The SMELL of opportunity or just a SMELL??

Some say that opportunity “knocks”, and others can “see” opportunity, I have always been able to “smell” opportunity… Let me explain…

In my lifetime, I have cleaned my fair share of toilets, did it in the fire dept, did it when I worked for McD’s, have done it for my family, and done plenty of it for rentals that I have owned and have done it time and time again on investment properties that I have purchased. This toilet, for some people, is usually a deal breaker when it comes to buying a property. However, if the major systems (plumbing, electrical, roof, foundation, exterior walls) are in good shape, then the rest of the items are just “eye candy” and can be repaired easily and usually at low cost. One of the skills that I have tried to pass on to my sons is the ability to see the wealth potential in real estate. I have had mobile homes that I have both rented and sold on notes. I have had single family residential that I have/had as rentals, and I have bought and sold many things using the “wheeling & dealing” technique. My oldest son is now starting to show some interest in investing (he is 17) and is going to go to a 3 day training class with me. If he can grasp the concept and develop the initiative to go out and work the techniques, then he should do pretty good in life. He will be self-supportive in his life and maybe even become wealthy like my uncle had done.

I have mentioned that I do a lot of reading, one of the books that I have read that really transformed my life many years ago, is “Rich dad, poor dad” by Robert T. Kiyodaki. If you are new to investing, or are looking at starting to invest, then this book is perfect to get

you into the proper state of mind. It explains “Assets & Liabilities” in a way that is easy to understand and grasp. I have started my son on the “Habitat for Dad” (I will explain that program in a minute) training program, and that is the first book that I am having him read. In the past week, I have had some solid conversations about money, investing, and his future/college, and what he wants to do in life. I think that he understands the concepts, and is starting to have the proper mentality about the concept of wealth and supporting yourself in life. I am trying not only to be his dad, but also his mentor to guide him and show him the way to be successful in life.

I have developed the “Habitat for Dad” program, similar to the “Habitat for Humanity” program, where each of my sons, will work with the other sons on investment projects that are purchased by me for them. They will have to learn (by doing) how to repair toilets, sinks, showers, electrical, windows, roofing, A/C, drywall, kitchens, flooring, etc. Then they will get this investment to do with what they please, sell, rent, or live in. Since there are 4 boys, that is 4 people who will both learn what it takes to own/manage a property, but also to work on the property and the skills that will be developed in that process. PLUS since there are 4, then they will have plenty of help to get the work done without the expense of hiring labor. BUT, this will also teach them that when there are things that you don’t like to do, you hire someone to do that project for you. For me, it is roofing. Best of all, they will be self supportive, and they will not have to move back in with ME after college. They are welcome to come and visit anytime, but house guests, like seafood, start to stink after about 3 days.

Just my $.02, for what its’ worth…

Steve

Monty Python way way of thinking…

OK, so I got this from facebook a couple days ago, but it goes to show how some peoples’ logic is based…

 

Why is a Firetruck red?

Because they have eight wheels and four people on them, and four plus eight is twelve, there are twelve inches in a foot, and one foot is a ruler, and Queen Elizabeth was a ruler, and Queen Elizabeth was also a ship, and the ship sailed the seas, and in the seas are fish, and the fish have fins, and the Finns fought the Russians, and the Russians are red, and that is why firetrucks are red! (According the the Monty Pythonesque application of the principles of logic and etymology)

Now, I have never been one to be a big fan of Monty Python, but in some instances, they have some funny stuff. I makes you think how far “out there” they were with some of their skits and shows.

Out of the box thinking, not following the pied piper, walking your own path, singing your own song, humming your own tune. However you want to spin it, good things happen to those who make their own way in life. At times, it may not seem so, but if you are persistent, good things will eventually happen if you are focused and are not doing anything illegal. I urge you to take the time, focus on your future, decide, and visualize what that future will look like, and determine how you can get there from where you are in life. Your future is yours to determine, and your success is up to you, how successful are you going to be?

Just my $.02 for what it’s worth…

Steve

Funny Day Friday…

During a DUI crackdown, a police patrol parked outside a local neighborhood tavern. Late in the evening, the officer noticed a man leaving the bar so intoxicated that he could barely walk. The man stumbled around the parking lot for a few minutes, with the officer quietly observing. After what seemed an eternity and trying his keys on five vehicles, the man managed to find his car, which he fell into. He was there for a few minutes as a number of other patrons left the bar and drove off.

Finally, he started the car, switched the wipers on and off (it was a fine dry night), flicked the blinkers on, then off, honked the horn, and then switched on the lights. He moved the vehicle forward a few inches, reversed a little, and
then remained still for a few more minutes as some more vehicles left. At last he pulled out of the parking lot and started to drive slowly down the road.

The police officer, having patiently waited all this time, now started up the patrol car, put on the flashing lights, promptly pulled the man over, and carried out a breathalyzer test. To his amazement, the breathalyzer indicated no evidence of the man having consumed alcohol at all!

Dumbfounded, the officer said, “I’ll have to ask you to accompany me to the police station. This
breathalyzer equipment must be broken.”

“I doubt it,” said the man. “Tonight, I’m the designated decoy.

HERE IS YET ANOTHER ONE…

A senior citizen drove his brand new Corvette convertible out of the dealership. Taking off down the road, he floored it to 80 mph, enjoying the wind blowing through what little gray hair he had left. “Amazing,” he thought as he flew down I-94, pushing the pedal even more. Looking in his rear view mirror, he saw a state trooper behind him, lights flashing and siren blaring. He floored it to 100 mph, then 110, then 120. Suddenly he thought, “What am I doing? I’m too old for this,” and pulled over to await the trooper’s arrival.

Pulling in behind him, the trooper walked up to the Corvette, looked at his watch, and said, “Sir, my shift ends in 30 minutes. Today is Friday. If you can give me a reason for speeding that I’ve never heard before, I’ll let you go.”

The old gentleman paused. Then he said, “Years ago, my wife
ran off with a State trooper. I thought you were bringing her back!!”

“Have a good day, sir,” replied the trooper.

 

Just a little chuckle, with my $.02, for what it’s worth…

Steve

Look here, look there, where are you looking now???

I found this photo to be VERY interesting. I know that it is nothing more than visual trickery, but I was intrigued none the less. When I see things like this, just like magic tricks, I have to know how it is done, or I just can’t sleep. Being the curious person that I am, I will spend hours searching the web looking for the answer to “how was that done” and once I find out, then I file it away in my “locker of stupid information” that is my brain and I can sleep.

I started reading a book yesterday that my uncle recommended, which I have found to be, so far, like most “financial success” books. It promises to give you the “secrets to success”. I am not far enough into the book to make an informed opinion on whether I like it yet or not, I will give you an update in the near future. Those who know/knew me in my earlier years did not know that I liked to read. When I was younger, it was not books, it was magazines, comics, and other “mental candy” like my dad’s playboys that he would hide under the bathroom vanity (yes dad, I KNEW they were there).  Even though you kicked my a$$ when I was younger, it did not deter me from appreciating the “female form” in all its artistic beauty.

Mental stimulation is something that I do for myself on a daily basis, while in the “royal room” where it is quiet, or on the porch of my house, I like to sit for 20 or 30 minutes each day, just to read and be with myself. It gets my mental juices flowing and prepares me for the day. For a time, I was reading the paper every morning before I started my day, and that is something that I have gotten away from. Maybe I will have the paper delivered to the house again, and start the early morning routine once again… even if the “news” is nothing but bad. It gives perspective of all the great things that I have going for me. Food for thought…

Just my $.02 for what its worth…

Steve

The “chicken wire” 6-pack….

I have never been one to be a “gym rat”, in fact, I have only had a gym membership once in my lifetime. It was only because a friend of mine hit the gym in the evenings, and needed a work-out partner. I never saw a major change in my physique, but I DID see a huge difference in my strength. At one point, I was doing 300+ crunches on the machine at a time 3 or 4 times in a session. I still could not shed the “beer gut” which is funny, because I do not like beer…

My general thinking is that if I am OK with who I am and how I feel, the “how I look” factor really does not play a big role. Though I have never been blessed with that elusive “6 pack” abs, overall, my health is good. Cholesterol, blood pressure, and overall general health is good for an “old guy”. My only complaint is that my eyes are not what they used to be.. Need glasses for reading these days, just to help a little.

When I see photos like this, I have to laugh at those people who are obsessed with how the “outside appearance” of their body looks. I mean really, who are you trying to impress? If you are looking to attract the opposite sex, and you are an assh*le, but you look great, what is the quality of the relationship that you are going to have. On a scale of 1-10, I have always considered myself to be about a 6+/- and I have dated in that category. I have done OK in my lifetime with women because I have the ability to hold a conversation which in my opinion is MUCH better than looking good. I also have the “salesman” gene along with other men in my family, so I am able to “sell myself” to get whatever I want/need. That coupled with the fact that I do not care if I make a fool of myself. I am very lucky as of now to be with a woman who is WAY out of my category, but also who loves me for me, and not for my wallet, or my looks, which is good because one is fat and one is not, you can decided which is which…

Keep your goals ahead of you, keep your nose clean, work hard, and have some fun along the way. Success is around the corner, you just have to know WHAT corner to look around.

Just my $.02 for what it’s worth…

Steve

Americans, F*ck YEAH!

I was trolling the web this morning and came across a video by Kid Rock & Sean Penn, called AMERICANS. This 10 minute video really puts things into perspective when it comes to politics and the divide that we have now in our country. Moving, and interesting, I urge you to spend a few moments and take a quick look.

Tuesdays, the busiest day of my week. Another busy day at the office, with LIVE CME/CLE training going on for mediators & attorneys. Discount bundles available if you need multiple hours to complete before your deadline to renew your professional license.

If you are busy today, take a moment and reflect on what is important in your life. Kids, significant others’, pets, elder family members, they are all here for a short period of time, enjoy them before they are gone. Make a quick phone call, send a text, send an email or facebook post, and just tell them that you are thinking about them. It WILL brighten their day… It only takes a moment, BUT that is a moment well spent.

Just my $.02 for what its’ worth…

Steve

Today is Monday… I enjoy a good day at work!

I recently moved my business operation back to my office (for those of you who know me, know the reason(s) that I had to vacate the building to keep my business stable) and I enjoy the “act” of getting up, getting dressed, and going to work. NOW, don’t get me wrong, I enjoy working from my home from time to time, but I have found on multiple occasions that when I make my main “office” at my home, I am not nearly as productive as when I actually “go” to work.

Some friends of mine posted on facebook of a guy at the airport in Nevada, that had a cat on a leash. Apparently the cat was not having any of it… (thanks brian/audrey)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another friend posted a photo of a guy with a “tramp stamp” tattoo that he saw locally at one of the “beach clubs”. (thank Eddie)

 

 

 

 

Then a 3rd friend posted a photo of a flag (see below) and that was JUST AWESOME!

 

 

 

 

 

Just thought I would share some of the “odd” things that I get at work… and don’t forget to be AWESOME!!!

Just my $.02 for what it’s worth…

Steve

When the “Storm starts to arrive…”

There are times in life when the storm starts to arrive… How do you handle these little storms? Do you “hunker down” and ride it out, or do you go weather channel style and “face the storm head on” with nothing more than a poncho?

I can say without too much effort that in the last 36 months, there has been a storm cloud of problems hanging over my head one storm at a time (thankfully) and not multiple storms at one time. I have been very fortunate that I now have a “beacon of light” in my life. She came to me about a year ago, and has been a constant source of strength, hope, and fun! Ironically, it was a storm situation that put us together sooner rather than later, which is one that I am thankful for.

As the various sayings go: You can eat an elephant one bite at a time, you can walk to china one step at a time… I believe that you can weather a storm one little raindrop at a time. When the storm starts to dump water on your head, and you start to get really wet, just remember that no matter how bad you think it is, there is a situation out there that is much worse that what you are facing!

Keep your head up, your face to the wind, and your poncho close. You never know when the next time a storm will start to move into your life and attempt to drench you.

On another note, I would like to express my sorrow for the passing of James Gandofini, the actor who played Tony Soprano, one of my favorite shows. He has played many characters over the years, and suffered a fatal heart attack yesterday. He was a talented man, with a fantastic series in the Sopranos!

Just my $.02 for what its’ worth!

Steve

Know the Slogan game…

Here are some famous slogans for products that most should know… I will list the slogan, you give me the product:

1. Butter your bread with this instead
2. It’s the real thing
3. Choosy mothers choose this
4. Pure chewing satisfaction
5. It makes the very best
6. You can’t eat just one
7. It’s the right thing, baby
8. You deserve a break today
9. Catch some rays  with this
10. It’s made in NEW YORK CITY!

Submit your answers below as a comment, good luck

Just my $.02 for what its worth

Steve

Another day, another post… I only have ONE YEAR to live!

After my “Railroaded” post/rant yesterday, I got some good feedback. It has encouraged me to take a stab at writing more about my opinions, my thoughts, and my opinions. (Yes, I have a lot of opinions, that is why it was mentioned twice.)

I was reading this morning, which is how I like to start the day, with some sort of educational/inspirational type reading, early before the chaos of work, kids, and life. In the book I am reading, it gave a hypothetical situation, which got me to thinking…

IF I KNEW I ONLY HAD ONE YEAR TO LIVE, HOW WOULD I SPEND MY TIME?

This is an interesting question, and I would ask you to ponder the same question… What would I do with my time:

365 days
8,760 hours
525,600 minutes
31,536,000 seconds

It is a very hard question to answer, to be honest and answer the question as if it were real and you would no longer be around on minute 525,601… It really is overwhelming to try to put that to thought.. what would I do..

I think the first thing would be to actually write down the things that I have said are on my “bucket list” in my mind, but are not printed out anywhere that anyone could actually find it. I think the second thing that I would do is attempt to figure out how to express my feelings for those that I love, care about, and adore. Aside from getting to the Last Will & Testament that I have been putting off. The second thing I would do is put a plan in place to take care of those that I love, to make sure that the work I have done in my life is carried on, and will continue to carry on to provide for the future generation. Finally, I would start to live every minute as if it was my last. I think that I would watch less TV, read more (which I have started doing) and start to blog or make notes of “wisdom” that could be passed on.

It was actually ironic that I read what I did, because I was actually was cleaning out some of the “stuff” that gathers in ones’ office and I found a composition book where I had actually contemplated this very issue before. In that book I wrote a little poem/saying to be read at my funeral, in the event that it happens at some point too early. If you know me, and you happen to attend my funeral, you will hear it, but for now, you will have to wait until that day… It could be coincidence, or it could be karma, I do not know, so for now, lets just call it “luck of the draw”.

So the question that I will leave you with is: If you had one year to live, what would you spend that year?

Just my $.02, for what it’s worth

Steve