tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188674.post5386007926811086120..comments2024-03-27T04:00:02.294-04:00Comments on EditorMom: People Who Think They Know EverythingKatharine O'Moore-Klopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14699159708036532202noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188674.post-70581684848892889182009-01-04T13:56:00.000-05:002009-01-04T13:56:00.000-05:00Oh, we've had that conversation, KCB—many times. H...Oh, we've had <EM>that</EM> conversation, KCB—many times. He and my mother-in-law should be paying twice the rent that they are for such a nice three-room apartment ... which would cover our mortgage. But he always pleads poverty—fixed income, you know. He's always thought that the world owes him a living. And his brain appears to be missing the human chip, a lack that's somewhat common in elderly men with AD/HD who've never had any training in how to fake the social skills (such as compassion and love) that are incomprehensible to them. At this late date, he won't experience any eureka moments and he won't change for the better.<BR/><BR/>We'd never have entered into such an arrangement with Ed's parents in the first place if there were any other way that we could have afforded housing prices here on our own.Katharine O'Moore-Klopfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14699159708036532202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188674.post-47967163457841216782009-01-04T13:29:00.000-05:002009-01-04T13:29:00.000-05:00Yep. It's better to be lucky than good, and I'm al...Yep. It's better to be lucky than good, and I'm always amazed by how many people mistake their good fortune for personal virtue. <BR/><BR/>I think this economy is actually kicking hardest the people who did save and invest. DH and I have invested for the long term, not for quick gains, and we've taken a hell of a beating over the past year, as have lots of other folks who were careful with their money. <BR/><BR/>Stuff happens, and blame doesn't help anyone recover. But the imp in me wonders what would happen if, the next time your FIL goes on about money decisions, you agreed--and announced that it was high time you started getting market-value rent on the space you've graciously created for him. ;)KCBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07997614397408889434noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188674.post-3435189006731537052008-12-31T10:10:00.000-05:002008-12-31T10:10:00.000-05:00Well written, Katharine, and a very appropriate re...Well written, Katharine, and a very appropriate response.<BR/><BR/>This reminds me of when I was a university student, living in a hostel in 1990. We went to visit Grandma that year, and I heard her telling my Mum she should try giving me less money to live on. I exploded - first time I got angry and my grandmother.<BR/><BR/>After paying my board, which included breakfast & dinner, I had $25/wk to cover everything else including public transport, lunch (home made cheese & tomato sandwiches and a piece of fruit), toiletries, stationery, etc. She didn't even know my budget, just assumed my mother, who had taken up a cleaning job to help me go to uni, was spoling me. Argh!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188674.post-3726712945137542072008-12-31T07:17:00.000-05:002008-12-31T07:17:00.000-05:00People lifted by a passing wave generally ascribe ...People lifted by a passing wave generally ascribe their elevation to their own virtue and equally ascribe the condition of those swamped by the same wave to presumed sinfulness. Perhaps your post will get someone to think before judging the next time, but somehow I doubt it.<BR/><BR/>Keep on doing what you have to do, and let's all hope we get out of this depression sooner rather than later.Dick Margulishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10169512038331158003noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188674.post-19041057892101789492008-12-31T00:26:00.000-05:002008-12-31T00:26:00.000-05:00Aw, Claire—the economy got to you too? Damn!Yes, j...Aw, Claire—the economy got to you too? Damn!<BR/><BR/>Yes, judge not lest ye be judged. Didn't someone somewhere say that once?<BR/><BR/>We <EM>did</EM> have a merry Christmas anyway, and we will have a happy New Year's. May 2009 bring us all more stability and peace of mind.Katharine O'Moore-Klopfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14699159708036532202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9188674.post-76733752693273866102008-12-31T00:17:00.000-05:002008-12-31T00:17:00.000-05:00I hear you, friend. I do. I've stopped reading muc...I hear you, friend. I do. I've stopped reading much of that list you talk about. I got tired of the preachiness. I too am having hard times and I don't spend a ton either. My largest - and only - credit card balance is just over two thousand dollars - and that was accrued during a period of unemployment a year ago - unemployment that I didn't ask for and wasn't expecting. And I didn't plan on my computer crapping out on me, and I suppose I could have done without a new one, but dang, I make my living with my computer... what's a single girl to do? <BR/><BR/>Wally World sure doesn't pay much, I'm sure, and I'm so sorry your hubby had to resort to working there. Right now, I'm looking at getting a second job, even though I'm working full time right now, just to get the bills paid off so I have zero debt. <BR/><BR/>People need to not judge until they've been in another's shoes - however that saying goes. Someday something will happen and they'll have to eat those words - maybe literally. Right? <BR/><BR/>Hope you are well and had a wonderful holiday season anyway, and Happy New Year to you and yours.<BR/><BR/>ClaireAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com