Pre-Approved Mortgage to "view a property"

Ok, i'm stumped. I'm in the market for a little condo to call my own. I have a few in mind that I would like to have a look at.

I contacted the agent to book a showing for a great little 2 bedroom condo later this afternoon. I waited, and waited for a response - original request - Wednesday. (no I didnt pick up the phone and call - i am one of those that prefers to "get things done" through email - mainly so i have my conversations on file for future reference)

In this case it helped... I have text for my Blog!

Here was his basic response that i found at 3:oo am this morning:

"I would be happy to show you xxx but before i do I would like to get your "pre-approval" to save us both alot of time. Would you mind contacting my mortgage agent from XXX Bank. She will get you pre-approved and also provide you with the best possible rates....you can meet her at her office or do it over the phone... hope thats ok with you....Regards PB, Broker"

Pardon? Excuse me? Are you kidding me?

I want to see the property, i'm not looking for a new bank, i'm not handing over my "pre-approval" and i'm certainly not making an appointment with "your" mortgage agent - how does he even know i "need" a bank? Perhaps I have $350,000 sitting in a bag under my mattress?

All this for a property valued at about $160K?

I just want to view the darn place to see if it is even "in the running"...

Please tell me I'm missing something here and I am "ranting" for "no good reason"...
Any and all comments will be appreciated and reviewed carefully.

SFU News Online - Suzuki explores ecology, economics - June 25, 2009

SFU News Online - Suzuki explores ecology, economics - June 25, 2009

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I have something for you

Hope... a love story...

Prior to his departure for Europe, he leans towards his love..."I have something for you ....please wear this ring while i'm away... upon my return we will marry.."

They are someone's sons....

Three handsome young men, no more than 20 or 21 chuckle as they are frisked at the security monitor - my heart grows heavy... large size 12 combat boots are inspected and given a dusting....they could very easily be my son.......pockets of nearly new fatigues are padded down - I can't take my eyes off them....good heavens you are but children...a tear leaks through..... the inspector gives them "that look"... A bit of pride.....a bit of thanks....but mostly that look of "God be with you young soldiers".

A friend shouts past me to the boys...."Good luck in Afghanistan....."

I must turn away....tears fiercely welling.....they are someone's son.... change thoughts...and quickly....

Travel Blog - June 2009

Punctual. Meticulous. Obsessive Compulsive.

Toronto, Canada, L.B. Pearson Airport
545 am. Lone man sitting at Gate 120, legs crossed, coffee at his side, engrossed in a novel. I glance up to the flight information for Gate 120. Montreal 800 am. Absolutely no fear of missing that flight. 

Find a Job in Canada

Joe Smith started the day early having set his alarm clock - (MADE IN JAPAN ) for 6am.

While his coffeepot (MADE IN CHINA ) was perking, he shaved with his electric razor (MADE IN HONG KONG). He put on a dress shirt (MADE IN SRI LANKA), designer jeans (MADE IN SINGAPORE) and tennis shoes (MADE IN KOREA).

After cooking his breakfast in his new electric skillet (MADE IN INDIA) he sat down with his calculator (MADE IN MEXICO) to see how much he could spend today. After setting his watch (MADE IN TAIWAN) to the radio (MADE IN INDIA) he got in his car (MADE IN GERMANY) filled it with gas (from SAUDI ARABIA) and continued his search for a good paying Canadian job.

At the end of yet another discouraging and fruitless day, checking his computer (MADE IN MALAYSIA), Joe decided to relax for a while.

He put on his sandals (MADE IN BRAZIL) poured himself a glass of wine (MADE IN FRANCE) and turned on his TV (MADE IN INDONESIA), and then wondered why he can't find a good paying job in CANADA .

Just a Dog

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog." Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise." "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.

Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a human."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile, because they "just don't understand."

Transition

Now basically settled into my new digs.A.K.A the Lily Pad.
It has taken some adjustment. From granite to arborite, hardwood to burber, ceramic to "end of the roll", stainless to plastic, or fibreglass or whatever they make regular appliances out of. One day at a time.

Life is the Hot Chocolate

This random thought is timely. With my ongoing search for a home to call my own; I am obsessing over wall colours, flooring and counter tops."the cup" so to speak - I now realize that I must choose with my head, a little of my heart (ideally my wallet) in the end it is up to me to make this house my home. "the hot chocolate"
__________________________
A group of graduates, well established in their careers, were talking at a reunion and decided to go visit their old university professor, now retired.

During their visit, the conversation turned to complaints about stress in their work and lives. Offering his guests hot chocolate, the professor went into the kitchen and returned with a large pot of hot chocolate and an assortment of cups -porcelain, glass, crystal,some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the hot chocolate.

When they all had a cup of hot chocolate in hand, the professor said: 'Notice that all the nice looking, expensive cups were taken, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.The cup that you're drinking from adds nothing to the quality of the hot chocolate. In most cases it is just more expensive and in somecases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was hot chocolate, not the cup; but you consciously went for the best cups...And then you began eyeing each others cups.

Now consider this: Life is the hot chocolate; your job, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life. The cup you have does not define, nor change the qualityof life you have. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate that has been provided us. The hot chocolate is there for the taking, man chooses the cups The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything that they have.

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. And enjoy your hot chocolate

Rename this blog?

I'm thinking i need to journal my life with Jake... he is such a character and he seems to get into everything as a regular part of his day. I'm embarassed really, because I have taken such care in basically puppy proofing the house, and i never take my eyes off him... I blame Jake's last three incidents on someone else.. and rightly so...everything happened while in someone elses care... not really blaming... but shifting the focus off me!
I feel like I'm living Grogan's life with Marley... Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog! I am looking forward to the movie coming out at Christmas time...

Basking in the sunshine....

Waiting for a walk...

Outside....?

Like a Butterfly

Love is like a butterfly, the more you chase it, the more it will elude you. But if you turn your attention towards other things it will come and softly sit.

But I love you too Jake...

Jake graduates from Puppy Kindergarten - November 12, 2008.

Well... he did fine... I need to go back for more training!

I spoil him way too much - but how can I not? Look at that face :-)

For Buddy - I loved you best...

So this is where we part, My Friend,
And you'll run on, around the bend,
Gone from sight, but not from mind,
New pleasures there you'll surely find.
I will go on, I'll find the strength,
Life measures quality, not its length.
One long embrace before you leave,
Share one last look, before I grieve.
There are others, that much is true,
But they be they, and they aren't you.
And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought,
Will remember well all you've taught.
Your place I'll hold, you will be missed,
The fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.
And as you journey to your final rest,
Take with you this...I loved you best
Author, Jim Willis

Note: in no way does this diminish my love for my little Jake! It was just a fitting sentiment to my old friend "Buddy" that I wanted to share. This is also dedicated to our dear little Jack, my friend's four year old Shitzu that succumbed to his fate in their pool last week.

"So long Jack"

If it weren't for bad luck.....

SAO PAULO, Brazil - Police say a woman has died on the way to a cemetery when a traffic accident hurled her husband's coffin against the back of her neck.

Police say 67-year old Marciana Barcelos was in the front passenger seat of the hearse when the accident occurred Monday in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul.

Barcelos died instantly.

Her 76-year-old husband Josi Coimbra died Sunday of a heart attack while dancing at a party.

The driver of hearse and Barcelos' son suffered minor injuries.

Canine 10 Commandments

My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that when you buy me.

Give me time to understand what you want of me.

Place your trust in me - it's crucial for my wellbeing.

Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your entertainment and your friends. I have only you.

Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when it's speaking to me.

Be aware, however you treat me, I'll never forget.

Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but that I choose not to bite you.

Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, or I've been out in the sun or in the cold too long, or my heart is getting old and weak.

Take care of me when I get old. You too, will grow old someday.

Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say: "I can't bear to watch it", "Let it happen in my absence" or "I am tired of you". Everything is easier for me if you are there.

Remember I Love You.

How do you live your dash?

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on his tombstone; from the beginning…to the end.
He noted that first came his date of birth, and spoke the following date with tears. But, he said, what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time that he spent alive on earth…And now only those who loved him know what that little line is worth. For it matters not, how much we own; the cars…the house…the cash. What matters most is how we live and how we love - and how we spend our dash. So think about this long and hard… Are there things you’d like to change? For you never know how much time is left - that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough, to consider what’s true and real - and always try to understand the way other people feel. And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more - to love the people in our lives, like we’ve never loved before. If we treat each other with respect - and more often wear a smile…Remembering that this special dash, might only last a while.

So, when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash… Would you be proud of the things they say - about how you lived your dash?

Linda Ellis

I can see her in the cookie jar!

" I think I see her in the cookie jar Dawson - keep sitting like a "good boy" and I know she'll get us one!"

Growing up so fast!

Little Jake is growing up so fast - first trip to the vet saw a significant increase in poundage - at 5 weeks - 12.6 lbs - at 12 weeks 28 lbs! Yikes - i think i'm looking at an 80 lb adult dog (perhaps more)

Although I knew that when I saw the size of his puppy paws!

Puppy Kindergarten starts the week of September 22nd and we've had several "play dates" with neighbourhood pups and friends pups...

Poor Timber, a 9 year old 109 lbs Lab just couldn't escape the bouncing puppy! He had the patience of Jobe!