Jewelry? Already?

I almost forgot to post about something that happened last Tuesday at preschool pick up.

I took the girls to school and raced to drop the dog off at the kennel. Then raced back home to pack the car. We were leaving from preschool to go to G & G's in WI.

I walk in the door to pick up the girls at school and Lily's crying because she fell on the playground. I finally get her calmed down and send both girls to go potty so we could go. Lily comes out a minute later crying again because she hit her head on the sink. I get her calmed down again and Austin (Ava's boyfriend) comes back in with his mom. Austin's mom goes on to tell me that he has a present for Ava.

Ava comes out of the bathroom and Austin gives her a little charm bracelet. She gets all excited says thank you and all that. Lily looks at Austin and asks if he has one for her too. Of course he doesn't. Lily's face falls and she starts crying. Austin's mom feels bad, apologizes, and gets the hell out of dodge.

Lily continues to cry and say heartbreaking stuff like "Austin doesn't like me" and "Nobody is my friend." All the way to the car. All I can think about is I'm going to have to listen to this for 7+ hours straight on the way to WI.

Then it hits me. The last time I was in Pinky Scout I saw some really cute charm bracelets, and they are just around the corner. So I drag my children, one happy, one sad, into the fancy schmancy children's boutique and fork out $28 for a princess charm bracelet. All the while cursing puppy love and cute little boys with curly hair.

We get back in the car and finally get on the road. Every 15 minutes I listen to Lily tell me she loves me and thank me again for buying her a charm bracelet. Seriously, every 15 minutes for 7+ hours.

The future scares me.

Oink

Well, we've got the crud at our house.

I just got off the phone with the nurse at our ped office. Since Ava's symptoms are the same as H1N1 we are to assume that she has it. No Tamiflu, it's in short supply and is being saved for the sickest kids. Treat the fever, push fluids, keep them comfortable. All of the same stuff you normally do.

Ironically the first H1N1 clinic for our county is November 2nd. Too little too late.

When I was in WI last week they had different clinics on the news every night. If you stood in line in the pouring rain and 40 degree weather you got a shot. Anyone could get one. No different categories assigned to the high risk groups. Very frustrating.

I hope Ava doesn't get any sicker. Right now it's nothing more than the normal run of the mill bug. We'll see how long it takes for Lily to get it. She usually spikes high fevers so I am slightly concerned.

So for now we are just going to hibernate. The girls will miss their Halloween party at school tomorrow and ToT tomorrow night. I told them we'd have a special Halloween party here at home and I think that may be good enough. Good thing they're both scared of everything anyway and not overly fond of the holiday.

the thesis of DOOM

Ok, maybe not doom, but boredom for sure. It's done. I am so proud of my husband for finishing this blasted thing so I never have to hear about it again.

If you're brave read the title. If you feel really smart try to read the abstract. I dare you.

TAX-COGNIZANT DISCOUNTED CASH FLOW VALUATION MODEL USING FINANCING AND RISK ELEMENTS: A RETAIL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT APPROACH

ABSTRACT

An investigation of current real estate investment (REI) discounted cash flow (DCF) models and their applicability to the individual investor in small income properties exposed: a lack of relevancy to the sole proprietor, marginal applicability to analyzing the asset, and a number of inherent shortfalls in modeling cash flows. This paper constructs a tax-cognizant DCF valuation model that addresses financing structure and risk elements while overcoming classical DCF model shortfalls through determination of a minimum holding period, the mitigation of a hypersensitive terminal value, the elimination of circular logic in the discount rate, and the characterization of vacancy risk.

The paper consists of two hypotheses that substantiate the value of a tailored model. First, modeling and simulation of income property vacancy characteristics allows a more accurate assessment of a property’s after-tax cash flows and net present value by recognizing tax implications that would otherwise erroneously price profitability. Second, taxes influence investors in relatively higher tax brackets to seek both longer loan terms and longer minimum holding periods for a positive net present value (NPV); realized through both tax sheltered income and equity appreciation at the long-term capital gains rate. Evaluation of these hypotheses by comparing the classic DCF model to the tailored model yielded the following noteworthy findings. First, modeling and simulation of vacancy frequency and durations derived from market statistics produces a more pessimistic assessment of income. Second, longer rather than shorter term loans have superior value through accumulation of more tax sheltering loan interest early and in greater amounts. Third, investors in relatively higher income tax brackets enjoy greater NPV on their investments due to tax sheltering at the marginal income tax rate and asset disposition at the depreciation recapture and long-term capital gains rates. Fourth, contrary to the initial hypothesis, higher-taxed investors reach a break-even holding period sooner than investors in lower income tax brackets.

my new favorite thing

While at Fairfield Commons the other day with my parents I saw a sign on the door of one of those rustic primitive shops that advertised wooden wick candles that crackle and pop like a real fire. I went in and bought two, cinnamon bun and mulled cider. They're in a mason jar and have a rusted top, very cute.

I am in love with these things! They aren't the same as a fire but they are a pretty good substitute. I think if you had several of them lit at once the effect would be pretty close.

Now I just have to find the right antique fireplace mantle to complete my master plan...

here we go

Time flies. Enjoy it.

Everyone told me this while I was pregnant and while my babies were tiny. I knew it was true but most of the time we were in survival mode, having twins is no easy task. I tried to enjoy them as much as I could but a month or so ago I turned my back for one second and when I turned around they were HUGE.

Preschool? Boyfriends? Reading? Hannah Montana? Nail polish? Attitude? Eye rolling?

Oh yeah, we have arrived. In a big way.

On Tuesday as I dropped off the girls at preschool Austin's (Ava's boyfriend) mom came up to me apologizing. She told me that Austin had kissed Ava on the cheek. She went on to say that they sat him down and sternly told him that it was ok to hug and hold hands but kissing was not allowed. She must have thought I would be pissed because she was falling all over herself with apologies. I laughed it off and told her it was no big deal.

I don't know what I'm going to do with that girl in 10 years. She may have to go live in a convent.