Some days are just more exciting than other days. Today I just worked, no social contact and it is boring. But work has to be done too. I've driven in so much rain today, the car better be clean. It was even raining when I filled the tank with diesel. No fun but I'm home now working up stuff in a warm office and that is better. I keep a warm drink nearby and a few minutes ago I went for a griller, just had to go to the kitchen. I do a griller for 1 minute in the microwave, then put on a single slice of bread with avocado and tomato slices. I can eat it fast and it really fills me up.
This morning was a first for me. That BMR index, perhaps I'm saying it wrong, its the ratio of fat to muscle in ones body. Well mine used to run about 40 most of the time, this morning I broke out of the 30s and am 29. Now is that good news or what. So very happy about that and now I'm in the 180s weight wise so that part is good too.
Well its back to work for me now, this morning I hopped up and walked the 3.2 miles with Pooka, then off to San Lorenzo, about a 1 hour drive, I found a Starbucks because I get bathroom calls often with all the water I drink. Then back on the road to pick up a check for an appraisal, then discover that I have another check at the house so both are safely in the bank now. This the time of the month when auto payments come out of the account and it needs cash.
My friend has taught me a lot about money and making sure none gets wasted. I've learned a lot that will effect my life as long as I live. Very wise woman.
Well I hope you are dry and safe tonight,
Love to all
Tim
Monday, March 31, 2014
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Ready for a new week, a new month
Good evening family and friends,
Tonight as I write my family is spread all over the world. Jo and the kids are in Malaysia which is really half the way around the world, Jason is in San Jose, Steve and Nikki and family are here in Discovery Bay. What an age we live in.
I've been seeing someone who is here from China so I'm learning a lot about different foods, customs, clothes, colors, flowers and even language. What fun it has been to try to communicate clearly but sometimes it just does not work out.
Today has been a write up reports day in the office plus a bit of socializing as well. It was surprisingly cold in Walnut Creek this evening and I was in shorts and a t shirt. Now that 37 pounds are gone I tend to feel the cold a bit more than before. I was 189.5 this morning and being in the 180s now is very exciting for me personally and for my family.
I'm asking for your prayers this evening that God will guide me and touch lives with His magic touch. Life can get very exciting and its easy to make all our own choices without consulting with our Maker. I know God loves us all and can see ahead, I know that we can trust His guidance and leading, I know that He wants us to be happy and within His will. I want all of that to happen in my life and in the lives of those close to me.
Tonight I send my love to all,
Tim
Tonight as I write my family is spread all over the world. Jo and the kids are in Malaysia which is really half the way around the world, Jason is in San Jose, Steve and Nikki and family are here in Discovery Bay. What an age we live in.
I've been seeing someone who is here from China so I'm learning a lot about different foods, customs, clothes, colors, flowers and even language. What fun it has been to try to communicate clearly but sometimes it just does not work out.
Today has been a write up reports day in the office plus a bit of socializing as well. It was surprisingly cold in Walnut Creek this evening and I was in shorts and a t shirt. Now that 37 pounds are gone I tend to feel the cold a bit more than before. I was 189.5 this morning and being in the 180s now is very exciting for me personally and for my family.
I'm asking for your prayers this evening that God will guide me and touch lives with His magic touch. Life can get very exciting and its easy to make all our own choices without consulting with our Maker. I know God loves us all and can see ahead, I know that we can trust His guidance and leading, I know that He wants us to be happy and within His will. I want all of that to happen in my life and in the lives of those close to me.
Tonight I send my love to all,
Tim
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Rainy winter day, perfect
So here's to another very good day.
Did the walk quickly this morning, picked up Keanna and a friend, I did church, they did Sabbath School. Then we went to Olive Garden and back home. I was able to spend the afternoon with my friend and it just seems every time we have time like this its better. So yes it was a very good day for sure.
When I got home I built a little fire, sort of chilly but I see its gone now. Wish I could see the fire from the office but not possible.
I'm in another of those time when waiting for appraisals to get paid for is hard. I really need the money now but of course it will come when it comes and I'll need it then too. Just made the first payment on the new IRS agreement that I'm so pleased with, felt good to make it and have the first of many paid in. Its so easy now, just log into the website called EFTPS and I have a pin and a code and they pull it right out of the bank locally.
Well hoping all of you had a good day today, we need the rain so badly that I don't think anyone is complaining at all. Walnut Creek felt so fresh after the rain, the streets are nice there and the plants and trees are already in bloom everywhere.
Love to all
Tim
Did the walk quickly this morning, picked up Keanna and a friend, I did church, they did Sabbath School. Then we went to Olive Garden and back home. I was able to spend the afternoon with my friend and it just seems every time we have time like this its better. So yes it was a very good day for sure.
When I got home I built a little fire, sort of chilly but I see its gone now. Wish I could see the fire from the office but not possible.
I'm in another of those time when waiting for appraisals to get paid for is hard. I really need the money now but of course it will come when it comes and I'll need it then too. Just made the first payment on the new IRS agreement that I'm so pleased with, felt good to make it and have the first of many paid in. Its so easy now, just log into the website called EFTPS and I have a pin and a code and they pull it right out of the bank locally.
Well hoping all of you had a good day today, we need the rain so badly that I don't think anyone is complaining at all. Walnut Creek felt so fresh after the rain, the streets are nice there and the plants and trees are already in bloom everywhere.
Love to all
Tim
Friday, March 28, 2014
Very busy week
Good evening,
I am at peace this evening, not that everything is easy or settled in my life, not at all but I'm very happy. PG&E had said that they would have our power off from 9 to 2 today, the 28th. Well they never turned it off after all. But I planned my day as if they would. So I saw 5 properties from Antioch, Hercules, Richmond and Pittsburg. All were small homes with the largest being only about 2500 sf. After the big ones I've seen this week today seemed easy. I finished up an excellent book called the Shack. I can urge anyone to listen to or read this book. It has some of the best ways of explaining how God works, How He thinks and what is our way back to Him. Its a moving story and a real library find. It has touched my life and given me help in a relationship I'm in. I don't think I will ever forget the story it told. The author living near Portland and was nearly broke having lost his home, his cars and gradually his wife urged him to write a story that his kids could read, out of the humble beginnings came this outstanding book that has had a big effect on readers around the world.
But as books tend to do this one came to an end and now I'm listening to one about 15th century England and the court intrigues. Not as meaningful but still interesting.
I would like to ask the readers of this blog to ask Jesus to guide in my life. My life has changed so much over the last four months. This is the first morning I've not walked or done the treadmill for the last 4 months but this morning as I thought the power was going off at 9 I had many things to do. I'm down 36.5 pounds and will soon be in the 180s instead of the 226 range. People at Starbucks look up and say, what happened to you, you look so much younger now and I explain my 4 rules, no eating at night period after dinner, walk 3 miles a day, drink water all the time and when you do eat eat carefully, just use your brain, if you are going to eat enough to be satisfied then you've had too much. Use salads where ever you are, McDonalds, Burger King both have cheap salads, don't drink soft drinks at all, drink only decaf coffee, if you find something that works just keep eating the same thing, I have oats every morning, they cook 3 minutes in the microwave oven, 1/2 cup with 1 cup water. I have one piece of toast, double fiber, I use avocado as my butter but I keep it spread thin, I have one banana or some berries and that is the meal for breakfast. I don't get tired of it because I know how to prepare it quickly, it always tastes good, I'm starved from the walk on a very empty tummy. I now have new habits formed so the same urge to back slide is less. When the relationship is going tough then it would be easy to snack in the evening but I stop as I don't want to go back to the former me.
I have energy to write reports, I have energy to carry my ladder and climb stairs, I am bright, alert, no cough, no chest pains. Biggest problems are these, my shirts and slacks just look funny, way too big and my friend is helping me with getting some better looking clothes, I now care about how I look because my friend is much younger and looking like her father is not much fun or helpful. As I write reports better I'm getting more work, God has so blessed me with lots of work to do and I'm getting it done in less time because my evenings are full with my personal life.
My friend is very blunt with me which was shocking at first but now I'm really appreciating it. This is the first time in a very long time that what I think, how I act and how much I tend to run off at the mouth is being challenged. I'm learning new things daily about me and while painful I'm becoming a better and more focused person, I'm very grateful even though sometimes it hurts to see just how thoughtless I have been in dominating conversations, perhaps even losing friendships in the process. Whether my relationship ends up positive or it ends up gradually unraveling I'm grateful to God for His leading me to this special person and for what I've been urged to face and for the gentle push into a better, more healthy life. All of the numbers in the latest blood work were vastly improved. When triglycerides move from 236 to 75 that is positive, other numbers changed in the same dramatic fashion.
Something else has changed as well. For so many years since losing Nan I've been sort of on a life path that had little direction. I just didn't care about anything enough other than the family but even there when the kiddos were here I just let them do their thing without any leadership. Now I find it very easy to determine who is in charge, I've taken control of my life again as it should be. My depression is gone. I love life and I intend to live it well. I'm renting the motorhome again which pays its monthly payment and insurance, I've got my house cleaned up a lot with clutter gone and I'm on my way to do more and more, I'm much more organized, on time to appointments, better at getting reports written and back on time.
No one should ever discount the effect of a good woman in a guy's life, not a push over woman but one with spirit, backbone, integrity and hard questions. I've squirmed under the questions, been a jerk with fits and selfish retorts but mostly I've learned lessons that I could not have learned anywhere else. For that experience I'm very grateful.
The Sabbath is here and I hope that during these hours you will take time to tell those you care about why, give hugs, flowers, hold hands and thank God you are not alone. Alone is no fun.
Sending love to all,
Tim
I am at peace this evening, not that everything is easy or settled in my life, not at all but I'm very happy. PG&E had said that they would have our power off from 9 to 2 today, the 28th. Well they never turned it off after all. But I planned my day as if they would. So I saw 5 properties from Antioch, Hercules, Richmond and Pittsburg. All were small homes with the largest being only about 2500 sf. After the big ones I've seen this week today seemed easy. I finished up an excellent book called the Shack. I can urge anyone to listen to or read this book. It has some of the best ways of explaining how God works, How He thinks and what is our way back to Him. Its a moving story and a real library find. It has touched my life and given me help in a relationship I'm in. I don't think I will ever forget the story it told. The author living near Portland and was nearly broke having lost his home, his cars and gradually his wife urged him to write a story that his kids could read, out of the humble beginnings came this outstanding book that has had a big effect on readers around the world.
But as books tend to do this one came to an end and now I'm listening to one about 15th century England and the court intrigues. Not as meaningful but still interesting.
I would like to ask the readers of this blog to ask Jesus to guide in my life. My life has changed so much over the last four months. This is the first morning I've not walked or done the treadmill for the last 4 months but this morning as I thought the power was going off at 9 I had many things to do. I'm down 36.5 pounds and will soon be in the 180s instead of the 226 range. People at Starbucks look up and say, what happened to you, you look so much younger now and I explain my 4 rules, no eating at night period after dinner, walk 3 miles a day, drink water all the time and when you do eat eat carefully, just use your brain, if you are going to eat enough to be satisfied then you've had too much. Use salads where ever you are, McDonalds, Burger King both have cheap salads, don't drink soft drinks at all, drink only decaf coffee, if you find something that works just keep eating the same thing, I have oats every morning, they cook 3 minutes in the microwave oven, 1/2 cup with 1 cup water. I have one piece of toast, double fiber, I use avocado as my butter but I keep it spread thin, I have one banana or some berries and that is the meal for breakfast. I don't get tired of it because I know how to prepare it quickly, it always tastes good, I'm starved from the walk on a very empty tummy. I now have new habits formed so the same urge to back slide is less. When the relationship is going tough then it would be easy to snack in the evening but I stop as I don't want to go back to the former me.
I have energy to write reports, I have energy to carry my ladder and climb stairs, I am bright, alert, no cough, no chest pains. Biggest problems are these, my shirts and slacks just look funny, way too big and my friend is helping me with getting some better looking clothes, I now care about how I look because my friend is much younger and looking like her father is not much fun or helpful. As I write reports better I'm getting more work, God has so blessed me with lots of work to do and I'm getting it done in less time because my evenings are full with my personal life.
My friend is very blunt with me which was shocking at first but now I'm really appreciating it. This is the first time in a very long time that what I think, how I act and how much I tend to run off at the mouth is being challenged. I'm learning new things daily about me and while painful I'm becoming a better and more focused person, I'm very grateful even though sometimes it hurts to see just how thoughtless I have been in dominating conversations, perhaps even losing friendships in the process. Whether my relationship ends up positive or it ends up gradually unraveling I'm grateful to God for His leading me to this special person and for what I've been urged to face and for the gentle push into a better, more healthy life. All of the numbers in the latest blood work were vastly improved. When triglycerides move from 236 to 75 that is positive, other numbers changed in the same dramatic fashion.
Something else has changed as well. For so many years since losing Nan I've been sort of on a life path that had little direction. I just didn't care about anything enough other than the family but even there when the kiddos were here I just let them do their thing without any leadership. Now I find it very easy to determine who is in charge, I've taken control of my life again as it should be. My depression is gone. I love life and I intend to live it well. I'm renting the motorhome again which pays its monthly payment and insurance, I've got my house cleaned up a lot with clutter gone and I'm on my way to do more and more, I'm much more organized, on time to appointments, better at getting reports written and back on time.
No one should ever discount the effect of a good woman in a guy's life, not a push over woman but one with spirit, backbone, integrity and hard questions. I've squirmed under the questions, been a jerk with fits and selfish retorts but mostly I've learned lessons that I could not have learned anywhere else. For that experience I'm very grateful.
The Sabbath is here and I hope that during these hours you will take time to tell those you care about why, give hugs, flowers, hold hands and thank God you are not alone. Alone is no fun.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Thursday, March 27, 2014
A long but very good day
Good evening
In a few minutes I'll be in bed.
Walked, showered, at, weighted in at an even 190 today, lowest yet I think. I feel great all the time, no coughing at all, no insulin at all, few allergies, strength to do my work, can't sleep as long now, up at 6 or so no matter when I go to bed.
Today I worked in the office, took breakfast to a friend, wrote an appraisal, got a new order while driving, accepted it, scheduled it and this evening I drove to San Jose to exchange cars with Jason and we met at the house, he helped me inspect and shoot photos, we shot comps, then we had dinner at Olive Garden, now I'm home. What a great day, I'm so thankful to a loving God for His many blessings in so many different ways.
Tomorrow I see 4 properties. I have to be out of the office since at 9 am PG&E is turning off all power until 2 pm. So I see properties all day, seemed like the right thing to do.
Love to all
Tim
In a few minutes I'll be in bed.
Walked, showered, at, weighted in at an even 190 today, lowest yet I think. I feel great all the time, no coughing at all, no insulin at all, few allergies, strength to do my work, can't sleep as long now, up at 6 or so no matter when I go to bed.
Today I worked in the office, took breakfast to a friend, wrote an appraisal, got a new order while driving, accepted it, scheduled it and this evening I drove to San Jose to exchange cars with Jason and we met at the house, he helped me inspect and shoot photos, we shot comps, then we had dinner at Olive Garden, now I'm home. What a great day, I'm so thankful to a loving God for His many blessings in so many different ways.
Tomorrow I see 4 properties. I have to be out of the office since at 9 am PG&E is turning off all power until 2 pm. So I see properties all day, seemed like the right thing to do.
Love to all
Tim
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Short night, long ay
Last night I was preparing a report on the 4.2 million dollar sale in Saint Helena, I finished at 12:30, hit the wrong button and lost the entire report. So I started over and at 2 am sent it to the lender. There are usually two appraisals done for this kind of sale and the other appraiser also submitted her report.
This afternoon the lender called me to say our sketches are very different from each other, would I please change mine and send in a new report. They sent me the sketches so I could see hers. Its a huge mess. The home has a 45 degree angle but she failed to capture that at all, the lower and upper floors are the same outer walls but hers are totally different. She came in with 5000 sf for the main house and I came in at 4300 sf. If she does not get her sketch cleaned up I think she is in trouble. The photos of the house clearly show it has a 45 degree angle, you can't miss it, well I guess you can because she missed it badly. I've had to go back to houses many times because the sketch was not working out in the office. Its not pride at that point, its being fair to the property owners, you got to get it right.
I've been so sleepy today driving around, saw properties in Rodeo, Oakland, Brentwood. Had dinner at PF Chang in Walnut Creek tonight, very good food, reasonable prices for what we had.
Sending love to all,
Always appreciate your prayers for guidance from God for my life.
Tim
This afternoon the lender called me to say our sketches are very different from each other, would I please change mine and send in a new report. They sent me the sketches so I could see hers. Its a huge mess. The home has a 45 degree angle but she failed to capture that at all, the lower and upper floors are the same outer walls but hers are totally different. She came in with 5000 sf for the main house and I came in at 4300 sf. If she does not get her sketch cleaned up I think she is in trouble. The photos of the house clearly show it has a 45 degree angle, you can't miss it, well I guess you can because she missed it badly. I've had to go back to houses many times because the sketch was not working out in the office. Its not pride at that point, its being fair to the property owners, you got to get it right.
I've been so sleepy today driving around, saw properties in Rodeo, Oakland, Brentwood. Had dinner at PF Chang in Walnut Creek tonight, very good food, reasonable prices for what we had.
Sending love to all,
Always appreciate your prayers for guidance from God for my life.
Tim
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
A day of contrasts
Hi
Right now I'm writing up an appraisal for a property I inspected in Saint Helena this morning.
Getting there required an early ride on the treadmill and on the road but I arrived on time. It was raining and the vineyards just looked beautiful everywhere.
The home was about 5,000 sf and had a panoramic view, a huge pool, a guest home and a green house, perfect landscaping and a selling price of 4.2 million. Highest I've ever appraised. Had I know the sale price I would have turned this one down. Then when I had just finished the comps which took another hour as I found every little road the client called to say they would pay another $100 on top of the $505 they were already paying me if they could have it in the morning, not Thursday morning as agreed. promised of putting me on a special approved appraiser list and the president of the loan company loving me were made. So here I am writing up this report with fear and trembling. The comps support the price and are within a few miles so I think the outcome will be good.
The contracts came when I inspected a little house in Antioch of less than 1000 feet. The owners were so sweet but this home could have fit in the living and family rooms of the big house. Was one owner happier than the other, not really, just moved in different circles obviously.
So I measured in the rain and through the landscaping, not all that fun really.
Suddenly my orders are piled up, guess I'd better settle down and work, I 'm so thankful to have the work. God is good through all the challenges of life.
Sending love to all
Tim
PS Jason says on the facebook account that he got to talk to Jo this morning from Malaysia. He was jazzed and I don't blame him. I used to be happy to hear back from Nan when she was just in Texas.
Right now I'm writing up an appraisal for a property I inspected in Saint Helena this morning.
Getting there required an early ride on the treadmill and on the road but I arrived on time. It was raining and the vineyards just looked beautiful everywhere.
The home was about 5,000 sf and had a panoramic view, a huge pool, a guest home and a green house, perfect landscaping and a selling price of 4.2 million. Highest I've ever appraised. Had I know the sale price I would have turned this one down. Then when I had just finished the comps which took another hour as I found every little road the client called to say they would pay another $100 on top of the $505 they were already paying me if they could have it in the morning, not Thursday morning as agreed. promised of putting me on a special approved appraiser list and the president of the loan company loving me were made. So here I am writing up this report with fear and trembling. The comps support the price and are within a few miles so I think the outcome will be good.
The contracts came when I inspected a little house in Antioch of less than 1000 feet. The owners were so sweet but this home could have fit in the living and family rooms of the big house. Was one owner happier than the other, not really, just moved in different circles obviously.
So I measured in the rain and through the landscaping, not all that fun really.
Suddenly my orders are piled up, guess I'd better settle down and work, I 'm so thankful to have the work. God is good through all the challenges of life.
Sending love to all
Tim
PS Jason says on the facebook account that he got to talk to Jo this morning from Malaysia. He was jazzed and I don't blame him. I used to be happy to hear back from Nan when she was just in Texas.
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