Hello Spring?

Well, I thought we welcomed spring last month. It was here, I just know it...it must have gotten scared. It's April 16, 2009 and it snowed yesterday and all night long. Just look at the pictures...


Hawaii is about a week away and I'm really excited! But, to tell you the truth, I'm more excited to go to Iowa. I know, I know, Iowa seems boring...especially when you compare it to the likes of a Hawaiian vacation...but it's normal life that excites me. I'll be with my husband (the best one in the whole world...yes, I'm biased) and we'll have our dog Edward.

We'll have a normal life of work, play, and no homework! I like simplicity and Jordan's grateful for that.

Life is pretty good when you live well within your means and allow yourself to enjoy what's right now, what's simple, and what's real. For a long time I was convinced that it was normal to allow the views of others to determine your actions but as I grew up I realized that that kind of thinking is exactly what gets America into a whole bunch of trouble. Why can't Americans be happy with what they have? Is there a rule that says you have to keep the "Jones" family as your best friend and best competition? Who ever said you have to keep up with them anyway? Screw the Jones' stuff...I don't need what they have and I won't let myself believe any differently. (Unless they have two+ dogs...then I'll have to convince Jordan that we do need what they have =].)

I suppose I'm done with my rant...and now, on to the glory...of NO CLASSES UNTIL FALL SEMESTER!! Well, I suppose that's not entirely accurate. I'll be taking an independent study course or two but it's nowhere near as intensive as getting up to go to class every day. I'm so glad I don't have homework and there are only four tests to study for. I'M ALMOST DONE! How glorious is that? And a vacation coming up too...what more could I want at this moment? ...maybe a chocolate orange...

Big News

Hey Everyone,

Good news! School is almost over. I have some good news! Nope, we aren't pregnant. I met with my tax professor today and he told me I've been chosen to be a part of the Deloitte Tax Team for BYU during the summer and next fall! If we do well, we'll get to go to Florida for a couple days and compete for a $2,000 scholarship. Not too bad. I was honored to be picked from among 260 students.

2 weeks from tomorrow we are going to Hawaii. You know we'll be posting pictures.

That's all for now.

Jordan

The Greatest Compliment Ever

So, my wife is taking a class that I took a year ago: BusM 371R. It's supposed to be about entrepreneurship but it is more about how being financial responsible allows you to be free. I loved the class and the teacher so I had Megan sign up for it. She loves it too. Craig Wilson is the best teacher ever. Not only does he teach good material, but he actually lives it!

After class on Friday I went up to him and talked to him about my frustration in trying to get my friends and family to follow the easy lifestyle he promotes (and we live). We describe how people give so many excuses to not listen to us and then wonder why they are broke and unhappy. He compared it to a mission when you hope that at least a few "convert" after talking to a large group of people. Well, he has us as converts.

I love living the simple life. Being happy with what I have allows me to not worry about expensive new toys and instead use the money to travel! Megan and I are going to Hawaii in less than 3 weeks! I am so excited and even happier that we are paying cash for the whole trip. We eat out perhaps once every 3 months (and then do it cheaply: Can anyone say Costco Polish Dogs?) We don't go to movies, we don't watch TV, and now we get to go to Hawaii because of all the money we saved.

The best part of our conversation with Craig was when he said, "You are packing light, my friend." He teaches that the way to hike or climb mountains isn't to have 100 lbs in the pack but only the essentials. Such a method allows the hiker to enjoy the trip instead on concentrating on all the stuff on his or her back. Not too bad, huh? I was so honored that he said it to us. Craig is such a great hero to have and an amazing teacher if you have an open heart to learn and change. So if you are at BYU, take BusM 371R with Craig Wilson, it will change you life!

Jordan