AmeliaWatkins

Disney, Here We Come!

Adam & I will be leaving this Friday, March 7th, headed to DisneyWorld in Orlando, FL.  This trip is our first vacation with my dad, Mandy, Ty, & Kinlea since we've been married, and that's been almost 5 years!  (We did have one small trek to Arkansas a few years back for a funeral, but I don't count Harrison, AR as a vacation!  If you've ever been there, you would agree...)  My sisters, Nikki & Christy, & Christy's husband, Jason, are also coming.  So we'll have a Grand Gathering, which as far as I can tell only garners you the chance to buy more things at Disney.  Oh well, at least we can call ourselves a Grand Gathering.  Doesn't that sound impressive?

I am so excited to be going - not just because I love traveling and I love Disney, but because I'm looking forward to spending time with family.  Adam & I have many goals for 2008 centered around our theme word - FOCUS, and one of those goals is to spend some focused time with family.  We're accomplishing that with this trip in March, a beach trip in April (Nancy & Cheryl), and a Hawaiian cruise in July (Mom & Nikki).  So, by the end of the summer, all our vacation time will be gone, but at least we'll have spent great, fun times with almost all our immediate family.  I say that's seven months well spent, and a goal met.

I hope that as you're planning activities and travel for 2008, you'll take into consideration what the Lord wants for you this year.  It may be that He's calling you to take a retreat, go on a mission trip, or reconnect with family and friends.  Adam & I have participated in a mission trip to Nicaragua for the past four years, but God allowed a sabbatical from it this year in order to spend time with family.  I will miss seeing the sweet, humble people of Nicaragua.  However, in lieu of that wonderful & fulfilling work, my desire is to take advantage of the blessing God has in store by savoring this time with our families.  I hope that whatever you end up doing, it's a blessing from His hand.

Disney is truly magical.  I recognize that their company is not perfect, and we all know that they've missed the mark on occasion in the name of tolerance and being politically correct.  But, I cannot tell you how much I'm looking forward to the impeccable service, kind hospitality, and overall magic.  I'm looking forward to seeing the shows and God's creation & creativity and letting my mind become like a child's again.  I'm looking forward to hearing little kids breathe out a wonder-filled, "Wow" - it might even be this kid.  I think that God can and will use our time in Orlando to create fabulous memories for my family and cherished moments for me.  Hope your travel & family time this year is just as magical.

"Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you."  Mark 5:19b

Happy 2008!

"Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth."  Psalm 96:1

Welcome to 2008!  Can you believe that another year has passed already?  A lot has changed for Adam & me this year:  I started working for The DeLois Smith All Star Team; my sister Christy got married & we sold our first house to her & her husband Jason; we moved into our first custom-built home; Adam's brother Aaron & his wife Jessica moved to Manhattan; we welcomed a new music minister at Carterville Baptist Church...I could go on and on.  I think the word that would sum up my 2007 is CHANGE.

I kind of hope that 2008 is a little calmer, but it seems that life moves quicker the older you get.  And as of tomorrow, I will hit the big 2-9.  I don't feel that old!!!!  I guess that's a good thing.

Adam & I have been blessed with abundant travel opportunities, and this holiday season was no exception.  Our office takes a bonus trip at the end of the year as a way to reward strong production and build team member relationships with each other.  Over the years, we've been able to go to Hawaii, Paris, & London.  This year, we traveled to Washington, DC and New York City.  We always enjoy DC because of the rich history and learning opportunities (I think Adam has read every single word on the World War II Memorial and in the Holocaust Museum).  The good thing about this visit is that we were able to take things at a slower pace and spend a few days by ourselves while the rest of the team visited Williamsburg, Virginia.  Since we were in DC just a year and a half ago, we didn't face that usual "I've-got-to-see-it-all-in-three-days" frenzy.  We were able to share a dinner with my old friend Joshua Rogers and his fiancee Raquel at Grillfish...which was delicious; and we discovered our new favorite restaurant, Georgia Brown's.  If you ever visit, it is a wonderful respite for Southerners - they serve excellent fried chicken and mashed potatoes.  Mmmmm!

We rode the train to DC and further up to New York.  On the DC trek, Adam & I got a "roomette" which is just a little smaller than a full sleeper car.  It was very relaxing.  We had our own little cabin and could shut the door if we wanted to block out noise.  We were able to stretch out & watch DVDs, and at night the seats converted into 2 little bunk beds.  It wasn't the most restful night, but at least we weren't trying to sleep sitting up.  Another perk is that our meals were included, so we visited the dining car and enjoyed getting to know folks while our singing waiter Michael served us meals that tasted a lot better than his simple descriptions: "The special tonight is turkey."  Sounds plain, huh?  No, they bring out a plate full of fabulous looking turkey & dressing, stuffing, and vegetables.  We told him he needed to work on his presentation skills. 

While in DC, we also got to visit Mount Vernon.  That was probably our favorite activity.  I gained a new perspective on George Washington and greatly admired his simple yet gorgeous estate situated with a breathtaking view of the Potomac River.  No wonder he wanted to stay home when everyone else wanted him to go become President.  I certainly can't blame him; if that were my home, I wouldn't want to leave either.

New York has been COLD but good.  We were able to see Aaron & Jessica, and we also arranged for Adam's mom & sister to come up at the same time.  So, it was a big 'ol family reunion right here in the Big Apple.  Aaron & Jessica treated us all to carriage rides in Central Park & a fun dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner, where the servers sing in the midst of their normal duties because most of them are aspiring to be on Broadway someday.  We took a wonderful bus tour yesterday that allowed us to see all the main sights...and that was a great idea considering it was 22 degrees outside.  I'd much rather see it all from a bus than come back with frostbite!!!  We went to see The Phantom of the Opera on Friday night - the music is so wonderful and the costuming & set are really elaborate.  So, we have enjoyed a great week.

Tomorrow we'll head back to Hattiesburg.  Back to real life.  Back to the daily grind of real estate needs!  I feel that 2008 will be a monumental year.  My husband is serving as President of the Hattiesburg Area Association of REALTORS, so it will no doubt be a busy year.  I am so proud of the man that he is and all of his achievements...and I'm able to feel joy because of my contribution to it.  Here's to a blessed and prosperous new year!!!

Sin City

Well, Adam & I will be traveling to the glitz & glamour of Las Vegas next week.  On this occasion we'll be attending the National Association of REALTORS annual convention & expo.  We've been to the NAR convention several times before, and it is always a worthwhile event.  For five solid days, the city of Las Vegas will be flooded with over 30,000 REALTORS attending classes, meeting with vendors, and enjoying the casinos, I'm sure.  (Not Adam & me, but we'll be in the minority.) 

There will be classes on all kinds of topics - buyers, sellers, pricing, negotiating, closing, marketing, etc.  You name it, and there will be a class on it.  In addition to the classes, the convention features one of the largest expos ever - it takes several hours to even make a quick jaunt past the vendors' booths.  So, our agents always come back very excited and inspired because of the new information and ideas.  Hopefully, this year will be no different!

Adam & I will be the only ones attending from our office, so we're going over a few days early in order to grab a mini-vacation before the convention begins.  I use the term "vacation" very loosely since there will still be clients and closings to watch over - but maybe we'll get a smidgen of much-needed R&R.  We are planning to go to one of the Cirque du Soleil shows while we're there.  Otherwise we'll probably just hole up in the hotel - fortunately we're staying at The Wynn, one of the prettiest places on the Strip.  We are looking forward to that part!

So, if you have a real estate need while we're gone, please call our office.  The blessing about a team is that when one team member is out, there is another team member there to step in and help clients.  We have the BEST team of professionals and now is a great time to buy - so call us or tell your friends/family to call us.  We love what we do, and we would love to help you!

"For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul."  Proverbs 2:10

National Blogging Month

I've become aware that November is National Blogging Month.  (Doesn't it seem to you that almost anything has it's own special month or day?  Even blogging.)  Apparently, bloggers are encouraged to post every day.  Well, I will go ahead and confess right now that I'm not going to be posting a new entry every day.  It's hard enough to do one each month!  Maybe it's my own fault, because basically I'm just not that interesting.  I don't think there's enough going on in my world to post every single day.  If I did, I'm afraid the audience would be bored to tears.  I am definitely a PLAIN JANE.

I do want to tell you all how much I enjoy blogging.  It seems like the world progressively gets more technologically-saavy, and I used to think I was one of the most astute...but I'm continually getting left in the dust.  I don't have a myspace page, I'm not a member of facebook, nothing.  But I am a blogger at long last and it is fun!  For those of you who don't have a blog yet, it's an inexpensive and easy way to communicate with all your friends, family, & clients at one time...particularly if you're like me, and the last thing you want to do when you get home is pick up the phone to chat with someone or type a bunch of emails.   If that describes you, my advice is - start a blog!

If you get a chance, be sure to visit the other team members' blogs or better yet, our office blog.  It's a very interesting read with lots of info about real estate.  Hope you enjoy the blogs and become inspired to start your very own!

"...that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you."  Phil. 2:19b

   

New York, New York!

Just imagine that title being belted out by Frank Sinatra - it makes it a lot more fun!  As I type this entry, my in-laws, Aaron & Jessica Watkins, are most likely heading into New York City toward their new residence.  Yes, that's right - they're going to be living in Manhattan. 

It has been one of their dreams for a while, so they figured - "Let's go for it!"  I don't blame them - I did the same thing with study abroad in Paris; it was somewhere I'd always wanted to visit, so I jumped at the chance to stay there for three and a half weeks during college.  And it was well worth it.  I trust that Aaron & Jessica's adventure in New York will be the same: worthwhile.  It will be hard to adjust to not having them at arms' length, but at the same time, Adam & I have wanted to travel to New York together several times.  Now, here's our perfect excuse!!!

Jessica will be working in the financial aid department at NYU, and she might seize the opportunity to earn her masters degree there since she could attend tuition-free.  Aaron will probably work for a non-profit organization in the administration area, but he's also been offered a job with his Realtor, so who knows...I must say it's hard to escape real estate once you've been bitten!  Maybe his experience with The DeLois Smith All Star Team will serve him well while he's there.  Pray especially hard for their dog, Ace - he's leaving his wonderful backyard here in Petal and must adjust to a New York-sized apartment.  Yikes!  (Aaron still won't tell us what the rent is per month.)

We will certainly miss having them all so handy.  Hopefully they'll be back to raise their kids in this neck of the woods, so we can all raise kids together.  If we ever have them, that is...at this rate, I'm thinking that Adam has changed his mind because he likes our freedom too much!  Just kidding - we are looking forward to having a bigger family at some point, when the time is right. 

Meanwhile, if you know someone who is moving out or in, upsizing or downsizing, buying or selling - send them Adam's way.  Our local housing market is still very strong, and our team is the absolute best in the area!  We would love the chance to help you or your friends with your real estate needs.  Hope God is blessing you abundantly!

"The LORD had said to Abram, 'Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.'" - Genesis 12:1

Oh, to have a yard

"The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good." Genesis 1:12

It is good.  You never know how good it is to have an actual yard with grass, bushes, and trees...until you don't have one.  We've been in our home since April 19th.  But, to date, we have yet to be able to walk around in a YARD.  Oh, we've got dirt, a few pine trees, weeds, even.  But let me tell you from firsthand experience that weeds just don't cut it, and I've tried to trick myself into thinking they look somewhat like actual grass.  But they are no match for the real thing.  Grass is a precious commodity right now in our household.  We even notice as we drive by other construction sites - "Look, dear!  They have sod!" 

I can say that we're closer now than we've ever been.  Our landscape crew did begin mowing down the weeds and re-sculpting the slopes last Saturday.  But, then Humberto blew up out of nowhere and ruined our hopes of seeing the dirt work completed today.  It appears we won't be finished with that step until next Saturday, then the irrigation system can be completed and sod will finally, at long last, be installed!!!  Maybe even a few flower beds, too!!!  My cup will overfloweth...

For now I guess we'll just be content with our red & blue fold-up chairs on the back porch.  We can sit there in the early mornings or at dusk and enjoy the view of our beautiful red clay dirt.  And the pine tree along the back edge of our lot which is now dying because of pine beetles.  I am grateful, however, that we are blessed with a wonderful place to live and more than we could ever need.  God has given us plenty to share with whomever may need it.  But no family fun days with the Sunday School class until at least a few more weeks - then the kids can all come and play in the backYARD, not the back MUD PIT (although they would probably enjoy the latter).

Enjoy your yard today if you have one....

Sandestin is the place to be

"And God said, 'Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.' And it was so.  God called the dry ground 'land,' and the gathered waters he called 'seas.' And God saw that it was good." - Genesis 1:9-10

It is rare these days that Adam & I get to take a true vacation.  Most times, it's either a work-related seminar we're heading to, or a mission trip.  Not really a vacation.  Especially not when you sleep on mats during the evening or are in a class all day.  But, we were able to escape for a four-day weekend to Sandestin, Florida two weeks ago, and it was GREAT!  (Just not long enough, as usual.)

Yes, Adam still answered the phone from time to time (thanks, Scott Holmes) because business doesn't stop just because you leave town.  And, when the calls are for the purpose of negotiating good, needed sales, it's hard not to answer.  Nonetheless, we thoroughly enjoyed the resort and the beach.  It was nice to spend some time away, even if it's only four hours away.

The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is where we were able to stay this time.  We actually intended to just go back to Surfside, where we've stayed previously, and rent a 2-bedroom condo unit for a few days.  It really is nice to have the kitchen available when you're there; if you plan it right, you can feel like you're at home but still on vacation!  As we were searching for accomodations, the option of Sandestin appeared on our Expedia screen, and surprisingly it was cheaper than Surfside, with more amenities to boot!  We decided to give it a try and were very pleased.

The resort is set up with several different sections: beachside, bayside, dockside, lakeside, etc.  We stayed on the bayside, with a lovely view of Choctawhatchee Bay (not sure if I spelled that right).  Then, if you wanted to go to the beach or to the Baytowne Wharf (shopping/dining area), you could summon a tram and they would basically come to your doorstep to take you where you wanted to go.  It really made the day simple.

We also rode bikes...with a reservation you get 4 hours of free bike rental per day.  It was a great way to see the resort.  You could even ride to the beach via a tunnel under Highway 98.  Although, toward the end I veered off into the grass and couldn't regain control of the bike.  So, I over-corrected and rammed straight into Nikki.  (Sorry, Nik.)  We had tire marks on our legs!  

Adam & I also went out on a kayak...you were able to use them free for one hour with your hotel reservation.  It was amazing to hear the silence out on the water and the roar of the people on the beach chattering, laughing, just making noise in general.  We saw jellyfish and Adam spotted a little crab as we were heading back in to shore.  Yes, it did freak me out a little bit as we got farther out.  The water is so powerful, and so big.

It is truly neat to explore all the different things of the world that God created.  The sea is so vast; we could never know all that it holds.  Scientists are continually discovering new lifeforms in the deepest portions of the oceans.  Isn't it amazing to know that God made every single thing that's out there, even the things we haven't seen yet?  And He also created us?  It makes me really grateful that He chooses to be with us for eternity.  And someday we'll be able to stand next to Him and hear about all the creatures He's created.

Happy vacationing!!!!

Weird habits

Everyone has their own weird habits, right?  At least I'm hoping so, because I know I have a few!  My husband Adam loves to take the opportunity to point them out. 

Doesn't anyone else like to eat the crumbs of the chips first and save the whole chips for last?  And doesn't anyone else like to eat the chips with the most seasoning/flavor last?  Or doesn't anyone else like to line up their Cheetos and eat the smallest ones first?

Adam has his own weird habits.  As many of our friends and family can attest, according to Adam there is a specific "method" to prepare & eat certain foods, like tacos, baked potatoes, and hamburgers.  The condiments all have to be added in a particular order for it to taste right.  At least that's what he says...

My mom has weird habits, too.  She will eat only 1/2 of a biscuit, then put the other 1/2 aside for later.  It's just a biscuit!  Is it really going to make you too full to eat the other 1/2? 

Our friend Josh Wilson also has some weird habits.  While in Nicaragua this year, we learned that Josh eats all of the food on his plate one item at a time...that in itself is not the weird part, because I do that, too.  What's weird is that he eats them in a clockwise pattern.  And, he rests his plate on top of his hand, palms down.  Josh says it gives more balance. 

My dad has really weird habits.  I can say that because he would confess.  He eats the coating & chocolate around a peanut M&M, then eats the peanut - separately!!!  He taught me how to do it, and the bad thing is I was actually proud to learn!  (It really is a pretty fun past time on boring afternoons when there's nothing on tv except golf.)

Admit it, you have your own weird habits, too.  If you'd like, add a comment with your own weird habit.  We can laugh about them together.  Have a great day!!!

"Every man will sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the LORD Almighty has spoken." - Micah 4:4

The Importance of a Quality Lender

"The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender." - Psalm 22:7

The end of the month brings a flurry of activity here at the office.  The phone calls increase, the agents get a little more harried, and the closing attorneys book up their calendars.  As the "end-of-the-month" rush nears, I do a lot of double-checking...with the attorneys to make sure they complete the title work, with the buyers and sellers to verify their final closing information, and with the lenders to confirm that the entire deal is going to make it and make it on time!  With that in mind, I wanted to tell you how important it is to choose a quality (preferably local) mortgage lender. 

My recommendation is always to choose a local lender that has been recommended to you by a fellow professional (i.e. a trustworthy REALTOR).  I can tell you from personal experience as the closing coordinator that when problems arise in the loan process, the majority of the time it involves a non-local lender.  Not always, but the majority of the time.  Trust me, I have been amazed at some of the larger mortgage companies that have been able to pull off a very quick turnaround, so I am not saying it's outside the realm of possibility.  But, it is extremely reassuring to be able to meet with the loan originator, look them directly in the eye, and get the facts. 

Also, when you use a local lender, they know that their reputation is on the line because they do business in this area week-in and week-out.  They have a stake in the transaction not only for your benefit but for their own...so that they can continue to grow their business.  Locals also tend to communicate more effectively with everyone involved: the client, the attorney, and the real estate agents. 

For a smoother transaction and a few less wrinkles from stress - use a local mortgage lender.  If you need any recommendations of great lenders, I'd be glad to give you a few! 

A Tribute to Dad

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." - Exodus 20:12

As we approach Father's Day on this Sunday, June 17th, I wanted to share with you a little bit about my father, Jerry.  My dad is one of the smartest people you'll ever meet.  He served in the military for 10 years before we moved back to Petal when I was in fifth grade.  I've never asked a lot of questions about what he did, but I know he was in Intelligence and I'm certain he was the smartest one in his department.  After leaving the military, he taught himself the computer and all about networking, going on to build a very successful career in the technology industry.  My dad currently serves as the Information Technology (I.T.) Director at Hattiesburg Clinic.  I have watched for years as he continuously strives to learn more and make use of the knowledge.  That's a trait I inherited from him.

I've learned a lot from my dad.  He taught my sisters and me many lessons over the years, such as "You make a better door than a window," which we heard often if we were in the way of the television.  He taught us to eat our meat, because "a cow died for that burger."  He also taught us the importance of honesty, as evidenced by the discipline we received not for doing something wrong, but for lying about it.  (Although I still claim that I did not drink the entire 2-Liter Sprite - I think Mom did it but forgot.)  Some of my favorite memories from childhood are going fishing with dad, listening to him play his guitar and sing, or just hanging out together and watching a sporting event on tv.  Dad took me to my first live Nascar race and even arranged for me to get into the garage to meet the drivers!

I have a cool dad, too.  He likes all kinds of music; he even liked rock-n-roll when I was a kid - much cooler than any other parents!  My dad has a great sense of humor, loves to sing, and has a strong work ethic.  I am grateful for all that he has passed on to me, and for the many ways he provided for our family.  It is a blessing to have a dad who loves the Lord.  Thanks, Dad.  Happy Father's Day!