A Totaly Money Makeover

So I was introduced to a book called Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. I'm usually not a fan of self help books, but his book really hit the spot. I recommend it to anyone. For the $17 cost, it's entirely worth it. His book is all about the down-to-earth wisdom of getting out of debt, and how to stay out of debt.

His book doesn't contain any secrets. Nor does it contain any special financial products or services. It's just plain reason. He explains the fallacies and myths that a lot of people believe in. And he explains the simple plan of getting and staying out of debt.

In all my 28 years, I have never kept a budget. Never. I never thought I really needed one. But this week I will create my very first budget and I will keep it. I have come to the realization that I need to take control of my spending and focus my money on staying free from financial bondage. One thing that I really like about this book is that the ideals taught in the book are the same ideals taught by the Church. So after having read his book, I look forward to taking control of my financial future.

My parents are giddy.

So I met this great girl a week before Christmas a few months ago. Her name is Mary. She's from Texas, and is going to school up here in Utah. She works at Novell in the corporate sales department. She works in another building, so thankfully the faux pas of dating someone you work with really doesn't apply here :)


As I mentioned, Mary is great! She's very athletic and adventurous. She loves kayaking, camping, hiking, and just plain being out doors. She has a ton of gear, so she can hit the mountains at the drop of a hat. She has recently picked up skiing, and I'm taking her snowboarding next week. (Hopefully I can convert her)

Anyway, I brought her up to meet my parents and they adore her. On more than one occasion my mother told me "She's a keeper". Both of my older brothers also voiced their approval (not that I need it, but it's nice to have anyway). Andy and Shawn are super excited to have Mary and me join them on some road trips and vacations.

In three weeks I'm taking the plunge and flying to Houston to meet her family. I've heard a bunch about her family and she talks to them on the phone almost daily. Mary tells me that they're going to love me. I sure hope so. It would make for a really awkward weekend if they didn't! (and Texans all have guns... and her dad is an ex-cop, so.... yeah). I'm looking forward to the trip and hope I don't make a fool of myself. :)

Anyway, my parents are just really excited to see me dating such a great girl. We'll see what happens!