I don't cook

No, really. It's Ok. Don't assure me I'm a good cook. THIS is not part of my affirmation. You won't offend me, and it does not hit a nerve, and it does pretty much zilch to my idea of my "womanhood."

Southwest Michigan is so heartbreakingly beautiful and abundant. The dramatic sunrises sandwiched between melancholy grey days. The deep and drifting snow in the winters, and the sweet and verdant knolls of grass in the summers. Cicadas and bbq, hickory wood fires and melted snow on wool socks. Popsicles, bubbles, icicles, eagles.

The one thing I still startle at: 19th century norms in the face of my 21st century reality. I'm not one to trouble myself with cultural norms. I've lived too far outside of them to really care. But when they are imposed on me mano-a-mano, I really do have to laugh in your face. Yes, it is rude. So is suggesting that the womanly art of cooking is one that I have ached to master.

No, I don't cook. But I'm sure you do. Be a dear and fix me a Manhattan.

PS Bo is excelling in school, but needs OT to get his fine motor skills up to speed. Ahn is learning to play catch and chase, do somersaults and find hidden candy.

Finances

I was doing a little light reading when I found a scholarly article that showed that people under emotional duress make financial decisions with less consideration of the long term. And I can back this up with my own thoughts: I want to pay off my house in the worst way. It's not the "smart" thing to do, because the interest I pay (currently and for the foreseeable future) are tax deductible (Uncle Sam gives me a credit/refund for that). But I can't shake the feeling that, what if I die? What if my spouse dies? Eliminating that burden would be great, so if that happens, then the monthly costs would be very manageable on a modest income.

So, here's my plan. First, I will paydown our credit cards, then beef up the emergency savings, then, and only then will I snowball into the "good debt." I KNOW a lot of the money people think it's stupid to pay off a house early. I know some very fiscally conservative folks to feel this way too. I also know that when that debt burden is paid off, should something untoward happen to me, there will be many more alternate plans that will accommodate our needs.

And, now that I have a plan, it won't drive me batshit crazy.

Baseline bliss

Didn't want to update till I had results. Finally, after 2 months of antibiotics and laundering everything in sight, Bo's line and his blood is clear of bacteria! Can I get a Hallelujah?

Amen.

I'm too tired from enjoying my active family and demanding job.

More later.

Blessings to all!