Couple of notes -

[kyburg]

Jim wants to squirrel away about $8,000 this year to complete the China adoption - whenever that decides to happen. Frankly, I'm all for it.

One problem. We're not putting away more than $200 in savings as is - and squealing badly at that. The culprit is the credit card load, and only time (and paying them decently) will get rid of that.

However, end of the year is usually a good time to put money away because 1) it's a stock sale period, 2) Mom sends $$$ for Christmas and 3) I get a bonus.

This year - I only got half the bonus. The stock sale has generated half what I'm used to. And because Mom is taking care of a 19 year old niece with a newborn, we got %25 of what she sent in past years. *sighs* We're the big kids and can take care of ourselves. *thumps self on shoulder* Yar yar we be tough!

I can't get going to Switzerland out of my head, though. Hawaii, neither. Japan again HAS to be. The house. The kids.

*sighs*

And I won't back away from feeding people and putting shoes on their feet. If I tell you where dinner is and you show up, I'm paying. After being the victim of being invited to dinner...and then being expected to pay $50 a plate, once too often...I just won't do it to others. You wonder why I'm not rich. *laughs* Well, it's not going to change things a whole lot if I stop doing that...so I'm not.

The latest studies though, say the average person would only find an additional $15,000 a year would make them rich enough to be happier...more doesn't do much for happiness after that.

After getting the lump sum life insurance payment after Cliff passed, I'll second that. After paying off everything with it - there was about $20,000 left and that was LIVING...stupidly...for a number of years. I took people to Hawaii. I ran up more parking tickets than I'd ever cop to. STUPID tickets. Bought stuff that is still in the original packaging and stored somewhere...because I could. Then gave it away. Gained a lot of weight.

Don't need to be rich. It makes one stupid. The last of that original money paid for Jim's surgery when he got here - it was repaid, mind. But if I hadn't had that put aside...suffice it to say, I don't go there. (You want bloody details, go ahead and ask.) I had it - and having told Cliff on more than on occasion before he died how angry I was that these resources would only be around AFTER he was dead...his only request was if I didn't want them, to use them to help someone else. Got it.

And I've put most, if not all of that back, via 401K. *checks* Yeah, that and then some.

Tax return? Feh. Break even, if I'm any guess.

So, while I'd love to support, donate and buy cookies - I won't be, for a while.

I may buy a few lottery tickets here and there, though. *chuckles* I'm also going to see what it takes to get certified to teach swimming...and make that a summer job this year, if I can.

Comments

[elfwench.livejournal.com]

Sweetie, if I ever do hit the PowerBall (say... tomorrow would be nice. ;) ) you are one of the people at the top of the list to return the favor to and help out.

[dame-of-dames.livejournal.com]

You remind me of my girlfriend.

Someone she'd only met a year ago went to jail recently.

Not only was my friend one of the very few people to drive three hours each way to visit her at least once a month; when the girl got out last weekend, C. put her up for a week, arranged for her to have clothes (the girl lost at least 100 lbs) and lent her money. Even the girl's boyfriend did nothing for her, except try to sell weed to raise bail money and the poopyhead got busted.

It was a strain on her, but it was something to be done, and she did it.

So, I'm sure other people will say it, but it should be said... You are awesome, and I salute you. 'Cause you do the same thing.

BTW, I hope you get the money thing sorted out.

[luscious-purple.livejournal.com]

Well, I'm glad you're feeling a bit better about the adoption thing today.

[kyburg.livejournal.com]

It is what it is - and some time and perspective always helps.

[drlaurac.livejournal.com]

So the 5 years, is that in addition to "time served" already? And did you hear this from your agency?

[kyburg.livejournal.com]

Let me give you a quick history.

When we did orientation with Heartsent in 2006, the wait from LID was nine months, but was 'getting longer and longer, but not much.'

When we got our LID, the wait had extended to twelve months.

Right now, they are saying up to thirty-six months from LID, but anyone looking at the backlog is taking that as a given...and extrapolating from the actual numbers, estimates waits as long as seven years from LID.

The agency is saying if the waits go past three years, they plan to take steps. Right now, they are over twenty-four months from LID today. Placements are happening on LIDs 12/19/05 and after right now.

The only excuse right now is the Olympics. I think that's what everyone is waiting on.

I no longer sense a placement, at this point. You can see why.

[drlaurac.livejournal.com]

We have not yet followed back up with our agency. I do believe that this will happen, but I think the date is a moving target. Placement rate slowed way down after the new rules went into place, but I am not certain that they won't speed back up again. I don't think it has to do with the olympics either. The good news is if you want to consider two babies, you are allowed to do concurrent adoptions. The only question is from where!

[kyburg.livejournal.com]

I would *love* to do something concurrent. My agency won't allow it. Period.

[drlaurac.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry. That just sucks.

[bleudaisy.livejournal.com]

So, you've been on the list since 2006 and you are still waiting? What is the age at which you age out of the adoption system? And is that only for Heartsent? Are there other organizations who will let you adopt if you are older? Also, how much money (total) would you say you've put into this venture?

Sorry for the "grill", but I'm looking into adopting as a "single mom" and I'm wondering exactly what I'm getting into if I choose to do it. From your experience, I'm thinking that maybe it might not be such a great idea.

Your thoughts?

[kyburg.livejournal.com]

We actually got on the list in 2007 with the LID - we did our orientation in 2006 and then had to complete the home study, which took about a year to complete. (At least six months was taken up just scheduling the three doctor appointments Jim needed to get the physical done, read and notarized. SHEESH.)

If you count the two years we wasted with DCFS - five years. Yay.

[kyburg.livejournal.com]

Oh, and single? DCFS is getting to be your only option - China program doesn't allow it anymore. And I'm not sure which programs will now. Guatemala is closed, Vietnam is closing...but you'd better ask.

You might do better chosing a sperm donor. *chuckles*

[bleudaisy.livejournal.com]

It's so freakin' complicated these days. You get to be 38 and you start evaluating your options, you know. Because if you don't plan early then it's possible to end up in a position where there are no options. Nuts, isn't it?

[kyburg.livejournal.com]

If you've got health insurance, I'd do something assisted right now - you want my opinion.

I was considering that when I was 35. I was considering that when I was younger. (Cliff was effectively sterile due to diabetic complications....)

I was Good. I did What I Was Told. Look where I am today for it. *not bitter at all NAH*