I'm watching the Oscars. I do every year, and each time, I wonder why I do. I haven't seen 99 percent of the movies nominated. In many cases, I don't even know who the presenters are. However, here I sit, watching anyway.
I'm annoyed this year. They're beating the lack of black nominees into the ground. I appreciate the need and desire to shine a bright light on it, to use mitigating humor. I get it. But enough already. I have no idea if it's assuaging anyone's pique. I can't imagine how it could. The most powerful thing said on the subject was in the opening monologue, when Chris Rock brought up so many civil rights tragedies, things that really mattered.
A few minutes ago, clips were shown of an award given to Spike Lee. I've always admired him, and his work. Years ago my mom and I were in New York. Julie Andrews was scheduled to be on one of the morning shows, and my mom wanted to see if we could get in. From what I remember, we left the hotel before six in the morning, to go wait in line. We took the car service from Times Square and made our way to the studio. The streets were so quiet, and there was a chill in the air when we got out of the car. We stood on the street, trying to get our bearings. I looked one way, and then the other. As I turned back around to tell my mom that was the way I thought we should go, we came almost face to face with Spike Lee. As we passed, he looked at me, nodded, and said something akin to "Hey, how are you?"
My mom stopped in her tracks. She grabbed my arm and wanted to know how I knew Spike Lee. I'm pretty sure I laughed, shook my head, and kept walking. She wouldn't let it go, even when I stated simply that he was just being polite. There were several other moments of serendipity we experienced on that particular trip. Being given house seats to RENT, which had just opened and was impossible to get tickets to . . . stumbling on a Wild Colonials video shoot, and hanging out watching . . . and having Lauren Hutton sit on a bench next to us and asked about the band . . . it was a crazy trip. Not long after, Julie Andrews had surgery, and for all intents and purposes, stopped singing. We saw her in Victor/Victoria that week. My mother was probably one of Julie Andrew's biggest fans. So much so, that when she died, I suggested her fan friends let Ms. Andrews know.
The smallest, seemingly unimportant things, can bring forth such profound memories. One thought leads to another, and soon I find myself shaking my head after it's gone too far, and morphed into something I'd rather not remember. I wish then, that I could've stopped when it was still happy.
The Oscars drag on. The most interesting awards still have not been given, but they promise to be next. How many times I've told myself that next year, I won't watch. And how many times have I watched anyway. Many more, I'm certain.
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Sunday, February 21, 2016
A Home
I think we've found our new home. I say "I think" because honestly, until the day we move in, I'll keep my fingers crossed that everything goes as planned.
After months of searching, looking at every house that came on the market that met our criteria, and even placing a couple offers, we've decided to go in an entirely different direction.
In the midst of our placing an offer on a house we liked (not loved), Doug pointed out that we could buy a brand new home in Flying Horse for the same price. For anyone reading this who doesn't live in the Colorado Springs area, Flying Horse is a HUGE development an exit south of us. I have to admit that in the ten years we've lived here, most times we drove by Flying Horse, we commented out loud that it wouldn't be a place we'd want to live. The Flying Horse development includes an athletic club, pool(s), spa, restaurant(s), and a lodge. It's beautiful. But comes along with a pricey membership fee.
Trying to keep an open mind, and focus on the positive aspects of living in a place like Flying Horse, Charlotte and I drove down Saturday morning and visited model homes. We found small lots, high density, and sparse views. The homes we'd be comfortable in were WAY above our budget. Taxes are higher than Monument, and then there's the club, which would've required an initiation fee along with a monthly membership fee, and food and beverage minimums. Not to mention that Beckett was devastated at the prospect of leaving his current school district.
The other thing Doug suggested was that we drive by a house in a development called Misty Acres on the northeast side of Monument. Charlotte and I missed the part about driving by a house, and went to the model instead. We loved the design and feel of the model, even though the floorplan didn't work for us. After narrowing down what our space needs with the salesperson, we discovered there was another model that would fit our needs perfectly. There were view lots available (major views, not sparse views), and it all would work within our budget.
We went home and reported our findings to Doug. A few minutes later, he and I were on our way back up to Misty Acres, so he could see for himself. We looked at the model, drove by every lot available to scope out views, did a tour of the model we're interested in that is in the framing stage, went back to the model, asked more questions, and then came home to discuss Doug's opinions with Charlotte. Less than two hours later, we made an appointment to write the contract, put our lot on hold, and started our list of questions, and options we'd like in the house.
Later last night, Frank, Charlotte, Doug, and I drove up so we could see the view at night. There is one lot we wanted more, but it had gone under contract earlier in the day. Our second choice is still an amazing lot, in fact, it has a better layout even though the view isn't quite as good.
We've spent the better part of today looking over the floorplans countless times, reading through options, meeting with our realtor, and looking at photos. We've discussed what rooms would be used for what, and what our life would look like living in Misty Acres.
Beckett is over the moon that he gets to stay in the Lewis-Palmer school district (as am I to be honest). We give up the amenities of the club, but get to stay in the town that has been our home since we moved to Colorado. For that I am so thankful and appreciative.
The location of the development borders County Line Road, which divides El Paso county from Douglas county. The part of Douglas county adjacent to the development is open space. Which means that no matter how far south Denver's urban sprawl sprawls, it cannot turn into thirty-plus miles of suburbia.
The hardest part of our new plan is the timeline. We're looking at four to five months from contract date to closing. And yes, I know that is quick compared to most builders. The best part of the hardest part is that if all goes as planned, the move-in date for the new house will coincide with the end of our lease here.
This part of our journey to a new home reminded me (once again), that a new door does open when another closes. That if something doesn't work out, like a house, it may very well mean that something better is right around the corner. Having faith in the face of what feels like a painfully-slow process, being patient, believing is worth it. It's worth having the trust that something better will happen or come along. As hard as it always is when you're in the midst of it.
As I said in the first paragraph, my fingers will remain optimistically crossed as we step over every threshold of this process. Trusting. Believing. And being very, very thankful. (And excited.)
PS: As I read this post on the blog itself, I scrolled down to the post right before this one . . . and laughed out loud. Four days. Wow.
After months of searching, looking at every house that came on the market that met our criteria, and even placing a couple offers, we've decided to go in an entirely different direction.
In the midst of our placing an offer on a house we liked (not loved), Doug pointed out that we could buy a brand new home in Flying Horse for the same price. For anyone reading this who doesn't live in the Colorado Springs area, Flying Horse is a HUGE development an exit south of us. I have to admit that in the ten years we've lived here, most times we drove by Flying Horse, we commented out loud that it wouldn't be a place we'd want to live. The Flying Horse development includes an athletic club, pool(s), spa, restaurant(s), and a lodge. It's beautiful. But comes along with a pricey membership fee.
Trying to keep an open mind, and focus on the positive aspects of living in a place like Flying Horse, Charlotte and I drove down Saturday morning and visited model homes. We found small lots, high density, and sparse views. The homes we'd be comfortable in were WAY above our budget. Taxes are higher than Monument, and then there's the club, which would've required an initiation fee along with a monthly membership fee, and food and beverage minimums. Not to mention that Beckett was devastated at the prospect of leaving his current school district.
The other thing Doug suggested was that we drive by a house in a development called Misty Acres on the northeast side of Monument. Charlotte and I missed the part about driving by a house, and went to the model instead. We loved the design and feel of the model, even though the floorplan didn't work for us. After narrowing down what our space needs with the salesperson, we discovered there was another model that would fit our needs perfectly. There were view lots available (major views, not sparse views), and it all would work within our budget.
We went home and reported our findings to Doug. A few minutes later, he and I were on our way back up to Misty Acres, so he could see for himself. We looked at the model, drove by every lot available to scope out views, did a tour of the model we're interested in that is in the framing stage, went back to the model, asked more questions, and then came home to discuss Doug's opinions with Charlotte. Less than two hours later, we made an appointment to write the contract, put our lot on hold, and started our list of questions, and options we'd like in the house.
Later last night, Frank, Charlotte, Doug, and I drove up so we could see the view at night. There is one lot we wanted more, but it had gone under contract earlier in the day. Our second choice is still an amazing lot, in fact, it has a better layout even though the view isn't quite as good.
We've spent the better part of today looking over the floorplans countless times, reading through options, meeting with our realtor, and looking at photos. We've discussed what rooms would be used for what, and what our life would look like living in Misty Acres.
Beckett is over the moon that he gets to stay in the Lewis-Palmer school district (as am I to be honest). We give up the amenities of the club, but get to stay in the town that has been our home since we moved to Colorado. For that I am so thankful and appreciative.
The location of the development borders County Line Road, which divides El Paso county from Douglas county. The part of Douglas county adjacent to the development is open space. Which means that no matter how far south Denver's urban sprawl sprawls, it cannot turn into thirty-plus miles of suburbia.
The hardest part of our new plan is the timeline. We're looking at four to five months from contract date to closing. And yes, I know that is quick compared to most builders. The best part of the hardest part is that if all goes as planned, the move-in date for the new house will coincide with the end of our lease here.
This part of our journey to a new home reminded me (once again), that a new door does open when another closes. That if something doesn't work out, like a house, it may very well mean that something better is right around the corner. Having faith in the face of what feels like a painfully-slow process, being patient, believing is worth it. It's worth having the trust that something better will happen or come along. As hard as it always is when you're in the midst of it.
As I said in the first paragraph, my fingers will remain optimistically crossed as we step over every threshold of this process. Trusting. Believing. And being very, very thankful. (And excited.)
PS: As I read this post on the blog itself, I scrolled down to the post right before this one . . . and laughed out loud. Four days. Wow.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
No Luck
Our offer on the house was countered, and their counter is more than we want to pay. So we're at an impasse. That's okay. You have to believe it's for a reason, or that something else will come along. You don't have to believe that, but I do.
It's disappointing. The unsettled feeling continues. Maybe I'll get used to it, just in time for something to happen that snaps me out of my comfort zone again.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Patience. Not My Strongest Virtue.
We're waiting to hear on a house. I've been busy all day, so it hasn't been quite as agonizing as it might've been on another day.
There are some circumstances making the already-tough quest for a house even harder. The Gazette ran an article over the weekend stating that houses-for-sale inventory is at a record low, even for the month of January. What further exacerbates the low inventory is that people who are considering selling, are holding off because they're afraid they won't find another house to buy. Great.
And the Denver market, which is hotter than hot, and priced higher than high, is impacting the Colorado Springs market, Monument in particular, because of its close proximity, commutable distance. Another great.
We found a house we like. I think it's safe to say that Charlotte and I like it more than Doug does, but he isn't opposed to it. There are things about it I know he'll love . . . if we get it. The owners don't have to sell (do you hear another great?), so they're playing hardball with price. We know their bottom line, but made an offer that didn't meet it, just because we think they're asking too much. Again, they don't have to sell, so what are the chances of them accepting? I'd say slim. Maybe they'll counter. We'll see.
This is all the stuff I didn't want to think about today. Whatever happens, happens. The offer is in their hands, we've done what we decided to do, and now we wait. Until tomorrow most likely. Great.
In the meantime, today is Beckett's twelfth birthday. He's had an amazing week. Last Thursday he and Doug went to see Adam Sandler (with David Spade, Norm MacDonald, Rob Schneider and some other people who are regulars in AS movies, but whose names Doug and Beck didn't know). The evening included dinner in Denver, where they tried to figure out where AS and entourage might be hanging out before the show. No luck, but Beck did get a "hey buddy," from AS, so that was big.
Three of Beck's best buds came over Saturday afternoon for a sleepover/bowling excursion. For twelve-year-old boys, they did a lot of giggling. All night, all the next day . . . lots of giggles. Made my heart happy. And then on Sunday, another friend who couldn't make it Saturday night, arrived for yet another sleepover. By Monday afternoon, Beck was exhausted. And today is the actual birthday. Since it was a school day, he took cupcakes to celebrate, and tried to get out of swim practice, but we didn't relent. He's had enough birthday to last another year. I did let him pick out his dinner, which made him happy.
My boys are growing up so quickly. Too quickly, as you'll hear every parent lament. I wish time would slow down, but on the other hand, it is so gratifying to watch them grow into independent young men and see their unique personalities develop. My plight is not mine alone. None of my plights are. And being patient isn't something I struggle with alone either.
There are some circumstances making the already-tough quest for a house even harder. The Gazette ran an article over the weekend stating that houses-for-sale inventory is at a record low, even for the month of January. What further exacerbates the low inventory is that people who are considering selling, are holding off because they're afraid they won't find another house to buy. Great.
And the Denver market, which is hotter than hot, and priced higher than high, is impacting the Colorado Springs market, Monument in particular, because of its close proximity, commutable distance. Another great.
We found a house we like. I think it's safe to say that Charlotte and I like it more than Doug does, but he isn't opposed to it. There are things about it I know he'll love . . . if we get it. The owners don't have to sell (do you hear another great?), so they're playing hardball with price. We know their bottom line, but made an offer that didn't meet it, just because we think they're asking too much. Again, they don't have to sell, so what are the chances of them accepting? I'd say slim. Maybe they'll counter. We'll see.
This is all the stuff I didn't want to think about today. Whatever happens, happens. The offer is in their hands, we've done what we decided to do, and now we wait. Until tomorrow most likely. Great.
In the meantime, today is Beckett's twelfth birthday. He's had an amazing week. Last Thursday he and Doug went to see Adam Sandler (with David Spade, Norm MacDonald, Rob Schneider and some other people who are regulars in AS movies, but whose names Doug and Beck didn't know). The evening included dinner in Denver, where they tried to figure out where AS and entourage might be hanging out before the show. No luck, but Beck did get a "hey buddy," from AS, so that was big.
Three of Beck's best buds came over Saturday afternoon for a sleepover/bowling excursion. For twelve-year-old boys, they did a lot of giggling. All night, all the next day . . . lots of giggles. Made my heart happy. And then on Sunday, another friend who couldn't make it Saturday night, arrived for yet another sleepover. By Monday afternoon, Beck was exhausted. And today is the actual birthday. Since it was a school day, he took cupcakes to celebrate, and tried to get out of swim practice, but we didn't relent. He's had enough birthday to last another year. I did let him pick out his dinner, which made him happy.
My boys are growing up so quickly. Too quickly, as you'll hear every parent lament. I wish time would slow down, but on the other hand, it is so gratifying to watch them grow into independent young men and see their unique personalities develop. My plight is not mine alone. None of my plights are. And being patient isn't something I struggle with alone either.
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
It's Been a Rough Few Days
. . . but I'm starting to feel like myself again. I'm trying to go longer between pain meds, but when that three hour mark hits, I find myself unable to hold out. Maybe tomorrow I'll be able to stretch it longer.
I was able to finalize some things for Beck's birthday today. I tried to get it all done before the surgery, but a few things slipped through the cracks. Tomorrow he and Doug are headed to Denver to see Adam Sandler. Beckett loves Adam Sandler. I got them floor seats, so he should be able to actually see him. David Spade, Rob Schneider and Norm MacDonald too. I told Doug they should make a night of it. I'm sure this is something Beck will remember for the rest of his life. They're talking about leaving right after school, walking around LoDo and then heading to Tom's Urban before the show. I'm almost jealous. Thankfully there's no school on Friday, so Beck can sleep in.
Saturday he has three friends, two of whom he's known since they were all two years old, coming over for bowling, pizza and a sleepover, and then on Sunday, the one friend who couldn't make it Saturday is coming over for a sleepover. Thankfully, again, there's no school on Monday either.
I'm glad Beck gets to do all these things for his birthday this year. It is the first year we're actually at home. We usually go skiing since his big day falls on President's Day weekend. February 16 fell on President's Day the year he was born in fact. Between Doug's heart valve replacement, and my surgery, skiing was out of the question this year. I don't think we'll ski once. But next year, I hope we make up for it.
I can't believe my baby is going to be twelve. It all goes so quickly. Unless you're in pain, and then time moves so slowly it feels as though it's frozen. Yep, three minutes after five, which means I was supposed to take a pain pill three minutes ago.
Sayonara . . . sleep will beckon quickly I'm sure.
I was able to finalize some things for Beck's birthday today. I tried to get it all done before the surgery, but a few things slipped through the cracks. Tomorrow he and Doug are headed to Denver to see Adam Sandler. Beckett loves Adam Sandler. I got them floor seats, so he should be able to actually see him. David Spade, Rob Schneider and Norm MacDonald too. I told Doug they should make a night of it. I'm sure this is something Beck will remember for the rest of his life. They're talking about leaving right after school, walking around LoDo and then heading to Tom's Urban before the show. I'm almost jealous. Thankfully there's no school on Friday, so Beck can sleep in.
Saturday he has three friends, two of whom he's known since they were all two years old, coming over for bowling, pizza and a sleepover, and then on Sunday, the one friend who couldn't make it Saturday is coming over for a sleepover. Thankfully, again, there's no school on Monday either.
I'm glad Beck gets to do all these things for his birthday this year. It is the first year we're actually at home. We usually go skiing since his big day falls on President's Day weekend. February 16 fell on President's Day the year he was born in fact. Between Doug's heart valve replacement, and my surgery, skiing was out of the question this year. I don't think we'll ski once. But next year, I hope we make up for it.
I can't believe my baby is going to be twelve. It all goes so quickly. Unless you're in pain, and then time moves so slowly it feels as though it's frozen. Yep, three minutes after five, which means I was supposed to take a pain pill three minutes ago.
Sayonara . . . sleep will beckon quickly I'm sure.
Thursday, February 04, 2016
My Sorts are Staying Outa
After three snow days I've run out of things to do. That isn't true. I've run out of things I want to do. I got up to let everyone know there was a two-hour delay, and instead of going back to sleep, I got on the treadmill. Just as I finished mile four, I received a text saying my morning meeting was on. The meeting was quick, and I was back home by 10:30. What have I done since? Uh, just about nothing.
My brain and body are tired. Not motivated is a better way to put it. If today goes like most other days, I'll hit my stride around five and be up until midnight. I'd much rather be motivated now, and then go to bed at ten.
I could write, but I don't feel like. I could edit, I don't feel like doing that either. I could scan documents for the grant. There are only a handful of them, but guess what? Yep, I don't feel like doing that either. I still have photos to pour through in an effort to give Beckett photo albums that have pictures of him in them. Nope, that isn't working for me either. A client website update? As much as I should, I'm not gonna do that either.
As is obvious, there isn't anything I want to do. I don't want to go out, and I don't want to stay in. Earlier today I was so happy that I got on the treadmill early and got it out of the way. Now I'm feeling as though it sapped all my energy. My get-up-and-go stayed in my nikes when I changed my shoes.
And so . . . perhaps a nap is in order. After all, I did write this post. That's something right?
The running theme for 2016 so far is my sorts are staying outa. I can't get myself in sync. I'm whiney and complainy, which I like to think is unlike me, but it's who I've been for the last five weeks.
If you see me, slap me. And no, I don't really mean that. Maybe buy me a cup of coffee instead.
My brain and body are tired. Not motivated is a better way to put it. If today goes like most other days, I'll hit my stride around five and be up until midnight. I'd much rather be motivated now, and then go to bed at ten.
I could write, but I don't feel like. I could edit, I don't feel like doing that either. I could scan documents for the grant. There are only a handful of them, but guess what? Yep, I don't feel like doing that either. I still have photos to pour through in an effort to give Beckett photo albums that have pictures of him in them. Nope, that isn't working for me either. A client website update? As much as I should, I'm not gonna do that either.
As is obvious, there isn't anything I want to do. I don't want to go out, and I don't want to stay in. Earlier today I was so happy that I got on the treadmill early and got it out of the way. Now I'm feeling as though it sapped all my energy. My get-up-and-go stayed in my nikes when I changed my shoes.
And so . . . perhaps a nap is in order. After all, I did write this post. That's something right?
The running theme for 2016 so far is my sorts are staying outa. I can't get myself in sync. I'm whiney and complainy, which I like to think is unlike me, but it's who I've been for the last five weeks.
If you see me, slap me. And no, I don't really mean that. Maybe buy me a cup of coffee instead.
Tuesday, February 02, 2016
Gotta Love Snow Days
I had a meeting scheduled yesterday morning, but school was canceled and the likelihood of getting out of our neighborhood was slim. I proposed a FaceTime meeting instead, which worked so well we kept working throughout the morning, took a break, and then worked for the better part of the afternoon. Thus, the grant work we planned for this week is slightly ahead of schedule. Most of what's left to be done requires information from other people. It is due at the end of this month, so being this far by the second day of February, relieves my innate deadline stress.
We're on snow day number two, and today is worse than yesterday was. Yesterday we could drive out if we absolutely had to, today would be impossible. Knowing this last night, I put together a lengthy list of things I could get done today. It's overwhelming, because this is what I do to myself.
Writing isn't on the list, but I keep telling myself that getting the balance of this other stuff done will give me the time to write . . . someday. Or is it just another excuse? Putting other things in front of the thing I'm not ready to do yet.
Regardless, I'll make the most of the day. Writing something is better than writing nothing. Yesterday I wrote for eleven hours. That counts for something. And I'm reading, which Stephen King tells us we should be doing if we're not writing. Good advice, and I guess he's done okay for himself . . . so I'll take it.
We're on snow day number two, and today is worse than yesterday was. Yesterday we could drive out if we absolutely had to, today would be impossible. Knowing this last night, I put together a lengthy list of things I could get done today. It's overwhelming, because this is what I do to myself.
Writing isn't on the list, but I keep telling myself that getting the balance of this other stuff done will give me the time to write . . . someday. Or is it just another excuse? Putting other things in front of the thing I'm not ready to do yet.
Regardless, I'll make the most of the day. Writing something is better than writing nothing. Yesterday I wrote for eleven hours. That counts for something. And I'm reading, which Stephen King tells us we should be doing if we're not writing. Good advice, and I guess he's done okay for himself . . . so I'll take it.
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