I had a new client come through this last week.

She owed about $400 between Fed & state. I told her she gets the gold medal for breakeven taxes. We should have a contest. LOL. It seems like most of my clients have WAY overpaid/underpaid this last year. Yeesh.

It's frustrating to see the ones with situations who are struggling but are unwilling to change their withholdings. (The family who went down to one income due to illness or the many people who came through with 2 houses, trying to sell one). Likewise, more frustrating are the clients who make big financial decisions and don't think to run it across their tax profesional. Then they are surprised when they owe $5k. I had a client lose her ROTH contribution because she sold a large chunk of stock and pushed her AGI too high. Someone else took $30k in retirement distributions, and they were surprised they owed. (Had not withheld anything). Etc., etc.

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In other news, CNN had an article on Top 10 foreclosure cities and sacramento was ranked #1. I've seen it at #2 or #3, but not #1 before. Yikes.

OF course #2 was Vegas. Gee, the hot climates are suffering.

That's the thing about Sacramento though. Our home had run up a good 125% at the peak (from when we bought in early 2002 - to the peak in late 2005).

Most of the people I met in the area either moved here from more expensive lands and then moved on to ORegon/Nevada with all that home equity. OR they felt priced out of home ownership and moved to Oregon/Nevada to buy a home. But the first group really were key in running up prices. PArticularly since they either already had equity from more expensive areas, or like us, just found the prices to be dirt cheap in comparison. (Whereas from the locals' perspective it was getting quite expensive in 2001/2002).

Since we enjoy the area so much, I really thought high prices were around to stay, for the most part. & still I think a decent amount of home appreciation is around to stay permanently. (I know too many people longing for $100k houses again, like you could get a decade ago, but I think that's a pipe dream).

But I guess we are unique. It seems like not very many people are tied to the area. Seems like most of the transplants have moved on.

Sacramento has historically been the cheapest area of Cali to live in, and it still is by a mile. I will just never get it. All I can figure is the combo of the weather (very hot in the summer whereas most of the state is rather mild year-round) and also the jobs. The jobs just aren't here. I admit most of the people who came through here the last few years didn't have jobs here. So it was a no brainer to take their insane equity and go to where the jobs were in more affordable states. A majority of the people I have met here had jobs in the Bay Area.

That's really all I Could figure. I saw Stockton (very nearby) has been hitting #1 in foreclosures for a while. But I think, who would want to live there??? & how come no one wants to live in Sac??

IT is a really weird dynamic because there is so much money and jobs in the Bay Area that there are many less nice areas between here and the Bay that have insane house prices and are thriving. Likewise, if you are in Sac and you want to move out to the country, or further out from the hub, it just gets more expensive. Very counter-intuitive. But the reason why is very clear. The further you get from here, the closer you are to a bigger metro hub.

Likewise, Sacramento seems to have location down pat, but it is the least desirable area of the state. I mean 1-2 hours drive to the snow and beautiful lake tahoe. Just over an hour to San Fancisco and the beach. A days' drive from the bauty of Northern Cali, Washington & ORegon. OR likewise, just a few hours to Disneyland/So Cal. Houses are cheap and I have an awesome job. The area itself is very beautiful (as it has been historically much less metro - it is called the city of trees). Likewise, this is our haven. I REALLY miss the 70 degree year-round weather back home. I grew up quite spoiled. But it's not worth the insane cost of housing for that one benefit. IT's really all I miss. So it still boggles my mind somewhat that this is undesirable land. But it really all comes down to the jobs I guess.

Anyway, it's not terribly shocking that home values plunged 20% last year (on average - some areas even more). It was quite obvious the high prices couldn't be sustained for the long haul. I mean, still leaves us with a good $100k equity over our purchase price. Though we've lost $250k in the course of a year. So yeah. The fact that so few really bought at the peak and so many are in trouble is just really mind boggling. Clearly the true problem in the home equity ATM mindset. Indeed.

Likewise, it's funny, but we are working with a mortgage broker highly recommended by a friend. I like him okay, and I think he will be able to help us refi, but he is REALLY into rental real estate. I told him a couple of times we weren't interested in the least. But he is really gung ho and just sent a general newlsetter about how he is going to buy and wants to help his clients get in the market. But since then I keep talking to other people who want to snatch some up with these "low" prices. IT's not just him.

Likewise, all my friends who have been priced out the last few years are excited at the chance to buy a home.

So, they are circling. Likewise, a foreclosure went in our neighborhood for $350k but afterwards one went from $400k.

I read somewhere it will yo yo for a while. Indeed.

It seems like not a lot of lessons have been learned from what I See of the people wanting to buy right now. I mean I met this broker guy once and told him we weren't comfortable with a 15-year mortgage right now, though we may be in a year or 2. We went over all of our finances for loan qualification.

Anyway, so he is trying to get me to buy rental real estate. He seemed really reasonable until he got on this kick.

No thanks, I do NOT need a seond mortgage right now. Frankly, it's the last thing I need. & even if I Was interested, I'd wait it out a bit longer. Indeed. But yeah, I liked him until that. He seemed very reasonable until I clearly saw that he sees no downside to buying a house, for rental, that one could not afford without the rental payment. Not my idea of a good financial move.

But it's just an indicator that cycle may just begin anew. Everyone who didn't get screwed over the first time didn't learn a thing. They are chomping at the bit to jump into the mess. Yikes!! Like they think they have the secret weapon. If nothing else I was bothered that this rental plan depended heavily on renters. Shaky financial ground indeed. I don't even have a dime to put down on a house anyway. Not one worth owning anyway...

So yeah, I watch very interested as all this plays out. I am at a loss to what's next... I can guess another year of losses though as subprime ARMs reset like crazy this next year. & is primarily what makes up the high prices in this area - lots of suprime ARMs that drove up housing prices.

I guess we are officially at ground zero though, according to CNN.

Just busy.

Yesterday was quite spendy.

We finally had a chance to try out that drop-in daycare center and the kids LOVED it. They want to go back, for sure.

I am glad it got such glowing reviews, but maybe a little too good... We figured we'd try once a month for now, and maybe twice a month when BM graduates preschool. But of course they wanted to go back like TODAY! LOL.

Anyway, it was $25 to register (one time, can use any location - which is super nice since they have some locations in the Bay Area where we spend much time and sometimes need a little help).

You know between our parents and dh's sea of family we can usually find family to watch the kids for free, but there's been times we had to scramble or cancel our plans. So this is just really a neat thing about the place. That they have so many locations in the Bay. Plus many locations around here too.

Anyway, we left the kids for 2 hours so it was about $25 for that and another $7 for lunch. We could bring their lunch though which is nice. We would probably plan around lunch/dinner or just bring it for them. But we splurged yesterday. Though that pretty much clears our babysitting fund.

& while they were there dh took me to lunch and we went to pick up his car from the shop.

The car repair was minimal. We spent $250, but that was for oil change and safety check and all that, as well as the repairs they did.

A little big to pay out of budget, but small enough to just take out of short-term savings. I left $150 in there last month that I didn't need, so will probably even out and not hit our vacation part of the savings.

So far so good anyway.

Oh yes, with the rest of our babysitting fund, we splurged on lunch out. Dh took me to all-you-can-eat sushi. It was good. We sure ate A LOT!!

I hesitate to say it, but work is going rather well. I Feel like my boss took a lot off my plate. I am torn if I should just embrace it, or it I should ask for more. It's a tough call. I Am turning out tax returns in a day and I keep thinking maybe I should hold onto them for a few days - my clients are getting spoiled. Don't want them to have high expectations. LOL. This is the complete opposite of last year (our WORST tax season ever).

For example, last year we hired a temp for a few weeks and I gave her a slew of stuff I just had not had time to look at for months. The same stuff has been coming in and I just do it that day. Clearly not busy enough!

I think a lot of my co-workers are feeling the same. I just haven't figured out what's different. Except everything that could have gone wrong last year, went wrong. This year seems to have better karma or something. I don't know!

So I keep thinking, is this the easiest tax season ever OR is just anything a piece of cake after last year? Was prepared for the worst and so feel ahead of the game.

Or perhaps the worst is just yet to come. ??

A LOT of my work was outsourced to a guy back east, middle of last year, so I think that is mostly what is helping me. What a load off. I just had way too much to do and it has been impossible to find employees. So this has really helped keep some level of customer service. I mean I could do all the work by the deadlines, but the clients just weren't happy with the slow turnaround. So that has been good.

If not for that, I can't tell you what my sanity level would be...

Likewise, we are cutting out some audits and reviews and other summer work. I also just churned out some stuff I usually don't get to until summer.

I don't want to get too optimistic, but I think my plan to cut back my summer hours may just work this year. I have an extra week of vacation and had wanted to leave at noon on fridays last summer - for 3 months or whatever it worked out to. Then it just got insane.

This year is looking WAY more promising...

Anyway, lunch with dh was so nice yesterday. We have really had little time together lately. Particularly with the kids no longer napping, and just having in general opposite shcedules (I sleep 8pm-5am and he sleeps 2am-8am or something). He's been so annoyed with my sleep schedule, but I think it goes both ways. IF I thought there was ever chance in hell he would wake up at dawn, I might consider staying up late. But yeesh. Mostly I can't keep my eyes open past 8. NO matter how hard I try.

With new babies and all my sleep was just so interrupted. We used to alternate every other week who could sleep in on Sunday, etc. But since the kids have been sleeping fine I am just in sleep heaven. I no longer have the urge to sleep in. EVER. I've always been more early bird anyway. But never like this before. I guess I find it is the only time I have peace and quite and time for ME which is probably most key - at dawn. Dh finds the same with the late nights. He has always been a night owl.

So anyway, we have been going round and round. I hope setting up a regular date night helps. Even if we can only afford once a month for now. Will get better soon enough...

Also, I have been going home once a week for lunch, while the kids are at school. They go to school near my work and makes the most sense for me to drive them, though I Work a shorter day on those days since I have to pick them up by 5. But during summer it will be no prob to swing the short days and the long lunch. So that will get better too. Work has been a tad hectic to do that every week yet, during tax season.

I had stopped going home for lunch because of insane gas prices. (I used to go home for lunch every day when the kids were babies). But ramping back up to twice a week. A work day when I can go home for an hour? HArdly feels like work. So I guess it is good middle ground to try twice a week - once for dh and once for the kids. Both for me.

Anyway, I knew I came to this site and was like, "I LOVE my job. I have such a flexible job. I hardly work in the summers." Blahblahblah. & then I had the year from hell. LOL. & you all thought I Was crazy.

So, this is a lot more what I am used to. & more my speed.

I have just been embracing it, figuring I had financial catching up to do. Which is funny because I went into my review this year just with the attitude, whatever you want me to do. The money doesn't hurt. (Which is so not me as a whole). But my boss knows me too well. He said he would cut my workload if I like. I didn't exactly see how he could. & I told him I was embracing it. But I think he knew me too well and found opportunity to cut my workload. I can't really complain about that... IT was really a smart move over all. I have a bad habit of taking on too much and I just think he could tell.

Plus, for the long-term I really would like to go part-time, and he is well aware. So, yeah, the less responsibility the better. You know, it is always hard to cut back when you get piled on the responsibility.

Likewise, I have been at this job 6 years and this is my second tax season in more of a management capacity. I think I Am just working faster and know my job better. IT makes a BIG difference.

Well, LM woke up and looked good as new. But like I Said, I wouldn't have noticed anyway. Though he did clearly have gunky eye yesterday, and today he clearly had none.

Anyway, dh had gotten home so late last night that we hadn't started the antibiotics yet. We called back and they said if we hadn't started it and it cleared up, then forget about it. It wasn't bacterial then. Just keep an eye on him. Could be viral or allergies, or who knows.

Well, glad we didn't bother. Though we already shelled out the bucks for the prescription. Figured. At least it doesn't expire for 2 years. In case anyone gets pink eye in the meantime??

& we avoided giving completely unecessary medicine. Which is really a pet peeve of ours anyway. Worked out.

I also went from feeling like a dork for not even noticing to deciding I didn't notice because nothing was wrong. LOL. I mean usually my mommy instinct is right on, so it was a little disconcerting. Turns out my reaction of, "I don't see anything wrong," was right!

In other news today I went to BK for lunch. I put it on the card. I usually don't pay any attention to the receipt, but decided to keep it since it was on the card. So I noticed if you call and do a survey you can get a free sandwhich (when you order any size fries or drinks). Really not a bad deal. So I called and did the automated survey, got a code, and am off to a free sandwhich. Woohoo.

I had just never noticed that before. The receipt says you can take a survey once a month. Sounds good to me. I figure savings of $1-$2 from just ordering the sandwhich, plus would get fries and drink too.

I'll give it a whirl.

Well, Ms. Preschool diagnosed LM with pink eye late yesterday. She called me around 4:00 to let me know. Obvious when he woke up from nap I guess.

But she called so we could get in to the doctor or whatever. I haven't dealt with pink eye in forever, if ever. So I didn't really want to call the Doc without him in front of me to answer all the questions I knew they would ask. But we had just called a couple of weeks ago, later in the evening, to set up an Urgent Care appointment so I knew it would be fine to call in the evening. That we could get him in if it was necessary.

So after dinner, dh called and they just sent a prescription to the pharmacy. The 24/7 pharmacy at the hospital - didn't even know they had a 24/7 pharmacy.

Of course, they said, call back in an hour to make sure it is ready. Dh was a dork and left after 45 minutes. I was like, "aren't you going to call?" Whatever, he is the one that has to sit around for hours. So that was around 7:30. At 9:30 there was no sign of dh so after I put the kids down to bed, I called him. He said it wasn't ready and the line was a MILE long. Guess it was busy there. He got home around 10.

$25 later we have prescription eye drops.

I frankly think his eye looks fine. But I know Ms. Preschool knows her pink eye. Thank goodness for her. I wouldn't have noticed anything. Seriously! It was a little gunky. & that is the reason they just assume it is bacterial and go for the antibiotics.

Since then I have imagined eye itches and think I can NOT miss a day of work for pink eye. Trying to be mindful. They say he will not be contagious after 24 hours and I won't be home all day, to be exposed, so that helps. Likewise we did share a pillow the night before. Great!

OF course the kids were rubbing their faces together all night. LOL. Just hugging and wrestling and such. Trying to tell BM to stay the hell away from LM's eye. He was not listening so well. Yeesh.

Yeah, don't know how I feel about that. I cringe at how easily they prescribe the stuff. Always going for the antibiotics without knowing for sure if they are necessary. But I appreciate not having to pay a copay, and I appreciate MUCH more our insurance companies' attempts to keep highly contagious, sick kids out of the Doctors' offices, if they do not need to be there. I will never understand running to the doctor for every sniffle. Likewise, this is where the kids going to daycare comes in handy. Whenever they are sick I call and ask what is going around. If it's step throat? We go to the doctor. If it is just a cold going around? We stay home. It's nice to get that extra insight because all the other parents do rush to the doctor with every sniffle. So we usually have a pretty good idea what is going around.

-----------------------------------------

In other news, dh has been peeved with me since I have not worn my wedding ring in ages. To be fair, I bought a cute little ring and wear it on my ring finger. My wedding ring just does not fit.

I can't tell you how much I weighed when we were married. Maybe 120? I don't know. I used to be a waif and size 0 was too big on me. Likewise, I have gained a lot of weight over the years, but most of it was well needed. I remember I had surgery when I was 16 and I couldn't gain weight it my life depended on it. I lost 10 pounds and just as I gained most of it back I had mono and lost the 10 pounds again. So my weight hovered around 90-100 for a long time. Yeah, and I couldn't gain weight if my life depended on it.

So from that, to today. Was 134 before kids. 142 before LM. & then I got down to about 147 immediately after I had LM. I gained a lot of weight with both kids but most of it came right off. I mean it was just 6 weeks later and I was back to 147.

Anyway, BUT then my hormones went whacked and I started gaining weight like crazy. I went up to about 165 for a while. I mean for the first time in my life I was DIETING and it hardly seemed to help. I was just trying to slow the weight gain.

Things have settled down. I would say I settled around 155 before I joined the gym last year.

I haven't gone very religiously. But I have been better. I have been toning up, for sure. Likewise, I think I have been losing more weight from my hormones settling. It's just dropping off, very slowly. I have generally been gaining muscle weight, at the gym.

I guess being sick was the kicker. I have settled back to about 147 (lost a good 3 pounds while sick), which is the lowest I have been since my last pregnancy.

Yesterday my ring was practically falling off. I might have bought it closer to 160 - I don't remember.

So anyway, before I had told dh that I really wanted ONE more year - please. & that I promised I would resize my ring on our anniversary in the fall.

So anyway, with my "fake" ring falling off yesterday, I told him maybe it was time.

I looked online to get an idea of what resizing costs. I see in the range of $10 - $50. So I think we will go to the mall and case the jewelers there, for a start. Of course, I also read sizing up costs more than sizing down.

I finally realized that last time I squeezed on the ring it was probably rather tight. My goal weight is probably in the 140 range, and I am pretty much there. I am actually pretty happy with 147. It's a good weight on me.

If I wore my ring from 120 to 145 pounds, well, I think a small resize will be fine, even if I lose more weight. IT is probably LONG overdue. Likewise, it will be nice for the ring to fit even if I gain a few pounds again.

So yay to losing weight and yay to resizing my ring! Dh will be happy.

I haven't said much about it because just as I feel I did little to warrant gaining 20 pounds in a flash, it seems to be dropping off with no effort either. I feel like I am just along for the ride. Ah, hormones!!!!!

Likewise, if my goal weight is a flabby 142 (just a general goal to lose the 2nd pregnancy weight), a fit 147 is about the same size. So I am pretty happy where I am at.

I guess the exciting this is I usually always gain weight during tax season. So the gym has helped to keep the weight steady during my stress time. Well worth the $15/month or so for my membership. That I am pleased with. I expect I will lose a few pounds over the summer when I have much more time to hit the gym and be active.

I haven't been dieting in the least. So, I guess I am also just happy to have my old metabolism back. Phew!!!!!!!!!!!!

With the nice weather, we went on quite a few walks last week.

We walked to the school for the stupid lottery I posted about earlier. It was a nice walk. We have also resumes afternoon walks at work. I would peg it as a very short walk, but after weeks of being sick it felt LONG and winded me a bit. Hadn't made the walk since last fall.

Took the kids for a couple of walks, and yesterday we all went to the NAture Center. Had been there once. It is $5 to park but they have a lot of free programs there. Yesterday we just went to check out the hiking trails. Had not been on the trails before. Not particularly big, but it was also to test LM's ability. He just wasn't much up to hiking last year (when he turned 2). Now he is nearing 3, which is the age we took BM on his first hike and he LOVED it. So we have been telling him we will do more hiking when LM can walk with us.

I have to say BM's first hike was rather intense. We did a hike in Waikiki, and he did so well we took him up to Diamond Head. Anyway, he got a lot of attention being the littlest hiker there. But he had no fear and did very well. I don't think LM would be so keen on such big hikes, but we are warming him up.

Anyway, the landscape was a little blah. A few trees were blooming, but for the most part dry and dead from winter. However, we saw quite a few animals. We have a lot of wild turkeys that hang around my office and I keep telling the kids. Knew they would love to see. So we firstly came across some turkeys in the parking lot. They weren't quite as big and healthy as the ones I am accustomed to. But they got a kick out of that. We looked at the animals & exhibits inside, and the kids had a blast. Then we started on a short hike. We were actually on a time schedule. Dh had to get to some volunteer work.

So we started the smallest trail and immediately came across about 10-15 deer. Now turkey and deer are not an unusual sight at all. I have friends in the area who have deer hang around their yards and I see turkeys all the time in the commercial area where I work. But I don't know if I have seen so many deer at once. There were 2 with antlers duking it out as well. Quite a sight!

We also saw a dry/dead meadow and a pond. Apparently the nature center is bordered by the American River, and there are some trails that get a little closer to the river.

Anyway, dh and the kids really liked it. LM said it was "So fun!" So we vowed to go back in April, when more flowers will be in bloom.

I have a good 2 hour hike to try later this month. I am pleased to say LM will be very up for it. So that will be our next hike.

I forgot this one this morning when linking articles:

http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2008/03/02/3302498.htm

Behind the Meltdown: Equity plunge saps will to spend: Economy suffers as homeowners in area lose $2 billion in wealth in '07.

It's just craziness for one, to see how much home values are affecting spending.

& to see another article about a bunch of people who borrowed $100k - $200k against their homes for STUFF.

I have also noticed a lot of furniture stores going out of business, which I guess is a sign of the local economy.

The paper was quite interesting today - I'll share some articles.

I just had to say first, I stopped for gas on the way to work yesterday and the place was JAM packed. Usually Saturday mornings are pretty quiet. Looked like everyone was heading out to enjoy the nice weather. I am clearly not the only one raring to get out of the house.

Likewise, it had been weeks since I had gotten gas. O.M.G. It jumped like 50 cents a gallon it seems. I was just quite surprised. Of course in the paper I saw $4.25 gas in the Bay Area. (Mental note - fill up on gas BEFORE next trip to Bay Area). I am hoping we don't have to pay $4/gallon when we drive to LA in May, but is why we'll take the subcompact instead of the roomy van. Oh yeah, it will suck, but it will cost considerably less. 20 mpg vs. 35 mpg. Pretty significant. I guess the plus side is we have a free room so we planned 2 full days to drive. (If we were planning night time driving and all that to save hotel costs, then more room would be pretty necessary. There is no leaning back the seats or stretching out the legs. But during a leisurely day drive it won't really be so bad - have certainly done it before.

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Anyway, the first interesting article I saw today was if those "keep the change" programs were really a ruse to add more fees. Interesting. Of course I didn't realize that Wachovia's program was so lucrative (5% interest plus 5% bonus for the money you keep an entire year?)

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-perfin24feb24,1,124283...

Another interesting article was on a topic I already saw. Government was questioning private foundation status of some of the big colleges just so FLUSH with endowments. Likewise, Stanford just announced they are offering free tuition to families who make less than $100k/year.

I am not sure what their student demographic is, but I found it interesting most of the other colleges offered significant tuition breaks to families making up to $150k. Yet the college square in the middle of the most expensive area of the entire country caps it at $100k. I had quite a few friends go to Stanford. It would be hard to live in the Bay Area and make less than $100k.

But for me, sounds good. I guess as we approach college age with the kids we will have to study the caps. If we have to cut our income $20k/year to save $50k/year? You know? Something to consider... Definitely something to try to plan around.

Likewise, room and board is waived for families living on less than $60k.

There will definitely be quite an unfair advantage for people coming in from other areas of the country. I mean can you survive in the Bay Area on less than $60k? Hardly. But I guess life isn't exactly fair.

http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/753472.html

Sorry, I think you have to register to read that article.

If you aren't registered with sacbee, found this:

http://www.redorbit.com/news/education/1277397/stanford_tilt...

But the sacbee link has some interesting illustrations.

Anyway, I also found this article interesting because it listed current tuition rates.

Annual tuition:

Stanford - $35,000
UC - $8,300 (Berkeley, UCLA, Davis, etc.)
State - $3,500
Community College - $590

I have no idea what private school cost when I went to college in 1994.

State was about $2,500/year so it really has not gone up considerably. (Phew. All I have heard is rates have double, tripled, whatever).

UC used to be in the realm of $6k/year if I remember correctly. It really hasn't gone up too much either. The general rule of thumb was that it cost about twice as much as state. It is also part of the public school system.

Community College - rates have remained steady. I read recently the rates have not risen in decades.

Anyway, California may be expensive as a whole, but when it comes to education you get your money's worth.

I would say my entire education at State (& a class or 2 at community college) was less than $10k - including books and supplies.

I was working on a Masters' and it was $7500 at my alma mater (for a 3-year program, & it was quite affordable to come up with $2500/year). I mean this was for a very excellent, prestigous program. I am considering driving 4 hours round trip once a week to go back and finish my degree. I don't like any of the other options available to me since I moved. I took one class at a private school in San Francisco. IT cost twice as much and I wasn't particularly impressed. It will be worth the gas. But I haven't priced it recently either.

This is why I don't have any student debt. Worked minimum wage jobs and just paid as I Went. Went to school for 5 years. Not that it was exactly easy. But my education did not really cost that much.

Likewise, the illustrations in the article show room and board at $10-$14k at these various colleges.

Yeesh!!!!!

I think room and board is a terrible deal where I went to school, and some of these places. I have to tell you I lived on my own, outside of the school, and didn't pay anything near in that range. Nor would I have to today. & yes I am talking about the most expensive area in the country.

It's certainly a regional thing.

But yeah, you can see why I am not freaking out about college. Stanford could be free, and costs haven't really risen that much from when I went to school almost 15 years ago. & I am not buying the whole room and board thing costs 4 times as much as the education. Plenty of other living options.

Phew!

& beyond all that, 2 generations of our family have gone to college for pennies, and have risen our economic status from poverty to just about upper middle class. So, yeah, if we have to pay a bit more for our kids to go to college. That's okay with us. We know our college degrees were steals. We don't mind giving back now that we have the means.

Of course, there is a flip side to this. I had a client come through who sent their daughter to USC last year. They are retired and paid $50k for her child to attend USC last year. O.M.G.

They said she was in architecture and so I mentioned that my good friend had gone to Cal Poly and majored in architecture, as well as her brother. I just mentioned because it was quite intensive, so I made a comment that it wasn't exactly the kind of degree where you could have a life or a job with (as they could probably use some help paying for this). So they certainly agreed and we discussed how intense the program was. BUT they were quite impressed my friend got in to this particular State school. They said it was probably the best program around and QUITE intense. Their daughter had not gotten in. So they felt this was their only alternative. !!!

They also said there were too many females so it was easier for males to get in. YEah, I remember it being primarily male when my friend was there, so yes, a lot has changed.

But I have to tell you, coming across so many people in love with expensive private schools, usually for no real good reason, and you know my stance on it. At first glance I just thought they were CRAZY. LOL. So it was really eye opening to hear their side of the story. I mean I talk to a lot of wealthy people every day who have to send their children to the "best schools." My opinion is they just buy into the name brand. So this was a really different story than I usually hear.

I came home and told dh I hope that our kids don't want to be architects. LOL. I said, "add architect to the list of insanely expensive educations." I had doctor and lawyer on the list. At least those pay well. (In theory anyway). I know my friend is not making much money in architecture - for sure. I mean if my kid has to be a doctor, we're going to help them. We understand some career paths will be expensive.

Likewise, you have to consider if it is worth the cost. Is it worth shelling out $200k for an architecture degree???? Not entirely convinced. O.M.G.

However, I don't want to squash my kids dreams either; whatever they may be.

So yeah, college may not be as expensive as I have been hearing it is. Locally. BUT it might be 10 times harder to get into state school than it was when I was a college applicant. Yeesh.

likewise, it is really hard to get a feel of what the college situation will be when my kids hit college in 15 years or so. I am sure much will change. All I can do is plan for the worst and hope for the best.

Well, March is starting out quite decent.

Dh is doing a $65 focus group next week (it's actually been a while).

Also, we are very happy with Verizon and have been with them for about a decade. We have been on contract/off contract with them for many years. We shop around every time we need new phones, but I hardly feel it is worth the effort any more. They are just the best for our needs. Plus I have no complaints about the service.

Anyway, we upped our minutes last year and I guess we are on a one-year contract - ??? (I thought they were 2 years - color me confused. I guess 2 years when you upgrade your phones?) We upgraded in 2005 and they are fine.

I didn't even realize our contract epxired next month. So they offered us a free months' service if we signed another 1-year contract.

Sounds good to me.

Save us $80.

So between the 2, an extra $145 for March.

This is good since I think we need to take both cars into the shop.

Dh's engine light came on. I'll have to check the fluid levels (yup, he hasn't a clue to do with the cars, I am the "mechanic" in the family - which is a very scary thought. My brain doesn't do well with mechanical things. But I can change a tire and do basic maintenance on a car). So I will look it over and make sure the fluid levels are okay. But we've had the car about 6 years and it has like never needed anything. It's super car! We were going to drive it to So. Cal in May and take it in for a lookover before the big drive. I figure might as well take it now. Kill 2 birds with one stone. Make sure there is nothing to this engine light thing and make sure nothing needs replacing/fixing before our big drive. It's close enough to May.

To be cleasr, the car has computer issues and we have taken it in a lot to be told it was nothing. So, though we are pretty vigilant about maintaining our cars, well, I have to say we don't get very excited when the engine light comes on, in this particular car. BUT it's been so long we've taken the car in for anything but an oil change, I wouldn't be surprised if there is something to it this time. I mean I think I will be shocked if we take it in and they say "nothing needs replacing." Just isn't possible. I don't remember replacing the brakes or anything. IT has a good 75k miles. If it wasn't my trusted mechanic who takes very good care of us, I'd think they were crazy.

Likewise, last time I had a Ford, it seemed like around 60k miles EVERYTHING needed replacing at once. So I kind of dread that this is where we are heading. No repairs, no repairs, no repairs. & then replace most of the compoments of the entire car at once!!!

I know we've replaced the tires and maybe a belt here and there - but that is all I can remember.

We'll see...

So anyway, I am sure it will need some work.

I mean it's just a little cheapie Ford. So I am extra astonished by that thing. Sper car, I Tell you!

Likewise, I need to take my car into the dealer for a recall thing. However, I have had a lot of problems with the driver side window. So while we're there we'll ask them about it. I assume it would be a quick fix and they would know what it is (my mechanic can fix it temporarily but that seems about it - it is very intermittent - I guess this is when the dealer comes in handy), but might pay a bit to have it fixed. We'll see... I don't really expect it to be much, but you never know.

In other news, I am so peeved with our local elementary school. We found out yesterday BM got in. That part is good. But they had a lottery and they made EVERYONE participate; even though there were quite a few obvious people getting in. Just seemed like a waste of time and resources. We had top priority because we volunteered x hours to FORM the school. IT's a relatively new public charter school.

Anyway, I feel pleased with it because it is right down the street. They have NO spots for 1st-5th grades. Everyone is returning. I've heard GREAT things about the school, but the proof is in the pudding. No one is giving up a coveted spot.

Anyway, the only interesting thing about the pointless lottery was going and seeing how many people were vying to get in. I counted 250 people (they had a list on the wall) for 61 Kindergarten spots. WOW!

I can't even go there, but I will. We were s'posed to have a school in our neighborhood and there was a lot of political BS there. We don't have a school. We have 1000 homes, I'd say our neighborhood runs pretty much 1/2 retirees and 1/2 very young families. So maybe 400 homes with pre-K children. & the school district was just maddening to deal with. So the parents finally had enough and we started our own public school. I give so much kudos to the parents. Likewise, parent participation is very high and that is much of why the school is so successful.

So anyway, to make a long story short, the school district says there is no demand for a new school in our neighborhood (The district is WAY overcrowded and they are building houses faster than you can blink. What the foo?). Instead the land that was reserved for the school was sold to a developer. Rumor was the school district got a large kickback for deciding to build the school elsewhere - like 10 years later on land that hasn't even been studied. In fact, I believe they bought the land in the end, even though like I said, they don't even know if it is buildable land. What a bunch of BS. But they wouldn't buy the land where the need is because it was "too expensive." So they paid twice as much for questionable land. Yeah, makes a lot of sense...

A lot of good it does for families with small kids now. To have an elemantary school in 10 years (maybe 15?).

So anyway, we are "founding parents" and were in the first lottery. They basically pulled out everyone's # and sent us on our way. YEah, what a freaking waste of time. Like they couldn't just do the math and say we have 30 founding parents and 60 spots. Gee, you're all in. !!!!! ??????

Bureacracy!

But I can figure that about 200 people didn't get in. So it feels pretty darn nice to have that all squared away. Phew!!!!! On top of all that, this school is very different than most in the area and is really a perfect fit for BM. So I am really pleased about this.

LM? That will remain to be seen. But I think it will be a good fit for him, for very different reasons.

So we'll see.


After the stupid "lottery" yesterday we went out to dinner. The kids were quite cranky, as were dh and I Really - LOL. So I was kind of nervous if it was a good idea. But the kids were absolutely perfect at dinner. Go figure. Could blow me over with a feather. I think it was just a fun change of pace for them. We spent $40 - yeesh.

But it was a fun splurge. A very once in a blue moon splurge.

The only other thing was I was trying to set up a babysitting night with their preschool. Anyway, Ms. Preschool truned me down. !!!!! LOL. I was shocked. Not often, but she has taken them before in the evenings. She is like our second family and really no one else I really trust to watch the kids; outside of our true family anyway.

Anyway, it leaves you wondering if there is some reason she doesn't want to watch my kids. She just said she had a full daycare lately and wasn't up to it. I think that is really true. She took LM an extra day last week for free. I tried to pay her but she said, "oh - you're family. Don't worry about it." So I think she was being honest. Just threw me for a loop.

Anyway, I have a friend who uses a drop-in care center and is very pleased with it. The upside is it is a little cheaper and a LOT cloer (just down the street). In fact, the place is a chain based in San Jose and so we could also use it in San Jose if we sign up (sometimes, rarely, but sometimes we do need care there when we are visiting family).

The downsides though - the placed had an overwhelming smell of bleach. I am not really into heavy cleaners and I am very sensitive to cleaners and scents. I admit. But I, personally, could not stand to be in there very long. I imagine the kids living in our house with so few chemicals and scents would feel much the same. We're just not used to it. I mean, I Can't even walk down the cleaning aisle or the soap aisle in the store. My eyes burn and my airways constrict. Blech.

So that was REALLY my pet peeve. A little strong on the bleach!

Likewise, they had a 12:1 ratio as far as the adult to kids. For BM who is almost 5? Quite fine. But I think it's a bit much for LM.

Well, we'll see. The kids seemed to really like the place. We may drop them off for an hour as an experiment. If nothing else it would be kind of nice for emergency/last minute kind of stuff.

As far as other babysitting options? I am not really comfortable with a teenaged babysitter for LM yet. & all the good ones either live too far from us or are booked solid. Likewise, I know a lot of people find their babysitters on Craigslist. That just makes me very uncomfortable. I mean, that is where I found this daycare and they are the BEST in the world. But it is different taking your kid to an established/licensed daycare. Just very different than throwing a dart at the yellow pages, essentially. Probably a lot of great babysitters, but I rather get one from referral I guess.

So we'll work on it. But this drop-in center may be good in the interim.

The other nice thing was the price for one kids was QUITE good. $7.50/hour for one. That's about as cheap as it gets, teenager or not. However, for 2 it is $11.50/hour. PRetty avergae. BUT sometimes we need care for just one. & the price is certainly good. Of course they also charge for meals and snacks which are included with Ms. Preschool. So in the end the price is about the same. But there is a huge convenience factor. The hours are also way better/more inclusive.

So we'll see with that. It might work out in the end. I think date night can be much more cheaper and enjoyable not having to drive so far to drop off/pick up the kids. So in a weird way it just may work out, her turning me down. Kind of kicked my butt to look at some other options. She was my first choice, but doesn't necessarily make the most sense.

Then again it is hard to put a price on knowing your kids are WELL cared for...

Well, I worry less and less about BM with time. He doesn't need as much supervision, for one. & you can reason pretty easily with him. LM is still my little baby though. I might need another year to feel comfortable with this babysitting thing. I mean he loves the gym daycare, but they can run out and get me if he has a meltdown, which he did just this week. So, yeah, mommy isn't so sure. The nice thing is mommy worries less with time. IT does get easier with age. Phew!!!