Jon Stewart Totally Rocks

He just interviewed John Bolton, former US Ambassador to the UN (despite his very public contempt for the entire institution). Stewart smoked him. It was amazing.

If I find it on You Tube I'll link it.

Ol' Blue Eyes

2007-03-18 2006 January to 2007 March 192, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

This girl and her big brother have the best eyes, especially as babies. They're like Cindy Lou Who.

Erin & Me

2007-03-18 2006 January to 2007 March 188, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

In the yard at the Gaspee House, June 2006

Homeownership is Overrated

I requested a Comparative Market Analysis for my condo today. It was looking really bleak at first, but I think I'm still in break-even territory. Jeff, my realtor, is coming here on Wednesday to check out this place and see a few others in the development. Time for a little reconnaissance mission, to see what people are offering compared to what they are asking.

Everyone always says owning a home is a good idea, but it's not perfect. I wish I would have considered that the value might go down; or even that realtor commission and fees mean that you ought not to consider selling a house that you don't think you can get at least 5% more money than you paid.

If you're planning on sticking around for a while, real estate is a great idea. I love my home and don't regret having bought it (quite) but I will be annoyed if I can't break even at least. I really wish I had considered that I might not want to live here long enough to let it appreciate. The lame-ass financing doesn't help. I have next-to-no equity, either in time or in interest.

There is a lot to come in terms of this sale, but no matter what, I must remember that it will be educational. And you know sometimes education costs money. You certainly can't buy experience, though I suppose you always pay for it.

Truly a Whirlwind

I'm back from Rhode Island. Between visiting and running around and dealing with teaching I didn't stop moving. There was even a Nor'easter that snowed us in on Friday and I still graded assignments most of the day and evening. Still, the bits of time at the Gaspee House were good, as was the chance to see so many people.

There is so much to do, to decide and plan.

Rosticeria

Rosticeria Cropped, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

Because it was taken out a bus window, I thought I'd give this picture a little adjustment. You can see the original on Flickr. I think the full frame might work if it were printed HUGE, but it's distracting otherwise. A tighter crop yields a better composition.

Mexico City January, 2005.

Pyramid Detail

Pyramid Detail, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

At the Aztec Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, Mexico City 2005

Candles

Candles, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

At the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Mexico City, January 2005

The New Kitten

2006-8-2 The New Kitten 037, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

Just a couple days after I brought Rococo home, here she is on August 2, 2006. Roquita was very sick with an eye and sinus infection. Her eyes and nose would get all gunked up with sticky green mucus I had to clear up several times a day. Her eyes were always squinting and watery. She needed some love and care and antibiotics, not unlike Mojo 7 years earlier. What can I say, I never met a sick kitten I didn't try to save.

Sunshine and Nap Time

Spring has arrived, finalement!!!!

I'm a go take a nap next to the open window with the cats. Mojo is camped out on the bed next to the window, taking in the fresh air she loves.

Later!