Ever thought about making a will or a living will, but didn't know how to start? Thought you had to get a lawyer? or at least a notary?
Let me tell you, it is alot easier than you think. (Well, if you have more than $100,000 in assets outside of any real estate, you should visit a lawyer and get a trust made.) But you can do alot yourself with the help of two friends. I went to a lecture last night about how to set up legal documents. I figured that since I was getting married soon it might be nice to know.
Basically, if you don't have a will, all your money and stuff will go to your spouse (if you have one), next to your children (if you have kids and you have no spouse), or to your parents (if you have no kids and no spouse). Unless you specify otherwise, it is automatic. But a will helps organize things and direct who should be in charge of distrubuting your stuff.
Here is a do it yourself, fill in the blanks will. To be valid in California it has only to be signed by you, and two witnesses not mentioned in the will. You don't need a notary, nor a lawyer. The speaker even said, if the whole will is written in your handwritting and is signed, it is also legally binding. (She said you could write on a post-it note "This is the last will of Emily Parkhurst and I leave all my assets to my brother" and sign it and it would be legally fine!) If it is typed, you need two witnesses. Of course, you should also let someone know where your will is, so when you die they know it exists.
Also, consider filling out a living will, also called Advanced Health Care Directive. Here is one example fill in the blank living will and here is another. You can make up your own too. Just like your will, all it needs is your signature, and two witnesses not mentioned in the document. If you make a living will, make sure you give a copy to your health care provider and the people you love.
Over the weekend I flew up to Sacto to visit. It was weird to go back. I told Gary I felt like kind of like a refugee or a displaced person. Sacramento does not feel like "home" anymore, neither does my parents house. I know I will end up somewhere, but don't belong anywhere right now. But it was still nice to spend time with Gary, have dinner with my aunt's family, and go jogging around my old familiar McKinely Park. I was also reminded of my Sacramento springtime allergies and was glad to be leaving them behind.
Isn't it odd that so few women like to play video games. I find that I am one of a rare breed of girls that can waste a whole day playing a video or computer game. Granted, I don't like the violent ones as much, but I've enjoyed Unreal tournament, Diablo and Warcraft. I wonder if anyone knows why boys are more drawn to computer games? Here is one explanation.
Speaking of which, an new game, The Sims 2, is out. It is not a new expansion pack, but a whole new game. Interestingly, I thinkg the Sims is the only game that is more popular with girls than boys.
Its a clean sweep for LOTR. I was so happy for the movie makers. They deserved it. I think I'll go see it again and throw some more money at them.