Maybe not too complicated to understand

[Michael Mc C]

Just some updates regarding goals:

• I found the Habitat for Humanity website for my area and I've completed the volunteer registration form. I'm really psyched about this. I also think I want to find an opportunity that puts me outside my comfort zone. I think something that involves one-on-one interaction could do the trick so I'm continuing to look around for ideas.
• I found a way to work the gym membership into the budget. W is starting a job soon to offset her personal expenses so that will free some cash up for yours truly.
• I have a prescription for Chantix but my medical plan won't pay for it. However, some quick math shows that if I pay for it out of pocket AND stop smoking, I'll save about $150 a month. Once the Chantix (and my determination) have done their job, I'll be saving approximately $270 a month. I should have done the math MUCH sooner - duh. Holy crap, that's 12.6 gym memberships!
• I have updated the "daddy do list" with ideas from the kids as well as 'nice to haves' from the W. Yeah, she's still allowed her input... Going to start prioritizing them based on necessity, expense, inconvenience (the tile work will put the shower out of commission for a couple of days) and the season - don't want to be on the roof for at least 4 more months.
• I have reset my alarm clock to 5:30 and I've already got my mornings mapped out. One of the benefits of getting up at 5:30 is that it is less likely that anyone will 'interfere' with my planned routine.
• Have found some attorneys and will be starting to call around in the morning.
• I found a local family counseling practice and W has already made the call. They are checking out insurance coverage and will be getting back to us. They think that we will have to do out of pocket if anxiety or depression are not involved... They want anxiety? I'll give them anxiety...
• ** BONUS *** While looking on the company intranet for contributions towards family counseling I found a 4 part series on Managing Change. At first I thought this was a "coping" series but found that it is actually about why attempts to change fail and how proper preparation for change (whatever the change) will help make those changes permanent. Can't wait to get those lessons under my belt.

Tomorrow's the big 39 for me. Last day before I start my 40th year on Earth. Having friends and family over. W hasn't made any comments about it but I'm not surprised, sadly. Her brother, who is going to be here, asked if she was going to be around because apparently her MySpace page says she'll be over at a friend's house. I told him that I have no idea what plans she has. Me, on the other hand, I have a plan. I bought my corned beef and cabbage yesterday (love the stuff - Irish, go figure - going to get that cooking around 6 a.m.) and got myself a birthday cake. BIL is bringing the Guinness and we're going to have a blast.

My sister is going to take Things 1, 2 and 3 (kids) out to the store tomorrow afternoon to pick me up some gifts. I was going to bring them but that would have been really awkward.

As with our anniversary back in November, I have no expectation that my wife will mark the day until someone makes a comment. I expect she will simply say that she lost track of the date ("all I know is that it's FRIDAY"). After 20 years, no excuse for it.

Just updating on my goals has boosted my PMA!