Myrl's Blog

Bewitiching Stars (or) If There Is A God, Show Me a Sign!

2009-01-08T13:03:09Z

In Summer of 2001, I flew to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for a delightful vacation. In my company were my daughter Tami, her husband Rollin, grandkids Baron, and Isabella.

On one delightful morning (June 27th), Baron and I jumped into a cab to Dolce Vita. This area of the Puerto Vallarta is centrally located along the brick boardwalk and Center of the beachfront area. Sergio Bustamante is a Mexican sculptor who has created wonderful life-size bronze pieces that populate the boardwalk and sea wall area.

This day was the wedding anniversary for my daughter Tami, and her husband Rollin, and later that evening, they had gone out to celebrate Puerto Vallarta's nightlife. I stayed at the villa to enjoy special time with my grand children, Baron and Izabella.

The day had been warm and humid, so after putting Isabella to bed, Baron and I decided to take the cushions of the studio couches in the living room, and place them on the plaster benches on the veranda. It was a beautiful night, with a gorgeous panoramic view of Bandaras Bay, and a sky full of stars.

Baron began to again mirror the image of the sculpture above. The name for this individual sculpture is "Bewitching Stars," which I did not know until I returned home to the states. But this sculpture is actually part of a larger group of similar figures climbing a ladder a few feet away. The plaque at the feet of this grouping gives the title, "In Search of Reason." There is a quote from Bertrand Russell (philosopher), meaningful to the sculptor (Bustamante), and his inspiration for creating them.

As Baron began his whimsical dance of mirroring the sculpture that evening, he'd call out, "If there is a god, show me a sign." This went on several times.

Something out of that remote "what if" area of my mind said, "Perhaps if we wish for a sign, we can obtain it." There were two palm trees in the courtyard below, and I asked, "If the breezes begin to churn up the branches in the one to the left, while the one on the right stays still, will you consider it a sign?" Baron seemed tentative in his response. But after a brief time, it did seem there was a good amount of movement and activity moving the palms in the tree on the left, while the one on the right, remained placid.

But, as things are sometimes to be, Baron wasn't thoroughly convinced it could really be considered a sign. "Well what would you consider a sign?" I responded. After explaining that he felt a lightening bolt would be a pretty good sign, we had a discussion about the ability of calling things in to ourselves, and the responsibilities that come with the capacity. I also explained that a lightening bolt would be a pretty heavy-duty sign, and he'd definitely want to be able to survive any such event, or what would be the point.

But Baron remained emphatic that he believed a lightening bolt to be a good sign. I began to visualize the lightening bolt, and where it might best be directed, and Baron seemed to be sitting beside me contemplating all that I had said. THEN, within a microsecond, from across the north end of Bandaras Bay - and right at us, came the largest lightening bolt I ever saw in my life. It sizzled, crackled, and sounded as if the explosive thunder was riding it's very back, as it headed our way. It passed overhead and to the left of us by a mere few feet, and hit the transformer on the utility pole near us, and exploded. There were startled screams from other inhabitants in the villas near by. Baron jumped up, eyes wide open and bolted for the veranda door. "That'll work!" he said . . .He had indeed received his sign.

We were without power for the remainder of the night, but the villas directly across the road had power, as did the areas immediately to the left and right. Only our little section of villas had been affected.

When my daughter and her husband returned to the villa, Baron excitedly said, "Nana caused it, but we can't tell anyone because we'll be in trouble." Tami asked Baron if he had learned something that night? There were lessons of course - There was the knowledge that we can indeed call in power when needed, but it shouldn't be done so indiscriminately . . . But above all, Baron learned there is a power much greater than ourselves.

Please Don't Shoot Me If You See Me Without My Skirt On

2009-01-06T06:43:40Z

Years ago, when I was in my thirties or so, I had a neighbor lady in her 70s. Francis was a nice enough lady, who often baked cookies for my kids, and she was also blessed with a green thumb. That lady could grow things, and bake things, that bordered on the miraculous. But Francis had peculiar habits, when experienced through the perceptions of my 30 year old eyes. You see, Francis wore knee high stockings, hairnets and wore old loafers that were wide enough for a large man. But worse yet, she forgot simple things I felt she should remember. I couldn't understand it, and I couldn't relate to it, through my 30 year old perceptions. I don't know how many times, I would tell my husband (I was a bride then), "If I get like Francis, just shoot me." You see, I was able to cram my little butt into Dittos (a brand of jeans) back then. But Francis was into brightly colored Polyester pants with elasticized waistbands. Karma can be an ugly thing to have to deal with. And on a morning last week, I had to deal with it, in a "head on" sort of way. Over the last year or so, I have pretty much become accustomed to "comfortable" clothing. I now realize that elasticized jeans, or elasticized anything, really isn't all that bad. I've also learned, if I buy long skirts with elasticized waist bands, I can sometimes even get away with hiding my knee high stockings, rather than fighting panty hose all day. And you can wear flat-soled shoes more easily with longer skirts too. Now if you really get into it, and you acquire one of those long chenille sweaters (big enough to hide a world of sin, and a small elephant too), you can really get comfortable. I'm finally beginning to understand Francis a whole lot better these days.
The morning last week though, was a real eye opener. You see, I woke up, looked out the window, and found the skies had opened up to dump a load of liquid sunshine on Sunny California. So I slipped into my knee-highs, then into a long black slip. Over my head, went the chenille sweater. I was about to reach for the long skirt, when the phone rang. When the phone call ended, I realized I was running a little late, so I grabbed my purse and jumped into the car. Yes ladies, you guessed it. I was about 5 miles up the road on my way to an appointment, when I looked down, and saw black silk lace starring up at me through the blurred vision of my aging eyes. The bone chilling realization that I had left my house, walked out onto the driveway (in front of God and everybody), to get into my car was only paralleled by the horrifying realization that I was in rush hour traffic, *without* a skirt on. However, the good news was that I was comfortably dressed (albeit a Monet painting of The Spice Girls, through my blurred vision). I am not known for my safe driving skills in California. I have only had one ticket in my life, but the local police and the highway patrol, "zoo keep" me on a regular basis - but I want to tell you, I didn't break any speed limits driving home, nor did I drive on the sidewalks either. The only thing left to confront, was the long walk back into the house, from my car. I believe I made it OK. Or, perhaps it was as with Francis all those years ago - The neighbors just chose to ignore it. The bottom line is this, ladies - there will come a day and time in your life, when pants and skirts with an elasticized waistband will become acceptable. You will also find that it's not a sin to wear knee-highs once in awhile. But if you see me without my skirt on, and think I've totally lost my senses, please don't shoot me - I'm certain there are a few quality days left, before I shuffle off of this planet.

Speechless Sundays - Monterey Harbor

2009-01-04T00:07:09Z

It Happened Again This Week

2009-01-02T06:54:47Z

It happened again this week. An old friend called, to say she and her husband were having difficulties with their mortgage(s), and were a little upside down on their home. They didn't quite know what to do about it.

Real Estate Agents have increasingly seen this scenario - Homeowners who are in deep trouble because they either are in homes with mortgages, which are due to have their interest rate reset, or are in homes which are now worth considerably less than the amount owed on the mortgage(s). Some folks no longer have their job to help make the payments.

Still others have enjoyed the good-life, by taking up credit card company offers of 0% interest for a few months. They had ultimately ran up those credit cards, while buying boats, vacation trailers, and other expensive toys. When the interest rate reset on those credit cards, they found themselves in financial hot water.

Ultimately, they would attempt to put a Band Aid on the situation, by refinancing debt and converting it to a second mortgage on their home. That was the case in another blog article I wrote awhile back, titled "How To Sink A House With A Boat."

After my friend and I spoke for awhile I went over to pay she and her husband a visit, to explore what options they may have.

During our visit, it was determined, they had a first mortgage on the house, which was less than the current value of the home, but it was due to reset it's interest rate substantially higher, quite soon. BUT, they also had a second mortgage for $50,000 more. The two mortgages together put them upside down in value to amount owed on the house.

The couple had talked with the first lender, to see if they could renegotiate the terms of their first mortgage, or refinance it. Yes, said the lender. BUT here was the kicker - the first lender wanted them to get the second lender to forgive the $50,000 loan, BUT never mentioned what motivating factor would create divine intervention and move the second lender to be agreeable to such a miraculous event.

What my question to you folks, who have "enjoyed" our business this past year, is this - What do you think the chances are the second lender is going to simply walk away from this, no questions asked??? And why couldn't the first lender simply agree to NOT reset the existing mortgage as scheduled for a period of time? And if the lender agrees to not reset, why would it require a recording, which would move them into second place as far as liens are concerned? After all it is not the note that is recorded - it is the deed.

Spending further time with this couple revealed other things I thought would help them, however.

Like it or not, it had been a rather robust lifestyle they had been enjoying these past few years. This lifestyle had ultimately driven up the debt on the house. For example, there was a new motor home. There were two late model SUVs. One vehicle was an almost new Ford Expedition, and there was a Ford Explorer. There were also a couple jet skies parked in the garage. The home had wonderful furnishings. And there had been delightful vacations.

Here's what I suggested. . .These homeowners still have jobs, although one has a different job, which doesn't pay as well as the previous one. I realized that if they didn't have the existing second on their home, they would actually be about $20,000 in positive territory on the equity of their home. And if they sold their motor home, the jet skies, and did a little juggling they could be close to paying off that second mortgage.

They still both enjoy good credit, and if that second was paid off, they would likely enjoy a number of options, which don't appear available to them currently.

What do you think? What suggestions would you offer?

What Are Your Predictions For 2009?

2008-12-30T10:34:55Z

WHAT ARE YOUR PREDICTIONS FOR 2009?

This morning, I was sitting here reminiscing about all the events of this past year. Who among you had heard the term "Credit Default Swaps" at the beginning of the year? Who would have guessed they would help bring down many of the Wall Street giants, etc.?

I thought it might be fun for us to make some predictions for the coming year, and to see in December 2009, how close we came in accuracy. So what are your predictions for this coming year?

Sorry - No points will be given for the prediction, that we will leave analog and go totally to digital TV on February 17^th :-)

Old Sacramento to Host New Year's Eve Sky Spectacular

2008-12-29T07:40:33Z

Old Sacramento will host New Years Eve with a bang on December 31.

During the New Year's Eve Sky Spectacular featured activities will include fireworks, and activities for families and children at the Waterfront Park tent. The first fireworks show, featuring children's music, is scheduled at 9 p.m. and will launch over Tower Bridge.

The second show is at midnight. The evening begins at 6:00 p.m. with street entertainment, including fire jugglers; Disney Frequency Dangers, magic and science shows, as well as multiple strolling bands followed by 9:00 p.m. and midnight fireworks.

Time: 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Age: Everyone

For more information call (916) 808-7777 or visit www.discovergold.org.

Speechless Sundays - Princeton By The Sea - California Coast

2008-12-28T00:09:56Z

Happy Holidays to You and Your's

2008-12-24T19:08:28Z

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOUR'S

I want to take this opportunity to wish you and your families, the most Joyous of Holidays, and a prosperous New Year.

Looking back through this year, I count as one of my most treasured blessings, my discovery of the ActiveRain community, and ALL of you. The friendships, and the collective knowledge gained, has been beyond what I could have imagined. . .Thank you for that!

Myrl Jeffcoat
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

Statistical Sales Data for Sacramento - November 2008

2008-12-23T18:41:08Z

The following graph provides sales statistics for the county of Sacramento. In addition there are links to the surrounding counties of: El Dorado, Placer and Yuba. They compare November 2008 to the year prior (November 2007), as well as data for October 2008 vs. October 2007. In most areas the number of sales posted was significantly greater to the year prior. However, prices have significantly declined for the same time period. Also linked is a statistical data sheet by zip code for Sacramento, and surrounding areas.

Statistical graphs for 4 counties: Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Yuba

There’s Nothing Like Being MEME’d :-)

2008-12-22T08:42:54Z

While my kitchen oven was percolating away at 400 degrees turning the color of Christmas cookies, I decided to check my email, and voila' I find that I've been MEME'd by Martha Brown. This has happened to me before, but the last time, it came during a busy time, and I'm not so sure I even came close to getting it right. So let's see if I can read instructions, and comply accurately.

Here are all of the ground rules that need to be followed:

Create a blog post with a link to the person who so happily tagged you. See above!
List all of these rules in the post. Feel free to cut and paste this.
Share 7 things that others may not know about you. Do or have I HAD a life outside of real estate? Gosh, something other than real estate after the year we have just had? Ha!
Identify 7 friends, contacts or near enemies in which to adorn this MEME. Tag them at the end of the post and give a link to their blog (hey, its super easy. Even I figured it out).
Contact each of the tagged members and let them know that you were indeed fast enough to catch them and that you did indeed tag them...no matter how much they say you missed them! No schoolyard rules in this MEME, nope you gotta do it if you are tagged. Sorry 7 friends!

So here goes. 7 things that you may not have known about me:

I was born in Kansas, but that was an accident. Most anything that happens in Kansas is an accident. My mother and dad had moved to California in the early 1940s. And my mother had made a trip back to Kansas in late pregnancy because of pressing family matters, and I was born early. My mother, with me, returned to Sacramento a few weeks later. I've been a Sacramento native since.
I am the youngest by 12 years to my siblings - 7 half sisters and half brothers.
I have 4 children all grown. And I am the grandmother of 7.
I swim a couple miles several times a week.
My passions are cooking (especially different ethnic types of cooking - Indian, Hungarian, Carolina Low Country, Italian, Spanish, Mexican, Persian). AND, I love gardening.
I am active in a local Sacramento area genealogy group, and I actively research several family names.
Have I had a life outside of the 27 years I've been a Realtor? Well yes - in addition to the things I've mentioned above, I've had careers in the Insurance industry, and also I worked for a number of years at an international software development company, while working with wonderful people from all over the globe. It was while working with them, that I developed my interest in international cooking and cuisine, and different philosophies. The most important lesson I've learned through my experiences - That we are all far more the same, than we will ever be different.

There's probably far more I could tell you - but a MEME isn't supposed to be a soap opera - OR maybe it is :-)

And although MEME's are nothing short of being just another chain letter, please humor me, and send it on. Afterall, MEMEs are an effective way for us to learn more of each other's lives outside of ActiveRain.

Following here are the seven on my MEME "hit" list. I know they must have interesting tales to tell:

Speechless Sunday - Big Sur California Coast

2008-12-21T00:03:57Z

Great Article on MSNBC About Difficulties Surrounding Mortgage Modifications

2008-12-18T15:12:32Z

MSNBC has an article on their website today which is very informative. It answers many of the questions about "Why It's So Difficult to Modify a Mortgage"

The article delves into (1) Unscrambling the egg (2) Who's in charge (3) Tranche warfare (4) Two mortgages (5) Taking a haircut (6) No rules (7) Legal tangles (8) Doing the math (9) Loans that will never work.

I found this piece to be one of the easier explanations to understand for lay people attempting to grapple with this difficult topic.

It can be reached in it's entirety at: MSNBC - "Why it's So Difficult to Modify a Mortgage."

Speechless Sundays - A Closer Look @ The Lone Cypress

2008-12-14T04:33:00Z

Victorian Dreams - Happy Holidays

2008-12-10T21:56:51Z

Awhile back I lamented that as a child, I would often daydream about living in a home similar to the doll house I had. The doll house had became among the most cherished of my memories.

As we grow older and hopefully mature to a certain degree, we realize that what we wish for as a child isn't always possible. However, something about that little Victorian doll house, decked out in holiday grandeur, had never drifted far from my dreams for the future.

Little did I know, years later I would become a Realtor, and would often become the instrument or channel for making clients' dreams for a home come true.

In November 1981 when I received my real estate license, the interest rates were at this nation's highest. Homes purchased then, were not chosen because of the "warm-fuzzy" feelings they lavished. They were primarily chosen because they were the one in twenty properties on the market for sale with a good assumable low interest rate loan, and low equity. In other words, they were affordable and practical - even though they were not necessarily a dream home.

I believe we may be on the threshold of one of the greatest real estate opportunities experienced in California in many years. There is one of the largest inventories of homes on the market for sale coupled with low interest rates for mortgages.

Buyers of entry-level homes are finding although their income would not make home mortgage payments affordable for them in the past, the lower interest rates and home prices, are now considerably more comfortable. Many more first time buyers are qualifying for homes. And, these same buyers are having a much larger selection of homes to choose from.

Many real estate clients who wished to move up to a second, or third home, a few years ago were finding that the cost differential between their existing homes and homes they wished to move into was a difficult stretch. Now, because the upper-end home has borne the brunt of our current market conditions, these same clients are finding they can comfortably make the move they had wished for in years past.

I guess the message is that much of what we experience in life has to do with our own perceptions of the experience. What one person sees as a "bad break," another can see as an opportunity. In the summer of 2005 our perceptions were to buy anything we could get our hands on.... We were in a frantic feeding frenzy in the housing market. Looking back, many people's perceptions of opportunity, were not well served. The time of opportunity may very well be now!!!

If you believe as I do, that this may be a window of opportunity for you to achieve the dream of home ownership - please contact me, so I can assist you in turning that dream into reality!

And as we approach the ending of this current year - I want to take this opportunity to wish you and your family, a Very Happy Holiday Season, and a Very Prosperous New Year!

Lone Cypress @ Pebble Beach California - Speechless Sundays

2008-12-07T00:04:14Z

Statistical Sales Data on Sacramento - and Surrounding Areas

2008-12-04T16:46:28Z

The following graph provides sales statistics for the county of Sacramento. In addition there are links to the surrounding counties of: El Dorado, Placer and Yuba. They compare October 2008 to the year prior (October 2007), as well as data for September 2008 vs. September 2007. In most areas the number of sales posted was significantly greater to the year prior. However, prices have significantly declined for the same time period. Also linked is a statistical data sheet by zip code for Sacramento, and surrounding areas.

Statistical graphs for 4 counties: Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Yuba

Statistical Data by Zipcode for Sacramento and Surrounding Areas

The "Simple Life" in Lancaster County PA

2008-12-02T20:11:02Z

A few days back, Elizabeth Weintraub coaxed me into blogging about a trip I had made while visiting the Amish in Lancaster County PA. "The Trip" which is how I would refer to it in the Fairytale Factory of my mind for many years before actually making the journey had began with a watercolor picture on my bedroom wall. The picture which always managed to calm me, or settle me, even on the most stressful of days. It was of an Amish family in one of their traditional horsedrawn buggy, as they traveled down a road into the mist.

For several years, I had promised myself that I would visit that place one day - and in May, I jumped a plane, and made it happen. I flew into Philadelphia, rented a car, and drove to Lancaster county, where approximately 40,000 Amish live the "simple life" in homes that often have no electricity. To state it was one of the more beautiful places on this earth would be an understatement.

After leaving Lancaster County, I went to NYC. . .What a contrast.

Here is the link to more pictures of the trip, with captions. Also, included are pictures of New York City.

AARP Launches Operation Energy Save

2008-11-30T19:56:17Z

AARP has a terrific resource on their website currently. They have announced Operation Energy Save, a new initiative to encourage friends, family and neighbors to conserve energy by making small changes around the house that are proven to reduce energy costs.

Some of their suggestions include:

* Lowering thermostats in the winter by 10 percent (like from 74° to 67°) for eight hours, which can shave 10 percent off the household heating bill.

* Closing the heat vents and the doors in rooms that aren't being used.

* Turning off kitchen and bathroom ventilating fans when not in use. If left on for an hour, they can suck all the heat out of the house.

* Making sure furniture is not blocking a heat register and moving furniture away from cold exterior walls and windows.

Information on where to volunteer or to get local community groups involved can be found at www.AARP.org/CreateTheGood.

For the complete article visit: AARP Operation Energy Save.

HEALING STRATEGIES – HEALTH - SOMETHING TO BE GRATEFUL FOR

2008-11-26T07:56:29Z

A number of years ago, a search for healing strategies would have been the furthest thing from my mind. I was very fit, rarely became ill, and could leap 7 steps easily in a single bound. My life was busy, raising very active kids, while managing a real estate career.

In the early 1990s, my health began to spiral downward, with Chronic Fatigue, and Fibromyalgia being the most devastating to cope with. It wasn't only physically difficult - my ill health had devastating financial consequences as well.

The crucial moment, when ill health, finances, and a poor quality of life, all met together, and created a perfect storm, came in April of 1997. It was then, I made a conscious decision, I knew, would require a very real plan, and some hard work to achieve. But, knowing that I had made the decision, also gave me some form of minute energy to work with.

I began to create ideas on how to revitalize my once thriving career. I had difficult days with pain in the early months, but managed to work my way through it. And interestingly, the movement provided by the work environment, miraculously worked better than being in bed.

The next step I embarked upon, was to try to restore some health. I did this by dramatically changing my diet - making conscious decisions about food, which would benefit me, rather than further deplete me. Immediately leaving my refrigerator - was soda pop. I purchased a juicer instead.

I am blessed with a really superb Farmer's Market that congregates each Saturday Morning in the parking lot of a local shopping center. I buy nearly all of my fresh vegetables, fruits, breads, eggs, cheese, and olive oil, from the market.

It would be a number of months longer, before I began to pursue a meaningful exercise program.   In those early days, I was feeling accomplishment by just making it to work each day.

What I have learned from my journey back to wellness is that it is a process. It is best to not dwell on the goal, but to embrace the journey. There can be so much learning and growth that comes from the process.

On one really overcast day during this process, a company I worked at, gifted me, and several other women employees with a day, which has considerably changed my life.

I awoke, that morning with a persistent and difficult headache. My body was in pain.

On that day, we were to board a bus at the company, and be taken to a surprise destination, for a day of fun. I was fighting to get myself together to make this trip. And that morning, I wasn't feeling very enthusiastic because of my pain. But, I managed to make my way to bus, and board with the rest of the group. Within a couple of hours, we arrived at a wonderful place called The Claremont in Berkeley, California.

Linda Prout, the Claremont's fitness guru, was the facilitator for the day.

No sooner had we arrived at the Claremont, when Linda had us to place our chairs in a large circle.

Linda explained that many of us hold on to more tension than we realize, and that there was a technique for releasing that tension from our bodies.

She prompted us to put feet on the floor, hands palm up in our laps, while instructing us to close our eyes.

The next step had us rotating our shoulders in an upward and over motion. Linda explained that we were a nation of shallow breathers. She prompted - "breath deeply in - then deeply out."

It was at this point that she walked over to me, and reached in her pocket and pulled out a little gauze pad, which had a few drops of Peppermint oil on it. She gently waved this in front of my face, and shortly thereafter, I noticed that my headache was beginning to disappear.

With our eyes still closed, she continued to prompt, "Starting at the top of your head - If it is tight - then loosen."

Continuing, "If your forehead is tight - then loosen. If your eyes are tight - then loosen."

This same prompt was continued on down the body - the jaw, neck, shoulders, arms, chest, legs, knees, feet, etc.

What I learned so quickly from that exercise, was that I had no idea how much tension and pain, I had been holding onto, which could be surrendered or consciously released or dismissed.

After lunch that day, Linda went on to discuss diet. And it has been the building upon what I learned that day, which I feel has contributed greatly to my restoration of health.

There are several truths out there, which I've made my own, which have served me well. . .If I can't gather it, fish it, or hunt it - then I don't eat it. There are exceptions to this of course, and I'm not without opening an occasional can of something to eat. But, I have significantly reduced the amount of processed foods that I consume.

At some point I realized all the cans in my recycle bin were from one kind of soda pop, or another. The labels on those cans, clearly demonstrated, there wasn't a thing in those cans which were benefiting my body. And there were a number of ingredients that were physically harming me. Eating fresh is vitally important.

From my own fitness journey I have come to understand, that it isn't really wise to pop large mega amounts of vitamins, minerals, wonder elixirs, that are marketed as being some miraculous cure for this or for that. After all, our bodies are often quite challenged from the chemicals, which were contained in the environment.  LESS is far more, when it comes to vitamin supplements.

Personally, the only supplement I take, is the recommended dose of Calcium, which my doctor recommends. All other vitamins and minerals come from that trusted juicer on my counter top, and ALL those fruits and vegetables that I continue to bring home from the market place each week.   I know what is in the produce, and the quality it bears. This isn't always true, when we purchase various pills and tablets, from wherever.

I joined a local health center, and began swimming laps, and spend time "marinating" in the Jacuzzi. I am currently swimming approximately 2 miles, four to five times a week.

A few weeks back, I was swimming back and forth in that pool one night. It had turned a bit colder here in Sacramento, so the pool looked something out of Dante's Inferno, or maybe a witch-and wizard's convention in Yellowstone Park. The temperature of the air was much cooler; than the 82° warmth, of the pool. And, this was generating mists swirling up about thirty feet. The only illumination came from below, from the underwater lights of the pools, and through the mists, it looked something like hell. The swimmers struggled back and forth - often two in each lane, of the lap pool. They were barely visible and gave me the impression of tortured souls in purgatory. Flitting about from one group of tortured souls to another in their section of the pool.

And there I was with them - but with one very defining realization. I was not in pain, and as I looked downward in the pool, as I stroked through the water, the illumination of the lights, made me realize I was beginning to see a very bright and real light at the end of a tunnel. And, that is what a journey to wellness is all about!

Hope for Homeowners Program is Apparently Falling Flat

2008-11-21T22:27:14Z

Several news sources have reported in the last few days, that the much touted "Hope For Homeowners" program is falling flat, and is experiencing little success.

To quote the Orlando Sentinel, "Bankers don't like it. Consumers don't understand it. Government regulators don't trust it to solve the problem."

Some news accountings gave the opinion that banks are balking at being asked to discount existing mortgages to 90% of their value, and prefer foreclosure instead.

Here's the link to the complete article presented by the Orlando Sentinel, "Hope for Homeowners Program Falling Flat."

The Love/Hate Affair With Technology

2008-11-17T22:29:41Z

When it comes to technology, I like to keep it simple like most everything else in my life. As near as I can tell, I only need three settings, "ON - OFF - and PUNT." This is especially true in recent years, when technical things don't seem to last very long, or become obsolete before unpacking them from their box. I seem to be dwelling persistently in "learning curve" Hell.

I try to buy Sony products, simply because they seem to have the same omnipotent god, which creates products with a certain quality and user-friendly intuition bred into them. But I usually buy Dell computers, because I like reliability. However, I do have a Sony VAIO laptop, and it took a bit of tinkering to get CDs I had burned on the VAIO to "talk" to the Dell desktop. I'd burn piles of CDs, slap them into the Dell, and the Dell couldn't detect the files. Yet an older Dell, hunkered down in the corner, could.

I don't know if many of you know this. But there is a consortium of folks that gather under the banner of Human Factors International. This organization is dedicated to the goal of having technology working well for consumers/users. What the World Wide Web Consortium is to the internet (People dedicated to setting up protocols for user friendly rules of the road), HFI is to technology - helping to make products more intuitive to end users.

If you are wondering why I'm writing about this topic this evening, it's because I have introduced a new member into my home this evening, and it isn't talking in my language. I know this because it's a kitchen wall mounted telephone with answering machine, and it's not a Sony or Dell - and there is only one way to describe the instructions - aaargh!

Don't you all wish the creators of technology spoke a similar language? And haven't you wondered why sometimes they try so hard to be different from one another, when it may be more beneficial for them to try being more the same?

Where is HFI (Human Factors International) when you need them?

Remembering "The Alhambra"

2008-11-13T21:57:06Z

Those who know me, also know it is no secret I am fascinated with Sacramento history. I've shuffled around this city long enough to remember old iconic structures, that have long since fallen like the leaves of Autumn, and disappeared.

This evening I would like to pay tribute to another historic Sacramento landmark, which is remembered fondly by many native Sacramentans. The Alhambra Theatre didn't survive the wrecking ball, which needed to make way for a new Safeway Store and parking lot.

"The Alhambra" was an enchantingly beautiful theatre, built in the moorish style in 1927. It's magnificent presence was located at 1025 Alhambra Boulevard, here in Sacramento. It was demolished in 1973.

It boasted fountains, elegance, and a pipe organ. The pipe organ was first relocated to the First Baptist Church in Stockton at the time of the demolition. It was later totally restored and relocated to Ironstone Winery in the Gold Country town of Murphys.

Here are a couple of pictures - The first is of the Theatre. The second is of the fountain which still exists to this day, on the east side of the parking lot of the Safeway store that stands on the site today.

A Singles Ad for Freddie

2008-11-11T20:01:19Z

Real Estate Professionals are beginning to understand what is happening more often than we care to know. What is that, you ask? It is the abandoning of pets when homeowners abandon homes which ultimately end up in vacancy and foreclosure.

Some homeowners drop of their pets at animal shelters, where animal overpopulation exists, and many incoming animals are euthanized. But still other homeowners, simply walk away from their home, and the responsibility of a pet which has been dependent on their care.

Thinking about this today, I thought perhaps those of us here, communicating through ActiveRain might consider trying to do a little something. I realize that it may not work with all abandoned pets we encounter while showing vacant properties, but it may aid some.

For those of you, who have decided to try to temporarily act as a guardian or "foster" parent for an animal, while trying to find it a new home, perhaps we could do the following. I have some web space on my domain, that we could post a picture with ad describing a little about the pet. Hopefully, we could try to find a home for some of these unfortunate animals. Or perhaps we could just post them here on ActiveRain as listings, like we do houses?.

Here's an example:

Ladies - Are you feeling abandoned and neglected. Is the man in your life a sports junkie, who occupies his time watching Football, Baseball, Basketball, Golf, Nascar? Here is a solution for you - Throw the bum out!

I am a purrfect single male looking for a female to share my life. Ethnicity and age is unimportant. I'm hansome, whiskered, soft and cuddly. My eyes are penetrating.

I'm not especially particular about your appearance. If you've gained a few extra pounds, or haven't been to Victoria's Secret in awhile, I really don't care. Substance and the quality of your love is far more important than superficial things.

I am certain we would enjoy sharing quiet evenings curled up together on the sofa, next to a fire, watching romantic old movies.

If I am a possible LOVE match for you, call me.

Freddie (the cat) @555-5555. I'm much more than a number. Call me :-)

[Freddie was left behind by his previous cohabitant, who lost their home to foreclosure.]

Article Today Says Homeowners/Sellers Struggle to Get Real on Value

2008-11-10T18:55:46Z

According to MSNBC, Homeowners and Sellers, continue to struggle to "get real" with their home values. Despite continual media accounts disclosing the dismal housing situation and reports demonstrating plunging home values, some owners and home sellers, hang onto inflated expectations of value.

MSNBC reports agents across the country are experiencing difficulty convincing sellers the true market value of their homes.

The interesting article, worth reading in it's entirety, is posted at:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27648884

Qualifying for a New Mortgage by Improving Credit

2008-11-09T21:22:43Z

Often real estate professionals come across clients, who would like to purchase a home, but are a tad skinny on qualifying for a new mortgage.

It is interesting to note that in fairly short order, a buyer can improve their finances enough to more readily allow for easier qualification of a home loan.

For instance, if you are someone, who has a few credit card or consumer bills coming in each month, there are steps you can do which will help allow for a swifter loan payoff, or more readily get yourself out of debt.

One of the more notable ways is to ask for a lower credit card interest rate, from your existing credit card lenders. A major consumer group conducted a study to find out how easy it was to get a lower credit card interest rate. Fifty-seven percent (57%) of those who simply telephoned their credit card company and asked for a lower interest rate got one instantly. This rate was anywhere from 7 to 10 points lower than their credit card interest rate.

For success in this area, it is important to: (1) Have a good credit rating. There should be no late payment notations on your credit report and you should have a good credit score; (2) You should not have a high debt-to-income ration and you should not be carrying a big balance on your credit card; (3) You should also be trying to send in more than the minimum payment each month; (4) You should have an excellent payment record with that particular creditor; (5) The credit card ins not one that is categorized as a "sub-prime", meaning it is not a secured credit card or one marketed exclusively to those with bad credit.

When you call and ask for a lower interest rate, your reasoning should be based on the argument that you deserve it because you're an excellent customer or you're getting better offers from other credit card banks.

In addition to the suggestions mentioned above, another way to get out of debt faster, or to improve your standing, is to look at other consumer loans you have. For instance, perhaps you have a car loan, or are paying off some furniture. If the car or furniture loan is near the payoff date, and it is a hefty amount you are paying each month, perhaps you could go ahead and pay it off early. This removal of a high bill each month, could significantly improve your standing on a credit report.