Exasperation

I live in a planned community. There are many individual homes, and there are a few condo complexes; I own a condo. Due to the community amenities (2 clubhouses, 2 pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, fire department subscription, human resources at community level, decorative signs at roads) everyone (homeowners and condo owners) pay monthly subscription for these and the cost is equal - about $25 a month. Each condo complex has additional amenities shared only by those condo owners (monthly terminex service for pests, bi-annual cleaning of exterior of building, landscaping, roofing, parking lot maintenance, and insurance on the exterior of the structure). There are only 8 units in my complex so the cost is high (about $125 a month), whereas the condo complex across the street from me has over 60 units, and their cost is lower (about $115 a month).

I just received a visit from a condo owner from another part of the community. She asked me to sign a petition - the monthly amenities at her complex are going up $8 a month. She is against the increase based on the argument that our economy is in a recession, people are struggling, and their complex is not getting any new or additional services for the increase.

I asked her how long she had lived there - she bought 7 years ago. Had the amenities gone up since her purchase - yes, about $8 increase a few years back. I asked why she is looking for petition signatures from me and the other owners in my complex (the increase only affects her complex) - she said because the more signatures the better, they listen to us all, and we have to be united against this. We discussed how in 7 years the cost of services has increased (lawn maintenance contracts, fire department services, etc.), and therefore, wouldn't an increase in amenities be expected every so often? Her answer - it doesn't matter - we are in a recession and they shouldn't be tacking on more costs. Her argument was that the homeowners only paid so little and condo owners paid so much. I told her when I bought my condo, I was aware of this. I stated "why shouldn't homeowners pay less? They have to maintain their own house structures and lawns and pest control, where we have that taken care of for us." She stated "It's not fair - they get to write theirs off on their taxes, and we don't". I explained they don't get to write theirs off - they only get to write off mortgage interest just like us. I couldn't convince her because she knew a homeowner that included his amenities as a deduction and "no one said nothing to him yet".

Good Lord. Anyone who reads this is probably as exasperated from the reading as I was talking to her. We had a pleasant conversation, but I wouldn't sign the petition. She was truly surprised and amazed that I could not see her viewpoint. I was truly surprised and amazed that she felt that everyone should get everything for no cost - because we're in a recession and people are struggling.

I never mentioned that I don't believe we are in a recession (I think people believe what the nightly news propagandizes), but I did ask her if she worked - yes, she has a great job and so does her husband. I told her I had two jobs and went to school. I don't know if she got my point - if there is a recession, its not hurting her or myself.

Gross but Fun!

Squishy balls hold the same appeal to me as bubble wrap. You get your hands on one of them, and you squeeze, and squish and imagine all kind of nasty things. The squeezing and squishing, though, never gets old.

And way is that funky smell that stays on your hands afterwards? Gross!

Sperry Top-Siders

There are certain things that (whether we want to admit it or not) stereotypically define demographic groups. It is hard to think of Ralph Lauren polo shirts, khaki pants, and Sperry Top-Siders without envisioning the quintessential preppy frat boy or girl.

I am as far from that mold as you could get, but Jack & Buffi have a point. I love the shoes - always have, always will. At 47 years, I am on only the third pair of Sperrys I have ever owned. Worn 28 out of 30 days each month, they are comfortable, water proof and durable. They are getting somewhat dirty, but that can be fixed.

I estimate that these shoes will last at least another two years before it is time to move on.

Trying to Curb my Enthusiasm

For the past 7, 8 years, everyone talked about the HBO series "Curb Your Enthusiasm" - "great show", "very funny", "smart writing", "addictive".

My lack of an HBO subscription hindered me from watching the show for many years so I was not very familiar with it, other than Larry David (head writer and co-creater of the funniest show ever: "Seinfeld") was the writer and star of "Curb".

For a couple of years my daughter was in an on-again/off-again relationship, and the ex was nuts about "Curb", so much that their agenda revolved around the show. She hated it - maybe because the ex was controlled more by the show than by her.

As I was flipping through Comcast OnDemand choices last night, I noticed that they are playing season one of "Curb" so I thought I would give it a try. Episode One, ok. Episode Two, smartly written. Episode Three, I am intrigued by the characters whose mental derangement overshadows Larry's - yet they see him as nuts. Episode Four, with the ending freeze shot of Larry David having just evicted Richard Lewis from a jewelry store, I am HOOKED.

I feel guilty because I am now loving a show that my daughter hates for personal reasons. I promise this does not mean I am on the ex's team - but I have to keep watching this show!

I might be savvy

or maybe I'm not. I just tried to link this blog to my twitter account. Maybe it will work?

The good, honest auto mechanic

These are a rare breed. When you find one, make sure you save the digits.

About two weeks ago, I took my pony to the local oil/lube franchise for the three month oil change. I wasn't surprised when they told me it was time for new brakes and rotors with an estimate of $399. I could do that; however, every penny scrimped and saved is a penny towards a visit to my daughter.

I called the mechanic who lives way out where God lost his shoe, and he said he could do the job for $200, $225 tops. Plenty enough savings to justify the ride out to the boondocks.

Well, guess what. My car is ready and the total cost is $149. Don't tell his wife, but I am guilty of secretly being in luv with my grease monkey.

Going once, going twice, gone!

About a year ago, my daughter asked me to sell her Wii on Ebay. Even though I had made a purchase or two in the past, selling was new to me. Needless to say, Wiis were still rare and the sale went smoothly for the right price.

I am now at a point in my life where I am trying to rid myself of the clutter I have accumulated over the years. What better way than to put my junk on the internet's best garage sale site?

Dipping my toe in, I listed five of my Shelia's. I had no idea what to expect, or what to charge for shipping, so I let the bids start at $.99 with shipping of $4.95 per house. Bidding ends tomorrow about 10am EST.

I have looked at my merchandise several times a day for the past 9 days, and even though a handful of people are "watching" the items, no bids were placed UNTIL TODAY. Hey, these things might not sell for more than a couple of dollars each, but I am taking great pleasure in fantasizing a bidding war in the last 15 minutes!