Hey gang. Is this thing on? Hello? Did my password work? I guess so!
So, uh, hey, how's everybody on here? Better than ever I hope.
Not that I expect anyone to remember me, but I remember you guys!
I'm still around, occasionally lurking and reading the blogs, though I admit not daily like I used to. I imagine that I've probably missed quite a bit.
So yeah, if you've got some free time (like me right now), feel free to leave me a comment about how your life is going. Would love to hear all about it!
As for me, I'm still around. Let's see. I'm working. I'm at work, slacking off while blogging. Haha.
I work out now. 4 to 5 days a week. Trying to get a handle on that because apparently, there is quite a bit involved. In particular, diet is a huge component, but it isn't easy to be frugal there. Especially if you also prefer the fresh, organic stuff.
Family is also puttering along. My parents are planning to retire some time this year. They say their finances are ready. I'm a bit skeptical but I have full faith in them.
I am still fumbling with the stock market, but I think I am on the verge of stopping so I can focus on my career more. Until then, Come on, NVDA! The story is great, and your growth potential is promising. Why can't you just go up already?!
Ahem.
So that's what's going on in my life. Overall, I have to admit that I am not as frugal as I used to be. Well, I am still monitoring my money of course, and trying to grow my net worth, but now I'm trying to be less uptight about money? Like, spending it when it matters, such as a healthier diet, minimal workout equipment, and work-related costs.
Oh and video games. Yes, it's horrible. I have a problem. Well, I still buy them when on sale, but I can quit anytime I want! Tomorrow maybe.
There is a part of me that feels kinda bad about not having been around for you guys in all these years. I hope nobody actually feels like, hey, this jerk abandoned us, and now he's back to post? Screw him! Actually, if anyone actually felt that way, I will totally understand, and I do apologize. I owe many of you a lot for helping me get through one of the darkest patch in my life.
But most likely, I'm betting that most people won't even remember who I am. BA who? Whatever! In which case, my response is, "Good!" That is exactly who I am. Just another guy out there, struggling to stay on track. Life is just way too short and precious to go screw it up now. And that's all that I'm trying to do too. Keep it on track.
Aaaand I have to confess that, although I will always stay loyal to the frugal code, well, my interests currently lie elsewhere, but it does involve working on my career and improving income.
Anyways, it's time to put my snorkel back on and wade back into the sea of life. Before I disappear again, if anyone has any lingering, morbid questions for me or about me, then feel free to ask and I'll try to respond within the next few days.
Again, I hope all of you are doing well and will continue to do better. Thanks again for all your help. I am absent but haven't forgotten. Take care now!
Update: Since enough people have asked about my uh closet experience, I've decided to share a photo of it. Seriously though? That's what I am being remembered as? That crazy closet guy who lives in a closet? Not my many other adventureous exploits, heoric daring-do, or how I've saved all almost 15% by switching to Geico? This? Wow, I don't know what to make of you guys. Haha. Enjoy.
January 21st, 2013 at 10:49 pm 1358808547
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January 21st, 2013 at 11:44 pm 1358811897
didn't you used to sleep in a closet or somethng? ::
Good to hear from you.
January 21st, 2013 at 11:49 pm 1358812199
January 21st, 2013 at 11:54 pm 1358812448
How are you and your hubby doing? Well I hope. How many Corvettes does he have now?
Yes, I am still in NC. Will probably be here into the foreseeable future. I am house-sitting for an aunt right now; don't know if I mentioned that before, so I am currently rent and mortgage-free. Of course, I know that can't last forever, and I am still not sure what I should do after that. But all things in good time I guess.
January 21st, 2013 at 11:59 pm 1358812747
January 22nd, 2013 at 12:02 am 1358812953
Hmm, that is odd. You've got me curious now, so I'll have to check it out.
Unlike the blogs, I rarely if ever check the forums now.
January 22nd, 2013 at 12:04 am 1358813064
Nice to see you, First. It probably says something about me needing to change my passwords though. Haha.
Hey Joan! Thank you for the compliment and support from folks like you. As for blogging, well, it was theraputic back then, and more importantly, I had a different work arrangement as I do now. Well, ok, I guess I still can but uh, seriously, my life is completely not interesting. Just the daily grind.
Hey Paulette! Glad to see you again! How are you anyway? I remember you having some of the most eloquent posts I've read anywhere.... Remind me not to upset you online, lest I incur the wrath of your pen.
Hey patient! Yay, another regular! How are you? I remember you as well, especially with your freelance work and your kind-heartedness towards older cats. Hope you are doing well... as well.
Hey, you want to know something funny? Uh, yeah, I still sleep in my closet, and still thoroughly unimpressing any ladies with that one. But what can I say, it totally works, so that's why I keep doing it. My utility bills remain low, though I no longer do those crazy challenges to see how low my bills can be by freezing or burning my butt off.
I also did this interesting experiment where you add container plants into the closet space. Despite the premium on space, it actually helped to improve air quality and comfort. Hmm, that would have been an interesting topic to blog, though not necessarily frugal....
January 22nd, 2013 at 12:04 am 1358813070
Our family moved this summer to a new town, same state, just two hours east...thanks to the Army. My husband deployed to Iraq for a second time in 2010/2011, we saved up lots of cash then and were able to put half down on a used truck for him. We are set to pay that loan off very soon. Last year, we saved for a 'free Christmas'...all funds for Christmas came from non income sources, such as surveys, rebates, gift card promotions and Swagbucks.
January 22nd, 2013 at 12:08 am 1358813305
January 22nd, 2013 at 12:22 am 1358814138
To be perfectly honest, I don't have any plans to blog more often, at least not with this account. However, I do read the blogs here, so please don't think I've forgotten you guys. It's more like I don't have anything interesting to say most of the time.
Is your hubby finally home now, or is he still out deployed? I've always wondered how difficult that made things for you, not to see you, though I think I remember you stating that it was also a bit easier to be frugal when he's not around. Hehe.
January 22nd, 2013 at 12:34 am 1358814888
I also remember how heart-breaking your stories were, and I hope things have brightened up some at least.
Let's see. Nope. Still single. Oh well, more time to save and work on my career at least.
Kids. Good! They're getting so big. And teenage angsty. But at least they're growing up to be good people... if I can get them to stop rolling their eyes at me. Haha.
Weapon collection.... Oh my. You DO remember me. This isn't good, is it? Well, they're not entirely practical, and since I already have enough to last me a lifetime, I've pretty much stopped doing that. In fact, and due to the tragic recent events, certain items related to firearms have practically doubled and tripled in price. As such, I'm really, really tempted to sell some of my stuff for profit. As you can imagine though, the trick here is you can't just sell to just anybody. So, we'll see what happens here.
Finally, as mentioned earlier, yes... I am still sleeping in my closet WHICH I prefer to call it my Mini-Zen-Space-of-Peaceful-Slumber(tm). Interestingly enough, it's one of those mad cap things I tried that actually, totally worked out. And if it works for me, why not keep doing it, right?
Speaking of which, let me see if I can't find a picture of it for you guys. I added some house plants at one point, and I thought it was really cool. That experiment, sadly, did not entirely pan out, but still, it's a fun picture to share.
January 22nd, 2013 at 12:45 am 1358815538
January 22nd, 2013 at 12:57 am 1358816254
Haha, karaoke. I haven't done that in a while. Don't have my set up... set up. Plus, I think I am rapidly running out of songs that are actually within my vocal range. Maybe I can cheat with those fancy autotunes or something. Hahah, just kidding. I will not cheat, no matter how bad I sound. Having said that, the technology is amazing. Even made Paris Hilton sound like she can sort of sing.
January 22nd, 2013 at 01:02 am 1358816557
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January 22nd, 2013 at 02:18 am 1358821128
Wow! I saw a post by you and could hardly believe my eyes.
So good to hear from you - hope you're back for good.
---
As for me - I'm no longer Frugal in Texas ... I'm now Frugal in New Mexico.
January 22nd, 2013 at 02:28 am 1358821722
And seriously, I'm That Closet Guy? Hahah, wow, I had no idea it was that crazy. Makes me wonder what else I've done that people think is crazy, but I dismiss as being not that crazy.
That song is so much fun. I still have it in my playlist and sing along once in a while.
January 22nd, 2013 at 02:29 am 1358821746
Yes, my husband did make it home early in 2011. Yes...it's hard to keep a reign on his spending. Lately he likes to stop at the gas station for a coffee everyday on the way to work! Ugh. Luckily, his habits don't keep us from our goals.
January 22nd, 2013 at 02:34 am 1358822085
Huh, well I don't have to tell you guys that gas station coffee isn't just a terrible leaking expense, but the quality may be questionable as well. Still, if that's all there is, then it's really not too bad, and I'm sure he's totally worth it.
January 22nd, 2013 at 02:49 am 1358822987
Not crazy, just different from the norm.
I'm doing good overall. Had some downers this past year that I'm dealing with, but overall, I'm doing well.
January 22nd, 2013 at 01:15 pm 1358860539
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Nothing really new here, just plugging along as always.
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January 22nd, 2013 at 09:15 pm 1358889322
CCF, there's actually a palm tree one time as well. Unfortunately, they did not make it. They appear to be a bit more delicate than the rest.
Hey MonkeyMama! Just want to say I've always enjoyed your blog, and am glad that you are still here.
Ima, I just want to say I am totally jealous. It's almost time for me to replace my car, but I am not sure what I want to get exactly yet. Will probably just end up with a used Honda Fit, but it's all up in the air right now.
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Nice to hear from you again BA.
Everytime I read an article about small dwellings I think of you. Weird.
January 24th, 2013 at 12:34 am 1358987692
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January 24th, 2013 at 11:04 pm 1359068684
Plants in the closet, huh?
January 24th, 2013 at 11:11 pm 1359069104
Hi Kat! Can I call you Kat? Yeah, I don't know why it's so weird. I mean, many are no different than any other rooms,just smaller. Some even have windows inside. But one of the several things I've learned about very small spaces is that it, in this case, air quality matters. It's always mattered, especially for those with asthma, but when you are in a small space, it's much easier to have a lower % oxygen, which affects your focus and general well-being. This is doubly so when you are relatively sealed in to preserve heat or cooling.
So that's how that started. And besides, I like plants. They make the space look so much nicer. Also, gives it a nice, foresty smell too!
January 25th, 2013 at 12:19 am 1359073181
January 28th, 2013 at 07:08 am 1359356903
I couldn't believe it when I saw your post... had to wonder if it was the *same* BA, but clearly...
Working out? Wow! Any swimming?!
This will be fun... Glad you're back!
January 28th, 2013 at 08:14 pm 1359404041
January 28th, 2013 at 09:28 pm 1359408519
Good to see you again, SwimGirl! Yeah, no swimming in my regiment, but mostly a combination of strength training and cardio. Also, I completed P90X a while back. That was a funny experiment. And by funny, I think I really meant painful.
Hey English Castle! Not sure if this post qualifies as "big" since I'm only visiting, but actually yeah, I'm still doing cooking experiments sometimes. The biggest one was a little while back, when I got a big 3-tier steamer, and started cooking a week's worth of food at a time. I've never done that before. Big batches all at once and sticking them in tupperwares.
But that's how bodybuilders and other serious athletes who are watching their calories do. I've since simplified the process a bit more, but the experimentation continues. I'm always open to suggestions though. I'm looking for foods that are super easy to make, carry, eat, and of course, is healthy and afforrdable. Finding all of the above seems more difficult than it looks....
My general target is roughly 2000 calories a day, with a 35/45/20 distribution, which translates to 175g protein, 225g carbs, and 44g fat. However, the numbers are not set in stone, and I don't have to hit it exactly every day. I'm serious, but not THAT serious... yet.
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February 2nd, 2013 at 01:36 am 1359768997
I am fine. Hubby's heart stopped twice in the ER in Feb. of 2012. They put in 2 stents. I really do understand how important insurance is even though it can be expensive. I've sort of dropped off too because of personal situations but hope to be up again soon. It's hard to stay away because we do all build relationships with one another and it's great to know that we are not the only ones who think as we do. I realized the importance of an emergency fund last year. You can NEVER really save enough when it comes to emergencies. So glad that you're back. You were a breath of fresh air.
February 2nd, 2013 at 01:40 am 1359769251
February 24th, 2013 at 09:02 am 1361696557
Glad to know you are still okay, one of the problems with this kind of connextion is that people just disappear and you never know what happened to them.
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