Insurance

This whole insurance thing scares so me... how do you know what to get. And life insurance is just really insane, because of my disabilities, and other factors, it is high. Right now it is too high while we are paying off bills so I am trying to find alternatives.

I was looking at Mortgage insurance but it is kindof a rip off, because the monthly fee never goes down but the value of the policy goes down. But maybe it would be okay for the short term. I hate to waste money, but I am afraid to go on any further and be not covered. So today I am going to call in to the Dave Ramsey radio show and get his opinion on this. I will update this this afternoon....

End of the year Donations

Science department faces budget cuts...
Due to budget restraints, Math classes are being slashed by over 50%...
Football, water polo, and tennis to be cut from 2010/2011 school budget...

Just imagine if these were the headlines you were reading instead! What would you do?

The fact remains that most of us think of art as recreation, or hobbies, but we don’t think of it as necessity. I always believed that the those in the educational departments felt that way as well. With art being the first to go when budget cuts come down. So I was surprised when I came across a letter from the U.S. Secretary of Education to the School and Education Community leaders at the beginning of the school year:

"At this time when you are making critical and far-reaching budget and program decisions for the upcoming school year, I write to bring to your attention the importance of the arts as a core academic subject and part of a complete education for all students. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) defines the arts as a core subject, and the arts play a significant role in children's development and learning process... “The arts can help students become tenacious, team-oriented problem solvers who are confident and able to think creatively," he stated. "These qualities can be especially important in improving learning among students from economically disadvantaged circumstances. "

I was shocked to learn that based on studies produced by the national Arts Education Partnership, the President's Committee on the Arts and theHumanities, the GE Fund, and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation:

82.6% of 8th graders earned mostly As and Bs who were involved heavily in fine arts

30.07% of the respondents who participate in fine arts performs community service where only 6.28% of the respondents who do not participate in fine arts perform community service.

Students who are not heavily involved in fine arts have more than double the chance of dropping out of school by the 10th grade.

Sadly these cuts have come to pass, and are still to come, so how do get our children access to art? What can we do to give our children every opportunity to grow and experience a well rounded education that utilizes all subjects including art. Arts Council of Tulare County, they offer community events and art programs that raise awareness of the importance of arts, organize art based venues, offer support to local artists, and bring art into our classrooms.

The Art in Education program sends local artists into the schools; educating students in art through demonstrations, performances, and hands on art creation. A program that reaches an average 14 school districts, 26 schools, impacting 4670 students a year.

First Friday Art Tour and Art in the Alley are brand new venues to the valley reaching hundreds of people each night during their seasons. While still maintaining the Tulare County Fair, and the Art Hang in the Visalia Convention Center.

You can help in many ways, you may choose to sponsor an event, or simply pledge $20 and support art education. Either way the Arts Council is appreciative of your support of any size.

To give a year-end donation, contact the Executive Director David Castro, at 559-625-1520 or David@acoftc.org. If you are not in my area, then consider locating your local Arts Council and lending your support!

Thank you!

Christmas... Dave Ramsey style!

Its a Dave Ramsey Christmas... but this year we did decide to squeeze out a few gifts for the kids and for parents who lived in the area, no shipping this year. Our budget is a shocking $5 per person. I knew that this was crazy, cut somehow it was doable. Now I know what you are thinking... $5 why bother. The hardest part is getting past the idea that you are only spending $5 on a person, I mean mentally that is really, really hard, but doable. I think that even if they did find out that your budget is the size of a pea, that they don't really care, and if they found out you are trying to pay off your bills and be debt free they still wouldn't care. They would probably even be excited and or proud of your endeavors.

I decided that if I was going to work with this budget, I was going to have to really flex the creative muscle. First I put everyone's money in envelopes so I wouldn't go over at all. The hardest part was putting things back when I new even with taxes I wouldn't have it. Seperate envelopes would have been much easier because I was more tempted to over spend, using a seperate envelope would have helped me mentally, you know "self.... there is really on $5 in there so you have to choose between bath salts or candle to go with the bubbles and lotion"

Another key to this was to not just blanket shop. I knew that I didn't want to just pull out my printing block and make 30 prints of a christmas scene, or crochet a bunch of doilies. I wanted to let each person know that we were thinking of them individually, personalize it.

So my daughter and I headed out to shop. Now for the girls it was easy. For my mother-in-law who just moved into a new apartment I made a basket of bubbles, candles, pretty soap very easy, and at the good ole' dollar store, very cheap, but shockingly nice. I found a beautiful necklace at target on clearance, for my niece who is a teenager now and rolls her eyes alot... in fact I am sure that just now as I write this she just rolled her eyes and doesn't even know why. Michaels had 80 piece art kits on super sale $2 each and at this point the younger kids just know that their aunty loves art and that is just what they are going to get. I got a larger art kit for my nephew, it has some pastels in it. I decided that I was going to print some online lessons to include with it, and go to walmart and get a couple of packs of their cheapy copy paper, I use it for alot of practice drawing or trying out new techniques or supplies 500 sheets for $2 is great to add into their kits for practically nothing each.

I was lamenting over what to get for my father-in-law for christmas, the budget was only $8... normal budget was only $5 but I was under budget on some others (if you can believe that) and was able to increase here. Still it was hard. So it hit me on the way out the door when I was checking the time... he likes tools. A tool clock. So I went to micheals with my 50% coupon and paid only $3.50 for battery operated clock mechanics that comes with the arms and everything. Then I stopped at Harbor Freight and found the cheapest circular saw blade I could find right about $3. Then I picked up a little pack of washers, I was lucky to find a small container with mulitple sizes.. including very large, like a half dollar. I went home and started assembly. Fumbling through, ad-libing, and using washers to make hole smaller and a couple of smaller ones to fit inside the hole so it won't wiggle, (my husbands idea). And a sharpie to write in the numbers, they have number kits you can buy but I thought that a sharpie was just as good. And as it turns out there are a ton of instructions online for these... so google it!

Also another gift I made that is was perfect was for my other mother-in-law. Her kitchen decor is apples, so at Michael's my daughters mission was to find an apple stamp, and not only did she do that but she said look mom this one is only $1 so we can get this cute house too, its also $1! Love that kiddo... so we got that some ink, some felt, and went next door to Lowes and bought 4 tiles. We stamped them, glued little felt squares on the four corners, and I am going to use hairspray cause I forgot to buy spray fixative. Great gift, a project I found online also.

So this is how christmas went this year, I didn't list everything but I think you get the picture. Though I have not seen the results yet, I do believe it will go well.

Merry Christmas!

Impulse buying!

Impulse buying is obviously a big problem for me, its my nature I am like this with everything. We are getting better about it over the last year and though it sucks, we are beginning to see the fruits of that labor with 3 paid of credit cards so far. I just like saying that over and over.

Waiting overnight is difficult but it does give you a chance to stew it over. I think that looking at the budget while thinking about it also can be helpful. You know remind ourselves why we are doing this. The 90 days same as cash still gets me cause I still, even now, will try and tell myself that I can pay it off before the 90 day.

Our last biggest purchase, was that stupid car, and boy I am still dizzy when I think about how I managed to convince myself that we needed it. I like talking to my husband about things, especially when we are on the same track. When I am weak, he is strong and mindful of our mission to freedom!

Significant purchases

When I think about a significant purchase, I think $50. We would have to talk about it or least know that we have the money or in the past, know that we had a place on the credit card for it. So even though it is a low number, it was still kinda high for us.

My biggest problem is "treating myself" We like to go to the movies or out to eat oh and art stuff. I am really good at treating myself to those items and I can justify it real easy. It is still a real problem for me. I start calculating in my head, okay I have ___ in the account and its so many days till payday or my next big job. Which is hilarious, cause when I see a math book I get all paranoid and sieze up... "I can't do math" "I am just not a math person". But if I want to buy something, I sure can whip up some figures in a flash.

Since our new expedition in the financial responsibility world, about the only success I can really claim is that I have come across an excellent deal on a kiln, and though I REALLY WANT ONE! and I can make ware to sell and make up for the cost of it and make the money back fairly quickly, and the money is in the EMERGENCY fund... I have not given in. Instead I am selling the boat in hopes of raising the money to buy one for cash.

Grown up 1 screaming stomping kid in me 0

My first card

I still remember my first credit card... it was a citibank card and I was at COS and they had there little card table set up, and I was snared. It wasn't even hard for them. I was only 19-20 I had an apartment with a friend, that I couldn't afford so my husband-to-be (as it turned out) was paying for it.

So of course I could get a card, and did you know they gave me a $2000 dollar limit. I mean me, I was bringing home maybe $200 a month! I was excited and of course, I put it away for emergencies, like shoes, and pizza. But no worries cause every time I got to my max limit, you know those nice people raised my credit limit, so I wouldn't have to worry. But that doesn't really end there because after I got married, I still found myself enamored by credit cards. I felt grown up, like I was officially an adult. I would be at the mall and see those credit card tables with free items, and I would plow people over just to get in and fill it out.

Soon, the debt was very high. We were losing control, and several years later as we stood in bankruptcy court worried that someone was going to show up, that credit card card had grown to over $20,000... yes there are 5 digits there... I really did hate to see that go, but maybe it is more about failure than it is loyalty. Maybe if I can hold on a little more then I could fix this mess I made.

But that was a long time ago, and unfortunately not the last of my financial mistakes, and now we are on track for greener pastures.

1st day of Vacation

1st lunch at home since school is out goes something like this:

honey are you hungry...

yes momma...

soooo do you want a ham sandwich or a burrito....

I'll take a chicken sandwich...

honey I don't have that right now, do you want ham sandwich or a burrito..

okay I'll take peanut butter...

AGAIN (she says with strain in her voice) I haven't been to the grocery store yet!! do you want ham or a burrito...

ok I'll take toast...

YOU CAN'T HAVE JUST TOAST do you want me to do a grilled ham and cheese...

yeah but no cheese! grrrr...

this is going to be a loooooong 3 weeks

A new idea of Debt

Its funny that until I had taken this course, I had not realized that credit cards are fairly new concept, Visa is only about 30 years old before that it was another company that was around for only 20 or so years, but doesn't it seem like it has always been around. Archeaologists are digging around and finding Mastercards carved into bone as we speak. In fact, when I think back I don't remember my grandparents having debt. I mean I always thought we were "poor" and we were, you know we struggled, we became really good at creative cooking with welfare cheese. But the only bills were rent, utilities, etc.

I still remember when I first got a credit card my income was about 4000 per year, I was in college. I was so excited, I felt so grown up, like an adult you know. But this is how it is presented to us, watch your credit score, fica score, you have to get credit in order to have it. Like this is our knew ssn or something, "who are you?" well I'm 675.

Like a fish, I and many others have grabbed a bite of that bait and that was it. At this point I am toying with the idea of counting up how much we spent on finance charges, but I am afraid that would be so much that I might get too depressed. Its important to look to the future.

Do you know what you can do when you don't have any debt or payments.... anything you want

Abraham Lincoln's debt letter to his brother

This is an interesting link I have found, and wanted to share. I have wondered to myself as I read it, would I have the courage to do this... hmmm.

Dave Ramsey: Abraham Lincoln's debt letter to his brother

Cash Flow Planning... isn't that a business form

Cash flow spending, that is an odd thing to consider when we are talking about personal spending. But really smart when you think about it, its not like all of the money comes in at the beginning of the month right. The nerd in me is like YES! But the free spirit in me wonders, can we pull it off, let alone keep going with it. I think yes. If we stay on path.

The funny thing is whenever I would work on the "budget", which was more like a bill list, I would never include thinks like food, clothing, gas. It was just easier that way, kind-of fly by the seat of our pants, if we ran out we ran out. Which I recognize even during that time, that it was out of control. We are working on this budget, and its nice to know that the first few times it is going to be morphing alot... too much for this, oops need more pad here! But that is okay, it is okay to make adjustments, nothing is written on stone tablet.

The envelope system may not work out. My hubby is not comfortable with it, and when I have cash, I tend to spend it faster, weird huh! so I am going to create a more customized check register system that will suit our needs better. To be completely honest, I already kind-of have it in my head, just a matter or testing it out.

Too bad Togni Branch isn't around anymore, they probably had exactly what I was looking for!

Living on a budget!

Budgets, when I think of the word budget I think, no more shopping! Gone are the days of sitting at the Corner Cafe eating a delicious omelet, hot coffee, and looking into the eyes of my hubby as we talk about our week. Living on a budget has always had a negative connotation to it, something like, well we need new tires gonna have to live on a budget...

Luckily over the past year or so I have gotten very insane about balancing the checkbook, and after very early on in our marriage, when I accidentally bounced a check at the local super market I also have gotten in the habit of using a calculator. Still even with those habits in place the word budget strikes fear. I freak out a little when I hear it because the habits were still there, spend every dime leaving only a few dollars till payday.

well hears to the future!

Money & kids

This new vision is something I want to ensure that our kiddo not only knows but that it is a way of life. No student loans, credit cars, saving up for a car and not buying into credit card debt, and maybe just maybe even paying for a house with cash. Doesn't that sound a little ridiculous, I thought so too, however, I hear about it quite often now... now that I have opened my ears to it. We have been told for so long that we must save for a down payment, buy a car with no money down, get a credit card and make regular payments, preserve your credit score, that we know no different. But we are determined to change that for her, to ensure that her life is different, and better, save your money for a car, save your money for that new furniture, be patient and your reward is that your life will never be chained down to another person, and the economy will survive. Because the economy is not dependent upon your credit card, it is dependent upon your ability to spend responsible.

When I think about what I learned from my parents growing up, there is not much to write about. We were very poor, lived off welfare, "government cheese", and other such things. So saving wasn't at the top of the list, if there was a list. Not to say they didn't try, I was raised by my grandparents, and the were disabled and retired, and struggled. But they tried, God love em' Not a cycle I wish to repeat.

Marriage and money? oi!

So we are working on Marriage and money. This topic is quite touchy some say it is the number one reason for divorce, which is very scary considering a future with the person you love is hinged on a checkbook. I don't think so... instead I wonder if it is the lack of communication or a plan concerning finances, and a secure future. How far can we go in a boat without a navigation system, or at least a compass.

One of the topics covered in this lesson was separate checking accounts. I hear about many couples who keep separate accounts, bills, even divvy up household expenses. That concept is something I couldn't see working in our household. I feel like that would also drive separation within the marriage, once you begin to tear a sheet of paper, it is weakened, and soon will begin to further split, maybe into 2 pieces. Now that we budget for entertainment and pocket money, I feel like I get to spend a little more freely, a little more equally (I'm a shopper).

Recently, I also posted our additional paid off debt. I have learned that it is now exciting to not only pay off debt but to close those accounts, checking the mail daily waiting for the letter of closure. I am however resisting the urge to frame them, my child does have friends, and I would like for them to not think that I am completely nuts (or at least know the truth). When I think about our communication style for money, I am happy that they have generally not been screaming matches, and we have been on the same page, however it was the wrong page! We never had financial goals other than, how to spend spend spend, and also finagle being able to run out and buy something that we wanted. With our budget in place I see our path and future, and it does feel secure, even clear.

FPU Quick Update!

We have paid off another credit card! Its so exciting we are on track and going, even in the face of Murphy standing on our doorstep a time or two!

Saving for Wealth.... ok now this is just overachieving!

It really kicks me in the butt to think that if we had put away $100 per month that we would retire with more than a million dollars... I mean seriously people! Why were my ears closed to this very valuable information. Did I miss it. Of course, in my defense, the thought of becoming a millionaire was foreign. I think for most people that is true. Coming up with $100 a month even as a dumb kid fresh out of my families house even when I was completely broke. I think I could have pulled this one out.

The eye opener for this session is the budget, now I already had a little budget, but it was more of a guide to know how I can spend after the bills were paid... ugh wasted time wasted money! Well woulda, coulda, shoulda, lets not dwell and lets not certainly forget. There were lots of things I forgot like little things, however if we are diligent and follow it, I discovered a good amount of money in the fund to pay off credit card debt even faster. This discovery is even after paying the minimums. Now had we been behind on bills there are steps to take that you can still do this, and make it and that is good news.

We just got to keep our eye on the prize, and keep taking these baby steps. Savings, college funds, and making sure that from now the family tree does not have a bank attached. When I think of debt, I imagine a large iron ball attached to my neck dragging me down with a chain that is incredibly long, and wrapped somewhere around a credit card! Someone get those bolt cutters quick!

New concept.... saving for emergencies and purchases! What is up with all this crazy talk!

Saving for emergencies AND purchases! I don't know, that seems foreign somehow. Who plans for emergencies anyhow, isn't that what insurance is for.... oh wait we're not talking about ambulances? You mean put money away so the next time you look at your tires, and determine that they must have made a mistake at the tire shop 8 years ago, and accidently put on racing skids!

I think our idea, and probably most peoples idea of an emergency fund is... pray like mad until something gives, or a loan shark... eh hem I mean loan company comes along and "helps". So here we are at class, and some questions are put forth. What was the last major unexpected financial crisis you face? How would that have gone differently is there was... gasp... money in a savings account?

Well I think the last major one was when I lost my job, our shop, and the car in the same quarter. Well that was quite the zinger, not to say that there was no other crisis, but when I think major that is what appears. So had we discovered Dave Ramsey earlier, and we had a fully funded emergency fund, it wouldn't have been so devastating. You know like being punched in the stomach and just for kicks rip out the carpet from your feet so it was easier to kick you in the ribs cause your flat on your back... oh sorry rambling a little.

Maybe things would have been different altogether, you know saved up cash for the car instead of financing, or at the very least, rather than panic about those events, taken a deep breathe, and thought about the next step, rather than run around like a crazy person.

Now my favorite questions are "dream big ones" you know what would you do if you won the lottery! Well I am a little small town so I am okay with this one: What if you were debt free (except your home) and had $10,000 sitting in the bank just for emergencies? How would your life be different? How would you be different?

Dreams would come true... I would be sitting in my studio downtown, throwing and firing all day beautiful pottery and sculptures, painting on occasion. Selling my art and maybe others too, but at a bargain so that everyone can see it. Then go home wait for my family to come home, cook dinner, and enjoy seeing them, and hanging out. Thinking about this for a moment makes me smile. I get excited, cause in a short time and with these little goals my husband and I have acheived already, I think that this is reality, this can actually happen. This is motivation! This I can do. I would never get a loan again, and in fact when I think about this little dream I start rolling around numbers in my head thinking... how much do I need to put away to make this happen, what can I do to acheive this goal and how long will it work.

This new thought process is funny because when I would think of this before I would think to myself, how can I crunch the numbers for the bank, how can I convince them to loan me the money. This concept of paying cash and saving for things is not extreme thinking anymore, just different thinking. I hear the testimonies on the radio everyday. This is real cause right now it's happening to us, little by little we are progressing from the depths of financial despair to financial freedom.

This is awesome!

Big dose of Financial reality or Financial Peace University lesson 1

Today is lesson one of financial peace university. It was relatively easy to go through, the layout was very nice, easy to use. I had video issues, but learned it was because I had left a ton of stuff on my desktop running in the background.

So far we are off to a good start, the emergency fund is in place. Though we had to dip into it, it is nice knowing that it was there, no panic! We will have to budget tonite and be ready to stay on path.

I had an ah-ha moment today when I was looking at quickbooks... it seems we really eat out alot, now I consider ubakes and as well or anything like that, not fully prepared by me as dining out. it is my weakness.. my solution is to time manage better and to cook better meals, or some that kind of similiar to what we get when we go out. Maybe I will even squeeze in some healthier stuff!

So though tonite will be boring and busy, I look forward to moving through these steps to financial freedom!

Quickie: Acorn Squash!

okay so I heard this tip on one of those cooking shows... I think it was called Lets Cook or something like that on create tv . Anyhow, focus... he was cooking a butternut squash in the microwave. Now I have always cut it in half put it in a bowl of water, cover it and cook, just like the directions, however this guy left it whole, stabbed it a few times with a knife and put it in the microwave.

So tonite I tried it... but I only had an acorn squash, and to my surprise it worked. I cooked it about 10 minutes but probably could have gone another 5 minutes, as I had some hard spots. I pulled it out and cut it in half and scooped the seeds, and scraped it into a bowl, it was pretty fast and seeds practically fell out.

This worked perfect if all you wanted was some mashed squash in a hurry. However if you were going to do something else with this or make some yummy stuffed squash rings then I would not. I do not think it will save time in those instances, plus you don't get that toasty roasted flavor that you can get in the oven or on a grill.

All in all, it was good!

Financial Peace... the experience

Dave Ramsey has been a blessed discovery in our lives, and during veterans day, they gave a way to all veterans a free 16 week course to the Financial peace online class! My husband and I are both veterans of the United States Marine Corp and I am excited to start this session.

I decided that I will be posting my experience of taking this class on this blog, now I won't be posting the class, however I will be posting the experience as I process this new direction in our lives. I am excited that we will be able to teach this to our daughter so that by the time she becomes an adult, she will have a strong foundation to begin her life.

Turkey Day Peace

Well for Thanksgiving day, we went to my sisters, it was so much fun and really stress free. We laughed, talked, watched football. My sister and I snuck out for a little T-day window shopping. It was really one of the best in a really long time. I look forward to tucking this one a way in my treasure box of great memories.

More than be thankful, this time of year really reminds me of the happiness that is around. All to often it fades to the background as crisis' and bad times are so prevalent. I forget to take time to really focus on the true greatness that is also here. We mustn't forget that, because I realize that if we allow the good things no matter how great or small, they make us smile, laugh, and warm up our soul if even for a moment.

That is worth treasuring, one moment of letting the stress in our lives take the back burner for a change, is enough to eliviate pressure and live a little.

Enjoy and be thankful, even if only for a moment!

The Turkey Report

I am on the lookout for turkeys at the best price available. While I am searching I will post the information I have found here, so we all can get the good price. This information is limited to the Visalia area unless otherwise noted.

Smart & Final Nov 18th thru Dec 1st

Really seeing some good prices here in the ad

First Street frozen turkey $0.35 per pound with $25 purchase

*pies are 2 for $5 ~ potatoes 10 pounds for $0.99

Save Mart Nov 18th thru Dec 1st

Free Master cut up to 14 pounds turkey with purchase over $99

*ham is priced cheaper however it is a whole ham

Walmart

ad claimed $0.40 per pound limit 2 but when I called they told me it was not in Visalia but Dinuba... I don't think it is worth the gas to drive that far, however if you go there already it might be worth it.

-the Visalia store mentioned that sometime next week they might get some for $10 but nobody new what size.

That is what I have so far, I will have more updates later!

Intelligent Unpacking and the first of our Debt Snowball payoff

Still unpacking. While I am unpacking I am making sure that EVERYTHING goes to a place and stays there. I hereby rebuke the junk drawer and will not start one. And while I am at it, all this furniture that I don't really like, but keep around so I can have a place to cram my crap into... gone! So this new revelation is causing the unpacking brigade to be a little slow, but thats okay I have 30+ years to unpack.

Today I am also paying off 2 credit cards in our debt snowball... if you don't know what that is go to the Dave Ramsey website at www.daveramsey.com good stuff, life changing.

Pie on a stick

Okay so I love food... but more importantly I love fun food. Octo-dogs, cakes that look like giant hamburgers, and... pie on a stick. Well I say toss out those pesky forks, and bring on the stick. Now the best part, I think, is because how small they are, why you ask... well if I go back for 3rds on a pie slice it causes all sorts of guilt. However, if I eat pie on a stick well, I have to get up alot to get another one.

Now these cute little guys, would be great for a party and if easy if you buy pre-made pie crust and cut them out with glasses to make little round ones, fill and bake. I have seen them with lollipop sticks instead of popsicle sticks, I think they both look cute. Punch some holes in a decorated box and serve.

here is a link to this fun little discovery http://justjennrecipes.com/little-pies-on-a-stick/2009/08/02/

good luck and happy eating.

Decorating ideas

I love fishing! So much so that I am trying to figure out how to implement that into my dining room area. I am not a fan of "country decor" or "sea/ocean decor" I love contemporary style or even dutch modern! Now I am not so good at creating this kind of stuff but I am good at looking at a picture and using it as a guide for my own. So my problem remains, since I can't find anything like this already I now have to flex my creative muscle and decide what to do.

Oh yeah did I mention this couch is awesome!

wish me luck!

Finished!

Tired, but couldn't resist a quick announcement WE ARE FINISHED... now the unpacking begins.

I am the Management Company

When I called the management company to tell them about the problem I was having, I was surprised to hear my own voice. Oh yeah that's right. We are home owners... we are the management company. And Lowe's is our best friend. they must be cause they have had us over every night last week.

Its funny what you don't look for when picking your house. Like for example, we knew that we would need to buy a shower curtain rod, but we somehow didn't notice that there was no toilet paper roll holders hmmm... or the fact that my husband was zapped when he reached up to change the light bulb (turns out the guy used a 3 inch wood screw to hold it in place, and while the elec was off he screwed it right through a live wire)

Or how do you work a pool sweep thingy anyhow. You know all those little things. It is quite the adventure, we also discovered that there is a whole house water filter installed.

I can't wait to see what's lurking overhead!

Moving Moving Moving

Well I thought by now we would be done by now... the keys are due to the management company on the first which is Sunday... gonna drop them in the box.

Have a feeling I will be doing this for a while, it was a nice fantasy to think I could move the house, the art stuff, and the garage of doom that is packed with tools and Nova parts...

I am amazed at the amount of stuff, cause when we moved last time, I threw away so much I was sure I was clear of the junk. Can it be that I really need this stuff, maybe I can take pictures of these things and hang them instead, of carting them around. Even as I move them out I keep tossing things! Well here is hoping that things fit at the new place, or at least that the trash can is big.

New home, new habits, new begginnings

WE HAVE KEYS! she yells with her keyboard

Wow! we actually have keys... they are in my hands. This journey has been a loooong disheartening, stressful, exciting, exhilarating, roller coaster ride. I am so glad we did it.

This is all thanks to Kim at Buy it Real Estate, she is the most re-assuring, kind, professional, who is all about getting the job done and getting the house you want. She is truly a real estate Genius! I think she needs a cape.

Jeremy & Kayla at Kings mortgage handled our loan and they are equally super-fab, putting up with our crazy docs, and my countless phone calls and questions.

All in all we are finished and I am walking around this home and thinking wow... not only is it beautiful, it is ours. I think I know now why some people paint their walls hot pink or poop orange... cause they can! I think it is ironic that it happened on the heels of the van breaking down. But the hubby fixed it cause he is awesome!

Bad Day for Vans

Its a bad day for vans! at the gas station I went to start it and it got stuck... not the accelerator but the starter, couldn't shift or turn it off, in fact even with the keys out of the ignition it was still in a constant state of starting....

After a call to my husband, I popped the hood and went to get my tool box... except when I made room for my art class supplies, I took it out so I was stuck. Amazingly no one offered to help or even look, some were even frustrated that I was blocking the pump. I asked around, no tools at all.

By this time I saw smoke, and even after I yelled out "hey there's smoke" no one budged or even paid attention. So I ran back over and looked under the hood (cause I do dumb things) to see where it was coming from. Basically everything was hot including the battery, and the cables, I grabbed the cable and pulled on it betting on the fact that things were melting, and to my surprise I was right. And she stopped. I actually got it pushed out of the way, thanks to a very nice man who helped out.

Finally after many phone calls, I got a tow company that was priced in my budget.... ie cheap. I had used Queen Bee Towing in the past whom I love, but I just couldn't find them listed even 411, of course I only had access to one kind of phone book (don't even get me started on that one). So I called Affordable Towing, cause I thought well they must be... and they were. The guy who came out was super nice and he even parked the van better than I do using cable off a flat bed ( which really isn't saying much if you look at my tires side-wall)

My poor dad whom I was giving a ride to, no thinks I am nuts, which is sad because I had him snowed of the fact for so long. The very best part of this whole thing is that the house finally closed and we get keys tomorrow!

So to sum it up, van broke down, moving tomorrow, yeah for me!

Biscuits & Gravy

Hey everyone, a friend got me thinking about biscuits and gravy, I will not tell you her name but her initials are Lori...

This is a quick recipe that has been used by my family for many many generations... straight from the hills of Kentucky. This is not the healthy, it is not good for your diet, and well too much too often will get your cardiologists a new kitchen, or ferrari; but mmm mmm good. Its fast so make it after the biscuits and have all ingredients next to the skillet.

fry up some bacon (you can also use ham or sausage, my fav is bacon)

milk

water

flour

salt

whisk

I use a cast iron skillet, I suggest you don't use a non-stick pan though, you can use a stainless or even a pot if you wish, I am not here to judge so carry on with the utensil of choice. Set up large glass of water, milk jug, and flour next to you.

I use a few tablespoons of the grease, while the pan is on and the grease is hot, add a few tablespoons of flour (a little less than the grease) to the grease and whisk a few times. Now let it sit for a little, you will smell it brown, then stir again for a few strokes. keep doing this till it is darker brown, don't be afraid of burning it, you will immediately know.

Once the color is dark, add some milk I am guessing maybe a cup or cup and a half, now this will steam up and make all kinds of noise and havoc, and will thicken up like crazy... stir this in it should be super thick. This is when I add in the water slowly whisking as I go, till you get to the consistency you like. Add salt to taste this will really bring out the flavor then add in your bacon.

mmmmmm!

Okay so now I will make some and post the video!

the trial

I originally wanted to write about stevia and all these different reports about it, but I was reading the newspaper about a local girl who has abandoned her babies, one had died all happening over the past couple of years, what a terrible situation.

As I was reading about her recount of abuse that occured by her father, and then by her boyfriend, all right in front of everyone, I couldn't help to think about how powerful abuse can be, so much so, that that they couldn't find courage to call the police. How when someone is overpowering you so much either physically, emotionally or both that you literally feel trapped like there is invisible bars all around you, tightening in until you feel you can no longer breath.

So powerful that she like many others in her place hid her pregnancy from all the people in her house and in an desperate last ditch effort made the worst possible decision. I am guessing because the other 2 were found, she had no reason to believe that this one would be too, still though. It is sad, that instead of advocating the benefits of adoption people are using this as an argument for abortion, something that still doesn't solve anything and would leave her in the same emotional place, but this time 2 other children that would never experience life, and 2 other families to never experience those children.

When I think about this situation, I think about the times in my past when I didn't do something or say something, when I witnessed it or even knew about it, what was else was going on that I didn't know about. What was lurking there under the cover.

What have I missed.

Getting back... housing woes

fwwwwwwwwwwwhhhh.... let me dust this thing off~ sorry everyone. I have been in a whirl wind lately, in escrow... again... on yet another house. Really its not even exciting anymore. I mean I love this house but some sellers are very crazy right now, at the last minute asking for more money, and I'm thinking that wasn't in the contract, but I would rather walk away than deal with that. However it also helps that the perfect house is around the corner, and so far this looks like it but I refuse to get excited anymore until we sign paperwork and get keys.

Also, more good news is we are on track to paying off our bills completely, thanks to a radio show called Dave Ramsey, officially in the very beginning of 2010 we will be debt free except for the house (maybe even sooner). We will be putting all the money we normally pay to our debt to the principal on the house, and maybe even more. There are those who live on the bare essentials, you know rice and bean people for a few short years and manage to pay off their mortgage in a handful of years. I would like to have that motivation, and who knows maybe I will after we are debt free in a couple of months.

Thanks for your support and encouraging emails!

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Last Night... Dinner fiasco

Well last night was hilarious. I say hilarious because I decided that I was not going to stress about it, my first little hurdle in my mission of not letting everything stress me out, especially little things... cause really there are much better things to stress about.

So, summer is coming to an end and I decided to call my sister and her family over to barbecue and hang out. I decided to slowly roast some pork, teriyaki chicken thighs, corn, baked beans, orzo and fresh tomato salad, and a cake. Thankfully I decided on slow roast, because I went out to the grill to turn it on, and no flame... shoot!

I convinced my sweet hubby to fill the tank, did some prep, when he returned, I hooked it up and still nothing. Oh boy, so I start fooling around with it, finally asked my hubby to come out, and he does the same, nothing! I start to panic a little thinking if this doesn't start soon, my roast is out the door and I will have to go get more chicken.

My husband points out the 800 number on the grill, and as a last digit effort I decide to call. The woman who answered seemed very nice, but her accent was so thick I had no idea what she was saying. I was grateful when she transferred me. The man who was also very nice walked me through a ton of troubleshooting, and in the end determined that it was the regulator.

So there is no time to do anything at all, so barbecue chicken turned to fried chicken, and slow roasted pork happened in the microwave with plastic wrap, now that might sound bad... but it was not at all, everyone loved it. So all in all the day ended well.

House Hunting... a continued journey

Well, house hunting is both fun, and extremely, hair pulling, scream from the roof top, white jacket frustrating! First of all in an attempt to be responsible we went with a loan amount that is less that what we budgeted for, you know pay extra, unexpected repair expenses... etc. So it seems that the price range is wildly competitive, with some families and investors.

I understand people wanting to invest in something safe, I do. But they keep coming in and swooping house out from under us. See we are veterans and apparently the inspections for VA loans are more choosy. So people would rather 1. go cash or 2. go conventional... did I mention AHHHH! I think that the inspection process should be the same for both fha and va you even out the playing field, but that is yet another humble opinion.

So I know that the right house is coming but I have 2 year old-itus and am kind of stomping my feet right now.

Where did all the time go!!!

Recently I have found myself wrapped up in work and family I find it increasingly difficult to find time. I mean really... how is it exactly that I lost such a thing. Did it fall out of my pocket, was there a hole in my purse and it slipped into the unknown abyss where pens, and quarters go to never be found again. I guess the key is too organize my schedule right... I find it ironic that even that has slipped to the way side of "I just don't have time". My lack of sitting down and making anything has also caused a lack of inspiration, so I have decided to do something about this. I will cram a small blank notepad or journal thingy in my purse I will probably pick some kind of bright obnoxious color so I will see it. Anytime I am sitting around at a waiting room, or any few seconds I can scrape, rather than picking up a magazine, I will draw something. Now I wish that I could say that this is my idea, but alas it is not. My awesome friend, for 30 some-odd years, gave it to me. My thought is this, when I sketch something fantastic, or incredibly inspiring... maybe, just maybe, I will head to the studio and grab some clay. So there you have it, enough is enough, make a small change and eventually it will be a habit... right!

Cash for Clunkers... wonder or blunder

*Update* I realize I did not put in the cost of parts and repairs for the older vehicles!

hmmm. Admittedly I am tempted, after all there are cars out there you can get for $5000 brand new after the government credit! So why do I hesitate, the gas mileage would be alot better than my Nova (which by the way is never an option for trade in or sale) My van is decent mileage about 18 or so on a good day. It would be prettier than my van that is for sure, poor little work truck, filled with gear, waiting for a little more in the budget for her makeover.

So I couldn't help myself... had to figure it out. Now I am no accounting wizard here just gathered some information from what I knew personally regarding parts and from what I got when I called local shops.

So here it is check it out I think you would be shocked as I was! The money alone we could save... would fix the air conditioning in the van, brand new paint job, and reupholster the whole thing in just a couple of months of what I would save if I opted to not get a new car. The Nova by the way is perfect in all those departments

The figures for monthly expense includes what you would need to put away for replacement of wear and tear. Most people say well older cars are not dependable. On our newer car we learned that everything is much more expensive; from simple oil changes, inspections, etc. From talking with other people at the time our car payment was considerable low at the time. All in all these figures I believe will be different for each person, maybe your car payment is higher or maybe your gas mileage is better. I think it is better to hammer out the long term factors before considering Cash for Clunkers.

For me I'm thinking maybe not, because I can put the van in perfect running order with new paint and interior and not only, not have a car payment but save other expenses as well.

Good Luck in your decision

Alzheimers

I love the radio, especially KDUV morning show, its a fun but Carrie & Dale also take time to talk about important stuff.

This morning they briefly touched on the donation by Jeanine Mason's 250,000 to Making Memories, an organization for Alzheimer's. I probably mentioned before I was raised by my grandma, I was raised to believe that she was my momma till I was about 15. She is still my momma though. I remember momma as she got older she was "forgetful".

It wasn't till later when I was about 18 or so that I realized that it was more than that. When I moved out and would come over to visit, she would forget that I didn't live there anymore, when I would explain to her and try to remind her of the times she came over, she just couldn't remember. Most times she had trouble remembering if she had even eaten. Later I joined the Marine Corp, I would call, her voice so soft, we would talk a little before asking my name again.

I remember the day when I came by while on leave to visit, like it was yesterday, she moved in with my mother by then, and she looked at me blankly. I knew what was coming, I didn't want to hear the words from her, I couldn't bear the pain of my momma not remembering me and our whole lives together. As if it was drawn out on a dry erase board, one quick swipe, and essentially my childhood, my life...gone.

No witness to the times we would laugh and laugh at the way my dog chased her tail till she ran into the dresser, sitting around watching episodes of Cops on TV, shopping together, or the times when I cried and cried over a boy. I remember though, I will always remember her smile, laughter, and the way she would hug me so tight, telling me how much she loves me.

I couldn't bear the pain of that loss, oddly similar to death "momma, do you want me to get your coffee" she smiled... "yes honey" Momma passed away several years ago, I miss her, I miss us. But I am happy that now she can remember everything!

I love you momma!

Stage 3

Well, its Stage 3... Surgery in about a week. very sad... don't know what else to say.

What a beautiful day!

In spite of all the craziness! it is so beautiful... no ac.. all doors and windows are open. I want to take time to enjoy this and maybe even finish the garden. No garbage, no drama, just quiet time.

The breeze is just right, cool, it is supposed to stay this way all day too! The kids are outside, mine, and the ones borrowed for a sleepover... I can here them laughing, and yelling at each other, about stepping over some safe zone. A bike bell just went off and star the neighborhood dog just came out to join in on the fun. Her bright red fur shines in the sun... must have had a bath. The kids all yell out her name, welcoming her like Norm at Cheers. You can tell she loves it, her big dog smile and wagging tail gives her away as she plays, bouncing around from kid to kid. She lets them get just close enough to pat her head before leaping away.

We have lots of trees in our neighborhood, big oaks and a few smaller ones, I don't know what they are called but they are beautiful. When the wind blows it is almost as if they are cheering, I wonder what team they are on boys or girls. On the porch the cat is laying there switching her tail as she stares at the bird sitting on the fence, contemplating lunch... And me, I am just sitting here taking it all in.

These are rare days in the summer. Maybe even go to the lake and check out the fish, I don't know I feel a little invigorated today. I want to write about it so that when I am feeling bad I can remember it.

Get off the computer silly... enjoy the day!

AAARRRRG!

Oi! I really need to pay attention cause those of you who follow must be aware of the bombard of blog posts... it is important to make sure that "save in drafts" in not checked when you click post.... then it doesn't go anywhere. I think this is like the 3rd time now.... hopefully 3rd times a charm and I don't forget again.

Cleaning woes

I am trying to clean get caught up on housework... but here I sit. I am not looking forward to this at all, but I beat myself up a little for not having it done already. Weird little place I have myself in. Really I am just trying to keep busy till Wednesday or at least till Thursday when she has the appt. for results.

My goal is to get everything cleaned up... light cleaning. Then on Wednesday I will do the blinds and the bathrooms. I am also trying to put better effort into dinner. You know make some really fabulous we never had this before... Your the most amazing mom/wife on the planet.

But I don't want to aim to high... aim for mediocre I always say.... then when you do something good then really its more like WOW! not really but it sounds fun.

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Illness' again

Well I can't really say who, in case not everyone knows yet, but someone I know and love has got breast cancer... Well it looks like cancer, feels like cancer, and is growing at a crazy insane rate like cancer... the pathology report will be out Wednesday.... aaaarrrrgggg!

I am crazy worried about it, I don't know what to say or do, you would think that after all this time and friends & relatives who have had it or died from it, it would be less shocky, but its not. I think it is because of the uncertainty, you live or die, maybe next month maybe it will go into remission for 20 years or forever, you just don't know.

I feel like a little kid, stomping her feet... now now now.... go away...... it would be nice if it was that easy.

Trying to stick to my guns

I am trying to stick to my decisions here but its hard. Since I have been voted on as Treasurer there is some things I need to do that is time consuming, which means I dropped from some committees. Which means Art Trail, it is awesome to see it grow but from the sidelines I admit will be difficult.

You know those dogs you see on the side of the road... staring at all the cars going by and then boom he takes off chasing one, wagging his tail like crazy... well I think I know now how he feels. You know he's gonna get hurt, or in trouble... he probably knows too, but.....

Pondering

I have spent the weekend pondering, I need to scale back here. All these things... so choices, what is most important...

1. Family- love them, be there often, feed them... etc

2. Work- gotta do it to help provide, plus my clients would rather have solidity

3. Art- for myself, sanity, and its what I love....

-volunteering the classes a the DV shelter and the cafe

-ACofTC before all of this I became a Board Member and this is a great community program.

All others have to fall off, have to I think this is alot more than what my family and doctor would like me to keep! I had to lose nearly 10 things... one being a studio tour I put together, that one was hard to let go of, because if I don't do it nobody does, (no volunteers) and I received a grant for it, so I must return the check. And the Art Trail... but the Arts Council is taking that over! yeah!

I just can't believe I had all those things on my plate... it was more like a platter really! Wish me luck for strength!

health, and me time

Well I am in the middle of getting some testing done. I have had chest pains and so far we haven't figured them out yet. I am hoping that this new series of test will offer some sort of explanation. I don't like uncertainties and especially with my health. I have so many issues now that I am just not interested in having more. But when you play hard, and maybe not take care of yourself as you should have, then there are consequences for that.

I am hopeful and pray that things are going to be fine, or at least answered

Got it!

Well I got my speech therapy program and I am excited. I will be starting first thing! I decided to not bombard her this summer I want her to have fun, so it won't be 5 days a week as I originally planned.

I'll admit that part of that is me also not wanting to have 5 days a week of speech therapy either. I want her memories of hanging out with mom to be filled with fun stuff too! Is that selfish... probably a little :-)

rambling alert! rambling alert! Restaurant City game!

Well I have been playing farmtown for a long time... and I love it! but a friend posted it on their facebook and well now I am hooked. There is no crazy repetition so far like in farmtown so maybe it will won't hurt my fingers so much. You know all those first farm then till then plant. I haven't been back cause lets face it there is only so many things I can concentrate on at a time. Who knows now that I am talking about it maybe I will head back to it today...

So that is my mindless activity for now... we will see what happens.

Crossroads, Confusion, and Chocolate

Well lately I have been wildly aware of my lack of focus.   I have tried many times to "sit and listen" you know be calm and listen to my heart... to God, but I just can't get my mind to stop turning.  I understand that this is what I need to do, but how!  How is it possible for me to sit for even 5 minutes, cause when I do I am flooded and find as if a thousand voices are screaming and talking at once.  

Now before you make a call to a mental facility.... understand that I like my voices.  And maybe I like this lack of peace, most of the time.  Or am I  afraid of the quiet... who knows really, I don't.  I do know that I wish I had direction or focus.  I am afraid of the future because it seems so clouded and unsure.  

I would like to be able to finish a couple of projects I started that I think are good, like my book for instance.  But it got a little personal, and I began to have fear for some of those drudged little things... However, I have this desire to do it, but fear to do it and have taken a break, lack of focus for the original reasons I started doing it.  I am guessing anyhow.  

I am in this medical limbo which is probably what kicked off this sudden life moment.  Can't really do anything till we figure out what is going on.  I haven't truly committed to anything here lately, kind of sticking my feet in but not really diving in and committing to task.  This is all new for me, I have always been a fully committed kind of gal (not white coat committed...not yet)  I feel like I am living in a waiting for the other shoe to drop kind of world.

I know that I can't live like this, not with any kind of quality, so the question is  what do I do.  I am not completely sure of the  answer because I keep answering with regards to how it affects other people.  I listen to Dave Ramsey alot, something that would have the teenage version of me mortified... but he said something recently to a man on the show that got me thinking....  it was reference to a man who was wanting advice for starting a business,  simply put "don't do it unless it is something that you can't wait to do when you wake up and the last thing you think of when you go to sleep at night"  I don't really have that... at all, unless it is something I am "chewing on" at the moment.

I think the answer lies within that, I just have to somehow find it, find me, in all this craziness! 

VBS & summer church activities... thanks Crossroads church

Here is a list generated by Crossroads Church or local VBS and church activities....  this is what is left for the summer

What:  Summer Movie Madness

When: Thursday afternoons from June 25 – July 30 (1:00 PM-3:00 PM)

Where: New Hope Church

Ages: 1^st Grade – 6^th Grade

Cost: Free

Contact: Raylene, 636-8733

July:

1What: Extreme Makeover, Bible Edition

When: July 12^th – July 16^th (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM)

Where: Christ Lutheran Church (3830 W. Tulare Ave.)

Ages: Birth – 100 years old

Cost: Free (includes a meal)

Contact: 732-1851 or office@clcvisalia.org

 

2.       What: Outback Jack (Stillwaters Ranch)

When: July 13^th – July 17^th (6:00 PM – 8:30 PM)

Where: Calvary Chapel (11720 Ave. 264)

Ages: 3 years old – 6^th Grade

Cost: Free

Contact: Pastor Mike, 687-0220 or mikebuford@calvarychapel.com

 

3.       What: Naz Sports Camp

When: July 27 – July 31 (8:30 AM – 12:15 PM)

Where: Visalia Nazarene Church (3333 W. Caldwell)

Ages: 4 – 12 years old

Cost: $85.00 per child

Contact: Dee Flynn, 734-1117

 

 

 

 

 

4.       What: CKidz Miracles Preschool Camp (Crossroads Community Church)

When: July 31^st (8:00 AM – 10:30 AM)

Where: Adventure Park

Ages: 3 years to Kindergarten

Contact: Barb Shy, 280-0172 or Barb@visaliacrossroads.com

 

August:

1.       What: CKidz Crazy Camp (Crossroads Community Church)

When: August 3 – August 7 (8:00 AM – 10:30 AM)

Where: Adventure Park

Ages:  1^st  Grade– 6^th Grade

Contact: Barb Shy, 280-0172 (Barb@visaliacrossroads.com)