*kat's timezone*

[ScottsyII]

Man, Maarts that sounds like one hell of a rough year you had... my heart totally goes out to you... and you're right, when a family member passes away there's a certain degree of numbness you just have to grip it and go with...

I think its only now I am realising its ok to have feelings about it all, because I was removed from it here... it felt like it was another world it was all going on in - but you know, as far as the heart is concerned it was as if it happened before my very eyes...
Nana basically had some pretty bad leg infections, wounds that just weren't going to heal - they'd either have to to amputate them, and even then she didn't have a great chance of survival, or leave her and take care of the pain until she passed away. She chose the palliative care option, and it was just a few days after the hospital call that we found out she died... it wrenched out my guts, because she was like a second mother to me, honestly...

And it was only just the other day I was driving home and I thought about what I was doing with my life and what she'd think and suddenly, I realised that she'd love what I was doing... So i guess if there's one thing I learned this year is that there is no time to waste, because you never know whats coming'r ound the corner. I think I learned to really grab life by the balls and go after what I want and not let anything stop me - at the same time keeping in mind the needs of the people I love...

I feel like I grew up by ten years in one this year.

I admire you Maarts, dude, you are a tower of strength, even if you don't feel like you are right now. I think it's when we are feeling our most downtrodden and busted up that we are actually operating at our strongest - just to survive and keep our heads above water.

Chin up, mate! You'll get to that better place that I know probably is on your mind... and keep some crownies cold, because darnit, I gotta get home some time soon and I won't have to drag Mellie screaming and kicking either...

[strat-0]

Tough year in many quarters all around. 2009 will be better. Hang tough, Maarts. We're with ya.

[maarts]

God I hate househunting....renting a place means you have to stab through the inertia of real estate-agents who will only offer you direct service if you want to buy...and the pickings are real slim this time around.
Perhaps I should take the plunge and buy....but with all this doom and gloom about....

[strat-0]

Well, I don't know how it looks Down Under, Maarts, but in most parts of the US it's the perfect time to buy. A lot of great deals out there. The only problem is that few people have much ready cash for a down payment, and it's also a bit harder to get a loan now. Still, if you have any dough stashed, and a fairly reliable job (i.e., good credit), this is the time to buy property. Man, I look at the prices of some of the properties around here and I just cringe -- wishing I was in a situation where I could jump on some of these things... But, like most, I can't drop down that kind of coin to secure the property and a loan. Anyhow, I like where I am now very well, and I would have a hard time getting what it's worth right now, too. It's always the same -- when everybody is pulling in good money, the property prices go up. Anyhow, best of luck in your home search. Hope you find someplace that suits you just right, man! Keep in mind; historically, real estate has always been a good investment, almost anywhere -- as Will Rogers said, "Buy land - they just aren't making any more of it."

[maarts]

The trouble is that my savings aren't near as good as I want to (three trips to Holland last year didn't help) and as far as the 'reliable' job goes- well, after my demotion I'm not as confident anymore about that either.
Right now I can save money every week but that could be quite different if I bought a place. Most importantly I don't know where to buy as I'm not sure if I'll stay at the same place this year.

I have ideas of where I want to be but I can't materialise them just yet. So I'm patient.


Little celebration today- it's 10 years to the day that I migrated to down under.

[phil]

OK! Australia Day ...

Was it yesterday... Today... or tomorrow ...??

In any case... HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUSSIES!!

The ones who are, were or will be...

[maarts]

Cheers, today is the day actually! Sadly enough I had to work. Why don't they make shut down all shops on the day?

[RocDoc]

cos of the worldwide economic toilet everyone now seems to be in and the fact that retailers will do anything to give folks the opportunity to part with their cash.

the vast majority are taking that holiday off, certainly.

it's THEIR money they're after...maybe they'll succeed after those folks see that 'look! that big record store's open today on a friggin' holiday! i've got a minute. let's go in...'

happy Oz-Day y'all cool antepodeans on that big island!

when's the kiwi's party-day?

[bowiglou]

Happy Aussie day, and Maarts, I am so sorry about all your travails.........

[maarts]

Well, it's going better now. Found a new place!

It's a wee little beauty right behind the complex where I work, situated on a hill...three bedroom with a downslope garden giving great views on the hilly landscape behind- love it better than the place I live in now. No more travel time to work. I probably will start packing this weekend and leave the weekend after since I have to work too.

[phil]

HÉ! Good for you Maarts...

3 bedrooms ... Expecting company soon ...??

[maarts]

I'm not sure! Dd you want to come down and visit?




This is the place.....

[RocDoc]

i'll bring the beer!

wait! you guys HAVE beer in oz, doncha?
well, then ok!
we're set!

NICE looking house and the topography of being on the side of a hill with the backyard facing down it, sounds wonderful.

i love those clay tile roofs too.

so many of the vintage bungalows here have them, but once they start to deteriorate, people nearly always opt to replace them with asphalt shingle.
unless of course they're loaded and appreciate the architectural touch of clay tile..
to lower your sight to asphalt shingle IS a shame, but clay tile, whether replacement or new, is inSANE expensive here.

still i think it lends real class to a house.

how old is that house maarts?

[phil]

Looks very cosy ... Nice *hood* too!

I'm not sure! Dd you want to come down and visit?

Oh yes! As soon as Elder Son is out of college in four years or so! !

[maarts]

Don't know how old the house it, Doc. It's part of a new community built on a little hill right outside the major shopping centre I work in (no more traveltime to work-ha!) and indeed the view from the garden is very good! the whole neighbourhood looks like it couldn't be older than 10, 15 years but I'm no architectural expert...

A nice house to revel and drink in it (and yes, we do have beer, you scoundrel!)