Are you frickin' kidding me?!

a) Don't apply for a position when you're not willing to except a salary that is higher than the maximum advertised.

b) When being offered the position, don't negotiate for a higher salary where you are, decline the offer and say that you're staying where you are (after 8 hours of shining me on) and then complain to your friends that you wanted the job, but the salary was too low. Basically blaming me for not offering more once you've said that you're staying where you are.

c) Don't say that you're interviewing for something "more stable" when it all comes down to money

A conversation between Megan and her friend Tyler at daycare today...

Megan: You're a goofball!

Tyler: No, you're a silly goose!

Megan: You're such a tree hugger!

I guess we can be thankful she didn't call him a damn hippie.

Of course an offer is being accepted by the bank. Just because it was the perfect rental house.

I was a bit upset by the slow response of the real estate agents and therefore will try to find someone else for next time. If there is a next time.

There may be an opportunity for me to buy a rental house. It's a short sell in the valley and the monthly payments with the 20% down are quite reasonable and low enough to make enough money off of the monthly rents. And it's already rented. I tried to convince my dad to go check it out this week; I've certainly checked out enough houses for him. I think he may actually check it out for me. I'm keeping it a bit quiet -- don't want my siblings to think they can move in.

I go to the Harry Potter movies because I feel I should. They're never great, always require some knowledge from the books that don't come through on the screen. I saw the second one and forgot that I had seen it so rented it again. They're all pretty much nondescript.

However, the current movie is the best one yet! It was terrific and I would perhaps even see it again in the theatre.

Phew, I don't have to deal with that incompetent broad from the mortgage broker anymore. Signed the papers at the title company today and will get my money on Friday. Woo-hoo!

A couple of my dad's friends are in town this evening so we're going out to dinner. Woo-hoo!

Wow, that's a pleasant surprise. My house appraised for about $40,000 more than I thought it would. 3,000 more dollars and it would have been twice what I paid for it seven years ago; not a bad return. Although I do know that it's only worth that much if someone is willing to pay for it.

I've started the list of things to do with the money I'm pulling out. In the master bedroom: walk-in closet; bathroom door (and a wall for it to hang in); hardwood floors; new furniture and paint. Upstairs: fix wall (drywall tape is funky); paint; new carpeting; furniture. Outside: Trex front porch; gardener. I probably only have enough money for two of those things...doesn't hurt to dream.