Louisiana

Louisiana gets a pretty bad wrap, but there is no denying that they may have some of the very best food in the world.  From gumbo to crawfish and boudin to alligator, it all tastes soo good.  It's definitely not health food, but the flavor is nothing short of heavenly.  There is a great website that pretty much puts it all in one place for you.  It has places to purchase food, cajun music, listen to cajun music and even check the local weather among other things.  It's really well done.  Not to get off the subject, if you ever get a chance to visit the Bayou State, definitely swing into a local restaurant and sample the local flavor.  Your taste buds will be glad you did.

Build your own furniture-It's addicting

It all started right after we moved into our home and my wife said we needed patio furniture.  After checking prices and getting somewhat nauseous, I decided to use the leftover lumber and attempt to build a patio table.  After about four tries, I finally ended up with something resembling a functional table.  So began my woodworking obsession.  I have since built multiple items for family and friends and have been doing quite well doing so.  I actually have a website advertising my products and I just got it going.  In this day and age it is endless what you can do to instantly get your products out into the world.  Anyway, the patio table I built saved us around $500.00.  That's some pretty good savings.  I also learned why such the big markup and solid wood hand-built furniture.  Whenever you factor in the time involved, it comes out to roughly $5-$15 per hour.  Not so great, but after you figure in the amount of hours, it does add up.
I'm really into the reclaimed wood market.  I can take a piece of old seemingly rotten wood, plane it down, and it sparkles with a distinct look that can not be attained without time.  The nail holes and small insect holes are invaluable.  Lets take a quick look at the steps involved.  I first have to tear down this wood from somewhere and pull all the old nails out (2 hours).  I then have to plane it all down (2 hours).  All the wood then needs to be sanded with progressively finer sand paper until the wood is like glass (4 hours).  This step can vary since a glass smooth finish is not always desired.  Next, I cut all the pieces and glue the top boards to form the table-top (3 hours).  I then attach all the pieces together to form the table by whatever means I choose; usually pocket holes (3 hours).  After the table is complete, I then have to stain, clear coat and wax (4 hours).  The total time involved is approximately 18 hours for this table. When you add up all the materials involved and the time, you can see why such the high cost of quality furniture.  I am able to sell my furniture much cheaper outright, but if I sell it through another company, which I do from time to time, there is a markup so everyone profits a little.  I learned alot getting into this business and cutting out the middle man is key to getting a good deal, but honestly, the middle man is pretty much the basis of our economy.

Funerals- Man are they tough.

This topic is not discussed all that often, but let's face it, we will all be there one day, and I do not mean paying our respects.  I just got back from a funeral and man they are tough, but I always tell myself, "When it is your time, won't you hope your friends and family stop by to see you one last time".  That's all it is.  It's respect for that person you called your friend, cousin,  whatever.  It's an unselfish act you do out of respect.  Many times,  I just go in, sign the book, say a little prayer at the casket and get out.  I may have been there no longer than five minutes.  You are not doing it for yourself, you are doing it for them.  If the family didn't see you, that is okay.  The one that really counts saw you, don't worry.

Money Management- Is it all really worth it?

I like to think that I am pretty savvy when it comes to saving money.  I have to say that I do not do without by any means, but I am  definitely  disciplined when it comes to saving money.  I was not taught by my parents or really anyone in particular, but I set goals early on in life and realized that if  I wanted to attain any of these goals, I would need to learn how to save money. 
Not to get off track, but I would like to attempt to go back in time and see where my money management skills were instilled in me and where many parents can use this with their children.  If I could pin-point one time in my life that had more of an impact on me than any other, it would have to be my sport playing years.  Sports you ask?  Yes.  Sports have had more of an impact on my life and the lives of others than most people realize.  I know its cliche', but winning really isn't everything.   The winning is just the icing on the cake, but the lessons taught in sports all roll over into real life.  Sports teach discipline.  Sports teach that the only way to achieve your goals is through hard work.  Do you want to stand out from all the other athletes, all the other teams, then you are going to have to work longer and harder than everyone else.  You are not going to excel if you continue doing the same things everyone else is doing.  It's as simple as that.  I know that makes it sound so simple, but that really is all there is to it.
Most people eat out for lunch everyday and spend on average, $7.00 a day for lunch.  That adds up to $35.00 a week or around $1800.00 a year.  If you bring your lunch and spend on average, $2.00 a day or $400.00 a year, you just increased your yearly salary by $1400.00.  That is just one example, but there are many more out there.  They have some pretty good articles on the web that can really give you some great ideas on how to save money; techniques that really add up.  I will list a few of them here:
How to Get the Best Deal on a Vehicle-
How to Pick Stocks and Make Money from Home
How to Water Your Garden for Free
How to Make Money Online with Ehow
How to Solve Your Debt Problems by Eliminating Bad Money Habits
Best of Lazy Man and Money