recessions suck for graduate students

Arg. Ok, so I'm trying to buy a house, right? The government seems to disagree.

I've been looking at property in my new city, talking to loan officers, getting chummy with real estate agents, and managed to get myself a nice pre-qualification amount-not a lot of change for my current area of living, but enough that I have options in my soon-to-be new home town. I found a realtor I can at least stand (I think...), and even reserved a room in a hotel for this weekend, so I can hopefully find the right place for me and my dog, "Half Pint". Upon realizing that my qualification might not be valid in another state, I called up my loan officer acquaintance, to make sure everything was hunky dory. He said he was all fine and dandy for working in state XY. Yay! However, he then started asking some questions about my stipend at RTU (River Tam University), and said he'd, "call me back". Uh oh. Some time later, he did return my call, to let me know that his company (and most others) are no longer willing to represent individuals receiving stipends for income.

Riiiiight. So, I had to call him up, to find out that his quote was no longer valid? LOVELY! This just made my evening. Here I am all ready to go up to RTU city to check out my possible homes, only to discover I couldn't actually sign any papers myself. Arg indeed.

So, I had a nice sit down with parents, asking (ok, maybe begging) if they'd co-sign with me, ensuring them that they'd never have to spend a dime. I'd actually rather get a second job working at nights than hit them up for money. Not that they wouldn't help me out, but I really prefer being able to support myself, and know that what I have is all mine!!!!! Muahahahahaha! So, maybe it's a bit less mad scientist crazy and more "I might have a bit too much pride to ask for money".

So, anywhoo, I no longer have my finances in order, but I'm still heading up to RTU city hoping to find something. I guess now I just have to hope that the loan officer and my father manage to get everything settled by the end of today... I hate not having any control over this stuff. ARG!!!!!!!!

I'm back, I'm alive!

So, you lovelies out there in the 'verse who happen across my wayward blog baby will eventually enjoy some glorious photos (I hope!!) of my recent trip to "the other continent". :) Yes, I know that there are really seven, but I have come to a small conclusion still under review that people function with a closed mind, and like their bubbles. In short, I went to Europe, and being on a ship for transportation, I was quite thoroughly encapsulated. I had no newspapers (COULD have picked up some at the various ports, but who wants to spend valuable tourists bucks finding out what the rest of the world is doing while on vacation???), few tv channels, and let's face it: when I was watching tv, I did not want to watch fox news. The biggest issue for me though, is the no internet. I spend quite a bit of time online waiting for things to happen and finish in the lab, so I have a small arsenal of sites I must visit each day. CuteOverload, IHasAHotdog, UglyOverload, Dr. Isis, etc. So, it is in these I feel the most need to catch up on since I got home. I've missed quite a few blog posts, many comics, and more cute puppy photos than I can possibly view in a day.

Upon returning though, and perusing the blogs, I have been reminded of several things. There's a current debate going on at Dr. Isis' home about annonymity online, and women in science (as usual). I am reminded why I chose to construct a pseudonym, why I blog, and what I hope to get out of it. I hope most, besides being a comfort to myself, that this small page may positively affect someone else. Maybe it'll introduce someone to cute kittehs with string, a new blog, a different perspective. And, eventually, if it's still alive in several years, it'll help someone get through their own trials and tribulations of undergraduate, graduate, or professional life. I feel like I'm stuck in customs, waiting to move to my new city for my new school and new career (as a student, again). Waiting to find a place to call home for the next five years or so. Waiting to find that special someone who can deal with my eccentricities without wanting to kill or maim me. So, here's to hoping I can bring new things to light for myself and you. Whoever you are. :)