This day to me is special because I reflect on my own behaviors I project onto my children. Each day am I making a conscience effort not to be ruled by the human flaw of racism? Am I a prejudiced person? I would like to believe I am not but, I must be. I am a flawed human and must work daily to over come the ideal that I am superior to anyone.
One of my favorite quotes by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr is,
"Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."
So I ask myself today, have I the 'served' the world by teaching our sons to accept and love others? I would like to believe I have and will one day see if our actions as parents will bring forth Men who, also will serve humanity for a greater good.
Another favorite quote from Dr. King is,
"We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people." - Martin Luther King, Jr., "Letter from Birmingham Jail"
I ask myself -- have I always been on my best behavior or have I allowed things to go by with silence? I firmly believe humans who are stronger should always assist those who are unable to help themselves through adversity, hardship, and or an unjust battle.
And while I love my sons with all my heart; I pray we have raised good servants. I hope we have taught them to love others just as we do. I look forward to seeing them move about the world as men of character who, are willing to risk their comfort for their fellow man. I leave you with this last quote.
"If a man hasn't discovered something he will die for, he isn't fit to live." - Martin Luther King, Jr
Monday, January 17, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
I Am Branching Out
Now you probably will not believe this but, I am a homebody. Strange to believe eh? I find that I can stay at my home with my boys for weeks on end without leaving the drive way with just a trip or two to the grocery store for staples. Or major shopping trips for things like feed, stock piling, or dreaded clothes shopping. I have basically been the same all my life --- been a latch key kid. However, after a discussion with my husband; it is not fair to turn my son's into the same personality.
We bought the Volvo so, I can branch out with the boys and meet other homeschooling families in our area. I want to instill in my sons the wanderlust I felt in my twenties as a singleton. The reason for this desire and change is quite simple.
We took our sons out to eat the other night and I noticed something about Saenz; I had not before. He got tense when more people showed up to have dinner at the same time as we did. This is not a fair thing for my son to experience. My husband has always said I love to be the center of attention but; it is more than that. I love people; love being in a crowd (watching folks), and thoroughly enjoy meeting people. I love learning new things, seeing places, tasting new foods, traveling to hidden treasures of little towns, and just being alive in the world among others. I did not learn this from my up bringing. I learned this wonderful trait from being in the world alone and having no choice but to reach out and connect with others.
This coming week; our family will be attending our first homeschool family gathering. We need to branch out and connect with others who have similiar interests. We have a desire for our sons to learn how to show animals in FFA (Future Farmers of America). Just today, Zephyr witnessed some Boy Scouts at a resturant in San Antonio and asked us if he too could be come a 'ranger.' I firmly believe it is time for all of us to build a network in our local community. Think about this.........
If our sons are happy in our home, being with folks in our community perhaps they too will want to raise their future families near us. Sure I want each of our sons to experience the world, serve in the military, go away to college, get that job in the big city but more than that. I want them to have a firm set of family roots to come back to --- kinda like migratory animals. (Hope that makes sense.)
We bought the Volvo so, I can branch out with the boys and meet other homeschooling families in our area. I want to instill in my sons the wanderlust I felt in my twenties as a singleton. The reason for this desire and change is quite simple.
We took our sons out to eat the other night and I noticed something about Saenz; I had not before. He got tense when more people showed up to have dinner at the same time as we did. This is not a fair thing for my son to experience. My husband has always said I love to be the center of attention but; it is more than that. I love people; love being in a crowd (watching folks), and thoroughly enjoy meeting people. I love learning new things, seeing places, tasting new foods, traveling to hidden treasures of little towns, and just being alive in the world among others. I did not learn this from my up bringing. I learned this wonderful trait from being in the world alone and having no choice but to reach out and connect with others.
This coming week; our family will be attending our first homeschool family gathering. We need to branch out and connect with others who have similiar interests. We have a desire for our sons to learn how to show animals in FFA (Future Farmers of America). Just today, Zephyr witnessed some Boy Scouts at a resturant in San Antonio and asked us if he too could be come a 'ranger.' I firmly believe it is time for all of us to build a network in our local community. Think about this.........
If our sons are happy in our home, being with folks in our community perhaps they too will want to raise their future families near us. Sure I want each of our sons to experience the world, serve in the military, go away to college, get that job in the big city but more than that. I want them to have a firm set of family roots to come back to --- kinda like migratory animals. (Hope that makes sense.)
Friday, January 14, 2011
Been Thinking
Just the other day, I found myself weeping after seeing the coffin of Little Miss Green being loaded for burial. It was such a sad thing to witness; a small coffin being lifted into the herse. I had never met the slain child who was an innocent bystander in the Arizona shooting that targeted Rep Gabby Giffords but, I cried at the loss. Just the sight alone moved me emotionally because I am a mother. I felt such loss for her parents. I also must add that I watched the memorial service at the Arizona University in which President Obama delivered a beautiful eulogy on behalf of those who died with mention to those folks who put themselves in harm's way.
Now you are probably wondering why I am writing; well this is about personal responsibility. I have been thinking if we all took on some personal responsibility and apologize more perhaps we can help others; especially those in dire need of assistance. Yes, there will always be the rogue person who takes on violent acts to get a reaction which catapults them into the media spotlight.
I will give you an example that just really pissed me off to no end which happened at the local court house when trying to register my Volvo. (Yeppers it is still not accomplished.)
My husband and I purchased the car on the 29th of December and had to wait until the following Monday to take the paperwork to the court house due to the holidays. No problem we had his vehicle, so on the 3rd we went and was told that we didn't have the correct forms and the Affadavit of Repair had to be notarized. Okay, so that meant a trip back to San Antonio on the 8th since, I could not drive the car on the road legally yet and had to wait until hubby had a day off. We did make the trip and got the Affadivit of Repair signed and notarized. Well, this week I waited until I was not dragging the boys out of the house into inclement weather since, they -- we were just getting over the ICK. So yesterday, I went to the court house with my paperwork and the notarized form. Paid the taxes, got the plate and the registration sticker and took the boys to lunch.
No sooner than I got back home; I received a phone call saying I had given the Court House the wrong Affadvit notarized, the state inspection form had the wrong date and VIN on it. What the Hay? Those forms were the ones the Court House staff had checked not only just that morning but also on the 3rd. OH and now I had to pick up the paperwork before they closed for the day. WHAT???? No apologies No, I am sorry for making a mistake from the staff. Off I packed up Zephyr, Saenz had taken some cold medicines and was already taking a nap.
Get this, not only did they keep the Salvage TITLE, The Bill of Sale, The Incorrect State Inspection Paperwork, My Insurance Card; THE CHICK there told me I needed to Listen to HER tell me How I had made the mistake in front of other Customers. LOL (OKAY this is where I was like thinking of the trajedy in Arizona.) No Wonder Folks who are not well grounded wind up resorting to violence. I also entertained in my head, snatching that smug, little ole, state government employee, lady's wig off and unfurling it around the court house but, I refrained and left quietly.
In this case, perhaps if those 'official employees' had taken on some responsibility for making a mistake and said "I am sorry to put you through this again." Then I would not have felt so angry? But NO, in today's society no one apologizes or takes responsibilities for their actions. Even the words that are written by others are said to carry no weight or the owner only takes the 'positive actions' for their written words. I am here to tell all who care to read.
WORDS ARE THE RESPONSIBLITY of those who speak or write them, writers are responsible for their incendiary words, and perhaps we all should be looking for ways to help others who are still hurting or are angry.
If any of you who read this are upset. I apologize for my intent is to start discussions, exhange ideas, or similiar experiences. For on Tuesday, I will still go back to the courthouse and know; I did the best job I could while trying to follow government instructions.
Now you are probably wondering why I am writing; well this is about personal responsibility. I have been thinking if we all took on some personal responsibility and apologize more perhaps we can help others; especially those in dire need of assistance. Yes, there will always be the rogue person who takes on violent acts to get a reaction which catapults them into the media spotlight.
I will give you an example that just really pissed me off to no end which happened at the local court house when trying to register my Volvo. (Yeppers it is still not accomplished.)
My husband and I purchased the car on the 29th of December and had to wait until the following Monday to take the paperwork to the court house due to the holidays. No problem we had his vehicle, so on the 3rd we went and was told that we didn't have the correct forms and the Affadavit of Repair had to be notarized. Okay, so that meant a trip back to San Antonio on the 8th since, I could not drive the car on the road legally yet and had to wait until hubby had a day off. We did make the trip and got the Affadivit of Repair signed and notarized. Well, this week I waited until I was not dragging the boys out of the house into inclement weather since, they -- we were just getting over the ICK. So yesterday, I went to the court house with my paperwork and the notarized form. Paid the taxes, got the plate and the registration sticker and took the boys to lunch.
No sooner than I got back home; I received a phone call saying I had given the Court House the wrong Affadvit notarized, the state inspection form had the wrong date and VIN on it. What the Hay? Those forms were the ones the Court House staff had checked not only just that morning but also on the 3rd. OH and now I had to pick up the paperwork before they closed for the day. WHAT???? No apologies No, I am sorry for making a mistake from the staff. Off I packed up Zephyr, Saenz had taken some cold medicines and was already taking a nap.
Get this, not only did they keep the Salvage TITLE, The Bill of Sale, The Incorrect State Inspection Paperwork, My Insurance Card; THE CHICK there told me I needed to Listen to HER tell me How I had made the mistake in front of other Customers. LOL (OKAY this is where I was like thinking of the trajedy in Arizona.) No Wonder Folks who are not well grounded wind up resorting to violence. I also entertained in my head, snatching that smug, little ole, state government employee, lady's wig off and unfurling it around the court house but, I refrained and left quietly.
In this case, perhaps if those 'official employees' had taken on some responsibility for making a mistake and said "I am sorry to put you through this again." Then I would not have felt so angry? But NO, in today's society no one apologizes or takes responsibilities for their actions. Even the words that are written by others are said to carry no weight or the owner only takes the 'positive actions' for their written words. I am here to tell all who care to read.
WORDS ARE THE RESPONSIBLITY of those who speak or write them, writers are responsible for their incendiary words, and perhaps we all should be looking for ways to help others who are still hurting or are angry.
If any of you who read this are upset. I apologize for my intent is to start discussions, exhange ideas, or similiar experiences. For on Tuesday, I will still go back to the courthouse and know; I did the best job I could while trying to follow government instructions.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
What Has That Chicken Woman Been Up To?
Let us see..... I have been busy getting back into the routine of teaching my boys on a daily basis. Lisa did move back to San Antonio with her mother for awhile before heading out to California.
This week's classroom focus has on been on getting Saenz passed long division using a calculator and without. Knowing how to work an answer depending on just what information the problem given is a fine art / language. For example: does the question ask for an answer with a remainder, carried to 3 places to the right of the decimal place, converted to a fraction. This means basically, I have not only been teaching him how to divide but to pay attention to directions, break down a problem into parts, order of operations, and how to double check his work.
Zephyr can now recognize about 50 printed words with some accuracy though, he will not sit still with a book. So my next stop will be taping up index words all over the house and making a game for him to learn primary reader words and how to spell them. Otherwise, once we get passed the reading issue I can then move him into the first grade. Not too bad considering this his kindergarten year. He is already tackling double digit subtraction, addition, and single digit mutiplication -- I teach along side the basics. I learned this lesson the hard way with Saenz's difficulties in learning the multiplication.
We have broccoli and this is my second cutting -- remember Egg Pie? Today, I added cut leaves of the broccoli to our diet. Yeppers, I said the leaves and have cut them up and placed them in my trusty crock pot of chicken noodle soup complete with carrots, onions, lots of garlic and heavy whipping cream for extra body. Did you know you can eat the leaves of broccoli? When I was getting ready to take the broccoli heads, I thought it is such a same to waste such lovely greens. I got the idea from remembering how the Cretans used to walk the roadways and pick wild greens. So I doubled checked to ensure the leaves are not poisonious like tomato leaves.
Thanks to all those who wished us speedy recovery. Though it is now cold and icky outside; we have gotten rid of the cold that was giving us such grief. Can you believe in the 30s in Hawter than Hades South Texas? Oh Yeah, I will be stopping by to visit all you folks seems I have let blogging slide a bit while I got us back on track. And a Big Ole Howdy to my new followers...thanks for stopping by.
This week's classroom focus has on been on getting Saenz passed long division using a calculator and without. Knowing how to work an answer depending on just what information the problem given is a fine art / language. For example: does the question ask for an answer with a remainder, carried to 3 places to the right of the decimal place, converted to a fraction. This means basically, I have not only been teaching him how to divide but to pay attention to directions, break down a problem into parts, order of operations, and how to double check his work.
Zephyr can now recognize about 50 printed words with some accuracy though, he will not sit still with a book. So my next stop will be taping up index words all over the house and making a game for him to learn primary reader words and how to spell them. Otherwise, once we get passed the reading issue I can then move him into the first grade. Not too bad considering this his kindergarten year. He is already tackling double digit subtraction, addition, and single digit mutiplication -- I teach along side the basics. I learned this lesson the hard way with Saenz's difficulties in learning the multiplication.
Now onto gardening and cooking:
Thanks to all those who wished us speedy recovery. Though it is now cold and icky outside; we have gotten rid of the cold that was giving us such grief. Can you believe in the 30s in Hawter than Hades South Texas? Oh Yeah, I will be stopping by to visit all you folks seems I have let blogging slide a bit while I got us back on track. And a Big Ole Howdy to my new followers...thanks for stopping by.
Friday, January 7, 2011
The Gift That Keeps On Giving
Phew! Don't know about ya'll but, for the last three weeks we seem to be passing around the same mutation of a virus to one another. I get one person cleared up from the Ick and another comes down ill to include myself. Latest victim in this Greek trajedy is Saenz. However, he should be up and about if my recovery is any indication by tomorrow.
Lisa is packing up her room today; her mother is picking her up tonight. After a two week stay in San Antonio; Lisa is planning to move to California to live with some friends to find 'happiness'.
Looking back at parental history, hubby at age twenty was gaining his feet, her mom by 20 was married to her dad with two boys, and I was serving in the Air Force in the Philippines. Though we both feel it is a mistake to undertake such an endeavor without: familial support, a steady job, financial plan & fallback monies, solid work ethic, and education but, we will be here in case she needs a soft place to land. Hubby and I wish her a smooth path into adulthood.
Update on the Volvo, seems the seller did not notarize the proper forms and we have to make a trip back to San Antonio to get the corrected forms. (sigh -- I am antsy to hit the tar with boys in tow.) All is good though since I still have a til Monday next week to get the car registered under our names. When we finish perhaps we will take a side trip since we will already be in San Antonio. Who knows -- our lives and schedules are fluid.
Another thing I managed to get done this week is to get a copy in the mail of a 'release of lien' from Ford Motor Credit for Bubba Junior, a 1995 Ford Ranger I bought as my first vehicle. Yeppers, I tend to hold on to things until they are ready for the junkyard or longer. In 2002, we left Bubba at my mom's house in storage when we were to be stationed in Portugal. Well she asked if I could send her the title so, she could use the truck. No problem since it had been sitting at her house forever and I felt guilty about the truck being there so long. I went looking for the truck's paperwork to my chagrin --- it was lost in the five or more moves since 2002.
So then began my journey of acquiring a proper duplicate copy of the title and such through the Texas DMV. It has been over a year but, this week I have finally gotten one step closer to acquiring the correct paperwork to sign over Bubba to her. What a journey of red tape it has been: Fill out Form A and send to Organization B & you can acquire Signature Z before getting to Step 2. (WHAT A MESS!) Anywhosits, after one phone call and $17 later and talking with a knowledgeable person at Ford Motor Credit; a release of lien is on its way. Next step, no clue yet I have made some progress finally. SORRY MOM
Both puppies made it through their surgery fine. They are still harassing the hens and chasing rabbits they find in the yard. Once Sonic moves out Banjo will not be the little follower and will probably spend his days cowering on the back porch. It is a huge piece of mind knowing they will not be responsible for any more strays in the area. While I love the dogs and made sure they are up to date on shots to include neutering; not everyone feels the same way. One day though, we will get a bottle fed puppy (large bred) hand raise it and train it to be protective around chicks, rabbits, lambs, and such. The only way to ensure the a dog will not become bird aggressive.
I just want to wish you all well. And I hope none of ya'll experience the 'gift that keeps giving' -- winter ick. Talk soon,
WHOOPPED HEN
Lisa is packing up her room today; her mother is picking her up tonight. After a two week stay in San Antonio; Lisa is planning to move to California to live with some friends to find 'happiness'.
Looking back at parental history, hubby at age twenty was gaining his feet, her mom by 20 was married to her dad with two boys, and I was serving in the Air Force in the Philippines. Though we both feel it is a mistake to undertake such an endeavor without: familial support, a steady job, financial plan & fallback monies, solid work ethic, and education but, we will be here in case she needs a soft place to land. Hubby and I wish her a smooth path into adulthood.
Update on the Volvo, seems the seller did not notarize the proper forms and we have to make a trip back to San Antonio to get the corrected forms. (sigh -- I am antsy to hit the tar with boys in tow.) All is good though since I still have a til Monday next week to get the car registered under our names. When we finish perhaps we will take a side trip since we will already be in San Antonio. Who knows -- our lives and schedules are fluid.
Another thing I managed to get done this week is to get a copy in the mail of a 'release of lien' from Ford Motor Credit for Bubba Junior, a 1995 Ford Ranger I bought as my first vehicle. Yeppers, I tend to hold on to things until they are ready for the junkyard or longer. In 2002, we left Bubba at my mom's house in storage when we were to be stationed in Portugal. Well she asked if I could send her the title so, she could use the truck. No problem since it had been sitting at her house forever and I felt guilty about the truck being there so long. I went looking for the truck's paperwork to my chagrin --- it was lost in the five or more moves since 2002.
So then began my journey of acquiring a proper duplicate copy of the title and such through the Texas DMV. It has been over a year but, this week I have finally gotten one step closer to acquiring the correct paperwork to sign over Bubba to her. What a journey of red tape it has been: Fill out Form A and send to Organization B & you can acquire Signature Z before getting to Step 2. (WHAT A MESS!) Anywhosits, after one phone call and $17 later and talking with a knowledgeable person at Ford Motor Credit; a release of lien is on its way. Next step, no clue yet I have made some progress finally. SORRY MOM
Both puppies made it through their surgery fine. They are still harassing the hens and chasing rabbits they find in the yard. Once Sonic moves out Banjo will not be the little follower and will probably spend his days cowering on the back porch. It is a huge piece of mind knowing they will not be responsible for any more strays in the area. While I love the dogs and made sure they are up to date on shots to include neutering; not everyone feels the same way. One day though, we will get a bottle fed puppy (large bred) hand raise it and train it to be protective around chicks, rabbits, lambs, and such. The only way to ensure the a dog will not become bird aggressive.
I just want to wish you all well. And I hope none of ya'll experience the 'gift that keeps giving' -- winter ick. Talk soon,
WHOOPPED HEN
Monday, January 3, 2011
Our Soon To Be, Neutered Puppies
Well this morning, I called in the information for the Volvo to get it listed on our insurance. Then off we went to drop off Banjo and Sonic for their operation at the vet. This means they can not get a wandering female pregnant. Best thing to do for outside dogs is to get them neutered. There are far too many unwanted animals running about in the world. This is the two having a conniption about being inside their cage on the ride. Hee hee, just look at those innocent faces!
Below is the birdhouse kit, Grumpy Gramps sent to Zephyr for Christmas. Zephyr and his dad used the tools that were sent to build this bird house. I think Zephyr did a great job under his dad's watchful eye.
Thank you for a wonderful gift!
See the holes for hanging it up? We still have to either paint this lovely or at least seal the wood due to extremes in our weather.
Yeppers, I am still sporting the MND bracelet in support of
My Brother Andrew get on over there to learn about Ms. Jan's cause.
I bid ya'll adieu! :O)
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Don't Know About Ya'll
I am glad all the festivities are over. It was a busy two weeks with hubby home. While we were able to enjoy our time together; we still have lots of HONEY DO'S left on the always full list of things to accomplish.
Our house phone is still not working properly so, we are debating not calling a repair man and just cancelling the service. Verizon just keeps raising rates, charging us fees but, never upgrading their services in our area for land lines though they charge us multiple fees. So, other than a phone for emergencies we can think of no other reason to have a home phone. I turned off our long distance service over a year ago and have used a phone card with ease since.
American companies with no competition for business have little regard for customers to provide standard services; the companies are able to charge what they want with no fear of losing monies. We are constantly checking with neighbors to find out what cell phone companies in the area ACTUALLY WORK in the bowl terrain and our home is located at the bottom.
With the vehicles, hubby needs to wait for his state tags so he can register his Honda for access to military bases which will take approximately two weeks. This creates an issue for him gaining timely entrance in the mornings. As luck would have it; the farm truck is not able to make a trip right now because something has happened to the gear shift --- it's stuck in 4th gear.
Now my car is a different issue, I have two weeks to go to the court house to transfer the title / registration by Texas law or face consequences. Then I will have a two weeks wait for a state plate. When we got home with it (yes, I actually broke the law by driving it home); the insurance agency we use was closed until tomorrow and I am without a viable mode of transportation until the Farm Bureau opens in the a.m. This caused me to push back the puppies getting neutered in the morning, I can not drive without insurance.
Also, Texas State requirements have gone up for basic coverage and; if a person gets caught driving without proof of insurance or up to date driver's license; their car gets towed to impound -- no excuses. WHICH IS A GOOD THING in my opinion. I am just throwing this up to the universe. Peeps without insurance for Medical and Vehicles are forcing Peeps who chose to follow the law to pay higher rates. Annoying but true fact of life.
I will miss hubby dearly when he goes back to work; we have been tied at the hip. Tomorrow marks his job search for work in this area. We have reworked our budget to build up our savings so, when he does find a job; we have a cushion to fall onto.
Basically this means, we are cutting our budget to these monthly amounts for a family of five.
Food $300
Elec $300
Spending / Clothes $165
Entertainment $100
Gas $300
Mortgage $700 (we pay an additional $200 on principal)
Computer $60
Dental $60
Medical $40
Loan (shed/tractor) $340
Car Ins $100
Honda $285
Savings $600
Farm $150
Orkin / Trash/ Etc $100
Approximate Take Home: 3600
Approximate Pay Out: 3498
All numbers are approximate but, this shows where we are concentrating. Paying off loans as quickly as possible, stashing extra into savings, we have a retirement plan as well, and cutting out frivolous expenses like premium cable channels. Later as time goes by we will be cutting all cable, gardening more, and storing our own foods as we grow them. It just make financial sense because, I saw the signs in late 2006 of the economy's collapse pending and quit selling on eBay. And, Waa Laa, in 2007-09 the US economy's (global actually -- it was a classic depression but, don't tell anyone I said so) recession.
What I do see for Texas is; the recession has not truly touched here yet. However, I am thinking we are just around the corner from a mini recession here unless locally the oil fields really do ramp up. After watching the market price on a barrel of oil; I am wagering with hubby the cost of a gallon of gas will be up near $4+ a gallon again by late summer/fall because OPEC is having great fun with the increase of demand from growing markets.
Another area of concern I have been watching is the growth in the medical suppliers market and pharmaceutical arena. With the fight we still have pending over the national health care law; I am just waiting to see how this will affect the American public. While we have Tricare through my Air Force retirement; adding more bodies from adult dependents will cause congress to raise our monthly premiums as will commerical suppliers so be warned now and prepare.
Any whosits, I hope all are doing well who pass here. This week the boys and I will be hitting the books full force. We plan on really hitting the subjects of Pre-Algebra, English, Reading, Biology, Astronomy, and Agriculture this next quarter.
I have plans on pulling out the Bower Incubator for hatching of chicken eggs so, we can raise them for meat. Yeppers, we are going towards becoming more self-sustaining fare. I will have to order some turkeys, ducks, geese and other assorted birds to raise for meat. Hubby brought me a box of 500 Dixie Cups and I will start our garden sproutlings inside the house this week. My house may not be a Better Homes and Gardens show case but, I will be able to feed a small army come summer so, stop on by when ya'll get a chance.
I may just have some chicory coffee or mint tea to offer you.
Our house phone is still not working properly so, we are debating not calling a repair man and just cancelling the service. Verizon just keeps raising rates, charging us fees but, never upgrading their services in our area for land lines though they charge us multiple fees. So, other than a phone for emergencies we can think of no other reason to have a home phone. I turned off our long distance service over a year ago and have used a phone card with ease since.
American companies with no competition for business have little regard for customers to provide standard services; the companies are able to charge what they want with no fear of losing monies. We are constantly checking with neighbors to find out what cell phone companies in the area ACTUALLY WORK in the bowl terrain and our home is located at the bottom.
With the vehicles, hubby needs to wait for his state tags so he can register his Honda for access to military bases which will take approximately two weeks. This creates an issue for him gaining timely entrance in the mornings. As luck would have it; the farm truck is not able to make a trip right now because something has happened to the gear shift --- it's stuck in 4th gear.
Now my car is a different issue, I have two weeks to go to the court house to transfer the title / registration by Texas law or face consequences. Then I will have a two weeks wait for a state plate. When we got home with it (yes, I actually broke the law by driving it home); the insurance agency we use was closed until tomorrow and I am without a viable mode of transportation until the Farm Bureau opens in the a.m. This caused me to push back the puppies getting neutered in the morning, I can not drive without insurance.
Also, Texas State requirements have gone up for basic coverage and; if a person gets caught driving without proof of insurance or up to date driver's license; their car gets towed to impound -- no excuses. WHICH IS A GOOD THING in my opinion. I am just throwing this up to the universe. Peeps without insurance for Medical and Vehicles are forcing Peeps who chose to follow the law to pay higher rates. Annoying but true fact of life.
I will miss hubby dearly when he goes back to work; we have been tied at the hip. Tomorrow marks his job search for work in this area. We have reworked our budget to build up our savings so, when he does find a job; we have a cushion to fall onto.
Basically this means, we are cutting our budget to these monthly amounts for a family of five.
Food $300
Elec $300
Spending / Clothes $165
Entertainment $100
Gas $300
Mortgage $700 (we pay an additional $200 on principal)
Computer $60
Dental $60
Medical $40
Loan (shed/tractor) $340
Car Ins $100
Honda $285
Savings $600
Farm $150
Orkin / Trash/ Etc $100
Approximate Take Home: 3600
Approximate Pay Out: 3498
All numbers are approximate but, this shows where we are concentrating. Paying off loans as quickly as possible, stashing extra into savings, we have a retirement plan as well, and cutting out frivolous expenses like premium cable channels. Later as time goes by we will be cutting all cable, gardening more, and storing our own foods as we grow them. It just make financial sense because, I saw the signs in late 2006 of the economy's collapse pending and quit selling on eBay. And, Waa Laa, in 2007-09 the US economy's (global actually -- it was a classic depression but, don't tell anyone I said so) recession.
What I do see for Texas is; the recession has not truly touched here yet. However, I am thinking we are just around the corner from a mini recession here unless locally the oil fields really do ramp up. After watching the market price on a barrel of oil; I am wagering with hubby the cost of a gallon of gas will be up near $4+ a gallon again by late summer/fall because OPEC is having great fun with the increase of demand from growing markets.
Another area of concern I have been watching is the growth in the medical suppliers market and pharmaceutical arena. With the fight we still have pending over the national health care law; I am just waiting to see how this will affect the American public. While we have Tricare through my Air Force retirement; adding more bodies from adult dependents will cause congress to raise our monthly premiums as will commerical suppliers so be warned now and prepare.
Any whosits, I hope all are doing well who pass here. This week the boys and I will be hitting the books full force. We plan on really hitting the subjects of Pre-Algebra, English, Reading, Biology, Astronomy, and Agriculture this next quarter.
I have plans on pulling out the Bower Incubator for hatching of chicken eggs so, we can raise them for meat. Yeppers, we are going towards becoming more self-sustaining fare. I will have to order some turkeys, ducks, geese and other assorted birds to raise for meat. Hubby brought me a box of 500 Dixie Cups and I will start our garden sproutlings inside the house this week. My house may not be a Better Homes and Gardens show case but, I will be able to feed a small army come summer so, stop on by when ya'll get a chance.
I may just have some chicory coffee or mint tea to offer you.
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