This time of year in Arizona makes me wish my annual vacation to Hawaii was sooner than November.  I'm looking for REO's on Kaua'i under $300K.  I know they're out there or will be.  Let me know if you have something.

I know our hot water goes down the street and back before it reaches the taps at our house.  We now have a bucket in the bathroom to catch the cold water.  I use the "saved" excess to water the plants and with our 110 degree days I do it twice a day.  I'm looking for designer buckets if you've come across any -- made from recycled materials, of course.

I just returned from the annual CRS convention in Honolulu.  I read everywhere in Honolulu that 2008 is the year of the Rat.  I've been doing some research on that as I do believe in Feng Shui.  The Year of the Earth Rat is predicted to be an exciting year full of new beginnings and accomplishments as the elements of Earth and Water come together.  Maybe all the rain and snow across the country is the Water prediction.

The Year of the Rat is the 1st sign on the Chinese Zodiac and comes every 12 years. They say that now, the beginning of a new 12 year cycle, is the year to make long term decisions. If you own real estate, look at what you want or where you want to be for the next 10-12 years and stay put. This advice goes hand in hand with our market. Make long term financial goals for retiring.

Rats are cautious creatures.  They first look from the outside in, looking for dangers, but at the same time looking for rewards and benefits.  Rats are also risk takers.  Maybe that means the stock market will get better or atleast that we should consider adding to our 401(k) programs.