Good morning ladies,
Saturday at last. I think we need to rename our Optimism in October thread. Everytime we try to take a positive outlook things turn sucky. And like Forest Gump said "... and that's all I'm going to say about that."
Mel, what the heck are they holding your chair ransom for? Is this a repair? I know how it worries you so I guess just putting it out of your head for a while is better because the stress does you no good. I hope they come to their senses soon
Glad you are enjoying the TJ food - no soy there. Enjoy your weekend. Columbus Day already? I haven't celebrated that since we got the day off in grammar school
To all of us worrying about our pensions and savings. I guess we just have to hang tight. This is the 2nd time that we took a major, major hit - of no fault on our part. I am so angry at our government right now. But this is the fallout of all those years of big business greed. I think it's time for looking after us little guys who support this country. DH wanted to retire in less than 2 years. I know that's not happening now, even if we were to sell everything and move upstairs to the tiny flat at my mom's house.
It appears that my old house in Chicago is about to go to foreclosure. A very young couple bought it and I never could figure out how they could have afforded it - the house itself was quite modest but prices were high because it was in a good area with great schools. Even with all the turmoil in real estate, that area has held their prices strong. I see alot of houses for sale - both there and here. We occasionally go to these financial seminars where you get a free dinner and hear someone speak. DH and I joke that the free dinners are part of our supplemental retirement plan but seriously we go mostly because you never know when someone will say something that sparks a "hey, that's a great idea" concept. So far after about 8 it's a bust but we keep trying
One guy was talking about all the "cash" that is tied up in the equity in your house doing nothing for you. DH and I talked that one through a few times, figured if you took out an equity loan, you'd have to make more on the investment than it would cost for the interest on the loan and in the shaky financials, that wasn't a good idea. Plus we are both old fashioned in that you DON'T gamble your house away. In today's unstable world of shaky financials, we are glad we have a tiny mortgage and enough funds on the side to quickly pay it off if something were to happen to either of our jobs. Both cars are paid off too for the first time in our married lives. We can weather a temporary setback but long term retirement is even longer now.
Shad, that's for the pep talk.
You have HAPPY fish in your bathroom? That I need to see
I'm sure your house is looking quite pretty these days. You certainly have put alot of work into it. I hope things work out positively for DS2. Did you get everything done on your ambitious to do list?
I too once worked for the government (coordinating the 2000 census) for 5 months. I agree that you have to have a certain insane mindset to work with them. But most have a great pension if you can stick it out.
Michelle and Shy - hope you both are on the mend. This is a tough time to get sick - before the frost hits - it hangs on forever. Rest up and get your fluids. Chicken soup for both of you. Don't worry about the exercise for now until you are able to breathe. Sending
and virtual chicken soup!
Carla, glad to hear that you got to a spin class. I think we all fall off the wagon but are here to help each other back on. I have been off my game for the last 3 weeks and I'm feeling it. Back to the gym on Monday for sure (tho getting up in the dark AND THE COLD chill of fall mornings is getting harder
). This week there were 2 days in a row where I got minimal vegetables and no fruit. I had 2 tiny snack size Snickers candy bars from the community jar at work which started my downfall. Cleaned that all up yesterday. So I understand where you are coming from. As for the elk stew, I have had that happen too. Our grocery store has started cooking sample foods with recipe cards. For a local grocery store they use some off the wall, fairly expensive ingredients like a lemon wine finishing sauce
3 separate times I tasted things in the store - they were wonderful - bought the ingredients and it was
Seems like such a waste of money. I wondered how they suckered us in. Your story made me feel like I was not the only one tho I'm sorry you wasted food too.
Ceejay - I think they are afraid to put a freeze on credit cards. I heard that they think some people who are out of work are using them to supplement their lack of income which is goofy because if they are doing that, they surely don't have money to pay the bills. I think we live in a society where a good part of the population says
I'll just walk away or claim bankruptcy - no big deal. And not to demean them any but there are a few who are also so worried about keeping a roof on their heads and food in their bellies. I think the economy will take another dive in January as I hear alot of folks (myself included) who are greatly reducing holiday spending this year. I didn't get Christmas cards out in time last year but several people at the office said they plain aren't going to send them this year. At almost 1 dollar per card including postage, it's getting kind of pricey. And if people aren't shopping it hurts the economy, the retail stores, the manufacturers who make the goods and the companies like mine that make the bags and boxes the goods go into as well as the packaging like coffee cups and sandwich wraps at the fast food joints
. When you think about it, it's really a ripple in a pond with far reaching consequences.
I'd better go before I get philosophical.
Carla -just in case I get a dumb moment
Happy early birthday for Monday.
to Rose, Ruth, Patty.
Have some fun with Tony at Walmart Annie - try on winter hats - always good for a laugh