NoiseDesign, funny you mention that about the fast food. I too haven't gone through any drive-through other than Starbucks since November! I quit the habit and I feel much better for it. I make sure I bring in carrots or some other snacky filling thing to eat for the drive home (when I was most likely to hit Taco Bell) and also make sure I have good food at home that I can prep and eat within 20 minutes. With my commute, knowing I can eat right away once I am home is key.

Suzi, I am so excited for you! So, one of the key differences between FHA and non-FHA is that if you don't put down 20% you'll need to pay PMI (mortgage insurance). For 2015, for certain income levels, that PMI is still deductible (like the mortgage interest).

ETA: Plei, that is a double whammy for sure and I am so sorry to hear it. Let me know if there's anything I can do for you.

Sorry to hear that life is piling the crap up on you, Plei.

This may be the most encouraging science news I've read in years: [link]

Ginger, think they might be realistic about their time estimate?

I'm both laughing and wanting to punch this author through my computer. The author who replied "no changes necessary" even though there were several direct queries he didn't answer? One of the queries was to change the title, because it was vague and wasn't science-y enough (the senior staff prefers the article titles be about whatever medical dealie the article is about, not something like "Bold Changes Ahead!", which is more or less what this guy titled his article).

His reply? "I like the title."

He might actually be Bartleby the Scrivener.

I'm punting this one to my boss. I'm over this jackhole.

Steph, that sounds like some of my coworkers. At least you (/your boss) have some leverage in the situation?

both of us - fold and put away clothes from drying racks
me - vacuum front room - carpet and furniture (damn animals)
me - use up as much of the perishable food as I can - 2 egg scrambles done and all breakfast sausage cooked, big salad with leftover chicken, caprese salad and leftover pizza
both of us - vacuum respective bedrooms, put away clothes
both of us - pack - mac has laid out his clothes for me to check
me - litter boxes
mac - vacuum furniture in backroom
me - DEAL WITH THE PAPER EVERYWHERE
me - upload medical bills to fsa - did one, have not found others
me - start taxes? (honestly probably not)
me - check all bills to make sure are paid
me - food scraps to compost.

I may still get started on packing, and I will absolutely get mac's stuff packed. Since the roads cleared, I went to the store for a few things and mailed 2 packages. There were definitely be school and work tomorrow, so paper will most likely not be dealt with thoroughly. The food, I will take lunch to work tomorrow and then just do the best I can with dinner tomorrow night. Maybe I'll pack a salad for the plane.

Steph, that sounds like some of my coworkers. At least you (/your boss) have some leverage in the situation?

I've actually not yet encountered an author who flatly refused to change something when we requested that they do so; I'm not sure at what point we say "Okay, we'll leave your stupid-sounding title," versus "Change the title or our goons will show up to remove your kneecaps!" [SPOILER: we don't actually have goons.]

Look at you go, msbelle!

[SPOILER: we don't actually have goons.]

Dammit.

one of the key differences between FHA and non-FHA is that if you don't put down 20% you'll need to pay PMI (mortgage insurance)

FHA also requires PMI though that does not fall off when you have 20% equity. It remains for the life of the loan. FHA benefits? A lot lower down payment, debt to income ratio can be higher, and no need for a co-signer. I really don't see a downside to starting off with an FHA loan, and then refinancing in a few years to a conventional.

FHA might be a good start so you don't have to raid your reserves to come up with a huge down payment.

I like the idea of Steph with goons.

msbelle, you are TCB all day today. I'd like some of that motivation please.

[SPOILER: we don't actually have goons.]

That you know of.

I am so tired. I've had no energy all day. I think all my energy has gone to my immune system. I hope it wins.