Michele

Yes, Bozo, you exist. In an existential sort of existence, but still. I've met so many I couldn't even begin to try to count them. Not even begin. And yes, I've met Amazon (and picked her up...). LOL! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

My goal is simple...to fly safely, to learn as much as I can, and to have as much fun as I can. I hope, this time next year, I can say that I met those goals. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

And I add my voice to the Happy New Year wishes. Happy New Year, everyone. May this year see more success than failure, more love than sorrow, and more joy than pain. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Anne, I've attended several Celebrations. There was one I really "enjoyed." What I liked most was that it really was a celebration. Pictures of the him at all ages were all over, with little short paragraph stories about the photo or about his life. They were hung all over the home, on doors, windows, hallways, tables...the whole place had a photo with a story. We were also encouraged to write a memory down, on paper provided, and they were hung up as well. Some people wrote letters to him, instead of a memory, and those were hung, too. His favorite food (Chinese) was catered, and there was Big Band music playing - his favorite music. There was no "ceremony" per se. People were asked to say something if they wanted, but there weren't many who did want to. A prayer was said for him, and then we all toasted with a glass of Scotch, his favorite liquor. We laughed and cried, but we celebrated him most fully. Hugs to you- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

This exact scenario crossed my mind when landing at a certain airport (I won't name it). The approach is over easily accessible terrain, and is rather concerning. I remember looking out the window and thinking "damn, I hope the pilot feels good today, and is being really gentle," followed by the thought that a SAM could easily be brought there and used without much issue, and escape routes were many. I didn't think about lasers, but that would be very easy to use at this particular airport, because one little distraction would be horrendous. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Right now, a lady is "borrowing" 40K from her mother to make the down payment. She can handle the monthly, and so she's comfortable. OTOH, I just had a conversation with another buyer who I took out showing last week, and he's decided he can't afford what he wants yet. I just closed on a couple of men who bought a condo. They're at the edge, but they wanted to buy something, so we did. I had them work with a lender I know who handles tough situations, and she made it work for them just fine. There are two things to consider. The local employment market does indeed pay far more than most average other employment markets. My brother just moved out of state *(because he couldn't afford the house he wanted here)*, and while he could buy out of state with no issues, his rate of pay is reduced. The trade off worked for him, so that decision was all right. The other thing to consider is that in my market, the affordability index is just about 25-26%. That means the percentage of people who can afford to buy a home is 1/4 of the population. This is not the best news, and if it goes much lower, we will see a slump in local prices. But for the moment, it seems to be holding steady. I don't know the Affordability Index for other areas, but that would be an interesting comparison, and a good accurate picture of the local area. And no, I couldn't afford to buy the house. I'm single, and my earnings just wouldn't cut it. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Can anyone confirm that aid offered by Israel to Sri Lanka was turned away? I heard that this morning....but haven't had time to verify it. How awful if true... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

That is very good news, Lori. Very good news. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

To give you all an understanding of the market we in SoCA are currently in, a home I sold 4 years ago for $240K to the buyer is now being considered for sale. We think it will likely get $499-520K...and it shouldn't stay on the market for too long. As for when the seller's market will go away, real estate, like everything else, is cyclic. I expect to have things balanced out - meaning more homes on the market in relation to able buyers - this summer, and we'll continue to see the spin until about March of '06. Once the balance is struck, it's going to be interesting to see what's happening with the economy, and it's ripple effect on the real estate market. As long as interest rates remain relatively low (under 8%), it probably won't go too far towards the buyer's end of things (i.e. no bubble popping). There will be a settling of the appreciation into something more normal and rational, 10-15% annually rather than the 30-60% annually we are seeing now. As to the foreclosure market, there will be an increase, but nothing like we saw in the early 90's. The lending laws have tightened up since then, and while there are many people buying more house than they can afford, the conversion from ARMs to 30 years is doing a booming business. So I'm not sure the foreclosure market will be enormous. However, that's still to be seen. I have yet to have an irreconcillable issue regarding an appraisal, and that's where I'll see it first...once the bank stops lending on the purchase value, and rather begins to lend at a lower price. And yes, I am a realtor. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

YAY! I'm going to try to come down at least one day to help out...maybe we can meet! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

~Having my 4 year old neice tell me really bad jokes on the phone. ~Being swamped with pm's and email wishing me good holidays. ~The smile of a friend at 8,000 feet. ~Coming home from a vacation and having my cats love on me before I can set down my satchels and close the door. ~A 7 month old's arms 'round my neck, head buried in my shoulder, snoring. ~Teaching my 5 year old nephew how to use the brakes on his bike. Little things, cherished moments that imbed themselves into your heart and remind you that there are good things, wonderful things...even when things are bleak. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

You just rock. Well done, and thanks. Ciels- Michele (PS, Mods? Can we make this sticky, please?) ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I know you weren't. And you stated my point well; I can give something, even if it's not cash. If the Red Cross takes my donations, and uses them for local families which would've cost $$ to handle, that money may in fact make it to those impacted by this tragedy. But I bet I can also manage to scrape up together the price of a jump ticket at least, and send it to them as well. If everyone sent one jump ticket price to the Red Cross, it would help immensely. I think I'll do both. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I will, as well. Conway, you're in my thoughts and prayers. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Know what, though, Kev? Clothes and blankets will help. Cash will help. Lots of things will help. So why not give what you can? I don't have much cash, but I've got some clothes. I've also got some emergency food (earthquake kit stuff) which needs to be used within the next 6 months. So I'll send that over, too. I will do what I can. If it can't be cash, then it will be how *I* can help... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Interesting thing I heard this morning; dunno how true it is. There are some parts of Thailand and Indonesia that are controlled by terrorist organizations such as the Tamile Tigers (and others). They are refusing assistence from the US (and I think other western nations) and are determined to "go it alone." I wonder what will happen? Who will help those folks? That's what I wonder. I for one believe that we, the US, will do everything we can, as we always do, to rebuild, re-establish, and assist those in need. We will do it in conjunction with other countries, as we always do. And we will risk our lives and health to do so. And we will be vilified by those who choose to, simply because they believe we should "do more" and do it faster. Oh well...that's the way it goes. We get lambasted one way or another. Nothing new with that. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

You're in my thoughts, Lori. You too, Faber. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

That is a beautiful picture, Sunny. Thanks for putting it up. Latest reports that I'm hearing is 70,000+ dead, and more being discovered all the time. Godspeed to all. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Clay, I'm not a parent, so take this for what it's worth. Killler is correct - let him be a child for as long as possible. You pointed out that a 9 year old will, in 9 more years, be of military age. But Clay, that's twice as long as he's been on the planet. When you're 60 (using round numbers, all right? ), you will have learned a ton just by being here on the planet for twice as long as you have been now. Evil will make itself known when he becomes aware of it. Then - when he asks about it directly - you've got your opening to let him know how YOU feel. He may feel differently; but if you give him enough accurate information, whatever opinion he forms will be done with that information being considered. My Dad and I were talking over Christmas with my brother. Both my brother and I are republican, he more conservative than I. Both our parents are liberal democrats. Dad asked "where did I go wrong," and I told him he didn't go wrong at all...he gave us enough loving and parenting and education and space to form our own opinions about things, which is the best parenting that can be done. Dad got what I was trying to say, and that is simply Dad raised us to be able to make up our own minds. Your son will grow up in his time. He will ask, he will discover, and he will learn. And the best that you can do is to let him do so in his own time. Again, I'm not a parent, but I have great ones. And I think they would have let me come to them with my questions, unless it directly affected me. Best of luck...and I think you're probably a better parent than you give yourself credit for. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Such a horrible thing. I am so very sorry to all those who have had this tragedy touch them in a personal way. And like Cora, I'm finding it difficult to comprehend the magnitude of this event. God speed, and God bless... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Absolutely! Let me know when you're around, and I'll make time to come down there and play! And again, what a great accomplishment for you. Congratulations!!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Well DONE! YAY Val!!!! Congratulations! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Nope, no Scrooge you. If there were serious issues, and it seems like there were serious issues, then it needed to be done. If her behavior jeopardized your license or ability to earn a living, then it was time for her to go. Business doesn't know Christmas, you know? You did the right thing. I'm sorry you feel badly about it, but you didn't seem to have a choice. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Sprout, I really am proud of you. It wasn't easy, was it? But it's so very worth it!!! YAYAYAYAYAYAY you! And the moment you come back into CA airspace, you've got a playdate with me! Big hugs - for both your A and your birthday. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I would've known, but that's because I live in earthquake country and was terrified by them for a while. So I set out to learn about them, and one of the things I discovered was that oceans don't act that way normally, and when the water disappears, it's coming back - usually all at the same time. So yes, I'd've known. But that's not terribly common knowledge, I suspect. Complete tragedy all around. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~