I think that losing someone as a young child really puts things in perspective and sets the precedent for one’s ability to deal with issues. At least, it did for me.
I decided right then and there that nothing could hurt as much as having death capture someone you love. Everything else seems so insignificant in comparison. Consequently it has made me fearless. Knowing that I’ve been through the greatest thing that could ever hurt me, more than once, I know I can handle anything.
I used to think that grieving is the worst possible thing anyone can go through. Now that I’m older, I realize that everyone is different. Whatever anyone has been through, regardless of the tragedy, that is their most emotional experience. I’ve learned not to compare my definition of pain to someone else’s. We’re all on this journey together and have all experienced pain.
When I find myself feeling stressed, tired, lonely, angry, sad, confused, disappointed and broken….I remember that it could always be worse. I am healthy. I have loved ones who are healthy. I love everything about life. Even the bad stuff. I’m grateful to say that I have “inconveniences”. That means that I’m comfortable enough to recognize the aggravation.
I am appreciative that I have the opportunity to take what I don’t like and change it. As an American, there is no excuse not to succeed in what you set your mind to. All too often we feel sorry for ourselves for our shortcomings. Truth is, it’s probably your fault. Where you are in life now is a result of choices you’ve made. If you don’t like it, change it. We cannot control what happens to us but we can control how we react to it.
Whatever pains you bear, whatever you’re struggling with…know you have the power to overcome it. I don’t buy into excuses and I feel sorry for no one. No American at least. We have every opportunity at our fingertips and we take it for granted. People in this world don’t have what we have and we shouldn’t turn a blind eye to that fact. Even the poorest of the poor in America still have it better than third world countries. Most of my generation and the ones after have no idea what struggle is. Even in this recession, we are still blessed.
Happiness is not a result of the events surrounding your life. Happiness comes from within. Don’t wait to be happy. A common misconception is that one will be happy once they are financial secure. The sooner you deal with the fact that money will always be a constant worry in your life, the better. More money, bigger bills. If you cannot find joy in your current life, winning the lottery will not help you. You will be the same person with the same problems, only with more money.
I don’t really know where I’m going with this blog or what’s the purpose. But that’s what is in my heart at the moment.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Mid Year Real Estate Market Report 2009
The following report consists of residential properties reported to the MLS by all real estate companies in the Acadiana area. These are excerpts from Van Eaton & Romero's report. To view the report in it's entirety, please email me at Kisha@KishaKana.com
Closed Sales January to June: 1476 18.60% decrease from 2008
Average Days of the Market: 105 17 day increase from 2008
Average Sales Price: $176,726 2.09% increase from 2008
List to Sold Price Ratio: 96.78% 2.35% increase from 2008
Pending Sales Jan. to June: 1872 7.35 decrease from 2008
New Listings Jan. to June: 2936 11.25% decrease from 2008
In comparison with the other 80 companies in Acadiana, Van Eaton & Romero sells 25.56% in number of total sides and 32.29% in total dollar volume, making them #1 in Acadiana.
Based on solds in all of Acadiana on either side, reported to MLS:
#1-Van Eaton & Romero 753 sides $168,201,944 volume
#2-Coldwell Banker Pelican 474 sides $ 81,731,519 volume
#3-Era Stirling Properties 199 sides $ 40,142,579 volume
Closed Sales January to June: 1476 18.60% decrease from 2008
Average Days of the Market: 105 17 day increase from 2008
Average Sales Price: $176,726 2.09% increase from 2008
List to Sold Price Ratio: 96.78% 2.35% increase from 2008
Pending Sales Jan. to June: 1872 7.35 decrease from 2008
New Listings Jan. to June: 2936 11.25% decrease from 2008
In comparison with the other 80 companies in Acadiana, Van Eaton & Romero sells 25.56% in number of total sides and 32.29% in total dollar volume, making them #1 in Acadiana.
Based on solds in all of Acadiana on either side, reported to MLS:
#1-Van Eaton & Romero 753 sides $168,201,944 volume
#2-Coldwell Banker Pelican 474 sides $ 81,731,519 volume
#3-Era Stirling Properties 199 sides $ 40,142,579 volume
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Not caring what people think
People often wonder how I came to be the type of person that doesn’t care what people think. Either that or they wonder why I feel the need to pretend like I don’t care what people think. For those who think the latter, I can assure you that it’s not an act but very much factual. For the rest, here’s my take on the topic.
Here are a few things I truly believe in my heart and live every day.
#1: I do not care what people think of me. The reason: They do not live my life. Just because someone has an opinion of you (good or bad), it does not make it a fact. Face facts. People are going to talk about you whether you like it or not. Your best friends and your family WILL talk about you behind your back. It’s how people relate to other people. Keep in mind that this is an opinion based on third party observation. You know in your heart if their words hold any merit.
#2: I do not get offended by criticism. The reason: I look at it this way: It’s possible that this person is trying to help. Especially if it’s someone close to you, they may be telling you something that you need to hear no matter how much it hurts. I absorb criticisms with an open mind and if I believe it’s something that I can use to improve myself, I work on it. Then there are people who are criticizing things about you that they do not like within themselves. Almost always when people speak badly about one another, it’s regarding something that they, themselves are insecure about.
#3 I’m not flattered by praises/awards. The reason: I do not measure my self-worth by my income, my successes or my failures. When someone praises me, I appreciate it. But I view it with the same mindset as noted in #1. That’s their opinion. I would never refuse an award because the people/organization put time/money into presenting it to me. But I don’t have a shrine to myself hanging in my home either. Awards do not make me the best. And lack of recognition doesn’t make me the worst .
#4 I have no interest in fashion. The reason: I dress how I feel like dressing. If I like it, I’m wearing it. End of story. If people like or don’t like it, that’s okay. It’s fine to have an opinion. But it won’t dictate how I dress.
#5 Don’t ask me if you don’t want to know. The reason: I don’t give false praises. When someone compliments you, I accept it by saying thank you. . I also don’t lie when I’m asked for my opinion. I will not feed into your need for approval.
#6 I stay open minded. The reason: I do not know where these people have been. I usually try to understand where they are coming from to understand their outlook or thought process. I realize that my thoughts and opinions are not the “be all, end all to the universe. I respect the beliefs of others while still holding true to my own.
#7 I don’t keep up with the Jones’. The reason: I am not materialistic. I am not jealous of things that other people have. Material items do not make you happy. Happiness comes from within. I will not buy something because everyone else has it. And I’m really not impressed with the price of one’s possessions.
# 8 I am not bitter towards others. The reason: This isn’t a competition. We are here on earth for our personal journey. You don’t know what it’s like to be someone else. While things may look perfect from your point of view, there is always more to the story. It doesn’t matter if someone has a nice house, good career, happy marriage, etc. Everyone has their cross to bear. I have enough time dealing with my own crosses to want to wish to be in someone else’s shoes and deal with theirs.
#9 I treat everyone the same. The reason: You never know who you are talking to. First impressions can be deceiving. Everyone deserves to be treated with friendliness and respect unless proven otherwise. We are all equals regardless of race, religion, social status, etc.
# 10 I live my life the way I want. The reason: I’m living my life while people are sitting around talking about it.
Here are a few things I truly believe in my heart and live every day.
#1: I do not care what people think of me. The reason: They do not live my life. Just because someone has an opinion of you (good or bad), it does not make it a fact. Face facts. People are going to talk about you whether you like it or not. Your best friends and your family WILL talk about you behind your back. It’s how people relate to other people. Keep in mind that this is an opinion based on third party observation. You know in your heart if their words hold any merit.
#2: I do not get offended by criticism. The reason: I look at it this way: It’s possible that this person is trying to help. Especially if it’s someone close to you, they may be telling you something that you need to hear no matter how much it hurts. I absorb criticisms with an open mind and if I believe it’s something that I can use to improve myself, I work on it. Then there are people who are criticizing things about you that they do not like within themselves. Almost always when people speak badly about one another, it’s regarding something that they, themselves are insecure about.
#3 I’m not flattered by praises/awards. The reason: I do not measure my self-worth by my income, my successes or my failures. When someone praises me, I appreciate it. But I view it with the same mindset as noted in #1. That’s their opinion. I would never refuse an award because the people/organization put time/money into presenting it to me. But I don’t have a shrine to myself hanging in my home either. Awards do not make me the best. And lack of recognition doesn’t make me the worst .
#4 I have no interest in fashion. The reason: I dress how I feel like dressing. If I like it, I’m wearing it. End of story. If people like or don’t like it, that’s okay. It’s fine to have an opinion. But it won’t dictate how I dress.
#5 Don’t ask me if you don’t want to know. The reason: I don’t give false praises. When someone compliments you, I accept it by saying thank you. . I also don’t lie when I’m asked for my opinion. I will not feed into your need for approval.
#6 I stay open minded. The reason: I do not know where these people have been. I usually try to understand where they are coming from to understand their outlook or thought process. I realize that my thoughts and opinions are not the “be all, end all to the universe. I respect the beliefs of others while still holding true to my own.
#7 I don’t keep up with the Jones’. The reason: I am not materialistic. I am not jealous of things that other people have. Material items do not make you happy. Happiness comes from within. I will not buy something because everyone else has it. And I’m really not impressed with the price of one’s possessions.
# 8 I am not bitter towards others. The reason: This isn’t a competition. We are here on earth for our personal journey. You don’t know what it’s like to be someone else. While things may look perfect from your point of view, there is always more to the story. It doesn’t matter if someone has a nice house, good career, happy marriage, etc. Everyone has their cross to bear. I have enough time dealing with my own crosses to want to wish to be in someone else’s shoes and deal with theirs.
#9 I treat everyone the same. The reason: You never know who you are talking to. First impressions can be deceiving. Everyone deserves to be treated with friendliness and respect unless proven otherwise. We are all equals regardless of race, religion, social status, etc.
# 10 I live my life the way I want. The reason: I’m living my life while people are sitting around talking about it.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Record Breaking Temps
In the Past Seven Days Records Have Been Tied or Broken at SeveralLocations in the Forecast Area. Records are Listed Below: New Record(2009) Old Record/year
Lake Charles
June 24 102 99/1937
June 25 102 99/1914
Beaumont
June 24102 97/1995
June 25 100(t)100/1902
June 28100 97/1969
June 29100 96/1969
Lafayette
June 24 102 99/1930
June 25 100(t)100/1930
June 28 99 98/1954
June 29 101 100/1930
Alexandria
June 23 102(t)102/1932
June 24 102 101/1930
June 28104 101/1932
New Iberia
June 23 100 97/1953
June 24 102 97/2005
June 25 101 97/2005
June 26 101 98/1951
June 27 97(t)97/1952
June 28 98 97/1950
June 29 100 97/1950
near Record High Temperatures will Persist Through Much of TheWeek. Additional Records May be Tied or Broken During this TimeFrame. Increased Rain Chances this Weekend Should Bring an End toThe Oppressive Heat.
Olivier/jones
Expires
7/1/09 4:15 PM
County/Area
Lafayette, LA (latitude: 30.2159, longitude: -92.0904)
Lake Charles
June 24 102 99/1937
June 25 102 99/1914
Beaumont
June 24102 97/1995
June 25 100(t)100/1902
June 28100 97/1969
June 29100 96/1969
Lafayette
June 24 102 99/1930
June 25 100(t)100/1930
June 28 99 98/1954
June 29 101 100/1930
Alexandria
June 23 102(t)102/1932
June 24 102 101/1930
June 28104 101/1932
New Iberia
June 23 100 97/1953
June 24 102 97/2005
June 25 101 97/2005
June 26 101 98/1951
June 27 97(t)97/1952
June 28 98 97/1950
June 29 100 97/1950
near Record High Temperatures will Persist Through Much of TheWeek. Additional Records May be Tied or Broken During this TimeFrame. Increased Rain Chances this Weekend Should Bring an End toThe Oppressive Heat.
Olivier/jones
Expires
7/1/09 4:15 PM
County/Area
Lafayette, LA (latitude: 30.2159, longitude: -92.0904)
To the most amazing person I've met
I know being with me is a tall order… I write this to the man who can handle it
When I was younger, I imagined what my husband would be like
Or what I wanted him to be, rather
Then, shortly realized that I’d probably never marry
My ideal man was unrealistic for someone as difficult and complex as myself
I decided that the things I wanted to do in life didn’t have a place for someone who would bring me down
Little did I know that the only way to accomplish the things I wanted to do was to have the man I now call my husband
God sent him to me in spite of myself and my ideas about my life
I have joined forces with someone who completes me
My weaknesses are his strengths
I can confide in him without being judged
I always have his support in everything I go through
He understands me when I don’t understand myself
He challenges me to be the best version of myself
I’m very grateful to walk this earth with the most amazing person I’ve ever known
I can’t wait to see where our path will lead us as we grow and love together
I love you baby
When I was younger, I imagined what my husband would be like
Or what I wanted him to be, rather
Then, shortly realized that I’d probably never marry
My ideal man was unrealistic for someone as difficult and complex as myself
I decided that the things I wanted to do in life didn’t have a place for someone who would bring me down
Little did I know that the only way to accomplish the things I wanted to do was to have the man I now call my husband
God sent him to me in spite of myself and my ideas about my life
I have joined forces with someone who completes me
My weaknesses are his strengths
I can confide in him without being judged
I always have his support in everything I go through
He understands me when I don’t understand myself
He challenges me to be the best version of myself
I’m very grateful to walk this earth with the most amazing person I’ve ever known
I can’t wait to see where our path will lead us as we grow and love together
I love you baby
To the most amazing person I've met
I know being with me is a tall order… I write this to the man who can handle it
When I was younger, I imagined what my husband would be like
Or what I wanted him to be, rather
Then, shortly realized that I’d probably never marry
My ideal man was unrealistic for someone as difficult and complex as myself
I decided that the things I wanted to do in life didn’t have a place for someone who would bring me down
Little did I know that the only way to accomplish the things I wanted to do was to have the man I now call my husband
God sent him to me in spite of myself and my ideas about my life
I have joined forces with someone who completes me
My weaknesses are his strengths
I can confide in him without being judged
I always have his support in everything I go through
He understands me when I don’t understand myself
He challenges me to be the best version of myself
I’m very grateful to walk this earth with the most amazing person I’ve ever known
I can’t wait to see where our path will lead us as we grow and love together
I love you baby
When I was younger, I imagined what my husband would be like
Or what I wanted him to be, rather
Then, shortly realized that I’d probably never marry
My ideal man was unrealistic for someone as difficult and complex as myself
I decided that the things I wanted to do in life didn’t have a place for someone who would bring me down
Little did I know that the only way to accomplish the things I wanted to do was to have the man I now call my husband
God sent him to me in spite of myself and my ideas about my life
I have joined forces with someone who completes me
My weaknesses are his strengths
I can confide in him without being judged
I always have his support in everything I go through
He understands me when I don’t understand myself
He challenges me to be the best version of myself
I’m very grateful to walk this earth with the most amazing person I’ve ever known
I can’t wait to see where our path will lead us as we grow and love together
I love you baby
Monday, June 8, 2009
Real Estate Market Conditions
The following statistics were extracted from reported sales to MLS, courtesy of Van Eaton & Romero.
Analyzing sales from January to May of 2008 in comparison to January to May 2009. All residential sales in Acadiana in all areas were considered.
There was a 20.66% decrease in number of home sales.
The average days on the market have increased by 22 days.
The current average sale price is $175,458, a 1.63% increase.
The current average median sale price is $177,609, a 2.58% increase.
The average list to sold price ratio is 96.63%, a .57% decrease.
For a full report, email me @ Kisha@KishaKana.com
Analyzing sales from January to May of 2008 in comparison to January to May 2009. All residential sales in Acadiana in all areas were considered.
There was a 20.66% decrease in number of home sales.
The average days on the market have increased by 22 days.
The current average sale price is $175,458, a 1.63% increase.
The current average median sale price is $177,609, a 2.58% increase.
The average list to sold price ratio is 96.63%, a .57% decrease.
For a full report, email me @ Kisha@KishaKana.com
Friday, June 5, 2009
Not all yard sales are created equal
Courtesy of Debbie Duplantis with Home Mortgage
Summer is one of the most popular seasons for holding a yard sale. But simply holding a yard sale doesn't necessarily mean you'll end the day with lots of extra money in your pocket. If you're planning on clearing out your clutter this summer, here are ten tips to help make your yard sale a success:
1-Start your yard sale earlier than other yard sales in your area so shoppers will start their shopping day with you.
2-Don't schedule your yard sale on a holiday weekend or during a big event in your area (like a sporting event or festival).
3-If it rains, take down your signs and reschedule your sale so you can maximize traffic on the day of your sale.
4-Before your own yard sale, visit other sales in your neighborhood to get an idea of typical prices.
5-Place all of your items (except for large items) on tables so shoppers don't have to bend.
6-If you plan to sell electrical items, have an outlet and extension cord handy so you can show shoppers that the items work.
7-If you want to sell larger ticket items, look for those items in a local circular and then attach the ad to your item so shoppers can see that they are getting a great deal.
8-If you have a variety of items that men would like, place them on their own table. If married couples stop by your sale, both parties will enjoy looking.
9-Advertise your sale ahead of time in your local newspaper classified section, on community boards at your local food stores, and online at places like www.Craigslist.org.
10-Wait until the morning of your garage sale to hang signs in your neighborhood, and make sure you take them down that day to avoid any fines from your homeowner's association or your town. You don't want to have to use all the cash you earn to pay a fine!
And remember, a successful sale is also a safe sale. Keep money in a pouch around your waist instead of in a cash box (which could get stolen while you are helping shoppers), don't accept checks (which could bounce), and never allow strangers inside your home to use the bathroom or telephone.
Follow these tips, and you'll be well on your way to having less clutter in your home, and more cash in your pocket!
Summer is one of the most popular seasons for holding a yard sale. But simply holding a yard sale doesn't necessarily mean you'll end the day with lots of extra money in your pocket. If you're planning on clearing out your clutter this summer, here are ten tips to help make your yard sale a success:
1-Start your yard sale earlier than other yard sales in your area so shoppers will start their shopping day with you.
2-Don't schedule your yard sale on a holiday weekend or during a big event in your area (like a sporting event or festival).
3-If it rains, take down your signs and reschedule your sale so you can maximize traffic on the day of your sale.
4-Before your own yard sale, visit other sales in your neighborhood to get an idea of typical prices.
5-Place all of your items (except for large items) on tables so shoppers don't have to bend.
6-If you plan to sell electrical items, have an outlet and extension cord handy so you can show shoppers that the items work.
7-If you want to sell larger ticket items, look for those items in a local circular and then attach the ad to your item so shoppers can see that they are getting a great deal.
8-If you have a variety of items that men would like, place them on their own table. If married couples stop by your sale, both parties will enjoy looking.
9-Advertise your sale ahead of time in your local newspaper classified section, on community boards at your local food stores, and online at places like www.Craigslist.org.
10-Wait until the morning of your garage sale to hang signs in your neighborhood, and make sure you take them down that day to avoid any fines from your homeowner's association or your town. You don't want to have to use all the cash you earn to pay a fine!
And remember, a successful sale is also a safe sale. Keep money in a pouch around your waist instead of in a cash box (which could get stolen while you are helping shoppers), don't accept checks (which could bounce), and never allow strangers inside your home to use the bathroom or telephone.
Follow these tips, and you'll be well on your way to having less clutter in your home, and more cash in your pocket!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Downtown Alive! 2009 Schedule
DOWNTOWN ALIVE! 25 YEAR ANNIVESARY CONTINUES WITH SPRING SEASON
Downtown Alive! is now a 25-year-old community tradition and a popular staple in Acadiana’s cultural and social calendar. Downtown Alive! was first produced by Downtown Lafayette Unlimited in fall 1983 and has continued with a spring and fall season of free, family-friendly, outdoor concerts each year since.
The 25th Anniversary continues this spring, with a concert each Friday between March 13 and June 5 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at two downtown park venues. DTA! is sponsored by Cox, Lafayette Coca Cola, and The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living.
Spring 2009 25th Anniversary Series features four Grammy nominated artists, and DTA! favorites of the past and present with genres from Cajun & Swamp Pop to Reggae and Rock.
Spring 2009 25th Anniversary Season Schedule
March 13 T.K. Hulin, Steve Adams & Smoke w/Special Guest Charlene Howard – Swamp Pop - Parc International
March 20 Louisiana Red - Classic covers & variety - Parc Sans Souci
March 27 Lafayette’s Bayou Boys - Cajun variety - Parc Sans Souci
April 3 Tab Benoit – Blues/Traditional Country/Vintage R&B - Parc International
April 10 Good Friday – No DTA!
April 17 Marcia Ball – New Orleans R&B/ Gulf Coast Blues - Parc International
April 24 Festival International de Louisiane
May 1 Rex Moroux – Roots Rock - Parc Sans Souci
May 8 Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys w/Special Guest Geno Delafose – Cajun/Zydeco - Parc International
May 15 Krossfyre - R&B/Variety - Parc Sans Souci
May 22 Lil’ Buck Sinegal – Blues - Parc Sans Souci
May 29 Brass Bed w/special guests The Howdies – Rock/Americana - Parc Sans Souci
June 5 True Man Posse – Creole Reggae - Parc Sans Souci
Downtown Alive! is now a 25-year-old community tradition and a popular staple in Acadiana’s cultural and social calendar. Downtown Alive! was first produced by Downtown Lafayette Unlimited in fall 1983 and has continued with a spring and fall season of free, family-friendly, outdoor concerts each year since.
The 25th Anniversary continues this spring, with a concert each Friday between March 13 and June 5 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at two downtown park venues. DTA! is sponsored by Cox, Lafayette Coca Cola, and The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living.
Spring 2009 25th Anniversary Series features four Grammy nominated artists, and DTA! favorites of the past and present with genres from Cajun & Swamp Pop to Reggae and Rock.
Spring 2009 25th Anniversary Season Schedule
March 13 T.K. Hulin, Steve Adams & Smoke w/Special Guest Charlene Howard – Swamp Pop - Parc International
March 20 Louisiana Red - Classic covers & variety - Parc Sans Souci
March 27 Lafayette’s Bayou Boys - Cajun variety - Parc Sans Souci
April 3 Tab Benoit – Blues/Traditional Country/Vintage R&B - Parc International
April 10 Good Friday – No DTA!
April 17 Marcia Ball – New Orleans R&B/ Gulf Coast Blues - Parc International
April 24 Festival International de Louisiane
May 1 Rex Moroux – Roots Rock - Parc Sans Souci
May 8 Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys w/Special Guest Geno Delafose – Cajun/Zydeco - Parc International
May 15 Krossfyre - R&B/Variety - Parc Sans Souci
May 22 Lil’ Buck Sinegal – Blues - Parc Sans Souci
May 29 Brass Bed w/special guests The Howdies – Rock/Americana - Parc Sans Souci
June 5 True Man Posse – Creole Reggae - Parc Sans Souci
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Acadiana Residential Market Stats February 2009 vs. 2008
In summary, the number of home sales have dropped by 25% and the time on the market has increased by 21%. The average sales price has only seen a 2% drop in price. These figures are rounded. For a full report courtesy of Van Eaton & Romero and prepared by CEO Bill Bacque...please email me @ Kisha@KishaKana.com
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