It’s been a few weeks since my last blog post – it must be summer that’s causing the tardiness. Or, it just might be that I have nothing of interest to write about lately. I’ll go with the first excuse, but I can say this: I have learned a few things over last the two weeks. So if you will indulge me, here’s what I’ve learned.

Mortgages and Real Estate are not all things evil; especially when you’re trying to get re-elected. There’s an election around the corner in Canada, and it’s time for promises from all the candidates (most of which will never be kept). One of the first promises made on the campaign trail by Steven Harper, Canada’s Prime Minister, was to allow first time homebuyers to draw up to $35,000 from the RRSP for a down payment, up from $25,000. Why? “For most Canadians, the family home is their biggest asset and their most significant investment in their future financial security. It’s also the center of their lives,” said Harper. Gosh darn it, why didn’t we think of that? What a great argument make. But who has the time to make that argument? Given that we’re all dealing the weight of new regulations, making it more difficult for Canadians to be able to qualify for a mortgage. However, like every info-commercial, “wait, there’s more” – a home renovation tax credit is in the works. According to the PM, the tax credit which was previously eliminated, will find its way back; tailored to home owners who embark on substantial renovations, between $1,000 and $5,000. That’s not a misprint. I just learned that you can do a substantial renovation for that dollar amount. Hmmm, I think I’m going to put a sky light in my shed.

What else have I learned?  Oh yeah, something very important. I learned that Eddie Van Halen should get on his knees and beg former lead singer, Sammy Hagar, to come back and join the band again. I went to the Van Halen concert in Toronto a couple of weeks ago and their original lead singer, David Lee Roth, appeared to be a little confused. Not sure if its dementia, but I thought a lead singer should, you know, sing – and not talk throughout the entire song. Then again, what do I know? I’m not an aging rock star whose shelf life has long since expired. Maybe twirling a microphone stand on stage is all you need to get by. If that’s the case, you did well Diamond Dave. I will say this, Eddie Van Halen on the guitar and back-up vocals was outstanding. It’s a shame he was drowned out by incessant mumbling.

Finally, I’m learning that getting older, well, sucks! Just turned 55 last week, and when people ask me how old I am I say 42, American. My age is based on currency exchange, unless of course it’s at par. When, and if, that ever happens again I’ll figure something out. But a real sign that I’m getting older is the number one criteria I’m looking for in a new car. I’m looking for a vehicle that won’t make me grunt or make noises when I’m getting in and out of it. Don’t care about performance. I just want to ensure that I don’t have to say, “help me, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up”.

I suspect I’m going to learn some more “stuff” over the next couple of weeks. Off on a family cruise next week, a small group – 15 people. It will either be a blast or result in a few less people around the Christmas table in December. Of course I say that in jest. I’m really looking forward to the trip because it’s one those things that may never happen again. You can lose it all, but the memories are forever.

Unless something really interesting or hilarious happens on the trip, I’ll talk to you in September.

Until next time,

Cheers.