Finally! After nearly a month without an active internet connection in the home (Thank you Comcast for your excellent service….he says, dripping with sarcasm), we are finally back up and running. It feels so good to have a live connection again. I realize that all internet providers are both good and bad. What works well for one person is the personification of evil for another. For my part, Comcast was lightening fast in my home. Fantastic speeds. But it went down every time there was bad weather. Common sense dictates that there was something wrong with the connection at the line outside the house…hence it being affected by the weather. Doh! But Comcast refused on a regular basis to do anything more than send technicians out to poke around inside the house. This last time was the proverbial last straw. I now have ATT’s Elite DSL service and so far it is really stable and runs great. I can detect minor differences in speeds, but not enough to disappoint me. And it is much cheaper than what I was paying for Comcast–in today’s economy that is a plus!
Now, I must admit that I’ve been back online for 3 days now. You may well ask, where have I been? That, my friends, is where I run into a conundrum.
Would that I could look inside your heads…”my mind to your mind”…but of course that would mean touching all of you on the face, and my fingers are kind of short and I haven’t washed them yet this morning, so that kind of interface is unlikely! What I can do is explain my conundrum to you. It is this:
I had mentioned in previous posts that I am making some changes in my life. Changes that most profoundly affect my financial life. The truth is, I want to get out of debt. I have long lived life with the mantra that if you didn’t have the cash for it, charge it! And while I have not been the stereotypical male–out buying the latest and greatest technological gadgets–I have managed over the past two decades to slowly but surely amass a level of credit card debt that I am unhappy with and that is having a detriment on my life in many ways. An unreasonable portion of our family income goes into paying minimum credit card payments every month. That money, were it free and clear for use rather than paying for past folly, would honestly allow us to live a much better lifestyle right now and, more importantly, would be available for us to build our financial future on. Ladies and gentlemen, I want to retire some day. I am not one of those who needs work to feel fulfilled. I look forward to days of activity and leisure that are not squeezed in to the few remaining hours outside of a career. That will not happen without sacrifice and change. Before I risk getting ‘preachy’ here, I’ll bring this portion of today’s message to a close by saying that those changes include downsizing monthly expenses as well as parting with at least some of the things in my various collections.
Rest assured, I haven’t gone mad! 😉 There are many, many books and other collectibles that I cannot bear to part with and honestly would not do. Things are not the enemy and I haven’t suddenly adopted a ‘get rid of everything’ mentality. I am still, in my heart of hearts, a collector and that will not change. But there are some things that at this point deserve a new home, particularly some of my books. Over the last several days I have been listing and selling items on Half.com. My friend Jeff has actually joined me in this venture and, as men are wont to do, have been making a sporting competition out of who has sold the most items.
Other than occasional charity fund-raising I have not used my blog to try to make money. I don’t intend to change that. I had no intention of mentioning this at all until yesterday, when I started realizing that in the midst of some average stuff, I am selling some really cool stuff. Stuff that you good people and I share an intense love and shared interest for. I got to thinking that if I had a friend who was selling stuff at a reasonable price that I wanted, I would probably be a little miffed if he didn’t mention it to me and give me an opportunity to buy it. And so that is my conundrum. And why is it a conundrum? Because I love and cherish these relationships that I have formed online and I would never want to do anything to take advantage of any of these relationships. I would never try to sell you insurance or Amway or Girl Scout cookies here on my site. And I don’t want this to be interpreted as anything similar.
In my heart of hearts, however, I feel like each of you should have a chance to at least look at this stuff. After all, it is a courtesy I am extending to all the shoppers out there that I don’t know. And believe me, I would love it if my books (and again, I’m keeping most of them so don’t freak out!) would end up in the homes of people I love. And I take extreme care of my books. No one can tell if I have actually read them or not, but as someone who wants to be honest I have described ‘unread’ only those books that I actually haven’t read. Unfortunately Half.com buying is only open to U.S. shipping. If you live outside of the U.S. and see something you cannot live without you can send me an email and we can talk about shipping.
The most important thing I want to get across is that I am neither begging you to buy my stuff nor expecting you to. It will sell or it won’t and anything that doesn’t sell will ultimately be a book that stays in my collection, so I win either way! There is no obligation to even look, which is why I am only going to leave you a link rather than listing stuff here (my chicken way out of the conundrum)! I am also going to link to Jeff’s stuff because he is also listing some really cool stuff (and has a lot more scheduled to list) and I have the same feelings about his books/DVDs as I do about mine: why should I keep them a secret from those I care about?
So here it is. If you are interested in checking out my Half.com store the link is here:
If you are interested in checking out Jeff’s, the link is here:
Incidentally, everything I am selling is something that I purchased myself. A few items are duplicates of gifts I received and I have kept the gifts and opted to sell my copies. Gifts are too precious to abandon, and I am very sentimental! In addition I have had books donated for challenge giveaways and those remain lovingly stored in the basement, awaiting contests and prize packs. Just felt like it was important to mention that.
Because this is not intended to be some money-grubbing scheme, if you all have ebay and/or half.com stores that you would like to have linked in this post, shoot me an email and I’ll add yours as well.
Speaking of email addresses, because of my departure from Comcast my email address has changed. I will now be using my gmail account which is:
poegeek (at) gmail (dot) com
Please update your address books, I would really appreciate it.
Its good to be back online. I cannot wait to catch up with all of you and I also cannot wait to get the plethora of book reviews going that I have to complete. I did do a lot of reading over the past couple of months and a few of the books are Must Reads in my opinion.
If this post is anyway bothers or offends you, please forgive me and please drop me an email and lets discuss it.
I missed you all and look forward to linking minds with you again.
Carl, I understand your dilemma, but I think your decision to share the link with us was the right one. Don’t worry, you don’t at all sound like you’re pushing girl scout cookies on us (which, by the way, can be quite tasty 😛 ). You’re just giving your blogging friends the opportunity to browse through some awesome stuff. So don’t you feel bad for a second!
Nymeth: Girl Scout cookies are the bomb!!! 🙂 One of our regular sources is ending so I’m going to be on the lookout for another pusher…er, girl scout.
Carl, I think you’re almost “too good” of a person, if there is such a thing. I can’t for the life of me imagine that anyone could possibly be offended. Seriously! If you found a place that was selling cool stuff, you’d certainly share the link with us, right? You wouldn’t want us missing out. Why should this be viewed any differently? Now stop worrying that pretty little head of yours, okay?
And HOORAY!!! You’re back!!!
I hope you’ll sell all you can… these droppings are yours and I think it is normal you share this with us! Wish you good sales and a soon-to-be financial healthy situation. Take care!
Sabbio: Thanks, I pass those same wishes back to you and to everyone else. If this financial crisis in the world teaches us all one thing I hope it is the value of living within ones means and finding creative ways to both have fun and to get the things one wants.
Debi: Ask James, Jeff, and my wife…I’m certainly not ‘too good’…Ha! Thanks for the sweet comments though. Certainly wonderful to be back online, even better with compliments! 🙂
In the end I just want the things I am selling to go to good homes. There is some great stuff and I am certainly not trying to take advantage of anyone with my pricing. I’m selling on the cheap! 🙂
Darn you Carl (and I mean that lovingly) for putting all those books and movies up for sale. Do you know how many of them are on my wishlist?! I can’t guarantee I’ll buy any but I am seriously tempted.
Pusserboots: Darn me indeed! That’s why I do not offer a ‘no temptation’ guarantee when you come over to Stainless Steel Droppings! 🙂
No apologies necessary, Carl! The store idea is great, and you’re offering some great deals. I admire your plan for becoming credit card debt free. We did that a few years ago and owe only on our mortgage. In this economy, it’s such a relief to not be carrying that kind of debt. Go for it! The freedom is incredible!
Robin: Thanks! And congrats to you, that is incredible and exactly what we are shooting for. You’re an inspiration!
FYI, I just discovered yesterday that if you make multiple purchases from Half.com they actually reduce the shipping prices on items. Not sure how it works because I just stumbled upon the knowledge. I’m sure I sound even more like a salesman, but knowledge is a good thing. 🙂
Welcome back! Must reads are always a good thing, because if you say something is a must read, I usually like it too! 🙂
*ahem* Are you going to ‘sell’ the June mini-challenge on your blog? You know, since you are in the salesperson business. lol
Kailana: Yes…probably in July sometime! 😉
Welcome back, Carl! I can only concur with what others have said in that I’m in no way offended and think you did the right thing sharing the link with us. ^-^ (I’m afraid the books on there that I’m interested in are also books I already own.)
I do know the feeling a bit, though. I’ve come to the conclusion that I really do need to sell some of my books myself, though it’s for different reasons. I’m still trying to figure out the best way to go about it, but probably I’ll just make various trips to the second-hand store because that’s not so scary. So there. ^-~ You get admiration for what you’re doing here too!
Welcome back, Carl! Yaay! And as for being a book pusher…..ok, do you honestly think any of us would mind getting a peek at the books you are offering for sale? When books are like therapy for many of us? My only conundrum is I live in Canada, so I’m going to look at your books and then try to convince my husband that I might possibly *coughs* NEED some of them…..:-D so I will pay the shipping charges…..
I really admire you for getting out of debt. It’s something we are beginning to consider too. When I think of what we pay monthly, it’s scary. And stupid. i am glad to hear that you are keeping most of your books, though!
welcome back Carl!! Wow.. you were away longer than I was!! Not that I am completely back yet..but still..
I’m glad to hear you are going to get out of debt.. it is an important thing to do.. I have stayed out of debt for 18 yrs now, but I am alone and it’s easier to do.. I just deny myself anything I know I can’t “pay off” when the bill comes in… and so far no big emergerncies came up that put me into a big debt.
Although you do need to put some away for “retirement” just remember it’s not what its cracked up to be !.. but that only because when it happens we are older.. the body is in decline and you never know what health you will be in..sooooo… while saving still make wonderful memories because when you get to retirement you may not be able to do the things you think you should be able to do… make sense?? I hope so~
glad you are back..
I forgot.. now.. if you could only get mr linky to work~ ! it’s really made this challenge go down hill without being able to read all the reviews listed because there’s no list ~~
Shanra: If you decide to try to do something like ebay to sell your books, feel free to ask questions. You will certainly get more than from a second hand shop, and once you get the hang of it, it really is pretty easy.
Susan: I’m glad we’ve made these changes in our financial situation too. I just couldn’t go on living that way any longer. It is ridiculous to be paying credit card companies for years for stuff that I could have bought with cash if I’d just been a little more patient.
Deslily: Glad to see you’re getting back in the swing of things as well. I certainly understand what you are saying about retirement, but I believe the plan we are on will allow us, once debt is paid off, to live well now and plan for living well in the future. I too am disappointed that the Mr. Linky thing isn’t working right on that site. I need to get back over and see what fixes they have done to see if I can correct it!
Carl, I’m just glad to see you back online!! You have been sorely missed.
But I swear, you guys are like crack dealers!! My weakness will always and forever be books…and your taste is fantastic! I’m behind you all the way on the need for financial freedom. I’ve struggled with the debt for years, and we’ve really had to make some changes. I, like you, don’t want to work till I’m 80!! So, kudos to you!! And good luck!
Thanks Stephanie. I used to tease my friends for preaching Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover to me, but I am a believer now. Just following his budget and debt pay off plan for a month or so now has made a huge difference.
And yes, we are definitely book-crack dealers! 😉
Carl, welcome back. I finally posted your book _ I hope it arrives safely.
Maree: Thanks, I’m so excited!!! My ever-growing LOTR/Tolkien collection is a cherished one and I cannot wait to add it to the mix. I’ve been spending a lot of time in LOTR mode lately and I’ll really enjoy going through that.
Ahhhh, comcast, grrrr! They came to work on the box that is in my neighbor’s card and inadvertanly cut my line which is everything, TV, phone, computer, etc. After 4 days of back and forth, they finally fixed it. And of course, being on an island (barrier) we have high water tables and when it rains everything goes soooooo slowwwww.
Selling stuff: don’t sweat it. I plan on checking your store out. I love yard sales, estate sales, tag sales and am actually having one to raise some extra cash for the Jan-Ai Sch. Fd. in July. Whatever works.
Cyn
Carl, you’re welcome to share the link and I’m glad you did. I hope your store becomes profitable enough that we can see more of your blog posts.
FYI I sell on Amazon and find it a much better experience than ebay, but the product availability is limited. Email me if you want info. : )
I’m offended.
I find you greedy capitalists very upsetting!
How dare you try to sell us something we may want!
You know, I just looked through your book list.
Where is the non-fiction?
Sing it! You’re going to love the feeling of being free of unsecured debt.
You apologize too much! It in no way seems weird for you to mention your shop here. Good luck getting out of debt! My husband and I are working toward that goal as well and it is very satisfying to see the level of our debt decrease every month…way more satisfying than a new purchase!
Good to see you back! and good luck with the debt project!
Welcome Back!
I think this is great that you like us enough to share your items for sale :o)
We (husband and I) got ourselves out of debt a few years back, and it is a WONDERFUL feeling. I wish you much success in this endeavor.
No apologies at all needed Carl – hope all is a success 🙂
I have awarded you with The Literary Blogger Award on my ‘play’ blog http://bookgames.blogspot.com/ 🙂
I sympatise with you completely. I feel overwhelmed by my credit card debts and I don’t even have a family!
Now that you make me think about it, I don’t really need all dvds…I might try to sell them:D
good luck with your sale,I’d help if I could!
I’m slow getting back to your site, but am thrilled to see you back, and am looking forward to a few good reads.
None of this is offensive at all. As a matter of fact, it amuses me a bit because before I began my blog/writing, I was busy buying and selling antique china on ebay. Once I began writing, there was no time for ebay, so I’m sitting on my own pile of stuff I want to move along, and no time to do anything with it. I might put together a little store myself.
The hurricanes have taught me a lesson. If I have something I don’t love and just “have” to keep, it needs to move. I’d rather even give it away than have a hurricane take it away!
shoreacres: That is probably a good rule of thumb when you live in an area where you have to contend so strongly with mother nature’s wrath!
It is really nice to know that the things I am selling are going to good homes and it is great to have the money to pay off debt. I’m holding on to things that are still very precious to me, but some of the stuff I’ve sold was still hard to part with.
Valentina: I cannot recommend the book Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey enough. It is so common sense, so basic, and yet so difficult (because it requires real change: living on a budget, paying off debt). I’ve been selling some DVDs as well online and at a friend’s garage sales.
Sally: Thank you so much, I really appreciate the honor!
Terri: I’m so excited for you both. I cannot wait to join you in that circle of debt free people!!!
GeraniumCat: Thanks, its good to be back.
Courtney: I could apologize for apologizing too much, but that would start a vicious cycle of apologies… 😉
Best wishes to you and your husband in your efforts to get out of debt.
Suzanne: Thanks!!! I cannot wait.
James: As always, you crack me up!!!