Where does one get $25,000?

We went to our accountant last week to do our taxes. We are planning to short sell our condo. This was a condo where we lived in, and we got stuck when we bought another place in 2006 to live in and our realtor told us, "don't worry, I will be able to sell this condo in 3 weeks, 1 month tops". Guess what? That was the start of the real estate meltdown and we got stuck with this condo. Its been hard because spouse got laid off last November and we have been trying to make ends meet. So we decided that it was time to let go and stop the "bleeding".

Anyway, when the short sale goes through, our accountant told us that we might owe 30% of the difference of what we owe the bank and what the condo generated in the short sale. Everyone knows that the housing market is dooooown and the condo was bought at almost the peak, so depending on the price agreed on, the difference might be between $85,000 to $100,000. Guess what? 30% of that is between $25,500 to $30,000. Where oh where will we get that money? This is the reason we are short selling, because we do not have that kind of money....

Keep thinking positive, keep thinking positive. Spouse will start earning soon, spouse will start earning soon!

Happy Valentine's Day

Today, my spouse made me cry. But it was tears of joy/ gratitude. He first gave me my valentine's card. Then when I was on my way to Costco to load gas, I opened my purse and saw that he had put another valentine's card there. I went back in the house to thank him for for that sweet gesture! Then I went to Costco and loaded $14 worth of gas. I only loaded $14 because I only have that much until payday which is still on 02/19.

When I got home, I told him that I had already loaded gas, but not full tank. He asked why not and I reminded him it was because I only had $14 left until payday. He said "are you sure? Didn't you check your account?" Just to let everyone know, I am the type of person that updates my checkbook as soon as soon as I do a transaction, so I know exactly what I have, so I told him, "of course I know how much I have, I always update my checkbook". But he was adamant. He said, "did you balance your checkbook against your account". I became suspicious. I went up and checked my account. Lo and behold, unknown to me, he had transferred $200 last 02/10/10! It was his early "valentine's gift" to me. I started crying. Not because I was so happy to get $200, but because he was laid off 3 months ago, and I know that money is also tight with him as he tries to look for work. He gave me not from his excess but from his heart. I told him that this $200 meant so much more to me than the higher amounts I have received from him for my birthdays (when he was still employed). He said he wanted to show me his appreciation for all the overtime and hard work I've been doing to earn extra money while he is looking for a job. I am so lucky to have him as my husband! So lucky that he recognizes my efforts and more importantly acknowledges it and show me how appreciative he is. It is truly a great Valentine's Day!

Snowflake # 1

I had my first snowflake of the year. Well actually second, if I can count the chair that I sold 2 weeks ago for $10 (I got the chair for free and re-painted it, but had no more use for it).

We sold our treadmill yesterday for $375. We got it for about $420 about 2 years ago. We sold it because we don't really get to use it. We are planning to buy a stationary bike, but not really doing that soon.

I'm just really excited that at least we were able to get money for something that we were not using anymore. =)

The Journey Begins

I read something in my email today that has inspired me to start this blog "Hakuna Matata". I'm going through a lot right now, but the email "The Journey" put things in perspective. I will be striving for a life of "Hakuna Matata" which taken from the Lion King means "no worries for the rest of your life". We all know this is unrealistic, but what I want to change are not the circumstances but my attitude. So please be patient as I go on this journey...."The Journey: Life isn't about getting to the destination. Its about the journey. So don't think that you have to rush to get to the destination. The journey is the important part, what you take time for, the people you're with, what you learn & experience along the way. Enjoy the journey".