First Post of 2016 (Predictions)

I missed doing this prior to the close of 2015, but in one big ol’ post I’ll address my predictions/goals for 2015 and add my new predictions and goals for 2016. First my 2015 predictions/goals.

Strike through means wrong.  Bold means nailed it. Underlined means jury is still out.

1. We will be forced to get another car (despite the van purchase in November of 2014).
   1. I traded Vanna White (2001 Chrysler Town and Country) for George Peppard (2002 Pontiac Grand Prix). The idea of this was that I’d need to get a loan and get a $5k car. Didn’t happen but I was right that a change was going to happen.
2. The Bengals will miss the playoffs.
   1. The Bengals have had a really great run this year, probably might even get that one playoff win. But for me, even if they make it as far as the SB and lose, it feels like this was the year it should happen.
3. The price of gas stays under $3.50 (locally) for most of the year and the economy is better.
   1. The gas prices have been under $3.00 for the last five months, and even below $2.00 for the last two months. The economy, well if you believe the Obama propaganda, the economy is fantastic.
4. Super Hot Summer… ugh hope I am wrong on this.
   1. I really don’t remember. I’ll just say it was hot.
5. Before the super hot summer, winter won’t leave us until… May.
   1. Clearly wrong, although it was chilly… I think.
6. Senator Grassley decides not to run again
   1. The dude is like pushing 90, I figured he would decide not to.
7. Obamacare goes back to the Supreme Court where it is a close decision that the subsidies thing is unconstitutional (even though we all knew that).
   1. Well it did go to court, but it was upheld. Why am I not surprised.
8. The Reds miss October play, but the Cubs get there.
   1. Honestly, the Cubs should have went all the way.
9. We will have to put some major money in the house for a repair this year (hope I’m wrong).
   1. Thankfully this was not the case.
10. I become proficient on Linux again
    1. Ha, still working on it.

Here were my goals for 2015.

1. Weight Loss, has to be done.
   1. FAIL FAIL FAIL FAIL.
2. Re-read the Bible, this time in chronological order.
   1. Started strong but fell apart.
3. Write some sort of Mobile/web App for train spotting.
   1. I still have the concept, will still work on it since I miss spotting locos.
4. Smoke some meat each month.
   1. Fail, I tried but things were busy.
5. Get Waffle House in Iowa
   1. Fail, but this was out of my control.

So now here are my predictions for 2016!

1. Cubs go all the way this year, world series champs.
2. Flooding in Iowa, lots of melt, lots of spring rain, and heavy summer rains.
3. Hillary Clinton wins the DNC, Bernie Sander runs as an independent at that point.
4. Ted Cruz wins the nomination for the GOP. Trump runs as an independent.
5. Unbelievably/tragically Hillary becomes president (man I hope I am wrong on this).
6. The Bengals return to bungling, big time. Less than .500 record, no playoffs.
7. The Iowa State Cyclones football program becomes bowl eligible.
8. We spend money on the house/furnishing this year.
9. Gas prices get back towards $4.00/gal again.
10. Paul Ryan is primary-ed.

And now, my personal goals.

1. Attempt to lose weight (I know every year etc…).
   1. Walk/Ride more with kids when possible, especially when weather is nice.
   2. Attempt to eat better and less.
2. Destroy Debt.
   1. Remainder of Tress Student Loan.
   2. My 401k Loan.
   3. Last credit card.
   4. Find a way to make more money.
3. Audio messages at church.
   1. Make it easier to post.
   2. Get it caught up (maybe with help).
4. Try to have a night out with Tress each month.
5. Take the kids in the canoe.
6. Take a river trip with Tress.

Best of luck!