Stupid is as Stupid Does: Random Thoughts Tuesday

 My first Random Thoughts Tuesday care of The Un-Mom. Love her.

Politics and the American people amaze me more and more everyday. I am surprised I do not suffer from chronic headaches with the unstoppable head shaking of "WTF are you thinking?"

This will probably be my one and only rant on politics and the American people asking why the hell would you not let your child see the President speak about education? Are you stupid? You think that this ONE man has that much power to brainwash small children for a matter of minutes? You dumbshits let your children sit in front of that boob tube for hours watching Ed, Edd, and Eddy and you are worried about a Harvard graduate speaking to children about staying in school, listening to their teachers and listening to their parents and staying the course so they can make something of themselves in the future. Oh, ok. I'll take my college graduate ass somewhere else...like Canada, France or the UK where they have socialized healthcare too. So I don't have to pay to give birth.

My bullshit meter is off the charts lately. I can smell it like a hound dog after a fox. Seriously I have this uncanny ability to tell when someone is bullshiting me. I don't always call them out because really...the situation gets a little harry when you tell someone to their face they are full of the smell brown poo spewing from their lips. Ew!! I guess I just don't understand why people do it or lie for that matter. I mean really...where are those lies getting you but into deeper lies to cover with more lies. Seriously, a kitty litter box is cleaner than that pile of minutiae. Not to mention that people fall all over that BS like the gospel.

Parents are also oblivious to the actions of their children. O.B.L.I.V.I.O.U.S. I used to be that way until I turned on the bullshit meter. I saw through my kid like he was a spectre. Honestly, Waterford wasn't nearly as clear as my boy. I started to talk to him about his actions. Hitting...gets you nowhere dear, use your words. Words strike harder than a fist. Tell them NO, do not hit, NO, that is not nie. If they lie about what they did to you, let it go and let karma run her course. I love Karma...she is a slow mover, but a helluva a biter.

To have kids and not to have kids. I mean I can understand if you choose to not have kids because you fully admit you are selfish and enjoy a life without them. I understand, that's cool. I used to be that way. I used to spend wastefully on fashion, shoes, the whole nine yards without the inconvenience of a child. Then I had one, then two more. I love them. I don't judge others for choosing not to have kids as long as they have made the rational decision to admit they don't have kids because they like being selfish. Cool. People who decide to not have kids because "we are in a recession" or "I'm just not ready" are FULL OF...yes the meter went off again. Sorry. But really, I got pregnant in 2007, birthed in 2008. DURING. A. RECESSION. I mean did we need to have Newt Gingrich tell us we were in a recession for it to be official? Or maybe SpongeBob for those with a learning curve. The whole I am not ready either...who the hell is ready? NO ONE!! You aren't ready for the second, third, a double, the triplets, no one is really ready as each child is different. You as a person (hopefully...I am being STRONGLY hopeful in this statement) grow and evolve so your parenting is different. Your views are different. Which let me disclaim this, since my wonderful bloggy friend reminded me that if we waited till we could afford kids.....we'd still be waiting to have kids, I found I was pregnant with Big G when I got "let go" from my job because they heard I was shopping for another one and in two weeks were we packing up our house to move out of state. So yeah, weren't ready and I didn't really have a set in stone job when I moved. Really!!

The writers of Forrest Gump must have been geniuses when they came up with this statement in the movie "Stupid is as Stupid Does"

That's my rendition of Random Thoughts Tuesday. Happy Tuesday and off to Wordful Wednesday!!

My Disregarded Job

Many moms have TONS of jobs. The list is truly endless if we detail laundry, cleaning bathrooms, dishes, gardening and the like as a job. I used to have another full time job that I went to each and every morning. I loved my job. I hated the commute, but I loved (still love) my job. I work with some of the BEST and I do mean BEST people in my industry. My employers, my bosses, are also my friends. I am truly blessed in that. In 2006, when I went on hiatus due to my "breakdown" is the only way I can call it. (My doctor decided to load me up on unneeded anti-depressants that almost destroyed my life...thats a post in its own!) So I am on hiatus, then the bosses tell me, "You can work from home. Be with the boy, do what you do, stop in the office every now and then."

The idea worked great for about a month. Until Big G figured out the deadbolt and was taking the two dogs for walks around the block, unbeknownst to me until I went looking for him in the house. Luckily we have a great neighborhood and I was not occupied long enough for him to go very far. At best, the end of the street which is one house over. Nonetheless, scary to ANY parent.

What is my job you ask? Well I am a finance major. I love numbers. I know, I am a total math geek. I oogle over the opportunity to compute and talk gross margins, net margins, return on investment, loan to values, rates, recoups, you name it I love to speak the language of math and business finance love. I have been working in retail finance since I was 18. I worked in car dealerships until I was 25, I couldn't take the hours anymore. LOVED the money, HATED the hours and my bosses were jerks back then. Really they weren't, I was just too young to know how to deal with them. Now....they make me laugh! After working as a finance manager for that many years you are unsure of what type of job you can get out of the industry. I was blessed enough to find a position in the mortgage industry.

I know I know, lay off the comments, I went from one catfish position to another in some people's eyes, but really the catfish in the mortgage industry are thieves and crooks. I will not be lumped with them.

I love and hate my job in the mortgage industry right now which is why I have disregarded it some and shown such a strong interest in my blog. I don't have to hear negativity unless I want to, I don't have to deal with crap....unless I want to. I can hit the little red X in the top right corner and ignore it all, where my job I could not do that.

I would hear horror stories of how people were in awful loans, in part I think their own negligence for not paying attention or asking enough about the loan they were getting into, I would hear how they just foreclosed, now filed bankruptcy, and I have to tell them they cannot touch a house to buy for THREE years! UGH!

Other days, I love my job. I educate folks who speak to me. If they think I am going to sell them they are SOOO wrong. I am not going to sell you on a mortgage, that is the job of the real estate agent, they sell. I will educate any and everyone on the HUNDREDS of different guidelines and regulations for purchasing and refinancing a home. I will give you the details, I will educate you on the differences, I will give you options and let you make an educated decision about YOUR finances on your house.

So my educational bit right now to any and all:

THIS IS A BUYERS MARKET!! Now is the time to go buy a home. The market did not "fall out" like all claim. For some yes the bottom did fall out of an unsupported market, while other markets merely normalized is what I like to call it. Normal appreciation on any home in ANY area is a standard of 5-15%, not the 50-100% the market saw and could not support. Coupled with crappy lending on behalf of some bankers and lenders, a recipe for disaster clearly by the state of the economy.

The other thing is that people are afraid they cannot get a loan or cannot refinance out of the loan and situation they are in now. DO NOT BE AFRAID!! Get out there, be proactive, talk to me if you need to, send me an email, programs exist to help folks stay in their homes. One plus of the reforming White House regime we have. Also ask questions. Do not be afraid to ask questions. If your loan officer or broker cannot answer your question or give you an answer, BAIL!! They are shady and lucky to still be operating.

Credit, if credit is a problem, okay, so fix the problem. We can do a government loan. Nothing wrong with a government loan. My very first house and my first loan, on a new construction home, 10 YEARS ago was a government loan, FHA. In fact, here is the kicker.......my rate......7%!! And I thought I got a smoking good deal. Today....yeah can you say 5% and still under 6% if at the worst case scenario.

Now is the time. Grab the old bull by the horns and look at your situation. Even if you situation is not dire, think ahead to the future, the lack of stability still looming in the economy. The event horizon. Refinance now at the lower rate. You can even determine your term. You don't have to do a 30 year. 25 years, 20 years, 15, how about 10 years, all fixed rates, all smoking good rates.

So with you in mind and my blog, I may not post all the time as I need to get off my duff and yield a paycheck, by helping folks achieve the American dream of owning a home and keeping the one they already have. Please feel free to email me, everything is confidential under law. Otherwise I spend time in a 5X5 cell in the fancy Leavenworth Hotel.
BTW My card is a little dated, we are licensed in more states. Feel free to check out our web page with all of our banker license numbers and states of operation, and read all about my coolest bosses ever! www.southwestdirectmortgage.com

If it's too good to be true.....

Then the offer generally is and not legit. I have learned this lesson the hard way in my life. The good life comes with LOTS and LOTS of hard work, elbow grease, suffering sometimes, pain, but most of all blood, sweat, and tears of hard work. I know, as most other working folks do, the good life and good things in life come with that price.

However, in this economy people are willing to do anything, no matter how simple or how complex to make a living. Unfortunately too, there are some real shit bags that will take you for all you are worth. They strip you of your bank account first, and then the rest of your life is stripped because you cannot afford to maintain your life, and finally, you are stripped of your pride.

Folks, take heed in these hard economic times. Don't be a victim to scammers, easy jobs that may require a little bit of hard work but not a lot in the grand scheme are scams. Anything and I mean ANYTHING that wants you to pay money up front is a bunch of HOGWASH!! I have worked in the car business, mortgages, sales, finance, and I have never asked anyone for money on something that they didn't get the product and work hard to get it, first! Never give out your credit card number, bank account, nothing!! If you want to know where I am going with this, please go check out my sister Brittany's blog where she talks about how our brother got scammed and he isn't the only one, especially in this rough economy where jobs are scarce. Below is also the names of the websites of the scamming companies to watch for.

Leaving you with my favorite quote from

The Weatherman (2005) with Nicholas Cage and Michael Caine:

Nothing that has meaning is easy.

www.overtimesports.us.com

www.gameday-usa.net

www.531854.info

www.game-time.us.com

www.in-sports.biz

www.gameday-usa.net

Ideas, sponsors, and feedback..Oh my!

So I want to do some fun stuff with being frugal in this economy. I am thinking of doing a frugal week but am lacking inspiration for some reason or another. Not quite sure why I am lack inspiration I mean I am the penny pinching bitch of mankind and I can handle money like no other but am lacking inspiration. I want to find some really frugal money saving products, I mean BIG savings, not just a few bucks here and there. I am not discounting (ha, pardon the pun) the smaller savings, but when you live on a budget, times are tough and the cost of goods is on the rise....you need BIG savings. If you are a company, fellow blogger, entrepreneur, or my favorite average Joe let me know your ideas or let me try out your product in ALL honesty to let you know the overall savings amounts. I mean I am a finance guru, I can do math like no other!! Compound equations got nothing on me!

I also want to do some really cool, innovative organic and or green products. I do not think we do enough to promote the importance of organic. Organic reduces the carbon foot print we leave by leaps and bounds, plus all the health benefits of not pumping extra chemicals and garbage into our systems. I am thinking a "Green Team" or "The Big O" on organic so give me your feedback and let's see if we can't do something fun on the net again.

I mean who really wants to bitch about BK's Square butts commercial? Not me!

Day 3 "FREE" Week Product Review - Traba Door, Traba International

Welcome to Day 3 of The Five Fish "FREE" Week!!

I promised and so I am delivering.....since I got off on some tangents in the last 24 hours.

Okay so as I mentioned in yesterday's post you can actually make over your home in a preservative FREE fashion! Okay, I know you are saying, there are no preservatives in my home...what could have preservatives, what would need to be preserved? Well for one the wood in your home is made with preservatives. Yup, some of the good old 2X4 or 2X6 construction has what is called "green" wood (it actually is colored green) which is great for fighting those nasty little buggers called.............TERMITES!!! Plus "green" wood is treated so it is less likely to warp due to weather and takes longer to burn when your house is on fire from what DH has told me. I'm no "wood" pro (*giggle) so ask your local contractor or one of those fabu guys at the Home Depot.

Alright, so the biggest thing next to the overall construction is paint, which they have VOC free stuff (again click on the HD above) your carpet (same linky) and DOORS!!! Yes those fabulous things to keep our privacy are LOADED with nasty stuff that we are completely unaware of. Here is what a standard MDF door is filled with.........FORMALDEHYDE!!! Tell me that is not a preservative?! I mean we use it on the dead......good thing they are dead because it causes....you guessed it.....CANCER!! Hello, preserves them right? Preservative. Now luan doors, pictured below, you would think are super safe and preservative free right? Because they are a species of a mahogany in the veneer on the door. Nope they use the same type of glue as the MDF, the glue holds down that luan veneer that looks so great right? Nope...ugly doors!

Those photos are straight out of my home when I bought it in 2004. Aren't they stunning?

I hear crickets................

that must be a FAT NO!!

Alright so here is what my home looks like now.....mind you I made all the simple and inexpensive makeover options: paint and doors, plus a nice set of runners. All of that cost $240! But that includes the two runners, the doors you see in the above pictures (8 doors @ $20 each for a slab) and the paint! Now the best part of these doors......they are FORMALDEHYDE FREE!!












How is that? Well the new doors being distributed by Traba Door beginning this year have to be formaldehyde free due to legislation passed in California which is where Traba headquarters are located. California Air Regulation Board passed a law about airborne toxins in products that have formaldehyde, among other toxic and carcinogenic preservatives, such as cabinets, doors, the whole gamut. So every door that is manufactured and sold by Traba has to meet the CARB regulations.



Here is some info on Traba straight from their website:


Traba is pleased to present an international line of doors infused with historic design and hand crafted with a rich blend of materials. Everything from the doors core construction to its beautiful finish is completed with relentless attention to detail ensuring every door is as strong as it is beautiful. More than just a brand, Traba retains old world craftsmanship with unmatched value.Traba Classic Series doors feature a unique 1 ½” solid wood edge along the top and sides; plus a 4” solid wood bottom rail. The deeper edges make the door capable of accepting longer screws while also providing extra room to customize for a special floor treatment or tight space. The stiles are 5” wide adding flexibility to incorporate an over sized lock set. A one piece veneer finish eliminates seams that appear over time in normal stile and rail constructed doors.

Environmentally Friendly Manufacturing

While the value of the engineered core is reflected in the superior strength and stability of the door, our real value is in the savings for the environment. Our engineered products are constructed of recycled industry bi-product which reflects our commitment to naturally sustainable construction and our environment. We are committed to improving the environment around us and we welcome any opportunity to contribute or participate in environmentally friendly projects focused on the sustainability of the resources around us. Our direct influence and participation in our facilities allow us the ability to control the adhesives and products we use and therefore reduce the quantity of indoor air contaminants.

So with the doors being preservative free they are also a GREEN alternative!! The doors are made of composite materials, so the materials that would normally be thrown away. Click the MDF link above to read more about it. They do also have a wood product, Knotty Alder and I have to say that after reviewing all the beauty shots of the door I was head over heels.

Now you might also be wondering about warranty info and if you aren't here is the info.....every good door has a warranty!



Warranty - Classic Series

Limited Lifetime Warranty
A limited Lifetime Warranty is provided on all The Classic Series of MDF Interior Doors offered by TRABA INDUSTRIES. The Limited Lifetime Warranty is offered as long as the MDF Interior Door is in its originally installed location.
The Limited Lifetime Warranty covers all The Classic Series of MDF Interior Doors against warping, cracking and splitting. The Limited Lifetime Warranty does not cover any damage caused by cuts, abrasions or scratches on the surface of The Classic Series MDF Interior Doors. The Limited Lifetime Warranty excludes any doors used for the purpose of an exterior application. Only an authorized TRABA INDUSTRIES representative may give written consent to replace any of The Classic Series of MDF Doors.
Limitations and Exclusions
Priming of Traba Doors must be applied on all six sides (top, bottom, edges, front & back) within 72 hours. Failure to prime all six sides within 72 hours will void the limited lifetime warranty.Limited lifetime warranty pertains to doors for interior use only. If used for exterior applications, the limited lifetime warranty is void. Normal wear and tear including wear-through of the finish or deterioration for reasons other than materials and workmanship of the door itself.Abusive handling.Doors left sealed/unfinished at the job site, exposed to the elements. Appearance caused by failure to follow recommended handling, and finishing guidelines is not covered by this warranty.The appearance of field finished doors is not warranted in any event.Natural variation in the color or texture of wood not considered being a defect.Warp is not considered a defect unless it exceeds 1/4" in the plane of the door itself. "Warp" is any distortion in the wood itself and does not refer to the relationship of the door to the frame or jamb in which it is hung. The term "warp" shall include bow, cup and twist. For doors larger than 3/0 x 7/0, warp shall not exceed 3/8" in the plane of the door itself.If warranted door(s) are found to contain defects stated, the manufacturere may, at its option, either:Repair the door(s) without charge.Replace the door(s) without charge, in the same stage of fitting and/or finishing as was originally supplied.



If you are interested in a super easy, inexpensive, preservative free, beautiful home makeover and would love to see Traba in your home....be sure to contact Chad and he can point you to the many distributors and door shops all over the U.S. (and soon Canada!) that carry Traba Doors. I know here in Arizona, Legacy Custom Doors is carrying Traba. When you contact Traba by emailing Chad, let him know you read the Traba Door review here at Five Fish, so you get the superior treatment I received from the gentlemen at Traba.

Make it a Great Wednesday!

It's a House Party!!!

My sister, Nicole, over @ The Hudson Fam 4, and one of my partners at Three Sisters is having a super cool party!

Simply head on over to House Party to read all the juicy details of all the available and upcoming parties! What a great way to review, test, share, and have a blast with a new product.

So back to Nicole. She is doing the biggest and most popular house party known to man.....

THE AMERICAN IDOL FINALE FORD HOUSE PARTY

I mean how freaking cool is that!? You get to check out the totally redesigned Ford Fusion plus Ford is offering great incentives like a $1700 federal tax credit for those buying the new Ford Fusion Hybrid. So you get paid to be green? Sounds like an added bonus to me, at least that bailout money is being put to good use!

Keep an eye out for Ms. Nic as she is going to start promoting her house party, post cool pics of the whole event and give us all the juicy details on the American Idol Finale and the new Ford Fusion. Way to go Nicole!

Be sure to sign up for your very own House Party and tell them how you heard about it!