Well, we wish we had more to share for an update on our housing situation, but we are still waiting for documents from the Department of Real Estate as well as from the City of Pasadena.
Since some of you may not know the story of the house, here's a summary:
Noel was reading a flier put out by the City of Pasadena last July. In it, there was a very small paragraph about a company called Heritage Housing Partners (HHP). They are a company that makes housing available to low and moderate income people in Pasadena by utilizing different governmental programs. We decided to apply right before we left for Hawaii (the end of July). The day we returned, we received a phone call saying that we were finalists in the process and we needed to come in for an interview. A few weeks later, we interviewed (late August). A couple of days after the interview, we learned that we were selected and offered the house! Everything happened so quickly and we were quite overwhelmed, but excited by the news! Since then, we have been waiting for a final version of the purchasing contract to be ready for signing. This was supposed to be ready mid-September, but there have been many hold-ups from the different agencies involved. When we were offered the house, HHP said they hope everyone will close by November 30. We are still aiming for that date, but we're starting to think it may not happen.
The house is a very small 2 bedroom bungalow in a fantastic neighborhood. We are still hoping that everything works out in terms of the final cost and that we are able to close in time for the tax rebate offered this year.
We'll let you know once things become more final!
(If you click on the HHP link, we are part of the "Haskett Court Project". It's a community of 6 historic bungalows that are being restored.)
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
A great birthday
I had a great birthday this past weekend! Noel and I enjoyed a nice dinner at a new restaurant, I ate at 21 Choices twice, and we were able to celebrate with friends, which was the best part of all.
We ate a delicious cake when we were in Hawaii that I really wanted to have for my birthday cake. It's called Chantilly Cake and is similar to a German Chocolate cake, but the frosting doesn't have coconut and it's a little less sweet. It turned out quite well, but didn't compare to the one we had in Hawaii. Oh well. We'll try again some other time.
Oops! The delay of the camera missed the blowing out of the candles!
The cake: 4 layers of a light chocolate flavor with a thin cream/custard layer between each cake layer. Then the chantilly frosting.
I haven't celebrated my birthday with a group of friends in many, many years, so it was really fun to have people over. I felt celebrated, special, and loved and am so appreciative to Noel for inviting everyone! Thanks for a great birthday, friends!
We ate a delicious cake when we were in Hawaii that I really wanted to have for my birthday cake. It's called Chantilly Cake and is similar to a German Chocolate cake, but the frosting doesn't have coconut and it's a little less sweet. It turned out quite well, but didn't compare to the one we had in Hawaii. Oh well. We'll try again some other time.
Oops! The delay of the camera missed the blowing out of the candles!
The cake: 4 layers of a light chocolate flavor with a thin cream/custard layer between each cake layer. Then the chantilly frosting.
I haven't celebrated my birthday with a group of friends in many, many years, so it was really fun to have people over. I felt celebrated, special, and loved and am so appreciative to Noel for inviting everyone! Thanks for a great birthday, friends!Thursday, October 8, 2009
On not fitting in...
I've been back in school for a little over a month now completing some prereqs for a Master's in Nutrition program that I'd like to start next summer. When I decided to take my prereqs at Pasadena City College, I knew that I wouldn't blend in as the "typical" student. However, I only thought I wouldn't fit in since I'm "old" and married. Little did I know that every student in my chemistry class would have black hair except for me. Now I really stand out! I've never really been the minority and it's been a very interesting experience for me on learning to stay true to myself.
Before my first lab, the professor told us that we'd need to have safety goggles to do our lab. I thought, "Great! Noel and I just purchased some for when we refinished our tub! I won't have to buy any!". So, I showed up to the first lab wearing my home improvement safety glasses. I was also not expecting to not fit in this way, but I was the only one who had wrap around glasses. Everyone else had purchased cool goggles from the lab store. This became one area where I decided it might be better to just try and fit in.
Before my first lab, the professor told us that we'd need to have safety goggles to do our lab. I thought, "Great! Noel and I just purchased some for when we refinished our tub! I won't have to buy any!". So, I showed up to the first lab wearing my home improvement safety glasses. I was also not expecting to not fit in this way, but I was the only one who had wrap around glasses. Everyone else had purchased cool goggles from the lab store. This became one area where I decided it might be better to just try and fit in.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Noel's birthday
Noel celebrated his 29th birthday this past week. We enjoyed a great dinner at Beckham Grill and ate carrot cake at home after dinner. Noel has requested carrot cake for his birthday for the past 3 years (or more...I can't remember). He received some really nice gifts, as well as money, which is currently being set aside for future home needs.
He loved all of his gifts, but there was one in particular that was a huge surprise. My parents sent it in the mail and I could hardly wait for Noel to open it since I knew he'd love it so much.
Waiting for him to reveal what was inside.
Look closely, Noel now has a study partner.
His very own, John Calvin bobblehead. So far, I have heard Noel asking, "What do you think, John?". John always says, "yes".
He loved all of his gifts, but there was one in particular that was a huge surprise. My parents sent it in the mail and I could hardly wait for Noel to open it since I knew he'd love it so much.
Waiting for him to reveal what was inside.
Look closely, Noel now has a study partner.
His very own, John Calvin bobblehead. So far, I have heard Noel asking, "What do you think, John?". John always says, "yes".Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Our dear friends
Our dear friends, Dani and Michelle (who we visited in Hawaii recently) moved back to Pasadena a couple of weeks ago. Dani graduated from Fuller with his MDiv a little over a year ago and Michelle is now continuing her PhD in Clinical Psychology. They are some of the sweetest, most generous people we have ever met and we feel so privileged to call them friends.
So, why am I telling you all this? Well, they have a bit of a crisis. I'm not sure that anyone we know can do anything about it, but I thought I might as well put the word out. They shipped their car here from Hawaii. Upon arrival, it was not running well. They took it to a mechanic and put over $800 into it. Not a very nice welcome back to CA for them! The day after they picked it up, it stopped working again. They took it back to the mechanic and found out that there is a lot of oil sludge build up. After much investigation and research, it does appear that the mechanic is being honest. They now have a huge choice to make. Pay $2000 for another engine flush to flush the sludge. However, this is not guaranteed to make the car run. Or, look for a new car. They are in no position to be looking for a car since they just moved and Dani hasn't found a job yet. So, if anyone has any southern California connections to a free or cheap car for them, please let us know! I know it's a shot in the dark. They've just done SO much for us, and I wish we could help them out in their time of need.
So, why am I telling you all this? Well, they have a bit of a crisis. I'm not sure that anyone we know can do anything about it, but I thought I might as well put the word out. They shipped their car here from Hawaii. Upon arrival, it was not running well. They took it to a mechanic and put over $800 into it. Not a very nice welcome back to CA for them! The day after they picked it up, it stopped working again. They took it back to the mechanic and found out that there is a lot of oil sludge build up. After much investigation and research, it does appear that the mechanic is being honest. They now have a huge choice to make. Pay $2000 for another engine flush to flush the sludge. However, this is not guaranteed to make the car run. Or, look for a new car. They are in no position to be looking for a car since they just moved and Dani hasn't found a job yet. So, if anyone has any southern California connections to a free or cheap car for them, please let us know! I know it's a shot in the dark. They've just done SO much for us, and I wish we could help them out in their time of need.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
I'm starting to think...
...that working full-time, going to school part-time, being a Community Coordinator, and trying to buy a house all at the same time might not be the greatest idea.
We have lots going on in our lives right now and things will only get busier as Noel goes back to school next week. All are exciting things, but needless to say, updating the blog has not been made a priority as of late.
I started school at Pasadena City College 3 weeks ago. Up until yesterday, it was pretty easy and I was wondering if I was in college or elementary school. Not really....but it was very easy. It's starting to get more difficult and I'm starting to wonder when I'll get all my studying in. But, I REALLY LOVE it! I'm so glad I'm there and can't wait to start classes that will actually be a part of my program. I can't even imagine how much more I will love those! I'm currently taking General, Organic, and Biochemistry (one class) as well as Anatomy and Physiology. I really feel like this is a great fit for me!
As for the house....more on that later. :)
We have lots going on in our lives right now and things will only get busier as Noel goes back to school next week. All are exciting things, but needless to say, updating the blog has not been made a priority as of late.
I started school at Pasadena City College 3 weeks ago. Up until yesterday, it was pretty easy and I was wondering if I was in college or elementary school. Not really....but it was very easy. It's starting to get more difficult and I'm starting to wonder when I'll get all my studying in. But, I REALLY LOVE it! I'm so glad I'm there and can't wait to start classes that will actually be a part of my program. I can't even imagine how much more I will love those! I'm currently taking General, Organic, and Biochemistry (one class) as well as Anatomy and Physiology. I really feel like this is a great fit for me!
As for the house....more on that later. :)
Monday, August 31, 2009
Fires
The fires are so bad right now and as of this morning, the one near us was only 5 % contained. These pictures were taken by a friend of mine either yesterday or today and I think last night. I haven't ventured out to take any yet. This is the view looking North from the end of our street. I'll try and take some of my own later today and night if there still a good view.
Mount Wilson is being threatened right now, which is where all of the TV antennas are located as well as antennas for the emergency system out here. The firefighters have cleared the area of brush and put lots of fire retardant down, but it still may not be enough.
We're doing fine. The air is a bit smokey, but could be worse. The wind isn't bad and is moving most of the smoke east, which helps us a lot. Pray for an end to these soon! Many people have been evacuated (some are staying within our community) and many of our community members have friends who have been taken to the hospital with respiratory problems. This area hasn't burned in about 60 years, so it's definitely overdue and is a nautral process, but it's still scary for a lot of people.
Mount Wilson is being threatened right now, which is where all of the TV antennas are located as well as antennas for the emergency system out here. The firefighters have cleared the area of brush and put lots of fire retardant down, but it still may not be enough.
We're doing fine. The air is a bit smokey, but could be worse. The wind isn't bad and is moving most of the smoke east, which helps us a lot. Pray for an end to these soon! Many people have been evacuated (some are staying within our community) and many of our community members have friends who have been taken to the hospital with respiratory problems. This area hasn't burned in about 60 years, so it's definitely overdue and is a nautral process, but it's still scary for a lot of people.
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