The Dating Chronicles of Cheré (Ch.13): Mr. Bossy

It has been a while since I last added a chapter to the The Dating Chronicles of Cheré, so I feel that it is time. During the past few years that I have been m.i.a, I have had an opportunity to date. Some of the characters have been very interesting and ignorant at the same time. It is always a joy to share the foolishness that I encounter on a daily basis.

One evening after hanging out with friends, a guy approached me at a gas station. He was very mannerable. He appeared to have some sense, and he was very handsome. He has an accent and the most beautiful light brown eyes. I agreed to exchange numbers and that is when the foolishness began. We spoke on the phone frequently and I enjoyed our conversations. Our first date was impromptu, so we decided to go to a restaurant that neither of us had been to previously. The conversation was GREAT. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and didn't want the date to end. Every topic that we each brought up was followed by a great discussion. So, of course I agreed to a second date.

The second date was somewhat impromptu as well, which alerted my foolishness and mayhem radar sensors. Over the years, I have learned that last minute dates and impromptu planning often means there is a significant other at home waiting for the person you are dating....or the person is a crazy, serial killer who was trying to hide the last body. With that being said, we made plans to go to the park. There was terrible traffic everywhere that day. I arrived about 10 minutes late. He arrived 1 hour late. That's the same isn't it. When you think about it, 10 minutes versus an hour is minimal. Yeah right! So, I was already annoyed.

When he arrived, we took a stroll around the park. It was actually very romantic until he began he rather aggressive PDAs. Things got so awkward and bad that people were staring at us because he was just that "passionate". Well, we left this date and I had planned to never see him again. So, he called and I ignored. He texted and I ignored. I finally picked up when he called because I figured I would tell him how I felt about our second date and what I deemed as acceptable behavior versus unacceptable behavior. I felt it was only fair that he knows why he is single so that he can fit it. Right?

After begging and pleading, I finally agreed to go out on a 3rd date with him. We went to a new restaurant and the date was actually okay, until he ordered my food for me without allowing me to say what I wanted to eat. I didn't pay for the food and once I saw that he was also eating off of my plate I just figured it was a couples plate in his mind. Please note that the food was awful! However, we had another great conversation, so he got a few brownie points for holding my interest. Then he began to become a little too affectionate again. At that point, I stopped him in his tracks and explained to him what was too much. I do not mind a public kiss or hug or a little affection, but I don't enjoy making out like I'm in the scene of a soap opera or in a flick...in public. He explained that I am so beautiful that he couldn't help himself. (side note: I totally understand because my beauty often amazes me as well, but you have to control yourself). Once I explained to him that I would be leaving if he didn't pull himself together, he saw that I was serious. He began to act appropriately, so we finished the date.

For some reason I enjoy foolishness, because I agreed to one last date with him. When he arrived, I was excited to see that he had on the same outfit that he had worn on two of the prior dates, which was a beige plaid shorts and a green or light blue shirt. And this time he decided to wear this outfit with bright, blue hightop sneakers. Oh what a joy! I didn't mention this before, but I do like a well dressed man especially when I'm looking rather lovely. So, to go out to a nice venue with some dressed like a confused teen who is clearly too old is just plain embarrassing. We met at a location between where we each lived for convenience. He rode with me to the lounge. We went to the lounge and sat down for drinks, appetizers, and possible live music that never happened. I ordered a beer because I knew I could drink it quickly and we could leave if he annoyed me. He was very mannerable at the lounge but I did have to get home soon.

When we left I kept explaining that I needed to get home soon and his reply was "No, you will spend more time with me". My reply was, "No I will not!" I will go home. My problem is that he wasn't asking me to spend more time with him. He was telling me that I would (crazy person language). That is when I mentally decided that I was done with this situation. Though I wanted to give the guy a chance, it was not worth the trouble. Bossy + crazy = lead character in a Lifetime Network movie, and I was not ready to be the victim. On the way to drop him off he asked me to take him to a gas station. He got out to get some drinks. Why? I don't know, but it was unnecessary. He asked me if I wanted anything and I said no. He said, "I will bring you a Corona." I don't believe I asked for that, so I said no but thanks for the offer. He replied by saying again, "I will bring you the Corona." Now, I'm not "gangsta" but I will say what needs to be said to a crazy person. I explained to him why he wasn't bringing me Corona and to actually bring me some water or a soda unopened so that he wouldn't slip me a ruthie. He obliged and I was finally able to drop him off at his car.

When we got to his car, he felt the need to try to make out with me again. Way too much was going on and I was trying to get home. He then blurted out, "MY FRIENDS ALL TELL ME YOU TREAT ME BADLY." I wanted to tell him that my friends all think he's crazy, but never push a crazy person to the edge. Just nod your head and let them say what they have to say. Otherwise, you will be the victim in the Lifetime movie. He continued on to explain that I need to be more attentive to him and call him more. But I didn't really like him so why call. After the conversation, I told him that it just wasn't working for me. I felt that we were not compatible. He thought that I was wrong, so I left and let him stay in his little land of no reality.

From that point on I ignored his calls, because he called and texted all day everyday. This is why I never tell guys where I live. After 4 months, he finally stopped calling. Men say women are stalkers and whiners, but he proved that myth to be wrong. I did learn one thing from him. If a person seems crazy even after a good first date, RUN! I tried to give him a chance but I did my civic duty.

I'm Back!!!!!

So, I have been on hiatus for almost 3 years. I finally have time to vent again and give my views on this wonderful world we live in. A lot has happened over the past few years, so I have a lot to talk about. Look out world, because I am about to offer you all some true ridiculousness, foolishness, and a few pieces of information that could really be helpful.

Home Buying 101 – My Experience

Disclaimer: First, I would like to say that everyone’s home buying experience is different. So, when considering my advice, please remember that you still have to use your own judgment and common sense in some decisions.

For the past four years, I have been trying to purchase a home. The first two years were difficult; because every time I thought the time was right something crazy would happen. Over the past 4 years, I have learned a lot about the homebuying process and about myself. Because I have learned so much, I want to pass on what I have learned to others. I will do this story in segments, because the process is so detailed and there is so much I want to share.

Let’s Get Started!

So, you want to buy a home. What’s the first thing to consider? If you answered your budget, you are correct. You need to find out how much home you can afford so that you won’t get your feelings hurt by the bank when they approve you for a lower amount than you have been anticipating. Several factors come into play when determining how much home you can afford. Before you go to a bank for prequalification, it is a good idea to go over your debt to income ratio. Figure out how much you owe. Are there any negative items on your credit report that could hinder your loan amount, qualification for a loan, and a reasonable interest rate?

Because the economy has been through a whirlwind of uncertainty, the banking industry has changed several qualifications for loans and the loan approval process. These changes are continuously happening. So once you start the process of applying for a loan, be sure to keep up with the news. When applying for a loan, a credit score of roughly 620 is good at many banks. Strive for higher, but that is the minimum that you need to have. To get a good loan, you should strive for 650 and higher, but if you are not at that level don’t give up. You can still get a loan.

Your score is not the only thing that determines your loan approval. Your credit history and last full year of activity is important as well. It’s kind of like trying to get an all American scholarship for being good at several things but not perfect at any. You score may not be perfect, but if you pay your bills on time for the consecutive year prior to applying for a loan, this helps your chances of getting approved. For instance, a person with a 620 middle score, low balances, and on time payments can get approved for a loan.

Here goes a good checklist that could help you out before and during the pre-qualification and application process:

1. Pay all bills on time, no matter what it takes. DO NOT BE LATE ON ANY BILLS THAT ARE REPORTED TO CREDIT BUREAUS. Any late payments will more than likely shut you out of getting qualified for a loan.

2. Keep documentation, emails, EVERYTHING that relates to bills that you have paid off. If you paid off anything that went to collections, keep everything related to that bill because the bank will ask you for documentation proving that you have paid off the debt.

3. PAY OFF ALL ITEMS IN COLLECTIONS. This will help you. If you cannot pay things off, set up arrangements and pay the debt(s) down. This is critical for securing a home loan. Banks are really stringent right now and are trying to protect themselves. They look at debt in collections as an indication of whether or not you will pay your mortgage of quickly foreclose…and banks do not want potential foreclosures.

4. Gather bank statements from at least the last 3 months, and continue to keep the most up-to-date statements handy because you will need them throughout the process.

5. Be mindful of what is on your bank statement(s). Do not acquire any overdrafts during the year you are searching for a home. Banks look at your overdrafts as a major negative.

6. Keep up with 3 -5 months of paystubs. The bank will ask for them as proof of employment. Also, keep all current and new paystubs handy. The bank will ask for those throughout the process to ensure that you are still employed.

7. Have your identification card and social security card available. You will have to provide a copy of these to the bank.

8. Keep any information regarding savings accounts, IRAs, retirement funds, 401Ks, and any accounts that you have available, because the banks will request the information.

The moral of this is to understand that anything about you will be fully disclosed once you go through the loan process. So, before you even get pre-approval, make sure your business is in order. Banks look at everything these days, because they have to protect themselves after all that has happened in this economy. It is better to be prepared before you start the process than going through the pain and agony of the loan process all to find out you can’t get qualified.

Stay tuned for more information soon.

Face Value

First impressions are lasting impressions.
I used to think that you have to give people a few chances to warm up to you before you determine their character, personality, and flaws. Over the years, I have begun to learn that my original views are not true. The genuine essence of a person is revealed when you first meet that person. Some people are nervous when meeting new individuals, others are charismatic. Regardless of the case, most people give you general indicators of their overall character.

For instance, every guy that I have met or dated has said something that has given some indication of their character. Even at work, when I first meet hiring managers, bosses, or colleagues, they give some indication of what type of person they are from the start. First impressions are not always given through speech. Actions speak louder than words. People can give you a look, a glance, a reaction, or even a sound that shows how they are as an individual. That is why it is important to trust your instincts.

This has been an interesting topic for me lately, because I have encountered so many people in the past who I have given countless chances to be good friends and acquaintances. My problem has been that I love to have friends and enjoy the attention of friends. My lesson is that the more people you have in your life who do not truly care about you and who do not have good morale beliefs along with a positive aura, the more you will have confusion and unease in your life. These people bring stress into your life, because they constantly disappoint you by their actions and unreasonable expectations.

My advice is to watch who you let enter your life. If a person is charismatic and seems to be fun and adventurous, do not use that as the only qualification for allowing that person into your life fully. Choose your friends wisely. Choose them like you choose your car or your home. You want a car that is dependable, reliable, and fun. You don't want a car or home that constantly needs repairs, is financially and emotionally draining, and causes you to question your decision on a regular basis. You want something solid like a foundation. Pick friends that compliment your values and your inner-most spirit. After all, your choice in friends is a reflection of who you are as a person.

Enjoying Your City: Taking Advantage of a Cancelled Vacation

Last year, I was supposed to go to Puerto Rico for my summer vacation. Sadly, I arrived at the airport late and missed my flight. However, there was another flight available for the following morning, but I ended up canceling the trip due to unforeseen circumstances.

Having to cancel the trip left me with one major question: WHAT NOW? I was all packed and ready to go out of town with no where to go. So, I did the only reasonable thing. I acted as if I was visiting Atlanta (my hometown), and I hotel hopped for 4 days. I never realized how fun this could be, and I enjoyed every moment at each hotel. I also had the opportunity to enjoy my city. Everyday, I drive to work, drive to lunch, drive home, and that's it. I never have a chance to really look at my surroundings and experience what the city has to offer. Well, when the chance presented itself, I took advantage of it.

One hotel I stayed at was the Doubletree Inn. I must say, I love hotel specials. I was able to get a cheap rate and a great room. I was close to downtown, near the highway, yet close to attractions and shopping centers. Everything I needed was a hop, skip, and jump away from my location. The room was a great value and the bed had to be one of the most comfortable hotel bed I had slept on in a while.

Another hotel I visited was the Marriott. This hotel was located on the outskirts of the city. The area was more secluded than the hotel downtown. There was a pool, and I felt very relaxed. The hotel was also close to shopping centers, but they were not as close as those near the Doubletree. This was no problem for me, because I wanted to be in a more private location where I could relax and get away from everything. Did I mention the room was gorgeous? I enjoyed every bit of the stay, and I got more sleep than I had in years.

I must say that one picture cannot fully show how nice and spaceous the room was at the Marriott. I felt like I was in a luxury suite in this impressive room. I would definitely at a Marriott hotel again. In addition to staying in such a nice and comfortable room, the hotel also gave me a $25 gift card for staying there. I also had a great room rate, and the price was much lower than the rooms true value.

Breakfast was also delicious and included in the room price. This hotel proved to be the perfect in-town hotel option. Though it was not in the city center, I was close enough to the city to enjoy all that Atlanta has to offer. I encourage you to visit Marriott's and Doubletree's websites.

ENJOY LIFE TO THE FULLEST. DON'T LET LIFE'S UNEXPECTED BLUNDERS AND MISHAPS STOP YOU FROM ENJOYING LIFE. MAKE THE MOST OF WHAT YOU HAVE AVAILABLE, LET GO, AND HAVE FUN!

BEWARE OF HOME INVASIONS....BY KIDS

Summer time is here. Kids are out of school. Roads are less crowded because no school buses are parked for the summer. So, what now?

When you thought that summertime would come with stress free days and no traffic, you would have never have thought of the negative aspects that come with this long break for kids. Now children are turner to burglary as a pass-time during those long summer days of nothing to do. That's just great. First, we have to worry about people stealing oil from our cars because gas prices have increased so quickly. Yes, people are stealing gas out of parked cars. So with that piece of horrible news it is just sad to know that those who leave their homes daily now have to worry about the neighborhood kids robbing them.

You may be wondering where this is coming from. Well, today my best friends house got robbed while she was out of town. The assailants broke into the house yesterday but took nothing. They came back this morning and attempted to steal....drum roll please....... A VIDEO GAME CONSOLE. They also tried to take the television, but I guess they needed that in order to play the video games.

Thankfully, a neighbor saw the kids through the open front door that they had kicked in. She quickly called the police and they were able to arrive at the crime scene fast enough to arrest all four intruders. The sad part...they ranged from ages 10 to 14. So, they have caused hundreds of dollars in damage, taken away the safety of the home, and gotten away with nothing. They did all of this for a video game console. WOW.

Now, a few things bother me at this point:

A. Why were these kids out at 11pm and 7am? What ever happened to a bed time and Saturday morning cartoons?

B. Where were their parents? It's a weekend and a holiday, so shouldn't your kids be accounted for?

C. Why did they do all of this to steal a video game console? (Sidenote: I'm glad that was one of the only things they were after.)

I am greatly bothered by this because these kids will all be out of jail today. Also, they will be out of school for the entire summer. So, they have plenty of time on their hands. What can be done to prevent matters from getting worse? What can be done to prevent this from happening to someone else.

After today's happenings, I've done some research on how to safeguard your house from theft. This house had an alarm system and was still broken in to, so what can be done when the alarm can save you from a thief:

1. Invest in secure locks and deadbolts. Get the locks with bump guards to protect yourself from thieves who can bump locks.

2. Get a lock and door reinforcer from a store like Home Depot, Lowe's or Wal-Mart. The reinforcer helps to prevent theives from being able to kick your door in.

3. Make sure your door frame is secure and withstand the kick of a thief.

4. Burglar bars. This is an old school approach, but effective nevertheless. Just be careful in the event of a house fire.

5. Keep your lights on and let your presence be known (even if you are not at home). Thieves are smart. They have lookouts. Their lookouts could even be one of your neighbors, so just be mindful that thieves pay attention to everything.

There are so many things that can be done to protect your home. Just be mindful and aware that thieves are always out lurking for new places to steal from. Don't let your home be the next. The economy is not doing to well right now. In this case, kids lack home training and just don't care about the consequences of their actions...unless they get caught. So, protect yourself.

*Picture from Doug Jones Art

The Dating Chronicles of Cheré (Ch.12): CSI

Okay, okay. I know. I have the power to make good decisions, but I just like to laugh. So, sometimes I have to take one for the team. I should have learned a while ago not to let people blindly hook me up with friends, but I just can't. Blind dates and setup relationships are what give me my funniest stories.

I trust my friends, sometimes too much. I allowed the same friend who set me up with My Funny Valentine to set me up again. This time the guy was a lot worse. I met this guy when it was cool to have a phone relationship and nothing more. Today, I still do not know what this guy looks like because I never met him in person. We spoke everyday on the phone for a month but never had a chance to meet.

It all started when my friend called me on the phone 3-way with my blind phone date. We all talked and joked for a few minutes. He and I then exchanged numbers. He called me later and we talked for a while. This went on for a few weeks smoothly, then one day my father started to listen in on my calls with him. When I found this out, the rebellious teenager came out of me and I talked to the guy more often.

During one conversation he commented that I probably smelled like strawberries. Though he never met me, he somehow just knew that I smelled like strawberries. I didn't really know what that meant at the time, but I was flattered nevertheless. Sadly, my father understood his comment and was on the phone listening to the comment in real time. How horrible!!! I was so embarrassed that my father had heard this guy talking to me intimately, but I was angry. So I kept talking to the guy until.....

One day I received a call from an investigator. The investigator was really vague at first. She first said that my phone boyfriend was in an accident and I was the last call on his cell phone. I immediately got worried and asked how he was. She didn't really answer. Instead she kept asking me questions. She asked me if I had seen him that day and if he had a gun. I had never seen him so I quickly said "no". She then asked if I knew of his whereabouts. "?" Didn't you just tell me that he was in an accident and was injured? How do you not know where he is?

I was confused and there were more questions. I explained that I only knew him over the phone. I had never met him, and that I don't know what could have happened. She then explained that he had just committed a crime, fled the scene and left his phone there. Now that was hilarious, and that was time I dealt with him. He called a few times but there was no need to answer. I was young, but I did know that being affiliated with criminals is not good.

The Dating Chronicles of Cheré (Ch.11): Mr. Thug'n Love

I was young. I was dumb. I'm willing to admit the truth.

Mr. Thug'n Love was my first true love. Just kidding. He was the first guy to kiss my hand and tell me how beautiful I was. It was love at first sight. I loved his compliments and he loved the way I looked. It was a match made in the land of make believe, when all that matters in life are good looks and smooth words. So, you already know this was going no where.

I met this guy through one of his relatives and we hit it off at first. He was always very polite. He was older than me. I was in high school and he was a little over 20. So, I felt grown when he called me. I would soon find out that I was more mature than him in many ways. Older does not mean wiser.

We met during the summer and we spent a lot of time together. We would go out on dates and just enjoy our time together. Then I found out the big news that he had kept from me for a while. He had a child. Okay, I can deal with that. It's not like we're getting married. So, one day I went by the house of one of his family members who I knew. When I got to the house, everyone was looking at me like I was crazy. I couldn't understand what was going on. Why was everyone looking at me like I had just come out of the loony bin. Well, I was taken to the side and told that his child's mother who was also pregnant with his baby was in the house.

Using my sense, I called him to ask what was going on. He could have told me this pertinent piece of information. We talked for a few minutes and we came to an understanding that I would not be going out with him again out of respect of his "GIRLFRIEND". So, I didn't not hear from him for a while.

He called me one day just to hear my voice and told me that he missed me and couldn't understand why I hadn't called him anymore. I didn't understand where this was coming from, so I just talked to him for a second. I was a little flattered, young, and foolish. While we were talking, it sounding like a commotion was going on. I asked what was happening and he told me that someone was trying to steal his car. If someone is stealing your car then why are you on the phone. I just didn't understand, so I got off of the phone.

I didn't speak to him again for about a month. He called me at work to see how I was doing. Did I mention that he was in jail at the time. Why? I don't know. More importantly, why are you calling me at work from jail? I saw this person a few times hear and there because he is related to one of my friends, but only in passing. It is weird, because every time I see him I just wonder why? Why did he call me from jail? Why did he not tell me that he had a girlfriend with a baby on the way? Why was he on the phone with me when his car was getting stolen? So many questions but no way to get them answered. I can only characterize this as FOOLISHNESS.

The Impact of Blogging On Job and College Recruiting: Can Your Blog Help or Hurt You?

Recently, I had conversations with a few of my friends and colleagues regarding the impact of blogging on one's ability to get a job or get into a college. In the past, I have often wondered what would happen if my manager or college recruiter were to find my Myspace or Facebook pages. What would they think of me? Why are they looking for me on these Websites? What should I do to either prevent them from seeing my pages or manage my pages in a way to make them presentable to anyone?

First, let's tackle the concept that blogging can impact your odds of getting a job and getting into school. Many will not say this, but blogs are looked at by recruiters. Recruiters are just like any other person. Many of them probably have blogs and they look people up on a regular basis in their regular lives. So, what would stop them from looking you up when considering you as a candidate for a job or educational program? Absolutely nothing. When I was in school, I would check out some of my classmates' Myspace and Facebook pages just to get an idea of who they were.

Though these web pages and blogs do not make a person, it gives you a little peak into their character and you can sometimes find out some useful information about these individuals. For instance, it would not be a good idea to promote drug use on your website or blog if you are applying for jobs. Why? For starters, this lets your potential employer know that you might be a junkie. Secondly, you might be a junkie and now your potential employers knows it.

Another thing that people do not consider is the content of your blog and the personal information that is provided by you. The example I will use is that of a college student who is applying to several graduate school programs. As I have mentioned already, people do not realize who really views your Myspace, Facebook and blog pages. So, if you are a potential graduate school student who is applying to several universities but has already accepted an offer to a particular school, be cognisant that the other schools you are applying to may have seen your blog and will not reject your application because you have stated on your blog that you will be attending another school. Even if you were willing to opt not to go to the school that you accepted an offer to because in your heart you are waiting for your favorite school to respond, you still should not put all of this information on your blog(s). Some information should be more discrete.

Part of life's journey is making choices, and part of making choices with regards to your interaction with people is making good first impressions. First impressions really do count. Sometimes an applicant's first impression is their blog because they have not had an interview with the recruiter as of yet. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you make good choices in how you present yourself in all aspects of life. Now, I'm not saying that blogs should be the sole determinant of whether or not you get a job or get into school, but we have to be realistic here. People read blogs and sometimes the people who read blogs may have an influence on our lives and personal growth. So, be smart.

Here are a few tips that I consider when handling my blog, Myspace, and Facebook pages:

1. Use a pseudonym (fake name).

2. Do not use your real personal information when filling out address information on blog websites.

3. Create an alternate email address that can not be linked back to your personal email addresses.

4. Keep a clean, reader friendly blog and/or web page.

5. Be careful of what you blog about.

6. Be conscious of the fact that recruiters have access to the web just like you and I.

7. Put a block on your pages that will only allow your friends to view your Myspace and Facebook pages. (This will keep unwanted people from viewing your pages).

8. DO NOT PROMOTE DRUG, ALCOHOL, OR SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MEDIA AND/OR CHARACTERS ON YOUR WEBSITES. (You do not want to give off the wrong vibes to recruiters.)

Show Me the Money: Where Is My Money?

Many of you who filed taxes this year may have already noticed that the tax refund checks and electronic deposits sent rather quickly by the IRSthis year. But for those who should receive a rebate and have not as of yet, where are the rebate checks?

I have heard this question almost every day for the past few weeks. I know individuals who even filed their taxes in January and February of 2008 but have not yet received their rebate. Many have received their rebates already, but there are still several tax payers who have not yet received the money. Why? I found a very interesting article today entitled "Where's My Tax Rebate Check?" on Aol.com that addressed this issue.

Well, the tax refunds were mailed out quickly, but that had no impact on the speed that the rebates were sent out. The rebates are still on the scheduled timeline. The refund checks are being mailed out on a schedule that is based on the last 2 digits of your Social Security number:

For those who will receive a rebate check (paper check) the dates are as follows:

00-09 May 16
10-18 May 23
19-25 May 30
26-38 June 6
39-51 June 13
52-63 June 20
64-75 June 27
76-87 July 4
88-99 July 11

For those receiving funds through direct deposit, most of the 45 million electronic rebates have already been deposited. The last round of direct deposit rebates will be placed in accounts no later than May 16, 2008. The final set of deposit will be for those direct deposit tax payers whose Social Security numbers end in 76 through 99.

If you do not receive your rebate by May 16th and you electronically filed or if you do not receive the paper check on the scheduled dates listed above then what is the next step. If you have not received your paper check a week after you were scheduled to receive it, then check the IRS's Where's My Stimulus Payment tool. This nifty tool actually gives you the date you should receive payment and the amount of your rebate. The tool even specifies a date that you should contact the IRS if you do not receive your payment. To use the tool, you must have your Social Security #, filing status, and total number of exemptions handy. These are the only 3 items you will have to fill out.

In the event that you do not receive your rebate at all this year, don't worry:

You'll get your money when you file your 2008 return next Spring. Remember, the rebate is really a prepayment of a tax credit on 2008 returns. Taxpayers who don't get their money this year will collect next spring. Aol.com

For those of you who are still unsure as to whether are not you will receive a check, these are the items that will keep you from receiving the rebate:

1. If you are a dependent

2. If you are single and make more than $75,000 or a married couple and make more than $150,000

3. If your spouse lacks a Social Security number

4. If you do not file on time (*You can still get a rebate but you will either get it extremely late or next year when you file your 2008 taxes)

So, there you have it. Your money is on the way. You just have to be a little more patient. Checking your account balance every morning and evening and running to your mailbox every day will not make the rebate come any faster. So sit still, be patient, and know that your rebate is on its way. If it does not come a week after its scheduled time, then contact the IRS as soon as possible to get the matter resolved. Let's think positively. This just gives you a little more time to plan how you will spend or save the money.