November 30, 2007

The Economy, Adoption, And Finances...Not Necessarily In That Order

Federal Chairman Ben S. Bernanke officially freaked everyone out last night when he told Congress that the economy is going to get worse before it gets better and that the economy is about to "slow noticeably". Great. There was also mention of the housing market continuing to sprial downward and the dollar hitting another new low against the euro and various other marvelous tidbits of information. Now, top this off with a sudden increase in our monthly mortgage payments due to our closing agent's GROSS miscalculation of our school tax and all of a sudden the topic of finances begins to creep it's way in to a growing number of conversations. Then again, we did sneak into the housing market last year just before things started to go really pear shaped and could not be happier with our cozy home, politically & environmentally active community, and one of the best school districts in the country.

What does this have to do with adoption?

1) Our school taxes are worth it. Bean is going to attend some of the best public schools in the US and have constant access to the influence of higher education via our local state university, SUNY New Paltz.

2) Our taxes pay the mailman who, yet again, neglected to deliver our I-171H today. I should be aiming this frustration towards USCIS, but unfortunately for the mailman he's the more visible candidate. So (for now) our mailman smells of elderberries.

2 comments:

Gamma! said...

Thank goodness you've got a great reason to celebrate today - Happy Birthday Michael! The USCIS really needs a tracking system so you can literally WATCH the progress and if it's stuck someplace, be able to do something about it. I know that's simplistic thinking, but sounds right to me! I'm praying that it comes SOON, but I think you'll just have to keep singing "Have patience, have patience, don't be in such a hurry" ditty a little longer. Love you guys!

Children's Hope International said...

Love it!