Selby Ranch was a place where many of my friends lived when I was growing up, so I checked out a 3bd/2bath apartment there this morning. It was really a beautiful place. I decided to make that apartment my backup for the Gold River condo.
The apartment there is smaller, more expensive, lacks a garage, has covered parking, and is closer to work by 8 miles and 8 minutes. The condo is some place that I could actually buy if I wanted to do so and is next to the American River, close to my sister, and close to Lake Natoma for kayaking. I could also see if I can handle the commute from that area. It should be about 30 minutes, but I have to test the traffic patterns more.
Tomorrow the property manager of the condo will run my credit report. His system was down today. He apologized profusely and said that the credit report was the only matter holding up the deal. Since Selby Ranch had run my report, and I know that it is fine, I basically have the condo!
Since I had an apologetic property manager on the line, I set up a time tomorrow afternoon to see the property with him again. Hopefully, he'll have my credit report processed by then, and we can close the deal. Then I can finally fly back to San Diego with my project milestone accomplished---I'll have an address to which to move!
Oh, an interesting note: the condo has a Rubios in walking distance of it---a little bit of San Diego I that can keep! :-)
Monday, March 5, 2012
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Project Move: Day 4 Rental Appointments
Amazingly, my first rental appointment of the day is where I want to live. An artist lived in this condo and custom painted art all over just about everything. Most people would be overwhelmed, but I enjoy that the artist exudes her love of painting all over her home. I love good painters! Her family had to leave to relocate to San Diego for her husband's job. I should just give them my apartment and trade! lol
This rental also is located near Lake Natomis, a State Park, where kayaking is king. There's a boat ramp, so I'm not sure if people water ski there. That would be awesome to start water skiing again. My sister has the 1978 Ski Nautique boat that I procured from a former competitive water skier that I was dating in the mid 1980's. That ski boat is like a Porsche on the water! My old Suburban could finally pull a boat after all these years of only carrying my kayak.
The rest of the day I spent looking at other rentals to confirm that the first place was my "end all" rental. I focused on Midtown, since it comes highly recommended. Midtown was wonderful. It's just too tiny and old. I've gotten used to space to roam, a guest bathroom, and modern conveniences like good insulation from the summer heat. I also don't want to take care of a yard.
The condo has an artistically designed courtyard which only requires pruning and fountain maintenance. I'll enjoy it and love the fact that I don't have to mow. I'm allergic to grass, so mowing is not an option. Now I just have to get my financials to my prospective property management company, and I've got a new place to live!!!
This rental also is located near Lake Natomis, a State Park, where kayaking is king. There's a boat ramp, so I'm not sure if people water ski there. That would be awesome to start water skiing again. My sister has the 1978 Ski Nautique boat that I procured from a former competitive water skier that I was dating in the mid 1980's. That ski boat is like a Porsche on the water! My old Suburban could finally pull a boat after all these years of only carrying my kayak.
The rest of the day I spent looking at other rentals to confirm that the first place was my "end all" rental. I focused on Midtown, since it comes highly recommended. Midtown was wonderful. It's just too tiny and old. I've gotten used to space to roam, a guest bathroom, and modern conveniences like good insulation from the summer heat. I also don't want to take care of a yard.
The condo has an artistically designed courtyard which only requires pruning and fountain maintenance. I'll enjoy it and love the fact that I don't have to mow. I'm allergic to grass, so mowing is not an option. Now I just have to get my financials to my prospective property management company, and I've got a new place to live!!!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Project Move: Day 3 Heavenly Drive
During the long 7.5 hour drive from Carlsbad to Sacramento to look for a rental, I had a little visit from my mom in the shotgun seat. I've been thinking about her a lot lately. Maybe it's because Blair, my sister, gave me a vial of Mom's ashes to carry in my purse during my interview. But, this was more than thinking about Mom. I could feel her right next to me in the car. Then Sheryl Crow's CD changed to the song, "Safe and Sound," and I heard " 'til your safe and sound!" I had no doubt then that she was riding shotgun with me again! I hadn't had a visit from her in the shotgun seat, since I was journeying to Fresno for my cousin's funeral. It'd been too long.
I opened up my mind to hear what she needed to say. She was happy that I was finally heading home to the safety of my large childhood family. She was also happy that I was carrying on her legacy of working with homeless and "At Risk" children. She worked in her later years as an English teacher at Mustard Seed School for homeless children until she died.
Then I got the feeling that her dad, a former, feared, grade school principal, was also quite happy about how I've recreated myself as a math teacher. I was touched at that and thought how interesting it is that after all that I've done in life, he views what I'm about to do as noteworthy enough to communicate to me. How empowering!
Then I got the feeling that my dad's mom, to whom I was very close, was also there in the car rooting me on. She had left school after 4th grade to work to support her alcoholic father and later became a self-made millionairess; however, before she left school, her life had become so financially destitute from her dad's drinking that a very special teacher in her life gave her used clothes, so she had more to wear to school. My grandma wanted me to do the same for others like her.
I feel so grateful that so many in this world and in Heaven have been rooting for me all this time! It's comforting to know that I wasn't alone in spirit during my struggle to recreate myself. It's comforting to know that I can give back like my mom did to the homeless and complete her circle of life, and can give like my grandma's teacher did to continue that circle of life. It's also comforting to know that I'm loved some much that I rate visits from Heaven! Thanks God!
I opened up my mind to hear what she needed to say. She was happy that I was finally heading home to the safety of my large childhood family. She was also happy that I was carrying on her legacy of working with homeless and "At Risk" children. She worked in her later years as an English teacher at Mustard Seed School for homeless children until she died.
Then I got the feeling that her dad, a former, feared, grade school principal, was also quite happy about how I've recreated myself as a math teacher. I was touched at that and thought how interesting it is that after all that I've done in life, he views what I'm about to do as noteworthy enough to communicate to me. How empowering!
Then I got the feeling that my dad's mom, to whom I was very close, was also there in the car rooting me on. She had left school after 4th grade to work to support her alcoholic father and later became a self-made millionairess; however, before she left school, her life had become so financially destitute from her dad's drinking that a very special teacher in her life gave her used clothes, so she had more to wear to school. My grandma wanted me to do the same for others like her.
I feel so grateful that so many in this world and in Heaven have been rooting for me all this time! It's comforting to know that I wasn't alone in spirit during my struggle to recreate myself. It's comforting to know that I can give back like my mom did to the homeless and complete her circle of life, and can give like my grandma's teacher did to continue that circle of life. It's also comforting to know that I'm loved some much that I rate visits from Heaven! Thanks God!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Project Move: Day 2
During the night I realized that I would have to drive one of my two cars up to Sacramento, leave it at my sister's house, and fly back down to San Diego. Yuk! That means that the second trip I have to drive my old Suburban all the way to Sacramento without a stereo. Ahhh! Perhaps I will plug in a stand alone CD player in to the cigarette lighter and pray that the truck runs smoothly enough that the CD won't malfunction. I certainly can't sing for 8 hours straight! lol
The alarm soon sent me out of the gates running. My first stop was my trust paralegal. I couldn't use my new living trust for my kids without some important typos corrected. After a painstakingly long search, she found my documents created in December, and we got the trust amended properly. Now that's off my list of moving items.
Since she lived near the regional office of my new employer, I popped in to see if I could get an official verification of employment and salary packet from them to show my future landlords this weekend. My salary packet was quite pleasing to see after all these years of substitute teaching! I will definitely be able to take care of myself for the rest of my life. That's a peaceful feeling. :-)
My final major task on the project plan was get three quotes from movers. So that filled my afternoon. I can't believe the first mover quoted me $8800! That's almost twice what I paid when I downsized from a mansion to my last house---4300 sq. ft. to 3100 sq. ft. Now I have a 1600 sq. ft apartment that is partially furnished. There had to be a huge mistake with the weight of my things!
At least my second quote was more in the ballpark of my moving budget, and I could see from the quote how to lower my packaging costs by packing items myself. I also loaded my car up with all my "The Romance of Kilimanjaro" books. That will certainly reduce the packing weight by a few hundred pounds. $$$ saved.
While contemplating how to reduce my packing weight, I was also pondering on leaving my friend, Rosa's husband, more ceramic pots and specimen plants. He already has some of my designer pots with specimen plants that I left at their home to enjoy while I lived in a little apartment. Sergio, Rosa's husband, has been telling me how much he's enjoyed propagating those specimen plants. If I collect my pots and plants this time, I'm sure Sergio will be shocked. I usually give him my designer pots with the specimen plants each time that I move. This time, though, I want to keep my San Diego plants for sentimental reasons. I may never live here again.
The alarm soon sent me out of the gates running. My first stop was my trust paralegal. I couldn't use my new living trust for my kids without some important typos corrected. After a painstakingly long search, she found my documents created in December, and we got the trust amended properly. Now that's off my list of moving items.
Since she lived near the regional office of my new employer, I popped in to see if I could get an official verification of employment and salary packet from them to show my future landlords this weekend. My salary packet was quite pleasing to see after all these years of substitute teaching! I will definitely be able to take care of myself for the rest of my life. That's a peaceful feeling. :-)
My final major task on the project plan was get three quotes from movers. So that filled my afternoon. I can't believe the first mover quoted me $8800! That's almost twice what I paid when I downsized from a mansion to my last house---4300 sq. ft. to 3100 sq. ft. Now I have a 1600 sq. ft apartment that is partially furnished. There had to be a huge mistake with the weight of my things!
At least my second quote was more in the ballpark of my moving budget, and I could see from the quote how to lower my packaging costs by packing items myself. I also loaded my car up with all my "The Romance of Kilimanjaro" books. That will certainly reduce the packing weight by a few hundred pounds. $$$ saved.
While contemplating how to reduce my packing weight, I was also pondering on leaving my friend, Rosa's husband, more ceramic pots and specimen plants. He already has some of my designer pots with specimen plants that I left at their home to enjoy while I lived in a little apartment. Sergio, Rosa's husband, has been telling me how much he's enjoyed propagating those specimen plants. If I collect my pots and plants this time, I'm sure Sergio will be shocked. I usually give him my designer pots with the specimen plants each time that I move. This time, though, I want to keep my San Diego plants for sentimental reasons. I may never live here again.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Project Planning the Move
Putting my mind into project planning mode, I finally got a grip on my feelings of being overwhelmed. First, I looked at housing for the second day, got a lay of the Sacramento land and Internet rental listings, called property managers, found out what neighborhoods were dangerous and exceptional, and set up appointments to see rentals. Then I called movers, figured out who did more than just local moves, strategized about storage in Sacramento should I not find a suitable rental, and set up appointments with them for tomorrow. Finally, I connected with my new principal and found that she wasn't expecting me until April 2nd! I've got a whole month to move and unpack. That sure took my stress level down a few notches!!!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Overwhelmed by the Thought of Moving!
Overwhelm overtook me today as I searched the Internet for rental housing in Sacramento today. Zillow always has a few unethical real estate brokers who list a fake exquisite rental for dirt cheap just to get your contact information---when you submit that you're interested. I searched for another comprehensive rental listing, but found none. Then I remembered that Craig's List has a great rental section. It's not as user friendly as Zillow. I had to juggle between Yahoo Maps and Craig's List to figure out if the listing was in an acceptable area.
My concentration was soon broken when Vanessa called. She wanted to give me a "Going Away" party and asked me what format I would like. I could have an Open House, since I have so many friends from so many walks of life, or a small intimate party. I decided to have an Open House format, but started sobbing at the thought of saying, "Good-bye," to my friends that I've made in North County San Diego over these last 17 years.
Though I will have a very special place in my heart for my North County friends, when I visit I won't have the ability or time to maintain a physical connection with all of them. Some of my friends I may not see for decades, scores, or ever. The reality of that thought broke my heart.
It's not good to have a broken heart and be stressed by a move when you have to get a physical. During my physical (Wellness Exam) my blood pressure was high for me 120/80. My heart rate was a high 79 beats per minutes, too. During the doctor's office visit, I even started sobbing when I told her that I was moving away for a really rewarding and meaningful teaching job.
My nurse practioner had a great idea for me. She had moved from Chicago to San Diego a few years ago and was also overwhelmed at making huge housing decisions when she didn't know the area. She decided to get a furnished vacation rental for a few months and use that as her base to look for permanent housing.
When I remarked, "I don't know if Sacramento has a vacation rental market."
She said, "Just about anywhere has vacation rentals. You'd be surprised!"
My overwhelm eased from my nurse practioner's healing advice. I have a better house hunting strategy now. I don't have to make huge housing decisions in a rush. I may be living in Sacramento for about 40 more years, so I'm going to take my time to find the right, unique property, so I don't have to move again.
My concentration was soon broken when Vanessa called. She wanted to give me a "Going Away" party and asked me what format I would like. I could have an Open House, since I have so many friends from so many walks of life, or a small intimate party. I decided to have an Open House format, but started sobbing at the thought of saying, "Good-bye," to my friends that I've made in North County San Diego over these last 17 years.
Though I will have a very special place in my heart for my North County friends, when I visit I won't have the ability or time to maintain a physical connection with all of them. Some of my friends I may not see for decades, scores, or ever. The reality of that thought broke my heart.
It's not good to have a broken heart and be stressed by a move when you have to get a physical. During my physical (Wellness Exam) my blood pressure was high for me 120/80. My heart rate was a high 79 beats per minutes, too. During the doctor's office visit, I even started sobbing when I told her that I was moving away for a really rewarding and meaningful teaching job.
My nurse practioner had a great idea for me. She had moved from Chicago to San Diego a few years ago and was also overwhelmed at making huge housing decisions when she didn't know the area. She decided to get a furnished vacation rental for a few months and use that as her base to look for permanent housing.
When I remarked, "I don't know if Sacramento has a vacation rental market."
She said, "Just about anywhere has vacation rentals. You'd be surprised!"
My overwhelm eased from my nurse practioner's healing advice. I have a better house hunting strategy now. I don't have to make huge housing decisions in a rush. I may be living in Sacramento for about 40 more years, so I'm going to take my time to find the right, unique property, so I don't have to move again.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
First Author Speaking Engagement
Tonight at REI I did my first speaking engagement as Isolde Ulrich, author of "The Romance of Kilimanjaro." I decided to go the speaking route as a way to sell books, since I speak all day in front of 35 students that I don't know every day as a substitute teacher. Regular book signings seem to have a small market reach and other authors have told me horror stories about no one showing up for book signings. To buffer myself from disappointment, I was expecting the worst---2 or 3 people in the audience.
To manage my stress, I arrived early to set up the projector with my computer. However, my computer decided to be a royal pain as more and more of my audience started filtering in 20 minutes before my show. Windows Media Player froze, so I had to calmly restart my computer while quipping to my growing audience, "When in doubt, restart."
Finally, Windows Media Player cooperated---with a little help from the REI manager. As I looked up to start the show the room was packed! All the chairs were taken and more chairs had to be brought for the people left standing.
42 people actually showed up for my movie, "Kilimanjaro and Safari Slideshow!" The REI manager couldn't believe it. Normally only 8 people show up for a speaking engagement. During the 40 minute movie which I narrate in person, the audience laughed and asked brief questions. Once it ended they applauded. That was so gratifying!
Then I opened it up to questions. The questions were endless and full of hunger for the experience! They wanted to know more about how I trained, what I ate on the mountain, how I stayed warm, how much the trip cost me, what medicines that I took.... Their hands just kept popping up for almost an hour!
Remembering how focused I was on the summit of Kilimanjaro before my trip, I wanted to remind my audience the importance of the journey to the summit---part of a successful summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is the experience along the way. I emphacized, "I know that summitting is your main objective, this trip is expensive, and you don't want to fail, but bonding with all the other mountaineers from all over the world as you walk "pole pole" (slowly slowly) makes the experience more rich.
"Also learn endearing words in Swahili, because that is the love language of your guides. It makes them feel good that you tried to learn their language and helps build a bond with them. Then you will have the full Mt. Kilimanjaro experience."
Once we ended, I signed books while answering more questions and listening to beautiful stories of Kilimanjaro from other climbers who had just come to relive the Kilimanjaro experience. I felt like I was back on the mountain again with all my mountaineering friends. It was a wonderful feeling to be a part of this REI community. It was a wonderful feeling to inspire and help people successfully summit Mt. Kilimanjaro. It was just wonderful!
To manage my stress, I arrived early to set up the projector with my computer. However, my computer decided to be a royal pain as more and more of my audience started filtering in 20 minutes before my show. Windows Media Player froze, so I had to calmly restart my computer while quipping to my growing audience, "When in doubt, restart."
Finally, Windows Media Player cooperated---with a little help from the REI manager. As I looked up to start the show the room was packed! All the chairs were taken and more chairs had to be brought for the people left standing.
42 people actually showed up for my movie, "Kilimanjaro and Safari Slideshow!" The REI manager couldn't believe it. Normally only 8 people show up for a speaking engagement. During the 40 minute movie which I narrate in person, the audience laughed and asked brief questions. Once it ended they applauded. That was so gratifying!
Then I opened it up to questions. The questions were endless and full of hunger for the experience! They wanted to know more about how I trained, what I ate on the mountain, how I stayed warm, how much the trip cost me, what medicines that I took.... Their hands just kept popping up for almost an hour!
Remembering how focused I was on the summit of Kilimanjaro before my trip, I wanted to remind my audience the importance of the journey to the summit---part of a successful summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is the experience along the way. I emphacized, "I know that summitting is your main objective, this trip is expensive, and you don't want to fail, but bonding with all the other mountaineers from all over the world as you walk "pole pole" (slowly slowly) makes the experience more rich.
"Also learn endearing words in Swahili, because that is the love language of your guides. It makes them feel good that you tried to learn their language and helps build a bond with them. Then you will have the full Mt. Kilimanjaro experience."
Once we ended, I signed books while answering more questions and listening to beautiful stories of Kilimanjaro from other climbers who had just come to relive the Kilimanjaro experience. I felt like I was back on the mountain again with all my mountaineering friends. It was a wonderful feeling to be a part of this REI community. It was a wonderful feeling to inspire and help people successfully summit Mt. Kilimanjaro. It was just wonderful!
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