Mutual Self Help Program

We came across this program the other day and were immediately interested. The US Department of Agriculture facilitates the Mutual Self-Help program, which allows families to participate in the building of their own home. Six to 10 families work together, under the direction of a contractor, to build approximately 65% of their own homes. Through sweat equity, and a subsidized interest rate, families are able to buy homes that are normally unaffordable.

Here are a few more details I have gathered:

1 Homes must be in a designated rural area. This program is through the rural housing development which tries to support and promote rural housing.

2) Families must meet income guidelines.

3) Families must commit a total of 35 hours of labor per week.

4) No one is allowed to move into their home until all homes are completed.

5) More than 200 homes have been built through the Mutual Self-Help program in Utah County.

6) Once approved, families have the opportunity to choose the lot, house plan, and colors they want--all from the designated choices.

7)In Utah County, it is estimated to take around 7-10 months to complete the homes.

8) Applicants must have good credit, meet the income qualifications, be available to contribute 35 hours per week, and meet the debt-to-income guidelines.


More Information

Thank You

I am grateful for many things. Sometimes I lose vision and get distracted by the things that are not perfect in my life. Here are a few simple things I am grateful for today.

1) An employer called me today to ask for my help. This means I have built a decent enough relationship for her to think of me!
2) I looked great in my new cream skirt. I felt confident and pretty.
3) I got free lunch today from an employer I networked with at a career fair.
4) The career fair I planned this semester was significantly more successful than many others in the state.
5) I had the opportunity to take a short nap this evening.
6) Tonight my department is getting recognized as a significant contributor to student success.
7) I haven't spent any money today.
8) I wore comfortable and cute shoes all day!
9) My sweet husband drove me to and from work today.
10) I do not have 12 lb. tree trunk warts on my hands or feet. Seriously, have you seen this guy?! Tree Man What a terrible affliction! This makes me grateful for the few pimples I have.

I called it!

Congrats Tar Heels! I knew you'd be national champs.

Sometimes it is fun to go to a championship school. I am proud to call myself a Tar Heel. Afterall, UNC is ranked 30th in the nation, and the number 5 public school (the top 25 schools are all private). Granted, they have an advantage as the nation's first public university. And how cool is it to go to the same school Michael Jordan and Mia Hamm attended?! ha ha

And have you noticed how many students wear Carolina blue apparel on BYU and UVU campus? Ironic. That's part of the reason I thought of going to UNC--brand recognition.

Happy Anniversary

It's official. I have been married to my sweet husband for two years. Being married is mostly natural, but kind of weird. I often catch myself looking at him in awe and thinking, "Wait. He's actually mine! We are together."

I remember the first several months of marriage were so weird. It just didn't feel real considering what that meant. Russell and I consistently asked (and sometimes still do), "Can you believe we are actually married? Can you believe it would be a complicated and hard process if we suddenly didn't want to be together anymore?" So odd that one little ceremony redefines the rest of your life and your relationship.

I am priveledged to have such a wonderful partner. Russell is a good compliment to my personality. He reminds me to not take life too seriously, to appreciate the important things in life (like relationships), and to give myself a break when I am being unreasonably hard on myself. Thank you for the candle-lit baths when you know I just need time to myself to relax. Thank you for taking me to sushi on our anniversary--even though you hate it and it gives me fish breath. Thanks for cleaning the house when I am at work and fixing the cars and organizing our closets and cabinets so I can find things. Thank you for cheerfully doing whatever I ask and never grumbling about it. I appreciate the long drive you took to take me to see my sister--and that it was your idea. You make the best navajo tacos and shakes. Thank you for generously supporting my hobbies. And thank you for taking the huge risk to leave your job behind to go back to school to make a better life for our family.

And to all you Twilight fans, I never understood why Edward is so glorious. I am satisfied with my own human. I think Russell can give Edward a pretty good run for his money.

Oops!

Apparently showing off your underwear isn't such a big deal for guys. It seems like many even do it on purpose.

The other day I left the restroom at work with my underwear tucked into my skirt. It was certainly a show as my whole behind was on parade. Fortunately, I caught myself before I took more than 5 steps. I think no one saw, but there was a reception desk with several people who could have caught my mistake.

Unfortunately, this has happened to me on at least 2 additional occasions. Both times I didn't notice until I had been sitting in my office for awhile. This means I pranced in front of several reception desks, students walking the halls and my own co-workers. Oops!

Don't you hate it when. . .

I was googling images for work the other day. Just a reminder that words like "job" can return some not so nice images. I guess it shouldn't surprise me as pornography is one of the top internet hits.

I do count myself fortunate that this happens rarely. But still--YUCK!

Well, I'm off to delete all 50 enhancement and hot sexy chick emails I have waiting for me in my email account.

Back from Iowa

Russell and I returned from our road trip to Iowa on Sunday morning at 3:00am. We had a good time socializing with Erin and Abe, observing the Amish, and driving through the rolling hills.

I think a lot of people give Iowa a bad rap. Boring, rural. . ., right? In fact, I had a client today say she could work anywhere but the midwest. But, I actually really like it. I find the landscape quaint and charming. I really enjoyed all of the amazing farm houses with their rolling hills, red barns, and silos. I am a sucker for old historic homes and untouched landscapes. I especially like the idea of living in a rural area, but still being only 5-10 minutes away from a decent sized city. Makes me miss North Carolina a bit.

PS, we saw fossils of sea shells and worms. That's a pretty exciting draw, I'd say.