A few weeks ago I posted about how people go completely nuts when it comes to snowstorms in New Jersey. Granted, we had a few nice hits in February, I think the Garfield comic strip below explains just how nuts people are about snow in this state!
Ha ha ha! I actually KNOW people like that!
The storm of the Century DID, in fact, come – but not in the way that many people thought it might down at the Jersey Shore. Yes, we got hit with some of the white stuff, but the big problem in Monmouth and Ocean counties is the unbelievable amount of ice all over the roadways. I just got back from a quick drive to the Post Office and the ice falling from the powerlines was hitting my windshield in a very dangerous way.
For those of us in the Monmouth and Ocean counties of New Jersey – we need to be a little bit careful out there on the roads! It’s not safe when you consider the falling ice blocks in conjunction with the high wind speeds.
So, as the many road signs in New Jersey tell us to do, let’s all take some extra time during our commutes and not drive like assholes while the roads are in bad shape, ok? Better yet – let’s just have another “Work from Home” snow day.
You all know that I’m the first one to bitch and moan that we’re not getting enough snow this winter (or any recent winter for that matter). But some of the crap that I’ve heard last night and today about the upcoming “blizzard” is just comical.
People on the radio are talking about how snow totals could close local roads and result in a statewide “work from home” day tomorrow. Folks in office buildings are talking about how they’re planning on not coming in because of the soon-to-be “treacherous” conditions.
There’s only one problem with all of this planning, though…absolutely nothing supports the claim that there’s going to be a bastard of a snow storm tomorrow!
Sure, the weather reports are talking about how there is going to be snow and it might accumulate up to 5 inches in some places, but good grief! That doesn’t mean that the state is going to shut down!!! Let’s not forget that we have virtually untouched tons of road salt waiting to get put down and scores upon scores of workers who haven’t earned a dime in overtime pay this winter who are waiting to put that salt down!
I’ll go out on a limb and say that we’ll all be at work tomorrow and that there isn’t going to be any major snowfall at least in my area of the state.
For those of you who live on the East Coast, you know that this has been the warmest winter on record (so far). You also know that we had a 70-something degree day just this past Saturday! Well, for all of us who have been asking, “Where is the snow?” I think we just found out…
There was a massive rainstorm last night and through most of today in New Jersey – especially in the central shore region. Unfortunately for those of us who long for the days of snow-covered mornings…that was probably our biggest snowstorm of the year for us!
The word is that it’s going to get quite cold here come January 20th, though. So like the rest of the East Coast that is hoping for at least one day of winter, I’m just going to sit and wait for it.
Happy New Year!
Another year gone by and another set of resolutions to put up on the blog, only to break in a few days! Here’s a look at last year’s resolutions.
Unfortunately, I don’t think that there will be anything earth-shattering in this year’s resolutions. Pretty much the same old stuff that I’ve done year in and year out now, but screw it – let’s go for another round.
Student Loans
The biggest albatross around my neck now and for the foreseeable future will be these wretched student loans. I can’t buy a house, I can’t get a new car – hell, I can’t even get involved in a worthy relationship with nearly $1,000 each month going towards student loans. It’s stifling, really. I set a goal of having these bastards paid off by the time I’m 30, which leaves me just about 4 years to make these payments (it’s totally unrealistic, but you never know). So, no matter how ridiculous it seems, my first resolution of this year is to be free of my smallest loan by next year.
My smallest loan is $7,500. It might not seem like much to pay that particular loan, but remember that I’ll also be paying nearly $800 each month towards my other loans as well as paying another untold amount for rent, gas for the truck, food, cell phone, charitable contributions, etc.
Financial Freedom
During last year’s resolutions, I said:
It’s obvious that I can’t get rid of the cell phone payment, but I have managed to reign in Verizon’s pathetic book-keeping…I actually managed to eliminate my car payment and my credit card payment in the last year [2005]…I also resolved to make better investments and…did open an Orange Savings Account
Financial freedom seems to be the big “thing” for my resolutions this year (as I’m sure you’ve guessed so far). In the last few months I’ve managed to restructure my Verizon contract so I’m not paying nearly $150 per month on my bill any more. I’ve also cut some unnecessary monthly expenses like Triple Advantage credit monitoring.
Usable Web Solutions, LLC
Last year I said:
Some of you may know this, but I’m planning on starting my own business in the coming month or two. One of my resolutions is to make the company successful, even if just on the small scale (which is all I’m planning to focus on, anyway).
Well, I accomplished that mission! My resolution for UWS this year is to grow on success and add at least 50% more revenue to the company’s bottom line.
The Rest
You know the rest. Get in better shape, go to Church more often (even though I’ve been there nearly every Sunday this year and Holy Days), do more in my professional “industry” – same old, same old.
Really, for the New Year all I hope for is that my family and friends stay healthy, happy, and safe. Give me that and it’s worth more than any financial freedom or stronger small business. 🙂
