A strange number up there isn't it? You could probably buy a lot with that amount of money if you were a savvy shopper. Maybe a new summer outfit. Or just two new pairs (maybe three on a sale) of new summer sandals. It could buy me approximately 6 packs of size 4 diapers in the mega or 40 count variety. I could probably splurge and go out to a really nice dinner with the kids and order drinks, appetizers, main meal and desserts. Of course it wouldn't buy dinner for Gary and I at a regular adult restaurant. Interesting what all of the possibilities would bring.
Instead, that $60.82 represents a final payment, due May 21st for my student loans. It will buy me freedom from almost 11 years of repayment of my Stafford loans from my undergraduate education and the University of Rhode Island. The payments weren't always this small granted but after all the payments have been totalled, interest figured out and applied, this is the last lingering bit of loan that I have to pay.
Strangely enough I didn't rack up any student loans for my masters degree. It was paid 75% by my company while I worked full time so I was able to swing the additional 25% on my own. Of course that was before Gary (well I met him during the last class for my degree), before kids and before my life really seemed to have started. Incidentally though, I do feel like it aged me more than having kids because sleep then was just as scarce as it is now with the late nights it brought on. Nonetheless, it has been paid for since 2003 when I got my masters degree.
But in May 1997, when I received my bachelors degree after 5 years with my eyes on that prize I didn't even fathom how liberating it would be to be done with student loan payments since I hadn't even started them yet and was in a grace period until January 1998. So here I am over 11 years later and I am finally in the home stretch. So here is to May 21st and $60.82, it's almost over baby!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
They're back!
It's been a busy and exciting time over here in our household. I picked my parents up at the airport last Friday and checked out the new cell phone lot at the airport. Well, I don't really know that it is new seeing as how I haven't been to Logan Airport to pick someone up in ages. But right across the street from the Hyatt there is a little lot where you can park for up to 30 minutes with your car shut off (it's against the law to let your car idle for more than 5 minutes when parked) and talk to your incoming party on your cell phone as they update when they have collected their bags and are waiting by road at their terminal. It was way better than doing victory laps around the airport and fearing that I will take a wrong turn and end up in Revere or someplace unrecognizable in East Boston. I may work near the big City but there are only so many places I am comfortable with getting to.
So we headed home and Gary had picked up Aimee from her dancing lessons (which she has decided he needs to do more often) and had pizzas and salads waiting for us when we got home. It was so nice to see my girls excited to see them and climbing all over their Nana and Papa. Of course mom and dad had to take a back seat and were not allowed to assist with putting on of pjs, teeth brushing and the like when the bedtime hour approached. On Saturday we went to do errands with my mom and I realized how nice it is to once again have someone adult to talk to while shuttling around and how easy it is to run in and out of stores when someone stays in the car with the girls. My kids are pretty well behaved and listen fairly well to me so I don't mind taking them to stores but I know their limits too and realize when it's better to just run in and out of the store. Luckily with my mom back I was able to get a ton done despite all the rain.
Since they have been home though my dad has been complaining of his belly feeling fluid filled and that some days he has a hard time walking without getting winded. He had an appointment for an EKG on Tuesday and the results revealed that his aortic valve is not functioning properly so he will need to have it replaced. At first we were thinking it could be a quick surgery without having to open up his chest plate but it turns out that he will actually need the more involved one because of his age (a young 74) and because they can see with their eyes what is going on rather than relying on cameras and potential blind spots that can be problematic. We don't have a surgery date yet but I will fill you in when we do. So if you have any extra prayers that you were thinking of making, we'll take a few from you.
So we headed home and Gary had picked up Aimee from her dancing lessons (which she has decided he needs to do more often) and had pizzas and salads waiting for us when we got home. It was so nice to see my girls excited to see them and climbing all over their Nana and Papa. Of course mom and dad had to take a back seat and were not allowed to assist with putting on of pjs, teeth brushing and the like when the bedtime hour approached. On Saturday we went to do errands with my mom and I realized how nice it is to once again have someone adult to talk to while shuttling around and how easy it is to run in and out of stores when someone stays in the car with the girls. My kids are pretty well behaved and listen fairly well to me so I don't mind taking them to stores but I know their limits too and realize when it's better to just run in and out of the store. Luckily with my mom back I was able to get a ton done despite all the rain.
Since they have been home though my dad has been complaining of his belly feeling fluid filled and that some days he has a hard time walking without getting winded. He had an appointment for an EKG on Tuesday and the results revealed that his aortic valve is not functioning properly so he will need to have it replaced. At first we were thinking it could be a quick surgery without having to open up his chest plate but it turns out that he will actually need the more involved one because of his age (a young 74) and because they can see with their eyes what is going on rather than relying on cameras and potential blind spots that can be problematic. We don't have a surgery date yet but I will fill you in when we do. So if you have any extra prayers that you were thinking of making, we'll take a few from you.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Counting Down
Today is April 1st and it's no fools that my parents come home on April 10th. So we're in countdown mode to when Nana and Papa come back to see us all. It's been a tough two months for sure because my parents are a good diversion to the everyday stuff that I apparently put my children through. It's been interesting to talk to the girls about where Nana and Papa (and now Freddy and Tee Tee - my brother and sister in law who are at my parent's house in Florida) have been. They realize that they are not in their blue house next door but aren't really sure where Florida is located. In some of their cuter moments they will pack some toys into a bag, sling it over their shoulder, put on a pair of their dress up shoes and tell me they will be back because they are going to Flor-da. Too funny.
Speaking of packing bags, I think I have on my hands two pack rats. I have found random blocks, play kitchen food, socks, you name it in the multitude of pocketbooks that we have around the house. I am not sure what drives this but it is interesting that both of my kids do this. I am not sure if it is because Aimee has always had a love of pocketbooks and things contained in them and Nicole is just following in her usual admiration of all things her big sister does. Or perhaps it is just a toddler/preschooler thing to do. In any event, they are sure to be ready for next year when we are definitely going to Flor-da to visit because their bags are already self-packed.
Ten...nine....eight....seven......
Speaking of packing bags, I think I have on my hands two pack rats. I have found random blocks, play kitchen food, socks, you name it in the multitude of pocketbooks that we have around the house. I am not sure what drives this but it is interesting that both of my kids do this. I am not sure if it is because Aimee has always had a love of pocketbooks and things contained in them and Nicole is just following in her usual admiration of all things her big sister does. Or perhaps it is just a toddler/preschooler thing to do. In any event, they are sure to be ready for next year when we are definitely going to Flor-da to visit because their bags are already self-packed.
Ten...nine....eight....seven......
Monday, March 30, 2009
Breaking the law
This past weekend I had a great time at a bi-annual consignment sale that I love to volunteer and shop at. On Thursday night I got to shop before all of the others who know about the sale to see a sneak peak and shop to my heart (okay my wallet) content for spring/summer items for the girls. In paying for the items that I had swiped up, I pulled out my checkbook to pay and showed my license then threw the checkbook and license back into my oversized-to-handle-all-cups-diapers, etc. pocketbook.
Saturday morning Gary and I were out looking at houses (to no avail) while his parents stayed with the girls. After viewing our non-potential house, I had him drive me to the library so I could pick up two books I put on hold. In doing so I saw my half hazardly thrown in license and thought "I have to put this back in..." In looking at my license, I saw that it had expired on my birthday which was at the time 6 DAYS AGO!!!! I had driven for 6 days into and out of the City, hauling along my stuff to and from the consignment sale, DRIVING MY CHILDREN PLACES and all without a license. I know that if you are caught they will impound your vehicle, not sure what happens with the kids. Ugh.
Needless to say I didn't end up going anywhere yesterday and scraping up lunch for the kids without peanut butter, grapes or any fun items that typically get put in was a task in itself. A few goldfish, jelly sandwiches and lunchable jr's later and they at least could have some sustenance for the day. But, really, a supermarket run is near desperate tomorrow.
So this morning before work I had to break the law again and drive to the registry. I think on the way over I counted at least 1/2 dozen police vehicles. Getting to the registry at 8:45 and seeing a line outside the door did not help my angst either. So I waited in line with the rest of them with my hood up thinking the entire time that this picture will now be on my license for another 5-10 years. Ugh.
Apparently the Massachusetts registry stopped sending out reminder notices in November. Um that was 4 months ago. How many people do you think in Massachusetts are driving around on expired licenses from December, January, February and March? I just happened to look at mine coincidentally within a week of my birthday.
I did enquire to the very nice gentleman that told me I could keep my last picture (hooray!) and he said that I was part of a growing number of people who are driving on expired licenses. But the good news is you do have a year from when the license expires to just go in and renew it and not have to re-take a road test or anything. Though in that year your butt better not be behind a wheel or if you are caught your car is impounded and you need to call someone to come get you.
I know, I know, you are all thinking I could have just renewed on line. That is what I thought too. But upon finding the registry website and trying desperately to renew online I kept getting the "FAILED" response in my Inbox that prompted my visit this morning.
The prize of best husband goes to Gary because as part of my consignment sale I volunteer to help breakdown and sort the clothes that go unsold...on Saturday afternoon/evening. Poor guy had to bring me to my volunteer shift at 4PM and pick me up again, with the girls both times I might add and closing in on bedtime for pickup at 7PM. This is when the grandparents next door are certainly missed the most. For a quick trip or helping hand. I guess that is what I get for turning 35, an expired license.
Saturday morning Gary and I were out looking at houses (to no avail) while his parents stayed with the girls. After viewing our non-potential house, I had him drive me to the library so I could pick up two books I put on hold. In doing so I saw my half hazardly thrown in license and thought "I have to put this back in..." In looking at my license, I saw that it had expired on my birthday which was at the time 6 DAYS AGO!!!! I had driven for 6 days into and out of the City, hauling along my stuff to and from the consignment sale, DRIVING MY CHILDREN PLACES and all without a license. I know that if you are caught they will impound your vehicle, not sure what happens with the kids. Ugh.
Needless to say I didn't end up going anywhere yesterday and scraping up lunch for the kids without peanut butter, grapes or any fun items that typically get put in was a task in itself. A few goldfish, jelly sandwiches and lunchable jr's later and they at least could have some sustenance for the day. But, really, a supermarket run is near desperate tomorrow.
So this morning before work I had to break the law again and drive to the registry. I think on the way over I counted at least 1/2 dozen police vehicles. Getting to the registry at 8:45 and seeing a line outside the door did not help my angst either. So I waited in line with the rest of them with my hood up thinking the entire time that this picture will now be on my license for another 5-10 years. Ugh.
Apparently the Massachusetts registry stopped sending out reminder notices in November. Um that was 4 months ago. How many people do you think in Massachusetts are driving around on expired licenses from December, January, February and March? I just happened to look at mine coincidentally within a week of my birthday.
I did enquire to the very nice gentleman that told me I could keep my last picture (hooray!) and he said that I was part of a growing number of people who are driving on expired licenses. But the good news is you do have a year from when the license expires to just go in and renew it and not have to re-take a road test or anything. Though in that year your butt better not be behind a wheel or if you are caught your car is impounded and you need to call someone to come get you.
I know, I know, you are all thinking I could have just renewed on line. That is what I thought too. But upon finding the registry website and trying desperately to renew online I kept getting the "FAILED" response in my Inbox that prompted my visit this morning.
The prize of best husband goes to Gary because as part of my consignment sale I volunteer to help breakdown and sort the clothes that go unsold...on Saturday afternoon/evening. Poor guy had to bring me to my volunteer shift at 4PM and pick me up again, with the girls both times I might add and closing in on bedtime for pickup at 7PM. This is when the grandparents next door are certainly missed the most. For a quick trip or helping hand. I guess that is what I get for turning 35, an expired license.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Living in the County
I find myself often feeling lucky that I live in the county. Within walking distance from our current house we can see sheep, llama, horses and some chickens. We can get very close, pay no admission fees and see these animals in their somewhat natural habitat instead of part of an overall show.
Oftentimes, our rides home entail a few extra twists and turns just so that we can slowly ride by the sheep and the llamas down the street. We also have horses that live both behind us and two houses down the street from us. So often we will see horses walking up and down the street which prompts quick relocation's from current playthings to the picture window in the living room just to look out. One neighbor we know rather well and she will sometimes see the girls outside and come into the driveway to chat and so that the girls can see the horse named "Q". Of course, he doesn't look nearly as large in the picture window as he does right next to us in the driveway with his saddle on, bit in mouth and rider on top. It tends to intimidate the girls outright. And I can understand that, not being terribly comfortable around large animals myself.
Well this morning as I was in the basement doing laundry (a whole other post in itself...) Gary opens the door and asks "have we ever had a horse in our yard..." Of course in the midst of my spray and wash, wisk and color separation I had to do a momentary "huh" moment before I came tearing up the stairs to see what he was talking about. Sure enough in the back yard near the swing set and between some of the Little Tikes plastics in the yard was a very large brown horse with a coat on (okay more like a plaid blanket with a strap under his belly), bit in mouth and looking very nervous. We could hear trucks, ATV's and people yelling coming through the woods behind our house in search of the animal. They finally located it (since I didn't get a birds eye view to distinguish gender) and tried to corral it in while in our yard. But no one had taken the end of our driveway as possible exit to block so of course that is where the horse bolted for and we saw a quick run up the hill next to our house of the horse up the street.
Strangely enough, it seemed like it was trying to actually get back to it's house because it did head down a long driveway which does head towards the stable. And we saw more flashes past our house, driveway and up the street as the people tried to follow after it.
I hate to disappoint you and say I don't actually know if they did get it back but since I haven't heard any more loud voices in the woods, no more ATV's and most importantly no more big horses in our yards I think that it was successfully returned.
But, I don't think we would necessarily see things like this in other parts of Massachusetts.
Oftentimes, our rides home entail a few extra twists and turns just so that we can slowly ride by the sheep and the llamas down the street. We also have horses that live both behind us and two houses down the street from us. So often we will see horses walking up and down the street which prompts quick relocation's from current playthings to the picture window in the living room just to look out. One neighbor we know rather well and she will sometimes see the girls outside and come into the driveway to chat and so that the girls can see the horse named "Q". Of course, he doesn't look nearly as large in the picture window as he does right next to us in the driveway with his saddle on, bit in mouth and rider on top. It tends to intimidate the girls outright. And I can understand that, not being terribly comfortable around large animals myself.
Well this morning as I was in the basement doing laundry (a whole other post in itself...) Gary opens the door and asks "have we ever had a horse in our yard..." Of course in the midst of my spray and wash, wisk and color separation I had to do a momentary "huh" moment before I came tearing up the stairs to see what he was talking about. Sure enough in the back yard near the swing set and between some of the Little Tikes plastics in the yard was a very large brown horse with a coat on (okay more like a plaid blanket with a strap under his belly), bit in mouth and looking very nervous. We could hear trucks, ATV's and people yelling coming through the woods behind our house in search of the animal. They finally located it (since I didn't get a birds eye view to distinguish gender) and tried to corral it in while in our yard. But no one had taken the end of our driveway as possible exit to block so of course that is where the horse bolted for and we saw a quick run up the hill next to our house of the horse up the street.
Strangely enough, it seemed like it was trying to actually get back to it's house because it did head down a long driveway which does head towards the stable. And we saw more flashes past our house, driveway and up the street as the people tried to follow after it.
I hate to disappoint you and say I don't actually know if they did get it back but since I haven't heard any more loud voices in the woods, no more ATV's and most importantly no more big horses in our yards I think that it was successfully returned.
But, I don't think we would necessarily see things like this in other parts of Massachusetts.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Meltings
This weekend has proven to be a real tease with the spring like conditions. I love the winter and all the snow but this has been such a rough winter with colds, flu, stomach bug, etc. that I am happy to leave it behind for warmer greener weather. I took the dog for a walk both yesterday ad today and don't think that I have ever heard a sweeter sound than the water trickling into the catch basins and rolling down the street. Even the gutters are alive with the "tink, tink, tink" of the snow melting off the roof. I am in heaven. I know there will still be a few flakes in my future before the winter is officially over, but it's close now and I can taste it.
I have also noticed lately that my kids are melting down a lot lately. I don't know if it 's the end of a long winter and the inability to take it any more or just a sign of their respective ages. At almost 4, Aimee is quite the little mother herself and tries very hard to keep an eye on Nicole and make sure she has a clean diaper, is dressed accordingly and helps get her shoes on. Sometimes she goes a bit far and tries to pick her up resulting in a headlock type of dragging of poor Nicole. She is a sweetie and means well but her newest thing is just not listening. I can look her directly in the eye, tell her to stop doing whatever she is doing and she turns her head away from me and continues doing whatever she wants. It's maddening and I know it's her way of testing me and it's working. Trying to remain calm and enforce time outs is all I have to do really. She does understand when I take certain things away too. I am told that 4 year olds are much nicer. We shall see.
Nicole on the other hand is lucky she was the second child because if she had been first, she would have been only. She too is quite a doll and very cute when she wants to be. But she has one little temper and a stubborn streak as big as the day is long. When she doesn't want to do something, she isn't doing it. She too spends some extended periods in time out lately. Throwing things tends to be her thing. Tell her no, not to do something and instantly a rocket shoots out of her hand and across the room. Running for cover is really the best shot. Her most recent hurls have included sunglasses, cups and her sandwich. The worst to date was the fridge DJ. It's a rugged toy for sure because the sound with which it hit the floor made me sure that it was done. But it still gave it's opening line as soon as the button was pushed. Thank God. I haven't figured out exactly what it is lately that has been causing the all out tantrums. Of course I have had the DR investigate for an ear infection to no avail. Teeth are always seeming to make their appearance but yet again nothing that I can tell is coming through. I think it's part of being 2 and having an older sister to keep up with. These two things combined have made life a bit trickier around these parts. Today we are napless. I hate the no nap days. It means that in addition to pushing the clock ahead today, she will be ready to melt down at about 6 o'clock and when the melt downs are happening, it's very difficult to get anything productive out of her.
Bedtime tonight should be interesting. Enjoy the warm weather!
I have also noticed lately that my kids are melting down a lot lately. I don't know if it 's the end of a long winter and the inability to take it any more or just a sign of their respective ages. At almost 4, Aimee is quite the little mother herself and tries very hard to keep an eye on Nicole and make sure she has a clean diaper, is dressed accordingly and helps get her shoes on. Sometimes she goes a bit far and tries to pick her up resulting in a headlock type of dragging of poor Nicole. She is a sweetie and means well but her newest thing is just not listening. I can look her directly in the eye, tell her to stop doing whatever she is doing and she turns her head away from me and continues doing whatever she wants. It's maddening and I know it's her way of testing me and it's working. Trying to remain calm and enforce time outs is all I have to do really. She does understand when I take certain things away too. I am told that 4 year olds are much nicer. We shall see.
Nicole on the other hand is lucky she was the second child because if she had been first, she would have been only. She too is quite a doll and very cute when she wants to be. But she has one little temper and a stubborn streak as big as the day is long. When she doesn't want to do something, she isn't doing it. She too spends some extended periods in time out lately. Throwing things tends to be her thing. Tell her no, not to do something and instantly a rocket shoots out of her hand and across the room. Running for cover is really the best shot. Her most recent hurls have included sunglasses, cups and her sandwich. The worst to date was the fridge DJ. It's a rugged toy for sure because the sound with which it hit the floor made me sure that it was done. But it still gave it's opening line as soon as the button was pushed. Thank God. I haven't figured out exactly what it is lately that has been causing the all out tantrums. Of course I have had the DR investigate for an ear infection to no avail. Teeth are always seeming to make their appearance but yet again nothing that I can tell is coming through. I think it's part of being 2 and having an older sister to keep up with. These two things combined have made life a bit trickier around these parts. Today we are napless. I hate the no nap days. It means that in addition to pushing the clock ahead today, she will be ready to melt down at about 6 o'clock and when the melt downs are happening, it's very difficult to get anything productive out of her.
Bedtime tonight should be interesting. Enjoy the warm weather!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Reality checks
I have noticed lately that Aimee is getting to be more of my companion and friend. Obviously at 3 she is hardly in the baby stage at all anymore, but there were still times when I would look at her and see that little baby face and go all the way back to when I first met her in the delivery room. She can now carry on full conversations with me, ask intelligent questions and even goes through her own frustrations about life. I have noticed lately though that she doesn't always respond when I call her name or ask her a question. Sometimes the answers I get are from left field. At first I was going to have her hearing checked to see if there was a buildup of fluid in there from one of the million colds we seem to have dragged into the house this winter. But in talking with her daycare teacher it seems as though the problem isn't with her hearing, it is actually with her auditory processing. Seems like big words don't they? Apparently she hears things and then the response to those hearings are not always what we would deem as appropriate. The solution is supposedly in a speech pathologist. So I have phone calls into a therapy place that was recommended to me and I know we will await the insurance coverage phone conversation before we can even begin to try and solve this problem.
All in all though, it's pretty minor; she's healthy (relatively right now with her runny nose and cough), she's one of the happiest children I have met and she is also one of the most caring. She can definately test my nerves but now I am wondering if it isn't so much as she isn't listening to me as she isn't processing me. Makes a difference, that is for sure.
In other news, we are on week 3 of no Nana and Papa next door. It's killing me that is for sure. I love having my parents next door to us. There is no one to share my 12 roll papertowel score at Target or my buy one get one free at the Pepperidge Farm store on the raisin swirl bread. Sure I have a loaf in the freezer because who can pass up one of those, but still. It's been a little sad not having them right next door as a diversion and the added company on random supermarket outings. Of course I still talk to my mother at least 3 times a day, my dad maybe twice a week because he isn't quite of the phone talking variety. We call each other for the silly little things like how she found the cutest bathing suit/beach cover up for Nicole and would a 2T be too big? Or about how she is waiting for a check to arrive from her insurance company and when it arrives I have intricate details about where I deposit and distribute the money. They also don't forward all of their mail so I get the task of having to mail it out in bulk once a week. I know they love getting their packages so I try to include some good tidbit in there for them. Last week it was a copy of the local paper so that they can keep up to date on the happenings on the south shore of Boston. Six more weeks and they will be home with us. I looked online for some airfare but it's still pretty expensive to fly the three of us (again no budging on getting Gary to agree to it) down there but I still look from time to time in case something comes up that looks good.
And lastly, Saturday night is the big night. Gary turned 40 last week and I was sick with the "can't go too far from the ladies' room" variety bug so we didn't get to offically celebrate this milestone. But, this Saturday is his party. I have reserved an area of the bar at Joe's Bar and Grill in Hanover and 30 of his closest friends and relatives will be there to celebrate his 40th. I know he didn't quite ring it in as fun as he could have with me in my sweats and on the couch and all so hopefully this will make up for it.
All in all though, it's pretty minor; she's healthy (relatively right now with her runny nose and cough), she's one of the happiest children I have met and she is also one of the most caring. She can definately test my nerves but now I am wondering if it isn't so much as she isn't listening to me as she isn't processing me. Makes a difference, that is for sure.
In other news, we are on week 3 of no Nana and Papa next door. It's killing me that is for sure. I love having my parents next door to us. There is no one to share my 12 roll papertowel score at Target or my buy one get one free at the Pepperidge Farm store on the raisin swirl bread. Sure I have a loaf in the freezer because who can pass up one of those, but still. It's been a little sad not having them right next door as a diversion and the added company on random supermarket outings. Of course I still talk to my mother at least 3 times a day, my dad maybe twice a week because he isn't quite of the phone talking variety. We call each other for the silly little things like how she found the cutest bathing suit/beach cover up for Nicole and would a 2T be too big? Or about how she is waiting for a check to arrive from her insurance company and when it arrives I have intricate details about where I deposit and distribute the money. They also don't forward all of their mail so I get the task of having to mail it out in bulk once a week. I know they love getting their packages so I try to include some good tidbit in there for them. Last week it was a copy of the local paper so that they can keep up to date on the happenings on the south shore of Boston. Six more weeks and they will be home with us. I looked online for some airfare but it's still pretty expensive to fly the three of us (again no budging on getting Gary to agree to it) down there but I still look from time to time in case something comes up that looks good.
And lastly, Saturday night is the big night. Gary turned 40 last week and I was sick with the "can't go too far from the ladies' room" variety bug so we didn't get to offically celebrate this milestone. But, this Saturday is his party. I have reserved an area of the bar at Joe's Bar and Grill in Hanover and 30 of his closest friends and relatives will be there to celebrate his 40th. I know he didn't quite ring it in as fun as he could have with me in my sweats and on the couch and all so hopefully this will make up for it.
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