I want to apologize for my lack of blogging. I managed to lose the cord thing for my camera. Grrr! Okay, if I don't find it soon I will buy another.
Sorry.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Sales? What Sales?
This is the letter I sent to a local Real Estate company.
I was really in the mood to stick it to 'em.
I take a walk every day and pass by a "For Sale" sign on Peyton. Every day I tell myself, I really should call them and get some more information. You see, my husband and I have been discussing purchasing our first home. When a "price reduced" sign was added, I told myself, now you really should call them.
Today I finally got around to making that call . . . unfortunately.
Me: Hi, I'm interested in the condo on Peyton.
Agent: Oh, it's a co-op.
Me; Oh, okay. I really wasn't sure . . .
(Long silence)
Agent: And you can't just use any lender.
Me: Okay . . . so co-ops are when you don't really own the actual space right? Don't you pay per square foot or something?
Agent: No! You buy shares and have rights to live there.
(Silence again. I guess I'm supposed to say something now? I'm waiting for her to take the next step in the sales process.)
Me: Well, um. Okay. I really don't know too much about co-ops. (Why do I feel embarassed? I'm not supposed to be the expert!)
Agent: It's a whole other can of worms. There are only three or four lenders and you need 10% down.
Me: Ok. Thanks? Bye
She never asked for my name. She never told me her name. She never gave me any CLUE on the price. She never said something like, "If a co-op doesn't sound right to you, we do have several condos and single family homes available. Can I get your contact information so I can get back to you." THAT would have been the smarter sales technique. No wonder that sign has been up so long. Whenever anyone calls they get zero information
I don't understand why I was treated this way. Do I sound poor on the phone? Do I sound young?
It was the equivalent of ordering a large coffee at Starbucks and having the barista roll her eyes dramatically and say, "We don't have a large . . . do you mean a Venti?" The baristas are brats at Starbucks because they spend ALL their time around coffee and expect us all to be experts as well.
But it wasn't just that she did a verbal "roll of the eyes" when I didn't understand everything about condos vs. co-ops, it was just the worst sales and customer service I've ever recieved. In this economy, wouldn't you like to, I don't know, make some MONEY?
I was really in the mood to stick it to 'em.
I take a walk every day and pass by a "For Sale" sign on Peyton. Every day I tell myself, I really should call them and get some more information. You see, my husband and I have been discussing purchasing our first home. When a "price reduced" sign was added, I told myself, now you really should call them.
Today I finally got around to making that call . . . unfortunately.
Me: Hi, I'm interested in the condo on Peyton.
Agent: Oh, it's a co-op.
Me; Oh, okay. I really wasn't sure . . .
(Long silence)
Agent: And you can't just use any lender.
Me: Okay . . . so co-ops are when you don't really own the actual space right? Don't you pay per square foot or something?
Agent: No! You buy shares and have rights to live there.
(Silence again. I guess I'm supposed to say something now? I'm waiting for her to take the next step in the sales process.)
Me: Well, um. Okay. I really don't know too much about co-ops. (Why do I feel embarassed? I'm not supposed to be the expert!)
Agent: It's a whole other can of worms. There are only three or four lenders and you need 10% down.
Me: Ok. Thanks? Bye
She never asked for my name. She never told me her name. She never gave me any CLUE on the price. She never said something like, "If a co-op doesn't sound right to you, we do have several condos and single family homes available. Can I get your contact information so I can get back to you." THAT would have been the smarter sales technique. No wonder that sign has been up so long. Whenever anyone calls they get zero information
I don't understand why I was treated this way. Do I sound poor on the phone? Do I sound young?
It was the equivalent of ordering a large coffee at Starbucks and having the barista roll her eyes dramatically and say, "We don't have a large . . . do you mean a Venti?" The baristas are brats at Starbucks because they spend ALL their time around coffee and expect us all to be experts as well.
But it wasn't just that she did a verbal "roll of the eyes" when I didn't understand everything about condos vs. co-ops, it was just the worst sales and customer service I've ever recieved. In this economy, wouldn't you like to, I don't know, make some MONEY?
Monday, June 8, 2009
Past, Present, Future
20 years ago
1. I was five, about to turn six.
2. I think I took dance classes that year and loved dancing!
3. I went to Shell Beach elementary.
10 years ago
1. I was learning how to drive - the first time my mom took me to a parking lot to drive I couldn't stop giggling.
2. My best friend was Heidi (she could already drive) and we had a lot of fun sleepovers.
3. I failed geometry.
5 years ago
1. It was the summer before my senior year of college. I had to take a few community college classes.
2. I got my wisdom teeth removed.
3. Did I work? I don't really remember!
3 years ago
1. I moved to Ventura for a job, and had an apartment all to myself for the first time.
2. I quit that job after six weeks and instead decided to work at a wine bar.
3. I met Aaron!!!!
1 year ago
1. I was living with my parents, trying to decide what to do next with my life.
2. I interviewed with the Art Institutes - and got the job!
3. I was waiting for Aaron to propose . . . impatiently, I might add. He did a few months later.
This year so far...
1. I got married!
2. We found a church we LOVE and made new friends. It's nice to have "our friends" instead of "his friends/her friends."
3. I am about to enjoy a few months off of work! Woo-hoo!
Yesterday
1. Went to church.
2. We went to the YMCA to workout for the first time. So excited to be members there!
3. Aaron grilled steak for dinner and I made brussel sprouts with bacon and mushrooms and baked sweet potato fries for dinner. Oh, and I made an apple berry crostata for dessert that was HEAVENLY! (if I do say so myself)
Today
1. I don't have to work.
2. I DO need to clean the house.
3. I have a meeting at church for the Social Concerns Committee tonight. We are the people that work on social issues - local poverty, etc. Right now we are working with an organization that houses homeless families in churches for four weeks a year. We are soooo excited to be involved in this and I am looking forward to seeing God's building used as home for those who need it.
Tomorrow
1.Will do the housework that I probably won't do today.
2. Have paperwork I need to work on.
3. Going to a yoga class at the YMCA.
Next Year
1. Hopefully we will own a home - even if it is a tiny condo. Possible we will buy before Dec 1 so we can get the tax benefits.
2. I want a dog!
3. We will take a great trip - maybe Italy or Argentina?
1. I was five, about to turn six.
2. I think I took dance classes that year and loved dancing!
3. I went to Shell Beach elementary.
10 years ago
1. I was learning how to drive - the first time my mom took me to a parking lot to drive I couldn't stop giggling.
2. My best friend was Heidi (she could already drive) and we had a lot of fun sleepovers.
3. I failed geometry.
5 years ago
1. It was the summer before my senior year of college. I had to take a few community college classes.
2. I got my wisdom teeth removed.
3. Did I work? I don't really remember!
3 years ago
1. I moved to Ventura for a job, and had an apartment all to myself for the first time.
2. I quit that job after six weeks and instead decided to work at a wine bar.
3. I met Aaron!!!!
1 year ago
1. I was living with my parents, trying to decide what to do next with my life.
2. I interviewed with the Art Institutes - and got the job!
3. I was waiting for Aaron to propose . . . impatiently, I might add. He did a few months later.
This year so far...
1. I got married!
2. We found a church we LOVE and made new friends. It's nice to have "our friends" instead of "his friends/her friends."
3. I am about to enjoy a few months off of work! Woo-hoo!
Yesterday
1. Went to church.
2. We went to the YMCA to workout for the first time. So excited to be members there!
3. Aaron grilled steak for dinner and I made brussel sprouts with bacon and mushrooms and baked sweet potato fries for dinner. Oh, and I made an apple berry crostata for dessert that was HEAVENLY! (if I do say so myself)
Today
1. I don't have to work.
2. I DO need to clean the house.
3. I have a meeting at church for the Social Concerns Committee tonight. We are the people that work on social issues - local poverty, etc. Right now we are working with an organization that houses homeless families in churches for four weeks a year. We are soooo excited to be involved in this and I am looking forward to seeing God's building used as home for those who need it.
Tomorrow
1.Will do the housework that I probably won't do today.
2. Have paperwork I need to work on.
3. Going to a yoga class at the YMCA.
Next Year
1. Hopefully we will own a home - even if it is a tiny condo. Possible we will buy before Dec 1 so we can get the tax benefits.
2. I want a dog!
3. We will take a great trip - maybe Italy or Argentina?
Friday, June 5, 2009
What a Cutie Pie!
This my adorable husband at his most adorablest.
Won't I have the cutest babies EVER?
(Not happening anytime soon . . . be patient - yes, I'm talking to you MOM, SISTER and AUNT!)
Friday, May 22, 2009
Happy Anniversary Ambroses!
My best friend got married FIVE YEARS ago! We were just kids! What were they thinking? Just kidding - they are a great example of a fabulous, loving couple. And since they were high school sweethearts, it really was perfect timing.I wanted to send them an anniversary card, but ran out of time! (Not a very good maid of honor) So I figured I would post a digital card here on my blog. Here are a few memories from that day:
- Going to the salon with Heidi to get her hair done. It was just the two of us so I really enjoyed that time together. (Sorry that didn't happen on my wedding day Heidi!)
- Taking her wedding night tote bag to the hotel. (what an organized bride!)
- Getting my hair done at the church . . . oh yeah, by THE BRIDE! Poor Heidi got put to work just hours before her wedding. She did my hair for so many events in High School, it only seemed natural.
- Holding back tears during the ceremony - I loved the slideshow and music.
- Driving the bride and groom to the reception, along with Josh's brother. Heidi's dress was huge and took over most of the car.
- Dancing, eating and having fun at the reception! Years of dreaming and planning brought to fruition - woo hoo!
Those are all fun memories, but the most important thing to know is that Josh and Heidi are a great couple - they are both friends and teammates. They have been able to grow together, which can't be easy when you start dating at 16/17. I am glad to have an example of a good wife. We love getting together with them whenever possible - which is never enough.
I love you both!
Monday, May 18, 2009
The Wide-brimmed Hat Society
On Saturday we joined a group that regularly hangs at Tower 34 on Manhattan Beach for volleyball and general merriment. The girls decided ahead of time to wear wide-brimmed hats.
Aaron was a rock-star server. He needed a little practice with the other volleyball stuff, but once he learned he was great!
Unfortunately, the sun never showed her face. It was ALL clouds and fog. Bummer.
Aaron needed a nap after all that volleying.
Happy Birthday Husband!
Aaron turned 28 on Saturday May 9, and we celebrated with a Birthday Bonanza Weekend! Here was the weekend schedule:
Thursday: We go to a small group every Thursday night. I offered to bring snacks so I could bring Aaron's favorites including White Trash on a Stick, Salami, Prociutto, veggies with hummus, cheeses, baguette, tomato bruchetta and cupcakes. Yes, there were four forms of pork. This was especially funny since the theme for our discussion that night was "The Bible and Anti-Semitism." So we weren't so kosher on Jewish night.
Friday night: I took Aaron out for some Sushi and we had mini apple pies at home and watched a movie from our Netflix.
Saturday: The afternoon was spent at Dodger Stadium to watch the Dodger's kick the Giants rear ends.
For dinner we had a few friends over for a BBQ. Our apartment has a grill in the courtyard and some nice entertaining space.
We had skirt steak with chimichurri sauce, smashed red potatos, brussel sprouts with bacon and salad. For dessert we had angel food cake with mixed berries and handmade whipped cream.
I was soooo proud of myself for pulling this off with very little stress and work. I planned ahead - even making the potatoes two days prior and just putting them in the slow cooker a few hours before the party. I was sitting down reading a magazine before the guests arrived!
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