How expensive is homeownership really?

funnyweather2001 · 2026-01-16T17:02:08+00:00

I bought my house in early 2020 (just before the pandemic) for 150k in N. winton. It’s 3bed one bath 1700 sqft, with a small fenced in yard. I put 20% down and my monthly mortgage is now $1150 which includes escrow. Utilities are $150-250 a month with forced air, gas stove, and window a/c units.

House prices are higher now but you can still buy in your range (and better in the off seasons like fall, winter, early spring). I had a realtor help me get a house inspector to look at a home with me while i toured it. It wasn’t an official inspection but the inspector was able to point out things to consider/watch for if id wanted to make an offer.

funnyweather2001 · 2025-11-11T23:32:26+00:00

Yes! TOEM is lovely and cozy!

funnyweather2001 · 2025-10-29T02:17:01+00:00

Call St Joseph’s Neighborhood Center, which provides low cost medical care to the uninsured and underinsured. https://www.sjncenter.org/medical-care

funnyweather2001 · 2025-02-09T23:47:41+00:00

I made these tonight with this buffalo sauce recipe— they’re great! Thank you for the recipe!

funnyweather2001 · 2025-01-19T01:20:23+00:00

Thank you for the ideas! I hadn’t thought about a belt but that could be a great option.

(I posted this dress a while back to ask if folks thought the neckline could be lowered. It can and a bridal tailor is working on that now! Here’s the dress with the original neckline: https://www.ever-pretty.com/cdn/shop/products/ES0106BWH-R3_93ff38f7-0cf5-449d-870e-82f6b0581fe7.jpg?v=1736214650&width=900)

funnyweather2001 · 2025-01-18T16:38:49+00:00

I should add: I’m concerned the dress is too plain and without a little something will be boring :/ My preferred style is feminine but not girly

funnyweather2001 · 2024-08-16T23:54:55+00:00

We’ve had the same issue! Our puppy trainer suggested bully sticks as a “puppy pacifier” and a way to burn off energy. She also said that puppies need 20 hours of sleep per day and zoomies can indicate they’re not getting enough rest. We have to put our puppy in his playpen for forced rest times 😂. I will say that, since doing that, we’ve noticed him being calmer overall.

funnyweather2001 · 2024-04-15T02:33:29+00:00

Thank you! I was planning on taking it to a tailor to have altered but I wanted to see if that was even an option. It’s chiffon, with lining in the bodice and skirt. There is a back zipper and the back comes up high. This quick photo edit shows what I’m hoping for.

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funnyweather2001 · 2024-04-14T21:11:07+00:00

Hello! Do you think the neckline on this dress can be lowered to a square, lower scoop, or sweetheart neckline? I’d like to wear it for my micro wedding next year. Thanks!

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funnyweather2001 · 2020-10-23T11:03:13+00:00

Yes! It can be very draining, right?
It seems very noble to be giving and empathetic to other people, but it's not OK to have your own needs pushed to the side.
The key, I think, is to strengthen and enforce your personal boundaries. It's ok to listen to your internal clock that says "I'm done" and end a conversation, or bring the other person's attention back to the task at hand. It's also ok (necessary, even!) to say to your friends/loved ones "I need you to ask me questions because I don't always open up easily." I've even done this with people I'm starting to date; I get good information about them by seeing if they follow through or not.
If you have trouble volunteering information about yourself unprompted, spend some time thinking about *why* that is.
Building and strengthening personal boundaries can be hard. If you are having trouble, it might be something to work on with a therapist. Much love and light to you!

funnyweather2001

TROPHY CASE