Cutter's Log - Stardate 1102.72.40
Current Song - It's My Life (No Doubt)
Note: I've been back since April 7, and it is now April 27. Of the 20 days since I came back home, a lot has happened. Thus the delay. Plus, I didn't write while on the vacation (compared to last year) simply because there was too much to do.
There are pictures of the trip on my Facebook photo album.
Because of the numerous things I saw, I had to break the entry down into four days. The previous entries broke down days 1, 2 and 3. This entry recalls Day 4, the final day of the vacaction.
Since I got a late ending to the previous day, I eventually work up later than planned. I couldn't change that, but I had to tweak some plans a little. I knew, however, that on the way there I had some time to spare from where I left in in Hastings on Day 1. I figured I had enough time to get back to Dubuque before dusk. But I still had the entire east side of the Twin Cities to see, and then all of Wisconsin.
I woke up at 9:30 a.m. and immediately prepared for departure, and checking out of the hotel. I got four cents off a gallon at the BP, and was given a coupon for five cents off on my next trip. There is no next trip. I still have the coupon, just in case. I decided to start where I-494 met the river on the east side. Doing so meant I had to cross the River on the new I-35W bridge. So yeah, I crossed it.
The road along the east side of the river was called East River Parkway. There was a park where the road intersected with 494, where I stopped for a while. Then began the journey down this East River Parkway through the Twin Cities.
To my amazement, it was pretty much the same experience as the drive along West River Parkway. Like the opposite site, there is a jogging path next to the road, and I had never seen that many joggers. I once again briefly thought to myself that I was the largest person within the city limits. Next to the jogging path was a wall of trees and shrubbery, so I couldn't really see water unless it was a park of some sort. But the houses were great. The south side of St. Paul seemed to have more scenic overlooks than Minneapolis, because the land is so high up. There was one overlook that gave a spectacular view of the downtown area. Not only did I see downtown, but the large bluff that I was on a couple of days earlier, as well as the state capitol building.
Because there was no split of the river, like on the other side, this East River Parkway was very straightforward, with the small exception of downtown. The west side had a split, where the mouth of the Minnesota River was, and it was difficult to navigate. But there were no problems on this day.
I actually didn't cross into Wisconsin from the east side of the river due to a missed turn, but joined Wisconsin at Red Wing. Little did I know there would be a lot more stops along this path than Iowa's. The Wisconsin "Great River Road" was Route 35, which was familiar to be because that route ends at East Dubuque. At least I knew I wasn't going to veer off too much!
Take someone down Illinois Route 2 between Grand Detour and Rockford, and they'll like it. I've been down it so many times not to even think about it anymore. But Wisconsin Route 35 has Illinois Route 2's number when it comes to scenery. It follows the river more than the Iowa/Minnesota side, and there are literally hundreds of bluffs.
Each town - Bay City, Stockholm, Nelson, Buffalo was more of the same. They are tiny towns that area stretched out. When you enter a town - lucky enough to after seeing bluff after bluff after bluff, and taking pictures of them while driving - you see a sign telling you the name of the town, and the town's population. These towns had small populations, and normally they do not take long to drive through. These towns are so stretched out, you begin to wonder when the end of town is.
The best thing about these towns is that they are in their own little holes. There's nothing visable north, south, east, or even west (except the River). It's an own little world. Pepin is between Stockholm and Nelson, and wasn't really typical of the other towns. It was much larger, and was popular because Laura Ingalls Wilder was born there.
You can't really put the descriptions into words, and really have to drive down Route 35 to get a feeling of it.
Wisconsin has so many historical markers. It seemed as if there was one every five miles. Any minor bit of history was marked. Not too long after entering Wisconsin there was a historical marker telling about a natural feature called "Bow and Arrow." It was a rock formation along the bluff that was discovered about 100 years ago, with its origins unknown. The next marker I stopped at was the site of Fort St. Antoine (1686), where an explorer claimed "the entire region west of the Great Lakes 'no matter how remote' in the name of Louis XIV." (The long-reigning, and final, King of France).
Along the way down was a Sugar Loaf Rock sighting. That rock is in Winona, MN and is featured in Day 1's entry.
Next up in the long and winding road of spectacular bluffs that is Route 35 was the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. However, much of it was closed due to flooding. Not too far from that, however, was the Trempealeau State Park. Along the way in, I saw a sign that charged for entry. I thought being charged at Lake Itasca was enough, so I didn't visit the park. Now I wish I would have.
After Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge and Trempealeau State Park, it only made sense that the next town was called Trempealeau. I was getting hungry for some lunch, and found a perfect spot - that "restaurant" I wanted to eat at. It's called the Trempealeau Hotel Restaurant and Saloon. Their specialty is the Walnut Burger, and I wanted to try it before I noticed it had onions in them (I'm not a fan of onions). So a BBQ burger (good) had to do. I sat with a view of the River from a porch-like eating area. The place is nice, and literally hasn't changed since the saloon days. The hotel is on the second floor. Not too many places like this are still around. These particular hotel rooms are European style, with a shared bath and no electronics. $40-49 a night. I could go for that in the summer, because I don't really need a television and I have a cell phone. Plus the eating establishment is downstairs. I'd go back there again.
Next up in the long and winding road of spectacular bluffs is a suburb of LaCrosse called Onalaska. It's directly across from the man-made islands for the birds that I visited in Day 1. The River spills into a lake, with the river channel kind of pushed back toward the Minnesota side.
Natrually the next city is LaCrosse. I had been in LaCrosse once before, on my way back from the Spam Museum (this is true) in Austin, MN. I saw another restaurant that looked neat, but unfortunately I had already eaten. Downtown LaCrosse is very nice, and old. That makes it nice. Plus it has a nice riverfront park where the river can be seen from eye-to-eye. Among other sights was the world's largest 6-pack of beer. Boots and beer. Boots at Red Wing, and Beer at LaCrosse. This part of Wisconsin is known for its breweries, and this carries on to Milwaukee (home of the Brewers, which were formerly called the Cream Citys).
I fueled up the car in LaCrosse. The fuel was from a Kwik Trip, which also owns the station in Kellogg, MN (where I filled up on Day 1). By the time I got home, I had only burned a third of a tank (500 miles). Seems pretty good. That would get me home, but not before some more stops along the way. The first stop out of LaCrosse was Goose Island (no brewery there), probably so-named because the island looks like a goose. The road to get there was winding, like a goose's neck.
To give a good understanding of how plentiful Wisconsin's historical markers are, the first one outside of LaCrosse was about the "LaCrosse Boiling Water Reactor," which is the state's first nuclear power plant.
The area between LaCrosse and Prairie du Chien is noted for the Battle of Bad Axe, which is a landmark battle of the Black Hawk War. That was the battle where Black Hawk was captured, and thus ending the War. By the time I was done seeing the many historical markers revolving around the site, it had started to get a little dark outside.
When I got to Prairie du Chien, the camera was used for the final time. It couldn't take any good pictures at night, so I have no visual recollection after Prairie du Chien (and thus the photo album ends here). Prarie du Chien is a small town with a low flood plain. The 1965 flood took out a good chunk of the town and much of its historical buildings. The few that survive are surviving well, as a part of a park. It looked like the neighborhood had been bombed out (kind of like Old Valmeyer, Illinois).
The rest of the trip had to be enjoyed as dark fell. The next stop was going to be Wyalusing State Park, and was hoping there was no admission. There was, and I turned back. Another stop for another day. Wyalusing State Park is the opposite side of Pikes Peak Park in McGregor, IA - where the Wisconsin River joins the Mississippi. But the road there took me off the beaten path. I'm glad I went that way because I think I found my retirement spot.
Wyalusing is like the other Wisconsin river towns, except this one is off the beaten path on a road less traveled. It's population is only about 100, and there are no stores I believe. The town sits on the bottom of a bluff, trapped in it's own little world. To get things, you have to travel down the road 3 miles to a place called Grandpa's General Store in Bagley. I was warned by a friend about frogs in Bagley. And sure enough when I came toward Bagley, you could hear nothing but the croaks of frogs.
Then came the main road again, as night was there for sure. The first sight of a cornfield kind of let me down a little. But on I went, driving through Cassville and then Potosi. I had heard of Potosi from their high school sports successes in football and girls basketball, but never been there. It's a winding town, with a lot on one main road and is surrounded by cliffs. A late stop would have been the Potosi Brewery, but by that time it was 9:00 p.m.
So I wanted to eat some dinner, and headed back to Dubuque to officially conclude my trip. I picked up some Arby's after encountering some rain as I crossed into Iowa. Sure, I get back to Illinois to the tune of RAIN! This would be a theme throughout April. Leaving Dubuque, I headed my usual way home - down Route 84 to Savanna, Route 52 to Mt. Carroll and finally down Route 40 back home. I got back home around midnight.
End of vacation.
As I spring foward to this present day (after thinking back about the past), I feel as if this vacation experience made me grow up as a person. I'm almost 25 years old now. There was so much to see, and so much to manage on my own. Since coming back from my vacation, I haven't had a "down" day yet. I hope this continues.
With a lot of vacations, there are some regrets. I have a few. I regret not being able to make the trip from Little Falls to Bemijdi, and stopping at those Wisconsin State Parks, and waking up late on the final day. But I think the best thing about these types of vacations is that the opportunity to come back is there because of these regrets. Of course, I would do the whole thing all over again if I could. However, to be honest, I don't know if I'm going to be able to travel this far for leisure for a while. I would like to get things straightened up back home before putting the money aside.
There are still plenty of vacation spots. But because this particular one comes at a important time of my life, I don't think any other self-trip will top this one to Lake Itasca.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Minnesota - The Vacation (Day 3)
Cutter's Log - Stardate 1102.62.40
Current Song - I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide (ZZ Top)
Note: I've been back since April 7, and it is now April 26. Of the 19 days since I came back home, a lot has happened. Thus the delay. Plus, I didn't write while on the vacation (compared to last year) simply because there was too much to do.
There are pictures of the trip on my Facebook photo album.
Because of the numerous things I saw, I had to break the entry down into four days. The previous entries broke down days 1 and 2. This entry recalls Day 3, with the next entry being the final day of the vacaction.
Since I got to sleep fairly early, I woke up fairly early. I wanted to make it to Lake Itasca before sunfall, and this was the best way to do it. The hotel's breakfast (a small, but modest one) began at 5 a.m., so I ate some and then went on the road. I put a small amount of gas at a BP station in town. A coupon from a trip to Cub Foods advertised three cents a gallon off the price. That coupon would turn to four in the next trip, then five and up to seven.
I took I-35W back to where I left off the previous day, at Mill Ruins Park. This particular road has a feature where they charge you for using the far left lane, and it's set up like an I-Pass system. I thought about using it, because I have an I-Pass and it's useable in other states, but didn't do it. So I got to Mill Ruins Park and went west on West River Parkway.
West River Parkway eventually ended after a while, and I was back trying to go parallel along the river. I eventually had to get on I-94 before it exited onto another state highway that took me to Brooklyn Center. There was a park in the suburb that I parked for a while at, just to get a glimpse of the river. This was about 7 a.m.
From there, it was pretty much all county roads for a while. I saw a state park, Coon Rapids Dam, and parked there for a while to take a walk. It's pretty much just like the dam back home, with a walking bridge. The view was good enough, especially being morning, to get some good pictures in. It was at this point that I kind of figured out that the number of parks as I went up was going to be vast, and made the decision to keep following the river but stop at every other park along the way.
When I stopped at a wayside near Champlin, the thought came to me of how great it would be to have property along the Mississippi River. Then looking at it from this point made me wonder that these people don't think of it as big as I (an Illinois resident) would.
On west to Dayton. The Crow River empties into the Mississippi at this town, which had a boat launch that I parked for a while at. There was this large house at the confluence, larger than almost any house outside of Chicagoland that I had seen. I had to wonder which very important person lived there. I'm still wondering.
From Dayton to St. Cloud was more like viewing the Interstate than viewing the river. There wasn't much river to see along this road. Plus, there wasn't much of what I considered the image of Minnesota (evergreen trees, timber, etc.), and it looked somewhat similar to central Illinois. It wasn't until actually reaching St. Cloud that I saw the river again.
St. Cloud is home to St. Cloud State University, and I drove around the campus for a little while before crossing the river and stopping at a park. The park - once you get to the edge of the river, going down a steep and woody hill - provided a great view of the school's football stadium. At this point, the Mississippi is about the same size as the Pecatonica River. Between all of the stops I had made, it was about 11 a.m. when I was at St. Cloud. I made another change in vacation planning there, deciding that the river was small enough that no matter what side I was on, I was still going to see everything around it.
It was also at St. Cloud that my little experiment with ham sandwiches fell apart. Keeping sandwiches in a cooler for three days didn't turn out to be a good idea. The bread turned wet and soggy, and I don't have the taste buds for that. Out went the sandwiches, but I still feel I saved a bit of money on my food budget by doing this.
Now on the east side of the river, I continued upward and hit yet another state park. My brakes aren't the best, so at the sight of a brown road sign I have to slow down. Then when it says "state park" or "historical marker" I have to brake even more to make the turn. This particular sign led me to a park called "Bend in the River Regional Park". It wasn't much of a park, I thought, but maybe I didn't see all of it. I stopped at an old farm site that had been turned into a historical site. Small plaques told the stories of each of the buildings there.
Continuing north, there wasn't much river to see. But the road was signed "Great River Road" so I followed it anyway. One stop in Royalton was very interesting: Treasure City.
Treasure City (you have to see the picture of it from the outside) is a large store with a bunch of small items. Just how many small items? I had to walk side-to-side so I wouldn't break anything. Going through the store took about an hour. When I got in, I didn't know where to start. There were things everywhere! So I went right and took my time going through every little thing there. It's like a lady shopping at a department store. There was a figurine I wanted (called "Sports Nut" with a bunch of sports equpiment and a walnut with eyes next to them), and made my own little bookmark on it - put it off to the side of the shelf where I could come back later and pick it up after reviewing my gift budget.
Most of the south side of the store is figurines, nothing I would really want. This is where the ten-second rule of being frugal comes in: debate an item for ten seconds, and if you're still unsure that you want it, put it back. Among the items going through the debate was a traffic-light lamp. I always had a liking for a traffic light in my bedroom (since seeing one at Spencers years ago), but I already have a light.
Speaking of traffic signals, there was a board called "traffic sign bingo" that I considered for a while. When I was younger I had an infatuation with traffic signs. After going past a bunch of indian stuff, I reached a spinning display with a bunch of gag signs and bumper stickers. Of couse, I have to take a look at them because they are things that I like a lot. I picked one up advertising the place, and another that says "DO NOT WASH This car is undergoing a scientific dirt test" because I needed an excuse for the amount of dust accumulating on my car. Another item was a magnetic license plate with my name on it, kind of as proof I was really in Minnesota. I also picked up a gag card (the wallet kind) called "The Everything Free Card" which is sure to strike up some conversation. Yet another thing was a sleeve of three Backseat Driver's Licenses, which would be perfect for Danny since he doesn't have a real license yet. Going along with the money theme, I also picked up a coozy that says "I want less work, and more money, for not doing it."
All these items and not a shirt yet to punctuate my trip until I finally got to the north wall. Fortunately they had a Minnesota shirt that fits me. Then came more time looking at things I didn't need - but I didn't want to skip something that looked good. Among these was a Minnesota rubber coin holder keychain (because I lose loose change quite often) I finally got to the checkout counter and found my first sound of a Minnesota accent. But before I checked out I went through everything and did the ten-second thing again. I put back the Treasure City bumper sticker and the bingo game. The checkout counter had fake scratch-off tickets, which would be a good gag for my gas station friends (I eventually never used them, with more on that in a later blog entry).
Free cider, free four scoops of ice, and a bunch of outside pictures later, I was ready to go. Then I looked at the time, and it was 2:00 p.m. I needed to get to Lake Itasca, and get there fast. I had to sacrifice another part of the trip, and that was the river length from Little Falls to the Lake itself. Going through Grand Rapids and Bemidji would take a long time, and I thought I wasn't going to make it to the Lake before dusk. So it sucked to skip a part of the path, but realized that my main reason for going on this trip was to see the start of the Mississippi River. All that talk of not using a map came to an end when I plugged in Mapquest on my cell phone for the quickest way there.
Going northwest on US Route 10, the scenery still didn't look anything like the typical Minnesota. It isn't until you go north of US Route 10 do you start seeing forest green. Mapquest had me going on a bunch of country roads, and because of that I started looking for my "down-home restaurant." I found a couple, but both were closed at the moment. There's not much else to discuss from here to the Lake because there was no river to see.
US Route 71 eventually takes you to Lake Itasca, and I reached it at around 4 p.m. It was surrounded by tall and skinny trees along the drive. A sign after entering the park mentioned a pay station. Admission to a state park? There's nothing like this in Illinois. But I had to pay the $5 daily vehicle pass. There was a gift shop (I bought a book called "How to speak Minnesotian", which I felt awkward putting it on the counter in front of the Minnesotian clerk) and a museum at the welcome center that told the history of the park. Keep in mind I didn't even see the actual lake until I left the center.
There was an interesting segment at the museum that revolved around the actual beginning of the Mississippi River. I had no idea it was disputed. Three explorers had three different ideas, and after looking at a streams map even I had my own theory as to the end of the river. Henry Rowe Schoolcraft pointed out Lkae Itasca, Joseph Nicollet pointed out a creek that formed from the lake, and a man named Glazier noticed a creek from Itasca led to another lake. My theory? Go with Glazier's, and follow the stream from this lake (Lake Elk) to a small pond. The dispute ended with the naming of where the river meets the lake (the "headwaters") as the actual beginning (Schoolcraft's theory). I set out for both the headwaters and my determined ending.
It was six miles from the visitor's center, along a long and winding road filled with these tall trees. Kind of like a drunk guy paving the road. I passed the actual headwaters spot to go deeper into the park and to find "my" beginning. However, the road turned into a snowed road (there were no "road closed" signs to be seen), and there were a couple of trees down in the middle of the road due to the wind. The trees were cut wide enough for a car to pass. After a few minutes of fishtailing, I finally found a closed-off gate. So I wasn't able to get to "my" beginning. I wasn't all that disappointed. So I headed back to the actual headwaters.
Probably the best thing about this experience was that I was the ONLY car parked there. No one visits Minnesota state parks during the winter (April 6 is still considered winter). So I got to enjoy the headwaters experience all to myself. The river is only about seven feet wide when I crossed the footbridge to get to the headwaters. A wooden log greeted me where river met lake:
"Here 1475 ft above the ocean the mighty Mississippi begins to flow on its winding way 2552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico"
You could hear a pin drop.
I enjoyed the sight for a couple of hours before sunset started. I took a bunch of pictures there as well. The lake took up a lot of space, and you could hear the water pass through the rocks put in place for the dividing line. In the summer, one can jump across the rocks. Since the water was high, I didn't exactly do that, but I took off my shoes and socks and dipped my feet in.
As I mentioned once already in my logs, a vacation is an occurance when one wants to get away from a bunch of things. Here I was at Lake Itasca, literally way from it all. All to myself. Peace. Quiet. Nothing to distract me. Savoring the moment.
Eventually the experience had to end, and the feeling of the long ride back home started to seep in. The journey was about 750 miles one-way. As I walked away, I looked at a few more markers and made my way back to my car. You could hear a pin drop.
Leaving the park, I still didn't find my "restaurant" but found a place called Itasca Junction. That was more of a gas station/ExpressLane deal with a small eatery. So this was my dinner. I had a bacon cheeseburger (good) with chips and a pepsi. I was sitting alone, while a regular group of Minnesota people were gathered at a larger table next to me. I couldn't help myself to notice the dialect.
I guess in a kind of Minnesota way, they offered me to take my Pepsi and have it refilled for my drive "back home." After reading my book from the park's gift shop, I guess this is normal. I drove back to the Twin Cities the same way I came up, but gassed up once more at a Shell in Verndale. I bought some more lottery tickets there.
I arrived in Minneapolis at dusk, and tried out some night pictures in downtown. It was after a long walk in downtown that I found the Mary Tyler Moore statue (mentioned in 'Day 2'), which was a required picture opportunity. A very-light-up building struck my eye, which was the Wells Fargo building. Very vertical with long lines of light going up and down. I'm glad these pictures turned out.
After walking back to my car at Mill Ruins Park, it was close to 11:00 p.m. - by far the most packed day of the trip. I still had the length back home to go on. On the way back to the hotel, I had to debate myself as to how to handle the final day. Sleep little and leave early, or sleep in and skip things along the way. Only the night's sleep would made the decision a final one.
Day 4's adventure will come in the next blog entry.
Current Song - I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide (ZZ Top)
Note: I've been back since April 7, and it is now April 26. Of the 19 days since I came back home, a lot has happened. Thus the delay. Plus, I didn't write while on the vacation (compared to last year) simply because there was too much to do.
There are pictures of the trip on my Facebook photo album.
Because of the numerous things I saw, I had to break the entry down into four days. The previous entries broke down days 1 and 2. This entry recalls Day 3, with the next entry being the final day of the vacaction.
Since I got to sleep fairly early, I woke up fairly early. I wanted to make it to Lake Itasca before sunfall, and this was the best way to do it. The hotel's breakfast (a small, but modest one) began at 5 a.m., so I ate some and then went on the road. I put a small amount of gas at a BP station in town. A coupon from a trip to Cub Foods advertised three cents a gallon off the price. That coupon would turn to four in the next trip, then five and up to seven.
I took I-35W back to where I left off the previous day, at Mill Ruins Park. This particular road has a feature where they charge you for using the far left lane, and it's set up like an I-Pass system. I thought about using it, because I have an I-Pass and it's useable in other states, but didn't do it. So I got to Mill Ruins Park and went west on West River Parkway.
West River Parkway eventually ended after a while, and I was back trying to go parallel along the river. I eventually had to get on I-94 before it exited onto another state highway that took me to Brooklyn Center. There was a park in the suburb that I parked for a while at, just to get a glimpse of the river. This was about 7 a.m.
From there, it was pretty much all county roads for a while. I saw a state park, Coon Rapids Dam, and parked there for a while to take a walk. It's pretty much just like the dam back home, with a walking bridge. The view was good enough, especially being morning, to get some good pictures in. It was at this point that I kind of figured out that the number of parks as I went up was going to be vast, and made the decision to keep following the river but stop at every other park along the way.
When I stopped at a wayside near Champlin, the thought came to me of how great it would be to have property along the Mississippi River. Then looking at it from this point made me wonder that these people don't think of it as big as I (an Illinois resident) would.
On west to Dayton. The Crow River empties into the Mississippi at this town, which had a boat launch that I parked for a while at. There was this large house at the confluence, larger than almost any house outside of Chicagoland that I had seen. I had to wonder which very important person lived there. I'm still wondering.
From Dayton to St. Cloud was more like viewing the Interstate than viewing the river. There wasn't much river to see along this road. Plus, there wasn't much of what I considered the image of Minnesota (evergreen trees, timber, etc.), and it looked somewhat similar to central Illinois. It wasn't until actually reaching St. Cloud that I saw the river again.
St. Cloud is home to St. Cloud State University, and I drove around the campus for a little while before crossing the river and stopping at a park. The park - once you get to the edge of the river, going down a steep and woody hill - provided a great view of the school's football stadium. At this point, the Mississippi is about the same size as the Pecatonica River. Between all of the stops I had made, it was about 11 a.m. when I was at St. Cloud. I made another change in vacation planning there, deciding that the river was small enough that no matter what side I was on, I was still going to see everything around it.
It was also at St. Cloud that my little experiment with ham sandwiches fell apart. Keeping sandwiches in a cooler for three days didn't turn out to be a good idea. The bread turned wet and soggy, and I don't have the taste buds for that. Out went the sandwiches, but I still feel I saved a bit of money on my food budget by doing this.
Now on the east side of the river, I continued upward and hit yet another state park. My brakes aren't the best, so at the sight of a brown road sign I have to slow down. Then when it says "state park" or "historical marker" I have to brake even more to make the turn. This particular sign led me to a park called "Bend in the River Regional Park". It wasn't much of a park, I thought, but maybe I didn't see all of it. I stopped at an old farm site that had been turned into a historical site. Small plaques told the stories of each of the buildings there.
Continuing north, there wasn't much river to see. But the road was signed "Great River Road" so I followed it anyway. One stop in Royalton was very interesting: Treasure City.
Treasure City (you have to see the picture of it from the outside) is a large store with a bunch of small items. Just how many small items? I had to walk side-to-side so I wouldn't break anything. Going through the store took about an hour. When I got in, I didn't know where to start. There were things everywhere! So I went right and took my time going through every little thing there. It's like a lady shopping at a department store. There was a figurine I wanted (called "Sports Nut" with a bunch of sports equpiment and a walnut with eyes next to them), and made my own little bookmark on it - put it off to the side of the shelf where I could come back later and pick it up after reviewing my gift budget.
Most of the south side of the store is figurines, nothing I would really want. This is where the ten-second rule of being frugal comes in: debate an item for ten seconds, and if you're still unsure that you want it, put it back. Among the items going through the debate was a traffic-light lamp. I always had a liking for a traffic light in my bedroom (since seeing one at Spencers years ago), but I already have a light.
Speaking of traffic signals, there was a board called "traffic sign bingo" that I considered for a while. When I was younger I had an infatuation with traffic signs. After going past a bunch of indian stuff, I reached a spinning display with a bunch of gag signs and bumper stickers. Of couse, I have to take a look at them because they are things that I like a lot. I picked one up advertising the place, and another that says "DO NOT WASH This car is undergoing a scientific dirt test" because I needed an excuse for the amount of dust accumulating on my car. Another item was a magnetic license plate with my name on it, kind of as proof I was really in Minnesota. I also picked up a gag card (the wallet kind) called "The Everything Free Card" which is sure to strike up some conversation. Yet another thing was a sleeve of three Backseat Driver's Licenses, which would be perfect for Danny since he doesn't have a real license yet. Going along with the money theme, I also picked up a coozy that says "I want less work, and more money, for not doing it."
All these items and not a shirt yet to punctuate my trip until I finally got to the north wall. Fortunately they had a Minnesota shirt that fits me. Then came more time looking at things I didn't need - but I didn't want to skip something that looked good. Among these was a Minnesota rubber coin holder keychain (because I lose loose change quite often) I finally got to the checkout counter and found my first sound of a Minnesota accent. But before I checked out I went through everything and did the ten-second thing again. I put back the Treasure City bumper sticker and the bingo game. The checkout counter had fake scratch-off tickets, which would be a good gag for my gas station friends (I eventually never used them, with more on that in a later blog entry).
Free cider, free four scoops of ice, and a bunch of outside pictures later, I was ready to go. Then I looked at the time, and it was 2:00 p.m. I needed to get to Lake Itasca, and get there fast. I had to sacrifice another part of the trip, and that was the river length from Little Falls to the Lake itself. Going through Grand Rapids and Bemidji would take a long time, and I thought I wasn't going to make it to the Lake before dusk. So it sucked to skip a part of the path, but realized that my main reason for going on this trip was to see the start of the Mississippi River. All that talk of not using a map came to an end when I plugged in Mapquest on my cell phone for the quickest way there.
Going northwest on US Route 10, the scenery still didn't look anything like the typical Minnesota. It isn't until you go north of US Route 10 do you start seeing forest green. Mapquest had me going on a bunch of country roads, and because of that I started looking for my "down-home restaurant." I found a couple, but both were closed at the moment. There's not much else to discuss from here to the Lake because there was no river to see.
US Route 71 eventually takes you to Lake Itasca, and I reached it at around 4 p.m. It was surrounded by tall and skinny trees along the drive. A sign after entering the park mentioned a pay station. Admission to a state park? There's nothing like this in Illinois. But I had to pay the $5 daily vehicle pass. There was a gift shop (I bought a book called "How to speak Minnesotian", which I felt awkward putting it on the counter in front of the Minnesotian clerk) and a museum at the welcome center that told the history of the park. Keep in mind I didn't even see the actual lake until I left the center.
There was an interesting segment at the museum that revolved around the actual beginning of the Mississippi River. I had no idea it was disputed. Three explorers had three different ideas, and after looking at a streams map even I had my own theory as to the end of the river. Henry Rowe Schoolcraft pointed out Lkae Itasca, Joseph Nicollet pointed out a creek that formed from the lake, and a man named Glazier noticed a creek from Itasca led to another lake. My theory? Go with Glazier's, and follow the stream from this lake (Lake Elk) to a small pond. The dispute ended with the naming of where the river meets the lake (the "headwaters") as the actual beginning (Schoolcraft's theory). I set out for both the headwaters and my determined ending.
It was six miles from the visitor's center, along a long and winding road filled with these tall trees. Kind of like a drunk guy paving the road. I passed the actual headwaters spot to go deeper into the park and to find "my" beginning. However, the road turned into a snowed road (there were no "road closed" signs to be seen), and there were a couple of trees down in the middle of the road due to the wind. The trees were cut wide enough for a car to pass. After a few minutes of fishtailing, I finally found a closed-off gate. So I wasn't able to get to "my" beginning. I wasn't all that disappointed. So I headed back to the actual headwaters.
Probably the best thing about this experience was that I was the ONLY car parked there. No one visits Minnesota state parks during the winter (April 6 is still considered winter). So I got to enjoy the headwaters experience all to myself. The river is only about seven feet wide when I crossed the footbridge to get to the headwaters. A wooden log greeted me where river met lake:
"Here 1475 ft above the ocean the mighty Mississippi begins to flow on its winding way 2552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico"
You could hear a pin drop.
I enjoyed the sight for a couple of hours before sunset started. I took a bunch of pictures there as well. The lake took up a lot of space, and you could hear the water pass through the rocks put in place for the dividing line. In the summer, one can jump across the rocks. Since the water was high, I didn't exactly do that, but I took off my shoes and socks and dipped my feet in.
As I mentioned once already in my logs, a vacation is an occurance when one wants to get away from a bunch of things. Here I was at Lake Itasca, literally way from it all. All to myself. Peace. Quiet. Nothing to distract me. Savoring the moment.
Eventually the experience had to end, and the feeling of the long ride back home started to seep in. The journey was about 750 miles one-way. As I walked away, I looked at a few more markers and made my way back to my car. You could hear a pin drop.
Leaving the park, I still didn't find my "restaurant" but found a place called Itasca Junction. That was more of a gas station/ExpressLane deal with a small eatery. So this was my dinner. I had a bacon cheeseburger (good) with chips and a pepsi. I was sitting alone, while a regular group of Minnesota people were gathered at a larger table next to me. I couldn't help myself to notice the dialect.
I guess in a kind of Minnesota way, they offered me to take my Pepsi and have it refilled for my drive "back home." After reading my book from the park's gift shop, I guess this is normal. I drove back to the Twin Cities the same way I came up, but gassed up once more at a Shell in Verndale. I bought some more lottery tickets there.
I arrived in Minneapolis at dusk, and tried out some night pictures in downtown. It was after a long walk in downtown that I found the Mary Tyler Moore statue (mentioned in 'Day 2'), which was a required picture opportunity. A very-light-up building struck my eye, which was the Wells Fargo building. Very vertical with long lines of light going up and down. I'm glad these pictures turned out.
After walking back to my car at Mill Ruins Park, it was close to 11:00 p.m. - by far the most packed day of the trip. I still had the length back home to go on. On the way back to the hotel, I had to debate myself as to how to handle the final day. Sleep little and leave early, or sleep in and skip things along the way. Only the night's sleep would made the decision a final one.
Day 4's adventure will come in the next blog entry.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Minnesota - The Vacation (Part 2)
Cutter's Log - Supplemental
Note: I've been back since April 7, and it is now April 25. Of the 18 days since I came back home, a lot has happened. Thus the delay. Plus, I didn't write while on the vacation (compared to last year) simply because there was too much to do.
There are pictures of the trip on my Facebook photo album.
Because of the numerous things I saw, I had to break the entry down into four days. The previous entry broke down Day 1. This entry recalls Day 2, with the subsequent entries recalling days three and four.
The pizza I was eating drove me insane in the middle of the night because I had that burning-throat feeling. When this happened, I used to drink a lot of milk and it would go away. I didn't have that at my disposal this time, and kind of let it natrually go away. But it did hurt for a while.
Because of the change in plans I made yesterday, I decided to make my second day the one to go through both of the Twin Cities. I had been to Minneapolis only once, while on a trip to the Mall of America (in suburban Bloomington), but didn't really see anything. The plan was to go back to Hastings and pick up west alongside the river past the cities, and then cross and pick up east back to Hastings.
There's a road from Burnsville to Hastings I completely didn't know about (and would have been great yesterday), and I past Apple Valley along the way. I knew Apple Valley because of their great high school wrestling teams. But on to Hastings, where I saw a barge tow and a railroad bridge. Railroad bridge, whoop-de-do, but I have never seen one lift up and down for a barge. After mailing my postcards, I followed the river to Lock and Dam No. 2. Oddly enough, it's the only lock-and-dam I visited in the entire stretch (from 13 up, in Fulton). There the barge tow was waiting to be lifted, and there was a display of storage comparisons between trains and barges. I shot a picture of it and was impressed with just how much space a barge has compared to a train car.
Leaving Hastings, I saw a unique octagon-shaped house. These kind of houses have always been my favorite to look at. My dad likes to design floor plans in his spare time, and had a couple of books to guide him. There were some pages that featured octagonal houses and I always liked how they were shaped for some reason. The only other octagonal house I know of is in Prophetstown.
At this point, I'm not following the Great River Road but rather the river itself - meaning I was turning and doing turnabouts quite often. I let nature guide me, rather tahn use a GPS system.
The river sent me to a tiny town called Nininger, which I'm sure was a lot bigger a long time ago. Then it was off along the river and back into the Metro area. The river sent me to a park in South St. Paul, where I got to see just exactly how narrow the river really was at that point. It was there I got my first glimpse of the St. Paul skyline. Onward I drove and hit where I could see downtown. This particular part of downtown is on the west side of the river, and looked like it was undergoing redevelopment. But you could see the buildings and bridges real well. When there are buildings and bridges, I'm shooting pictures.
Then I saw a few houses on a bluff, that looked like they were overlooking the downtown area. A great view, I thought, so I went up there. Probably the best skyline view I had ever seen. You have to be rich to live in these houses, I thought. There is a street in front of these houses, dividing them from the bluff. The river tour began to turn into a city tour.
Coming back down is where I hit a snag in my road plans. Because of the high water, the actual path had been closed for a distance. So I spent a while trying to regroup and find out where to pick the path back up at. Again, this is without the guidance of a map. I went a ways and found the place where the Minnesota River empties into the Mississippi. It was there I knew that the easiest way to pick up where I left off on the west side is by crossing the river into the east side and finding it from there. Eventually I found a place near Minnehaha.
After driving a little ways I eventually found the road called "West River Parkway." That was great considering that I knew I wasn't going to get lost anymore. There is a jogging path next to the road, and I had never seen that many joggers. I briefly thought to myself that I was the largest person within the city limits. Next to the jogging path was a wall of trees and shrubbery, so I couldn't really see water unless it was a park of some sort. But the houses were great.
Driving along the parkway I stumbled upon the campus of the University of Minnesota. That's four Big Ten campuses down, eight to go. At that point, the river looked smaller than the Rock River, but still bigger than the Pecatonica. I didn't really know how close I was to downtown because of the bluffs, but it wasn't too long after that I hit the I-35W bridge. (For those unaware, I-35 splits into two roads, east and west, similar to Dallas).
Not too long ago I remember when the old I-35W bridge collapsed. I also remember it not taking too long to put up a replacement bridge. While it was put up pretty quickly, I knew about how technologically advanced this particular bridge was. The bridge was completely white, unlike any other bridge I had seen before. So that was another series of pictures.
Continuing on I hit a place called Mill Ruins Park. I had no knowledge of this, but when I saw the shelled-out mill building, I understood. After all that turning around and stopping, it was about 5:30 when I hit this park. The building is actually shelled out, from a fire a few years ago. But the building was stablized and made into a milling museum. This was unlike any perservation effort I had ever seen, and was very awed by this sight. Unfortunately because of time, I didn't visit the museum. It is one of several old flour mills still standing along the Minneapolis riverfront. Some of which have been converted into lofts. There was a free parking area next to a dam, and I parked and started walking.
That river tour turned into a tour of downtown Minneapolis. It was there when I came up with the fact that the Mary Tyler Moore show was based in Minneapolis. When I was younger I enjoyed watching the show on Nick at Nite, before I would go to bed. From age 8 to 11 we had a television in our (me and Mike's) bedroom. That iconic scene where she throws her hat up in the air is commemorated by a statue. I wanted to find that statue. I didn't before it got dark out, and my camera wasn't going to work all that well.
Day 2 didn't turn out to be a whole lot, because that wasn't even half of my entire plan for the day. It was going to take a lot longer to see all of this. While looking out at the river from the arch footbridge, I reorganized my plans once more. I still had the whole west side of Minneapolis to see, the journey to Lake Itasca, and the entire east side of the Twin Cities to see. I'm glad I axed the St. Croix leg of the trip. The next day was going to start very early, going up the west side of Minneapolis and then marching forward to Lake Itasca. Day 4 was going to be dedicated to finding that statue, and going along the east side of the river and back home.
I really wanted to see everything along the way, and the things that were challenging me were my budget and the night sky. Luckilly I had some left-over pizza in my room ($12 can get you a long ways apparently), and made sure to sleep early for the early trip the next day.
Day 3's adventure will come in the next blog entry, and is a lot longer than this entry.
Note: I've been back since April 7, and it is now April 25. Of the 18 days since I came back home, a lot has happened. Thus the delay. Plus, I didn't write while on the vacation (compared to last year) simply because there was too much to do.
There are pictures of the trip on my Facebook photo album.
Because of the numerous things I saw, I had to break the entry down into four days. The previous entry broke down Day 1. This entry recalls Day 2, with the subsequent entries recalling days three and four.
The pizza I was eating drove me insane in the middle of the night because I had that burning-throat feeling. When this happened, I used to drink a lot of milk and it would go away. I didn't have that at my disposal this time, and kind of let it natrually go away. But it did hurt for a while.
Because of the change in plans I made yesterday, I decided to make my second day the one to go through both of the Twin Cities. I had been to Minneapolis only once, while on a trip to the Mall of America (in suburban Bloomington), but didn't really see anything. The plan was to go back to Hastings and pick up west alongside the river past the cities, and then cross and pick up east back to Hastings.
There's a road from Burnsville to Hastings I completely didn't know about (and would have been great yesterday), and I past Apple Valley along the way. I knew Apple Valley because of their great high school wrestling teams. But on to Hastings, where I saw a barge tow and a railroad bridge. Railroad bridge, whoop-de-do, but I have never seen one lift up and down for a barge. After mailing my postcards, I followed the river to Lock and Dam No. 2. Oddly enough, it's the only lock-and-dam I visited in the entire stretch (from 13 up, in Fulton). There the barge tow was waiting to be lifted, and there was a display of storage comparisons between trains and barges. I shot a picture of it and was impressed with just how much space a barge has compared to a train car.
Leaving Hastings, I saw a unique octagon-shaped house. These kind of houses have always been my favorite to look at. My dad likes to design floor plans in his spare time, and had a couple of books to guide him. There were some pages that featured octagonal houses and I always liked how they were shaped for some reason. The only other octagonal house I know of is in Prophetstown.
At this point, I'm not following the Great River Road but rather the river itself - meaning I was turning and doing turnabouts quite often. I let nature guide me, rather tahn use a GPS system.
The river sent me to a tiny town called Nininger, which I'm sure was a lot bigger a long time ago. Then it was off along the river and back into the Metro area. The river sent me to a park in South St. Paul, where I got to see just exactly how narrow the river really was at that point. It was there I got my first glimpse of the St. Paul skyline. Onward I drove and hit where I could see downtown. This particular part of downtown is on the west side of the river, and looked like it was undergoing redevelopment. But you could see the buildings and bridges real well. When there are buildings and bridges, I'm shooting pictures.
Then I saw a few houses on a bluff, that looked like they were overlooking the downtown area. A great view, I thought, so I went up there. Probably the best skyline view I had ever seen. You have to be rich to live in these houses, I thought. There is a street in front of these houses, dividing them from the bluff. The river tour began to turn into a city tour.
Coming back down is where I hit a snag in my road plans. Because of the high water, the actual path had been closed for a distance. So I spent a while trying to regroup and find out where to pick the path back up at. Again, this is without the guidance of a map. I went a ways and found the place where the Minnesota River empties into the Mississippi. It was there I knew that the easiest way to pick up where I left off on the west side is by crossing the river into the east side and finding it from there. Eventually I found a place near Minnehaha.
After driving a little ways I eventually found the road called "West River Parkway." That was great considering that I knew I wasn't going to get lost anymore. There is a jogging path next to the road, and I had never seen that many joggers. I briefly thought to myself that I was the largest person within the city limits. Next to the jogging path was a wall of trees and shrubbery, so I couldn't really see water unless it was a park of some sort. But the houses were great.
Driving along the parkway I stumbled upon the campus of the University of Minnesota. That's four Big Ten campuses down, eight to go. At that point, the river looked smaller than the Rock River, but still bigger than the Pecatonica. I didn't really know how close I was to downtown because of the bluffs, but it wasn't too long after that I hit the I-35W bridge. (For those unaware, I-35 splits into two roads, east and west, similar to Dallas).
Not too long ago I remember when the old I-35W bridge collapsed. I also remember it not taking too long to put up a replacement bridge. While it was put up pretty quickly, I knew about how technologically advanced this particular bridge was. The bridge was completely white, unlike any other bridge I had seen before. So that was another series of pictures.
Continuing on I hit a place called Mill Ruins Park. I had no knowledge of this, but when I saw the shelled-out mill building, I understood. After all that turning around and stopping, it was about 5:30 when I hit this park. The building is actually shelled out, from a fire a few years ago. But the building was stablized and made into a milling museum. This was unlike any perservation effort I had ever seen, and was very awed by this sight. Unfortunately because of time, I didn't visit the museum. It is one of several old flour mills still standing along the Minneapolis riverfront. Some of which have been converted into lofts. There was a free parking area next to a dam, and I parked and started walking.
That river tour turned into a tour of downtown Minneapolis. It was there when I came up with the fact that the Mary Tyler Moore show was based in Minneapolis. When I was younger I enjoyed watching the show on Nick at Nite, before I would go to bed. From age 8 to 11 we had a television in our (me and Mike's) bedroom. That iconic scene where she throws her hat up in the air is commemorated by a statue. I wanted to find that statue. I didn't before it got dark out, and my camera wasn't going to work all that well.
Day 2 didn't turn out to be a whole lot, because that wasn't even half of my entire plan for the day. It was going to take a lot longer to see all of this. While looking out at the river from the arch footbridge, I reorganized my plans once more. I still had the whole west side of Minneapolis to see, the journey to Lake Itasca, and the entire east side of the Twin Cities to see. I'm glad I axed the St. Croix leg of the trip. The next day was going to start very early, going up the west side of Minneapolis and then marching forward to Lake Itasca. Day 4 was going to be dedicated to finding that statue, and going along the east side of the river and back home.
I really wanted to see everything along the way, and the things that were challenging me were my budget and the night sky. Luckilly I had some left-over pizza in my room ($12 can get you a long ways apparently), and made sure to sleep early for the early trip the next day.
Day 3's adventure will come in the next blog entry, and is a lot longer than this entry.
Minnesota - The Vacation (Day 1)
Cutter's Log - Stardate 1102.52.40
Current Song - Lookin' Out My Backdoor (CCR)
Note: I've been back since April 7, and it is now April 25. Of the 18 days since I came back home, a lot has happened. Thus the delay. Plus, I didn't write while on the vacation (compared to last year) simply because there was too much to do.
There are pictures of the trip on my Facebook photo album.
Because of the numerous things I saw, I had to break the entry down into four days. This entry recalls Day 1, with the subsequent entries recalling days two, three and four.
After I came home from New York around this time last year, I started to think about where I would go the next year. Would I continue on my Hall of Fame journey and go to Springfield, MA (basketball)? Would it be somewhere west, or south? I thought about it for a while, and there were many bumps in the road along the way.
Mainly, running the website caused me to put the vacation idea on the backburner. I had requested some time off the week after Christmas, and thought that would be a perfect time to maybe go somewhere south or west. A destination just wasn't thought of. Ideas came to mind, such as Montreal, Boston, Florida, and Seattle. Myrtle Beach was another, and seemed to be the favorite. When it came time to start thinking about the actual vacation, I didn't have much planned. The days went by fast, and I spent this week off at home instead of somewhere else.
The time off allowed me to think of vacation plans earlier. I planned another week, this time in April, for the actual vacation. Again, Myrtle Beach seemed to be the favorite, but some other ideas came to mind. That, combined with the fact that any beach destination was going to be packed with people wasn't going to be enjoyable, made me look somewhere north.
From Illinois, there isn't much north. I had been to Milwaukee, Green Bay, Detroit, and the Mall of America. I needed a Passport to leave the country, thus forcing Montreal out. The feeling of Northern Exposure came to be a little, and I kind of focused on some point in Minnesota. I didn't know much about Minnesota, other than the fact that the Mississippi River starts there (and my sixth-grade teacher once visited the point where it starts). After that thought, it kind of all came together.
Visit the Mississippi River where it starts, and drive along it until I get there.
I really like off-beat drives, and this kind of solidified the plans. The first time I went to St. Louis, we went there from the Quad Cities down on the west side of the river. Real enjoyable.
After planning a route, and a vacation timetable, the journey to Lake Itasca was on.
I budgeted less than what I did last year. My mom would use the term "el cheapo" on trips that weren't all that financially great. But they were good trips, anyway. Just like this one.
"El cheapo" meaning for this trip:
1. I cut out a coupon for a loaf of bread, another coupon for a pound of ham, buy cheap sandwich bags, and made sandwiches for the trip. Cut out another for a 12-pack of pop, and put that in the cooler as well.
2. Find the cheapest chain hotel possible for a three-night stay.
3. Start filling up my tank in Iowa.
The first stop was Clinton, just for the purpose above - to fill up my tank. I wanted to leave very early in the morning, so I could cram the Mississippi adventure from sun-up to sun-down. I left home at 4:00 a.m., not knowing when the sun actually came up. I was given some lottery advice from a customer of mine, to buy tickets while vacationing because it always seems like the winners are always those who just pass by. So along with the gas, and fuel treatment, I bought a Cash Game ticket, Hot Lotto, Mega and Powerball ticket.
On north on Route 67 to Sabula. I had passed through Sabula a couple of times, but no from the side I came up on. It was still dark out, and around 5:00 a.m., and I parked at a place called Driscoll's Island for a small break and took pictures. The camera - Danny's - didn't fare too well for night shots. I had a feeling that this was going to be the theme for most of the Iowa stretch. It wouldn't do much good to go into Sabula because there would be nothing to take pictures of. It was there I planned to shoot a "gag photo" of myself on the Savanna-Sabula bridge. That would be on the way back home.
On north on Route 52 to Bellevue. To my dismay, it was still dark out. On our way back from the Mississippi River museum in Dubuque (with my grandparents some years ago), we stopped at a cafe there and watched barges go by. It was night, but the camera began to work a little. The town has a nice riverfront park.
As 52 worked its way north toward Dubuque, I noticed that I wasn't following the River any more. So I tried to go on some backroads to get parallel with the river. I veered off at St. Donatius, which is a small town with a Luxembourg heritage (and perhaps bigger than Luxembourg itself?). The thought of going on vacation and driving on gravel roads seemed a bit exciting before I suddenly got lost. What then made it worse was a wicked curve of the road. I was driving 30 mph when I cut a tight curve to the left. No signs or anything, but this curve made my car fishtail and my heart chugging. So I had to take a picture of the curve that nearly killed me. But all worries aside, this part of Iowa is very hilly and there are a few shelled-out houses, too.
Getting back on course, Route 52 then made its way into Dubuque. I had been there a few times, mostly for visits to Diamond Jo Casino when I was bored after Highland classes. The main bridge to Dubuque, the Julian Dubuque Bridge, engulfs the rest of the cityfront when looked at on the climb down on Route 52. While I had visited Diamond Jo on the riverfront before (both boat and land), I never visited the actual riverfront. Thus I did, and it was light enough for some good pics. There's a little walkway on a levee, and it had markers for the Star Brewery and the Shot Tower. They made lead in the Shot Tower.
Going up further on Route 52, I took a turn off toward the river. It was there I decided just to follow the "Great River Road" and "America's Byways" signage throughout the entire trip. The turnoff took me to a couple of unique places.
Balltown was just a small little town until I noticed a place I had seen before in a couple of news reports. Breitbach's Country Dining is the oldest restaurant in Iowa, and perhaps known for a couple of fires there in recent years. Unfortunately, they were closed on Mondays, so breakfast had to wait. Leaving Balltown, there is a great lookout where one can see for miles (just think of the "Who" song). Any place that has a binocular machine is a sight to see.
The next stop on this very tiny road was a place called North Buena Vista. Usually I think of Buena Vista as a southern resort, but this was far from it. The road actually just nicks the corner of the town, but I went in. There is a grotto made from the foundation of rock. There are also some campsites, and an old restaurant that kind of looked like a place I wanted to eat at. It was there that I wanted to stray away from the usual chain places, and have dinner at these types of "dives."
Going up even further on Route 52 (I rejoined it again), I kind of got the feeling that Iowa is much more than it's sterotypical feeling - that of corn and farms. Upon reaching Guttenberg, there was a "roadside table" (I call them) along 52. It was a unique view of the river looking north, where most views make you look left and right. The river was very high at that point, so I wasn't able to tell the actual river boundary, but there was plenty of river to look at. It was there that I tested out the camera's 10-second feature. My family kind of gets a little bummed when I take these pictures and there's not much of me in them. This 10-second thing would really help out on the photo album, having to balance the camera on a level point and then dash to a pose.
Once again, after leaving Guttenberg, I found myself not seeing the river anymore. I didn't want to get lost like earlier in the day, so I just drove on until I found the next major road that would take me east again. That was a road to McGregor. It was there that I found Pikes Peak Park just south of the town. My feet were tired and I decided to take an extended break. I was the only car in the parking lot of this very large park. You go on vacations to get away from it all, and here I was literally away from it all. Pike Peak was the place to see where the Wisconsin River met the Mississippi, but with a lot of high waters it was hard to tell where the meeting point was. There was also a marker there stating that Father Marquette and Louis Jolliet entered the Mississippi from here.
When I got back to my car, I noticed that my both my camera battery was low and my cell phone battery was getting lower. I had both chargers with me and found a shelter with a couple of outlets for charging them. While I was waiting for them to charge, I walked around the park a little bit before it rained. (Mind you I was the only person at the park, so I could literally leave my electronics safely in the shelter and walk freely). I read a park display reading out the path of the northern part of the river, and noting to myself that I was making great timing to make it to the Twin Cities before dusk.
McGregor is an interesting-looking small town. Most of the town is high, while the downtown is nearly level with the river. You could see shops, with the rock bluff literally in the background. I didn't know this before, but McGregor was the site of the first Ringling Brothers circus. We were off Route 52 at this time, and was on a county road. After leaving McGregor and Marquette (pretty much twin cities), I was anxious to get to the Minnesota border - much to the tune of the cries of "are we there yet?"
Finally after exiting New Albin (a town that has a high school with a lot of state baseball championships), we reached the wooden sign hanging from a stone rock, "Minnesota Welcomes You". There was another marker at the sign, with a mileage display. Another 150 or so miles to the Twin Cities. I crossed the border around 2:30 p.m. and hoped I get to the day's endpoint soon. But there was a lot of river to be seen. At this point, the roads and Minnesota landscape were becoming the attraction.
I reached Winona only to see a very unique rock on the top of the hill. I didn't know what it was until I stopped at a Walgreens simply to find some Minnesota postcards. It was after reading the postcards that I found the name of Sugar Loaf Rock. Green-eyed lady, lovely lady? Hardly. The rock looks like a vertical trapezoid sticking out of the ground. I drove through Winona, which is home to Winona State University (were Rock Island played a football game at a couple of years back), and stopped at their riverfront.
After leaving Winona I noticed my gas tank was getting dry. I went on for a few more miles on Route 61 before deciding on a Kwik Trip in Kellogg. The price of gas there was the same as it was in Sterling at the time (3.79). Little did I know this gas would be better than the Shell gas I got in Clinton. Because I that took me to Itasca and back to the Twin Cities.
On I went following the river past Wabasha and into Lake City. The welcome sign to Lake City noted that the town was the birthplace of waterskiing. The Mississippi forms a lake at this point (hence the name Lake City), where I stopped and took some river pictures because of the vast amount of water. To tell how high the water was at the time, I placed my camera on the ground and took a pic from ground level. There were small waves rushing onto the land as I took the picture.
I took a second break at Lake City to reorganize my plans. I had just topped off my tank at Kellogg and thought to myself that I was going to go over my fuel budget on this trip (not knowing how good this fuel in my car actually was). I had planned on taking a side trip up along the St. Croix River, which would have taken me to Duluth. I decided to axe that entire side trip, and put all resources toward the Mississippi. Thinking tactically kind of meant my head was getting the best of me for the day, and I was longing for the Twin Cities.
It was about 4:00 when I entered Red Wing. I wanted to get my mind off of vacation planning and find something interesting. Then I found the Red Wing shoe store and museum. It was basically a shop with shoes and Red Wing memorabilia. The place was also home to the world's largest boot (size 877), which is about two stories tall. The museum was upstairs and had a spacious artifact display telling the history of Red Wing shoes.
By the time I arrived in Hastings, I found out that these "Great River Road" signs were becoming misleading. I was following it, and I was crossing the Mississippi River at the same time. I hadn't crossed it since Clinton. I was a bit confused at that point, and stopped for a while. It was there that I realized that there's only one Great River Road in Minnesota, and it crossed the river at various times. I was playing tactical once again, and decided enough was enough. I drove toward the Twin Cities and found my way to the Travelodge in suburban Burnsville.
Because it is just me traveling, a small room with a small bed, television, alarm clock and a bathroom fits me well. When I got there, I went to the phone book to find a map of the city. There I could map my way through the Twin Cities along the river. I ordered some pizza and slept away watching television.
Day 2 would be touring the river through the Twin Cities, Day 3 would be the drive to Lake Itasca, and Day 4 would be the drive back on the east side of the river.
Day 2's adventure will come in the next blog entry.
Current Song - Lookin' Out My Backdoor (CCR)
Note: I've been back since April 7, and it is now April 25. Of the 18 days since I came back home, a lot has happened. Thus the delay. Plus, I didn't write while on the vacation (compared to last year) simply because there was too much to do.
There are pictures of the trip on my Facebook photo album.
Because of the numerous things I saw, I had to break the entry down into four days. This entry recalls Day 1, with the subsequent entries recalling days two, three and four.
After I came home from New York around this time last year, I started to think about where I would go the next year. Would I continue on my Hall of Fame journey and go to Springfield, MA (basketball)? Would it be somewhere west, or south? I thought about it for a while, and there were many bumps in the road along the way.
Mainly, running the website caused me to put the vacation idea on the backburner. I had requested some time off the week after Christmas, and thought that would be a perfect time to maybe go somewhere south or west. A destination just wasn't thought of. Ideas came to mind, such as Montreal, Boston, Florida, and Seattle. Myrtle Beach was another, and seemed to be the favorite. When it came time to start thinking about the actual vacation, I didn't have much planned. The days went by fast, and I spent this week off at home instead of somewhere else.
The time off allowed me to think of vacation plans earlier. I planned another week, this time in April, for the actual vacation. Again, Myrtle Beach seemed to be the favorite, but some other ideas came to mind. That, combined with the fact that any beach destination was going to be packed with people wasn't going to be enjoyable, made me look somewhere north.
From Illinois, there isn't much north. I had been to Milwaukee, Green Bay, Detroit, and the Mall of America. I needed a Passport to leave the country, thus forcing Montreal out. The feeling of Northern Exposure came to be a little, and I kind of focused on some point in Minnesota. I didn't know much about Minnesota, other than the fact that the Mississippi River starts there (and my sixth-grade teacher once visited the point where it starts). After that thought, it kind of all came together.
Visit the Mississippi River where it starts, and drive along it until I get there.
I really like off-beat drives, and this kind of solidified the plans. The first time I went to St. Louis, we went there from the Quad Cities down on the west side of the river. Real enjoyable.
After planning a route, and a vacation timetable, the journey to Lake Itasca was on.
I budgeted less than what I did last year. My mom would use the term "el cheapo" on trips that weren't all that financially great. But they were good trips, anyway. Just like this one.
"El cheapo" meaning for this trip:
1. I cut out a coupon for a loaf of bread, another coupon for a pound of ham, buy cheap sandwich bags, and made sandwiches for the trip. Cut out another for a 12-pack of pop, and put that in the cooler as well.
2. Find the cheapest chain hotel possible for a three-night stay.
3. Start filling up my tank in Iowa.
The first stop was Clinton, just for the purpose above - to fill up my tank. I wanted to leave very early in the morning, so I could cram the Mississippi adventure from sun-up to sun-down. I left home at 4:00 a.m., not knowing when the sun actually came up. I was given some lottery advice from a customer of mine, to buy tickets while vacationing because it always seems like the winners are always those who just pass by. So along with the gas, and fuel treatment, I bought a Cash Game ticket, Hot Lotto, Mega and Powerball ticket.
On north on Route 67 to Sabula. I had passed through Sabula a couple of times, but no from the side I came up on. It was still dark out, and around 5:00 a.m., and I parked at a place called Driscoll's Island for a small break and took pictures. The camera - Danny's - didn't fare too well for night shots. I had a feeling that this was going to be the theme for most of the Iowa stretch. It wouldn't do much good to go into Sabula because there would be nothing to take pictures of. It was there I planned to shoot a "gag photo" of myself on the Savanna-Sabula bridge. That would be on the way back home.
On north on Route 52 to Bellevue. To my dismay, it was still dark out. On our way back from the Mississippi River museum in Dubuque (with my grandparents some years ago), we stopped at a cafe there and watched barges go by. It was night, but the camera began to work a little. The town has a nice riverfront park.
As 52 worked its way north toward Dubuque, I noticed that I wasn't following the River any more. So I tried to go on some backroads to get parallel with the river. I veered off at St. Donatius, which is a small town with a Luxembourg heritage (and perhaps bigger than Luxembourg itself?). The thought of going on vacation and driving on gravel roads seemed a bit exciting before I suddenly got lost. What then made it worse was a wicked curve of the road. I was driving 30 mph when I cut a tight curve to the left. No signs or anything, but this curve made my car fishtail and my heart chugging. So I had to take a picture of the curve that nearly killed me. But all worries aside, this part of Iowa is very hilly and there are a few shelled-out houses, too.
Getting back on course, Route 52 then made its way into Dubuque. I had been there a few times, mostly for visits to Diamond Jo Casino when I was bored after Highland classes. The main bridge to Dubuque, the Julian Dubuque Bridge, engulfs the rest of the cityfront when looked at on the climb down on Route 52. While I had visited Diamond Jo on the riverfront before (both boat and land), I never visited the actual riverfront. Thus I did, and it was light enough for some good pics. There's a little walkway on a levee, and it had markers for the Star Brewery and the Shot Tower. They made lead in the Shot Tower.
Going up further on Route 52, I took a turn off toward the river. It was there I decided just to follow the "Great River Road" and "America's Byways" signage throughout the entire trip. The turnoff took me to a couple of unique places.
Balltown was just a small little town until I noticed a place I had seen before in a couple of news reports. Breitbach's Country Dining is the oldest restaurant in Iowa, and perhaps known for a couple of fires there in recent years. Unfortunately, they were closed on Mondays, so breakfast had to wait. Leaving Balltown, there is a great lookout where one can see for miles (just think of the "Who" song). Any place that has a binocular machine is a sight to see.
The next stop on this very tiny road was a place called North Buena Vista. Usually I think of Buena Vista as a southern resort, but this was far from it. The road actually just nicks the corner of the town, but I went in. There is a grotto made from the foundation of rock. There are also some campsites, and an old restaurant that kind of looked like a place I wanted to eat at. It was there that I wanted to stray away from the usual chain places, and have dinner at these types of "dives."
Going up even further on Route 52 (I rejoined it again), I kind of got the feeling that Iowa is much more than it's sterotypical feeling - that of corn and farms. Upon reaching Guttenberg, there was a "roadside table" (I call them) along 52. It was a unique view of the river looking north, where most views make you look left and right. The river was very high at that point, so I wasn't able to tell the actual river boundary, but there was plenty of river to look at. It was there that I tested out the camera's 10-second feature. My family kind of gets a little bummed when I take these pictures and there's not much of me in them. This 10-second thing would really help out on the photo album, having to balance the camera on a level point and then dash to a pose.
Once again, after leaving Guttenberg, I found myself not seeing the river anymore. I didn't want to get lost like earlier in the day, so I just drove on until I found the next major road that would take me east again. That was a road to McGregor. It was there that I found Pikes Peak Park just south of the town. My feet were tired and I decided to take an extended break. I was the only car in the parking lot of this very large park. You go on vacations to get away from it all, and here I was literally away from it all. Pike Peak was the place to see where the Wisconsin River met the Mississippi, but with a lot of high waters it was hard to tell where the meeting point was. There was also a marker there stating that Father Marquette and Louis Jolliet entered the Mississippi from here.
When I got back to my car, I noticed that my both my camera battery was low and my cell phone battery was getting lower. I had both chargers with me and found a shelter with a couple of outlets for charging them. While I was waiting for them to charge, I walked around the park a little bit before it rained. (Mind you I was the only person at the park, so I could literally leave my electronics safely in the shelter and walk freely). I read a park display reading out the path of the northern part of the river, and noting to myself that I was making great timing to make it to the Twin Cities before dusk.
McGregor is an interesting-looking small town. Most of the town is high, while the downtown is nearly level with the river. You could see shops, with the rock bluff literally in the background. I didn't know this before, but McGregor was the site of the first Ringling Brothers circus. We were off Route 52 at this time, and was on a county road. After leaving McGregor and Marquette (pretty much twin cities), I was anxious to get to the Minnesota border - much to the tune of the cries of "are we there yet?"
Finally after exiting New Albin (a town that has a high school with a lot of state baseball championships), we reached the wooden sign hanging from a stone rock, "Minnesota Welcomes You". There was another marker at the sign, with a mileage display. Another 150 or so miles to the Twin Cities. I crossed the border around 2:30 p.m. and hoped I get to the day's endpoint soon. But there was a lot of river to be seen. At this point, the roads and Minnesota landscape were becoming the attraction.
I reached Winona only to see a very unique rock on the top of the hill. I didn't know what it was until I stopped at a Walgreens simply to find some Minnesota postcards. It was after reading the postcards that I found the name of Sugar Loaf Rock. Green-eyed lady, lovely lady? Hardly. The rock looks like a vertical trapezoid sticking out of the ground. I drove through Winona, which is home to Winona State University (were Rock Island played a football game at a couple of years back), and stopped at their riverfront.
After leaving Winona I noticed my gas tank was getting dry. I went on for a few more miles on Route 61 before deciding on a Kwik Trip in Kellogg. The price of gas there was the same as it was in Sterling at the time (3.79). Little did I know this gas would be better than the Shell gas I got in Clinton. Because I that took me to Itasca and back to the Twin Cities.
On I went following the river past Wabasha and into Lake City. The welcome sign to Lake City noted that the town was the birthplace of waterskiing. The Mississippi forms a lake at this point (hence the name Lake City), where I stopped and took some river pictures because of the vast amount of water. To tell how high the water was at the time, I placed my camera on the ground and took a pic from ground level. There were small waves rushing onto the land as I took the picture.
I took a second break at Lake City to reorganize my plans. I had just topped off my tank at Kellogg and thought to myself that I was going to go over my fuel budget on this trip (not knowing how good this fuel in my car actually was). I had planned on taking a side trip up along the St. Croix River, which would have taken me to Duluth. I decided to axe that entire side trip, and put all resources toward the Mississippi. Thinking tactically kind of meant my head was getting the best of me for the day, and I was longing for the Twin Cities.
It was about 4:00 when I entered Red Wing. I wanted to get my mind off of vacation planning and find something interesting. Then I found the Red Wing shoe store and museum. It was basically a shop with shoes and Red Wing memorabilia. The place was also home to the world's largest boot (size 877), which is about two stories tall. The museum was upstairs and had a spacious artifact display telling the history of Red Wing shoes.
By the time I arrived in Hastings, I found out that these "Great River Road" signs were becoming misleading. I was following it, and I was crossing the Mississippi River at the same time. I hadn't crossed it since Clinton. I was a bit confused at that point, and stopped for a while. It was there that I realized that there's only one Great River Road in Minnesota, and it crossed the river at various times. I was playing tactical once again, and decided enough was enough. I drove toward the Twin Cities and found my way to the Travelodge in suburban Burnsville.
Because it is just me traveling, a small room with a small bed, television, alarm clock and a bathroom fits me well. When I got there, I went to the phone book to find a map of the city. There I could map my way through the Twin Cities along the river. I ordered some pizza and slept away watching television.
Day 2 would be touring the river through the Twin Cities, Day 3 would be the drive to Lake Itasca, and Day 4 would be the drive back on the east side of the river.
Day 2's adventure will come in the next blog entry.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Rocky Thoughts
Cutter's Log - Stardate 1102.20.40
Current Song - Take Me Home (Phil Collins)
I think it all started when our dog's leash broke under my "watch" at 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
Usually I wait for him to bark, but after a while there was no barking. When his leash was found severed I spent all night looking for him.
This led to a lot of self-doubt in my ability to think straight. I was chided from all angles regarding this event with my dog. The recovery process from this sudden rocking of the ship was very difficult.
Then came a blow I really did not need. I live with the parents, and they are still willing to do my laundry. I have had a habit of turning my clothes inside-out when taking them off. For some reason I've always lifted from the bottom up instead of the top up. The result is that the shirts are inside-out when I put them in the hamper.
Now I should know better to leave the clothes in the hamper looking the correct way. However, just the mention of this fact sent me into an even deeper rut, and thus the ship was rocked a little harder.
***
You see, this is a struggle between myself and reality. I, like everyone else, have dreams to do what we WANT to do and like doing it. I kind of have that already. But with every little reminder that I'm not up to par with reality, it sets me back a little.
(I have stared blankly for 20 minutes)
I'm forgetting things, and am falling way behind the progress of the other 24-25 year olds that I know. For those who looked back on my intellect from long ago and thought I had high hopes, don't cry for me. Instead, cheer me on as I take on this force that is reality and find a way to be successful in it and regain my ground.
First, I would like to seek and maim those who are detrimental to my success. Then again, I don't know.
Current Song - Take Me Home (Phil Collins)
I think it all started when our dog's leash broke under my "watch" at 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
Usually I wait for him to bark, but after a while there was no barking. When his leash was found severed I spent all night looking for him.
This led to a lot of self-doubt in my ability to think straight. I was chided from all angles regarding this event with my dog. The recovery process from this sudden rocking of the ship was very difficult.
Then came a blow I really did not need. I live with the parents, and they are still willing to do my laundry. I have had a habit of turning my clothes inside-out when taking them off. For some reason I've always lifted from the bottom up instead of the top up. The result is that the shirts are inside-out when I put them in the hamper.
Now I should know better to leave the clothes in the hamper looking the correct way. However, just the mention of this fact sent me into an even deeper rut, and thus the ship was rocked a little harder.
***
You see, this is a struggle between myself and reality. I, like everyone else, have dreams to do what we WANT to do and like doing it. I kind of have that already. But with every little reminder that I'm not up to par with reality, it sets me back a little.
(I have stared blankly for 20 minutes)
I'm forgetting things, and am falling way behind the progress of the other 24-25 year olds that I know. For those who looked back on my intellect from long ago and thought I had high hopes, don't cry for me. Instead, cheer me on as I take on this force that is reality and find a way to be successful in it and regain my ground.
First, I would like to seek and maim those who are detrimental to my success. Then again, I don't know.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Could It Be?
Cutter's Log - Stardate 1102.82.30
Current Song - the common drum roll
For what seems like my entire life, I've been inching a small step closer to putting up a yard sale.
I was bored most of the day today, and decided to work on this particular project. I decided to put things into particular price bins - save books, sports stuff and other large items. Turns out to be a good way to sort things.
The boxes of things are ready, and all I need to do is round up six tables and a set of colored stickers - and I'm all set.
The exact date is still To Be Announced, but it is likely I'll have it going by the summer.
Here's a sample ad:
RUMMAGE SALE
Date/Time TBA
206 17th Avenue
Sterling
Parking in front
and rear
Books, sports items and
cards; lots of knick
knacks in
5-10-25-50-75-100 cent
bins, Yamaha DJX
keyboard
Current Song - the common drum roll
For what seems like my entire life, I've been inching a small step closer to putting up a yard sale.
I was bored most of the day today, and decided to work on this particular project. I decided to put things into particular price bins - save books, sports stuff and other large items. Turns out to be a good way to sort things.
The boxes of things are ready, and all I need to do is round up six tables and a set of colored stickers - and I'm all set.
The exact date is still To Be Announced, but it is likely I'll have it going by the summer.
Here's a sample ad:
RUMMAGE SALE
Date/Time TBA
206 17th Avenue
Sterling
Parking in front
and rear
Books, sports items and
cards; lots of knick
knacks in
5-10-25-50-75-100 cent
bins, Yamaha DJX
keyboard
Sunday, March 27, 2011
This Year's Vacation will be ...
Cutter's Log - Stardate 1102.72.30
Current Song - It's My Life (No Doubt)
An interesting one, and nothing generic.
Next week, I will be driving up and down the Mississippi River from Clinton to Lake Itasca in Minnesota. A riverside drive, you can call it. I'll also be visiting the northern Minnesota forests before entering Wisconsin and going along the St. Croix River down to the Mississippi.
Once past the Twin Cities, the river gets a bit narrow and I can see what's on the other side a little better.
It's more of an outdoors-y kind of trip, and I prefer these over going to Florida or California or Panama, where everything's real busy. This particular vacation I'm going on is a very quiet one. I always thought a vacation is a getaway; sure Cali is a getaway from Sterling, but it isn't a getaway from everything.
I will be leaving on Monday, April 4; and won't get back until late Friday night, April 8.
Other than the path I plan on taking, I don't know what's out there. That's the fun of it. I didn't research every little stop I'll be taking. So it's a surprise even for me. There is one particular place, a casino in northern Wisconsin, that I'd like to stop by.
***
For the second year in a row I'm going on a vacation. Last year's vacation to the halls of fame can be read about HERE. The vacation to Tucson to see my grandparents can be seen HERE.
After this year, however, I won't be going on any more self-vacations for a while.
I decided that I was going to put my money toward useful things. This is coupled with the fact that I've pretty much been nearly everywhere I wanted to go and see. I'm only 24, and I've seen a lot of things.
Things I've seen up to this point:
Baseball Hall of Fame
Football Hall of Fame
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Cedar Point
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
MoTown Museum
Canada
Lambeau Field
St. Louis Arch
Milwaukee
Route 66 in Illinois
Old Tucson, and everything else there.
Places I still want to see, and will reserve them for some other time in my life:
London
Paris
Pacific Coast
New York City
Boston
Alaska
Hawaii
Texas
Toronto/Montreal
Graceland
I'd rather spread all of this out over the course of my entire lifetime, and probably with anything she (if there ever will be a she) wants to do and go to. But really, things financially aren't going all that well for me personally. I went right on budget last year ($600 plus hotels). But that doesn't mean I won't move from this spot. If asked to tag along in a trip, I will be more than happy to.
Can't wait! About a week away!
Current Song - It's My Life (No Doubt)
An interesting one, and nothing generic.
Next week, I will be driving up and down the Mississippi River from Clinton to Lake Itasca in Minnesota. A riverside drive, you can call it. I'll also be visiting the northern Minnesota forests before entering Wisconsin and going along the St. Croix River down to the Mississippi.
Once past the Twin Cities, the river gets a bit narrow and I can see what's on the other side a little better.
It's more of an outdoors-y kind of trip, and I prefer these over going to Florida or California or Panama, where everything's real busy. This particular vacation I'm going on is a very quiet one. I always thought a vacation is a getaway; sure Cali is a getaway from Sterling, but it isn't a getaway from everything.
I will be leaving on Monday, April 4; and won't get back until late Friday night, April 8.
Other than the path I plan on taking, I don't know what's out there. That's the fun of it. I didn't research every little stop I'll be taking. So it's a surprise even for me. There is one particular place, a casino in northern Wisconsin, that I'd like to stop by.
***
For the second year in a row I'm going on a vacation. Last year's vacation to the halls of fame can be read about HERE. The vacation to Tucson to see my grandparents can be seen HERE.
After this year, however, I won't be going on any more self-vacations for a while.
I decided that I was going to put my money toward useful things. This is coupled with the fact that I've pretty much been nearly everywhere I wanted to go and see. I'm only 24, and I've seen a lot of things.
Things I've seen up to this point:
Baseball Hall of Fame
Football Hall of Fame
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Cedar Point
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
MoTown Museum
Canada
Lambeau Field
St. Louis Arch
Milwaukee
Route 66 in Illinois
Old Tucson, and everything else there.
Places I still want to see, and will reserve them for some other time in my life:
London
Paris
Pacific Coast
New York City
Boston
Alaska
Hawaii
Texas
Toronto/Montreal
Graceland
I'd rather spread all of this out over the course of my entire lifetime, and probably with anything she (if there ever will be a she) wants to do and go to. But really, things financially aren't going all that well for me personally. I went right on budget last year ($600 plus hotels). But that doesn't mean I won't move from this spot. If asked to tag along in a trip, I will be more than happy to.
Can't wait! About a week away!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Turn the Page?
Cutter's Log - Supplemental
I made a post about my brother earlier today. Somewhere in the midst of things, a couple of things coincided in my head. First, was the constant frustration I'm getting at work; the second, was a low point in my life.
Summer 2006 - I had spent a lot of time writing feature stories for the website, relating to conference changes. That's all I was doing. I was on the computer 24-7 doing these things. I didn't have a job. Sauk was on summer break. I had no income. I had no car. All my friends had gone away. All I had was the website, and that wasn't going to get me anywhere.
I wanted to be a sportswriter at a newspaper. Nothing was open. So I had to look at "other" things. I didn't like doing these other things. There was a third-shift jon opening at the BP station. I knew nothing about running a cash register and caring for a gas station, and thus I didn't want to do it. This was with all corners closing in on me, and I still didn't want to do it.
What got me to change my mind was something my dad said. He told me that I would meet new people, and I wouldn't be so shy all of the time. With that advice in mind, I applied and was hired. I spent 19 months at BP before leaving for the Shell gig I have now.
I spent 15 months on the overnight shift, 12 of those as overnight lead. The remaining four months were spent on evenings and weekend mornings. I worked just about every shift out there, during every day out there, and during every time of year and every holiday. The best thing about overnights was that people pretty much talked with you out of sheer boredom. This eventually carried over to the times that I worked outside of the overnight hours. I transitioned into the other shifts well, and so did my conversation skill.
I liked to go to work, except on those days with a heavy chore load or a work dispute. This was because I enjoyed the interaction.
I wasn't there to make money for Manjit Singh or Jay Patel. I was there to learn about people and make friends. I did. I got to meet a lot of people. Even when I moved to Shell, the people I met there have been so kind. The greatest honor for me is when I see these people outside of the gas station, like when I'm at Wal-Mart, or a high school sports event, and they take the time to say hi to me.
Because I've been able to meet and interact with people I know from the gas station, I have tried to be able to interact with those certain people that share the same high school sports interests as me. I have three website contributors that I talk to once in a while. No longer was I the shy young kid at times when covering something. A lot of the interaction I do with my colleagues comes as a result of being able to communicate well with customers at the gas station.
This was the main reason for working at gas stations, along with the money. While money at times has been low, the interaction has been great. I feel as if I am breaking this barrier in my life. Money can be earned anywhere, but this important life skill could only have been learned by the work I have been doing for the past five years.
Five years. That's a long time.
While the interaction has been great, the work has sometimes not. There are those that I get along with well, and those that create some sort of logistical disturbance inside me.
Several frustrations have added up lately, from drive-offs to busy lines and mass confusion. I can't go into detail on these, but all I can say is that they are getting to be too much for this mind to handle. I just don't like getting kicked around by these moments of confusion. I have great co-workers and bosses and all, but there are several moments in the job process that bother me. Burnout, you can call it.
I've already accomplished a plus, so perhaps it's time to draw up an escape plan. I've always wanted to do something with NISB, and make it into something of a small business - but not in the small-business style of my first employer (that turned out to be a mess). Since I know where the line has been crossed with my first employer, I can try to avoid it.
Here's hoping the venture turns into the new job for me.
I made a post about my brother earlier today. Somewhere in the midst of things, a couple of things coincided in my head. First, was the constant frustration I'm getting at work; the second, was a low point in my life.
Summer 2006 - I had spent a lot of time writing feature stories for the website, relating to conference changes. That's all I was doing. I was on the computer 24-7 doing these things. I didn't have a job. Sauk was on summer break. I had no income. I had no car. All my friends had gone away. All I had was the website, and that wasn't going to get me anywhere.
I wanted to be a sportswriter at a newspaper. Nothing was open. So I had to look at "other" things. I didn't like doing these other things. There was a third-shift jon opening at the BP station. I knew nothing about running a cash register and caring for a gas station, and thus I didn't want to do it. This was with all corners closing in on me, and I still didn't want to do it.
What got me to change my mind was something my dad said. He told me that I would meet new people, and I wouldn't be so shy all of the time. With that advice in mind, I applied and was hired. I spent 19 months at BP before leaving for the Shell gig I have now.
I spent 15 months on the overnight shift, 12 of those as overnight lead. The remaining four months were spent on evenings and weekend mornings. I worked just about every shift out there, during every day out there, and during every time of year and every holiday. The best thing about overnights was that people pretty much talked with you out of sheer boredom. This eventually carried over to the times that I worked outside of the overnight hours. I transitioned into the other shifts well, and so did my conversation skill.
I liked to go to work, except on those days with a heavy chore load or a work dispute. This was because I enjoyed the interaction.
I wasn't there to make money for Manjit Singh or Jay Patel. I was there to learn about people and make friends. I did. I got to meet a lot of people. Even when I moved to Shell, the people I met there have been so kind. The greatest honor for me is when I see these people outside of the gas station, like when I'm at Wal-Mart, or a high school sports event, and they take the time to say hi to me.
Because I've been able to meet and interact with people I know from the gas station, I have tried to be able to interact with those certain people that share the same high school sports interests as me. I have three website contributors that I talk to once in a while. No longer was I the shy young kid at times when covering something. A lot of the interaction I do with my colleagues comes as a result of being able to communicate well with customers at the gas station.
This was the main reason for working at gas stations, along with the money. While money at times has been low, the interaction has been great. I feel as if I am breaking this barrier in my life. Money can be earned anywhere, but this important life skill could only have been learned by the work I have been doing for the past five years.
Five years. That's a long time.
While the interaction has been great, the work has sometimes not. There are those that I get along with well, and those that create some sort of logistical disturbance inside me.
Several frustrations have added up lately, from drive-offs to busy lines and mass confusion. I can't go into detail on these, but all I can say is that they are getting to be too much for this mind to handle. I just don't like getting kicked around by these moments of confusion. I have great co-workers and bosses and all, but there are several moments in the job process that bother me. Burnout, you can call it.
I've already accomplished a plus, so perhaps it's time to draw up an escape plan. I've always wanted to do something with NISB, and make it into something of a small business - but not in the small-business style of my first employer (that turned out to be a mess). Since I know where the line has been crossed with my first employer, I can try to avoid it.
Here's hoping the venture turns into the new job for me.
A whirlwind of emotions right now
Cutter's Log - Stardate 1102.22.30
Current Song - Turn it on Again (Genesis)
The tail end of the chapter. I have been there before, and it was a sad one. Six years ago I was at the tail end of my high school life, when the road of my own was being walked on for the first time.
My youngest brother is at this point of his life. What has defined his high school career was his involvement with the boys basketball team. That has ended. High school hasn't. There is this intermission.
I chose to walk down a path of my own after high school. I didn't listen to what other people told me I should do. This was evident during my senior year when I first ran NISB - I was seeing "other teams" on a regular basis, and because of that kind of felt abandoned by those that walked the halls with me. At certain times, I was chastized for doing what I wanted to do. I wanted to learn more about high school sports, and that required stepping outside the box that was Sterling High School. I was thought of to have no pride in my own school, and was sometimes called a traitor. I was used to that with the certain loyalties I had to the other school across the river.
Danny had been the baseball manager at SHS during his junior year. After that was over with, he enrolled in the school's service learning program. He became a janitor at Lincoln School during the fall, and liked getting a check (money for cappuchino!!) at the end of the week. Then when basketball season started, he went back to managing the basketball team.
After that he made a decision to remain with Lincoln School instead of manage the baseball team. He really enjoyed his job with the school, and there were times last year when he felt a bit uncomfortable in his role. One of the biggest issues he had last year had to do with the choice of music played during games.
Danny has always like different kinds of music, and at that stage he was real big into country music. He felt because of that, rap music was supposed to be despised. The players were real big into rap music, and obviously this would cause a problem for Danny. The players (I think only a few were on the basketball team) would agitate him by changing the music on him. If this ploy were done to someone other than Danny, he or she would probably rub it off.
I don't really know for sure if this was a reason he chose to stick with the Lincoln job, or a deciding factor. He obviously feels really comfortable with his job.
And without him, the baseball team continues to play their own music, which is fine. But Danny seemed a bit perturbed, even though he is not on the team anymore. The reply? I don't even want to imagine it. I just don't want him going back down in flames.
This great debate is something that really both sides (the rap likers, and Danny and the country likers) do not fully understand. Since I carry some of the same unique mental workings as Danny, I know what's going on.
Danny: "I like country."
Friend: "Country? Rap is where it's at!"
Danny: "No it's not."
Friend: "What? Come on, man! Rap (blah, blah, blah)"
Danny: "I just like country, okay?"
The friend tries to tease him by getting him to change his mind. Since there are several friends, and only one of Danny, this conversation comes up with different people. This agitation has been going on for a long time. That's because they just don't fully comprehend that Danny takes these things seriously. The friends simply do it for agitation. Danny is unable to see it that way.
This is really a problem that should be brief. However, both sides carry it on. Danny continues to fire back, unable to detect agitation. I'm sure he's been told before that they are only teasing him. Danny can't get that through his head when the next agitation comes because there is no one to remind him that the friends are only teasing. And the friends know how mad Danny gets in this debate, and people continue to debate him.
Why can't these friends respect the fact that Danny likes country? Why can't Danny respect the fact that these friends like rap? Looking at Danny's Facebook wall kind of gives us an answer. Danny likes to post country-related items on his wall, and the friends are commenting back that rap is better. However, Danny doesn't comment on any wall posts from friends about rap.
It seems like a problem. However, this will all be looked at as true fun. Certainly more fun that I ever had in high school. Boy this post turned into an awkward positive turn. Here I looked at it as a problem, but it is what keeps him the person he is.
He get his picture taken with girls, hangs out with a lot of people, and the whole nine yards. I could never accomplish that in high school. One would detect jealosy on my part, but I'm glad his high school days have been so well.
This turnaround kind of shows how quickly my mindset changes. I kind of think of Danny as the "what could have been" version of myself. See, he did things that I would never do when asked. I would never do the worm in the gym. He did.
And he graduates in two months. I'm so proud of him.
Current Song - Turn it on Again (Genesis)
The tail end of the chapter. I have been there before, and it was a sad one. Six years ago I was at the tail end of my high school life, when the road of my own was being walked on for the first time.
My youngest brother is at this point of his life. What has defined his high school career was his involvement with the boys basketball team. That has ended. High school hasn't. There is this intermission.
I chose to walk down a path of my own after high school. I didn't listen to what other people told me I should do. This was evident during my senior year when I first ran NISB - I was seeing "other teams" on a regular basis, and because of that kind of felt abandoned by those that walked the halls with me. At certain times, I was chastized for doing what I wanted to do. I wanted to learn more about high school sports, and that required stepping outside the box that was Sterling High School. I was thought of to have no pride in my own school, and was sometimes called a traitor. I was used to that with the certain loyalties I had to the other school across the river.
Danny had been the baseball manager at SHS during his junior year. After that was over with, he enrolled in the school's service learning program. He became a janitor at Lincoln School during the fall, and liked getting a check (money for cappuchino!!) at the end of the week. Then when basketball season started, he went back to managing the basketball team.
After that he made a decision to remain with Lincoln School instead of manage the baseball team. He really enjoyed his job with the school, and there were times last year when he felt a bit uncomfortable in his role. One of the biggest issues he had last year had to do with the choice of music played during games.
Danny has always like different kinds of music, and at that stage he was real big into country music. He felt because of that, rap music was supposed to be despised. The players were real big into rap music, and obviously this would cause a problem for Danny. The players (I think only a few were on the basketball team) would agitate him by changing the music on him. If this ploy were done to someone other than Danny, he or she would probably rub it off.
I don't really know for sure if this was a reason he chose to stick with the Lincoln job, or a deciding factor. He obviously feels really comfortable with his job.
And without him, the baseball team continues to play their own music, which is fine. But Danny seemed a bit perturbed, even though he is not on the team anymore. The reply? I don't even want to imagine it. I just don't want him going back down in flames.
This great debate is something that really both sides (the rap likers, and Danny and the country likers) do not fully understand. Since I carry some of the same unique mental workings as Danny, I know what's going on.
Danny: "I like country."
Friend: "Country? Rap is where it's at!"
Danny: "No it's not."
Friend: "What? Come on, man! Rap (blah, blah, blah)"
Danny: "I just like country, okay?"
The friend tries to tease him by getting him to change his mind. Since there are several friends, and only one of Danny, this conversation comes up with different people. This agitation has been going on for a long time. That's because they just don't fully comprehend that Danny takes these things seriously. The friends simply do it for agitation. Danny is unable to see it that way.
This is really a problem that should be brief. However, both sides carry it on. Danny continues to fire back, unable to detect agitation. I'm sure he's been told before that they are only teasing him. Danny can't get that through his head when the next agitation comes because there is no one to remind him that the friends are only teasing. And the friends know how mad Danny gets in this debate, and people continue to debate him.
Why can't these friends respect the fact that Danny likes country? Why can't Danny respect the fact that these friends like rap? Looking at Danny's Facebook wall kind of gives us an answer. Danny likes to post country-related items on his wall, and the friends are commenting back that rap is better. However, Danny doesn't comment on any wall posts from friends about rap.
It seems like a problem. However, this will all be looked at as true fun. Certainly more fun that I ever had in high school. Boy this post turned into an awkward positive turn. Here I looked at it as a problem, but it is what keeps him the person he is.
He get his picture taken with girls, hangs out with a lot of people, and the whole nine yards. I could never accomplish that in high school. One would detect jealosy on my part, but I'm glad his high school days have been so well.
This turnaround kind of shows how quickly my mindset changes. I kind of think of Danny as the "what could have been" version of myself. See, he did things that I would never do when asked. I would never do the worm in the gym. He did.
And he graduates in two months. I'm so proud of him.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Morals vs. Reality vs. Needs
Cutter's Log - Stardate 1102.41.30
Current Song - That's All (Genesis)
I had a horrible time at the State Tournament this weekend. I couldn't sleep. I couldn't concentrate. I couldn't write. I couldn't shoot. I couldn't ask questions. I couldn't follow by itineary, and I could barely drive to and fro. What's worse, I left my camera and home and couldn't use it on Friday. I had to borrow Bill's.
Right now I'm writing this longhand at work. I didn't have enough energy to write the story when I got home. I really need a laptop. however, laptops cost money, a lot of money, which I do not have. Oh, and a Wi-Fi card, which also costs money.
I was so poor over the weekend that I could only budget $40.00 for the weekend. That's not enough for a hotel room. I had to drive home on Friday night to get my camera and type and post stories. Four hours sleep.
What's remarkable about this is that I had Bill's help for the 1A grind. The only think I was doing during Newark's run was shooting pictures. Bill had been having camera problems lately, and I told him I'd try to fix his. So that was the ONLY good thing I was able to accomplish over the weekend.
I had mine for when Newark won State. Here's where my day got worse. I couldn't get good pictures of the awards ceremony. My team picture had to be taken at an angle because there were so many parents and family in the center -
Morals vs. Needs vs. Reality - Respectfully, I should let the families have their moment, without me butting in and distrupting their moment. The moment is about them, and not me getting that picture. That's the morals. The needs is the perfect picture. As this great debate is going on inside my head, time is passing by. We all had to be off the court at a certain time. The result of this is a team picture that is slanted, facing right.
I am extremely disappointed that I didn't get a good picture. This pained me for the duration of Saturday night. My head was in scrambles. Oh, and that promise of that bet, we didn't eat at Hooters because the place was too packed. So that threw off plans. But saved me $20.00 - kind of, because I had to drive back and forth one more time than planned. The money went toward fuel.
I'm still writing this longhand at work (it's being typed at home presently) and can't wait to get home and write that story!
I felt like a pinball in a machine after the final game I covered. When I got back to my car, I couldn't even muster a "Whew!" because my brain was still a scramble. I could only make it to the rest stop on Route 40 near Camp Grove (the one with the old truss bridge) and napped there for 2 hours. When I woke up I was really cold, and my blanket wasn't much help. So much for sleeping in my car overnight.
I don't ever want a weekend like this again. However, there is a good chance that I'll have to do this again. Rock Island and Auburn may advance.
Over the course of the weekend, cue the Duel of the Fates music.
Current Song - That's All (Genesis)
I had a horrible time at the State Tournament this weekend. I couldn't sleep. I couldn't concentrate. I couldn't write. I couldn't shoot. I couldn't ask questions. I couldn't follow by itineary, and I could barely drive to and fro. What's worse, I left my camera and home and couldn't use it on Friday. I had to borrow Bill's.
Right now I'm writing this longhand at work. I didn't have enough energy to write the story when I got home. I really need a laptop. however, laptops cost money, a lot of money, which I do not have. Oh, and a Wi-Fi card, which also costs money.
I was so poor over the weekend that I could only budget $40.00 for the weekend. That's not enough for a hotel room. I had to drive home on Friday night to get my camera and type and post stories. Four hours sleep.
What's remarkable about this is that I had Bill's help for the 1A grind. The only think I was doing during Newark's run was shooting pictures. Bill had been having camera problems lately, and I told him I'd try to fix his. So that was the ONLY good thing I was able to accomplish over the weekend.
I had mine for when Newark won State. Here's where my day got worse. I couldn't get good pictures of the awards ceremony. My team picture had to be taken at an angle because there were so many parents and family in the center -
Morals vs. Needs vs. Reality - Respectfully, I should let the families have their moment, without me butting in and distrupting their moment. The moment is about them, and not me getting that picture. That's the morals. The needs is the perfect picture. As this great debate is going on inside my head, time is passing by. We all had to be off the court at a certain time. The result of this is a team picture that is slanted, facing right.
I am extremely disappointed that I didn't get a good picture. This pained me for the duration of Saturday night. My head was in scrambles. Oh, and that promise of that bet, we didn't eat at Hooters because the place was too packed. So that threw off plans. But saved me $20.00 - kind of, because I had to drive back and forth one more time than planned. The money went toward fuel.
I'm still writing this longhand at work (it's being typed at home presently) and can't wait to get home and write that story!
I felt like a pinball in a machine after the final game I covered. When I got back to my car, I couldn't even muster a "Whew!" because my brain was still a scramble. I could only make it to the rest stop on Route 40 near Camp Grove (the one with the old truss bridge) and napped there for 2 hours. When I woke up I was really cold, and my blanket wasn't much help. So much for sleeping in my car overnight.
I don't ever want a weekend like this again. However, there is a good chance that I'll have to do this again. Rock Island and Auburn may advance.
Over the course of the weekend, cue the Duel of the Fates music.
Monday, March 7, 2011
How's This for Frugal
Cutter's Log - Stardate 1102.70.30
Current Song - Opening Act (Prevue Channel)
A while ago I mentioned in this Blog about my friend who won a bet between us regarding a basketball game. I ended up losing the bet, which had lunch at Hooters on the line.
Lunch at Hooters (in Peoria) is coming up this weekend, and I'm a bit short on cash. Rather than put it off until later, I'll try to scrounge around to make good out our promise. Even if that means reading more literature.
Last weekend during the girls basketball and wrestling state tournaments, I experimented with peanut butter sandwiches to curb any hunger attack I had. It worked out on Friday, but it didn't on Saturday. I wasn't allowed to bring outside food into U.S. Cellular Coliseum for the wrestling meet. I starved inside for 12 hours, telling myself not to eat the expensive concession stand food there (they didn't even feed us there in the press room, and I had to steal pop from the official's room - for the second year in a row). The sandwiches got cold, and I had to get something at McDonald's for the ride home, which I shouldn't really do.
This time I thought a little harder. One of the "frugal tips" in my book says to plan meals using coupon flyers. Even coupons these days are boring, as you usually have to buy more than one of that item to get the savings.
Walgreens has a flyer that has things I would normally buy. This weekend they had a pack of Orbit gum for $0.69. It's $1.39 at the Shell station. They also had a 2-for-$3 deal on a pound can of Campbell's Chunky stew. There was also a 2-for-$4 deal on a Jimmy Dean packaged breakfast - which was knocked down to 2-for-$3 with a manufactuer's coupon.
One breakfast bowl down on Friday, one chunky stew up on Friday. One breakfast bowl down on Saturday, one chunky stew up on Saturday. Unlike the sandwiches, nothing gets spoiled. Plus, I'll bring my cooler with me in the car, which has bottled water already in it. It seems weird, but I bought a can opener when I was traveling to and from Freeport for school ... just in case I was snowed in or had a late night at the copy desk. I used that can opener for beef stew, and the Highland cafeteria had a microwave. There are gas stations that have microwaves, like Casey's.
That's $7.00 for food, not counting the friend's UNKNOWN meal at Hooters. I'll just take an appetizer. Less eatie, more ...
Current Song - Opening Act (Prevue Channel)
A while ago I mentioned in this Blog about my friend who won a bet between us regarding a basketball game. I ended up losing the bet, which had lunch at Hooters on the line.
Lunch at Hooters (in Peoria) is coming up this weekend, and I'm a bit short on cash. Rather than put it off until later, I'll try to scrounge around to make good out our promise. Even if that means reading more literature.
Last weekend during the girls basketball and wrestling state tournaments, I experimented with peanut butter sandwiches to curb any hunger attack I had. It worked out on Friday, but it didn't on Saturday. I wasn't allowed to bring outside food into U.S. Cellular Coliseum for the wrestling meet. I starved inside for 12 hours, telling myself not to eat the expensive concession stand food there (they didn't even feed us there in the press room, and I had to steal pop from the official's room - for the second year in a row). The sandwiches got cold, and I had to get something at McDonald's for the ride home, which I shouldn't really do.
This time I thought a little harder. One of the "frugal tips" in my book says to plan meals using coupon flyers. Even coupons these days are boring, as you usually have to buy more than one of that item to get the savings.
Walgreens has a flyer that has things I would normally buy. This weekend they had a pack of Orbit gum for $0.69. It's $1.39 at the Shell station. They also had a 2-for-$3 deal on a pound can of Campbell's Chunky stew. There was also a 2-for-$4 deal on a Jimmy Dean packaged breakfast - which was knocked down to 2-for-$3 with a manufactuer's coupon.
One breakfast bowl down on Friday, one chunky stew up on Friday. One breakfast bowl down on Saturday, one chunky stew up on Saturday. Unlike the sandwiches, nothing gets spoiled. Plus, I'll bring my cooler with me in the car, which has bottled water already in it. It seems weird, but I bought a can opener when I was traveling to and from Freeport for school ... just in case I was snowed in or had a late night at the copy desk. I used that can opener for beef stew, and the Highland cafeteria had a microwave. There are gas stations that have microwaves, like Casey's.
That's $7.00 for food, not counting the friend's UNKNOWN meal at Hooters. I'll just take an appetizer. Less eatie, more ...
Friday, March 4, 2011
Gas Prices
Cutter's Log - Supplemental
With gas prices going up once more, it's time to get out the gas price listing on the Internet. There are websites that have gas prices listed, submitted by anonymous users with a handle (like message board posters).
When gas was $4.23 at my Shell station in the summer of 2008, I used the website IllinoisGasPrices.com to map out my trips, and figure out where to go. Gas stations are forbidden to give out prices over the phone, in order to be competitive. So this website helps.
As of tonight, all Sterling and Rock Falls stations were $3.55 a gallon. This was a jump from $3.49 the day before. When I put some fuel in my car a couple of days ago, my station was $3.49 while the Shell on the north end of town was at $3.28. They were trying to compete with Kroger just down the road. That Shell and Kroger are now at $3.55. I hate paying that much for fuel, but I need fuel for the games I go to.
In the next month, I will be heading to Rockford, DeKalb, Peoria, DeKalb again and Peoria again, as well as some hardball games (if there's no snow and freezing tempratures). I'll have to give the website I try to see if there's something cheaper than $3.55 along the way.
There is a rule I use for traveling a ways for the sole purpose of fuel. My great uncle, who worked in real estate for many years, would drive to Clinton, IA - about 30 miles west of Sterling - for fuel. Iowa doesn't tax fuel as much as Illinois does. When the difference is $0.30 from Sterling to Clinton, he'll go there.
So that's roughly one cent per mile. Today, if I were to get fuel in Dixon, 10 miles east, the price of gas would have to be no higher than $3.44 to make the drive worth it. That's a penny savings. That penny will come in handy when you go that darn penny over.
Don't forget to take advantage of saver card savings - such as a couple of cents off at Kroger, County Market, Hilander, etc. - even if its not your card.
Do you have a fuel purchasing tip? Either write a comment on here, or message me on Facebook.
With gas prices going up once more, it's time to get out the gas price listing on the Internet. There are websites that have gas prices listed, submitted by anonymous users with a handle (like message board posters).
When gas was $4.23 at my Shell station in the summer of 2008, I used the website IllinoisGasPrices.com to map out my trips, and figure out where to go. Gas stations are forbidden to give out prices over the phone, in order to be competitive. So this website helps.
As of tonight, all Sterling and Rock Falls stations were $3.55 a gallon. This was a jump from $3.49 the day before. When I put some fuel in my car a couple of days ago, my station was $3.49 while the Shell on the north end of town was at $3.28. They were trying to compete with Kroger just down the road. That Shell and Kroger are now at $3.55. I hate paying that much for fuel, but I need fuel for the games I go to.
In the next month, I will be heading to Rockford, DeKalb, Peoria, DeKalb again and Peoria again, as well as some hardball games (if there's no snow and freezing tempratures). I'll have to give the website I try to see if there's something cheaper than $3.55 along the way.
There is a rule I use for traveling a ways for the sole purpose of fuel. My great uncle, who worked in real estate for many years, would drive to Clinton, IA - about 30 miles west of Sterling - for fuel. Iowa doesn't tax fuel as much as Illinois does. When the difference is $0.30 from Sterling to Clinton, he'll go there.
So that's roughly one cent per mile. Today, if I were to get fuel in Dixon, 10 miles east, the price of gas would have to be no higher than $3.44 to make the drive worth it. That's a penny savings. That penny will come in handy when you go that darn penny over.
Don't forget to take advantage of saver card savings - such as a couple of cents off at Kroger, County Market, Hilander, etc. - even if its not your card.
Do you have a fuel purchasing tip? Either write a comment on here, or message me on Facebook.
Shutdown
Cutter's Log - Stardate 1102.40.30
Current Song - Regulate (Warren G)
More power to these people who can absorb patience, and distractions going on around them. For some people, it's easy. For others, like me, patience is the virtue that I can't seem to grasp.
This is because my brain can only hold so much information. And yes, I do use only the full 20% at a time. Over my short lifetime, I have acquired so much information. Normally once something goes in, something goes out. Not the case with me.
There comes a point where my head can be too full. Instead of an older memory going on, new ones can't enter. This causes a large mental block. When there's blockage, my brain tries to churn some space open.
I can't really describe this feeling from inside. Outside, I act like a cross between a rabid monkey and a soldier under fire in a war zone. But inside, there is a video on YouTube that diescribes it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiOI365yD1Q
I was like this last afternoon. I slept in until 2 p.m. that afternoon, only to have my mother wake me up for a computer chore. I was to copy and print out a picture of her uncle Hubba, who passed away recently. She needed five copies on photo-stock paper. I was also in need of a color cartridge, and she gave me that, too.
At first I had a difficult time inserting the cartridge. The old one came off and snapped back on easily. But this one didn't budge. The confusion made me angry, and overloaded my brain. Somehow I was able to take out the black ink cartridge, and it fit perfectly in the other compartment. That meant mom bought a black cartridge instead of a color one. I got even more perturbed.
Only then did it come to me that I was to be at work in a half-hour. This is when the rabid monkey comes into the picture. Five minutes later, I looked at my checkbook for some reason, and noticed that the payment is due today. The agent closes at 5 p.m., and it is 3:30. I work at 4 p.m. I'm going crazy at this point, and somehow I manager to get half of the print job done, wrestling paper jam after paper jam after paper jam. (My printer is one that paper feeds in and rolls backward, hence the issues with photo paper).
I had no choice other than to buy 30 minutes off of work. That gave me enough time to print the photos and get my payment made. It gave me enough time to settle down. I made the payment and got to work 15 minutes late. I could easily make up for that.
Divulging all of this kind of tells you how I am when I get angry. My brother Dan gets this way sometimes, but I usually do this when there's no one around. But I still do it.
Just don't tick me off.
Current Song - Regulate (Warren G)
More power to these people who can absorb patience, and distractions going on around them. For some people, it's easy. For others, like me, patience is the virtue that I can't seem to grasp.
This is because my brain can only hold so much information. And yes, I do use only the full 20% at a time. Over my short lifetime, I have acquired so much information. Normally once something goes in, something goes out. Not the case with me.
There comes a point where my head can be too full. Instead of an older memory going on, new ones can't enter. This causes a large mental block. When there's blockage, my brain tries to churn some space open.
I can't really describe this feeling from inside. Outside, I act like a cross between a rabid monkey and a soldier under fire in a war zone. But inside, there is a video on YouTube that diescribes it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiOI365yD1Q
I was like this last afternoon. I slept in until 2 p.m. that afternoon, only to have my mother wake me up for a computer chore. I was to copy and print out a picture of her uncle Hubba, who passed away recently. She needed five copies on photo-stock paper. I was also in need of a color cartridge, and she gave me that, too.
At first I had a difficult time inserting the cartridge. The old one came off and snapped back on easily. But this one didn't budge. The confusion made me angry, and overloaded my brain. Somehow I was able to take out the black ink cartridge, and it fit perfectly in the other compartment. That meant mom bought a black cartridge instead of a color one. I got even more perturbed.
Only then did it come to me that I was to be at work in a half-hour. This is when the rabid monkey comes into the picture. Five minutes later, I looked at my checkbook for some reason, and noticed that the payment is due today. The agent closes at 5 p.m., and it is 3:30. I work at 4 p.m. I'm going crazy at this point, and somehow I manager to get half of the print job done, wrestling paper jam after paper jam after paper jam. (My printer is one that paper feeds in and rolls backward, hence the issues with photo paper).
I had no choice other than to buy 30 minutes off of work. That gave me enough time to print the photos and get my payment made. It gave me enough time to settle down. I made the payment and got to work 15 minutes late. I could easily make up for that.
Divulging all of this kind of tells you how I am when I get angry. My brother Dan gets this way sometimes, but I usually do this when there's no one around. But I still do it.
Just don't tick me off.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
When the Computer isn't THE Tool
Cutter's Log - Stardate 1102.20.30
Current Song - In The Dark (Billy Squier)
I use my computer a lot over the course of any single day. I use it to work on my website. I use it to divulge thoughts onto this Blog. I use it to type things that would otherwise hurt my hand. I don't know what I'd do without one.
It's safe to say that I spend a lot of time on it. When I'm not working (at Shell or at a game), I'm either on it, sleeping, or doing something else. Now that the winter sports assignments are narrowing down, I'm spending some more time somewhere. That something else doesn't require a computer.
You see, I don't have a computer in my Website Workshop. Located at an undisclosed location within the NISB coverage area, the Website Workshop is a place where ideas come to life or get pushed to the back of the room. I've been pretty quiet on discussing this, but not too long ago I thought "there's no point in hiding it." This explains the missing gap of time if one tries to wonder where I'm at.
This place is hidden for a reason. But I'll just let you know that it exists. So, won't you gentlemen have a pepsi?
Current Song - In The Dark (Billy Squier)
I use my computer a lot over the course of any single day. I use it to work on my website. I use it to divulge thoughts onto this Blog. I use it to type things that would otherwise hurt my hand. I don't know what I'd do without one.
It's safe to say that I spend a lot of time on it. When I'm not working (at Shell or at a game), I'm either on it, sleeping, or doing something else. Now that the winter sports assignments are narrowing down, I'm spending some more time somewhere. That something else doesn't require a computer.
You see, I don't have a computer in my Website Workshop. Located at an undisclosed location within the NISB coverage area, the Website Workshop is a place where ideas come to life or get pushed to the back of the room. I've been pretty quiet on discussing this, but not too long ago I thought "there's no point in hiding it." This explains the missing gap of time if one tries to wonder where I'm at.
This place is hidden for a reason. But I'll just let you know that it exists. So, won't you gentlemen have a pepsi?
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Writing Time
Cutter's Log - Supplemental
On longer sports trips, such as the trip to Dundee-Crown on Tuesday, I tend to feel tired on the drive home. When I get home, I'm ready to fall flat on my back on the bed and sleep for a few hours.
Likewise, I woke up at 4:30 a.m. after a six-hour sleep and typed the wrestling story.
If I would have written the story immediately following the event, perhaps I wouldn't have to wake up in the wee hours of the morning and type. However, the biggest problem I have is the absence of the laptop computer.
Without a laptop (and its unique networking stuff along with that, such as Wi-Fi), I have to drive home and find whatever energy I have left to muster the piece ASAP. In order to get anywhere in this journalism world, this is unacceptable.
The laptop has wound up toward the bottom of the "needs list" underneath brake pads, a computer tuneup, and just ONE class at Northern. If I had one, I could write quicker. I would be able to have the desire to conduct more "homework" than what I already do, which is very little.
Just give me a laptop, and I can work to turn everything around 180 degrees. But I don't have one, so I'll have to settle for the PC at home, and battling travel fatigue.
The only other way to curb this is to find libraries that allow public internet access. Most libraries limit access to just card-holders. However, a little digging can result in striking gold. When I was on my HOF trip last year, I called up libraries only to find something I was looking for in a suburb of Cleveland. Also, hopefully it can be one that is willing to be able to download my Web tools I use for the website.
Here's hoping I strike gold, in more ways than one, very soon.
On longer sports trips, such as the trip to Dundee-Crown on Tuesday, I tend to feel tired on the drive home. When I get home, I'm ready to fall flat on my back on the bed and sleep for a few hours.
Likewise, I woke up at 4:30 a.m. after a six-hour sleep and typed the wrestling story.
If I would have written the story immediately following the event, perhaps I wouldn't have to wake up in the wee hours of the morning and type. However, the biggest problem I have is the absence of the laptop computer.
Without a laptop (and its unique networking stuff along with that, such as Wi-Fi), I have to drive home and find whatever energy I have left to muster the piece ASAP. In order to get anywhere in this journalism world, this is unacceptable.
The laptop has wound up toward the bottom of the "needs list" underneath brake pads, a computer tuneup, and just ONE class at Northern. If I had one, I could write quicker. I would be able to have the desire to conduct more "homework" than what I already do, which is very little.
Just give me a laptop, and I can work to turn everything around 180 degrees. But I don't have one, so I'll have to settle for the PC at home, and battling travel fatigue.
The only other way to curb this is to find libraries that allow public internet access. Most libraries limit access to just card-holders. However, a little digging can result in striking gold. When I was on my HOF trip last year, I called up libraries only to find something I was looking for in a suburb of Cleveland. Also, hopefully it can be one that is willing to be able to download my Web tools I use for the website.
Here's hoping I strike gold, in more ways than one, very soon.
Lottery Luck
Cutter's Log - Stardate 1102.32.20
Current Song - Simple Man (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
Here was my monthly horoscope, according to the March edition of the "lottery bible" -
"You are quite satisfied with your life, enjoy. Wise spending brings you things you will treasure a long time to come. A friend or companion may need you this month. Help them." My lucky pick 3 numbers are "079," with my four's being "7909."
I don't know about being satisfied with my life, but I'm trying to spend wisely. I guess the last part means that something awful will happen to either one of my writers, or a family member, since I do not have life "companion."
By trying to spend wisely, I'm cutting back on a few things. The first thing I tried was to pack a sack lunch to take with me to games. I went to a wrestling meet in the suburbs on Tuesday, a one-and-a-half-hour drive. Normally, I would take a few bucks and have a quick something from a drive-thru window. Instead, I packed a peanut butter sandwich, some pretzels, and filled my Shell mug with water.
After the meet was over, I opened up the bag. I was disappointed that the pretzels had worn out, but the sandwich was still good. I didn't feel like I had to eat or drink anything else on the way home. That was one of my longer trips during the year, and there are a few more coming up within the next few weeks. I just have to remember to pack it.
Wise spending also comes in the form of not buying scratch-off tickets. Once in a while I will buy a couple, as well as the Pick 3 and 4, but what games are the best ones to play? Sometimes the tickets that command attention are not always the best.
Most reatilers have a list that tracks how many winners are out there, and how many are left. Some math conducted after looking at it will help narrow the choices. Once the choices are narrowed, there's no need to go through a guessing game.
According to the most recent list, the best $1 ticket is called "Double Doubler." It's one of those tickets where you match three like amounts and win that prize, but with a multiplier option of 1, 2 or 4. The best $2 ticket is called "Cash Money." You get two numbers and have to match them with a group of numbers, and if there's a match you win the prize shown below. The best $3 ticket is the Crossword. You have a crossword puzzle and a group of individual letters, how much you win depends on how many full words you reveal using these letters. The best $5 ticket is "Jumbo Bucks." It works like "Cash Money," except you get four numbers instead of two and have to match them (in a bigger pool of numbers).
If you're really willing to spend, the best $10 ticket is "Super Cash." Like "Cash Money" and "Jumbo Bucks" you get six numbers and match them in a pool. The best $20 ticket is called "Fabulous Fortune." It's a big ticket with different games on it: three-like-amounts, match-in-a-row, pool-of-numbers, etc. There are two different $30tickets, but they both have to same odds.
This list changes every two weeks or so, and things may be different. So if you ever wanted to know what this list was, check it out because it does come in handy.
Current Song - Simple Man (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
Here was my monthly horoscope, according to the March edition of the "lottery bible" -
"You are quite satisfied with your life, enjoy. Wise spending brings you things you will treasure a long time to come. A friend or companion may need you this month. Help them." My lucky pick 3 numbers are "079," with my four's being "7909."
I don't know about being satisfied with my life, but I'm trying to spend wisely. I guess the last part means that something awful will happen to either one of my writers, or a family member, since I do not have life "companion."
By trying to spend wisely, I'm cutting back on a few things. The first thing I tried was to pack a sack lunch to take with me to games. I went to a wrestling meet in the suburbs on Tuesday, a one-and-a-half-hour drive. Normally, I would take a few bucks and have a quick something from a drive-thru window. Instead, I packed a peanut butter sandwich, some pretzels, and filled my Shell mug with water.
After the meet was over, I opened up the bag. I was disappointed that the pretzels had worn out, but the sandwich was still good. I didn't feel like I had to eat or drink anything else on the way home. That was one of my longer trips during the year, and there are a few more coming up within the next few weeks. I just have to remember to pack it.
Wise spending also comes in the form of not buying scratch-off tickets. Once in a while I will buy a couple, as well as the Pick 3 and 4, but what games are the best ones to play? Sometimes the tickets that command attention are not always the best.
Most reatilers have a list that tracks how many winners are out there, and how many are left. Some math conducted after looking at it will help narrow the choices. Once the choices are narrowed, there's no need to go through a guessing game.
According to the most recent list, the best $1 ticket is called "Double Doubler." It's one of those tickets where you match three like amounts and win that prize, but with a multiplier option of 1, 2 or 4. The best $2 ticket is called "Cash Money." You get two numbers and have to match them with a group of numbers, and if there's a match you win the prize shown below. The best $3 ticket is the Crossword. You have a crossword puzzle and a group of individual letters, how much you win depends on how many full words you reveal using these letters. The best $5 ticket is "Jumbo Bucks." It works like "Cash Money," except you get four numbers instead of two and have to match them (in a bigger pool of numbers).
If you're really willing to spend, the best $10 ticket is "Super Cash." Like "Cash Money" and "Jumbo Bucks" you get six numbers and match them in a pool. The best $20 ticket is called "Fabulous Fortune." It's a big ticket with different games on it: three-like-amounts, match-in-a-row, pool-of-numbers, etc. There are two different $30tickets, but they both have to same odds.
This list changes every two weeks or so, and things may be different. So if you ever wanted to know what this list was, check it out because it does come in handy.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Lottery Bible
Cutter's Log - Stardate 1102.51.20
Current Song - Us and Them (Pink Floyd)
Bill and Dorothy, the elderly couple that stops by the gas station each night I'm working, buy a lot of lotto tickets. They choose Pick 3 and 4 numbers on their own, and also use something called a "Lottery Bible." I've seen these things sold in tobacco stores that sell lottery tickets, as well as Chicagoland gas stations owned by Indians.
The Lottery Bible helped Bill win $370.00 last night on the Pick 3.
Each month I take a peek at the Lottery Bible. I jot its numbers down and keep them for future playing. However, I rarely ever find the time and money to play such numbers.
The Lottery Bible also includes lucky Pick 3 and Pick 4 numbers for the month, going by the signs of the Zodiac. Sandwiched between these two numbers is a horoscope. My sign is Taurus, and here's what mine was:
"Entertainment ventures or possible showbiz aims are in the spotlight this month. Sticking to tried and true methods are more likely to create positive results than trying to experiment with unknowns. A loved one might be seeking a second chance."
The month's halfway over. We'll see. And about this "loved one" who might be seeking a second chance? Since I maintain great relationships with every member of family, I guess read my last Blog entry.
Current Song - Us and Them (Pink Floyd)
Bill and Dorothy, the elderly couple that stops by the gas station each night I'm working, buy a lot of lotto tickets. They choose Pick 3 and 4 numbers on their own, and also use something called a "Lottery Bible." I've seen these things sold in tobacco stores that sell lottery tickets, as well as Chicagoland gas stations owned by Indians.
The Lottery Bible helped Bill win $370.00 last night on the Pick 3.
Each month I take a peek at the Lottery Bible. I jot its numbers down and keep them for future playing. However, I rarely ever find the time and money to play such numbers.
The Lottery Bible also includes lucky Pick 3 and Pick 4 numbers for the month, going by the signs of the Zodiac. Sandwiched between these two numbers is a horoscope. My sign is Taurus, and here's what mine was:
"Entertainment ventures or possible showbiz aims are in the spotlight this month. Sticking to tried and true methods are more likely to create positive results than trying to experiment with unknowns. A loved one might be seeking a second chance."
The month's halfway over. We'll see. And about this "loved one" who might be seeking a second chance? Since I maintain great relationships with every member of family, I guess read my last Blog entry.
Monday, February 14, 2011
So This is Valentine's Day
Cutter's Log - Stardate 1102.41.20
Current Song - What You Won't Do For Love (Bobby Caldwell)
I really haven't done much for Valentine's Day for quite a while. I wrote a small post about it on this Blog last year, and even that was the first time in a long time it even went though my head.
Valentine's Day originally was a biblical event, the origins behind that have become lost in today's hoopla of a big, loud "I LOVE YOU!" to the significant other. As I see this all over Facebook and the customers at work, I can only think about my own trials and tribulations ... as well as the "Cody test," which you'll read about at the end.
It's well documented on here, mainly because there's not much to document other than failure. There was a time I had a special place in my heart for many girls, and over time these entities have fizzled. Right now there is just one left standing, it's long-lasting, and still to this day unpenetrateable.
There were really only a few Valentine's Day moments I can really remember. The first was 13 years ago (fifth grade), the other was ten years ago (eighth grade). We're talking over ten years ago, which makes me REALLY feel old. Of course you know the story of failure after failure after failure after failure after failure after failure.
Although no one is grinding my gears in regards to this, today is the day that it comes to me that I will not give up in finding that certain female.
I may have tried all I could when I was younger, to have it not work by high school graduation. But I am still young, and there is plenty of time left. And I will not give up.
As much as I keep hearing the words "that time will come," I look back and see that time came for everyone else. I can understand this, given how my brain works. But forbidden to feel such a feeling? Never. I will not give up.
Perhaps it takes a great deal of effort for me to please, and when people look at the way I execute such pleasings, it seems to be a little over the top. It isn't like ones from the past, they'll say. But I will not give up.
It's no use trying to pick through the pile. Been there, done that. I can sense the lies and setups. I sensed plenty during my school days, and these attempts by others to embarass me were all thwarted. Don't try that on me. Meanwhile, I will wait, and continue to wait, and hope this day comes soon.
So yes, they still have to pass the "Cody test". Only a few have passed the Cody test, only to fall just short of really working out for a connection. And before I hear girls whine about this, do realize that they too have such "tests" when trying to find men.
Still, with that being said, I will not give up.
Current Song - What You Won't Do For Love (Bobby Caldwell)
I really haven't done much for Valentine's Day for quite a while. I wrote a small post about it on this Blog last year, and even that was the first time in a long time it even went though my head.
Valentine's Day originally was a biblical event, the origins behind that have become lost in today's hoopla of a big, loud "I LOVE YOU!" to the significant other. As I see this all over Facebook and the customers at work, I can only think about my own trials and tribulations ... as well as the "Cody test," which you'll read about at the end.
It's well documented on here, mainly because there's not much to document other than failure. There was a time I had a special place in my heart for many girls, and over time these entities have fizzled. Right now there is just one left standing, it's long-lasting, and still to this day unpenetrateable.
There were really only a few Valentine's Day moments I can really remember. The first was 13 years ago (fifth grade), the other was ten years ago (eighth grade). We're talking over ten years ago, which makes me REALLY feel old. Of course you know the story of failure after failure after failure after failure after failure after failure.
Although no one is grinding my gears in regards to this, today is the day that it comes to me that I will not give up in finding that certain female.
I may have tried all I could when I was younger, to have it not work by high school graduation. But I am still young, and there is plenty of time left. And I will not give up.
As much as I keep hearing the words "that time will come," I look back and see that time came for everyone else. I can understand this, given how my brain works. But forbidden to feel such a feeling? Never. I will not give up.
Perhaps it takes a great deal of effort for me to please, and when people look at the way I execute such pleasings, it seems to be a little over the top. It isn't like ones from the past, they'll say. But I will not give up.
It's no use trying to pick through the pile. Been there, done that. I can sense the lies and setups. I sensed plenty during my school days, and these attempts by others to embarass me were all thwarted. Don't try that on me. Meanwhile, I will wait, and continue to wait, and hope this day comes soon.
So yes, they still have to pass the "Cody test". Only a few have passed the Cody test, only to fall just short of really working out for a connection. And before I hear girls whine about this, do realize that they too have such "tests" when trying to find men.
Still, with that being said, I will not give up.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Weekly Financial Planning
Cutter's Log - Stardate 1102.31.20
Current Song - Money (Pink Floyd)
After nearly a year, I took my silver to get exchanged for cash. My plan was to get at least a hundred-dollars worth, according to this list from a website. I did that, and went to exchange it at the local exchange shop.
It was kind of dissapointing, but it was mostly my fault. I looked at the wrong list on the internet, so my prize was less than what I thought. I had two Franklin halves, 2 1960s Kennedy halves, five quarters, five war nickels, 20 dimes, 1 Canadian silver quarter, and 1 Canadian silver dime.
The place couldn't take my Kennedy halves because "they are after 1964" despite being a percentage (40%) silver. They also didn't accept anything Canadian.
So I was left with $56.00 in the aftermath of all of this. So much for waiting until hitting $100, and so much for this Internet list! For now on, I'll just keep my silver and exchange it when the year ends. So the second round begins.
***
Still, this was $56.00 more than what I had when the day started. Combine this with a Pick 3 Box winner from Thursday night (6-0-7) of $40.00 and it's a small stimulus. My $100.00 earned from being my gas station's Employee of the Year is still holding up. I used it for a Shell Gift Card for fuel, and I have a full tank and money left on it.
I had car problems for most of last month, and I could only afford one front wheel replacement at the time. So since then I've been driving places with mismatched front tires. Bad idea, I know, but I found out that I can't go higher than 55 MPH without the car vibrating like heck.
I plan on getting this tire put on sometime next week. Because of this, I had to put off a couple of commitments I was planning to cover. Gas money is kind of tight right now, and the hours have shrunk to 25/week.
Plus coming up are the few weeks that get me in a frenzy: winter postseason. A lot of money needs to be put into that. I have already decided to axe the weekend hotel stay. I found out that the extra round-trip costs less than staying overnight at the already-cheap hotel I normally stay at. Plus I can't forget my sticker renewal and a haircut (I really need one).
Current Song - Money (Pink Floyd)
After nearly a year, I took my silver to get exchanged for cash. My plan was to get at least a hundred-dollars worth, according to this list from a website. I did that, and went to exchange it at the local exchange shop.
It was kind of dissapointing, but it was mostly my fault. I looked at the wrong list on the internet, so my prize was less than what I thought. I had two Franklin halves, 2 1960s Kennedy halves, five quarters, five war nickels, 20 dimes, 1 Canadian silver quarter, and 1 Canadian silver dime.
The place couldn't take my Kennedy halves because "they are after 1964" despite being a percentage (40%) silver. They also didn't accept anything Canadian.
So I was left with $56.00 in the aftermath of all of this. So much for waiting until hitting $100, and so much for this Internet list! For now on, I'll just keep my silver and exchange it when the year ends. So the second round begins.
***
Still, this was $56.00 more than what I had when the day started. Combine this with a Pick 3 Box winner from Thursday night (6-0-7) of $40.00 and it's a small stimulus. My $100.00 earned from being my gas station's Employee of the Year is still holding up. I used it for a Shell Gift Card for fuel, and I have a full tank and money left on it.
I had car problems for most of last month, and I could only afford one front wheel replacement at the time. So since then I've been driving places with mismatched front tires. Bad idea, I know, but I found out that I can't go higher than 55 MPH without the car vibrating like heck.
I plan on getting this tire put on sometime next week. Because of this, I had to put off a couple of commitments I was planning to cover. Gas money is kind of tight right now, and the hours have shrunk to 25/week.
Plus coming up are the few weeks that get me in a frenzy: winter postseason. A lot of money needs to be put into that. I have already decided to axe the weekend hotel stay. I found out that the extra round-trip costs less than staying overnight at the already-cheap hotel I normally stay at. Plus I can't forget my sticker renewal and a haircut (I really need one).
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Ask Me Anything
Cutter's Log - Stardate 1102.01.20
Current Song - Holding Back the Years (Simply Red)
It's been a Facebook trend for a while, and perhaps an annoying one on the news feed. A few months ago, people were doing this "ask me anything and I'll respond" game on the Facebook news feed. There were several people that liked it, and there were several people that were annoyed by it.
The game went something like this: You'd look at the person's wall and find the last question, in numerical form. Your question would be the next number. If the question above was "84." then mine would be "85."
I think I was annoyed by it at the time. I put my status as "(some long number). No."
However the more I think about it, I think I'd like this. So I'm gonna do it. But I'm not going to flood Facebook walls.
Here's how it goes:
You can ask me any question (or questions) you want about me. Make it anything. Just send me a Facebook message with your question. I'll answer your questions on my Blog. And I'm not going to do these stupid little "yes and no" answers. I'll answer your question(s) with all I have. You'll not only get an answer, but reasons and all that. I won't hide any questions from the blog, either. However, I won't put your name next to the question, unless you want me to.
Here's an example: Why are you doing this "Ask Me Anything" thing?
I'm doing this because I'd like to get to know people better. A lot of people make the remark that I'm always busy all of the time, but in reality there is plenty of time that I'm bored. I get bored when I'm at home watching the television, playing the Wii, or even reading the book. Heck, even when I'm writing in my Blog I feel bored. It's kind of difficult to break out of such a slump, given my mental state, so I figured creating this thing would allow me to open up to all of you. You know more about me, and I kind of know more about you. Provocation is evolution - you can't succeed unless you actually do it.
I'll take questions from now (2/10) until Wednesday (2/16). Thanks for your interest.
Current Song - Holding Back the Years (Simply Red)
It's been a Facebook trend for a while, and perhaps an annoying one on the news feed. A few months ago, people were doing this "ask me anything and I'll respond" game on the Facebook news feed. There were several people that liked it, and there were several people that were annoyed by it.
The game went something like this: You'd look at the person's wall and find the last question, in numerical form. Your question would be the next number. If the question above was "84." then mine would be "85."
I think I was annoyed by it at the time. I put my status as "(some long number). No."
However the more I think about it, I think I'd like this. So I'm gonna do it. But I'm not going to flood Facebook walls.
Here's how it goes:
You can ask me any question (or questions) you want about me. Make it anything. Just send me a Facebook message with your question. I'll answer your questions on my Blog. And I'm not going to do these stupid little "yes and no" answers. I'll answer your question(s) with all I have. You'll not only get an answer, but reasons and all that. I won't hide any questions from the blog, either. However, I won't put your name next to the question, unless you want me to.
Here's an example: Why are you doing this "Ask Me Anything" thing?
I'm doing this because I'd like to get to know people better. A lot of people make the remark that I'm always busy all of the time, but in reality there is plenty of time that I'm bored. I get bored when I'm at home watching the television, playing the Wii, or even reading the book. Heck, even when I'm writing in my Blog I feel bored. It's kind of difficult to break out of such a slump, given my mental state, so I figured creating this thing would allow me to open up to all of you. You know more about me, and I kind of know more about you. Provocation is evolution - you can't succeed unless you actually do it.
I'll take questions from now (2/10) until Wednesday (2/16). Thanks for your interest.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Why are you driving? I think I know why ...
Cutter's Log - Stardate 1102.20.20
Current Song - Disco Inferno (The Trammps)
After a useless attempt at shoveling my sidewalks overnight, my sore self laid down in front of Channel 6 and watched the same dang thing over and over again. A trooper called into the station, and couldn't quite understand why people were out driving.
I think I know why.
These people are your everyday employees. They feel pressure put on them by workplace stipulations.
Call off? You're fired.
So these people have no choice other than to get out and defy Mother Nature because they need the money. They need to get to work, or else they will have NO source of income. They need to get to work because they have children to support, and a firing will ruin everything.
It's times like this that workplaces need to be flexible in their rules. No assembly line worker should have to risk his or her life for the benefit of the company he or she doesn't care about (and works there only for the paycheck).
Of course, those that NEED to be out there NEED to be there: your public safety workers, postal carriers, National guardsmen, journalists, etc. While they need to make every effort possible to get to where they need to be, sometimes even they won't be able to get there safely.
Then comes the boss who lays down a punishment. Then you wonder if your boss got to work by using some sort of Star Trek transporter. You explain your case.
Then comes the "I, therefore you" argument. No human is equal to others. Robots may be equal to other robots, but humans are not alike. You explain your case.
"But Punxsutawney Phil came out of his hole, then you should too!"
Then your boss puts his or her personal drama ahead of yours. You explain your case, however, by this time it may be too late for some people. The firing has been doled out because your boss has had enough.
Then you wonder if such people have a soul.
Not only will I be thinking of the people that NEED to be out at this time ...
But I will be thinking of those people that got, or will be getting, screwed over because of workplace policies and the handing of the pinkslip.
(Disclaimer: I have to work at my gas station tonight at 5:00. It's in that gray area between 'public safety profession' and 'artist'. We'll need to be open so that people can fill up their cars - as they are necessities. I live six blocks from work. I should be alright if my neighborhood street is touched by the plows, as well as Route 2 which should be alright by then. And if I can't make it ... it'll only be my second call-off in two-and-a-half years on the job.)
Current Song - Disco Inferno (The Trammps)
After a useless attempt at shoveling my sidewalks overnight, my sore self laid down in front of Channel 6 and watched the same dang thing over and over again. A trooper called into the station, and couldn't quite understand why people were out driving.
I think I know why.
These people are your everyday employees. They feel pressure put on them by workplace stipulations.
Call off? You're fired.
So these people have no choice other than to get out and defy Mother Nature because they need the money. They need to get to work, or else they will have NO source of income. They need to get to work because they have children to support, and a firing will ruin everything.
It's times like this that workplaces need to be flexible in their rules. No assembly line worker should have to risk his or her life for the benefit of the company he or she doesn't care about (and works there only for the paycheck).
Of course, those that NEED to be out there NEED to be there: your public safety workers, postal carriers, National guardsmen, journalists, etc. While they need to make every effort possible to get to where they need to be, sometimes even they won't be able to get there safely.
Then comes the boss who lays down a punishment. Then you wonder if your boss got to work by using some sort of Star Trek transporter. You explain your case.
Then comes the "I, therefore you" argument. No human is equal to others. Robots may be equal to other robots, but humans are not alike. You explain your case.
"But Punxsutawney Phil came out of his hole, then you should too!"
Then your boss puts his or her personal drama ahead of yours. You explain your case, however, by this time it may be too late for some people. The firing has been doled out because your boss has had enough.
Then you wonder if such people have a soul.
Not only will I be thinking of the people that NEED to be out at this time ...
But I will be thinking of those people that got, or will be getting, screwed over because of workplace policies and the handing of the pinkslip.
(Disclaimer: I have to work at my gas station tonight at 5:00. It's in that gray area between 'public safety profession' and 'artist'. We'll need to be open so that people can fill up their cars - as they are necessities. I live six blocks from work. I should be alright if my neighborhood street is touched by the plows, as well as Route 2 which should be alright by then. And if I can't make it ... it'll only be my second call-off in two-and-a-half years on the job.)
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Baseball Cards
Cutter's Log - Supplemental
I figured out an estimate on the value of all of the baseball cards I've collected over the past 21 years - at ~ $3,000.00. This is using Beckett "lo value" pricing as of 2007.
To put that in perspective, the most coveted Albert Pujols rookie card is worth $4,000.00 in mint condition.
I have also estimated that I have at least 31,000 baseball cards collected. There are also another 5,000 other cards of basketball, football, racing and hockey combined.
I made the decision last year to semi-retire from baseball card collecting. After I made that decision, I made a long trip to places around the Quad Cities to find some good buys. Turns out it wasn't worth the effort.
I'm now selling one-third of my collection. Most of it comes in big boxes that I have planned for the "Chinese Democracy-ish" Yard Sale I plan on having. There are several other singles I have in a small binder for individual sale.
HERE IS A LIST OF WHAT'S FOR SALE, from past blog entries.
Below is a list of the individual cards (mixed sports) I have for sale, in that binder:
2010 Topps Turkey Red - Ernie Banks - $1.50
1989 Donruss - Craig Biggio (rookie) - $2.00
1989 Topps - Craig Biggio (rookie) - $2.00
1991 Ultra - Barry Bonds - $1.25
1995 Emotion - Barry Bonds - $2.00
1997 Bowman Chrome International - Barry Bonds - $8.00
1997 Bowman's Best - Barry Bonds - $2.50
1997 Topps Tek - Barry Bonds - $4.00
2001 Stadium Club - Barry Bonds - $1.50
2003 Bowman's Best - Barry Bonds - $3.00
2007 Topps Bonds Home Run History - Barry Bonds - $1.00
2008 Upper Deck Retrospectum Swatches - Marcus Giles - $5.00
2010 Topps Peak Performance - Honus Wagner - $1.50
2010 Topps Opening Day Attax - Evan Longoria - $3.00
2010 Topps Opening Day Blue - Nick Swisher - $1.00
2010 Upper Deck Biography - Justin Verlander - $1.50
2010 Topps - Ryan Braun/Prince Fielder - $1.00
2010 Topps Attax Code Card - Ichiro Suzuki - $3.00
2010 Topps Attax Silver Foil - David Wright - $3.00
1984 Donruss - Tony Fernandez (rookie) - $1.50
1992 Topps - Shawn Green (rookie) - $1.00
1989 Fleer - John Smoltz (rookie) - $1.50
1986 Fleer Update - Will Clark (rookie) - $2.00
1995 Collector's Choice SE - Cal Ripken - $2.00
1998 Score Rookie/Traded - Cal Ripken - $2.00
1997 Topps Tek - Tony Gwynn - $1.25
1987 Topps - Mark McGwire - $3.00
1989 Upper Deck - Cal Ripken - $2.50
1990 Leaf - David Justice (rookie) - $2.50
1992 Stadium Club USA - Shawn Green (rookie) - $1.25
2000 Fleer Gamers - Tony Gwynn - $1.00
2000 Upper Deck All-UD - Derek Jeter - $1.00
1987 Fleer Stickers - Nolan Ryan - $1.00
1989 Donruss Traded - Nolan Ryan - $1.25
1987 Topps - Jose Canseco - $1.00
1992 Donruss - Nolan Ryan - $1.00 (I've got 3)
1991 Ultra Gold - Bo Jackson - $1.00
1991 Ultra - Don Mattingly - $1.00
1987 Topps - Rafael Palmerio - $1.25
1989 Bowman Reprints - Mickey Mantle - $1.00
1984 Topps - Andy Van Slyke - $1.25
1991 Ultra - Cal Ripken - $1.25
1978 Topps - Willie Hernandez (rookie) - $1.00
2009 Bowman Chrome refractor - Alfonso Soriano - $2.00
2007 Topps Opening Day - Ichiro Suzuki - $1.00
2007 Fleer - Ryan Howard - $1.00
2007 Fleer Crowning Achievement - Tom Glavine - $1.00
1990 Upper Deck - Randy Johnson - $1.00
2006 Topps Mantle - Mickey Mantle - $2.00
2009 Topps Chrome X-Fractor - Nick Swisher - $2.00
2010 Topps 20-20 - David Wright - $2.00
1995 Flair - Brad Radke (rookie) - $1.00
2010 Topps Turkey Red - Lou Gehrig - $3.00
2010 Topps - Eddie Matthews - $20.00
2010 Topps - Babe Ruth/Lou Gehrig - $2.00
2010 Topps Vintage Legends - Reggie Jackson - $1.00
2010 Topps Attax Code Card - Ian Kinsley - $1.00
2010 Topps Attax Code Card - Alex Rodriguez - $2.50
FOOTBALL:
1998 Bowman's Best - Drew Bledsoe - $1.50
1999 Playoff Prestige - Tim Brown - $1.00
1995 Upper Deck Stick'ems - Brett Favre - $3.00
1995 Collector's Choice Update - Brett Favre - $1.00
1996 Collector's Choice - Brett Favre - $2.00
1991 Pro Set - Ed McCaffery (rookie) - $2.00
1997 Skybox NFL Experience - Jerry Rice - $1.00
1999 Playoff Prestige - Jerry Rice - $1.00
1996 Select Certified - Deion Sanders - $1.00
1996 Collector's Edge Pres. Reserve - Junior Seau - $1.00
1991 Pro Set special - Emmitt Smith - $1.50
1995 Bowman's Best - Emmitt Smith - $3.00
1991 Pro Set - Ricky Watters (rookie) - $1.25
1999 Aurora - Steve Young - $1.00
BASKETBALL
1996-97 Topps - Steve Nash (rookie) - $1.25 (I have 2)
1998-99 Skybox Premium - Shaquille O'Neal - $1.25
1994-95 Flair Personal Note - Shaquille O'Neal - $1.00
***Or you can have the whole binder, which also includes several $0.25 cards, for $200.00.
I figured out an estimate on the value of all of the baseball cards I've collected over the past 21 years - at ~ $3,000.00. This is using Beckett "lo value" pricing as of 2007.
To put that in perspective, the most coveted Albert Pujols rookie card is worth $4,000.00 in mint condition.
I have also estimated that I have at least 31,000 baseball cards collected. There are also another 5,000 other cards of basketball, football, racing and hockey combined.
I made the decision last year to semi-retire from baseball card collecting. After I made that decision, I made a long trip to places around the Quad Cities to find some good buys. Turns out it wasn't worth the effort.
I'm now selling one-third of my collection. Most of it comes in big boxes that I have planned for the "Chinese Democracy-ish" Yard Sale I plan on having. There are several other singles I have in a small binder for individual sale.
HERE IS A LIST OF WHAT'S FOR SALE, from past blog entries.
Below is a list of the individual cards (mixed sports) I have for sale, in that binder:
2010 Topps Turkey Red - Ernie Banks - $1.50
1989 Donruss - Craig Biggio (rookie) - $2.00
1989 Topps - Craig Biggio (rookie) - $2.00
1991 Ultra - Barry Bonds - $1.25
1995 Emotion - Barry Bonds - $2.00
1997 Bowman Chrome International - Barry Bonds - $8.00
1997 Bowman's Best - Barry Bonds - $2.50
1997 Topps Tek - Barry Bonds - $4.00
2001 Stadium Club - Barry Bonds - $1.50
2003 Bowman's Best - Barry Bonds - $3.00
2007 Topps Bonds Home Run History - Barry Bonds - $1.00
2008 Upper Deck Retrospectum Swatches - Marcus Giles - $5.00
2010 Topps Peak Performance - Honus Wagner - $1.50
2010 Topps Opening Day Attax - Evan Longoria - $3.00
2010 Topps Opening Day Blue - Nick Swisher - $1.00
2010 Upper Deck Biography - Justin Verlander - $1.50
2010 Topps - Ryan Braun/Prince Fielder - $1.00
2010 Topps Attax Code Card - Ichiro Suzuki - $3.00
2010 Topps Attax Silver Foil - David Wright - $3.00
1984 Donruss - Tony Fernandez (rookie) - $1.50
1992 Topps - Shawn Green (rookie) - $1.00
1989 Fleer - John Smoltz (rookie) - $1.50
1986 Fleer Update - Will Clark (rookie) - $2.00
1995 Collector's Choice SE - Cal Ripken - $2.00
1998 Score Rookie/Traded - Cal Ripken - $2.00
1997 Topps Tek - Tony Gwynn - $1.25
1987 Topps - Mark McGwire - $3.00
1989 Upper Deck - Cal Ripken - $2.50
1990 Leaf - David Justice (rookie) - $2.50
1992 Stadium Club USA - Shawn Green (rookie) - $1.25
2000 Fleer Gamers - Tony Gwynn - $1.00
2000 Upper Deck All-UD - Derek Jeter - $1.00
1987 Fleer Stickers - Nolan Ryan - $1.00
1989 Donruss Traded - Nolan Ryan - $1.25
1987 Topps - Jose Canseco - $1.00
1992 Donruss - Nolan Ryan - $1.00 (I've got 3)
1991 Ultra Gold - Bo Jackson - $1.00
1991 Ultra - Don Mattingly - $1.00
1987 Topps - Rafael Palmerio - $1.25
1989 Bowman Reprints - Mickey Mantle - $1.00
1984 Topps - Andy Van Slyke - $1.25
1991 Ultra - Cal Ripken - $1.25
1978 Topps - Willie Hernandez (rookie) - $1.00
2009 Bowman Chrome refractor - Alfonso Soriano - $2.00
2007 Topps Opening Day - Ichiro Suzuki - $1.00
2007 Fleer - Ryan Howard - $1.00
2007 Fleer Crowning Achievement - Tom Glavine - $1.00
1990 Upper Deck - Randy Johnson - $1.00
2006 Topps Mantle - Mickey Mantle - $2.00
2009 Topps Chrome X-Fractor - Nick Swisher - $2.00
2010 Topps 20-20 - David Wright - $2.00
1995 Flair - Brad Radke (rookie) - $1.00
2010 Topps Turkey Red - Lou Gehrig - $3.00
2010 Topps - Eddie Matthews - $20.00
2010 Topps - Babe Ruth/Lou Gehrig - $2.00
2010 Topps Vintage Legends - Reggie Jackson - $1.00
2010 Topps Attax Code Card - Ian Kinsley - $1.00
2010 Topps Attax Code Card - Alex Rodriguez - $2.50
FOOTBALL:
1998 Bowman's Best - Drew Bledsoe - $1.50
1999 Playoff Prestige - Tim Brown - $1.00
1995 Upper Deck Stick'ems - Brett Favre - $3.00
1995 Collector's Choice Update - Brett Favre - $1.00
1996 Collector's Choice - Brett Favre - $2.00
1991 Pro Set - Ed McCaffery (rookie) - $2.00
1997 Skybox NFL Experience - Jerry Rice - $1.00
1999 Playoff Prestige - Jerry Rice - $1.00
1996 Select Certified - Deion Sanders - $1.00
1996 Collector's Edge Pres. Reserve - Junior Seau - $1.00
1991 Pro Set special - Emmitt Smith - $1.50
1995 Bowman's Best - Emmitt Smith - $3.00
1991 Pro Set - Ricky Watters (rookie) - $1.25
1999 Aurora - Steve Young - $1.00
BASKETBALL
1996-97 Topps - Steve Nash (rookie) - $1.25 (I have 2)
1998-99 Skybox Premium - Shaquille O'Neal - $1.25
1994-95 Flair Personal Note - Shaquille O'Neal - $1.00
***Or you can have the whole binder, which also includes several $0.25 cards, for $200.00.
Blizzards
Cutter's Log - Stardate 1102.10.20
Current Song - the sounds of winter, or war
This isn't Egypt.
Current Song - the sounds of winter, or war
This isn't Egypt.
Monday, January 31, 2011
When Money is Tight
Cutter's Log - Stardate 1102.13.10
Current Song - Lonesome Loser (Little River Band)
The economy has hit us all in some way. My hit has come direct from the source of income, work. It's in the form of hours worked. Less hours - less pay.
I've already found ways to cut website costs, but haven't really found ways to cut overall costs. I pretty much live paycheck-to-paycheck, which is something I'm not proud of but it'll have to do.
Whenever I find myself doing nothing simply because I can't afford it, there is a book on my bookshelf that I zip through: "365 Ways to Live Cheap" by Trent Hamm, publisher of thesimpledollar.com.
Yesterday I found myself going through this 225-page book trying to find tips in order to cut costs. Most of these ways are far-fetched ways ("Find Frugal Friends," "Attend Community Events," etc.). However there are some tips that I could start doing in order to save that extra dollar.
These were stemmed from tips in this book (and I will follow this with stuff I came up with as an indirect result of the book [the not-really-stealing-ideas type]):
1. Clean out my trunk. Thinking to my trunk, I have a few old car stereos (as unpaid collateral, sigh), some empty boxes, a folding chair for outside sports events, and a few more odds and ends. I don't know whether I really need this stuff, so out they will go. Cleaning out my trunk reduces the drag, and increases the gas mileage. I guess losing weight will help in this regard, too.
2. Divy a portion of my weekly paycheck to my savings account. When an enexpcted shortfall comes, the source of that money is my savings account. There is a certain amount I would not like to go under, but eventually I go under it when needed. I step foot in my bank about once a month, so I'll just set aside four checks and go once a month rather than making the extra errand.
3. The whole yard sale thing. I've blogged about it over and over again, and still can't find the time to put one up. Part of that problem is pricing everything. Perhaps when the weather is nice, I'll give items a certain pricing range: this stuff for five cents, this stuff for 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, etc. That may eliminate some of the time, and maybe I'll get this set up finally.
4. Motivational photos - I have tried this a couple of times, but with no luck. I once took a fast-food receipt and wrote "NO MORE" in black marker and taped it next to my speedometer. Didn't last. Time to find an image, be that of my family or a specific someone, and look at that before shopping.
5. Go the the library for similar books like "365 Ways." It doesn't cost anything. Plus I can add to this list. (Don't be surprised if this is a reoccuring topic).
6. Designate books for swapping. I have a bookshelf, but I also have books that are on top of the shelved books, and an overflow pile next to it. Some of these books I do not read anymore. Perhaps while I'm at the library, I can trade some of these for others that interest me. However, when was the last time a book at a swap-shelf interested you?
7. Pop for water. Yeah, best of luck with that! Turns out that drinking water will keep one's stomach occupied when it comes to finding something to eat. I have a pop cooler that I keep in my room that is quickly accesible from my computer, rather than going downstairs to the fridge. This cooler is small enough to take with me on trips. Often times, there is water on sale at a store cheaper than pop, and there is more water than pop in the process.
Going back to point No. 4, would a water label next to the motivational photo help? Perhaps. There are also places that sell water in the same soda fountain for a discounted price.
8. Typing these things in the blog. Provokes discussion, and therefore more ideas (HINT HINT!).
9. Coupons. They have pros, but there are cons involved in them as well. When I work Sunday nights at the gas station (maybe twice a month), I save coupons from the SV Weekend, Tribune, Dispatch, Register Star and QC Times. HOWEVER, I ONLY save such coupons of things that I purchase on a normal basis. There was one time that I cut out coupons of cool and interesting things and spent the money on these truly one-off things. Wasn't a good idea.
In my coat pocket are coupons for Steak 'N Shake. When I travel to a metro area such as Rockford, the Quads, Peoria, Madison or the suburbs, I will almost always have dinner on the road. More times than not, the meal usually comes from a drive-thru window. However, a place like Steak 'N Shake is one where not only I can get a discount on a meal, but also sit down and tally up my sports stats.
10. Eating breakfast. Breakfast is one of those things that sort of gets old by the time you turn 15 years of age. Then when you're 30 and have kids, you regret skipping out. While I don't have kids, yet, getting back into the breakfast slate of things helps fill the stomach when it's supposed to be filled.
11. Coupons.com - The first time I went there, there wasn't anything that I wanted, or needed. I never know now, perhaps when my things-needed list gets full, it's time to visit the website.
12. Comparison shopping. As mentioned, I go to Wal-Mart for my things. I know its cheap there; but when the things-needed list list just consists of food, I should remind myself that there are a few other grocery stores in town. However, this may not happen as often as you'd think. When the things-needed list gets full, it is often a mix of food and other items. These other things, such as pens and paper, are more expensive at grocery stores compared to Wal-Mart.
13. Shop local. There were times that I went the extra mile (or 75) to get something for the extra meaning. I once went to Wisconsin to get Wisconsin cheese, only to find out there is Wisconsin cheese back home. There have been some Christmas items that were available back home that I went far away to get. However, when the certain something I know for sure is far away, I'll go get it.
---
So these above are from the book.
Here are things that I came up with on my own that I already do to save money, and even time, as well as killing two birds with one stone.
1. I don't get stamps at the post office. Instead, I'll get my stamps at Wal-Mart, while I'm shopping, in order to save a trip. It's the same price at Wal-Mart as the P.O.
2. Set aside a certain time to do every single errand. I call it running errands. When I do this, I map out all of the places I need to go and go to them in order of location. And rather than making four or five trips to places at four or five certain times, I try to bunch everything in one.
3. Collect silver. Silver is a hot commodity right now, and there are times you'll find it in cash registers. I know whenever I find silver when working, I'll trade it with something in my car container. I have a certain amount that I'd like to achieve before cashing it all in.
4. Bring small treats to the games I cover. This may seem like a knock on our high school booster clubs, but some things are overpriced. How do I know? I've been to enough high schools and eaten from enough concession stands to know the reasonable rates.
5. Fill up the things-needed list. I don't require much shopping, beings I live with my parents, but sometimes there are things I need to get on my own. Rather than going somewhere to get the one thing when I need it, I have five spots on my things-needed list. When these five spots are filled, only then do I go out.
6. Try not to gloat about being cheap. This is a long blog entry, yes, but it's not like I'm trying to cram something down your throat. I can see the future: taking my girlfriend home, living in a dump, but saying I'm proud to be cheap. That's not what I want to be. Every once in a while I'll get that hot item, or spend something for an entertainment purpose.
I think it's like saying: I'm not trying to be a tightwad for the purpose of being a tightwad, but rather making these things apply AS common sense.
The comment section is open, folks. Thoughts? Ideas?
Current Song - Lonesome Loser (Little River Band)
The economy has hit us all in some way. My hit has come direct from the source of income, work. It's in the form of hours worked. Less hours - less pay.
I've already found ways to cut website costs, but haven't really found ways to cut overall costs. I pretty much live paycheck-to-paycheck, which is something I'm not proud of but it'll have to do.
Whenever I find myself doing nothing simply because I can't afford it, there is a book on my bookshelf that I zip through: "365 Ways to Live Cheap" by Trent Hamm, publisher of thesimpledollar.com.
Yesterday I found myself going through this 225-page book trying to find tips in order to cut costs. Most of these ways are far-fetched ways ("Find Frugal Friends," "Attend Community Events," etc.). However there are some tips that I could start doing in order to save that extra dollar.
These were stemmed from tips in this book (and I will follow this with stuff I came up with as an indirect result of the book [the not-really-stealing-ideas type]):
1. Clean out my trunk. Thinking to my trunk, I have a few old car stereos (as unpaid collateral, sigh), some empty boxes, a folding chair for outside sports events, and a few more odds and ends. I don't know whether I really need this stuff, so out they will go. Cleaning out my trunk reduces the drag, and increases the gas mileage. I guess losing weight will help in this regard, too.
2. Divy a portion of my weekly paycheck to my savings account. When an enexpcted shortfall comes, the source of that money is my savings account. There is a certain amount I would not like to go under, but eventually I go under it when needed. I step foot in my bank about once a month, so I'll just set aside four checks and go once a month rather than making the extra errand.
3. The whole yard sale thing. I've blogged about it over and over again, and still can't find the time to put one up. Part of that problem is pricing everything. Perhaps when the weather is nice, I'll give items a certain pricing range: this stuff for five cents, this stuff for 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, etc. That may eliminate some of the time, and maybe I'll get this set up finally.
4. Motivational photos - I have tried this a couple of times, but with no luck. I once took a fast-food receipt and wrote "NO MORE" in black marker and taped it next to my speedometer. Didn't last. Time to find an image, be that of my family or a specific someone, and look at that before shopping.
5. Go the the library for similar books like "365 Ways." It doesn't cost anything. Plus I can add to this list. (Don't be surprised if this is a reoccuring topic).
6. Designate books for swapping. I have a bookshelf, but I also have books that are on top of the shelved books, and an overflow pile next to it. Some of these books I do not read anymore. Perhaps while I'm at the library, I can trade some of these for others that interest me. However, when was the last time a book at a swap-shelf interested you?
7. Pop for water. Yeah, best of luck with that! Turns out that drinking water will keep one's stomach occupied when it comes to finding something to eat. I have a pop cooler that I keep in my room that is quickly accesible from my computer, rather than going downstairs to the fridge. This cooler is small enough to take with me on trips. Often times, there is water on sale at a store cheaper than pop, and there is more water than pop in the process.
Going back to point No. 4, would a water label next to the motivational photo help? Perhaps. There are also places that sell water in the same soda fountain for a discounted price.
8. Typing these things in the blog. Provokes discussion, and therefore more ideas (HINT HINT!).
9. Coupons. They have pros, but there are cons involved in them as well. When I work Sunday nights at the gas station (maybe twice a month), I save coupons from the SV Weekend, Tribune, Dispatch, Register Star and QC Times. HOWEVER, I ONLY save such coupons of things that I purchase on a normal basis. There was one time that I cut out coupons of cool and interesting things and spent the money on these truly one-off things. Wasn't a good idea.
In my coat pocket are coupons for Steak 'N Shake. When I travel to a metro area such as Rockford, the Quads, Peoria, Madison or the suburbs, I will almost always have dinner on the road. More times than not, the meal usually comes from a drive-thru window. However, a place like Steak 'N Shake is one where not only I can get a discount on a meal, but also sit down and tally up my sports stats.
10. Eating breakfast. Breakfast is one of those things that sort of gets old by the time you turn 15 years of age. Then when you're 30 and have kids, you regret skipping out. While I don't have kids, yet, getting back into the breakfast slate of things helps fill the stomach when it's supposed to be filled.
11. Coupons.com - The first time I went there, there wasn't anything that I wanted, or needed. I never know now, perhaps when my things-needed list gets full, it's time to visit the website.
12. Comparison shopping. As mentioned, I go to Wal-Mart for my things. I know its cheap there; but when the things-needed list list just consists of food, I should remind myself that there are a few other grocery stores in town. However, this may not happen as often as you'd think. When the things-needed list gets full, it is often a mix of food and other items. These other things, such as pens and paper, are more expensive at grocery stores compared to Wal-Mart.
13. Shop local. There were times that I went the extra mile (or 75) to get something for the extra meaning. I once went to Wisconsin to get Wisconsin cheese, only to find out there is Wisconsin cheese back home. There have been some Christmas items that were available back home that I went far away to get. However, when the certain something I know for sure is far away, I'll go get it.
---
So these above are from the book.
Here are things that I came up with on my own that I already do to save money, and even time, as well as killing two birds with one stone.
1. I don't get stamps at the post office. Instead, I'll get my stamps at Wal-Mart, while I'm shopping, in order to save a trip. It's the same price at Wal-Mart as the P.O.
2. Set aside a certain time to do every single errand. I call it running errands. When I do this, I map out all of the places I need to go and go to them in order of location. And rather than making four or five trips to places at four or five certain times, I try to bunch everything in one.
3. Collect silver. Silver is a hot commodity right now, and there are times you'll find it in cash registers. I know whenever I find silver when working, I'll trade it with something in my car container. I have a certain amount that I'd like to achieve before cashing it all in.
4. Bring small treats to the games I cover. This may seem like a knock on our high school booster clubs, but some things are overpriced. How do I know? I've been to enough high schools and eaten from enough concession stands to know the reasonable rates.
5. Fill up the things-needed list. I don't require much shopping, beings I live with my parents, but sometimes there are things I need to get on my own. Rather than going somewhere to get the one thing when I need it, I have five spots on my things-needed list. When these five spots are filled, only then do I go out.
6. Try not to gloat about being cheap. This is a long blog entry, yes, but it's not like I'm trying to cram something down your throat. I can see the future: taking my girlfriend home, living in a dump, but saying I'm proud to be cheap. That's not what I want to be. Every once in a while I'll get that hot item, or spend something for an entertainment purpose.
I think it's like saying: I'm not trying to be a tightwad for the purpose of being a tightwad, but rather making these things apply AS common sense.
The comment section is open, folks. Thoughts? Ideas?
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