I am having a great week and I am having a horrible week.
I’ll start with the good.
On the great week side, I have recently accepted a new job offer, and we hired my replacement yesterday. My new job will be in software deployment, which is a niche in the IT world that I find to be rather enjoyable. Hiring my replacement means I have time to pass off all my knowledge of my current work environment, leaving my current employer (and the new guy) in a better position than when I arrived.
Also on the great side, we are looking forward to our annual cookie swap party on Saturday. Every year we host this party in our home, and we invite family, friends, and coworkers. We require no RSVP. If folks have time to bake a couple batches of cookies and stop by, then we are happy to have them. We figure there is enough stress at Christmas time; we don’t need to add to it by making folks feel like they must attend or must commit to attending in advance. It’s going to be a great time. With tons of fantastic cookies, all of our best friends, and our family, it’s guaranteed to be fun, and I’m really looking forward to it.
On the horrible week side, it’s mostly financial. The fuel pump on my truck died on my way to work on Monday. That’ll be about a $600 repair. Then on Tuesday, my wife’s car decides to flip on the check engine light. A code scan revealed a problem with the evap canister. (Something to do with the venting of the gas tank.) I haven’t taken it into the shop yet, but from what I’ve read on the Internet, I’m figuring about $500. Pretty sucky week so far huh. So guess what happens on Wednesday night. The A/C in the house stopped working. The outside unit kept tripping the circuit breaker. We called the A/C repair folks and are waiting for them to come out. No idea what this will cost. For those attending the party on Saturday, we really really hope it will be fixed by then. Merry Christmas to me, I get car repairs and A/C repair for Christmas.
I hope you don’t mind me sharing the bad with the good. I suppose we can just file this under “bloggers are human too.” We all seem to have good times and bad times, and I’m no different. I live in a normal house, have normal cars, and also have normal problems.
I do like to end on a good note, so let’s bring it back around. Several years ago, we read a book called “The Total Money Makeover” by Dave Ramsey. This is a personal finance book that really makes sense (one of the few I found that has good solid financial advice for normal people.) We followed Dave’s plan to get out of debt, pay off our cars, and live on less than we earn. Part of this plan, after getting out of debt, is to save up 3 to 6 months of expenses as an emergency fund. So, the good news… we have money to cover these unexpected repairs. This wouldn’t have been the case just a few years ago. I will have to rebuild a portion of my emergency fund, but I feel very fortunate to be in the position to pay for my repairs and to not need credit cards to cover it. I am grateful for Dave Ramsey and the wisdom he teaches in his book. Thanks Dave!
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Eric – Congrats on the new job! Sorry about the other stuff. The ubiquitous “check engine light.” Yes, I’ve been there. But it’s so great how you end the story…you’re a walking, talking role model for the wisdom of having an emergency fund. And the proof that it can be done. I know it takes work and effort to get there, so big high fives to you.
Patty @ Why Not Start Now?´s last blog ..A Cat’s Wisdom
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Eric Watermolen
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December 11th, 2009 at 9:43 am
Thanks Patty. The emergency fund has been a life saver. It does take a lot of effort to put money away and not touch it for all the cool gizmos and gadgets out there. Having done it is sure going to pay off this week.
An update on the A/C issue. It’s good news and bad news, seeming to continue the theme. The compressor died, and luckily the part is covered under a 10 year warranty. Labor and the discharge and recharge of refrigerant isn’t included though, and we’re looking at about $800 for that. Better than $3000 for a new unit though, so we’ll bite the bullet and get it fixed.
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Shit happens to all of us. Usually it all sorts itself out. I find myself making it worse than it really is. Money is meant to be moved around, so it’ll come back to you in different forms. You never know what is around the corner
Henri´s last blog ..How to Overcome Procrastination
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Eric Watermolen
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December 11th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Henri, welcome to Eden Journal and thanks for commenting. I really like that concept “Money is meant to be moved around, so it’ll come back to you in different forms.” It’s been long time since I’ve heard that idea mentioned, thanks for bringing it back to life.
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Hi Eric.
That is really something about following that emergency fund preparedness plan by David Ramsey, as I assume most who read it don’t actually do it, and later question whey they didn’t. The few that do can get some real advantages.
That cookie swap idea sure sounds great. I would come and bring some type of cookie, and then eat one of each other type that other folks brought. There is good stuff out there if we try it.
Armen Shirvanian´s last blog ..Sites To Mention 12-10-2009 Plus Podcast Plus Map
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Eric Watermolen
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December 11th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
The cookie swap is great. Everyone always seems to have a favorite, and we get so many different kinds. Even without any coordination, we rarely have duplicates. I guess in a way, it’s a representation of the uniqueness in each of us. And rest assured, I sample each and every cookie.
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Great post, it touches on so many different things that are important in keeping our selves living in balance and growing. We should never mind when people share the good with the bad, that is what connecting with others is all about and how we build community. Your story also shows how creating a plan (the emergency fund) and sticking with it creates rewards. This is something we know but it is always good to see it in action as well.
Quinn´s last blog ..Create a network of support
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Eric Watermolen
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December 14th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Quinn, Thanks for stopping by. Balance and growing are definitely strong themes in my life.
Also, I had some good news on the check engine light. At this point I think it was just an issue with the gas cap; maybe it wasn’t on tight enough. I reseated the gas cap and the check engine light turned off.
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Well done for sorting out your finances. That’s so liberating. Things do go wrong – cars are the worst for unexpected costs but there’s always something that pops up so it’s brilliant you have it covered. Have a fab holiday and don’t eat too many cookies:)
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Eric Watermolen
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December 14th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Annabel,
I ate too many cookies.
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