Laughter

Today I read a great article in the September Ensign titled, "The Power of Laughter". I loved it because I love to be happy and I think a lot of times people are too stuffy and take life too seriously. I have run into some very serious people that could definitely lighten up (including me at times) and I think some people even think that you have to be serious all the time to be a good spiritual person. I think the best company is made up of people who laugh, joke and have a good time, but also know when to be serious. Oh, and there is a quote in the article that reads, "A little craziness once in a while perpetuates sanity." This is SO true, especially in relationships. Sometimes Jason looks at me like I'm the biggest moron, but at least I can get him to laugh! When I finished the article, I noticed the "One for the Money" article directly followed that so I continued reading. It proceded to say that "the American Bar Association has recently indicated 89% of divorces could be traced to quarrels and accusations over money." (page 37) Then on the same page, it says, "Peace, contentment, love, and security in the home are not possible when financial anxieties and bickerings prevail." And with that, I laughed in my head about our house in Utah. So here are some reasons why I laughed... and continue to laugh (and rant) when I am asked how it's going:

Our house was supposed to be substantially complete on November 1, 2006... and it's still not done.

We decided to go forward with our spec home, found out I was pregnant with Clara and Jason quit his job and started his own business all within a few months (based on those facts, you'd never guess I was a reserved accountant!)

I got approved on my own for our construction loan, but I don't think we can get approved together for our long-term financing because we make much less now and there are some serious issues transpiring in the lending industry. Unless I keep getting $40 paychecks, then there might be some hope.

Originally we were told we'd put $0 down and over a year later, we have put our ENTIRE savings down... or used it to make unexpected payments (I'm sure one day I will have the world's most negative post and accumulate all the jokes related to this great idea). On top of that, we had to get a student loan to pay for Jason's semester.

They say a couple's most fun times are when they are poor and I'm pretty sure we, by definition are POOR. Therefore, I'm looking forward to much fun and good times in the next few months.

Jason and I are going to be so healthy because we won't be able to afford much meat and we're going to eat lots of rice and beans. This is even funnier if you know how much Jason loves meat.

Every time I talk to certain people, I try to sell them their dream house, hasn't worked yet.

I've learned all the ins and outs of investing in real estate so my next spec home will go much smoother (roaring laughter for that one).

And here is the beautiful home that has brought such 'joy' to my life...Laugh laugh, ha ha... really, you have to laugh about it, because the only other option is to cry! :)