by Amy | Oct 30, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Living
{The other day I learned that I would never succeed as a burglar. Now I know that I’d be a worse escape artist than Gob Blueth.}
Let me start by telling you that the other day when I wrote about being locked out and having no break-in skills whatsoever, I was not setting out to write a series. But yesterday was a sequel to the previous event.
Derek has been out of town for work stuff. He was out of town when the other incident happened. But I don’t like broadcasting that. He got back late last night, but he was gone yesterday when “Part II” went down.
It’s Sunday morning and everything is going fine. I wake up a classic 20 minutes before I need to leave for church. Absolutely, positively exhausted. {While Derek was away I set myself to refinishing our stairs. A job that was taking many hours. A job that I was tackling mostly between the hours of 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.} But tired or not I dragged my behind out of bed and get ready. Things were going fine. I walked out the door, keys in hand and headed to the garage.
Walk through the door. Hit the button. Garage door raises. Ummm…garage door raises? Okay, garage door makes a loud metallic sound of clattering breaking mechanism. Garage door track has snapped.
Easy enough solution. I’ll just raise it myself.
So I go over to the door and pull with all my might. But the track has fallen so as the door raises it is obstructed by the track. Simple enough. I grab a step stool and lift the track up a bit….only to discover my hands are now covered with black sticky grease. Whatever, I try the door again. But it’s so heavy I can only lift it a couple inches.
Now, being the inventive girl I am I figure if I can just raise the door enough the door will be able to raise up again. This time I get a little help. I put a jack under the door’s ledge and start cranking. Again, it will only raise a few inches. But I continue trying. Like an idiot, to figure out how to make this silly door lift.
Eventually I found that a bolt had snapped in half. That was the root of the problem. I also found that it was the mechanical track that was preventing me from raising it manually. I had resigned myself that I would not be going to church…the time for being on time had long since come and gone. Again I found myself in a garage full of tools…yet unable to get a door open. So I did what I should have done in the first place: Google.
I googled garage door issues. Growing up I never had a garage. The houses I’ve lived in have had carports for the most part. Once we did have a garage…but it generally got stuck in the up position, not down. It’s safe to say that outside of pushing a button…I have no idea how these things work.
Here’s what I found: Garage doors have these bright red cords hanging down from the track. If you pull it down…you aren’t going to believe this…it triggers a manual override. Meaning that if I pull the red cord, I can lift the door myself.
It was heavy, but the door lifted. I pulled the car out. I made it in time for Sunday school.
Most importantly I learned that I cannot be a burglar. I’m pretty sure a career as an escape artist is also not in the cards. First I was locked out and couldn’t get in. Then I was locked in and couldn’t get out. Luckily when I got to church I took a look in the mirror before leaving the car. I had that black sticky grease smeared on my face. What a week.
Amy
PS…I hope you are ready for an amazing B&A tomorrow. The stairs are done! I can’t even believe that I got them done over the weekend. You are going to flip.
by Amy | Oct 26, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Living
{See guys it’s literally a cat burglar!! Don’t you love photos of cute cats in awkward costumes?}
I have a problem. It goes back to elementary school. To the first days of being old enough to stay home alone. When you are old enough to walk home from school by yourself, and chill till mom gets home…you need a key.
A key which I have a tendency to forget. For the longest time I kept my key in the front of my backpack. Safely fastened to a Marvin the Martian keychain. But after I’d unlock the door, my mind would go straight to the urgent matter of making bagel bites…and forget to replace the key. So the next day I’d pay a visit to Laurna Rickart. The lady next door, who had a spare key…but in exchange for the key I had to chat with her {listen to her chat} for a half hour or so.
Now, 15 years later, I’m still forgetting my key. I’ve done it a blue million times. But I’ve always had an out. There was that time my dear friend Alex helped me raise a ladder to crawl through my home’s second story bathroom window in eleventh grade. In Florida I pried open our living room window on many occasions. There was the time I slithered through a nonegress window into our basement in Enid, OK. And who can forget my many break-ins in shreveport through the breezeway window.
But I’ve never been totally, utterly locked out. With no hope of reentry.
Until today.
This afternoon an innocent trip to Menard’s turned into an expensive 2 hours in ice cold North Dakota wind when I walked out without my keys.
It’s funny how when you lock yourself out, you know the moment it’s too late. “Click.” Oh, crap.
So I went to the garage to sort out my options. I’ve got a garage full of tools. A cell phone. No key. We have old windows that are impossible to jimmy. Both doors locked tight.
Then the trouble really started. It’s a mystery of the female body. As soon as you can’t….you just have to pee. Have to. Like, yes, Miss 3rd Grade Teacher…it really is an emergency. That kind of pee. Like my bladder is about to explode. How does it happen so fast?
So I did what any logical girl would do. I googled it.
There are so many links and advice on how to get into a locked door. So I read links. I watched YouTube videos. I braved the snow flurries in my Ball State sweatshirt, sans gloves, sans hat….My fingers were numb and I feel lucky tonight that I’m not sans fingertips.
I crowbarred. I shoulder butted. I used my debit card to try to swipe in {lots of YouTube on this one.} WikiHow made it look super easy with this cute cartoon. I even combined methods. Pry-butt-swipe. No luck.
Derek is working long hours this week. No telling when he’d be home. Our only spare is with a fella who is out of town. I had to get in. I couldn’t live in the 25 degree garage until help arrived. And, let’s not forget that I had to pee.
So I called a locksmith. He was a sweet old man named Jerry. He arrived in 20 minutes. This was an all new kind of exchange. Instead of key for 30 minutes of awkward chatting….it was 30 seconds for $50. This was really a win-lose scenario.
But I got in. And I learned a valuable lesson: I don’t have a future as a burglar, and this house is pretty secure. And I really need a hide-a-key.
I hope tomorrow is a warmer, cozier day…inside my house.
by Amy | Sep 14, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Fitness, The Art of Living, The Art of the Moment
This is a video post. To lessen the frustration of waiting for the video to load…why not scroll down now, then read what I have to say? By the time you’re done, you’ll be ready to watch.
A few months back I got an unexpected email. I’ll tell you more about it next week, when I share the companion video to this post…but this gist is this. I had been praying that God would open a door for me to use my professional skills to further His kingdom.
Then bam! I was blessed with a tremendous opportunity to create a video to help gain support for Nick and Amanda Dunn’s upcoming mission to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. They are brave. They’ll be gone 5 years. The work they’ll be doing is awesome.
Like I said. More next week. For tonight I’ll just show you this video. It’s a combination of footage the adorable couple in question sent me and photos from their trip to the mission field. This is proof that when you ask God to provide outlets for you to use the talents He has given you, to do His work…He’ll provide. We are all given specific abilities. Even our silly quirks play a role in our life’s ministry. Spend some time tonight thinking about your interests, passions and quirks. Ask God to show you how they can be put to service. You might discover something you never expected.
Now enjoy this short video.
Amy
God of this City: Missionary Support Video from Amy Allender on Vimeo.
by Amy | Aug 28, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Living
I know we all have dads. Really there is nothing special or profound about having one. But what is profound is that some men go above and beyond to answer the call of fatherhood. I am lucky enough to have a dad like that.
And today is his 60th birthday.
Most of you probably don’t want to hear me drone on about my awesome father. So I’ll try to keep it reasonably short…and hopefully it will spur you on to call up your own dad. {Whether it’s his birthday or not.}
My daddy’s name is Warren Allender. To start with…that’s an awesome name. He’s rough and tumble, he has a built in sense of adventure, he is nearly fearless, hilarious, and has an unsatisfiable sweet tooth. If there is one man on this earth that I admire {and I recommend you do too}, it’s Warren.
Dad has lived his life doing what is right, even in the face of nay-sayers. Even in the hardest of situations. Even when everyone around him was getting ahead by keeping low morals, making shady decisions and being a bit corrupt. The decision to pursue a path on higher ground may not have always been easy, but it’s a path he always chose.
There was a long period of time when he was publicly slandered for holding his ground. For making tough choices. For defending what he believed in. I know those days were not easy, but those days shaped our family. How he handled the toughest of days shaped who we became. Those moments taught me that life would present terrible days, as well as good days. I learned that sacrificing what you believe in is never worth it. I learned that standing up for your values takes courage.
I learned that my daddy is the bravest man I’ve ever known.
Dad worked as a police officer for most of his working life. I adore his stories about his time serving at the Sheriff’s Department. Sometimes the stories are funny. Mostly because of the way he tells them…”Then this yay-hoo turned around and he was holding a machete…”
Sometimes the stories are tragic.
But his tales always convey his great love of people. And his belief that “people are people.” Each of us trying to find our way. No one person is better than another. We’ve just made a series of decisions that have brought us to where we are.
Warrie {as we lovingly call him} has the biggest heart of any one I know. He can’t watch television programs that show “…people being bad to each other…” {So that rules out most TV these days. But he does get a kick out of The Office and anything on the Discovery Channel.}
He’s the hardest working man I know. And he just might be the world’s best brainstormer. You simply cannot cause him to run out of “plan B’s.” He is talented with his hands. A craftsman and literally a master gardener.
I see Christ in his attitude, his humility, and his vast love of children. Like Jesus, children are never a bother to him. He simply draws them near and gives them the love, attention and guidance they need. I’ve watched him be a father to many others besides Sis and me.
My daddy is a fabulous man. And I can’t believe he is 60. If I’m left wondering where the time went, I’m sure he is too. I’m bummed that I’ve only known him for 25 years. {Only about 22 that I can recall.} I look forward to continually celebrating the life of this amazing man for many, many more years to come.
If you didn’t catch on…my dad rocks. I hope yours does too. Why don’t you take a sec and think about all the great ways your pop has shaped your life. Then open your contact list and give him a call. Dad’s don’t hear how great they are nearly as often as they should.
Amy
by Amy | Aug 23, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Living, The Art of Projects
Hey! Today is a great day…Amanda is here from Kuzak’s Closet with a crazy informative and entertaining post. It’s so awesome…Read on!
Hey Everyone! My name is Amanda Kuzak from Kuzak’s Closet and I am so excited that Amy asked me to guest blog today! I own a Professional Organizing and Estate Sale business in Northern California. Today I want to share my top 10 tips for holding a successful garage sale and give you a fun description of the types of customers you might see at your sale.
Top 10 Tips for a Successful Sale
1.) Clean Up: Clear out a space in your garage for you to hold the sale. By starting here you will be able to prep for your sale little by little.
2.) Set Up Tables: Most people do this last but and then become overwhelmed with the mess that has been acquiring in the garage and end up canceling their sale. By setting up your tables first you will have a good infrastructure to start setting up your sale.
3.) Clear Your Clutter: Go room by room with a laundry basket or box and fill it with items that you no longer need or want to keep.
4.) Organize Your Items: Group items by like and type. If you are having your sale in your garage remember to move large items like furniture out into the driveway or lawn so buyers can get a good look at them.
5.) Price Your Items: It is important to have a price tag on every item in your sale so buyers know what you are selling and what your expectations are. Try pricing your items a touch higher than you think they should sell for. This will leave some room to negotiate, something shoppers love to do!
6.) Pre-Sell: I always list the big ticket items from my sales on Craigslist individually a few days before the sale. Craigslist buyers are typically willing to spend a little more than the average garage sale shopper.
7.) Advertise: List your sale in the local paper and/or on Craigslist: Die-hard garage sale shoppers will plan out their shopping day ahead of time. Also remember to place a few signs on major streets guiding shoppers to your house. Keep the signs simple: date, time, and address.
8.) Open On Time: Early birds are willing to pay more for items so be sure to open your doors on time. The majority of the profits from my large estate sales come within the first 3 hours of the sale (typically from 8:30am-11:30am).
9: SELL: Remember you have two goals for your sale. First you want to make some cash and second you want your unwanted stuff to go to good homes and get out of yours. Be friendly to your customers and keep rearranging the merchandise as the day goes on.
10.) Follow Through: If you have items left over from your sale follow through with your original intention and get rid of them! Donate them to your local church, charity organization, or neighbor but DON’T let them sit around and clutter up your garage until your next sale comes around!
Types of Customers
I love the variety of people that I meet at my estate sales. There are all types; the dealers, the nosy neighbors, the collectors, the lingerers, and the jerks. If you have never had a sale I will leave you with a description and visual aid for each type, enjoy!
The Dealer: These types of buyers show up hours early to a sale. They always pretend that they are not dealers but they can’t hide from me! Usually one quick look at their car when they load up their purchases reveals it because it is typically still filled up from a previous sale. Some dealers are nice and some are not. The typically work in teams, and take turns standing by their pile of goodies while the other one shops. The are experts at packing their cars and from time to time they can assist in creating a sale by oohing and aaahing over items.
At a recent sale I had a couple that arrived bright and early, they were eager to help us set up the sale and were oohing and ahhing at all of the treasures being pulled out of the garage. This couple was really nice and pleasant to deal with so I opened it up early. They power shopped for 45 minutes and ended up spending over $700 on 2 car loads of little items.
The Lingerer: This type of buyer could stay all day if you let them. They usually show up later in the afternoon and shop for several items. They like to negotiate the prices as they shop and pay as they go. I don’t understand this method because it is hard for them to keep track of how much they have spent.
At a recent sale a woman who arrived on the second day around noon and she left at 4pm. If the price tag said $40 she would offer $5 which I wouldn’t take. I did end up selling her several items over the course of her visit and she probably ended up spending $80-$100 over time.
The Nosy Neighbor: This type of buyer comes to snoop at what is available, sometimes they call their friends and other neighbors from the sale on their cell phones to gossip about what is being sold. They usually don’t appreciate antiques and are loud and obnoxious.
At a recent sale there was a neighbor who drove all of us nuts, even my client. She picked up everything and asked “what is this? how does this work?” for about 2 hours. She ended up buying an antique cherry picker and when she cashed out she asked me what is was and how much is was. I had it priced at $15 so I told her it was a cherry picker and that it was $15. She looked at me and said, “this is $15, it looks like a piece of junk!” I responded by tell her that it wasn’t junk, that is was a neat collectible and that someone who came to my sale who remembered picking cherries with her Grandma with a similar item would be thrilled to find it. She looked at me with the strangest look and ended up trying to get it for $10, I said I was firm on the price and then she handed me a crisp $100 bill and asked for change. So annoying!
The Jerk: This type of buyer thinks that they can win me over with their less than friendly personality. They put together a pile and they want to know the price, I always add up the price tags and then give them their total and they start to yell at me saying that I am ripping them off. Sometimes I kick them out of the sale and other time, depending on what they buy I will cut them a deal just so that I can get rid of them.
At a recent sale I had a big jerk shopped both days, he yelled at me about all of the prices and I couldn’t stand him. He didn’t speak English very well so it was hard to negotiate. He ended up buying several items that were missing parts and were not in working condition. This type of buyer drives me nuts.
The Collector: This type of buyer is usually eclectic and probably drives a vintage car. They also arrive to the sale early and the suspense over what is inside the sale kills them. They love the hunt and often only purchase one or two things.
At a recent sale there was a man in his mid 50s, he was the first to arrive and drove up in a vintage mustang. He was wearing bell bottoms and had his hair slicked back. He shopped for over an hour and ended up purchasing one item, an old Buick light bulb. On his way down the drive way back to his car he dropped the light bulb but luckily it didn’t break. I always look forward to meeting this type of buyer
The Young Collector: This type of buyer will either contact you before the sale starts looking for particular items or they casually show up on the second day. They are always nice and fun to work with. In most cases that I have experienced they are male and they enjoy shopping for old tools, guns, and books.
At a recent sale I had both types, an early bird collector and a casual young collector. The early bird was looking for tools and I let him come for a preview, he looked around the sale for 2 hours and ended up purchasing a few tools, an old medical lamp, and some maps. The casual collector arrived on day two with his friend, he shopped for a while and chatted with me and my crew. He ended up purchasing an antique gun case and 2 steamer trunks (I cut him a deal, buy one get one free).
by Amy | Aug 8, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Living
Every December I find myself in the same predicament. Maybe you do too. Christmas is only a few weeks away, I’ve purchased no gifts. I know at one point I had a great idea of what to get everyone…but suddenly I can’t remember a thing. I’m stressed out and my wallet is feeling pretty beaten down from travel expenses, food expenses, and gift costs.
Not this year, my friend. I’m in a new place. I’ve got a new direction. I’ve decided that I can make a change for the better in any area of my life, at any time I like. Now, in an attempt to eliminate a good portion of stress and financial pain, I’ve come up with an idea.
A Christmas Gift Spreadsheet. Yes, it is geekery. Yes, I believe this system will save my mind.
Here’s the system I’ve developed. I made a handy Excel spreadsheet with everyone I buy for listed in alphabetical order {Excel will sort them automatically for you.} I listed in the gift ideas I have on hand. {They are blurred so the fam can’t see what I’m planning.}
Then, here’s the kicker. As I get ideas–like if I’m talking to a friend on the phone or Derek mentions something he’d like in passing–I take out my phone and send the idea to myself in a text. How often are you away from your phone? Never. How often would folks be suspicious of you sending a text? Never. How often do you text yourself? Not very often.
The beauty here is that you’ll have a good record of ideas within your phone. The ideas will all be there waiting to be organized in your spread.
I like the idea. It’s already helping me. And this way I can stockpile ideas for birthdays and other things too. Just don’t forget to make a column for yourself. I tend to choke when asked what I want. So now, when I think of something…I text it to myself, the add it in to the spread.
Amy
by Amy | Jul 24, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Living, the house
Well, it all happened so fast. Allison and Scott got a call that there is a house available for them on base. Last night was a flurry of packing and dropping things off to the new place. They stayed here last night, and this morning they took off to unload in their own house.
And I leave for Indiana tonight.
The full house quickly became a nearly empty nest. Derek and Panda Kitty will be here on their own for a while. I know PK will appreciate it.
When I was a kid I remember reading a story called: “Too Much Noise.” It’s about a man who thinks his house is too noisy. The doors squeak, the floors creak, the windows shake. He can’t get any sleep. So he goes to the village wise man for advice. The sage tells him to get a cow. And the story progresses…the cow just adds to the noise, the sage then tells him to get a donkey…a cat…a dog…a sheep…and the list goes on and on until his house is a zoo.
Finally, at his wits end he goes back to the wise man one final time, pleading for a better solution. This time, instead of telling the man to get another animal, the elder tells him to get rid of all the animals.
When he gets home, the doors still squeak, the floors still creak, and the windows shake…but all seems quiet and peaceful.
I’ve been thinking about that story lately. When I first saw the house {Derek put the offer in before I was in Minot, so I’d only seen photos before we bought it} I thought “My, oh, my…this place is small.” I just didn’t know how everything would fit in here. Then our furniture arrived and we managed to get things in order. But it still felt small. Then we added two more adults, a dog, a baby…and a very scared cat. The house seemed full but not crowded.
Now that everyone is gone and all the toys are picked up this house seems like the coliseum. Isn’t it funny how perspective changes like that?
I’ll miss the full house. So I guess I need to start peer pressuring the family to come up and visit!
Amy
