Maybe a Homeowner?

I believe this blog entry will only focus on my potential future home.    Lots has been happening lately so I figured I'd give an update.

My realtor sent a document to the seller's agent on Friday that lists things we want fixed before I would take possession.    We were asked to keep in mind the house is older so some of the things we aren't thrilled with can't necessary make the list.    An example is the windows.     A couple locks are broken and a couple panes of glass are broken.    The windows were likely that way for the current owner. 

We have two items on the "need to fix" list.    The first is a small hole in the garage roof.    They've been told to have a contractor come and look at the roof and apply the repair at their cost.     The second request is for a company to come and scope/video the sewer line from the house.    A) We want to see the tree root situation.   B) We want to see what kind of tile is associated with the sewer line.    Older homes sometimes use a tile made from Orange Burg (spelling?) and it turns into swiss cheese over time, especially with tree roots factored in.    It makes sewer lines collapse.   The good news is that with research, we are finding out that type of tile wasn't commonly used in older homes in Ames.   But there have been some occurrences in the community.    It seems to be more popular in older homes in Des Moines.    If we don't like what we see with the sewer line I would likely pull out of the deal unless the seller fixes the situation. 

We'll see how the seller and their agent react.   They can agree, negotiate, or say no.   My realtor thinks they'll agree because the list is so short and simple.    Plus the seller lives in Australia and likely wants this house sold and done with.    My realtor says he's used to having at least 10 items on the "fix it" list and sometimes up to 30. 

The inspection went very well.     He did put the concern in our head in terms of the sewer line but that's just a precaution type of check.    Radon testing gave an appropriate level.    My main concern was the attic and moisture in the ceilings upstairs.    Everything is dry--whew.   The inspector was pleased with the house.    He was very happy with the grading outside of the house that is causing water to move away from the house nicely, hence a dry basement.    In terms of his report and our own observations, here is our list of things that would need to be done with the house in no particular order:

1) gutters need to be cleaned on both the house and garage
2) add window wells to some basement windows to maintain the grade away from the house
3) trim tree limbs as many are hanging over the house
4) likely take down a tree east of the garage as it's too close to the structure and if it falls....good-bye garage
5) seal a couple of sets of windows upstairs as they are carriage windows and are very drafty

The main priority if I get the house would be the gutters and the trees.

In terms of things that need to be done and added as we move in would be:

1) buy a chest freezer for the basement
2) get shelving for a closet in our kitchen/dining room as it would need to be a pantry
3) figure out what we can move ourselves and what we'll actually need movers for (I'm not hurting my back)

It will feel weird to start making decisions about utilities too as I need to figure out what garbage company to use, Internet company, etc.    We are only going to use Netflix for awhile and not get cable or satellite.   And if Dan wants something more than Netflix he's going to handle it and pay for it.    I can't really switch over utilities but will have utilities on at both my apartment and the house for a couple months.    If we get the house, Dan would officially be living in it come April.   We'd use March to move him and move some of my stuff.    I'd continue to stay in Ankeny and slowly move more and more stuff to Ames in April.    Having Dan officially move in the house in April allows me to pay rent in Ankeny and pay a mortgage starting in April too. 

I had free time last night and took my "first time homeowner" course offered through Wells Fargo.    I paid $75 but it gives me $750 toward the homeowner process.    The money can go towards closing costs or my escrow fund.    Easy class and learned a lot from it.    Easily earned my A. 

After we get an answer on Monday about our requests for repairs, we can let the bank know we want the house to be appraised.    We've been holding off until we knew what we wanted the seller to fix and wanted to see their attitude toward fixing those items.   Tuesday is the deadline for ordering the appraisal for the timeline associated with my mortgage process.   Times a ticking.   We need to see if the house appraises for at least the amount I'm offering the seller. 

I decided to make it more public that I am trying to move to Ames so I shared a post from Facebook that my realtor posted on his business area on Facebook. 




Last but not least here are some of my pipe dreams if I do get this house and want to make changes to it in the distant future when the Money Fairy leaves me money to use for home improvement:

1) enlarge the 2nd floor bathroom and put in a modern shower/tub
2) put laundry in the area that is the 1st floor bathroom and not have a shower in that spot
3) connect the back of the house to the garage (breeze way idea)
4) before the breeze way addition, add a gate so the backyard can be completely closed off for a dog
5) the area in the back of the house has red brick for walkways...make the gravel driveway brick to match.   Add more brick to back yard for a flat area for a grill/patio


That's enough for now!   Fingers crossed for good news this week!

Week One Done

The first week of the semester is in the books.    It went really well.    I met with my DMACC class Monday night and most seem eager to learn about health and wellness.    The online DMACC classes are going OK too.    They have to turn in an assignment by January 17 to not get kicked out of class.     We'll see how many get the boot.

ISU is going well too.    Things went as planned with my health class.    I did cancel class on Thursday so I only saw my PE class once this week for syllabus day.     Thankfully I can put some work online for them to do so we'll have a jam-packed Tuesday next week.    For the first time in awhile, I don't know the majority of the students in the PE class.   Out of the 29 students, I have only had four before.   

I have the day off for both DMACC and ISU on Monday due to Martin Luther King Day.    I am signed up for two yoga classes that day.    I am also proud to say I worked out at the Exercise Clinic at ISU twice this week.    I had to skip on Wednesday as I had a noon meeting.    One of the administrative assistants is supposed to be working out too but she hasn't come yet.    I am hoping she comes next week but she's openly admitted she doesn't feel motivated to work out. 

I don't have a whole lot of free time at ISU because I'm hiring life guards/swimming instructors for Swim & Gym.   Most days are peppered with interviews and showing people our ancient pool.    I am teaching a CPR/AED class next week too.   Not my favorite task but I try to do it at least 1-2 times a semester to keep my certification valid. 

We went to view another house tonight.   I was a bit excited until we started walking around it.   Sweet Lord it was bad.   It was built in 1894 so it has potential to be a really cool house.   We don't know if it's the current owners or past owners but the attempted updates in the house are horrible.   And we saw many things not up to code.   It sucks because the price is fantastic but we don't want a house that needs that much work.    We took a look at our house-hunting app tonight and found two in Ames that are appealing.    Hopefully we can see those next week to get an idea.   

On Thursday, when I didn't venture to ISU due to the weather, I got a lot of cleaning down around here.    The Internet wasn't working so I couldn't get much done for work.   I swept and mopped all of the apartment.   The greatest success was cleaning Gavin's shower.    It was horrible.   I'm also starting to strategize how to start packing.    I have items that I barely touch or use so I figure I can start doing some packing.   I've asked the front office staff at work to start keeping boxes for me.    We get so many deliveries in the department that collecting boxes should come easy in the next months.   I know a lot of the breakable stuff I've gotten from Grandma could be packed away securely so I can display it in the future.   

I'm trying to be social in the next weeks too so I don't just bury myself in work.    We have our Christmas/Gavin's birthday celebration on January 20 in Boone.    I am going to visit a friend from grad school next week as she lives in Ames.    I organized a meal with family in Ames and Ankeny for Thursday too.   It looks like Rachael, Jessy, Mary, and Shirley (maybe Stewart) can all gather for supper.    I am going to try and meet up with my past neighbor too since she's still in Ames too.   

I guess that's all for now.    It's 2am and I cannot sleep so I thought being productive with a blog entry would be a good way to make me tired.    No luck!


And no, I'm not angry about anything.   Just thought it was funny!

Crisis Averted

It's my weekend off before both ISU and DMACC start on Monday.    The day has been mixed with doing things at home, running errands, and going to a movie.    Early this morning I finally admitted the fitted sheet on my bed needed to be retired so I pulled it off and threw it in the garbage.    It's torn and worn out (some of the sheets that came with the bed when it was given to me).    Well later in the day I realized I couldn't find my Blankie.    Searched all over my room and then the light bulb turned on.   Thankfully I hadn't taken the garbage out yet.   When I unballed the sheet, there it was.   Scary thing is that I almost took the trash out about three times today.   Sigh. 

The holidays were great.    I feel my time up in Waukon was the longest I've spent in years.   There was a lot of driving but it was worth it.   I feel Christmas was more simplistic which I think everyone enjoyed.    The joy of us all getting older and the fact we want/need less.   Nevertheless, I'm appreciative of all I received.   It was nice to attend the Christmas goodie party down the street at Larson's and see Grandma too. 

Yes, the visit home included a spill down the stairs.   I can say today that I'm 100% better from it.    The tip of my elbow still hurts if I touch it but that's it.   I took Wednesday off because I was feeling too off.   It was taking way too much thought and energy to pick out clothes, breakfast, etc.   I did work on Tuesday but only a half day.   Thursday went better and the major meeting I needed to lead went OK.   ISU is switching from the system that allows online content for classes.   We've used Blackboard for years.   We are now using CANVAS and the meeting was to help prep our TAs for the change.   Friday was a day full of meetings. 

Today Gavin and I went to see the movie "Wonder".   It's a very good movie.   We were surprised by how full the theater was as it's not a brand new movie.   Of course with my career, I wasn't pleased to see how PE was portrayed in the movie (always dodgeball).    I wish they had explained the boy's physical appearance a bit better too.   

I'm still working on the book "The Girl that Kicked the Hornet's Nest".   It's a very good book.    I've only read 44% of the book on my Kindle so I have a long way to go still.   

We still have one more Christmas and we are going to celebrate it on January 20.    We'll merge it with Gavin's birthday.   Still need to exchange gifts with Dan's Mom and her husband Ray. 

I'm sure I'll have another entry soon to report on the start to the semester.    I feel very prepared so Week 1 should go well.

Happy Holidays!

It's a nice lowkey night at home so why not do a blog right before departing for the holidays?    It's actually been a lowkey week and I appreciate it.    I did go into work on Tuesday and finished my grades for ISU.    I planned on going in on Wednesday and yea...that didn't happen.    It was more appealing to stay at home so I did.    Either way my grades were turned in a day early.    I had my grades done for DMACC early too (Saturday).    I never felt like I was scrambling to get the grades done which was a nice change. 

I had my first Christmas last night with Dan and Jude.    Jude received the Nintendo Switch he's wanted since last Christmas.   Dan got him that and I got him a game for it.    I also got him some clothes (he wasn't too excited) and we got him some science experiment type of kits to do at some point.    I don't know how excited he was about those either but I wanted to get something that wasn't technology-based.    One kit has you make sour candy in various forms and the other is a kit for making fake snow.   I at least want to play with the fake snow kit.

I was finally able to sit back and watch the movie "White Christmas" last night at Dan's place.    You know, the old movie with Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, etc.    I've seen pieces of it here and there but never make it through the whole movie.    It was on Netflix believe it or not.    Usually when I really want to see a movie it's not available to be streamed on Netflix.   I also started reading a book for pleasure too.   I'm hoping to read this book and one more before school starts up again.    It's "The Girl that Kicked the Hornet's Nest".    It's the third book in the series that I've been meaning to read for a long time.    I got a really good coupon for $5 off any book for my Kindle so I bought it.    I have a stack to read from LeAnn too.    Need to get back into Harry Potter.

I did less Christmas cards this year and was done with those earlier than usual too.   It connects to my grades being done early.    I usually don't do my Christmas cards until my grades are done.  People keep getting chopped from my list each year so even though I added some of Dan's family, the list gets shorter.   I'm a dying breed because I really do like sending them out.

Christmas shopping was a little tricky but seemed easier this year.    Gifts seemed easier to figure out and the budget was lower.    (Yes Mom, it's nothing extravagant.)   Gavin was actually the most difficult to shop for.   He's gotten most of his gifts already because he needed them earlier in the month (e.g. new winter coat).   Plus he's aware I'm saving up for a nice graduation gift for him. 

I basically have time off until January 3rd.   I do have some syllabi to work on and pre-semester work.   I need to plan for a meeting I'm holding with grad students on January 4th.    Some of them are getting lazy with teaching and treating it like a low priority.    It's difficult for me because I need to crack down on them but I really don't have any ammo.    I can't fire them unless they do something horrible.    And we can't really afford to remove any grad students from teaching because we'd be short instructors then.   It's something I complain about annually in my evaluation materials as I'm their "boss" but I don't feel like I have any "teeth" when it comes to being a disciplinarian.  We've had a couple issues pop up recently and these students are simply not reading emails well and paying attention to details.   Pretty sad when they are trying to get their masters degrees or Phds. 

As of now I have a pretty full schedule for the spring.    I am teaching three classes for ISU.    One class has two sections so I'll have 90 students.    The second has 30 students and the third is the class associated with Swim & Gym and has like 5 students.    I'm also supervising two student teachers this semester too.    One for the first eight weeks and one for the second eight weeks.    I am down for three classes at DMACC too.    One is my usual health class online for high school students, the second is the usual sport diversity class online too.    The third is in-person on Monday nights.   It's the same as the online health class but we meet once a week and everything else is placed on Blackboard.    It had about 10 students last time so unless that drops greatly, they'll likely let me teach it.    Wahoo $$$

I am excited to pack up tomorrow and head up to Waukon.    We don't know what time we'll leave yet as Gavin is scheduled to work until 4pm but thinks he'll be off between 12-2pm.   I could leave sooner but I get the impression Dan would like to follow me up.    Dan and Gavin need to leave Christmas afternoon already but I plan to stay up in NE Iowa until December 30.    I let a few people know but not many.    It would be nice to see Jamie and Marie but I'm not holding my breath. 

Speaking of which, I have more things to clean before tomorrow as well as some packing to start.    I predict the next blog entry will be in 2018.

It's Been "A Day"

I should be winding down for the night and plan to after writing a mini-blog.    I'm looking forward to a hot shower and hoping it will help me sleep decently.    My sleep isn't consistent nowadays and it's getting frustrating.    It's also causing me to get really tired at work.   I can usually push through it most days but it's been tough. 

I got a call today from Biolife and I cannot donate plasma for awhile because a specific part of my protein measurement is off.    I go in next week to get blood drawn so they can check it again but it takes weeks to get the results back.     Pisses me off because I started donating due to a coupon that lets you get $300 if you donate five times in a month.    I had two more donations to go.   It's been nice earning some extra money and it was helping me afford Gavin's Christmas presents.   Sigh. 

I won't get into too many details but money in general is stressing me out.    It also pisses me off that I work a really good full-time job and a not-too-bad part time job and I still basically live paycheck-to-paycheck.    I don't know the last time I was able to put money into savings.    I see coworkers affording Thanksgiving trips to tropical resorts and such and it's depressing.   It makes buying a home cause further anxiety.    I got to see Gavin's senior pictures today and the cost of those are astronomical.    Bleh.   

On a good note, I actually feel pretty good about my grading tasks for both institutions.    The time of grading unit plans is upon me and I'll be buried in binders for more than a week.   I'm caught up with other grading though so I really only have unit plans to grade and nothing extra.   In past semesters/years I have been behind with other assignments and have been grading lesson plans and other things on top of unit plans.    I have good plans of sitting in the living room and grading while watching Netflix.   I also got the Christmas movies out too so I'll be popping those in too. 

I'll be working extra for DMACC the next two weekends too for our final coaching class of the year.   That will be some extra money (that I won't see until February) and it usually provides some down time and I can do ISU grading during it.    It's quite silly but when the class has more than 30 students, DMACC requires that two instructors be present.   One is the lead instructor and for the most part,  can do everything on their own.     The other instructor helps if asked but can usually just sit in the back and do their own thing.    I'm only the lead teacher on Friday December 8th but will work all day Saturday December 2, all day December 10, and for a few hours on December 9th.   I have a concert on December 9th (Seether) and I have my ISU Christmas party on December 10th. 

I guess that's enough for now.   Just needed to vent. 

Almost 35!

I can't think of a good title hence the reference to my soon-to-come birthday.   The only thing noteworthy about 35 is that I spent years saying "wow, when I'm 35 Gavin will be 18".    I'm more excited about his upcoming birthday.    No plans as November 28th is on a Tuesday and I work.    I'm not even that enthused about going out to eat. 

In weird news, I am now donating plasma.  I've done it twice now in the last week.    The first time was a long process (included a physical) but it went well.    The second time wasn't bad but I wasn't as comfortable.   My arm was still sore from the first donation but I have to admit they are decent at inserting the needles without it hurting.    I went on Tuesday to support Dan as donating plasma was a plan for him to earn some more money.    The local center has been offering coupons throughout the all.   $300 for your first five donations.   I didn't think I'd be eligible.    It was Dan that was ineligible (poor veins) and I was accepted.   I'm hoping to have continued success as it is easy money.   I'm also hoping I can figure out how to read a book while donating (one-handed).    Most people play on their phones but I find that to be boring after awhile.   I also have to be sure I stay distracted because I know I'm screwed if I look at my arm/machine or any of the others around me.   

Thanksgiving went well.    The night before, I did prep for green bean casserole and mashed potatoes.   I just had to put them in the oven to heat them up before the meal.    I made the ham in a crock pot the morning of as well.    The cherry pie from my realtor was good but I didn't get much.    Dan's mom brought a turkey (very good), sweet potatoes, rolls, and some desserts.   We had plenty of food that's for sure.    I feel pretty confident about making the full meal in the future.    Maybe next year in my new house?

I signed a new lease for my apartment and have to be out by the end of May.   Let's hope I have a house by then.    A shorter lease is making my rent rise in price come February but it makes no sense to renew for a year. 

Gavin did his first major trip with friends yesterday.    They drove up to Minneapolis for the day.   Spent a fair amount of time at the Mall of America and went to a NBA game in the evening.    They got back to Ankeny at 3:00am.    He had fun though and his team won the basketball game.    The other parents seemed to be a lot more worried about the trip than I was.    I was worried traffic would be nuts due to it being Black Friday but Gavin said the mall wasn't bad at all.

The remainder of the semester has its ups and downs.    The after school program is over until February so my Tuesdays and Thursdays are much easier schedule-wise.    Both of my DMACC classes are wrapping up nicely too.    I will have over 115 unit plans to grade soon though.    Slow and steady will win that race.   I have a day full of grading to do tomorrow (Sunday) too as I've been less than motivated to grade during my current break.   Shame on me. 

I'll be blogging again about said unit plans and complaining a lot, that's for sure.

Hello November

Time to blog!

It's been a busy past few weeks.    Gavin's football season ended.    The record wasn't good enough to progress further than the regular season but they were predicting that.    He did play a bit in the final game against Urbandale.    He was actually happy to be done with football though which was a little odd to me but I think the wear and tear was actually wearing on him.    He's happy just lifting weights now most mornings.    He'll likely do track in the spring. 

We had his senior pictures taken on October 24th after school.     We started out by Saylorville Lake and the weather was great.   He took a lot of outdoor shots.  I didn't take any pictures with my phone as that seemed inappropriate.    It was quite funny to see how many photographers were out there taking pictures of other seniors and families.    We then went back to the studio and oddly enough the alley in the back of the building had some more good outdoor shots.   We ended with him wearing his football jersey for indoor shots.   We should have his proofs in two weeks.   I will admit I had my first emotional moment out at Saylorville while watching him pose for his pictures.   I got a touch sad that he's almost done with school.

I am quite excited for my weekend travels.    I am leaving for Winona, MN after work to spend some time with Nicole and her husband.    I haven't seen their new house yet.    I see it as my mini-vacation before I am bombarded with insane grading.    I've kept up decently with two of my ISU classes and both of my DMACC classes.     I have a ton of things to grade for my elementary-ed course at ISU.   Like 200 items to grade.    It sounds like Nicole's making supper for us Friday night and we are going to a museum on Saturday.    The original plan was to go to a state park to hike but the weather looks crappy.    They are having a game night on Saturday that I'll probably stick around for and I'll head south on Sunday morning.    I think I am coming up to Waukon again the following weekend.    Sounds like Dan and Jude may come up with me too.   

A couple weeks ago I went to a show in Des Moines called The Naked Magicians.   It's an act that originated from Australia.    I was uncertain at first but my friend Jess talked me into it.   She was planning to attend with coworkers and asked me to come along too.    It's actually a really good magic show.    They do well with that.   And yes, as they proceed, the clothing comes off.   They can't show everything in the USA but you get the drift.   It also has good sexual humor too.     We had a VIP package so we got our picture taken with them too.   

Sidenote related to the picture above....so I almost stepped on the guy's toes next to me.   I said something like "Whoops, I don't want to step on you."   He looks at me with a straight face and says "Don't worry it's not long enough to hit the ground."   Well done sir, well done. 

The meal we had before the show was great too.    Had some great salmon and tomato tortilla soup.

Speaking of eating.    I got carried away in the last 4-6 weeks with eating junk food and not watching my calories.   For the first time since surgery prep, I gained some weight.    I am in the most risky period of time for people with gastric surgery.    People get happy with weight loss and progress and are most likely to gain weight 9-18 months after surgery.   The good news is I got back on track with protein intake and scheduling meals so I lost all the weight already.    I have healthier snacks available.   Honey crisp apples have been a godsend.    I have my year check up on November 20th.    Now that I lost weight, I am back to a weight I've been stuck at for months.   I still need to lose about 50 more pounds to reach my personal goal. 

Last but not least, I had a dentist appointment this morning.   My teeth are officially straight!   She took time to take the "buttons" off my teeth that were used with retainers over the past year to move my teeth.     They re-scanned my teeth so retainers could be made that I wear at night for the rest of my life.    I'm still wearing a set of retainers to keep my teeth in place.   Still paying off the braces but at least my teeth are done moving.    I'll have less dental appointments too. 

That's enough for now!