Well, we finally signed the papers on the refi. BoA even messed that up. As I was leaving our lawyer's office, I get an email from him saying that the Closer at BoA had just contacted him to say he'd made a mistake and half of the papers would need to be signed again. Assuming the postal service works on time, I'll get the paperwork on Monday, the lawyer will get it back on Wednesday, and then we can be free to fix the roof, get a new car, and a new water heater... I will rest easy when everything is turned in and final! In the meantime it is supposed to drop to a balmy 24 degrees tonight. *Brrrrr* Hope that water heater (and thus the connected boiler) holds up!
I am still in denial that we may need to shut off our internet. I'd really like for there to be a way to keep it. It is, after all, our main form of entertainment. Since first considering it, I will say that I am reading a lot more. But still, I enjoy blogging - even if I don't get to it as often as I'd like - and I enjoy keeping up with people on Facebook, and the occasional episode of Bones or Castle... I also very much appreciate having the ability to look up random facts, find a location/store/item, get a specific recipe, and continue my search to better my income and career. While I admit to being irked and pissy about the former, I'm a bit concerned about the latter - I've just come to depend on it so much...
ENOUGH!
We are supposed to be cheerful here. It was a good day. In addition to the closing, I had another appointment with my Health Coach and really enjoyed it. Got bills paid. Got the flyers down for BatCat.* Had a lovely lunch with the Wife. Went to library and reserved a pass to Magic Wings for next Friday. Got an adorable hat from the secondhand store for Mozart. Picked up Mozart and took a walk with him.** Made a crazy-quick dinner of quesadillas and leftovers. And to then went Family Time at the Y for tumbling. Yes. A good day.
* BatCat ran off sometime last week. We're not sure when (bad cat mommies) because the last time we really and truly remember seeing her was when she caught a mouse on Sept. 28th (Friday). Neither of the cats have ever wanted to go outside, but apparently she got the urge - or Stubby dared her, and she took the opportunity when we either took stuff in from the Farm/Farmers Market (Saturday), unloaded groceries (Sunday), the door didn't close behind us (Monday), or aired out the kitchen to clear the smoke (Tuesday). Yeah. Bad cat mommies. So Thursday night I went to feed them, and oddly, BatCat's bowl was still full. Odd because it was, in and of itself, and I'd have thought that if BatCat was missing Stubby would have downed her share. Consultation with the Wife proved that we had no idea when we last saw her - she's just so much part of the house/routine... (yes, bad cat mommies) We did a thorough search of the house. The Wife ran around the neighborhood with a flashlight calling for her for a couple hours. She found an opossum and a fox or some such thing but no BatCat. She came home crying and berating herself for not noticing her enough to notice that she was gone. I'd had plans to do much cleaning and organizing on Friday, but instead I made a MISSING flyer, got it printed up, and postered the neighborhood. We got several calls of potential sightings, but had no luck - until late Sunday night. We were on our way back home from being out of cell range all day and had just gotten a message with another possible sighting - fairly close to our house. So as we are driving through our neighborhood, I kept my eyes peeled. And just as we pulled into our driveway, I saw something jump off our our porch and hide underneath!! I knew that it had to be her - her, or a really large squirrel! But we didn't think it was big enough to be a skunk, or slow enough to be an opossum. So we got the cat treats and coaxed her out! Yeah for BatCat!! She had a few burrs, but all in all she was doing alright. No injuries and not too traumatized. She did have some nasty poops for the next couple of days, but seems to be back to herself now. Happy indeed to have her back!
** Did you notice ~ not only did I walk around to get the flyers, but I also took a walk! Without foot pain!! By the time tumbling was over, it was back, but it's getting better, it really is!!
The Neverending Refi
I've mentioned that we are in the process of refinancing our house. I may have mentioned that this has been a looooong process. To be exact, Bank of America (henceforth: BoA) said they could refinance - just our 1st loan on April 9th. They said it would take 6-8 weeks. You'll note that was six MONTHS ago. That is the short story. The epic version is follows:
We bought our house just before the housing market plummeted. We had the opportunity to go through the VA Home Loans program, but the interest rates were only a marginally better with them, and we wanted to buy the house together, having it in both of our names, not just mine. We talked to several banks and they all said it would be no problem to refinance after a couple years - just roll both the 80 and 20 (I think we got the last 80/20 home loan issued in the US) together for a better rate and we'll be golden, they said. So nearly two years in we began thinking about refinancing. We went to all the local banks, but by that time it seemed they were all gun-shy to refinance at all, and especially on a house that had lost value. So we waited and started approaching banks again two and a half years ago. Again, we went to one local bank and credit union after another without progress. Two years later, feeling like we needed professional help, we got a mortgage broker who worked with us for four months. We paid for an FHA assessment ($400) through the broker, and found out that we were no longer under water, but he still said we didn't qualify for any kind of refinance because our house was too close to being under water. Not actually under water, just close. And well, even with all the new programs that are supposed to help people in our situation refinance, there was just nothing that could help us refinance - we either made too much money, not enough money, our house was too close to being under water, but not actually underwater, and oh, we hadn't actually missed any payments.
So while still working with the broker, one fine mortgage-paying day, the teller - again - was aghast at how much interest we are paying (6.875 on the 20 and 9.125 on the 20). Yes, I tell her, I am aghast every time I think about it and we have been trying for over two years to refinance, but everyone has said it can't be done - including BoA. She shakes her head and set me up with an appointment with one of their people. I felt slightly like a traitor seeing as we had a broker, but at the same time, we weren't getting anywhere.
I go to the meeting without much hope as they'd already said there was nothing they could do months and months ago, but hey, maybe something had changed. While I've met the banker I sat down with many times, she doesn't handle mortgages and was just there to facilitate a call to Lenny (not his real name, but don't you think that's a good name for a salesman). After about 45 minutes on the phone, Lenny says we can refinance, but only the first loan as the 2nd doesn't qualify - or we don't qualify - I'm still not sure as Lenny seemed to be talking outta both sides of his mouth. Regardless, he could refi our first loan, saving us 2 percentage points, which would save us almost 200 off our mortgage. Awesome! But upfront, we'll have to put another $400 down for another assessment because, apparently anything but a BoA assessment is of no use. So we cough it up, again, and think ahead to June when we will finally have enough extra in our budget to get our sad and leaky roof done.
Alas, June comes and goes. We are anxious to get it done, but after so long waiting, what's another month. My car needs new brakes, and it is now clear it will not pass inspection come October for a host of other reasons, but knowing the refi will be going through soon we put off getting it fixed or even thinking about a new car. July comes and goes. We are becoming somewhat worried, but are assured that all is well, they just need to get subordination from the home improvement loan that we took out to fix the windows. We somehow roll together the entire years home owner's insurance to pay in advance, as required. August, yes, comes and goes. We are becoming less than patient now. It is unclear who is dragging their feet as it seems that BoA, our lawyer and the bank needing to subordinate the other loan are all taking their sweet time. We cough up another $130 for the subordination fee. By September we are talking with Lenny at least a couple times a week and each time he says we should be hearing about a closing date any day now. But we hear nothing. And our leaky roof begins leaking in earnest. We begin to worry each time it rains. Then the water heater let go of all it's water. Several times. Still works most of the time, but we're told that could stop working altogether at anytime. And that we will not have hot water or heat, as our boiler is tied into it, if it goes. By the end of September the Wife is angry, as am I, and I have a difficult time holding it together when talking to Lenny. And by now, Lenny is also having a difficult time saying this is all routine. He reports calling numerous people at BoA, and their supervisors, but we still hear nothing. Everything is on hold until the refi goes through as taking any kind of loan out will alter our credit/debt-to-income ratio, and put the refi in jeopardy: we cannot get our roof done, our car fixed, much less a new one, or a new water heater. On October 1st, this really hits home as winter is now upon us - after all by the end of October last year, odd as it was, we had three feet of snow and no power due to the inclement weather.
In frustration and anger, the Wife logged onto the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to submit a complaint. In the process she learns that, because I am a veteran, I qualify for a VA Home Loan refinance. Wait, what? I didn't know they did refi's as well! The VA won't lend to two people unless both are veterans or if they are married. And even though we are married, because it is a federal program, they don't consider us married. BUT, it turned out all the financing was in my name only, so we did some thinking and decided it might be worth it to take her off the title if we could do this thing - it could be several hundred more per month that we'd be saving! But before I could look into the specifics on the VA refi, I get notice from BoA that they'd like to close on Oct. 12!! WHOA! Just when I need to figure out what this new info means, they want to close?? I have a whirlwind of a day talking to our lawyer, who confirms that it is possible to take the Wife of the title, multiple VA locations, trying to get a Certificate of Eligibility, fill out numerous forms online and get a call back from another mortgage broker who specializes in VA Home Loans. He takes all the info, declines taking the Wife's, and says he'll get back to me within a day or so. Meanwhile I'm putting BoA on hold - sort of - the processor who we were supposed to schedule the final closing time with went on vacation without providing another person to talk to - until the 15th! Then I get a call back from the VA broker. I do not qualify. I don't make enough money, apparently, to make the payment for the refi. Never mind that the payments have been made, on time, every single month for over five years. As twisted as it is, they can't help us because reducing our payments by nearly half would somehow make it less likely that we would be able to pay them - huh?!!? But, of course, if they could count the Wife's income, we would qualify. So, sorry, until DOMA is repealed, there's no help for you.
So now we are going through BoA. I am so, so happy to have a closing date. Finally. But I am also bitter. Bitter that the whole system seems to be working against people who are somehow managing to barely scrape by. Bitter that not one person at any of the banks, or the broker, thought to ask if I was a veteran throughout this entire process - probably because I am a woman. Bitter that my marriage doesn't count when it should. Bitter at how long this has taken. I am trying to shake it off and just be grateful that we are able to do any bit of refinancing. It will save us some money. And after Friday we will be free to do these things that are in such dire need of doing. Though that austerity plan still looms... at least we'll be sure to have a roof over our heads!
We bought our house just before the housing market plummeted. We had the opportunity to go through the VA Home Loans program, but the interest rates were only a marginally better with them, and we wanted to buy the house together, having it in both of our names, not just mine. We talked to several banks and they all said it would be no problem to refinance after a couple years - just roll both the 80 and 20 (I think we got the last 80/20 home loan issued in the US) together for a better rate and we'll be golden, they said. So nearly two years in we began thinking about refinancing. We went to all the local banks, but by that time it seemed they were all gun-shy to refinance at all, and especially on a house that had lost value. So we waited and started approaching banks again two and a half years ago. Again, we went to one local bank and credit union after another without progress. Two years later, feeling like we needed professional help, we got a mortgage broker who worked with us for four months. We paid for an FHA assessment ($400) through the broker, and found out that we were no longer under water, but he still said we didn't qualify for any kind of refinance because our house was too close to being under water. Not actually under water, just close. And well, even with all the new programs that are supposed to help people in our situation refinance, there was just nothing that could help us refinance - we either made too much money, not enough money, our house was too close to being under water, but not actually underwater, and oh, we hadn't actually missed any payments.
So while still working with the broker, one fine mortgage-paying day, the teller - again - was aghast at how much interest we are paying (6.875 on the 20 and 9.125 on the 20). Yes, I tell her, I am aghast every time I think about it and we have been trying for over two years to refinance, but everyone has said it can't be done - including BoA. She shakes her head and set me up with an appointment with one of their people. I felt slightly like a traitor seeing as we had a broker, but at the same time, we weren't getting anywhere.
I go to the meeting without much hope as they'd already said there was nothing they could do months and months ago, but hey, maybe something had changed. While I've met the banker I sat down with many times, she doesn't handle mortgages and was just there to facilitate a call to Lenny (not his real name, but don't you think that's a good name for a salesman). After about 45 minutes on the phone, Lenny says we can refinance, but only the first loan as the 2nd doesn't qualify - or we don't qualify - I'm still not sure as Lenny seemed to be talking outta both sides of his mouth. Regardless, he could refi our first loan, saving us 2 percentage points, which would save us almost 200 off our mortgage. Awesome! But upfront, we'll have to put another $400 down for another assessment because, apparently anything but a BoA assessment is of no use. So we cough it up, again, and think ahead to June when we will finally have enough extra in our budget to get our sad and leaky roof done.
Alas, June comes and goes. We are anxious to get it done, but after so long waiting, what's another month. My car needs new brakes, and it is now clear it will not pass inspection come October for a host of other reasons, but knowing the refi will be going through soon we put off getting it fixed or even thinking about a new car. July comes and goes. We are becoming somewhat worried, but are assured that all is well, they just need to get subordination from the home improvement loan that we took out to fix the windows. We somehow roll together the entire years home owner's insurance to pay in advance, as required. August, yes, comes and goes. We are becoming less than patient now. It is unclear who is dragging their feet as it seems that BoA, our lawyer and the bank needing to subordinate the other loan are all taking their sweet time. We cough up another $130 for the subordination fee. By September we are talking with Lenny at least a couple times a week and each time he says we should be hearing about a closing date any day now. But we hear nothing. And our leaky roof begins leaking in earnest. We begin to worry each time it rains. Then the water heater let go of all it's water. Several times. Still works most of the time, but we're told that could stop working altogether at anytime. And that we will not have hot water or heat, as our boiler is tied into it, if it goes. By the end of September the Wife is angry, as am I, and I have a difficult time holding it together when talking to Lenny. And by now, Lenny is also having a difficult time saying this is all routine. He reports calling numerous people at BoA, and their supervisors, but we still hear nothing. Everything is on hold until the refi goes through as taking any kind of loan out will alter our credit/debt-to-income ratio, and put the refi in jeopardy: we cannot get our roof done, our car fixed, much less a new one, or a new water heater. On October 1st, this really hits home as winter is now upon us - after all by the end of October last year, odd as it was, we had three feet of snow and no power due to the inclement weather.
In frustration and anger, the Wife logged onto the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to submit a complaint. In the process she learns that, because I am a veteran, I qualify for a VA Home Loan refinance. Wait, what? I didn't know they did refi's as well! The VA won't lend to two people unless both are veterans or if they are married. And even though we are married, because it is a federal program, they don't consider us married. BUT, it turned out all the financing was in my name only, so we did some thinking and decided it might be worth it to take her off the title if we could do this thing - it could be several hundred more per month that we'd be saving! But before I could look into the specifics on the VA refi, I get notice from BoA that they'd like to close on Oct. 12!! WHOA! Just when I need to figure out what this new info means, they want to close?? I have a whirlwind of a day talking to our lawyer, who confirms that it is possible to take the Wife of the title, multiple VA locations, trying to get a Certificate of Eligibility, fill out numerous forms online and get a call back from another mortgage broker who specializes in VA Home Loans. He takes all the info, declines taking the Wife's, and says he'll get back to me within a day or so. Meanwhile I'm putting BoA on hold - sort of - the processor who we were supposed to schedule the final closing time with went on vacation without providing another person to talk to - until the 15th! Then I get a call back from the VA broker. I do not qualify. I don't make enough money, apparently, to make the payment for the refi. Never mind that the payments have been made, on time, every single month for over five years. As twisted as it is, they can't help us because reducing our payments by nearly half would somehow make it less likely that we would be able to pay them - huh?!!? But, of course, if they could count the Wife's income, we would qualify. So, sorry, until DOMA is repealed, there's no help for you.
So now we are going through BoA. I am so, so happy to have a closing date. Finally. But I am also bitter. Bitter that the whole system seems to be working against people who are somehow managing to barely scrape by. Bitter that not one person at any of the banks, or the broker, thought to ask if I was a veteran throughout this entire process - probably because I am a woman. Bitter that my marriage doesn't count when it should. Bitter at how long this has taken. I am trying to shake it off and just be grateful that we are able to do any bit of refinancing. It will save us some money. And after Friday we will be free to do these things that are in such dire need of doing. Though that austerity plan still looms... at least we'll be sure to have a roof over our heads!
Mozart's cuteness
Whenever Mozart sees, feels, or tastes something he doesn't like, he makes this particular hissing sound with correlating mouth movements - imagine you got a piece of fuzz in your mouth. That is pretty much what he does. Except he does it for all things distasteful.
And when he sees something he wants, but doesn't necessarily have the words for it, or if he's just to excited to say the words he knows, he makes a very particular, "hummmm" sound that indicates absolute pleasure.
While we do not watch t.v., and I don't believe the daycare does either, he has taken a particular liking to "Memo" a.k.a. Elmo. We have a Sesame Street pop-up book, he has an Elmo cup, and the one video he is allowed is Elmo's Potty Time.
Last night we switched out some of the baby toys for more toddler-esque toys. Oh, he was just in awe. Hopping from one new toy to the next. And he wasn't being redirected away from any of them - it was better than Christmas!
Oh, yeah, and last night I organized all those new toys. I lined up his cars, rearranged the books, set out all of his string-pulled toys in a row along with his Quike (like a trike but it has 4 wheels) and a push cart that I'd filled up with little trucks. He got sooo excited when he saw the cart full of trucks, and clearly wanted the trucks to be next to the cars. The cart has wheels - of course - but he made 13 trips back and forth across the living room to take each individual truck from the cart to the car line-up.
And when he sees something he wants, but doesn't necessarily have the words for it, or if he's just to excited to say the words he knows, he makes a very particular, "hummmm" sound that indicates absolute pleasure.
While we do not watch t.v., and I don't believe the daycare does either, he has taken a particular liking to "Memo" a.k.a. Elmo. We have a Sesame Street pop-up book, he has an Elmo cup, and the one video he is allowed is Elmo's Potty Time.
Last night we switched out some of the baby toys for more toddler-esque toys. Oh, he was just in awe. Hopping from one new toy to the next. And he wasn't being redirected away from any of them - it was better than Christmas!
Oh, yeah, and last night I organized all those new toys. I lined up his cars, rearranged the books, set out all of his string-pulled toys in a row along with his Quike (like a trike but it has 4 wheels) and a push cart that I'd filled up with little trucks. He got sooo excited when he saw the cart full of trucks, and clearly wanted the trucks to be next to the cars. The cart has wheels - of course - but he made 13 trips back and forth across the living room to take each individual truck from the cart to the car line-up.
And on the bright side...
...while my feet hurt now, they hurt less today than they have in four months. For this, I am eternally grateful to the universe.
Fired.
No, no, not me!!
I fired my therapist. I'd felt like I wasn't really getting much out of it for awhile, but the previously mentioned austerity plan gave me the impetus that I needed to actually do it.
I generally find that going to therapy can be helpful. I get to talk about the various things going on in my life to someone who doesn't judge, try and fix things, and isn't personally invested, but will, at times, ask a pointed question so that I can maybe look at things from a different angle. Sure, I've got some deeper stuff that could be dealt with, but I don't go to dredge up the old stuff unless it's impeding the way I handle things today.
I haven't really clicked with a therapist in awhile. I attribute part of it to my being a therapist myself - I am constantly thinking about what they might be thinking about me. This is not a helpful habit. But when, last year sometime, I decided I ought to have someone 'from the outside' to talk to, I found Dr. K. Again, I didn't click, but did find it useful for some time.
The first breakdown came on Memorial Day. It is not a holiday for my work, but as I am a veteran, and as Mozart's daycare was closed, I took the day off to spend with him, go to the parade and generally give thanks for those who have lost their lives while serving our country. And also to be thankful that my time in the service, for as much of a hardship as it was (that is a long story that I will not go into), did not entail me being deployed, seeing combat, or losing any friends. I still had my appointment with Dr. K that evening and while I didn't have anything pressing I wanted to talk about the above was generally on my mind. She had emailed me to confirm that she was open though it was a holiday. On arrival she made some mention of confirming that she was still working and I said something to the effect that we all have to make a living and it must be hard being in private practice and not having holidays. And she said, "Well, it's not a real holiday anyway."
Yeah. Ok, so it might not be a real holiday to you, Lady, but it sure as hell is a real holiday. It might not be marked by Hallmark with materialism and merchandising, but it is very meaningful for a great number of people and should be meaningful for a great number more.
I did not say any of this. Instead I shut down my pensive thoughts of the day and talked about inconsequential crap that had gone on since the last visit.
The next breakdown was when I came in upset about having to pull Mozart out of his previous daycare due to their dog's bad behavior and the owners failure to address it. Had it simply been a dog being rambunctious, I could have overlooked it, but it was clear that the dog wasn't safe around kids and something needed to be done. I loved that daycare. Mozart loved that daycare. It broke my heart that we were having to pull him out of it. I had consulted with friends, vets, and others and was already clear that it was the right thing to do for the safety of my child. And I was very disappointed that the daycare provider wasn't taking the safety of the other children into account. All this said, and me being upset, and what does Dr. K do? Defends the dog and then the owner/daycare provider.
Again, I was speechless. And a little offended. I tried to address this with her and she continued to make the same defense. I ignored it. As a therapist, I knew that this was not helpful. I knew that this unresolved difference could jade further interactions if not dealt with.
We've had several sessions since. Each of them being not-quite-so-helpful. And sometimes resulting in me muttering on my way to the car.
So, yeah, it was time. As far as closings go, it was - just. Off. I came away, muttering again, and thinking that either Dr. K just absolutely doesn't get me, or she is in the beginning stages of dementia - what with the repetitions, asking how to spell my very easy last name, forgetting to send statements... And then I feel guilty that I'm having these thoughts... Alas, I still have some therapizing needs doing. But for now I'll blog. I'll talk to my health coach. I'll play with Mozart. These things make me feel good. And generally, I don't go away muttering.
I fired my therapist. I'd felt like I wasn't really getting much out of it for awhile, but the previously mentioned austerity plan gave me the impetus that I needed to actually do it.
I generally find that going to therapy can be helpful. I get to talk about the various things going on in my life to someone who doesn't judge, try and fix things, and isn't personally invested, but will, at times, ask a pointed question so that I can maybe look at things from a different angle. Sure, I've got some deeper stuff that could be dealt with, but I don't go to dredge up the old stuff unless it's impeding the way I handle things today.
I haven't really clicked with a therapist in awhile. I attribute part of it to my being a therapist myself - I am constantly thinking about what they might be thinking about me. This is not a helpful habit. But when, last year sometime, I decided I ought to have someone 'from the outside' to talk to, I found Dr. K. Again, I didn't click, but did find it useful for some time.
The first breakdown came on Memorial Day. It is not a holiday for my work, but as I am a veteran, and as Mozart's daycare was closed, I took the day off to spend with him, go to the parade and generally give thanks for those who have lost their lives while serving our country. And also to be thankful that my time in the service, for as much of a hardship as it was (that is a long story that I will not go into), did not entail me being deployed, seeing combat, or losing any friends. I still had my appointment with Dr. K that evening and while I didn't have anything pressing I wanted to talk about the above was generally on my mind. She had emailed me to confirm that she was open though it was a holiday. On arrival she made some mention of confirming that she was still working and I said something to the effect that we all have to make a living and it must be hard being in private practice and not having holidays. And she said, "Well, it's not a real holiday anyway."
Yeah. Ok, so it might not be a real holiday to you, Lady, but it sure as hell is a real holiday. It might not be marked by Hallmark with materialism and merchandising, but it is very meaningful for a great number of people and should be meaningful for a great number more.
I did not say any of this. Instead I shut down my pensive thoughts of the day and talked about inconsequential crap that had gone on since the last visit.
The next breakdown was when I came in upset about having to pull Mozart out of his previous daycare due to their dog's bad behavior and the owners failure to address it. Had it simply been a dog being rambunctious, I could have overlooked it, but it was clear that the dog wasn't safe around kids and something needed to be done. I loved that daycare. Mozart loved that daycare. It broke my heart that we were having to pull him out of it. I had consulted with friends, vets, and others and was already clear that it was the right thing to do for the safety of my child. And I was very disappointed that the daycare provider wasn't taking the safety of the other children into account. All this said, and me being upset, and what does Dr. K do? Defends the dog and then the owner/daycare provider.
Again, I was speechless. And a little offended. I tried to address this with her and she continued to make the same defense. I ignored it. As a therapist, I knew that this was not helpful. I knew that this unresolved difference could jade further interactions if not dealt with.
We've had several sessions since. Each of them being not-quite-so-helpful. And sometimes resulting in me muttering on my way to the car.
So, yeah, it was time. As far as closings go, it was - just. Off. I came away, muttering again, and thinking that either Dr. K just absolutely doesn't get me, or she is in the beginning stages of dementia - what with the repetitions, asking how to spell my very easy last name, forgetting to send statements... And then I feel guilty that I'm having these thoughts... Alas, I still have some therapizing needs doing. But for now I'll blog. I'll talk to my health coach. I'll play with Mozart. These things make me feel good. And generally, I don't go away muttering.
Austerity Plan
We are having to implement an austerity plan. Not by choice, but is it ever?
We are in the process of refinancing our house. Have been since April. It was supposed to have been done in June. You'll note that it is now the last day of SEPTEMBER. We have been assured that it will go through, and we've already given them all the money they get for it, so why is it taking so long?? Is it just that they want to keep getting that measly 2 percentage points from us for a couple more months? I mean, I know that we are the winners when we refinance, so are they trying to drag it out? Is it not enough that they were not willing to roll both mortgages into the refinance - to, you know, actually make a notable difference in our lives? The reason: because we don't qualify to do it. How does it make sense? If we are making the payments now, and have never been late, don't you think we could more easily make the payments if they were $500-700 less per month?? And don't get me wrong, I am grateful for the predicted $150-250 that will be saved with the current deal, but - can you tell - just a little bitter about the whole situation.
With prices rising at every turn, it seems like we might have had to go here anyway, at least in some respect. But circumstances are such that we need to do it more dramatically. Our roof is leaking. Our water heater is letting go of all the water at random intervals. And my car will not pass inspection - on many fronts. We need to address all of these things before the end of October - sooner if we can - and yet even with great cuts to our expenses, we can't make any actual moves before the refinance goes through for fear that it won't.
I'll be stopping my gym membership. I haven't gone anyway. Should, but since I'm not, it's got to go.
No more take-out. No more random trips to the grocery store. No more lunch from the caf at work. All meals are to be planned out from now on.
And the land line and internet will have to go. This is killing me. I feel like a land line is important in this age so dependent on cell towers. And the internet - our main form of communication with people and, frankly, recreation. Email, Facebook, Skype, Pinterest, and blogging. Not to mention MapQuest, recipes, potential job opportunities and random searches for needed information. I have to call tomorrow to see if there is a way we can reduce our phone/internet to bare bones while keeping it. Frankly, I'm not hopeful we can save it.
I can't think of other areas in our life that are optional expenses. We don't have cable. We've kept the thermostat at a chilling degree the past several winters already. No satellite radio or other random monthly entertainment expenses. Except Netflix - and I'm not giving up my two movies a month for $5.30 cents. Though without internet, we won't be able to stream anything anymore.
While we gave away much of it, I am thankful that we have some clothes left over from Prancer and Buddha, and that Mozart's cousin is just a year older. I don't think we'll have to buy much in that department for him this year. I wish someone could hand-me-down a car, or roof, or water heater...
We are in the process of refinancing our house. Have been since April. It was supposed to have been done in June. You'll note that it is now the last day of SEPTEMBER. We have been assured that it will go through, and we've already given them all the money they get for it, so why is it taking so long?? Is it just that they want to keep getting that measly 2 percentage points from us for a couple more months? I mean, I know that we are the winners when we refinance, so are they trying to drag it out? Is it not enough that they were not willing to roll both mortgages into the refinance - to, you know, actually make a notable difference in our lives? The reason: because we don't qualify to do it. How does it make sense? If we are making the payments now, and have never been late, don't you think we could more easily make the payments if they were $500-700 less per month?? And don't get me wrong, I am grateful for the predicted $150-250 that will be saved with the current deal, but - can you tell - just a little bitter about the whole situation.
With prices rising at every turn, it seems like we might have had to go here anyway, at least in some respect. But circumstances are such that we need to do it more dramatically. Our roof is leaking. Our water heater is letting go of all the water at random intervals. And my car will not pass inspection - on many fronts. We need to address all of these things before the end of October - sooner if we can - and yet even with great cuts to our expenses, we can't make any actual moves before the refinance goes through for fear that it won't.
I'll be stopping my gym membership. I haven't gone anyway. Should, but since I'm not, it's got to go.
No more take-out. No more random trips to the grocery store. No more lunch from the caf at work. All meals are to be planned out from now on.
And the land line and internet will have to go. This is killing me. I feel like a land line is important in this age so dependent on cell towers. And the internet - our main form of communication with people and, frankly, recreation. Email, Facebook, Skype, Pinterest, and blogging. Not to mention MapQuest, recipes, potential job opportunities and random searches for needed information. I have to call tomorrow to see if there is a way we can reduce our phone/internet to bare bones while keeping it. Frankly, I'm not hopeful we can save it.I can't think of other areas in our life that are optional expenses. We don't have cable. We've kept the thermostat at a chilling degree the past several winters already. No satellite radio or other random monthly entertainment expenses. Except Netflix - and I'm not giving up my two movies a month for $5.30 cents. Though without internet, we won't be able to stream anything anymore.
While we gave away much of it, I am thankful that we have some clothes left over from Prancer and Buddha, and that Mozart's cousin is just a year older. I don't think we'll have to buy much in that department for him this year. I wish someone could hand-me-down a car, or roof, or water heater...
Snausa
That is Mozart's word for sausage. It is about the cutest thing ever.
He is saying all sorts of things now. I understand about 10% of what he says. And when I do understand, it's like I'm trying to decipher a different language - which I guess I am. The language of Mozart :D
Off to watch an episode of Castle. Or Bones. Or NCIS. Or even CSI. It has been a long dry spell away from "t.v." (in quotes as we don't actually get cable or reception to any channels - it's all about Hulu). So I now tear myself way from my latest Kindle read and let my brain gel on some good crime/law/mystery show. Good times.
He is saying all sorts of things now. I understand about 10% of what he says. And when I do understand, it's like I'm trying to decipher a different language - which I guess I am. The language of Mozart :D
Off to watch an episode of Castle. Or Bones. Or NCIS. Or even CSI. It has been a long dry spell away from "t.v." (in quotes as we don't actually get cable or reception to any channels - it's all about Hulu). So I now tear myself way from my latest Kindle read and let my brain gel on some good crime/law/mystery show. Good times.
Grin and bear it.
After my little post about seeing the health coach, I felt inspired. When the Wife took Mozart up for his bedtime routine, I headed out for a walk.
And made it about three blocks before I couldn't stand it anymore and limped home.
So I saw the chiropractor tonight and told him of my continuing issues. He did his usual adjustments and spent a bit of time on my feet. Afterwards I asked, aside from the exercises, icing, and taking so much Motrin that I should take out stock in it, what I should be doing. He said I was doing all that I could. I pressed on and told him how I've been limping around for days because it even hurts to put any weight on my heel. He looked at me a minute and then says, "Well, that'll only make it worse!" And then he instructed me that I need to practice, and essentially relearn how to use my entire foot again while walking. And that, yes, it will hurt. But that if I don't do it now it will, in fact, become worse.
So I practiced walking for him. With the entirety of my feet. Ouch. But in the name of making this whole thing better, I'll grin and bear it. Or may scowl and bear it.
Trucks.
Health Coach
Yep. Met with my new health coach this morning. Will be working with her until the end of the year when she leaves her position at the VA. My assignments for this week are to start a food log (I knew that was coming) and to start thinking of things I enjoy doing that don't drain me/us financially. She did not lecture me about how I've been eating or haven't been exercising. I appreciate that. I explained that while working out and exercising is something that I know I *need* to be doing, it is not something that I necessarily enjoy - especially in the beginning, and most especially when I hurt so frequently. So we talked about the wanting to get back into it, how I feel so much better when I do it, and the physical and logistical problems that have prevented me from doing it over the last 18 months since Mozart arrived. I did not feel pressured or lectured as I have done with my regular doctor and my endocrinologist. She was not looking for ailments that cause me to gain weight and did not suggest that I may be developing diabetes as the former have done. She did acknowledge that as a woman ages and has a children, her metabolism naturally changes. And she also acknowledged that having a child, any child, wrecks havoc on ones ability to schedule and follow through at times. And when I lamented that I was able to keep some sort of schedule with the 17 other children we've had through the house, she suggested that perhaps having birthed this one made the difference somehow. But she didn't negate the importance of those other children. She noted that while my main stated goal is to lose weight, it seemed like I was talking about wanting to *feel* better, and that while exercising, eating well, and thus losing weight were most excellent goals, perhaps I should be focusing on Self Care - doing what I need to do so I don't lose my head and doing what I want to do so I can keep my head in those inevitable times that are stressful. All in all, I came away feeling like this could actually work. I feel more inspired than pressured. And isn't that how one is supposed to feel when they are about to make a change??
And so I have written down my food intake thus far. I have acknowledged that I have not drank enough water: I drank a large glass. I noted that my veggie intakes was lacking: I prepared - and ate - a salad.
As for what I enjoy that revitalizes me? Initially, my thought was - it all costs too much to be able to do it :( going out to eat, movies, museums, getting massages, etc. But let's get real. I enjoy writing this blog, especially when I'm inspired. I enjoy reading. A good crime novel especially. I enjoy putting on my iPod and taking a walk when my body is in the right place. I enjoy cooking. I enjoy watching a moving at home or even a t.v. show on the computer.
And while I don't necessarily enjoy cleaning the house, I do enjoy a clean house. So with that, I am going to go put on my iPod and clean this place up before I get Mozart. And then we will have a simple dinner and go to the Y for some bounce-around-time. Because I definitely enjoy watching him ham it up with all of his antics over there!
And so I have written down my food intake thus far. I have acknowledged that I have not drank enough water: I drank a large glass. I noted that my veggie intakes was lacking: I prepared - and ate - a salad.
As for what I enjoy that revitalizes me? Initially, my thought was - it all costs too much to be able to do it :( going out to eat, movies, museums, getting massages, etc. But let's get real. I enjoy writing this blog, especially when I'm inspired. I enjoy reading. A good crime novel especially. I enjoy putting on my iPod and taking a walk when my body is in the right place. I enjoy cooking. I enjoy watching a moving at home or even a t.v. show on the computer.
And while I don't necessarily enjoy cleaning the house, I do enjoy a clean house. So with that, I am going to go put on my iPod and clean this place up before I get Mozart. And then we will have a simple dinner and go to the Y for some bounce-around-time. Because I definitely enjoy watching him ham it up with all of his antics over there!
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