Lund Explorer

I can't remember the last time it happened, but CBS took pity on me and switched the game over to Miami -vs- NY Jets! It's almost like going from watching Chuck Norris and having someone change the channel to Pee Wee Herman. ;D

Seeing some of the bumps her career took after this movie, maybe it should have been Whitney who listened to and took to heart part of the benediction given by the Reverend in the middle of her closing song. "and whatever dangerous endeavors those among us may undertake, let them never be without your sanctuary". My vote goes for this possibly prophetic ending; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTl9GlwWwWk

Sorry to hear the bad news Robert. Like all dog people, I can understand what you and your folks are going through. It's hard to fill the void that a dog's simple love puts into our life. As far as getting another dog goes, I can't think of any way to say it better than Rhino did. While none of us can really be sure what our dogs think about all of this human interaction, I'll just add a little prayer that you and your folks know that I think they all feel the love we returned to them. In the long run, it is that simple love that is what matters.

Have I ever wondered if I made the right choice? Yup! Every December for the last twenty plus years as I'm burning off tax organizers for my clients! Then those feelings would always slowly subside as clients would thank me for doing a good job for them. Many new clients would come in each year simply because other people had told them that they could trust the work I did. Aside from the feeling I would get looking at the balance in my checking account at the end of each April, the knowledge that so many people put a big part of their annual finances in my hands was humbling. It didn't start out that way. As a youngster, I had to be carried on the shirttails of the older guys who were already in that "zone" with their clients. Might be a lot like what KU_Bassmaster is experiencing right now. Building a solid book of clients took quite a few years, but I kept at it. There are so many options open to having the shingle of Accountant, Tax Man, or Financial Advisor that a person with the drive can make a good living in this trade. Right now, you are at the halfway point in your college education. It reminds me of the old trick question about how far a person can walk INTO the woods. The answer is only halfway, because the rest of the walk is now going to take you OUT! You making it onto the honor roll tells me that you have the grey matter it takes to learn, but you need to pair that with the desire to do so. It's going to be the same thing when you finally enter the working part of your life in this field. While tax or finance law changes will always force you to cram a little more into the brain pan, it will be your drive that gets tested the most. The older you get, and as more clients start coming on board, it will get even more critical. I don't think a lot of younger folks understand this part of the job. It isn't like a lot of jobs where you simply punch a clock, or work in a large business where the guy next to you can take over while you're gone. When you have built up a working relationship with a client, they will expect you to always be there...... ALWAYS! So after all this rambling, I'll end up with some direct advice. First, keep pounding away in the direction you're going, at least through the end of this coming spring. Take the time to consider whether you have the desire to finish the next two years you'll need after that to get your degree. Second, maybe spend a little time researching what other degrees are sitting out there that would put you into a career that you'd be happy working for 30+ years. Scary thought huh? If I remember correctly, you have said before that your goal was to get into the financial side of this game we play. Is there another path you could take out of this forest you find yourself in? You really aren't too far along where a change in direction would throw you behind, and an accounting minor would still look good on a resume. Finally, don't make a mistake of trying to force yourself into a career that you won't enjoy. While I'm just getting out of this rat race, I can say that for the most part it's been a really fun ride. There have been a number of times I've asked myself "what if". In the middle of the 1990's, I would wonder if maybe I should have just been happy with that GM factory job. This thought somehow always came up while I was doing the tax return of some 55 year old Generous Motors retiree. But today, I can look back at the last thirty some years and honestly say I wouldn't change much of it, even if I could have. That's because you'll find out that the goals you set today will change as you get older and learn what it takes to make your life meaningful. I hope when that day comes for you, that you'll be able to say the same thing. It doesn't matter what job or jobs you've worked at, only that in the end, only that you have tried to live up to the goals you set for yourself. Good Luck Kid! I sort of wish I could be around to watch you take this crazy ride called life. Just don't run too fast towards that membership in the OFFC!

I found a website that has shirts we can get with this little cartoon:

I found a website that has shirts we can get with this little cartoon:

I found a website that has shirts we can get with this little cartoon:

If you would add "XL" to that, I'd post there! ;D

Irving?

Thanks Sam for reminding me of a happy day I had during a few of the more unhappy days of my early life. I was lucky enough to see one of Bob Hope's USO shows many years ago. I can honestly say I can't remember a single line from that day, but the feeling of being closer to home that I got for even a brief moment, can still bring on an emotion today that is all too often shuttled aside.

The Checks In the Mail! Oh wait, that's right..... No check needed. Anyhow, the form is filled in, signed, and is going out today. I had the spouse sign one too just in case you needed it as she will be in the boat! When should I ask about bringing real Michigan hotdogs and ring bologna?

Good for you Speedbead. Is there going to be a special celebration at Road Trip #25? BTW, here's a fairly easy ammort. schedule if anybody wants to play with their figures. http://www.myamortizationchart.com/

A real redneck would have gone through that mud hole to get back to his hat!

Fog!

Fog!

Fog!

Yup, I've seen a case that I never could have imagined. Identical twin brothers in this case. One graduates high school, goes to college, does a four year hitch in the military. Gets home, marries a gal who has two children already, never had a child of his own, but has to date adopted five more. Has worked the same job for years. Other brother? Graduates from high school, drops out of college, marries a gal and has three kids. Leaves the wife and kids and has had no contact with them for almost 15 years, even though they live within 20 miles of each other. Hasn't held a job longer than a year or so since high school. So what part is identical? You got me!

The vast majority of my walleyes come on meat rigs, i.e.; crawler harnesses. I also catch a good number of lures, but nothing compared to these that Dwight caught trolling deep crankbaits. http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1290463191

I guess you're right about it being an outlet store, as I see that BPS is listed with it's google address too. Not sure how new it is, but there was a link to a real estate advertisement showing the place was for sale. Maybe the place has new owners now. Lots of pictures of the inside of the store though, it looks like they have tons of goodies. http://fishermanheadquarter.com/4.html My trip map says it is just over ten miles from Moor's.

Nothing wrong with the roundball reference, but my first thought was Jack Nicklas when he won his last green jacket at The Masters.

That's strange, as it doesn't show on the BPS website. Let's hope for my budget's sake that it's only a BP gas station! ;D

2011 is going to be my first year in semi-full retirement. No weekly payroll clients, no monthly financial statements, no income tax returns piled high all winter, just a few days a month of consulting work. So far the only part of the plan I have figured out is going to be staying away from the telephone as much as possible!

2011 is going to be my first year in semi-full retirement. No weekly payroll clients, no monthly financial statements, no income tax returns piled high all winter, just a few days a month of consulting work. So far the only part of the plan I have figured out is going to be staying away from the telephone as much as possible!

2011 is going to be my first year in semi-full retirement. No weekly payroll clients, no monthly financial statements, no income tax returns piled high all winter, just a few days a month of consulting work. So far the only part of the plan I have figured out is going to be staying away from the telephone as much as possible!