I have a gs850 1980 suzuki that I will probably never ride. I never should have bought it in the first place: I paid 200 dollars, sight unseen, crashed and with a lost title.
I now believe that the title will never appear.
I have put on new handlebars, replaced the instrument cluter, cleaned the carbs, unbent, lubed, etc., etc.
I guess all I get out of it is the pleasure of having done it.
Once it is running well, I will probably sell it as a parts bike complete or part it out on Ebay.
Someday I'll actually get to ride a motorcycle.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
More Business
Our business partner took actions that led to feelings of betrayal. He put out two dresses for quotes at a rival business because he thought our prices were too high.
It was hard to deal with, because we thought the deal was that he would send business our way for a fee. Oh well, he has a lot on his mind and other business obligations that are at odds with our mutual business.
Eventually, we will partially sever ties: now, all orders are initiated through him. We need to be able to deal with orders directly and we soon will.
Eventually, it will all work out, but right now things feel a little bleak. It doesn't help that my other business is at a virtual standstill.
I love my participation and am seeking to expand it: I need to be more involved with the record keeping and the calculations. We pay the state sales tax, but it does not show up on the invoice -- I'm not even sure that that is legal. It makes things complicated because the sale price of the dress is made up of the following:
material
stones
labor to build the dress
labor to count, process, and glue the stones
supplies
state tax
a percentage to our partner
a fee for design
So here is the question -- on what part of the this all do we pay sales tax?
I'll go now and try to look it up.
It was hard to deal with, because we thought the deal was that he would send business our way for a fee. Oh well, he has a lot on his mind and other business obligations that are at odds with our mutual business.
Eventually, we will partially sever ties: now, all orders are initiated through him. We need to be able to deal with orders directly and we soon will.
Eventually, it will all work out, but right now things feel a little bleak. It doesn't help that my other business is at a virtual standstill.
I love my participation and am seeking to expand it: I need to be more involved with the record keeping and the calculations. We pay the state sales tax, but it does not show up on the invoice -- I'm not even sure that that is legal. It makes things complicated because the sale price of the dress is made up of the following:
material
stones
labor to build the dress
labor to count, process, and glue the stones
supplies
state tax
a percentage to our partner
a fee for design
So here is the question -- on what part of the this all do we pay sales tax?
I'll go now and try to look it up.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
The cutest, smartest,...
dog. Last week we drove 420 miles to Ohio: Amish Country to get a Bichon puppy. This is the best smartest doy we've ever had (except maybe for our other Bichon). Cute, active, learning to act just like the big boys (our other Bichon and our daughter's Shitsu), Yoder is a complete delight.
Have you read The Four Agreements?
I found out about this book at one of those beginning of the year teacher conferences. Got it (off half.com) read it, loved it. But I keep forgetting what each of the four agreements are.
I always remember: Let your word be impeccable, and Always do your best, but I always forget about the other two. I know one of them has to do with Hey, it's not about you. Meaning that the things people say that hurt or seem to belittle or otherwise disrespect you, really stem from issues and turmoils within that person and often don't have anything to do with you at all.
Well, I keep the book around so I can always check. Here are all four:
Be impeccable with your word.
Don't take anything personally.
Don't make assumptions.
Always do your best.
This last one often trips me up: when I'm busy being depressed about what other people say or do, I usually wander around and don't at all do my best. I have to keep reminding myself.
Besides! being depressed about what other people say and do violates the middle two: peoples' vitriol aimed at me is more about them than me! Also, I commonly misinterpret what other people mean by making assumptions.
I'm so ineffectual when depressed...
I always remember: Let your word be impeccable, and Always do your best, but I always forget about the other two. I know one of them has to do with Hey, it's not about you. Meaning that the things people say that hurt or seem to belittle or otherwise disrespect you, really stem from issues and turmoils within that person and often don't have anything to do with you at all.
Well, I keep the book around so I can always check. Here are all four:
Be impeccable with your word.
Don't take anything personally.
Don't make assumptions.
Always do your best.
This last one often trips me up: when I'm busy being depressed about what other people say or do, I usually wander around and don't at all do my best. I have to keep reminding myself.
Besides! being depressed about what other people say and do violates the middle two: peoples' vitriol aimed at me is more about them than me! Also, I commonly misinterpret what other people mean by making assumptions.
I'm so ineffectual when depressed...
It's Been a While
...so I thought I would write a quick update.
First, family news: my wife's mother fell at the nursing home and broke her hip. They sent her to the hospital where a blood test showed a super high platelet (sp) count (which probably means some kind of cancer) and a low hemoglobin, which means she's been losing blood. Not a good thing. She is a DNR, so the cancer thing was not (will not be) pursued, but the low hemo meant she could not have the operation that would fix her hip.
After a couple of units of blood, a weaning off of the cumidn (sp?), and by the end of the week she was ready for surgery.
Every day (she as alzheimers) we would explain the accident, why she was there, where she was, and what was going to happen. She would always say that noone had told her!
Once the new blood brought up her strength, she showed distinct signs of humor!
Well, she's back at the nursing home mending. We still have to remind her of why she's there.
First, family news: my wife's mother fell at the nursing home and broke her hip. They sent her to the hospital where a blood test showed a super high platelet (sp) count (which probably means some kind of cancer) and a low hemoglobin, which means she's been losing blood. Not a good thing. She is a DNR, so the cancer thing was not (will not be) pursued, but the low hemo meant she could not have the operation that would fix her hip.
After a couple of units of blood, a weaning off of the cumidn (sp?), and by the end of the week she was ready for surgery.
Every day (she as alzheimers) we would explain the accident, why she was there, where she was, and what was going to happen. She would always say that noone had told her!
Once the new blood brought up her strength, she showed distinct signs of humor!
Well, she's back at the nursing home mending. We still have to remind her of why she's there.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Oops, we thought we had insurance...
but we really don't.
Do you know what limited major medical means?
It means they will pay a TOTAL of 4,000 dollars for a total knee replacement.
Do you know what a total knee replacement costs? 25k to 40k
Oh well, I'm glad we found out this way, because now we know we have to get some real insurance.
Now that I'm diagnosed, we'll have to get the insurance and wait a year.
I guess I'll schedule another shot of cortizone.
Do you know what limited major medical means?
It means they will pay a TOTAL of 4,000 dollars for a total knee replacement.
Do you know what a total knee replacement costs? 25k to 40k
Oh well, I'm glad we found out this way, because now we know we have to get some real insurance.
Now that I'm diagnosed, we'll have to get the insurance and wait a year.
I guess I'll schedule another shot of cortizone.
It's a little late, but...
I thought I would start blogging about the birth of a new business. My wife has partnered with the people who own the dance studio at which we dance and is now making ballroom dance gowns for students and teachers to wear in competition.
My part started with registering the business with the IRS and with the state so we could get our much desired tax letter.
I also acted as the graphic designer: I designed a couple of logos and used them to adorn invoices and business cards, etc. Also made an ad mock-up and created a simple webpage.
We also contracted for some really cool labels for her women's and men's line of clothing.
The market was ready because of a recently completed competition that was coming up. She had to cut off orders because there is just no way to mass produce custom designed and built gowns.
Her partner designs most of the dresses and he is outstanding: not only a gifted dancer but a talented designer, musician, etc. (the list goes on).
It was during this push that I found my true calling in life: stoner. Well, I mean Rhine-Stoner! Someone has to glue on thousands of stones and since we don't have a sweatshop in a Pacific Rim country, we do it our selves.
Out coolest scene was both working on different parts of the dress at 8pm so we could rush it to the studio so the student could dance in it before the competition. We sat at corners of the card table (which all of a sudden showed it had one short leg and started rocking) and frantically glued rhinestones to finish the dress.
Turned out to be the best dress ever!
At the competition, all the ladies got high praise and gave out my wife's name. I'm keeping the rhinestone thing quiet (for my part in it) because I don't want anyone to think anyone can do it. I like it, but it takes hours and hours for each dress.
A typical dress has anywhere from 8 gross to 30 gross of stones, each one glued on individually!
Once we give a cut here and there and to the state and IRS, we still have some money left! And even after the competition, we still have orders for more dresses. Luckily, people who take ballroom dance lessons often have lots of money -- but it's OK, they like to spend it (as we do) because everyone is having such a great time!
More on the business as it occurs.
My part started with registering the business with the IRS and with the state so we could get our much desired tax letter.
I also acted as the graphic designer: I designed a couple of logos and used them to adorn invoices and business cards, etc. Also made an ad mock-up and created a simple webpage.
We also contracted for some really cool labels for her women's and men's line of clothing.
The market was ready because of a recently completed competition that was coming up. She had to cut off orders because there is just no way to mass produce custom designed and built gowns.
Her partner designs most of the dresses and he is outstanding: not only a gifted dancer but a talented designer, musician, etc. (the list goes on).
It was during this push that I found my true calling in life: stoner. Well, I mean Rhine-Stoner! Someone has to glue on thousands of stones and since we don't have a sweatshop in a Pacific Rim country, we do it our selves.
Out coolest scene was both working on different parts of the dress at 8pm so we could rush it to the studio so the student could dance in it before the competition. We sat at corners of the card table (which all of a sudden showed it had one short leg and started rocking) and frantically glued rhinestones to finish the dress.
Turned out to be the best dress ever!
At the competition, all the ladies got high praise and gave out my wife's name. I'm keeping the rhinestone thing quiet (for my part in it) because I don't want anyone to think anyone can do it. I like it, but it takes hours and hours for each dress.
A typical dress has anywhere from 8 gross to 30 gross of stones, each one glued on individually!
Once we give a cut here and there and to the state and IRS, we still have some money left! And even after the competition, we still have orders for more dresses. Luckily, people who take ballroom dance lessons often have lots of money -- but it's OK, they like to spend it (as we do) because everyone is having such a great time!
More on the business as it occurs.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Random Thoughts and Adventures of the Day
Yesterday I had an x-ray taken that shows no cartilage in half of each knee. No wonder it's hurt so much over the years and I'm afraid to run. It was limping through the auto show that finally got me to get it checked out: I'm so relieved I wasn't just wimping out! I got a cortisone shot in one knee and it seems to work to relieve the pain, but I want a more permanent solution.
Got an answer to my message from the other day: he says that in 17 years of pastoring, he's seen more people with too high an opinion of themselves and fewer with the self-hate I mentioned although he agrees that self-hate is a form of idolatry because it means you think more of your own opinion about yourself than God's opinion of you. I bow to his anecdotal evidence but most of the people I know cover self-hate with bluster that looks like conceit. I don't know...
Had a student give me an apology for seeming to doze in class tonight. I didn't blame her. If I had to listen to anyone (even someone as wannabe interesting as I am) for the duration of the 2.5 hour class I would be snoozing. She's actually very sharp and certainly didn't need to apologize.
Got our car back from its $550 dollar visit to the auto shop: front end fixed and it's smooth riding again, just like it was when we first got it. It is quite a pleasure to drive it.
Had a solo dance lesson today because my wife is sick. Even so she still had to work all day, but I did have a good lesson. It's all about learning to be a better leader now: standing up straight, head up, frame strong, push with the right don't pull with the left. And our favorite teacher isn't planning to dump us: whew!!
Adventure in the morning taking a taxi cab to sick call: worked out well and cost only $15. We'll do it again when we have to. And they take credit cards.
Got an answer to my message from the other day: he says that in 17 years of pastoring, he's seen more people with too high an opinion of themselves and fewer with the self-hate I mentioned although he agrees that self-hate is a form of idolatry because it means you think more of your own opinion about yourself than God's opinion of you. I bow to his anecdotal evidence but most of the people I know cover self-hate with bluster that looks like conceit. I don't know...
Had a student give me an apology for seeming to doze in class tonight. I didn't blame her. If I had to listen to anyone (even someone as wannabe interesting as I am) for the duration of the 2.5 hour class I would be snoozing. She's actually very sharp and certainly didn't need to apologize.
Got our car back from its $550 dollar visit to the auto shop: front end fixed and it's smooth riding again, just like it was when we first got it. It is quite a pleasure to drive it.
Had a solo dance lesson today because my wife is sick. Even so she still had to work all day, but I did have a good lesson. It's all about learning to be a better leader now: standing up straight, head up, frame strong, push with the right don't pull with the left. And our favorite teacher isn't planning to dump us: whew!!
Adventure in the morning taking a taxi cab to sick call: worked out well and cost only $15. We'll do it again when we have to. And they take credit cards.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Sermon comments Feb 24 07
Hi John,
First, I’m glad you and the elders have taken a stand and have chosen, through God’s leading, to lead us away from the Vineyard. I’ve read the documents carefully and am confident that you are taking the best of what the Vineyard was into a fellowship newly regenerated in the image of God.
About this morning’s message, I have the following ideas. For most of us, the problem is not that we love ourselves too much, it is that we hate ourselves too much. Self-hatred leads to (or comes from) self-judgment and a desire to punish ourselves. This judgment and punishment really sets us up as our own god, which is a form of idolatry.
Self-hatred and idolatry cannot coexist with love of God within the same person.
If you are not a Christian it may be that the opposite of self-hate is self-love. But, if you are a Christian, you must renounce the self-hate, which is idolatry, and fill up instead with love of God and all that entails.
Maybe this sounds like I’m disagreeing with what you said (or maybe you see ramifications that lead me into a contradictory position), but I don’t think I disagree with anything in today’s message.
The answer to self-hate is not self-love and maybe there are therapists that head in that direction. While I don’t agree with anyone teaching self-love, I do think some people need help with letting go of the idolatry that is self-hate.
Just a few thoughts…Michael Sprague
First, I’m glad you and the elders have taken a stand and have chosen, through God’s leading, to lead us away from the Vineyard. I’ve read the documents carefully and am confident that you are taking the best of what the Vineyard was into a fellowship newly regenerated in the image of God.
About this morning’s message, I have the following ideas. For most of us, the problem is not that we love ourselves too much, it is that we hate ourselves too much. Self-hatred leads to (or comes from) self-judgment and a desire to punish ourselves. This judgment and punishment really sets us up as our own god, which is a form of idolatry.
Self-hatred and idolatry cannot coexist with love of God within the same person.
If you are not a Christian it may be that the opposite of self-hate is self-love. But, if you are a Christian, you must renounce the self-hate, which is idolatry, and fill up instead with love of God and all that entails.
Maybe this sounds like I’m disagreeing with what you said (or maybe you see ramifications that lead me into a contradictory position), but I don’t think I disagree with anything in today’s message.
The answer to self-hate is not self-love and maybe there are therapists that head in that direction. While I don’t agree with anyone teaching self-love, I do think some people need help with letting go of the idolatry that is self-hate.
Just a few thoughts…Michael Sprague
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)