Feeling broke or really broke?
There are so many memorable day during cycle of a home buying. Well, let me tell you not all of them good memories though as the title might have given you a hint. Today it is memorable because after living on this planet for almost 30 years, I have never spend so much many buying a single item. It made me feel so broke and a little moody. I should be happy and excited however, when I see the receipt it is actually tough to stay excited.
I'm not sure whether I just feel broke or that I'm really broke. If it is according to the definition below, maybe I'm not broke since I still have money to spend. Makes me wonder how long will it takes for me to go past this phase of feeling broke.
Definition:
1. having no money: without any money to spend
2. bankrupt: totally bankrupt
Many people say that I should look on the positive side of things. Need to train my mind to get use to spending this much of money on an item since this is only the beginning and I will have many more transactions that would require me to part with such a large sum of money to get to the stage where I want to be when I retire. Think positive, stay positive.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Memorial Day
Every year we observe Memorial Day and how many of us really know the history behind this day that we are observing? At least I do not, well maybe just a little. I know it's something related to soldier who passed away defending their country, that is about all, so I decided to look it up this time. Here is a link to wiki with more information.
Information on Memorial Day
For many of us, this is just another long weekend for us to relax and go somewhere. Since the gas price is over 4 bucks a gallon, I don't think many of us actually travel far this year.
I have decided to sleep in that day and in the afternoon, couple friends and us went to Vasona Lake County Park near downtown Los Gatos for a walk. The park was so crowded with people enjoying BBQ with family and friends. Another sign of the rising gas price.
It is a family friendly park with lawn which can be used for informal play such as frisbee tossing, softball or soccer. There are several picnic areas and playground for kids. It is also open for non-power boating year round. Paddle boats and row boats are available for rental from early spring through early fall. The lake also offers fishing for Black Bass, Crappie, Catfish and Blue Gill.
More information about Vasona Lake County Park
We went to Wine Cellar at downtown Los Gatos for dinner that night. Since the weather is really nice that day, we had a table at their patio sitting. It has a very nice view of the mountain. Good food to go with fabulous wine and a picture perfect view. I would recommend this restaurant again although it is a little on the pricey side for me.
I had a nice Memorial Day.. and hope you had a good one as well.
Every year we observe Memorial Day and how many of us really know the history behind this day that we are observing? At least I do not, well maybe just a little. I know it's something related to soldier who passed away defending their country, that is about all, so I decided to look it up this time. Here is a link to wiki with more information.
Information on Memorial Day
For many of us, this is just another long weekend for us to relax and go somewhere. Since the gas price is over 4 bucks a gallon, I don't think many of us actually travel far this year.
I have decided to sleep in that day and in the afternoon, couple friends and us went to Vasona Lake County Park near downtown Los Gatos for a walk. The park was so crowded with people enjoying BBQ with family and friends. Another sign of the rising gas price.
It is a family friendly park with lawn which can be used for informal play such as frisbee tossing, softball or soccer. There are several picnic areas and playground for kids. It is also open for non-power boating year round. Paddle boats and row boats are available for rental from early spring through early fall. The lake also offers fishing for Black Bass, Crappie, Catfish and Blue Gill.
More information about Vasona Lake County Park
We went to Wine Cellar at downtown Los Gatos for dinner that night. Since the weather is really nice that day, we had a table at their patio sitting. It has a very nice view of the mountain. Good food to go with fabulous wine and a picture perfect view. I would recommend this restaurant again although it is a little on the pricey side for me.
I had a nice Memorial Day.. and hope you had a good one as well.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
To Do List
Cramming everything into 2 weeks is really not a good idea. If I can turn back time, I would definitely ask for more time. For anyone out there who are looking to buy a house, make sure you allows yourself at least 3 weeks to close escrow.
Here is what I need to do in short 2 weeks:
1) Paperwork for my loan
2) Trimming of plants for fumigation process
3) Get the money ready
4) Meet up with agent to complete all the paperwork
5) House inspection
6) Paperwork to vacating the apartment
7) Taking care of utilities at old and new place
8) Find a truck for moving
9) Clean the house before moving in
It does not seem to be too many however, if you need to work as well then it is hectic juggling time.
It would be nice to do some research in advance and also planning ahead of time to save some money and time as well. I learned so many things through this process. There are still more things to learn and next time I think I would be more prepare to handle it.
Cramming everything into 2 weeks is really not a good idea. If I can turn back time, I would definitely ask for more time. For anyone out there who are looking to buy a house, make sure you allows yourself at least 3 weeks to close escrow.
Here is what I need to do in short 2 weeks:
1) Paperwork for my loan
2) Trimming of plants for fumigation process
3) Get the money ready
4) Meet up with agent to complete all the paperwork
5) House inspection
6) Paperwork to vacating the apartment
7) Taking care of utilities at old and new place
8) Find a truck for moving
9) Clean the house before moving in
It does not seem to be too many however, if you need to work as well then it is hectic juggling time.
It would be nice to do some research in advance and also planning ahead of time to save some money and time as well. I learned so many things through this process. There are still more things to learn and next time I think I would be more prepare to handle it.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Hazy Day
While I was driving to work today it seems hazy out there. I thought maybe it is my dirty windshield that makes it seem hazy out there. Then I wind down my window and it smell like BBQ outside. I poked my head outside and yes it's the haze and not my dirty car :)
Yesterday there was a big fire at the Santa Cruz Mountains that lasted the whole day, not sure whether it is over yet. More information below. From the look of it, I think summer is already here.
Santa Cruz Mountains Fire
I guess due to the heavy wind that is why the haze travel fast. This is the second time I am close to a brush fire. Last year, there was a big brush fire the day I flew in to San Diego on business. It was too close to the office building that we had to be evacuated. So, ended up staying the night and flying back the next day.
San Diego Wildfire
Lately, there seems to be natural disasters everywhere in the world. It is so saddening. Hopefully it will be quieter for the second half of the year, or maybe just good, happy news.
While I was driving to work today it seems hazy out there. I thought maybe it is my dirty windshield that makes it seem hazy out there. Then I wind down my window and it smell like BBQ outside. I poked my head outside and yes it's the haze and not my dirty car :)
Yesterday there was a big fire at the Santa Cruz Mountains that lasted the whole day, not sure whether it is over yet. More information below. From the look of it, I think summer is already here.
Santa Cruz Mountains Fire
I guess due to the heavy wind that is why the haze travel fast. This is the second time I am close to a brush fire. Last year, there was a big brush fire the day I flew in to San Diego on business. It was too close to the office building that we had to be evacuated. So, ended up staying the night and flying back the next day.
San Diego Wildfire
Lately, there seems to be natural disasters everywhere in the world. It is so saddening. Hopefully it will be quieter for the second half of the year, or maybe just good, happy news.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
What Diet Would Do to You ?
I have gain so much weight over the past year and it is unbelievable. Well, I have to admit that maybe it is really not that unbelievable since I do love to EAT :). So, since last month I am back to my gym routine that I am trying to stick to and also scaling back on unhealthy food. I guess anyone who is on some kind of a diet would know that there are always time where one craves for food.
Today I'm craving for home made food like the ginger(or vinegar) pig knuckles where mom eat after their confinement period. It might be weird however, I do love pig knuckles a lot.
Ginger (or vinegar) Pig Knuckles
What do you think? Looks tasty with just a bowl of white rice, right?
I have gain so much weight over the past year and it is unbelievable. Well, I have to admit that maybe it is really not that unbelievable since I do love to EAT :). So, since last month I am back to my gym routine that I am trying to stick to and also scaling back on unhealthy food. I guess anyone who is on some kind of a diet would know that there are always time where one craves for food.
Today I'm craving for home made food like the ginger(or vinegar) pig knuckles where mom eat after their confinement period. It might be weird however, I do love pig knuckles a lot.
Ginger (or vinegar) Pig Knuckles
What do you think? Looks tasty with just a bowl of white rice, right?
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
A More Permanent Address
I’m really happy that my quest for a more permanent address over the past couple years is finally over. I found a house that I can call home from now on. We started looking again seriously at the beginning of January this year and after more than 100+ open houses and 4 lost offers, we found this place that we both love. We are in the process of escrow right now and hopefully we would be getting the key to our first house next week. I’m so excited to start this new chapter of my life.
It had been a struggling decision to make whether to buy or not to buy. Mainly because we are in the middle of an economic slowdown in the United States right now. Adding to that, there are so many news out there stating that home prices might still continue to fall into next year. We had been doubting ourselves countless time throughout the process and even stopped a little after couple months wanting to wait for Fall to continue the process. For some reason, this house kept popping up in my mind everytime I tried not to think about it. So, I’m not sure whether we bought the place because of emotional or logical reason. I guess no one would knows whether it is really a good time to buy right now however there is a little voice inside of me kept saying that if you can afford it financially, then why not. In the end I gave in to this voice. Nevertheless, I’m still happy about my decision.
For anyone who are thinking whether to buy or not to buy, here is an article that might help in the beginning. After you have make up your mind, you will need more help than this article can offer.
Buying a home
Happy buying !!
I’m really happy that my quest for a more permanent address over the past couple years is finally over. I found a house that I can call home from now on. We started looking again seriously at the beginning of January this year and after more than 100+ open houses and 4 lost offers, we found this place that we both love. We are in the process of escrow right now and hopefully we would be getting the key to our first house next week. I’m so excited to start this new chapter of my life.
It had been a struggling decision to make whether to buy or not to buy. Mainly because we are in the middle of an economic slowdown in the United States right now. Adding to that, there are so many news out there stating that home prices might still continue to fall into next year. We had been doubting ourselves countless time throughout the process and even stopped a little after couple months wanting to wait for Fall to continue the process. For some reason, this house kept popping up in my mind everytime I tried not to think about it. So, I’m not sure whether we bought the place because of emotional or logical reason. I guess no one would knows whether it is really a good time to buy right now however there is a little voice inside of me kept saying that if you can afford it financially, then why not. In the end I gave in to this voice. Nevertheless, I’m still happy about my decision.
For anyone who are thinking whether to buy or not to buy, here is an article that might help in the beginning. After you have make up your mind, you will need more help than this article can offer.
Buying a home
Happy buying !!
Taking Things for Granted
Sometimes we are so bless that we always take things for granted. Take for example me, living only an hour away from one of the world most beautiful city, San Francisco, I don’t think I appreciate the fact that it is so close. For some people they would have to fly half way around the globe to get here to be able to enjoy the weather, the people and the city itself.
In order to make sure that I do not regret it if I ever leave this place for good, last year for my birthday I actually went up to San Francisco at night for a photography session of the city skyline which I have seen countless time during the day. I still consider myself as an amateur when it comes to photography and maybe I will always be an amateur. No matter what I still enjoy it.
This will be my reminder that I should live everyday as if it is my last, be thankful and never to take things or people for granted.
San Francisco Skyline
Bay Bridge
Sometimes we are so bless that we always take things for granted. Take for example me, living only an hour away from one of the world most beautiful city, San Francisco, I don’t think I appreciate the fact that it is so close. For some people they would have to fly half way around the globe to get here to be able to enjoy the weather, the people and the city itself.
In order to make sure that I do not regret it if I ever leave this place for good, last year for my birthday I actually went up to San Francisco at night for a photography session of the city skyline which I have seen countless time during the day. I still consider myself as an amateur when it comes to photography and maybe I will always be an amateur. No matter what I still enjoy it.
This will be my reminder that I should live everyday as if it is my last, be thankful and never to take things or people for granted.
San Francisco Skyline
Bay Bridge
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Start Fresh All Over Again
This time I’m going to start fresh all over again and stick to it. I have not been a very consistent blogger in the past. I’m not sure whether it is because of time issue or just the laziness in me however I hope this time it would be different. Maybe it is a little late to start this as one of my new year resolution for 2008 but it’s still better than not trying since I still have 7 months till the year is over. Happy blogging !!
This time I’m going to start fresh all over again and stick to it. I have not been a very consistent blogger in the past. I’m not sure whether it is because of time issue or just the laziness in me however I hope this time it would be different. Maybe it is a little late to start this as one of my new year resolution for 2008 but it’s still better than not trying since I still have 7 months till the year is over. Happy blogging !!
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