House Hunters: Part V

We finally heard some news on the house. The bank sent an appraiser out to the house to determine the condition, amenities and current market value. They determined the value to be above the amount we offered on the house. The bank than asked for a new offer from us at that value. We declined. First because it is a short sale and we have no intention of paying full market value for a short sale home. Second, because the house needs immediate repairs/replacement (exterior doors, appliances, paint, fence and carpet) and future repairs (like roof and siding) in the next few years. Third, because the house is still being taxed heavily which affects the monthly mortgage payment tremendously.

The ball is in the bank's court now. They could easily reject our original, firm offer. However, what I am sure they are considering now is: our offer is solid and definite, they could decline in hopes of something better but will they get another offer? There aren't any other offers as of today. If they don't get an offer, it becomes a foreclosure (bank-owned property), will they get more out of a foreclosure than a short sale? With the taxes on the house being so out of whack from the actual value, how will that affect the sale of this home?

So, now we wait (some more)...

My Hubby's Bridge

I was recently in Tucson to visit my family for the holidays and see some friends but I couldn't not go visit my Hubby's bridge. The Cushing Street Bridge (AKA Luis G. Gutierrez Bridge) is nearly complete, all that is left are the rails for their modern street car. I am so amazingly proud of the work my husband did on this project and it must be so fulfilling to see your work on paper become a reality. It truly is beautifully designed and extraordinarily unique! Good job, love!

Christmas Ornaments

I decided to hand-make gifts this year for my co-workers. I haven't been at the Mansion long enough to exchange gifts with those people, so this year it is just for the Evergreen crew. I made each person a personalized Christmas ornament. 

I purchased all the supplies from Michaels. The ornaments are made of a sturdy cardboard and can be found in the wood section. Than each ornament was covered (front and back) with the selected scrapbook paper using hot glue. I edged each one with ribbon (using hot glue) to cover up the seams and applied the stickers/embellishments to each ornament. Finally, I put each persons name on it using glittery stickers. Overall, I would estimate each ornament cost about $5, which is not only cost effective for a large group but also more meaningful. :-)

Evergreen Christmas Party

Hubby and I attended the Evergreen Volunteer Christmas party on the 5th. It was a very large event with almost every volunteer attending! The music was mariachi style, which Matt and I found entertaining but most others were confused by. Upon leaving, with the buildings completely lit, I shot a few photos of the museums at night. Simply stunning!

The Space Building

The Aviation Building

This one is for Bruce, his beloved Spruce Goose!

Hepcat Model

My newest RC airplane has come a long way in 3 months. Keep in mind that this isn't a kit with pre-cut pieces. Everything you see here was built from scratch and each piece was cut individually.

First was the fuselage

This took the longest because it had to be built twice. Once by me and once by Cecil who didn't have the heart to make me build it again after he dropped it on the floor and shattered it.

Than I finished the wing

Than it was the horizontal and vertical stabilizers

Than we made sure the engine mount was going to fit...

and finally I installed the fuel tank.

We still need to install the engine mount, the engine and all the servos. After that, we can cover it and fly it!

Words I Never Thought I Would Say...

I got my keys to the mansion today.

Photo courtesy of Squid Vicious

 http://www.fivezerothree.com/

A Catholic Principal, A One-Legged Marine and A Swearing, Drinking Nun

Hubby and I had the pleasure of joining one of my friends from Evergreen and his family for Thanksgiving dinner. We watched football, ate decadent food and sipped on wine. There is something very freeing about joining a family that isn't your own for dinner. There is still all the bickering and arguments that occur at family get-togethers, they just don't include you!

My friend, Joe, is the one-legged Marine, his wife is the Catholic principal and her friend SAM (Sister Ann Marie) is the swearing, drinking nun. In addition, there were 7 more guests who were either family or strays like Matt and I. Add 3 standard-sized poodles to the mix and it was one heck of a party!

Mass Effect 3

Tom and Curtis, do not read this post if you haven't finished Mass Effect 3 yet!!

Do you remember back in March when I completely lost my mind because they ended Mass Effect 3 in the most stupid and ridiculous way possible? In case you forgot, here you go. Well, I played it again (actually I played 1, 2 and 3 again back to back) after Bioware released a patch which included an extended and updated ending. It isn't perfect, but OMG it is so much better than it was before. It doesn't solve my biggest grievance which is that everyone had the same ending but it did at least answer what happened to the crew you have been working with for 3 games. I have to give Bioware some credit for listening to the fans and doing the right thing.

Good News and Bad News

First, the good news. I got the job at Pittock Mansion! I start sometime next week. Also good news, confirmed I won't work at Pittock on Mondays so I can stay at Evergreen too! Bad news, I might not get to meet with the model group as much as I have been. My schedule will be erratic for awhile during the holiday season so I may miss working on my plane for the time being.

The C-130 that Dwaine and Harold are working on

C-130 hung up until they return from Arizona

Static model of the Spruce Goose which we hung today

She's a beauty!

Happy Birthday USMC!!

Every year Evergreen celebrates the awesomeness that is the USMC! Today we sat, drank coffee, talked and enjoyed the company of many Marines and their families. Thank you to all Marines who have, do or someday will serve this great nation. We can never repay you for all that you give.

Post Election Day Update

Regarding the house: We heard from our realtor who heard from the seller's realtor that Bank of America will have an answer for us regarding our offer in 45 days. If I am calculating things correctly, that should be around Christmas.

Regarding the dogs: They both had their blood work done yesterday and the vet called today to say that they are both doing great! No concerns or worries and Trudy is not having any unusual side-effects from her daily pain pill. Awesome!

Regarding hubby: I have lost him to Halo 4 but I am okay with that. He works long, hard hours and deserves every ounce of playtime he can get because he is awesome!

Regarding me: I went back to the doctor today because I am still not feeling well. My previous test results came back satisfactorily. I am not anemic, and my glucose, kidney and potassium levels are all good. My doctor decided to run another set of bloodwork today, this time testing my thyroid, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and folate levels. He wants me to see an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist in the next week if my symptoms persist. In addition, he would like to run a head CT to make sure my brain is okay.

Regarding the job: I had a second interview at Pittock Mansion last week and on Friday they called requesting a list of references. Things are looking up! UPDATE: I just got a call about 30 seconds ago to come into the Mansion tomorrow morning to meet the staff. Sounds like they like me!

Doctors Appointment

I went to the doctor this morning after 5 days of persistent vertigo. It appears to be nothing to worry about, simply a virus which is affecting my inner ear, however the doctor had blood drawn anyway just to make sure all my levels are normal. He is (obviously) a new doctor for me but he said the strangest thing after looking at my patient history "you appear to be a very healthy person." Really? I never thought of myself as sickly but I also wouldn't categorize myself as healthy either.

I have or currently do suffer from the following ailments:

Ingrown toenails (which required surgery)
Hip Dysplasia (which required 3 surgeries)
Diverticulitus/Diverticulosis (which required surgery)
Hiatal hernia
GERD
Asthma
Tonsil stones
Chronic sinusitis
Tubes in my ears (which required 3 surgeries)
Bad eyesight

Seriously y'all, I am 33. This would be an acceptable list for someone twice my age. Let's just admit it, I am not exactly the picture of health.

Here is a picture I found today when I really was healthy! Serious 80s style going on!

From left to right: Alana, Teresa, Cliff, Marty, Me and Malibu

One Giant Update

Lots of news occurred over the past week so, here goes:

Regarding the house: we received the seller's counter-offer on the house which we agreed too, signed and sent back. The counter-offer just stipulated that if the bank was going to force the seller's to pay the difference owed that they would decline our offer. We also received paperwork from Bank of America which they wanted signed, now we are playing the waiting game with the bank regarding our offer. Could be months...

Regarding me: I had a job interview today at a museum called the Pittock Mansion. Seriously, this place is stunning! Over two dozen individuals applied for the job, 6 were interviewed today and 3 will be chosen to interview again next week. From those 3, one will get the job and one will get an offer to be on-call for the holiday season. Keep me in your thoughts! Pittock already agreed to work around my schedule at Evergreen so I can do both! Awesome!

Regarding Evergreen: My resume was hand-delivered to Mr. Smith, the owner of Evergreen, by a colleague of mine. I also introduced myself to the curator (and gave him my resume) and he said he is in desperate need of a curation assistant. Sounds like if he can get a new position approved, the curator is very interested in my skills and knowledge. I cannot tell you how much I want to work at Evergreen and how much I would love to be there full-time!

Regarding the tortoises: There are 5 baby tortoises now. My dad was out in the yard and found another baby outside the enclosure he built for them. At first he thought he had an escapee, but quickly counted and realized that it was number 5! Dad also found the hole where the eggs were buried, so he is keeping a close eye for any more. Since Big Mama is so old, she has the potential of laying 20 eggs, but we don't anticipate that many would make it to hatching.

This photo made me laugh so loud, I couldn't help but share!

She has a goat on her lap!!!!!