.
.
Instead of twelve places, there were only nine to view. The three not included are manufactured houses, which V.A. loans do not include. One of them included nearly 5 acres, if it looked very rough as well. I have an strong interest in one of the houses I viewed, and a milder interest in two others. The main of the strongly interesting house was rock construction, which drew me in. The inside is quite nice and the basement is reasonable for the purposes I have in mind. It has a garage with enough room for a decent work space. And there is enough room for a visitor or two, easily and comfortably. It is in a town, a very small one albeit. None of the properties were, exactly, rural. All of them were in towns, or collections of houses equivalent to small towns.
As well, an acre is not as much land as I had thought. The land on the house I am looking at most closely is clear and in good shape. A horse would work there well, though I would need to build up the fencing most likely, and build a shelter. Neither of which is too difficult, if expense would come into play. There were two other homes of interest. One, the next favored, with a fantastic view and close proximity to the mountains, would be a bit of work. The house is in decent shape, if just a bit rough. But the land would need a lot of work to get it in shape for a horse or anything really. It would be mostly manual labor, and a lot of it, but the work would be one time only. The last of the three best choices is on shortsale, which would make for a long purchase. There is already a bid in, so I probably will not mess with that. It was the newest home I looked at, and looks new. Newer houses are so... regular. What they offer in brute space they lose in character and charm.
I did not really know the prices of the houses while I was choosing and looking. I did not want that to interfere with my choice, one way or the other. Oddly, price did not really indicate what I liked, as it turns out. My favorite house is being offered at $127,000. The more expensive houses, at $159,000, were of no interest to me at all. I am seriously thinking about placing a bid of $122K and sellers pay closing on that house, where price is negotiable but closing costs are not, and seeing where that will get me (depending on a rigorous inspection of that house). It may not be in the country, but a country house is simply not available. This town is, I would guess, around 600 people and around 8 to 10 square blocks. It is about 20 miles from Logan, should I find my way back to school.
It is a very nice home, with a basement, garage, workspaces, upstairs, and a good deal of character. I think it has 2 bathrooms, 3 to 4 bedrooms, and decent storage and closet space. The land is ready to use. And it is about as rural as it gets. The house itself is quite charming, interesting, and comfortable feeling. It was built in 1883, though there have been additions. I really think I am going to speak with my broker tomorrow and see where we should go from here. A few questions, the planning of an inspection along with a bid discussion, perhaps another visit to specifically look at things, and then onward from there, I think. I want to look at it again, and really look at some things and ask some questions. What type of heating and cooling does it use (and take a look at utility bills from when it was lived in regularly), look at the rooms and spaces more closely while attempting to disregard my general good feel for the place, questions about different things which might become a cost sooner or later (how new is the roofing, furnace, and whatever).
When I returned home, I tried to find the email my broker had send which included the properties, to look over some of the details. I simply could not find it.
I was absolutely exhausted. Perhaps that is why I could not find the email. I took a nap, intending on sleeping for about 2 hours. I set the alarm to that end. I do remember waking to the alarm, using the snooze to try and revive, and failing. I 'napped' from about 14:00 until 20:00. I had to drag myself out of bed even then. And at 23:30, I am ready for bed again. Zapped. Tomorrow I need to get to the V.A. in Ogden, the clinic, and let the do a check-up and blood draw. No food after midnight, so I best get a bit to eat before I go to bed. After visiting the V.A. tomorrow or Friday, I will take a week off. I have been pushing very hard.
Doing what I can, I tell ya. That is all I can do. I must admit, I wish some of my people lived a little closer, so I could take them on a tour of the house as well and discuss some of this a bit. Then again, both are women and with very different tastes and interests. Still, that is not always a bad thing. They might come up with questions or thoughts, or at least ring a bell that got me to think about something I wanted or needed to ask. Oh well, I think I will do fine as is.
Good night.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
A big day!
.
.
Today is the day. I will be looking at houses. I may see as many as all twelve available. Then, the decision among them or to exclude any of them. I suspect I will narrow my search to two or three, then begin working price while waiting for a few more to choose from if I cannot get what I want. But who knows. I may see the exact house, get the right price negotiated quickly, and be looking at a time to move in before the day is done. I doubt it, but I have learned to rarely say never.
I stopped saying never say never as that defeats the saying. I have always wondered if that off manner of saying that was a bit of levity on the part of whoever made that up or whether they just were not thinking and people enjoy the irony of it or were also a bit slow so kept saying it. At least rolling stones gathers no moss makes sense if it might not be true? I suppose it might depend on if it is rolling in water or on dry land? I am no biologist though, I cannot be sure.
I think I am running out of energy. After today, I am going to take some time off. I have been, considering everything, burning the candle from both sides. Cleaning, cooking, business affairs, getting out for this and that, and such. I will continue with the house, but I am zapped. I am getting confused, messing things up, and missing appointments somehow. Yesterday's appointment was not in Ogden. It was not medical. I was supposed to see optometry. Luckily, I had a question and called the clinic. When they called back with an answer, they asked why I had called since I missed my fasting appointment and optometry was not doing a blood draw. Well, at least we got a bit of a chuckle out of the debacle. And, I did make it that extra hour drive to SLC, and on time. When I got home, I checked the cards. Of course they were right. Why or how I missed it I cannot be sure, other than that I am overdoing and getting confused. I had two cards. I read half of one and half of the other and cleanly missed that there were even two separate appointments. Even if my bad times, I did not get that confused (if I would simply fail to read the cards to begin with).
As I said, the house will continue to be cleaned, but I will have to back things off a bit otherwise. A week of semi-down time is needed. Perhaps less, I will just have to see. Still, what I have done is very good. Even just cleaning the house and stocking the larder will be much more than I have been doing and will be wonderful in itself. And, if I can at all get to it, push-ups and set-ups in the morning and evening might begin. Just a few, 10 of each perhaps, to start with and for a good 2 weeks to a month. Low doses, I have to do everything slowly.
I am back in the game, I have simply been playing too hard. I am jealous of many of you. You can, and do. Then again, if it were not for you, I would not have anything to set standards by. Jealously, like greed, are technically bad things. But without them, applied in the right way, nothing would advance, nothing would be done, and we would sit in our socialist stew merely hating without hope. So do not worry about my jealousy, I need it! And, it is as healthy of a jealousy as I can make it.
Be well!
.
Today is the day. I will be looking at houses. I may see as many as all twelve available. Then, the decision among them or to exclude any of them. I suspect I will narrow my search to two or three, then begin working price while waiting for a few more to choose from if I cannot get what I want. But who knows. I may see the exact house, get the right price negotiated quickly, and be looking at a time to move in before the day is done. I doubt it, but I have learned to rarely say never.
I stopped saying never say never as that defeats the saying. I have always wondered if that off manner of saying that was a bit of levity on the part of whoever made that up or whether they just were not thinking and people enjoy the irony of it or were also a bit slow so kept saying it. At least rolling stones gathers no moss makes sense if it might not be true? I suppose it might depend on if it is rolling in water or on dry land? I am no biologist though, I cannot be sure.
I think I am running out of energy. After today, I am going to take some time off. I have been, considering everything, burning the candle from both sides. Cleaning, cooking, business affairs, getting out for this and that, and such. I will continue with the house, but I am zapped. I am getting confused, messing things up, and missing appointments somehow. Yesterday's appointment was not in Ogden. It was not medical. I was supposed to see optometry. Luckily, I had a question and called the clinic. When they called back with an answer, they asked why I had called since I missed my fasting appointment and optometry was not doing a blood draw. Well, at least we got a bit of a chuckle out of the debacle. And, I did make it that extra hour drive to SLC, and on time. When I got home, I checked the cards. Of course they were right. Why or how I missed it I cannot be sure, other than that I am overdoing and getting confused. I had two cards. I read half of one and half of the other and cleanly missed that there were even two separate appointments. Even if my bad times, I did not get that confused (if I would simply fail to read the cards to begin with).
As I said, the house will continue to be cleaned, but I will have to back things off a bit otherwise. A week of semi-down time is needed. Perhaps less, I will just have to see. Still, what I have done is very good. Even just cleaning the house and stocking the larder will be much more than I have been doing and will be wonderful in itself. And, if I can at all get to it, push-ups and set-ups in the morning and evening might begin. Just a few, 10 of each perhaps, to start with and for a good 2 weeks to a month. Low doses, I have to do everything slowly.
I am back in the game, I have simply been playing too hard. I am jealous of many of you. You can, and do. Then again, if it were not for you, I would not have anything to set standards by. Jealously, like greed, are technically bad things. But without them, applied in the right way, nothing would advance, nothing would be done, and we would sit in our socialist stew merely hating without hope. So do not worry about my jealousy, I need it! And, it is as healthy of a jealousy as I can make it.
Be well!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Bit by bit, now in larger bits.
.
.
I viewed the houses available, in my price range, and sent an email to the broker. When I leave for my appointment later today, I will leave a little early so that I may send the loan package through the mail. I have swept the house, mopped parts of it, taken the rugs out shaken them and they are airing outside. I am washing some of the rugs though too. When the kitchen floor dries, I will finish the dishes. I ate a bit late and was feeling rather exhausted, so I let the dishes "rest" for the night. I cannot eat this morning, I have a fasting appointment. You would know, the one morning I cannot eat, I feel a dire urge to do so. Ha!
I honestly cannot believe how well I am doing. No, this is still not optimal. Leaving the house, doing many chores at once, and some other things will still put me down. Getting put down, now, however, only lasts a few hours to a day. I also realize I cannot multi-task. If I am making calls, I cannot clean. If I am cleaning, business and fun outdoor activities become limited. As well, how long I work is still rather limited. After the big ski trip this year, I am sure I can do more. Then again, that made me sore and cranky, bodily, for a couple of weeks. I still have real limits. I can push those, and further, but there will be a price. I need to open that up a bit. When I find the time to set business aside for a bit, I will begin working out however I may with what is available. I am guessing that set-ups and push-ups are a simple way to start, walking after those are back online and if I still have excess energy or want or ability. At that point, I will begin trying to expand my horizons by adding calculus study in, making my hours and days more of a multi-task training period.
I have noticed that my writing has become much more bland. I think it is because I do have limits, and I am riding right up to, and often a little or a lot past, those and so have little left over for creativity and such. As well, being busy, my mind is not ruminating as much about this topic or that subject. It is doing what it can. It will improve as I 'grow into myself' again. Bland updates, task tracking information for myself, and just the act of blogging itself is what I have for now. Apologies...
Have a great day!
.
I viewed the houses available, in my price range, and sent an email to the broker. When I leave for my appointment later today, I will leave a little early so that I may send the loan package through the mail. I have swept the house, mopped parts of it, taken the rugs out shaken them and they are airing outside. I am washing some of the rugs though too. When the kitchen floor dries, I will finish the dishes. I ate a bit late and was feeling rather exhausted, so I let the dishes "rest" for the night. I cannot eat this morning, I have a fasting appointment. You would know, the one morning I cannot eat, I feel a dire urge to do so. Ha!
I honestly cannot believe how well I am doing. No, this is still not optimal. Leaving the house, doing many chores at once, and some other things will still put me down. Getting put down, now, however, only lasts a few hours to a day. I also realize I cannot multi-task. If I am making calls, I cannot clean. If I am cleaning, business and fun outdoor activities become limited. As well, how long I work is still rather limited. After the big ski trip this year, I am sure I can do more. Then again, that made me sore and cranky, bodily, for a couple of weeks. I still have real limits. I can push those, and further, but there will be a price. I need to open that up a bit. When I find the time to set business aside for a bit, I will begin working out however I may with what is available. I am guessing that set-ups and push-ups are a simple way to start, walking after those are back online and if I still have excess energy or want or ability. At that point, I will begin trying to expand my horizons by adding calculus study in, making my hours and days more of a multi-task training period.
I have noticed that my writing has become much more bland. I think it is because I do have limits, and I am riding right up to, and often a little or a lot past, those and so have little left over for creativity and such. As well, being busy, my mind is not ruminating as much about this topic or that subject. It is doing what it can. It will improve as I 'grow into myself' again. Bland updates, task tracking information for myself, and just the act of blogging itself is what I have for now. Apologies...
Have a great day!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Getting close.
.
.
A load of laundry was completed yesterday. More cooking was done today, I needed more beans for the meat. Last week I looked at freezer to fridge to oven bowls, and a few chef knives (I am addicted to cooking wares, by the way). I called about my V.A. check today, to get that posting here. I called about my DD-214, hoping to have some news regarding that for the loan broker. I had no luck, so I discussed that with him. He said to go ahead and send what I have, they do not need the DD-214 immediately. Well, I am doing what I can. Oh, cleaned the bathroom a bit today. I would call it more prep cleaning than the actual deed, but it was needed.
Tomorrow I have an appointment with my doctor's office. I will not be seeing her, just a checkup with her staff. Right! It is a fasting appointment. So I will have to keep that in mind. I am glad I am tallying my projects here. So much yet to do, but I have been burning through my list. I still have a long and growing list, but that is as it should be. It is good to know though, that when I can, I do. That always worries me. Worrying if I might actually just be lazy. Nope. Mostly. :p
Now to check finances. I could not log into my account in Iowa today, the site was down or for some other reason, my browser would not connect. I will be trying a few times today and tomorrow. Barring connecting, I will call them tomorrow afternoon or Wednesday.
No time for much play yet, but that is coming. I need to get out hiking and fishing. I think snow is pretty much done here, so no more skiing. Hmmm, I wonder just how cold that water is. I might have to find a nice quiet little pool and find out. Ha! No, it will not kill me. For as bad of shape as I am and have been in, I am fit as an iron fiddle. Weird but I love it.
Be well.
.
A load of laundry was completed yesterday. More cooking was done today, I needed more beans for the meat. Last week I looked at freezer to fridge to oven bowls, and a few chef knives (I am addicted to cooking wares, by the way). I called about my V.A. check today, to get that posting here. I called about my DD-214, hoping to have some news regarding that for the loan broker. I had no luck, so I discussed that with him. He said to go ahead and send what I have, they do not need the DD-214 immediately. Well, I am doing what I can. Oh, cleaned the bathroom a bit today. I would call it more prep cleaning than the actual deed, but it was needed.
Tomorrow I have an appointment with my doctor's office. I will not be seeing her, just a checkup with her staff. Right! It is a fasting appointment. So I will have to keep that in mind. I am glad I am tallying my projects here. So much yet to do, but I have been burning through my list. I still have a long and growing list, but that is as it should be. It is good to know though, that when I can, I do. That always worries me. Worrying if I might actually just be lazy. Nope. Mostly. :p
Now to check finances. I could not log into my account in Iowa today, the site was down or for some other reason, my browser would not connect. I will be trying a few times today and tomorrow. Barring connecting, I will call them tomorrow afternoon or Wednesday.
No time for much play yet, but that is coming. I need to get out hiking and fishing. I think snow is pretty much done here, so no more skiing. Hmmm, I wonder just how cold that water is. I might have to find a nice quiet little pool and find out. Ha! No, it will not kill me. For as bad of shape as I am and have been in, I am fit as an iron fiddle. Weird but I love it.
Be well.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
I have been busy and well.
.
.
Saturday was shooting day. I am improving, slowly. Still, it is not all about hitting the target. Getting out of the house, talking to someone, and of course just the pleasure of sending a few hot ones down the way. The drive and being outside are also very good. And, usually, a meal. As I get better though, rather than eating out, I am cooking myself. Lobster and some sort of large crab legs were on the menu, along with a baked potato and beer. About once a month is all I can take of that though. Well, perhaps twice? The lobster tail are quite sweet, and only about $6 each. Two is quite enough, from now on. Now that I clean up quickly afterward, I will probably do a good deal more entertaining... How good it is.
In spite of just having had company over yesterday, I did so again today. I had beans I needed to use up and thought a ham would work perfectly for that. But there was a bit much to eat on my own, so I asked my friend to find his way here. I did not realize the buses do not run on Sunday, so I went and fetched him. It was a quick quiet affair. The meal was quite nice, neither of us is used to home cooked foods. Him because he just does not do that, me because I have been ill. Beyond, I plan on having spaghetti dinner this Thursday. But this time I will be asking some other people over. I have already asked regular friend over, I just have to contact a few others.
On the way back, after giving my friend a ride home, I grabbed some cleaning supplies. The kitchen is now at 70% spic and span, the rest of the house needs a good deal of attention. The bathrooms first. My main one is in very poor shape, poor thing. The other is pretty good, but it is good to give it a once over while I am at it. Laundry is being kept up, dishes are being kept up, and business is being tended as I remember and get to it. I am still a bit sluggish, to my mind. I do, however, see the finish line. That finish line is the beginning, not the end, however. That finish line is where everyone else starts, I have been quite behind.
Life is looking good again, very good.
.
Saturday was shooting day. I am improving, slowly. Still, it is not all about hitting the target. Getting out of the house, talking to someone, and of course just the pleasure of sending a few hot ones down the way. The drive and being outside are also very good. And, usually, a meal. As I get better though, rather than eating out, I am cooking myself. Lobster and some sort of large crab legs were on the menu, along with a baked potato and beer. About once a month is all I can take of that though. Well, perhaps twice? The lobster tail are quite sweet, and only about $6 each. Two is quite enough, from now on. Now that I clean up quickly afterward, I will probably do a good deal more entertaining... How good it is.
In spite of just having had company over yesterday, I did so again today. I had beans I needed to use up and thought a ham would work perfectly for that. But there was a bit much to eat on my own, so I asked my friend to find his way here. I did not realize the buses do not run on Sunday, so I went and fetched him. It was a quick quiet affair. The meal was quite nice, neither of us is used to home cooked foods. Him because he just does not do that, me because I have been ill. Beyond, I plan on having spaghetti dinner this Thursday. But this time I will be asking some other people over. I have already asked regular friend over, I just have to contact a few others.
On the way back, after giving my friend a ride home, I grabbed some cleaning supplies. The kitchen is now at 70% spic and span, the rest of the house needs a good deal of attention. The bathrooms first. My main one is in very poor shape, poor thing. The other is pretty good, but it is good to give it a once over while I am at it. Laundry is being kept up, dishes are being kept up, and business is being tended as I remember and get to it. I am still a bit sluggish, to my mind. I do, however, see the finish line. That finish line is the beginning, not the end, however. That finish line is where everyone else starts, I have been quite behind.
Life is looking good again, very good.
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