Step 1: The Wreck

“Whoa!”  I saw the car coming into our lane as I sat in the passenger seat. There wasn’t time to react.  We smashed into the driver side door of the Mustang Salen.  As we came grinding to a stop, Courtney and I were staring at each other in shock.    Everyone needs an incentive to purchase a new car, this wreck was ours.

It took awhile for the insurance company to assess the damage but they said it was a total loss.

Quick Lesson Learned: Don’t rush the mechanic.  He was $2,000 from marking it as a total loss but didn’t have the equipment free to checkout the rest of the car. We had to give him a few days but that just meant we had more time to drive the Impala from Enterprise rental car!

Make sure you have a reason when buying a car.  Did you know that 40% of parents buy a new car because a new child is born?

Step 2: Set a Budget and Identify your Target

We received a check from ALFA insurance. Then used the amount of the check to help set our budget.  Courtney also started searching the web for “Safe SUV’s.”  Her top picks were:

• Lexus RX 350
• Honda Pilot
• Volvo XC 90 (It wasn’t considered long.)

Step 3: Create a Wish List

You want to be specific and realistic.  Ask yourself, “What is most important?” Does color matter? Know what you have to have. Need an example? This was our wish list.

Car wish list:

• Lexus RX 350
• 2008 or newer
• Color: white, silver, grey or black Interior: Tan or grey. Not black
• Prefer: heated seats
• No smoke
• Low miles (under 50,000)
• No wrecks

Step 4: Search Auto Trader

We searched autotrader.com for cars.  The site was great because it gave us the ability to do detailed searches.  After searching by make, model and year we were able to visit a few dealers.  Our goal was to find a Lexus RX 350 and Honda Pilot each within our price range.  Then we would decide which one we wanted.  After a few test drives we really liked the Lexus.

Step 5: Make Purchase

We kept searching auto trader. We thought we were never going to find a car.  After increasing the distance search field we found a car that matched our wish list.

Finally the dealer came off to a price we were willing to pay.  We tried to get him lower.  We even drove off the lot but he didn’t come off.  It was a little embarrassing going back but we did and bought the car.

I hope this helps next time you decide to buy a new car.

Taco Soup

This only makes 4-6 servings. You may want to double it. Notice all the undrained cans

1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion (I only used 1/2 onion)
15 1/4 ounce can whole kernel corn, undrained
10 ounce can original Rotel, undrained
15 ounce Chili beans, undrained
1 envelope taco seasoning
10 3/4 ounce can tomato soup, undiluted
1 cup water (I only used about 1/2 cup)
Tostitos
Monterey Jack cheese, grated

Brown beef. Drain.  Combine all ingredients, except chips and cheese. Simmer on low. Serve with chips and cheese.

Everything you need.

First brown the beef.

Strain to get the grease out.

Add everything to the crock pot (or pot if cooking over the stove.)

Even add the beef.

Put in the fridge until tomorrow.

(Thanks Mrs. Caradine for the recipe)

The author (Howard Wasdin) shares stories about his experience as an Elite Navy Seal Sniper (and how his upbringing prepared him for the military.)  He was in the battle featured in the movie “Black Hawk Down.” It is crazy to hear it from his point of view.

(Click on the book to view in Amazon.)

It was interesting to hear how his life revolved around “THE TEAM” and how hard it was to adjust coming back after being wounded. I learned some military terms.  Now I can talk to my buddy Charlie (who was in the Marines) and sound like I know what I am talking about.

Check it out!

Did you see it kick back and forth?

Top Shot

Rocket City Rednecks (Just saw it for the first time tonight.)

Spirit of the Wild Starring Ted Nugent

Each of the banners link to the show’s website.  Check them out and let me know what you think.

Here is a video to leave you with….

Just found this site. There are tons of these online give tools out there. The click and drag feature is pretty cool. Also the “registry feel” where you can give dollar amounts to specific items. This tangibility tends to increase giving.

One down side is the 3.5% + $.25 per transaction, but they have to make a living some how.

view their website here mycharitybox.com/

Whitewater rafting down the Colorado River!

Couldn’t believe there was still snow!

On top! me- Pikes Peak. Courtney- Alberta Falls

We hiked to these falls in Estes Park.