the dream is over...for now

i hadn't talked about it here for fear of jinxing it, but we've been househunting for the last few weeks. well, we've always had an eye out for homes in the neighborhoods we like, but only recently did we get serious about it. like, we went and got preapproved for a mortgage and submitted a few offers and errrrrythang.

but after dealing with one very greedy/unethical/redonkulous realtor who is unfortunately really big in the area -don'teverdealwithmartyrodriguezyouwillbesorry - along with a handful of other reasons, we've decided to put the whole homebuying thing on hold for a while. it sucks a lot, as we really liked the house we were eyeing, but i'm trying to focus on the positives. you know, like the fact that it's totally a buyer's market and there's a good possibility that it will be even better next year. and not having to move while getting ready for the holidays. and packing! good lord, i hate packing. i know we'll have to do it when we do finally end up moving, but for now i'm happy not to have to deal with it.

i also have to admit that this most recent mortgage bailout plan is rather off-putting. i realize that it will help a lot of folks who are struggling and facing foreclosure, but i know so many folks who have been absolutely killing themselves, working as much as possible and sacrificing family time, to make their mortgage payments. and when the banks finally roll out a plan to "help out," it's for the folks who are at minimum 3 months behind? how is that fair? it almost sends a message like "yeah, just turn your back on your obligations, stop paying, live rent/mortgage-free, and then we'll swoop in and help you out, no problem." oh, well. if it will help people save their homes and not leave the banks stuck with a crapload of properties to liquidate, that's cool. i guess.

on a happier note, the bean and i went to mickey d's yesterday to pick up some lunch. and to keep her occupied, i gave her the happy meal box to hold and look at while we drove home. she was all smiles as she turned it around and around and shook it and stuff, and i had fun watching her in the mirror.

of course, i've gotta drive, so i can't watch her the whole time. and as we came to a stop at a red light, i glanced back into the mirror. i totally cracked up when i saw this:

the little shit had managed to poke through a perforated section of the box and wiggle her fingers right into that box of chicken mcnuggets. i guess she was hungry.

as she heard me start busting up with laughter, she looked up at me:

and, being the generous little bean that she is, offered me a bite.

highlight of my day, i tell ya.