Son of a gun...I bitch about something and then a guy lowers his price and puts it in my range. Going to check it out tonight, if someone hasn't snapped it up already.....
Worked in the garage all day Sunday and I'm sore. More to the point, I'm pissed because I spent hours moving stuff and putting up shelves and there is very little appreciable difference in the organization of our crap. Maybe the loft storage that is next on the list will help.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Been a while
since I posted and I was feeling a little cranky so I thought I would let it out....
I've got to be honest, and this applies only to the Naples/Ft Myers area of florida, but this construction and especially housing market scares the shit out of me. We have way too many people in the company that look at some of the small projects (commercial mostly) and say "we can't do that, it's too small". Well why the hell not? I can name 4 other GCs that seem to be making a nice living building commercial/retail all over this area and sure seem to be making some money doing it. But if you look ahead, the big projects that we've been feasting on just aren't out there, which makes me wonder how much revenue can we drop before we start REALLY cutting people including senior people as well, or taking pay cuts or other more drastic measures. Hell, I just got here...I don't want to give any f'ing money back!!! If anyone is interested, check this link for some interesting analysis on the florida home market. Not sure I buy all of this gentleman's arguments and I don't have the time to do in depth anaylysis, but I know he's very convincing.
http://caps.fool.com/Blogs/ViewPost.aspx?bpid=43327&t=01000603789045326844
While I'm pissed about my above topic, might as well continue to rant about irritating things. For example: I've been looking for a CJ-7 pretty much since I've moved here and if you can find one for less than 3 grand, it's pretty much a piece of shit. Plus, add my worries from above to that and I really don't think I want to spend much money on a Jeep that is a minimum of 21 years old. Oh well, I'll find something good sooner or later. In fact as long as my job stays stable, I might have an opportunity to pick one up cheap if the economy continues to decline. We shall see and I will update if anything pops.
on to some slightly better news. All is well with the new puppy. She is a pretty smart little thing and has picked up house training like she had been living indoors her whole 16 weeks instead of in a cage. If we can get her to quit chewing on my wifes shoes, we'll be in good shape.
Peace!
I've got to be honest, and this applies only to the Naples/Ft Myers area of florida, but this construction and especially housing market scares the shit out of me. We have way too many people in the company that look at some of the small projects (commercial mostly) and say "we can't do that, it's too small". Well why the hell not? I can name 4 other GCs that seem to be making a nice living building commercial/retail all over this area and sure seem to be making some money doing it. But if you look ahead, the big projects that we've been feasting on just aren't out there, which makes me wonder how much revenue can we drop before we start REALLY cutting people including senior people as well, or taking pay cuts or other more drastic measures. Hell, I just got here...I don't want to give any f'ing money back!!! If anyone is interested, check this link for some interesting analysis on the florida home market. Not sure I buy all of this gentleman's arguments and I don't have the time to do in depth anaylysis, but I know he's very convincing.
http://caps.fool.com/Blogs/ViewPost.aspx?bpid=43327&t=01000603789045326844
While I'm pissed about my above topic, might as well continue to rant about irritating things. For example: I've been looking for a CJ-7 pretty much since I've moved here and if you can find one for less than 3 grand, it's pretty much a piece of shit. Plus, add my worries from above to that and I really don't think I want to spend much money on a Jeep that is a minimum of 21 years old. Oh well, I'll find something good sooner or later. In fact as long as my job stays stable, I might have an opportunity to pick one up cheap if the economy continues to decline. We shall see and I will update if anything pops.
on to some slightly better news. All is well with the new puppy. She is a pretty smart little thing and has picked up house training like she had been living indoors her whole 16 weeks instead of in a cage. If we can get her to quit chewing on my wifes shoes, we'll be in good shape.
Peace!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Labs are smart, the SWFL economy sucks, Tivo rules
Just to update on a few previous topics....
Our lab is doing great and is adapting to hew new house and family. She had some accidents, but has only had 2 (I think) this week, so I believe she is starting to get it. Still has to have that puppy spaz where she runs thru the house/yard like crazy. And of course, still with the chewing. She has eaten a few things that upset my wife, but that's normal and I think she'll be okay. Anyway, she's a pretty smart little girl to get 80 - 90% housetrained in a week and a half.
For those of you who don't have Tivo, I recommend it. We have DVRs from both our cable provider (Comcast) and from Tivo and I can't tell you how much better Tivo is. I was looking on the 'net to see if there was a Tivo with more memory than the digital one shown on their website (Tivo.com) and found a site call weaknees.com that sells upgraded Tivos. They have one with 2 TERABYTES OF DATA!!! I can't imagine how much shit that is.Admittedly the 2 terabyte option costs more than my plasma did, but still that's pretty cool.
My Tiger baseball team managed to win a game finally. They had gotten off to a hot start, then lost 5 in a row. They managed to get the "W" against Tulane last night thanks to some timely hitting and good relief pitching. Used 8 pitchers during the game.
Went on Monster.com to look at a job back in LA that my wife had found for me. When I logged into the site, it asked me to update information. I did so, and this week I've gotten about 10 e-mails from people to see if I'm interested in various jobs. It's my belief that this has only happened because I'm not looking for a job. If I was, my e-mail box would have dust on it.....
Where has all the construction work gone here in Sw FL?? Our revenues are going into the crapper. My latest decision is to really push the sr. mgt. here to get busy finding jobs for 2009 so I don't have to start eating gov't cheese. I've got to get these guys focused on expansion of our markets, geographic expansion and selling some of the smaller jobs in our current markets. I know the economy will come back, the question is when?
Our lab is doing great and is adapting to hew new house and family. She had some accidents, but has only had 2 (I think) this week, so I believe she is starting to get it. Still has to have that puppy spaz where she runs thru the house/yard like crazy. And of course, still with the chewing. She has eaten a few things that upset my wife, but that's normal and I think she'll be okay. Anyway, she's a pretty smart little girl to get 80 - 90% housetrained in a week and a half.
For those of you who don't have Tivo, I recommend it. We have DVRs from both our cable provider (Comcast) and from Tivo and I can't tell you how much better Tivo is. I was looking on the 'net to see if there was a Tivo with more memory than the digital one shown on their website (Tivo.com) and found a site call weaknees.com that sells upgraded Tivos. They have one with 2 TERABYTES OF DATA!!! I can't imagine how much shit that is.Admittedly the 2 terabyte option costs more than my plasma did, but still that's pretty cool.
My Tiger baseball team managed to win a game finally. They had gotten off to a hot start, then lost 5 in a row. They managed to get the "W" against Tulane last night thanks to some timely hitting and good relief pitching. Used 8 pitchers during the game.
Went on Monster.com to look at a job back in LA that my wife had found for me. When I logged into the site, it asked me to update information. I did so, and this week I've gotten about 10 e-mails from people to see if I'm interested in various jobs. It's my belief that this has only happened because I'm not looking for a job. If I was, my e-mail box would have dust on it.....
Where has all the construction work gone here in Sw FL?? Our revenues are going into the crapper. My latest decision is to really push the sr. mgt. here to get busy finding jobs for 2009 so I don't have to start eating gov't cheese. I've got to get these guys focused on expansion of our markets, geographic expansion and selling some of the smaller jobs in our current markets. I know the economy will come back, the question is when?
Friday, March 14, 2008
Friday 03/14 Post
Some general thoughts on the housing/credit markets. I'm a little behind the curve now, because I didn't update earlier and I think the WSJ is running an article now declaring the US in a recession. I have to say I'm glad they figured it out! From my perspective, and mine alone I would say we've been sliding toward a recession for a year and have possibly been in one for 3 - 6 months. I know the technical definition and I don't care if what I say matches. At least in this area of the country, we're in a tough spot. I got a pretty good price on the house I purchased last year after moving here to SW Fl. I was convinced that I had purchased near rock bottom pricing...there's at least one house in the development already thats for sale cheaper. This wouldn't worry me except I moved down here to work for a local builder and so watching this economy and especially the local building economy scares the crap out of me.
On to happier thoughts. The new puppy (Katie) is doing very well. Clearing up an eye infection and she's rapidly learning about going to the bathroom outside instead of on the carpet. Very cute little thing and if I can figure out how to do it, I may post a picture some day.
Still looking for an old Jeep. While I drive a TJ every day, I really enjoy working on the old ones because they are so simple.
My beloved Tigers got knocked out of the SEC tourney in the 1st game yesterday. Couldn't watch the game (damn that work!) but didn't sound like they played well at all. Lots of turnovers and poor defense. Still, after losing the coach mid-year and having had such a poor record, they at least made things more respectable.
Big Question now is Who is going to be the new coach? Smart money says Anthony Grant from VCU, but there are a number of other options. I'll post if I hear anything interesting....mostly for myself, but you never know, someone may stumble on this thing and read it one day.
On to happier thoughts. The new puppy (Katie) is doing very well. Clearing up an eye infection and she's rapidly learning about going to the bathroom outside instead of on the carpet. Very cute little thing and if I can figure out how to do it, I may post a picture some day.
Still looking for an old Jeep. While I drive a TJ every day, I really enjoy working on the old ones because they are so simple.
My beloved Tigers got knocked out of the SEC tourney in the 1st game yesterday. Couldn't watch the game (damn that work!) but didn't sound like they played well at all. Lots of turnovers and poor defense. Still, after losing the coach mid-year and having had such a poor record, they at least made things more respectable.
Big Question now is Who is going to be the new coach? Smart money says Anthony Grant from VCU, but there are a number of other options. I'll post if I hear anything interesting....mostly for myself, but you never know, someone may stumble on this thing and read it one day.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Mission Accomplished
Got our Dog!!
Spent the day Saturday in Tampa with the family talking with people who were fostering the labs we were interested in. Cupcake just didn't talk to us, but Duchess did, so we adopted her and took her home that night. To the jerk who was sititng behind us in BK while the kids were eating and apparently thought they were too noisy.......screw you. Next time don't sit next to the only table with children in an empty restraunt dickhead.
Have decided to postpone getting an old Jeep until we get our tax refunds and bonus season, plus I still need to get the garage organized enough to be able to pull a Jeep in. Right now I don't think I could.
Spent the day Saturday in Tampa with the family talking with people who were fostering the labs we were interested in. Cupcake just didn't talk to us, but Duchess did, so we adopted her and took her home that night. To the jerk who was sititng behind us in BK while the kids were eating and apparently thought they were too noisy.......screw you. Next time don't sit next to the only table with children in an empty restraunt dickhead.
Have decided to postpone getting an old Jeep until we get our tax refunds and bonus season, plus I still need to get the garage organized enough to be able to pull a Jeep in. Right now I don't think I could.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Update 03-06
Yeah the title sucks but so what. I'm tired and it's the best I could come up with....My boys at LSU are at it again, beating Bama in basketball and Michigan State in Baseball. Looking good over in Baton Rouge! Need to take the girls over there for a football game this year if possible. Gonna try to get over to Gainesville for the LSU/Florida baseball game at the end of March if possible.
Headed to Tampa this weekend to look at a dog thru the lab rescue people. That's right we made it thru the interview unscathed!! Tried to get in on a puppy (pretty thing, at least on the website), but we're second in line. Going to go check out another, small yellow lab mix that's really good with kids. Wish me luck.
I don't think anyone is actually reading this blog, but regardless, have you seen the housing market deterioration here in SW Florida??? Holy Crap Batman!! If the value of your house isn't down at least 25% from the highs back in late 2005 and much of 2006, you must have a beautiful home on the water because EVERYTHING else is down. Even the waterfront homes are down, just not as much. Just by way of example, there are 3,700 properties for sale in the Bonita/Estero area and they are currently selling just over 100/month. I really almost wish we'd kept renting until the last couple of months because there have been some pretty nice houses put up for sale recently.
Our business is slowing considerably, but we still feel good about 2008. 2009 scares the shit out of me at the moment though. Between the housing slowdown, the credit markets and property tax cuts we are faced with a very tough environment.
Peace
Headed to Tampa this weekend to look at a dog thru the lab rescue people. That's right we made it thru the interview unscathed!! Tried to get in on a puppy (pretty thing, at least on the website), but we're second in line. Going to go check out another, small yellow lab mix that's really good with kids. Wish me luck.
I don't think anyone is actually reading this blog, but regardless, have you seen the housing market deterioration here in SW Florida??? Holy Crap Batman!! If the value of your house isn't down at least 25% from the highs back in late 2005 and much of 2006, you must have a beautiful home on the water because EVERYTHING else is down. Even the waterfront homes are down, just not as much. Just by way of example, there are 3,700 properties for sale in the Bonita/Estero area and they are currently selling just over 100/month. I really almost wish we'd kept renting until the last couple of months because there have been some pretty nice houses put up for sale recently.
Our business is slowing considerably, but we still feel good about 2008. 2009 scares the shit out of me at the moment though. Between the housing slowdown, the credit markets and property tax cuts we are faced with a very tough environment.
Peace
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Tigers Rule, Adopting a Lab, Cymbalta revisited
Well, the lab rescue people are coming over tonight for an "in home" visit. I swear (once again) I could adopt from overseas easier and faster than this. Hopefully, once they get done we'll be allowed to adopt a dog. We've been watching the dogs disapear from the website all week and it's pissing me off.
My Tigers had a big week, beating Duquesne 3 straight. This was not unexpected, but still nice to see. Had a big weekend swinging the bats and maybe, just maybe they will start to hit again. Men's basketball pulled out a win against Ga. Don't know where this team has been hiding out at all year but all of a sudden we're on a roll. Ladies basketball demolished another opponent and won the SEC undefeated. Football team is practicing, and it sounds like everything is going pretty well. Then yesterday, one of the top QBs in the country committed to the Tigers, so we have one heck of a recruiting class coming in for 2009.
After one full weekend plus a couple of days dealing with my wife without Cymbalta I can honestly say that this stuff still sucks. Apparently coming off can make you irritable, give you cold/flu symptoms, make your lips dry, remove all hint of sex drive and other delightful effects. The good news is that it could go on another 3-6 weeks!! Not sure how this is good news other than apparently is doesn't actually last forever. I'm hoping the effects will start to moderate over this week so that by this weekend I might actually be able to have a rational conversation in my house.
My Tigers had a big week, beating Duquesne 3 straight. This was not unexpected, but still nice to see. Had a big weekend swinging the bats and maybe, just maybe they will start to hit again. Men's basketball pulled out a win against Ga. Don't know where this team has been hiding out at all year but all of a sudden we're on a roll. Ladies basketball demolished another opponent and won the SEC undefeated. Football team is practicing, and it sounds like everything is going pretty well. Then yesterday, one of the top QBs in the country committed to the Tigers, so we have one heck of a recruiting class coming in for 2009.
After one full weekend plus a couple of days dealing with my wife without Cymbalta I can honestly say that this stuff still sucks. Apparently coming off can make you irritable, give you cold/flu symptoms, make your lips dry, remove all hint of sex drive and other delightful effects. The good news is that it could go on another 3-6 weeks!! Not sure how this is good news other than apparently is doesn't actually last forever. I'm hoping the effects will start to moderate over this week so that by this weekend I might actually be able to have a rational conversation in my house.
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