Hey! We are officially in Iowa. I started at John Deere on Monday and am getting used to my new life in Davenport. Today I traveled to Dubuque, Iowa for work. It is a small river town about an hour north of here. It is a pretty little town set amongst hills along the Mississippi River. The rainy weather today reminded me of a trip to a Kelso, Washington which sits next to the Columbia River and frequently has rainy weather.
I enjoy going through these small towns because I find each of them interesting. Why does it exist? Why do people stay here? Why is there such a large, new parking structure in an old factory town on the Mississippi that isn't growing while Provo is in dire need of new parking and can never seem to repair its decaying curbs and roads?
Well, one thing I do miss are mountains! I know that Dubuque's hills sure help, but I need some mountains in my life! My supervisor at work is a self-proclaimed small town girl, and I am a definitely a West Coast boy. Oh and $1.49/gallon milk! I don't know why milk costs $2.30/gallon here, but it's cool.
Another new area in my life is the fact that we have restarted our Netflix subscription again after a break these past few months. Megan is awesome because she lets me pick a lot of what we watch. If you know me well, you know I haven't seen many movies. I find most movies really boring and predictable and a waste of time and money. However, Netflix lets us find movies we normally wouldn't be able to find.
Last night, Megan and I watched "Not One Less." It is in Chinese with English subtitles (which is good because their funky accent, lazy pronounciation, and sloppy tones make it hard to understand at times). I don't want to give it away, but it is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time! Then let me know when you've seen it so I can talk to more people about it. I really enjoyed the scenes where two Chinese people would argue and I would think to myself, "That's exactly how it works! It just goes in circles and the same things are said over and over!" I was also very honored to know that such arguments exist between two Chinese people and not only between a white person and a Chinese person! I wasn't being treated differently for being a missionary.
I love foreign films because the kids are cuter and the predictability is much less than an American film.
I've rambled enough, I'll let you go.
Jordan
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Hawaii
Hey Everyone,
In case you didn't know, Hawaii rocks. Maui rocks more, and it rocks the most if you are married when you visit Maui. We had an awesome time and went to the top of a volcano, went snorkeling, hiked around and in waterfalls, cliff jumped, relaxed, ate good Hawaiian food, attended Stake Conference on Maui, and met some funny people.
In all, I loved it. I forgot what day of the week it was, didn't care about my grades being posted, and forgot 98% of everything I learned this past school year. :) If you are looking to go somewhere on vacation with your husband/wife, let me know, I found some cool spots.
Here are some pictures.
I jumped off this cliff, it's much taller than this looks.
I'll post more later!
Jordan
In case you didn't know, Hawaii rocks. Maui rocks more, and it rocks the most if you are married when you visit Maui. We had an awesome time and went to the top of a volcano, went snorkeling, hiked around and in waterfalls, cliff jumped, relaxed, ate good Hawaiian food, attended Stake Conference on Maui, and met some funny people.
In all, I loved it. I forgot what day of the week it was, didn't care about my grades being posted, and forgot 98% of everything I learned this past school year. :) If you are looking to go somewhere on vacation with your husband/wife, let me know, I found some cool spots.
Here are some pictures.
I jumped off this cliff, it's much taller than this looks.
I'll post more later!
Jordan
Thursday, April 16, 2009
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...
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...
Thursday, April 9, 2009
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
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
Sunday, April 5, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Back Again
Ok, I know I just posted something but I just remembered what I wanted to talk about. My wife knows I love everything financial and it's true. One of my latest discoveries is MicroPlace.
I actually had known about MicroPlace.org for several months, but only recently have I contributed/invested money. Basically you loan money to organizations who loan money to smaller organizations who loan money to poor people around the world starting/expanding businesses. The best part is that I earn interest (much higher than most banks) and get all my money back after 3 or 6 or 9 or 12 months or whatever I pick. Not too bad. For instance I loaned money to India, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Central America. Don't mind if I do.
I guess my feeling can be summed up by one of my favorite quotes of all time: "I am my own favorite charity" --The Millionaire Next Door. Don't think that I'm a prideful money lover, first you have to have read the book to understand the context. I just think that I know how to use/grow my money better than others, so I will and then bless people with that growth too.
Anyway, I hope that doesn't bore you to death, but I love helping others in this way. Let me know what you think.
Jordan
I actually had known about MicroPlace.org for several months, but only recently have I contributed/invested money. Basically you loan money to organizations who loan money to smaller organizations who loan money to poor people around the world starting/expanding businesses. The best part is that I earn interest (much higher than most banks) and get all my money back after 3 or 6 or 9 or 12 months or whatever I pick. Not too bad. For instance I loaned money to India, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Central America. Don't mind if I do.
I guess my feeling can be summed up by one of my favorite quotes of all time: "I am my own favorite charity" --The Millionaire Next Door. Don't think that I'm a prideful money lover, first you have to have read the book to understand the context. I just think that I know how to use/grow my money better than others, so I will and then bless people with that growth too.
Anyway, I hope that doesn't bore you to death, but I love helping others in this way. Let me know what you think.
Jordan
A Family Affair
Well, I stumbled upon my wife's blog and really liked her first post so I wanted to join in on the fun. I guess this means that this is the official Mendez family blog. I am currently a junior studying accounting at BYU and am so happy to be done with this year in less than a month! I enjoy completing my homework before midnight and sleeping and investing.
I don't know if any of you have heard, but we're going to Hawaii on April 24th. Megan used to live on Maui and O'ahu (acutally 'O'ahu, but it's cool) so we are going to visit both those islands. I'll post pictures for sure. After we return we are moving to Davenport, Iowa for the summer to start an accounting internship at John Deere.
Well, that's all I have for now, hope you guys enjoy this blog.
Jordan
I don't know if any of you have heard, but we're going to Hawaii on April 24th. Megan used to live on Maui and O'ahu (acutally 'O'ahu, but it's cool) so we are going to visit both those islands. I'll post pictures for sure. After we return we are moving to Davenport, Iowa for the summer to start an accounting internship at John Deere.
Well, that's all I have for now, hope you guys enjoy this blog.
Jordan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)