One Last Stroll Through the Neighborhood

A little while ago, I just got back from a walk around my current, but soon to be former neighborhood. It has its charming characteristics, yet some things are left to be desired. This is the basic layout of the neighborhood: to the east and south is the business and commercial district. You have a bunch of apartment buildings directly east of my building, then kiddy-corner to the building, you have a dairy. Then, due south is a commercial building that comprises a variety of offices. To the north and west, it's all residential (except closer to the highway). Due west, there are some very beautiful homes located along the street - and if any of those homes were for sale while I was looking, I would've considered relocating here. But that never ended up happening. North of my apartment building is more residential, but not far down the street is township jurisdiction.

When I first moved into this building nearly three years ago, I definitely found the atmosphere much better than the apartment prior. It was newer, for one thing, and the rent for being in this city was the lowest I could find. It also provided me a bit more space. However, the exterior and the lot around the apartment is basically comprised of concrete and asphalt. There's no physical lawn, if you will, to really sit out and enjoy the weather. The landlords here have not provided a public green space for its residents and that is kind of a detraction to the place. Don't get me wrong, the landlords here have been nothing but kind and considerate. But I just think they could do more to make it more tenant-friendly, if you will. Sure, there's a small parcel of land in the back of the apartment, but it's only a little more than ten feet in width. I would rather go to the park than spend some time out back there.

As for the neighborhood itself, it's a mixed bag, really. The row of houses due west of the apartment building are quaint and well-kept, except for one. Several old oak trees line the roadway and the leaves drape over the street and the lawns of the homeowners. Many of the lawns are well kept and the grass is a beautiful green; absolutely no weeds to be found. The people here really take great pride for their homes and it's truly a pleasure to walk along the street and to marvel at their properties. The apartment complex due east of my building is a well-maintained complex. They provide such a wonderful atmosphere for their tenants with park benches, plenty of green space, and even a fitness center within their complex. But then everything beyond that is pretty plain and city-like, complete with parking lots, busy streets, office buildings, and retail stores. It's definitely not a walkers or sight see-ers paradise to be sure. But having those businesses, particularly the retail store that close by has certainly been handy. I even lament the fact that I haven't taken advantage of going to the dairy just across the street from my building at all. I was there once when my sisters visited one time, but that has been it. They sell a variety of dairy products at their store and I can't tell you how many times I've kicked myself for not getting milk on the way home from work - only to realize later they sell it right across the street! Oh well, you can't always be perfect.

When I first moved into this building almost three years ago to the day, at first I didn't do hardly any walking. That first year I basically stayed inside my apartment or drove to other parts of the city to do my walking. But in the two years since, I've ventured out more and more and have grown accustomed to my surroundings. Where I'm moving, it'll be more of a country-setting. But the conveniences of the city are not that far away. I'll miss certain aspects about living in my current building, but all of the aspects about owning a home far outweight the prospects of renting. It's been an enjoyable three years here, overall. And despite some of the early drama about this apartment back in 2006, I'd say living here has been worth every month's rent I've been paying. But after this coming weekend, it's finally time to embrace a new setting, one that I can call all to my own.

Celebrity Affairs

Today's blog is going to be about a couple of different topics - mainly dealing with public celebrities, if you will.

News broke within the last few days about an alleged incident involving Jeff Archuleta, famous father of season seven American Idol runner-up David Archuleta, soliciting a prostitute working for a massage parlor in Utah back in January. Reportedly, Jeff sought these services through Craigslist and was caught in a police sting. He pleaded no contest to the charges and paid $582 in fines. Apparently the Jeff Archuleta camp is saying this is one big misunderstanding. However, it's obviously true if he pleaded no contest. I just can't understand what this man was thinking. He had the world at his feet, with a popular and very successful son doing well in the music industry. He has a gorgeous wife and a wonderful family. I am honestly dumbfounded that Jeff could've even resorted to such an activity. What is this world coming to?

During season seven of American Idol, Jeff Archuleta kind of became a controversial backstage figure on the show. We heard these horrible rumors about him being this terrible stage dad, shouting orders at his son, refusing to give his son water when thirsty, and fighting with directors/producers of the show to get advantages for his son on Idol. Those allegations were all deemed as false and once season seven concluded, many David Archuleta fans really learned more about the real Jeff Archuleta. He didn't seem to be as bad of a guy as the rumors have stated. But you have to wonder if some of those rumors actually were true? Obviously those ones about him refusing David water and bossing him around couldn't be right. But the ones about him being too involving in the decision making for David during his Idol run very well could be true. This latest incident involving Jeff and the prostitute really changes his public perception. Prior to these allegations, many Archie fans became to think highly of Jeff. Well, judging from a variety of comments on message boards, Jeff Archuleta is no longer a popular parent. His public image has been changed forever, and that's very unfortunate.

That leads me to another topic that I've been considering discussing for awhile. Prior to this year, how many Americans knew who Jon and Kate Gosselin were? The show had always managed decent ratings for TLC - but nothing like what it's brought in ratings-wise this season. Obviously a firestorm of media controversy has erupted over this couple ever since rumors of their separation and infidelity began. The season premiere of their show on Memorial Day of this year reaped in record ratings for the TLC cable channel. However, the ratings achievement was reached because of the controversy over this couple - not because of the show and their eight children. And the sad part is, the children are the innocent victims of their parents in-fighting. The show used to be about the kids and how the parents dealt with raising eight children in a household. Now they only play the backstory to the controversy involving Jon and Kate.

I had just started an interest in watching the show prior to the Jon and Kate drama that has played out in tabloids and celebrity blogs. I had sensed from watching earlier episodes that Kate could be a pretty demanding wife for Jon. So it's not really a huge surprise for me to see their marriage has crumbled. However, to see eight children tangled up in the midst of everything is a terrible thing. Obviously Jon and Kate will set up arrangements for visitation if the rumors are true that they will indeed seek a divorce. I just have to wonder how exactly the show will go on once the divorce becomes final. Will Jon no longer be part of it? I have strong suspicions that Kate will not give up the show and the money she gets paid for doing it. But Jon very well could drop out of the public eye - and I sense that's what he's wanted since this past year and the drama has evolved.

Family Drama

I wish I could say I had a perfect family, but in recent days I've learned it's far from perfect. Since I am single, I have not yet started a family of my own, but I am hoping that eventually I will be able to. And maybe taking all of my life experiences into account up until this point will help in raising a family of my own. As I've watched over my parents relationship through the years, I've come to realize that marriage isn't all that it's cracked up to be. There's a lot of compromise to be had and if one side doesn't get their way regarding a certain thing, it could get ugly. My parents had a big fight earlier this week. Thankfully I was not around while it went on, otherwise I probably would've left. Not to get too descriptive as to what all went on (and only basing it from my mom's side of the story) - my dad uttered that terrible word that causes all marriages to cease existing - divorce. I couldn't believe it - in fact, I was shocked when my mom told me. And all the fight was about was my uncle and a satellite dish. But the thought of my parents possibly divorcing after 37 years of marriage was mind boggling. Sure, they had fights before - one instance I remember my mom yelling another word at my dad describing how she felt of him - hate. I never forgot about that - and yet, even though I was no where near their latest fight, I still can't get it out of my mind.

Needless to say, my mom is not a fan of my uncle - which would be my dad's brother. As long as I can remember, she has disliked the man, but maybe moreso in recent years. She claims he's never treated my dad right from the time my mom and dad met. She thinks my dad gets treated like a little kid by my uncle, even to this day. And I would have to say my dad tends to worship his brother - probably a little too much. There are many times during random conversation where his name gets brought up and my mom makes a face. My dad claims he always gets stuff from his brother and he does a lot of work for him. But more often than not, my dad also has to do a lot of the work before his brother steps in to help. It's kind of a complicated situation and I don't want to delve into it too much in case someone from my family happens upon this blog and reads what I have to say. But this family dynamic has existed for years and it finally came to a head this past week.

I don't have anything against my uncle; he's been nothing but nice and helpful to me throughout the years. I stayed over at his place many times during the summer while me and my cousins were growing up. All those experiences are fond memories now. My cousins and I never get together like we used to as we're all on separate paths. I just choose to stay out of either side of the issue that seems to divide my parents. My mom has been willing to compromise and be more accepting of my uncle in light of recent events. Obviously she wants her marriage to continue, however, she's not able to forget what my dad said to her about wanting a divorce. And their marriage may never be the same because of it. Like my mom said, if he actually said it, certainly he must mean it. And I feel bad for my dad, too. He was so distraught and angry over the whole situation, he started crying. I've never seen my dad cry other than at his own father's funeral. That image continues to haunt me. And I wasn't even there! Ugh, it's such an unpleasant situation.

Since then, my mom and dad have temporarily mended fences. They've gotten over fights in the past and I've got a pretty good feeling they will get over this one, too. But my mom is hurt by the things my dad said, no question about it. It's going to take her a long time to get over this situation. But heck, they've gone through 37 years of marriage already. I find it hard to believe that they're willing to end it all over something like this. And I just can't fathom my mom and dad ever being apart. If that day happens to come, it'll take a long, long time before I'll be able to accept it.

UPDATE: I am happy to say that things appear to be going very well for my parents since this incident took place. I spent a few days with them this past week and although my mom is still very hurt by the things my dad said, she is not letting that stop her from going forward.

Where's Summer?

We're eight days into June and we're still left to wonder when summer intends to make its arrival. Today is another one of those cloudy, damp days with temperatures hovering in the upper 40's. I asked my dad if he can remember a summer starting out so cool like 2009 has. He replied, "oh probably." Obviously he can't remember quite like he used to, but as long as I've been alive, I don't recall such a cool start to summer. I think I read a stat that said we've only made it to 70 degrees and above just six or seven days so far this warm season. That interpretation might not be totally right, but it's something along those lines. And yes, typically we're a cool location year round, but this is rediculous! Hey, at least the snow has stopped falling.

Speaking of snow, it's not unusual for us to see snow during the month of May. Back on May 19, 1990, a major snowstorm struck the Upper Peninsula, dumping as much as two feet of snow on much of the region. Imagine back then, the trees full of leaves and the spring flowers in full bloom. Obviously that freak snowstorm changed the landscape for a few days until the snow completely melted. From what I can recall, it only took a couple of days for everything to melt. But it just goes to show you that even in May, a snowstorm can occur. Fast-forward to this May, where the first two or three Saturdays of the month produced snow showers through much of North Central Upper Michigan. We didn't pick up any serious accumulations during those separate events, but it just goes to show you how cool this spring has turned out to be. I still don't think some of the trees are bearing their full coverage of leaves quite yet. The blossoms on the apple tree in the backyard are just starting to open up and the lilacs are finally starting to bloom. I honestly believe all of the trees and shrubs are later to bloom this year than they were last; and last year was a late start to everything. And what is the talk of global warming all about?

Ah, but there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel. Looking at the long range forecasts, after we get beyond the next few days, 70 degrees for a day-time high looks to be in sight. How nice that will feel after days and weeks of temperatures struggling to hit 50 and 60 degrees. I wouldn't be complaining if we had temperatures in the 60's - at least you don't need to wear a coat. But the light jacket has come in handy quite frequently the last few weeks. I want to be able to experience not having to wear a jacket to and from work and finally to be able to wear shorts every day of the week. My pants are beginning to get rather worn out from wearing them so often - usually by this time of the year, I'm making the switch over to shorts for the summer. Oh well, the weather can stay like this forever. And like I said, the forecast shows promising signs in the days ahead. This is the U.P. afterall, as they say, wait five minutes, the weather will change (on good days).

Busy Summer Awaits

It's going to be another busy summer for me - probably busier than ever. As you may know, I am in the process of buying my new home and the sale closes at the end of the month. So I have a little bit of time to prepare for that. In addition to getting myself moved in, I also plan to make a few improvements to the house, even though the place does not need a lot of work. I don't know if I'll be doing much to the new home this summer as I have plans with other assorted projects, but maybe more this fall and winter. Whatever the case may be, it'll finally be nice to have my own home where I can do whatever I want with! That is what's rough about renting - you pay your rent every month and it's basically like throwing your money away. So in that regard, it'll be fun to gradually make improvements to the place.

Phase two of the major siding and windows project will get started on my parents house this summer as well. In fact, our order of windows and siding will be dropped off this coming Thursday! We still need to pick up a few things from Menards - but we should be able to start the project almost immediately once my dad and I have time off together. I wouldn't say it's as extensive of a project like last years', but it'll still be a lot to accomplish. We're not rebuilding walls like we did last summer, just basically going over top the existing siding and replacing windows along the way. We elected to save one existing window that was roughly 15 years old (relatively new) and two others since they let out light from the attic and garage. The other important windows of the house will be replaced. I don't know what it is, but anytime my dad and I plan a major project, I just can't wait to get started. It must be the inner-carpenter inside of me.

Also on my parents house, we have one exterior door to change out. Last winter we had a lot of trouble with cold air passing through around the frame. It's not in physically bad condition, but it's just letting in too much cold air. Changing out this door might be tricky because around it is the new siding we put up last year. I have a feeling I might be taking it all down just to put the new door in. Hopefully not! Anyways, it should be an adventure as always. We also plan on installing metal roofing on the remainder of the garage. When we built the addition to the garage ten years ago, we installed a metal roof on it. Gradually my dad has been putting metal roofing on the rest of the garage. It's been a few years since he put the last section up, but he's looking to finish off the remainder of the garage roof this summer. It needs it, too, since part of the garage roof that's shingled started leaking last fall. Hopefully we'll be able to fit this project in once the siding is complete.

And if you thought that's all we had planned on my parents house, you're wrong! My dad also wants to dismantle the old chimney on the south side of the house. We used to have a wood burning stove years ago. After we remodeled the kitchen, we opted not to include the stove as part of the new kitchen, so the chimney inlet for the stove was covered up. Now, ten years later, we'll be taking down the old chimney. It shouldn't be too much work as the chimney's not all that big. However, my dad had the top of the chimney re-done 15 years ago when we installed a new roof on the south side of the house, so it might be kind of tough knocking the old bricks off. We'll see if we get that far.

Those are just a few of the projects planned for the summer of 2009. That doesn't include visits to see my sister in Wisconsin along with other fun activities that I plan to be part of. Before you know it, summer will be over and I'll be wondering where it all went. And then I'll think back, "oh, I was doing this, and this, and this!" Hopefully mixed in with all these projects, I'll be able to enjoy some of the U.P's wilderness. After all, I think summer in the U.P. is why many of us choose to live here year-round. Happy summer to all those out there in blog-land!

Sale Pending

YAY! It finally says "Pending"!

There it is, folks - my new home. After about a half-month of searching, I located the home that I will be purchasing. Last week I submitted an offer, which was counter-offered by the owners. They came down only $500, yet, I still felt it was too good of a deal to pass up. What might have complicated things was someone else submitting an offer only one day before I did, meaning I had to compete and didn't have the luxury of submitting an offer at least 1o% lower than the asking price. I didn't want to insult the current owners, either, who've been described to me as cautious and stubborn when accepting offers on their home. With that being said, in a competitive bidding process, you have to go with your gut. And that's exactly what I did. Am I a bit disappointed I couldn't land this home at a bit lower price? Sure ... but only a small fraction because I feel I got a tremendous house for a great price. When I toured six houses including this one, this was by far the best that I had seen. Important updates were made on the home meaning all I have to do is move in and it's all set. Eventually I'd like to do a few small changes to the place - but really nothing dramatic because I feel it's good the way it is. Now all I have to do is wait until the end of this month for my deal to close.

Tomorrow is a pretty important day regarding my new home as I get it professionally inspected. The current owners are still there - they are not scheduled to leave until the end of the month. However, as a buyer, I have the right to have the home inspected during the sales process. I have been told I will learn a lot about my home this way - which makes it very necessary for me to be there in case the inspector comes across something significant to the structure where repairs may be needed. This is my "out" clause, if you will. If I find something structurally deficient, I can cancel my sales contract or require that repairs be made prior to me moving in. There is no fault against me if I wish to move away from this home. However, I have a good feeling that won't happen as I saw nothing out of the ordinary the previous two times I went and saw the house. It'll take about two to three hours to go through the home, which sound pretty lengthy. But in the end, I think it'll be worth it.

That's not to say I don't feel a tad bit sad about leaving my apartment. It was strange as I entered the building where I currently reside. I began to feel sentimental about things; you know, I've grown to like my apartment. Its become my home away from home, if you will. But I am running out of room and when you pay rent, it's basically like throwing your money away. It's time for me to move on. I have a stable-enough job at this point where I am able to buy a home and not have to worry about a foreclosing. So at the end of this month, I will be packing up and moving about 10 miles south of town. I am sure I'll have mixed emotions about everything - but in the end, it's all for the better. I am getting a great home and moving into a place that's relatively maintenance-free. How can it get any better than that?