She Says: Home! Was in Savannah last weekend (big plug for Azalea Inn & Gardens) and at Litchfield Beach for the SC Association of Volunteer Administrators Annual Conference. All great trips, but was happy to be in my own bed!
Poor weather last Sunday didn't help promote our open house:( A few folks very interested, but their own houses need to sell first...
Kevin with Leapfrog came to the rescue and did last minute roof and yard cleanup. His services have been wonderful. I fell in love with the house because of the natural yard, but then developed a love hate relationship. Five water oaks and four pine trees in just my backyard... equals months of endless raking. I can't thank Kevin enough! Jason too...
My thoughts this week on the move have been focused on friend and neighbor Mary. Mary comes with little notice to tend to the Watkins felines and does so happily! To expand on her (and Jason's) good deeds they came to my rescue this week. Having some trouble with my right hand (it is finally getting better), Jason took three days off and drove me to my conference. Mary with less than 24 hours notice offered to look in on the cats. No complaints or groans, just said tell the babies Mama Mary will be there.
Why don't we interview our neighbors before we move to a new neighborhood? We got so lucky on Shalimar Drive. We are a diverse community that wave and speak when we see each other and have (not frequent enough) block parties. Is this one more explanation of what is wrong in the world?
Do neighbors like Mary exist on Main Street? No way, Mary is a one of a kind treasure. I just hope she'll come visit and the hood will still invite me to the block party.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Chapter Four
She Says: Will life be less exhausting if I lived on Main Street? This is a rough week and it isn't over yet...
My latest thought to ponder... I imagine the new place will have a microwave. Haven't missed having one (well Thanksgiving could have benefited from one). Haven't missed it one bit. Was without for several years but got one when we moved to survive the kitchen redo. Know my parents will be happy for the added kitchen appliance.
Would have been a good week to live downtown. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy has been busy! Think a few more volunteers at the Nick would have been helpful. It is a fun volunteer experience. The show will be exclusively there for at least one more week. Admit I had to see it twice, but like it. To see show times or buy tickets on-line go to http://www.nickelodeon.org
My latest thought to ponder... I imagine the new place will have a microwave. Haven't missed having one (well Thanksgiving could have benefited from one). Haven't missed it one bit. Was without for several years but got one when we moved to survive the kitchen redo. Know my parents will be happy for the added kitchen appliance.
Would have been a good week to live downtown. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy has been busy! Think a few more volunteers at the Nick would have been helpful. It is a fun volunteer experience. The show will be exclusively there for at least one more week. Admit I had to see it twice, but like it. To see show times or buy tickets on-line go to http://www.nickelodeon.org
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Chapter Three Continued
He Says:
We have all heard the three rules of Real Estate:
1. Location
2. Location
3. Location
I would like to add two observations:
1. Nothing has happened until the keys are handed over and the certified check slides across the lawyer's desk
2. Real Estate moves at a speed that makes glaciers look like Olympic runners from Kenya. *insert birth certificate joke here*
I'm not really bitching. I just have to understand that I'm out of my element here. In my place of work, things get done. Immediately. Due date: Yesterday. And if you can't get it done, there are plenty of people who will be more than happy to take your place. But in Real Estate, you aren't selling a car or a bag of chips. I mean, a good sales person can talk anyone into buying a car. I'm reminded of this every time I see a Pontiac Aztec on the road (please accept my apologies if you drive a Pontiac Aztec, but dude. Really?).
We're selling the American Dream to someone. And you can't talk someone into loving a house just as you can't talk someone into loving you. (Well, I did get a couple of liquor drinks into Katy before she said "yes" to my marriage proposal 13 years ago, but let's just chalk that up to "persuasion".)
So we started this blog to share the things we learn during our journey to the city. And I'm here to tell you, I've learned that you have to have patience and understand that you have absolutely no control over selling your house. But don't be surprised if I offer you a couple of liquor drinks and show you our beautiful house in Forest Acres.
We have all heard the three rules of Real Estate:
1. Location
2. Location
3. Location
I would like to add two observations:
1. Nothing has happened until the keys are handed over and the certified check slides across the lawyer's desk
2. Real Estate moves at a speed that makes glaciers look like Olympic runners from Kenya. *insert birth certificate joke here*
I'm not really bitching. I just have to understand that I'm out of my element here. In my place of work, things get done. Immediately. Due date: Yesterday. And if you can't get it done, there are plenty of people who will be more than happy to take your place. But in Real Estate, you aren't selling a car or a bag of chips. I mean, a good sales person can talk anyone into buying a car. I'm reminded of this every time I see a Pontiac Aztec on the road (please accept my apologies if you drive a Pontiac Aztec, but dude. Really?).
We're selling the American Dream to someone. And you can't talk someone into loving a house just as you can't talk someone into loving you. (Well, I did get a couple of liquor drinks into Katy before she said "yes" to my marriage proposal 13 years ago, but let's just chalk that up to "persuasion".)
So we started this blog to share the things we learn during our journey to the city. And I'm here to tell you, I've learned that you have to have patience and understand that you have absolutely no control over selling your house. But don't be surprised if I offer you a couple of liquor drinks and show you our beautiful house in Forest Acres.
Chapter Three
She Says: Been a busy week, our house has shown four times since last post! Going to have an open house next weekend so this weekend I ponder what projects need my attention...
My latest relocation non issue is what about our pharmacist. Will driving five miles to see Kamal at Publix feel to far? I think being on a first name basis with your pharmacist is important, so it isn't an issue.
The Verdant Dude: Moving Day 1240 x 1275 · 178 kB · jpegbeearl.blogspot.com
So why has it been on my mind? I guess because regular things will be changing... some easy like grocery stores and gas stations and others harder like vets and gyms. Don't think I can let go of Four Paws, everyone is great and they take great care of our cat (remember, we do need to move in somewhere that is pet friendly)! Golds... may be negotiable! And then the city things that will become easier, I will be able to walk to Seven Doors for Stephanie to trim my hair (with hopes one day she will get to do more than that). So, these are some of the things that have been filling my thoughts.
HOW TO COMMENT
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My latest relocation non issue is what about our pharmacist. Will driving five miles to see Kamal at Publix feel to far? I think being on a first name basis with your pharmacist is important, so it isn't an issue.
The Verdant Dude: Moving Day 1240 x 1275 · 178 kB · jpegbeearl.blogspot.com
So why has it been on my mind? I guess because regular things will be changing... some easy like grocery stores and gas stations and others harder like vets and gyms. Don't think I can let go of Four Paws, everyone is great and they take great care of our cat (remember, we do need to move in somewhere that is pet friendly)! Golds... may be negotiable! And then the city things that will become easier, I will be able to walk to Seven Doors for Stephanie to trim my hair (with hopes one day she will get to do more than that). So, these are some of the things that have been filling my thoughts.
HOW TO COMMENT
If you want to add a comment, just click on the blue comments at the end of a post and type away. To read someone's comments, click on the comment tab. We do have some editorial rights...
Friday, January 6, 2012
Chapter Two
Problem#1: We are going from a 1,700 square foot house to a <1,000 square foot condo. Our furniture will not fit. Period. End of story. I have already traded the Steinway for a Yamaha digital grand. We have the two sofas with two large swivel round chairs. And a bedroom suite.... King size bed with all the fixings. And don't forget the Twin beds in the guest bedroom. With all the fixings. Did I mention the other room? Yeah. We need to get rid of a lot of furniture.
Solution: "Give it all away".
That's right. Let's give it all away. No, this is not your normal Salvation Army donation. I'm talking about giving it all to someone who needs it more than us. I think that it will bring good Karma.... and a big tax deduction. So don't think this is some kind of magnanimous gesture that is akin to the Mid-Life-Crisis-Give-It-All-Away-Guy-Who-Just-Joined-A-Monistary. This is simply a "Problem, meet Solution". Done. Oh, and Mr. Solution's first name is "Magnanimous".
Solution: "Give it all away".
That's right. Let's give it all away. No, this is not your normal Salvation Army donation. I'm talking about giving it all to someone who needs it more than us. I think that it will bring good Karma.... and a big tax deduction. So don't think this is some kind of magnanimous gesture that is akin to the Mid-Life-Crisis-Give-It-All-Away-Guy-Who-Just-Joined-A-Monistary. This is simply a "Problem, meet Solution". Done. Oh, and Mr. Solution's first name is "Magnanimous".
Chapter Two
She said:
If all we needed to do was start a blog (with four followers!!!) to increase people viewing the house, we would have started several months ago! Two viewings in two days, things are looking up.
I do want to reiterate that I am excited by the prospect of moving! People who know me know I am not one to do things I don't want to. The lifestyles of suburban and city life are different. Both have neat things that can't be experienced as an outsider. Just think if we lived downtown, we could have walked out our front door and attend the inaugural 2012 Famously Hot New Years Eve celebration and heard George Clinton LIVE for free!
Tonight I will join my neighbors to watch the kids play "man hunt" (from what I gather it is night time hide and seek). Glass of wine is permitted:) Tomorrow I have my volunteer shift at The Nickelodeon for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (working the noon and 2:30 pm shows). When the Nick and I move, my commute will become at most a couple block walk! Different lifestyles, different perks...
If all we needed to do was start a blog (with four followers!!!) to increase people viewing the house, we would have started several months ago! Two viewings in two days, things are looking up.
I do want to reiterate that I am excited by the prospect of moving! People who know me know I am not one to do things I don't want to. The lifestyles of suburban and city life are different. Both have neat things that can't be experienced as an outsider. Just think if we lived downtown, we could have walked out our front door and attend the inaugural 2012 Famously Hot New Years Eve celebration and heard George Clinton LIVE for free!
Tonight I will join my neighbors to watch the kids play "man hunt" (from what I gather it is night time hide and seek). Glass of wine is permitted:) Tomorrow I have my volunteer shift at The Nickelodeon for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (working the noon and 2:30 pm shows). When the Nick and I move, my commute will become at most a couple block walk! Different lifestyles, different perks...
Monday, January 2, 2012
The Watkins migrate from suburbia to the city!
A He-Said-She-Said story of Jason and Katy as they make the transition from suburban to city living...He Says:
Do you love the smell of freshly cut grass, sipping from a glass of cold lemonade, while gazing with pride across your lawn after hours of laboring on a hot August afternoon? I don't.
We decided to abandon the American Dream of Home Ownership with hopes of a new and exciting life in the city; a sterile, concrete jungle of steel and lights. A care-free lifestyle that is reserved for retirees and D.I.N.K.'s (Double Income, No Kids).
She Says:
I love our house, our yard (what happened to Gap's grass scented perfume?), and our neighbors; I am willing to compromise and try a city lifestyle WHEN the house sells. When this happens, we will rent a two bedroom two bathroom apartment/condo (Main Street or The Vista) for a year and then evaluate our feelings about living downtown.
The idea is to start a blog about our journey... for those who know us it should be entertaining if nothing else! Jason and I will not blog daily, but only when we have something to say about the relocation process.
Step one: sell the house. To see and learn more about the best house ever visit http://tinyurl.com/4760shalimar
Should be an interesting and hopefully fun journey!
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