Wedding Song - God Knew That I Needed You

Sunday, April 16, 2023

FINANCES

Financial security matters no matter where you live - or how you live.

Rich, or poor, a budget is the backbone of financial security.

Holland and I will be living on the road for the next few years … but we are not rich people: we just have a dream, and we understand that we must live within our means.

Holland has  friend that is concerned for our adventurous side. Tim recently said to Holland, "If you insist on doing this (he thinks we are being risky) … just remember that you are part of the working class, not part of the crazy class."

Not to worry Tim: we understand fully that we are of the working class sector of society.

Budgeting our meager income is an absolute must.

As I stated above - we are not rich, but we both do come from poor backgrounds. Our goal is to live within our means and enjoy a reasonable quality of life.

11 Habits Of The Rich vs The Poor (Financial Literacy).(https://www.newtraderu.com/2023/04/15/11-habits-of-the-rich-vs-poor-financial-literacy/)
The Key To Building Wealth Is Investing In Self-Liquidating Debt.(https://www.newtraderu.com/2023/04/13/the-key-to-building-wealth-is-investing-in-self-liquidating-debt/#:~:text=Self%2Dliquidating%20debt%20refers%20to,the%20underlying%20asset%20produces%20income.)

PERSONAL WELL-BEING

Though I personally do not agree with psychology as a whole, sometimes there are diamonds in the rough to be gleaned ;-)

Relationships can always use introspective activity.

I'm comfortable with my age; everyone does not get to live 66 years - I am blessed, and I live gratefully. I wear what I feel comfortable wearing … and what my husband likes to see me wearing; but keeping up on fashion do's & don'ts as we age is kinda-sorta important; only a fool enjoys being a fool. I am not a fool.

And lastly, I support the right to bear - and use - firearms when it comes to personal safety. NO POLITICIAN SURROUNDING THEMSELVES WITH ARMED BODYGUARDS will ever disarm me; by {law} or otherwise. Our American Constitution makes that abundantly clear. End of story.

24 Dimensions of Compatibility in Long-Term Couples.(https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/social-instincts/202304/24-dimensions-of-compatibility-in-long-term-couples)
The Joy Formula: 10 Daily Rituals of Exceptionally Content Individuals.(https://hackspirit.com/the-joy-formula/)
10 Characteristics Of Emotionally Intelligent People In Relationships.(https://hackspirit.com/emotionally-intelligent-people-in-relationships/)
The Deeper Meaning of Awareness.(https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-meaningful-life/202304/the-deeper-meaning-of-awareness)
4 Ways To Embrace Your Age With Style & Grace.(https://sixtyandme.com/embrace-age/)
Fashions That Age You. These Simple Mistakes Make You Look Older.(https://www.thefunpost.com/en/older-fashion-making-look?ly=native_one & https://www.itsrosy.com/Fashion+Mistakes+That+Make+You+Look+Older)
WA dems Proposed Assault Ban Will Do Nothing To Address Root Cause Of Violence.(https://www.tri-cityherald.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/article274220345.html)

Interesting Info; Life On The Road.

This is not an actual Blog Post - it's more of stored RVing info for me, personally; but if someone else gleans a little info, too, that's a good thing ;-)

In a few weeks, Holland & I will be setting out to explore America: Holland has lived in and worked in nearly every State on the mainland, so he is more familiar with the freeways and state cultures than I am - most of what we will be experiencing on the road will be new experiences for me.

I am excited. I want to be as prepared as possible for anything and everything along our route. I also want to maintain body toning exercises, and healthy food menus ;-)

How Long Does It Take To Drive Route 50?(https://lazytrips.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-drive-route-50 &  https://www.wideopenroads.com/route-50-road-trip/)
Santa Clarita; City to Change Up Rules Regarding Overnight Parking, RVs.(https://signalscv.com/2023/04/city-to-change-up-rules-regarding-overnight-parking-rvs/)
Disingenuous Department of The Interior Public Lands Rule Will Jeopardize Access To BLM's Public Land.(https://www.rvtravel.com/department-interior-lands-rule-erode-public-access-1100b/)
National Parks Beloved by Hikers, Now 'Ticket Only'.(https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/national-parks-beloved-by-us-hikers-now-ticket-only-fsp37kt09 & https://www.afar.com/magazine/these-national-parks-require-reservations-for-summer-2021)
Popular Wal*Mart Shutters, Can You Still Park There For Free?(https://drivinvibin.com/2023/04/15/walmart-closing/)
How My Husband & I Learned To Live & Travel Together Despite Our Very Different Styles.(https://www.travelawaits.com/2876297/how-i-learned-to-travel-with-husband-despite-differences/)
Amazon Cuts Ties With Campers.
(https://drivinvibin.com/2023/04/16/amazon-campers/)
When Is The Best Time to Exercise, We Asked Experts.(https://www.realsimple.com/when-is-the-best-time-to-exercise-7479948#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20he%20says%20that,morning%20workouts%2C%E2%80%9D%20he%20adds.)
12 Best Fruits & Vegetables For Gut Health, According to RDs.(https://www.realsimple.com/best-fruits-and-vegetables-for-gut-health-7378020)
10 Foods & Joint Pain. Stop The Inflammation & Pain. Eating these 10 Foods, Helps.(https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2021/04/top-10-foods-that-fight-inflammation.html)
How Magnesium Affects Your Sleep & Anxiety.(https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/science-and-technology/2023/04/how-magnesium-affects-your-sleep-and-anxiety#:~:text=What%20about%20better%20sleep%3F,help%20with%20insomnia%20more%20broadly.)
Why Your Phone Charging Cable Needs An USB Condom.(https://www.howtogeek.com/885947/why-your-phone-charging-cable-needs-a-usb-condom/#:~:text=USB%20condoms%20ensure%20you%20have,without%20any%20malware%20or%20problems.)
Finally, New Hose Quick Connectors Stopped All Leaks.(https://www.rvtravel.com/shownew-quick-connectors-stop-leaks-1100/)
The Environmental Protection Agency Is Pushing For A Controversial New Rule.(https://www.thestreet.com/automotive/the-environmental-protection-agency-is-pushing-for-a-new-rule-you-wont-like#:~:text=This%20week%20the%20Environmental%20Protection,street%20off%20of%20American%20roads.&text=The%20EPA's%20new%2C%20stricter%20emissions,be%20electric%20vehicles%20by%202032.)
Discover the 9 Most Snake-Infested Rivers In The United States.(https://a-z-animals.com/blog/discover-the-most-snake-infested-rivers-in-the-united-states/)
Two Snakes To Know On Your Walks, Jogs, & Hikes Around Maryland.(https://patch.com/maryland/across-md/2-snakes-know-your-walks-jogs-hikes-around-md)
Hikers Warned to Beware Cold, Stressed-out Moose After Woman Attacked; Idaho.(https://www.advnture.com/news/experts-warn-hikers-to-beware-cold-stressed-out-moose-after-attack)
Video Shows Colorado Tourist Learns A Painful Lesson Trying To Pet A Moose.(https://www.advnture.com/news/video-shows-colorado-tourist-learn-a-painful-lesson-trying-to-pet-moose)
Yellowstone Bison Tears Into Tourists' Car Like A Can Opener.(https://www.advnture.com/news/yellowstone-bison-can-opener)
Watch Careless Photographer Get On The Wrong Side of Angry Bison In South Dakota.(https://www.advnture.com/news/watch-careless-photographer-get-on-the-wrong-side-of-angry-bison-in-south-dakota)
Texas Hiker Shares Video Of Sudden Bison Attack As Warning To Others.(https://www.yahoo.com/video/texas-hiker-shares-video-sudden-132452061.html)
Cow Elk Violently Rejects Yellowstone Tourists' Mating Dance.(https://www.advnture.com/news/cow-elk-violently-rejects-yellowstone-tourists-mating-dance)
Yellowstone Guide Captures Moment Tiny Bear Emerges From Den.(https://www.advnture.com/news/yellowstone-cub-den-video)

LEARNING TO BEND

"Learning to bend kinda sucks" is what Holland says.

I agree.

But bending is better than breaking … so, we are both learning to bend in several areas of our lives ;-)

I don't mind bending so much in my personal life because I know that my husband is accepting the {bending for peace sake}, also.

But I am beginning to resent being held hostage by picky house hunters and their silly agents >:-P

Every other day it's another demand; and I'm getting tired of them.

WE NEED TO GET ON WITH OUR LIFE.

We are still newlyweds - this is supposed to be a happy time for us. The stress of waiting is taking it's toll on our relationship: I'm no good at inactive waiting - I am bending … but I'm not bending smoothly, and Holland feels trapped with my impatience. The house is pretty much packed (and in a storage unit) except for the stuff we need for our day-to-day living: there isn't much to do right now, but wait. I need to be active. If I inactively sit around for too long, I get antsy; when I get antsy, I start snarling like a caged animal.

I know I am not an easy person to live with when I start snarling.

I am even snapping at Shay - and she's a gem; she's stayed with me these past 6 years, helping me with the sale of the house on Sparks Drive (which Bob and I used to secure & upgrade this place), and was a real support to me during those hellish months I was sitting death watch as Bob prepared to leave this world and walk with Yeshua beyond the clouds. She helped me in ways I can never thank her enough for, as I learned to walk alone the first year of widowhood. She patiently listened to me, and listed this house for sale the Winter of 2018 and every Spring since: last year came real close to selling, and I was even doing walk throughs on a couple houses … but I didn't want to rebuild another house, so I eventually pulled this house off the market a.g.a.i.n. Even though I am sure she was impatient with me every Spring for the past five years, she never snapped at me. I am ashamed to say that I cannot make the same claim: I feel like a heel for snapping, but I don't like feeling like a hostage to asinine buyer demands.

I just want this thing sealed and done.

Holland and I are learning to bend when it comes to our relationship; but I still do not bend well to the demands of strangers.

Another ridiculous hoop the strangers are insisting we jump through … I'm losing my patience with them: their agent's nitpicking is really annoying me.
Got Social Security reroute done.
Snowflakes changed the schedule … after the Social Security reroute my dentist office called with a cancellation reschedule; Holland opted to go home, and stay there with Shay.
Looking out the window at the bright building colors (while waiting for my cleaning appointment), I thought, 'I can't wait to enjoy SW colors'. I like COLOR in my life.
Evening order: we are preparing for 'Our Journey' YouTube recordings; this will be easier for our friends to keep track of our wanderings :-)
THURSDAY afternoon's Scappoose purchases, after I dropped Goodwill donation bags off; these things went into a gallon-size Ziploc for traveling.
Thursday evening we ate in Kalama, at the Golden Dragon; I liked my {encouragement}.  I'm drawing a straight 'F' in the patience end, though.
FRIDAY MORNING - 'Gentle' eyebrow; 'Tango' eyelid; 'Green' lid accent & liners; 'Winner' inner eyelid accent; 'Auburn Brow Gel; 'Deep Green' Mascara; 'Corail Ardent' Cream Blush & 'Coral Crave' Lipgloss.
We chose how we bend 
I like this blouse (mainly because it has shiny sequins on it ;-)) but it will not stay in my clothes cache. It doesn't really work for me.
We saw an 'Outback' in Beaverton-OR, that fit the length & weight we're aiming for; to satisfy every State's 'requirements'.
We liked this layout; the Queen bed & shower are doable, and there is 1-1/2 baths; we'd have to rig a wardrobe though, in the back end.
It was actually pretty roomy with the push-outs.
The price wasn't too steep, either. We like this layout, but if we can find it for less cost somewhere else … we'll go there to purchase it.
As we were leaving the RV lot, I got this text: I hope & pray this will be the END of the buyer's demands; I'm glad Shay loves me and overlooks my red-head-temper.
We visited a Beaverton truck lot on our way back home. Red is a color we agree on; regular 4x.
Punched in a Vancouver address to check-out on the way home … and Holland was stubbornly rerouted while I laughingly told him, "My GPS knows me well, honey - it wouldn't dare defy me with a freeway route": my GPS is set up to reroute around the freeway ;-)
Strong-willed GPS took us on a merry ride, Friday afternoon. Holland gamely favored the reroute because he knows I prefer backroad travel, but we had no idea the route would take so long from A to B: halfway through, Holland was regretting not taking the freeway exit.
Holland held up well in the upper hills of Portland where the roads were steep, winding, and tight: I was proud of him  and thanking Elohim for His grace & faithfulness. Holland's kidney stone medication makes him nauseous on sharp turns.
Coming down out of the upper hills took us  through the Pearl District & over the red Broadway Bridge. This bridge has old-fashioned looking lamps on it; pretty cool in the evening.
At any point leading to this crossing, Holland could have jumped on a freeway exit; he is bending.
The bridge lifts to allow large cruisers and ships to easily pass through the channel.
 Holland turned onto a freeway entrance at the end of the bridge - I was bendingAnd Holland found out that I spoke truth when I told him "freeway traffic puts me to sleep" - I went out like a light  and woke up when we came back to Longview.
Toyota lot in town.
SATURDAY MORNING; I was so out of breath after getting the house {clean enough} for the buyer's approval, my spelling was horrible - and my annoyance was showing: I didn't even bother fixing it. While the appraisal was asking place, we went house/truck shopping in Chehalis & Centralia. We found nothing we were even remotely interested in.
That's 'The Plan' as soon as this house actually SELLS :-); Industrial Way at Lewis & Clark Bridge.

Please Elohim! Let this deal be sealed sometime this coming week.