Don't Hold My New Baby!

Now the transition begins for the life of the supportive, loving, patient, and understanding husband during the pregnancy stage to fatherhood!  For this first fatherhood post, I’ll focus on some things men, and couples in general, should think about in preparation for those first few weeks of parenthood.

 1)Do you want everyone you know to come see you in the hospital?

Pro – Both before and after birth they keep you company and bring you food and presents. I liked the food part the best…and of course the company.  It’s a joy to introduce your new baby to family and friends.

Con—They all want to hold the new baby and sometimes take a lot of energy to entertain. They don’t know your sleep schedule. Sometimes you haven’t showered for a few days, and that’s rough for some people. People suddenly think they’re parent psychologists and start telling you everything they did with their children that worked. Ironically, their kids live screwed up lives. Fortunately, everyone who visited us was great!

 2)Do you want people holding your new baby?

Pro—They can give you a break, and you’re planting the seed for future baby sitters.  Hey, you’ve always gotta be thinking.

Con—For some anxious parents, this causes great anxiety because they think something might happen to their new child.  I’m dancing dangerously around this one, so I’ll leave the sarcasm out here…but sometimes we all need to “let go” a little. Everyone needs a break.

 3)Are you going to have family stay at the house?

Pro—If they actually help out at night, they can allow the new parents to sleep, especially the mother if she’s breastfeeding. They can be a great help with the other children in the family. They can help clean. They can be a strong support and can have good advice.

Con—They forget that the child is yours and not theirs. “Did you even ask to take the baby out of my arms?” Some people have expressed how visitors/family have created extra messes to clean. If they live out of town and stay at your house, you have a full house!

 For the first birth both our families came for the first few days, but then gave us a week to ourselves.  This was nice since I took a week off of work, and we were able to go through things together and start establishing some new norms without family influence. Our mothers then took turns staying for a week when I went back to work.  Not everyone has that luxury, so that was a blessing.

The next two births were a little different with timing, and having someone there for the first week to help with the kids was nice.

 4)How long is the man going to stay home?

Pro—The longer the man can stay home, the better support he is to his wife. He’ll feel more like helping at night since he’s not heading to a long day of work. He can take the baby while the wife rests during the day. This also allows for quality family time.

Con—Well, the answer for the man on this one might depend if the mother-in-law is staying at the houseJ I want no darts thrown my way. The reality is that extra conflict can make for a rough week with a new baby.

 The reality is that each couple is different. I don’t like people telling me what to do and doing things for me, so I view having someone in my house differently than people who aren’t as prideful. Ultimately, you need to think about what will cause the least amount of stress, so you can focus on enjoying God’s beautiful new creation with your spouse.

 Financial Tip of the Day:

Don’t get caught up in buying designer clothes, purses, etc. Even though I have a hard time comprehending this one, those things are wants, not needs. Plus, and I know I’m stepping on toes here, but if you really feel like you need to spend that much, put that money you would have spent toward a charity or toward your child’s future.

The Birth Finally Happens!

Wow, I just got back from hanging out with the men, and once again I'm thankful for the man bonding time.  We all have some of the greatest wives around, but like women understand their own perspectives, we men understand the struggles one another face. 

Well, I left off last time sharing about the final weeks leading to pregnancy, so this will be my last post about pregnancy before I head to fatherhood. Wow, I'm going to do the best I can to sensor my statements for that.  So as our three pregnancies were very different and the timeframe of the births varied from two weeks early to one week late to on the due date, so were the births all different. 

Isaiah - That first birth for parents is surreal.  So many things happen for the first time, that it all seems like a blur, unless you're in labor for hours on end.  When Faith's water broke early in the morning, we headed to the hospital.  Now, here's what I don't get. The woman is in labor, she's in pain, and has a hard time moving, yet the first thing she must do at the hospital is sit down and file paperwork.  Is she not in the hospital for two to three days anyway?  I think there's enough time for that later.  Anyway, I'll spare you the basic things that everyone goes through.  After a while in the room, Faith began receiving her epidural.  Now, this may make a few of you queasy, but she had to be stabbed multiple times in her back for that stupid needle to work, blood squirting out with each stab.  In fact, one of the times the medicine shot through her veins and she almost fainted.  Of course I'm making all kids of horrible faces, and the nurse has to remind me that Faith can see those faces.  Anyway, the medicine finally begins working, and I'm feeling great because she's relaxed and I'm watching TV for the next few hours. Then everything starts happening.  Faith starts throwing up, which no one warned us about, and then before we know it there's a baby.  Men, get the camera ready.  As for me, I had the camera in hand but had no idea what to do.  I cut the cord and the nurse had to tell me to take pictures.  Listen, I was not in the right frame of mind. I don't cry (my excuse is the doctor said my eyes don't produce tears) so the only thing to do was act clueless.  Oh yeah, nobody tells you how grose labor is.  And people don't tell you how grose the placenta looks.  I'll leave it at that and let you experience it for yourself.  From that point on, family and friends showed up, and everything was great.  My greatest piece of advice here is let the nurses take the baby back so you can get some sleep!

Alexis - She finally arrived one week late, and Faith had no medicine. What a woman!  Now, many of you may have taken classes to prepare for birth, but I didn't and I'm glad because I didn't lose any Saturdays and nights before birth, and they would have done nothing, because anytime I try to touch Faith, get her something, etc., she said, "Just leave me alone," and went back to her moaning and groaning.  On a serious note, it sucks seeing your wife suffer when you can't do anything to help.  On a lighter note, all that yelling and barbaric noise you see on TV is real.  Faith was in so much pain that she got in the tub.  Then I saw it; Lexi's head was sticking out of Faith in the water.  "Hunny, what is that?  AWWWWWW!  I yelled for the nurse and before long baby two was born. 

Audrey - Faith again had no epidural.  There was nothing atypical about the third one, but I can only imagine how stupid I looked, with all the labors, when I was trying to soothe my wife.  Men who are in touch with their feelings probably are great at this, but all I felt was awkwarndness.  "Oh hunny, it's ok.  You're doing such a great job!  You're almost there!" Well, Audrey came out, and it was time for me to cut the cord.  When I cut it, blood splattered all over my face.  No one cared or noticed!  There were about eight medical people in the room, and they were all working on Faith.  It was disgusting! However, once you hold that baby in your arm, any negative thought become fleeting as embrace that perfect new baby.

While many of you have experienced labor and all its excitement, many of you have not.  There is nothing that can prepare you for all the intricacies of childbirth, but as long as you view the process as a gift from God and as the last state to the birthing of that beautiful baby, you'll be amazed at the awesome reality before you.

Fatherhood, here we come!

Financial Tip of the Day:
Go through your house and find all the things you don't use or need.  Have a garage sale and/or sell things are Craigslist.  You'll be amazed how much "stuff" you have amassed and will make some money in the process.

Question/s:
1)Any great birth tips and or stories?

Two Weeks to Labor!

Once the women have their baby showers, the end is in sight.  We men often times start thinking, "I'm about to get my wife back!"  However, hold on--the end is not here yet.  The last few weeks of pregnancy present new experiences, challenges, and excitement that the rest of the pregnancy does not present. 

Everyone experiences those last few weeks in different ways, but here's a look at our experience. 

Isaiah, almost 5 - I was going through all the whirlwind of emotions of having our first child, but that wasn't the only thing I was experiencing.  At the time I owned a truck with a V8 engine.  It wasn't a huge truck, but it had great power and showed my manhood.  Well, there was one problem: no carseat could fit in it and my wife drove a 2-door Civic, so we had to make a choice.  Good-bye truck!  Good-bye manhood!  At the time my younger brother was working at my Dad's Dodge dealership in Colorado Springs, and he thought it would be convenient to take time off work to drive a vehicle to us, all the way here in North Carolina.  Well, Isaiah was due a the end of September, so my brother landed with my new Rolls Royce just two-and-a-half weeks before the due date.  Ok, so maybe it was a minivan!  Did I mention my manhood was gone?  After staying a couple of days, my brother left and just two days later, two weeks ahead of schedule, Isaiah was born.  I'll save the details for final pre-birth hours in the next post...probably titled, "What Not to Say to Your Wife When She's in Labor!"

Alexis, 3 - Well, this was one experience I'll never forget.  Where Isaiah came two weeks early with few complications, Alexis was a different story.  As a teacher, pregnancy presents some extra challenges as we must leave lesson plans for subs.  Since there's not definite birth date, the timing of everything can be difficult.  Therefore, when Alexis was to be born a few days before Spring Break, my wife and I were excited because I would be home longer.  Ha, was that ever a fairy tale thought.  Faith started feeling contractions more often in the pregnancy than with Isaiah.  Well, as they progressed, one morning she woke me at 2:00 a.m. and said she was in pain and was timing her contractions.  As the morning progressed, she continued to be in pain and the contractions were close.  I called in and took school off, and we were ready to go.  Faith called her parents, and they, along with her sister, jumped in the car and headed here from Ohio.  Off we went to the doctor since her water hadn't broken, and by the time we got there, the best thing happened!  The contractions stopped!  The nurse could hardly even get the baby to move.  What!  This really happens?  I thought false labor was a joke and couldn't happen to my level-headed wife.  Ha, was I wrong.  I really felt stupid when I went track practice that afternoon, and all the athletes were questioning what was going on.  Well, I don't want to belabor the point, so I'll just add that it was two more weeks before the Alexis came.  Where Isaiah was two weeks early, Alexis was one week late.  Oh yeah, remember my in-laws and sister-in-law were on there way from Ohio?  Well, welcome to two weeks of great family bonding!  My sister-in-law left after a few days to go back to work, and I love my in-laws, but we have a small house...and my wife was pregnant and had a false labor.  Men, I was a mere speck of dust for the next two weeks!

Audrey, 1 - Well, by the third time, we had this thing down.  In the first pregnancy, Faith's water broke two weeks early, and we were one week late with Alexis , coming right in the middle of Spring Break.  What else could happen but to have a baby on her due date, and that's what happened.  Well, this came after another false labor, but I wasn't about to go to the hospital until that baby was coming.  Faith wasn't near as sick, I was in much better spirits (I knew you would be concerned about me) and Alexis and Isaiah were excited to meet their new baby sister.  No crazy fanfare this time.  Faith was in major pain early in the morning, so we woke our neighbor up at in the wee hours of the morning; she came and stayed with the kids and we headed for the hospital, not to come home until we had new child.

There is no way to predict what those last few weeks will be like, but any extra complications (in-laws in house for two weeks-I thought my mother-in-law was going to kill me) can bring extra stress on all parties involved.  Just remember, that it's all worth it once God allows that beautiful being to be born.

Financial Tip of the Day:
Look at how much you pay on going out for food.  It's hard to not go out, but it can save hundreds, and in some cases, thousands of dollars a year.  Plus, you might see your waist-line decrease in size.

Questions:
1)How many women have had false labor? 
2) Any fun in-law stories?  Don't say anything to get you into trouble!

What About the Man: Why Don't Men Get a Baby Shower?

My last post was a little more on the serious side, so this one will be a little more light-hearted.  To review from the last post, one the that men don't do well is ask for or seek support.  When we do seek support, it looks much different from how women seek support.

Because most women relate so well to conversation and intimate relationships with friends, the usual themes and ideas of baby showers are catered to them.  There are the "cute" little decorations put all over homes and banquet halls.  There are diaper cakes and pink and blue themes and cute little baby games.  The excitement of baby showers heighten as the soon-to-be mother opens the baby gifts.  Some women like to go in together and buy the more expensive gifts.  Why buy a practical little swing the baby will only use for a few months of his/her life when you can buy a huge swing that takes up half the room and can turn in all directions.  And that soft covering on the swing, the baby needs it.  Then there's that great anticipation as that retangular box is opened.  You know what it is.  It's the perfect breast pump!  You can't believe your friends/family bought you the perfect one! You're going to feel like you're driving a Ferrari while you're pumping, watching TV.  On a side note, I tried the pump once...yep, even though I'm starting to develop the horrible "moobs" as I age, it definitely didn't work.  It hurt!  Finally, just as the women think the present opening is over, in rolls the new stroller!  You registered for the most expensive one because Consumer Reports says it's the best and any other car seat and stroller combination isn't as safe.  You know that a seven pound baby knows the difference between the deluxe seat and the regular one, so deluxe you must have.  Wait, it's not over yet, in comes one more stroller!  It's the top-of-the line jogging stroller!  You've never jogged a day in your life, but you had to have it!  I know this is a little over the top, but who is the baby shower for?  I love my wife and in no way can live up to her as a person, but she walks into the store and even though we need nothing from the baby section she goes there anyway because she "enjoys" looking at all the baby stuff.

Here's my point: baby showers (like wedding showers...don't get me started on those) are as much, if not more, for the women as they are for the baby.  I'm fine with that as women deserve all the attention they can get, but what if men had baby showers.  Sure, we might come home with a few of the same things as women come home with, but most of it would be different and much more practical.  There would be the the child's tool set and the child's first sports set.  Instead of an overabundance of burp cloths and blankets, there would be movies and future business plans.  From the beginning children would have videos and books to show them how to be the next millionaire or the next professional athlete or the best farmer, instead of ten different kinds of pacifiers. 

The reality is I know we men could throw ourselves a man baby shower, but I pretty much guarantee that when we come home with our new possessions, we would probably be questioned about the practicality and validity of our gifts--because they're not near as practical as that $500 jogging stroller that will never be jogged with. 

Financial Tip of the Day:
You don't need to buy the most expensive car seat and stroller travel unit on the market.  We've used an $80 seat and a $300 seat (we got it used from a family friend), our children show no preferance for the seat.  In fact the more expensive one is cumbersome and takes up two seats of a bench seat.  You also don't need to buy a new stroller/seat for every new child, given they're not too many years apart. 

Questions:
1)What's the most practical baby shower gift?
2)What do people get too much of at baby showers?   

Pregnancy Support for Men

Well, I think I'll make this post a little shorter as I hope some of you wonderful women will share it with your men.  Previously, I wrote about what men endure as they support their sick, pregnant wives.  Today, we'll look at the support that men can receive during pregnancy. 

Women, understandably, as you struggle thought the laborious life of pregnancy, it's difficult to watch as your man isn't feeling what you're feeling.  However, as much as I'm not a fan of the "F" word, "feel," men do feel somewhat lost during the whole pregnancy experience.  Where most (not all) women look for support through talking to other women, most men need to do things for support.  For example, before our first child was born, I went out and bought a golf set.  Now, there are two things to know about me.  First, I will go to five different stores looking for a pair shoes but come home with nothing because I can't find anything "on sale" enough.  However, golf clubs on sale or not are not cheap.  Second, you haven't seen me play golf!  Let's just say that I was recently in a group at a fundraising golf tournament and we got last place--out of about forty teams!  My brother-in-law went out and bought a four-wheeler.  I don't want you to focus on the fact that we spend money but rather that we buy things because in some ways they create a support system for us.
Also, you might find that we tend to want to go out and do things maybe a little more often than previously, which is the opposite of when many women feel due to be sick and tired.  While we may not do this consciously, we're merely trying to again find support and comfort in doing as much as we can before our lives change so drastically.  (Iroically, I'm sitting at home on a Friday night writing this blog while my wife watches this ridiculous show Downton Abbey on Netflix.)  At least the three children are sleeping. 

Men, as ridiculous as it may seem, I encourage you to find people you can share your experiences with.  I can remember lying in bed at night being so frustrated with my wife because she was so tired and lethargic.  Obviously, it wasn't my wife's fault.  In fact props go to her because while many of our friends received prescriptions for their sickness as soon as they could, Faith never asked for them.  If I only had a male counterpart to experience this with me, we could have laughed and complained together.  Instead, I only had myself, and let me tell you putting two of me together doesn't help the situation.  I also suggest you do things for your wife to help her.  This could be making dinner, giving her a massage (can be very helpful), taking the other children out for the day, encouraging her to go out with her friends, and taking her out on a date of her choosing (for some this might simply mean watching a movie at home).  Now, this doesn't always work out perfectly, but in return, your wife often times will put forth extra effort to show you she loves you (could be expressed in many different ways).  Finally, I encourage people to pray.  I realize not all of you have a strong faith, but prayer allows/allowed me to put all those anxieties and frustrations aside and feel a peace that only God can provide.

Ultimately, I dealt with a lot of frustration and anxiety during my wife's pregnancies that wasn't necessary.  With each pregnancy I learned to look at things through different lenses and to appreciate the moment rather than dread it.  So do what you can to support and encourage each other so pregnancy isn't just a time of pain and frustration but also a time when you strengthen your love for each other.  So much for a shorter post!  It's this stupid show my wife is watching!

Financial Tip of the Day:
Put a set about of cash in an envelope for a week or month of groceries.  Look at previous shopping expenditures and try to use less.  Remember to use those coupons.

Questions:
1)What have other men done to survive pregnancy?
2)What have other people purchased as a last blast before children?
3)Does anyone else actually like Downton Abbey?

What About the Man: The Sick, Pregnant Woman

In my last post, I shared my initial anxiety, fear, and surprise with finding out my wife, Faith, was pregnant.  However, that was nothing compared to dealing with a sick, pregnant woman for the next eight months.  Yes, you read that right.  Faith was sick for the entirety of her pregnancy.

Men, if you know nothing about pregnancy and you will be dealing with it in the near future, pray with all your might that your wife either experiences no sickness or only deals with it through that twelve to sometimes fifteen week window.  Otherwise, kiss your life good-bye for nine months.

Women, please feel the pain behind the following words you will read.  You need to understand what your man is going through for those nine long months or you may not ever get the real us back!  It's not just about you!  Just accept that statement and move on. 

I know many women deal with terrible sickness, but let's sympathize with the man for a moment.  When women hit that sick stage of pregnancy, men are now forced to deal with two life-changing realities.  First, fatherhood is in the near future, which is scary enough.  Then, men must watch as women endure their terrible sickness, and we're unable to do anything to help.  Because most men are loving, tender beings (maybe a little sarcastic), we say, "Can I make you dinner?"  A woman's response might be, "Yes, I'd like barbecue chicken."  Of course the man complies and makes a wonderful meal.  They sit down for dinner, and the wife says, "I'm not in the mood for this anymore.  Can we just order pizza?"  What!  Did she not just tell him one hour ago that she wanted barbecue chicken? "Wow," he says, "I'm glad I made this whole meal for you."  That's the wrong response, because now she thinks he's trying to make her feel guilty.  The night is going nowhere but downhill.

Unfortunately, for all parties involved the above scenario occurs all too often during pregnancy.  Women, you'll say you want Mexican, and when the food is ordered, you can't "handle the smell" and you have to leave.  You tell your husband in the morning you want to go out on a romantic date, but when he comes home for dinner you're in your pajamas exclaiming how tired you are.  Now it's Friday night, you've told everyone else you can't do anything because you're going out with your wife, yet here it is 7:00 and she's ready for bed and your stuck watching episode after episode of Netflix shows or playing video games by yourself.  And, let's be honest, you thought you would be getting something else that night too, but that's not happening.  Women, seriously, suck it up!  We have to suck it up (weird term) the entire pregnancy, so you can do it for one night! 

So, Women, please find it in your heart to remember the man when the terrible pregnancy symptoms hit.  If it's your friend who's pregnant, when you see her don't just say, "How are you," but turn to the man and ask how he is doing as well.  Make us feel appreciated.  We're not just specks of dust to be trampled upon for nine months!  Men, keep pressing through.  There will be an end.  Faith was sick for the entirety of the first pregnancy, something very abnormal.  She was better for the second pregnancy, and by the third pregnancy she was sick probably for only five months, still longer than most women.   However, I survived, and you will two. Now, Faith is back to the wonderful, beautiful woman I married.  Find support.  You'll need it. Next time I'll share what that support looks like.  You'll want the women to read that one!

For the the many who don't know me, some of the words might sound harsh, but I'm 5'8" tall.  I have nothing else to hold on to but the sarcasm.

Financial Tip of the day:
As weird as you feel about it and as much work as you think it will be, use coupons.  Seriously, it's not that hard.  You don't need to keep a fancy notebook, huge binder, etc., but if you start learning how to use coupons effectively, you will save hundreds/thousands of dollars a year.  Start small.  You'll increase your usage as you get the hang of it.  The $1.50 you'll pay for a Sunday paper is a great start.  Once you get comfortable find websites that will help you. Southern Savers is an example of what's out there!  Another thing you'll learn is that many grocery stores have special coupon weeks.  Harris Teeter, for example, a major grocery chain in North Carolina, offers weeks of double and/or triple coupons.  For example, if something costs $3.00 and you have a coupon for $.99, that coupon is tripled and you get the item for free!

Discussion Points:
In order to enhance the blog, I'd like to create some communication/dialogue and your thoughts and advice.
1)Men, what else have you experienced during the "sick" part of pregnancy, and what tips can you give to help us survive it?
2)Women, what are the things we tend to say/do that make the "sick" stage even worse?
3)What are some good coupon and money-saving sources and websites you've used?

Can Pregnancy Tests be Trusted?

And here we go…Faith and I had been married for over a year.  We had been to Hawaii, to the beach many times, and to Colorado and Ohio to visit family.  We were both teaching and enjoying our life together.  I walked into the kitchen, and Faith said, “Matt, there’s something in the bathroom for you.”  I walked into the bathroom, saw a strange looking device with two lines on it, and ran out yelling, “What is that? What does that mean?”  In those few seconds, I saw my life flash before my eyes.  When we decided a few months ago to “stop protecting,” I guess I thought this wouldn’t happen.  We weren’t “trying” as so many of my friends say, but there we were, staring reality in the face.   

                Now, let me add a little insert here for those men who have yet to deal with that pregnant moment.   Show a little excitement.  After all, it takes two to tango so you knew what could happen.  I’m pretty sure Faith expected that reaction from me since she knew what she was getting when she married me, but not all women are as understanding, and she definitely deserved better. 

                After the craziness settled, I looked at her and said, “How often are those things wrong?” Of course, I asked this after reading that the test is 99% accurate.  I honestly have no idea what happened the next few days, except that I had Faith take two more tests.  I was in a daze.  Our freedom would soon be gone!  No more late nights playing games with our friends.  No more date nights because we would be on one North Carolina teaching income, which meant we would not have much.  No more sleeping in on the weekends!  The list went on and on, and I wasn’t sure what to think, but those thoughts would soon fade when I was faced with the reality that my wife seemed eternally sick from this living being inside her.   The next post will shed light on that horrible experience.

                  At this point, let me share something that calmed my fears about our financial stability since we would be experiencing such a loss of income.  When Faith and I first married, we bought a house we knew we could live in on one income.  This was not easy, as with two incomes and good credit we could have afforded more, but we made a choice.  We didn’t want our attitude to be that we “need” to work to provide for the larger house.   I cannot tell you what you should do or should not have done, but couples need to put some thought into the future before they make those selfish, unnecessary purchases that often come back to put undue stress on their lives and relationship.  We are not better than anyone else.  We have many friends who are able to survive off one income as well.  Even if you don’t have plans to have one of you stay home with the children, training yourself to live off one income allows yourself great financial peace in the future if you are able to use that second income to plan and prepare for the future. 

                Now, here’s my Solavei (www.solavei.com) update.  For those who are anxious about living off one income, sometimes finding low-risk forms of income can be that little extra money in your life that can help ease your anxiety.  Faith and I have also found that the more we sow in to people’s lives, the more we see our lives positively impacted.

The Man's Perspective on Pregnancy, Raising Children, and Surviving on One Income!

In the midst of going through the first pregnancy with my son Isaiah, who will soon be five, I vowed to my wife that some day I would write about pregnancy and child rearing (well, I probably didn’t use that exact word) from the man’s perspective. After experiencing three, Alexis is three and Audrey is 1, I now have a lot to say. Now, I do want to give fare warning that women may be offended by some of the things I write, and more importantly may not understand what I write, but that’s ok. I’ve done some research on the topic and have found there are very few books to help men deal with the life-changing reality of children. In fact one of the best-selling pregnancy books for men was written by a woman. What! If a man wrote a book to help women understand how to deal with pregnancy, he’d lose his head!

Men, hopefully these and future words will help you laugh as you look back on pregnancy and children or will help you and give you some support as you travel down the child path.

Women, hopefully the words will give you a least a little insight into the man’s world. Please don’t judge. We have feelings too! If Jenny McCarthy can write a book for women about pregnancy, there has to be some hope for me to communicate the man’s view!

At the same time, I will share about what it’s like to live off one low-paying income. My wife, Faith, was a teacher and has been staying at home since Isaiah was born almost five years ago. We went from two full-time incomes with benefits to one income, adding $600 to pay for family insurance since we lost Faith's. Somehow, through faith (haha, pardon the pun), planning, and an attitude of giving to Christ first, we somehow have managed to stay out of debt, except for our mortgage payment, which we are slowly paying off.

Finally, I will give updates on our venture with the new cell phone company Solavei. Visit www.solavei.com to learn about the company’s great vision and great opportunities it presents to its customers: $49.99 4G unlimited everything service with an opportunity to make $20 for every 3 people who sign up under you. If you become interested please let me know. The company will officially launch September 21^st, but because we are in the pre-launch group we have the opportunity to receive service before then.

I promise to make my writings entertaining, honest, and hopefully helpful and informative. Please stay tuned!

First Blog!

Well, after years of introspective thought and decisions, I've decided that I would like to share my thoughts with the world.  Ok, that's not the complete truth.  I'm not so sure about that introspective part.  I think as I write, I'll jump around topics, going back and forth, maybe to keep people interested.  I promise, whatever I write will hopefully be applicable to people's lives.  Ok, this first one is just a test, but the future writings will hopefully be entertaining, insightful, challenging, and most importantly honest.