Why Being Poor is Expensive

Here's an excellent piece - The High Price of Being Poor - that appeared in the LA Times by Matt Fellowes, who is a Fellow at the Brookings Institution (which is next door to where I work this summer). It explains why the poor must often pay more for basic goods and services than other income brackets. It also provides evidence that the poor cannot simply "work hard and save money" to get themselves or their families out of poverty. On the other hand, it also recognizes that legitimate businesses face higher costs and lower profits when they operate in poor neighborhoods, and thus there is no silver bullet to end poverty.

The Dentist

Sorry for the long time of no posting. As I said before, this work thing really puts a crimp in my blogging lifestyle!

I went to the dentist last week for the first time in at least two years. I inherited week teeth from my dad and, needless to say, my teeth were riddled with plaque – which would require “deep cleaning” – and cavities, including one which the dentist thought looked so bad that I might need a root canal. I went back to the dentist yesterday and, sure enough, it needed a root canal. So I got to sign away my rights and they started to work.

I think the worst part was when they had to put two pins in my teeth. I could actually feel them poking around in my teeth. The other worst part was the price, even with insurance. Double ouch!

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In happier news, my sister is got engaged last week! I’ve met the guy once, and he is quite nice. Here’s what my sister has to say about him:

• He's 24.
• He works at my church. (I met him in small group- yay for church small groups :)
• He's got the cutest dimples and freckles ever.
• He's from Louisiana, been in Seattle for 2 years, doesn't have an accent here, but when he goes back to the South, the drawl creeps back. :)
• He's quiet, kind, thoughtful, honest, and an INFJ (I taught him the MBTI system :)

The plan for them is to get married in late fall, so that means Beth and I will be taking one more trip to Seattle this year, in addition to going there in two weeks to see college friends Josh and Adrienne get married, and going to Hong Kong this Christmas to see my folks. We’re racking up the frequent flier miles!

This weekend, however, we are taking the leisurely drive up to New Jersey to spend a little time at the in-laws and to see our niece. I think she’s about 3 months old now, or maybe not quite. She’s so chubby, in that cute baby sort of way! Maybe I’ll take some pictures to post.

Cheers