My Personal Goals for 2008

Intellectual goals
- Repeat reading 40 books - This year I am going to allow myself to read up to 10 fiction/novels that are not related to improving my other goals. (View Progress)
- Continue contributing to my blog 2-3 times a week minimum. (Active)

Physical Goals
- Run the Country Music 1/2 Marathon in April. (View Progress)
- Eat & live healthier in 2008 (BHAG). (View Progress)
- Slam dunk a 10 ft. goal again. (Update: I can grab the rim - not just touch it)
- Get my weight down to 205 lbs. (View Progress)

Spiritual Goals
- Do a sermon/devotional.
- Read the Bible daily. (View Progress)
- Use my mission week from work.
- Get involved in a ministry at my church.

Family Goals
- Help Jennifer finish school.
- Take a family vacation.
- (private).

Social Goals
- Join a life group at church. (Active)
- Send 2 cards a month. (Active)
- Spend more time with our neighbors. (Active)

Career Goals
- (private)

Financial Goals
- Make a decision about the real estate on Ketchie Creek.
- Pay down extra on the principle of my mortgage. (Active)
- (private).

Reflecting on 2007

So what did I accomplish in 2007? I may have skipped a few but here is a pretty good list that I am proud of.

• I read 40 books. After reading "Good to Great" I made reading my BHAG (Big Harry A** Goal). I upped it from 12 to 52.
• I was able to take eMail marketing off of my plate at work and start working on other projects.
• Found a church home after 3 years of wondering.
• Got my will updated.
• Sent handwritten cards.
• Lost 20 lbs.
• Started driving a mini-van.
• Got a flat screen t.v.
• Our team at work hit our year end goal.
• We paid several thousand dollars extra off our mortgage.
• Started saving for kids college.
• Got a Nintendo Wii.
• Won the Lampo 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
  
• Maintained my blog on regular basis.
• Became an Uncle for the first time.
• Completed Dave Ramsey's Certified Counselor Training.
• Set up a home office for my wife.
• Got my wife a deep freezer.
• I got an iBook.

Empowering My Health

Dr Asa Andrew came to speak to us at work for one of our weekly devotionals. He gave us all a copy of his recent book, "Empowering Your Health". I have not finished the book yet, but I have decided that I am going to approach this book in the same way someone might approach Dave Ramsey for the first time if they were thousands of dollars in debt. Basically, for 2008 I am going to give this health kick a shot and give Asa the opportunity to change my life. My BHAG for 2008 is going to be related to my physical goals.

So, last night I was reading through the first few chapters and came to the Commitment Page. You are suppose to fill in your name, so instead I am retyping it below with my name inserted.

I, Ben Forrest, want to get well. I am committed to do whatever it takes, regardless of how hard it may be, because I am determined to live an extraordinary life for myself, my family, and the world, which needs me and all I have to contribute. I realize that God believes in me, and by signing this, so do I. I will not complain, make any more excuses, or settle for what my personal lifestyle choices have brought me. I realize that my past is gone, today is a gift, and by making new choices, I can have renewed health and renewed life. My best days are still ahead, and I am pursing life with passion, persistence, and enthusiasm.

Dave Ramsey's "I Love You Drawer"

If you listen to Dave Ramsey very often, you should know about the "I love you drawer" that he and his wife have put together for each other in the event that one of them passed away unexpectedly. The drawer or folder contains all the information that is needed to help the other one handle all of the pressing financial decisions during a tough time so there isn't any added stress.

Basically, it is one final way to say to your spouse "I love you." It allows your family to focus their thoughts on you and your wishes instead of trying to figure out where the will is or if you had life insurance, etc...

So, our latest project at Dave Ramsey's My Total Money Makeover is putting together Dave's 30-day challenge. We are challenging people to begin assembling their love drawer in 30 days. This is a great New Year's goal. Already we are getting a great response from My Total Money Makeover members. It's something I am definitely going to polish up for 2008. Beyond the essentials, there is still a lot that me and my family need to add to our own drawer.

2007 Christmas Report

Christmas was....

Well, we took off to NC to visit family. My brother and his wife swapped houses with my dad so even though I went "home" it was different. Nonetheless, we were having a great time until early Christmas Eve (3:00 am) our son began vomiting all over the bed. We decided since he was obviously sick, to return to TN at 3:30 in the morning. S,o for Christmas Eve and Day we stayed in and stayed exhausted.

Still, Christmas was nice and the time with family was good. Our son is better, but it is official now, every time we go to NC he gets sick. Weird huh?

Leaving work early

Since it is the Friday before Christmas, we all received an extra little gift at work. An email from Dave said "we will close non-essential areas at 4pm" allowing us to go home a bit early. Then a little while later, one of the guys that worked with us (Troy) sent several of us the following picture.
A little fun fact: In the history of The Lampo Group no one has ever been laid off.

Maria Menounos - pretty but unprofessional

Last night our family sat down to enjoy our time together so my wife turned on the television hoping we would find some kind of show pertaining to Christmas. She stumbled upon NBC's Clash of the Choirs. Although, it wasn't Christmas related, we decided to watch it.

It wasn't the greatest show I've seen but nonetheless, we stayed tuned in. However, host Maria Menounos got on my nerves. Twice she used the word "damn."

Now here is what is interesting about her using it. Normally, I'm not offended when I hear that word on television, nor am I really offended when people say it in front of me. In fact, I was not upset that she said it last night. It's just that it didn't work. It sounded stupid. She looked stupid when she said it. Her using that word really showed me how questionable language is completely unprofessional, especially on a family show.

Getting out of Debt

This is a great skit with Steve Martin from Saturday Night Live. It's been awhile since I have seen it but people like this call into The Dave Ramsey Show everyday.

I am moving my blog back

Well, it's been over six months since I moved my blog to Wordpress but being the cheapskate that I am, I refused to pay for any services that blogger offered for free. I also moved because there was a big trend at our office with keeping blogs. Out of the 10-15 people that started one, there are only 4 of us remaining that semi keep one. All those dropouts convinced me to switch to Wordpress since that is what they were using. Blogger just offers so much more versatility and it is free. If they just had an importer like Wordpress has for all of our posts, I would have moved back sooner. Since they don't I'm just leaving behind all of those posts and comments.

It just goes to show you how being trendy is stupid.

My 4th Christmas Party with Dave

Saturday night, in downtown Nashville, Dave Ramsey hosted the company’s annual Christmas party. I’m pretty fortunate to be a part of his team and as a result getting the opportunity to attend this spectacular event every year. It’s kind of funny now because others I know increasingly become less impressed with their own company’s Christmas parties. Dave’s reputation around town for the events he hosts is beginning to rival Oprah’s give-a-way show. Whenever he decides to get his work team together, you can count on one thing…generosity. Here’s our night went:

My wife and I headed downtown to enjoy the reception just prior to the party. The reception itself was more food than I had eaten all day. Anyway, it was cold, rainy, and there was a basketball game at the Somet Center making traffic heavy. We waited at an intersection through several lights just to get onto the street we needed to get on in order to turn into the hotel. Valet parking was covered for us, but we decided we would just go up one block and park ourselves. That way when it was time to go we could make an easy exit. It was worth the cost to pay to park except for what was going to take place at the party.

After the reception, we went into the main hall where Dave introduced his guests which included the FOX Business Network production team of his show. Then we ate again after a brief, comical introduction from two team members who were the cast of Greater Tuna. He announced a few gifts that we were receiving such as a fleece pullover and gift certificate to dinner. After eating, I was miserably stuffed.

For entertainment, one person from each of the 50 tables, went up on stage in groups of 4 to answer some entertaining trivia questions from the company’s history. Turns out each group of 4 got their answers right and if they got them right, they would win a prize. The prizes consisted of Sony Play Stations, Nintendo Wiis, iTouchs, Garmin GPS, digital cameras, Sony dvd camcorders, Best Buy gift certificates, laptops, Xbox 360s, and Insignia 32 inch flat screens. So, the guy at our table one a Nintendo Wii. He and his wife were very excited and we were excited for them, because we have a Wii and we love it.

The night continued, and we sang Christmas carols together and it felt like the night was about to come to an end. Then Dave said they had a few more things to give away. That was when several people walked in pushing carts full of all the prizes that I mentioned above. It turns out that Dave and his leadership team were going to give everyone who was sitting at the tables the very same prize the person who was at our table won earlier that night. So, every couple at our table was taking home a Nintendo Wii.

We were excited, but our first thought was, “I wonder where we are going to sell this since we have one.” Instantly the room of over 400 people turned into the pit at the Stock Exchange. People were making trades left and right. It turns out that the Wii table was a happening spot. I was offered a trade on just about everything that was given away. We just sat back and thought about each deal until one guy tapped me on the back, and asked “Would you want to trade the Wii for our television?”

I looked at my wife and “YES” was clearly spelled out in her eyes. We made the swap. Only now we had to figure out how to get a 32 inch flat panel tv up 2 blocks to our car since we decided not to valet. We ended up driving back to the hotel to pick it up, but nonetheless, it was another unbelievable event that Dave and his planning committee put together. The Lampo Group really is an amazing place to work. When people ask about our parties, they just roll their eyes. It’s great. I’m blessed.

Merry Christmas!

Screeching Tires

Have you ever experienced the moment when you are outside and you hear the sound of screeching tires? Then the people you are with yell out “WHAM!”? I think it’s funny because that is the natural sound you should hear after screeching tires, but rarely do you hear the real thing.

Well today in our office everything was quiet. Everyone was working hard. All of the sudden we all hear “SCREEEEEECH” from outside the window. Nobody followed up with saying “Wham!” It turns out they didn’t have to because the screech was followed by a real “Wham!”

The silence in the office was broken. Immediately everyone jumped up from their seats and ran to the windows. Two ladies had collided in the intersection just outside our window. They were both fine, but it sure did cause quite a stir in our office.

I’m just glad it didn’t happen at 5:30 when we get out of work. Christmas shoppers are making the traffic even worse this week since we are located across the street from the mall.

My Wish List

Regardless of the occasion whether it is birthday or Christmas, I am never prepared to tell people what I would like for a gift when they ask. So, I have decided to begin listing a few things here. Also, I figure I’m not the only one who would like to have some of these items, so it helps me decide what I might get for others too. Please feel free to comment on items you would like to have. I might want that too!

1. Mustache & Beard Trimmer: Mine is on the blink. The clipper that pops up on the back broke off completely.
2. Barnes & Noble Gift Card: I have picked up the pace on reading and I have a membership card at Barnes & Noble. A gift card there will ALWAYS be appreciated.
3. Madden NFL 07 for the Nintendo Wii: My wife and I got a Wii a few months ago and we only have two games. She won’t like this one, but I think it will be fun.
4. Miniature Tennessee Titans Football Helmet: I’d like to have one for my desk at work.
5. Coffee Shop Gift Cards: Only on occasion do I stop an buy an overpriced cup of coffee for myself. Gift cards would help me enjoy more cups.
6. Set of Dumbbells: I don’t want a lot of weights, but I might use a few while watching my son play.
7. Cadence CDs: I am planning to run a 1/2 marathon in 2008. I think running with some military cadences will help. There are 5-6 of these I would like to have.
8. iPod Nano: I have an iPod Shuffle, but #9 on my wish list won’t work with a shuffle.
9. Nike + iPod Sport Kit: This goes along with my goal to run a half marathon. I’d like to track my progress.
10. A Fire Safe: You know Dave preaches about a “Love Drawer”. I just need a bigger and safer love drawer than the one I have.
11. Wrist/Stop Watch: I decided I don’t really need #8 and #9. I just need a stop watch to wear on my wrist. One with indiglo. I like the blue glow!
12. Apple USB Adapter: I would like to be able to charge my shuffle on the road. This would be handy.
13. Apple Mighty Mouse: I just got an iBook and would like have a mouse rather than using the trackpad.
14. Headphones/Microphone: Someday I may decide to create a podcast. Therefore, I would need this equipment.
15. Flat Panel TV: Dave Ramsey gave me one at our Christmas Party.

About Pet Peeving

Pet Peeving was started back in 2006 by myself. The original intent of Pet Peeving was to focus on how pet peeves are leveraged in marketing and advertising. I know - too specific. It was much harder than I expected. I enjoy sharing and hearing about what peeves people and I still think focusing on peoples pet peeves would and does make great advertising. I don’t really see peeves as a negative thing…I just think they are funny. Some people complain a lot, but I refer to them as complainers, not someone who has a pet peeve.

Anyway, after a few posts Pet Peeving quickly became host to all of my posts - even ones that had nothing to do with pet peeves. Honestly, I had already bought the domain name and just didn’t feel like wasting that $8.95. I was just too lazy to do everything that was required to change the name. Can you imagine getting all 10 of the people who have linked to Pet Peeving to change the link? So, I decided to just embrace the name and use it for my personal blog. I hope you don’t find this blog as cynical as it sounds. It’s not. I really do try to stay positive.

In June of 2007, I switched blog platforms and moved from Blogger to WordPress. After several months of giving WordPress a shot, I moved back to Blogger in December of 2007.

I hope you enjoy the blog and please feel free to subscribe, link, or tell others.

Thanks,

Ben Forrest
ben4rest[at]gmail.com

More About the Author

Ben completed Dave Ramsey's Certified Financial Counselor Training in February of 2007. For more information on becoming a financial counselor, click here.

Personality Traits

Jung Personality Test
ISFJ - "Conservator". Desires to be of service and to minister to individual needs - very loyal. 13.8% of total population.

Strengths According to Strengths Finder 2.0

My 2007 Reading List

Books I have read in 2007

Jacobson, Wayne
So, You Don’t Want to Go to Church Anymore

Mark Sanborn
The Fred Factor

James G. Skakoon
The Unwritten Laws of Business.

Buckingham, Marcus & Donald O. Clifton
Now, Discover Your Strengths

Gladwell, Malcolm
Blink!

Calloway, Joe
Work Like You’re Showing Off!

Sanborn, Mark
You Don’t Need A Title To Be A Leader

Heath, Chip & Dan
Made to Stick

Maxwell, John
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

Fox, Jeffrey J.
How to Become CEO

Collins, Jim
Good To Great

Lencioni, Patrick
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

Lencioni, Patrick
Death by Meetings

Blanchard, Ken
The One Minute Manager

Andrews, Andy
The Traveler’s Gift

Gladwell, Malcolm
The Tipping Point

Ziglar, Zig
Selling 101

Goleman, Daniel & Richard Boyatzis, Annie McKee
Primal Leadership

Weber, Larry
Marketing to the Social Web

Stanley, Andy
The Next Generation Leader

DePree, Max
Leadership is an Art

Carnegie, Dale
Lincoln the Unknown

Krug, Steve
Don’t Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach…

Miller, John G.
Flipping the Switch

Godin. Seth
The Dip

Lencioni, Patrick
Silos, Politics and Turf Wars

DeMoss, Mark (gift)
The Little Red Book of Wisdom

McQuiston, John II
Always, We Begin Again

Sutton, Robert I.
The No Asshole Rule

Kotter, John and Holger Rathgeber
Our Iceberg Is Melting

Jamieson, Wendell (gift)
Father Knows Les or: “Can I Cook My Sister?”

Giuliani, Rudolph
Rudolph Giuliani on Leadership

Godin, Seth
Permission Marketing

Pasachof, Jay M.
Astronomy (the concise field guide to the stars, planets, and the universe)

Alexander, Scott
Advanced Rhinocerology

Jacobson, Eric A.
For Cause For Country (a continual work in progress)

McDonough, James Lee & Thomas L. Connelly
Five Tragic Hours

Crites, Paul (gift)
Discovering the Power of Purpose

Ramos, Andreas & Stephanie Cota
Insider’s Guide to SEO

Forta, Ben*
Teach Yourself SQL

Twelve Days of Christmas

Performing an entertaining version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, at Indiana University, I present…Straight No Chaser

Candy Rotation

I realized tonight that Holidays are a good a excuse to buy candy for yourself and not anyone else. You see, back in October we bought all kinds of great candy for trick-or-treaters but somehow a lot of the good candy ended up not getting passed out. So, over the last several weeks I have enjoyed a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup each night with a nice cold glass of milk. Yum.

Tonight was the last peanut butter cup and I was a little disappointed. However, that disappointment quickly faded away as I remembered that we bought Christmas Peanut M&Ms for any visitors that might drop by during the holiday. I have a suspicion that not all of the bags will make it into a serving dish. We’ll just see if this candy can last us until Easter. That’s when we will buy are nearly 2 year old son a lot of candy he can’t eat. I guess we will just have to eat for him.

I like how this candy rotation is working out.

A Crossroads Irony

I find it pretty interesting that people who end up working at our office often find themselves at a crossroads in life just prior to accepting a position at our office. Story after story, I hear many share how they became a part of The Lampo Group, Inc. Very few stories fall short of remarkable. God’s providence and timing continues to amaze us as each new person begins work.

The irony I find is the fact that our building sits on the corner of Mallory and Crossroads. In fact our building sits right next to a sign that says Crossroads Business Park.

Then there is something else I find interesting. The word “lampo” means “light” in the Greek language and the icon our company uses is a lighthouse. Not only has Lampo served as a lighthouse for those searching for hope outside of the company, it has also served as a lighthouse where many have found a fulfilling job and sense of self-worth when they have felt lost in this world.

A lighthouse sitting at the crossroads...

Several Things

What’s happening? Here’s what.
(phrases unrelated)

still here, really busy, can’t post, wrapping gifts, finished shopping, new uncle, love Jennifer, love Cole, learning Mac, enjoying tunes, several peeves, Jennifer resigned, bureaucratic policies, cooler weather, my fault?, dark chocolate, bloody noses, traffic jams, good eating, placed membership, been annoyed, laughed hard, chewing gum, working hard, reading books, automatic updates, Tar Heels, running more, talk later,