In this weeks news...

What can I say, I am so busy I just am not keeping up like I need too. I am now in three sets of college classes. One just finished (yea, I did the bulk of the work over XMAS, but I still had to check in), one is for the teaching job – orientation stuff, and then the orientation for the Air Command and Staff College online Master’s I am working on. I will take the comprehensive final for my Security Management degree in February (first week). The teaching orientation will be done by mid-February, and I finished the Orientation course for ACSC, so I won’t start my next class until March. I think I might also start teaching around the first part of March. Lots going on. Ohhh, AND I would graduate in March if I pass the comprehensive final. I am not going to “Walk” though, too far to go.

I got a shock this week. The electric bill showed up and it was twice what last month’s was. I think the XMAS lights killed us because we didn’t do anything else different. Fortunately, we will be able to cover it. Unfortunately, the money to do that is coming out of investments. Yep, I have finally broken down and started pulling money from investments. I didn’t want too, but that’s all I have right now. Between the cost of living and this move, I got my behind handed to me. Supporting a family of 7 on my paycheck doesn’t cut it. Especially not when you are paying $5 for a gallon of milk. And yes, it has me really (REALLY) stressed out. I am working really hard to get this online teaching thing going so I have a little extra income coming in that can augment what I already make.

Derek is hot and heavy into the job hunting, but there just aren’t that many jobs for him in the area. I know he’s frustrated and so am I. I suppose something will turn up sooner or later, but in the meantime we are cutting things pretty tight. Plus, the longer he’s not working, the harder it will be to get hired. He’s also a little frustrated with the process, but I think that’s just one more symptom of a big bureaucracy (VA) not really being able to help people like it should. You would think that as a federal organization they would have ties with the military and other federal agencies, but it’s almost as if they don’t talk. Everything is very generic and sterile. Here go to this website and apply. But nothing along the lines of setting up interviews, preferential placement, or anything like that. No wonder the veterans are so angry. And trying to get your stipend is even worse. These people are crazy!

It’s been yucky out for the past week or so. Tonight it’s supposed to get pretty cold (for here). I guess that’s just me whining because I have already acclimated to this area. Overall, I am good with being here, though the costs are definitely more than I think they should be in some instances. I guess that happens when you are in an area where tourists and retirees like to spend their time. I know housing here is significantly higher than other areas.

I have been doing a fair amount of reading these days. I am caught up on all of my current series, but I have a new series I want to get into. I have finally, after 30 some years realized that I read when I am stressed. Crazy huh?

Ok, here’s the discussion – How do you feel about the rebate checks that the US Govt intends to send out to stimulate the economy? Now, on the surface I am like, “Woo Hoo!” But I have to wonder what the long term impact is going to be. I understand how a budget works and that money is not limitless, even for the Federal govt. How is this ultimately going to hurt us. Oh, AND, what is deficit spending going to do to the country long-term. You can only spend for so long before someone stops letting you borrow the money. Now, I am not an economist, nor do I work in the big budget off in the sky (GAO), but if I boil it down to simple terms, it doesn’t make sense. However, I am also VERY aware that people are hurting right now, a lot! I am happy that I have a job, can put food on the table, and all of that stuff. I know there are a lot of people who aren’t sitting so pretty.

And that is my economic commentary for this post, on to the political thoughts. Thought one, I just really can’t bring myself to like Hilary Clinton. Why? Because it’s hard for me to accept a woman who (gives the appearance) stands by her man when he is such a blatant jerk. That tells me that her political motives are more important than anything else. Perhaps she is the best presidential choice, but that is hard for me to reconcile with my own personal beliefs. Obama is just a cutey, though the sniping is starting to blemish his image in my eyes. Tell me what you can do for me, don’t tell me why the other person isn’t good. I don’t care for character assassinations and I don’t think the majority of other people do either. McCain probably has my vote, though I am still undecided. He’s former military who is pro-military. He comes across as sincere, though maybe a bit rough around the edges which only makes me like him more. Romney isn’t too bad either, though a little TOO polished for my taste. Unfortunately, the Democrats are more visible right now due to their two lead candidates “minority” status and the nasty little squabbles going on.

And that’s where I stand. Thoughts?

Wassup

OK, I have officially gone crazy! I am counting calories! Ok, it’s not like a permanent thing or for weight loss or anything. Rather, it’s a curiosity thing. I’ve heard so much about “caloric intake” and “you only need XXXX number of calories” that I wanted to see about how much I take in a day. From what I can tell, because of my activity level, I basically take in about what I need, maybe slightly more. It’s hard to say though. The activity part is what makes it hard to be sure. It’s kind of interesting though to see how many calories I do consume a day.

I am now completely finished with my current class. I know its 3 weeks early, but I wanted to get everything out of the way. The paper didn’t do so well, but that is due to the using all internet sources. Oh well, at least its done. If my final posting gets all 10 points I will get an A out of the class. I aced the final, so I was pretty happy with that. My comprehensive final starts in February and that’s all I need to finish up the class. I register for my first Air Command and Staff College class on Monday, but that won’t start until March. I am hoping the classes aren’t too overwhelming and are interesting. I have two years to complete the degree, so I don’t think it will be too bad.

Speaking of online colleges. I had some additional paperwork to do for the online teaching position I am applying for, but other than that, it is wait and see right now. I am really hoping to hear something soon, but they will work in their own time, which is not mine. Still, I hope to start teaching in March if I get hired.

Derek has not heard anything specific about job hunting, though he is doing everything they are requiring of him to find something. He’s not very confident about the whole process, but I am trying to remain positive. I am really hoping he gets something soon. At least before we daycare runs out. That shouldn’t be until February sometime, but I would rather not push it too much.