Reggie and I finally got an IPOD. I know- FINALLY! LOL.. but it's too addicting downloading music... I'm hearing songs I completely forgot about but once LOVED..such as En Vogue, Runaway Love..and Denise Williams "Silly" ...man, the good old days. LOL..

So we're preparing for our NY trip on Wednesday. We took the girls to MD last week- Lydia is NOT enjoying herself this time. She's a bit home sick. We'll see her on Wednesday. I feel bad because I HATED being left placed I didn't want to be for an extended period of time- however I was NOT about to drive back to MD after that long trip.

I pulled out of my mother-in-law's wedding. Which is cool, but now leaves me with "What should I wear?" ..I have some sexy shoes but now need a cute dress... cheap and cheerful is what I'm thinking so I'll probably head to Macy's tomorrow and check out clearance. I'd love to wear all white. - oh, is that bad to wear white to someone else’s wedding? The bride is not wearing white...so it shouldn't matter right?
I would really love to wear my favorite color; black- but I thought THAT would be wrong...

So I'm here.LJ. Praying again for balance. How'd I get here? Well, I followed an incoming tag from my wordpress blog. It led me to a writer, poet-Cherryl Floyd-Miller - who gave me a shout out on her blog. Immediately when I entered her space, I longed to be apart of this community I somehow drifted from. Not willingly, but somehow I just find myself on the outside of MY circle. My writers circle. My poetry circle. MY circle-my THING.
I have too many things. That's the problem. Too many of MY things. Now how to balance them, and work them together? I have no balance nor do I know how to establish it. I need an intervention. ..lol...no, not one from people ..

Anyway, while I work on that. I also missed you. LJ. Just talking, just expressing, just learning and JUST BEING.

I do too much. I dont know if this is a complaint or acknowledgment. I don't do too much just because I think I'm the only one to do it... it just happens that way.

Ok, I surrender. I'll be here more often-I need to write again. Capture some of ME back.. just to release.

Is when my stomach starts growing ..
in the middle of a conference ..when everyone is silent...

a statement I over heard today really pissed me off...

I really can do without self centered people today..

...I have been stuck in GR MI for a minute- came up on Tuesday, should have left yesterday morning but all flights have been canceled due to weather.... :-(
dumb snow- this is why I left NY... I can not live around the weather- I have to move when I can...
I did think about Courtney today- doesn't she live in MI?

Anyway, how I got here? Well, (deep breath)I accepted another recruitment assignment- with my dream client. Herman Miller.
You know, I speak of Herman Miller often...remember... the chairs I collect? Yesss! THEM... This trip is a dream turn nightmare... First of all, Grand Rapids is freezing and gray.... but the client is the best anyone can ask for...
however in this location- I think i only counted three other black women and 1 black man, I've seen since my from Tuesday.... things that make you go hmmmmmmmmmmm.... (which is many reasons why HM is outsourcing and has hired me and another lady to help with their staffing- diversity is NEEDED pronto)
So far, all of my roles are in NY and DC so I do not forsee a problem of finding a few diverse candidates- but we'll see. I still have to get out of here and PRAY that today will be the day.
I'm on stand by now for a Dallas flight and from Dallas I'll go to ATL. I have had enough of traveling and eating out... (said while I wonder what I should grab now)
Anyway- Dallas plane will not arrive until 3...I'm hungry and have to use the restroom...however I have just located the perfect seat in this airport.. I'm right next to the outlets and can plug in my phone and laptop.........now if I move, I'm SURE I will lose this seat. :-(
man... what to do?
...I really have no choice, I have to use the restroom badly........ok, I'll chance it now

Thank you for your birthday wishes...didn't do anything ...went to an art show at the neighborhood coffee shop. I am now at the mark where you really don't care to have a birthday counted...I thought it wouldn't happen to me but I guess u can turn 25 only so many times before even that number isn't attractive. but it was so special to see your emails,posts, text msgs and phone calls. I really feel blessed to know you.

so..what's new?..a bunch of stuff. Real Estate is good...working with people is always a challenge ..but helps me use those Christian principals I stand on...its like satan says 'so..you're a christian?..lets see how you handle someone being rude to you..or disrespectful or irate ..'
besides RE..I've had other challenges like my car water pump died..right after I opened a new account and did not get checks yet or my ATM card so money is stuck ...
also I stopped working with one company doing IT recruitment so now I only have 1 client and I am praying not to feel a financial strain because I needed the time to volunteer within my community and push more RE sales..well see what God will do. I had two RE deals that are falling through...the homes are not passing inspection and appraiser reports..I was crushed for a minute but had to cheer my clients up so I couldn't be a baby at the moment but I came home..jumped in bed and pouted..while mentally throwing darts at the appraiser ..lol..

atlanta's weather is crazy.. 30 degrees at night and in AM but in the 60's during the day..everyone is getting sick.

two things..so I'm car or rather suv searching and thinking of a range rover.. I'd love to here your thoughts if you have or had one..

two, need a new company name for my RE...what do u think of Brownstone Bungalow, LLC?
I like that one but do u have any suggestions?

one more thing...writing lj is no fun from a phone..especially when u talk a lot like me.

I miss you guys...

thanks Tim for birthday wishes..how's the benz? or bachelor mobile lol..

Artistic expression. I'm so visual...

Daily Real Estate News | November 9, 2007

One of the best ways to live well is to choose a hometown that has access to arts, leisure, and entertainment offerings – plus a low cost of housing.

Forbes magazine set out to find those kinds of places by studying housing affordability in the nation’s 50 largest metros, using the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index.

Next, it looked at the 2006 Census figures that measure quality of schools and health care, as well as presence of crime and poverty.

Finally, it relied on Sperling’s Best Places to identify the best arts and leisure destinations.

The result was a top 10 ranking of most affordable places to live well. Here’s the list:

* Minneapolis. Generous corporations have donated huge sums of money that make the city’s schools, cultural institutions and health services top notch.

* Indianapolis. Based on the NAHB/Wells Fargo housing affordability index, Indianapolis has a higher percentage of homes available to the median-earning household than any other city. Plus, it has a wide range of arts, leisure and sports activities.

* Cincinnati. In terms of overall cost of living, this is one of the most affordable in the country, which leaves residents with plenty of cash on hand to enjoy the city’s cultural and leisure highlights.

* St. Louis. The Gateway to the West has a strong ratio of parks and restaurants to citizens, according to Sperling's, and is the 15th cheapest city in which to live, based on rankings of the top 50 cities by the Council on Community and Economic Research.

* Houston. The city has invested millions over the last five years in expanding infrastructure by adding trains, bolstering the downtown business district and funding the arts. Plus, among the cities studied, Houston is the cheapest place to live.

* Milwaukee. In Sperling's Best Places rank, the city is 21st for its combination of museums, sports outlets, libraries, universities and parks.

* Dallas. This city is similar to Houston, but with better air quality and better access to public transportation. It trails Houston slightly when it comes to cultural institutions like museums, libraries, parks, sports, theaters and universities, according to Sperling's Best Places.

* Pittsburgh. Lots of culture, affordable housing and a great hometown Steelers football team.

* Columbus, Ohio. Home to Ohio State, the biggest university in the country, Columbus offers residents access to the top-notch facilities that come with such a huge institution. It’s also the seventh most affordable real estate market of the 50 measured.

* Atlanta. Smart land use and development have kept housing prices affordable. The city ranks 11th best when it comes to cost of living, which takes the sting out of the Braves, Falcons and Hawks all missing the playoffs.


Source: Forbes, Matt Woolsey (11/07/2007)

camera, which is hard for me- since I'm so cheap. *sigh* but I really need to step it up a notch...

Tom Joyner wants this information to reach his listeners... You have probably heard of 'NUD' as a result of the Tom Joyner morning show related to Comp USA NUD (Non Urban Dictate) is the acronym for a very subtle and Little-known marketing term specifically directed toward people of color.

'Non Urban Dictate' these three words essentially mean that acompany is not interested in the Black consumer. A NUD label means that a company does not want their marketing and advertising materials placed in media that claim an urban audience (black folks) as their main target. There are legitimate reasons for companies not using urban radio. It May be that Blacks don't index high in certain categories or that a Company's strategy is to market to the Black consumer down the road After they have established a strong position in their primary target. But, NUD usually means that a company is not interested in the Black consumer.

Companies evade discrimination liability by embracing it as theory rather than policy. As a service to Black consumers, the Urban Institute will list all companies that have a NUD policy. Armed with this information, we feel that Black consumers will be able to make informed buying decisions. Here's a list of Companies with NUD policies:

1. Starbucks
2. Jos. A Bank
3. Comp USA
4 Weight Watchers
5. Keebler
6. Life Savers
7. Continental Airlines
8. Northwest Airlines
9. America West Airlines
10. HBO - Apollo Series
11. Paternal Importers
12 Calico Corners
13. OM Scot
14. Pepperidge Farms
15. Ethan Allen
16. Busy Body Fitness
17. Mondavi Wines
18. Builders Square
19. Don Pablo
20. Lexus
21. Aruba Tourism
22. Ciba Vision
23. KinderCare
24. Grady Restaurant
25. Eddie Bauer

Please forward this information on to any other consumer that youconsider a friend and advise them to do likewise.Remember, you CANNOT act wisely unless you are informed wisely.

The Urban Institute2100 M Street, NW.?Washington, DC 20037

in your own world and totally block out everything and everyone and be FINE.

I mean, I just started reading some of journals...some Myspace pages...bulletins and noticed that THIS weekend is, i guess, "halloween" weekend. I had NO idea.
* We don't celebrate it in my house*
But I'm glad i was reminded because I sure will NOT have my house porch lights on welcoming trick-or -treaters..and now I have TWO doors that can been considered the main doors of entry. My corner will be dark without my lights but I just can not deal with all the various strangers knocking... I wish we could stay in a hotel, have a little "hotel luxury day"
This will not happen this weekend though....
*yawing already* tomorrow is another early day for me. I have to be at my "Block Captains Training" by 8am.... I HATE waking up early. I know my stomach will be growling in the class because I can not eat that early. I hope they have some snacks at the police station. They should- police are usually snacking since they dont have time to sit and eat full meals...

I really want a new car. Now I have some clients and I'll have to take them to view some homes next month. I will have to rent a car. Shallow I know... but hey, sometimes you have to spend a little money to make more money...

work! this day is dragging!!!!!!!!

Where is jamara125??

I meant to tell you all about my experience Saturday when I volunteered to help with cleanup for the BeltLine Project here in Atlanta.
Visit my blog for details and pictures- www.niaknowles.wordpress.com
It was NOT pretty...had me wondering what I had gotten myself into.
But at the end, it was fulfilling and worth it..I'm glad I stepped out of my box and did something different. However, I'm not sure I want to be on th "Trash Removal" team again..

Today I spoke with a CPA- 28yrs old that makes a base of 200K++ bonus+ options+ department performance bonus...
200K base.
Single.
No children.
200K base.

I really dislike one of my recruitment jobs. All of the people I speak with make CRAZY amounts of money, are young, are single with NO kids....

The oil light on my car keeps coming on. I'm a bit stressed about it and ready to just get a new car. I have one person telling me "there may be a sensor issue" since I JUST had it all looked at and inspected.
Then I have another party saying "they said that to me too- that's how my car got messes up when I thought it was JUST a sensor issue"

This day is getting on my nerves already.

Brittney Spears is first on the list. First of all the girl has like 0- ZERO- talent. I have NO clue how America did not recognize this from her FIRST song or appearance on that Mickey club house stuff they all did... maybe America was craving some new blond pop barbie doll at the time. *sighs at America- I have not the strength to begin on IT *
I'm so so so so so sick of HER... and now her poor kids are being tossed around. If you're going to be stupid and mess up your life- at least do like Michael Jackson did and put a blanket over your kids so we wont know who they are and how messed up you've made them...
Where are her parents?
Where are all these young stupid celebrity parents? Are all their parents on the beach some place living off their kids ill gotten fortune?
Or are they all in church at the alter asking for forgiving for nurturing and molding more self centered, ignorant, naive people in the world. Stone them all!!!!

This weekend was so short. Ask me how many homes I viewed...WAY TOO many to remember. The week has just begun and I'm so tired-there is much to do.
I'm waiting on my marketing letter to be approved and flier for the open house so I can send them to print and have them in the hands of neighbors no later than Thursday.
Good think I have Lydia- she will help me stuff 100 envelopes. She already has added the business cards to them. I'm really proud of her. I'm happy that she is always ready to help with the family business. I hope she keeps this attitude. I constantly tell her when she get bigger she'll have to run it. I hope she does not be like some kids and decide "that is not for me- THAT was YOUR dream mother..now I must go and follow my own dream..."
There are many successful businesses today because the kids were willing to keep the family business and name going... I need to find some Afro-American businesses like this...I can only think of foreign or immigrant owned businesses like this... seems likes most immigrants are so self giving and more family oriented and willing to put aside (or on hold) their own wants for the bigger picture.

I did a walk through of the house I'm holding the open house for on Sunday. :-(
the house I was once going to buy. Reggie and I both agreed that God kept us from making another huge mistake. Now walking through it- it is still too small for us and what we needed. Not only that- it's by the middle school and I would have gone crazy with all those kids and noise all day. My block is so quiet.
Anyway, the house needs clean up. I have alerted the owner and I hope she does something. Waiting on her response. If not, Reggie and I will have to do it...:-(
I don't know how this will turn out. I need to check the weather. The house looked dark and her electricity is off- it could brighten up if it's a nice sunny day.
Again, there house is not show piece perfect but my objective is to also generate additional buyer clients for other homes.. those I viewed this weekend.

New York City Bucks Slowdown Trend

Reports issued this week by four of New York City's top residential property brokerages show that apartments closing in Manhattan during this year's third quarter sold for an average of $1.37 million — an increase of 6.3 percent from the same stretch a year ago.

During that same time period, the number of apartment homes up for sale declined by almost a third to 5,204.

Brokers report that prices have held up far better in Manhattan than other parts of the nation because of the high number of co-ops, which account for 70 percent of the local housing stock. Also, co-ops typically have rules in place that prevent buyers from using the riskiest of mortgage products.

All was not rosy, though, as the number of foreclosure auctions soared 64 percent — particularly hurting several parts of Brooklyn and Queens, most notably Bedford-Stuyvesant and Howard Beach.

Realtor Magazine

spam robots and mixed up letters...what if I was one of those people with dislexia or something and saw things differently.. :-(
bad enough I have NO conditions and it still takes me two-three tries to get the image/letter thing to be correct..

so I'm usually on craigs list looking for hard to find and discontinued items... in addition to posting my jobs for various cities I work.
Yesterday I realized I had not done a search this week for a bookcase that is no longer being produced... and wouldn't you know it, someone is selling one for only $40!!! Right on time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So I respond and it looks as if I'm among the first to respond because it the post just appeared within the time I "refreashed" my view... I think I have a pretty good chance at getting it. I've been searching for this bookcase for 6mths....and my neighbor has like THREE of them..LOL...
I told the seller I'm local- because when I respond, since it goes to outlook there will automatically be my signature listing all my Houston TX contact information and I've missed a few items when people saw it. They say " I gave it to someone Local since you're in Houston and have no way of getting it"
Too heated...
so I made sure this time to let them know- I'M LOCAL!! CAN PICKUP ASAP
anyway- I found some other cool items on craigslist too...but I guess I better not spend all my weekend money BEFORE the weekend.
I do some general searches and remember I really need to post one more job.
I go to select the city..since the job is in Houston and I've been browsing Atlanta for personal stuff...
and I realize...
I AM ALREADY WITHIN THE HOUSTON SECTION-NOT ATLANTA.. WHAT???
No!!!
Then, the item I just responded to is in Houston???
NO!!!!!
The item I've been searcing for, over the past 6mths, is in Houston?
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The item that is discontinued and only going for $40, is in Houston??
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SAD...............

So I'm like, hopefully she'll respond back and will say "it's taken" and then I wont feel as bad.

NOPE... that's not how my day is going...
First thing this morning she responds and say's "It's yours if you want it"

That sucks. Now I must tell her I'm NOT local.

Stupid Houston!

Daily Real Estate News | September 25, 2007
Comeback Cities: Top Places Ready for a Rebound
The oldest rule of investing: Buy low, sell high. With some housing markets bottoming out, now could be a good time to get ready to make money on the slowdown, says Business 2.0 magazine, which has worked with Moody’s Economy.com to identify 10 major metropolitan areas that are coming back to life after a slowdown.

The following is a list of the 10 metro areas identified by the magazine, including their projected median sales prices for single-family homes and the percentage of growth expected in the next two years. While the numbers are moderate, they are a huge improvement over what’s been happening in these cities and others, the magazine notes.

1. Dallas–Fort Worth
Q1 2008: $151,930
Q4 2009: $161,690
Growth rate: 6.4 percent

2. Indianapolis
Q1 2008: $122,940
Q4 2009: $130,630
Growth rate: 6.3 percent

3. New Orleans
Q1 2008: $153,850
Q4 2009: $162,600
Growth rate: 5.7 percent

4. Atlanta
Q1 2008: $177,750
Q4 2009: $187,640
Growth rate: 5.6 percent

5. Montgomery, Ala.
Q1 2008: $140,020
Q4 2009: $147,690
Growth rate: 5.5 percent

6. Memphis
Q1 2008: $143,550
Q4 2009: $150,730
Growth rate: 5 percent

7. Mobile, Ala.
Q1 2008: $134,580
Q4 2009: $140,920
Growth rate: 4.7 percent

8. Austin, Texas
Q1 2008: $186,350
Q4 2009: $195,060
Growth rate: 4.7 percent

9. Houston
Q1 2008: $154,850
Q4 2009: $161,910
Growth rate: 4.6 percent

10. St. Louis
Q1 2008: $143,920
Q4 2009: $149,710
Growth rate: 4 percent

Source: Business 2.0, Paul Kaihla (10/01/07)






Now don't wait until it's too late because then I'll say... I TOLD YOU SO!!!!!!!!!!! Now is a great time to buy!! You can not miss with Real Estate......sometimes you can flip, most times you should HOLD on to them and rent them...but all the time, if done correctly- it will be worth it.... did you ever read Rich Dad...Poor Dad? There is an entire series and worth the time- I didn't have time to read it so I borrowed the book on tape(CD)..WOW... made me look at so much differently- hence to rush to get my Real Estate License.

I am planning an Open House for a 3/1 brick in Metro Atlanta's West End...great home on the lovely Peeples Street in the Historic District! Good investment.
Date: October 13th and 14th
Time: 1PM start each day
Sales Price: 199K
Refreshments will be served

For more information you can reach me at NiaKnowles@solidsourcerealty.com or 404-414-3289

More details to follow...

Come visit my site and sign up for Real Estate news www.NiaKnowlesRealty.com