Back In My Element

Before my son was born, I had various office jobs (think administrative assistant type work).  For each job, I was responsible for managing at least one project and the way I did that was through a database.  It was simple enough for me to create the database (wizzards make it particularly simple these days), but what I really enjoyed was creating reports and queries.  It was fun being able to figure out what information I (or my boss) wanted to see on a regular basis and then to create the documentation.  When I had to create a formula to do some math it was even more fun. 

Over the last couple months I've been thinking about how I could better manage my time.  I want to spend less time working and make the same if not more money (who doesn't want that, right?).  There are numerous ways I think I can accomplish that.  The one I am focused on the most right now is to make it so I have access to my notes no matter where I am.  And guess how I've decided to do that?  Yep, a database.

Right now I write everything down in a large notebook.  That means when I'm away from my desk (meeting with clients, taking my kids to the dentist, or even grocery shopping) I don't have access to my notes.  I can't begin to tell you how many times I've been in the car and gotten a phone call.  I always intend to write it down when I get back to my desk but more often than not, I forget till days later.  Now I will be able to make those notes even when I'm out (don't worry, I will not text and drive).

After spending a couple weeks researching which database will work best for me, I'm about to start the fun part... setting up the database, queries, and reports.

Pray for my family.  There's a really good chance I'm about to become very distracted. 

Breathing Easier

I have a client that I've been working with for 2 months.  They have been looking for a house though for 9 months total now.  They were getting to the point where they were thinking maybe they should stop looking.  I have put in a total of 5 offers for them and until today all of them had been turned down.  Usually because someone else offered to pay with cash.

Today their offer was accepted and we hope to close by the end of January.  To say they are happy is an understatement.  They are still guarded in their excitement, and rightly so considering all they've been through, but it's still nice to know they have attained a step they haven't before.

I got into real estate because we needed the money, but part of the reason I chose real estate rather than something else was because I wanted to be able to help people.  It's so rewarding to see the happy faces of a new home buyer.  And I hope next month they will be among them.

Some of my friends and family are aware that yesterday was a bit of a rough day for me.  That was because I had a deal close.  You would think that would be a good thing, but some documents surfaced at the last minute that surprised me and my buyers and made things a bit dicey to say the least.  The deal is closed and I think things are ok (I haven't heard anything today to the contrary anyway).

The deal closing yesterday and my clients having an offer accepted is certainly making today a much more relaxing day.

Renewed Energy

Knitting, knitting, kitting.  It seems like since April all I've been doing is knitting. I've knit while watching TV, while playing games with my kids, and even while riding in the car (this is actually scary because what happens to those needles if you crash?!?).

I've knit things for two baby showers and various family members.  Since April I've knit: 1 baby blanket, 4 baby hats, 3 baby mitten sets, 3 baby sock sets, and 5 pairs of socks for kids / adults.

Some of these projects I had to do multiple times; one pair of socks were too short, the cuffs on one pair of socks were too small, and the first hat I made for my nephew probably still doesn't fit because it was so big.  All part of the learning process, since I only started knitting a year and a half ago.

I finished all these projects a few days ago.  I was looking forward to taking a break for a while and then I remembered my intention to make hats for preemies.  I did a little research on that today and found a hospital in the area that even advertises knitting as a volunteer opportunity on their website!  I've left a message and am now looking forward to hearing back from them.  I've been working on this blog post for a while now, and it's original title was going to be "Glad That's Finally Over."  Having a possible focus again is so exhilarating! Bring it on!

For those of you family and close friends who are interested in receiving knit socks, a hat, or a scarf next Christmas, place your request now so I have an idea of what I have to do (and so I can figure out how much I can commit to at the hospital).

If there are any of you out there who are interested in purchasing something for your friends or family I might be open to that as well (after all who doesn't like to make money doing something they enjoy doing in their spare time).