Author Topic: Can you be more American than I am? (Read 520 times)

Zippatuh · « **on:** May 21, 2002, 03:51:09 PM »

Sitting around the tube last night contemplating everything I could think of that could possibly go wrong with a new home purchase I had to laugh and look straight at the wife…

“Baby, do you realize how American we are right now?” as she sat looking puzzled at me. “We shouldn’t have anything to worry about, I mean after all, we’re the ones keeping the economy going”. It was at this that she gave me the, yeah that’s going to help, look.

I’m the type of person that tries to plan for everything and needless to say the last year and half have not been kind to the telecommunications industry. After waiting and planning I finally said the hell with it.

One new car, one new boat, re-finance on the current mortgage, and closing on the new house June 18 and all done while the group I work for has been thinned out by 60 percent. I have only one thing to say. I can’t carry the whole country myself damn it!

Anyone else living on the edge? I feel like I’m walking around with a constant pucker factor of about 6. But what the hell, we can’t always wait until tomorrow, the damn thing never comes

.

Eagler · « **Reply #1 on:** May 21, 2002, 04:15:06 PM »

You aren't alone

You can plan for tomorrow but all you really have is today, and out of that - only this moment - enjoy it.

superpug1 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 21, 2002, 05:53:44 PM »

God I love America.

goaly · « **Reply #3 on:** May 21, 2002, 08:35:02 PM »

Why do you look for things to worry about?.... Here's what you do. Sell the house, the boat & the car. What ever you drove before, it cost too much. Any day of the week I can find a good-running mid 70s chevy for less than $500. Why, you could go through one of those babies every other month and spend less than what you are probably paying now.

And housing? Well... here's something to think about....
http://www.missouritrailertrash.com/index.html

Try not to think that your house defines you. Remember, it's just a place to put your A** when your not out doing something fun.

I was born with nothing... and I am very proud to say that I still have most of it.

Krusher · « **Reply #4 on:** May 22, 2002, 07:58:40 AM »

I hear ya bud.. Life in the High-Tech industry aint what it used to be. I bought my first new car in December right after they laid off 7500 people at my job. Now they are going to lay off an additional 15,000. Oh well I can always drive a truck

Good luck

Krush

Swoop · « **Reply #5 on:** May 22, 2002, 09:19:28 AM »

I blame Bill Gates......it's all his fault.

Sept 11th just made it worse, hundreds of big companies who own other big companies all freezing recruitment......

Now is not the time to be looking for work.

Swoop

Leslie · « **Reply #6 on:** May 22, 2002, 09:45:32 AM »

I have a cousin who drove a big rig for over 12 years, and she made darn good money at it Krusher.

I like the way Goaly thinks, but he's probably not married. Ya can't do neat things like drive 70 model Chevys unless you're married to the right girl. Also, boats are pretty much for batchelors imo, unless fishing is a high priority ~G~

As far as cars go, I've seen some beautiful cars on the internet that are 70 models. I saw a 1973 Olds Delta 88 convertible with 63K mileage for about $7,000.00. It has a 455 Rocket V8. If I had the money, I'd buy this car in a New York second. The car was, for all practical purposes, brand new....if it was as described.

I know you didn't ask for advice Zippatuh, but there are some good used deals out there that are affordable and are great values. Take care mate and good luck with the new house.

Les
Secure and stable Bohemian artist

capt. apathy · « **Reply #7 on:** May 22, 2002, 11:40:46 AM »

I may be wrong but I think you guys missed his point.
As I read it he said- loosen up your grip on your wallet, buy some new toys, do it for the good of the country.

I like it. Positive change through reckless spending

midnight Target · « **Reply #8 on:** May 22, 2002, 12:05:04 PM »

There is a lot of spending happening out there. My company is extremely busy. We make big expensive toys, and we are selling over 40 a day. Zip's not alone by a long shot.

Sikboy · « **Reply #9 on:** May 22, 2002, 12:55:40 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by capt. apathy
I may be wrong but I think you guys missed his point.
As I read it he said- loosen up your grip on your wallet, buy some new toys, do it for the good of the country.

In THAT case... I was a VERY good American, until last year, when I ran out of room on the Credit cards. So now I'm a freakin Comunist/Socialist/flagburning/terrorlovin/sexintheovalofficehavin/green/euro. Well, I pay my credit card bills on time and don't buy stuff I don't need anyhow.

-Sikboy

easymo · « **Reply #10 on:** May 22, 2002, 01:09:49 PM »

Things dont make you happy. People make you happy. It took me a long time to learn this. focus on your loved ones. The rewards will be much greater

funkedup · « **Reply #11 on:** May 22, 2002, 01:10:24 PM »

I'm thankful to live in a place where most people's biggest worry is how many toys and luxuries they can afford, and things like food and basic shelter and medical care are pretty much taken for granted.

Zippatuh · « **Reply #12 on:** May 22, 2002, 03:52:54 PM »

I’ll have to say goaly does make a good argument for a backup plan

.

I know you don’t have to have these things but I finally got tired of fixing old cars and being I’ve never had a new one my wife thought it was time. The boat, what the hell did I buy the truck 3 years ago for then

.

The new house, well, it is for the family, I don’t think I could have got her to stay in the one we’re in now for much longer. I did convince her to keep it though. Soon I’ll be providing affordable housing to Section 8 recipients. I hate to do it that way but HUD is going to guarantee the payment so why the hell not.

We’ve been preparing for so long that it’s making us a little antsy when the bulls eye starts going for the war chest. It would also help a lot if I didn’t have to spend my furniture money on a privacy fence. She just happened to pick the very one that has kids swing sets and jungle gyms surrounding us. Normally that wouldn’t make a difference. Due to the fact I have a 57 Lbs. white pit bull with the local news going crazy about dog fighting rings around KC I’m sure they’re going to love to see us move in. The quick answer is get rid of the dog. I’d sooner loose an appendage than give that dog away!

Lots of nervous energy I tell ya. I heard something about sleep on the news the other day. Anyone of you know what that is because I sure as hell forgot what it means!

As for food; have I mentioned how much I like cheese sandwiches?

Wlfgng · « **Reply #13 on:** May 22, 2002, 04:49:32 PM »

screw hi-technoligy... left Denver to live in a ski area..

much happier

Elfenwolf · « **Reply #14 on:** May 22, 2002, 05:24:48 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by easymo
Things dont make you happy. People make you happy. It took me a long time to learn this. focus on your loved ones. The rewards will be much greater

You got that right, Easymo. We spend our lives trying to get the biggest and the best of everything and then when you've achieved your goals you're surprised you aren't particularly happy. Make the welfare and the happiness of the people in your life your goal because a bigger boat or a faster car are only things and can't love you back the way a person can.