Ok...here is what I have so far... I WILL EMAIL THIS TO YOU PLEASE DO NOT CCP THERE MAY BE MORE QUESTIONS ADDED OTHERS WANT ON HERE BEFORE WE ARE FINAL. I will ask you to answers all questions...Please take time to think about what your answers might be. IF you want to save this one to help you answer them later then please go ahead and do that, HOWEVER, if something gets added be sure to answer it on the one emailed to you. Personal Info: Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Email address: What type of movies do you like? Favorites? What are your least favorite movies? What type of books do you read? What are your least favorite books? What are your favorite types of music? What are your least favorite types of music? What are your favorite colors? What is you shoe size? What is your hat size? What is your belt size? Are you allergic to: Smells? (Perfumes, Lotions, Cologne) Do you have a favorite scent? Do you have a favorite lotion or shaving cream or after shave? Do you have any allergic triggers? (Clorox, detergents, soaps) Do you wear finger nail polish? What colors are you favorite? Would you prefer not to receive finger nail polishes? Would you like to receive manicure items? (clippers, emery board) Do you have long hair? Would you like to receive barrettes or ponytail holders? Do you have pierce ears? Can you were costume jewelry? Would you prefer not to receive any jewelry adornment items? Do you collect household indoor items? (ex: candles, tins, soaps) If so what types? Scents? What would you NOT want to receive for indoor décor? What type of theme do you have indoors? Kitchen? Bath? Do you have children? What are their ages? Would you want something including for them? If so what type of items? (coloring books, children books) Do you like novelty items? (pens, pencils, notepads, stickers, stamps and ink pads) Food Are you allergic to any foods? Do you like cooking? What are you favorite types of food? What types of foods do you dislike? Do you like chocolate? If you dont like chocolate what is your favorite candy(ies)? What is your favorite snack food? Would you want to receive homemade goodies? (cookies, brownies) What is your favorite types drink non-alcoholic? Coffee, Tea List your favorite flavors: Please list as many as you like: Teas: List your favorite flavors: Please list as many as you like: Coffees: Drinks others: Do you do alcoholic drinks? If so what are your favorite types? Garden Info: What zone are you in: Tell us a little about your specific growing conditions, for your yard: (sunny, hot/dry, wet, shady, hilly, flat) Are you allergic to any plants? Do you enjoy houseplants; Specific types? What if any do you prefer NOT to receive? What is you glove size? Would you like to receive garden tools? If so what types? Do you have a specific color you would like to receive if possible? Do you collect seeds? Would you want homemade seed packs or would you prefer plastic or paper envelopes? Would you like paint markers or sticks? Would you want plants makers? Purchased or homemade? What plants do you have too many of and do not want any more of? What plants would you like to receive more of? Is there any color plants you would like to receive? What themes/ color schemes do you have going on in your garden, if any? Do you plan on starting any themes or color schemes? Would you prefer plants or seeds of the above items? Do you have a pond in your yard? Are you planning a pond in the future? Do you need pond related items, if so what would you be wishing for? Do you want pond plants? Do you grow vegetables? Would you like to receive seeds for veggies? If so what types would you want? Do you grow herbs, or want to start? What types of plants do you have? Or would you want to receive? Would you care to receive herb seeds? Do you enjoy bulb type plants? What is your favorite bulb plant? What is your least favorite bulb plant? Would you want to receive onions sets and type? (Red, sweet) Would want to receive garlic? (Types) Would you want to receive potato seed? Is there any specialty plant or seeds you would just LOVE to have? Would you prefer NOT to receive seeds of ANY kind? Please list at least 10 favorite plants you would like to receive. Please list at least 10 seeds types you would like to receive. List types you DO NOT want to receive either plants or seeds wise. What are 3 plants you would hurt someone to get your hands on you just havent been able to find yet. Decorations: Do you enjoy yard art/decorations/ornaments? (if not say so, hey if you think it is trashy tell us) Do you collect any specific yard art/decorations/ornaments if so? Would you like to receive wind chimes? Would you like to receive outside flags? Is there any specific outside theme you would just not want? Do you decorate for holidays? If so which ones? Would you want to receive these appropriate decorations? Which holiday would you least likely wish to receive items for? What is you favorite Holiday? Do you have a least favorite holiday? What is your most favorite season or time of year? What is you least favorite season or time of year? Hobbies: Besides gardening what are your hobbies if any? Would you like items related to your favorite other hobbies? What would you enjoy receiving most relating to your other hobbies? What would least like to receive relating to your other hobbies? Do you scrapbook? Would you want items related to scrap booking? (ink pads, stamps, papers, déco scissors) Do you enjoy animals? Do you have any animals? (dog, cat, bird) Would you want something included for them? If so what? Toys? Biscuits? Do you have a specific color you prefer to receive if included? What is the least favorite item you would want to receive for your pet(s)? What is you favorite animal? What is your least favorite animal? Would you enjoy receiving animal related items? (notepads, stickers etc.) I KNOW it is long, BUT this will help us all to decide what everyone will want...I think it is pretty much all you could want to know, but maybe I over looked something I am sleepy and can't think of any thing esle right now. Ok, night everyone. :) Fran

I figured I'd chime in since I work in college admission. She needs to come around and WANT to go. I've seen some students go to a school out of obligation and the results aren't great. The fact is that when you're happy, you're more engaged and you learn more. If she winds up at that other university, she may do small things to sabotage herself...maybe not consciously. I personally think our (my profession) pushing seniors to make decisions this early isn't the best for them. My school did away with early action and early decision for many reasons, but I think a happy by product of the move is that seniors make their final decision when their lives are a little more settled. In the fall, they have just started the heaviest courseload they've ever taken, they're suddenly the "leaders" of their activities, and they feel pressured to make a decision about where they'll spend the next four years of their lives. It's unfortunate that we heap all of this on them at once. I personally committed to a school through early decision and was grateful that I wasn't admitted because by April, my first choice had changed! There is so much development during this first semester...so much uncertainty! Hang in there, Thunder. I hope things settle down soon! Maybe you need to push her to start filling out all of those other applications...at least it's something concrete she can do (and must do, regardless of her letter of intent). Good luck!

See there. Learn something everyday. This proprietary jargon is getting ahead of me. Good deal. You are getting one fine system that should give you years of good service as well as comfort and savings compared to that oversized system you have now. A little knowledge goes a long way. IMO Here is a link that might be useful: Evolution Connex Controller

"as of next week our entire savings is going into the lot" Based solely on your statement above, IMO, building is not right for you or your family at this time. Just because the lot you found is a "rare and lucky find", doesn't mean you have to buy it. Don't buy a good deal just because it's a good deal. This may be why your wife just doesn't "get it". Several statements you made make it seem as if you don't get it either. For instance: "The bank is giving me the money, why can't I just go to Home Depot....." Well, you can go to Home Depot, but the bank isn't going to give you that money BEFORE you go. Instead, YOU pay for your items at Home Depot yourself, then submit a draw request to the Bank to reimburse yourself. Seeing as you have no savings, can you pay cash for these items and wait for your next draw to be reimbursed? That's where these builders come into play. They foot the bill for the items, and wait for reimbursement. They assume the risk, which you pay "interest" for, so to speak. If you want affirmations, yet you've already said that "unless they can build the home I want for $72K less than they quoted me we've both wasted enough time" - why does it matter if you think it's a scam or not? If you can't get them to this price point, you said you won't consider a contract with them anyways. My advice, walk away from this lot, consider your wife's desires for a home and find a compromise. Renting may be your best option. Or maybe you can buy the home your wife loves, build equity for the next 20 years, sell and build your dream retirement home? Good luck, I think your marriage depends on the decisions you make...