I posted about this a while ago and never really did anything about it, but this is my new blog idea.......free architecture advice.
Most people just need a little nudge when remodeling their kitchen or knocking out a wall. An architect will want to remodel your whole house around your kitchen remodel and sometimes thats just not what you need. A contractor will do the same thing, only charge you twice for it. I would love to be able to give away free advice to anyone who just didn't know where to start. I'm tired of not getting paid and not charging enough anyway, so that's going to be my new architecture related blog. Advice from a professional, no strings attached. Of course if anyone wants a sketch I"ll charge a small fee, but other than that I'll just dole out the advice.
Legally and according to the AIA I'm probably not allowed to give free advice, but I don't care. If anything gets too involved I'll of course recommend that they contact their local building department and a local architect.
I'm excited. I think there will be a lot of people who want advice from a professional when it comes to design. I won't offer any structural advice only aesthetics and general architectural procedures such as dealing with the city and contractors.
I'm still deciding on a domain name and I'm going to try and either put it together on WordPress, or design the site myself with my new DreamWeaver skills. Hopefully I'll have all my shiznit together to be able to put it up by May/June. I'll keep you posted.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
SAHM
So yesterday I did everything that personifies a stay at home mom. I did laundry, changed sheets, colored with Melia, and baked 4 dozen muffins for a school function this morning. It just really boggles my mind. I am not the SAHM type of person, but I am also not the kind of person who can sit at a desk all day and take orders from other people. I can complain all I want to about how hard it is to stay at home and give up what most people would consider a professional career, but......
I noticed yesterday that I actually think it is good for me. I was looking in the mirror and noticed that my skin looks great, my hair is thicker, and I feel better (I kicked the flu in 2 days). I have time to read all the books that I want to, have time for my treadmill, I know what's going on with all of my kids, and I am almost stress free. Even with the money issues, I still feel like I am in total control of my life which is rare for me.
I think the recession will be the making of me. It has (almost) gotten me out of a career that I knew I wasn't comfortable in, and have not realized that I hated and apparently wasn't good for me.
I am able to spend my days writing and researching and drawings my rug patterns. I can actually get lost in time drawing now, something I was never able to do before.
Now if only I could start making money with the things that I am filling my days with everything would be perfect. I'm getting close.
I noticed yesterday that I actually think it is good for me. I was looking in the mirror and noticed that my skin looks great, my hair is thicker, and I feel better (I kicked the flu in 2 days). I have time to read all the books that I want to, have time for my treadmill, I know what's going on with all of my kids, and I am almost stress free. Even with the money issues, I still feel like I am in total control of my life which is rare for me.
I think the recession will be the making of me. It has (almost) gotten me out of a career that I knew I wasn't comfortable in, and have not realized that I hated and apparently wasn't good for me.
I am able to spend my days writing and researching and drawings my rug patterns. I can actually get lost in time drawing now, something I was never able to do before.
Now if only I could start making money with the things that I am filling my days with everything would be perfect. I'm getting close.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Good News
We were appraoched by another contractor selling his territory and he is willing to carry the entire purchase price with no interest. Yea!
This is just 1 in a string of hopefully 3 more territories we will be able to buy in the next few months.
This will definitely take a little bit of pressure off of me to make money in the next few months. I'm stressing about my rugs a little bit since things are all ready to go and I'm still deciding on a pattern. It has to be perfect and perfection cannot be rushed. If I'm going to sell the thing for over $3000 it must be beautiful.
This is just 1 in a string of hopefully 3 more territories we will be able to buy in the next few months.
This will definitely take a little bit of pressure off of me to make money in the next few months. I'm stressing about my rugs a little bit since things are all ready to go and I'm still deciding on a pattern. It has to be perfect and perfection cannot be rushed. If I'm going to sell the thing for over $3000 it must be beautiful.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Budget Blues
Here's the crappy thing about a budget...... It's the 19th and I'm down to $200 for the rest of the month. True, all the bills are paid and the only thing left until the 31st is gas and groceries, but still that seems a little tight. What if someone loses a shoe, I've still got to order that part for the oven, or I see a book that I absolutely must have? What happens then? Does it come from next month's money? Do I just have to wait until next month? Most family financial books I've read say that you just have to stop spending for the month but that's not really realistic if my grocery money for the month is gone and I need milk.
THis whole budget thing is going to have to be a learning curve because I'm not sure what happens when the money is gone.
I've even gotten so desperate in my grocery shopping that I passed up 2 of our regular items at the store, Pizza Bagels and mini corn dogs, because they weren't on sale and there was no way I was going to pay $7 for corn dogs. Should I have been shopping like this all along? Before I would just buy with wild abandon. If we ate it I would buy it, but now I've become one of those moms that won't pay full price for anything. I never wanted to be that person.
You know it's tough times when I pass up corn dogs for the kids. Ughh. When will the insanity end?
THis whole budget thing is going to have to be a learning curve because I'm not sure what happens when the money is gone.
I've even gotten so desperate in my grocery shopping that I passed up 2 of our regular items at the store, Pizza Bagels and mini corn dogs, because they weren't on sale and there was no way I was going to pay $7 for corn dogs. Should I have been shopping like this all along? Before I would just buy with wild abandon. If we ate it I would buy it, but now I've become one of those moms that won't pay full price for anything. I never wanted to be that person.
You know it's tough times when I pass up corn dogs for the kids. Ughh. When will the insanity end?
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Business Update
We didn't seal the deal.
We would have our business deal all wrapped up by now if we could just get a loan. The seller wants $200k, we can't give it to him and he is not yet willing to carry $180k. That is where we stand and where we will stay until such a time that we can either obtain $200k or the seller is in a position to carry $180k.
UUGGHHHHH!
We would have our business deal all wrapped up by now if we could just get a loan. The seller wants $200k, we can't give it to him and he is not yet willing to carry $180k. That is where we stand and where we will stay until such a time that we can either obtain $200k or the seller is in a position to carry $180k.
UUGGHHHHH!
Spring Break
Having no money sucks ass....and not a cute little pink one, but a big hairy pimpled one.
This is spring break. We are supposed to be cutting loose and enjoying time off from work and school and doing things a little bit more exciting than usual. True we did go to Phoenix on Sunday and get a little mini-golf, go-cart action, but it's not the same as jetting off to Hawaii or Mexico, or heck I'd even settle for Bisbee. But no we headed again to the library today to try and stave off the cabin fever that has been settling in on us after only a few days at home.
I got a call this am for a new project. That always depresses me. Yes I like the prestige of being known as an "architect" but when it comes right down to it, I just don't want the hassle of dealing with cities, unrealistic clients, and chauvinistic contractors. I offered my services as a designer, but told the guy that I would not be interested in completing construction documents or being involved with anything that had to do with speaking to the city. Needless to say he told me he was speaking to some other architects and said he would call me back if things did not work out with them. That response added to the fact that my 3 children were running around like caged monkeys after being served sugar coated Apple Jacks in the background will most likely prevent him from ever calling me again.
It's so hard to give up projects even when I don't really want them. I want the money that goes with the project, but not the headaches that are involved with being an architect. It will take a while for me to adjust and get used to letting really awesome projects pass me by. Until that day I float in a strange in between careers no mans land that is both exhilarating and depressing.
This is spring break. We are supposed to be cutting loose and enjoying time off from work and school and doing things a little bit more exciting than usual. True we did go to Phoenix on Sunday and get a little mini-golf, go-cart action, but it's not the same as jetting off to Hawaii or Mexico, or heck I'd even settle for Bisbee. But no we headed again to the library today to try and stave off the cabin fever that has been settling in on us after only a few days at home.
I got a call this am for a new project. That always depresses me. Yes I like the prestige of being known as an "architect" but when it comes right down to it, I just don't want the hassle of dealing with cities, unrealistic clients, and chauvinistic contractors. I offered my services as a designer, but told the guy that I would not be interested in completing construction documents or being involved with anything that had to do with speaking to the city. Needless to say he told me he was speaking to some other architects and said he would call me back if things did not work out with them. That response added to the fact that my 3 children were running around like caged monkeys after being served sugar coated Apple Jacks in the background will most likely prevent him from ever calling me again.
It's so hard to give up projects even when I don't really want them. I want the money that goes with the project, but not the headaches that are involved with being an architect. It will take a while for me to adjust and get used to letting really awesome projects pass me by. Until that day I float in a strange in between careers no mans land that is both exhilarating and depressing.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Appliance Repair for Dummies
I dont' have $295 to get my oven fixed.
The blower motor that cools the electronics on my Jenn-Aire oven has been making an obnoxious grinding noise whenever I turn the oven on. It was starting to get so annoying that I decided to call a repairman to take a look at it. I knew what was wrong with it (need a new blower motor), I just need someone to get the part and install it.
So I open my yellow pages and make the mistake of calling the people with the largest add.
Disappointment:
#1: I'm given a time frame of between 2 and 5 and the fat cliche looking repairman shows up at 4:50. The last minute and also at a time where now I can't use the oven for dinner.
2. The dude insists that I give him $49.95 before he leaves just for telling me what I already know. It needs a new blower motor.
3. The company does not call back and give me an estimate. I have to call them and ask what the deal is. This always pissed me off.
4. I am quoted a price of $295. This is probably about half the price of the oven itself. I ask why it is so expensive and am told that it's because we have to get a whole new motor. I ask for a price breakdown and I'm told, oh we don't usually do that? I say, "Well I'm going to need one." I am put on hold for about 5 minutes while this chick makes up some numbers that total $295. $150 for the part, $50 for the service call, $80 for labor and the rest is tax. I tell her that's too expensive, sounds a little shady, and I'll get back to her.
5. I get off the phone, go online and look up the part that I need.....$46.
LIAR LIAR PANTS ON FIRE.
I love doing this to people....catching them in a lie. So I call the chick back and ask her if she's sure that the part I need is $150. She gets all pissy and says that she quoted me a flat price of $295. If I want to pay that then they'll come out and fix it, otherwise I should find someone else.
That is so shady and way too expensive for any kind of appliance repair. This is a recession. They should know that I am going to do everything in my power to fix this oven for the cheapest price possible. That will now be ordering the part for $46 from Maytag and having my husband pull out the oven and replace the motor.
Whatever happened to honest people trying to make an honest buck at a reasonable rate. Just because times are tough doesn't mean that you charge an arm and a leg to the few customers that you have. I would have been willing to pay between $150 and $180 to have the oven fixed by someone else. They should know that and should not have tried to go over the going rate by jacking up the parts price. $150 for a service call and installation would have been adequate and then the $46 for the part.
They just got too greedy and now we'll be doing it ourselves. Good thing we are very handy. I guess we just should have gone this route to begin with. Next time I'll just fix it myself. That's what the internet is for.....all the parts and instructions are just a click away.
The blower motor that cools the electronics on my Jenn-Aire oven has been making an obnoxious grinding noise whenever I turn the oven on. It was starting to get so annoying that I decided to call a repairman to take a look at it. I knew what was wrong with it (need a new blower motor), I just need someone to get the part and install it.
So I open my yellow pages and make the mistake of calling the people with the largest add.
Disappointment:
#1: I'm given a time frame of between 2 and 5 and the fat cliche looking repairman shows up at 4:50. The last minute and also at a time where now I can't use the oven for dinner.
2. The dude insists that I give him $49.95 before he leaves just for telling me what I already know. It needs a new blower motor.
3. The company does not call back and give me an estimate. I have to call them and ask what the deal is. This always pissed me off.
4. I am quoted a price of $295. This is probably about half the price of the oven itself. I ask why it is so expensive and am told that it's because we have to get a whole new motor. I ask for a price breakdown and I'm told, oh we don't usually do that? I say, "Well I'm going to need one." I am put on hold for about 5 minutes while this chick makes up some numbers that total $295. $150 for the part, $50 for the service call, $80 for labor and the rest is tax. I tell her that's too expensive, sounds a little shady, and I'll get back to her.
5. I get off the phone, go online and look up the part that I need.....$46.
LIAR LIAR PANTS ON FIRE.
I love doing this to people....catching them in a lie. So I call the chick back and ask her if she's sure that the part I need is $150. She gets all pissy and says that she quoted me a flat price of $295. If I want to pay that then they'll come out and fix it, otherwise I should find someone else.
That is so shady and way too expensive for any kind of appliance repair. This is a recession. They should know that I am going to do everything in my power to fix this oven for the cheapest price possible. That will now be ordering the part for $46 from Maytag and having my husband pull out the oven and replace the motor.
Whatever happened to honest people trying to make an honest buck at a reasonable rate. Just because times are tough doesn't mean that you charge an arm and a leg to the few customers that you have. I would have been willing to pay between $150 and $180 to have the oven fixed by someone else. They should know that and should not have tried to go over the going rate by jacking up the parts price. $150 for a service call and installation would have been adequate and then the $46 for the part.
They just got too greedy and now we'll be doing it ourselves. Good thing we are very handy. I guess we just should have gone this route to begin with. Next time I'll just fix it myself. That's what the internet is for.....all the parts and instructions are just a click away.
New Audi Q5?
All of our financial problems could be solved tonight. I will keep you posted. I think everything will work out marvelously.
I am really getting down with this whole budget thing. I know you hear it over and over again, but I think it is really going to save our butts. I know I've written before about my high flying ways at Target and Amazon, and there is no reason for me to stop being a big supporter of those stores, but now I will spend only a specifically defined amount at that stores so that it doesn't get to be the 30th and I'm like......What I spent $600 at Target? Now my limit will be $200. That is just enough for toothpaste, shampoo, bandaids, and a few $9 DVD's and maybe 1 new set of really cute sheets. At Amazon I will limit myself to 1 new book a week, maybe 2 if they are under $15. This is going to be awesome.
I always complain about not being able to take great vacations or be able to fix our master bath (it has a very small 36"x36" shower). Well if I just stopped giving all my money away on useless things we just might be able to get a huge 4'x10' shower, and take that trip to Boston with the kids. I'm excited and I think this really tiny budget I've got for the month of March will only get better once we can expand our shipping business and maybe just maybe when the Audi lease is up in May we can trade it in for this:
I am really getting down with this whole budget thing. I know you hear it over and over again, but I think it is really going to save our butts. I know I've written before about my high flying ways at Target and Amazon, and there is no reason for me to stop being a big supporter of those stores, but now I will spend only a specifically defined amount at that stores so that it doesn't get to be the 30th and I'm like......What I spent $600 at Target? Now my limit will be $200. That is just enough for toothpaste, shampoo, bandaids, and a few $9 DVD's and maybe 1 new set of really cute sheets. At Amazon I will limit myself to 1 new book a week, maybe 2 if they are under $15. This is going to be awesome.
I always complain about not being able to take great vacations or be able to fix our master bath (it has a very small 36"x36" shower). Well if I just stopped giving all my money away on useless things we just might be able to get a huge 4'x10' shower, and take that trip to Boston with the kids. I'm excited and I think this really tiny budget I've got for the month of March will only get better once we can expand our shipping business and maybe just maybe when the Audi lease is up in May we can trade it in for this:
Monday, March 9, 2009
Updates
So many things, so little attention span......
1. We met with our seller over the weekend for our shipping business and everything looks good. He is committed to selling to us, we just need to work out a deal. Next meeting with him is this Friday to work out all the details. And since I am so awesome I was able to find a finace company who will give us $60k. I am amazing.
2. The rugs. They are ready to go. Everything is hooked up, the rack is built, the compressor is full of air, the wool is here. I have my contact in Nepal..... all I need now is customers and my web site and I will be kicking ass.
3. Writing.....still a work in progress. I've taken the last few weeks to up my web intelligence. Look for a bigger and better blog with all the "bells and whistles" soon to come as well as a more architecture related blog with architecture book reviews.
Things are definitely looking up this week and all projects are a go even with my tiny apprentice running around who wants me to get off the computer and come play puzzles.
Also a new thing I've been working on......a BUDGET. Yes the dreaded word. Now seems like the perfect time to start one and it actually seems to be taking a load off of my mind. I know what I have to spend, and now the hard part will be to stop when funds are gone from a particular category.
This recession thing is a good thing I think overall. I'm changing careers for the better, spending more time with my kids, being more careful with money and thinking about what to do with the funds that I do have instead of constantly flittering the money away. Everything happens for a reason.
1. We met with our seller over the weekend for our shipping business and everything looks good. He is committed to selling to us, we just need to work out a deal. Next meeting with him is this Friday to work out all the details. And since I am so awesome I was able to find a finace company who will give us $60k. I am amazing.
2. The rugs. They are ready to go. Everything is hooked up, the rack is built, the compressor is full of air, the wool is here. I have my contact in Nepal..... all I need now is customers and my web site and I will be kicking ass.
3. Writing.....still a work in progress. I've taken the last few weeks to up my web intelligence. Look for a bigger and better blog with all the "bells and whistles" soon to come as well as a more architecture related blog with architecture book reviews.
Things are definitely looking up this week and all projects are a go even with my tiny apprentice running around who wants me to get off the computer and come play puzzles.
Also a new thing I've been working on......a BUDGET. Yes the dreaded word. Now seems like the perfect time to start one and it actually seems to be taking a load off of my mind. I know what I have to spend, and now the hard part will be to stop when funds are gone from a particular category.
This recession thing is a good thing I think overall. I'm changing careers for the better, spending more time with my kids, being more careful with money and thinking about what to do with the funds that I do have instead of constantly flittering the money away. Everything happens for a reason.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Identity Crisis
"Technically I'm an architect". That is what I told my new physician this morning during our new patient interview. Am I really an architect anymore since I'm not taking any new projects, or is it a title I can use until my death regardless of whether I am a practicing architect or not? I took all the exams and passed. I apprenticed, and have numerous diplomas and certificates, but am I really an architect anymore? I don't feel like one. I don't think I ever really did. If I did feel like a real genuine architect I would probably still be one and would tell people confidently that that is my job title.
But now when people ask me what I do, how do I respond and whatever that response is will it feel as good as saying, "I'm an architect"? It's a cool phrase to say. It really gives people an image of who you are like saying "I'm a lawyer" or "I'm a doctor". Since I am basically a housewife staying at home all day internetting, writing and making grilled cheese sandwiches for my 2 year old, it doesn't really feel honest to say that I am indeed an architect. I'm still finishing up projects, I'm working on my new business, trying to stay on top of all the books and taxes for the other 2 businesses, but still I am starting to feel like just another stay at home mom, something I never want to be known as......ever!
I know everything is new and different and changing every day as far as the economy and our personal businesses, but until I can feel comfortable in whatever my new title is going to be...entrepreneur, designer, I think I'm going to keep telling people I'm an architect. It's a lot more impressive then saying, "I'm inbetween careers right now".
But now when people ask me what I do, how do I respond and whatever that response is will it feel as good as saying, "I'm an architect"? It's a cool phrase to say. It really gives people an image of who you are like saying "I'm a lawyer" or "I'm a doctor". Since I am basically a housewife staying at home all day internetting, writing and making grilled cheese sandwiches for my 2 year old, it doesn't really feel honest to say that I am indeed an architect. I'm still finishing up projects, I'm working on my new business, trying to stay on top of all the books and taxes for the other 2 businesses, but still I am starting to feel like just another stay at home mom, something I never want to be known as......ever!
I know everything is new and different and changing every day as far as the economy and our personal businesses, but until I can feel comfortable in whatever my new title is going to be...entrepreneur, designer, I think I'm going to keep telling people I'm an architect. It's a lot more impressive then saying, "I'm inbetween careers right now".
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The unthinkable
I went to the library last week. That is how desperate I am for books. I absolutlety hate the library. I'm always disappointed by the multitude of books from pre-1980, grossed out by the people who go there and kind of grossed out by books that smell and have boogers on them.
My book buying habits have been hit the hardest by this Great Recession and I had to get my book fix, so I went to the library and pretended that it was Barnes and Noble. I found a few good things. There is less pressure to find a "good" book since if I don't like it, I don't really have to read it or even put it on my shelf. I went to the money/finance section and scoured around to find a few good books on how to survive the economic hard times and see if I could find a book that really tells the truth about what happens if you just stop paying your credit cards. I'm not there yet, but they will definitely be the first things to go if things get that rough. I know that your credit score tumbles, but what really else can they do with unsecured debt? It's unsecured. I haven't found the answer yet, but I"m gonna keep looking.
My book buying habits have been hit the hardest by this Great Recession and I had to get my book fix, so I went to the library and pretended that it was Barnes and Noble. I found a few good things. There is less pressure to find a "good" book since if I don't like it, I don't really have to read it or even put it on my shelf. I went to the money/finance section and scoured around to find a few good books on how to survive the economic hard times and see if I could find a book that really tells the truth about what happens if you just stop paying your credit cards. I'm not there yet, but they will definitely be the first things to go if things get that rough. I know that your credit score tumbles, but what really else can they do with unsecured debt? It's unsecured. I haven't found the answer yet, but I"m gonna keep looking.
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