Deal: Norton Antivirus 2008

Every once in a while you come across a deal that is just too good to pass up. If you've got a couple of PCs at home or office that need better virus protection, this deal may fit the bill for you.

"Norton Antivirus 2008 - 3 User" retails for $89.99 but you can find it online for about $60. Buy.com has it for only $2.99 when you use a couple of rebate offers. I normally don't like rebate offers because I'm not real good with the paperwork.

There's a bonus: FREE 1GB Kingston Data Traveler USB 2.0 Flash Drive.

If you're interested check it out here.

On Track!

Before the New Year arrived I decided I was going to make some resolutions and stick to them this year. In the past my resolutions had turned to dust by the end of January. To make this year different I wrote out my resolutions and set intermediate goals (though I’ve not been real dedicated to reviewing them as often as I would like).

If you’ll recall from this inaugural post I set an intermediate goal to “drop 5 pounds by February 15”. I set this goal because it’s the first day of our Sunday School class’ marriage retreat. It gave me 4 weeks (didn't start until 1/14) to make some progress and since I really wanted to look and feel lighter for this get-away with my wife it also was a natural motivator.

All along I’ve been telling you how I would reach these goals and encouraging you too. So, I feel that I should also let you in on the results. As of this morning I have lost a total of 9 pounds. (queue crowd noise!) That actually puts me within 1 pound of my next intermediate goal so I’m ahead of schedule. I plan to lose a little ground during the weekend with some chocolate covered strawberries and maybe even a hamburger! But, I’ve found that the momentum is on my side now and even a couple of cheats aren’t going to stop the train.

I hope this post encourages you to continue on your journey. It’s no sprint and you don’t have to cross the finish line tomorrow. Just take a step in the right direction.

I want to encourage you as you go, so please let us know (in the comments) how you’re doing.

If you’re just joining us you can see “the plan” (mostly encouragement) here.

God is Sooo Good!

After starting a new diet I altered my drive to work to avoid passing my favorite bakery. I accidentally drove by the bakery this morning, and as I approached, there in the window were a host of goodies. I felt this was no accident, so I prayed ... "Lord, it's up to you, if you want me to have any of those delicious goodies, create a parking place for me directly in front of the bakery." And sure enough,

On the eighth time around the block ,
there it was!

"God is so Good!"

(Sent to me by Christi)

Success Takes Time

I love success. Who doesn’t? It doesn’t matter the arena. We love success.

I enjoyed watching the Tennessee Vols basketball team put the hammer down on the Gators in the second half Tuesday night. Success!

For me, it happened so quickly. I turned on the tube and watched it happen. But for the Vols it was a long time coming. This season’s 20-2 start is the best ever – ever - for the basketball Vols. Behind the backdrop of this succsess you’ll find sweat and hard work. And behind that? A passion for success.

You and I have been determined (at some level) to claim success as we strive toward an improved diet for life. And from that some weight loss for 2008. Maybe you’ve already seen great success over the last few weeks. My guess is that it's just possible that your determination has wained ever so slightly as Jan 1 fades into the timeline of recent history and your resolve with it.

Remember today, that success takes time. You're on a journey with many steps. Today is a step in the right direction. Don’t try to “arrive” today. Today is simply a step. Take that step today!

2008 Resolutions – Credit Rating 101

In addition to my weight loss goals for 2008 (which are currently on track – prior to lunch plans with Larry and Bill) I’ve also made some financial goals for my family. These are going to be much harder than my diet goals as, for me, they take more time and discipline.

Credit Ratings probably wouldn’t be on the top of any expert’s financial goals. More likely the top of the list would be to calculate net worth, to begin saving or eliminating debt. But considering that improving a hampered credit score could take years – I think this may be the place to start.

I’ve not given much thought to my credit score in the past but more and more lenders are relying on our credit scores to determine a credit risk. That plays in to the amount of money a lender is willing to lend and the price (or interest rate) they will charge (see the chart for the impact of your credit score on borrowing).

You may not be in the market for a loan at this time but remember that when you need it, it may be too late to change it.

The first step in fixing your credit or improving your already good score is to find out what is lurking in the closets of your credit report. I completed this first task and it’s very easy – and free. I was erked to find a late merchant card payment on my report. Although, probably a minor deduction it will affect my score for years.

Just visit www.annualcreditreport.com and answer a few quick questions and you’ll have a very interesting report.

You’ll be asked which credit report you would like (TransUnions, Experian or Equifax). You can get each of these once per year for free. So, just choose either to get started. I choose Experian.

How to Weigh Yourself

This was sent to me by Larry…

I can't believe I was doing it wrong all these years.

We must get the word out.

Assignment: Find me 1 pound!

Straight Up; this has been a bad weekend. I relaxed. I forgot. I succumbed. I made excuses.

After having a good week of eating and exercising the way I hope to for life and seeing the results of those good choices on the scales, I gave in. I don't know exactly what happened. Mr. Gatti's Pizza happened at one point. I pre-determined in my mind (never speaking this to Christi so I would have an "out") having only 2 pieces and a salad. "But, the pieces are small", I internally coaxed. I had determined to drink water with my pizza but "one Coke won't hurt too much." And then the refills were just - too - easy. Cookies and chocolates homemade by my daughters can't be skipped – can they? Of course, 2 or 3 may be just a little much – but whose counting?

Needless to say, I backslid! Enough about the past! I start the week with new resolve and those 2 pounds I put back on are on the top of my list. This morning I woke at 5:30 and took to the treadmill (and a good book). A good breakfast and a packed lunch and I'm ready to tackle it again.

I'm considering the possibilties that you may have had this occur in your diet attempts already this year. If you've faced a setback, a disappointment, a moment of weakness I want you to know you're not alone. We've all done that. But, once you've fallen off the horse you can't just "waller" in the mud. As we've all heard hundreds of times,"you've got to get right back on that horse." So, giddy-up!

Do you know how many calories are in 1 pound? 3,500. To lose one pound you have to burn 3,500 calories more than you consume. Sound like a lot? Only 500 calories per day to lose 1 pound per week. Can you eliminate 500 calories in a day?

To get back on track I have an assignment for you. I want you to find me one pound.

Get rid of the easy calories – the ones we don't even need. If you regularly drink a softdrink a day, you can eliminate 140 calories per day just by switching to water. Do you drink more than one? Even easier. Small bag of Doritos for lunch? Another 140. Cut a couple of portion sizes and voila – you're there.

Don't know how many calories you're consuming in a certain product? Check the label or go here.

Do it today! Find me 1 pound. You may be surprised at how easy this can be. Report back here. I've already heard from many who have a renewed desire to win this battle after reading this blog and YOUR comments. You are helping others. So, join in - it's essential to our success.