One of the benefits of having a child

Having a child is wonderful in so many ways. One of the ways is that it opens your eyes to new things -you see the world trough your child's eye. And so I hear every train whistle in town, notice every fast car going by... and I now love to buy clothes and items that are (gasp!) not blue. Recently, I bought green dresses and shirts and a purple wallet. Oh I know... nothing there earth shattering, but for a smurf like me, this is actually pretty big.

So one of the benefits of having a child is widening your world view... starting with colors! 

(Yes, my next post should be more interesting. Maybe. I lack sleep, people. My brain can only produce so much!)

We can't afford a house!

And you know what? It's so freeing to know that! No more looking at over priced homes wondering how we are going to afford a possible mortgage. No more freaking out because I feel guilty that our real estate agent is not getting any business from us. We just can't afford it right now, period. First the market is crazy and houses that sold for 520K last November are sold 650K+ today. Second, FHA loans that have less than a 10% down payment require mortgage insurance for the whole duration of the mortgage (no thanks!). As it stands we don't have anywhere close to 10%.

So we're going to keep on renting for about 3 years, save as much as we can, and then re-assess. If prices go down, we may re-assess before 3 years, but considering this market, I doubt a decrease will happen in the near future. Renting is about 1.5K less expensive than any mortgage we will have if house prices are stable in 3 years. 1.5K PER MONTH. Argh. I'm totally fine with renting. Our lease ends in December and we need to figure out whether to stay or move -but that's a small headache compared to coming up with a huge mortgage every month. I love my job but my company might downsize down the road (we never know) and I want to be able to stay at home for a while if needed without developing an ulcer.

Aaaaah, I like when the message is that clear: nope, can't do it, move along.

Now... about this second car... ;-)

Timely

After I posted my I-have-no-time-wah-wah thoughts yesterday I read my daily devotion (which in truth I read about once a week, catching up on all days. Except yesterday. I was on time) and read this:

From the book Jesus Calling.

"July 31

Trust me in the depth of your being. It is there that I live in constant communication with you. When you feel flustered and frazzled on the outside, do not get upset with yourself. You are only human, and the swirl of events going on all around you will sometimes feel overwhelming. Rather than scolding yourself for your humanness, remind yourself that I am both with you and within you.

I am with you at all times, encouraging and supportive rather than condemning. I know that deep within you, where I live, My Peace is your continual experience. Slow down your pace of living for a time. Quiet your mind in My Presence. Then you will be able to hear Me bestowing the resurrection blessing: Peace be with you."

This was soothing to my heart. Peace be with you. And as we do at Mass, I turn to you my friends today to greet you and wish you a good day. Peace be with you all.