KATHY PRESLEY REALTOR

The Sunny Florida

2012-01-04T12:48:00.000-06:00

Last night Dan and I were sitting on the sofa with a quilt because it got so cold we had to admit that even though we were in Florida that we were cold. The heating unit is different so we could not quite get the hang of how it works. Finally today a coworker told me the secret so I am looking forward to a warm house this afternoon.Tomorrow we will be back at 70. Thank you Lord.

We love our new neighborhood and are working on the house. We figure we will get it done at some point. Suzee seems to be adjusting to being an orphan. I can relate. It is a bit of an adjustment.

I found an adorable little salon.Now all I need is customers. I think I will go have lunch at a local sandwich shop and see if I can meet some people. I just need a few to get the ball rolling.

I need to go pick up a community paper today to see what is going on there.
I need to get the rest of my stuff put away at the house
I need to wash my car
I need to pass out real estate calendars
I need to do laundry
I need to .............................................................................................stop thinking.

Short Sale vs. Foreclosure?

2011-06-29T10:41:00.000-05:00

Short Sale vs. Foreclosure?

You make the call!

I get the question from people all the time: short sale or foreclosure, which is the better option? My knee-jerk reaction is always “Are you kidding? Short sale, of course!” This has been mostly because I was always under the impression that a short sale, although still a ding on your credit, was gentler on the score than a foreclosure.

But according to a recent blog post by FICO Banking Analytics, there is no real difference in the affect a short sale or a foreclosure has on your credit score. Both the impact in points and the time to fully recover is about the same for both events.

This put me in a precarious situation. All this time I had lauded the short sale as vastly superior to foreclosure, largely because of its less adverse affects on credit. So I was forced to do further research into which was the better option. In doing so I learned about benefits of a short sale I wasn’t even aware of, and found that the FICO blog was way off.

Each borrower’s credit situation is different, and the way that a creditor reports a short sale to bureaus is different. The reality is that hundreds of thousands of distressed homeowners who have chosen a short sale have experienced a lesser impact on their credit than those who have chosen foreclosure.

In a short sale, a distressed homeowner may be able to obtain another mortgage sooner than someone who has a foreclosure on his or her record. Also, more and more employers pull credit before hiring a potential employee, and a foreclosure can keep you from getting a job. Some employers pull credit reports on existing employees, and a foreclosure may not bode well in certain industries.

These benefits stacked against the negatives of foreclosure, including the embarrassment of public announcement and literally being kicked out of your home, make, in my opinion, short sale the reigning champion.

Now you make the call!

I 'm still losing

2011-04-14T07:46:00.000-05:00

I haven't blogged for a while. Too busy. But I have lost weight 2 weeks in a row. Not a ton but I am still losing and not gaining. Yea! I am at 132.8. A lot better that 146.6. Less of me to have more fun this summer.

Yea! I did it again. Down 1.6 This Week

2011-03-14T17:23:00.001-05:00

I am now down a total of 12.4 pounds since January 13th.
That leaves only 14.2 to go. It seems like it can happen now. I am almost half way there!!
Now I will go shampoo my carpet in the living and one of the extra bedrooms.
That should help a mite. 134.2 you will be 120 very soon!

Lost.4 Better than Gaining

2011-03-08T08:06:00.001-06:00

10 more pounds until I look like my picture!!!

2011-02-28T12:10:00.001-06:00

- 1.8 #'s What most folks realize immediately, when they see me, is that I do not quite look like my picture. I was at 125 pounds then. But today I have made a major headway. I have lost 10.4 pounds since January 13th. I am so excited! Just 6.2 until I get to my 10% target goal. Just 11.2 more to get to the picture. AND just 16.2 until I am at my personal goal of 120!!! It is so getting there. Just whittling away a little at a time.
And I have a closing today. A wonderful seller and a wonderful buyer. Can't ask for more than that!

138 Today

2011-02-21T18:36:00.001-06:00

Okay so it's not a lot. But it is down and not up. Down .8 pounds is better than being up 1.6 so I am happy. One can go down a hill fast or slow but at least they are on the way.
But it sure made me feel better to get my perfect listing under contract!
Gorgeous home. I know the new buyers will love it. I will miss the sellers though. Great people.

Pondering Life

2011-02-16T23:57:00.000-06:00

I just read that Dr. Alan Day had a fatal motorcycle accident. I know a lot of folks will curse the perils of the sport of motorcycle riding. I grew up on a motorcycle so, I, like Dr. Day have a healthy respect, yet not terror of motorcycles. I remember the freedom and relaxation of those rides as a teen. Now I love scuba and water skiing. Of course any of these things can be fatal if just the right thing happens at just the right time. But I have often thought, "What a way to go!"
Imagine riding along with the breeze rushing across your face, and then you are suddenly face to face with Jesus. I can see myself swimming in the sea at fifty feet, among the most beautiful of God's creation and then in a moment; I am at the feet of Jesus!
The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. So hats off to Dr. Day who like Elijah went to Jesus while fully enjoying the life he was given. I'll bet he was praying as he rode.

138.8

2011-02-15T12:47:00.000-06:00

I am so excited. 3 pounds gone this week. I only have 18.8 pounds to go. I made my first 5%WW goal and am heading for the 10%. Then I will go for the final hurdle.
So by spring I will be able to get rid of all my big clothes and wear the smaller ones.
I love success and hate failure so I am pumped!!

Monday Up a Bit!! 141.8

2011-02-11T21:40:00.001-06:00

OK...so what do they say about failure?
Don't quit.
Just begin again.
I gained 1.6 pounds on the WW scale last Monday. It was totally due to the Super Bowl. I had a great week until then. After all what's a girl supposed to do for four hours, when her interest level is less than zero. Were it not for good conversation with friends, I could have gained 20 pounds!
But
I have been very good this week and think the 14th will be very sweet on the scale. I can hardly wait to see my weight on Monday. I think I will have made up for the bad week.

The IRS and State tax totals almost made me lose all the circulation in my face. But after looking at the accounts I am grateful that we have it to pay. We usually have extra put back...but at least we do have it!
Someone once said.
"If you're paying taxes, that means you're making money."
So there is that.
The new salon location is going great. I have gotten several new clients. Really nice folks,too. And I am getting good reviews from very appreciated existing clients.
The listing in Blackberry Springs is under contract.
Life is good.
Thank you for the blessings Lord Jesus! Give me a grateful heart!

Third Week 140.2

2011-02-01T08:15:00.000-06:00

Lost again! Not as much but still less is more. Down 1.2 is better than up. It is still the size of a baby puppy, or a little over a block of American Cheese. I seem to find value in placing an object of the same weight to get a visual of what may now be missing from this body. Just 20.2 to go!!

I am so excited. I bought Logos 4 Scholar Edition software Friday and have it on my computer. It is amazing. So much information accessed in such an easy manner. Once I get my taxes finished I am all over it. I woke up thinking I could play with it today while we were in hibernation mode due to this weather. Then I remembered that I need to finish my tax reports. Fun times.Always something hanging over my head to do. Lose weight, clean house, do taxes, wash clothes, bathe the doggies.....
This next two days should get me caught up.

Second Week 141.4!

2011-01-24T15:59:00.000-06:00

This is the second week of my less of me goal. And...hip hip or rather...less hip less hip hooray!The third week to weigh. The second on the program.
I lost another 2.4 pounds!For a two week total of -5.2 pounds. So why did I not get a star at the meeting today?
Well...it is due to my failed attempt a few months ago. When I went months ago I weighed 142.2. So my first meeting this time on the 13th showed a gain of 4.4 over that months ago 142.2 weight.
Then on the 17th I lost 2.8 from the 146.6, but only .02 from the months ago 142.2.
This week I lost a new 2.4 which is only 2.6 from the 142.2 but 5.2 from my new beginning.
Weight on January 13th 146.6. Weight on January 24th 141.4.
Sooo... since January 13th,2011 I have lost 5.2 pounds. And I did get a five point star on my electronic tracker. So yea me.
And I do not crave chocolate.I am totally satisfied and enjoying what I am eating.
Dan and I are cooking out of new cookbooks together. It gives us somethng to do together and seems less like a chore.
Thanks Weight Watchers.

There 's Less of Me!

2011-01-18T15:40:00.003-06:00

I did not get to the computer for purposes of goofing off yesterday. But I did weigh in. I lost 2.8 pounds. My new official weight is 143.8. I only have 18.8 pounds to lose to look like my business card picture that is virtually everywhere. I have 23.8 to lose to get to my personal goal.(I think that is more than my granddaughter weighs).
I like the new WW system. I resisted learning a new system but this is much more comfortable than the old one.It is totally reasonable that I could be at my goal in 12 weeks. That would be April 11th,2011. Let's see if I make it.
120 by April 11th weigh in.

Day Two

2011-01-14T17:46:00.000-06:00

I have made it two days in a row!
On my way home from the gym last night I decided to go by the grocery store for veggies and health foods.
I thought,"Weight Watchers has a new system. Perhaps they have a meeting tonight." I checked my phone and they did at 5:30. It was 5:10. I checked out;drove across town and made it to be in the back of a very long line. I told the attendant that I was a ...lifetime...member...but I did not have my credentials. She found me on the system and in a very non judgemental manner got me set back up. The guilt of relapse caused me to spend about $40 extra dollars on stuff I did not need. Oh well. That is the Democrat way isn't it. Spending will take the weight off won't it? (kidding) Now that the Republicans control congress perhaps I should eat less and move more. So off to Aspen I go. Not Colorado, the gym.

Fat Fat Fat

2011-01-13T10:21:00.000-06:00

Today is the day. How many thousands of times have I made that pledge??
Today is the day I will go to the gym. Today is the day I will eat right. I will not eat chocolate.
How many times??? I actually got down to 113 pounds and kept it off for several years. So why why why did I not keep it off? Well, there is no day like today.
So anyone who cares...today is the day. Today I am going to eat right and go to the gym. My weight today is 145 yucky pounds for a very short girl!I will post on Monday my weight once a week until I am back at 120 pounds. I will not eat because someone hurt my feelings. I will not eat because I am stressed. I will not overeat because it is tasty. I will not eat for emotional reasons, bored reasons, lonely reasons or all those excuses I tend to collaborate!
Today is the Day!

Something to Think About

2011-01-13T10:09:00.000-06:00

The 26th amendment (granting the right to vote for 18 year-olds) took
only 3 months & 8 days to be ratified! Why? Simple! The people
demanded it. That was in 1971...before computers, before e-mail,
before cell phones, etc.

Of the 27 amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took 1 year or
less to become the law of the land...all because of public pressure.

I'm asking each addressee to forward this email to a minimum of twenty
people on their address list; in turn ask each of those to do
likewise.

In three days, most people in The United States of America will have
the message. This is one idea that really should be passed around.

Congressional Reform Act of 2011

1. Term Limits.

12 years only, one of the possible options below..

A. Two Six-year Senate terms

B. Six Two-year House terms

C. One Six-year Senate term and three Two-Year House terms

2. No Tenure / No Pension.

A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.

3. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security.

All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social
Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social
Security system, and Congress participates with the American people.

4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.

5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

6. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.

7. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.

8. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/11.

The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen.
Pasted from an email I received:
Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers
envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term(s),
then go home and back to work.

If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will only
take three days for most people (in the U.S. ) to receive the message.
Maybe it is time.

THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!!! If you agree with the above, pass it
on.

Time

2010-07-28T11:59:00.000-05:00

There never seems to be enough time to get it all in. Personal...Work...Devotional. Always active never coming to completion.I have made color coded calendars. I have set don't forget to take care of yourself goals. I have organized to just find my order fulfill the law of thermo-dynamics.

I am beginning to think it is all a myth. That people who regularly go to the gym, eat perfectly, have a tidy desk etc. just need more to do.I would like to give up but the neurotic me cannot. I still desire ORDER. I still want to be thin. I can't even blog regularly.
So I ate a Sonic burger and a diet coke for lunch. I am going to address my OU/OSU calendars and then get the stuff I took out of the closet to make room for my niece put away and if GOD wills get my garage ready to paint. I still need to fold towels and clean the shop. So much for self. Although, I am very fulfilled when it gets done. So who knows maybe work is more relaxing than Yoga to some of us more.............uncentered folks. If you read this you are welcome to pray for me to become a balanced individual. Or you can buy me a session with Caesar Milan.

Ramblings

2010-07-12T12:55:00.002-05:00

You know you haven't blogged in a while when they have changed the screen.It is really hard to blog when one has already talked to people all day. No matter how cleaver and uplifting my content may be; it is worn out by the end of the day.
Maybe that is why so many do quiet time in the morning instead of night. Perhaps God does prefer it that way. I always thought he wanted us to converse pretty much all the time. I thought quiet time was like a diet. As long as you eat the same calories in a 24 hour period your fat glands do not really care that much when you eat them. But perhaps I am wrong.
Maybe God wants to hear it all the first time; unedited, unscripted and fresh. Maybe if I spent quality time with Him in the morning HE could edit a lot of the content. Perhaps then my conversations with others would be cleaner, crisper and sweeter. Perhaps he could cause my brain to work better.Instead of having to hear a lot of problems, confessions and whining. He could enjoy praise and adulation about how well His ideas worked. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.... I think we have a plan.
Thanks Jesus!
What does this have to do with blogging or the lack therof? Not sure................

2010-03-11T09:37:00.005-06:00

I was driving home a few days ago on one of those unseasonably warm days. The warmth felt like a gift from heaven. Then pulling into the drive I noticed these sweet flowers poking their little heads up out of the deadness of the rest of the bed. Some white some purple. Alongside them even those annoying weeds brought the cheer of life. Green is always better than that dismal lack of color that winter imposes on us.

Winter makes us appreciate Spring all the more. We notice that which we would not as a blessing.

Hmmmm. A picture of life. As we look and acknowledge the blessings we see our eyes are opened to even more. The tulip shoots under the tree. When you feel the gratitude of life. When you see the hope of a new era, dont' forget to keep looking. The tulip shoots are there.

Although, I knew another day would bring 29 degrees back to us. I know God is watching and knows our limits. Cool huh?

2010-01-29T15:02:00.003-06:00

Just another snowy Friday.

I used to think a hard winter was when it was cold three weeks in a row. By cold I mean 30 degrees. This year it is like we live in the north country. I guess compared to when I was a girl it is the north country. But I have lived in Oklahoma for a very long time and this is only the second time we have had so much white on the ground for so many days running. Okay I will admit it is pretty. But so it the Carribean and you do not have to wear four layers of clothing.

I am working on my website today. Something I have put off for a while. If I can just figure out how to get the font on some of the pages to be any color but yellow I will feel like a total success. Everything else seems to be doable.

So I had better get back to that.

The next thing will be...dare I confess...take down the Christmas tree. I am pretty sure you are labeled as the neighborhood nut if it is still up in March. Maybe it is so cold no one will notice. Maybe they are all inside counting the days until flip flops and scuba gear. I am sooo ready. But for now I look out the office window and see medium sized flakes are still falling.

Out of the Coma

2010-01-25T09:51:00.006-06:00

Funny how life can
get
off
track.
I took a sabbatical for several months and am now back in the game of life. I took off from July to December. It was not really intentional. One day turned into two, then a week, then a month and then six months. If I had planned it I would have filled it with activity. I am guessing God must have planned it. A time to refresh, reevaluate and get a handle on how to do all the things I feel compelled to do with out catching the undertow.
I feel refreshed and ready to go.
I have developed some NEW RULES to live by. Everyone knows how much I love rules.
1. Ask God First Act Second
2. Worry more about what God thinks and less what everyone else thinks.
3. Let those people that do not want to be in my life go. Hanging on just makes one crazy and feel like a worthless toad.
4. Be the best I can be under God.
5. Carpe Diem
6. Love others: let God fix them, nag them, reason with them, explain things to them, give them a heart of forgiveness or whatever pleadings performed in the past that haven't worked.
7. Remember what Daddy always told me. He was right 99.995% of the time.
8. Do not second guess my best intentions. Do not be a door mat.
9. Laugh a lot.
10.Love Dan, Eric, Mark, Zack, Ben, Aleksa, Rebecca, Kevin, Jason, and Summer.They are gifts from God that will always hold first place in my heart.
GO

Memories

2009-08-07T17:04:00.004-05:00

I love hearing my daughter recount the antics of her boys. Mostly because it reminds me that I took some childhood disruptions way too hard.
Yes, we do have to correct but often times we can laugh in our spirit as we correct. I wonder if that is what God does with us. Does he patiently watch as we walk into that wall, knowing that the brick prints on our heads will teach us to stop next time before the blood runs down our foreheads? I feel fairly certain that he doesn't let us ruin His day.He doesn't get stressed out. He doesn't fear parental failure.
What a lot we can learn.

My e mail reply to Obama's e mail request for support for his health plan.

2009-07-29T12:36:00.003-05:00

Respectfully Mr. President,
Emphatically No!!!!
What is important to me is freedom. So that I can be a productive citizen, providing for my own needs with as little Government interference as possible. The government has already stolen my FICA and self-employment tax contributions and created an unfunded liability instead of setting up the trust that was supposed to be for my retirement. If I had put that money in a low interest CD, I would be wealthy now. Instead the so called representatives of the people are destroying our REPUBLIC and creating an elitist regime. Americans would rather take care of our own and let the government protect us from attack of other countries. We want you to protect our freedom! Not steal our money and control our steps under the guise of helping us.

Corruption, lies, immorality, hidden agendas; that is what the ones in Washington want to practice.They are not even paying their own tax obligations! They put rules on others that they refuse to put on themselves. Are they somehow more human than we? Tell me, why should I trust them with my health, my money or my environment?

The United States was founded on honoring God and yet our leaders are practicing wickedness in His face. I would suggest you read the biography of a man named John Calvin who, at 27 years old, wrote principles much like our Constitution. It is believed that the framers of our constitution followed much of his thought in the writing of our constitution. They may not have all agreed on every point of theology but they were all keenly aware of the fact that God was superior to them. And that they would be held accountable.

Men will always rebel against God and God will always use the wicked to get the attention of His people but woe to the ones who destroy the people of God.

No government is not the answer. Those in charge do not even know the question. Yet they want to put the citizenry under their total control.
My rights are not under the government, however. As a citizen of the United States of America my rights are provided by God and not this or any government.
Do you not realize that God is sovereign and that you or anyone else cannot thwart His plan. You do not want to be His ignoble vessel. Please, stop this insanity. Many have died for a free America.
Stop worrying about the "whatever" mouse. God has him covered. Worry more of the souls of men. You were appointed by God for this time to be president. Do you want to advance the agenda of a Sovereign almighty God who created everything? A God who can of His own volition speak and we are dust or elevate us to the position of ruler? Or do you want to advance your own agenda or even worse that of the very enemies of God?
Do you want to advance the agenda of communism or freedom? Truth or a lie? Do you want to build or tear down?
Whatever you and those around you choose, we as a citizenry are somewhat at your mercy. But you will be held accountable by the one true God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Learn of Him and He will help you.
Thank you,
Kathy Presley

Another with my name.... definitely not me.

2009-07-20T10:55:00.003-05:00

I noticed when googling my name that their is another Kathy Presley that is not me. She seems a bit or maybe a lot gutsier than me. We definitely have different approaches to life. So if any one out there is curious. I do not have an alter ego. I do not know that lady. I am sure she is very nice but not me.

Are we ready?

2009-07-20T10:32:00.002-05:00

Are we ready for what is coming? It appears that a large crowd of our fellow citizens are not happy living in a free country and would prefer it be changed to something akin to the ideolgies of Marx or Lenin.I am not sure why they want someone else to call the shots. I cannot fathom why one would want another to be responsible for their welfare. I kind of enjoy making my own mistakes rather than have someone else make theirs at my expense.

Failure is a great teacher. It instructs us to never do it that way again. Freedom allows for failure. Government dominance demands freedom to fail.

Are we ready to check in with the great society before we come or go; before we buy or sell? Do we want them to decide our careers for us? How many children we will have? When we can live or when we must die?

I do not. Do you?

The Visit

2009-07-13T13:36:00.008-05:00

Well, I marked off my calendar and think I only answered a couple of calls. And it was so much more than worth it. I got to know four little boys just a little bit better. I cherish every second they are here. It will only be a short time and instead of being excited about coming to Granny's and Poppy's they will have other things to do and other places to go that are more exciting. Granny and Poppy will fade from priority to duty. I can hear it now. "We have to go see them. We don't know how much longer they will be around. This could be our last visit." That is what my Aunt used to tell her kids about the half hour visit to my Great Grandmother's. I would like to think I will always be a cool Granny but realism prepares my heart for the day when I am just seen as an old bore.
But I choose to ignore that day and be fun as long as I have the opportunity.

The Sun is Shining

2009-06-13T08:25:00.002-05:00

The sun is shining. My grass seed is sprouting and today is a better day. Yesterday turned out to be rather pleasant. I got to make a long over due eye appointment.Dan and I went to dinner at Brick Town and got to eaves drop on the Blues festival with friends and had a relaxing evening.
Today another good friend is getting her things put away in her new home and happy with her decision to downsize. I dreamed last night that her beautiful china cabinet was so large it took up the whole of the living room. I spoke to her this morning and it fit very nicely in the dining room. It feels pretty good when it all comes together for people and all that stress and pressure getting those dates times and figures to hit, pays off in a win win for all concerned.
It also is good to have a job that actually does help people get where they want to be.
So even if yesterday was a chip to my confidence in one way it was a boost to my sense of professionalism and worth in another.I was reassured that God does listen to us in prayer over those day to day things. It is truly amazing how he put the pieces together to make my friend's home purchase come out just right in the nick of time.
Thanks Jesus.You are always good.

Dear Dear

2009-06-12T11:46:00.003-05:00

It is funny how one can go through a whole lifetime with the proverbial head in the sand about something and be totally unaware of it. I found myself in that position this morning.
Someone dear to me was in the area and I foolishly cleared my day thinking we would want to spend some time together. This friend has recently experienced some trials and I thought a little uplifting may be in order. The same friend has entered my life in a few of my trials and I was pleased to experience the friendship that was offered.I found,however, that I was not sought as a comfort or friend but someone requiring a particular energy or mood . I am a person that one must be "up for". I was not looked at as one who can offer comfort and peace but as a threat to the peace that was being sought.
WOW! I am not sure how to deal with the emotional temptation to feel a sense of rejection.I suppose the healthy thing to do is consider the sadness temporal and normal and go to on the next thing. As my dad wisely taught,"Kathy, everyone is not going to like you."
I do pray for the friend to find the peace they seek and for God to comfort them in this difficult time. I will also have to pray for myself that my tendency to self-protect will not hinder me from being there for someone who may not see me as that bit of a pain to deal with.

The Local Market

2009-06-01T10:05:00.002-05:00

I have been really busy. I am guessing Edmond, Oklahoma is not in quite the peril of other states. This week I have had 3 listings sold. One in about 30 minutes. One buyer sold and a new listing and a new buyer. Next week I have to get back into lead generating and get my listings inventory built back up.
A good problem to have. Everything sold. I do have a signing appointment today at one. Yea!!

Zack the Top Producer

2009-05-29T14:10:00.001-05:00

This one has the charm. He will be a top producer. He just needs to be Wickmanized.

Eric The Elder

2009-05-29T14:04:00.005-05:00

Eric is an avid reader. He is also a very good leader.Gentle yet firm. I am sure he would be a great team leader one day. I can see him signing everyone's Weekly Report.
He can teach the SMART PROGRAM.I really can't see him making his calls though. I can hardly get three sentences out of him now. His small talk is...well...small.
He may even say "You FSBO?"

Climbing to the Top

2009-05-29T13:58:00.002-05:00

Ben heard me talk about all I had learned in the SMART program. He is looking a bit smug because he thought he was already Wickmanized. He already knows how to chart new territory. He is only two and can get in the car, push the garage opener, and walk up the street. He has the nerve, he just needs to learn the dialogue.

This boy does not have his head in the sand!

2009-05-29T13:49:00.003-05:00

Floyd Wickman watch out! This one was born knowing how to close. He is creative persistent and SMART!
He is also my second Grandson Mark Bailey. So remember that name. You will hear it in twenty years.I am not sure for what he will be famous, but he will be famous.

Floyd Wickman Team Training

2009-05-15T05:35:00.003-05:00

Well I am almost there. Graduation is close at hand.I will leave next week with new goals and new tools in place to better serve my clients. In my twenty year career in the hair business I learned that education is the only way to keep your head above the water in the market. The same is true in Real Estate. Life does not allow us to become stagnant. We either rise or fall. Education is like that critical puff to a hot air balloon. It keeps you moving in the right direction and keeps you from crashing to the ground.

I am excited to implement the tools acquired to better serve those looking to buy or sell homes. One of the best benefits has been to manage my time better. I thought I was a good time manager but found I was working harder and not smarter. My goal is to continue to fine tune the process to better serve my clients and family as well as entertain a couple personal goals.

First Time Home Buyers Catch This

2009-05-08T07:56:00.001-05:00

The OHFA is releasing a $31 million home loan issue, set for an April 28 opening making available 3.5% down payment assistance to qualified homebuyers across the state. Call me to find out!

Toastmasters Speech Contest

2009-03-13T10:38:00.000-05:00

I was the alternate in our "Toast The Master" Club Contest, which is a nice way to say that I did not win. Jeff Gilbert won and will go to the International District competition on the March 21st. He did a great job and had wonderful content with a super delivery so do not let what I am about to say detract from his win. He would have won anyway, even if I had not went blank on three occasions. I gave new definition to the term "pregnant pause". I think it was going into labor because it gave birth to at least two more.
I am not sure how I can memorize an hour of content of a speech written and performed by R. C. Sproul and flub a 7 minute speech written by Kathy Presley. I paused so long at one point I was thinking the Chief Judge might call 911 thinking I was having a seizure. As for content one could have thought I had put the paragraphs in a shaker,threw them in the air and just spoke as they fell on my head, leaving several on the floor.
At one point, while I was attempting to come forth from the coma; I noticed words leaving my mouth. My brain was unable to determine if they were in fact sentences, phrases, or maybe just loose words.
I was determined to stand there and do something until the 5 minute signal. The green light finally let me know I could sit down. If I had ran to my seat before then I would have proven that at 53, I had not matured much since I was 13 and blanked out on a poem when I saw my Dad in the audience.
Someone in an effort to encourage told me it was a great speech. I could not help but think how impressed she would have been had she actually heard it. But it was a sweet thing to do. A romantic type may have bought it. I, being a realist, however, am aware that this nice lady would lie to make you feel good. So I will not be asking her if I look fat in anything.
I gave the speech to our Vice President of Education for two reasons. I wanted her to know that I really did prepare. She went to great lengths to set this thing up. I also wanted her to see how I could improve it, in case by some twist of fate I had to actually perform as the alternate.
We decided,in review, that I may have had too convoluted an opening line.This could have used too many brain cells and caused my inner computer to freeze up. It opened so many windows that I had to wait for a reset of the system. I would like to thank Ilene for her input.
So here I am ready to try again in the Humorous contest in the fall. I will beat this thing!

What's In the Foreclosure Prevention Plan

2009-02-20T10:48:00.000-06:00

Daily Real Estate News | February 19, 2009 | Share

The Obama administration yesterday released its long-awaited plan to stem foreclosures. It's organized into three categories:

1.) Help for home owners making their payments but at risk of default and foreclosure.

Home owners with a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan would be eligible to refinance as long as their mortgage doesn't exceed 105 percent of the home's current market value. Currently owners need to have at least 20 percent equity. Potential impact: 4-5 million households.

2.) Help for home owners already in default and in need of loan modification.

For lenders that voluntarily agree to lower a borrower's payment so that it makes up no more than 38 percent of the borrower's income, the government would share the cost of lowering the mortgage burden to 31 percent of income. Incentives to lenders to participate include a $1,000 payment.

Borrowers can receive up to $1,000 as an incentive to stay current on their new mortgage. Still in the works is a proposed provision that would allow bankruptcy judges to require loan modification (known as a cramdown) as part of a household's restructuring. That provision requires legislation by Congress. Estimated potential impact: 3-4 million households.

3.) Doubled resources to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

To encourage investors to buy the secondary market companies' mortgage-backed securities, the government explicitly backstops them to up to $400 billion, twice the current amount.

The plan does not provide help to investors or to home owners who are in trouble with a second home, nor does it apply to homeowners whose mortgage is part of a private-label mortgage security that is not backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

"The administration's proposed plan, combined with provisions like the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit in the just-enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will help minimize foreclosures, shrink housing inventory, stabilize home values, and move the country closer to an economic recovery," says NAR President Charles McMillan.

Source: REALTOR® Magazine Online

The Photo Copy Nazi

2009-02-12T21:56:00.000-06:00

Today I was going to run in to Fed Ex Kinko’s to make some real estate flyers.
Sellers like to have fresh color flyers attached to the For Sale sign in their yard describing the wonderful things about their home. They know that those buyers will see the lovely pictures, fall in love and purchase their home at full price.
Buyers like to take them out, check the details they are interested in, and eliminate that home from their wish list. A lot of Buyers that I have worked with love them and think you are more professional if you have them.

A lot of REALTOR’S say don’t put the flyers out in the boxes. Their theory is that a buyer will look at the details on the paper and if it is not what they have in mind they will toss it aside; wasting paper, effort and a potential lead. They believe a buyer will drive by and say, “Honey call that number and see how much it is.” Then if it is out of their range the helpful realtor can say “I have one over in YourPriceVilla that I can show you in just 30 minutes.” Thus you have captured the lead. You have a phone number and a potential buyer. Poor seller, He is just out of luck. But he was anyway. They couldn’t buy his house.

So if his house won’t sell, well, you are still getting paid.
So I was at Kinko’s pleasing my seller by making flyers. Now this is a very simple procedure. You put your discount card in the slot. It is ejected. Then you put your credit card in that same slot. Not hard. Then you feed your paper in at the top. You push 25 (if that is how many you want) and then start. Now I am sure most 5th graders could do it. I have done it almost every week for two years. And like magic, the copier prints one, you push start again and out come the other 24 copies.
Not today.
I put in the discount card. Then I put in my credit card. I laid the photo paper in the feeder and all of a sudden disturbing my little world, a clerk walking quickly to the machine said, “Are you finished?”
“No, I just started but I won’t be long.”
I pushed the 25 copies, then the start button and got an error message.
I turned to her and said. “I am getting an error message.”
“Did you put the card in. It has to have a card.”
“Yes” I pushed the button to release the card to prove to her accusing eye that I had in fact done the deed.
“Now put it back in.”
“I will as soon as I run my discount card first.”

She stood there like it was taking 30 minutes instead of 30 seconds.
She grabbed the paper off the top feeder and frantically said, “Oh you aren’t supposed to put it in there. That is card stock and you never put that in at the top. You are supposed to open it up and lay it here.”
I kept it to myself that it was not card stock. I don’t know what training she had but it was clear she must have earned a PHD in photocopy science. But somehow they missed telling her about Photo paper.
She tried a couple of times her perfect way while assuring me that the machine was fine and it was totally my fault, and indicated that on the hundred previous occasions of my successful copying, in this way, that I had “just gotten away with it.”
Having had enough, I calmly told her that I would come back when she was less grumpy.
That got her attention. She gave me that professional smile, that so I don’t lose it smile and said.”I'm not being grumpy".
I calmly said, “Yes, you are”.
"I will just go the Memorial store".
So I drove to the Memorial store. I had to go that way to get to my listing anyway.

Guess what? I went in. I put my discount card in the slot. Then I put my credit card in the slot. I placed the paper(that exact same photo paper) in the feeder. I pushed the 25 and start. Guess what?
It made the one copy. I pushed start again and it made the other 24. Just like other every other time.
So if you are ever in Kinko’s and you’ve just begun to make copies and some one with a badge wants to know if you’re finished; just say yes, release your card and let them deal with what ever is wrong with the machine.
When they are all finished, if there is a problem, they should have it all ready for you.

A Funny Thing Happened

2009-02-06T09:59:00.001-06:00

A funny thing happened on my way to Tulsa. Or did it actually happen when I got there, or even before I left Edmond? If one were very philosophical it could be determined that it was predestined to happen before I was born.In that case,perhaps it wasn't even my fault.Is there a possibility my husband would buy that one?
Anyway, I was late leaving and had the thought,"Maybe I should just get up early and leave in the morning.But then the sun will be right in my face and I will get sleepy and a hotel room is much cheaper than a wrecked SUV".So I packed my little overnight tote,grabbed a couple of outfits(in case one showed too many bulges) did my last minute check to see if I had my purse,my files, and my Toast Master's notebook and was on my way.
As I was backing out I noticed the gas gauge was on the half mark. I decided I would just stop on the way out of town. I looked and saw the gas was $1.71 and briefly wondered if it would be cheaper on the turnpike. Oh well, I decided, I am here I may as well get it. So I slipped my card in and while the tank was filling went in to get a soda for the trip.
I paid cash for the soda and walked back to hang up the nozzle. I looked up to see the clerk coming toward me with my soda. I took it, thanked him and made some comment about Alzheimer's. I kind of laughed at my goofiness and hopped in the car to begin my jog to Tulsa.
I tried to listen to Dave Ramsey but he was too sketchy with the bad reception. I changed the station and was listening to this wonderful sermon by John MacArthur. He spoke about trusting God enough to be thankful while we are in a crises.It was great. I loved it.
The first item,upon arriving, was to find the church where the training would be held. That was easy. A hotel was only three miles away and it was early enough that I could run by Wal-mart and see if they had a cute sweater. I saw a decent looking hotel and pulled in. The rate was good. I made mental note to check out the room before I committed.While the clerk was checking I realized that my credit card was not in my purse.I excused myself and went to see if I had set it on the seat. I proceeded to go through my purse, my files, (they could have slid in one), my notebook, between the seats, under the seats. I think I went through this three or four times. Now, what is the definition of insanity?
After concluding the worst. I went back in and told the clerk. Then the worst of it. I had to call my husband. I got to hear how he always puts his card in the same place, in his wallet every time. I got to be counselled on the importance of paying attention to what one is doing. I am glad he is taking his leadership role seriously.But maybe not right now.

There was only one thing to do. Drive back to Edmond. So I did.I was very torn and sad. The MacArthur sermon took on a bit of a different slant.It stung a tad.I cried a bit.I whined some. Then it hit me that God was speaking to me in this. He was telling me some not so comfortable things about my motives.I decided that I needed to trust Him. I need to trust Him when my plans are thwarted because His will never be.I need to live my life for Him and trust Him for the outcome. It may be what I have in mind and it may not be.I may be a huge success and I may die an unknown. The only thing that matters is that He is pleased.I used to know that.I am not sure when I lost my way. But I knew I had lost my way. I do not have to make a mark in this world. Jesus did that.I just want to walk in his foot prints. I just want to talk to Him. Be still and know that He is God. I think that means rather than me.
Once back in Edmond,I made a stop at the station, surprised that they were open since earlier they did not answer the phone.
Of course no one had turned it in.
I got the card cancelled and ascertained that only one charge had been made that day to the station. Whew! I was relieved. For some reason I asked again. I just got a strange feeling. The lady on the phone told me she had already changed the number and I would have to check back when I received the new card.
By the time I did all that,and took my Yorkie to the potty three times, it was quite late. I decided not to attempt driving with so little sleep. So I am still not trained for my Toast Masters position.But I am still His child.
After checking that card someone did manage to get a tank of gas or something for $19 and some change.I have to wonder what that recipient of free gas said to him or her self to make it okay in their mind. What conversation allowed them to pick up this card, either off the ground,off the counter, or maybe the floor of the store and use it rather than turn it in to the clerk. Were they struggling financially? Were they merely opportunist? Who can say. I just know that even that had to be filtered through the hands of God. So who ever you are out there, God loves you. Trust Him.

Two yorkies and a chihuahua

2009-01-29T10:38:00.000-06:00

Bitsy and Suzee have made their piece with Bruiser. Now we have to work on Sammy(not pictured).

My first comment!!

2009-01-28T21:05:00.000-06:00

Laughing at the boys

2009-01-28T15:10:00.000-06:00

I have spent the last few minutes reading Rebecca's blog. I actually laughed out loud (no internet pun intended) several times. Just to think I used to get so annoyed over the same things and now they are hilarious. I guess it is all about perspective. Our pastor made a comment about how you are free when the last kid leaves and the dog dies. I look at Bitsy and feel a pang of guilt that I too have have wondered if she was going to be the oldest dog that ever lived. Maybe I should have bought the generic food. When I got her I was missing Rebecca and did not think about the fact that she would still be around long afer the empty nest syndrome had been cured. She really is a sweet dog, just a touch neurotic, but sweet. Now Suzee will be around after I retire. That is if you do not consider me retired now. One thing about being in real estate right now is it really gets you on your knees. I have prayed more than ever. I worry more about my listings than the sellers do. They do not have to worry. I have it covered. I thought I would be off this Sunday due to the Super Bowl but the paper did not get my email and left the banner on. So while everyone else is getting their house ready for the game I will be praying for a buyer to not be a sports fan.Surely there are two of us in the state of Oklahoma.

Just Boys

2008-12-22T10:34:00.000-06:00

The Manatees and Rays were pretty cool

Escape Foiled

2008-12-22T10:27:00.000-06:00

I was hiding from Granny and you know what she did? She crawled back here and got me by the feet and drug me out. I was trying to pout but thought it was a little funny so I laughed.
Mark

No Alligator

2008-12-22T10:22:00.000-06:00

Poppy and I went to see the aligator but he must have been gone to see his family for Thanksgiving.Ben

Olive Stand Up

2008-12-22T10:14:00.000-06:00

I tasted this black olive. It was really yucky so I spit it out. Everyone thought it was so funny. SO I put it back in my mouth and spit it again. They laughed again. What an easy audience.Except for the yuckiness of the olive it was a pretty easy gig.
Ben

Mark of the Month

2008-11-10T11:35:00.000-06:00

My daughter tells me that My precious little Mark earned the title of student of the month.Granny is so proud of you Markie MaLarkey

The Salon

2008-10-28T17:06:00.000-05:00

I opened my new salon on the 18th with lots of help from my husband. Or can you call it "help" when I am the helper and he is the do the most of it-er.It turned out very nice and has gotten great comments from customers. I am loving seeing all my old friends again. We are still trying to think of a catchy name. Any ideas out there??

Handsome in Uniform

2008-10-14T10:13:00.000-05:00

Grand Litter

2008-10-14T10:06:00.000-05:00

All the cute little feet made me think of a littler of puppies.

A Word Aduddell Mortgage

2008-09-23T10:34:00.000-05:00

Good Morning everyone. I am sorry that you are getting this today instead of yesterday, but I was hiding under my desk from Congress and all the bailout talk. 
Seriously, I was out of town yesterday and did not have a way to send until today. I am being asked by a lot of people if anything has really changed in the Mortgage world these days and actually the main things that have changed are:
1) No more “Stated” loans for the Self-Employed unless it is a 75% loan to value or less (usually)
2) The Down Payment Assistance Program on FHA has now gone away
3) Stricter guidelines on “Non-Owner” occupied properties

Other than these major changes, the guidelines have not changed much, however Underwriters themselves are probably being a little more cautious than they were a year ago or even a month ago.
Bottom line is….People with good credit and can prove their income do not have a problem in 95% of the cases. Those without any money or can’t prove their income or their debt ratios are too high, are the ones having the issues getting approved. Of course, I would say that is just simple common sense, but what do I know 

Please remember that we not only have Conventional and FHA, but VA and USDA are available still up to 100% financing for qualified buyers.

Thanks
From the desk of
David Lee
President
405-340-3277 (o)
405-340-3627 (f)
405-245-0714 (c)
www.aduddellmortgage.com

2008-09-09T16:37:00.000-05:00

5 Common First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes

1. They don’t ask enough questions of their lender and end up missing out on the best deal.

2. They don’t act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.

3. They don’t find the right agent who’s willing to help them through the homebuying process.

4. They don’t do enough to make their offer look appealing to a seller.

5. They don’t think about resale before they buy. The average first-time buyer only stays in a home for four years.

Source: Real Estate Checklists and Systems, www.realestatechecklists.com.

2008-09-06T13:34:00.000-05:00

The Drainage System

Gutters, downspouts and splash blocks collect rainwater from a roof and send it away from the structure. Gutters are the valleys located on the edge of the roof. The downspouts connect to the gutters to carry the water to the ground. Splash blocks are located at the end of the downspouts to divert water away from the building.

Damaged or leaking gutters can cause water to stain walls, pool against the foundation or seep into the walls, damaging the structure. With fall just around the corner, your gutters are susceptible to clogs from falling leaves. A few actions on your part can help prevent these problems and route water away from your home:
• Remove debris from gutters as often as needed to prevent dams and overflow. Gutters may need to be cleaned twice a year or weekly.
• Visually inspect gutters and downspouts for apparent damage from tree limbs or storms.
• Check that all downspouts are directed away from the home’s foundation and splash blocks are in place.
• Check fasteners on downspouts and gutters to insure proper connections are in place.

A National Property Inspections property inspection includes a thorough visual examination of the drainage system. Your NPI inspector will note any problems and recommend any needed repairs.
To locate an NPI professional in your area, check out National Property Inspections.
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Be Advised

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels. Appliances fueled with natural gas, liquid petroleum, oil, kerosene, coal or wood may produce CO.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), every year, over 200 people in the United States die from CO and several thousand people go to hospital emergency rooms for treatment for CO poisoning.

Symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu and include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness. While it is important to recognize these symptoms, there are also ways to prevent CO poisoning:
• Make sure appliances are installed according to manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes.
• Install a CO detector/alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home.
• Never burn charcoal inside a home, garage, tent or vehicle.
• Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.
• Never use appliances such as ranges, ovens or clothes dryers for heating your home.
• Do not use gasoline-powered tools and engines indoors.
For more information on CO, visit The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
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Kitchen Safety

The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in a home. It can also be one of the most dangerous. Use the following checklist as a guide to help keep your family safe from kitchen hazards.

• Store harmful products in their original containers and away from food.
• Post the poison control hotline (1-800-222-1222) and other emergency numbers near every phone.
• Store knives and other sharp objects out of the reach of children.
• Wear gloves and masks when using harsh products.
• Do not mix products together as this can cause dangerous reactions.
• Put away products promptly after use and wipe up spills immediately.
• Cover the trashcan with a lid.
• Make sure your kitchen electrical outlets are GFCI protected, according to your local jurisdiction and building standards.
• Test the GFCI monthly by pushing the red test button.
• Do not leave the kitchen while cooking.
• Keep things that can burn, such as dishtowels, paper or plastic bags and curtains at least three feet from the range top.
• Carefully remove lids or other coverings from microwaved food to prevent steam burns.
• Make sure all matches and lighters are stored out of children’s reach.
For more information on kitchen safety tips, visit the Home Safety Council.
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Smart Kitchens
When it comes to energy consumption, the kitchen is the hungriest room in the house. Kitchen appliances – including refrigerators, freezers, ranges and dishwashers – account for about 27 percent of household electricity use, according to taunton.com.
Here are some tips for remodeling your kitchen into a “smart” kitchen that can save you money and resources.
Refrigerators/Freezers - look for:
• The Energy Star Label, which provides 15 percent more energy efficiency than the federal minimum.
• Freezers on top or bottom.
• Manual defrost cycles.
Cooktops and Ovens:
• Induction: the most efficient of cooktops.
• Radiant ceramic: most common cooktop.
• Electric coil: slow to heat but energy efficient.
• Gas: rates worst in energy efficiency.
Dishwashers - look for:
• The Energy Star Label, which is at least 41 percent more energy efficient than the federal minimum.
• Soil sensing determines how dirty the dishes are and adjusts water use accordingly.
• No-heat drying.
In 2006 a tax law change provided a tax credit of 10 percent for buying qualified energy efficiency improvements.
For more information on “smart” kitchens, go to www.taunton.com.
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Maintenance Matters

Are you ready for the first day of fall on Sept. 22? No matter where your home is located, cooler weather is approaching. Here are a few tips to get your home ready for the months ahead:

Inspect the deck or patio – clean the deck with soapy water and a pole brush. Apply a water sealer. To clean a concrete patio, use a concrete sealer.

Clean up/repair outdoor furniture – use a mild dish detergent with water and a sponge. Make any repairs to weathered furniture. Have a spot ready to store them when the time comes.

Check your weather-proofing – look for gaps or worn spots in weather-stripping around exterior doors and windows and replace as needed.

Clean your windows and screens – inspect the screens and repair any holes or tears. Replace screens with storm windows/doors if necessary.

Trim trees – tree branches that hang over the roof can damage the roof should they break under the weight of snow or ice.

Winterize the lawn – rake up leaves, cut the grass, remove any weeds and fertilize the lawn to keep it green and protect it from pests and cold.

Prepare your garden and planting beds – mulch around your bulbs, shrubs, roses and trees to prevent any drastic changes in soil temperature from destroying the root systems of these plants.

Take care of the lawn mower and garden tools – run the gas out of the mower for storage. Change the oil and check the spark plug. Clean garden tools and give them a light coat of oil to protect them from rust.

Drain the water – if you live in a location where it freezes, drain the hose, coil it up and hang it up where it won’t freeze or crack. If you have a sprinkler system, drain it, and shut off the water to prevent pipes from freezing.
For more information or to locate a NPI professional in your area, go to www.npiweb.com.

2008-09-05T08:45:00.000-05:00

Diving in Cozumel

2008-08-06T22:37:00.000-05:00

Am I nervous. Of course not. I am so excited to get away where I am not allowed to have a cell phone or a laptop or a file. Just me water, fish, and of course my dive buddy, Dan. I have spent way too much money on dive equipment so do not expect clear pictures. I will be using a cheap disposable camera. I may not be skilled enough to take pictures, watch my computer and stay with the team. My priority is to enjoy first and deal with pictures second.

We had a great time with Mike and Colleen and Jerry and Beth. We went to see Paul Revere and the Raiders and Bill Medley(the other Righteous brother). I left my good camera in the car and the i phone, well just did not quite get it done. It was cool to meet a rock and roll legend like Bill Medley. It was a little hard to see him be 67 though. It is a little strange to see an enigma up close because you realize they are just like us. It is funny how we expect something different than that. What are we thinking.I did get autographs. It was a great experience, though I am not sure I am old enough to get the whole Branson excitement. I looked around the room and thought for a minute I was at MIMI'S restaurant. I know most everyone was 65 and up.
But it was the Dick Clark Theater after all.

Dive in and Win

2008-07-25T10:31:00.000-05:00

Grandparenting

2008-07-08T13:32:00.000-05:00

I think the toy was worth the money. What do you think?

They did use the slide. Those are on my phone. As soon as I find the little thing that goes with it to put it in my computer.

Slippery Slope

2008-07-08T13:21:00.000-05:00

Was it worth the money? Yes

Scuba Sorrows

2008-07-08T13:10:00.000-05:00

Well, I have no SCUBA stories. We still did not get to go. I decided to get a tummy thing on the way there. I tried to be okay but at water's edge I lost it. We also missed the deadline for the Cozumel trip. We may need to get in a LD Scuba class.So again we reschedule for the 19th of July. PRAY, please.
i am trying to check off my bucket list.

Not bad for a "DINK"

2008-07-08T13:02:00.000-05:00

Looks like Jason has a pretty good handle on Rebecca's four little boys. Pretty remarkable being half of a "DoubleIncomeNoKids" family. Actually Summer did great as well she got them all peanut butter sandwiches as we were cleaning everyone up. They love her. Think kids may be in the future for the Presley Jr.'s?

Sleeping Travelers

2008-07-08T12:56:00.000-05:00

If only I could sleep that well in the car. My daughter may say I can. I am sure I slept some on our trek from Tampa to Kansas City via Panama City (to hang out for a bit with Summer and Jason) before going on. We really had a nice time. Rebecca's friends were very fun. I almost didn't feel old enough to be all their mom's.

Fun with Family

2008-06-10T23:02:00.000-05:00

What a great week. I got to see my cousin Pam from Arizona. Her husband, Ken took us flying and let my husband, Dan fly the plane. Dan was thrilled. He has wanted to fly all of his life. Ken you just checked off the main item on his bucket list. We even had those cool head sets so we could talk to each other in a normal voice. I flew once as a teenager and remember everyone had to yell at each other.The local scenery was beautiful. Albeit, reminding me of how small I am. I did not realize how many "Hollywood" sized home we have around here. If you have not seen the GEOPORT you should. It is very nice.I learned it stands for Guthrie Edmond Oklahoma (Air)port
We followed with dinner. My son Jason, who only makes time for those he deems wonderful joined us. It was so much fun. 7000 calories and 800 fat grams later here I am blogging.
Oh by the way Jason did have to work. He was cancelled and then called back in.

Only a few days before Dan's sister Susan brought her husband Phil and their three semi adult sons.Phil is a teaser but my new daughter Summer held her on and may even have out teased him once or twice.It was great seeing the boys. It makes me wonder how Eric Mark Zack and Ben will look in a few years.

Kathy Presley REALTOR

2008-06-03T20:46:00.000-05:00

Kathy Presley REALTOR

2008-06-03T17:45:00.000-05:00

Big Kahona Cakes Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse
Show: Emeril Live
Episode: Singular Sensations

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_8363,00.html

1 cup plus 2 teaspoons butter
1/2 cup oil
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch salt
4 eggs
3 cups shredded carrots
8 ounces crushed pineapple
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup toasted coconut
4 cups powdered sugar
1 cup toasted macadamia nuts, finely chopped

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper and grease with 2 teaspoons of the butter.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, fitted with a paddle, combine the 1/2 cup butter, oil and sugar. Cream the mixture until smooth.

Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt into a small mixing bowl. Add the egg to the butter/sugar mixture, one at a time. Add the flour mixture to the butter/sugar mixture, 1/2 cup at a time. Add the carrots and pineapple. Mix well. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Place in the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the center sprigs back when touched.

Remove from the oven and cool. Using a 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter, cut the cake into 24 rounds.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the cream cheese and remaining 1/2 cup butter. Mix well. Add the coconut. Mix well. Add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time and mix until the frosting is spreadable. Spread 2 tablespoons of the frosting in the center of half of the cake rounds. Place the remaining cake rounds on top of the frosting. Frost each round with the remaining frosting. Garnish the top of each cake with a sprinkle of the chopped macadamia nuts.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_8363,00.html

Selling Fast!

2008-06-02T14:59:00.000-05:00

Following these steps will ensure that you get more buyers interested in your property than the competition.
1. The first and most important step is to see it as a house, not your home, but a product that needs to be marketed. This is difficult. We often attach personal power to our homes. It is so important to look objectively at the pros and cons in a buyer's eyes.
2. It is a good idea to go over your home carefully. You just want to be sure that there are no unpleasant surprises at the buyers inspection. Never attempt to cover over a flow. If you cannot afford to repair the problem, openly state it and reflect it in the price.
3. Be realistic about price. An overpriced home sits on the market and loses buyers. They buy something else while you are waiting to get a few more bucks. In the long run it usually brings less than if it had been priced right in the first place.
4. Beautify, neaten up and appeal to the greatest number. Neutral is better. Curb appeal is key.
5. Have all unfinished projects complete. Buyers would rather not do heavy maintenance or finish projects right away.
6. Try not to have a home that identifies only one group. You want whoever qualifies to like your home, not just someone like you.

Houseplants for Beginners

2008-06-02T14:44:00.000-05:00

Plant
Light Requirements
Features and Why We Like Them
Cast Iron Plant Aspidistra elatior
Low
Cold tolerant.
Chinese Evergreen Aglaonema
Low
Tolerates dry air.
Dracaena Dracaena
Low
Many varieties to choose from.
Kentia Palm Howea forsteriana
Low
Unlike most palms this one tolerates dry, heated air.
Philodendron Philodendron
Low
Vining habit works in hanging baskets as well as containers.
Snake Plant Sansevieria
Low
Insect resistant.
African Violet Saintpaulia
Medium/Indirect
Great combination of foliage and almost constant blooms.
Likes humidity.
Dumb Cane Dieffenbachia
Medium/Indirect
Several varieties to choose from.
Ficus Ficus
Medium/Indirect
Seldom needs repotting.
Many varieties of shapes and sizes.
Fishtail Palm Caryota mitis
Medium/Indirect
Tolerates lower light better than most palms.
Lady Palm Rhapis excelsa
Medium/Indirect
Can tolerate cooler indoor temperatures.
Peperomia Peperomia
Medium/Indirect
Semi-succulent leaves.
Can tolerate lack of water.
Pothos Epipremnum aureum
Medium/Indirect
Vining habit.
Tolerates irregular watering.
Rubber Plant Ficus elastica
Medium/Indirect
Seldom needs repotting.
Variety of forms.
Schefflera Brassaia
Medium/Indirect
Glossy leaves.
Likes high humidity.
Spider Plant Chlorophytum comosum
Medium/Indirect
Good hanging basket plant.
Produces stems that in turn can be potted to produce new plants.
Aloe Aloe barbadensis
Bright/Direct
Fleshy succulent leaves have a nice texture.
Cactus (Various)
Bright/Direct
The epitome of easy care.
Don't let any preconceived notions limit you. There are countless attractive variations of this sturdy plant.
Croton Codiaeum
Bright/Direct
Variety of foliage colors available.
Ponytail Palm Beaucarnea recurvata
Bright/Direct
Slow-grower.
Bulb base stores water.
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p=LawnGarden/BeginnerHouseplants.html

Flock Social

2008-05-31T22:17:00.000-05:00

We had our flock social tonight. Flock is an acronym for fellowship, leadership, outreach, caring and knowledge and is in reference to Henderson Hills Baptist Church.

Tonight the men had an "iron chef"dessert contest. The winner was an awesome German chocolate cake recipe from Gordon's grandma. He said that in the day they actually grated fresh coconut for it. I am sure they baked it over hot coals as well. Second was Ron's Big Kahuna. It was very good but looked more like it should have had a bit daintier name.

Third were Bob's crepes. They were quite good. He should have won just for tackling crepes. I cannot imagine a man with that kind of patience.

After this I am sure we will be seeing some real man behavior to cancel out any feminine side that may have emmerged.

The girls had lots of time to catch up. It was really fun, thanks to Jeannenne for hosting.

Advise from the Next Generation

2008-05-29T09:04:00.000-05:00

Since I am not of the blogging generation, I often ask my daughter for help. She is amazing. One speck of advice is that I am not supposed to replace articles. Another is that I am supposed to blog daily rather than trying to play catch up. She and I are planning a road trip from Tampa to Kansas. I am looking forward to spending a lot of extra time with her and the boys, namely Eric, Mark, Zack and Ben. These good looking men are 6,5, almost 3 and 1. It should be a blast.

We will meet my son and his bride in Panama City which should also be fun. I am so excited.

Lawn and Garden Tips:

2008-05-28T20:24:00.000-05:00

Rules of Thumb for Water Use on Lawns and Gardens:
One deep watering is much better than watering several times lightly.
Lawns need about 1 inch of water each week. If the weather is very hot, apply an inch of water about every 3 days.
Watering to a depth of 4-6 inches encourages deeper, healthier root development. It allows longer periods between watering.
To measure the water, put an empty tuna can (or cat food can) on the lawn while watering. Stop watering when the can is full or if you notice water running off the lawn.

Quote of the Week

2008-05-28T20:22:00.000-05:00

Truth is always about something,
but reality is that about which truth is. C. S. Lewis

Preparing for Homeownership

2008-05-28T19:52:00.000-05:00

Homebuying GuidesEven before you begin looking for a home, the homebuying process requires diligent preparation. Buyers who have been preapproved for a home loan often have their offers taken more seriously by sellers. With advance preparation, you can tackle the process of acquiring the financing you need with more confidence. To help you on the path to homeownership, NeighborWorks® offers* free step-by-step guides, developed by the Fannie Mae Foundation, that can help you get closer to achieving your dream:
Knowing and Understanding Your Credit
Opening the Door to a Home of Your Own
Choosing the Mortgage that's Right for You
Borrowing Basics: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You
T hese authoritative homebuying guides (in PDF format) are available in nine languages, including English, Chinese, Haitian-Creole, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese. You can download a guide or order a print version online from HomeBuyingGuide.org.

Permanent Loan Limit Increase would be good for Homeownership, Says NAR

2008-05-28T18:44:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON, May 22, 2008
Making the temporary loan limit increases authorized by the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 permanent will give families in high-cost areas equal access to fair and affordable loans on a continuous basis, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
“Congress created Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to provide liquidity and stability to the mortgage markets. Making the Economic Stimulus Act limits permanent will significantly boost home buyer, lender and investor confidence and will bring more families in high-cost areas back to the marketplace with greater access to affordable financing,” said Realtor® Vince Malta, Chair of NAR’s Public Policy Coordinating Committee, in testimony before the House Financial Services Committee today. “This will also make more affordable interest rates available for families regardless of where they live because of the added liquidity to the mortgage market. We believe the result will be additional sales, lower inventories, and stronger home prices.”
Research studies have found that home prices have the biggest impact on foreclosures, and that strengthening and stabilizing home prices would reduce foreclosures.
“While jumbo mortgages were once associated with luxury housing, today every region of the country has areas that qualify for jumbo conforming loans,” said Malta. NAR estimates that adopting permanent high-cost area limits of 125 percent of the local median home sales price, up to $729,750, will allow more than 500,000 homeowners to refinance into lower interest rate loans every year, helping to reduce foreclosures by as many as 210,000. Additionally, this would generate over $35 billion in increased economic activity, strengthen home prices by 2 to 3 percent, increase home sales by up to 350,000 and save homeowners up to $600 per month.
“For all of these reasons, NAR urges Congress to make the Economic Stimulus Act loan limit increases permanent. Doing so is the right move for the nation’s housing markets and economy and is a matter of simple equity for American families residing in higher cost areas. Stability is what we are after and stability is what this action would provide,” Malta said.
The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.2 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Quote of the Week

2008-05-05T11:47:00.000-05:00

It is not that we fail to know that God is and who God is; it is that we refuse to believe what we know to be true. R.C. Sproul

Real Estate Questions:

2008-04-14T18:01:00.000-05:00

If you have any questions about buying or selling a home or need a lender referral, please blog in.

Lawn and Garden Tips:

2008-04-14T17:40:00.000-05:00

When space is at a minimum a container garden allows you to fashion a small environment ideal for special plants. It also creates visual focus and interest for a patio walkway or small terrace.

Rebecca and Kevin

2008-04-14T17:27:00.000-05:00

These are the wonderful parents of those cute little boys you will hear about. Good parents is not enough to say. To have four boys so close together and make each one feel special and loved is quite a feat. they do an awesome job and still are sure to love each other. Kevin thanks for being a great son in law and a superb daddy. Rebecca I am so proud of you. I would love to give you parenting advice and be controlling but I think you do so much better than any advice I could give you. So you go girl!! (I am guessing that is old cliche) Nevertheless Yea BEC!

Jason and Summer

2008-04-14T17:17:00.000-05:00

My baby boy Jason and his sweet wife Summer. I wondered why her mom named her Summer since she was born in the fall but now I know. It is because she is sunshine personified. She has a beautiful smile and her eyes light up when she looks at my son. She is thoughtful and personable. What an answer to prayer. We pray for our children to marry an adoring partner and so I have it.

We love it when we get to "hang out" with them.

The Husband

2008-04-14T17:11:00.000-05:00

This is my husband Dan. He owns an appliance repair business. Dan's Appliance Repair (405 341 8007) has been in business since 1987. He works on washers, dryers, dishwashers, stoves, ranges and cook tops.

We had our first scuba experience. It was great. We are excited about our open water dive. Does anyone know of a place to get scuba gear that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? We still need BC's, computers and of course regulators. Renting may just have to be the way for a bit. Unless of course someone mails me a large check. I don't think renting is the worst thing one could ever do.

Well we get to finish SCUBA lessons on the 28th of June. It will be our first open water dive.

I am so excited.

My Grandsons Eric Mark Zack and Ben

2008-04-14T11:28:00.000-05:00

These little guys are the loves of my life.
They are all very different and are all my very favorite!