Quite the quest: visit all 171 Starbucks on the island of Manhattan...
July 2007 Archives
The full moon was last Saturday, Cindy. NO. YES.
A SENSE OF HUMOR IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT IN LIFE.
Last night, I realized how much I've had a tendency to isolate myself these past months. LOL. Yes, hanging with a few close friends and not venturing out much at all for any nightlife. Yeah, nightlife. Weeeeeee.
So, I ventured out last night to see one of my favorite performers, Mr. James Intveld, who was playing at the Blue Cafe in Long Beach. http://www.myspace.com/jamesintveld
My cousin who lives just blocks from there, and her boyfriend, went to a play and then met me for the show afterwards. Did I say show? Yes, it was a rare form of show. Very energetic, very talkative....just a lot of good fun. I can't quite explain in writing what I'm trying to convey here, but Polk Salad Annie knows. And, only those who were there know what I'm talking about for sure. We had a great time listening to Mr. Intveld sing tunes like Modern Don Juan, Crying Over You, Ring of Fire, Love Calls, and many more. He even told stories. YES.
It was fun to see Jayne, Tracy, Suzanne, Miguel, and to hang out with my cousin too. Funny thing, I hadn't been out to the Blue in a LONG time and yet seeing everyone it seemed to feel like it was just yesterday I'd been there. I guess that's why they say there's nothing like being around old friends.
I'm not sure what's come over me the past year, but I'm into spending more quiet time than I used to. I love to make my jewelry and paint and go to bed before the wee hours strike. There are a few people in my immediate life, but I like to snuggle with my warm fuzzy. LOL. People ask me what's going on...nothing, just life changes. I had surgery, then a flooding in my place, and have had to put energies elsewhere. I guess it's just very true that there are different seasons in life, but I never forget my loyalties and my true friends ever. And, I also know that I'm turning 50 in September. I think I'll go pick turnip greens in TN with my childhood friends!
After all, if it's good enough for Mr. Intveld, I suppose it's good enough for me too.
But, of course as with age, I also have my complaints as well. Parking last night outside the Blue Cafe was a mere $10! Grrrr. I remember the days of $5 parking and that was even too much. Now, Long Beach is starting to follow in the footsteps of Sunset Strip. I remember we used to pay $10 to park at the House of Blues, but we did it because it was the House of Blues. Now, they want $20 in that area, so I would rarely ever go to a gig on that side of town. Maybe, I have become cheap and want to save for retirement. LOL. Who knows. Well, I do know that people get upset with me for referring to age so much. I guess I'm not affected by talking about it or living it. I can tell you I'd rather be my age now in this generation than someone in their 20's! And, I'm not going to complain too much, because we did have a great time last night and I rarely do these things anymore, so it's a good thing!
Now, the drive home was something out of a bad David Lynch movie. There I was approaching the 405 freeway, and as I looked ahead of me I saw a sea of red lights all backed up like a parking lot. But, by that time I was already stuck. Stuck in a madness of young kids all driving home from their Saturday night partying. There were loud blasting radios....people yelling at each other....Chinese Fire Drills right on the freeway, no less. A girl was even jogging barefoot in a jogging outfit with her hair in a 80's like hairband. She went up the freeway one way, and then back towards us waving at the cars. Next thing I see is a car driving quickly to the side of the road and some guy stumbles out, pants hanging half off....he practically falls into the brush to get outta dodge and take that wiz. And, then I look up and see the license plate in front of me and it reads, DJ WANDA. No, could it be? My sane friend Wanda from Howdylicious is stuck in this same mess of insane people? It is...it was. It was a refuge in the storm. I called her cell, but no answer, so I left a message, I honked...I came short of stopping my car and getting out and running and pounding on her window. I would have scared her to death. LOL. She never budged...never looked back at me. Nothing. She was in denial. Denial that I could have been some crazed killer. Weeeeeee. Hi Wanda!
And then...suddenly as we all sat there, Cal Trans had the mess all cleaned up and then started opening the freeway lanes again. Off we all darted down the empty stretches of freeway zooming into the night. In all my years of driving back from LB late, I'd never experienced anything like this and I'm wondering if this whole night was just some kind of Omen to Cindy....telling her to stay home from hereon in. I will have to sit and ponder this one for a while. It's kind of like that movie, The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly? Lord have mercy.
Last of all, but not least, I want to say that I prayed last night. Yes, I said a prayer, because earlier there had been a bad accident at Seal Beach Blvd. involving three cars and a motorcycle. I hope that none of these people were seriously injured and that there were no fatalities. Driving is serious business and we need to be responsible. Far too many people drink and drive. I had someone close to me killed by a drunk driver many years ago and I am ever aware of it. PEOPLE, DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE.
Now, I'm going to be off for a bike ride at the beach late this afternoon. I need some fresh air and exercise for a change of pace. I hope the two of you reading this have had a good weekend. I know mine was quite interesting!
AMEN.
Once upon a time, I had a flood in my townhome or glorified condo, as they call it.
The neighbors shower pipe burst and flooded me twice.
It was a mess. I digress.
The story is long and convoluted and my place was quite polluted.
It was also speculation along the way, that I might have a slab leak.
But, I didn't. :)
Slab leaks require digging through cement to get to pipes. A jackhammer to fix, costing thousands to fix.
Even worse, my neighbors had no homeowner's insurance and paid for their damages (new bathroom, essentially) and my damages in cold hard earned cash. A lesson learned for them, and somewhat of a Godsend for me, because I wasn't the one who caused the damage. And, trust me I didn't have near the damage the neighbors had.
Now, that I finally have my place back to normal with a small replacement of wallboard, paint, flooring and carpet replaced, I can breath again.
Note: The following is personal opinion, do your own research as well. I am not a lawyer or giving legal advice!
What I have learned:
Air mattresses are not that comfortable, but better than sleeping on the floor.
Mold and mildew are things you need to be highly aware of, because mold especially can make you quite sick, and mildew smells awful. Everything needs to be removed and big fans are needed to dry things. Luckily, I did this immediately, but still got a bit sick from the moisture.
Lifting heavy things is not a wise idea - use furniture sliders and go easy. Obviously, have someone help. Don't think you're Superman or Woman.
Checking for slab leaks is tricky business and requires a very small camera that will go through two inch pipes underground. Note: Get on knees and pray you don't have or develop slab leaks.
California Law does not mandate homeowner's insurance! Surprised? Yet another condition most are not aware of in CA. Loan companies may require it and Property Mgmt (for condos) may require it, but it is not a law in the State of CA. to have it. Loan companies do give loans all the time without the buyer obtaining homeowner's insurance. Some will tell you to either get it or go elsewhere for your loan. Loan companies will often allow condo/townhome buyers to go in under the guise of the complex blanket insurance, which covers very little. Many, like my neighbor, found that out too late. Last of all, but not least....anyone buying a place cash or those who have their mortgage paid off cannot be required to get homeowner's insurance.
Now, not having private homeowner's insurance is risky business. Your place could burn down and you have no money to rebuild. Also of issue, is not having ENOUGH homeowner's insurance coverage to rebuild in case of fire. You could essentially lose everything. Many have found this out too late and had to use retirement money to rebuild.
If you live in a condo, and you have private insurance based upon the difference of the complex blanket policy, you might think it's a good thing, but it very well is not. Most Property Mgmt. companies will not let you use any of their blanket insurance for things inside, even if the insurance rider says it has coverage. They usually will only cover outside structure. Beware of condo CC & R's stating "they cover nothing on the inside". It's tricky and not very nice business. I have to say that I find Property Mgmt. companies in it for something else, but they are not going to help the homeowner. What I've explained above is a situation that might have been individual to my complex, but could be shared with many other complexes as well. Know your blanket insurance policies and also what the CC & R's state. Even the board members in my complex did not know all the facts. Here, we now have heads that are spinning and a can or worms has been opened. The insurance policy and the CC & R's cancel each other out in the complex where I live. My insurance agent covers both the complex policy and my private policy and based my insurance on the difference of the complex policy. What does that mean? I did not and have not in all these years had enough coverage for fire. Major revamping is in order, and some people are looking quite stupefied.
All in all, if your neighbors have no insurance and they cause you damage, you have the choice of filing on your own policy (but don't do it unless you absolutely have to) (see info below). The neighbors might opt to pay for your damages, which is preferable, and hopefully the end result. If not, you either file a claim on your insurance, pay it out of your pocket, or sue them. Oh, and if you don't have homeowners and you caused the damage...well, umm...guess what?
Last of all, but not least - you really shouldn't file any homeowner's insurance claim unless you have mega damage as in thousands and thousands. If you do file, it will go out onto a report called CLUE. It is on record for at least five years and real estate agents and other insurance agents have privy to it. You run the risk of having your insurance "not renewed", if you file claims on your property, or if they decide to keep you, you'll likely pay high risk premiums, thereafter. In addition, anyone looking to sell a home could essentially ward off buyers if the potential buyer has the CLUE report pulled and they see claims for water damage, etc.
As a final note, I would never buy another condo in the State of CA. It's laws for homeowners are not in their best interest when common walls are shared. For single homeowners without insurance, your place could burn down and start the neighbor's house on fire and you are also affected in the same way. Most other states do require proof of Homeowner's Insurance - go figure that one. But, the bottom line is that we pay for insurances that we seem to be swayed from using when needed. We are at the mercy of the insurance company to keep us or not to keep us when and if we do have a problem. I love the fact that they collect our money every month, and can wreak havoc on your life when you need them.
What is that old saying of "damned if you do and damned if you don't?"
In closing, whatever I share here that might shed some knowledge and enlightenment for you, the reader.... then as Martha would say, "It's a good thing!"
Life as a homeowner can be challenging, sometimes rewarding and sometimes very stressful, but then isn't life that way in general?
Recently, someone sent me a very touching video story. It's been in my mind ever since, and then you start to think about how good we have it here in America, and the sacrifices that are being made on the other side of the world. This one will really touch your heart.
