Today I was reflecting on my Father's Day last week. It was a good,but different kind of a day. Perhaps I am learning from these blogs.
I decided I would do no "work" that day. For me that is a big step forward. My son and daughter visited as did my 98+ year old Mom who is struggling, but hanging in for the moment. We had a lovely brunch--indoors- because outdoors was definitely too hot.
We returned Mom to her home where she has amazingly lived alone all these years (although now she has people who come in twice a day to help her). Then we...played board games. Give me a break--I don't play any games! But I did this day and I had fun--we all had fun. Laughing while playing Apples to Apples which is a game for all ages and then Scrabble. I enjoyed it even though I left a Q in my que because I didn't have a U. But I had a You(meaning me) of a good time none-the-less.
In a follow-up thank you email my son pointed out how nice and easy it is to have fun economically. I whole heartedly agree. Now is the time to return to fun, play, board games and OK (true confessions time) Pizza. It is all good in moderation. The Monday after Father's Day I worked all day catching up, but with a smile on my face. That makes a big difference.
Bye For Now,
Bill
www.williampenzerphd.com
954 475 1371 x 1
561 361 1898 x 1
check 3/17 blog to know our goals.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
REALITY RULES!
As our recession/depresssion reared into full swing, several sucessful men said, "In my family we have lived large," or the equivilent. That was code for we spend a shitload of money on silly stuff! These same families and many others like them are reevaluating what were excessive, self-indulgent life styles. There was at least a little of that in almost all middle and higher class homes.
Credit cards, easy loan money,inflated home values and stock market simultaneously and a happy days are here again/gold rush mind set fed excesses in everything from private schooling,expensive dance classes for 10 year old klutzes,lavish trips and baubles of all kinds including shoes and purses in the many hundreds, even thousands of dollars.
The really wealthy always had these luxuries, but in the past decade or so,the semi, temporarily or delusionally wealthy thought they could jump in as well.For those more grounded in reality there were always knock offs.
Now, I hope reality will rule for all of us,even the truly wealthy. Knock offs do have there place you know. When we live in reality boundries temper temptations. We are also forced to seperate need from greed as we take more time to make costly decisions, rather than respond impulsively.
Reality is really a cost to benefit analysis. Reality says markets go up and down and sideways and who knows which way. It also says saving for a rainy day is not old fashioned--it's common sense and self-protective.
Living large is undeniably fun till it comes time to pay the credit card bill, mortgages, etc. Living realistically is safer and more secure which in the long run is really fun.
Bye For Now,
Bill
www.williampenzerphd.com
954 475 1371 x 1
561 361 1898 x 1
see 3/17 blog to know our goals
Credit cards, easy loan money,inflated home values and stock market simultaneously and a happy days are here again/gold rush mind set fed excesses in everything from private schooling,expensive dance classes for 10 year old klutzes,lavish trips and baubles of all kinds including shoes and purses in the many hundreds, even thousands of dollars.
The really wealthy always had these luxuries, but in the past decade or so,the semi, temporarily or delusionally wealthy thought they could jump in as well.For those more grounded in reality there were always knock offs.
Now, I hope reality will rule for all of us,even the truly wealthy. Knock offs do have there place you know. When we live in reality boundries temper temptations. We are also forced to seperate need from greed as we take more time to make costly decisions, rather than respond impulsively.
Reality is really a cost to benefit analysis. Reality says markets go up and down and sideways and who knows which way. It also says saving for a rainy day is not old fashioned--it's common sense and self-protective.
Living large is undeniably fun till it comes time to pay the credit card bill, mortgages, etc. Living realistically is safer and more secure which in the long run is really fun.
Bye For Now,
Bill
www.williampenzerphd.com
954 475 1371 x 1
561 361 1898 x 1
see 3/17 blog to know our goals
Friday, June 26, 2009
THE HIGH COST OF JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING!
While cars, homes, certain clothing and some restaurant meals have come down in price,just about everything else seems high and higher.
Gas, drycleaning,my haircut,food at the supermarket or the local market, movies,popcorn and a drink, sports or theater tickets and food or drink in all captive spaces all seem overpriced--in many cases ridiculously so.
I would have thought by now that supply and demand would have had a more general effect. I also would have thought that working on smaller margins of profit and loss leaders would be a better option than store and busines closings at an alarming rate,especially given the domino effect of that.
Therefore, until we see these adjustments occur it is important to be a wiser than ever consumer. Tighter budgeting and more conservative spending helps in many ways. Beyond saving money, it forces us to develop a live within our means model. That was the way it was before credit and credit cards created mass delusions of grandeur and a manic episode of acquisition based on money tree beliefs. In addition, by showing restraint in our consumption,we will ultimately effect the demand curve in a way which will bring down prices. Just watch what happens if no one,for example,buys popcorn at the movies. Or no one goes to the movies.
My optomism about the future is not based on a belief that the economy will magically turn around anytime soon. It is fueled by my hope and belief that we will learn from our experiences,adapt accordingly and avoid the dangerous trap of denial as it applies to money matters. Our culture of narcisism and age of entitlement need to morph into a time when reality rules. More on this Monday.
Bye For Now,
Bill
www.williampenzerphd.com
954 475 1371 x 1
561 361 1898 x 1
check 3/17 blog to know our goals
Gas, drycleaning,my haircut,food at the supermarket or the local market, movies,popcorn and a drink, sports or theater tickets and food or drink in all captive spaces all seem overpriced--in many cases ridiculously so.
I would have thought by now that supply and demand would have had a more general effect. I also would have thought that working on smaller margins of profit and loss leaders would be a better option than store and busines closings at an alarming rate,especially given the domino effect of that.
Therefore, until we see these adjustments occur it is important to be a wiser than ever consumer. Tighter budgeting and more conservative spending helps in many ways. Beyond saving money, it forces us to develop a live within our means model. That was the way it was before credit and credit cards created mass delusions of grandeur and a manic episode of acquisition based on money tree beliefs. In addition, by showing restraint in our consumption,we will ultimately effect the demand curve in a way which will bring down prices. Just watch what happens if no one,for example,buys popcorn at the movies. Or no one goes to the movies.
My optomism about the future is not based on a belief that the economy will magically turn around anytime soon. It is fueled by my hope and belief that we will learn from our experiences,adapt accordingly and avoid the dangerous trap of denial as it applies to money matters. Our culture of narcisism and age of entitlement need to morph into a time when reality rules. More on this Monday.
Bye For Now,
Bill
www.williampenzerphd.com
954 475 1371 x 1
561 361 1898 x 1
check 3/17 blog to know our goals
Thursday, June 25, 2009
WHEN PAINFULLY SLOW IS AMAZINGLY FAST
Yesterday, I talked about turning back the hands of time. In fact, it is as if the advancement of technology has sped up the hands of time and altered our perception of it. BC (before computers), getting things done was undeniably and understandably slow. We all accepted life at that slow pace because we didn't know any better. The good news was we weren't in such a hurry. That Joe The Grocer added our bill by scribbling the cost of each item on the side of the brown paper bag with a thick pencil and adding it up out loud ( 6+4+7+5 is 22 carry the 2) was good enough.
Today, despite scanners and credit card payment machines we can't get through the line fast enough.Even the self-pay system at Home Depot keeps us waiting a few seconds before it spits out our receipt ( come on already!) in record time. The same with getting on line or sending an email. If it takes an extra second or two for my email to be sent, I can be oh so annoyed! If the voice mail message doesn't immediately offer the option I need or if the person I am calling doesn't immediately pick up I feel frustrated. You don't even know what I say to the automated woman who says, "I do not understand your response," after I just read her my credit card number.
In reality, what we perceive as major delays are actually amazing transactions being processed at lightening speed. In that context we need to take a small step back to avoid being sucked into this accelerated time machine. We are not robots and need to avoid responding like one. We simultaneously need to slow our lives down to a healthier,less hectic and harried pace, while appreciating our highly efficient new world order--even when it goes a few seconds slower than we would like.
Bye For Now,
Bill
www.williampenzerphd.com
954 475 1371 x 1
561 361 1898 x 1
see 3/17 blog to know our goals
Today, despite scanners and credit card payment machines we can't get through the line fast enough.Even the self-pay system at Home Depot keeps us waiting a few seconds before it spits out our receipt ( come on already!) in record time. The same with getting on line or sending an email. If it takes an extra second or two for my email to be sent, I can be oh so annoyed! If the voice mail message doesn't immediately offer the option I need or if the person I am calling doesn't immediately pick up I feel frustrated. You don't even know what I say to the automated woman who says, "I do not understand your response," after I just read her my credit card number.
In reality, what we perceive as major delays are actually amazing transactions being processed at lightening speed. In that context we need to take a small step back to avoid being sucked into this accelerated time machine. We are not robots and need to avoid responding like one. We simultaneously need to slow our lives down to a healthier,less hectic and harried pace, while appreciating our highly efficient new world order--even when it goes a few seconds slower than we would like.
Bye For Now,
Bill
www.williampenzerphd.com
954 475 1371 x 1
561 361 1898 x 1
see 3/17 blog to know our goals
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
TORN JEANS,TATTOOS AND TRADITION
Recently, I've seen several fashionable women wearing jeans so tattered that I couldn't help but say, My mother would never let me out of the house in those." A recent article in New York magazine said ripped jeans are in for summer '09 and range in price from $175-$425.
My reaction is the same as it is to those young folk who cover themselves in tattoos. Harmless,but silly!
I keep hoping that these challenging economic times will turn back time,so our culture of narcisism will be modified to the simpler,happy days of the past.
Clearly, corporations,designers,the media, etc. all try to influence us for their gain. As healthy, balanced and confident people we are better positioned to make choices that make personal sense to us, rather than being concerned about making statements to others.
Now is a good time to work on ourselves so that the cess of our past and the toll it takes on our confidence, doesn't make a mess of our lives in any way. As messes go ripped or faux paint splattered jeans don't even count. They are a symbol of silly,not sick.
The good news is that when torn jeans are out of style- say by summer '10- they can go the way of all fashion statements by ending up at the back of the closet or in the rummage pile. Tattoos, on the other hand are not so easy to erase. Neither are traditions thank goodness. Perhaps it is time we went to the back of that closet to pull out some that could well apply in helpful ways today?
Bye For Now,
Bill
www.williampenzerphd.com
954 475 1371 x 1
561 361 1898 x 1
see 3/17 blog to know our goals
My reaction is the same as it is to those young folk who cover themselves in tattoos. Harmless,but silly!
I keep hoping that these challenging economic times will turn back time,so our culture of narcisism will be modified to the simpler,happy days of the past.
Clearly, corporations,designers,the media, etc. all try to influence us for their gain. As healthy, balanced and confident people we are better positioned to make choices that make personal sense to us, rather than being concerned about making statements to others.
Now is a good time to work on ourselves so that the cess of our past and the toll it takes on our confidence, doesn't make a mess of our lives in any way. As messes go ripped or faux paint splattered jeans don't even count. They are a symbol of silly,not sick.
The good news is that when torn jeans are out of style- say by summer '10- they can go the way of all fashion statements by ending up at the back of the closet or in the rummage pile. Tattoos, on the other hand are not so easy to erase. Neither are traditions thank goodness. Perhaps it is time we went to the back of that closet to pull out some that could well apply in helpful ways today?
Bye For Now,
Bill
www.williampenzerphd.com
954 475 1371 x 1
561 361 1898 x 1
see 3/17 blog to know our goals
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
TO MAKE YOUR OWN DECISIONS
Realted to yesterdays blog is this NEVER TOO LATE.... wisdom:
to make your own decisions
Take advice.
Seek information.
Draw on other's experience.
Confirm your views.
But make your own choices.
Set you own course.
Be responsible for your own life.
From "It's Never Too Late... by
Patrick Lindsay
Bye For Now,
Bill
www.williampenzerphd.com
954 475 1371 x 1
561 361 1898 x 1
check 3/17 blog to know our goals
to make your own decisions
Take advice.
Seek information.
Draw on other's experience.
Confirm your views.
But make your own choices.
Set you own course.
Be responsible for your own life.
From "It's Never Too Late... by
Patrick Lindsay
Bye For Now,
Bill
www.williampenzerphd.com
954 475 1371 x 1
561 361 1898 x 1
check 3/17 blog to know our goals
Monday, June 22, 2009
ON FATHER'S DAY AND SELF DAY
Fathers come in all shapes, sizes and personalities. Some are caring and loving, while others are distant, disconnected or dead (literally or figuratively). Some are abusive, sad to say. Sometimes fathers guide us well,other times we have to find our own way.
Yesterday was a day to honor Fathers--at least those that deserve honor. Hopefully you had that opportunity in some form or another. Today is a day to honor yourself-- for all you have been through, for the ups and downs of your life,for the choices you have made that were wise and for those that weren't, but from which you learned and hopefully for your ongoing committment to the slow, evolving process of personal growth.
Ultimately, we need to be our own Mother and Father and guide our SELVES well on this strange journey we call life.
A Happy Self Day to all.
PS I can see Hallmark churning out those cards already:
Dear Self,
I really love and appreciate you SOOOOOOO much on this and every day. Or you could send yourself a voice card in your own voice saying these messages. Screw the cards and commercialized and compartmentalized emotionality. Just talk to yourself in a kind, supportive, loving way each and every day!! It is time to appreciate all of your fine qualities and stop picking on the minor flaws.
Bye For Now,
Bill
www.williampenzerphd.com
954 475 1371 x 1
561 361 1898 x 1
see 3/17 blog to know our goals
Yesterday was a day to honor Fathers--at least those that deserve honor. Hopefully you had that opportunity in some form or another. Today is a day to honor yourself-- for all you have been through, for the ups and downs of your life,for the choices you have made that were wise and for those that weren't, but from which you learned and hopefully for your ongoing committment to the slow, evolving process of personal growth.
Ultimately, we need to be our own Mother and Father and guide our SELVES well on this strange journey we call life.
A Happy Self Day to all.
PS I can see Hallmark churning out those cards already:
Dear Self,
I really love and appreciate you SOOOOOOO much on this and every day. Or you could send yourself a voice card in your own voice saying these messages. Screw the cards and commercialized and compartmentalized emotionality. Just talk to yourself in a kind, supportive, loving way each and every day!! It is time to appreciate all of your fine qualities and stop picking on the minor flaws.
Bye For Now,
Bill
www.williampenzerphd.com
954 475 1371 x 1
561 361 1898 x 1
see 3/17 blog to know our goals
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