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Thursday, December 20, 2007
The New Cost vs. Value Report for the Bay Area
The annual report for the Bay Area was just released, and I wanted to share it with you. With this chart, you can look at an evaluation for about twenty common renovations, and about a dozen bigger projects. The charts give you a run down on the average cost of the project in the Bay Area, along with the projected amount of added value. You can then compare it to the national numbers.
For instance, the addition of a wood deck or a minor kitchen remodel should recoup your money and more. And, a home office remodel might not add that much value to the home.
Now keep in mind that these are just averages for the whole Bay Area region, and the values can be different for your city or even your neighborhood. If you would like more information on planning a remodeling project to get your home ready to sell, just let me know. I'm always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or email@example.com.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
A Great Local Resource for Both Newcomers and Lifers
If you have been in the real estate business for awhile, you might remember the McCormack's Guides. These are terrific little books with everything you could possibly want to know about a geographic area, and more. And, I mean EVERYTHING, from school scores to history to the local zeitgeist. All of this information is now online, and I wanted to make sure that everyone knew about it. For Alameda County, just visit this link to the McCormack's website.
Want the 2007 school scores? Got it! Want to know how to read the scores? Got that too! Need information on topics ranging from garbage collection to property taxes? That is there too, of course! Have to go to the emergency room? Find out which hospitals are nearby! Ready to go have some fun? Look here for ideas! (Like all good things, you have to take the good with the bad, so that means you can also look up crime statistics.)
What I love is that all of this information is now free. So, bookmark it today. Of course, you can still purchase the hard copy books, but all the information will soon be completely and exclusively online. And, if you need information on other California regions, you can find it on the home page.
I am always happy to be a resource, but you will probably get a pretty good start with www.McCormacks.com. And, when you are ready for more detailed or up-to-date information, please let me know. I am always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Quick Trips around the Bay
This holiday season, take some time out to have a little adventure with your family and enjoy all that the Bay Area has to offer. If you are here in the East Bay, plan some day trips to get out and enjoy something new. Set a destination and let the day unfold!
*Take the ferry to Pier 39 and be a tourist for the day. Stroll from Ghirardelli Square to Pier 39, grab some chocolate, have some lunch, stare at the sea lions, watch the cable car turnaround and just relax. For a quick virtual visit, check out the live sea lion webcam!
*The San Jose Tech Museum of Innovation is a fascinating for young and old alike. Located in Downtown San Jose, current exhibits include the eye-popping Body World display on anatomy and the progressive Green By Design displays. Make it more fun by taking BART to CalTrain or the Santa Clara VTA Train.
*Head north to visit the Charles M. Schultz Museum in Santa Rosa and re-discover the local genius behind Peanuts. Exhibits look at the history of the comic strip, its influence, and the art of cartooning. Save some time to go next door to the Redwood Empire Ice Arena, also built by longtime hockey enthusiast Schultz, for some wintry athleticism.
*Another fun day trip, though a bit further, would be to take the Amtrak train up to Sacramento to visit the California State Railroad Museum, a fascinating way to take in California history. Located in Old Sacramento, there is also a great deal of other state history around, as well as great shopping and restaurants. And, taking a relaxing train trip to get there is the way to go.
No matter where you choose to spend your holidays, have a great time enjoying this amazing region!
(Charlie Brown picture courtesy of http://www.schulzmuseum.org/)
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Methods of Holding Title
Okay, students, time once again for a little Real Estate 101. Today's topic is methods of holding title. Many people begin by wondering, "What does holding title mean?" Well, when you own a house, there are many ways to own it, or, in other words, many ways to have the title in your name.
If only it was as simple as owning an iPod or even a car. But, there are many important issues at stake in how a home is owned, such as division of ownership or what happens to the property after an owner dies. Holding title is a very complicated issue, so remember that this is a just a brief overview.
A married couple usually owns their home as either Community Property or Community Property with Right of Survivorship. In both cases, the couple owns equal shares in the "community property" and cannot be divided by creditors. When it comes to survivorship, the home will automatically become the sole property of the surviving spouse under the Right of Survivorship arrangement. Without Right of Survivorship, each spouse can leave their share to someone else (in which case title would be held as a Tenancy in Common).
So, what is a Tenancy in Common, then? When a property is held as a Tenancy in Common, there can be any number of owners with equal or unequal interests. For instance, three people could own a home, with one person owning 50% and the other two owning 25% each. Each person can sell their share as they please, or will it to someone after their death. Any new owner would simply become a new member of the Tenancy in Common arrangement. Some married couples even choose to hold title this way.
Finally, there is Joint Tenancy, which allows any number of owners as long as all the ownership interests are equal. If there are three owners, they each own 33.33% interest. If one person sells their share, the property then becomes a Tenancy in Common. But, if one of the owners dies, they cannot will their share to someone because Joint Tenancy has Right of Survivorship. The interest of the deceased owner is shared between the remaining owners. So, if one of the three owners dies, the surviving two owners would then have a 50% interest each.
Now, remember, this is a just an overview. There are many twists and turns on the path to choosing the right method of holding title for your home. You can get great information on this topic and others from Placer Title, an escrow and title company that is terrific to work with. If you have questions about holding title, please let me know. I am always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Monday, December 10, 2007
A Little Perspective on Today's Market
Newspapers and the cable news networks continue to talk about the foreclosure mess. And, it is indeed a mess, but the singular focus on this story is distracting from some other fascinating numbers and stories. So, this is a healthy reminder to have a little perspective on the market, and to look past the alarmist reports out of the media.
Did you know that as of July 2007, right before the subprime problems began to emerge, that about 97% of all mortgages were current? And that about 30% of all real estate was owned free and clear, unencumbered by mortgage obligations? The real surprise is that those numbers have not changed all that much in the intervening months. As of November 30th, 95.1% of all mortgages are current.
Various forecasts predict that about 20-30 billion dollars are going to have to be written off because of foreclosures on subprime loans. That sounds terrible, but given that there are almost 10 trillion dollars in mortgages out there, that is less than 1 percent of all mortgages being affected by the subprime fallout.
It is a very complicated economic situation, so it is important to have some perspective on the big picture. But, keep in mind that the market is simply correcting itself. There are and will continue to be some negative results for some individuals and a ripple effect through some sectors of the economy. Yet, interest rates are terrific right now, There are some hot deals and motivated buyers out there, and it is a great time to invest in real estate for the future.
Next week, I will be mailing out to my regular clients a detailed look at the 2007 real estate market and a look ahead to 2008. If you would like information on the market from a trusted advisor, please let me know. I am always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or email@example.com
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
The East Bay's "Green Corridor"
According to the Oakland Tribune, the cities will work together to "create programs and policies that promote energy conservation, green construction, a green industry and more. They plan collectively to seek state, federal and private money for research, job training and job placement targeting high school and community college students."
I hope to see this take off in the coming years, and it feels like we have a huge head start with so many leading edge eco-friendly developers and companies like the Alameda County Computer Resource Center, the City of Berkeley's new solar initiatives, and companies like EcoHome Improvement, Build It Green, and Bio-Diesel Hauling. These are just the tip of the iceberg, of course, and don't forget Lawton Associates own green condo development Gate 48 in the Temescal district!
Living in the East Bay, it is just so easy to go green, and I am happy to see the local city governments providing the incentives and vision to take us even further.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Berkeley's Golden Duplex Rule
Strictly speaking, a Golden Duplex must meet two criteria. First, back in 1979, one of the two units must have been occupied by the owner at that time. Second, one of the units must now be occupied by the current property owner. The property is allowed to have changed owners (and tenants) during this time, but if these two criteria are met, then the property is a Golden Duplex.
Why is this important to know? Because properties that qualify as Golden Duplexes are generally exempt from Berkeley's strict eviction protection laws. Normally, tenants have a lot of protection from the City of Berkeley, but tenants in a Golden Duplex can typically be given a standard 30-day eviction under almost any circumstance.
This seems like quite an arbitrary rule, but there is a logical history. Duplexes are generally considered to have tenants who have a more familial relationship, especially when one of the units is occupied by the owner, so strict eviction protections should not be necessary. The rule does not apply to all duplexes in the city out of concern that all duplexes would become owner-occupied and there would be fewer rental units available. So, the dividing line was drawn at 1979, which was the year that rent control was introduced in Berkeley.
Obviously, this can be a complicated matter, and a lot of research and lawyers might be necessary. But, having a duplex confirmed as a Golden Duplex can be done. If you have questions about Golden Duplexes or other Berkeley rent control issues, just let me know. I am always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Getting Ready to Move
Make your moving van reservation two to three weeks ahead of time, and call to confirm regularly. For a standard two or three bedroom house, you will probably need at least a 20-foot truck. Consider reserving a dolly to help you move your larger items.
Get your boxes ahead of time, and consider spending a little more money on "auto bottom boxes." These are standard-sized moving boxes that pop into place and have an easy folding mechanism to close the box. No tape needed, and the box is securely closed in seconds.
Other supplies to have on hand include marking pens, strong packing tape and a tape gun, strong scissors, bubble wrap or other padding material for dishes and small fragile items, and blankets or furniture pads for protecting larger items.
You will need to keep some necessary possessions unpacked until the last minute. Keep a few changes of clothes and a toiletry bag handy, as well as a few towels and sheets. With all this activity is recommended to keep a first aid kit handy, too. Keep some disposable kitchen items around for simple meals, plus some activities to keep kids and pets happy. And, make sure to leave all of your cleaning materials easy to access.
Moving with pets can be very stressful for them. On moving day, keep them confined to one room, so that they will be the last members of your family to go into the car. When you get to your new home, take care of them first by placing them with love and attention in a room while the truck is being unloaded.
There are so many complicated aspects to moving, and everyone's situation is unique. If you have questions, or would like a complimentary Moving Tips guide, please let me know. I am always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or email@example.com.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Rumor Control--Foreclosures
In addition to sharing this information, I would also like to help put an end to the rumors that buying foreclosures is an easy way to make money and get deals in real estate. It is possible to get deals and make money, but it is definitely not EASY, and there are many many pitfalls to watch out for.
I worked in foreclosures for about seven years throughout the 1990s, so let me share some tips and information from my experiences.
First, there are not that many foreclosures in the more desirable neighborhoods of Oakland and Berkeley. In fact, most of the East Bay foreclosures are in cities like Antioch and East Oakland, so finding a foreclosure that you might like will be difficult from the get go.
Second, buying foreclosures on the courthouse steps can be a tricky business. First, the bank wants to get their money back, so the opening bids may not be as low as you would hope. They will also require buyers with all cash. Plus, there are some very experienced players there who know how to game the system to their advantage. Buyer beware!
Third, it is very, very difficult to know the condition of the house in foreclosure that you are buying, since you probably won't be able to go inside before you buy it. It could be a neglected property in disrepair, or the person losing his or her home might be upset and cause intentional damage. Also, make sure you know exactly which deed of trust you are buying.
If you are looking for deals in foreclosures, it is probably best to wait until the bank has to sell it on the open market. At that point, the banks might be willing to make a deal. After all, they are not in the homeowning business. But, bear in mind that the sales will likely be on an "as is" basis and excellent credit is necessary.
I said it before and I will say it again--foreclosures are a tricky business. If you have any questions about buying foreclosures, let me know. I am always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or email@example.com.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Guide to East Bay Farmer's Markets
Here is a quick daily guide to East Bay Farmer's Markets. Maybe you can run out on your lunch hour and pick up some fresh produce for tonight's dinner!
TUESDAY: Alameda (Taylor & Webster), Berkeley (Derby & MLK), Concord (Todos Santos Park), El Cerrito Plaza, Union City (Kaiser), Walnut Creek (Kaiser).
WEDNESDAY: Hayward (Kaiser)
THURSDAY: Berkeley (Shattuck & Rose), Concord (Todos Santos Park), Fremont (Kaiser), Livermore (Carnegie Park), Martinez (Court & Main), Martinez (Kaiser), Oakland (Fruitvale).
FRIDAY: East Oakland (73rd & International), Fremont (Nummi), Oakland (Kaiser Piedmont), Old Oakland, Richmond (Civic Center & McDonald), Walnut Creek (Rossmoor).
SATURDAY: Berkeley (Center & MLK), Brentwood (2nd & Maple), Castro Valley (BART), Danville (Railroad & Prospect), El Cerrito Plaza, Fremont (Centerville), Hayward (Main & B), Oakland (Grand Lake), Oakland (50th & Mandela), Oakland (Millsmont), Oakley (City Hall), Orinda (Avenida de Orinda & Orinda), Pinole (Pear & Fernandez), Pittsburg (Railroad & 6th), Pleasant HIll (City Hall), Pleasanton (W. Angela & Main), San Leandro (Bayfair), San Ramon (Forest Home Farms), Union City (Old Alvarado), Vallejo (Downtown).
SUNDAY: Crockett (Pomona & 2nd), Oakland (Jack London Square), Kensington (Arlington & Amherst), Martinez (Main Street), Oakland (Montclair), Moraga (Moraga Rd & Moraga Way), Newark (Newark Mall), Oakland (Fruitvale), Oakland (Temescal), Walnut Creek (N. Broadway).
Please keep in mind that some Farmer's Markets are seasonal and might be interrupted due to rainy weather. For more complete information and regular updates, please visit the terrific East Bay food website EdibleEastBay.com.
If you are looking for great resources around the East Bay, just let me know. I'm always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or email@example.com.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Safety Measures for New Homeowners
- Introduce yourself to the neighbors and exchange contact information. In the event of an emergency or natural disaster, these will be the people you rely on.
- Install an automatic gas shut valve. This is especially crucial in earthquake country.
- Secure water heaters. And while you are at it, make sure that cupboards and furniture won't tip or fall if there is an emergency.
- Re-key all the locks to the home. You never know who the previous owners provided keys to.
- Keep vegetation trimmed to prevent fires.
- If there is extra reason to be concerned, install a home alarm and outdoor lighting.
There are many ways to make your home safe. If you would like more ideas, please let me know. I am always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or email@example.com.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
2007 Toy Drive for Toys for Tots
Happy Holidays, and thank you for supporting Toys for Tots!
Monday, November 19, 2007
If it is a Buyer's Market, Why Aren't They Buying?
Why are buyers being so reticent in this market that appears to be working in their favor? After years of multiple bid offer situations and paying astronomical prices for modest homes, one would think that buyers would be jumping at the chance to get some of the deals that are out there now. I have a few ideas.
Buyers are unsure about the mortgage market. A lot of people still think that good mortgages are not available, but the mortgage market has come back after a brief period of crisis. Sure, the crazy sub-prime loans to people with questionable credit may not be available. But, if you are a solid buyer with good credit, there are plenty of attractive loans available.
Buyers are unsure about the long-term value of a home purchase. Real estate is almost always a good long-term investment. If you are looking at a quick flip investment, right now might not be the best time, especially for amateurs. But, if you are planning on being in your home at least 5 to 10 years, you shouldn't be worrying too much about value.
Buyers are worried that prices will go down. There is a fear among buyers that they might be getting a good deal, but that if they hold out they might get an even better deal. But, if you find a home that you love and you are willing to make a deal on it, that is the right value for you. And, if you can get a good loan and plan on staying in the home for 5 to 10 years, you have nothing to worry about. Plus, if you wait, you might miss out on the home of your dreams.
The real estate market is a living breathing animal that changes all the time. If you have questions about the market, please let me know. I am always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or email@example.com.
Friday, November 16, 2007
It is the Market, Not the Marketing
Many sellers are still in denial that their house won't cause a bidding war. They still think that they can list their house higher than the market will bear, and that they will get offers over the asking price. This is becoming a rare occasion, limited to the nicest homes in the best neighborhoods.
Buyers are also becoming more fickle. They know they have the upper-hand in most negotiations, due to the amount of inventory on the market and the slowing market activity. Many buyers are taking their time, making sure they have good financing, implementing all contingencies, and doing lots of inspections. And, they should.
I keep hearing from other Realtors about all of the effort they are putting into their listings, and frustrated that they aren't getting offers. They build elaborate websites, have multiple open houses and broker tours, send out fliers and postcards, and more. Even though they might get hundreds of potential buyers and agents through the property, they are no takers.
No matter how many people visit the home, you just need to get that one buyer who is perfect for the home. That is what can be frustrating about real estate marketing. Most marketing, such as for consumer products or movies, is geared to sell as much as possible. Whereas real estate marketing is all about getting that one perfect buyer.
So, remember that when it comes to the real estate market, it is usually the market and not the marketing that affects sales. When the market is hot, you can do very little marketing and get multiple offers. When the market is slow, you can market your heart out and still get nothing. The market at large sets the pace and the price.
If you have questions about the real estate market, especially here in the East Bay, let me know. I am always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Giving Thanks--Housing Consortium of the East Bay
The Housing Consortium of the East Bay creates affordable, accessible housing for persons with developmental disabilities in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. HCEB's supporters include family members of persons with developmental disabilities, professionals who provide funding, coordinating and direct services, advocates and other interested community volunteers. Activities include housing development, planning, resource development, training, technical assistance, and coalition building.
I have worked with Darin Lounds, who heads up HCEB, to acquire 15 properties in the last 18 months, allowing the developmentally disabled people they work with to live in comfortable home environments instead of large-scale care facilities.
So, join me in giving thanks to HCEB. And, stayed tuned for an announcement about our brokerage's upcoming community support program for the holidays.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
What to Expect During Escrow
The escrow process is basically taking this very complicated financial transaction involving large sums of money and property and then putting it into the hands of a neutral third party. When a buyer makes a purchase offer in California, the standard purchase offer form is also a set of escrow instructions. If the seller agrees with all of the details, he or she signs the contract, and an escrow account is opened at the mutually-agreed upon escrow company (such as Placer Title).
The escrow officer gathers all the documentation from both sides of the transaction, plus the buyer's deposit check. This check is deposited in an escrow account, and all sides must agree before the money in the account is transferred. That is one reason why an impartial third party is so important.
Another role that the escrow officer takes is making sure the buyer's financing paperwork and the seller's loan payoff information is all in order. Then they will prepare all the necessary documents and closing statements needed to transfer the property from the seller to the buyer. This also includes handling any title paperwork with the city and county, as well as arranging title insurance.
Sometimes disagreements arise during the escrow process, and the escrow officer is there to facilitate getting all parties in agreement. Sometimes the contract and paperwork needs to be amended. But, sometimes, an agreement cannot be reached and the transaction is cancelled; in which case, the escrow officer will oversee the transfer of any monies in the escrow account.
This is just a simple overview of the escrow process, and there are many more aspects to it than this. Of course, it can also become complicated and sticky, but we are always thankful when it works out smoothly. If you have questions on the escrow process and how to make it go as easily as possible, just let me know. I'm always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or email@example.com.
Friday, November 9, 2007
San Francisco Bay Area Oil Spill--What You Can Do
Volunteer efforts have not yet started, although many people are eager to help. Check the Oiled Wildlife Care Network website, run by UC Davis or call (800) 228-4544. They will be posting information later today or this weekend on how you can help. If you come across oiled wildlife that needs help, call the Oiled Wildlife Care Network at (877) 823-6926. And, do not try to handle or clean any oil-soaked birds or animals yourself.
You can also help the clean-up by simpling reporting on the movement of the spill by calling O'Brien's Group, the private cleanup company that is already getting started. They can be reached at (985) 781-0804.
You can get additional information and updates at the California Coastal Commission website and the San Francisco Chronicle website. And here is a Google Map of the affected areas:
Thursday, November 8, 2007
You Have to Spend Money to Make Money
Inspections. You should have several inspections to make sure your home hasn't developed any problems that need to be disclosed. Some inspections to consider are pest/structural, general home inspection, sewer lateral, chimney, and roof. Keep in mind that you will need to include any inspections in your home's disclosure package. Inspections can cost you a couple thousand dollars, depending on what you schedule.
Repairs and Updates. Based on what the inspections turn up, you may need to have some repairs done. Perhaps you will need some work on the sewer or roof, or perhaps an update to the electrical system. It is hard to budget ahead for this until you get the inspections done. You may also want to consider updating features in the home, such as an out-of-date kitchen or perhaps adding dual-pane windows. A good Realtor can help advise you on what will make your home more attractive to the market, and how to do it in an affordable manner.
Staging and Landscaping. This topic has been discussed several times here before, but a home with attractive interior design and clean landscaping goes a very long way toward improving your curb appeal. Depending on the size and needs of your home, this can cost in the range of $2-4,000.
Commission. It might seem self-serving to bring this up, but this is how Realtors get paid. And, having a healthy commission available to the buyer's agent will likely cause more agents to bring clients through your home. The typical commission rate in this region is 5-6%. You might also want to consider an incentive to the Buyer's agent, such as a bonus. Commissions are paid at the close of escrow after the house has sold.
Closing Costs. There are many costs associated with the legal transfer of property, including transfer taxes. The standards for which side pays which fees varies from region to region, and this will typically come out of any proceeds.
The costs of selling a home vary drastically from transaction to transaction. If you would like help planning a budget & schedule for selling your home, please let me know. I am always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Berkeley Solar Update
-- The city would tax the property owner for the remaining cost, to be paid over 20 years. Future owners of the property would inherit any unpaid tax, along with the solar system.
-- Property owners would save as much in energy costs as they would be paying in taxes while reducing the amount of greenhouse gases created by generating electricity using natural gas and hydroelectric generation.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Getting Started with Green
First, the City of Berkeley provides an up-to-date list of companies that provide green and energy consulting. Peruse this list to see all of the options that are out there, such as green home interior design products from EcoHome Improvement and green building specialists Build It Green. Visit the City's complete list right here.
Ready to go solar? Check out the Northern California Solar Energy Association. They have practical tips and lists of companies to help you go solar. While your initial costs to go solar can be high, there are many government incentives available, and you might even be able to offset your costs by selling the energy you generate back to PG&E.
Ready to give composting a try? Why not if you have a yard! Composting will greatly reduce the amount of waste you contribute to landfills and dumps, plus you will be getting a very powerful fertilizer for your yard for just pennies. Get a crash course in composting at the Compost Guide and get local resources at Garden for the Environment.
There are so many options, especially living in the Bay Area. This is just a quick start, so go get started! If you have any questions about going green in Berkeley, Oakland, the East Bay and Beyond, just let me know. I'm always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or email@example.com.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
From Granite to Soapstone--A Look at Countertops
Countertops have become one of the first details that homebuyers look for when selecting a new home. If you are considering new countertops for your home--either for your own use and enjoyment or for prepping your home for sale--I would recommend looking at the many varieties of granite and stone available. The old fashioned tile and grout countertops just won't cut it in today's market (and that grout was always so hard to clean!).
The appeal of granite is its diverse array of colors and patterns and the durability and strength. Granite also tends to be quite bacteria-resistant and stain-repellent, but you have to make sure to take care of it correctly. But since almost everyone has the now-traditional granite counters, what other stones are there to consider?
Marble can add a lot of sophistication to a room but it isn't recommended for kitchens, and the elegance of limestone is appealing to many. I have been seeing more and more soapstone counters, which usually comes in dark solid colors and is even more non-porous than granite. No matter what you choose, a single-unit countertop is generally preferable to small tiles.
The key is to find a look and functionality that works best for your kitchen and design. Majesty Marble & Granite in Pennsylvania has a terrific Q&A website on the basics of stone countertops. There are so many options and suppliers now, so let me know if you have any questions. I'm always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Ghost Busting Tips
Monday, October 29, 2007
The Tax Advantages of Home Ownership
The big one is writing off your mortgage interest. At the beginning of your mortgage term, most of your payment goes towards the interest, so this is a significant amount when April 15th rolls around. You can also deduct the cost of your real estate and property taxes from your income.
Did you refinance? You might be able to deduct the points you paid. Also, if you paid extra points to lower your initial interest rate, those might be eligible for a deduction.
Then there is the capital gains for your primary residence. You can deduct up to $250,000 of your profits when you sell your home if you lived in it for at least 2 of the previous 5 years before the sale. Plus, you can get $500,000 if you are married.
In addition to these biggies, there are all sorts of nooks-and-crannies in the real estate tax codes, like reducing your taxable gain with receipts for home improvements, deductions for home offices, and more. Always consult with a tax professional who knows the ins-and-outs of real estate taxes. If you need a referral or just have a question, please let me know. I am always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or email@example.com.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Yes, You Do Need a Home Warranty
Generally, the homeowners hazard insurance policy covers major damage to the structure of a home caused by natural hazards and accidents, whereas a home warranty plan covers the cost of unexpected repairs or replacement of major systems and appliances that break down due to normal usage. My own home warranty has come in very handy, and I have a relatively new home!
For instance, say you move into a house and you have a plumbing problem a few months later. Perhaps the pipes under the kitchen sink develop a leak and need to be replaced. Instead of calling a plumber and paying several hundred dollars for the labor and parts, you would just call your home warranty representative and then pay a small fee of about $50. It is like having dental insurance and paying a set fee for cleanings. That simple! (To extend the comparisons....the water damage caused by pipes would be covered by your homeowners hazard insurance.)
A home warranty plan will cost you a few hundred dollars a year, and it is well worth it. You will be saving money if you make just one or two repair calls a year. Standard home warranty plans cover items such as the following: heaters and furnaces, dishwashers, ovens, garbage disposals, plumbing leaks, water heaters, sump pumps, electrical, and much more...even some pest control issues. And, if you have special items that need coverage--like that fancy built-in wine cooler--you can get additional coverage.
There are a lot of companies out there, and I highly recommend Old Republic. Not only do they have great rates and coverage, their customer service is unbeatable. If you live in the Bay Area, I can hook you up with Alex Quinzon, their top-notch sales rep.
Home warranties can be difficult to get a handle on, especially if you are a new homeowner. If you have any questions or need guidance let me know. I'm always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or email@example.com
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Computer and Electronics Recycling
The ACCRC will take your old computers and laptops for free. They will even "degauss" (aka clear the hard drive) for a small fee of just $10. They use this impressive instrument with massive electromagnets to clear all your old files and information. Then, they take the old computers and get them up-and-running on a basic Linux system so they can then be donated and re-used by a school or a non-profit or some other needy organization. (Do you need computers for your org? Give them a call!)
Most electronic items with a plug--from cell phones to TVs to toasters--will be accepted free of charge. If you live in Berkeley, they will even pick-up the stuff for free! But, being a non-profit, they will happily accept any donations you can make. The only thing they can't accept is large household items like washing machines, air conditioners, dishwashers, and things of that sort. Visit their website to find out what they do with all this stuff.
There is a ton of great information on their well-written website, but there is one more thing you should know. ACCRC founder James Burgett has just been chosen by CNN as an environmental hero for their current Planet in Peril series.
If you have other questions about recycling and going green, let me know. I'm always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or email@example.com.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Another Look at the MMAP
Normally, I try very hard not to repeat myself on this blog, but I think the MMAP program is worth another look right now. First, it is one of the most viewed pages on my blog and I get asked about it quite a bit. Second, with the recent changes in the market, I think it is worth another look.
MMAP stands for Monthly Mortgage Assistance Program, and it can help reduce a buyer's payments from $250 to $1000 per month for up to two years. And, all it requires is a simple agreement between the buyer and the seller.
MMAP could be a very valuable tool right now for sellers in this market. Right now, the market is changing from a sellers market to a buyers market, which means that sellers need to do more than ever to make their homes attractive to buyers. Buyers have every reason to be fickle right now, and an attractive feature like MMAP just might be the trick to encourage them to make an offer on your home instead of the one down the street.
So, instead of a price reduction or credit, consider using the MMAP. Basically, the seller agrees to set aside an agreed-upon amount of the purchase price into a trust account (via the MMAP grant program), which is then used to reduce the buyer's monthly mortgage payments anywhere from $250 to $1000 per month for up to 24 months. It is a pretty simple process, and you can get more information by visiting the MMAP website.
If you would like to discuss the MMAP program in depth and find out if it is right for your listing, please let me know. I am always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Monday, October 22, 2007
A Consumer Guide to Real Estate Contracts
The standard California Residential Purchase Agreement is a contract. And, a contract is a legally enforceable agreement between two or more parties that creates an obligation to do or not do particular things. In this case, the agreement is to purchase a house at an agreed upon price, usually with many conditions.
First, after agreeing upon a price, the contract usually states the amount of the initial deposit, down payment, and loan amount. There is often an initial deposit, followed by an increased deposit if certain conditions are met, such as the successful lifting of an inspection or loan contingency. In addition to the signatures, it is the deposit that makes the purchase offer contract valid.
It is important to keep the deposit in mind because the buyers can lose the deposit if they pull out of the contract. The deposit is a good faith display of consideration to the sellers that you intend to complete the purchase of the home at the end of the escrow period. So, if you pull out, you also can lose the deposit. This is covered in depth later in the contract in Section 16 regarding "liquidated damages." And pulling out of a contract is considered damaging to the sellers because they have lost time and other potential buyers and need to be compensated for this damage.
The next important section is regarding contingencies. The buyer has the right to a short period at the beginning of the escrow period to make sure their loan and appraisals are in order and to further inspect the house. This period is a safeguard to the buyer to make sure they are ready and able to make this major transaction and to ensure that home has no hidden defects. Perhaps there is a massive amount of dry rot or a faulty foundation that might cause the buyers to reconsider their interest in the home. By pulling out of the contract before lifting these contingencies, they can also safely get their deposit back (in most situations).
Most of the standard contract is considered "boilerplate" but make sure to read each section and make sure you understand it. There are sections that outline who pays which transfer taxes, who pays for home warranties, which major appliances and other items are included (or not included) in the sale.
One interesting legal fact pertaining to contracts that not a lot of people know is that a counter-offer renders the original contract null and void.
Now there is a lot more to the standard real estate contract here in California than I have covered here. I always advise that you contact a lawyer if you have a questions about the contract or a legal issue arises. If you would like to know more about the purchase offer contact, please let me know. I'm always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or email@example.com
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Time to Organize your Home
--Pretend You are Moving. Do you really need 20 rolls of duct tape and 4 different kitchen tongs and that stained sweater that doesn't really fit anymore. Get rid of what you just aren't using or don't need.
--2 Year Rule. If you haven't really used it in 2 years, you probably aren't going to use it ever again. Out it goes!
--Get Rid of those piles! You don't need to keep every piece of paper that enters your house. Most things can be found on the internet or the local library. Use those resources regularly and lighten the load on your house. Pay your bills online. Recycle junk mail as it arrives
--One Room at a Time. This doesn't have to happen this weekend. Think of this as a long term project that will keep you busy through the fall. Set a goal for yourself--declutter the house before guests arrive for the holiday.
--Recycle & Donate. Don't contribute to the land fill problem. Donate usable goods to local non-profit groups, and recycle as many things as you can.
Remember...less stuff equals less cleaning, less worrying, less dust...and more time and more space. Get organized and stay organized!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
2 Weeks to Halloween
Two weeks from tonight, I will be handing out candy to all the kids in the neighborhood. So, it is time to start getting ready for Halloween. See, we don't have to talk real estate 24 hours a day! I thought I'd share some pumpkin carving tips and ideas, and direct you to the terrific website--Extreme Pumpkins!
First you have to get your pumpkins, of course. Think about the design you want to do, then spend some time finding appropriately shaped pumpkins. Or, consider some other gourds. Or maybe even...a watermelon?!?
You are going to need a blade to do the carving with, and your blade should be thin, strong and flexible. A big kitchen knife is not usually your best option, and neither are the cheapo carving kits at the supermarket. Try a boning knife, or a handheld jigsaw if you have it. Make sure to secure the pumpkin so the knife doesn't slip, and do the work in a place where you can get really messy. And, if it is a complicated design, do a practice pumpkin first.
I like to carve the eyes and mouth into the top of the pumpkin, using the stem as a funny, scary nose. You might want to try a stencil, and the Extreme Pumpkins website has some great ones to download.
And, here some of the great winners from last year's pumpkin contest at Extreme Pumpkins . I love the Tiki pumpkin! If you need a pumpkin fast, check out the annual pumpkin patch at Piedmont Avenue and Pleasant Valley in Oakland, but if you have time for a day trip, check out the pumpkin farms in Bolinas, Fairfield or Half Moon Bay.
(All photos courtesy of --Extreme Pumpkins)
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Berkeley Landmarks
The Fish House--This elaborate Victorian was built in 1889 and is covered in shingles that resemble fish scales. A real beauty! Picture courtesy of Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association (BAHA).
The Elmwood Pharmacy--A great old fashioned five & dime with a soda counter. A step back in time on the north end of Berkeley's Elmwood neighborhood.
The Julia Morgan Center for the Arts--It used to be St. John's Presbyterian, but know it is a great local stage. The photo is how it used to look (courtesy of BAHA).
The Bancroft Hotel--This used to be the College Women's Club for UC Berkeley, but now it is a cool hotel. And, I'm going there this Saturday for my nephew's wedding!
Amoeba Music--The incredible music and DVD store got its start on Telegraph by the campus, and has spread to the Haight and Hollywood. Some of the best browsing and terrific fun design.
Berkeley Rose Garden--This beautiful amphitheatre was part of the Civic Works Administration in the 30s and continues to inspire to this day. Photo courtesy of BAHA.
There are so many to list, and so many great architects have worked in Berkeley, like Julia Morgan and Olmstead. What are some of your favorites? Research other designated landmarks at the Berkeley Heritage website.
The Steps of a Foreclosure
Now, bear in mind that the foreclosure process is very complicated and varies quite a bit in every situation. This is just a rough overview of a typical foreclosure in California.
One main difference between a short sale and a foreclosure is that a short sale is initiated by the homeowner, usually in an attempt to avoid the foreclosure process. A foreclosure is started by your lender because you haven't made good on your promise to pay them back. Remember when you got that home loan? The security for the loan was the home. So, if you don't make your home loan payments on a regular basis, they have the right to "foreclose," or take the home since they aren't getting their money back.
The first step in the process (other than NOT making your payments, of course) is the Notice of Default. The good news here is that the lender must give you 90 days at this point to make good on your debt. They also must publish the Notice of Default (usually in the classifieds of a local newspaper) and file the Notice with the county recorder's office.
If the 90 day period passes, and you have not caught up in your payments or made other arrangements, that triggers the Notice of Sale. This legally allows the lender to sell the house, and it gets harder and harder for you to get caught up on your payments. The lender can sell the house 21 days after the Notice of Sale.
If the lender makes any missteps along the way of the process, it has to start over from the beginning. And, due to negotiations that may happen between you and your lender, this whole process could actually take anywhere from 4 months to 48 months. Like I said above, every foreclosure is unique and complicated.
Should you be worried about the wave of foreclosures? Probably not too much, unless you are in a bad loan situation and can't make your payments. While the San Francisco Chronicle and other media are talking about the rising number of foreclosures (And they are indeed going up), here is a bit of perspective on foreclosures. In the month of September there were 157 foreclosures in Alameda County, but the other day there about 4900 properties for sale in Alameda County. So, barely 3% of that is foreclosures, which is not very significant.
I said it before and I'll say it again, foreclosures are complicated and every one is different. If you have questions about the foreclosure process, or maybe about buying a foreclosure property, let me know. I'm always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
So, What's a Short Sale?
A short sale happens when a homeowner:
- Can't make their mortgage payments
- Is facing foreclosure
- And the market value of the house is less than the loan amount
Of course, any short sale is subject to the approval of the lender. But, they will often approve the short sale because banks are not in the business of foreclosures. They do not want to take possession of the house and then have to sell it. They just want their money back.
Preparing for a short sale will require a lot of paperwork, communication and patience for all paperwork. It is not a typical real estate transaction, and the close of escrow can take longer than normal.
Short sales can be complicated, but smart buyers can find some good deals. Other sticky issues to be aware of concerning short sales are taxes, disclosures, the lender approval process, and more. If you have questions about short sales, just let me know. I'm always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Oakland's New Seismic Retrofit Incentive Program
First, the permitting process for retrofitting has been made cheap and simple. There is now just a flat fee of $250 . This includes the cost of the permit and sending an inspector out to approve your plans. Previously, this could have cost you an extra couple of thousands of dollars, depending on the scope of your project. But, now it is $250 whether it is a simple bracing or a major seismic retrofit project.
Also, to make things simple, the City is providing a set of pre-approved basic plans that can be used or altered for most homes in Oakland. This will save you even more money, because you will not have to spend as much on engineers and architects.
Finally, and here is the biggie, you can get a rebate of up to $5000 on your seismic retrofitting when you buy a home in Oakland. If you submit your $250 permit application in the first 60 days after recording the property transfer, you can qualify for this rebate. You then have 180 days to get your retrofit plan approved, and another year to complete the work. At that point, you can be reimbursed half of your city transfer taxes, up to $5000. (What makes this deal even better, is that you probably only paid half of the city transfer tax as part of your purchase).
So, I urge all Oakland homeowners to look into this great new program. Spending some time and money now on this matter, could make your life a lot easier (and save you tens of thousands in repairs), when the next Big One hits. Find out more from the City of Oakland's website.
If you live in Berkeley, that city also has a very good incentive program. If you have any questions about seismic retrofitting and civic incentive programs, just let me know. I'm always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Ecofabulous is run by Zem Joaquin (and what a great name is that?), a design professional with a background in green technologies and philosophies. She is also the "green editor" at House & Garden Magazine. And, in the current issue of H&G, they take a look at Zem's own ecofabulous home here in the Bay Area, which she has fashioned into a green dream home without compromising aesthetics or quality.
Here are some great tips that can gleaned from her greening:
*Buy a classic house with "great bones" that you can work with.
*Retain as much original flooring and construction as possible, so as not to create waste for landfills.
*Use as many reclaimed and recycled materials as possible. She used a cork flooring made from a winery's unused materials!
*Use vintage and antique design pieces instead of newly manufactured pieces.
*Use use non-VOC, non-toxic paints and finishes.
Read Zem's blog entry and link to the House & Garden article here at the Ecofabulous website. If you would like more information or guidance on greening your own home, please let me know. I am always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or email@example.com.
*Photos courtesy of Ecofabulous and House & Garden.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Buyer's Market=Seller's in Mourning
So the market seems to be settling down somewhat. The last few months have been a bit crazy. And, as I've said before, the market is not plummeting or caving in...it is simply correcting itself. A lot of questionable practices led us to where we are now. And, where are we now? It looks more and more like a buyer's market every day. So, where does that leave the sellers?
On this point, I would like to defer to the wisdom of real estate guru Joe Niego, one of the top presenters with Buffini & Company (the real estate coaching service I use, as many of you know). Joe says that sellers are currently going through the classic five stages of mourning.
Many sellers bought real estate in the last 5 to 10 years, saw their neighbors real estate profits go through the roof, and expected the same will happen for them. In fact, many of them think they fairly deserve it. Unfortunately, the market dictates price, and that leads to sellers in mourning, as Joe says.
So what are the five stage of mourning you might expect to go through if you are getting ready to sell your home?
- Denial--"This won't happen to my amazing house"
- Anger--"Why aren't I getting top dollar, like my neighbor did last year?"
- Frustration--"But I want and deserve a threefold profit...make it happen!"
- Disappointment--"It is what it is, but I'm not happy about it"
- Acceptance--"The market dictates price, and this is the price someone is willing to spend on my home."
This is also a very strong reminder of the emotional part of selling your home. It is not just a gigantic financial transaction, it is also your home. No wonder emotions can take control. If you are looking for assistance in better understanding the financial and emotional sides of selling a home, please let me know. I am always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or email@example.com
Monday, October 1, 2007
New Listing--4262 Gilbert
Well, I just got back from Russia (...more on that later...), and have a new listing on the market. This is a beautiful Cape Cod-style farmhouse near Piedmont Avenue in Oakland. It is on the rear lot behind another home, so it is very private. The address is 4262 Gilbert Street.
The home features 3 bedrooms and 1+ baths, and has tons of storage. With over 1800 square feet, this place is very spacious. The upstairs bedrooms feel as if they are floating in the trees that surround that house. The living room and dining room feature these very unique Venetian-style plaster walls. The kitchen has been updated with new butcherblock counters and ceramic tile floors. Plus, there is a very convenient utility room (for laundry and more storage) between the kitchen and the lush backyard. The backyard even has a treehouse and a work shed.
Such a fine home so close to Piedmont Avenue won't last long. If you would like more information or would like to arrange a tour of the home, please let me know. And, there will be an open house on Sunday, October 7 from 1-5pm. Or visit the property website. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or email@example.com.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
The Problem with Mold
You might think mold will only be found in decrepit old unkempt homes, but you would be wrong. This is a problem that can affect any home, old or new, clean or dirty. (Check out the plight of these owners of new condos in Emeryville, as reported in the East Bay Express).
Mold can grow anywhere in a home, and I mean anywhere--from air conditioning ducts to baseboards to the leaves of house plants. Also, check for mold in abthroom & kitchen caulking, carpet padding, vents & ducts, behind bookshelves, and any humid damp areas. Sometimes a visual inspection is not enough and an expert must be called in to inspect.
The problem with mold is that some forms can be very toxic and could cause disease. Some of the health risks of mold exposure include: allergy attacks, asthma, bronchitis, headaches, nausea, rashes, and more.
It is best to monitor any possible mold situation and take care of it as soon as possible. A regular inspection and early remedies should be quite affordable. But, ignoring a mold problem can cost you a lot of money (like the story in that article link up above). The East Bay can get quite damp, so make sure to protect your investment in your home by keeping mold in check.
Then, go to Pt. Reyes for some great blue cheese!
If you ever have any questions about mold problems, just let us know. We are happy to help.
That luscious blue cheese pic is courtesy of Pt Reyes Farmstead Cheese. Mmmmmmm.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Getting a Real Estate License
During the recent real estate boom, everyone and their dog became a real estate agent, and at one point there was one licensed agent for every individual looking to buy or sell a house in California. (How are they all supposed to make a living?)
The licensing requirements from the State of California are changing a bit as of October 1. California has historically been one of the easiest states to get licensed in, and these changes make it a little bit tougher. But not much.
The most basic requirements are that you must be over 18 years old, be a US citizen, and be able to pass a background check. The background check is supposedly quite stringent, so thankfully I didn't have any blemishes on my record.
Before you apply to take the licensing exam, you now must pass three classes. The first two classes are required: Real Estate Principles and Real Estate Practice. Principles covers the basic real estate laws, and the Practice class deals more with the day-to-day career of being an agent. And, third, you must take an elective class, which can be anything from Escrows to Appraisals to Real Estate Finance and more.
Once these classes are completed, you can take the Real Estate Salesperson exam, which gives you 150 questions in 3 hours. Study hard! Between the classes, the exam fees and the license fees, it will cost you about $750 to get your license.
Then comes the tough part...finding a good brokerage to hang your license at and getting those first clients. Thankfully, I'm working with Mary, who has been with Lawton Associates for over 13 years and she has many, many wonderful long term clients to work with.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Travel Tips
Seeing her get ready for the trip made me think it might be nice to share some travel tips for vacationing in other countries. I know it has nothing to do with the East Bay or real estate, but perhaps someone will find these helpful. We'll be back to the regular topics soon!
- Make sure you have the right outlet adapters to take with you. Check with a local travel or luggage store for guidance.
- Take a mix of cash, traveler's checks and credit cards so you are always covered. Keep your money well-hidden. And, let your credit card company know that you are going overseas and which country your account might see activity from. And, just don't take anything valuable, like jewelery, that can't be replaced if it is lost or stolen.
- Make 2 sets of copies of your passport, itinerary, and related travel documents. Leave one set with family or friends, and take the other with you and keep it in a separate place. If you lose anything, this will be invaluable.
- Travel light. Take clothes that all match each other and can be worn several times. Take books or magazines that can be left behind.
- Check with your cell phone company if you will have service in your destination country. And, if you do, how much it will cost to use it. It is a vacation, so try to ditch the cell phone if possible and carry a calling card for emergencies.
- Avoid jet lag by going to bed early for a few days before your departure, staying hydrated on the plane, and giving yourself some time to adjust when you get to your destination.
And, have fun!
Friday, September 14, 2007
Weekend Fun
Did you know that the silent film industry was based here in Fremont from 1913 to 1916? The area was called Niles back then, though. "Bronco Billy" Anderson and George Spoor, already silent film veterans, came to Niles in 1912 and ended up opening up the Niles Essanay Film Production company. Anywhere from two to five "one-reelers" were shot at the studio and the surrounding neighborhoods each week. In 1914, they even got Charlie Chaplin on a contract. When Chaplin's popularity exploded, the new studios down in Hollywood snapped him up for big money, and by the beginning of 1916, the Niles Essanay studio was shuttered.
But it wasn't shuttered forver! You can still visit the museum, tour the grounds, and watch silent films every weekend. This Saturday night, you can go see Underground, directed by the great Josef von Sternberg and a collection of short films, including Harold Lloyd's I Do. It is such a deal and it only costs 5 buck each. And, what a great trip for kids and grandparents.
The Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum is located at 37417 Niles Blvd in Fremont. It is a terrific trip back in time. Have a fun weekend!
(photos courtesy of the Niles Essanay Film Museum website)
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Greenspan Weighs In
Throughout the mortgage industry mess of the last few months, I've been wondering what former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan has to say about all this. For years and years, through Clinton and Bush, his word had been gold. But I couldn't help thinking that some of the policies he put into place led to the current situation--of lenders giving to people who weren't qualified and consumers accepting loans they couldn't handle or couldn't understand.
Well, Greenspan weighs in today as part of an interview that will be airing on 60 Minutes this Sunday night.
The Associated Press reports....
"Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan acknowledges he failed to see early on that an explosion of mortgages to people with questionable credit histories could pose a danger to the economy.
In an upcoming interview, Greenspan said he was aware of "subprime" lending practices where homebuyers got very low initial rates only to see them later jacked up, causing severe payment shock. But he said he didn't initially realize the harm they could do.
"While I was aware a lot of these practices were going on, I had no notion of how significant they had become until very late," he said in a CBS "60 Minutes" interview to be broadcast Sunday. "I really didn't get it until very late in 2005 and 2006," Greenspan said.
An excerpt of the interview was released Thursday."
To read the whole article, click here. What do you the good folks of the Bay Area think about this?
Fun fact--Greenspan's wife is NBC's Andrea Mitchell.
(Photos courtesy of AP and Harry Walker)


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Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Hunter and His Honeycombs
Our grandson Hunter really enjoys his Honeycomb cereal. To add to his pleasure, and to his education, Post Cereal has recently added a program to keep his interest at the breakfast table.
There are 24 hockey cards available to collectors in the program; however, Hunter is more interested in the boxes. Six players from the Canadian Hockey League are pictured on the boxes. He can spend as long as it takes to devour a couple of bowls, studying the boxes intensely. Therein lies the education factor.
Without a doubt, he has learned a lot of language from cereal boxes in his seven years. Last year, Post introduced its hockey program, and that was just fine for him. While he ate, he asked about pronunciations, particularly about names uncommon to him. For example, one of the players featured on the boxes this year is Connor McDavid. That is no problem for him, especially since he has an uncle David; however on the Shreddies box is Laurent Dauphin. That was arrived at with some difficulty, as it contains one of those consonant blends, and the "au" vowel grouping pronounced as an "o" in French.
2012-2013 Post Shreddies with Belleville Bull Malcolm Subban
It's a "Hooked on Phonics" lesson in the kitchen. The other players on the boxes, you ask? Sean Monahan, Josh Morrissey, Frederik Gauthier, and a namesake for him, Hunter Shinkaruk. Helping him with all of those names has been a good lesson to begin with. Add to that the other 18 players in the series, and there is a heap of learnin' going on.
I can personally vouch for the exercise. Cereal companies have been featuring sports cards in their promotional programs for years. When my children were young, Wayne Gretzky was featured in a program. The whole concept began in 1960 with the Post Company. In 1961, they featured baseball players from the major leagues on the back of the boxes, to be cut carefully from the box. The Mantle and Maris cards have increased in value many time over, fetching more than a thousand dollars in fine condition.
I checked on this year's Post Collection on one eBay site. The Connor McDavid card was advertised for $ 14.95, plus shipping, taxes, and handling, of course. I found an easier way to get McDavid's card, and it does not cost a dime. Inside the box is a special number. I got on the proper Post site, entered the number, and qualified to receive Connor's card, as well as three cards from other CHL stars. I was informed that I would have to wait up to six weeks for my cards. Wrong! They arrived in a little cellophane package in a fortnight! In a short period of time, I had the cards for Hunter's collection.
There are 24 cards in the program, requiring six numbers from the boxes. They feature players from the three CHL leagues: Ontario, Western, and Quebec.
You will find all of the pertinent details on the boxes. There are also Sugar Crisp, Honey Shreddies, and Alpha-Bits in the program. It is a very easy way to encourage a seven-year-old to start his or her day!
Bon appétit!
James Hurst
January 14, 2014
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We received the below letter today. But, first, as a refresher on how these games are played, see the below links to prior WayTooHigh.com postings. Even JPMorgan Chase® has a sense of humor as it sticks its tongue in the face of all its merchant customers. In the bank's own words from their Nov 1st press release: "(For this promotion, PIN purchases qualify only for a lump of coal)."
Look at What Visa® is Up to Now (WayTooHigh.com)
Confusing Debit Cards (WayTooHigh.com)
Who Is The Real Violator? (WayTooHigh.com)
WayTooHigh.com Reader Comment
Dear Mitch Goldstone:
JPMorgan Chase (one of the named defendants in your antitrust litigation, and the biggest bank in my area with a 17% market share) has came up with a sneaky new way to switch people over from cheaper PIN debit transactions to more expensive signature transactions this holiday season, forcing merchants to pay higher fees in the process (just when they need it the least).
The promotion, named "Chase Picks Up The Tab" (which runs until December 31) goes like this: Every 500th Chase Visa Check Card purchase from all enrolled Chase checking customers who reside within the promotional area is paid for by Chase (up to $500, and if the purchase is less than $5, the payoff is $5)... Chase will be giving out an estimated 50,000 purchases. But PIN-based purchases are not eligible among the "qualifying purchases".
Way to go, Chase! You just made merchants furious!
And how will this be paid for? Interchange profits, of course... instead of merchants paying 25-50 cents for PIN debit, they'll have to pay that 1.8+% signature debit fee, so this should be called "Merchants Pick Up The Tab (In Higher Interchange Fees)". And customers will want to sign because of this promotion... so what will be the bottom-line hit to merchants in areas with large amounts of Chase checking customers, and what will be the payoff to Chase (and Visa Inc.)? You can bet on one thing: It won't be pocket change for either.
P.S.: Don't forget that JPMorgan Chase also owns over half of one of the three largest Visa/MasterCard processors (Chase Paymentech), so the payoff to JPMorgan Chase could be even bigger at some merchants. Any wonder why JPMorgan Chase is doing better than Citigroup or Wells Fargo?


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This is a yummy slow cooker meal that is a nice change up from the every day. There are only a handful of ingredients; the sun-dried tomatoes being the real star. They go from hard and dry to soft, sweet yet slightly tart after hours of cooking in the crock pot. The chicken is juicy and moist rounding it out and creating a warm and comforting meal. Both of my kids gobbled it up no questions asked and even had it for lunch the next day just as willingly. That has to say something, huh?! 5 Star Slow Cooker meal for sure. We enjoyed it served over elbow macaroni and topped with snipped chives and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
3 lbs chicken, boneless, skinless breasts or thighs
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups chicken stock
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, cut into slivers
Don't forget to spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray for easier clean-up!
Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the onion, garlic, chicken stock, and basil. Scatter sun-dried tomatoes over top and cover. Cook for 4-6 hours on LOW or 2-3 on HIGH. Serve over noodles or rice.


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My friends Ann and Ken were here last week and despite uncooperative weather, we still managed to keep very busy and see some of the sights. I'm still editing photos from that week and hope to post them in the next day or two.
White Spot, the lost-then-found Turtle Gardens dog, was hit by a car while on the run (someone saw this happen, but as White Spot kept on running it was hoped there was no serious damage). A vet exam and xrays revealed he has a displaced hip. It was manipulated back into place, and while surgery may still be necessary, at the moment it seems to be holding its own with rest and rehabilitation. White Spot is now in foster care with Lisa, one of TG's experienced foster homes. You can follow White Spot's recovery and adventures at Lisa's blog, here. (I'm working on a post about keeping newly-adopted dogs safe, but you'll see an excellent photo of White Spot in his 'you-won't-slip-THIS-collar" harness and Martingale combination on Lisa's blog).
The Cowichan and District SPCA is gearing up for its huge annual garage sale, and once again I'm on the team of five or six people responsible for sorting, pricing and packing the goods. And I can tell you, there are lots of great buys to be had - so mark your calendar for May 28th and 29th and plan a trip to Duncan. If you live in this area, please note we are asking for donations of clean, quality goods (no dirty or broken items and no electronics unless they are nearly brand new technology, please, as they don't sell and we just don't have time or space or dump fees to deal with them!). Deadline for donations is May 16th - and we'd prefer them earlier than that as the last month gets crazy busy for us.
The Crofton quarterly newletter, The Glance, for which I wrote articles, is now defunct. My friend Liz (also a Croftonite, a member of my writers' group, and a contributor to the Glance) persuaded me to co-author a regular column with her for a monthly newspaper called the Chemainus Courier. Chemainus is the closest community to Crofton, and famous for its murals. The column will be specific to Crofton and contain information on local events as well as our own opinions/reflections on life in Crofton. Okay, it didn't take much persuasion - all Liz has to do is wave a piece of her amazing chocolate cake (made with quinoa, not flour ) in front of me and I'll do whatever she asks.
Spring has finally arrived, and within a day of my company leaving, all the ornamental cherry trees, forsythia, daffodils, and countless other plants burst into bloom. The dogs and I are enjoying the sunny weather, and my yard is beckoning. Time to start the day.


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I am working on a great canvas using Decoart products cant wait to see how this turns out.
This will be a short blog for today as I am really ready to take a Nap...LOL.
My Card week 3
Every Artist needs her Coffee, this is my way of being the Artist Lady.
I love my coffee, and the Key represents my commitment to complete all projects I start this year.
I watched a video by Sandee Setiff, on Sundays,she is with Frosted Designs, and she showed how to make your own sprays from the ink refills and I used some old Colorbox inkers that were drying up and old and made a lot of pretty colors and also played with my stamps to make the design and this is my idea of what I am as an artist.
The quote is" Art is not a thing it is a way" unknown.authour.
Happy Artist Lady making Happy Art.
Sharon D, Estes


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Join us at Riverbend Brewing Sports Pub (within walking distance from the convention center) on Thursday at 5:30 pm for free snacks and the announcement of OYAN's OYEA (OYAN You're Excellent Award) recipient. Stick around a bit to talk books, libraries and anything else!
Riverbend Brewing is located at 2650 NE Division Street Bend, OR 97701. it is about an 8 minute walk from the Riverhouse at the corner of Hwy 97 and Division St, across the road from the river.


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Open Table is out with the 2012 Diners' Choice Award winners for Best 100 Restaurants for Brunch in the United States. Gertrude's, the restaurant at the Baltimore Museum of Art, is on it.
Also, on the list, close to home, are Mrs. K's Toll House in Silver Spring and Peacock Cafe, Belga Cafe, The Front Page, Ted's Bulletin, L'Enfant Cafe and Bar, Level One and Madhatter, all in D.C.
Gertrude's really is a sweet brunch spot. The flagstone patio at Gertrude's is set in the museum's Wurtzburger Sculpture Garden, with views into the winding paths of the Levi Sculpture Garden below.
These days, Gertrude's is doing the jazz brunch thing on Sunday. Brunch is served from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m and Dottie & Al play standards from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Gertrude's has also started serving afternoon tea on the first weekend of the month. Seating times are Thursday through Sunday, 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Here's the Open Table list of 100 best brunches.
Pictures: Dining and drinking outside in Baltimore
Pictures: 11 great Baltimore brunches for almost every taste


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|This beautiful leather coat is from Saks Fifth Avenue! I wonder whether Saks still does a number where it brings you clothes to look at (like in Pretty Woman). That's my memory of Saks. Nah--no more, right?
|Have you ever seen such a beautiful plate? I haven't--bar none--and I have a plate I bought in Morocco years ago that made a friend's eyes bug out it was so expensive. and it's not as beautiful as this one. Those are Chinese Quail--by the way.
|Another beautiful leather garment--a men's jacket, size small. All you tidy looking men, come running!
|A Singer Sewing Machine. Those of you with itchy fingers for thread, this is for you!
|Believe it or not, this is an abalone diver's tool. Don't say we don't get unusual things at the Turnabout Shop!


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Well I have done some more work on the quilt top that was started last March.
Have started sashing the blocks together and please with how it is looking.
I am not keen on pinks but tried out so many colours for the sashing and kept coming back to this one. There is some of this colour in 90% of the blocks so it seemed to fit perfectly. Anyway, it lifts the whole top because there were really are only lights and light mediums in the jelly roll.
I think it will turn out a pretty quilt for what it is intended for; I am sure the Palliative Care Unit will be able to make use of it.
Not sure if I will quilt it straight away and completely finish it or wait until I get a couple more tops done and do them all together. I guess it would be wise to finish it completely - then I can cross of another UFO...lol.
Yes, I succumb and purchase the book on making bags, etc by wrapping fabric around clothes line. There are some great ideas in it and the basic premise is really simple so I will take a trip to Bunnings and get some clothes line and then attack my stash.
PS As suggested by our Gidy Queen I have posted some info about the fabric wrapped bags on my blog.
Friday, February 20, 2009
6 comments:
- Lindi said...
The quilt is looking lovely. That pink certainly does add to it.
Wrapping fabric around clothes line to make bags? We need more info about that book, Sooziii! Do a post on your blog - please
- February 20, 2009 at 12:30 PM
- Jeni said...
Your quilt is very pretty... i love the pinks together and thanks for visiting my blog
- February 20, 2009 at 11:04 PM
- Marilyn said...
I love that quilt. The pink is perfect.
- February 21, 2009 at 4:47 AM
- sMC said...
love the colours. quilt and finish and mark it off the list Sooziii.
- February 21, 2009 at 2:25 PM
- Molly said...
This pink works very nicely to tie all your blocks together!
- February 21, 2009 at 3:54 PM
- Jackie said...
The pink does really lift it. It will certainly brighten the spirits of the end users. Keep at it & it will be finished in no time.
- February 26, 2009 at 1:47 PM
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Now this is something that will bring families to SFUSD for decades to come!
SFUSD Arts Center will be a legacy landmark
When talking with someone who doesn't have kids in our city's public schools, I'm sometimes reminded that some people assume we don't offer arts and music education. We do, at every grade level, in multiple disciplines.
In fact, we've been growing our arts programs for years. And we recently received a huge boost in our plans to further develop arts and music offerings to all students in the San Francisco Unified School District.
On Nov. 8, San Francisco voters approved $100 million to kickstart development of a new SFUSD Arts Center, including a new home for the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, to preserve and promote music and art. That will be added to the tens of millions already raised, with plans for more private and public investments to come.
Please read more here.


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|A cup of tea and the Telegraph is my fave way to start the day.
I have to admit, we do have a pretty delightful, middle class, countryside existence. Allow me to illustrate this and how lovely it is to be home through the medium of pictures:
|We have a trusty old AGA (adorned with Cath Kidston tea towel, natch.)
|We have SO MANY UTENSILS...
|...and a pantry chock-full of ingredients.
As a student who loves getting creative in the kitchen, particularly baking-wise, it's such a treat to have slightly more to work with than butter, sugar and flour. Although obviously I relished the challenge.
And even though they get under your feet while you're cooking, the kitchen would not be complete without our two black labs just being there (told you we're middle class). Meet Dog No. 1, Coco:
|She's veeeeery old. Bless.
And crazy little Dog No. 2, Peppa:
|She's a complete and utter nutter.
Walking the dogs round the village (and peering into people's cute houses, obvs) or the surrounding countryside with my mum is a little home routine that I love.
|Peppa loves it.
|Bella, Ginger Nut and Grey-one-whose-name-I-cannot-remember (sorry)
I have such fond memories of picking apples, plums, damsons and blackberries from the orchard at the bottom of the garden with my siblings as summer turned to autumn - my mum would then make the most fantastic jams and crumbles with our pickings. At the moment though, our garden is full of the most beautiful roses:
|Pink roses are some of my favourite things EVER.
My mum made a rather wise choice when she initially decorated my bedroom - I was too little to know what was going on - so I haven't ever had it re-decorated. I was always quite jealous of my school-friends who would show off their newly decorated, oh-so-grown-up bedrooms, while I was stuck with my floral-themed room. To be fair though, there's nothing wrong or unsuitable about my bedroom design, and now I find it rather comforting.
|Naturally I covered the walls. Including a shrine to the Royal Wedding. And what?
|Can you beat the sleep in your home home bed?
|Fairy lights are obvs a must. I may or may not have three sets in my room.


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"Just as day was breaking…" John 21:4
DAY BREAK! When night is over, the day breaks through! Light overcomes the dark night and light radiates making everything it touches radiant! Have you had your day break yet? Have you been asking for a break? So often I hear people say, "Give me a break" and they don't realize they are praying! It matters deeply who you pray to and what you are consciously or unconsciously praying! Negative words spoken and worrying is negative prayer and you get what you hate or fear; we get what we focus on the most. If we focus on Christ, the Son of God, the Light, the New Thing, the New Wine, the Spirit of God: the Love, Joy and Peace beyond knowledge, beyond sorrow, and beyond understanding, we get what we focus on!
There is darkness all around us but if we focus on the Light, the day will keep breaking into our circumstances, situations and issues. We will experience our surprises of God, our "suddenlies" of God, our Saul to Paul Light encounter that changes EVERYTHING, our new dawn of all His new things! "THIS is the message we heard from Jesus and proclaim to you, that God is light, and IN HIM is no darkness at all" 1 John 1:5. In CHRIST THERE IS NO MORE NIGHT! No more dark night of the soul or senses! Christ in you is his glory in you! Our soul, the pure bride through the blood of the Lamb, the dunamis Power of his Holy Spirit, and the glory fire of Light, marries/joins with his Spirit, yoking us to Christ forever! "Behold, I make all things new!"
We agree to let a new wine be put into new wineskins; everything has to go to make room for the new! We have to let go of everything we know to receive everything that KNOWS: a new awareness, Christ's Light in us, a new neural tree of life that branches to heavenly places! A new cardiac tree of life, new tree of life bronchioles, new tree of life capillaries, bringing the new wine to every cell of our body, organs, body systems, and filling the 99.9% empty space with his fulfilled time and beyond space kingdom of God! Our body (our body is about 70% water!) becomes the new sea! We put on the new clothes of Christ, the wedding garment of light, and begin to feast as our Father comes to tabernacle in our body temple: glory divine returns to the body temple of his brides!
"Divine Glory returns to the physical temple" Ezekiel 43 (7: complete in the old way: external) The NEW complete way is Lord Jesus Christ returns in glory to your body temple: Glory Divine! The seven spirits from the throne indwell the seven major nerve plexus areas of your physical body and you become complete IN Christ, his seven-fold Spirit in you! (7: complete in new INTERNAL WAY, the WAY of Jesus!) NEW SPIRIT! NEW HEAVEN!! Kingdom of God WITHIN!!!
"Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus…" (John 4b)
NEW FORM! New EARTH!! Jesus is resurrected into new forms! His disciples did not recognize him even on his third appearance to them. Every time he comes to you he will be in a new form, for Spirit can manifest in any and all forms of life! First he comes as Savior to those who need to be saved from darkness, pain, physical sickness, mental illness, emotional illness, soul wounds, or spiritual disorders. "I come to those in need of a physician; those who are well have no need for a physician!" I have never met anyone who did not have something wrong with them that they would want to change, and I don't know anyone who would rather spend an eternity in darkness when they could be assured of heavenly light of bliss! Then he comes in whatever way we personally need to grow and expand: as Master or Lord to serve him, as Friend for those who need friendship, as Healer for those who need healing, as Provider for those who need provision, as Protector for those who need safety, security and rest; as Father for those who have an orphan spirit (pretty much everyone who is in this world), as Husband for those who need a spouse, as King of kings for those who have conquered and begin to rule and reign with him as a king; as King of glory for those who are open and ripe to arise and shine in his Kingdom as priests carrying his Presence! We begin to know him in new ways with increasing intimacy!!!
We come into the kingdom of heaven on earth, the new thing Jesus brought, as children! Jesus called to the grown men, "Children, have you any fish?" (vs 5) JESUS IS NOW ONE WITH THE FATHER OF GLORY!! He told them to do the opposite of what they had been doing in the world's way and they had instant success, way more than expected! LEFT TO RIGHT!! (vs 6) The kingdom way is opposite of the world's way! MULTIPLICATION OF SUPPLY!! Then NAKED Peter put on clothes to jump into the water to come to resurrected Jesus! We come through the waters of the Holy Spirit to be clothed with fire light, the ascended Christ as a garment of glory light! "He put on his clothes…and sprang into the sea" (vs 7b). Take the new water of life (Revelation 22:17), a new way to SEE (sea), and ascended Jesus will come to you! (Revelation 22:20) SEE THE TRUTH! COME TO THE LIGHT!! COME INTO THE NEW SEA (SEE) OF AWARENESS!!! (Revelations 21:1)
COME TO THE FIRE! "They saw a charcoal fire" (vs 9). Eat with Jesus the NEW MEAL, for the night is gone and the last supper was eaten to remember the past UNTIL he came again in resurrected form! The new meal is fish and bread for breakfast (break your fast for the resurrected Bridegroom is with you), for DAY has broken through!! Now you need the meat after you meet with resurrected Jesus! It is a new food we didn't know about before as our old self: worldly, egoic, Adamic human beings, whose god is the belly. The god of this world was forced to crawl on his belly in the dust; serpent food. Jesus washes our feet so we can walk on the new earth in Himself a new spiritual realm ABOVE the serpent world. The NEW food of "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" is for those in whom God is enthroned in their heart! (John 4:34) and the water of Holy Spirit and fire flows through their body temple (new wine and oil) when you take the living water!!
Night has gone; the old supper is replaced by a new breakfast of the NEW DAY! "Come and have breakfast!" (vs 12) with the resurrected Jesus! You are invited now by ascended Jesus to come and eat with Him (Revelation 3:20)! and yet to come when you conquer and are drawn up to be seated in heavenly places with Christ, eating the NEW marriage supper of the Lamb! (Revelation 3:21; Revelation 19:9)
DAY BREAK! Morning has broken; no more night; mourning is turned to Joy; no more brokenness; no more deadness! ENTER IN TO THE NEW SEE (sea)!!! NEW AWARENESS OF CHRIST BEING!!!!!!!
COME AND EAT! Christ in you is PERFECT SPIRIT no longer broken spirit (we enter the kingdom of heaven on earth through a poor spirit)! We are transferred from the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of the beloved SON, given Christ's perfect holy Spirit! By broken Jesus' soul chastisement (agony of soul) and physical body stripes (marred beyond recognition), the Lamb of God in you purifies your soul, white as snow, your body healed and made whole if you believe and receive so you can KNOW through experience, taste and see! whether in life now OR yet to come through death! "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die" (John 11:25). Behold, I do a NEW THING!
"Jesus CAME and took the bread and GAVE IT TO THEM" (vs 13)
"This was NOW the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead" (vs 14)
For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind (Isaiah 65:17). "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; NOW it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" (Isaiah 43:18-19) The new thing is LOVE! God as LOVE! God as LOVING FATHER! His LOVE in you! We root in LOVE, grow in LOVE, so we can give his LOVE to others!! Hurt, wounded, broken people hurt others; Christ in you is wholeness and completeness to LOVE God and LOVE others as themselves!
The spirit of the new creation, born of God, is the lamp of the Lord; the heart (soul) is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; the body is the new temple of our Father, the Father of lights, of glory! We are wholly sanctified: spirit and soul and body when we let ascended Jesus come in us as Spirit and fire, turning our darkness into DAY BREAK!!!!!!!
Glory Divine returns to the body temple now and is to come; now and yet to come: both/and! Only the Father knows when we are ripe and ready for the harvest of glory! OPEN HEAVEN! Holy Spirit and fire POUR like a river into all flesh! CHRIST REVEALED in our three-part soul (heart, mind and will) as a bride for his Spirit! Take the water; receive the wild, holy river!!!!!!!


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Sunday, April 15, 2007
6 Comments:
- said...
Happy anniversary!
Which one of them is you?
- said...
The ears on the priest in the front left corner of the photo look remarkably like the ears of the fella in the photo on the top right of your web page.
- rev fr lw gonzales said...
My ears have always been a source of conversation!
I received the Sacrament of Holy Orders at the church of my other Sacraments of Confession, First Communion and Confirmation.
My parents are still members of that parish. My mother continues to serve as a minister of Holy Communion to the homebound. My father was in music ministry for many years.
They have been served by the same pastor for twenty years!
God grant them many years.
- said...
Happy Anniversary! I hope you had a good visit at home, and restful.
- said...
I know the real Rev Gonzales here in the pic here!
I have to say I am very sad that I was unable to be part of that celebration then. I was deep in the heart of debt and Fresno at that time.
May God bestow many blessings dear friend.
- Adoro te Devote said...
Happy Anniversary, Father! (if belated).
God bless you and all you do!


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As I was driving along the other day I took note of all the little things that needs fixing on my car: the side mirrors are rusted but they still work, the rear view mirror refuses to stay on after multiple glue-ings, the little hole chipped in on the cruise control acceleration buttons, the loud muffler, the brake light that is always on, the rubber trim pieces slowly peeling off the doors, the almost invisible rusted edges here and there, the popped off & missing centre wheel cap, and the feeling that the engine struggles every so often or the timing is off when it does its thing. The interior is slightly scratched here and there, a good cleaning or rubbing down with oils will probably work wonders but when I saw all these things, I felt sad because I empathized with my car.
I remember when I test drove it with my bf just over 3 years ago. It was 6 years old then and while it looked used, the previous owner was easy on it and it honestly felt relatively new. It had power, it went when you gave it gas. It had minor scratches on the outside only and the interior was close to perfect. Mechanically & electrically it was flawless as far as I could tell. I loved it and still do but I have not been as nice to it as I could've. Only did basic repairs and tuneups on it. Often, things were not fixed until it broke down or out of necessity. I did not put above average kilometers on it but for a year or so, it went through some terrain that was probably inappropriate for it.
Now, while not on its last legs yet, it feels haggard, aged & tired. Only 3 short years. I feel like its journey & transformation closely resembled my own and of course it was there with me through much of it. It sheltered me when I decided to sleep outside someone's house for some godforsaken reason when I could've gone home. I changed in it, ate in it & it trucked all my belongings back and forth many times. It took me through nasty weather to get to work far from home. It accompanied me with music and made me feel better when I was down. On some of those longer drives, I felt the much needed escape it provided. For the 3 hours there and back on those days, it was just me, my car and the road: the freedom of mobility, possibilities, opportunities.
Sadly, I cannot say I paid for this car. It was a gift from my parents from about 8 years ago and I thank them very much for it. Aside from being a tool and a mere means of transportation, it has often been a sanctuary of sorts also. It is for all these reasons that I feel sad now. When I drive it and it struggles, all I can think is "I feel you, I know the years have not been too kind but we must keep moving until we can go no more." The roads will get better, there will be brighter horizons and when I am able, I will plan a better route for you so that you may have a longer and stabler life. Until then, keep that ol' license plate on you and we will go wherever we are needed.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Home is where the heart is
I know this to be true and it feels strange and uncomfortable sleeping without my heart. I feel aimless, hollow and restless as my chest aches, longing for warmth in the deep caverns of where my heart should be. It's cold here.
Labels: Reflections
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
That bound feeling
This is what being an "adult" feels like or maybe that's a bad label for what this is. There are just situations you put yourself into, refuse to get out of, where more often than not you feel as if your hands are tied, your mouth is gagged and you are almost blind-folded, prodded and pushed along to an action you are reluctant to take. It's the classic damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't scenario.
They are the abundant moments in life when you breath deeply, sigh with all your being, hoping to release the pent up whatever that doesn't go anywhere. You desperately want the tension to relieve itself but it lingers and gnaws away at you little by little on the inside.
*breath in, breath out* Nope, doesn't work. Meditation. So simple an exercise yet so hard to execute.
Go away...please...so I can sleep in peace.
They are the abundant moments in life when you breath deeply, sigh with all your being, hoping to release the pent up whatever that doesn't go anywhere. You desperately want the tension to relieve itself but it lingers and gnaws away at you little by little on the inside.
*breath in, breath out* Nope, doesn't work. Meditation. So simple an exercise yet so hard to execute.
Go away...please...so I can sleep in peace.
Labels: generic frustration
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Wasn't it just yesterday that we were celebrating his first birthday with "Pooh Bear" plates and cups and napkins. The poor baby boy fell asleep during his party. He had a terrible cold.
Now, he's teetering on the edge of double digits, heading ever closer to teendom.
It's a melancholic feeling...on one hand, happy to watch him grow up into a nice, young man...but hard to let him grow and spread his wings, knowing that this time will continue to go by so quickly...too quickly.
But, for today, we'll enjoy 9 and a half.
Happiest Half-Birthday, Edward Stuart!