let's be quick about this, shall we?

I rode the bus again today. There was another person on it! And it is SO easy. It kind of sucks knowing that it's impossible for me to stay late, though another co-worker (whose work might make me need to stay) said he could take me home if needed.

I am going to look at townhomes tonight. These two are some of the ones I'll be seeing.

I'm also wondering if I should consider something like this. Yes it is older and not as "cute," but it's also cheaper, in a good location (well both are, but good in different ways) and it is thisclose to a bus stop that would get me to work in 15 minutes. I would not be so nervous if I were buying a place like that, I think.

Speaking of homes, I really appreciate all of the feedback, insight, advice and all that everyone is giving me! And encouragement! And perspective. It is so great!!! My friend Patty sent me a link to two calculators (1, 2) and I ran the numbers real quick like. It looks like I make enough money and it would be smart to buy now. Well, as long as I keep my house cost under my pre-determined limit. :)

There is one thing I'm not enjoying though. Lectures. I got another one yesterday. Basically, my Granny thinks we got our wires crossed. When she told me to buy a house, she meant a teen-itesy one-bedroom cramped affair. Something older and crummy and veryvery small. with a yard.

Which, if you were in the 1920s and married and all, would totally make sense. And I see what she means, and quite frankly I'd LOVE a yard.

except that I wouldn't like the grass-cutting part at all.

She explained that everything I was looking at was "too big" and that I was making a gigantic mistake even considering it--how could I be so risky? And ill-informed?

Mind you, she does not know my salary. She does not know my tax rate. Or anything about the houses I've been checking out online other than that I have seen enough to make me ever-so-slightly nervous, though admittedly that's more about being this "independent woman" than it is about the money, though it is about the money too.

Also, I double-dog dare you to find a house that fits that description, in durham, near a grocery store if possible, a bus line, close enough to work and church that it's not unreasonable. oh, and in a neighborhood that's safe for a single twenty-something to live in all by herself. I wish you luck. If you find one for under 120k that fits all these requirements, I will bake you a pie.

This was also incredibly frustrating. I will admit that it did lead me to look more at the older townhomes in Durham, though. I went to the tax records and couldn't see how any of them were appreciating because most people have owned theirs since before January 2006. But I'm looking.
anyway, that's the update. tonight I go to look at the nice new-ish ones near where I already live. and....

TOMORROW IS MY ECO-PARTY!!!

we're going with carolina brewing company's pale ale, and we're just getting a pony and some six packs. the full keg was pushing it for 20-26 people! But YAY! I'm excited!!! And I have just the thing to wear. :)

More about Lost, yesterday, etc later. must. get. done. with. memo.