Planning Renovation (12/6/04)

I am bunking in Marilyn's grandchildren's bedroom. I left the hotel and decided not to move into the house, as we discovered the cleaning was not sufficient and there is not a room in the house that does not need work. The advice I got from someone who recently renovated was, DO NOT live there while it is going on, if you do not have to.

I expect to get a quote by EOB Tues., 12/7. If I approve, they plan to get started right away. I hope to have it ready to move into when I return from Texas after Christmas or mid-January at the latest. Keep your fingers crossed.

Marilyn and I poured through Lowe's on Saturday and picked out paint colors, stove, dishwasher, lighting fixtures, counter tops, bathroom fixtures, etc. It was fun!

I was at the house yesterday (Sunday) and a couple just came over and wanted to look around. They were oohhing and ahhing over the possibilities.

That's the thing, the house is a little run down, OK raggedy and dirty :)), on the inside but has such character and possibilities. They were also rambling around looking to see if there was anything I didn't want that they could have for their charity garage sale.

Selecting a Contractor (12/13/04)

OK, I am going totally, full out Yvonne, business person.

I have tried the nicey, nice Southern way. It is not working.

The contractor I have been working with has gotten me nothing so far. He called this morning and referred me to someone who promised to call me back and schedule a meeting at the house between 12-1 p.m. I have not heard from him either as of nearly 2:30 p.m.

So, I have put out bid requests. I will work with the 1st person who provides me the business-like response I need, gives me a good quote, a sound contract, has appropriate licensing and insurance, and can complete what I want them to do in 3-4 weeks. I need to start work myself. I have no income (except my one client) and I cannot pay storage for more than a month.

The work will not get started until after the holidays now. But it is all inside, so weather should not be a factor. Actually, that is OK. I realize now that I need to take my time to review several offers and make a good selection.

I also have to move out of Marilyn's when I return from Texas. She has been wonderful, her friend is a nice guy and I feel totally welcome. In fact we have fun. However, they both smoke. I went for a long walk this morning, and I was coughing up gunk. I just came from CA where no one smokes anywhere. I cannot take it. However, I refuse to say a word to either of them about it. They have both been so nice, and it is their home. I would love to just stay there and give Marilyn the rent rather than to someone else. But I have no choice because of my health. OK, enough venting on that.

I went and sat with Ann Mattison for a couple of hours on Saturday. She is so funny. She caught me up on all that is happening with her family, Cumberland Church (formerly Cumberland St. Church), and everything. She seems to be doing well, and expects Sarita to come home for Christmas.

Opening a Bank Account in Jackson (12/9/04)

I thought I would open a local bank account. But the 1st time I went in
I did not have all the IDs and stuff I needed on me, so I told them I would come back. Well, I went back today with CA drivers license, US Passport, Social Security card, several existing credit cards, a copy of the homeowners' insurance bill and a health insurance (both mailed to me at 304 Morningside) AND the deed to the house with both my name and property address on it. Well, the little sister who was waiting on me had to go get the white woman because I DID NOT HAVE A UTILITY BILL OR A PHONE BILL. She said "because people come in all the time saying they live somewhere that they don't". I was only trying to put money IN the bank, not take anything out. So when the white woman came out and said we'll go ahead and open it for you, but....blah, blah,....So I just stood up, gathered my stuff and said nicely. "No, that's OK, I don't want you have to go against your policy, that wouldn't be right.". But here's the kicker, I walked over to the window and gave this woman an ATM card, get this--from a bank account based in New York with about 2 branches in L.A. I asked for cash, she filled out a debit card form, I signed it, and walked out with cash. So, it was easier to take money OUT of this bank, than it is to put money IN. That's it. I will not have a local bank account. Don't need it.

Working at Lambuth University

This is what I see if I look out the window where I am now. I am working at Lambuth University as University Relations Assistant. I assist the Director of University Relations and the Director of Alumni Relations in graphic design of all publications for the university, including a biannual magazine, a bimonthly newsletter, an online newsletter and blog, daily press releases, and general photography.

Where was I before then?