To Remove Hair Removal Wax from countertops/floors and the wax pot itself:
***i recommend testing a small area to be sure it doesn't ruin the surface of the item***
While wearing gloves (and changing them if they get wax on them not to wax up your hair dryer) blow dry the wax to melt it, wipe with a dry towel (one that you can throw away afterward). Then finish off by cleaning the surface with a multi-purpose cleaner.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Seafood Harvest & Oil/Gas Industry
25% of the continental U.S. seafood harvest comes from Louisiana.
27,000 jobs are generated by Louisiana's fishing industry.
207 million pounds of oysters were caught in Louisiana waters in 2008.
90.4 million pounds of shrimp and 52 million pounds of crab were caught in Louisiana in 2008.
70% of oysters harvested in the U.S. are from the Gulf coast.
72% of seafood caught in the Gulf comes from Louisiana.
80% of the oysters in the Gulf are harvested west of the Mississippi River.
45,000 people in Louisiana are employed in oil and gas exploration/production, and four additional jobs are created in Louisiana for every job in exploration/production.
27,000 jobs are generated by Louisiana's fishing industry.
207 million pounds of oysters were caught in Louisiana waters in 2008.
90.4 million pounds of shrimp and 52 million pounds of crab were caught in Louisiana in 2008.
70% of oysters harvested in the U.S. are from the Gulf coast.
72% of seafood caught in the Gulf comes from Louisiana.
80% of the oysters in the Gulf are harvested west of the Mississippi River.
45,000 people in Louisiana are employed in oil and gas exploration/production, and four additional jobs are created in Louisiana for every job in exploration/production.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Louisiana Bayou Quiz
**this quiz has been taken from LOUISIANA LIFE magazine and is just for fun. To check your answers, email Kisha@KishaKana.com
1. This bayou originates as a tributary of the Mississippi river at Donaldsville. As it heads south, the bayou will become much wider and lined with shrimp boats. What is the bayou?
A. Teche B. Grosse Tete C. Lafourche D. Contraband
2. Voodoo rituals were once practiced, and occasionally still are, along this bayou in New Orleans:
A. Sauvage B. Metarie C. Laveau D. St. John
3. Your friend has a plan for his escape from the Houma city jail. After breaking out, he will head to the bayou and float downstream on a raft made of reeds. Which bayou goes through Houma?
A. Des Glaises B. Vermillion C. Teche D. Terrebonne
4. This town, known for its emerging arts scene, is located at the junction of Bayou Teche and Bayou Fuselier. St. Martin and St. Parishes also split it. What is the town?
A. Arnaudville B. Homer C. Eunice D. Bordelonville
5. Don't tell the police, but once your friend's escape from the Houma jail is complete, he plans to hide out along the same bayou once occupied by the pirate Jean Lafitte and his men. What bayou is that?
A. Bienvenue B. Barataria C. Bartholomew D. Blue
6. Although bayous are thought of as being uniquely Louisiana, which Texas city was founded along Buffalo Bayou?
A. Dallas B. Beaumont C. Houston D. Orange
7. With a navigable length of 125 miles, which bayou is the Louisiana's longest?
A. Lafourche B. Terrebonne C. Macon D. Teche
8. Two Louisiana bayous have the same name. That name is:
A. Bayou des Glaises B. Bayou Petit Amite C. La Rose Bayou D. Bayou Plaquemine
9. A wildlife refuge named after this bayou includes parts of Ouachita and Union parishes. What is the bayou?
A. D'Arbonne B. St. Denis C. Maringouin D. Natchitcohes
10. Your friend's escape is foiled when he stops in Napoleonville, thinking that under the Napoleonic code, he cannot be arrested again for the same crime. As he gazes wistfully out from the Napoleonville jail, what is the nearest bayou?
A. Teche B. Grosse Tete C. Lafourche D. Contraband
1. This bayou originates as a tributary of the Mississippi river at Donaldsville. As it heads south, the bayou will become much wider and lined with shrimp boats. What is the bayou?
A. Teche B. Grosse Tete C. Lafourche D. Contraband
2. Voodoo rituals were once practiced, and occasionally still are, along this bayou in New Orleans:
A. Sauvage B. Metarie C. Laveau D. St. John
3. Your friend has a plan for his escape from the Houma city jail. After breaking out, he will head to the bayou and float downstream on a raft made of reeds. Which bayou goes through Houma?
A. Des Glaises B. Vermillion C. Teche D. Terrebonne
4. This town, known for its emerging arts scene, is located at the junction of Bayou Teche and Bayou Fuselier. St. Martin and St. Parishes also split it. What is the town?
A. Arnaudville B. Homer C. Eunice D. Bordelonville
5. Don't tell the police, but once your friend's escape from the Houma jail is complete, he plans to hide out along the same bayou once occupied by the pirate Jean Lafitte and his men. What bayou is that?
A. Bienvenue B. Barataria C. Bartholomew D. Blue
6. Although bayous are thought of as being uniquely Louisiana, which Texas city was founded along Buffalo Bayou?
A. Dallas B. Beaumont C. Houston D. Orange
7. With a navigable length of 125 miles, which bayou is the Louisiana's longest?
A. Lafourche B. Terrebonne C. Macon D. Teche
8. Two Louisiana bayous have the same name. That name is:
A. Bayou des Glaises B. Bayou Petit Amite C. La Rose Bayou D. Bayou Plaquemine
9. A wildlife refuge named after this bayou includes parts of Ouachita and Union parishes. What is the bayou?
A. D'Arbonne B. St. Denis C. Maringouin D. Natchitcohes
10. Your friend's escape is foiled when he stops in Napoleonville, thinking that under the Napoleonic code, he cannot be arrested again for the same crime. As he gazes wistfully out from the Napoleonville jail, what is the nearest bayou?
A. Teche B. Grosse Tete C. Lafourche D. Contraband
Sunday, April 18, 2010
March 2010 Residential Market Stats
Information provided by the CEO of Van Eaton & Romero extracted from recorded MLS sales only.
The number of sales in March 2010 was 310, which is a 16.1% increase compared to March 2009.
The Average Days on the Market from January to March 2010 is 108, which is a decrease of 4% from Jan-Mar 2009.
The Average Sales Price for Jan-Mar 2010 is $163,350, which is a 5.64% decrease compared to Jan-Mar 2009.
The list to sold price ratio is 97.31%, a .52% increase compared to 2009.
For a complete market analysis, please email me at Kisha@KishaKana.com
The number of sales in March 2010 was 310, which is a 16.1% increase compared to March 2009.
The Average Days on the Market from January to March 2010 is 108, which is a decrease of 4% from Jan-Mar 2009.
The Average Sales Price for Jan-Mar 2010 is $163,350, which is a 5.64% decrease compared to Jan-Mar 2009.
The list to sold price ratio is 97.31%, a .52% increase compared to 2009.
For a complete market analysis, please email me at Kisha@KishaKana.com
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Febraury Market Analysis
February 2010 Market Analysis created by CEO of Van Eaton & Romero, Bill Bacque.
In short, home sales reported to MLS in all areas of Acadiana Jan-Feb.2010 have decreased in comparison to 2009 by 3.63%
The average days on the market has increased by one day.
The average sales price has decreased by .77%.
The average list to sold price ratio has increased by .13%.
Any additional questions or for a copy of the full report, please email Kisha@KishaKana.com
In short, home sales reported to MLS in all areas of Acadiana Jan-Feb.2010 have decreased in comparison to 2009 by 3.63%
The average days on the market has increased by one day.
The average sales price has decreased by .77%.
The average list to sold price ratio has increased by .13%.
Any additional questions or for a copy of the full report, please email Kisha@KishaKana.com
Saturday, December 12, 2009
November 2009 Lafayette Market Report
The following report was extracted from sold homes reported to MLS in Lafayette Parish only, courtesy of Van Eaton & Romero.
There was a 22.75% increase in closed sales reported in November 2009 compared to November 2008. Overall comparing the year to date in 2009 to Jan-Nov 2008, there was a .94% decrease. Respectively the days on the market have increased by seven days.
The average sales price decreased 1.69%. The median sales price increased .18%. The list to sold price ratio decrease by .15%.
I believe this to be uplifting news. When you speak of the real estate market, it is always good to have the facts.
There was a 22.75% increase in closed sales reported in November 2009 compared to November 2008. Overall comparing the year to date in 2009 to Jan-Nov 2008, there was a .94% decrease. Respectively the days on the market have increased by seven days.
The average sales price decreased 1.69%. The median sales price increased .18%. The list to sold price ratio decrease by .15%.
I believe this to be uplifting news. When you speak of the real estate market, it is always good to have the facts.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Extended Tax Credit Information.
Senate Approves Tax Credit Extension, Expansion
The Senate yesterday passed legislation to extend the $8,000 home buyer tax credit to May 1, 2010, for first-time buyers and add a $6,500 tax credit for repeat buyers if they've lived in their home for five of the past eight years. Home prices are capped at $800,000.
The legislation was included in a bill to extend unemployment benefits and is expected to be passed by the House today or tomorrow. President Obama is expected to sign the legislation when it's sent to his desk.
Under the bill, income limits are expanded to $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for joint filers. Individuals with incomes up to $145,000 and joint filers with incomes up to $245,000 qualify for reduced credits.
Households who have binding contracts in place by April 30 will be allowed an additional 60 days to complete their transaction. The deadline for members of the military serving out the U.S. for at least 90 days between Jan. 1, 2009, and May 1, 2010, has been extended one year.
Taxpayers can claim the credit on their federal income tax returns. If the credit exceeds their tax bill, the government will issue a check. Taxpayers will be able to claim the credit on their 2009 income tax return for purchases made in 2
Q&A
1. Existing homeowner credit: Must the new house cost more than the old house?
A. No. Thus, for example, individuals who move from a high cost area to a lower cost area who meet all eligibility requirements will qualify for the $6500 credit.
2. I am an existing homeowner. On October 25, 2009, I signed a contract to purchase a new home. I have lived in my current home for more than 5 consecutive years and am within the new income limits. I will go to settlement on November 20. If President Obama has signed the bill by the time I go to settlement, will I qualify for the new $6500 tax credit?
A. Yes. The existing homeowner credit goes into effect for purchases after the date of enactment (when the bill is signed). There is no reference to the date of contract for the new credit. The provision looks solely to the date of purchase, which is generally the date of settlement.
3. I am a first-time homebuyer but was not within the prior income limits at the time I entered into my contract to purchase on October 30, 2009. I will be covered, however, by the new income limits. If the new rules have been signed into law by the time I go to settlement, will I be eligible for a credit?
A. Yes. The new income limitations go into effect as soon as the President has signed the bill. The income limit and other eligibility rules will look to your status as of the date of purchase, which is the settlement date. So if the new rules have been signed when you go to settlement, you should be eligible for the credit (or a portion of the credit if you're within the phase-out range).
4. I am an eligible existing homeowner. I have a fair amount of equity in my home. I have found a home with a non-negotiable price of $825,000. Will I be able to use any of the $6500 tax credit?
A. No. The $800,000 cap on the cost of the purchased home is firm at $800,000. Any amount above $800,000 makes the home ineligible for any portion of the credit. The $800,000 is an absolute ceiling.
5. I owned my home for 10 years, but sold it two years ago year and have been renting since. If I purchase a home, will I be eligible for the $6500 tax credit if I meet all the other eligibility tests?
A. Yes. Because you lived in the home for more than 5 consecutive years of the previous 8, you will qualify for the $6500 credit. For example, Say John and his wife bought a home in 2000 and lived there until 2008 when he got a divorce. Whether John has been renting or bought in the interim, he WOULD INDEED be eligible for the credit because he owned a home and occupied it as his principal residence for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years. The keyword here is "consecutive." As long as he lived in that house for 5 years straight what he did since 3 years doesn't impact eligibility.
6. I am an eligible first-time homebuyer. I entered into a contract to purchase on November 1, 2009. Do I have to go to closing before December 1? How does the extension date affect me?
A. You do not have to close before December 1. Once the legislation has been signed, it will be as if the Nov 30 date had never existed. Therefore, so long as the contract settles before April 30 (or July 1, worst case), the purchaser will be eligible for the credit.
Information provided by Bill Bacque' CEO of Van Eaton & Romero
The Senate yesterday passed legislation to extend the $8,000 home buyer tax credit to May 1, 2010, for first-time buyers and add a $6,500 tax credit for repeat buyers if they've lived in their home for five of the past eight years. Home prices are capped at $800,000.
The legislation was included in a bill to extend unemployment benefits and is expected to be passed by the House today or tomorrow. President Obama is expected to sign the legislation when it's sent to his desk.
Under the bill, income limits are expanded to $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for joint filers. Individuals with incomes up to $145,000 and joint filers with incomes up to $245,000 qualify for reduced credits.
Households who have binding contracts in place by April 30 will be allowed an additional 60 days to complete their transaction. The deadline for members of the military serving out the U.S. for at least 90 days between Jan. 1, 2009, and May 1, 2010, has been extended one year.
Taxpayers can claim the credit on their federal income tax returns. If the credit exceeds their tax bill, the government will issue a check. Taxpayers will be able to claim the credit on their 2009 income tax return for purchases made in 2
Q&A
1. Existing homeowner credit: Must the new house cost more than the old house?
A. No. Thus, for example, individuals who move from a high cost area to a lower cost area who meet all eligibility requirements will qualify for the $6500 credit.
2. I am an existing homeowner. On October 25, 2009, I signed a contract to purchase a new home. I have lived in my current home for more than 5 consecutive years and am within the new income limits. I will go to settlement on November 20. If President Obama has signed the bill by the time I go to settlement, will I qualify for the new $6500 tax credit?
A. Yes. The existing homeowner credit goes into effect for purchases after the date of enactment (when the bill is signed). There is no reference to the date of contract for the new credit. The provision looks solely to the date of purchase, which is generally the date of settlement.
3. I am a first-time homebuyer but was not within the prior income limits at the time I entered into my contract to purchase on October 30, 2009. I will be covered, however, by the new income limits. If the new rules have been signed into law by the time I go to settlement, will I be eligible for a credit?
A. Yes. The new income limitations go into effect as soon as the President has signed the bill. The income limit and other eligibility rules will look to your status as of the date of purchase, which is the settlement date. So if the new rules have been signed when you go to settlement, you should be eligible for the credit (or a portion of the credit if you're within the phase-out range).
4. I am an eligible existing homeowner. I have a fair amount of equity in my home. I have found a home with a non-negotiable price of $825,000. Will I be able to use any of the $6500 tax credit?
A. No. The $800,000 cap on the cost of the purchased home is firm at $800,000. Any amount above $800,000 makes the home ineligible for any portion of the credit. The $800,000 is an absolute ceiling.
5. I owned my home for 10 years, but sold it two years ago year and have been renting since. If I purchase a home, will I be eligible for the $6500 tax credit if I meet all the other eligibility tests?
A. Yes. Because you lived in the home for more than 5 consecutive years of the previous 8, you will qualify for the $6500 credit. For example, Say John and his wife bought a home in 2000 and lived there until 2008 when he got a divorce. Whether John has been renting or bought in the interim, he WOULD INDEED be eligible for the credit because he owned a home and occupied it as his principal residence for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years. The keyword here is "consecutive." As long as he lived in that house for 5 years straight what he did since 3 years doesn't impact eligibility.
6. I am an eligible first-time homebuyer. I entered into a contract to purchase on November 1, 2009. Do I have to go to closing before December 1? How does the extension date affect me?
A. You do not have to close before December 1. Once the legislation has been signed, it will be as if the Nov 30 date had never existed. Therefore, so long as the contract settles before April 30 (or July 1, worst case), the purchaser will be eligible for the credit.
Information provided by Bill Bacque' CEO of Van Eaton & Romero
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Market Stats January to October 2009
Lafayette Parish residential sales reported to the REALTOR Association of Acadiana’s Multiple Listing Service for September and October 2009 significantly outperformed the corresponding monthly sales reported in 2008. Typically, fourth quarter residential sales are the slowest for sales. The exception to that in our market was 2005 due to hurricanes Katrina and Rita which caused a enormous increase in sales for the end of that year. Also, last year with the national financial meltdown which began in July-August of 2008, closed sales for the fourth quarter were understandably slower beyond the normal seasonal dip. The sales numbers for September and October of 2009 for Lafayette Parish clearly indicates that stability has returned compared to last year. With Lafayette Parish cumulative sales reported through October 2009 just 2.89% below 2008 and the pace of the past two month’s sales well ahead of last year, we are becoming more confident that year end 2009 Lafayette sales will exceed those of 2008.
While Lafayette Parish residential sales have been surprisingly strong, those sales reported outside of Lafayette Parish (Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Jeff Davis, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary and Vermillion parishes) continue to experience significant drops in sales when compared to 2008 levels. The cumulative January – October combined sales for those parishes declined by nearly 24% versus the same period in 2008.
Lafayette Parish new construction home sales reported through October 2009 are actually up by 1.25% over 2008 while re-sales are 4.5% below their corresponding 2008 level.
In comparing Lafayette Parish home sales to past years, 2009 sales are ahead of 2004 (pre-Katrina year) by 9.4%, but lag behind the post-Katrina boom years of 2005, 2006 and 2007 by 10.75%, 14.3% and 17.2% respectively.
Based on January – October 2009 sales reported, the average sale price for a home in Lafayette Parish was $195,777. The average sale price for the same period in 2008 was $199,420. That represents a 1.8% overall decline in average sales price of 1.8%. The median sale price for 2009 versus 2008 remained essentially the same with 2009 being $171,250 versus $171,500 for 2008.
The average sale price for Lafayette Parish new construction sales declined from $228,153 in 2008 to $207,062 in 2009. That is a 9.24% decline. The new construction median sale price also declined to $177,500 from $187,200; a drop of 5.2%. Caution should be taken not to interpret these figures as indicative of actual value loss for newly constructed homes, rather it indicative of the change in the product type that most builders have moved to over the past two years and what the consumer is purchasing – lower priced, entry-level homes. That conclusion is further evidenced in the data provided on page 16 which indicates that sales of new construction in the under $150,000 price range has increased over 2008 by 25%. Just two years ago it would have been difficult to find any new homes in Lafayette Parish available at all.
The number of months supply analysis for Lafayette Parish home sales, indicate that the demand/supply ratio remains quite positive in all price ranges except those above $300,000. That is consistent for both re-sales and new construction indicating that this segment of our residential marketplace remains significantly challenging.
Our overall forecast for the Acadiana residential marketplace remains positive. Certainly, Lafayette Parish appears more stable than our adjacent parishes. With interest rates remaining near or at historic lows and with the renewal and expansion of the housing tax credit, we remain confident in the value of home ownership in our area.
Provided & Written By: Bill Bacque', CEO of Van Eaton & Romero, INC
While Lafayette Parish residential sales have been surprisingly strong, those sales reported outside of Lafayette Parish (Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Jeff Davis, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary and Vermillion parishes) continue to experience significant drops in sales when compared to 2008 levels. The cumulative January – October combined sales for those parishes declined by nearly 24% versus the same period in 2008.
Lafayette Parish new construction home sales reported through October 2009 are actually up by 1.25% over 2008 while re-sales are 4.5% below their corresponding 2008 level.
In comparing Lafayette Parish home sales to past years, 2009 sales are ahead of 2004 (pre-Katrina year) by 9.4%, but lag behind the post-Katrina boom years of 2005, 2006 and 2007 by 10.75%, 14.3% and 17.2% respectively.
Based on January – October 2009 sales reported, the average sale price for a home in Lafayette Parish was $195,777. The average sale price for the same period in 2008 was $199,420. That represents a 1.8% overall decline in average sales price of 1.8%. The median sale price for 2009 versus 2008 remained essentially the same with 2009 being $171,250 versus $171,500 for 2008.
The average sale price for Lafayette Parish new construction sales declined from $228,153 in 2008 to $207,062 in 2009. That is a 9.24% decline. The new construction median sale price also declined to $177,500 from $187,200; a drop of 5.2%. Caution should be taken not to interpret these figures as indicative of actual value loss for newly constructed homes, rather it indicative of the change in the product type that most builders have moved to over the past two years and what the consumer is purchasing – lower priced, entry-level homes. That conclusion is further evidenced in the data provided on page 16 which indicates that sales of new construction in the under $150,000 price range has increased over 2008 by 25%. Just two years ago it would have been difficult to find any new homes in Lafayette Parish available at all.
The number of months supply analysis for Lafayette Parish home sales, indicate that the demand/supply ratio remains quite positive in all price ranges except those above $300,000. That is consistent for both re-sales and new construction indicating that this segment of our residential marketplace remains significantly challenging.
Our overall forecast for the Acadiana residential marketplace remains positive. Certainly, Lafayette Parish appears more stable than our adjacent parishes. With interest rates remaining near or at historic lows and with the renewal and expansion of the housing tax credit, we remain confident in the value of home ownership in our area.
Provided & Written By: Bill Bacque', CEO of Van Eaton & Romero, INC
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Techinal Connection=Social Disconnection
We have each other at our fingertips. Now, more than ever, we are able to connect with friends and family within seconds. The internet and I phones have given us the ability to tell the world what we’re doing and find out what’s up with everything else. But has being technology connected somehow made us socially disconnected?
I have a twitter, myspace and facebook account. I’m connected to people from my past and new incredible people I wouldn’t have met in normal circumstances. I absolutely love it! But at the same time feel that it shouldn’t replace your social life. It should enhance.
I’ll give a few examples of what I’m talking about. Ever met someone online (or connected with an old friend) and clicked so well only to meet up in person and face awkward conversation? What happened here? We seemed to have so much in common chatting online? Is this online social networking affecting our ability to interact well with others in person?
Ever been out with friends and everyone was on their cell phone text messaging or on a social networking site and not talking? Very awkward feeling. You don’t want to speak because it seems as though you are bothering them. I see this a lot with a group of teenagers too. Everyone is sitting in silence consumed with the applications on their cell phones.
Ever had your children and spouse vying for your attention while you obsessively update your status? Ever looked around your house and saw everyone on technology devices, not interacting with each other?
I’m guilty of all of the above. I am aware of it. I still think that being technology connected has a lot of advantages. But I also strongly feel that the human touch is much more rewarding that the feel of a keyboard.
I do not want to be socially disconnected. When I have to wait during the day, (doctor’s office, in line at the grocery store) I do connect to the internet if I don’t have a book handy. But I also take time to acknowledge that there are other people in the room. I smile at them. I say hi if I feel compelled to do so. If they start talking to me, I talk to them, even if I don’t feel like it. They may need human compassion. They may be lonely. What is 5 minutes of my day? 5 minutes of my time may make that person’s whole day.
When I’m with friends, I’m not on social networking sites. I’m engaging with my friends. I don’t answer calls that I know will take longer than a minute. Otherwise doing so is just rude. You’re sending the message that they don’t deserve your attention. I will text but not excessively. That too is also rude.
I don’t stay on social networking sites while I’m at work so what makes me think it’s okay to do so while I’m while I’m with family? I update my status throughout the day but I don’t linger on. At night, I’m no longer staying online when I should be spending time with my husband and son. When my son looks back at his childhood, I don’t want him to remember his mom as a permanent fixture at the computer.
I think that staying connected via social networks is great because it exposes us to a lot of different types of people and opens our world to different opinions and inspirations. But if we become socially disconnected, we have a greater impact on the people around us whom we love. And not a positive impact.
My best suggestion is to be in the moment. Wherever you are, be there. If you’re sitting in class, be in class. If you are with friends, be with friends. If you are at work, be at work. Focus and savor each experience without being somewhere else mentally. When it’s time for technical time, then be there.
I have a twitter, myspace and facebook account. I’m connected to people from my past and new incredible people I wouldn’t have met in normal circumstances. I absolutely love it! But at the same time feel that it shouldn’t replace your social life. It should enhance.
I’ll give a few examples of what I’m talking about. Ever met someone online (or connected with an old friend) and clicked so well only to meet up in person and face awkward conversation? What happened here? We seemed to have so much in common chatting online? Is this online social networking affecting our ability to interact well with others in person?
Ever been out with friends and everyone was on their cell phone text messaging or on a social networking site and not talking? Very awkward feeling. You don’t want to speak because it seems as though you are bothering them. I see this a lot with a group of teenagers too. Everyone is sitting in silence consumed with the applications on their cell phones.
Ever had your children and spouse vying for your attention while you obsessively update your status? Ever looked around your house and saw everyone on technology devices, not interacting with each other?
I’m guilty of all of the above. I am aware of it. I still think that being technology connected has a lot of advantages. But I also strongly feel that the human touch is much more rewarding that the feel of a keyboard.
I do not want to be socially disconnected. When I have to wait during the day, (doctor’s office, in line at the grocery store) I do connect to the internet if I don’t have a book handy. But I also take time to acknowledge that there are other people in the room. I smile at them. I say hi if I feel compelled to do so. If they start talking to me, I talk to them, even if I don’t feel like it. They may need human compassion. They may be lonely. What is 5 minutes of my day? 5 minutes of my time may make that person’s whole day.
When I’m with friends, I’m not on social networking sites. I’m engaging with my friends. I don’t answer calls that I know will take longer than a minute. Otherwise doing so is just rude. You’re sending the message that they don’t deserve your attention. I will text but not excessively. That too is also rude.
I don’t stay on social networking sites while I’m at work so what makes me think it’s okay to do so while I’m while I’m with family? I update my status throughout the day but I don’t linger on. At night, I’m no longer staying online when I should be spending time with my husband and son. When my son looks back at his childhood, I don’t want him to remember his mom as a permanent fixture at the computer.
I think that staying connected via social networks is great because it exposes us to a lot of different types of people and opens our world to different opinions and inspirations. But if we become socially disconnected, we have a greater impact on the people around us whom we love. And not a positive impact.
My best suggestion is to be in the moment. Wherever you are, be there. If you’re sitting in class, be in class. If you are with friends, be with friends. If you are at work, be at work. Focus and savor each experience without being somewhere else mentally. When it’s time for technical time, then be there.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
July 2009 Residential Market Report
This report consists of residential home sales reported to MLS in all areas of Acadiana.
In comparison with June 2009, July 2009 has seen a decrease of 3.61% of new homes on the market. Comparing Jan-July 2009 to Jan-July 2008, there has been a decrease of 10.74%.
The dollar volume of July 2009’s closed sales increased 12.79% in comparison to June 2009 but decreased 12.68% overall comparing Jan-July 2009 to Jan-July 2008.
The following is comparing Jan-July 2009 to Jan-June 2008”
Average Sales Price increased .71%
Median Sales Price increased 2.56%
List to Sold Price Ratio increased 2.65%
Compared to June 2009, the number of sales for July 2009 increased by 13.88% but decreased 13.30% overall comparing Jan-July 2009 to Jan-July 2008.
There is a 12 day increase on the average days on the market for Jan-July 2009 in comparison with Jan-July 2008.
For a complete report or questions, please email Kisha@KishaKana.com
In comparison with June 2009, July 2009 has seen a decrease of 3.61% of new homes on the market. Comparing Jan-July 2009 to Jan-July 2008, there has been a decrease of 10.74%.
The dollar volume of July 2009’s closed sales increased 12.79% in comparison to June 2009 but decreased 12.68% overall comparing Jan-July 2009 to Jan-July 2008.
The following is comparing Jan-July 2009 to Jan-June 2008”
Average Sales Price increased .71%
Median Sales Price increased 2.56%
List to Sold Price Ratio increased 2.65%
Compared to June 2009, the number of sales for July 2009 increased by 13.88% but decreased 13.30% overall comparing Jan-July 2009 to Jan-July 2008.
There is a 12 day increase on the average days on the market for Jan-July 2009 in comparison with Jan-July 2008.
For a complete report or questions, please email Kisha@KishaKana.com
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