We held open house again for the third straight weekend in a row. That makes THREE weeks in a row where the house has to be immaculate and spotless. And like all the other weekends, no offers were incoming. Not even one. In fact, most of the feedback from the precious two showings we did have included that we have a "funky" backyard. To which, I exclaimed that at least it HAS a backyard, unlike 95% of the houses in California full of postage stamp lots. But I guess people just have to bitch about something. Oh yeah and one of the couples who came through, wanted the AC units moved to the OTHER side of the house!! Huh? It seems we can't even have AC units in the right place.
So in response to all the "lovely" feedback, Jim and I made an early morning trip to Home Depot this morning. We bought $600 worth of trees, plants, shrubs and roses in hopes that it will make our backyard a little less "funky". Of course now we have to dig 25 holes to plant the $600 into, of which we have planted exactly 8 trees until it became too unbearably hot outside. Only 17 more to go!
I really hate the selling-the-house process. Really. Really. Really.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Thursday, August 10, 2006
The Roller Coaster
The whole home selling/buying process should be called The Roller Coaster Of Your Life and one that makes you puke during and after the ride. This is not fun folks. It seems like we get our hopes up about a potential person who will buy this house from us only to get dashed and kicked in the stomach. We have held open houses for two weekends straight and also during this week, we have put out the open house sign out front to tell people to "come on in and look at our stuff and then talk amongst yourself how you don't like the view in the back yard, or the awful and sinful slope in the back." And here I thought we had a nice house, but seems people just don't like looking at other people's houses that are in the middle of a total rebuilt. It is entertainment people, don't you get it? Geesh, you have no sense of humor at all. Oh and to the couple who thought that it "would take too much work to get it to their personal standards" I say screw off to you.
Yep I am getting to be bitter can you tell? It is coming down to the wire and there is about a 99% chance that Jim will be going to MS to start his job without Jack and I. We get to stay here and listen to all the lovely comments from the people walking through our house. And we get to do this until it sells! Sound like loads of fun, eh? We are probably looking at at LEAST two months separated from Jim. Don't you envy us?
Oh and that really nice house that we put a deposit on in MS? Yep probably going to lose that also. I give that about a 99% chance also.
So to sum up. No sale on house, even after dropping price that is $130K BELOW another identical house in the neighborhood. Snooty comments from potential buyers. Jim and I separating for a few months, and not by choice. We do still like each other. And the nice house on the lake that was perfect for us? Gone. Lost. Hope the new buyers like it.
Yep I am getting to be bitter can you tell? It is coming down to the wire and there is about a 99% chance that Jim will be going to MS to start his job without Jack and I. We get to stay here and listen to all the lovely comments from the people walking through our house. And we get to do this until it sells! Sound like loads of fun, eh? We are probably looking at at LEAST two months separated from Jim. Don't you envy us?
Oh and that really nice house that we put a deposit on in MS? Yep probably going to lose that also. I give that about a 99% chance also.
So to sum up. No sale on house, even after dropping price that is $130K BELOW another identical house in the neighborhood. Snooty comments from potential buyers. Jim and I separating for a few months, and not by choice. We do still like each other. And the nice house on the lake that was perfect for us? Gone. Lost. Hope the new buyers like it.
Goodnight Moon
The full moon has been absolutely gorgeous the past few nights and we have been going outside to look at the moon and ooh and ahh over it. Jack loves this as he brings up looking at the moon around noon everyday by saying "moot?" at which point I have to go over with him that the moon doesn't come out until it is dark outside. Then he will think about that for awhile then come back like he just discovered the whole sun rise and set thing himself. "Ohhhh sun goes down and moot goes up!" My little smart future astrophysicst there!
So everynight he loves to say "good night moot" and wave at the moon as we walk back inside. Hmmm do you think we have read that book just a few times?
So everynight he loves to say "good night moot" and wave at the moon as we walk back inside. Hmmm do you think we have read that book just a few times?
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Doggie Jack
Jack and his imagination are getting quite creative. The other day, I caught him pretending to fly while standing on his bed with his arms outstretched. And now he has been pretending to be a doggie. Alot. He will get down on all fours and say "I doggie" and woof woof. He then will come up to me and ask me to pet him. He also will pant just like a dog with his tongue hanging out. He even went so far as to start licking my leg just like the real doggies do all the time!
It makes me feel good to know that his imagination is alive and kicking. I feel sorry for him the last few days because we have packed up 95% of his toys and trying to keep the house clean all the time now that we have open houses everyday. So poor Jack is bored bored bored and watching way too much tv. I guess that is how his imagination and becoming a doggie has come about.
It makes me feel good to know that his imagination is alive and kicking. I feel sorry for him the last few days because we have packed up 95% of his toys and trying to keep the house clean all the time now that we have open houses everyday. So poor Jack is bored bored bored and watching way too much tv. I guess that is how his imagination and becoming a doggie has come about.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Laughing and a Crying
I wanted to make an uplifting and happy post today. I was going to title it "The Circus Came to Town". Because that is what happened. We went to the circus last night to get some much needed relief from the stress of the current Jackaroo House. It was much fun and saw some cool trapeez acts. Jack loved the doggie and kitty acts and we really need to talk to those people who were actually successful in training cats, cause our cats are in serious need. I do think Laura was a bit bored and she had the look of a typical pre-teen - "oh god I just hope nobody I know sees me here". But it was a good, fun night.
Jack eating cotton candy at the circus. Was quite amusing to watch him eat the stuff and the resulting stickiness everywhere.
BUT then today happened. We had another open house today so we needed to vacate for a few hours. We went to church, then to lunch and then did a little bit of shopping. Well not so much as shopping, but looking, because there is nothing like moving across the country that will put a stop to all buying. You just think that it is something that needs to be packed and you say no to whatever.
So, there we were, in the store walking around having a good time. Then some man walks up to Jim and says "excuse me Sir" as we were walking out. At first I thought was "uh oh what did Jack swipe". But nope, it was him confessing to backing into our van!!! Yep that is right, for the SECOND time this week, we have another car damaged! People, we only have two cars!
So we go outside and see this:
The ugly dent on my poor van. She has an owie!
Do we have a bad luck streak or what? Both Jim and I have gone years and years and years with no accidents and in a span of one week, both of our cars are hit, by no fault of our own. As if we just needed the stress meter to go up another notch. I actually started to laugh when I saw the van. Cause either you laugh or cry and after everything that has happened the last couple of weeks, if I didn't laugh, I would probably start sobbing for at least 3 days straight.
I do have to give kudos to the man who came back into the store to confess hitting the van. He was a nice guy, but I just have this to say. If you are going to be driving a huge pickup truck with a 50ft bed in back, learn how to navigate the thing in parking lots, or don't drive it at all!!!!
But I end the laughing and a crying post with some cute pictures of the kiddos:
Pretty Laura, who is getting prettier and prettier everyday, even though she hates it when we tell her she is pretty.
Jack after the long day today. He kinda collapsed on the couch. Couldn't even walk the distance to his room. This is EXACTLY how I felt also.
Jack eating cotton candy at the circus. Was quite amusing to watch him eat the stuff and the resulting stickiness everywhere.BUT then today happened. We had another open house today so we needed to vacate for a few hours. We went to church, then to lunch and then did a little bit of shopping. Well not so much as shopping, but looking, because there is nothing like moving across the country that will put a stop to all buying. You just think that it is something that needs to be packed and you say no to whatever.
So, there we were, in the store walking around having a good time. Then some man walks up to Jim and says "excuse me Sir" as we were walking out. At first I thought was "uh oh what did Jack swipe". But nope, it was him confessing to backing into our van!!! Yep that is right, for the SECOND time this week, we have another car damaged! People, we only have two cars!
So we go outside and see this:
The ugly dent on my poor van. She has an owie!Do we have a bad luck streak or what? Both Jim and I have gone years and years and years with no accidents and in a span of one week, both of our cars are hit, by no fault of our own. As if we just needed the stress meter to go up another notch. I actually started to laugh when I saw the van. Cause either you laugh or cry and after everything that has happened the last couple of weeks, if I didn't laugh, I would probably start sobbing for at least 3 days straight.
I do have to give kudos to the man who came back into the store to confess hitting the van. He was a nice guy, but I just have this to say. If you are going to be driving a huge pickup truck with a 50ft bed in back, learn how to navigate the thing in parking lots, or don't drive it at all!!!!
But I end the laughing and a crying post with some cute pictures of the kiddos:
Pretty Laura, who is getting prettier and prettier everyday, even though she hates it when we tell her she is pretty.
Jack after the long day today. He kinda collapsed on the couch. Couldn't even walk the distance to his room. This is EXACTLY how I felt also.
Friday, August 04, 2006
The Silver Lining
With all the stress of selling/buying/moving and all that is involved with that, there is one small little silver lining. My housekeeping has stepped up about a thousand notches! I have made my bed every single day! I have made sure the dirty dishes are out of the sink every day! I have vacuumed on a regular basis! I have cleaned the shower/sink out after every use! It is quite amazing and pleasant to live in a house that is all clean and shiny. Of course it doesn't hurt that half the house, including most of the toys, are packed up in boxes in the garage. But still, I am quite proud of myself. :)
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Priorities and Perspectives
I have been for about the last month stressing about this big move to Mississippi. I have been pretty much thinking about just myself, the logistics of moving, and the huge question of whether we are going to sell this house in time in order to get the house we really want in Gulfport.
However, I just learned about a friend who is going through a bad time right now and maybe losing her pregnancy that she has wanted for a very long time. It puts all the other stuff in the background. It helps me be thankful for what I have and hopefully will help me learn to let go of it all and know it will work out one way or another. Funny how sometimes you just lose sight of what is really important in life.
My prayers to my friend in need.
However, I just learned about a friend who is going through a bad time right now and maybe losing her pregnancy that she has wanted for a very long time. It puts all the other stuff in the background. It helps me be thankful for what I have and hopefully will help me learn to let go of it all and know it will work out one way or another. Funny how sometimes you just lose sight of what is really important in life.
My prayers to my friend in need.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
$4300 !!
That is the amount of the estimate to fix Jim's car. Can you say Yikes? They also say it is going to be 20 work days which puts it about a week after we leave the state. Oh yay! Somebody gets to fly back here and drive the car back. Another Yay! The other guy's insurance is going to pay for it, which is nice and it won't make our insurance go up. Jim also got a PT Cruiser for a rental. I really do not like those. I guess you either love em or hate em.
The other things we have been doing today (besides running all over to auto body shops and car rental places and talking to insurance companies) are trying to do some real creative financing for our new house just in the (probable) case that our house doesn't sell in time. I mean I, who has a business degree, am getting confused over this huge fianancing deal. Confusing. Oh and we also got new insurance for the new house. Now get this, the house is located in a high-risk hurricane area, and it is $400 cheaper a year than our over-priced California house. Ha! I tell ya everything so far is so much cheaper in Mississippi.
Now if we can just get there and in the new house without this house hanging over our heads. Oh and without having a heart attack due to all the stress. Fun stuff.
The other things we have been doing today (besides running all over to auto body shops and car rental places and talking to insurance companies) are trying to do some real creative financing for our new house just in the (probable) case that our house doesn't sell in time. I mean I, who has a business degree, am getting confused over this huge fianancing deal. Confusing. Oh and we also got new insurance for the new house. Now get this, the house is located in a high-risk hurricane area, and it is $400 cheaper a year than our over-priced California house. Ha! I tell ya everything so far is so much cheaper in Mississippi.
Now if we can just get there and in the new house without this house hanging over our heads. Oh and without having a heart attack due to all the stress. Fun stuff.
As If There Isn't Enough Stress In Our Lives
Jim drives about 190 miles a day roundtrip to his current job. The job that is ending on Friday. He drives this one particular road that I hate with a passion because it is a mountain road (yes those gorgeous mountains that we have for a view). It is a shortcut from Orange County (yuck) to us. But because it is a mountain road with lots and lots of curves and dangerous spots, it has made me very nervous the last two years he has driven it. Many people die on that road every year.
So yesterday with 3 more days left to drive that stinking road, guess what happens? Yep, he got into an accident! Thank God he wasn't hurt (Thank You God!). But the car? Not so much. He was sideswiped by somebody who was not looking and plowed into the passenger side of his one-year-old car. And the entire passenger side is messed up, including the front fender being torn off halfway. And a huge scrap down the side of the car. So that means that the front and back fenders, along with the two doors on the right side need to be fixed/replaced. Big money and big amount of time.
He reported it to our insurance and then called the other guy's insurance. At least if he had to have an accident, he did with somebody who fessed up and put a claim in already to his insurance. It looks like the other guy's insurance is going to take care of everything. But now we have to wonder will it be done in the 3 1/2 weeks we still have in California? Something tells me no.
Like Jim said last night, "California is getting its last licks in". Ayep.
So yesterday with 3 more days left to drive that stinking road, guess what happens? Yep, he got into an accident! Thank God he wasn't hurt (Thank You God!). But the car? Not so much. He was sideswiped by somebody who was not looking and plowed into the passenger side of his one-year-old car. And the entire passenger side is messed up, including the front fender being torn off halfway. And a huge scrap down the side of the car. So that means that the front and back fenders, along with the two doors on the right side need to be fixed/replaced. Big money and big amount of time.
He reported it to our insurance and then called the other guy's insurance. At least if he had to have an accident, he did with somebody who fessed up and put a claim in already to his insurance. It looks like the other guy's insurance is going to take care of everything. But now we have to wonder will it be done in the 3 1/2 weeks we still have in California? Something tells me no.
Like Jim said last night, "California is getting its last licks in". Ayep.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Our Lakeway Hotel Kansas Friends are famous for a very stupid reason
I was noticing that I had a lot of hits that came from google searches of Lakeway Hotel in Meade Kansas and wondered why. After a little bit of a search, I found out that they are like famous now for a really stupid reason. Turns out they flew a rainbow flag outside their hotel. It was a flag that their son, Anthony, bought at the Dorothy museum (Wizard of Oz) and thought it was cool because it reminded him of the Over the Rainbow song.
Well, I guess that has caused a huge stir in the little town of Meade, Kansas. They do not like the pretty rainbow flag because of it's symbolism to gay pride. They have boycotted their hotel and restaurant and done everything to run them out of town, which started long before the stupid flag incident. One preacher came over and was yelling at Robin and said it was like putting a pair of panties up the flagpole. JR's response to that was "I just might do that" and the preacher threatened to arrest him. And they have cut the flag down, which in my opinion is against the law by tampering with private property.
Now for all those people who are googling my blog and don't know these people, let me just say that JR & Robing Knight are THE nicest people that I have ever had the pleasure to meet. I am proud to be among their friends. They took in my family when we had no place to live between houses and did so without any hesitation. When we were visiting them in June, they could not have been nicer to us. They were the most gracious hosts ever. And to those who are persecuting them because of some stupid flag, then all I have to say is that I pity you people. You obviously have no compassion in your tiny little hearts, especially the man who said the flag was just like a Nazi flag in a Jewish camp. Huh? You are equating the rainbow flag to the Nazi flag!!
Alright enough said. It doesn't matter what you think about gay people or gay rights, it just isn't right how these so called "Christians" are treating my very good friends.
Here is the news story.
Well, I guess that has caused a huge stir in the little town of Meade, Kansas. They do not like the pretty rainbow flag because of it's symbolism to gay pride. They have boycotted their hotel and restaurant and done everything to run them out of town, which started long before the stupid flag incident. One preacher came over and was yelling at Robin and said it was like putting a pair of panties up the flagpole. JR's response to that was "I just might do that" and the preacher threatened to arrest him. And they have cut the flag down, which in my opinion is against the law by tampering with private property.
Now for all those people who are googling my blog and don't know these people, let me just say that JR & Robing Knight are THE nicest people that I have ever had the pleasure to meet. I am proud to be among their friends. They took in my family when we had no place to live between houses and did so without any hesitation. When we were visiting them in June, they could not have been nicer to us. They were the most gracious hosts ever. And to those who are persecuting them because of some stupid flag, then all I have to say is that I pity you people. You obviously have no compassion in your tiny little hearts, especially the man who said the flag was just like a Nazi flag in a Jewish camp. Huh? You are equating the rainbow flag to the Nazi flag!!
Alright enough said. It doesn't matter what you think about gay people or gay rights, it just isn't right how these so called "Christians" are treating my very good friends.
Here is the news story.
August?!?
My goodness is it really August? How did that happen? Wasn't Christmas just a few weeks ago? Wow time does fly doesn't it?
I have decided not to stress (much) about the house situation (at least for today). Instead I will regale ya with stories about Jack.
When I went into his room this morning, I found him standing on his bed looking into his mirror and pretending to fly with his arms outstretched. He saw me and he yelled "I'm Flying Mama". Oy! What is next? Him trying to fly off something high, like oh the house! Boys. They are a different species I tell ya.
Yesterday, we went to the playgroup which was at the playland called Child's Play. We have been here a few times and Jack loves this place. He had a lot of fun seeing all his friends that he hasn't seen in a couple of months. And I had a lot of fun catching up with some of the other mothers. I am really going to miss this group when we move.
Jack has been expressing himself more and more these days. Which is great, seeing as about a month ago, he quit talking almost altogether. Thanks to Jane who reassured me that it was just a phase and NOT autistic behavior . After that little phase, he has pretty much started talking like all the time. Of his favorite sayings besides "NO" are "Chaaa", "oh my goodness" and "watch this" about a hundred times a day.
He is so expressive. He has the bike that has a seat which opens up and can store all kinds of goodies in. He is so funny because he will put some of his cars and trucks in the seat and ride the bike over to me. He gets up, opens his seat, and sucks his breath in while saying "Ohhhhhhhhh" like he forgot he put those cars and trucks in there only 30 seconds before. Such a funny boy.
He also loves to burp or pretend to burp and thinks it is the funniest thing in the world. He will do a pretend burp, say "excuse me" and then laugh and giggle for like 2 minutes. He cracks himself up all the time.
But the best thing is how lovable he is. He will walk up to us and give us a big hug and kiss just out of the blue. It is such a joy to know just how happy he is and how he gets so much enjoyment out of life. He gives his mother a lesson in not stressing over stupid stuff like money and houses that won't sell - at least for a few minutes.
I have decided not to stress (much) about the house situation (at least for today). Instead I will regale ya with stories about Jack.
When I went into his room this morning, I found him standing on his bed looking into his mirror and pretending to fly with his arms outstretched. He saw me and he yelled "I'm Flying Mama". Oy! What is next? Him trying to fly off something high, like oh the house! Boys. They are a different species I tell ya.
Yesterday, we went to the playgroup which was at the playland called Child's Play. We have been here a few times and Jack loves this place. He had a lot of fun seeing all his friends that he hasn't seen in a couple of months. And I had a lot of fun catching up with some of the other mothers. I am really going to miss this group when we move.
Jack has been expressing himself more and more these days. Which is great, seeing as about a month ago, he quit talking almost altogether. Thanks to Jane who reassured me that it was just a phase and NOT autistic behavior . After that little phase, he has pretty much started talking like all the time. Of his favorite sayings besides "NO" are "Chaaa", "oh my goodness" and "watch this" about a hundred times a day.
He is so expressive. He has the bike that has a seat which opens up and can store all kinds of goodies in. He is so funny because he will put some of his cars and trucks in the seat and ride the bike over to me. He gets up, opens his seat, and sucks his breath in while saying "Ohhhhhhhhh" like he forgot he put those cars and trucks in there only 30 seconds before. Such a funny boy.
He also loves to burp or pretend to burp and thinks it is the funniest thing in the world. He will do a pretend burp, say "excuse me" and then laugh and giggle for like 2 minutes. He cracks himself up all the time.
But the best thing is how lovable he is. He will walk up to us and give us a big hug and kiss just out of the blue. It is such a joy to know just how happy he is and how he gets so much enjoyment out of life. He gives his mother a lesson in not stressing over stupid stuff like money and houses that won't sell - at least for a few minutes.
Monday, July 31, 2006
No Luck Yet
We had our second day of open house yesterday and it was slower than Saturday. There was a couple that came late Saturday night and seemed to really like the house - so much they came back a second time 30 minutes later. But, I found out that they were trying to make up their minds between our house and another one and of course chose the other one to make an offer. Grrrrr cause they looked like they had money also. Jim and I were probably pathetic when they came through cause we said that we were "motivated sellers" about 37 times in the span of 2 minutes. Maybe we scared them off?
Anyway, after the open house ended yesterday I confronted Mr. Ahole on the lying Ahole that he is. Of course, he was very apologetic and said "it isn't in my character". Whatever. After all was said and done, he gave us a 1/2% commission back, which amounts to thousands of dollars. We also decided to lower the price by $30K to get it under a certain figure. He thinks that we will get a pick up in traffic now. Of course the new price is $55K lower than the last house sold just like ours. But oh well, we are still going to be making a ton of money on this house.
I am going to "try" to get back to normal today, if I can. We have the builder coming this morning to paint our ceiling from the drywall repair from the ceiling leak. Also I have Salvation Army coming to pick up approximately half our house today and they are scheduled between 1 and 4. So like I said I am going "try" to schedule a playgroup in today between painting guy and pick-up-my-junk guy. Jack really needs it and quite frankly so do I. I need to get out of here and not stress so much. We shall see if I am actually successful or not.
Anyway, after the open house ended yesterday I confronted Mr. Ahole on the lying Ahole that he is. Of course, he was very apologetic and said "it isn't in my character". Whatever. After all was said and done, he gave us a 1/2% commission back, which amounts to thousands of dollars. We also decided to lower the price by $30K to get it under a certain figure. He thinks that we will get a pick up in traffic now. Of course the new price is $55K lower than the last house sold just like ours. But oh well, we are still going to be making a ton of money on this house.
I am going to "try" to get back to normal today, if I can. We have the builder coming this morning to paint our ceiling from the drywall repair from the ceiling leak. Also I have Salvation Army coming to pick up approximately half our house today and they are scheduled between 1 and 4. So like I said I am going "try" to schedule a playgroup in today between painting guy and pick-up-my-junk guy. Jack really needs it and quite frankly so do I. I need to get out of here and not stress so much. We shall see if I am actually successful or not.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Furious!
We had an open house today with our realtor, who will be known as Mr. Ahole from now. And the reason for the Mr. Ahole name? We totally can't trust this guy. I mean he lies and lies and then lies some more just to make himself look good. Our for sale sign blew down last weekend in a wind storm and I called him on Monday to tell him that the sign was down and broken. When did it get fixed? It didn't. Jim put the thing back up this morning. And you know what Mr. Ahole told us? He said he drove by LAST NIGHT and saw that it was up and therefore didn't do anything about it LAST NIGHT (five days after I told him about it). A total and complete lie because LAST NIGHT it was laying on the ground. I do not think the guy has driven by here in the last two weeks!
We left the house totally immaculate this morning. I went out and bought fresh flowers and candles (yeah just like on Designed to Sell). It looked good. Really Good. We come back at the end and Mr. Ahole tells us that 5 people walked through, but no serious people. I then ask Mr. Ahole about a realtor that had looked at the house on Thursday and said she might have some clients who would be interested in it. I called Mr. Ahole and gave him her number and told Mr. Ahole about the prospect. I asked Mr. Ahole today if he had called her and Mr. Ahole said he had. Again - another lie! I called the other realtor after Mr. Ahole left and asked her if he called and sure enough she said no.
This guy is supposed to be a Century 21 "Superstar", but as far as I am concerned there is NOTHING super about Mr. Ahole at all. He has done nothing and I mean nothing for us. Mr. Ahole has not tried to network with other agents to get ours sold. I have told Mr. Ahole that we are very motivated, to say the least, but he doesn't seem to care. Mr. Ahole drives around in a Hummer and I really hate Hummers! And beginning to hate Mr. Ahole also.
Mr. Ahole also told me this morning that a lot of agents have called about our house, but funny enough, not one showing. The only reason why the other real estate agent was here on Thursday was because she was buying a floor lamp from us. So obviously that was a lie about all the other agents.
I am so frustrated and really want to sit down and cry right now. I have no idea what we are going to do when it comes time to cough up the money for the new house. I so hate dealing with liars and he is the biggest Mr. Ahole of them all.
We left the house totally immaculate this morning. I went out and bought fresh flowers and candles (yeah just like on Designed to Sell). It looked good. Really Good. We come back at the end and Mr. Ahole tells us that 5 people walked through, but no serious people. I then ask Mr. Ahole about a realtor that had looked at the house on Thursday and said she might have some clients who would be interested in it. I called Mr. Ahole and gave him her number and told Mr. Ahole about the prospect. I asked Mr. Ahole today if he had called her and Mr. Ahole said he had. Again - another lie! I called the other realtor after Mr. Ahole left and asked her if he called and sure enough she said no.
This guy is supposed to be a Century 21 "Superstar", but as far as I am concerned there is NOTHING super about Mr. Ahole at all. He has done nothing and I mean nothing for us. Mr. Ahole has not tried to network with other agents to get ours sold. I have told Mr. Ahole that we are very motivated, to say the least, but he doesn't seem to care. Mr. Ahole drives around in a Hummer and I really hate Hummers! And beginning to hate Mr. Ahole also.
Mr. Ahole also told me this morning that a lot of agents have called about our house, but funny enough, not one showing. The only reason why the other real estate agent was here on Thursday was because she was buying a floor lamp from us. So obviously that was a lie about all the other agents.
I am so frustrated and really want to sit down and cry right now. I have no idea what we are going to do when it comes time to cough up the money for the new house. I so hate dealing with liars and he is the biggest Mr. Ahole of them all.
Friday, July 28, 2006
A Cold Front!
Last night around 5:30, I was driving to my friend's house for a candle party and I was thinking to myself that it was quite comfortable temperature wise. In fact, it might even be a bit chilly. So I look up at the thermostat in my car and it reads 94 degrees! Yeah a real cold front!! But in comparison to a week ago, it was down 18 degrees!! Geesh time to get the winter woolies out cause it is ONLY 94! Sad.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Packing 101
Okay, so because Jim came home and packed like 3 boxes last night, I am sufficiently guilted into do some packing/throwing away stuff today. It worked honey. However, they really should teach a class in how to pack with a toddler hanging off your legs begging you to hold him. Because, I am failing miserably at the task. It is taking three times as long to do anything. About the only thing that I have done today was clean out my closet of old clothes that I will no longer wear - ever! I mean people, I had business suits from 1990 in there, of which I have not worn since at least 1995! And about 4 sizes too small for me now. Yeah like 11 years ago. Sad.
I also have shredded an entire trash can full of paperwork from past years. I tell ya going through all this stuff sure brings back your life to ya. Like old houses bought and sold. Or old receipts for some things that you should never have bought in the first place. Or yucky past relationship stuff. It was really quite therapeutic and should have been done a long long time ago.
I am also trying to get rid of like half our house on craigslist.com. Selling off a lot of furniture, toys, Jack's clothes, crib, cradle ... the list goes on and on. So that has taken up a lot of my time emailing the people who have responded to all my ads. Hopefully we will be able to get rid of the stuff and not move all this extra stuff across the country. Really, do we really need all that STUFF?
I also have shredded an entire trash can full of paperwork from past years. I tell ya going through all this stuff sure brings back your life to ya. Like old houses bought and sold. Or old receipts for some things that you should never have bought in the first place. Or yucky past relationship stuff. It was really quite therapeutic and should have been done a long long time ago.
I am also trying to get rid of like half our house on craigslist.com. Selling off a lot of furniture, toys, Jack's clothes, crib, cradle ... the list goes on and on. So that has taken up a lot of my time emailing the people who have responded to all my ads. Hopefully we will be able to get rid of the stuff and not move all this extra stuff across the country. Really, do we really need all that STUFF?
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Just some ramblings
** Why is it I can not get myself motivated to get packing? I know that the move is coming up and it would make life easier if I did some packing. But to take a nap or watch another episode of Designers Challenge just sounds like so much more fun. Yes I know I am the worlds worst procastinator.
** Jack is becoming quite the cute little person. His latest saying is "cha". You ask him "Are you Jack?" and he will reply "Cha!". It has become his answer to everything asked.
** Jack sure caused a lot of attention on our recent trip. He pulled his own little suitcase through the airports and anytime anyone say him, all that was said was "awww isn't he cute". I heard one guy say "that thing is bigger than him". He was quite a little trooper and held his own.
** It is hot hot hot. Maybe that is why I am feeling so lazy? It has been in the triple digits for 21 days now. Oh and they keep telling you not to turn on your air conditioning and conserve. To that, I say screw that. I am going to keep my house at 78 degrees so there state of California. I am so not looking forward to my electric bill. May need cpr after seeing the amount.
** I would post more pictures and I will as soon as I find my camera charger. I know I have seen it since we got home from our road trip, however in my quest to make the house a model home, it got placed (stuffed) in a cubby hole somewhere. I just need to remember where now.
** We totally need to sell our house fast, like yesterday. Instead we had no showings at all except for one in two weeks. I am still cussing that wife out who did not want to live here.
** I am very excited about moving to Gulfport. I just want to fast forward time about two months is all. Can I do that?
** My last ramble is about Jack, of course. Ever since we got home, he can not stop talking about flying in the airplane. He tells everyone we see and I mean ev.ery.one like the cashier lady at the grocery store. He says "go flying zzzoooommm" and takes his hand to demonstrate.
Then he tells about the "big bump booommm", the landing. And he absolutely loved having turbulence. When we hit a rough patch, he was screaming "weeee". I think it was a big hit.
** Jack is becoming quite the cute little person. His latest saying is "cha". You ask him "Are you Jack?" and he will reply "Cha!". It has become his answer to everything asked.
** Jack sure caused a lot of attention on our recent trip. He pulled his own little suitcase through the airports and anytime anyone say him, all that was said was "awww isn't he cute". I heard one guy say "that thing is bigger than him". He was quite a little trooper and held his own.
** It is hot hot hot. Maybe that is why I am feeling so lazy? It has been in the triple digits for 21 days now. Oh and they keep telling you not to turn on your air conditioning and conserve. To that, I say screw that. I am going to keep my house at 78 degrees so there state of California. I am so not looking forward to my electric bill. May need cpr after seeing the amount.
** I would post more pictures and I will as soon as I find my camera charger. I know I have seen it since we got home from our road trip, however in my quest to make the house a model home, it got placed (stuffed) in a cubby hole somewhere. I just need to remember where now.
** We totally need to sell our house fast, like yesterday. Instead we had no showings at all except for one in two weeks. I am still cussing that wife out who did not want to live here.
** I am very excited about moving to Gulfport. I just want to fast forward time about two months is all. Can I do that?
** My last ramble is about Jack, of course. Ever since we got home, he can not stop talking about flying in the airplane. He tells everyone we see and I mean ev.ery.one like the cashier lady at the grocery store. He says "go flying zzzoooommm" and takes his hand to demonstrate.
Then he tells about the "big bump booommm", the landing. And he absolutely loved having turbulence. When we hit a rough patch, he was screaming "weeee". I think it was a big hit.
Monday, July 24, 2006
What a Weekend
We just got back from our whirlwind trip to Gulfport. All I have to say, is wow what a weekend. First of all, Jim is officially a police officer. Yay! He gets to start at the end of August. He is really excited about the whole thing.
On the house front, we found the house to buy. It is a new construction that is almost completed. The previous buyer backed out and left it for us to buy. It is an unbelievable low price in California prices and it will make us a lot better shape financially. It is funny because we weren't looking at new construction because of the usual long wait time to move in. However, we were in the neighborhood looking at another house for sale and had some time to kill so we went to the model home just to look. The real estate lady there was sooo very nice and told us that she only had the one house left to sell and it would be available around Sept 1. which is a perfect timing. The house is 2600 sq ft, 4 bedroom, den, huge kitchen and family room. Oh and it also has an awesome view of a lake in the back. So we signed up for it and about 15 minutes after we said yes, another couple came back after "thinking" about it for a couple of days and wanted it. But too bad, it was ours. Ha!
So now the pressure is totally on to sell our house. Not quite sure what we are going to do if it doesn't sell by then and don't really want to think about it right now. It does feel good to know for sure what is going on and that we have a house now to move into. But now the stress is coming from the trying to sell this house. Of course with the 118 degree heat (literally,no joking), there was no showings on our house while we were gone. I am hoping that the triple digits will go bye bye and get people out looking at houses again. We have had 20 days of triple digit temperatures! I will take the Mississippi weather anyday to what we have here.
So say your prayers about selling our house! I want out now! Or anybody want to move to California and the triple digit temps?
On the house front, we found the house to buy. It is a new construction that is almost completed. The previous buyer backed out and left it for us to buy. It is an unbelievable low price in California prices and it will make us a lot better shape financially. It is funny because we weren't looking at new construction because of the usual long wait time to move in. However, we were in the neighborhood looking at another house for sale and had some time to kill so we went to the model home just to look. The real estate lady there was sooo very nice and told us that she only had the one house left to sell and it would be available around Sept 1. which is a perfect timing. The house is 2600 sq ft, 4 bedroom, den, huge kitchen and family room. Oh and it also has an awesome view of a lake in the back. So we signed up for it and about 15 minutes after we said yes, another couple came back after "thinking" about it for a couple of days and wanted it. But too bad, it was ours. Ha!
So now the pressure is totally on to sell our house. Not quite sure what we are going to do if it doesn't sell by then and don't really want to think about it right now. It does feel good to know for sure what is going on and that we have a house now to move into. But now the stress is coming from the trying to sell this house. Of course with the 118 degree heat (literally,no joking), there was no showings on our house while we were gone. I am hoping that the triple digits will go bye bye and get people out looking at houses again. We have had 20 days of triple digit temperatures! I will take the Mississippi weather anyday to what we have here.
So say your prayers about selling our house! I want out now! Or anybody want to move to California and the triple digit temps?
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
All Ready to Go and a Jackaroo Embarrassment
Well all animals are safely at their temporary lodging facilities, even the runaway cat. Thankfully, Jim got home early today and was able to help with the transporting of said runaway cat because he ripped through the other cat carrier while we were driving! I was just saying to Jim that I thought that the mesh on this carrier was stronger than the other and therefore would not rip as easily. WRONG. As soon as I said those words, the cat was out and in the front of the van. Yep, two cat carriers down the drain today. Oh yay!
So after getting all the animals to where they needed to go, we decided to go out to eat. We were sitting in the booth waiting for our food and Jim and I were talking about Jack and his loud yelling that he is prone to do at times. I said that at least he wasn't yelling "Yo Bitch" and sure enough as soon as I said those words, he yelled the same words. Very Very Loud. So loud that I am sure the entire half of the restaurant could hear it. Um. Yeah. Need to watch what we are saying from now on ya think?
I guess yesterday we were thiiiissss close to selling our house. A guy came to look at the house and really really liked the house and was ready to sign the offer. Then he brought his wife, who I guess is a stuck up snob, because she nixed the entire thing because she did not want to live outside of Orange County. My question is why does she WANT to live in Orange County? Yuck. So I guess it is onto the open house this weekend while we are gone. Wish us luck with that and we come home to sooo many offers. I can dream right?
So after getting all the animals to where they needed to go, we decided to go out to eat. We were sitting in the booth waiting for our food and Jim and I were talking about Jack and his loud yelling that he is prone to do at times. I said that at least he wasn't yelling "Yo Bitch" and sure enough as soon as I said those words, he yelled the same words. Very Very Loud. So loud that I am sure the entire half of the restaurant could hear it. Um. Yeah. Need to watch what we are saying from now on ya think?
I guess yesterday we were thiiiissss close to selling our house. A guy came to look at the house and really really liked the house and was ready to sign the offer. Then he brought his wife, who I guess is a stuck up snob, because she nixed the entire thing because she did not want to live outside of Orange County. My question is why does she WANT to live in Orange County? Yuck. So I guess it is onto the open house this weekend while we are gone. Wish us luck with that and we come home to sooo many offers. I can dream right?
One of those mornings
We are flying to Gulfport tomorrow for the weekend. Jim has a couple of job stuffies to do and I want to get more of a feel for the area and look at some houses. There is two houses in particular that I saw on the internet that I think I could totally love and can't wait to check them out.
Anyway, because of all that needs to be done, my morning was pretty much booked. My plans WERE as follows: drop Jack off at daycare/preschool (calling it preschool now cause it sounds more grownup), drop cats off at the cat boarding place, drop dogs off at friends AND get to my 9:45 am doctor's appointment on time. Yeah Right. NOT.
Let's see, what went wrong. The first was Jack had a complete and total meltdown when it was time to go to school. He would NOT go into the car and by the time I had him buckled in, I was drenched in sweat from fighting him. Then he started to scream when I left him there, even though I kept telling him he was going to play with all his friends. He has become quite clingy lately.
Anyway, I zoomed back home after dropping the toddler off with high hopes of rounding up all 4 animals to put them in the car. So I grab the first cat and with many a fur flying put him into the cat carrier. Then go looking for the second cat, who after 20 minutes of searching, was found under the table skirt in the bedroom. I put him in the cat carrier and carry the two cats out to the garage. Then I go back inside to change my shirt because it now has 3 inches of cat fur all over it, grab the dogs, the dog food, and a last minute look to make sure the house is still looking like a model. I go out to the garage with one of the dogs in my arms and what do I see? A cat sitting by the open garage door. I look at the cat carrier that he was in and see that he managed to totally rip open a hole and jump out. And by now, he has run into the next yard. No hopes whatsoever of catching him.
So I look at the time and realize that I do not have time to drop off both cat (singular now) and the dogs before doctor's appointment. So I carry dog back into the house and decide to just drop off the one cat at the kennel and hope that the other cat will come back later so I can take him to the kennel.
So I am driving to the kennel and am on the road of the kennel and the road is closed because they have it all torn up! I can literally see the building but couldn't get there. So I call them and ask them how in the world do I get there and the nice lady on the other end told me "oh dear, you have to go back to Ivy street, make a left, then another left, then a right, then a left, and then you will see our road upon which you make a right." HUH? You have got to be kidding me. I have to be at the appointment in 20 minutes and I have to drive 23 miles out of my way? UGH! So I finally get there and drop off the stupid cat, which by the way, I am really wondering why we have at this moment and drive to my doctors. The time I walk into the doctor's door? 10:05 am. Only 20 minutes late. And of course was not called back until 10:45. Of course.
So now I am home and have to do laundry and pack. Oh and the runaway cat? Yeah he was standing by the door when I got home. I have to make another run to the kennel with the 23 mile detour after 3:00 pm cause that is when they reopen. Fun times.
Anyway, because of all that needs to be done, my morning was pretty much booked. My plans WERE as follows: drop Jack off at daycare/preschool (calling it preschool now cause it sounds more grownup), drop cats off at the cat boarding place, drop dogs off at friends AND get to my 9:45 am doctor's appointment on time. Yeah Right. NOT.
Let's see, what went wrong. The first was Jack had a complete and total meltdown when it was time to go to school. He would NOT go into the car and by the time I had him buckled in, I was drenched in sweat from fighting him. Then he started to scream when I left him there, even though I kept telling him he was going to play with all his friends. He has become quite clingy lately.
Anyway, I zoomed back home after dropping the toddler off with high hopes of rounding up all 4 animals to put them in the car. So I grab the first cat and with many a fur flying put him into the cat carrier. Then go looking for the second cat, who after 20 minutes of searching, was found under the table skirt in the bedroom. I put him in the cat carrier and carry the two cats out to the garage. Then I go back inside to change my shirt because it now has 3 inches of cat fur all over it, grab the dogs, the dog food, and a last minute look to make sure the house is still looking like a model. I go out to the garage with one of the dogs in my arms and what do I see? A cat sitting by the open garage door. I look at the cat carrier that he was in and see that he managed to totally rip open a hole and jump out. And by now, he has run into the next yard. No hopes whatsoever of catching him.
So I look at the time and realize that I do not have time to drop off both cat (singular now) and the dogs before doctor's appointment. So I carry dog back into the house and decide to just drop off the one cat at the kennel and hope that the other cat will come back later so I can take him to the kennel.
So I am driving to the kennel and am on the road of the kennel and the road is closed because they have it all torn up! I can literally see the building but couldn't get there. So I call them and ask them how in the world do I get there and the nice lady on the other end told me "oh dear, you have to go back to Ivy street, make a left, then another left, then a right, then a left, and then you will see our road upon which you make a right." HUH? You have got to be kidding me. I have to be at the appointment in 20 minutes and I have to drive 23 miles out of my way? UGH! So I finally get there and drop off the stupid cat, which by the way, I am really wondering why we have at this moment and drive to my doctors. The time I walk into the doctor's door? 10:05 am. Only 20 minutes late. And of course was not called back until 10:45. Of course.
So now I am home and have to do laundry and pack. Oh and the runaway cat? Yeah he was standing by the door when I got home. I have to make another run to the kennel with the 23 mile detour after 3:00 pm cause that is when they reopen. Fun times.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
It was nice while it lasted ...
the clean house that is. Right now there are two men in my front entry creating a HUGE dust storm. They are replacing some cracked tiles that have been cracked for oh about a year now. I know I know, I should have taken care of said cracked tiles then instead of now, but shut up. The stuff you learn to live with in your house until suddenly it is "on the market" and must be perfect. But the good part of the dust storm brewing in my house is that it is the LAST of the projects to be done before I deem the house "sale worthy".
Yes I know I have watched WAY too many "sell this house" type shows. You don't have to inform me of that observation. I know it.
Yes I know I have watched WAY too many "sell this house" type shows. You don't have to inform me of that observation. I know it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
