If you and I were to sit down to coffee today, I’d apologize that it’s been so long. As a result I’ve got a lot to tell you about! If you’ve been following the blog (and I know you have), you know all about the purchase and renovation of the Mulberry House that occupied much of the second half of last year – so I won’t get into that.
I’d tell you that I also spent some time working as a census worker and some time working as a poll worker for the 2020 elections (and early voting). And more recently I worked a number of shifts at a vaccine clinic.
I’d then ask how your work life going? Are you staying busy? Actually I should also mention that I ended up taking the real estate licensing exam towards the end of the last year (on the literal last day that I was still qualified to take it). And I passed, and then took the post licensing classes online early in the year. In May, I started working as an Associate Agent for Redfin, which basically means I get to show people houses, attend inspections, host open houses, and do occasional deliveries of things such as keys, brochures, checks – but I don’t have to do any marketing or paperwork or worry about being available 24/7. It’s been cool.
You’d say you’re excited for me and wouldn’t ask me what my next step is because you know me well enough to know I have no idea. And then you’d suggest we grab a coffee before talking more.
I’d think that’s a great idea – clearly it’s been too long since I’ve been to a coffee shop and forget that you have to go to the counter if you want some actual coffee!
I’d then jump in to telling you about how much travelling we’ve actually being doing this year. In February, we rented a house in Miami for two weeks. We just drove down there with Spritz! and lived our normal pandemic life working from home with more sunshine. And then at the end of June we took advantage of the massive lull in coronavirus cases and we took off on a road trip through New England followed by flying out to San Francisco and doing a second road trip up to Seattle.
You’d ask if I have pictures and show you a few with the promise of sharing more details later.
Acadia National Park 
Acadia National Park 
Portland, Maine 
Yosemite National Park 
Pinnacles National Park 
Castello di Amorosa, California 
Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California 
Natural Bridges, Oregon
You’d ask how we were able to take such a long trip and I’d tell you that Andrew got a new job but had over 30 days of vacation from his old job to use up before starting the new one. His new office is an easy walk from our house and he’s super excited about what he’ll be able to learn at the new company. You’d tell me to wish him good luck with the new job.
You’re such a good listener so you’d ask how things are going with my condo. And I’d thank you for asking! My last tenants moved out at the end of December and I decided that I’d rather sell it than continue to rent it out. After doing some cleaning and painting and basic maintenance and basic staging, we were able to get it on the market at the end of January. The real estate market around here has been crazy with houses selling in a matter of days, often sight unseen, for 20% over market value. Unfortunately that was not the case with my downtown high-rise condo. It did finally sell – we closed just last week – but for a little under asking, not over. But I’m really happy to finally have it off my plate.
Then I’d glance at the time on my phone and notice that I have spent way too much time talking about myself—yet again. I’m the worst. Can we make a date to get back together soon? I’d love to try out some new recipes on you! I promise to talk less about myself. Love you!
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