Monthly Archives: August 2011

House flipping: on the job training

Our first full day of labor began with, of course, a surprise. After unloading all of our supplies at the flip-house, Mr. H and I got busy. I took the initiative to work on removing paint from the door hinges … Continue reading

Posted in Flipping, Real Estate | 1 Comment

Flipping houses: Time to get this project rolling

Almost everything we know about flipping houses, we learned from TV. Fortunately we have a realtor who graciously gives us advice and encouragement. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t still surprises. On Monday we closed on our first “flip house”. … Continue reading

Posted in Flipping, Real Estate | 3 Comments

Despair

From the depth of her being she knew she had to escape. She wanted to believe her situation couldn’t get worse, but she knew better. She’d survived this long by paying attention to the signs and trusting her intuition. The … Continue reading

Posted in 100 words, Fiction | 6 Comments

Unconvinced

On their second day of driving they rode in the comfortable silence that comes when everything’s been said. The miles behind them covered discussions of their children, now with her parents, and their pending stay at the coast. Neither felt … Continue reading

Posted in 100 words, Fiction | 2 Comments

It’s all relative

Last Sunday, my Novel In Progress group critiqued the first 25 pages of my novel, distributed three weeks earlier, in our twice-monthly round table forum. I’d heard warnings about the ego-bruising, described as a crucifixion by more than one veteran. … Continue reading

Posted in adulthood, discipline, employment, Writing | Comments Off on It’s all relative

Counterpoint to Origin Unknown

He loves me. I love knowing this. It’s awkward and inconvenient; undeniable in heightening my awareness. He speaks only a little English, but strong emotions need no translation. I nod at him, smiling. I’m polite, remote, yet his heart races … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Origin unknown

She hates me. I hate knowing this. It’s awkward and inconvenient, a palpable weight on my conscience. She speaks only a little English, but such strong emotions need no translation. I nod at her, smiling. I’m invariably polite, yet she … Continue reading

Posted in 100 words, Fiction | Comments Off on Origin unknown

Read this before our next meeting, by Al Pittampalli

Whenever the words “free book” come anywhere close to my brain’s receptors, I twitch. And if the book in question is somehow relevant or interesting, then my reflexes take whatever action is required to acquire a copy. A free copy. … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, Leadership | Tagged | Comments Off on Read this before our next meeting, by Al Pittampalli

Pardon me, your slip is showing

Last Wednesday morning, during my weekly group meeting at Einstein Bagels, I interrupted one of my girlfriend’s as she was telling a story. In fact, if ever there was a blurt, I blurted: “You have something between your teeth.” Then … Continue reading

Posted in angst, blogs, Is it just me?, reading, Venting, Wisdom, Writing | 6 Comments