that pushed me into going forward with the remodeling was the death of Chris & Kim. I've been a cautious saver my whole adult life. Before I even see my paycheck, a large percentage goes into retirement accounts, of which I won't see the money until I'm 59.5 years old. I've lost 40 % of it during the last year anyway. What's my point? Chris & Kim died in their 30's, in a car crash that happened in a couple of seconds. There's just no telling what will happen tomorrow. So while we'll continue to save a couple of dollars for retirement, we're going to enjoy a new well-laid out and ergonomic kitchen where we can cook & entertain our friends and family. Yes, it is a leap of faith to go ahead with it, but I'm cautiously optimistic.
Tonight we did our first track workout with West Coast Road Runners. Ran a mile to warm-up. Then ran 10x30x30. Ten repeats of 30 seconds of hard running followed by 30 seconds of easy running. Coach Rick used a stopwatch and a whistle so we knew when the 30 seconds were up. We finished with another mile to cool down. Afterwards we did instructor-led stretching for 15 minutes. It was actually pretty fun. I met two nice women, Shelly and Linda, who ran about my pace.
Change of topic... After getting three bids from contractors, we had a favorite one. We negotiated some money off yesterday and officially picked them for the kitchen and bathroom remodels. Today we sent off the deposit check in the mail. We're excited, but not without trepidation. I fully realize we're taking a risk in this economy. It feels weird and a little bad/guilty to be spending money right now, when my instinct is to hold on to it. Of course, thoughts of "What if we lose our jobs?" have entered into our minds. But if not now, then when? The conditions might not ever be perfect. And rather than being afraid, I want to be optimistic. I want to believe that the current economic situation in our country, and the world, will turn around. We've thought about this back and forth a lot. I think one of the things that pushed me into going forward with the remodeling was the death of Chris & Kim. I've been a cautious saver my whole adult life. Before I even see my paycheck, a large percentage goes into retirement accounts, of which I won't see the money until I'm 59.5 years old. I've lost 40 % of it during the last year anyway. What's my point? Chris & Kim died in their 30's, in a car crash that happened in a couple of seconds. There's just no telling what will happen tomorrow. So while we'll continue to save a couple of dollars for retirement, we're going to enjoy a new well-laid out and ergonomic kitchen where we can cook & entertain our friends and family. Yes, it is a leap of faith to go ahead with it, but I'm cautiously optimistic.
There is another way to think of your spending too; you are helping out the economy and the contractor by investing in bad times. We should spend now to not worsen the crisis. Hope it turns out good for you, and that we can see some pictures of your new kitchen and bathroom soon! :o)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with Ericka, you are supplying work. My brother is a builder and he is relying on govt. work at the moment as private work is scarce. I am looking forward to seeing the end results.
ReplyDeleteYou two are in serious training, that is a good workout......you must be both very fit.
I am so excited about your new remodel! As I read your post, I can totally relate and was reminded of this verse :
ReplyDeleteFor you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba,Father." Romans 8:15
You could think of your new kitchen and bath as a loving gift from a loving heavenly Father.
Have fun playing!
I love what the others have said about your spending. I know it's hard right now on everyone, but I think that your heart is in the right place, especially when you seek what God wants you to do.
ReplyDelete