Is that fair?

I just read this article, about credit card bailouts for individuals. Now, I'm a little angry. Maybe I shouldn't write angry, but too bad.
According to the article, some credit card companies are forgiving up to 50% of an individual's debt. One particular person was offered a 20% discount on his debt, which he declined, and a few weeks later received the 50% offer. A few weeks! Of course, many of the credit card companies wont comment on this great bargain, and official statements say that debt is a case-by-case situation. Yes, this debt forgiveness comes with strings - your credit card gets canceled and your credit report goes down the tubes. Really, you were already in debt, so your credit report already took a big hit.
You might be wondering why I'm angry about this. For multiple reasons, actually.
A few months ago, I read an article that stated credit card companies were starting to reduce credit limits, increase interest rates, or drop customers all together - this is for customers in good standing, no less. I don't recall the exact article I read, but this article from NPR says the same thing.
Having your credit limit lowered can hurt your credit score, and all you're doing is following the rules, paying at least the minimum amount (if not more) due. So, following the rules can actually hurt a person. Not to mention, that if your interest rate goes up (for no other reason than to help protect the credit card company from more risk), now you're paying more for the things you buy (if you don't pay the card off every month).
So, the way I see it: you follow the rules, you have a good chance of getting screwed financially. You have debt, hey, we forgive you.
I understand the credit card companies wanting to recover some of their loss, rather than getting nothing. I understand the logic and theory of the companies reducing their risk and covering their own butts. I really do, and I can't argue with the theory of it. What makes me mad is that good people who are actually paying what they owe, per the terms, are still getting screwed. And yes, there are several people who have great debt for valid reasons (lost a job, student loans, illness, etc), and I feel for them. I'm not saying that those in need shouldn't be helped. I'm not saying that the credit card companies shouldn't recover as much money as they can. What I'm saying is that these bailouts are benefiting the issues that got us there in the first place. Oh, you offered up risky loans to people to buy houses they can't afford? Ok, here's some money. Oh, you purchased a house and planned to grow into your payments, but now can't afford it? Ok, we'll take care of that for you. Oh, you have a bunch of debt racked up on credit cards? Ok, you only owe half.
Through all of this forgiveness and special treatment, who's really benefiting? Are lessons being learned? Are individuals and businesses really not going to make the same mistakes again? Economy's are cyclical, rising and falling over time. I think our current economic state (which I call a depression) is largely due to bad choices, exasperated by a cyclical economic down-turn. A lack of good judgment, informed decisions, and sound business practices - on both businesses and individual peoples parts - has created a sink-hole of debt. We just keep shoving more and more money into this sink hole, hoping that the ground evens out and a hill (economic upturn) begins to grow. As of yet, I see no hill. But, down the road, our taxes will reflect all of these bailouts. There's no way around it. That money will need to be paid back. Are the rule followers being punished? No bailouts for us, but we'll be just as responsible to help pay off the debt. Seems the squeaky wheel does get the grease.

Here fishy, fishy, fishy

I enjoyed several hours out on the lake this past weekend. Everything from late-night star gazing to fishing and sunning. It was a great time, and something I haven't done in far, far too long. I only caught two tiny little sunfish. I guess my fishing skills are a bit rusty. I managed to work on my tan some, spending a majority of the day in my swim suit. The water was absolutely freezing, though. Proof of the cold spring and slow start to summer weather we're having here in MN. I managed to jump in twice, but for only a few seconds each time. I was very glad for the warm sun to thaw me back out. I couldn't have asked for a nicer weekend - beautiful weather, good company, laughter, fun times.
Saturday night, I went with friends to the buggy races at Running Aces in Forrest Lake. The gambling portion of the night didn't go so well. The laughing, joking, and drinking portions were much more successful. Buggy (horse) races are pretty fun, although quite a bit slower than regular horse races (with the jockey on the horses back instead of in a cart...are they still jockey's if they ride behind the horse???). I think dog races are still my favorite. Maybe that's because I've only gone to the dog races in Florida, which means I'm on vacation, I guess that could have something to do with it.
Anyway, I had a super fun, little responsibility weekend. It's nice to do that once in a while.

run, run, run

Yesterday it was cold and rainy. I spent my entire day in sweat pants and an over-sized sweatshirt. I enjoyed laying in bed late, a liesurely lunch, followed by Marley and Me. Curled up on the couch, I could have laid there the whole day. It was a comfy, cozy, sweet day.
I'm glad for it, for many reasons. Including how crazy-busy this week will be. Sunday's quiet, slow day should help propel me through the week.
Between outside-of-work work, invitations, softball, family obligations, and a much over-do dinner with a friend, I'm booked solid. Then I have plans to go fishing next weekend. This will be my first fishing trip for more than a decade. I'm a little nervous about the slimey/scaley fish-touching. Luckily, an experienced fisherman will be there to re-teach me how to cast, and hopefully will bait my hook for me too. I'm looking forward to some time out on the water, boat rides, bonfires, and starry skies.
I have a feeling this week will be a race to Friday, a re-curring theme for me. I just hope I can get all of my stuff done. That way I can relax and truly enjoy the experience and company of my weekend.

Right on, Sister!

"I hope I just show women that it's OK to inhabit your own body. I'm not a rah-rah feminist. But it's important to me that people see you can be an athlete and be strong – and also be a girl."
-Gabrielle Reece, Professional Beach Volleyball Player and Model.

True Story

The first date, a true story.
The evening started off beautifully. A slightly crisp spring night with a clear blue sky. He took her to dinner at a local hot-spot. The food was fantastic and the company was even better. Their next stop was an arcade for some competition. She proved herself, winning two rounds of hoops and a game of darts. Laughing at her good luck, because it certainly wasn't skill (ok, maybe a little). He seemed a little thrown-off, but impressed. He redeemed himself in a few more boy-friendly games. They opted to end their gaming fun at a tie. The night was going very well. They decided to continue on to a bar for some live music. Heading through downtown towards uptown, they crossed many one-way streets. Laughing and enjoying the conversation, both were surprised to see police lights flick on behind them. Of course, he spit out a couple of swear words. "You've got to be kidding me." Despite being a bit frazzled, maybe even a little embarassed, he was polite to the officer. Apparently he made a right hand turn on a red light, when it was illegal to do so. Neither of them had seen the sign. The cop wrote a ticket and wished them a good night. A $150 ticket. She offered a sympathetic smile and offered to end the evening. He smiled, but politely refused. "I'm not letting anything ruin tonight." The rest of the way to uptown, they hashed out the events of the ticket, both unable to remember a "no turn on red" sign. By the time they arrived at the bar, the conversation had changed to somethinig more pleasant. She was impressed by his reasonably calm reaction to getting such a lame ticket. They danced and sang-along to the music, rounding out a wonderful evening. On the drive home, they both laughed at the ridiculousness of getting a ticket on their first date. It's one of those stories you hear about, but never know anyone that it's actually happened to. What a story.

very important

seems like a lot of bloggers are at a loss for what to write about lately. I'm certainly no exception. I thought about voicing my opinions on the MN kid with cancer who has been making national news. Maybe I will write about that, at some point. I am interested in what you guys think.
A few other blog ideas came to mind, but then I read 19 Reasons' post and decided to go this route. First, I would like to say that I'm sorry to hear about both of your grandmas, K. My kind thoughts are with you.
19 Reasons made an excellent point in her blog: Grandmas are important.
So. Very. True.
13.5 years ago, my grandparent population dropped by one significant person. I have been lucky to hang on to both of my grandmas. I love both my grandmas, but am significantly closer to my Mom's mom. Our personalities are much more in-sync. We love to shop, craft, do things. We talk on the phone when she winters in Florida. We play cards at the cabin. We laugh, golf, shop, walk together. She sends me email forwards. I'm very proud of her. She's survived the past 13.5 years without the love of her life. She is a real trooper, smiling through 10+ hour days of galavanting around Epcot or Universal with our family. She bakes delicious treats. She throws her head back and slaps her knee when she laughs. She's a bit stubborn. She still travels. She plays with the little kids, but remembers the big ones, too. She asks about my life. She cries when we ask her to make a family toast at Christmas - she gets so overwhelmed by her family, her offspring. She loves diamonds, and my grandpa loved buying them for her.
Over the weekend, my grandma gave me a small journal. She told me that I should write down all the things I do on my trip to Sweden, and other trips. What I saw, did, enjoyed. She wished she would have done it. Now she can't remember the details of where she's been or what she did. It was a small gesture. But, something that I will do and will be greatful for all of my life. Grandmas really are important.

tuck and roll

Monday was a gorgeous day here. It was mid 70's and sun-shiney. I was itching to get outside. As lunch approached, I decided to take my work-out outdoors. I headed out for a quick mid-day run. I ran along the bridges and river front. I wove through people and gulped in the sunshine. As I was nearing back to the office, I made my way past several school children playing various games in the park. That's when it happened. My toe caught on a precariously jutting sidewalk brick. I stumbled, nearly caught myself, and then crashed to the rough path. Skinning the palms of my hands and cutting my ankle, I sprang back up as fast as I could. I took at quick glance around. Despite the very many people around, no one seemed to have noticed. Lucky for me, my embarassing crash to the ground left little evidence on my body. The rest of my way back, I laughed at my own ridiculousness.