If You're Going To Criticize, At Least Read The Blog First.

I'm sure many of you are familiar with http://peek.usertesting.com. This is where a complete stranger looks over your blog, gives their opinion and e-mails you a video where they verbally tear it apart. In fairness, she didn't read my blog, just glanced at it. My opinion is to STAY AWAY if you can't handle some criticism. I'm all for criticism, because any kind of response is a good response; better than nothing, right? I'm so full of shit right now. The truth is I CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH! I figure you'll read my blog, or you won't. Either is fine. But I regret doing this stupid peek usertesting thing.

Sorry to cut this short, but I'm a glutton for punishment and now I'm off to submit my other blog for a nice verbal lashing. Cheers!

The VA Loan Saga Continues

January 7th, 2014. This is the day I signed paperwork for my VA loan. They were going to drop my interest rate from 4.375% to 4.25%. Sounded good to me! I gave them the appropriate paperwork requested and off we went! First they demanded paperwork for a child support case that's now closed. I gave them proof that I no longer pay child support. That wasn't good enough. I was on the phone for 45 minutes to the child support agency only to find out they couldn't provide any paperwork because my child support case is CLOSED! Doh! They then demand my marriage certificate-being married thirteen years wasn't sufficient proof for them. Screw your driver's license and social security card! We need the actual certificate.

So, I jumped through their hoops and FINALLY received my paperwork to look over at the beginning of April. They upped the interest rate to 4.88%. They also didn't credit the $100 I spent towards the appraiser and decided to charge $150 for a free termite inspection. Oh no you don't! I sent an e-mail demanding they fix it. Yes, I sent an e-mail. They absolutely refuse to deal with me (the loan holder) on the phone and begrudgingly deal with me through e-mail. They prefer my mellow, I'm-going-with-the-flow husband over fuck-you-you're-not-getting-over-on-me-fix-this-shit-now me. Honestly, the hubby and I think they're scared of me.

They assure me (via e-mail, of course) that they will fix it. Great! So, we're set to close this thing yesterday. Tuesday they e-mail me the new paperwork and demand I have a document that I don't have (original copy, naturally) by the next day. <Insert groan>. I read over the paperwork and flip my lid. The new interest rate? 4.625%. I sent them an e-mail telling them I absolutely refuse to sign. Well, maybe it wasn't that nicely put, but you get the point. (There is a reason they are afraid of me.) They frantically call the hubby. He finally tells them to call me. I have yet to receive a phone call, but I did receive an e-mail a day later.

Allegedly, they will give me the rate (that we agreed on in January) that I want. Third time's the charm, right? So, we will close this thing (possibly) next Wednesday, assuming they don't try to pull anymore crap. So, here we go! Keep your fingers crossed for me because this loan would REALLY help with our (countless) debts, but what's the point of a refi if they don't beat your current interest rate and keep nickel and diming you?

All this typing is making me thirsty. I think I see a cold one in my immediate future. Don't stay thirsty, my friends. Go grab a cold one and enjoy!

Happy Tax Day Eve! Is It The End Of The World?

No, it's not. But there will be a blood moon AND a lunar eclipse. Today I'm going to count points and eat healthy. I need to lose 10 (ideally 30) pounds. This beer I'm drinking? It's light beer-2 points. Yep, I'm doing it people, but I won't bore you with the details because you don't bore me with your details when you decide to go on a (semi) health kick. So, I bring you TAX DAY FREEBIES! Who doesn't like free (junk) food? Oh, right, me...anyhoo:

 http://www.spendwithpennies.com/?p=77431

Tax Day Freebies 2014: 8 Good Deals Even If You Don't Get A Return

Highlights From The Past Week...

Monday April 7th-National Beer Day: You know what I did? Yard work! What did you expect me to say? Okay, I did imbibe in one or two (three or four) beers.
 
Thursday April 10th-National Siblings Day: In my opinion, this day should fall on National Beer Day so you can either celebrate with your much-loved siblings or commiserate with friends over your much-despised siblings. Just a thought.
 
Friday April 11th-National Cheese Fondue Day: Honestly, I didn't know about this holiday and spent the day in beautiful Santa Barbara with the family where we tried steamed mussels (meh), steamed clams (yum) and Red Snapper ceviche (YUM!)
 
Saturday April 12th-National Grilled Cheese Day: Another National day I had no idea about. I took the family to our local baseball stadium (Go Jethawks!!) for an Autism Awareness Walk that had a ton of kid-friendly activities and a plethora of information. We then headed over to my Mom's house for a barbecue where I got food poisoning and ended up vomiting and shitting my brains out all night. Did that put a pretty picture in your head? You're welcome!
 
Today starts National Library Week! If you have a local library, please support it. I definitely support mine and make sure I always turn my books & dvds in late. Hey, the money goes to a great cause! Hehe. I think I'm at my local library at least every two weeks, if not every week. Check the library calendar for fun, free events.

Today Marks The 7th Annual World Autism Awareness Day!

World Autism Awareness Day is April 2nd every year. I wore blue today, including a blue streak through my red hair and I'm lighting up my porch at night with a blue bulb!

I think it's really important for everyone to become more aware about Autism and Aspergers. My 9-year-old is an Aspie and was diagnosed a few years ago. He's very high-functioning and a great kid, but that doesn't stop the ignorant from not allowing their kids to play with him. I actually have a neighbor who refuses to let her kids ride their bikes in front of my house. Autism is not contagious! Sheesh! Let's end the ignorance for the Auties and Aspies of the world, shall we?

If you haven't done so already, go buy yourself a $4 (energy efficient) bulb and burn that baby at night! I love how my city is lighting it up! Let's celebrate this thing and embrace the differences of each other. It's what makes us special and unique. Spread the word that it's okay to be different! So, cheers to that! I'm holding up my (blue) can of beer. Let's do this damn thang!

I Walk To The Beat Of My Own Drum.

That is why I celebrated National Take A Walk In The Park Day today instead of yesterday. The hubby had the day off and we had a picnic, got rushed by a hundred ducks and geese and had a blast! Listen, I love you. You know I do, but I've got to say that blogging five days a week is especially hard. I can see why many do it twice a week. Silly me decided one blog wasn't good enough. Oh NO! I have two. So, I'm going to cut back on my blogging days. You don't need me every day. Hell, people in my actual life don't need me every day, except my little family here at home. Without me they'd starve and live in utter filth. So I'm taking a deep breath and cutting back my days of blogging. That way I don't feel so...panicked.

Here's a quick reminder: Wednesday is the 7th Annual World Autism Awareness Day and April is National Autism Awareness Month (NAAM). Wear blue and if you can, put a blue (energy efficient) bulb in that porch light and let it shine! I will be back on my blog on Wednesday. See? The anticipation is already building! Hehe. Cheers...wait. Crap. Where's my beer? Ah, there it is. Cheers!

Freaky Friday!

Yeah it's freaky! For me at least. I have a doctor appointment (hate those). Before I go, let me share with you what I found in my other folder on Facebook in March. It's from a perfect stranger and was sent in February. Yeah, I don't check the other folder often. His Facebook page seems legit, but who knows? Here we go!
 
Facebook (stalker?) admirer:
 
What a lovely picture you have got.I know you do not know me before but don't be frightened.....I am just an admirer.I am single and thought it will cause no harm to drop a short note to say hi to a beautiful lady like you......Never mean to flatter you but you are really pretty for real....Maybe we can get to know each other,Waiting impatiently to hear from you....lol. Love ya sweet smile
 
I had to feed the stray...my response:
 

Just found this in my "other" folder, lol. Now I'm trying to remember what picture you possibly saw. Thanks for the flattery. I'm happily married but appreciate the compliments all the same :-)
 
Of course if you feed the stray, it comes back.
 
Facebook admirer:
 
Thanks for your response, I think it would be formal if I get to introduce myself. I am John. I am Based In United State(Texas). I was born April 14TH I am 50yrs old. I am a Civil-Structural Analyst and I work as the Field Supervisor for my company, My job takes me to different part of the world.I am Divorced,With One daughter Amanda.. she's My only daughter (Amanda) she is just 11yrs old and staying with my Mom in Armanian because of the nature of my job. she says she wants to grow up and become a professional dancer . I spend my quiet time listening to music and reading. That's basically me, summarized into those 6 lines.please can you send me your email address so we can get to know each other more better and Note This ain't No Joke ok.. Take care and hope to hear from you soonest. You can tell me about yourself, if it's okay with you. Always
 
Here is my response:
 
Cool! Can you send me some money? actually, I prefer a money order :-)
 
Surprisingly, I haven't heard from him since. He saw the comment but hasn't responded or sent money. Of course names, dates and places have been changed. Have a great weekend! I'll be back Monday. I'm off to see the doctor (nothing serious) and THEN I can enjoy my beer. Bottoms up! Though I hope not literally. You know how doctors can be.