Merry Christmas and More

It's only Christmas Eve and we have already had an unbelievable day. It was a great time at Nana's and Papa's, opening gifts and spending time with the cousins. Who could ask for more? It could end now and it would have been great.

Now for what I really have to say. I must say that my PD friends have the most unbelievable stories because they are going through life post divorce too. Us PD women have a tendency to lose our sanity at times. You hear one of these friends tell a story and wonder "what are you thinking?" If they heard you tell the same story that is what they would say to you. But when you are the one telling the story, I don't know what happens. I think a little attention from someone with a Y chromosome makes your IQ drop at least 50 points. It's unbelievable to witness and okay maybe experience. I usually consider these very intelligent women. Talk about smart to not so bright. It's like witnessing a train wreck.

I really hope one of these very intelligent women in particular reads this blog. Here's a hint. The only thing I have fallen in love with at first sight was an article of clothing at Ann Taylor Loft. I don't think that will ever change.

Merry Christmas to you all,

Michelle K. Perkins

Just Send Them to Idiot Prison

Has it really been a month? Wow that's a long time for me to go without therapy. Then it happened, bailout execs had to go and still fly around in private jets at the company's expense after they received some of my tax dollars. Now I'm upset. I couldn't be satisfied with reading just the summary paragraph. I had to read the entire article. It started that snowball rolling down the hill affect deep down inside and so here I am talking about it.

This is what I don't understand. One of the reasons company spokesmen give for the need for private jets is security. Maybe I didn't read the paper or check the news online for like a year, but I have failed to read about any plot to knock off the president or other high executives of companies that are losing money by the boat load. Maybe they think they are as important as say a President of a country. The only people they need to fear is average folks like me and I don't even know any of their names. I'm thinking they are pretty safe. I still can't figure out why these guys are paid so much any way. If I were in charge, here is who I would hire. They would not have attended an Ivy League school because those folks seem to walk in the door with an attitude of entitlement. They would have had to work at least 25 hours a week to be able to attend college and they would have graduated with a GPA somewhere in the range of 2.75-3.25. You know why? Because these folks could find an answer to a problem. Mr. Ivy League would have to call 40 other folks to figure out what to do when he is stuck in an elevator and average Joe would know, just flip the alarm switch. Whew! I feel much better now!

See ya when I need some more couch time. It could be tomorrow!!

Michelle Perkins

Time Flies

Wow, has it really been that long since I have blogged? I didn't check the date but I know it has been a while. I have thought about it but didn't really have anything to say.

It is time to give thanks. We are truly blessed to live in a free country and have family on which we can depend and friends who keep us going. I am thankful for all of this and more.

I didn't take the opportunity to brag on Brett and his amazing win against the only undefeated team in the NFL. Way to go Brett. Green Bay didn't fair so well and they extended Aaron's contract. Go try to figure that one out.

Carolina basketball is going to be coming on in a bit and it will be a tough game. I can't believe it is coming on so late. Believe me I will be up until the last second ticks off of the clock. Maybe I'll have something to say after the game.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving,

Michelle Perkins

Call a Fireman

I couldn't decide if I was going to share my epiphany or not but decided obviously that I would. It's just sort of hard to come up with a starting point because you need some background information. So here you go. First of all I worked at Procter & Gamble for I think eight years which required me to don the "business attire" each and every morning. I stopped working at P&G to become a stay-at-home mom for the next eight or so years. Once you get accustomed to not "dressing up" every day you start to wonder how you ever did it. Now I am very lucky in that I only do the business dress when I have appointments. Even then at times it is casual depending upon how well I know the clients.

One day this week I did the dress up. I've determined that it's not the clothes that are uncomfortable, it is the shoes that pose the problem. So I'm at my house before going to work, running around with these uncomfortable shoes. We are getting to the epiphany I promise. Then I think, the shoes are not really that uncomfortable if you walk around like a lady. My dilemma is that I walk around like I am going to a fire. If I slowed down just a tad the outfit with the shoes work beautifully. Here's the epiphany. I'm talking to myself and answering at this point. Let's just say there is a fire. Where ever it is I am trying to get to so fast is on fire. It is burning to the ground. Hello, I am not a fireman so why do I have to be the first on the scene? So there it is. I'm slowing down. I slowed down so much today I took a nap.

Now I just need to find my happy medium and some semi-comfortable shoes.

Slow down a bit and take it all in,

Michelle Perkins

My Perfect Day

I know many of you think you may have some idea of what you think would be my perfect day. Some are thinking I am at the beach, watching Brett play football, watching Kirk commentate football, shopping, sleeping late, Hudson doing his homework without my asking, watching Carolina basketball or reading a book. I'll admit, these are some of my favorite things, besides being the mom to the greatest kid on Earth (and Venus - we just finished our project on Venus tonight so I had to throw that in).

You'll first need some background for all of this to make sense. Last week, we had our monthly Ninja coaching session. This is courtesy of our boss at Aldridge & Southerland (I threw the company name in so one of my colleagues - Jim Weese - would have to read my blog). We had been through a few soul searching activities when we were asked to close our eyes and picture our perfect day.

I was taken aback when most of what I could see was unfocused. That's the best way I can describe it. There were only a few things that were quite clear. It was like I was watching a slide show because I wasn't in one place. All I could see were faces and they were all smiling. We were asked about what kind of car we drove and where we lived. I couldn't see a car. All I know is that it was dependable. I couldn't see a house. I just know that it was warm and everyone who came in the door I was happy to see. I must admit, there have been times in my life that there was a certain car I had to drive. There were other material things that seemed important too. Those things really don't matter anymore. All I know is my perfect day is one where all of the people that I care about are happy, healthy and know that they are loved. My perfect day was not a picture that you see on a canvas but it was a warm feeling deep inside.

Sure, I'm game for a sale at Ann Taylor Loft and I doubt I'll ever pass up an opportunity to go to the beach. Maybe I am getting older. Nah, I think I am getting wiser. I hope that doesn't mean senility is next.

May all of your days be perfect,

Michelle Perkins

Mellow Madness

Some one has stolen me and replaced me with my relaxed twin. I'm not sure when that happened, but I wish it would have happened about 10 years ago. No kidding. I'm not knotting my forehead as much from stress. This is quite ironic since according to the media we are getting ready to have the biggest recession, depression or whatever in forever.

I can't even comment on Grey's. It isn't because I thought it was ridiculous, it is because I missed it. I'm so relaxed I totally forgot about it Thursday night.

Misty and I made the decision on Thursday not to go to the NCSU game on Saturday because it was to rain all day. I don't think it was a total rain out but it was a good game. We missed it. Oh well, I think that means we have to go to the Thanksgiving Saturday game no matter what.

Brett and the Jets rolled the Patriots Thursday night. There is just something about that man. I do have a new TV crush. It's Kirk Herbstreet. For those of you who don't watch football, he is an announcer. I thought he was cute three years ago. You'll be looking for him now. Just make sure you are sitting down.

Now for the big news. My first listing with Aldridge & Southerland is under contract. What a busy weekend it has been. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am. I can guarantee you that I am now working for the greatest real estate company in Greenville. Everyone there is unbelievably nice and supportive. I want to succeed for them as much as I do for myself.

Next blog I'll tell you about my perfect day. You'll be surprised!!

Contract Pending,

Michelle Perkins

Charge, Charge, Charge

I confess, I watched the news tonight. I still haven't watched Oprah and don't see that happening. I happened to see a clip where they were going to do a story on real estate bail outs and credit card debt. Let's say that I can let go of the fact that people signed up for debt that they couldn't repay. The plan now seems to assist those folks. Especially those whose homes are worth less than what they owe. What about me? Who is going to help me? The stocks I bought are now worth significantly less than when I bought them. Silly girl. I know you were trying to save money to send your son to college since he is your responsibility. I know you were saving money for your golden years so you wouldn't have to work until you are 110. Too bad, so sad; you are working until at least 105. Is someone going to help replace the money I lost. That would be a big fat no!! I know you resisted the temptation to go on great trips with your son and buy a high end car and instead put that money in a plan for the future. You may as well have bought that car!! At least I would have had something to show for the money.

Next, the government wants to help those down and out with credit card debt. I am sure there are some who bought groceries and paid for necessities on their credit cards. But let's face it, there will be a lot more people who will get that credit card debt assistance who have more electronics, high end clothes and just stuff that I don't have. I don't quite understand what the punishment is for not knowing how to live on a budget. Apparently it is oops, you messed up, we'll forgive a lot of that debt. Run along and try to get it right this time. I just wonder how many times those idiots will get to go through the help line before they are cut off. Oh I think I know the answer to that. It will be when the rest of us who watch our financial status and try to stay on track go broke.

I think I'll charge up the world, not,

Michelle Perkins

Score: One to Zero

I requested prayer today for myself. I asked someone to pray for me to have some patience. You know I think it worked. Actually what I think happened is God taught me to stop talking when I should. However you can continue an internal dialog in your head. You actually feel much better and you don't offend the person to whom you are talking. It's a beautiful plan. I wanted to end several sentences today with dumb ass. I stopped moving my lips before it popped out and said it in my head, which produced the most sincerest smile on my face. Maybe it was more like a smile of satisfaction. Whichever it was, it was a genuine smile which was needed to make my point.

As I am typing, I am listening to the least joyous of noises. I have a somewhere on my street neighbor who is the oh so proud owner of a motorcycle. He apparently works nights somewhere because it is around this time every single night (I don't think he has had a day off in four years) that I get to hear his motorcycle. Maybe he thinks no one can hear it if he only starts it and takes off. No, no, no. It takes a least five minutes of revving nightly. He has now pulled away and I have tomorrow night to look forward to.

Next, I opened a statement from an investment account that arrived today. I kept telling myself, do not open it, do not open it. Silly girl knows she had to open it. I immediately felt physically ill. Not to worry right. I didn't need that money anyway. The president elect is going to send my child to college, right?

Lastly and the big one. I thought I may have seen something that would lead one to believe there is a mouse in the house. Not thinking that there could possibly be, I set a trap to prove myself wrong so I could feel all better. With all of the lights on everywhere in the house, I hear "THWACK". I think no way. I thought you only hear that noise after you have gone to bed and the lights are off and any creature would feel safe to venture out. I am now the owner of a very bold dead mouse. I am also short a set of tongs. I could not bring myself to get to close to the trap, so I grabbed a pair of tongs from the kitchen drawer. Trap, mouse and tongs are all in the outside trash, thank you very much. I only have one mouse trap left and one set of tongs. If these end up getting tossed, I'll be off to buy more. Somebody help me here. Will mice just keep coming? Shouldn't there be some kind of mouse limit? Don't these critters realize they lose several friends to certain houses. I think the empty house next door is drawing in unwanted critters. Maybe the mice are getting the directions confused and ending up at my house. This is a problem for one who is OCD when it come to cleanliness. For now, one point for the home team; zero for the visitors.

I'll let you know if there's another THWACK, hopefully not,

Michelle Perkins

Let's Go Furniture Shopping

Today I was sitting on the couch in my den and decided it was quite uncomfortable. It has after all sustained an 11 year old boy and a black lab for two years. Couches just don't last as long as they once did. Just because the couch could use replacing is not the reason for getting a new one though. I rarely sit on the couch but that is getting ready to change. A local furniture store was having a big sale last week and I tortured my son by making him go in there with me. We didn't buy anything because we didn't know at the time for sure who would win the election. The results are in and now we know who will be taking office. Therefore I will definitely have to buy a new couch, area rug and a nice tv.

After all once the president elect takes office and I get that big tax cut, a few stimulus checks and some free health care, I will be spending a lot more time on my lily white. I won't have to work so hard anymore. I can't be spending all day on an uncomfortable couch and watching a run of the mill tv. No, no. I think I'll even get a real comfortable bed too while I'm at it, cause there will be quite a few naps in my future. Oh my gosh, then spring will be right around the corner. I'll definitely need some new patio furniture and a hammock of course. Maybe no one else will catch on because if we all decide to sit at home there will be no one working to help pay my stimulus checks. Maybe I should just keep this epiphany to myself.

Come on over in January, we'll sit on my new couch and drink coffee,

Michelle Perkins

No Media Shows on My TV

As you can only imagine, I am quite wound up at this very moment. Oprah will no longer be seen on my television set. She was the first to grate my nerves in terms of the election. I hope O magazine goes belly up. I know she has plenty of money but I don't care to see her any more.

I guess I am going to have to cut myself off from the news as well. Now I am having to hear about Obama's grandmother dying. Give me a break!! He has hardly acknowledged that part of his family and now he is looking for some sympathy. The picture that they keep showing of him with his grandmother looks like it was taken in 1975. You got anything taken later than that? I guess not or you would be showing it.

I did have some good food today. I socialized a bit at the polling site at the Black Jack church where my mom and her friends work. It was like a homecoming buffet. I had the best chocolate cake, brownies, etc. Then I got Hudson from school and took him with me to vote. He too is a bit wound up about the results.

My reasons for blogging are quite selfish I must admit. I needed to vent and this seemed like the safest way. I will admit I did try to send an email to CNN earlier because their reporter was giving Joe the Plumber such a hard time. If I had been that reporter's boss I would have snatched him right off of the air. I was actually embarrassed for him.

I hope the media looks like idiots again. I just can't understand how they call a state with only 2% reporting. Let me get off of here. Maybe I should stay out of the public tomorrow.

Trying to stay calm,

Michelle Perkins

Being Patient = Headache

Apparently I have taken the being patient thing a bit too far. Today all of that pent up not saying what I really wanted to say showed itself in a massive headache. It's time to put all of the cards on the table.

I will start with the positives though. Brett looked good today and I think he had a good day since the Jets won. Ha. Hope you got that one. TO and the Cowboys chalked up another one in the loss column as did the Packers. We won't focus on the losses of others now, that is not nice.

I was oh so blessed with a talkative child. Today the Halloween sugar must have kicked in full force. It is either that or the "must make a comment about any and everything" stage has begun. Just tell me that it doesn't last long. My patience was drained to 0 by noon. I have been running on empty ever since.

Then the big test. I go to Starbucks which is usually a happy place for me. Not today. The girl at the window had on an Obama/Biden button. If I wasn't addicted, I would have told her to keep the coffee. I bit my lip and coached myself out of the parking lot. What I wanted to do was go inside and speak to the manager and let him know that his folks are serving all of the public and while working should not be wearing political stuff. I thought it best that I just come home. I would have regretted it if I had ended up on the local six o'clock news.

There was something else but I have forgotten for now. I'm quite sure I will have a lot to tell you on Monday. It is after all report card day and I have a funny feeling that this household will be making some changes.

Feeling much better now,

Michelle Perkins

Wait and See

If I don't blog I guess that means that I'm not really wound up about anything. But it just so happens that my dog is barking and it is making me crazy. The reason it is so annoying is because he has on a bark collar. I just put a new battery in a few days ago so I am a bit upset. This is all that I can figure out; he managed to get the last bark collar off and chewed it into small bits. When I went to buy another one, they didn't have the same brand and so I had to buy a cheaper one. Bottom line: he has it on and he is barking. You get what you pay for. You didn't check out my blog to hear about my dog barking issues now did you?

Let's think. What else is there? The election. I just can't let myself get all worked up any more over that. I do not plan on voting early because I like to feel like I am in the middle of the chaos. Plus I want to get Hudson early from school on Tuesday and let him go with me for this history making event.

I'm still trying to find another rental house to buy. I just haven't found the deal that I am looking for. One that I finally got to see went under contract and so I missed it. I did buy Halloween candy today and I have devoured so many Baby Ruth bars. Luckily like Maxine says, they were the "bite me" size.

Can you tell I've read and am trying to practice the first lesson in the "Love Dare". It was patience. I'm just going to let this one settle in for a while before I move to the next dare. Honestly, homework has gone much more smoothly since I am more patient. Our social studies project went amazingly well tonight. Good thing, since it is due tomorrow.

Working on my patience,

Michelle Perkins

More or Less

I guess I have not been inspired to write lately, but since you asked for it (Hannah), here goes. I got the magazine "More" on Saturday. Yes its target audience is women over 40. I still have a hard time grasping the fact the issues they are talking about are aimed at me. Simply the fact that my name and address are on the little block on the cover is quite disturbing. Every ad is not for hip new clothing but for hip replacement (just kidding). The ads are for anti-wrinkle cream, products to make your hair thicker, wine and expensive jewelry. I'm good with the wine and expensive jewelry, but the others I could do without. Then, I got to the page where they interviewed Brooke Smith who is an actress on Grey's Anatomy. Now I have something to say.

If you don't watch the show, her character (Dr. Hahn) is getting involved in a lesbian relationship. It almost made me change the channel. Make all the references to a possible lesbian relationship but save me from the details. I'm quite sure the fan base of the show isn't watching in hopes that they get to see those poor choices of quality air time!! I don't want to see them kiss nor tell the other to take her clothes off. The real fans are watching to see the Dr. McDreamies. If the lady lovers take up too much more of the hour, I'm out. I have been on the same team forever. If my team isn't playing, I'm not watching.

Now I have to get back to reading about the average number of hot flashes I can expect to have in a day when the time comes.

Cool as a cucumber for now,

Michelle K. Perkins

You Don't Even Know My Dad

I stayed quite busy at work today. I'm really proud of myself, being able to stay on task for such an extended period of time. Our boss gave us all the book "The Love Dare". He's such a great guy. Since I saw the movie "Fire Proof" this weekend I was excited to get the book that was mentioned; that was until I read the back and it says it is a 40 day challenge for husbands and wives to understand and practice unconditional love. Not quite sure I see the point in my reading it. I know, for future reference; not feeling it. Yeah, I know, you can use the philosophies in all of your relationships. I just now glanced at the first page and for the first day I am to practice patience. Now it is 7:30pm and a little late for that. I blew that one in the first hour of my day. The only way I can make that one work is if I can count 11:30pm to 6:30am as a day. I'll just have to start reading the night before what I'll work on for the next day, since I'm not a morning person. Then after I read it I'll have to put a sticky note on my alarm clock to remind me or I won't think about it again til at least lunch. I'll let you know how that goes tomorrow. I know which way I would bet.

Oh, I got my letter informing me that I passed that exam. I guess I am as smart as I thought I was. So glad I didn't waste anytime studying. Oh, oh, oh .... my doctor called and my cholesterol was 157. Really.

Here's my one beef for today. I think it is obvious if a person is closer to 12 or if she is closer to 40. If there is a problem with a 12 year old, yes you would most likely tell her parents. If she looks closer to 40, you would tell her, right?

Tell me, not my dad,

Michelle Perkins

Full To The Brim

The weekend is over and it is time to get back into the swing of things. I am just excited that I don't have to attend a class this week or anything else that would take a big chunk out of my week.

Sunday was the day of the feast. I went to homecoming at the Black Jack Original Free Will Baptist Church. All I have to say is there were no vegetables that came out of a can. Yes, there were three different desserts on my dessert plate. There is a reason homecoming at a church only happens once a year. I got to see so many people that I haven't seen in a very long time. It was a refreshing day. I told myself the reason the older folks were saying "Michelle, is that you?", was because I looked so young they just couldn't believe it. Not the other way around.

I know Brett needs me today, wish I was in New York. The Jets suffered a loss in OT to the Raiders of all teams. Just know that I'm thinking about you Brett.

I really don't have anything to rant about today. A big belated Happy Birthday to my friend Donna in Ashville. Her birthday was yesterday. I didn't talk to her on her birthday but it wasn't because I didn't try. After I find out the birthday details I'll let you know.

A great week to all,

Michelle Perkins

There Is A Talbots Bag in My Closet Today

Okay, I get it, you guys worry about me when I do not blog for a few days. My class is over and I have taken the exam. Thursday night I decided that I was smart enough and did not need to study for the exam. I will find out by mail in a day or two how that philosophy worked for me. There were only two questions that I thought I may have gotten wrong and I could miss up to eight. I 'll just have to wait and see. Of course I will not be telling you if I have to go take the test over again. It will be my little secret.

The Tar Heels lost today in overtime. It was a heart breaker.

Now the weather. It feels like it may snow. I do not fair too well in cold weather and I think the cold season is starting to set in. Of course we could have some more summer-like days but I think we will be seeing fewer of those.

I went to the movies and out to lunch with my friend Hannah today. Then she had the nerve to drag me kicking and screaming into Talbots. You know I had to buy something. It was an additional 25% off. Plus if you used your Talbot's charge you got double points. Think of all the money I saved today.

We went to see the movie "Fire Proof". I have heard several people talk about it and it was good. Of course it was a lower budget movie but the message was pretty powerful. I am also almost done reading the book "The Shack" that Hannah loaned me. So in addition to adding to my professional knowledge this week, I have also added to my spiritual knowledge. I hope that spiritual effort will help that educational (exam) out just a bit.

Homecoming is at the Black Jack Church tomorrow. I will be dreaming about table after table of great food tonight.

Giving my brain a break for a few days,

Michelle Perkins

The Backwards Alphabet

I will finish up my class on Friday and hopefully then can get back on track with my blogging. I am currently watching the Presidential debate. At best, it is very frustrating to watch. With the election coming up, I am hoping for the best but preparing myself for the worst. I am really afraid of where our country is heading. It looks like a small majority of Americans will be working to support a larger part of our citizens, as if we weren't already supporting enough.

What else is going on with me? I have started reading the book "The Shack". I am enjoying it but I'll have to admit, that I am getting a bit confused. Maybe I wasn't giving the last part that I just read my undivided attention. I'll go at it again a bit later.

Yep, the stock market was down again today. That gave me a stomach ache and that's all I can even muster to say about that.

I am going to have to turn the debate off now because I just can not look at Obama any longa. That was a pretty good rhyme if I don't say so myself. The sad thing is the majority of the people who will vote for Obama aren't even watching the debate. His main platform could be we will start learning the alphabet backwards and his voters would not even be aware. His position on policies has nothing to do with why he is receiving votes.

That's all I have to say for today.

ZYX,

Michelle Perkins

I Want Danette's Palin Picture

It's Monday and "Intervention" must have been cancelled. Oh where oh where did it go? So now it is just football and no channel flipping.

We had a busy weekend. We stayed on the go the entire time. Sunday we went to a pig picking for my friend Danette. It was her 40th birthday (actually on Tuesday). Happy Birthday Danette. She got the best present ever. She and her family went to see Palin last Tuesday night. Her mom got Palin's autograph and she had the autograph, the ticket and a great picture of Palin all framed together. It was great. I wish I had one. Did I mention the food was fabulous and I ate two different kinds of cake?

I had another seminar today, only three hours. It was very beneficial and now I am ready to sell some real estate. Everyone is nervous about the stock market. Real estate has not ever lost 18% value in a few days. Think about it. It is a buyer's market. If you even wanted to buy some rental property now is the time. I missed a foreclosure today. I knew it was a deal and didn't jump fast enough. I'll just have to keep my eyes open.

Give me a call if you don't want to lose 18% of your investment in a matter of days,

Michelle Perkins

Wait Until After the Exam

Now you really didn't think that two blogs a day pace would continue now did you?

I have been in class for the past two days and so my day has been shortened quite a bit. It's probably not a good time to comment on the class because I have two more days and an exam to go. If I said anything negative about the class, it would be the only time my blog came up on the top of a search engine and my instructor would see it for sure. I'll get to the class after I have passed the exam.

I did get to catch a bit of "The Ex List" tonight. Not quite as good as I thought it would be. Not really realistic. Maybe it just reminds me that I don't have an ex list. Not to mention that all of her exes should be on the world's most beautiful men list.

I hear it is suppose to be 88 degrees one day next week. I can't wait. Maybe I can spend some time outside that day. Nothing like a summer-like day every now and then to get you through the fall and winter months. It hasn't even been cool yet and I am already missing a hot day at the beach.

Here's to more summer-like days,

Michelle Perkins

Extra Session Required

For some reason it never occurs to me until after dark on Wednesday that the trash pick up is bright and early Thursday morning. You would think I could have a grip on this by now. I didn't think about it until I just sat down to type.

Today I was thinking about the 6 degrees of separation (maybe it's seven I can't remember). Then I pondered about different people to see it I could somehow tie us together. First was John McCain. Cindy McCain. Heinz fortune. Heinz product in my fridge. Me. There you go. As simple as that.

Next Obama. I'm stuck. I just can't make it happen for me. Maybe it's just that I don't want to make it happen. You may say, easy his wife's name is Michelle. It doesn't work for me. Did I mention the way he pronounces parts of Africa grates my nerves? That's all I will say about that.

I forget which talk show host it was, but years ago some lady claimed that she got a debilitating migraine when she heard the host's voice. Katie Couric's voice is starting to do that to me. The last time someone on TV bothered me so much was when I was either in high school or college and there was an ad for pain medicine and they had this really old lady holding an iron frying pan. She would take the medicine and then say, "I can pick this pan up." It made me crazy. Katie Couric - same affect.

I know, two blogs in one day. Since I confessed early on that this was like therapy for me, I guess today I needed an extra session.

Feeling much better now,

Michelle Perkins

Just Enjoy the Ride

Well Palin has been to Greenville and now she is gone. I think she brought with her a great deal of energy and renewed support for the Republican candidates. I was not at the event but I did watch the live feed on the Internet. I certainly was there is spirit. I can't wait to see the pictures Misty took while there.

Interest rates have been cut again this morning which will hopefully give the public a feeling of stability or at the least a feeling of ability. It is a difficult time. Uncertainty generates fear. We as Americans should not have to live in fear. I think of the economic situation many times during the day and I am one of those who was raised to save for a rainy day. Although I have saved and continue to save, it is still unsettling. I have done the math in my head for many different scenarios. If I just had day to day expenses and not make unnecessary purchases, and had no money coming in, how long could I last? I could last for quite a while. However, like many Americans I do not want to merely last. I want to live and enjoy some of the things that make living a lot more exciting; such as taking trips with my son. Then fear creeps in. I think if we go on that trip and spend that money, what will happen if a big unexpected expenditure creeps up? That is no way to live. This morning I decided to go ahead and get my son's passport. Also since my home is nine years old, I will purchase a home warranty. After all, the ten year mark is when things do start to happen to a house. I don't consider this a bad investment and hopefully will pay off in the long run.

Trying not to worry too much,

Michelle Perkins

Hannah's Epiphany

Today was a busy day. I even washed my car and cleaned it out. It's amazing I had so much energy considering we let the dog try sleeping in the house last night and he decided at 1am it was play time. I went from sound asleep to outside putting the dog in his kennel. I think it only took me about 30 seconds to get back to sleep which was a welcomed surprise.

Hannah's epiphany. My mental health professional friend ventured outside of her thinking comfort zone and came up with a really great idea today. You have to understand how many times she has heard her husband say in the last few months how poorly their stock investments are doing. I know because I have heard him myself a few times moan and groan so multiply that by about 100 and that is how many times I am sure she has heard it. Add to that, the fact that they also have some real estate in other places that have been slow to move. Hannah has moved to a new way of thinking. She has decided that rather than putting any more money in her retirement, she will concentrate on paying down her principle on her mortgage. Due to the length of time she has owned her home, this is a great idea. The majority of the interest was paid in the first years of ownership and now there is not as much interest to write off each year. I do believe she is on to something. Eventually, home prices will make a come back and at that time hers will be free of a lien.

Way to go Hannah. I am so proud of you. In any event, you should always pay a little extra toward your principle. As little as $50 a month can cut years off of a 30-year mortgage.

By they way, "Intervention" was a rerun tonight and so I don't have to flip back and forth from that and the football game.

Just pay $50 more each month,

Michelle Perkins

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

I sat down an hour or so ago to pay bills. It got a bit overwhelming and my adult on-set ADD kicked in and here I am on the computer. Growing up I would have never thought I was ADD because I stuck with anything I did until it was perfect. Maybe I've just starting losing patience more quickly than years ago which I am misdiagnosing as ADD. I can stick with a football game until the last second ticks off of the clock but I can't think of much else that can hold my attention.

Here's a hint when it starts to kick in and you happen to be talking to me. I inherited this particular trait from my former in-law's side of the family. I am not quite sure who started it, but I know I say it. Now people with whom I work and are around me quite a bit also say it. They blame me for this bad habit. My mom absolutely hates it when I do it. So what is this habit? Well, when you are telling me a story and I think you are giving way too many details and I am past ready for you to get to the meat of the story, I say "yeah, yeah, yeah". Which means, get on with the story. I've mentioned that I was a bullet point kinda girl. Sometimes it would be just fine with me if we could communicate in bullet points. Just give me the facts and try not to get off track. I'm aware that this form of communication seems rude but can you imagine how much time it would save? Say for instance in an office situation you need to ask someone how to do something. You can't just walk up to a person and say, "How do you make a copy?" You have to say, "Hi, how are you?" They say "Fine, how are you?" Then you say, "I hate to bother you, but could you show me how to....?" They say, "Certainly." Now this could go on forever until I finally am shown how to make a copy. By this time, I am hearing blah, blah, blah. This is a major character flaw, I understand. I will make it a mission to work on my patience this week. I wonder how long that will last.

Just get on with it, I certainly will not be offended.

Michelle Perkins

Not Sure What to Call This

Now that Carolina has a bit of a lead I can take a few minutes to blog. Either I have managed to dodge all of the crazy folks in Pitt County or they are just staying at home.

Friday at work our street was so busy. The Republican office is on the same street and people were lined up to get tickets to see Palin. I didn't have time to wait in line and therefore I did not get tickets. I wish the event were being held in the football stadium versus the basketball arena so more people could attend. Now I am left with reading the skewed version of her speech in the local newspaper. It will most likely not resemble anything that actually came out of her mouth.

I went to a great cook out this afternoon at my friend's house. They were having a get together for their office and lucky me got to go also. The food was great and I enjoyed seeing folks that I don't see often but about which I hear stories. It's always good to be able to put a face with a story.

I was talking to my friend Donna in Ashville who is in search of a better job. She said she had tweaked her resume' so much she didn't even know the person in her own resume'. Now that's funny. She even thought about adding that she was the marketing director for Walt Disney just to see if she could get a call from a potential employer. So if you are looking for a fabulous marketing employee in the Ashville area, just send me an email and I'll have Donna give you a call.

I've also found a way that makes it easier for me to get to sleep. Now this isn't in place of my sleep aid but in addition to. I have one of those gel mask that you can heat or freeze. Well I freeze my mask and wear it at night. It really relaxes me. I think what it actually does is make me think about how cold my face is and therefore I'm not thinking about stressful things. So a clothespin on your toe would probably have the same affect. The same type theory is used for those cereal commercials. They say if you eat a certain cereal for 30 days your cholesterol will go down. Hello, it's not the cereal that makes your cholesterol go down. It's the fact that you are not eating bacon or sausage and eggs every morning like you were.

Keep up the good playing Carolina,

Michelle Perkins

What Happened to Yesterday?

Not quite sure what happened to me yesterday. All of a sudden it was today and realized that I had not blogged. It definitely wasn't because I didn't have anything to say.

Tonight is the vice presidential debate. You would think I was a participant because I am getting more and more nervous as 9pm approaches. I just hope the voting public wakes up. All of the problems we are facing economically were not created yesterday. If you don't believe me just go to the attached and see.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MGT_cSi7Rs


What else does one have to say? Let me go watch the debate. I'm sure that I will have a lot to say on Friday.

Michelle Perkins

Let Leaning Trees Lean

Let's see, what is weighing heavily on my mind today? Several things come to mind but I could only write about them if I were writing this blog anonymously. There is an idea. I need to start an anonymous blog. I could really get some things off of my chest.

I'll just share this story since it did happen today. I realize that most ex spouses find it very hard to be civil to one another. Usually the only time they use their nice voices are if the children are present. I'm not sure how it happened, but I am blessed with being around my ex and he around me without either of us having an ounce of bad attitude. So many people ask how do we do it. For me, I heard a speaker about three or four years ago that said, imagine yourself standing and you draw a chalk circle around your feet about the size of a hula hoop. Now write the things that you carry around with you every day that causes you anger, sadness, or any overwhelming emotion. Then decide if you can change any of the situations that cause your mental or emotional stress. If you can't change it, thump it out of your circle. On a daily basis there should be very few things that really matter. The well-being of the ones you love and the well being of yourself. Whenever I start feeling agitated I think about what is causing it and I thump it out of my circle. I honestly do a thump in the air and say it's gone and try not to let it bother me anymore.

Back to today's story. Got up this morning and our dog was gone. There was a loose board on the fence and he found it and pushed through and escaped. After taking my son to school, I came back home and searched and then came home at lunch and searched. Then I called my ex who knew our son would be devastated if anything happened to his dog. So my ex and his wife got on four wheelers and started searching. His wife found Jordan. I met them back at my house. His wife and I talked while my ex fixed the fence. He wasn't fixing the fence for me. He was fixing the fence so our son's dog would not escape again. All three of us knew that and all three of us love that boy. It is just that simple. I appreciated what they did, so I was able to overlook the fact that he backed into one of my trees during the ordeal. Now every time I look at my crooked tree, I'll remember the day they saved Jordan.

May you be able to appreciate a leaning tree, there could be a special story behind it,

Michelle Perkins

If You Don't Have A Shovel, Buy One

Now we can talk crazy. Sometimes it is embarrassing to even say I have a degree in Journalism. I'm afraid I'll get lumped into the media category. I'm writing this blog as I make myself listen to the news. The media can put such a spin on any story and send folks running for the hills. Katie Couric, thinking she is the know all end all, is now trouncing on our Republican candidates. Could you at least be a little less obvious Katie? After all, you are to tell the story without bias. Wow those glasses you are sporting tonight are looking all too familiar. You just couldn't have Palin getting all of the attention, could you?

I think the next big investment will be anything that comes in a resealable tin can since we will all be burying our money in the backyard. Maybe I'll even invest in the companies that manufacture shovels while I'm at it. More shovels will definitely be purchased. Either to bury our money or bury all of the folks that are going to have heart attacks from this media circus.

When I first sat down to type, I was going to go with a totally different topic. Then lucky me, the news came on and I actually had the TV turned on. It started with the local news and I am certain our local channel searched all day to make sure they found the most hum drum person to comment on the economic situation. I would have rather listen to someone tell me how to boil water. Enough on that. If you missed it, be glad.

I'll actually get to that crazy blog one day.

May your shovel stay in the shed,

Michelle Perkins

The Edge

What a day for football. Brett won, TO lost, and Aaron didn't do so well. But enough about football. The Eagles are playing now.

I think today I'll talk about all of the folks that are teetering on the brink of insanity. I'm trying to figure out what exactly is sending them to the edge. I'm sure there is a correlation between prices of everything going up and the level of happiness going down. Let's face it. We are all under a great deal of stress right now. What to do? Do I move some of my money out of stocks? I don't think so because I have already taken the blow. How many more blows do you take? I'll just have to hang on to that rope by my fingertips for as long as I have to.

Do I buy some rental property? The prices are low and the folks who will be forced out of their homes due to foreclosure will have to live somewhere. If they follow the advice of a previous blog, and not live above their means, scooping up some more rentals seems like a good plan. It is a great way for those with really young children to pay for college. If you buy a rental property while your child is say five or younger and finance it for 15 years. When it is paid off, and you sell..there is your college money. Of course if you want to buy that rental property in Pitt County, you know to call me. It is a college town with the number of renters increasing each year.

I just started at point A and ended up at point J. I guess I felt more like blogging about real estate than the folks going insane.

Stay sane and buy some real estate,

Michelle Perkins

I'm Back

I took a little vacation from blogging. Since you have been calling and wanting to know why I'm not blogging, here goes.

For some reason, I will have this blog almost finished and then all of a sudden it is all deleted. Now this is making me a bit agitated but I'll keep at it.

Holy smokes, did you see that Carolina game today? Just watch the ESPN highlight reel and it will be there because it was one for the books.

Last night was the first Cotillion for sixth graders. Having a son, it was a battle of wills. After enduring more sighs than one mother should have to hear, he had on his "church" clothes. Who ever knew having to wear a belt could cause one so much agony. Since he is only 11, I could not possibly go down the road of why don't you just try wearing a bra every day. Then there was having to say, buddy tuck your shirt tail in please. He certainly must have thought I said, now we have to put 100 fire ants in your pants. He would have probably opted for the fire ants now that I think about it.

So we get there. I'm totally worn out by this point. He gets his name tag and goes in. Gosh, he looked handsome. I did get pictures before we left the house, since according to him, I could not take the camera with me.

It was time to go get him. He didn't realize I saw him talking to other kids and laughing before he saw me. On the way home, well before we were even out of the parking lot, his shoes were off and the shirt tail was out. Although he didn't want to let on to me, I'm quite sure he had fun.

Now, once a month, I know what is in store for me. The dreaded getting ready period prior to Cotillion followed by the oh so proud moment when he shakes his host hand and says thank you for having me. I'd endure fire ants in my pants for that moment.

It's always worth the trouble, when a child is involved.

May you all have those proud moments; whether of your child or some one else you love,

Michelle Perkins

A Day to Remember

Today was a huge day for me. Although I have been a realtor for 2 1/2 years I have always worked on a team (I worked under someone else). I learned more in those few years than most people would learn in a lifetime. She is one of the best in the business and I was fortunate to observe how she ran her business. I recently moved to a new firm where I am on my own.

Now it is time to build a business of my own. Today I did my first listing under my name and my picture will be on the sign. It was a great feeling of accomplishment. So for today, no bashing of the latest topic that has a way of unnerving me. It is simply a day of smiles. Despite the blustering rain and the fact that somehow our dog escaped from the backyard. What do you know? The blustering rain has stopped and the dog ended up on the front porch. What a beautiful day.

Never mind the rain - just smile for today,

Michelle Perkins

Did President Bush Read My Blog?

Have you ever heard the saying "don't beat a dead horse"? Well, I'm one of those people who find it necessary to beat a dead horse. Not literally of course. Donna and I have discussed the fact the we both have that quality. According to her, the stench alone would make most people run for the hills. Not us. We say, was that a dead horse? Let's turn around a take another look. That would not be enough. Let's get out of the car and look closer. Thus, yesterday's blog continues.

I really think President Bush read my blog yesterday. As I was listening to his address so much of what he said I have pondered. So if you didn't catch the Presidential address, just read my blog from Tuesday.

New thought for today. My friend Hannah and I were talking about the book "A Million Little Pieces". That was a controversial one. It was written as a true story and then after the author, James Frey, was on Oprah; it was uncovered that some of the book was untrue. Ok so some of it was not true. That did not take away from the fact that we thoroughly enjoyed the book. Enough so, that we even bought the next one titled, "My Friend Leonard". Actually I gave it to Hannah for her birthday that year. We loved that one too. If you haven't read these books, and have some time on your hands, go pick them up. Both can be a bit choppy, but once you get into the style of writing, it flows very well. Then again, I'm a bullet-point kinda girl.

A big shout out to the people who have friends that are as fabulous and dear as mine are. I'm the luckiest girl in the world.

Here's to friends and an upturn in the economy,

Michelle Perkins

The State of Your Economy

Unfortunately for some that are reading this, I saw Suze Orman on Oprah today. Now I am on a soapbox. I think she is a very intelligent person and she shoots straight from the hip. I am a huge fan of these two qualities in a person.

Now I'll explain the state of your economy in terms that even an 11 year-old could understand. This I know because I have discussed some of these issues with my 11-year old. Don't believe me? Ask him how much a barrel of oil cost?

Here is the plain and simple truth. If you need a credit card to get through the month (meaning you will not be paying the credit card off in full at the end of the month or cannot foresee ever paying the credit card off), you are living above your means. Ole Suze says so what if you think you should wear high-end clothes, drive a high-end car, live in a big house, not look at prices at the grocery store. If your expenses and putting some money in savings is greater than your income; you are living above your means. Get honest with yourself. Your friends and family know where you work and can guess about how much money you make. You are not kidding anyone. Usually they see you and think, "there's Tom, he spends more than he makes". It is time to get real. You are the one that will have to work until you are 110. If money is stressing you out, swallow your pride and live the way you can afford and not they way you want to be able to afford.

My former father-in-law (he's very smart too and shoots straight from the hip) was constantly saying "you won't stay afloat long with champagne taste on a coca cola income".

So you'll know, our country thought we could make good spending decisions and made the money available for us to borrow. What was not factored in was that much of America was like a goldfish that would eat itself to death. Folks sat there and said if someone is loaning me the money, I must be able to make the payments. Come on folks, when you signed the deed of trust or credit card receipt, you knew right then and there you couldn't afford it. Like Suze said, sure you didn't see the fact that you would be laid off coming; but where was that six months of income you should have had tucked away? Did you get a job that made something while you were looking for a job? Okay I'm done.

Always make more than the minimum payment,

Michelle Perkins

Intervention Time

Tonight is the night. On one hand I have Brett and the Jets and on the other I have "Intervention". Maybe it is really time for my friends to gather together and perform an intervention on me because of my addictions. First of all there is my football addiction, which by the way I am not giving up. That one hurts absolutely no one. It may make my blood pressure go up on occasion but in the grand scheme of things, I'm good with it. Second is my addiction to "Intervention". Other than the fact it coincides with Monday night football, I can lead a normal life and still watch the show. Besides football, it is my only "must see tv". Again, no harm, no foul. Next is Starbucks. You know you have a problem when you pull up to place your order and they say hey Michelle. Then they give you your cup and it has your name on it versus what you ordered. That is like Norm walking into Cheers. The way I see it, there is no bar that would begin fixing me a drink before I sit down and I will not be locked up for drinking Starbucks and driving. Until a Starbucks purchase determines if I will or will not be able to buy groceries for my child, I see no problem.

These are all addictions and do not prevent me from working or being a mother. Now there are some character flaws of which I am well aware. The fact that I am aware of the problem areas is a step in the right direction. I will most likely have to handle these one at a time in a future blog.

Do you need some new photos or family portraits? It would make an awesome Christmas gift. If so check out my cousin's website: mistyhudsonphotography.com or her blog mistyhudsonphotography.blogspot.com She has a great eye for detail and is always looking for new places for her shoots.

Patiently awaiting my intervention,

Michelle Perkins

Corn Hole

I'm back. I had beyond a doubt, the most exciting time this weekend. I found out Friday afternoon I had a ticket to the ECU-NCSU game. This was thanks to my cousin Misty who came through in about five minutes flat after my request to go to the game since she was going. I got to see her friend Kristy again who I think is also fabulous. We'll get to Kristy again in a bit.

Now let's talk about the folks from Roxboro. I am accompanying Misty and Kristy on their usual tailgating affair. This was no bring your bucket of KFC tailgating. No sir. This was top of the line, RV, flat-screen TVs, pig on the cooker, all the sides you could ever imagine tailgating. A big shout out to Stan (from Roxboro no less) for his hospitality. I told you I would get back to Kristy. I was introduced to the game of Corn Hole. Not knowing what to expect, I was a bit worried about playing Corn Hole. What you do is toss bean(maybe it's corn) bags into the hole on a wooden platform. It is set up much like horse shoes but you are trying to toss these corn bags into the hole. Being the green corn hole player, I was last picked for a team and Kristy was stuck with me on her team. Call it beginner's luck, but Kristy and I are the corn hole champs. I forget how many games we won. Oh yeah, that's right, we played seven so of course we won seven.

I can only hope that I get invited back to this afternoon of fun!! Now that I know where Roxboro is on the map and how great the folks from Roxboro are, I may just have to road trip to the town some day.

Thanks again to all for such a good time. I didn't even mention the game. What a game! It just doesn't get any better.

May you all have the chance to play "Corn Hole", from one of the champs,

Michelle Perkins

I Saved $12.00 Over the Last Four Weeks

Real Estate is such an interesting, ever-changing line of work. I enjoy looking at homes, selling homes, crunching numbers, taking folks to get coffee and just talking. Today was really busy getting settled into my new routines and reflecting on the many ideas I learned from the Ninja Course I just took. It is going to be interesting doing things differently and in a fun way.

Now, I bet you are dying to know, how I saved $12 in a month. I had this habit of every week while checking out at the grocery store, I would throw into the cart one of those weekly what are the stars doing magazines. I got great pleasure out of reading the magazine. Yeah, I know I could have done other things with my time but it was a way to release stress. I'm not convinced that giving up that pleasure for a month was worth saving the $12. I've checked my pockets and have yet to find the $12. So was it really worth it? What I can honestly say is that I did it and from now on I am not going to be on automatic pilot and look for the magazine while checking out. It became part of my routine. Anything you do for at least 29 days becomes habit. I learned that at the conference. So now I have a different routine. It will be much easier to breeze through check-out without throwing a magazine into the cart.

I'll have $50 more than I would have had by Christmas. Maybe I'll add someone to my Christmas list. That someone could be you!!

Keep saving pennies,

Michelle Perkins

The Bucket List and Other Lists

Wow, I am back home and can't wait to get me new systems in place for my business. Unlike many other "how to" seminars, this one is truly doable. I can't wait to talk to my friends and family. The Ninja system will actual allow me to talk to the people I already like more often and add a jump-start to the business.

Speaking of things to do. As I was driving home today and singing to the top of my lungs, I remembered that I had not yet seen the movie, The Bucket List. I do enjoy Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson and so the movie has to be good. I can also visualize my best friend and I having a list of things we want to do before we die and actually trying to do those things. That made me think of a new show that starts this fall. I think the name of it is The Ex List. From what I've seen of the previews, it could be quite funny. Apparently there is a single woman on the show and she can't find a descent guy (you see why it grabbed my attention). Her friends had her make a list of all of her ex boyfriends and she is to go out with them again to make sure she didn't toss out "the one". Maybe she just wasn't in the right frame of mind when they initially dated and she needs to take another look. You see my ex boyfriends list could fit on one of those little flecks of paper that falls on the floor when you tear a sheet of paper out of a composition notebook. So in my case, I wouldn't have enough material for an entire season of shows. A 30-second ad during the show would pretty much cover it. What is even sadder is the fact that I would have to pay to air it.

Here is my take on comparing the movie and the tv show. One is about the things you want to do before you die. The other is about things you have already done, stopped doing for a reason and for some reason want to do again. This in itself would have qualified as a chapter for that book I started writing with stories my friend Donna and I have discussed about our lives. I'll tell you about stories in the unfinished book someday.

Here's to doing only what you want to do,

Michelle Perkins

Bad Date Requirement

I am at a conference and learning tons about the current real estate market. Obviously, I am adding to my wealth of real estate knowledge.

What I really want to know is what is the bad date threshold? I'm thinking there has to be one. If the old saying (I am not sure if this is an old saying or if it is just what my friend Donna says) "even a blind squirrel will eventually find a nut" holds true, I should have stumbled upon a good date by now or at least had more dates than I have had. Once I thought I was just a bad chooser. Then I realized that I am not even choosing. When growing up, I always felt so bad for the kid that was always the last one chosen to be on a team. Now I am that person. Maybe that is why the few dates that I have had are bad. I am getting stuck with a team (date) because the other team did not want them. Statistically speaking (somewhere I read this), if you have not remarried within two years after divorce, your chances of remarrying are like less than 15%. Let's just say, I am past that big two year mark. I'm not even in search of a husband. I would just like a nice date.

So if you are reading this and know exactly how many bad dates you have to endure before there is a good one, please let me know. The countdown is on!! Oh and don't say it is attitude. I go on each date with a possitive attitude. Any other advice would be welcomed.

Only good dates to all,

Michelle Perkins

Not So Much About a House

Last night I had the opportunity to read "Clever Girl's" blog. I wish I could meet her. I think we would get along really well. The blog also made me re-think my blog. Let's face it. If someone wants real estate advice, there are tons of websites that will come up way before mine will. So now I am going to write about the things that make me laugh.

I have started a book that I find hysterical. Will it ever get finished? I'm not so sure. So now I'll take to writing a blog each day and in a way, that will be my book. I do know lots about real estate but here, you will learn about me.

I'll try to stick to just one topic a day. I don't know about you but once I get going, it brings up so many other things that I need to get off of my chest. Now that fall is here and Monday night football has begun, I have a huge problem. I got hooked on this show over the summer that comes on of all nights, Monday. The show is "Intervention". Go figure, the one show I am addicted to is about addiction. Now on Monday nights I'll be wearing out the channel return button on my remote. The only two programs during the week that I make sure that I watch come on at the same time on the same night. I know you are saying just record one of them. I do not own a DVR and we are in a recession and my one night obsession doesn't seem to warrant the purchase. No kidding, if you haven't seen this show, check it out.

I'm at a conference now and not in my usual setting and so I am hurriedly blogging today. Once I get back to my usual routine, I'll let you know what I am really thinking.

Great day to all,

Michelle Perkins

Buying a Home in Pitt County?

Yes, we are at a point in the real estate market where buyers can be picky. There are a lot of homes on the market and before we go out and take a look, make a list of the features you want in your home. Don't exhaust and frustrate yourself by looking at probably over 100 homes in your price range just because they are simply in your price range. What is most important to you? You will tweak what you really like once you have seen a few homes and have driven through a few neighborhoods. Ask me some questions. I'll be asking you a lot of questions as we go through the process. We have to make sure we are on the same page. I will listen to your needs and we will find that perfect home for you and your family together.

The Colts game just ran a bit over and now it is time for Brett and the Jets to play. Since the outcome of this game could change my mood dramatically, I wanted to write today's blog before it got started. A big hello to my friend, Andrea. I know you are watching Brett. When Brett is on, everything is going to be just fine (for a few hours anyway)!!

A great Sunday afternoon to all,

Michelle Perkins

Fall Spiders and Your House

Halloween is just around the corner and many will start to decorate for the season. Sometimes this will include the fake spider webs. What a buyer does not want to see is real spider webs or spiders on your front porch before they view your home. It seems like in the Fall, spider webs appear over night. Add making sure there are no spider webs on the front porch to one of your children's chore list. You don't want to lose a potential buyer on the door step. I'm sure you will find some webs on my front porch, but once you put your home on the market the webs must be kept under control.

Did anyone see those ECU Pirates today? What a season it is shaping up to be!

Michelle Perkins

It's Friday

We have all made it to the weekend. I can't help but mention how those Tar Heels played an awesome football game last night. It is quite refreshing to witness how Carolina football has taken a turn for the better.

More on curb appeal: Does your pine straw need freshening? Has your shrubbery been properly trimmed? Fall is a great time to do all of your pruning. Make sure you can see your windows and any other special architectural details of your home. Your front porch should be spotless. If a buyer is pleased with the yard, the next stop is the front porch where the lock box for the property is usually located. They will be looking closely to make sure it is clean and in good shape.

I'd love to walk with you on your real estate venture. Give me a call at Aldridge & Southerland Realtors in Greenville, NC. I can always be reached at (252)531-0515.

A Day to Reflect

Today is a day of reflection. Let's all remember those who have had a lasting impact from the tragedy our country experienced on 9/11.

Curb Appeal: When selling your house, first impressions are lasting impressions and set the stage for how a buyer will perceive the entire house. If the outside is not aesthetically appealing they carry with them the idea that the inside will be much of the same. Give a potential buyer nothing but high expectations as they drive up to your house. Their overall attitude will be more positive once they open the door. Don't disappoint!! Get that good feeling going.

More tips to come. You can reach me in Greenville, NC at (252) 531-0515. I look forward to hearing from you.

Michelle Perkins

I've just moved!

I have just moved over to Aldridge & Southerland Realtors in Greenville, NC. It's a different company which is owned and operated by local Greenville people. Who would know more about the area, the changes it has seen and expectations for the future? I am excited to make this transition and continue doing what I love: learning more about real estate and making your home ownership dreams come true.

It is a very busy time for me but I will be posting hints for selling your home and the lastest buying trends in Pitt County. Send me a message with any of your real esate questions and I'll assist you in finding the answers you need.

Much more to come...

Michelle Perkins