My 2008 in review

10. Rick and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary.
9. I was promoted to branch manager.
8. Cody and Karina graduated high school.
7. Karina went off to college on the other side of the state. Cody moved in with us, but it staying with Rick's parents to help with Rick's dad. Cody is currently looking into the military.
6. Dalton, my fat cat, died.
5. Karina was diagnosed with optic neuritis. After much testing, she was given a current clean bill on multiple sclerosis. After 3 months, her vision had returned to (her new) normal. And she is no longer afraid of needles.
4. Rick's grandmother (his dad's mom) died. She was his only grandparent left.
3. My father in law was declared cancer free in late February. In early April the NH lymphoma had returned with a vengeance. Last month, we learned it is fatal. Rick is up there right now, it's near.
2. My oldest brother died of cardiomyopathy. He was only 44. With the hereditary link so strong (grandfather, mom and brother), I finally went in for evaluation. Testing is pending due to job conflicts.
1. After receiving the call about my oldest brother, my parents immediately reconciled with my other brother and are now on good speaking terms with each of their remaining kids.
The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

This is crazy!

As someone who works within the mortgage industry (but whose financial institution will never see a penny of The Big Bailout of 2008), I am simply appalled by the mortgages being handed out to the 48039 ZIP code.

Most of the mortgage amounts I have researched are tens of thousands more than the doubled SEVs for the same property!

Ex: SEV is $48,000. Value SHOULD be $96,000. The mortgage is for $120,000. It's NOT on the water. House is under 900 sq ft. and not well-kept.

Several foreclosures within 3 BLOCKS. One is just a few doors down.

That is exactly what got the greedy mortgage companies into their debacle! Absolutely crazy! Maybe the owners can afford their payment, but they are so upside-down on their house, it's pathetic!

Monthly payment (before taxes and insurance):
$120,000 @ 7.25% for 30 years = $818.61
(total interest = $174,701.40 ; total payments = $294,701.40 )
or
$96,000 @ 7.25% for 30 years = $654.89
(total interest = $139,759.25, ; total payments = $235,759.25)

It would take the homeowners 13 years before they hit the $96,000 mark because they financed $120,000. Plus, they would save nearly $60,000 in interest!

Then again, maybe the company let them over-mortgage, so they can make their mortgage payment for a few years? Over-mortgage to pad their "savings account."

Pay 7.25% in interest. Earn maybe 1% in savings dividends.

YIKES!

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

Cherish your child(ren) every moment possible

My heart and prayers go out to the friends and family of Jessica Clemente, a student at MCHS who died unexpectedly there the other day.

Positively tragic.

It really puts things into perspective. Nothing else matters more. Love. Cherish. Don't procrastinate.

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

Alien or Photoshop?

This is one SCARY pic of Nicole Kidman. Or is in an alien? Only Photoshop knows for sure!
The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

An impossible question

Today, my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and I pondered if it is easier to know when someone you love is dying, or if it is easier to have someone you love die unexpectedly.

This year, I've dealt with both. Neither is easier for me.

It's such a range of emotions knowing your loved one is dying soon. Every moment is a bittersweet memory. Thank God you had it, but it's a painful reminder, too. You are powerless, so every possible wish is granted. Every wrong is forgotten. Time is so short, the little stuff doesn't matter. What matters is LOVING.

The whole family was there last night. We made LOTS of memories. We laughed til we cried watching old Christmas videos with Dad wearing his HO hat. The grandkids all small and excited about Santa's visit.

This weekend Dad received his Christmas present from all his kids...a brand new banjo. He's always wanted to learn to play. It's on his BUCKET LIST.

Likewise, it's such a range of emotions to have a loved one die unexpectedly. So many words weren't spoken. So many regrets, not just about missing the BUCKET LIST. Just one more day. Just one more hour. Just one more MINUTE!!!

I'm so sorry, Scott. Just one minute more and I'd have fit in enough for both of us.

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)