Are you feeling stimulized?

So Congress and the Prez finally passed Stimulus 2.0. I have to say, overall i'm pretty disappointed in it. Why can't we all get $400 lump sum check instead of the stupid withholding option. Seriously, do our lawmakes in Washington really feel that $13 a week or whatever it's going to be starting in April is really going to stimulate the economy? That isn't even enough for me to play one hand of a blackjack on a weekend in Vegas... Anyway, that got me thinking about random benefits or experiences in my life that people are "handing" me in 2009, so I felt I'd share w/ you.

In no particular order:

1. So Nick (a coworker) and I have the opportunity to go play Oakmont Country Club on someone else's dime this summer. We both have to go to Pittsburgh for a conference and it's only about an hour from there, so this is in the works. According to Golf Digest, it's ranked as the #5 overall course in North America. They've hosted a few small tournaments you may have heard of like the U.S. Open and the PGA Championship.

2. Trip to Cancun --- so my cousin Kerry who is a realtor here in town owes me a trip for a few days to an all-inclusive resort. I referred him two customers last year, so that's his repayment to me....i'll obviously take it.

3. The fact that i'm lucky/fortunate enough to currently have two roommates that help pay my mortgage and utilities! thanks guys!

4. My lease is up on my car in June. Normally I would dread the fact that I have to do some car shopping, but hell, I'm practically expecting dealerships to give away deals on cars, so this could be somewhat exciting. Yeah, technically i'll be spending money, but I need a car so I was gonna do that anyway, but there could be a lot of potential savings

5. Pacers tickets -- these are practically being given away, so i've been the beneficiary of some sweet seats this season so far and hopefully will get a few more of those before the season is over.

6. My family's love - this is free 99.9% of the time (unfortunately, there are exceptions). Love ya Mom and Dad (and every other family member that reads this)

So, even though I wasn't too pumped w/ the actual stimulus package, there are many other ways that I've realized are making me say that "I'm feeling stimulized!" Hopefully all of you have some good things going for ya as well this year!

2008 Taxable Income reviewed to date - $3,680,947. I have a long way to go to hit my $103 million guess, but I think I'll still be somewhere in that area when it's all said and done.

Until next time, I leave you w/ this and also an all-time classic!