h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I realized I hadn't posted anything about the hunt for a while, and some significant things *have* happened, so I suppose I should catch folks up Between 1 and 2 weeks ago, we got a letter from the county stating that we'd come to the top of the list*, and we had 10 business days to come get an application. I went in the next day (I'd checked the mail after 5pm, so too late that day), and then was given a numbered application and 10 business days to get it filled out, documentation gathered, and a pre-approval letter, and all that turned in. 10 business days would be Christmas Eve, so I set the 21st as my mental deadline. I needed to find a new lender, as only lenders that had attended the informational meeting were qualified to do this program, and the one we met with back in February wasn't one of them.

We had our appointment yesterday (that being Tom's day off) and, since our situation (Tom's income) is a bit complicated, we're going to need more documentation than normal people, and getting pre-approved by the 21st is about as likely as my making the Spring 2008 Meet in London Or, more to the point, the Spring *2007* Meet Underwriters like little things like proof, especially with all the mortgage industry problems this year (ironically enough, had we found a place in February, we probably could've found a program). So D called the lady at the county that's in charge of the program, and, while we can't get an extension, we can start fresh with the county when we're ready to go--back on the list, and no penalty for being ineligible at this time.

*The waiting list for the Downpayment Assistance Program which, for some reason, in emails to F, I kept calling the Foreclosure Assistance Program

In other news, destination for my birthday trip has been picked, and motel rooms reserved. We're going to Brookings, a grand total of 25 miles away It's close enough that the savings on gas has allowed us to get a room with a jacuzzi for the second night, and far enough that we're out of town. (If we were to stay here, there'd be people dropping by to say hi constantly--even if we kept the lodgings a complete secret, my car's distinctive enough, and this town's small enough, that we'd be found. And even if that scenario didn't happen, we'd be tensed up, waiting for it to happen.)

Awww, I am sorry that the hoops and loops of the paperwork were against you with the home-buying plan. I've had fingers and for ages now, and it's beginning to feel NORMAL !!!

How-ever, the close yet novel get-away for your birthday is sounding delightful. There have been a couple of times that we would find a century-old B&B, or just a quaint hotel, a half-hour's drive away. And just that little distance and removal from the daily environment is about as enervating as a true vacation. If I don't catch you before, a very Happy Birthday wish, dear Lady.

I don't think enervating means what you think it does...

*regrets not remembering Inigo's quote about the definition of 'inconceivable'*

Looking up some definitions, I have apparently fallen into a common trap !!! I took it as 'invigorating, energizing, etc', but apparently I was again 'less-than-correct'. Oh woe is me...

'Tis OK--I half thought you were referring to the good ol' 'I need a vacation to recover from my vacation!' feeling

No, I was thinking more of the "we don't realize how slowly draining life is, until we step away from it" definition.

That one will be in the Nicktionary one day.

Good stuff, I wish you all the house luck you need, and also a wonderful birthday trip!

Have you ever considered a house swap?

Since I'm not certain what you mean (because I'm assuming you don't mean the vacation kind) I think it's safe to say no...

>>>> In other news, destination for my birthday trip has been picked, and motel rooms reserved. We're going to Brookings

Nice place. Have fun. Happy Birthday!

Yep. And we don't have to worry about snow in any passes, since it's a straight shot on 101

Dearest friends,

So thrilled with your news. Hope it all goes well.

I have been so immersed in my problems, and also no longer being able to drive that I have totally ignored both my committment to my little surrogate family in the States and my RL family in Australia.

I hope all will forgive me. I promise that as soon as I get down to Folkestone - hopefully within two weeks, that I shall set things in motion. It is totally unrealisistic now.

With much affectionate to you three and wishing God's richest blessings both for Christmas and the New Year when you shall have your wonderfuol move.

Your very ing friend Christiane and Keith. s

The vacation kind of swap is what I was thinking of Amy, not as a permanent solution, but rather a ick-me-up for your morale as you endure the glacially slow process of acquiring a house of your own.

That should have been "pick-me-up," not "ick-me-up."

I've met some folks that exude the 'ick-me-up' thingie.

To be honest, I've met some folks like that, too.
Maybe they were the same folks? Or just distant (but not
distant enough) cousins?