We talked with a loan officer this week about the latest loan modification. Our loan amount has been increased, which, of course, means higher payments. That should be okay as long as our rental is paid off sooner than later (it’s close). The next step should be getting a phone call from our case manager … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 68
We heard back from the loss verifier for our disaster loan this week. He sent our file off to the loan officer with recommendations for additional funds added to our loan amount to account for increased building costs. We agreed to forgo some funds for things that we don’t plan to take care of until … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 67
We took a few steps back this week. 🙄 Because the world has gotten more expensive, we needed to get another estimate for our home. So, I called our sales rep and asked for the requested numbers. I was a bit surprised when our plan came in lower than their requirements, and for a lesser … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 66
Can you believe that tomorrow is 2022 already? 😳 Twenty-twenty-one was a year of recovery for First Reader and me. We spent much of January, February, and March cleaning up the debris, making a list of possessions, and applying for federal disaster relief. That experience was as emotionally draining as the fire itself. Grief hits … Continue reading Reflecting on 2021
Waiting, waiting, waitingWe’re forever waitingKeep these folks a waitin’For funds (Sung to the tune of “Rawhide”) This has, once again, been the story of our week. No word on anything—our building plans are still hung up with the state housing authority awaiting approval, and our disaster loan is stalled for the holidays. Which means that … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 64
It’s been another week of stagnation. The only progress we’ve made is crossing names off our Christmas list. Winter has finally arrived—sort of. Our area hasn’t had any snow to speak of, but the temperatures have sure plummeted. Morning walks now include bundling up with multiple layers, gloves, and earmuffs. If the temps get much … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 63
I feel like a broken record. It's been another frustrating week of no progress. With the holidays coming up, I suppose we shouldn't really expect much more than a check-in from our federal loan case manager. The time of year doesn't make the waiting any easier. One way I keep myself busy is by watching … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 62
We spent this past week waiting for a phone call that, of course, didn’t come. The next step in our loan takes us backward a couple of steps. Our application has been resubmitted to a loan officer, who will refer us to another loss verifier. Part of the reason is the estimates are coming in … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 61
We finally heard about the status of our loan: Hurry up and wait. But now we have until February 2022, so we can breathe until we hear from the next loan officer. Then, it will be a scramble to get the additional ducks lined up. Like I told our case manager, for the A.P.R. on … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 60
While last week felt like progress, this week felt like stagnation. I write these posts a day or two before they go live, but a lot can happen in that short time. We spent last Saturday participating in one of America’s least-favorite chores—raking the leaves and yet more apples out of the front and back … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 59
50,000 Monkeys at 50,000 Typewriters Can't Be Wrong
Tavern Tales
Malaysian-based writer, author, and storyteller
J.J. Shaun 