Harbor Haven Academy

in progress

Spelling

Last night Tiffany went to compete in the spelling bee for IHC. The top 24 spellers from the schools met to select a winner and alternate.


Round by round Tiffany correctly spelled her words. Then it came to the final round of Tiffany and Shelby. They went back and forth until Shelby missed a word.

In the final round the other person has to correctly spell the missed word and go on to spell another word correctly to end the competition.

I listened carefully to the word the other student missed and felt Tiffany knew how to spell it. She did in fact get it right. Then on to the next word she had to spell correctly...

in the audience there was a collective 'gasp' when the word was presented. I don't know if many people knew what the word was let alone how to spell it. Surely it was going to be a long night.

the word was obsequious.

Tiffany nervously asked for the definition.Then she requested the word to be repeated again.
ob·se·qui·ous (ŏb-sē'kwē-əs, əb-) adj. Full of or exhibiting servile compliance; fawning.

She took a deep breath and began delivering letters. There was an air of complete silence as she and everyone in the room waited for the dreaded bell, but instead saw the nod of approval from the judges.

Tiffany was the winner. Afterwards photos were taken of all the competitors, as well as Tiffany, Shelby and Sister James Marie. Sister James Marie is the dean of the Junior high and spelling bee coordinator for the high school. Rumor has it that Sister James Marie otherwise known as 'The Punisher', NEVER smiles. We did catch one in the attached photo.

Tiffany goes on to the next competition at General Brown Next month before qualifying for the Scrips bee in DC.


Congrats Tiff

Watertown Flip July 2007

Today is July 10, 2007.

This marks almost 4 months I've been working on a real estate deal.

Originally began as a potential flip. A guy with a bunch of rental properties contacted me from one of my ads. He wanted to sell me 4 of his Single family homes/rental properties.

I got them under contract and begin in my last trimester of pregnancy and began trying to wholesale the properties. At that time I had not even seen the properties. Todd was in Watertown and took a quick look at them. He sent me photos but I had NO IDEA of the poor condition these houses were in. They were fully rented so I assumed a basic level of living conditions.

Mental note...

Everyone has different standards for livable. I guess the tenants did not mind but the people I was trying to wholesale the properties did. So I still felt the numbers were there. It just meant that I would rehab them.

Finding hard money proved to be an exercise in futility. Eventually in the 11 hour a private lender appeared. I truly believe Pedro is a result of the law of attraction.

So 2 of the properties were cut out of the deal because structurally they presented too many problems.

That left 2 houses for 37.5k each.

..................................................Cooper St .............................................................................E Main st


Tenants


giving notice - clean house


Dealing with tenants is proving to be a pain all over in most cases. I have to say the tenants from Cooper St were STRAIGHT out of the Jerry Springer line up. Mom running around cussing at kids and anyone else that she can take her frustrations out on.





When she found out the house was being sold the crap started to fly. She started bashing the land lord and he was in that much of hurry to be done with her and the house. We asked the landlord/owner and her for permission to bring a contractor by to get an estimate. At first they said no. They later changed their minds and agreed to let us in to look around.





While she lived in the house she had a fence in the back yard. She wanted the landlord/owner to pay her $1500 for 'her fence'. He promptly said he was not paying her anything and that we were the new owners. So that was the reason she agreed to let us in. She wanted to tell us why we needed to pay her for the fence. The fence by the way was donated to her because she has a son with special needs.


I had originally planned to give each of the tenants a few hundred dollars for leaving the place in decent condition but In between her expletives It was clear her demands for $1500 would keep that from happening.





We did not give them $1500 for the fence and in her rage she had her husband and friend did up the fence. We came by and she went back on her tirade because me and the landlord/owner caused her to loose 3 new places to move into by not giving her $1500.





She told me she had been trying to call me non stop for 2 days before she dug up the fence. I guess she had the wrong number, but regardless I was glad I had not heard from her.





She asked me if I wanted the fence. With a puzzled look on my face I asked if she had taken the fence out already. I saw that she had what was now scrap metal behind her. Then She said she could put it back. I shook my head and wandered off as she called the landlord/owner to cuss about some other issues.






Contractors
ok dealing with contractors is a crap shoot. In interviewing contractors I've encountered some of the most shady characters. They mostly fit into one of 3 groups. Those that were probably just crooks ,those that gave estimates so high it was not worth discussing and those that took a look at the filth and didn't want to deal with it. The odor and sheer quantity of roaches send many people out the door soon as they took a look around.

Those that fit in the first group of possible crooks continued to call. I thing between myself and Todd with his back round in law enforcement and criminal investigation we have a bit of a radar that goes off when we sit and chat with people for a while. I asked for written ITEMIZED estimates along with references and insurance certificates. Most of this group faded like the roaches with this request.

Of those in the second group that appeared more honorable they had higher estimates so it was a matter of taking with each one to see how we can get the costs in ballpark. Another issue was schedule. Those that did good work were usually booked out months in advance.

We ended up with Kevin. An added bonus, he had a large crew that could take in an additional job in a reasonable amount of time. We negotiated 3 payments. The first payment to cover the cost of materials. A second payment when half of the work was completed and the final payment AFTER I sold the property. I explained I was looking for a quick sale so he eventually agreed and it gave him added incentive to keep to the schedule.

Inspector
So I had a prelim home inspection done once the house was gutted. That gave me a list of things that the house was deficient on. There were not has many as I had thought.

Gut check/Electrician
I have very little knowledge of electrical systems so I had no real number to budget for electrical work. I knew I would be leaving myself open if I talked to someone and they realized my lack of knowledge. On the electrical side it was mostly a matter of adding some outlets and converting some that were not grounded.

The general contractor gave me a referral of a guy that he said was licensed, reasonable and able to get out come out quickly for an estimate.

The guy came out that evening and looked around. He said it would take about 16 hours to do and gave a price of $560. I thought that was a reasonable amount to pay and I would be able to market the house as having an updated electrical system. The only catch was that I would be providing materials. I agreed because at least I knew there would be no hidden mark up. Of course it was a learning experience in the cost of electrical wire. I still have to total the receipts but that was around $200 I spend in Lowe's for the materials.

He appeared very knowledgeable and he mentioned something about his church so he got the bonus points. I guess that was a good thing because otherwise we might have had second thoughts, especially when he asked to be paid in cash at the end of the FIRST day. I ended up only giving him $400 cash, the rest by check at the end (noting on the check memo how much cash I had given him).

He began work the next day. His work looked very professional and he even began to ad things that were not originally in the agreement. We got the closets wired for lights, a line wired for proper use of a washer and dryer. Then on day 3 Todd stopped by the house early in the morning. They chatted for a bit and he casually mentioned it was taking longer than he anticipated and his regular rate was $35 an hour. Todd told him he needed to talk to me and left for work.

I did not hear about this conversation till after Todd got off work. EEESH What?! That meant he was expecting the was starting a new tab at $35 an hour. So we rushed over and I explained to him that we were limited to the original estimate given. He was somewhat disappointed but agreed to finish up in hopes of doing additional work on the other houses we had lined up.

Lesson learned: Every one doing work should submit a WRITTEN bid/estimate outlining the work, price and requirements that changes be approved in writing. Also have every one working sign an independent contractor agreement.


Schedule
I'm a certified project manager. I have to measure. So my prelim schedule outlined 4-5 weeks. I have the financing in place for a max of 5 months.

July 16-22 exterior Installation, windows,
July 23-28 siding, roof, exterior doors, landscaping
July 30 - 8/4 electrical, plumbing , dry wall
Aug 4 -7 kitchen, bath, lighting, interior doors, painting, flooring
Aug 6-18 interior detail and show house to get a contract.

At the half way point start the process on the other house.

I realize I will be adjusting as I go along. At this point it's more about tracking estimates to actuals so I can have the data for the next one.



Cost Estimate


OK So I admit my original cost estimate was a vague shot it the dark. I wrote down $15k. At that time I had not even seen the house. I only had a report from Todd. My criteria was to ask him if it was a house that he could live in. His answer as 'With a little bit of work."





I had no idea what a little bit was, nor the enormity of the colony of roaches currently residing in the house. Well I guess that is a lesson in communication for us.






I learned to ask for specifics. That could have avoided a ball park estimate that was only half of what it would take. Todd, I guess he learned to give specifics. When I asked if he could live there he NEVER dreamed that would be the case. In finding ways to make this project work financially I discovered insurance would be much cheaper as an owner occupied. 30 days from now, we will in fact move into the Cooper st house. That reminds me, I need to call the exterminator back!





side note ...


Learning to live with a military husband. We've been apart a lot. I have to learn to accept the fact that he probably will never clean the stove top after using it. (Nor am I likely to clean the cars after using them) :)





3rd BTSB
Looking at my estimates I see there is at least 16K for drywall material and labor. That is a surprise to me, especially when I check Lowes and they are about $10 a sheet. I didn't know the measurements or how many if would take, I just never dreamed to pay 16k for it. So my resourceful DH comes through. He has 4 soldiers ready to come out and help clear out the trash from the house.





In two days I had most of the junk out of the house, along with the kitchen, bathroom and 3 rooms demolished. I spent a few hundred dollars for the labor (as well as beer and pizza). We also filled TWO construction Dumpsters at $300 a piece. I spent about $1000 for the weekend but when I had the contractor back in afterwards I got the drywall price down to 8K!





The guys came out several weekends to work. I gave them each $10 an hour an supplied pizza and beer for lunch. That worked out well, especially since it came with Andy. He had experience with demo/drywall and actually liked doing the work. He made jokes about the roach problem but they didn't scare him away. I wish we could keep him involved but he goes on some type of detail for a month in August.

I also put an ad on free cycle. Found a guy that was THRILLED to take the dresser, entertainment center, computer desk and some panelling from the demo. I have to really thank the roaches for not ruining that guys excitement when he came to look at the pieces. That saved me by not having to have them hauled off.

Getting rid of the appliances has not been so easy. I guess the roaches are more of a deterrent to people when looking for free appliances. As of right now a salvage company said they will send a truck for them in two weeks. I'm hoping they come on a day when the roaches have been tamed by the exterminator.



July 25 photos:



cheaper labor:
So I need to find areas to cut costs. Kevin is a professional contractor. I have confidence he'll do a good job. The other jobs he's done look well done. His charges reflect that. I need to find some areas that I can get nice work but more cost effective.

• painting
• landscaping
• flooring

I want to go directly to some workers. Look for the guys that do this for a living and would love some extra side work.
Bingo! Picaso is a guy renting a room down the street. My remains of the Spanish language are enough to make a new friend. He is originally from Puerto Rico and NYC. He does landscaping during the day and would love a side gig of landscaping this house as well as painting. Bonus! His brother Cesar does flooring for a living. I can get the three tasks done for a 10th of the general contractors price (+ materials).

Exit strategy
I've heard enough horror stories of new rehabers trying to FSBO to save agent fees and it ends up costing them twice as much in the long run due to all the holding costs when they can't sell it quickly.

Here is my plan: When the exterior of the house is done and the dry wall is mid way. I will begin marketing the heck out of this house on my own. I will spend 2 weeks on a massive (mostly free) FSBO advertising campaign. I'm going to work with an attorney and a lender to draw in prospectives.

I have a list of on popular on line sites, I'll be distributing fliers to target military families that need housing, then I will evaluate placing a news paper ad.

I've looked at comps and feel I can price it to sell in those 2 weeks.

My plan B is use a flat fee MLS listing service and offer the regular 3% plus a bonus to selling agent.

Better yet, Todd agreed to get a real estate license. He's now in the required training class to sit for the NY state exam. He can list the property as well as gain access to the MLS for more data in recent sales.

Don't make competitors, make friends
I check the papers, neighborhoods and websites for signs of other investors and rehabers. When ever I can I call them up, chat and even invite them to coffee. It's an excellent method of working with people that I credit to MFG.

Instead of a possible competitive relationship. I offer a friendly networking relationship. We get to know each other. If there is anything I can offer I do so, without restriction. ie) I had a TB lead come in to my web site. I offered it to a guy that needed to fill a property ASAP. He was more than happy to take the lead and I was more than happy with the contractor and local (investor friendly) attorney referrals he gave me.

There are 3 more right now that I would like to schedule get togethers with right now. We'll meet and chat over coffee or lunch. It amazing most people have more in common than they could ever realize once you get to know someone.


August 1st 2007
original schedule
July 16-22 exterior Installation, windows,
July 23-28 siding, roof, exterior doors, landscaping
July 30 - 8/4 electrical, plumbing , dry wall
Aug 4 -7 kitchen, bath, lighting, interior doors, painting, flooring
Aug 6-18 interior detail and show house to get a contract.

Learning points:
- Find out if your window size is in stock upfront. You need these in before siding
- Many people (and contractors) are scared off by all the roaches. I am too but I've learned where they are and avoid their living space. I didn't realize the extent of the situation. I wish I had the exterminator out twice the first week. It takes 24 hours after she sprays for the treatment to dry and to go back in.

Revised schedule:
July 30 - 8/4 windows , roof, exterior doors, electrical
Aug 4 -7 siding, plumbing drywall,
Aug 6-11 kitchen, bath, lighting, interiro doors, painting, flooring
August 13- 18 landscaping, interior detail, open house


E Main ST
The tenant in the East Main st house is moving out today. I thought he was going to be there for August so now I can begin work there.

My original plan was to use the same contractor but now I am making more contacts and will bid this job out as well. This house is almost twice as large but I think I can get a better price for the work with all I've learned so far.

This house is 100 times cleaner than the Cooper st house but to be on the safe side I sent him a letter offering him $200 for leaving the house in good clean condition. That's a great deal in comparision to the $1000 it cost me to clean up Cooper st from the tenants.

Welcome Hannah Elizabeth

I was about 8 months into this, my third pregnancy. I’d been watching what seemed like hundreds and hundreds of births on discovery health channel, not to mention all the research from books and web sites. Deep in my mind I confirmed that I really desired a natural water birth.

.

The two previous births were done without pain meds. I felt that I went nine months very carefully monitoring everything that went into my mouth. Why couldn't I continue that last day. Surely my healthy baby was worth a little discomfort?

.

I did end up with IVs for pitocin inductions with the previous births. I would rather not have had medical inductions but when you are offered repeatably the control freak in me consented.

................................................Easter Sunday - apx 38 weeks



My insurance would never cover a birth center birth so I was left at having another birth at Alexandria Hospital. I delivered Gabriella there 19 months ago. The experience was overall a positive one although this time I wanted to make rational informed decisions about this birth. I didn’t want to be accepting of protocol just because I was in too much pain to decide otherwise.

I’m a believer in positive thinking and intentions. Side note… If you have not seen ‘The Secret’ go out and get it today. http://thesecret.tv/

So as it happened, one day I was searching for doula to attend a hospital birth and also take photos. I came across Tammi. She was a licensed midwife. She did not do hospital births or take photos but she did do home water births and in a million to one shot, she happened to be approved by Tricare. http://naturalbeginnings.org//

I’m not sure if Todd thought I was kidding when I asked him about it but he consented and the next day the planning started.

Fast forward to week 39. Todd arrives from Ft Drum. My belly is larger than I ever thought it could stretch. I am ready to have this baby. The next day we visit an acupuncturist to help labor begin. He has a 90% success rate but he does caution me that if the baby is not ready the baby will stay put till it is ready. That is precisely what she did. The following Friday, which by the way is exactly 40 weeks from the day she was conceived, the contractions I’d been feeling all week turned and kicked into production mode.

I was one cm dilated and 50-80% effaced for over two weeks. That morning I went for my last appointment with Tammi. I was then 3 cm! Contractions weren’t painful but enough to know something was going on. Todd picked up Tiffany from school and made a wonderful spaghetti dinner (which I would later regret but at the time it was marvelous).

After dinner I went up stairs to mentally prepare. I got out my child birth hypnosis CD’s and retreated to let nature take its course. Hypnosis for child birth is a wonderful for relaxation and natural pain relief. I didn’t get to listen to the CD’s every day with a toddler running around but I highly recommend it. http://www.hypnobabies.com/

Around 10:30 the contractions were getting stronger and about 10 mins apart. I let Todd know it was time to call Tammi. She said to monitor and call her back in 30 mins. They were growing stronger and closer so she was on her way. I decided it was time for the tub. I filled it and waited patiently till it was just the right temperature. It was like magic! Every time a contraction came the warm water would relax everything.

I spent the first hour or so sitting on the edge of the tub. Contractions were coming and I would pop in the water for instant relief. At that time I did not know if the relaxing water would slow things down so I was perfectly content with the in and out. I chose to turn the lights out and work by candle light.

Tammi and the assistant arrived around 11:30. They set up and checked in on how I was doing. They listened to baby’s heart, took my blood pressure and temp then moved back to the loft area and waited.

My first thought was “OK they are here now, shouldn't they be telling me how to get the baby out?” Then I figured out, it was my birth and I would be letting baby do its thing. Todd was there for me timing contractions and rubbing my back and shoulders. They came in on a regular basis to check baby vitals but for the most part were just outside the door unless I sounded like I needed them.

I did ask to be checked to see how far I was and learned I was at 7 cm. About that time things were too intense for my merrily popping in and out of the tub. I settled down in the water for good and the ‘party’ started. Contractions were about 4 mins apart and even the warm water was less effective but comforting none the less.

Now things from that point get blurry. We set up the video camera but in the early stages only turned it on for a couple mins at a time not knowing how long the process would be. We never remembered to turn it back on though.

The contractions were pushing me into that other world. Do you know the feeling when you are in so much pain that you are not really present? There was no turning back. Poor Todd… He was left to deal with the coping measures of the irrational ‘labor moans’.

I would begin to doubt myself. I wanted to be anywhere but there. If the Dominoes guy offered to do a Cesarean section on the spot, I would have been willingly climbing on the table. Moaning is I guess an understatement, as my throat hurt all during the next day. Fortunately I did have the frame of mind to ask someone to close the window on the other side of the tub. Wouldn’t want the neighbors calling the police.

I knew in my mind and my heart that I could do it and that transition was at hand. But in my mouth was an entirely different set of statements.

It HURTS, I can’t do this anymore…

Then I noticed Tammi and Lori were in the room. I KNEW it would be over soon.
Tammi suggested I try changing positions. Hey, that sounded like a good idea. I used the weightlessness of the water to turn my self over and lean on the out side edge of the tub.

I continued my rants and raves but felt much less pressure then I had been sitting down. I knew this position was better for allowing more room for baby to pass.

Tammi suggested I could try pushing and see if it felt like it was time.

Now here is the part where that fabulous dinner Todd prepared was not so fabulous. But if at anytime I were to ever doubt his love for me I just have to think back to this time. I’m lucky to have him, my best friend. He comforted me, we joked back and forth and I knew at that time like no other, he was for real, for ever.

Now I would like to think I’m somewhat strong physically. I’ve taken and received my share of physical tests and punishments with 5 years of Taekwondo. My first birth 11 years ago with Tiffany I was fearful of pushing with everything I had because the thought of having a BM was too much to imagine. The second birth 20 months ago I was fearful of tearing. That ring of fire thing is no joke.

I pushed because I wanted to be done. Out came the head, at least half way. Then I took a break and a breath. The head started to go back. Then before I knew it everyone was in the bath tub. Once head starts to come out baby needs to keep coming out and they were making sure she was coming out. A minute later it was over. Hannah was on my chest. I was back from that other world and here to admire our newest addition. She arrived at 2:35 am weighing in at 8 lbs 14 0z, 21 inches long.













Hannah was meeting her mommy and daddy. She remained in mom’s or dad’s arms at all times. I did not want her cord clamped too early as with the other births. I was too exhausted to really help in getting the placenta out. When it did come out there was no rush afterwards. The midwives took quick vitals and then retreated and we bonded with our baby. When they came back in the room an hour later we weighed baby then cut the cord which had officially completed its mission.

We had a stack of warm blankets from the heating pad so when the midwives left around 5 we re wrapped her and laid down for an hour or so. Gabriella was the first one awake at 6:30, like clock work. I woke Tiffany and we headed down stairs for Hannah to meet her new family.


I look back on the entire experience and it's hard to belive what I accomplished, yet not hard as millions have done it before me. Overall I am pleased. I have a happy, healthy baby and we were surrounded by loving supportive people that care.

So what are the advantages and disadvantages of the home birth compared to the hospital births? I've been keeping a list...

The disadvantages:

• I was really looking forward to getting another one of the water mugs from the hospital.
• I don't think we were really prepared for the clean up task.

The advantages:

• would take me another 9 months to list.

A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.

John 16:21

Baby Hannah on her birthday

. Tiffany and Hannah . ..................................................Gabriella and Hannah

.

Notes From Dad:

When my wife initially informed me she wanted to have Hannah at home, I was not immediately sold on the idea. I gave it some long thought and came to the conclusion that a very important aspect of Hannah's birth was my wife's comfort. I had some apprehension initially because this type of birth is not a societal norm. In fact I can't think of one person I know who has had a home birth.

My wife had me prepare a list of questions and concerns I had and she set about getting them answered. I think one thing that made it easier to decide in favor of my wife's wishes was the birth of our first child Gabriella. She was born in a hospital, but she was delivered by a Midwife. I don't remember the Doctor seeing my wife once during the process. So, I thought if a Midwife could do it at the hospital she could do it at our home.

Now lets talk about BM. I was not expecting this. It was no big deal, however I just wish I would have known about it in advance. Besides, with her doing that in the tub, I surely have a green light to pee in the shower.....right Honey? Seriously though I highly recommend having a small fish net, like the ones you buy for an aquarium. This will make it much easier to clean up.

Overall the process was great and I will do it again for the next couple of kids we have...right Honey??? We could not have had better Midwives then Tammi and Lori. They really made my wife feel comfortable. They were great.

If you made it this far, Thanks for reading and sharing our story of the birth of Hannah Elizabeth.

Please leave us a comment and let us know you were here.

God Bless

T & L