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One Week / Ramblings

July 24th, 2012 at 02:27 am

In one week I will be back in my own home with my own bed and my own cat! Can you tell that I'm more than ready to be back in NM??
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In looking at cars and prices, I'm beginning to wonder if I made a mistake not taking the Rogue. While it would not have been a car I was very excited about driving, it would be approximately the same amount as most cars I'm finding ($wise.) I showed my Egyptian Aunt and Uncle the car I found last night (2010 Versa w/less than 5k miles for $14,989) and my aunt came to me later and told me that I should probably keep it close to my chest that I'm looking at cars in the same price range as what was owed on the Rogue. Ugh! I can see what she's saying ... but if I looked at cars in the under 10k range, they'd be at least five or six years old with 50k+ miles. Someone probably would come up with some reason to be annoyed by that too.

It really would've been easier to have just kept the Rogue. Easier .. but I don't know that it would've made me happier (especially when my gas costs rose - Rogue avg 26mpg, Honda avg 30mgp.) Ok .. so maybe it's not THAT big of a difference in gas mileage... My brother's already changed his plane ticket, I've booked a train ticket and have someone picking me up.

I was pretty much in meltdown mode last week. I'd been doing research on what documents I needed for the DMV to transfer title, and saw a line in the affadavit that said something about "the estate has no creditors outstanding" and since all we've had come in so far of the medical bills is from the ambulance, I was worried about signing my name to that. Then my mind started going to where I imagined that the medical bills wiped out the little bit of cash estate left after paying the funeral expenses ... so then the choice would be to sell the Rogue or the stocks. Selling the stocks would be extremely stupid, so selling the Rogue .. what if I'd been making payments on it for six months and paying for the insurance .. sold my Honda already ... then I'd be out the payments plus have to look for another vehicle.. (this was part of my panic/meltdown thinking) Then I started looking at how to file taxes for a deceased, and it looked like the only way to do that was to petition the court to be appointed as the personal representative (still not sure on this one...) Anyway, my emotional state was way out of whack ... and what made me calm down was making the decision to NOT take the Rogue.

My aunt who works for a health insurance company, and a close friend of my brother's who is a doctor, both have stated that the liklihood of big bills from this isn't big due to dad having both medicare AND his former employer's health plan. Plus all the stuff he had done in the hospital are considered to be just procedures - not actual surgeries. I'll believe it when we're down the road a year from now and have seen the final costs ...

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In other news ... this morning I walked/ran 3 miles in 43:34 minutes. My pace was 14:50 - which is just ten seconds shy of my best 5k race time.

I am so tired - all the time. I keep hoping that my regualar running will at some point translate into energy. I wonder if my synthroid needs to be upped (although I hope not, not sure how much higher it can go - .137mcg.)

When I was feeding the birds this afternoon there was one larger bird that didn't get away. I stood really really still and it stayed put. I slowly stepped forward, and then a little ways towards it. It stayed. Only when I lifted my hand up to take down one of the bags did it fly away. That was pretty cool. Smile

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I did the final steps to link my Bofa and ING accounts today, and then transferred the money. By Tuesday it will be available for me to pay off the credit card I put the funeral expenses on. I'll be very happy to see that balance go back to normal!

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Last night I spent about an hour weeding my dads garden. I only got maybe half-way through - the weeds were really running rampant. As I was taking my bucket of weeds to the garbage, I heard the garage door close and lock. My grandma had locked me out of the house! Big Grin I knocked on the back window - she went to the front door. I kept on knocking and she finally figured out where the knocking was coming from. Smile

I think I'll probably go weed some more in a half-hour or so (hopefully cooler ..) this time though I'll be sure that she knows I'm outside!

10 Responses to “One Week / Ramblings”

  1. Monkey Mama Says:
    1343100531

    "Anyway, my emotional state was way out of whack ... and what made me calm down was making the decision to NOT take the Rogue."

    I think that's the only thing that really matters.

    The thing to me about the Rogue is there no choice in the matter. Which likely makes it not the best option, at all. If you consider your choices (which are also admittedly overwhelming) you should be able to find a better deal and something better fitting for you. I think it was a tough decision but a good one. Of course, I also don't like the possibility that you might have to sell it to pay estate bills, etc. Just one more reason it doesn't seem like the best idea to keep it. But regardless of all that, your sense of peace about it is a good compass. I am sorry others are pressuring you so much to second guess.

    On another note, just had lunch with a friend who is dealing with a passing parent's estate. I don't envy either of you in the least. She also just told me it was time to get her own estate in order. Dealing with these kind of affairs is very eye opening - makes one want to make it easier for their family when their time comes. ((HUGS))

  2. frugaltexan75 Says:
    1343103553

    Thanks MM. I think that (lack of choice) probably was the thing that threw me the most. It was just assumed by everyone that I'd be *thrilled* to inherit the Rogue. Even though I'd said many times how much I hated driving it and my dad's previous vehicle (a Jimmy.) If it didn't have the debt attached to it, I would have grinned and bore it. But to pay for up to 5 years on something I don't love ...

    I really do hope that the people around me will hear my experience and take heed to get their own affairs in order. Before this happened I would've said that there is no need for a single person with few assets to have a will or a living trust, etc. Now ... I sing a totally different tune. I think it is almost MORE important for a single person with few assets to have a will/living trust. I may not have children or a spouse, but if something happens to me, then my brother will have to muddle through all my affairs. Would it be fair to him to leave a mess, or to have it all clearly stated and easily taken care of? Or if my brother isn't here (God forbid!!) then do I really want whatever state I'm in to get whatever is in my estate??

  3. creditcardfree Says:
    1343133814

    I think you made the right choice on the Rouge as well. I'm sure it will feel good to get back to your home and your kitty!

  4. Monkey Mama Says:
    1343138137

    Unfortunately, no one will listen. I wouldn't hold my breath. Wink But maybe your brother will understand after all this.

  5. rob62521 Says:
    1343142020

    As for your dad's medical bills, usually with Medicare and a supplement, the bills outstanding are tiny. If something large does come up, be sure and check with the supplemental insurance. I ran into that problem with my mom about 6 years ago...seems the hospital coded it wrong and after 3 phone calls, a fax of the will showing I could talk to the insurance company, they told me what to tell the hospital, I did, and the bill was wiped out because insurance paid for it.

  6. My English Castle Says:
    1343142231

    Laura:
    It's so hard when everyone's emotions are so tightly strung. After my mom died, I needed to find some calming things to help me exit the sadness for just a little bit. Because I'm such a geek, reading and walking seemed to help me the most. It'll be so nice for you to get home...

  7. snafu Says:
    1343146498

    You've made the decision on the Rogue, don't over think it or be guilt-ed into long term dissatisfaction. The write ups on the Hyundai Accent were particularly good. Have a look on line or locally to throw up a barrier to the Rogue. Hyundai have a particularly good warranty. Did you know that several years ago Hyundai hired a team of Quality Control Experts from Honda [for what was considered an outrageous sum] to make certain their products were at least better than Honda. If you understand the culture differences between Japan and Korea you get a good idea of why Hyundai is doing so well].

  8. Swimgirl Says:
    1343168566

    "Meltdown" and "emotional state out of whack."

    You are TOTALLY allowed! I cannot imagine the stress you've had for the last couple of months! Please give yourself a break. You have been handling so much!

    That said, I think you made the right decision, too. It's a huge financial commitment, and if it wasn't the right car for you, it just wasn't. It's okay. It sounds like you need to get back into your normal routine, rest, and have a little more time to think and figure out what you really want. I've never made a car decision in such a short time, and you shouldn't have to, either.

    I'm just imagining how thrilled a certain kitty will be to see you!Smile

  9. frugaltexan75 Says:
    1343169815

    Thanks everyone. Your comments are very much appreciated.

    Snafu - I checked into the Accent. From what I read on Edmunds it looks like anything pre-2011 you want to stay away from. Prices for 2011+ are well out of my price range. But it does sound like a pretty good car (2011+)

  10. Thrifty Ray Says:
    1343183687

    Laura- remember that any cash your dad left is what should pay for his services. Dont pay anything else until his services are paid for. Any remaining creditors will be out of luck if there are no remaining assets. Be sure to keep that in mind as you settle everything.

    I am glad you are nearing the date to get your routine back. This has been one tough summer for you. DD3 and I loved getting to know you and we care about you!! If you ever want to come to Oregon, you are welcome to. Hugs

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