I'm finally participating in Beth's "One Thing" meme. This was a difficult assignment, because I generally have a hard time picking only one of anything. So I've done the best I can. Read it with the caveat that if I were to write this list again in a day or a week, or even an hour, some of the answers would be different.
1. If you could recommend only one book for others to read, what would it be and why?
Watership Down by Richard Adams. It is a wonderful book. If you’ve read it, then you know what I mean. If you haven’t, it sounds almost silly – a book about a bunch of rabbits – but it is a compelling adventure that will keep you turning pages. There is plenty of excellent science fiction that I could recommend, but that doesn't float everyone's boat (plus I'd have to pick just one). I think anyone could enjoy Watership Down.
2. What is your one favorite song? Why?
Oh jeez. I like all kinds of music and what I most want to hear at any given time is mood-dependent. There is no way I could pick ONE favorite. But what I can do is pick one song that I don’t get tired of and that never fails to improve my mood: "Jessica" by the Allman Brothers Band. No words, just happy music (so technically, it isn't a "song" since it cannot be sung). Makes me want to do a Snoopy dance. It doesn't hurt that it is one of PDM's favorite songs, so it makes me think of him.
3. What is the one thing that is the biggest time saver in your life?
My dishwasher, because it actually cleans dirty dishes, which means that there is no need to wash (or even rinse) them before loading. Messy, sloppy, dried on, caked on, baked on… all of it comes off in the wash. Love that!
4. What is one gadget you couldn't live without and why?
My notebook computer with wireless internet. I love having portable, battery-powered access to all of the information available on the internet, plus all the cool stuff on my computer. Neat!
5. If you could recommend one film for others to see, what would it be and why?
Serenity. Because it was a great movie, and did not get enough attention (or attendance) when it came out. It got rave reviews for the most part, and also good audience reviews. Good plot, lots of action and suspense, some morality and ideas to think about, happiness, sadness, and a satisfying end. What more do you want in a film?
6. What is the one cure or preventative measure you believe in and for what ailment?
You can nearly always prevent a hangover if you drink copious amounts of water before going to bed. A pre-emptive aspirin doesn't hurt either, but it won't help without the water. Rehydration is the key.
7. What is the best advice you've ever received and from whom?
"Don't get married until you are at least 30." Mom. I was 29 the first time, and apparently that wasn't old enough not to make a mistake.
8. If you could introduce the entire world to just one band/musical artist, who would it be and why?
Kelly Joe Phelps. He is a fantastic blues musician and songwriter and deserves to be much more widely known. I discovered his music by chance, through one of those end of year "best of..." lists on Amazon when I was exploring blues artists. I bought Shine Eyed Mister Zen on the strength of the reviews it had. His slide guitar playing and honey/gravel voice hooked me. Loved that CD, and then went to see him live at the Iron Horse in Northampton, MA. What a great experience! That was enough to induce me to buy the rest of his stuff and to keep an eye out for new releases and any performances in my area.
9. If you could convince others you meet or know of one thing, what would it be?
Don't get into credit card debt. Ever. Be very careful about borrowing money in general. Getting out from under credit card debt was one of the best things I ever did. The only debt I have now is my fixed rate, 15 year mortgage. Develop some patience. You don't need to have everything right away. Save first, then buy.
10. What do you believe is one of the greatest ways of wasting money and how do you combat it?
Recreational shopping. I just don't do it. We shop when we need something. It is OK to shop for something you want as well, if you keep it within reason and stick to your list. But shopping "just to look" is bound to make you want more stuff, or make an impulse buy, and before you know it you are spending real money. It is a lot easier to not spend money if you stay out of the stores!
If you like the meme and want to do it on your blog, consider yourself tagged.
11 comments:
I have zero credit card debt. I completely agree with you on that one.
I don't have any credit cards...
And I'm about to give up my bank accounts too, how's that for bizarre.
I find when you've actually got to hand someone your money, you tend not to do it very often.
wa11z - excellent! And you've done it so young. Good for you!!!
ll - also excellent. But I don't know how you do it with no bank accounts. It worries me how much of my fortune is made up of 1's and 0's in several financial institution computers, but what else is there to do? Under the mattress? Mason jar buried in the yard? Gold bricks in your basement? I'm OK with the bank accounts. Just hoping there is no big bomb with an EMP.
I read Watership Down so many years ago, I think I was a child. Could that be? lol
I don't know your favorite song, at all, but I bet hubby has it on CD so I'll be hearing it.
May I ask what kind of dishwasher you have? I have to pre-wash before I pre-wash. Ugh.
I loved all your advice, btw!
Great list! The water thing works every time that I'm not too drunk to remember to drink it. And totally with you on the credit card debt. Unfortunately I learned that the hard way.
I think I need to go check out Kelly Joe Phelps. Sounds fantastic.
beth - the dishwasher is a Kenmore. One of the models that was highly rated by Consumer Reports. We bought it last year when we renovated the kitchen.
magnetbabe - I was 37 by the time I got it all paid off. I had been slogging it around for years, but once my ex was out of the way, I was able to apply a more disciplined approach to paying it down.
"Gold bricks in your basement?"
I can neither confirm nor deny any such rumor, but I can tell you this... I don't have a basement. ;)
Now I have to be a pain and ask which model did you purchase? If you don't want to say, I'm cool with that, but I really would love a good recommendation. Just like the rosa raguso (sp?) roses I'm doing next spring.
Erm....I have credit card debt. LOTS of it.
Gettign separated and not taking anything with you when you go (pretty much) will do that.
SO the plan for next year is to get rid of that. Cash in some nonperforming investments, pay down the balance, NOT use the cards for much except travel expenses, and pay my way too a few hundred bucks more a month that are currently doing NOTHING but servicing my debt.
beth - model #16033
And "Rosa rugosa" is the plant. Some people call them "beach roses".
tiff - good plan!
Thank God for Tiff. I was beginning to think I was the only person on the Internet with debt. I've been working on paying it down, and always pay more than the interest, but I need to learn restraint, sadly.
Ah, Serenity. I'm rewatching Firefly right now and looking forward to finishing it so I can watch Serenity again.
Post a Comment