Liz Moras, Re/Max Chilliwack Realtor's Blog

Dog's Relationship to a Car

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:12:15 -0500

Thinking on the topic of love, and how people 'yearn' for love.....I read something recently that cracked me up. Someone was relating people and relationships, to dog's and cars.

First, thy cry because they want to get in the car.

Then as soon as the car starts to move, they cry because they want to get out.

And of course, as soon as they get out, all they want to do is get back in as soon as possible.

Good thing for us, dogs aren't especially musical or just imagine....all the annoying songs there'd be about cars!..

*For the Ultimate List of Car Songs....(although not necessarily from a dog's perspective...:-)

Ok. I had to add a couple more - they were too hard to resist!

Chilliwack Artisan Tours - Self Guided

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:18:14 -0500

Wondering what to do this summer? Why not take an self-guided Artisan Tour? Tired of the sun and the beach........or its a rainy day? This is a perfect way to indulge in the Creative side of You!

1.) Greendale Pottery & Country Guest House

Enjoy gorgeous stoneware in bright contemporary glaze colours and unique designs.

2.) Rainforest Pottery -Featuring the work of Vijaya Morrison, potter with over 36 years experience. Features Raku low fire salty and crystaline glazes. Classes and Workshops are offered!

3.) Schellenberg Pottery - 4450 #3 Road, Yarrow, B.C. e-mail - sueschell@shaw.ca - A wide variety of functional pottery handmade so there are no two alike!

4.) Ted Driediger Pottery - Utilitarian and decorative stoneware for the home and garden. 41640 Yarrow Central Road, Yarrow, B.C. 1-604-823-6961

5.) Sto:lo Artisan Centre - Over 50 First nations artists create a unqiue and diverse selection of handcrafted high quality Native artworks!

6.) Artisan Gallery - Karen and Huibert welcome you to their store of locally inspired works of art.

7.) Metal Animation Studion Inc. - Visit this studio dedicated to the magnificant works of Canadian metal sculptor, Kevin Stone. Kevin specializes in sculptures using stainless steel. He has a reputation for producing exquisite, highly detailed, stainless steel masterpieces!

8.) Evelyn Zuberbier

Evelyn discovered her artistic talent at age 12 when she self-taught painting using watercolors, oils and acrylics.....Visit her at here home studio, at 46572 Montana Dr., Chilliwack, B.C. e-mail - ezuby@dowco.com ph. 604-792-5406

9.) Mary's Studio on Reece - Located minutes from downtown Chilliwack - at 46053 Reece Av., Mary Stern's water colours are on display in a basement gallery and studio. Ph. in advance! ph. 604-793-6958. e-mail: timstern@shaw.cal

10)Wisteria Studio/Gallery - Linda has been painting porcelain since 1983 in her heritagehome studio/gallery. She specializes in North American and E#uropean style porcelain painting, watercolour, oils and jewelry.

11)Asai's Art Gallery & Eagle Trading Company - Art gallery and gift shop in historic downtown. Feauting exclusive works from local and internation artitis. From handcrafted glass jewellery, to native wood carvings, Red Hat Society accessories to belly dancing goods!

12.) Brimacombe House & Royal Art Studio -

Located on beautiful Chilliwack Mountain, Errol Brimacombe and his wife Maureen operate an artists' studio gallery and a small commercial kitchen. Products include watercolours, oils, giftwar and bakery goodies!

Summer At Sun Peaks (Kamloops) Ski Resort - A Mid-Week Weekend

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 14:39:04 -0500

I just got back from a wonderful 2 days all expenses paid Real Estate junket to Sun Peaks ( 30 minutes North of Kamloops B.C.) sponsored by Re/Max Alpine Resort Realty corp at Sun Peaks Resort! We stayed at the amazing Delta Sun Peaks Resort.........where service was fantastic, rooms were superb.....

What can I say...........well actually lots! It was a triple Wow........I'm not much of a skier but this Alpine Oasis is filled with adventure possibilites! Gorgeous alpine wildflowers........

A world-renowned mountain bike park,(Bike Park Sun Peaks Resort) with over 2,000 vertical feet of lift accessed terrain on 30 separate trails spread over 70 kms.........an incredible 18-hole Graham Cooke designed golf course..........and of course a quaint early Whistler-like village of intimate restaurants, patios, shops and hotels...........

We spent Thursday playing Golf........and talk about playing to new heights! Its rather crazy how the distance a golf ball travels at 1,200 metres above sea level.........beautiful panoramic views, checkered with risk and reward opportunities that appeal to every level of golfer!

Sun Peaks Resorts is the largest four season resort in the Interior of B.C., surrounded by 3 mountains and boasting 2,000 hours of sunshine each year! In other words if you're looking for a vacatin get-a-way that you can enjoy year-a-round at a fraction of the cost of other world reknowned resorts this is it!

Actually to be honest thats why we were invited! Not only to experience what Sun Peaks has to offer. But to look at the real estate available. We had a tour of the condos, townhome and housing sites.......and they blew our minds.........With over 70% of the properties being ski-in-ski-out.......(in other words you can ski right out your front door to the slopes.........Here's a peek at a few....

Amazing eh?

After doing the tour..........I indulged.............I went to the Sun Peaks Spa and had the most wonder massage treatments...........perfect after a day of golf, skiing or whatever! Ask for Nicole....she's a doll...:-)

But lets not forget about the skiing. I mean it is a ski resort and............just a few months away......... this place becomes a Winter Wonderland.........(Check out the map of ski trails).

Also of interest.......Sun Peaks is steeped in Olympic greatness as the director of skiing is the female Athlete of the Century and Olympic Champion Nancy Greene.......she's on the slopes almost every day of the season......to inspire local athletes and visitors. AND...the Austrian National Ski Team calls Sun Peaks home for early season World Cup and 2010 Olympic Training!

As you can tell I could go on and on and on and on.........and hmm I'm thinking I have! :-)

Check out these links: www.sunpeaksresort.com

www.sunpeaksrealty.com

50,000 Points Closer to Honing My Own Voice

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:41:04 -0500

I truly didn't know what Active Rain was about.......it was referred to me by someone I hardly knew, but I checked it out, explored, read, commented and then I wrote my first post....March 15th....What is my Specialty?

I meant to post this blog a few days ago - actually July 15 - the day I reached my 50,000 points - which strangely enough was also 4 months to the day that I joined Active Rain!

What a journey! I never knew.....what a resource pool this was going to be....How much I would learn, and found myself thinking "I didn't know how much I didn't know!" Even after 20 years of selling Real Estate - this has become a 'portal' to a Brand New World in so many ways!

I've written about my community, I've written on topics related to real estate - and on topics and relating them to real estate. I've done a ton of reading and I'm amazed at the diversity of knowledge, style, expertise, and personality on this venue.

There are so many Masters here -I feel like I'm in a pottery class sometimes I'm the potter, sometimes I'm the clay...

There are Internet guru's and Condo Connoiseurs.....Mortgage Marvels and Marketing Masters like Marty Garaughty.....Home Stager Magicians.....Inspirational therapists like Gary Woltal and Feng Shui Masters like Carole Provenzale.........there are those that tell it like it is like Kathy Mcgraw.(talk about speaking MY mind -how does she get in there?)

I like what Deb Brooks says when she puts it all together for me in her post A Realtor's Diary. This has become for me a running (no not jogging journal) diary, a journal, a memory trail, a sentimental journey of sorts, a learning curve and trail......and yes an Addiction.

Novelist Wally Lamb wrote "Which of us is so aware that we could not reveal ourselves more deeply by reflecting on our lives with fingertips on the keyboard?" This whole practice of sharing our discoveries with others and being a witness to their ponderings...can be so therapeutic.! We are all the same in some ways and varied in others. Here in this Forum we have at least one common denominator.....Real Estate.........and more then likely....several more.

There are so many components to writing - and it can take a while to hone our own voice. To this platform, we can bring our backgrounds, education, work experience and our hearts.. Here as anywhere else we need to bring our uniqueness and authenticity. Its so easy to look at who is ‘successful‘, who has the most ‘points', the most ‘responses/comments'...and think hmmm I'm not as good as they are, or I want to be like them! By reading ‘others' we learn. But by learning to express our own thoughts and having the confidence to express we can grow!

Here through little snippets of shared thought, we can gain information, get motivated, get excited and most of all get connected!

MORE Forrest Gump??? By popular Request... More Realtor Metaphors

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:28:54 -0500

A little while ago I wrote a post about Forrest Gump - A Metaphor for Realtors...I had several requests for 2nds..........but now I'm wondering if it was for MORE Forrest Gump Quotes or MORE Chocolates!

Well here we go.....!

Its a fascinating story and an interesting challenging to us as Realtors......No matter what the handicap.....Forrest is able to run like the wind, and is able to stumble his way through his country's various turning points and crises, cushioned and fueled by his mothers simply aphorisms.......There aren't too many lines here that we can't relate to! :-)

1)~Ever been somewhere, in the middle of a negotiation, showing your 42^nd house....your tootsies needing a massage? Ever thought, in the words of Young Jenny Curran: "Dear God, make me a bird. So I could fly far. Far far away from here."?

2) ~Drill Sargeant: " Gump! What's your sole purpose in this army? "Forrest Gump: "To do whatever you tell me, drill sergeant! "Drill Sergeant:" God damn it, Gump! You're a god damn genius! This is the most outstanding answer I have ever heard. You must have a goddamn I.Q. of 160. You are goddamn gifted, Private Gump." Listen up, people... Ever wondered what your purpose in life was? Life can surprise you - and you never know where you're going to find your ‘niche' and what you're going to excel at. We do know that it doesn't matter what your IQ is in order to be....ummm A Gifted Realtor !

3)~On Frustration... Abbie Hoffman: "Tell us a little bit about the war, man". Forrest Gump: "The war in Vietnam? "Abbie Hoffman: [to audience] War in Viet-F***ing-Nam!" Forrest: "and he liked to say the "F" word. A lot. "F" this and "F" that."

4)~ Forrest Gump: "When I was in China on the All-American Ping Pong team, I just loved playing ping-pong with my Flexolite ping pong paddle." Soldier: "Now the secret to this game is, no matter what happens, never, never take your eye off the ball!" Forrest: "For some reason, ping pong came very natural to me, So I started playing it all the time! ~Do you have a favorite Realtor ‘tool', a special pen...........maybe your Blackberry? We all have our favorite .....something that can put us in the Zone.

Found a goal.....have a plan.........? Well don`t take your EYE OFF THE BALL!

5.)~ Forrest: "And cause I was a gazillionaire, and I liked doin it so much, I cut that grass for free." To those whom much has been given, much is expected! Do YOU cut grass for free?

6.) ~ Bubba: "Anyway, like I was sayin', shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, saute it. Dey's uh, shrimp-kabobs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo. Pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried. There's pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich.

That- that's about it. "~ In Real Estate we can call them, cabins, townhomes, condo's, townhouses, ranchers, 2 levels, bungalows, mansions, basement entries...or we just call them ‘homes'.

7.)~On Neighbourhood Watch -Forest Gump: [in the Watergate hotel; on phone with security]" Yeah, sir, you might want to send a maintenance man over to that office across the way. The lights are off, and they must be looking for a fuse box, 'cause them flashlights, they keep me awake."

Watergate Bldg

8)~On the New Realtor in the Office ... Old Man in the Barbershop: " that boy sure is a runnin' fool!"

9) ~On making it simple and de-jargonizing your Real Estate Lingo...~ Forrest Gump: "Mama always had a way of explaining things so I could understand them..."

10)~Young Forrest Gump: "Mama....What's a Vacation? " Mrs. Gump: " Vacation's when you go somewhere...and never come back"....Don't you wish? Maybe its something like Gary Woltal`s post on Log Cabins...:-)

11)~ On Office Tours......Forrest Gump: "the best thing about visiting the president is the food! Now, since it was all free, and I wasn't hungry but thirsty, I must've drank me fifteen Dr. Peppers!"

12)~On those Realtors from Active Rain - especially those ‘fav' Texans of mine![Forrest Gump listing some of his comrades] Forrest Gump: Now, I don't know much about anything, but I think some of American's best young men served in this war. There was Dallas, from Phoenix; Cleveland - he was from Detroit; and Tex... well, I don't remember where Tex come from.

13) On watching T.V. Real Estate shows - Pvt. Dallas from Phoenix: [Forrest is watching "Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C."] Gump, how can you watch that stupid shit? Turn it off.

14)~On spending the day touring houses and finally making a sale ~John F. Kennedy: Congratulations, how do you feel? Forrest Gump: I gotta pee. John F. Kennedy: [turning to camera] I believe he said he had to go pee. Heh heh.

14)~On Market Conditions..Mrs. Gump: What's normal anyways?

14)~On the Weather in Vancouver.. Jenny asking Forrest: `So how was Vietnam .... Forrest Gump: "One day it started raining, and it didn't quit for four months. We been through every kind of rain there is. Little bitty stingin' rain... and big ol' fat rain. Rain that flew in sideways. And sometimes rain even seemed to come straight up from underneath".

`` Sometimes it would stop raining long enough for the stars to come out... and then it was nice. It was like just before the sun goes to bed down on the bayou. There was always a million sparkles on the water... like that mountain lake. It was so clear, Jenny, it looked like there were two skies one on top of the other. And then in the desert, when the sun comes up, I couldn't tell where heaven stopped and the earth began. It's so beautiful. ``(Thanks Gary for reminding me!)

15)~Thinking of advising your clients on investments? Forrest Gump: "Now, because I had been a football star, and a war hero, and a national celebrity, and a shrimpin' boat captain, and a college graduate, the city of fathers of Greenbow, Alabama, decided to get together and offered me a fine job. So, I never went back to work for Lieutenant Dan. Though he did take care of my Bubba-Gump money. He got me invested in some kind of fruit company. And so then I got a call from him saying we don't have to worry about money no more. And I said, " That's good. One less thing."

And as a Bonus - Some Forrest Trivia!

Did you know...

*The lake behind the Gump house in Alabama is the same lake the Forrest rests his buddies at when he rescues them in Vietnam. Arguably a mistake, but it's not noticeably the same lake - just interesting to know.

*The park bench that Tom Hanks sits on for much of the movie was located in Savannah, GA, at Chippewa Square. The fiberglass bench he sat on has since been removed and placed into a museum to avoid being destroyed by the weather. The church where the feather first falls is about 100 yards just down the street from his bench.

*While Forrest is running across America the camera shows some wide shots of him running, That man in those shots is really Jim Hanks (Tom Hanks' brother in real life).

*When Forrest tell lt. Dan he is going to be a shrimp boat captain, Lt. Dan says "yeah, and I'm an astronaut." The next movie Tom Hanks and Gary Sinese made together was Apollo 13 where they were both astronauts...

*Forrest's son is played by Haley Joel Osment, the adorable kid that later achieved great fame as the troubled Cole in the "The Sixth Sense".

*12 minutes into the film, when young Forrest is on the School Bus, the little girl that shakes her head 'no' is Elisabeth Hanks, daughter of Tom Hanks.

*Forrest has his eyes closed on every picture you see of him in the film.

*In the original script, every member of Forrest's platoon in Vietnam was supposed to be mildly retarded like him. This was an experimental practice of the Army in the Vietnam War; the Army tried allowing soldiers with lower IQs to enlist, but put them all in platoons together. Because this led to so many discipline problems, the Army is not particularly proud of it and threatened not to work with the filmmakers at all if they left the platoon like that. As a result, only Forrest and Bubba are noticeably below average intelligence

*Before Tom Hanks was cast as Forrest, Bill Murray was interested in the part.

*The helicopters in the first Vietnam camp scene consist of one helicopter being superimposed many times over. All the helicopters are fake.

And Thats All I have to Say About That.....:-)

Sardis Park - Deluxe Parksfield 4 Bedroom Townhome - #36-6887 Sheffield Way, Chilliwack, B.C. $284,900

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:11:29 -0500

Located in popular Parksfied......adjacent to Sardis Park...........this 4 bedroom townhome will meet all your needs..........Corner unit, with just over 1600 sq. ft., Master Bedroom, Ensuite, and large walk-in closet, and 2nd bedroom all on the main floor........Upstairs are 2 more huge bedrooms, with lovely window seats and shared 4 piece bathroom, and computer area.

Kitchen has warm Maple Cabinets, and Black appliances........Livingroom is surrounded by windows, with laminate flooring, rock fireplace, and opens out into a large private patio area. This is a charming community, offered to you for $284,900!

Just a leisurely walk to Sardis Park...walk/jog around the lake.......make friends with the ducks and geese......a sanctuary for Aviarians (Activemy rainian soul mates) :-)

Great New Listing With Mortgage Helper - 45543 McIntosh, Chilliwack, B.C. $278,500

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:39:32 -0500

Can you believe it? A listing under $300,000 in Chilliwack? This adorable 1500 sq. ft. basement entry home, features 3 bedrooms, large livingroom, kitchen and dining, room, plus 3 bedrooms.......WITH a terrific basement revenue basement suite! Great setting, walking distance to the Fraser Valley University College and all Amenities. Take a look......and See......Offered at $278,500.

Call Liz Moras, Remax Nyda Realty, Chilliwack, B.C. for more info:...www.lizmoras.com - lizmoras@shaw.ca 604-799-0459

Mirror Mirror on the Wall - Who's the Most Irritating One of All?

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 21:25:28 -0500

I'm sure you've heard it said tat the people that irritate us the most are the ones who expressing the same qualities that we have! Hmm......

No wonder our own family can be so annoying - we see ourselves in them! And I guess that goes to say, the see themselves in us!

Its probably not always true, but what an opportunity for growth if we can be alert to the possibility. We all know its easier to change ourselves then to change someone else!

So for example, we're working with this person who's a total pain in the butt......they whine, complain and are control freaks. Drive you crazy? Well.........chances are good we might be carrying some of those same traits ourselves...

Now maybe not at work........but...ever notice how we're often different at work then we are at home?.......Different settings and different relationships seem to bring out the different faces of Eve!

(and Adam)... Ok so maybe we don't complain at work, (maybe there's already someone else in the office wearing that hat)

but...maybe we're used to being in control at home.......so it pisses us off when we're not in control at work. Its true isn't it?

In many ways human nature isn't all that complex.......we share many of the same traits, stresses, triggers......so by being aware of what irritates us about others can give us some pretty keen insight about ourselves. Being 'conscious' of those irritants can if we let it, be almost like a system of checks and balances for ourselves.......We see what we don't like, and then can start the process of weeding out those traits in ourselves.

The opposite can also be true.........we see something we like in someone else - and we can let it be a source of inspiration ...and dare I say....imitation?

Moral of the story.....? Maybe we'd be a little more blind to our sources of irritation, if we were a little more aware.........? And maybe take a breath and count to TEN!

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (A/R) - Oh My!

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 23:09:13 -0500

I was just thinking today how A/R is a little like the Land of Oz. Ok...so what I had in mind was a little bit of a modern day take -

*Courtesy Annie Leibovitz and Disney

Well here I was a wandering, a wandering I was... one day.............I'd been perfectly (well ok...not perfectly but almost..........) happy working at Mom& Pop Realty in Kansas City (aka Chilliwack).......when one day......the storms of inner turmoil started twirling..........

At first it was just a bit of dust in the eye you know? But soon a storm of discontent began to brew.......

I started thinking to myself........I wondered actually if there was a place I could go..........like the Land Of Oz..........

A place that could provide me with a few missing pieces.......

Actually ...hmm I did remember getting an invitiation...to some place out on the West Coast, some place were it Actively Rained........and the soil was ripe with cybermation.

Apparently there were people in that land that had this idea.......

...that if they tilled the soil and planted seeds of interconnectedness, gave it a healthy dose of Realtyinfo 'Rain'.........something Magical might transpire!

So the word went out through Munchkinland..........(aka Realtorland)

And....the community rapidly grew...............oh!

OH MY what a brood there grew There were Brainiacs.........Ya I know...Who'd have Thunk?

A little more Rain fell......and some shy munchkins developed courage............and started to share.......

Golden raindrops fell..........rusty hearts melted........and started to teach and share about with generosity and and inspiration'........

And with time we realized that the A/R God's were only human...

That some munchkins were dressed in disguise...

But fortunately we had Group Founders and Moderators..Who knew exactly what to do...

So that everything was fair....and we could keep our home a Healthy Happy and Active Rainland! :-)

9996-9990-9984 Quarry Rd., Chilliwack, B.C. $172,900-$178,900

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:50:33 -0500

Located in Northern Chilliwack in popular Little Mountain - these 3 Quarry Road Lots offer both private potential as well as an opportunity for the builder to build 3 side by side lhomes. Great view potential - between 8500-9500 sq.ft. each. Offered at between $178,900-$192,900....Will Build to Suit if you Like!

Lots 1 & 2 - Collins Dr. - Sardis Park - Chilliwack, B.C. $299,900

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:31:06 -0500

Two Rare & Amazing lots backing on to one of Chilliwack's most desirable areas - beautiful Sardis Park! Looking for something special.........don't want to be part of subdivision and restricted to spec homes? Well here you have an opportunity to build the house of your dreams - or if you're so inclined you are welcome to use our Custom designed Craftsman Heritage Plan. Call or e-mail for more details. Large 9000 sq. ft. lots, 65x136 leaving you with lots of space left over for RV parking or a Workshop..... 65x136 level building lot with full services. Offered at $299,900.

Lots 1 & 2

Backing on to popular Sardis Park!

Call Liz @ 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@shaw.ca

Chronic Apologizing or is Love Never Having to Say You're Sorry?

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:44:12 -0500

Do you ever find yourself 'apologizing' for everything? I don't think its in the typical 'saleman's' ego to do that........But you've probably all met someone who in the 'interest of keeping the peace'......will chronically apologize?

Now this is a different take from the Jenny's (Ali McGraw) with Oliver (Ryan O'Neil) in the infamous Love Story - where she says "Love is never having to say you're sorry".

It true that apologizing is a social convention - especially in our culture that keeps interactions between people polite and it can be helpful. Actually saying Sorry seems to be a Hot Political Trend: Cheney, Romney, McCain, Clinton, and Obama have all apologized for remarks recently...

On the other hand.........if we find ourselves apologizing for everything .......which I have to admit I sometimes do...its probably time to take a look at why we say 'i'm sorry' so often. Keeping the peace...comes with a price..........but is it a bargain?

I guess saying you're sorry - is basically saying that you are responsible for something thats gone wrong in the situation........?

I love Janet Gibault tantalizing post "The 3 Most Important Words in Every Real Estate Transaction: (1) Its (2) My (3) Fault." where she says.........that saying "Its My Fault" - is about taking responsibility.......that its not about apologizing. Definitely an interesting distinction to ponder........I can see how in Real Estate transactions that would be a 'diffuser'......and and no doubt it is often a good idea to have the attitude that ' the customer is always right! right? :-)...

I know I come from a culture were "sorry" or "oprosti" are seldom heard. People say what they say and feel like they feel and there are no apologies...........Yep and that does lead to some emotional maelstroms........tempermental, emotional.......hot blooded........are some of the words I've heard describe it!

Of course saying 'sorry' can simply be an innocuous way of defusing tension...however if you find yourself saying it all the time..........hmmm you might want to take a look a little deeper into your psyche.

I guess the first step would be to be cognizant throughout the day observing how many times you do say it. Or if you have a partner who's the 'sorry sayer' in the relationship.......observe when and how often they say 'sorry'.

You might be in for a surprise....Its interesting to try and tune into 'why' you're saying 'sorry' and the particular emotions you're feeling when you say it. Are you feeling tense, anxious, threatened, embarrassed? Its interesting to be with 'just the feeling'.......and you might recognize it as one from your childhood....one thats been with you for a long long time.

Striking a balance might be a key. The word 'sorry' shouldn't 'choke' in your throat when its appropriate to take responsibility for something you've said or done. With genuine sincerity we should 'own' what we've said or done. To 'own' or acknowledge that something we have done or said has hurt another, or when we've been inappropriate or inconsiderate with our words or actions........is a good thing.

Yet it seems sometimes and for some people that "Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word"...

What do you think?

The Top 5 (Bestest in the Westest!) Things to Do in Chilliwack & The Surrounding Area, B.C. this Summer

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:08:11 -0500

After just completing a 7 part series on 110 fun things to do in Chilliwack and the surrounding area - I'm thinking this contest came at a most opportune time! I invite you to take a peek and see which ones you think would be the top 5, but since I'm pickin' My Persoal Fav's...........these have got to be it!

1.) The World Sandcastle Championships

What child hasn't fantasized about the ultimate sea creature.?........The invincible Sand Castle..resistent to the tide.....Prince Charming coming to the rescue.........all in the form of sand.... Those indelible sandcastle tools...the bucket , the shovels..........the cookie cutters ........and our all time favorite.......yea ol' self buried to where just your head sticks out........in an attempt to freak out mom!..........Heck I loved sandcastles so much I had a wallpaper border around my kitchen of an 1800's sandcastle scene.......

A tribute to our heritage..

Even politics seems to leave its imprint in the sand...

And

And since you're just next door - a hop skip and a jump away - you HAVE to check out Harrison Hot Springs, mineral pools and baths.......you'll think you died and went to heaven...

The lake......perfect for sailing, parasailing....swimming &

The Hot Springs well melt your Troubles all Away

2) Would be the International Airshow! This International Airshow Ranks Number 3 in the Wolrd!

Every since I was a little girl, this was a yearly event/outing with our family.......awe and the power and might of a bird with wings.....Later my first son was to be born on the day of the Annual Airshow August 10th!.......

3.) Well ...3 Would have to be Hell's Gate, Suspension Bridge, Aerial Tram. The Fraser Canyon where 1,370 kilometres of the Fraser River squeezes into a 34 metre (110 ft) wide thundering passage named Hell's Gate. 800 million litres (200 M Gal) of heart stopping rapids hammer through here
which is why Hell's Gate was journaled Simon Fraser's greatest challenge! Its breathtaking, freaky and major vertigo.......but bring your camera!

4.) Gorgeous Cultus Lake - with the Cultus Lake Water Slides almost next door...This was also where I had the privilege of living next to for one whole year! This is where my kids learned to wakeboard and water ski..........it'll always have a soft spot in my heart.....memories of both me when I was 9 and all three of them when they were 9!

Cultus Lake waterslides........A few years back I did a program called Lifeline......One of the major prem- ises was to Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway! Well...............this was my foray into the unknown......I grabbed my two kids and went down every single slide, pool, drop........in the Park......and some of them even twice! Woohoo (thanks Sally) were my kids impressed?.........but no where near as impressed as I was!

As I was about to take the plunge down the death defying 180' Death Drop.......I could hear my then 13 year old son crying out....."don't do it MOM! you could hurt yourself!" lol

As for the Lake itself..........in the fall thru spring its a silent haven and retreat.........in the Summer its a Lake like no other............boaters, swimmers and campers galore............with quaint summer cottages, hot dog stands........amids of gorgeous backdrop of mountains!

5.) And last but not Least the Chilliwack Rodeo and Exhibition...........Yahoooo!

Now I never was much of a country girl............but I always thought it would be fun to marry a cowboy and do some.........'wrangling'...........And I do like cow boy hats and boots! lol

Well here's my Top 5 pick......... you all have fun you hear........its my hometown.......and you'll be glad you popped by!

Alpine Delight - Sunshine Valley - Hope, B.C. $329,900

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:47:26 -0500

Looking for a getaway? Or a weekend retreat.........Or maybe you're retired.....or a writer in-waiting? Well look what I have for you! 90 minutes from Vancouver...45 Minutes from Chilliwack, 20 Minutes from Hope and 30 minutes West of Manning Park Ski Resort................Acres of trails for hiking, and 4WD....fishing river and lake, skiing and snowshowing.........both a winter and summer wonderland.

This 3 bedroom and loft, full basement home is just a delight! Bonus den and huge workshop downstairs, could be converted into several more bedrooms and a family room! Cosy and warm and utterly delectable..........and What You Say?....Only $329,900? :-))

Wondering what there is to do way out in the back and beyond? Just about anything and
everything! Check out my previous posts!

Part 7 in the Series..91-110 of 110 Things toDo in Sunshine Valley & the Surrounding Area

Part 6 in the Series..76-90 of 110 Things to Do in Sunshine Valley & the Surrounding Area

Part 5 in the Series..51-75 of 110 Things to Do in Sunshine Valley & the Surrounding Area

Part 4 in the Series..36-50 of 110 Things to Do in Sunshine Valley & the Surrounding Area

Part 3 in the Series..21-35 of 110 Things to Do in Sunshine Valley & the Surrounding Area

Part 2 in the Series..11-20 of 110 Things to Do in Sunshine Valley & the Surrounding Area

Part 1 in the Series.. 1-10 of 110 Things to Do in Sunshine Valley & the Surrounding Area

If it Wasn't for Croatia...We Wouldn't Have....

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 12:05:06 -0500

I recently did a post in which I discussed the Croatia Turkey Soccer Europe Cup -

And in it I mentioned that I was Born in Croatia.... Now I don't know if there's a song by that name...or if there's a Croatian equivalent to Bruce Springsteen.....But here is a video on Croatia...

I thought I'd also share some Croatian Trivia with you. I know there are a lot of people that don't even know where Croatia is............(one of the States in the Former Yugoslavia).........but for Soccer fans its definitely on the Map......!

Zagreb (The Capital) Dubrovnik

If it wasn't for Croatia we wouldn't have.....

Marco Polo, the explorer, was born on the island of Korcula

Marco Polo Museum in Korcula

Slavoljub Penkala filed for a patent for a "mechanical pencil" in 1906 and invented the first fountain pen in 1907 (where the word pen derived from). He also invented the hot water bottle....

The neck tie, or cravat (kravata, krawate, derived from Croat), was first worn by Croatian soldiers in the European Thirty Year War (1618-1648)

A Cravat Wrapped around the Arena in the city of Pula

Ante Maglica invented the famous Maglite flashlight

Nikola Tesla - Born in Croatia, the inventor of the radio, alternating current, induction motor, rotating magnetic field, train air brake, wireless technology and designer of the first power plant in Niagara Falls

Benedikt Kotruljevic wrote in 1458, "The Book on the Art of Trading" in which, among other things, he presented the the principles and methods of double entry bookkeeping as a necessary attribute of trade activity. These are the foundations of accounting today.

Faust Vrancic, invented the parachute

Ivan Mestrovic, the sculptor, is famous for his work around the world, including the Native American horseman in Chicago

Andrija Mohorovicic- discovered and has one of the earth layers names after him (the Moho Layer). It's the boundary between the crust and the mantle (the Mohorovicic discontinuity).

Roger Boscovich - (Ruđer Bošković ) - astronomer, mathematician; developed the first coherent description of atomic theory; discovered the equator of the sun and the period of its rotation. Also has a moon crater named after him.

Juan Vucetich - Croatian-born Argentine anthropologist and police official who pioneered the use of fingerprinting.

Vladimir Prelog - Nobel prize in chemistry, 1975

Lavoslav Ruzicka - Nobel prize in chemistry, 1939

Starkist Tuna was founded by a Croatian in Alaska

Vlasic Pickles was founded by a Croatian in Detroit -Franjo Vlasic - from Livno, dairyman

The marble used in the White House was quarried on the Island of Brac. Also the Canadian WWI monument at Remy, Belgium.

Grgich Wineries are famous for their California wines

The Zinfandel grape originated in Croatia

Dalmatians have been bred on the Dalmatian coast for centuries

Antonio Andrónico Luksic Abaroa - Chilean businessman and founder of the Luksic Group. Before his death, he was the richest person in Chile (fourth in Latin America, 132nd in the world), with a fortune of 4,200 million dollars, according to Forbes magazine.

Ivo Andrić - a novelist, short story writer, and the 1961 winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature

Ivan Gašparovič - President of Slovakia (Croatian father)

Néstor Kirchner Ostoić - Former President of Argentina (Chilean mother of Croatian descent). His wife is now president.

Francisco Orlić Bolmarčić - Former. President of Costa Rica , Croat parents

John Malkovich - actor, producer and director

Vanna White (born Vanna Rosich) - best known as the hostess and puzzle board operator on the long-running game show Wheel of Fortune

.

Eric Bana (born Eric Banadinovich) Australian actor famous for roles in Chopper, Troy, Incredible Hulk and Munich

Denise Richards - actress (mother of Croatian descent)

Jenna Elfman (born Jennifer Butala) actress of TV show Dharma & Greg

Nina Moric - supermodel. She was in the Ricky Martin "Livin' La Vida Loca" video.

Korina Longin - Model appeared in Victoria Secrets and a N-Sync video

Scott Bakula - American actor who played leading roles in two science fiction television series: Quantum Leap and Star Trek: Enterprise.

Mira Furlan - actress with roles in Babylon 5 and Lost

Goran Višnjić - actor (ER)

Krist Novoselic - best known as the bassist for Nirvana.

"Tomo" Milicevic lead guitarist of band 30 Seconds to Mars. The band won the MTV2 Award for "The Kill" at the MTV Video Music Awards, 2006.

Helen Merrill (born Jelena Milcetic) - Jazz vocalist with a career spanning six decades. She has recorded and performed with some of the world's most notable jazz figures including Clifford Brown, Chet Baker, Stan Getz and Gil Evans.

Marz (born Zlatko Hukic) Rapper with former affiliation with the Insane Clown Posse and their label Psychopathic Records.

Branko Lustig - won two Academy Awards as producer for Schindlers List and Gladiator.

Dušan Vukotić - author and director of short animated films. Won Academy Award for best animated short in 1961 being the first foreigner to do so.

Maradona - the world's greatest footballer. His maternal great-grandfather Mateo Kariolić was born in Korčula, Dalmatia, today's Croatia, and emigrated to Argentina, where Maradona's grandmother Salvadora was born. Salvadora named her daughter Dalma after the Croatian region, after whom Maradona named his eldest daughter.

Davor Suker - (Golden Boot winner at the 1998 WC) (Real Madrid, Arsenal, Munich 1860)

Zvonimir Boban - Footballer (AC Milan)

Alen Boksic - Footballer (Lazio/ Juventus/ Middlesborough)

Dražan Jerković (Golden Boot winner at the 1962 EURO & 1966 World Cup)

Roger Maris (Maras) - American right fielder in Major League Baseball who is primarily remembered for breaking Babe Ruth's 34-year-old single-season home run record in 1961 on the last day of the season (He held the records for 37 years).

Dan Plesac - Baseball player who played for numerous major league teams

Toni Kukoc - basketball player for the Chicago Bulls

Rudolph Tomjanovich, Jr. - Basketball player/ coach. Third-leading scorer in San Diego/ Houston Rockets history. Coached the Rockets to 2 NBA championships. Also former coach of the 2000 US Olympic gold winning team and the LA Lakers.

Dražen Petrović, Mirko Novosel, Kreso Cosic, George Mikan - Basketball Hall of Famers

Andrew Bogut - Australian and Milwaukee Bucks basketballer player.

Handball mens team World champs 2003. Olympic gold medalists 1996 and 2004.

Ivano Balić - Twice voted world hand ball player of the year

Waterpolo mens World champs 2007

Duje Draganja - Fastest swimmer in the world. Holds world records in 50m freestyle. 2 gold medals in world champs

Sanja Jovanović - 50m backstroke world champ

Goran Ivanisevic - tennis player, won Wimbledon Tournament in 2001

Iva Majoli - tennis player, won French Open Tournament in 1997

Davis Cup winning tennis team - Mario Ancic, Ivan Ljubicic and Ivan Karlovic

Blanka Vlašić - current world indoor and outdoor high jump champion. Only two women (one indoor and one outdoor) have ever jumped higher than her.

Janica Kostelic, skier, won 3 gold medals and 1 silver medal in 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah, 1 gold medal and 1 silver medal in 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, and counting...

Sofia Mulanovich - famous Peruvian surfer

Fred Couples - Golfer (Croatian mother)

Joe Sakic - Canadian professional hockey player who is the captain of the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League. One of the most successful players ever, Sakic is known for having won two Stanley Cups, various NHL trophies and being named to play in 13 NHL All-Star Games, as well as one of the strongest team leaders to ever play in the NHL

Frank Mahovlich- NHL Hall of Famer

George Chuvalo (Cuvalo) - Canadian heavyweight boxer who was never knocked down in ninety-three professional fights between 1956 and 1979. Twice fought for versions of the professional world's heavyweight title. Best known for his two fights against Muhammad Ali. He went the distance both times. "He's the toughest guy I ever fought," said Ali of Chuvalo after one fight.

Nikolai Volkoff (born Josip Peruzović) WWF wrestler. His career spanned from the 70's to the 90's. He had many famous tag teams including the Iron Sheik, the Bolsheviks and with 'Hacksaw' Jim Duggan.

Fritzie Zivic ("The Croat Comet") - Boxer - best known for his title win against Henry "Hammering Hank" Armstrong taking the world welterweight title. 23,190 fans witnessed Zivic's welterweight title defense in 1941 and it remains the highest attendance at Madison Square Garden. He was inducted in to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993.

Branko Cikatić. "The Croatian Tiger". He won the first K-1 (kickboxing martial art) World Grand Prix tournament held Japan in 1993.

Mirko "CroCop" Filipović - K-1 UFC fighter

r

Gary Gabelich was the first person to a land speed record over 1000 km/h, it remained unbeaten until 1983

Nick Saban - American football coach - Head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide and former coach of Miami Dolphins

William Belichick (Beličić) - NFL football head coach for the New England Patriots leading them to 3 Super Bowl wins

Antun Augustincic sculpted the "Monument of Peace" in front of the United Nations Building in New York

Now thats probably more about Croatian trivia then you ever wanted to know! :-))))

New Listing - 44662 Connaught Place - Chilliwack, B.C. - $424,900

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 19:44:41 -0500

Located in one of Chilliwack's most desireable neighbourhoods - one look and you'll fall in love! Set amidst a terrific cul de sac and family neighbourhood.

Looking for something a little special? This beautifully rennovated 3 bedroom home just might be the one! With over 2000 square feet.......including a one bedroom suite.......this home has gorgeous tile work, hardwood, laminate and Bamboo flooring......a beautiful private back yard with a brand new balcony! Truly a beauty....offered at $424,900.

New Listing - #102-9400 Cook St., Chilliwack, B.C. 2 Bdrm Condo - $169,900

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 19:25:28 -0500

The Wellington - situated in the center of Chilliwack. Popular adult oriented building walking distance to all the shops.

This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom corner 1120 sq. ft. unit has just been completely repainted and carpeted. Terrific view of the mountains.......air-conditioned and in ready to move in condition! Offered at $169,900...

Call Liz for more info! 604-799-0459

New Listing #2-46349 Cessna Dr., Chilliwack, B.C. - Just Reduced to $229,900

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 17:08:50 -0500

Terrific 3 bedroom townhome located just of Airport Rd. in the heart of Chilliwack. Easy freeway access....and close to shops and transportation.

Bright and spacious, decorated in rich and warm colours this townhome has over 1400 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms. Lovingly maintained, with new laminate and vinyl flooring, baseboards and a brand new roof!

Large master bedroom has a walk in closet and ensuite, and 2 extra spacious bedrooms! Back yard is private with patio and Westerly exposure. All this offered to you at a terrific $229,900!

Croatia vs Turkey EuroCup - The Thrill of Victory the Agony of Defeat...

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 23:34:56 -0500

Ok.........so I'm Croatian born no denying it! Biased? You Betcha! I'm standing here in the 'wake' of a defeat..........and it feels personal!

Isn't it funny how sports are? We spectators somehow feel that its 'us' playing.......vicariously we feel, we sweat, we butt, we kick............all while sitting on the couch.......

I wouldn't say I was a sports fantatic, but there is something about 'soccer/football' for us, its our National Sport - its in our blood......its VERY personal!

So two Cinderella's came to play today......... many thought this would be an energetic.....aggressive - exciting game - with Croatia quite heavily favored, but Turkey the gutsy underdog.

The first 87 minutes of a 90 minute game.......? Nothing..........seriously........it was like watching two teams playing 'not to lose'.........rather then two teams 'playing to win'!.

Lots of time to 'observe'......not so much the 'play'.....but the 'interplay'.........I was amazed at the level of 'sportsmanship'.......I was actually surprised.......that when someone nudged/kicked/tripped the opponent..........accidentally/on purpose - they actually apologized! There was no swearing, cursing, there were no temper tantrums.

Now that could have been because ....

Ok so this was after the game in Vienna.......but they had them in the Stadium as well!

It was 0 for 0 ..............all the way till the last 3 minutes.........then Croatia.......scored.......and I felt like a proud Mama with a new baby - I was ecstatic!

It mean no penalty kick off.........it meant........and then OMG a double take...! 7 seconds before the game was over Turkey scored - and low and behold.........we were into the Penalty Kicks.........

And it was excruciating........ My boyfriend just got one of the humungous 60 inch screen TV.......and I could see the ticks in the eyes of the Croatian players, the hairs on the back of the necks standing........as one by one they missed their shots..........and Turkey won!

It was the strangest feeling - I was mesmerized by the expressions, reactions.........

Once again...........the Agony of Defeat......the Ecstasy in Victory - how consoling the Refs were...

How Classy the Turks were.....and how genuine and heartfelt it all was............It actually all was quite touching.

And I thought what a sad way to lose.......and yet....how often do we play the game that way.....Playng not to lose, until its too late to win........we hesitate - we hold back - we don't play full out - and then the Impact.........! The outcome........left to chance........

The Deal never Closed........the Game Not Won......the Relationship Never Fullfilled, .....The Risks Not Taken........the Opportunities Missed.... the Life Not Fully Lived.........and Yet......... sometimes.......the Lessons ARE learned..........and We look back.......and We're Stronger for it....

Canadian National Housing Outlook - Province by Province - Sales Down Prices Up - Part 2

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 03:01:12 -0500

Part 2 of 2

Check - Part 1 of Canadian National Housing Outlook - Province by Province - Sales Down Prices

Putting it in Perspective - Canadian Housing Outlook 2008 - Con't

Quebec has been really steady in its economic growth - and solid in job creation. 2007 had a moderate increase of 1.4% in housing starts and this is shifting slight in 2008. Resale market is reasonably healthy and should fuel average price growth of 3.8 % in 2008 and 3.0% in 2009.

In New Brunswick there is a rise in mortgage carrying costs, the market is slower and there is more choice in the resale market - no doubt lowering the levels of new home construction. 2008 is expecting a decrease in housing starts by 7.5%. the average Mls price should rise by 3.6% in 2088 and 2.8% in 2009.

Nova Scotia is experiencing a slower employment andpopulation growth so far this year, causing new home construction to be more restrained. Housing starts are expected to stabilize with average price expected to rise by 4.4% in 2008 and 2.6% in 2009.

Prince Edward Island's economy is expected to undergo moderate economic growth this year. Housing starts are expected to slowly decline with the average price riseing by 3.4% in 2008 and 3.3% in 2009.o

And last but not least...Newfoundland - with its strong export-driven economy aside, its expected that higher home ownershipand construction costs will dampen housing demand this year, with starts for 2008 only minimally changing. Meanwhile 2009 will see an increase of approx. 0.9%. the average Mls price is expectedto rise by 7.2% in 2008 and 6.3% in 2009.

Summary of the 2008 Forecast with National Averages:

Total Housing Starts for Attached Units - 211,700

Total Single Detached Houses - 106,300

Total Multiple Housing Units - 105,400

Total MLS Sales - 499,650

Average MLS Selling price ($) - $322,400

Still looking Up.......thats the good news..:-)

Source: CMHC Housing Market Outlook - Canadian Edition 2008