One last blog before I sign out. Tomorrow is moving day, and getting on Blogger to write will not really be a major priority. As a matter of fact, I am about to take the computer apart and move it tonight. I don't trust the mo9vers with my baby :)
The place is great. We got the keys this morning, and took off work early this afternoon to get started. Being tired of living around boxes and crap, we decided to grab a few necessities and "camp out" at the new place. Necessities include the laptop (we are "borrowing" a wireless connection from a neighbor for now), a mattress (Stef says a foamy is good enough for her), and all of my medications. That, and a bunch of pop in the fridge, and we are ready to go!
So, I will be out for a day or two. See you!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
There is no "glee" in "Langley"
This is a blog about living in White Rock, BC; the most beautiful place north of Santa Monica.
Today I was delighted to have to do some work in a neighboring suburb, Langley. Langley, like White Rock, has many elderly people in it, and an influx of younger people; but, unlike White Rock, Langley has become a sprawling suburb, and is divided, like many towns in the Fraser Valley, by railroad tracks and a highway. Put these two together, add a long freight train, and a whole lot of traffic during the lunch hour, and you get disaster. My first appointment was at 11AM, my second was at 12, and I had many stops to make before and after. Let's just say that I am happy to not own a gun :) ... I think.
This afternoon, having experienced one harrowing ordeal after another, I was back in White Rock again. What a difference. The pace is slower, even when you are in a hurry. People slow down to let you in, no one cuts you off, and people are generally quite friendly. Is this the difference living near the water makes?
I like White Rock because of the pace. The older generation here has been here for decades, and as those of us that are younger (or think we are younger) move in, they are reluctant to step aside and let the sleepy little beach community grow. I think, for the most part, those of us that have relocated here in the last few years are a bit reluctant, as well. There will be change, for sure, but I am happy that even the developers recognize the heritage, and are keeping the general feel of a beach town (Peace Arch News story).
There is nowhere to go but up, and I am happy that I am leaving the ground floor, and going up. I less than a week, 6 days to be exact, we are moving more into White Rock, closer to the center, and nearer to the core.
Today I was delighted to have to do some work in a neighboring suburb, Langley. Langley, like White Rock, has many elderly people in it, and an influx of younger people; but, unlike White Rock, Langley has become a sprawling suburb, and is divided, like many towns in the Fraser Valley, by railroad tracks and a highway. Put these two together, add a long freight train, and a whole lot of traffic during the lunch hour, and you get disaster. My first appointment was at 11AM, my second was at 12, and I had many stops to make before and after. Let's just say that I am happy to not own a gun :) ... I think.
This afternoon, having experienced one harrowing ordeal after another, I was back in White Rock again. What a difference. The pace is slower, even when you are in a hurry. People slow down to let you in, no one cuts you off, and people are generally quite friendly. Is this the difference living near the water makes?
I like White Rock because of the pace. The older generation here has been here for decades, and as those of us that are younger (or think we are younger) move in, they are reluctant to step aside and let the sleepy little beach community grow. I think, for the most part, those of us that have relocated here in the last few years are a bit reluctant, as well. There will be change, for sure, but I am happy that even the developers recognize the heritage, and are keeping the general feel of a beach town (Peace Arch News story).
There is nowhere to go but up, and I am happy that I am leaving the ground floor, and going up. I less than a week, 6 days to be exact, we are moving more into White Rock, closer to the center, and nearer to the core.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Bummer
Well, found out today that the dingbats who lived in our new place have not yet returned the keys to the landlord. He is not able to contact/communicate with them, and they are not responding to his messages of urgency, so he has given them one more - keys within 7 days or new locks. Why 7 days, I don't know. They are obviously not getting a damage deposit back.
So, unfortunately that means we have to wait another week before we can get in, which puts us to the 24th at the earliest - one day sooner - yay.
I'm a little disappointed, but at least now we have an answer, and we know more than "nothing" for sure. It still allows us to get in and clean up a bit before being surrounded by boxes. I would like a day extra to take a few of the more breakable things that the movers won't be touching - I don't care how good their insurance is, they are not touching my amps or guitars :)
We won't be packing any more now for a week. Not that there was much left to pack anyways.
So, unfortunately that means we have to wait another week before we can get in, which puts us to the 24th at the earliest - one day sooner - yay.
I'm a little disappointed, but at least now we have an answer, and we know more than "nothing" for sure. It still allows us to get in and clean up a bit before being surrounded by boxes. I would like a day extra to take a few of the more breakable things that the movers won't be touching - I don't care how good their insurance is, they are not touching my amps or guitars :)
We won't be packing any more now for a week. Not that there was much left to pack anyways.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Patience is a virtue?
I'm not a very patient person, I guess. I was telling Stef today that I don't get too excited about something until it is paid for. Like a cruise. I usually get excited a month before we go, when I realize that it is coming up quick. Well, the damage deposit cheque for on our new place has been cashed, and he was supposed to get the key on Saturday. I was really hoping to know by now :(
We are pretty sure that we are getting in on the 25th, which is less than a week and a half, but if we can get in earlier, that would make things more fun, and less stressful, you know? I want to see it, to be in it, to clean it, and to start moving various odds and ends into it. I want it to be mine, to stand on the balcony on a sunny day. Not that we are having any of those lately.
Stef's parents' dog died today. It really sucks because the dog had only recently become very comfortable at home, coming into the house in the evening and relaxing by the fire. But alas, he was a wanderer, and a wandering he must have gone, because he had a very badly damaged hip on the rear leg, and the surgery would have cost more than a used car. He is only a pet, and we have our limits as to how much we will spend on our pets. He looked like he was in a lot of pain yesterday, and today they took him to the vet and were given the prognosis. He is now in his resting place in the back forties, under a maple tree, with 2 other pets, Sammy and Jasper. It is also where Louie will lay his weary head soon, I guess. Louie will be going to Stef's parents' place next weekend, and he will live out his days there. Hopefully he doesn't wander, too.
So, soon we will be petless. Our plan is to get a Siamese Fighting Fish, or Beta, and put it in my old snail tank (sans snails, of course). Stef keeps saying she wants a rodent, like a hamster or a guinea pig. I hope she is joking. I think that if I invited some of my cleaners over they would think it is lunch (apparently chinchilla is a delicacy in South America LOL)
Well, almost bed time (10:15 - sheesh I am getting old!!)
We are pretty sure that we are getting in on the 25th, which is less than a week and a half, but if we can get in earlier, that would make things more fun, and less stressful, you know? I want to see it, to be in it, to clean it, and to start moving various odds and ends into it. I want it to be mine, to stand on the balcony on a sunny day. Not that we are having any of those lately.
Stef's parents' dog died today. It really sucks because the dog had only recently become very comfortable at home, coming into the house in the evening and relaxing by the fire. But alas, he was a wanderer, and a wandering he must have gone, because he had a very badly damaged hip on the rear leg, and the surgery would have cost more than a used car. He is only a pet, and we have our limits as to how much we will spend on our pets. He looked like he was in a lot of pain yesterday, and today they took him to the vet and were given the prognosis. He is now in his resting place in the back forties, under a maple tree, with 2 other pets, Sammy and Jasper. It is also where Louie will lay his weary head soon, I guess. Louie will be going to Stef's parents' place next weekend, and he will live out his days there. Hopefully he doesn't wander, too.
So, soon we will be petless. Our plan is to get a Siamese Fighting Fish, or Beta, and put it in my old snail tank (sans snails, of course). Stef keeps saying she wants a rodent, like a hamster or a guinea pig. I hope she is joking. I think that if I invited some of my cleaners over they would think it is lunch (apparently chinchilla is a delicacy in South America LOL)
Well, almost bed time (10:15 - sheesh I am getting old!!)
Saturday, March 15, 2008
A dreary Saturday
We are sitting amidst boxes filled with our belongings. We are getting bored of packing, and we are longing for something different.
Last night we went to visit old friends. It has been a while since we visited, and it was nice. We have our differences, and we think differently, and do things differently, but I don't see why we can't still be friends. I'm ready for that.
Today we are sort of hanging around the house. I want to do some vacuuming, more packing; it's time to pack the Tupperware(c) and the spices. It's not like we will be doing a lot of cooking in the next week and a half.
Today our new landlord is hoping to get the keys from his previous tenant. They broke their lease, and moved out early, and now they are difficult to contact. I say, keep the damage deposit, and get new keys made; but then, I am impatient. If he can get the keys this weekend, we might be able to get in earlier. I offered to do the additional cleaning of the place in exchange for getting in earlier, and he liked the idea, so we'll see how that goes. So who know, maybe we will be standing on our new balcony looking over Semiahmoo Bay a little sooner than we think!
Here's hoping!
Last night we went to visit old friends. It has been a while since we visited, and it was nice. We have our differences, and we think differently, and do things differently, but I don't see why we can't still be friends. I'm ready for that.
Today we are sort of hanging around the house. I want to do some vacuuming, more packing; it's time to pack the Tupperware(c) and the spices. It's not like we will be doing a lot of cooking in the next week and a half.
Today our new landlord is hoping to get the keys from his previous tenant. They broke their lease, and moved out early, and now they are difficult to contact. I say, keep the damage deposit, and get new keys made; but then, I am impatient. If he can get the keys this weekend, we might be able to get in earlier. I offered to do the additional cleaning of the place in exchange for getting in earlier, and he liked the idea, so we'll see how that goes. So who know, maybe we will be standing on our new balcony looking over Semiahmoo Bay a little sooner than we think!
Here's hoping!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Well, looks like it is ours
Stefani and I went again to see the new place. Actually, this was Stef's first time actually "seeing" it, aside form pictures. She really likes it, so cool, that makes 2 of us :)
So, the moving day is set - March 26th. our current landlord gets back from wherever she is on the 11th, so we will tell her then. Yes, that's right, she doesn't know. I think it will work out better for her anyways. now she will have time to paint, change the electrical sockets (she promised to do that when we moved in), rip out the cheap laminate flooring and carpet and replace it with something nice. Hopefully she will see it that way, too.
The boss is already talking about a raise for me, now that he is stepping back a bit more. He bought a van for the business, and we are equipping it with racks and holders and stuff for all the equipment and chemicals we use. We "hired" a guy to be our regular part time cleaner. He'll do floors, windows, pressure washing, initial cleans, and anything else that I don't want to do, and the boos is too tired to do. He drives the van. Lucky him :)
Basically, everything is cool. I am on a diet and exercise program, as I have developed adult onset diabetes. Considering the fact that everyone in my weird family has it, I am not surprised. I guess it is time to lose weight and get healthier. Stefani has been bugging me for years, and now that a doctor is telling me, she's ticked that I am finally listening. Does she have a degree? I didn't think so :)
OK, back to packing...
So, the moving day is set - March 26th. our current landlord gets back from wherever she is on the 11th, so we will tell her then. Yes, that's right, she doesn't know. I think it will work out better for her anyways. now she will have time to paint, change the electrical sockets (she promised to do that when we moved in), rip out the cheap laminate flooring and carpet and replace it with something nice. Hopefully she will see it that way, too.
The boss is already talking about a raise for me, now that he is stepping back a bit more. He bought a van for the business, and we are equipping it with racks and holders and stuff for all the equipment and chemicals we use. We "hired" a guy to be our regular part time cleaner. He'll do floors, windows, pressure washing, initial cleans, and anything else that I don't want to do, and the boos is too tired to do. He drives the van. Lucky him :)
Basically, everything is cool. I am on a diet and exercise program, as I have developed adult onset diabetes. Considering the fact that everyone in my weird family has it, I am not surprised. I guess it is time to lose weight and get healthier. Stefani has been bugging me for years, and now that a doctor is telling me, she's ticked that I am finally listening. Does she have a degree? I didn't think so :)
OK, back to packing...
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
The new place
So, she didn't call until this morning, and not until after I called her again. I guess she was busy being a mother :)
She showed me the place this afternoon, and it is fantastic. I am in love, and after showing the pictures to Stefani, so is she. We filled in an application, and sent off to cyberspace. Jennifer says it is more of a formality than anything, as she likes us and wants us in, but the owner need to know who is going in. So, like I told her, unless we are lying, and we are actually ax-murderers, we got it.
Now we have to break the news to our current landlord, who appears to be away for a week :( Well, she knows we are moving, as she's the one who gave us notice. We have a loophole in the tenancy agreement that allows us to counteract her 3 months notice with 10 days notice of our own, so we are moving beginning of April, if all goes well.
That was easy. Ya right :) Now comes the fun part - moving. After moving so many times, we are professionals, and yet, we are hiring REAL professionals to come and do the hard work. We will pack it, tell them where it goes, and unpack it. That's it!
Have fun!
She showed me the place this afternoon, and it is fantastic. I am in love, and after showing the pictures to Stefani, so is she. We filled in an application, and sent off to cyberspace. Jennifer says it is more of a formality than anything, as she likes us and wants us in, but the owner need to know who is going in. So, like I told her, unless we are lying, and we are actually ax-murderers, we got it.
Now we have to break the news to our current landlord, who appears to be away for a week :( Well, she knows we are moving, as she's the one who gave us notice. We have a loophole in the tenancy agreement that allows us to counteract her 3 months notice with 10 days notice of our own, so we are moving beginning of April, if all goes well.
That was easy. Ya right :) Now comes the fun part - moving. After moving so many times, we are professionals, and yet, we are hiring REAL professionals to come and do the hard work. We will pack it, tell them where it goes, and unpack it. That's it!
Have fun!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
And another one...
Looked at another place today. It's a bit farther from the beach, near the Five Corners area of White Rock. Technically, I guess it is 2 blocks from the beach, but it is 2 very steep blocks down the hill. Good exercise?
The place is a big condo building. Two buildings, actually. There are many units available, all about 1100 sq ft, and all about $1400. Most of them are owned by the developer of the building, and are therefore for sale. The price is pretty high, and the lady that showed us says they aren't selling very well as a result. Moving into a place that is for sale seems kind of dumb, but moving from one unit to another, in maybe a year or two or more, or less, seems okay, if the place is nice.
First place was too small, and smelled bad from cigarette smoke. The second place was gorgeous, but it was a display unit, and only for sale, not for rent (too bad!). She showed us that one because it is the same as hers, which is available. Problem is, it is on the first floor, and on the north side, and barely has any balcony. So, what's the sense in living in White Rock if you can't at least SEE that beach? So we left, considering one of the units that are for sale. We like them, and they are big, and the price is okay, and we haven't heard from the one on the beach yet, so who knows what happens.
We have talked more about the one on the beach, and we think that after a year there we will either be deaf, or crazy. The noise on Marine Drive is actually quite bad. Not just partying, but Harleys. I have nothing against Harleys, or their drivers, but why do they have to be do damned loud? And why do they always travel in groups of 12 or more?
So, we went out for dinner and talked about it. When we got home, Jennifer, the lady from the condo, had called to say that there was yet another unit available due to someone backing out. This unit is, get this, it's a long-term rent, on the south side, on the second floor, and has a freaking huge deck! And a small one! Here's the catch - it is a couple hundred dollars higher in price. Now, we need to take into consideration that heat and gas are included in the rent, which saves a bit. We also need to take into consideration that it is very secure, as opposed to the back alley parking of the other one. It may not be right on the beach, and maybe that is a good thing, as it will be a little quieter. It is within walking distance to restaurants and coffee shops, but so is the other one. What to do?
I think the choice will be easy - Bill (the beach unit) hasn't returned my call, and hasn't let us know what is going on, and Jennifer (the condo lady) is ready to give us a key tonight (well, close - she is emailing an application as a formality). I phoned her tonight and told her she can call me anytime until 11PM. It's now 10:26PM. I don't think she is going to call tonight :o(
So, now we wait.
The place is a big condo building. Two buildings, actually. There are many units available, all about 1100 sq ft, and all about $1400. Most of them are owned by the developer of the building, and are therefore for sale. The price is pretty high, and the lady that showed us says they aren't selling very well as a result. Moving into a place that is for sale seems kind of dumb, but moving from one unit to another, in maybe a year or two or more, or less, seems okay, if the place is nice.
First place was too small, and smelled bad from cigarette smoke. The second place was gorgeous, but it was a display unit, and only for sale, not for rent (too bad!). She showed us that one because it is the same as hers, which is available. Problem is, it is on the first floor, and on the north side, and barely has any balcony. So, what's the sense in living in White Rock if you can't at least SEE that beach? So we left, considering one of the units that are for sale. We like them, and they are big, and the price is okay, and we haven't heard from the one on the beach yet, so who knows what happens.
We have talked more about the one on the beach, and we think that after a year there we will either be deaf, or crazy. The noise on Marine Drive is actually quite bad. Not just partying, but Harleys. I have nothing against Harleys, or their drivers, but why do they have to be do damned loud? And why do they always travel in groups of 12 or more?
So, we went out for dinner and talked about it. When we got home, Jennifer, the lady from the condo, had called to say that there was yet another unit available due to someone backing out. This unit is, get this, it's a long-term rent, on the south side, on the second floor, and has a freaking huge deck! And a small one! Here's the catch - it is a couple hundred dollars higher in price. Now, we need to take into consideration that heat and gas are included in the rent, which saves a bit. We also need to take into consideration that it is very secure, as opposed to the back alley parking of the other one. It may not be right on the beach, and maybe that is a good thing, as it will be a little quieter. It is within walking distance to restaurants and coffee shops, but so is the other one. What to do?
I think the choice will be easy - Bill (the beach unit) hasn't returned my call, and hasn't let us know what is going on, and Jennifer (the condo lady) is ready to give us a key tonight (well, close - she is emailing an application as a formality). I phoned her tonight and told her she can call me anytime until 11PM. It's now 10:26PM. I don't think she is going to call tonight :o(
So, now we wait.
Monday, March 3, 2008
The new place?
Hi again. We may as well call this "Finding a new home on the beach: The Chronicles of Doug and Stefani".
We looked at two places today. The first one is an upper floor of a house. We had higher expectations for $1500 a month. No tub, only a shower. Nice view, but no balcony, and 3 blocks downhill to the park/beach. Laminate floors, no heat (well, electric, but very cold!). Sorry ... no.
Second place we looked at, we fell in love with it. Soaker tub AND separate shower, right across from the beach, big balcony overlooking Marine Drive and the beach. Windows all over the place, with a view of the beach. Soaker tub (yes, I said it twice). Nice kitchen, open concept kitchen/dining/living room, with a view of ... THE BEACH! We offered to give him money right now! AND it is $100 cheaper than the other one!
So what's wrong? One of the ways he figures out who rents the place is by doing a credit check. That worries us a bit, as I have a bit of a history with student loans that goes back about 12 years. He figures no problem, as long as we've been good for 5 years, with no bad reports, should be okay. This means he likes us, and he'll let us take it, but it still depends on the rating he gets. So, we love it, we'll take it, but we aren't expecting much. Means we save ourselves the disappointment, I guess. Seems kinda cynical. He says he actually has two available, with the one right beside the one we looked at being available on May 1st. Really, this is too perfect to not be true. So, God willing, we have an ultra-cool place on the beach. If not, well, we have another ultra-cool place, somewhere else.
Here's hoping!
We looked at two places today. The first one is an upper floor of a house. We had higher expectations for $1500 a month. No tub, only a shower. Nice view, but no balcony, and 3 blocks downhill to the park/beach. Laminate floors, no heat (well, electric, but very cold!). Sorry ... no.
Second place we looked at, we fell in love with it. Soaker tub AND separate shower, right across from the beach, big balcony overlooking Marine Drive and the beach. Windows all over the place, with a view of the beach. Soaker tub (yes, I said it twice). Nice kitchen, open concept kitchen/dining/living room, with a view of ... THE BEACH! We offered to give him money right now! AND it is $100 cheaper than the other one!
So what's wrong? One of the ways he figures out who rents the place is by doing a credit check. That worries us a bit, as I have a bit of a history with student loans that goes back about 12 years. He figures no problem, as long as we've been good for 5 years, with no bad reports, should be okay. This means he likes us, and he'll let us take it, but it still depends on the rating he gets. So, we love it, we'll take it, but we aren't expecting much. Means we save ourselves the disappointment, I guess. Seems kinda cynical. He says he actually has two available, with the one right beside the one we looked at being available on May 1st. Really, this is too perfect to not be true. So, God willing, we have an ultra-cool place on the beach. If not, well, we have another ultra-cool place, somewhere else.
Here's hoping!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Later, on another planet...
Much much later...
Life is better at the beach, unfortunately our little piece of paradise is being taken away. Our landlord has decided to move back in, now that her kids are all grown up and ndone school and getting on with their lives. So where does that leave us? Well, heartbroken, but not homeless.
We have a really good chance of getting an even cooler place, closer to the beach, maybe a bit more money, because we "no longer hgave a dog". We have decided that, with Stefani's parents' assistance, Louie will be retiring to the farm. We have no idea how much longer he'll be with us, so this is for the best. He could be gone before we move into something; this gives us a lot more opportunities for finding a nice place.
It's been a long time since I wrote here, and it really doesn't matter, because no one reads it anyways, but I want to start again, and try and get some creativity flowing again.
See you soon.
Life is better at the beach, unfortunately our little piece of paradise is being taken away. Our landlord has decided to move back in, now that her kids are all grown up and ndone school and getting on with their lives. So where does that leave us? Well, heartbroken, but not homeless.
We have a really good chance of getting an even cooler place, closer to the beach, maybe a bit more money, because we "no longer hgave a dog". We have decided that, with Stefani's parents' assistance, Louie will be retiring to the farm. We have no idea how much longer he'll be with us, so this is for the best. He could be gone before we move into something; this gives us a lot more opportunities for finding a nice place.
It's been a long time since I wrote here, and it really doesn't matter, because no one reads it anyways, but I want to start again, and try and get some creativity flowing again.
See you soon.
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