Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Home Buyer - Hurry up! and/or Wait?


Most of you know we are in escrow on a home in Lancaster. YAY! I have been here for 15 years, so I am so excited to get into this new home. Luckily for us, our loan issues have not been too awful. Aside from insurance issues that have been squared away, we are ready to close on 2/20....that's .... next Friday?? Right now we qualify for the $7500 stimulus plan for homeowner purchase. This is great right?? Not really, it's basically an interest free loan on your taxes. But better than that we are hearing rumors of a $15,000 tax credit (FREE MONEY) with Obama's stimulus plan. YAY? Not quite. As of today, last minute talks say that they may have to reduce this amount. But here is the real kicker.... DATE OF ENACTMENT. So if we close (next Friday) before final enactment of this tax credit, we don't qualify. Hypothetically if they enact it on Saturday, we would not qualify.... Crazy huh. Cross your fingers! As I am sure you all know how teachers can always use FREE money. Say a prayer also, as you know how busy we all are with classes, teaching, family... and on top of that I will be moving. Anybody own a truck? :)

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Getting Real

Well, I apparently have just begun my first blog, and you are the lucky ones to be reading it. I was asked by my instructed to begin blogging.
What do I write about? Who will read it? Anyway, off the top of my head..

My day today started by setting off the school alarm attempting to get in early to set up sub plans so I could do my civic duty and perform Jury service. After that, I had every intention of meeting a friend at Dennys to benefit from thier Free Grand Slam deal. However, because I was late (due to the alarm and sub plans), the line wrapped around the building. Instead we went and paid for breakfast at IHOP (food was better anyway). Went to Jury service.. they released us at 10:00 but told us to be back by 1:30. I figured this was the perfect opportunity to drive 50 miles to Tehachapi to take care of paperwork on my new house. Very uneventful. I drove, I arrived, I received, I left, I drove back.

All it time to be back to the courthouse by 1:30. Then at 2:30 they told us we were done! No jury, just a day to watch and wonder about the thoughts of other Jurors. Can say I was a little disappointed I did not even get to see a courtroom. The case was settled... darn lawyers. I could tell that others had a little disappointment as well. Sure, we all were happy to leave and get on with our lives, but the absence of that posibility to serve our community leaves me feeling unfulfilled. Duty done for the year. At least I went, and didn't ignore the summonds like most people do. Today the clerk told us that over 25 jurors did not appear today.

O'well back to work tomorrow.

Hows that for a first blog? I guess next time I will do less summarizing and more reflecting. :)