Homebuyer's Rollercoaster

(Also see Wedding Week below!)













We had an eventful home inspection yesterday and the First-Time Homebuyer's Rollercoaster Ride was born. It started with my realtor greeting us with this:
"Well, the inspector is downstairs and there are some issues that may be deal breakers..."

Yikes, I thought this was going to be a fun-let's-learn-more-about-our-new-house morning meeting. But instead of any fun learning, the bad news roared and our first dip on this rollercoaster ride of home ownership began.

The home inspector was friendly, he smiled and shook hands with a noticable gentleness, then morphed into the bearer of bad news
(paraphased, but a near quote):

"Well, the furnace is a big problem. It may only need to be cleaned by a professional and could be usable, but I am not the one certified to say so. It must be looked at by a BG&E profession and certified. Most likely it is rusted and needs to be replaced. It looks like the original (*insert more talk about why it is not safe*)...AND, then there is the hot water heater. This too is very old and needs to be replaced. Yes, it does work, but won't for long..."

Happily, much needed good news and smiles followed as we climbed upward through our new home!

Then, the first ever rollercoaster dip of home ownership became the first complete rollercoaster loop. Yes, the loop that makes your stomach drop and heart rate soar, the full super-doober-triple-looper!

My uncle Xav (a true niece's dream!) and Aaron went downstairs. Then came screams, "There's a leak!"

Eek! A leak indeed...The hot water heater blew, water was everywhere, Xav stopped the flow and ran for his wet/dry vac (see, he was surely needed!), we soaked up water, it scared me into the reality of what we just did when we bought this house...Wow! So, now the house will get a new hot water heater and the furnace saga starts. Our settlement date is January 15th (and isn't it nifty that my birthday is January 18th?).


Until next time, as the Homebuyer's Rollercoaster ride continues...

Wedlock

Scott + Erica = A BLAST!

the Big Day!

Wedding Week

Wedding Week

Scott and Erica's WEDDING!

the Bride and Groom

My brother and his beautiful wife!

Wedding Week 2006!

Who bought a house?

We have a new and hard-to-break habit--Immediately after dinner, Aaron and I have been searching this website on a nightly basis. Tonight, after we typed the MLS number of our new home, HERE IS WHAT WE FOUND:

The listing you have requested is no longer available. It may be sold, pending, or have a contingency offer, or be off the market. Please check the number for accuracy or contact your agent to determine the property status. Thank you.


THERE IS NO TURNING BACK NOW!
This home-buying idea has landed us a house! YIKES and YIPPEE!

WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!

I just talked to my wonderful realtor and she said, "Ok, Kerri, now get excited! We have a ratified contract and you just bought a house!"

On December 4th, I left work early, leaving my period 6 class in the capable hands of Mr. Pintzuk, to drive (in a rental car) to Baltimore where I signed my name fifty-two times on an offer for a three bedroom/two bath home. The next four days were the rockiest, scariest, most nerve-racking days of my adult life. I am still recovering from the emotional strain of the past few days, so I won't go into much detail...BUT, today we bought a house!

Aaron and I started to learn more about buying a house two months ago. We have been struggling to stay sane in a studio (it is really a closet with a small hallway) apartment for the past two years. Collectively (Keba included), we decided that instead of rearranging again, it was time to make a move. We have always dreamed of owning a home: We constantly talk about the colors we like on walls, we joke about how cool it would be to beckon each other from another room, how much Aaron would cook if he had a decent kitchen, how we would save up for solar panels, how we could let our plants thrive...

These thoughts, plus pinching pennies for about a year, led to an email to the family. The family led me to a realtor (the greatest realtor in the world), a friendly and knowledgeable mortgage broker, tons of homes in Baltimore, and a whirlwind of life-lessons. We have now seen most homes listed for under $220,000 in Baltimore City...and we BOUGHT THE BEST ONE!

Talk about a learning experience...I sit in the teacher workroom now discussing escrow, ceiling fans, location, the market, and what it means to buy a house. Some of my colleagues are shocked at my new found adultness, but all of them have helped me through a nerve-racking few days! Also, my parents and I now talk about serious "stuff". I am so lucky to have a father full of Dennyism's and a mother with the most level-head in the world. Without their willingness to calm me, teach me, share with me, and support me I would never have been able to make it to this point-- a proud new home owner!

We signed the final Addendum to the Contract on Aaron's birthday! I am hoping that we will settle on my father's birthday...talk about too perfect!

This is Good News

If you stumble upon any articles similar to this, please forward them to me!

To Do Lists

I have no choice but to be an organized list-maker with my job. In fact, I have no idea what to do first when I walk into my workplace if my To Do List is not on my desk from the day before. My colleagues all have unique methods of keeping To Do Lists. For example, Kyle types his at the end of every day, Simon keeps a running (and long) list in his composition book, Aaron and Sarah use post-its. I have a two-fold method. First, I compile tomorrow's To Do List before I depart each evening. When I enter with coffee in hand, I quickly grab my pen and prioritize the To Do List that is eagerly awaiting my attention. Step two--After the priorities have been set, I then take my nifty pen and transform the To Do List into the Hit List. The Hit List is then scribbled onto the back of my right hand (I am left-handed).

My scholars have noticed this system of organization and they think I am crazy, especially when I ask them to add to the Hit List during the day. (I guess it is weird to write on your teacher's hand, but my scholars are growing accustomed to my bizarreness, or they humor me enough to think so.) But, my scholars know that if they need me to do something for them that day, it must be on the Hit List. For, there are many items that just stay on the To Do List forever, never ending up crossed off and continually wondering why not.

I do feel sorry for the items that never make it to the Hit List. These are the items that tend to leave me tossing-and-turning in the wee hours of the morn. But, even my sleepless nights don't motivate me to "hit" everything I should take care of in a day. Also, it is unfortunate for me when an eager scholar grabs a red Sharpie marker (not the ones for the overhead, but the permanent ones) and adds to the Hit List as I am looking the other way. Those really are permanent markers, trust me.

My favorite Scorpio

Happy Birthday!
May all your birthday wishes come true!
I was thinking it is time to bring back the unicorn tradition.
What do you say, is it time for another unicorn?

Uniqueness?

HowManyOfMe.com

There are: 9 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

There are nine with my name; however, most of you may find it quirky to know that my real first name is not just Kerri but really Kerrilyn. There is no other Kerrilyn Bowers in the USofA. Thanks Mom and Dad, your clever naming has allowed me to proudly stand alone, amidst the few Americans with a made-up name. I do like being the only me!

My favorite sandwich

Luckily, I often end up sandwiched between these two!



(This does make me lucky, right? That's what they keep telling me...)

Fall cleaning

Today was "clean-closet-get-rid-of-excess day" for us. Keba was helpful, as you can see. We ended up purging then donating two large trash bags worth of clothes and other unnecessary items. Purging, organizing, and procrastinating were today's themes. And, as we now head to Toledo Lounge for half-price veggie burgers and beers, today's theme perseveres!

Recent Shots

Finding myself confined by this concrete jungle?




Nope! I have found serenity in the blazing colors, hand-holding, and long slow walks with the pup!

Journal (from the other day)

It always thrills me to throw twists into my regularly scheduled life. Today I had jury duty for the first time ever, today I walked to the metro with headphones on for the first time ever, and today I ran at one in the afternoon for the first time in a long time. Jury Duty taught me a bit, and only bored me slightly. I earned my way to the top twenty for the first jury panel summoned away from our Juror Lounge. (From the looks of today, a criminal jury consists of fourteen members.) Then, when I was in the courtroom I was politely informed that I did not make the cut (or, get selected for a PCP possession case). So, I returned to the waiting room. This forced slight dismay for I wanted either to make the cut, or go home. I had no patience for waiting in the “Juror Lounge”. And then, just as my wanderings led me to a seat (dismay-induced indeed), a delightful voice beckoned me to the Juror Office.

What a delight: “All-jurors-dismissed-from-case-#***-may-return-your-plastic-ID-badges-
and-are-dismissed-for-the-day.” I smiled and didn’t look back. I was able to wander home, under the warmth of brilliant sunbeams. Many sunbeams, like me, were lucky enough to prance around this capitol city today, for the weather is superb. And, the good ideas (like leaving the Superior Courthouse of Washington, DC without looking back) are multiplying like bunnies today. Aaron suggested that I borrow his IPod early this morning. I owe him one, for his IPod has heightened my mood and allowed me to play air drums publicly with pride. I have not played air drums in the middle of the day in years…I am bringing air drumming back! As I gleefully listened to Modest Mouse, my “thoughts were so loud, that I couldn’t hear my mouth, my thoughts were so loud that I couldn’t’ hear my mouth…”

Swirled words and fleeting thoughts on this day. AND, as I notice that it is only 3:23 I have tingly muscles from the longest run in about three months. What could be better? Serving my civic duty, jamming in my all-girl band, running until left with welcomed-soreness under sunbeams…Oh, it is good to have a good-not-regular day!

Upcoming Events

This is happening October 14-15. When you are there, be sure to check out this while munching on these yummies. And, subscribe to this and do some shopping here. I will be heading to this booth, because I am eager to learn more about this and I do not believe in any of this nonsense.

Chilean Instruments

Here is our collection of instruments from South America:


The ceramic jugs are drums based on the African udu, the wooden pods shake, the cylinder with holes is a flute-like ocarina, and the 10-string ukelele/guitar is a charango that Aaron is learning to make sing!

Means for Dreams

This is a SHOUT-OUT to a wonderful organization.
Means for Dreams is a DC teacher's dream-come true! Check out my most recent fully-funded proposal!

Keeping Track

Here is my list of visited countries. I have only ventured to 12 countries, 5% of the world. Only 5% is unacceptable and motivating. What country should be next? (Aaron and I each possess $400 worth of travel vouchers from this generous airline.)

create your own visited country map

Happy Happy New Year

It really is the small things that count. It is the people who force me to talk, the ones who take the time to be different, and the ones who go against the grain seeking change who truly motivate and change me. I have been having a rough time at work (thus in life) lately, for many reasons. But, the other day I decided to remove myself from my seemingly all-consuming inner-turmoil.

To begin this release-inducing process, I first noticed that others around me had been holding me up, atop their strong, beautiful shoulders with delicate and precise care for far too long. Then, as I metro-ed home alone I read my favorite teaching magazine. This caused needed and rejuvenating thoughts of why I teach high school where I do. Anyway, as I exited the metro station, there was tall, mesmerizing man singing and playing a guitar while perched atop the concrete wall. Below his dangling legs was a handmade sign that read: Music for Peace! Typically I walk faster than everyone to get home, but this day I stood and allowed myself to be mesmerized by this man's gesture and music. He noticed me (thankfully), and smiled mid-song. This smile delighted me so much that I smiled back, uncontrollably yet noticably. I noticed because it had been too long since I had smiled uncontrollably. So, we smiled, he sang and I mouthed, "thanks" and turned to head home.

No joke, as I turned my head to proceed over the Calvert St. bridge there was a car's bumper sticker right in my face that read: Peace on Earth!Peace on Earth! That same uncontrollable smile popped up and I strolled slowly home (still smiling, but now with conscious control). My job has not changed nor has the stress it brings been lifted, but my attitude has and that is the small thing that has made such a difference.

THANKS and HAPPY NEW YEAR to my beautifully strong shouldered friends! I would have no reason to smile or keep trying if it weren't for you!

New Mayor for DC

DC has (basically) elected Fenty. My two cents (whatever that may be worth): I strongly approve!

Ranting and Raving

I have nothing to write about, I don't want to share, and I surely don't want anyone to listen to me anymore...I am struggling these days to make sense, to gain control, to smile, to see my friends, to do my jobs, to love my dog... Whew! there is much-too-much complaining emminating from my fingertips onto this innocent keyboard.
So, in order to gain control, let's gain positive perspective:

PRO's:
1. I get to hold Aaron's hand everyday after school (work)
2. I get a cold lick from Keba's strangely spotted tongue daily as I cross my portico
3. I had coffee with Anna and Emily (AND, we escaped school early today to get this done!)
4. I work with some incredible teachers (who are also my great friends and lifelines)
5. My brother's birthday is today and he is a ball-full of fun lately
6. I saw my mom, sister, grandmom, and all of my aunts this weekend
7. I now know all of my new students' names
8. I am teaching a great teen read to my scholars at Chavez: Tears of a Tiger by Sharon Draper
9. I shall run tomorrow
10. AP and I are starting Yoga three days/week
Ok...this is therapeutic...

I could actually go on and on...11, 12, 13, 14...
But, suddenly there is no need. I just smurked (like a smile), re-read the PRO's and a needed surge of long-awaited contentness overcame. I needed that surge and smile-like smurk. This is why I started this ridiculous blog-- To have a forum (other than Aaron's exhausted ears) to sort through my fleeting thoughts. Now, I will floss, brush and swallow more water as I contemplate the sleep that will easily induce my weary (now happier and smurky) mind.
11. Good sleep and smiles
The above PRO's list goes on and on...

Sudoku anyone?

Scroll on down and waste some minutes playing some Sudoku. At least here you can actually get the satisfication of the answers (or cheat, if that's your style). This is not intended to imply that I am an avid Sudoku-er, but I did enjoy this Japanese mind tease on a recent long plane ride. Have a whirl and let me know how you are feeling after few minutes of this brow-furrowing fun!

You go Google

There is good news in the world. Read on to see what Google has been doing to help the world. Interestingly enough, my school (work) has switched to a Google hosted email system...and, talk about great! This new system has us communicating worlds better than previous years, and the provider is like-minded. Smiles indeed...it really is the small things.

Give a little

Support my aunt and uncle's quest to do good for the March of Dimes.