What happened to the economy?

This video is the best explanation I've seen on what's happened to our economy because of the subprime lending crisis. (Remember two weeks ago when all the "experts" on the news were all baffled?) It supports all its claims with evidence from sources such as the New York Times and government documents. Very worthwhile, but make sure you have a little time: it's about 10 minutes long.



I don't usually get political because to be honest I'm not really thrilled about either candidate. (This whole economic thing has made me really miss Mitt). So I apologize, but I thought this was informative without too much extra rhetoric that sounds pretty but says nothing.

House Update

We currently have 3 homes. Lest this sound appealing, I assure you it's not. Particularly when you have to pay for them on less than a "Lifestyles-of-the-Rich-and-Famous" salary.

Home #1: A 2-bedroom condo in Jersey City, NJ, that we don't need and don't want. We have given up on selling it this year and are currently looking for renters. If you know of anyone who'd be interested, please please please email me.

Home #2: A 3-bedroom apartment in Rockwall, TX that we don't want but really need. I don't know how old this complex is, but it has charming qualities like circuit breakers that randomly stop working, thus rendering your stove unusable at the worst of times (like when your toddler is standing next to you chanting "eat! eat!"). Really, it's not that bad, and it's nice to have an extra bedroom/study/storage room. But I don't particularly want to be here and sort of feel like now that I'm in suburbia, I really shouldn't have to haul groceries up two flights of stairs.

Home #3: A six-bedroom house that we really want but isn't quite ready for occupancy yet. Though, to be fair, it's getting really close and we should be in by Halloween. (We give up the lease on home #2 on November 3rd, and if we find renters for home #1 all should be pretty good. If not, well, home #3 is going to be pretty empty for a while and we'll be eating lots of rice and noodles).

The Dallas Aquarium

Note: Yes, I know I've been a blogging slacker. But I have repented and am catching up. So for your viewing pleasure, enjoy these pictures of our visit to the Dallas Aquarium. They are a little old (we went back when we were living in the La Quinta at the end of July), but it's one of the coolest aquariums we've ever been to. And we know fish! Well, Dave really likes them. But seriously, it was fabulous, and I'd totally get a membership if I had 4 kids to make it worth the $200. As an added bonus, instead of expensive fast food as your only dining option, they had an actual, moderately priced Mexican restaurant that was totally yummy. I'm a fan. Now if only I could justify that membership fee...

Emma and I with the cool foliage outside the building

Emma and I in front of the big tank. The blur at the bottom right is a sea turtle, and the blur above me is either some sort of shark or a manatee.

Emma conversing with the penguins.

Dave was there too! He and Emma hanging out with the penguins.

I thought I had more pictures than this, but you'll just have to take my word for it. It really is cool. The main part is 3 levels, starting with the top of a rain forest (with monkeys!), descending down to the shore (with alligators!), and then underwater (with manatees!). We had fun. Come visit us, we'll take you.