The House that M Built

JV (left) and myself pose at Wild Bull a few weeks back.

February 3, 1986, I was born, and the world was not ready.

Okay, well I’ll drop the ego, but today I am celebrating my 23rd birthday.  It’s been a crazy ride thus far, with any luck 23 will be less dramatic and more successful than 22, but as far as I’m concerned the sky is the limit!  I want to thank my family for putting up with me all these years.  I’m a stubborn SOB sometimes, but my stubbornness has paid off many times, and has paved a way for me to be where I am today.  I also want to thank my friends, especially JV, CB, & LS.  You guys have been there for me for anything and everything, I owe you each many times over.

To me, 23 is not any birthday.  It is a significant milestone, specifically because my birth date is 2/3.  To commemorate the occassion, I’ve decided to add to the collection of ink on my body today by getting the roman numeral XXIII tattooed after work today.  I’ll post a picture up later once I’ve gotten the work done.

As far as celebrations are concerned, tonight will more than likely be low key.  Possibly dinner and a movie or something along those lines.  Saturday however, we’re going no holds barred at Monaco Bay, I’ll recap the event after the weekend (with pictures).

When it rain, it also seems to pour.

Wednesday Morning as I was driving back to my apartment my recently purchased Grand Prix was struck by another vehicle.  I had been in the right lane heading on W. Michigan Avenue and he was at the intersection of Jack Pine and W. Michigan Avenue turning left.  When I came around the bend in the road I noticed he was halfway in my lane, not moving.  Being a defensive driver, I moved over to the left lane to avoid him but luck was not on my side.  As I got into not only the left lane, but also part of the turning lane, he turned out into W. Michigan Avenue and struck my rear passanger side.  When the cops arrived they issued him two tickets (he was also driving on a suspended license) and I was left with the unfortunate situation of figuring out how to get my car fixed.

You see, Michigan is a No-Fault state.  No-Fault legislation limits the extent of which persons can recoup damages, in my case I’ll receive a $500 check from either the other individual or his insurance.  The problem I’m having with this is the fact that the damages caused by his negligence has been estimated at almost $2500.  While, yes I should have had full coverage on my vehicle at the time, I had not been in a position until recently to pay for the increased coverage, and had planned on elevating my coverage when my new policy starts in 2 weeks.  I however, am a firm believer in accountability, and the state itself is the one who is at fault for No-Fault legislation.  This legislation may reduce litigation in the courts, but it denies victims a right in my belief to seek proper compensation.  Legislation should have never been passed that benfits the state and private business at the cost of innocent citizens.  The state’s sole purpose is to serve the people, even if that means an increased number of court cases revolving around automobile accidents.

So, now begins the process of putting money aside to repair the GT.  As I set aside each dollar I’ll think of how I would have attempted to stem auto accidents in the state to avoid this No-Fault legislation.

So I started working full time not less than 6 weeks ago, and tomorrow afternoon I will be interviewing for a part time job on top of my existing full time job. While I’m doing this to keep myself occupied and earn additional income, am I out of my mind? I’m looking for an additional job in a state with the worst unemployment rate in the country.

How many of you have or currently juggle several jobs? Why did you decide to go that route and how do you feel you are at doing it? This is a first for me, my previous job held a 24/7 on call commitment (which was used regularly and at some exotic hours of the night), so it was impossible for me to try this earlier.

I’ll post how the interview goes. At this point the only limiting factor that might work against me is if they are looking for someone to commit significant hours or work during the day on weeks.

I’ve thought about areas I want to improve with my life in the coming year, and I figured that I would share them:

1. Work towards becoming debt free by eliminating my credit card debt
2. Establish 2 savings, 1 for emergencies and 1 for other things
3. Get off the fence
4. Read one book that will better myself professionally or financially a month

Accomplishing these goals should firmly establish myself firmly to be successful in the future as I begin my professional career.